I'm not crazy...I'm just bored!!

Hobbler Half

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Location:

Herriman,UT,USA

Member Since:

Jan 01, 2009

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

St George Marathon: 3:23:54 (10/6/12)

Half IM: 5:44:03 (8/25/12 - course was long!)

25K trail - Buffalo Run (16.5) 2:34:50

Half Marathon: American Fork - 1:30:44  6/23/12

Spectrum 10K 43:42   3/17/2012

Best 5K: Spanish Fork 21:55 05/30/09

Short-Term Running Goals:

Okay, so for 2013 I am going to have FUN! Not that running isn't always fun, but I had a wonderful breakthrough year last year and I want to play this year :) AND get faster! So, my first goal I'm going to put out there is my yearly mileage goal.
It is 2,186 miles from my driveway to my sister (QP's) driveway! I want to spend this year on a virtual trek cross country running those miles. So, that is how far I will run in 2013...from my house to QPs. It will take all year and yes, this is measured on Hwys so it isn't really exactly how I COULD run it, but good enough. 43 miles/week...totally doable, and a fun goal to track how far I've traveled as I go along. Who knows...maybe I'll even run PAST her house :)

I will do more trail runs, Boston, Pacing duties, another Half IM and some other tris. I'm excited for this next year and look forward to having fun with all of you out on the roads, and trails! Maybe bag a few peaks this year too!!

Long-Term Running Goals:


Big Dreams: 5K in 20:2X; 10K in 39:XX; Half in 1:29:XX; Full in 3:15:XX; complete the Rim2Rim2Rim run and not die; Comrades; Iron(wo)Man.

Run for the rest of my life!

Personal:

4 children: twelve, eight, five and baby Fartlek - 2 1/2. Wonderful supportive husband that lets me drag him and the family all over for race after race!

Finished 13 marathons and LOVE running that distance! I'm definitely hooked to the marathon monster and hope to constantly improve my endurance, speed and stay injury free!

I've also found a love of trail running! I hope to keep improving on this front.

After being injured with a broken foot at the first of 2012 I found a tri group and started training with them and am now loving tris! The half IM was harder than I'd ever imagined...and am ready to do it again. I'll earn my bike butt and someday have enough time to train for a full IM.

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
BIKE MILES Lifetime Miles: 1168.40
LUCY MILES Lifetime Miles: 25.25
Adidas Lifetime Miles: 319.66
Orange II Lifetime Miles: 390.41
Boston Mizuno Lifetime Miles: 568.97
Fargo Nikes Lifetime Miles: 500.03
BEANS Lifetime Miles: 755.00
Orange Bostons Lifetime Miles: 527.59
Solomon Trail Lifetime Miles: 363.98
PI Tri Shoes Lifetime Miles: 4.00
Boston Mizuno 10s Lifetime Miles: 140.75
New Orange Lifetime Miles: 157.05
Total Distance
172.65
BIKE MILES Miles: 52.00Fargo Nikes Miles: 80.25Adidas Miles: 21.25BEANS Miles: 179.00LUCY MILES Miles: 3.00Cascadia Trail Miles: 27.75Boston Mizuno Miles: 19.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Total Distance
0.00

Bike ride with Bye-wing. I felt like I could run today, but Bye-wing wanted to ride and she stole my daughter to go swimming with her before hand so I couldn't leave my babies alone and after the ride it was too stinkin' hot! I didn't want to deal with the TM, so I shall begin tomorrow! I hope I can keep up with the boys on the run tomorrow. I don't know why I think I can, but I'll just enjoy being back in the run of things.

The ride was nice and got some climbing in on MVC and the foothills of Herriman. Still can't wait for that new bike!

BIKE MILES Miles: 23.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(4)
Total Distance
10.10

Finally got my butt out of bed and got to the Newton's Tuesday Ten. I'm a super slow poke (especially compared to them right now!) But, all in good time. Leg is feeling better and other than the CRAZY hot temps, even before the sun comes up, it was a great run. Just need to get back into it. 

The last couple miles before the first gas station we pass all I was dreaming about was getting there and getting some ice in my bottle...it was SO hot and the sun was still behind the mountains!! So, that was my one and only stop along the way. A mile and a half to go, but I got some ice and water, the best was the handful of ice I shoved in my bra :) 

AP: 8:45 splits: 8:12, 8:27, 9:29, 9:53, 8:43, 9:18, 8:39, 8:18, 8:07, 8:26, 8:15 (last .1)

Went home and tried Fritz's cross training. Got the lawn mowed and weeds taken care of in the yard and garden by 9:30. VERY productive morning so I could spend the rest of the day inside!

Fargo Nikes Miles: 10.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
0.00

I was going to run this morning, but last night my leg was a little more achy than it has been, so I decided to just bike. Not worth over-doing it right now!! I need healing. 

Met Julie and Kami at 7:00 for a nice little 18-20 mile ride that turned into a 29 mile ride :) But, I wasn't going to complain!! Did MVC out and back then past the HS and up to the top of Rose Canyon then I headed home. Good butt time on the bike and the girls are perfectly paced for me. I really enjoyed it.  Getting windy out there, which means a cold front is coming!!! YAY!

BIKE MILES Miles: 29.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
0.00

Drove to Moab for a short, sweet family vacation yesterday. Since it is brutally hot, we decided when we got there in the late afternoon to play in the pool. We then went to dinner and headed out to hike around 8:30 PM. Started at 9:00 PM (on 7/3) and it was still dreadfully hot, but we didn't have the sun! We did the 4.5 mile hike to Morning Glory Arch along Negro Bill Canyon. I thought the kids would think it was neat stuff to stay up late and hike in the dark, but they thought it was dumb. My oldest decided at one point we should turn around, then my oldest son got a migrane (can't blame him for that) just before the turn around and my 6 year old was mad he didn't see any snakes (lots of frogs and spiders, but we did see one near the end), my 3 year old on my back and hubby and I were the only ones that thought it was cool. Head lamps can be used for more than running! :) Good thing I've got a few of them. I thought it was fun and in spite of the headache and complaints now everyone seems to have enjoyed it.

We got back to the hotel around 1AM and we had to get everyone to bed and I finally got to bed around 2AM. My plan was just to run a short 4-6 miles along the main road in Moab, but again the hot temps made it impossible to do anything physical after the sun was up and I wasn't ready to get up at 5AM. So, I slept until 9:00...just enough time to head downstairs and get breakfast before they closed.

Then hubby and I went skydiving for our 2nd time. It was great fun...as always! I really enjoy it and wish I was rich enough to do it all the time! We wandered the street shops afterward and did dinner then headed home for fireworks. A GREAT holiday!! 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
4.25

Was supposed to go on an epic trail run with the Newtons, but stinky dog sitting ruined it for me! I was a little bummed, but I did get to sleep in...only plus side.

As I was driving home from taking care of puppy I saw one of my new neighbors and invited myself along on her run of 4 miles. I LOVED it. Leg only bugged a tiny bit at first and I felt good. Not a lot of turn over or speed, but running in no pain in an improvement. Had a great run with Steph around a 9mm. I need to run with her more!!

Then I went and did my bike fit at Millcreek bikes. I GOT A NEW BIKE!! Yipee!! A bike that actually fits me and is a bit fancy schmancy :) Okay, just a decent regular line, but still new to me and fancy.  When I got home I rode up and back rose canyon just to test it out...feels good!!!

Adidas Miles: 4.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Total Distance
14.00

Met a bunch of amazing ladies (all super fast for me) in Provo and ran up and back in the canyon. I was SO happy when I saw Luz there! I knew that she would take it easy and chat with me so I wouldn't be alone and play pity party run for 14 miles. 

She said she only wanted to do 6ish and had brought her puppy Sarah with her. When we reached Nunn's park I noticed we were nearly at FIVE miles. Oh no! I'd made Luz run too far. Darn my chatty-ness! She said she was fine and we continued up past bridal veil falls and then a bit later she said for me to finish my miles and she would walk and then we'd run back together. Hey, I'll take it. I just didn't want to push her after she had been returning from injury/illness. 

To keep my mind occupied I ran the triangles up the canyon (100's). One on, One off. I tried to push the pace as much as I could. With NO speed lately I was happy to see low 7s and once high 6's. I'll take it. I turned then did the same thing back until I ran into Luz again. My AP for those miles were low 8's. Felt good to move the legs again...with no pain.

We finished our run down the canyon, but by this time old Sarah was worn out...she was only going to do SIX and we were 10+ at that point. She was slow and we'd stop every little bit and wait for her. Poor girl. But, she stuck to it and with a stop in the river for a drink she made it to the end!

By the time Luz and I got back everyone but Rachelle and Michelle were gone. I had a wonderful run and wouldn't have traded it for the world, but I missed chatting with everyone else. Someday maybe I can run fast. We visited for a bit and then all headed home.

I was SO tired when I got home, but Lauren wanted to do a tri workout and my friend Kristy wanted to ride outside and with my new bike...well, hello! I slept for a 30 min power nap then woke up and got to it.

We rode bikes down to the rec center, Lauren got off and went inside to run and try out the spin bike with her new clip shoes (she is getting my old bike, we're just waiting for some parts to fix the reach for her, so she wanted to do the clips). She did spin on the bike for 45 min then ran 2 miles afterward and then waited for Kristy and me to come back.

Kristy and I rode down to 5400S on the MVC trail and then back. A few good hills, but a lot of flat and on the way home a LOT of wind! It was a great ride and I'm loving the new bike...Beans Ridley Moody (Ridley is the brand and Beans because it is the secret turbo boost power between your legs :-) Yes, I live with a lot of boys).

Lauren and I then hit the pool together and I swam 30+ min consistently which is about an Olympic distance swim in the pool for me...just under a mile. Felt good, but I can tell I've lost a lot of swimming strength over the last 8 months not doing it as much.

Then we just had the 3 mile uphill ride home. Good times with my daughter and a great full day of workout. Finally feeling back in the saddle and I felt like I deserved my rest day Sunday.

Totals: Run 14, Bike 30, Swim 1 (almost)

BEANS Miles: 30.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(3)
Total Distance
4.00

Woke up early to get a ride in with Kami and Julie again. I really enjoy riding with those girls! It was supposed to be a short 15 miler, so I figured I'd be done in an hour, but with a late start and lingering and stops and a few detours it was a little longer. Oh well, good times...I enjoyed it all!

Got home and despite the heat got my Lauren out of bed to run. She needs to start working out every day and training for her tri in September. Her bike will be ready Tuesday and she really needs to start getting out to do at least one sport a day and as we get closer 2/3 every day. I don't think she realizes how hard this is going to be. She was reluctant to get out of bed, but I convinced her. Only problem was she started pulling "teenage drama" on me. What the heck?!? Welcome to the downward slope to 13 I guess.... 

She was running and at mile 1 (the first mile is 80% downhill) I heard her crying. What?!? I asked her was was wrong and she said she couldn't breathe. I didn't believe her. She was just running next to me and was breathing fine. I let her take a break, get some water and encouraged her that we could make it. The next mile is uphill and I told her a designated spot we could stop. We got there and she was crying again (only the last 50 feet) because she 'couldn't breathe' again. I told her that she COULD breathe and that there was something more going on. She said "I didn't want to go on this stupid run anyway!" Then I got it. She wanted to go the short way home and I told her no. We had a little talk about her brain stopping her from reaching her goals. That she needed to put in the work. She isn't going to be able to just show up and do this tri, she is going to have to work for it! She has run 3+ miles more times than I could count and I KNEW she could do it and her body knew it too, she just needed to convince her brain. I told her to stop telling herself why she CAN'T and start telling herself why she CAN! We got through the next mile+ and she was fine and finished strong.

Oh how many times my brain has been there. I couldn't do it. I wasn't supposed to do it. I understood her plight, but wanted her to prove to herself that she could do it! She didn't need to give in or give up, she could do it. After I asked her if it was really all that bad and with a smile on her face she said "yes." Stinker, stickin' to her guns! But, I know she knows it wasn't really that hard and that she did it well.

When I got home I wanted one more mile. I wanted to push the mile and see if my legs would respond to some speed. I did my TM mile on the road and although the first .1 was with Lauren, I finished with a 7:47 mile. So, I'm guessing it was closer to 7:40, but I don't know for sure. I'm just glad my legs are finally responding to some speed. I hope to do some Fartleks on our Tuesday Ten tomorrow to see if I can hit some more speed. Slowly, but surely....

LUCY MILES Miles: 3.00Adidas Miles: 4.00BEANS Miles: 24.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(2)
Total Distance
10.10

Ten miles with the Newtons. I, again, was slower than molasses (especially compared to those guys) and I'm not sure I'll ever run my fast again. Oh well, I can still run and I guess that should be enough...right?

I came home and was SO tired I fell back to sleep. The idea was to get Lauren out to Masters swim at 10:00, but that didn't happen since I re-woke at 10:30AM.

AP: 8:50

Fargo Nikes Miles: 10.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(2)
Total Distance
8.25

View Benchmark with Neast and some of her friends. I really like that trail, runnable! Then the downhill is just a fun cruise. Had a great morning just chatting and having a fun social run. Oh, how I love it! Who cares that I was embarrassingly slow?!?

Came home and got ready to do a ride with bye-wing. She wanted to try out the new JL Sorenson tri bike route. Short, but hilly. We did it backwards, because someone didn't properly read the map :) But, at least she knows what to expect now. Short ride of 14 miles, but time in the saddle is what I'm after now.

Cascadia Trail Miles: 8.25BEANS Miles: 14.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(2)
Total Distance
8.20

Got up early again...it is killing me! Did the hi-country loop with the Newton regulars and Kelli came along too. It was nice to have someone that just ran and chatted with me, that I wasn't chasing the whole time. I can't blame the guys though, I've gotten slow...really slow. It was a great morning with a beautiful sunrise! Got home in time to get my son and nephew up for scout camp and drive them up to Cub Country and spend the day with them. Oh, cub scouts...how I love thee.... :/

My garmin was in bike mode, but had my AP around 9:15

Fargo Nikes Miles: 8.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Total Distance
0.00

Nothing...too tired! Too, sinkin' tired! I didn't wake up until 10:30 and then had a bunch of errands to run and despite getting my new clips and pedals and my daughter getting her fit on my bike hubby is out of town and so I didn't even get out on a ride. Feel fat and lazy. Hope I can shake it by 6:30 tomorrow morning when I go to pace Hobbler Half :) 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(2)
Race: Hobbler Half (13.1 Miles) 01:50:51
Total Distance
13.10

I'm really mad about this race. Well, disappointed in myself is a better way to say it I guess. I was pacing 1:50 and thought I was right on pace...nope! Makes me just beat myself up over not knowing better. 

I met Blaine and Co at Thanksgiving point park n ride at 3:40AM...oh, those early wake up calls are buggers!! It was nice to get a good parking spot before traffic, we were the 2nd car in the parking lot :) Blaine said it was because I drove too fast, but I think I could've slept another 15 minutes!

The race was well organized and it was fun having raffles and stuff at the start line up the canyon instead of just sitting around chatting. Made time pass a lot faster. Saw lots of good friends and lined up to pace. I had a decent crowd of runners...that didn't want to talk! What the heck?!? Finally Brooke found me and I got to chatting. About .1-.2 into the race I looked at my watch to check our pace and realized I was in bike mode! Son of a.... I quickly switched to running mode, but it was too late. I thought the overall time would stay the same, but it didn't. I checked with Brooke to see how far off I was and I thought I had it all under control. I guess not. I don't know if I just stopped adding the extra time at the end or what my problem was, but I thought I was Waaay ahead, like 40ish seconds, by mile 12 so I took the last mile (that was uphill) nice and slow. Everyone that started with me was behind me and the last 1/2 mile I picked up 3-4 people that were walking the uphill and I motivated them to come with me and finish strong. I did a good job pacing...just not the RIGHT job :(

At a turn infront of the school next to the park I thought we were done so I slowed even more, because my watch said 1:46:XX I was Waaay early! I thought I'd eaten up enough time. I picked up 2 more walkers and we ran in to the finish in a big group. As I turned the REAL corner into the finish my watch said 1:49:58 and I knew it was all over. The race clock was 1:50:4X and I still had that last .1 to go. It was too late to fix anything now. I couldn't believe it! I guess there is a first time for everything, I screwed up my pace. I'm certain I was on at mile 12, it was just going too slow that last mile that screwed it up. I could've run faster, I just didn't anticipate the ending or the proper time on my watch correctly. Still upset at myself about it!

The only comfort I had was that nearly every other pacer was over by 20-30 seconds and the course was about .1 long according to most garmins. I always pace off mile markers for the race (which there were only a few!) not my garmin, but if the course is a little long then that extra .05-.1 would explain why we were all off. I feel like an epic failure. I can't believe I didn't come in on time regardless of how long the course was or how off my watch was. Boo.

Anyway, I had a great time visiting with the other pacers and racers and Brooke now owes me another 6+ miles to finish my story that I made stretch out long to go the entire course :) I felt great with the pace despite the rolling hills that I didn't anticipate on the course and that made my day more than anything honestly. I haven't run 'fast' in a long time, so it was good to have a decent pace and feel good and talk and encourage others while I was doing it.

I also won $20 to California Pizza Kitchen in a raffle...woo hoo! Good stuff.

I then went to get my bike fitted for tri riding, aero bars and all! Can't wait to try it out.

AP: 8:28 splits: 8:16, 8:14, 8:18, 8:32 (walk through water stop), 8:26, 8:39 (another walk), 8:21, 8:34, 8:24, 8:13, 8:22, 8:22, 9:12 (see?!? that last mile I went just too slow! I didn't anticipate it right and probably went slower than I thought because of the uphill too. Whatever...) 7:32 (last .05 recorded)

Fargo Nikes Miles: 13.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(3)
Total Distance
0.00

I was going to get up early before my daughter left for camp to put a few miles on the road, but I slept in. Then, after dropping her off at the church and realizing I was sending my baby girl to camp I needed a little pity party. My boys were still asleep, so I couldn't leave and take baby in the jogger. I went back to bed and woke up with them at 11:00 and by then it was too hot to do anything, so I packed up and we went downtown to hang out with dad.

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
11.25

I was lucky enough to have an amazing running partner for my downtown journey. I met Allie at her house and she showed me the traditional wood-chip path at Liberty Park, Sugarhouse and an amazing little street off of 1300E that I now want to live on :) it is beautiful!! I just need about 3 million dollars to get there...

I loved the run, except that when I thought the uphill was over, there was more. I should've known! I had a great run and felt good, which hasn't happened in a long time. I could tell my legs weren't hitting any sort of speed, but Allie was nice and never complained about my slowness. I'm glad she is tapering! 

Got back to the hotel and showered then crawled back into bed. Black-out curtains help kids sleep like nobody's business! another 10:30 wake up day. Then, we were off for a day of fun for my oldest boy's 9th birthday! Took trax to Einstein Bagels, walked down the big hill of 400S then went to the planetarium. Played and watched a star show. Then took trax to Leatherbys downtown and met my mom and sister and her family for ice-cream. Took trax back to the hotel where the boys enjoyed some sesame chicken from a Chinese food place on the trax route. We finished the day off with a swim in the hotel pool during a hurricane. It was SO windy!! But, the boys had a good time so that is all that matters. Dinner at Settebello finished off a fantastic birthday and, of course, a little gelato to wash it down. SO much junk! Staying downtown near some of our favorite restaurants will get me into Athena for the Utah Half before I know it!

Fargo Nikes Miles: 11.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Total Distance
5.25

Oh my word! I ran Wire today. Met some of the Wasatch Wranglers at the parking lot across from the zoo and I kept up on the uphill...for about 1/4 mile :) okay, I held them in my sights for quite a while until I was SO mesmerized by the sunrise I had to stop and take pictures! It had nothing to do with the seemingly 40% grade for the last 1.5 miles I'd been trekking up...nothing at all. 

I enjoyed the party at the top with some of my most respected trail runners for a few minutes before we headed down. I felt very accomplished and was ready to take on the 3 mile alternate trail downhill. 

 

The First pic is a group pic that Craig took at the top...yeah, I'm the poser.

The second is a pic I didn't know was being taken and I started down the trail while she was finishing her panoramic pic. But, I love it!!

The last one is my attempt at a jump shot. Scott was nice enough to take the shot, but I couldn't help my gut from hanging out...oh well :)

The way down I thought "I'll finally be able to keep up!" Nope. Not a chance in heck. I don't know how those guys run down those steep, technical trails SO fast! I'm just a chicken. I lost the group and had to make a few junction choices on my own. I knew that I would drop down into the U if I just kept going down and I knew the way back to the trailhead from there, so I wasn't worried that I was lost, but I felt a little 'lost' :) I biffed it a couple times and one was pretty muddy and left my knee a little sore. It isn't horrible and I love having a few good scratches from a trail run, but I was pretty muddy after that. The trail down was lovely! Tree shaded and a narrow little winding trail. Felt more like running through a wash. That was half my problem with 'running' it. The larger rocks in the bottom of the narrow trail didn't provide a lot of good footing and the narrow, deeper trail didn't provide side footing. Quads got a little sore from breaking so much. I hope that someday I'll learn how to be more confident on those types of trails. Just keep at it I guess.

When I hit the shoreline trail I had some more difficult decisions to make on trail choice, but knowing the U and where the car was helped guide me to where I needed to go and I actually finished down the same starter trail we took up! I was rather impressed with myself. Also, my mileage on my garmin was close to what Craig said the round trip should be, so I guess if I did get lost it certainly wasn't for too long. The only problem is that since I went so slow hubby had to leave the boys asleep in the hotel room while he went to work downstairs. I still had about 1/2 mile to finish running and then the drive back...yeah, I was that slow! 5 miles in over 90 minutes...nice, welcome to trail 'running' :)

When I got back to the hotel the boys were still sound asleep. I even got showered, ready and a good hour+ nap before they woke up! I need to get me some of those black-out curtains!!

I really, really enjoyed this challenging trail and I want to do it again, but attempt to do two rounds back to back. I know I could do it, albeit slow...slower than molasses, but I'd love to give it a try some Saturday morning. The views and everything were just amazing. I love trail running and need to get better at it...just keep doing it, right?

Spent the day running some errands around downtown area and then walking to Liberty Park to play in the Seven Canyons fountain. Dad then picked us up and we headed home to greet Lauren as she came home from camp.

Cascadia Trail Miles: 5.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(2)
Total Distance
8.20

I wasn't sure I wanted to run this morning. Sore quads from Wire yesterday and getting up early (in spite of the naps afterward) were wearing on my mind. I could take the day off. Then, my baby was up quite a bit through the night with restless sleep and was up when I got up to leave for the run. I asked him if he wanted me to stay or if he was okay if I left (my 12 yr old was home to babysit, I just didn't want her to have to get woken up at 5:30!). He said I could go so I kissed him and headed off. I really wanted him to say no and throw a fit. Then, I'd have to stay home! Sorry! :) Darn little stinker. 

I headed off with the Newtons and despite my slow start Chad was enjoying chatting away at his super easy, near walking pace :) So, I didn't refuse the company. I walked as soon as I hit the dirt...I was tired! But about half way through I started feeling better and didn't walk as much and started feeling the groove again. It is nice to feel good running! Even if I'm slow, I don't feel like death warmed over when I run which is a nice change. 

We all ran from the gate up to the top of the last hill together and George took some pics that I can't wait to see. We are getting some amazing sunrises lately! Glad I'm up to see them. The way down we all stayed together until the last 1/2 mile ish and Ronnie and I chatted away while George and Chad took off for the Mario Kart strip :)

Downtown in the evening with the family and we hiked Ensign Peak after dinner. It was a wonderful sunset hike. Sometimes I wish I lived downtown!

I was really surprised to see my last few splits knowing that I was relaxed and chatting. Maybe something is coming back to my legs....

AP: 9:12 splits: 9:49, 10:06, 10:55, 10:03 8:28, 9:02, 7:40, 7:57, 7:27 (last .2)

Came home and since everyone was still KO'd (and baby was asleep on my daughters floor...I'm sure he woke her up and she made him comfortable there) I decided to try my new aero bars on my bike. I quickly texted Kami and she was on a ride leaving in 5 minutes. I got everything together and took off. It was a great ride with her and Natalie on the South end of the MVC and I'm loving my aero bars!! Wish I would've done this a long time ago. I still need to get used to being there for extended periods of time, but I felt comfortable and strong there. The other 2 ladies took off back to home at Rosecrest Dr, but I decided I wanted a few more miles....I was enjoying myself. I went out to Old Bingham and then turned around and came back via the HS. Love my new bike...love it! That is all :)

With time running during stops and all I finished 16.5mph average, which is far better than I've done on my other bike even stopping time! My bike computer that relays to my garmin is nice too. Gave me an average cadence of 60, but I think that is less accurate because of the stops. I need to figure out how to program auto stop for the bike.

So, I ran and bike almost equal times this morning. I'm excited to start this tri season! I just need to start swimming more :)

Fargo Nikes Miles: 8.20BEANS Miles: 22.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(3)
Race: Legacy Midnight Half (13.1 Miles) 01:59:59, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
13.00

What a race! I finally got back to my perfect pacing :) Okay, so I cheated a little bit. The course was short and on the last turn we had 2 minutes left, but waited and encouraged people to beat midnight and then crossed at the right time. I loved that my runner card showed 1:59:59.8...can't beat it for 2:00 pacing!

It was nice to sleep in, but those blackout curtains kept the boys asleep an hour longer than I could take! After an hour of waiting around I let my daughter open them and wake the boys...it was 11:00! We got checked out of the hotel, went to Einstein Bagels, walked down 400S (the BIG hill), rode the train to The Leonardo and had a wonderful time there! What a great museum, I loved it! The kids did too :)

Then we went around city creek and I saw Johnny Rockets! It has been a long time since I went there, so we did again. The only problem was that I finished only 4 hours before race start. Shouldn't get a gut full of greasy food before a half! It was good though, the first time...

Drove to Farmington, met the other pacers, got enough glow-sticks on to choke a horse and got on the buses to the start. The Legacy Parkway was VERY nice to run on. Except the bugs. I forget about mosquitos! Once we got running it wasn't bad, but the waiting before was.

The company on the run was great and we got to talk to some runners and hear some amazing stories. We weren't able to pull anyone into the finish with us from the start, but we did pick up a runner at the last mile that stayed with us and beat the midnight hour. It was a fun race, but it is hard to run at night and you get awfully tired!!! I need at least 3 hours of sleep :)

It was a great opportunity to pace with Paul and we had a great time! I sometimes wish I never wanted to race and could just pace my days away :) too bad I still have that crazy desire to race, because pacing sure is fun!

Adidas Miles: 13.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
10.00

Since I didn't get home, showered and in bed until 2:30 the morning came much too early. Lauren had registered for a triathalon and it was here in Herriman, thankfully. But, we still had to be up and out by 7:30. The night was much too short.

We rode bikes to the park to get her packet and then my sister (bye-wing) took her bike up to the reservoir where they did their open water swim. Although the oldest group (12-15) had to wait until the last wave, I was really proud of how well Lauren handled the race and the heat!

She had a 200M swim 8 mile bike and 1.5-2.0 mile run. Since I was on my bike at the reservoir the race director asked me to lead the bike group. It was a fun push! The lead boy really had me pushing myself at times to keep ahead of him. The only good thing was I could lose him on the flats and uphills, gave me some hope that I've got a bit on a 14 year old boy.

After leading him and subsequently the other kids through the loop twice I let the first place kiddo go into transition and I went on another loop to find Lauren. She was almost done with her 2nd loop and happy that she'd passed quite a few people on the bike. The kids were spread far enough apart that there wasn't anyone to catch on the run, but no one passed her either. She actually got pretty close to catching the girl in front of her, but was still a few minutes behind.

It was after Lauren finished that my sister and another person told me that the girl that came in 2nd didn't finish 2 loops on the bike, just one. Since Lauren was in 4th I knew that meant she would get bumped to 3rd. I was excited for her to get a reward for her hard work and training she's put in. But then at the awards they tried to give the girl the 2nd place trophy. 2 other parents (and the mom) agreed that she didn't finish the 2nd lap on the bike, but the lady kept saying "Well, would she have finished in double that time? We could just give her 3rd" I was a bad mom and couldn't keep my mouth shut. I just said "you can't guess a bike time or just add time, because her legs weren't as tired for the run. If she didn't finish the full course she is disqualified from awards." I couldn't take it. I'd hope that if it wasn't Lauren in the next position I'd still fight for them and the right thing to do. Unfortunately, that girl had the same instruction and signage to follow as everyone else and if she didn't complete the course you don't just get to guess a time, you get disqualified. A hard lesson to learn, but one that needs to be learned. After I said that and joined in the conversation I realized what a turd I was being and that I needed to step back from the conversation. I apologized and said I need to just step back and I did. The race director then came over and made the decision that she should be DQd and gave the 3rd place to Lauren. I'm not sure that if that girl would've done 2 laps she would've beat Lauren or not, but I was proud of Lauren for her effort whether or not she came home with a trophy. I just couldn't stand by and have rules not followed. I'm a little particular about them :)

I went home for a nap and ended up with about 15ish miles total on the bike. a few good pushing miles. Then I waited for my evening run with Kelli and Scott.

They got home from trek and then were willing to do the HOMM trail half course with me in the evening. Man, those first 2 miles trekking up to the peak isn't easy, but SO worth it! The sunset over Tooele and the lake and then the moon rising nearly full over the mountain we were climbing. Trail running (power hiking) certainly has its perks!

The way down then started getting dark and it was slow going, because us girls are kind of hesitant on steep, rocky trails in the dark. Once the moon came out nice and bright we shut off headlamps and enjoyed the moon. It was gorgeous! I really loved it. Not the unsure footing part, but it was gorgeous!! Plus, the company was good too :)

I didn't remember a few miles of the trail and was worried we were lost. The only problem is that you can't go anywhere other than the wide trail we were on! I just didn't remember it. Either way, after a couple miles of worry I started recognizing the trail again. Whew! I'm glad Kelli and Scott were more confident in my skills than I was :) Just after the gate (we'd turned headlamps on again, because of the tree shadows) I looked up on a trail and about 8 sets of eyes 5 feet off the ground were shinning back at me! Scared the pee out of me. Not literally, but almost. I knew how scared Kelli was of wildlife so I tried to stay calm, but then quickly realized they were cows. Ah, sigh of relief...just a bunch of cows. They were close to the trail though. We walked past them just in case they were like dogs and tried to chase us. Hamburgers can be big and frightening! :)

Since it was later than planned we called my hubby to come get us at the top of Rose Canyon Road and bag the 3 miles of pavement down to my house. We ended at 10.0 as Craig came to get us. It was a fantastic adventure and I loved it! I need to do this more often. I love trails, I may suck at them, but I really enjoy it!

A great way to end the weekend, even if I didn't get to bed until 2:00 again :)

BEANS Miles: 15.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
11.30

I don't know why trails are so hard for me and why I can't run a decent speed, but man alive I get embarrassed by it sometimes.

Neasts put out a message to join her on a flat-ish trail run and I was game. I needed an excuse to get my butt out of bed anyway. So, I met her and she took me to some fun dirt roads/trails around a gun club in Eagle Mountain. Stepping on clay pigeons was fun too! I don't know if the heat got to me, the dirt slowed me down, I'm more fatigued  than I think or what, but I was certainly slow. I'm grateful for her patience with me!

It was a lovely morning in a new valley and a new place on great dirt. I really enjoy trail running, I just suck at it :) Always finding something new to conquer...right?

 

 

Fargo Nikes Miles: 11.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(4)
Total Distance
0.00

Bye-wing, Brent and our 2 daughters met at my house and we did a ride together. It was good to see Brent again! We all rode the 4 miles to the MVC where the trail starts North and the girls and Bye-wing went that way and Brent and I took on the hills to the South to see how I could push on my new bike. Brent was impressed with it and could tell the increase in speed. I certainly wasn't complaining, until I thought I was doing well and had him take the lead to chase him...HA! Still slow as molasses, but at least I'm getting there. 

It was a nice 27 mile hilly, pushing ride and even with the 4 miles slower with the girls (my daughter is still getting a hang of the new bike) I averaged almost 17mph. Felt good!

Thanks for the ride Brent and I love being out with the girls too! No running so I can have a mini-taper for the half tomorrow.

BEANS Miles: 27.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Race: Deseret News Half Marathon (13.109 Miles) 01:45:15, Place in age division: 22
Total Distance
13.20

Paced the Des News Half this morning. I had intentions of racing the 10K to PR, but as my legs have shown me they are still recovering from the torture I put them through in June, so when offered to take a pacing position I jumped on it!

These early morning runs/bus rides sure do knock the crap out of me! I am not good at going to bed early...at all. Even when I know I have to get up before 3:00AM. I picked up my neighbor Jessica and we were off to the races. 

Met the pacers and had a great ride up the canyon chatting away with everyone. I'd brought Blaine a dozen cookies so that I could pace 1:45 instead of 1:55, because I really wanted to push some sub-8's and feel a little speed in my legs before Saturday. Bribery works well :) Jonathan demanded one cookie, because without him neither of us would be there...he quite enjoyed them. I'm interpreting "food orgasm" as a good thing anyway :)

The start line was crowded and the buses were trying to drive through. It was a mad house and rather dangerous. Got a POP visit in and then sat and chatted the time away until time to line up. I got a few people lined up with me and my neighbor Jessica tried to turn her ipod on and it was dead. It wouldn't work. She had a mini breakdown, tears and all. I told her that I didn't believe in that hunk of metal, but I believed in her legs and her mind. That is all she needed! Not to put her trust in that, but in herself. She was sure she wouldn't finish and it would be horrible, but I convinced her to just do her best. Funny how ipods and being plugged in matter SO much to SO many people (I will digress from this topic now, or you'd get a novel from me! More than is already coming).

We started down the canyon and my goal was to hit 7:50 for the first 5-6 miles so that we had a full minute to play with the flats/hills/aid stations toward the end. I hit it pretty much right on target. I would tell people that we caught or that asked that we had some time and why. It was nice to see those same people sticking right with us as things flattened out. I had a kid Ryan who was running his first half and an older lady trying to get into NY and a taller older guy that would leap frog us quite often that I would continually encourage and he would talk to me as well. I also had Holly from Vigor Big Cottonwood join me again. She was excited to be a repeat customer! She stopped for a POP around mile 5 and never caught back up, but finished just shortly after me. MCat also started with us, but I lost her around mile 4; she finished 1:48!! Jessica also dropped around mile 4-5, but finished 1:51 almost 10 min for a PR. I'm SO proud of her!

The aid stations and mile markers were GREAT down the canyon and the only need I could see is maybe 2 POPs per station, instead of just one. Also, I wish they could've reduced the traffic. People were pulling out of driveways and driving down the canyon weaving through the runners. It was dangerous and frustrating...for all parties.

Along Foothill, just after mile 7 before joining the 10K course, we had our last good aid station. I was told by a higher up at packet pick-up that there would be GU available there and there was none. Kind of disappointing not to have any fuel after being promised it, but I was glad that I'd decided to bring my own. The next aid station wasn't until AFTER mile 10. Nearly 3 miles between them. For the 10K that is fine, but for the half and full that can just be dangerous. I took my GU at that later aid station, because I waited too long at the previous one waiting for them to hand it out. Now I feel like I really just wasted it.

Ryan and the older lady and gentlemen kept with me the last half of the race and the older lady just kept telling me how wonderful I was :) Great for my inflated ego! I kept telling her, it isn't me doing it...you are! Combining with the 5K course was a little difficult, because they were walking and 2-4 abreast. I just stayed on the outside of the cones. It was fun when I heard my name and it was my mom! I waved to her and my little baby Fartlek in the stroller. He got a big smile and almost jumped out with his arms open. I love that kid!

When we hit the parade route the crowd was rather unresponsive. I kept encouraging them to cheer for us and each time I'd get a meager response. I guess after Boston crowds just don't ever compare. I did have a few friends waiting for the parade that would cheer me on, that was fun to have a personal cheering section. When we turned onto 200E, I told Ryan and the NY lady to use the downhill as a push to the finish and to let it and the crowd carry them into the finish. At mile 11 I still had 30 seconds in my back pocket, so I knew it was time for me to cruise and I wanted them to keep pushing. They both did great although I caught both of them at the end. I guess I'm just good at keeping people going :) More for my ego...I know.

I would've finished a little early and at the stop light before the finish I saw I was at 1:43 and I underestimated how long it would take to get to the finish, so I slowed WAY down...like 9:30's for a while. Then about 100yds out where the marathon joins in I looked down and only had 10 seconds! CRAP! So I gutted it out and tried to get people to follow my finishing sprint. I was still 15 seconds over, but I know it wasn't due to poor pacing, just an inflated ego trying to finish right on time rather than 15-20 seconds early.

AP: 7:59 splits: 7:47, 7:47, 7:44, 7:48, 7:53, 7:51, 7:52, 8:08, 7:52, 8:19, 8:11, 8:07, 8:35, 7:48 (last .19 recorded...I think the course was slightly long too, that is why I was 15 seconds over :) ).

Ryan and the NY lady as well as the older gentleman finished right with me! I was so proud of them and the NY lady just kept thanking me for getting her to NY. I just kept telling her it wasn't me, but her! I just really had a great time pacing this one. I like pacing a little faster. It gives me more confidence in myself as well...all for that struggling ego, right? 

I ran in with bye-wing who had finished the 10K, just after me came my BIL and my 2 older sons and nephew (bye-wing's son who had broken his leg and my son his same age helped pushed him in the jogging stroller. It was a beautiful sight!). The 2 girls had finished much earlier and then my mom, her hiking friend Brian and my baby came in later. I had a great need to visit the POP so after socializing a bit I ran over and waited in line...again. I got to personally congratulate John Kotter on his win and meet him, nice guy! I rushed back over to the finish hoping I hadn't missed the female finishers. Nope! Good. Then, just a few minutes later I saw Allie come around the corner. I was SO excited!!! She had a smile on her face and I knew it had been a good race. I saw Jake fall into the crowd after leaving her so she could finish solo and went and talked to him. I loved that she had taken the UT women's record for the course and taken her title back too :) Andrea also got to run with her and it was exciting to see Andrea and congratulate her on a great come back too. Sasha was also still  at the finish and I got to talk to him for a while too. The only person I missed seeing that I normal get to see there was Rossy. How could I miss him?!? :) The finish line of a marathon is SO exciting. I seriously could just live there....well, as long as finishers were constantly coming in. The energy and spirit is unparalleled! It was great to see and congratulate SO many amazing runners. Michelle, Josse, Mac, Ericka...I'm sure I'm missing 10 dozen or so, but it was great.

I then waited for George. He'd decided to do this one a couple weeks ago as a training run. I figured he'd be in around 3:45 or so. As the minutes ticked on past 4:00 I started getting nervous. I was sure he'd either DNF'd or was hurt and walking, so I decided to start walking back on the course. About 3/4 mile back I saw him. He had done well until mile 19 when his hammy and quad just gave in and he said he'd only been walking since. I knew he was in a lot of mental (let alone physical) anguish, so I just talked to him about how he should focus on the fact that it was a training run and the first 19 miles were an accomplished goal, then it was just time on his feet. It was a good training run. Don't beat yourself up at this point, look at the good you've done. I'm sure it didn't help a lot, but hopefully it did a little. Just before the last turn he decided he wanted to run, so I pushed him into the finish. I was just a 1/2 stride in front of him and told him to beat me. "You do it every other run, you can do it now!" He gave chase and had a strong finish! After getting some water, fuel, chatting and a massage we headed back on the buses. My mom and sister had taken my kids home, so I just had me to worry about.

It was a wonderful morning and I loved every minute of it! I'm glad I didn't try to race the 10K and just get feeling bad about myself and speed right now again. I feel this was a good, positive experience and now I'm ready to lay down some speed work and focus on SGM! Well, after a few triathalons :)


Boston Mizuno Miles: 13.20
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Total Distance
0.00

That darn 3 hours of sleep yesterday and then a long, fun filled, late night again knocked me off my feet. Other than being up for 40 minutes to get my 4th grader out the door I and my boys slept until 12:15PM!!! So, nothing today. Can I call this my taper for Spudman? :)

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
0.00

Another lazy day "tapering" for Spudman :)

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Race: Spudman Olympic Triathalon (31.4 Miles) 02:27:24, Place in age division: 6
Total Distance
6.20

Ahhh, the annual Spudman! Not being on crutches the 2 days before gave me some hope I could do well this year. 

Headed up Friday with Steph, got a sweet transition spot in the bike area and the run area then had dinner at Cafe Rio in Twin Falls and did our annual Wal-Mart trip which got me a Captain America Pez which I was challenged to use on the course and offer to others :) always a good time at Wal-Mart.

Got to bed around 11:00 after technology tried to kill us getting to Steph's aunt's home along the Gravity Canal Road...which, if you know ID there are 500 canals and we even saw a skank...or a skunk...however you wish to say it.

Early morning wake up call and we were off to the races with a quick pick-up of Heather. We had enough time to ready bikes and transition areas and still get a good parking spot near the start of the race, and most importantly enough time to squeeze into that stinkin' wet suit!

Swim (21:18 -1.5K): a total of 3 all out panic attacks left me wondering if I even remembered how to swim. Even floating on my back the clouds above me were swirling and I could barely breathe. I don't know what happened. It has never happened before! I hope it never happens again. The last 1/3 of the swim went well, after I finally got myself under control and realized that I didn't need to call the rescue over and be done before I died. I hate Snakes! That includes the rivers :) In retrospect I think not being in my wet suit at all is what did it. The suit is more constricting and makes it harder to breathe. Add to that race day start adrenaline and I just couldn't get the breathing under control. Maybe next year I should take the swim more seriously and practice open water more...ya think?

T1 (2:17): I was happy to be done with the swim and aside from my drop bag blowing off my bike and having to chase it down, I had a seamless transition! It was actually the 3rd fastest transition time in my AG! Nice.

Bike (1:13:22 - 40K/ 20.7MPH): I have a new bike! I was stoked. Looking at my last years times I knew I could kill the bike with my new ride. Push the bike and hang on for the run. I could easily take 3 min off my time from last year...nope. Not even close. 20 seconds. That is all I took off. I was VERY disappointed in this!! The ride went smoothly and I felt like I had a good push and stayed in aero, but my lack of training in aero and on the bike in general showed through like crazy. My butt/hams have never been so sore AFTER a race. I needed more bike practice time and I overestimated my bike. I figured who needs to train if I've got a killer bike and legs to ride it? Well, me. Only 3 women passed me the whole bike and I was 11th place in my AG on bike time, but I know that I've got more in me than that. Next year...I'll prove it. Fueling went well too. 1 gu, pez, stinger and too much water. Should've left one bottle off. I only needed one and the extra 2 pounds from the other was dead weight.

T2 (1:43): a little slower than I would've liked, but it is a BIG area to get through no matter where you drop your bike. It was 13th fastest in my AG, so not slow, but I think I could improve this a bit too. At least a few seconds. I was just happy to finally be hitting the run and ready to take it on!!!

Run (48:43 - 10K): Ahh, the run. Finally. The part of tri's I long for from the beginning. This one starts on the grass and UP a big hill from the river bottom. Kind of sucks the life out of your legs. Luckily, the fueling on the bike had gone well enough that I was ready to run and could make it...slowly, but I did it and then up and over the RR tracks and onto the pavement. I just wanted the total time under 50:00. I knew I could accomplish that. Just keep moving forward. I had a Gu at mile 3 aid station (3+) and I told myself that mile 4 was where it was time to start hammering it out. I pushed myself and thankfully, the mostly progressive run through the splits shows. I'd like to be able to recover my legs faster and pull the overall time down to 45ish, but again..next year :)  At mile 5 I passed a couple and they said "wow! nice work." and I said "last mile! Balls to the wall or nothing." I think they liked it as I heard a couple chuckles as I left them in my dust :) BTTW was Steph's motivating phrase and it felt good to channel her on the run to push to the next level. The finish is a nice downhill trail (through someone's backyard practically) onto the golf course grass for a chute finish surrounded by crowds. Felt good and push strong to the finish. I was happy to see a sub 2:30 despite my bad bike time. (splits: 8:29, 8:03, 8:01, 7:40, 7:54, 7:36, 6:24 - last .16)

Placed 6th in my AG/107 and 41/507 Females. Not too shabby, but I'm still on my quest for my Spudman trophy. If I would've knocked just that 3 min off my bike time I would've placed in my AG and gotten the spudman. I guess this gives me a good benchmark for training next year though. Despite the swim and bike I placed well and am now confident I can come back next year and take one of those little men home with me!

Steph did a great job, despite missing HER time goal and Heather finished her first tri under 3:00. It was a fabulous weekend with good friends and a good race. I like the new challenges tris present to me. Gives a little more variety than running, but I still like running the most. I don't know if that will ever change.

Boston Mizuno Miles: 6.20BEANS Miles: 25.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Total Distance
7.00

Time to get Lauren in shape for her sprint tri in September. So, I threw Adam on my mtn bike and Lauren on her road bike and we went up Rose Canyon. It was a good exercise for Lauren to get used to shifting gears on hills. I knew she could handle them and she did...fabulously! It was hard to keep up on the mtn bike with Adam!!! We took the long way home so a total of 8 miles.

Becca met us at my house afterward and we loaded everyone up (Adam in the stroller, Lucy on the leash) and headed out for one mile for Lauren to hit a brick workout...well, both of us :) Becca got her first shot at pushing a jogging stroller...a true natural! HA! I was impressed and decided Becca needed to run with Lauren and I more, because it was the fastest mile she has run WITH me. 9:20 and we even stopped at the turn around for a second while we turned the stroller and got ready to head back. This girl is ready to go!!!

Then we left Lauren and Adam and Becca and I headed out on our own. I had a wonderful therapy session with Becca and although I was slow, it was perfect. A great run with a great friend. I'm glad my VT drove by...I forgot about an appointment with them, so we had an impromptu visit around mile 1.6 :)

splits: 8:21, 8:05, 8:15, 9:04, 8:26, 7:45

Fargo Nikes Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
14.25

TIMP!!! TIMP!!! TIMP!!!

I have NEVER been to the top of Timp before, but Becca and I had discussed doing it this year and she finally convinced me. Thanks to hubby for staying home a bit to get kiddos off to school I was able to make it work. We met at 4:45 at AF Canyon with Cam and his friend. Always good to meet fellow bloggers! Rachelle and others were going to come, but due to work and other issues they postponed their trip, but Becca and I knew we couldn't so we just made it work.

The trail is pretty runable to the meadow. I was just a little chicken, because I knew people had talked about how hard it is - cliff drop offs, slippery rock, high elevation - so I didn't push myself like I will next time :) After just a couple miles you could take the head lamps off and boy was it amazing! Gorgeous views anywhere you looked. Then we reached the meadow...heaven. I was ready to run it, but the elevation made my legs burn since I couldn't get the O2 in as well. So, it was still a slow slog, then we reached the saddle. Oh, the views. CRAZY! I was almost there...and it was getting cold.

Hands in l/s shirt that I'd had on since the beginning and I wanted a hat too! Note for next time: bring winter clothes for the top. The devil's staircase is aptly named and I have NO idea how some crazy trail runners can RUN that stretch to the top and back down. I'm not afraid of heights, but man alive it is a little frightening.

We finally got to the top and had some treats and our PB sandwiches...on white of course! :) Saw a mtn goat, signed our names in THE book, chatted with other hikers then took off before hypothermia set in. Again, the down was scary. That top section is just crazy steep drop offs and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to run it!

After the saddle we got to some good running and despite a short-cut fall and elbow bang-up had a perfect run down into the Meadow. As I ran through the meadow I decided THIS is runners paradise. Cool, fragrant, beautiful, sunny, dirt trails. Seriously, I was in heaven and didn't want it to change!

We had a quick stop at the toilet at the end of the meadow and I just have to laugh. I should find a way to post the pics. It is literally a piece of plywood behind a toilet. A toilet that is FULL of...well...crap. No real walls, ceiling or privacy, but hey! GREAT views. Best views I've had from a toilet EVER. E.V.E.R.

Back on the trail we just started running down again. Although it wasn't super fast miles we were just hauling through and enjoying the chatting, views, other hikers and run. I could've run DOWN 14 miles on that trail :)

We also took another side trip to Scout Falls on the way down. It was worth it. I didn't think it would be, but I'm glad we went. It is gorgeous and I would totally take my kids up there too. Not to the top, but to scout falls, definitely.

Just after that I hear someone splashing in the river crossing behind us and it was Nick barreling down the trail! He stopped for 2 seconds and I asked what he was up to: "challenging a record!" well, with that I shooed him off! I'm not going to be responsible for disrupting that. I told him we'd chat at the bottom.

Cam and his friend had been done a while, since Becca and I were just doddling around the way down, but we'd given them the car keys and they were just relaxing talking to Nick. I'd told Cam he should hook up with Nick and voila! connection made :) I'm such a good match maker! There was a snake near the car that made getting into the car a little longer than it should've taken, but overall it was a pretty quick trip back to the parking lot to drop off the speedy boys.

The full trip took 5:30ish with only stopping the time at the top. So, not sure you could really call these 'running' miles, but I'm taking it! I loved it. Best morning ever.

Cascadia Trail Miles: 14.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
1.00

Dead legs, serious dead legs. I didn't think I worked that hard on Timp, but man alive I was tired and sore. 

Got a good bike ride in out and back on MVC with a quick stop at institute class, then finished up and back in Rose Canyon. Cadence was 70 and  I kept a good 18mph before the canyon climb, 16.5 with the climb.

Got home and told my legs they weren't done yet, and busted out just one mile 8:27 with a nice headwind :) always a headwind out here.

Fargo Nikes Miles: 1.00BEANS Miles: 22.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Total Distance
172.65
BIKE MILES Miles: 52.00Fargo Nikes Miles: 80.25Adidas Miles: 21.25BEANS Miles: 179.00LUCY MILES Miles: 3.00Cascadia Trail Miles: 27.75Boston Mizuno Miles: 19.40
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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