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

LOST: my motivation to get up early and run. If anyone finds it please return it ASAP - I'm trying to train for a marathon (as a training run) in 3 weeks and I can't seem to find it anywhere!

I didn't sleep well - turning while asleep was hard because I was still so sore. Feels better now that I'm up and around, I probably would've made it. Guilting myself into an evening run tonight I think! Stay tuned.....

PM: 8 miles, 2 at a normal 9 mm pace - I think, I didn't have my garmin. I ran up to my friend's house to pick her up for 6 miles so I got an extra 2 in at my pace. However, my Garmin said low batt when I started so I put it on the charger, ran up to her house and then we came back and picked it up, so I'd know how far to go after that - I've clocked up to her house many times. Then we did 6 together, she is training for her 1st 1/2 marathon and is doing GREAT! So, I ran some nice slow miles with her (AP: 14:08). It was nice to just tag along and help her out and not have to push myself, but it was nice for my body to remember that it CAN run and it will be okay to run again Monday. I have found that even waiting 2 hours is not enough after a meal-UUGGGHHH!! I nearly lost my dinner a couple times.

Got up this morning and got a nice run in. There were lots of people out and most of the time those I saw were in front of me...I had to keep reminding myself today was form day and I didn't want speed, I just needed to concentrate on my form! So, the run was slow and I didn't catch or pass any of those fellow runners out there :(

Good new 7 mile loop, starts with easy flat/down, up in the middle/end then a nice good descent for the finish. Took Lucy this morning and again she pooped out on me about mile 6, I need to whip that puppy back into shape!!

Took it slow and easy and tried to concentrate on keeping the elbows back, tall-puppet and heels up in the back. I would catch my hands up WAY too high and my feet 'shuffling' too much today...hmmm, I need to work on this or I'll regret it when my ITB comes back!!!!

I'll hit the gym for step and quad/ITB exercises and a good stretch afterward - my good stretching/rolling REALLY made a difference Saturday night!

AP: 9:21 splits: 9:38, 8:55, 8:54, 9:18, 9:44, 10:03, 9:02, 8:54 (for the .17 finish) -prize goes to the winner who can figure out which mile had the most uphill! :)

Slow and painful speed workout. I seriously would like to know where all my speed went, I can't find it....maybe it took a vacation with my motivation! 

Met BBK's for early warm-up, only 2.5 miles; but even the warm-up seemed a lot faster than usual. I checked once when I was running with the group and we were at an 8:30 - yeah, too fast for me, so I just hung out in the back of the group and trailed along at a nice 9-9:20. Then we did 4 yasso 800's on the track, each with a 400 recovery. 1st one was very sad at 4:11, the next was better at 4:01, didn't check the time on the 3rd, 4th came in at 3:50 - maybe I'm just not meant to run a BQ marathon....at least not with the way I felt this morning!

Then we hit the road for a 2 mile tempo (I laugh at that...tempo, hahahaha!) then we rested a second got a drink and headed off for another 2 mile 'tempo'. It was all slow today for me. I couldn't finish the workout, because I needed to get home so my hubby could get to work, so I finished up with a cool down back to the track and a lap. Then I spent the time stretching and chatting with Becca. I guess I should've just finished the workout, because Craig was fine with me being late - some days are probably better than others to be 'late' to work :)

I'm done for the day...hoping to get a nap and resolving to start eating better and taking vitamins again. I think the lack of sleep, no long miles on Saturdays, quad/shin injuries, eating like CRAP and just generally not taking care of my body has finally caught up with me. Here's to luring my speed and motivation back from vacation!!

AP: 8:35 splits: 9:18, 9:16, 8:42, 8:40, 8:12, 7:56, 8:15, 8:29, 8:04, 8:59 -wow, okay 1st time I've seen the splits...where the heck did I pull that 7:56 out?? It would've been our first tempo...guess I was feeling a little better :)

I decided that being a happy, functional wife and mother today was more important than getting up early to run...so, no miles :)

Rode the bike with the baby to the gym, hit kickboxing and during circut did 5 running laps to complete the 1 mile. Did my PT stuff for quads and ITB, then did 15 min of ab's class. Rode the bike home (uphill part!), and now am ready to get going on the house. My 5 yr old gets his tonsils out tomorrow morning, so I'll be short on miles tomorrow too so I may go late tonight and get a few in. It will probably help with MY anxiety about it too :)

oh, I think I found my speed and motivation. They've become solidified as an extra 7 pounds on my hips!!! I'm going to have to coax them out slowly this next month and maybe I'll get them back in time for TOU!!!

Everything went GREAT with the tonsils. We went to the store to pick up some yogurt and gatorade and such and he wanted to push the little cart and was running up and down the aisles!!! You'd never have known he'd had surgery only 2 hours before! Crazy kids.

I on the other hand haven't gotten any running in. I am so ready to though! well, right after a nap...I did have to get up at 4 this morning! 

As a side note; had a VERY strange dream 2 nights ago: I was running a race, but couldn't get all my stuff on and ready to go before the gun went off. I was okay with being just a couple minutes off so I just hurried and tried to follow the pack (SMALL race). Then as I was running there was an ice cream truck playing a SLOW song and my cadence wouldn't go faster than the slow music. It was horrifying! I was pushing as hard as I could, but just couldn't make my legs go faster than just over walking pace. I'm still kind of bugged by it. I finally gave up and started climbing over the buildings and sneaking around....weird, I know. Anyway, the slow unmoving feet have been bugging me ever since - it was one of those 'feels real' dreams. I need to get out and run today, even if for just a couple to move my feet quickly again :)

Had a great run this morning. Got up not too early and did my 7 mile loop again. I'm really starting to like that course :) Now for another day of pampering the boy...he woke up NOT happy, today may not be as good as yesterday!

AP:  8:48 splits: 9:13, 8:19, 8:21, 8:48, 9:24, 9:27, 8:05

okay, just saw splits and I'm so happy that my uphill miles were 30 sec faster than Monday. The run felt a TON better, I didn't realize I was running a 30 sec faster AP either. Ahhh, what a couple of rest days can do for you!! I'm ready to tackle 18 tomorrow!

What an amazing day for a run! Minus the wind the weather was perfect, I even wore a long-sleeve shirt and felt great. The wind was nasty, even made me yell at it a few times as we headed north - YUCK, I hate wind! Thank you so much Kelli for putting together a wonderful run on the famous JRP, I had a great time and got to chat a little with everyone: Kelli, Smooth, Walter, JonA, Scott and Smooth's neighbor John.

Took until about mile 6 to really feel good. I think around 4 I started contemplating whether or not to just do 10, I don't need an over 40 week...nope, just easy. Then at the 5 mile turn around I waited for Kelli and Smooth and that made it ALL better :) When we were contemplating only doing 14 or 16 intstead of 18, around mile 12 I was the one that said "nah, we can do it!" So, obviously the attitude changed.

I honestly forgot how much I love the long run. Maybe not during, but after. A good long easy run does wonders for me!! I think today conviced me to sign up for Park City as a training run, the long slow miles will do me good to get the confidence and base for TOU, then I'll attempt another 'racing' marathon. 

AP: 9:07 splits:  9:28, 9:02, 8:38 (Walter tricked me into keeping a faster pace with him!), 9:07, 9:10, 8:58, 9:00, 9:34, 9:12, 9:16, 9:18, 9:18, 9:02, 9:01, 9:02, 8:57, 9:10, 8:55.

Great run, I'm still a little confused as to how it is August and I'm sitting here with a jacket on shivering trying to type...too cold!!!

I'm putting this out there to help my sister out: She's wondering how to set the garmin to beep at you if you go over/under a certain pace. I don't know how to do it. Does anyone out there know? Please let her know on her blog "the quiet pirate"

Wow, what a good week of running, sleeping and eating can do for you! I did have to fight the sleep demons this morning, but I knew I was babysitting and wouldn't be able to hit the gym for step class, so I got up and out. Did my same 7 mile loop, but added an extra one around the 'hood last minute. 

My goal was to work on Walter's pointers on my form (shorter stride, not reaching so far forward with the feet especially uphill) and my kick-back and elbows back. It all seemed to go really well. 1st mile was warm-up then I kicked it in. I also didn't want my uphill mile to go over 9, which I almost did. I was at 9:02, still better than the 10:03 and 9:40 from the last 2 times I've run this loop. It was also nice to have some miles under 8!

Form was easy, but I found myself kicking forward when I was tired. I think it will really help if I can get it to be 'normal'! I would run 'tall puppet' with my eyes on the horizon instead of the road, then if I could see my feet kick forward I knew I needed to change form. It worked well, thanks Walter!!

AP:8:30 splits: 9:27, 7:49, 7:52, 8:24, 8:55, 9:02, 8:26, 8:06

Still looking for a PC Marathon entry if anyone knows of one out there....

Haven't done REAL hills in a long time. Met the BBK's at Parkway Palisades for the hill death march. Easy 3 warm -up then 1 mile hill repeats. 1st warm-up, progressively push 2 and 3. Then a 2 mile hill tempo loop. I should've stayed for the last 1 mile hill repeat, but needed to get home to get Craig to work on time so he could get home on time to get stuff for trek done. I wanted to hit 10 today though so I did a quick loop around the park and by the time I was cooled down and ready to jump in the car and go the group was back - DANG! Normally I'd feel lucky, but I was just starting to feel it and ready to push the hills, should've stayed - live and learn :(

Went home, all the kiddos were still sleeping so I crashed for another hour, then woke up and hit the gym for the total body class (combo of weights and cardio). Good class, but I'd only eaten a nutri-grain bar before the run, and I was needing food badly. So I left before doing my PT stuff, came home and had my favorite protein shake, feeling much better now!

AP: 8:38 splits:  9:46, 9:19, 9:02, 9:12 (1st hill), 8:35, 8:17, 8:03, 8:18, 7:38, 8:07, 8:23 (cool-down).

Overall, splits look good - kept the hills progressivly faster and then the 2 mile tempo I was able to hit at 7:30 and 8:07 - pretty good in my book. Now, I'm off for the rest of the week to go be a ma to 10-12 teenagers on trek. Not much running, but a lot of walking pushing and pulling :)

I've gotten a couple good leads on PC - THANKS everyone!

This is the longest I think I've gone without blogging runs/x-training! Was on pioneer trek with the youth from our stake since Wednesday morning. Lots of walking miles in my new trail runners, but no running miles. I think we did about 23 miles of walking over 4 days. It was an amazing opportunity! Made some good friends and even better memories. Oh, what it is like to be a teenager...with complete disregard to authority and a lack of respect for anyone other than your best friend. Glad I've grown up a little :)

Too lazy to wake up. Did step at the gym (I don't think I've sweat that much in a month!) then ran an easy 5K on the TM - again tried to work on form, I've decided Mondays are my form days. AP was 8:30, but I bumped it up the last .25 to 7:20 just to get it done...I HATE the TM.

I've got my registration for PC all worked out! Thanks everyone for help in tracking stuff down!

I don't know whats wrong with me. I couldn't get up this morning for BBK's - I regret it now, well, kind of :)

I went to the total body class at the gym and I could barely push myself - light headed, feeling shaky, eyes want to close and not focus. I kind of wonder if I'm getting sick or something, I'm just not sure, because I usually do this class just fine AFTER 10 miles with BBK's.

Anyway, then to fill up my last bit of time in the nursery I did 5 miles on the bike to chat with Kelli. Still feeling sleepy/light headed - I'll try a nap and we'll go from there. I'm hoping to get a good 8 in tomorrow morning.

Easy 7 with Lucy, sometimes that dog drives me nuts! She will drag (or I'll be dragging her) until she sees another dog or a deer or cat or something, then all of a sudden she bounds off trying to go get it - the only problem? She's tethered to me with her leash. THIS is why I stopped running with her over the winter - she is doing better though and I hate to hear her whine when I leave so I guess I'll keep her around for a few more runs.

I think I figured out my issue, during trek I got some tightness in my chest - I woke up in the middle of the night and could hardly catch my breath. The doc on the trip said it was irritation from the dust and sagebrush - sounded right. However, this morning about 2 miles into my run I could feel the same top tightness. I was fine, just didn't push the pace and ran comfortably. It did seem to get better as I ran, but when I stopped I started coughing. It's strange, I've never had breathing issues before. Luckily I have a son who needs albuterol, so I took it just like the doc had me do on trek. Felt MUCH better at kick-boxing, interesting turn if you ask me!

Grabbed a 30 minute snooze at home, got the kids off to school and headed off to the gym for kick-boxing. It was a good hard class today! My arms will be sore tomorrow. Then headed home, lots of dr appts today - for the kids.

AP: 9:05, splits: 9:02, 8:42, 8:45, 8:58, 9:29 9:44 (hill), 8:54.

Nice run with the BBK's - funny, I can't say THAT often! I skipped early miles trying to 'taper' a little for PCM. We ran up to Glenmoor and back to 2200W. I was so impressed with myself that I was feeling good hanging on with the lead group, it usually takes a ton of effort. Gave me a confidence boost for Sat....then we finished and I looked at splits - lol!!! I wasn't keeping up with them, they were keeping up with me, (9:21, 9:12, 9:00, 8:27, 8:24, 8:17) The first 3 were the uphill part. I couldn't believe it, no wonder I felt so good...there goes my confidence boost! So, either way it was a great run (AP: 8:47) with great friends and I'm glad I got up and got the miles in...now I can not run tomorrow and just do the bike or something easy in preperation for PCM!!!

Went to the gym to do yoga - it's been WAY too long! I really enjoyed it and can't wait for next week, no more missing yoga!

nothing...absolutely nothing! I'm helping my cousin finish up stuff to move my Aunt today and then seeing them off at the airport. Swim lessons, birthday party, work and off to PC. It was GREAT to sleep in this morning :)

Okay, a few lessons learned before TOU

A: I need to MASTER those ITBands and tape them and take aleve before a marthon - or just cut them out of my body :)

B: I need longer faster/tempo runs in my repotoire, most long runs are at an easy pace. I need to start pushing the speed there if I ever want to BQ

C: it is SO much nicer to stay NEAR the race and not have to wake up at 3 in the morning! AND to stay with amazing, wonderful, supportive, kind, generous and nice people :)

The worst news is that this was to be my confidence booster that after 3 months of doing ITB exercises that I could finish the distance with no issues...no so. They went out just before mile 20, but thanks to a wonderful support staff (Smooth and Bec you seriously have NO idea how much your love, patience, kindness and support meant to me during those next couple miles!) I was able to pull through and do what I could to finish. I got to be the annoying runner that would run fast then walk, run fast then walk. I just wanted to finish as quickly as possible, but when the ITB would sieze up I had to walk it out for a bit..then I could run again. I did my best to explain it to people as we leap-frogged so I didn't make people too mad :) One lady did ask me in passing "you haven't been doing this the whole race have you?" I laughed, NOPE! short explanation and some sympathetic words and we were good. Finished strong thanks to the motrin kicking in and letting me finally run .25-.5 at a time. 

So, I did the bad news first, but I now get to end on the good stuff. I had an amazing race and the miles felt so short! I seriously didn't feel like I'd run a full! Thanks to Smooth's amazing-ness and always on the lookout for the papratizi  (Larry) and hoping to see Becca again (speedy feet!) I just had an amazing day, the miles were good and I felt strong on the hills, even ran up the last hill which is 'honorable' to walk up! I was just feeling those good vibes! I wasn't worried about time, just ran a good pace to be able to talk and still pass people. Even "our friend" Joel FINALLY couldn't keep up :)

The dirt roads were hard and I think made me need more stability than I was used to giving which could've contributed to the ITB - as well as a seemingly constant crown on the road when we were on one. We also took a little 'detour' - there were no signs and the people around us told us the wrong way to go! However, Smooth still ended up short on her Garmin (mine wasn't ready to go at the start so I knew mine would show short). I LOVED seeing Leslie and Maurine, it is SO fun to run with friends...they make it all worth it. Every step, all the pain and all the exhaustion!

It was a beautiful course and my ITB is still a little tender tonight, but I'm hoping to be back at the runs on Tuesday ready to ramp up for and finish strong at TOU next month! A big huge THANK YOU goes to Pres and Mrs Smooth!!!! You two are amazing and thank you SO much for all you did for me this weekend I had the most amazing time ever at a race...next year we need to convince some 1/2 slackers to come party with us! Also, Becca, I had a wonderful time this weekend and am so glad I found you on this blog :) You are one speedy woman and thanks for all your support today...it really meant the world to me!

I will post what splits my Garmin got (it ended short and at 4:18???) when I'm more motivated to get my patootie out of the chair and go get it :) I was pleased to see that despite my even slower time than Ogden I would've finished 9th in my AG (Dale finished 16th in his) and we finished 205/473 overall men and women. Not too shabby Dale...nice work :)

No miles this morning...alarm went off (I was going to just do an easy 5K) and I decided to sleep :) - no surprise there, I know. Went to step class this morning and it was a GOOD one! Great class to get things moving again, and now I just feel guilty about not running...I definitely could've gotten some in!

Met BBK's for a nice hill workout - Lamptonview Lane. Nice warm-up and was actually feeling well enough to hang with Becca and a slow Walter :) Then we did a 4.5 mile loop down to Parkway Palisades and back. I really thought I'd get out of those hills today! Felt good hanging with the lead group; however, I realized later that it was a lot slower than they usually go. Again I'm foiled with their tapering/recovery runs! Felt strong on the hills until I stopped for a minute to 'regroup' - then the hills back to the church seemed a lot harder and slower, and I started about 50 yds back from the lead pack, but I never let them get away from me! Did about 1.5 of recovery miles with Peggy, then turned to go back to get home in time for hubby to get to work. Decided I was going to push the last bit (mimic running on tired legs) and I was pleasantly surprised with the pace that last .11 (6:26 mm). Great run, felt strong, but realized I was a little slow for my effort - so I concluded I'm still lacking a little from Park City, but all in all ready hit it hard this week!! ITB's were fine - stupid things!!! UUUGGGHHHH!!! 

*Forgot to post this* AP:  8:35 splits: 9:01, 8:35, 8:52, 8;14, 7:55, 8:19, 8:17, 8:21, 8:55, 9:31, 6:26 (for the last .11 :) )

Came home and got my little dude off to his first day of Kindergarten. He is so stinkin' excited!! Went to the gym for my first group training (with a personal trainer) and I forgot how much they kick your butt! I must remember to eat first. Ended with walking a 30% incline for 10 minutes, VERY slow :) 

Please pardon me for the next little bit, I'm trying to get into a routine and get things settled at home; so I don't feel like I have the time I'd like to read/comment on blogs. I'm not ignoring you, I'm thinking of you...just trying to manage my time better!

Too sore to get up early...I wanted to run a fast 5K, but opted for sleep. Went to kick-boxing and it wasn't as hard as it normally is; however, still a good workout. Went to the TM and did 5: first 4 at 8:30, then the last one at 8:00, then a final push the last .25 to 7:30. Good easy run, but I still hate the TM - it makes everything seem longer, especially when everyone around you is listening to music and there is no one to talk to :(

Another BBK day...however, due to the personal training making me SO sore, I felt every step today. The 10mm 3-mile warm up had me breathing hard and finished this morning! Then we ran out to the Oquirrh Mtn temple hill and ran up and down then back twice. That hill doesn't seem too bad, until with dead legs you attempt to run up it! Ran about a mile back, then ran up 10400S to the end and back - about 2 miles. Again...a long steady good hill, but the downhill went quickly :) Then I finished up with 1.5 of cool-down miles with Debbie. AP: 8:49 splits: 10:03, 9:19, 8:32, 8:52, 8:23, 8:20, 9:09, 7:58, 8:40, 8:54 -Kept the pace going in the right direction until the mile up 104 :)

Came home got the kiddos off to school then headed to Yoga. We had a rough morning with the Kindergartner so I was later than late, but didn't want to totally bag it. Missed final relaxation so I was awake enough for the personal training group again today. Thankfully, we did all arms and core today...my legs are trashed! Finished up with 2.5 miles on the bike. Now off to another busy day, I hope I get it all done without falling asleep!

Another sleep-in day. Too tired and too many cookies last night :) I usually take Fridays off from running, but with no miles on Monday I would barely be pushing 40 with the 1/2 Saturday, so I talked myself into another day of TM running (only way to run while kids are up, gym has daycare!). Broke it up to help with monotony. 5K in 26 min then 20 min of biking (5 miles) then another 5K in 26 min. I think they were both just over 26 min, I started at 8:30 then pushed the last mile and would just keep cranking the last .5 to .25 just to get it finished. One of the teachers at the gym came and chatted my 2nd 5k first 2 miles so that helped a TON. Good run, even for the TM. Now off to hopefully get everything done I need to in the next 4 hours...then off to Logan. TOU 1/2 here we come!

oh...as a side note, not racing tomorrow. One of my longest and dearest friends is running this as her first 1/2 and I told her I'd run with her...so I'll be by her side the whole time. I really think she'll finish in under 2 hrs - did DesNews 10K in 50 min. I'm so excited for her and just this morning I was reminiscing that 2 yrs ago (almost to the day due to calendar differences) she ran Swiss Days as her first 10K. We were both SO proud that we finished in exactly 10mm!!! It was only my 3rd or so 10K, but her first. Funny how things can change so quickly. In the meantime she's even had a baby! I'm so stinkin' proud of her it's unreal!! YEA Stephanie!! YOU ROCK GIRL!!! 

okay...some guilt. Another friend I've met while living here in Herriman is also running TOU for her 1st. She's heavier and has worked REALLY hard to lose 30 lbs in the last 3 months and train for this baby. She runs closer to 14mm, but keeps movin' the whole time! I know she'll finish strong, after Steph is done I'm going to run back the course and grab her and run her in as well. Her sister is running with her, so I'll just be there at the end to cheer her in. This is going to be a FUN FUN race! So many exciting proud moments!

What a great race. I had a wonderful time driving up and bunking with Kelli (and Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm and Thanks for dinner!!) AND indulging in the pre-race/post-race ice cream ritual with Kelli and my friend Stephanie - her 1st 1/2! 

The morning started out great, but early. I was there to run the race with Steph and keep her going the whole time, we lined up mid-pack and were about 2 min back from the start. The first 6 miles down the canyon she was hitting AWESOME paces and feeling good, but once we hit the flat at the bottom her legs started falling out from under her. It was great to just be going a comfortable pace and just encourage and compliment the crap out of her! At one point we turned a corner (mile 11) and she said "Rach, I've got to walk" I said "Look, the aide station is just up ahead, just make it there and we'll walk through it...you can do it, see the orange jug, just think how much you want it...the faster you get there the sooner you get to walk." She did great and pushed through, we walked a little more that aide station, but then she finished strong! I was so proud of her, I don't remember being as emotional at the finish of my first 1/2 as I was at her's! I would talk about how neat it would be at the finish with her family there...and would tear up, I saw her family and teared up, we crossed the finish and I teared up. What was wrong with me? Still so proud of her! It takes SO much to be able to do it. 

Got some rest/stretch/visit time in then at 3 hours headed back to find Amy, I knew she'd be close. I found her about .25 before mile 12. She was walking with her head down "head up and let's go!" I shouted from across the street. She later told me how she'd just puked at mile 11 (due to a coughing fit) and had just finished praying she would just finish...I got to be her angel yesterday. Kelli and I ran her into the finish and I kept her moving the whole time, she said she probably would've walked if I hadn't have been there. She worked so hard and put so much effort into this race, again...I teared up like 3 times that last mile with her! Especially at the finish watching her hubby cheer her in was just AMAZING! She finished in 3:22 and her 12 mile run was 3:20, so she did even held a good pace for her through the race.

To me, THIS is what running is about. Not the medals, prizes, t-shirts or times (although they are ALL good motivators that I love!). The effort and sheer will that you have to have to do it, and all the people that support you and help to push you along your way. You can only ever beat your own time...we can't compete against each other (I understand a race is this, but work with me here for a minute), we can only conquer ourselves. I saw the same exhaustion in Amy's eyes at 3:20 as I did in Kelli's that finished in 1/2 the time. Running is an individual sport, and we all get to encourage each other through the journey! I love it!!! Thanks to all you out there who have helped me get where I am today, you are all MY angels!

How can you be more sore from a 1/2 than a full? Quads feeling achy this morning so I didn't want to push it...I do have to try and keep up with the BBK's tomorrow! Hit the gym for step class and realized I have NO energy, so it's good I didn't run. Afterward spent 1/2 hr hitting the IT strengthening and balancing exercises from the PT. I know that lack of hip stability is my ITB problem, so that will be my focus until TOU full. I want a good, strong race.

I'll finish off the day with volleyball...starting a league with my friend! 2 games every Monday, best x-training EVER! :)