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

Well, I'm back where I started... I'm more ways than one.

I've decided I need to start entering my miles and participating here. I need to find my running community again. I found it once here and I'm over social media, so I might as well go where people all appreciate you posting your daily runs!

I also feel like I'm back at square one pace wise. Since my accident (8/7/23 - I got hit by a deer while riding my bike and life flighted to IMC and in the hospital for a couple weeks) I felt like for a bit I started getting speed back, but lately I'm just stuck at 10mm and it is killing me mentally and emotionally! I need to start running fast again... or just running and not jogging.

I feel like I've lost all my running people and I'm out there alone conquering the miles everyday. Although I don't mind the solo runs and listen to podcasts to get me through, I miss people. I miss socializing on runs. I can't run fast enough to run with people and chat anymore, so no one wants to run with me. Sigh... pity party started.

So, I got out for 11 from Wheadon Farms today. It was a good loop to the Draper city park and back then out to the plural sight trail for a bit then back. It was just Daisy Mae (my puppy) and I as usual, but we got it done. AP was 10:07, but if you take out the few crazy uphill miles, it was closer to a 9:40AP... slightly more acceptable.

Be back tomorrow!

Well, I got to run with Smooth on the JRP! It was sprinkly rain and windy, but it was the best run of the year! Great company is always the winner in my book. Daisy ran with us and it was a beautiful morning. Other than the patches of ice we had to tip toe over, it was perfect. I also got to see Chad a couple on times on the run too! A nice haunt south on the parkway. A classic with classic friends.

I couldn't sleep because of this crazy world we live in, so I took Adam to school and then took a nap before I got out to run. I did my normal Monday route, which is my Graffiti Rock loop. I start at my house, go to the middle school and then take the trail up and over to graffiti rock and then run down from the cove. So it is about 1.5 on the road, 3 on the trail then a couple miles home on the road. The trail was great when I started and it was over 50 degrees! Then I started getting mud sections, then they got worse, but by the time I should've turned around I was closer to the end so I just kept going; but it was slow going! Things did clear up a bit, but I still had muddy shoes. Not that it bothered me...I love a good mud run. I just hate abusing the trails. Then the next couple miles home on the road were nice and downhill...totally worth the effort to get there slogging through the dirt. 

My uphill and start miles were slow and the slogging miles were worse, but I had some good downhill miles around 8:30mm. Still had a full ap of 11:34, but I'm trying to look at the good side and be positive. 

Regular Tuesday Ten, except I did the loop from my house because no one else was running. I kind of hate doing it that way, but I would be more annoyed having to drive 3 miles to run by my house...so I do the loop the hard way when I'm alone. It is nice to have the first 3 miles of nice downhill, but then I have flat and climbing for the next 4 miles! Today it was SO windy that it was uphill into the wind what seemed like the rest of the way. I do get one good downhill mile at 8, but then the last two are flat/uphill home. So I had a good pace on all the miles except the uphill into the wind ones. Still finished my ap at 10:15....but 7/10 miles were closer to 9! So, a good early morning run even if it was windy at least it was warm. 

I've been trying to get speedwork on the treadmill since on Wednesdays, but I had to leave home early and couldn't hit the gym. So I did my neighborhood route early so I could get home in time to get ready before I took Adam to school.

It was windy again... warm and windy! The wind even kept me up through the night, it was crazy. Miles not uphill and into the wind were decent, but the other two were rather pathetic. Oh well, at least I'll run tomorrow!

Regular old Shaggy Mountain for the morning crazy run. Daisy was being very protective of her front paws and with yesterday's issues I chose not to take her...which is always sad for me when I don't get to run with Daisy. But I did have Kristyn and she was tired and sore so she was okay slogging along with me slowly. I actually did a lot better at keeping up than I thought I would and even had an 8:25, 8:09 and 7:52. So the downhill, as always was good. I even had one of the split miles at 9:29 and 10:20 on the last big hill. So it was a good morning with great company. Love my shaggy mountain route! 

Well, I was meeting Rachel Small (Martinez) at Wheadon Farms for a run after dropping off Adam at school. She had a meeting at 8 so I did a few miles myself before she got there. I ended up with 5 miles and figured we would do 5 or 6 so I was good to get a longer day in. I got back to the parking lot and just decided to walk the big loop unil she came....well, a few minutes turned into 90 minutes! Daisy and I just walked, I knew her meeting was for her son so I figured it had just gone long and I didn't want to push her plus, I knew she'd need a good vent session after and all I had was picking up Adam at 1, so I just kept walking. I finally got to a point where I figured I was getting close to do it or don't time. I sent her a text to tell her I was starting on the loop, but maybe I could meet her somewhere along the way if she finished her meeting. I hit the start button on my watch, ran 10 steps and she called me! HA!! Isn't that the way it always works. So I walked one more loop and then she pulled in and we got our 5ish mile loop started. However, I didn't realize how tired my legs were from so much walking! Plus, I had no fuel which I didn't think about until after the run but man did I drag those 5.25 miles with Rachel. For different reasons we both opted to take a walk break at different times, but taking those breaks out we kept the AP at 9:52...better than the 10:12 I did solo! So, it ended up being a decent morning with lots of time on my feet. Good company and Daisy and I had a fun windy morning outside with friends. I got Rachel and Daisy got Coco! Oh, as a side note, it was so cute they both were happy to share a bowl of water and drank together, noses together. It was so cute! I love my puppy. 

Well I almost dropped out of the run. I wanted to sleep in and not wake up early, so I slept in and then decided I wanted to be lazy and not run. But I did it anyway. Then I thought "I'll just do 8 and not the upper loop to make it 12", but I'll start and see what I decide when I get there. So, I drug myself out of bed and got ready and started my run walking uphill (which I normally do on this upper Shaggy loop - it is SO steep at the start!). I got involved in my podcast "Fartlek Running Show" and then Herimanology that before I knew it I was going up the upper loop. So, I did what I didn't think I would do. From then on, I ran further than I thought and pushed faster than I thought I would. I had a really good 2nd half of the run. Granted that is the downhill part of the 1700ft elevation gain loop, but it is basically out and back, so I earned every step of the downhill. I ended with my last quarter mile at a sub 7mm pace. It isn't long and as I mentioned it is really downhill, but I did it. My legs were turning over and doing well. I probably don't give myself enough credit for what I do accomplish, but I feel so slow and weak lately...sigh. But, I got it done with a 12:49AP with all my uphill walking. So I'll try to pat myself on my back and keep moving on.

Well, I actually had a good run today. It was around noon and I ran without ear coverings or gloves even though it was only 34 degrees. The sun made it wonderful. My AP for the short run was 9:29 which is fairly good for myself lately. My uphill miles were over 10, but my downhill miles were closer to mid 8's. So I'm just glad that I can push out a faster mile or two occasionally. 

Tuesday ten solo...again. I've gotten the loop down from my house that makes it exactly the same distance, but I don't have to drive to Chad's. It is a good and bad thing. I hate the loop this way having the 3 miles of good downhill first, but what do you do? Not moving so I guess I better deal with running uphill home as I've done forever :) 

The pace was slow, but I guess I better get used to this especially if no one will run with me and make me push myself. I'm not good at doing it alone on the road. I guess I should start hitting the track? But where? Sigh...whatever, I'm running and working out and trying to lose weight, so it will come eventually, right?? 

Did a weight/lift class after taking Adam to school at the rec center as well. I'm getting there, right?

Treamill miles at the gym after dropping Adam off at school so I didn't have to deal with the snow and cold. I did 3/4 mile warm-up then did 1/4 mile pick ups with 1/4 mile recoveries until I hit 3 miles, but did the last one faster and faster for an extra 1/4 mile. My on paces started at 8:30ap and got faster each one, but I did recovery faster too. So when I got to 3.5 I still had a few minutes left until class started, so I just went up to 4 miles. Time was 36:20 so I got an ap of 9:07 for everything. Much faster than I run on the road and I had the treadmill at 1% incline, but I think the treadmill isn't callibrated and it says faster than it was. 

I then did the spin/lift class I like. You do 10 minutes on the bike, then do 10 minutes of a lift circuit and repeat for the hour. It is really fun and a good way to get some lift and biking in. 

Shaggy Mountain just like every Thursday! Kristyn and Chad joined me and it was worth it, because I worked hard to keep up. My AP was 10:00 which for Shaggy lately for me is a good pace. My finishing downhill miles were 8:18, 8:22 and 8:04 for the last .22 

I felt strong and was grateful for friends to keep me going! 

I was going to go do lift at 10, but I fell asleep and didn't want to wake up. I was still cold and just wanted to snuggle in a warm bed. The issue is I fell asleep and then when I woke up the snow had gone CRAZY!! One day I was truly glad I had gotten up early and done my miles early. 

NOTHING! The snow was enough yesterday to make me crazy and anxious, so I took today off. Slept in, worked for a few hours on the couch and then got heart pizza for my kids for dinner. A total day off...because tomorrow is not one. So I'm taking a lazy day to get ready. Hopefully no more snow accumulates! 

What a day! It couldn't have been better if I'd planned it. Melissa Soper came to my house at 8am and we took off on a journey of 45KM for my 45th birthday! I went out of the Neighborhood along 13400S toward Oak Hollow Elementary then took the trail to 6400W and for the first time I ran North on the road all the way to Herriman Blvd then grabbed the trail by the Herriman seminary and ran down to Midas Creek Elementary. We took that road to Daybreak Lake trail, so we came up under the road by the dam and then ran the trail around the lake to Bingham Creek Park and grabbed that trail all the way to 4000 W. At that time we crossed the road and jumped on the Welby Jacob Canal Trail, which we then took all the way down to Porter Rockwell Blvd. We did stop a couple times at gas stations just off the trail and to safely cross at intersections when traffic was too busy. But it was the first time I'd taken the trail the WHOLE way and I loved it! At Porter Rockwell we went down to the Jordan River Parkway Trail and took that until we finished our 45km (almost exactly 28 miles) just passed Thanksgiving Point golf course. Craig was there to pick us up, so it was perfect.

At the bottom of the hill on JRP (just below the Camp Williams Cemetary and above the Apostolic church) Soper stopped and told me we needed to do our Cosmic Brownie Birthday celebration...so we did! HA! She had brought a cosmic brownie AND candles AND a lighter. If the darn wind wouldn't have been so strong I would've actually gotten to blow out candles :) Instead, I just got pictures and a treat. It was perfect. Soper and I finished up the last couple miles then she treated me to Swig on the way home - totally worth the 28 miles! 

I truly don't think the run/day could've been any better. I did walk here and there after mile 15ish, but the mud on the trail occassionally made it mucky and difficult. But the company was the best I've had for quite some time! Getting to spend 5 hours with someone as wonderful as Soper is a gift that can't be duplicated. I will forever treasure the miles that I was able to have and the conversation that just flowed between the two of us. Sigh...I wish every run was this good! 

When I got home I had some visitors. Lauren and her family had come down and we got a great surprise from our sweet Reed. Then after a shower I got treated to dinner at home from Cafe Trang! Pho, spring rolls and egg rolls. I was happily stuffed with sore legs and just got to chill listening to little Reed giggle with his uncles all night. A perfect day for this crazy old grandma :) 

Rest Day as always! However, I truly was still so happy from my run and day yesterday that I was just on cloud nine. Poor Daisy was sore and doing little walking, but a lot of resting. But, oh how I wish I could feel that happy every day. Running is the best. 

Played with my sweet Reed and took him on a walk to different playgrounds to try and find a dry slide. But, he just fell asleep. So I got a nice recovery walk :)

Got up early and after Saturday didn't want to do Tuesday ten and no one was willing to go along, so I just did my 7 mile loop along the trails to Monarch Meadows and back. It had snowed just enough that it was crunchy crust on top of the frozen rain/ice. I thought I was fine until about 3/4 of a mile in I slipped pretty good and fell on my butt and my arm hurting my shoulder as I tried to break my fall. So, then I started going slower watching for the slippery snow. But I still got the full run in! 

Took Adam to school, walked on the TM for 30 minutes then did a lift class at the gym to round out the day. 

Treadmill miles with 2 1/4 mile pickups and 2 1/2 mile pick ups at low 8's - high 7's. It feels good to put some speed down. BUT I jumped off the tread when I was done and because of my weak shoulder I kind of fell when I should've been pushing myself up and so my foot missed the edge of the treadmill and slid down the outside edge. I was fine, just laughed. BUT I now have a HUGE hematoma on my shin and the swelling is so bad I just want to cut it open and let it drain. So, I've got compression socks and ice on it while my feet are up. 

Oh, I did my bike/lift class afterward as well...gotta get it done :)

Shaggy Mountain alone...but it was good. I still got up and out and it was snowy, so I can't blame others for not driving to my house! I did well until at the top of the first hill on the dirt road I rolled my ankle and fell. I was breathing hard so I had to recover and sit in the snowy road for a few minutes...good thing no one drives there! Then I started going slower and the mud wasn't frozen in places so it was a squishy mess and I gave in and walked. Then on the downhill after the new pavement my feet slipped out from under me becuase the mud WAS ice. I landed on my rear and back and then hit my head on the ground. I again stayed there for a good minute to recover...sigh. All the good, the bad and the ugly this week. I did finish the run slowly, but surely the rest of the way with NO issues. I came home and I KNOW I had recorded my run because the miles dinged at all the right spots and I knew it had finished and my HR had gone down to recovery levels when it dinged...but I must've deleted the dang thing!! So, I don't know my pace, but it might just be better that way this week. The snow globe run was fun though, can't complain about that! 

I decided on a loop I could do that I've never done before from Wheadon Farms. I wasn't sure how long it would be, but I figured at least 8. The only issue is, it was all uphill home and I did a trail section as well at the end. The snow wasn't my friend, BUT I DIDN'T FALL!! The first day after 3 that I didn't hurt myself on a run. So, it was slow and when I hit the snowed in trail there was a slight bit of walking up a hill and then some slogging through a long puddle that I thought was frozen. Wet feet and snow logged trails make for some fun memories. I ended at almost exactly 9 miles and it was a perfect cool down and then jump in the car to head to Athlecare. 

A good start to the weekend. 

Ahh, the beautiful day!! I got to run the MCT with Smooth. It was a nice, easy run with good walk breaks as well. Smooth isn't quite back to where she was before she got sick this winter. But neither am I, so I just enjoy the miles! How can you not with Smooth?!? It was a lovely morning, weather and company wise. Almost 4 hours on my feet is always a good day, I'll totally take it. 

Well, I'm not sure how I did it. It wasn't my intention to try and run fast today, but I actually had a respectable pace. Which is so sad considering where I used to be...someday, maybe someday, but right now I'm out getting it done. It was a nice warm morning and I miss warm runs! I'm excited for warmer weather. Anyway, did my out and back SMH route, but took the long way home. I gues my body was just ready to actually run a decent pace. It probably won't last through tomorrow, but one day was nice. The only 10+mm that I had I walked through the mud and did a big go-around on the trail, so it feels like a win. AP: 9:28 - 9:49, 10:38, 8:47, 8:38, 9:26, 9:32, 9:09

Maybe I'm getting a touch of speed back somehow? Sigh, what is really sad is that a 9:33 AP for this route IS speedy for me right now. But, I'm getting it done. Slowly, but surely. I was impressed I only had 2 miles over a 10mm and those were the crappy uphill. So, I've definitely got some places to improve AND I had 4 sub 9mm on the downhill on the way home...only because Kristyn and Chad joined me today so that I could run the regular route not the one from my house and try to keep up with them. Running with others always pushes me more than when I run alone! 

Anyway, it was a good run morning and I felt good about the paces but not like I was killing myself, which is even better! 

AP: 9:33 - 9:56, 9:40, 10:37, 11:07, 9:34, 9:43, 8:46, 8:37, 8:50, 8:46, 8:22

I got to meet Toby at JRP and run with the beautiful superstar! It was a great 6 miles, but certainly not enough time. I'm used to long runs with Toby, so I told a lot of long run stories that I should've made short run stories so that we could chat more. But I know we will get together again soon! 

Chasing Kristyn and Chad kept me moving well on this Shaggy Mountain! I averaged a 9:53AP which getting under a 10mm ap on this run lately is amazing for me, so I'll take it! The uphill miles were still 10s and I had one 11, but the dowhill miles were 8:16, 8:10 and 7:45, so I'll take it! A nice Thursday morning run. Then I  actually woke up after my morning nap and did the 10am lift class. All good things...so far a great week!

All I did was a nice easy walk around Summit Academy HS while Adam had track practice. That said, it ended up being 2 hours and Adam did a long run of 9 miles! So I ended up walking over 5 miles...but, I kept myself entertained with podcasts and then a work meeting. 

So this was a "race" but no one was taking registration or recording results or anything...so it was an underground race? So, I'm not doing a race report. 

O.U.Ch (Oquirrh Ultra Challenege)

So they set up an "everyone contribute" aid station at the parking lot at Yellow Fork and you do the 6.6 mile loop on the main road and a little side jaunt up the hill to the rock. Really vague, I know...but IYKYK. So it ends up being a perfect 7 mile loop, perfection. You can do the loop whenever you want and how ever many times you want. 

I didn't want to start early enough to use a headlamp so I started at 7am. The night before I found out Jill Wilkins was going to be there and so we made plans to do my first loop together! It was wonderful to see her. I got spoiled this week running with friends! Along the route we ran into Mike and Casey and oh it was a fun time! BUT it was slow. Usually a slow loop for me is around 1:30-1:40 for me, but it took over two hours! I was in spikes the whole time and I figured that it would get better as the day went on. It didn't. I've never run in such bad trail conditions! I couldn't even run downhill. It was slow going, icy or water flowing over slush or mud and uneven packed snowy surfaces or post holing. I seriously thought I would be done with one loop after the first. It was BAD.

I figured I would give it another loop to see if the weather would help the conditions at all. Nope, it felt as bad as the first. At the end of the second loop (the first two were counter clockwise) I slipped at the bottom of an icy hill and hit hard. I figured it was a sign I was done. I walked the last 1/3 mile to the finish to let my ankle relax and walk it off. Rubber ankles are great! :) 

I had bought a Redbull to drink and I wanted it but knew I wouldn't if I didn't do another loop, so I decided to give myself my Redbull and do ONE more loop. Three would be fine. I had already rolled my ankles multiple times and fallen multiple times and I could feel a blister on the bottom of my left big toe...but caffeine cures it all. Plus, I wanted to try the loop clockwise. So, I decided to do one more. 

Again, I was going SO slow that it was unreal and these loops were taking me over 2 hours each even with some downhill running when I could. But then I would roll my ankle on the uneven snow trail and fall into the piles of snow on the side. SO many times I fell, so many times. I got to see Rebecca, Kristyn and Bethany on that third loop and the hope that going up the opposite way would be great kept me going. I also finally introduced myself to Joshua Landvatter...the main Oquirrh Mountain Man! Oh, they had a sled with treats and some fun stuff at the top, the big rock, and I took a picture each lap. They also had fireball which was a fun shot for many participants :) The downhill running in the clockwise direction wasn't any better. But I was listening to a book "The Pursuit of Endurance" and got motivated to not give up and give in. Plus, I'd figured out that I could finish with daylight hours and still get home...so I ran ONE MORE LOOP! :)

I got back to the car, fed Daisy and got myself half of a G2G bar, another Redbull, liquid IV and lots of liquid and a pocket full of dots and I headed off clockwise to even out the times I did each loop. It was late and I was slow, but I kept moving and although my headphones had died and I recharged my phone at the car and put it on battery saver at the car, I had the book playing on the phone speaker to keep my brain busy. They had cleaned up the loop counter clockwise and I met them just below the big rock (half way) and stole a couple chocolate cinnamon bears out of the sled as I passed them. Then I had the downhill to finish off. The melting snow and uneven, slippery snow on the trail was again just horrid. I took a couple breaks to make snow angels in the snow on the side of the trail, it was fun. I fell another couple times, but I got it done. 

I knew that I would be super sore and that I was more than exhausted, but I had done my March Marathon. It has been a horribly stiff and sore last day, but I did it. I did a HARD thing. It was harder than anything I've done since my accident and it is going to take a while to recover. Not only just getting it done, but the elevation and trail conditions AND the fact that my brain can't process trails as fast as it used to so it was mentally exhausting, I got it done. It seriously was SO hard and I'm proud of myself for working through it all and getting all 4 laps done despite wondering if I would do 2 the first time around. 

Daisy and I are stiff and sore and moving rather slowly today, but I did it. Not much worse for the wear and I feel proud of what I was able to accomplish in those 9 hours...NINE hours, but it was worth it. 

Oh heavens! I have never been this sore...I swear!! I walked a whole mile and shuffled around the rest of the day. 

So, I walked slowly on the treadmill while I waited for spin class, then I did an hour of spin class. It wasn't at the exertion level I normally would, but just moving the legs was good! The teacher did a fun workout...BYU track workout from last week because her son runs with BYU. 1 mile, 800, 1 mile, 800, 400, 400, 1 mile. She changed them all to times we would push pace/hills but it was fun to do. I could actually walk down the stairs afterward...with only a little hanging on! :)  

I had a work drive to Vernal to prep for DINO so I didn't do anything, but getting in and out of the car SO many times over and over again did some healing for sure! 

Well, I did it! I actually got out and ran. It was cold and raining, but I'd told the group I would meet them at the high country gates and run the last couple of Shaggy Mountain with them. I felt like I could actually run and when I looked at my times it was slower  than I thought, but dang it...I got it done! I can run again. 

Well, I was going to meet Rachel Small and run with her, but it snowed and we didn't want to deal with slipping. So I took Adam to school, came home and had a little nap before I headed off. Gave the snow enough time to stop and the roads/sidewalks to melt. I did my 'long' run for the week since I'm going to meet Rachel tomorrow and do the 6 mile loop. I actually felt like I could move my legs and like I was working...and I was! I did an AP of 9:44 which for me lately is amazing. I just did the Monarch Meadows loop from the house and even got to see a couple friends along the way. Daisy was feeling better and ran wonderfully with me as well! 

Well, I met Rachel Small and we did my Porter Rockwell loop to Draper canal trail and back from Wheadon Farms. It was a lovely day...a little chilly, but warm enough I had to take my 2nd long sleeve and gloves off after a couple miles. It was a wonderful run and I felt almost strong again... at least like I could move my feet! 5.67 miles AP=9:41

Then it was time for Wolfpack pre-season practice. I got a Roxberry and then met at the Draper Park. Daisy was barking too much so for drills I put her in the car, then we did our 20 minute run. I prefer to be in the back of the pack on the way there, then let all the kids pass me and I stay at the back again. That way I know I have all the kids! So I ended up running 2.33 miles and I honestly pushed myself on the way back as I was chasing the fast kids and my legs were done! It is interesting to feel that top out pace that I used to feel at 7mm...but I was still out there doing the work! 2.33 miles AP=9:25 (8:58 was my 'fast' mile!)

Then I went to athlecare and recovered a bit before going to uniform fitting for Wolfpack...a full day for sure! 

Well I took a nap before starting this one today and I was glad I did! It was actually sunny and warm. Just a long sleeve shirt! I did my SMH run with the long way home to make it 6 instead of 4. It has a lot of uphill so I didn't expect to get a decent pace...but I actually ran almost well. I'm sure my luck will run out tomorrow, but I'm happy I'm actually running sub 10mm AP this week instead of my normal slog. 

AP=9:27; 9:54, 10:14, 8:39, 8:26, 9:41, 9:48 

Tuesday TEN! Chad and Kristyn said they were going to join so I got to start at Chad's house. Kristyn was late, I'm slow and I have Daisy poop stops the first mile, so I left early. But she caught me at mile 3 while I was waiting for the stop light. Chad decided to sleep in and skip the run. 

Kristyn and I had a great run and she pushed me well! As usual, my starting and uphill miles were slow, but I got my feet under me and hit some decent miles. Sad that over a 1:35 total time for this run is fast now...I used to run it slow under 1:30! Sigh... But, I'm out there getting it done. 

Then I took Adam to school and went straight to the gym. Walked a couple miles on the treadmill and then did my lift class. It was harder for me than it usually is! She had some crazy moves I wasn't used to. 

AP: 9:32 - 10:32; 9:51; 10:39; 10:53; 9:12, 9:28; 8:44; 8:27; 8:59; 9:09; 8:46

Easy recovery day. I didn't realize how sore my legs were from lift class yesterday; but at 1/4 mile in on the TM I felt like I had to stop...so I took a quick 5 second break and then did it again at a mile. It took me until 1.5ish miles to finally feel like I COULD run! I ended up doing two 1/4 mile pushes and then one 1/2 mile push with same recovery. Ended up my AP at just under 9:40 - can't complain too much. 

Then I did my spin/lift combo class. It is always good and has some fun people in it too! Lots of core and my triceps were shaking, so I guess it worked well. 

Shaggy Mountain! I got to run with Kristyn and Chad. I left early and they both caught up to me, Kristyn at the gate and Chad at the top of mother hill. I actually ran fairly fast for Shaggy Mountain, so I was excited that I did well on my anniversary run :) 26 years with my husband...I'm not even that old, so how can I have been married that long?? 

Went to watch Craig rock climb later in the morning and we went to lunch at CHOM before picking up Adam and heading home and feeding boys frozen pizza. A HUGE celebration! hahahaha

It didn't feel like I was going as fast as my AP said...I truly thought my pace would be over a 10mm. But, I had an AP of 9:41! I just did my route on the trail to 6400, then to the trail behind Amy's house, to the lake, around the lake (pit stop at Harmons) then the same way home. But, I wanted water on the way home so I went up 5600 W to the 7-11 instead of staying on the trail and then took Herriman Main past the cemetary to 6400 and back home through Hamilton park. A perfect 16 mile loop! I may have to use this one over and over. I really enjoyed it and it is uphill home, but it is as flat as miles come out here and I get to use Harmon's for my pit stop. Plus I can buy Daisy a  treat...AND she pulls me toward the ducks all around Daybreak Lake, so my pace is faster! hahaha

Angela met me at my house and we ran up the canyon to the yellow fork parking lot where her running group friends were meeting and then back down. She worked hard on the uphill, because she doesn't run uphill regularly. So she did have some walk breaks, but she really did a great job! We saw her group at the top and then they took off for their 18 mile run and we took off to go back to my house.. I loved the downhill roll, as usual. But earning that downhill is always sweeter. 

Then it was time to head off to Wolfpack preseason training. 

I always like to be the back of the pack...so they start and with Adam coaching he could be with the lead group. We go out for 12 minutes then turn and go back. I wait for the lead group to pass me on their way back so I'm again the last one in. I got back to the park at 2.8 so I took a little extra loop to round out to 3. I'm still slow compared to the kids, but my legs could handle a little more speed this week than last week and I ended up with my AP at 9:33 with hanging with the slowest kid on the way out.

It was a great finish to a great week! 

Adam didn't have school today so I got to sleep in and then go on a run with my boy! It started out slow and he was saying he should name the run "hard run for mom, easy run for me" - I told him to just call it "Easy run with mom" then it would cover all the bases. We did the SMH loop with the long way back. I tricked him into doing  the long way home by telling him I wanted more downhill miles :) It was fun to have him with me and by the time we got back home he said he would name the run "death run" hahaha, poor kid. I can still out pace him in distance. Not for long, but I'll take what I can. 

AP: 9:21

I did the Tuesday ten loop from my house. I was supposed to have company, but by late evening Monday everyone had cancelled. So, I did the loop from my house with just Daisy. I was impressed that without feeling like I was trying I hit a 9:42AP. Nothing incredible, but good enough for me. 

I then went to Tae Kwon Do class with Rachel Martinez and the 20 minutes I was waiting for them a full inch of snow accumulated on my car and the road. It was crazy! The weather was fairly decent while I was on my run, but I was doubly happy that I got up early and got it done after seeing what the storm REALLY brought. 

Kylee Brough had contacted me last week and we set up this day to run together! It was fun to see her after a few years. We chatted along and I was thinking we would do 4-6 miles, but we got carried away and before we knew it we were at 4 miles and we decided to turn around. Then we ran into Kandi on the JRP as we went back home. It was a wonderful morning and I was impressed with my AP of 9:33 and I was chatting the whole time!

I woke up to a message in the group that Kristyn was sleeping in and I was going to be solo on Shaggy Mountain. I was grumpy about it, but got up and did the full loop anyway. It was slow, but I just plugged along and had a good run. I'm kind of sore from Tae Kwon Do on Tuesday - so I got out and got it done! Sometimes that is all it takes. 

I did go to Tae Kwon Do again with Rachel and Alex again - it really is good cross training! I just don't want to pay for it. 

This run started out slow. I didn't want to do it. I wanted to go home and take a nap! So I just decided to start and go from there. One mile at a time. I started at Wheadon Farms and the weather was actually nearly perfect. 40ish degrees, just gloves and ear coverings and a long sleeve shirt. Little to no wind, which going around the point of the mountain is a HUGE win! I went 6 miles and got to Cabelas in Utah County. It was kind of fun and I want to explore even further than that some time! I then went back, but stopped at Maverik for GU, water and a treat for Daisy. Then I did my 6 mile loop from Wheadon Farms, but didn't go back to the car because of the side-trip to Maverik. It ended up as a great run and I felt strong when I was done and had reduced my AP from 10:05 at mile 11 to 9:55 at the end. So I had a nice fast finish. 

I did my Monarch Meadows 7 mile loop in the morning, after a nice rain storm, and it was again great weather. A little cold, but once you started running it was great. I couldn't believe the families out with little 8-10 year old kids playing soccer at the parks I ran by. I took the long way home and finished with 7.38 miles. 

Then it was time for Wolfpack. I dropped off Adam for his HS practice at Riverton track, then went to Draper Park. I ran 2.77 miles with Wolfpack and actually ended with an 8:20 mile for an AP of 9:11! I was warmed up and cruising. It was hard, but I don't want to admit that! I actually passed a couple kids on the way back and that was worth it :) 

I did my regular Monday route! I haven't for a while because of the muddy/snowy trails, but the weather has been warm and dry...so I tried it! I actually ran all the uphills and felt fairly strong doing so. I ended up going rather slowly, but it is all about how I feel! Then I hit the downhill and didn't push my pace, but enjoyed the roll! The run was over quickly and I truly enjoyed being out on the trails listening to my Marco Polo messages from Becca and Amy.

I had company on the run! Mandy and Chad started with me and although I wasn't able to totally keep up, I held on closely. Mandy turned at mile 3 and Kristyn caught up to us then. I was able to keep them insight for the next couple and actually got to run 1+ with Kristyn and chat. I was actually doing a decent pace AND talking. It was downhill, but still - it made me happy! I finished the route with an AP of 9:20, which for this route lately is a good pace. Someday I'll be able to break that 9mm barrier on this course again!

I met at Rachel's house and we did the 7 mile trail loop. It is so nice to be able to get back on the trails and have some decent warmth! There were still some big patches of snow on the trail that we had to posthole through or slip on the ice off the side of the mountain :) We met Lydia at mile 4 and ran the last few downhill miles with her and it was a wonderful time to chat with the ladies. I've been spoiled this week! 

Regular Shaggy Mountain Thursday, but again I got company! Mandy started with me and kept my pace decent on the first uphill miles. She did say that she was good to walk some of the hills last night, so I let my brain take over and walked some of the dirt hills. But I still kept a decent pace! Chad scared the crap out of Many around mile 4.5 as he ran by and caught up. I thought I had heard his footsteps and he was on her side, so I was lucky and didn't get the poop scared out of me! It was nice to have people to chase and run with and last week I missed my sub 8mm by 1 second, so I didn't let myself slack and pushed to hit it. I got it on my last full mile: 7:49! I was so excited, it has been a long time since I've run that fast. My AP was 9:51 for the run and now I have the goal to get my total time under 1:20 - I remember when I could easily hit sub 1:10 on this route...sigh. Someday, maybe. 

I met Kylee and Lydia to get some of this long run done, so it was nice to actually have some company. 

We were meeting at 14600S and JRP (not my choice, my 20 miler in March last year my car got broken into at this trailhead!), but at 9am and I got there shortly after 8. So with Daisy stops, I did 4.25 and went back to meet them. Lydia then did 3.5 out South with Kylee and me. But we continued on to 5 miles and turned and went back. I had a great time having company and chatting on the run! 

Then after dropping off Kylee and getting some fuel at the car, I went out for 6 more to complete my run. It was nice to only have to go 2.8 out! It seemed SO much less than 3 or even 5. I got it done and even got to walk some after to get to the car, so a nice cool down. 

As far as I know, my car didn't get broken into this time...but I didn't have my cards or wallet in there to take, so I guess if they got in they didn't want the dog food, blankets and water :) 

Went to athlecare afterward and had them release my high hammy and did the cold tubs. All in all a great long run! 

Got up despite being up until 1:30am and did my 7 mile Monarch Meadows loop. Daisy pooped right after heading back, so I had to take a re-run to the park to throw it away, so the loop ended up being 7.5. 

Adam was late getting ready to head out to Wolfpack, so we got there late, but I still got 2.5+ miles in to even out my mileage for the day. 

A good run all things considered.

Then I got to officiate at Timpanogos HS for USATF - my first time! yay! Unimportant, but a fun thing. 

Met Rachel at Wheadon Farms to get a fun run in and I knew the loop that would be a little longer. Luckily neither one of us got caught by the Animal Conrol officer who decided to come and patrol for off leash dogs between me getting there and her arriving! 

The loop ended up being 8.6 miles - much further than expected, but we got it done! Rachel had to run off and take Max to track practice, but I finished up the last .4 to get myself even mileage for the day. A 9:32 AP for the run wasn't too shabby - we did the hard way back along Porter Rockwell, so it was all uphill! 

Well a nice spring snow storm scared away the others, so I ran the loop from home by myself. Well, I did have Daisy, I've always got Daisy. I wasn't super fast, but faster than I normally am when I'm alone. I was also consistent with my pace, only 2 10+ miles so I can't be too upset. The roads and sidewalks were barely wet and there was little to no snow the entire way, until the last 1/4 mile! That plus my walking cool down turned me into a snowrunner and Daisy white. I'm grateful I got up and got it all done! AP: 9:42

Shaggy Mountain "catch me" game! I left first and then Mandy caught me at mile 1.6 and we ventured together until the top of mother hill where Kristyn caught us. Then we all enjoyed the downhill miles together. Even with the finishing portion of mile 7 being uphill and flat I still averaged 7:32 on the mile!! I was so impressed with myself. Then the next mile I hit at 7:49 without really trying...okay, I was, but not as hard as the previous mile. 

I finished in 1:18 - I haven't done this loop under 1:20 for YEARS. So I was pleased with myself. Maybe I really do have some speed left in me...somewhere. 

Now I'm off to Norway!