Sock tans

Tried to switch things up a bit. Went to Liberty and thought I'd try to run a faster mile. It didn't really work, at that effort I was at least expecting a 5:45 but got 6:03. Finished my run to 9.

Decided to switch to new shoes today. They feel great! We went up to park city on the trail by the stores. Bill gave us a lecture on positive thinking, I think it was mostly directed towards me but I needed it :) A positive attitude works wonders.

15 miles via Wasatch. I felt very run down and exhausted even by the 6 mile. It felt really long, but on the upside my legs feel tired. The good tired. On the radio they said that the weather is gonna be beautiful, especially as the inversion sets in. I laughed a little. Nice positive attitude guys!

Flagpole to Flagpole run, once we got to Presidents circle we zig-zagged up to the U track and did two laps, then up to 11th Avenue and a little past the fire station, then Shriners run back to the school. I felt so much better than I did on Saturday. It was relaxed at 7:58 average. Did my core (except instead of 3 sets of 20 push-ups like Bill wanted I shortened it to 3 sets of 15. At least I can do real push-ups now. But I did the rest right!)

Ran to Sugarhouse, workout was 6x800s. Each started with a downhill and ended uphill, going on the road from the top of Poker hill and ending at the top of the first hill at State. Then .25 recovery and back to the "finish" which was now the start and the next 800 was the opposite direction. My quads are kind of sore so the pounding on the downhill hurt a lot. I worked the flat and especially the uphills, effort wise it was a good workout. Times went 3:01, 2:58, 3:02, 3:00, 3:01, 2:57. Felt like I was gonna puke after the third one but worked through it. Maybe I shouldn't have had those barbecue chicken sandwiches for lunch, but why turn them down? Maybe I need to start watching what I'm eating. Now that I think of it I've had a lot of junk lately! Did my core!

I am SO. SORE. Like I could barely walk up and down the stairs at school without wincing. Oddly it's mostly my right quad, my left is still sore but doesn't hurt nearly as bad as my right. Ran down to Fairmont and did 10 strides, then to Liberty and did laps on the grass and back up 900 S. to the school. Then added to 11. It was relaxed, 7:57 average.

Ran to the school, then for the run we went to South Temple and down to T street, then Avenues run (stride up the hill to the next Avenue, turn left and recover down to the next street and zig zag up to 11th Avenue. Hills get steeper as you go.) Worked hard on those. Then we went up the hill to JCC and up the hill on the trail above JCC, took Legacy bridge way back to the school. Added to 12. I didn't realize how bad the inversion was until we got above it, you wouldn't know there are mountains across the valley cause they are completely covered by the polluted air. Gross. 

Ran to the track and did two laps then a mile speed changes, two laps then finished four more miles back to the school. First Track meet tomorrow!

Before we left for Utah State we did a 2 mile shakeout on VA Loop. Warmed up 2 miles with a few pick ups. Almost missed my race! So I didn't get to stretch like I wanted but oh well. Legs were a little tight to begin with. Race started quick, 800 was 2:35ish, felt fast but not like I was dying. I like died the last 400, should have worked it but I mentally crashed. It went by so fast. Time was 5:28. Half of the race I wasn't even thinking about what I was doing, I just sort of went out and ran it. Then when it got to the 5th and 6th laps I started to hurt and didn't want to. It's frustrating for me because I know I have to hurt. But for a first meet I'm happy with it, I know it's gonna be my slowest mile time of the year because I'm gonna keep improving. I'm going sub-5:20 at BYU in two weeks. Maybe even PR there!

After cheering on everyone else we went for a cool down, 2.25 miles. Then hung out and a while later warmed up a mile for the 3200. My knee had bothered me a bit in the mile and on the warmup so Bill massaged it. Then two strides. Ran in flats to make it easier on my legs. Bill had said to separate from the others fast so I did that. Ran a 79 first 400. First mile was 5:47. Then I knew I had a good gap and could back off a lot and still win. So that's kind of what I did. It was kind of a lonely 2 mile. I could have sworn I lapped everyone but somehow second place was 7 seconds behind me... Oh well. Time was like 12:20. Ha. That'll be my slowest of the year too. I'm not ever going above 12 in the 3200 again this year.

Cooled down a mile inside then went out with everyone for 2.25. Afterward we went to Maddox where we set the record for the most rolls eaten. The waiter said no one had made it past the 4th bowl. Challenge accepted! Most of the credit goes to Garek and Jakob, I'm impressed. Also congrats to Garek for 2nd in the 1600 and 1st in 3200.

2015 is gonna be a great year, I can feel it!

Well that was fun! Started out as a light rain, then turned into a light snow, then heavy snow, then HUGE snowflakes and it was really coming down, then finished with a light snow again. Ran to the school, then up Emigration canyon 6 miles and back. Added to 14. When it got really miserable I sort of just stopped thinking and sloshed along. 8:00 Average. Did my core.

Went to the oval today. Warmed up 8 laps, 4 laps speed changes then changed shoes. Then long way to the 1000 start. Workout was 5x1000s, almost 2 laps recovery between each. Times were 3:28, 3:29, 3:31, 3:36, 3:36. I was trying to hit 3:32-3:37 so it was a good workout. By the end my calves hurt and my legs were so heavy, I have to get used to working through heavy legs. One of Bill's friends happened to be there and he said I stayed relaxed throughout the workout so I think that's good. Cooled down to 12 and did my core when I got home.

Ran to the school, then we went up to Foothill and took it to the cemetery, then a lap and five hills, a lap and five more hills, then finished the lap and back the way we came. Added to 12. My knee started killing coming along Foothill the first time, it was weird cause it was my right knee instead of the left (which is the one I have had problems with). When we got to the bottom of the hill in the cemetery Bill massaged it and man it hurt but quickly felt much better. So just a tight muscle like my left knee. Focused on form on the hill strides, I guess I really swing my right elbow out. It felt weird bringing it back close to my side, took a lot of focus actually. Legs were beat coming down 900 S at the end. I'm going to bed early tonight.

Ran to Sugarhouse, to the tree by Highland (we all know which tree- THE tree. Haha so specific) and started our fartlek. 20 x 1 on / 1 off. My legs were tired today. Averaged 7:29 for 5.51 so not as good as I would have liked but I guess for how I was feeling it was okay. I felt like my ons were somewhat fast, I'd guess 6:30-6:40 pace then offs around 8:20-30. I did recover quickly breathing wise, I'd have like 30 seconds left when I was ready to go. I guess I could have pushed a little on the offs when I was feeling recovered to try to get back to Bill but eh. Ran back to East and added to 11. On the cool down my left knee hurt. Rolled out and did my core, maybe I'll ice later.

Ran to the school, then we went up to the zoo and along Wasatch to Thunderbird, to the fountain on foothill and along Foothill to 1300 S, down to 1900 E and over to 900 S back to the school. Added to 11. I was in the lazy-and-dont-want-to-run mood (AKA my nap was delightful and I hated waking up from it) until we got to the zoo then the run was actually quite enjoyable. Did my core. Looks like I'm doing the polar plunge tomorrow... Brrr.

We got very little warmup, maybe a mile. Then like .25 we figured for strides after waiting forever for them to open the gate... We ended up jumping the fence while everyone else waited. I think that's how I cut myself...

Well the race spread out pretty fast, I was definitely not warmed up enough. The first mile practically was the warm up. Once Bill gapped me it pretty much stayed the same until the turn onto the trail. That turn was so sharp, it kind of annoyed me. But what can you do. Mile was 6:10 on my garmin (where they had the mile marked it was totally wrong.) Once on the trail there were lots of turns, I was pretty much alone at this part. One guy came up around the two mile and I stayed with for a bit, then he passed me. Two mile was 12:47 (6:37). Finally the 3 mile came, was a little disheartened when I saw it was over 19. Down to the finish my garmin said I finished at 5:31 pace...yay. Now because my garmin is very unreliable when it comes to the hundredths of a mile my splits could very well be faster, my garmin read 3.04 when Michelle's read 3.1 (we ran the course as a cool down to get a second reading and both got the same thing.) regardless, my overall time should be correct.

Overall I pushed myself and that's really all that mattered. This took the place of our tempo run. Cooled down until I hit 10 for the day. Afterwards, we did the polar plunge! Definitely a one time thing. They cut a hole in the ice at Utah lake, inserted a shark tank so that it's safe, and we jumped in and froze.

Drove up to Cedar City today and went for a run with Angie and another recruit. Calves were really tight, 7:31 average. The girls on the team are really fun and super nice!  

Late night practice when I got home (Bill is awesome like that- he arranges practice so I can make it) out at the oval. 8 laps warmup, 4 laps speed changes then changed shoes, another lap and to the mile start. Workout was a mile (not 1600), then 3 sets of 4x300s with recovery back to the start between each, a lap between sets. I was supposed to hit 5:40 for the mile but hit 5:44, then 60s for the 300s and hit 1)  60, 60, 60, 61. 2) 62, 61, 57, 59. 3) 57, 56, 58, 58. I sort of ate muddy buddies in the car, maybe not the best thing to eat before a workout. Really made me sick, on literally every repeat I felt I was gonna puke. I hate puking so I was holding back a bit, mentally I think it was getting to me the second set, then Bill made a comment about needing to hit these to break 5:20 on Saturday and I decided I didn't care if I puked anymore. I'm kinda surprised I got myself to turn things around but happy about it. And bonus- I never did puke. Cooled down to 12. Did core at home.

Ran to the school, then did Shriners run and down to city creek , following the road up past the Capitol building. Then went to Victory Road and down it, then along some other road to South Temple, then up a bit until we missed a light so we went through Temple Square and zig zagged a bit downtown and eventually got to Liberty, going up 900 S and added in the teacher parking lot to 15. I had never run down Victory road before or past the Capitol, and I've never run through temple square before. Kind of fun to run right by the temple though! 2 hours 9 seconds for the run, 8:01 average pace. Did my core.

Ran to Sugarhouse, did strides at the start of State, then did cemetery run with a lap in the cemetery, but kept going up to a coffee shop when we exited the cemetery so I could stop for a quick bathroom break. We ended up getting bagels too :) I can say I know how to multi task, running and eating a bagel at the same time! But that bagel was good and satisfied my hunger. Then took that road a while until we got to the bridge part and went down and up the hill, getting to 2100 S and going down to 1900 E, taking it to Harrison and to 1700 E making me want to go home. Then took 1700 E over to 900 S and back to the school, adding to 13. Did my core.

Ran to the school then we did VA loop + Cemetery run with 2 laps and back to East, adding a bit. 

When we got there we warmed up on the track for 7 laps, then did strides and such while waiting for my heat (7/7). I felt like I ate a bit too much, I have a hard time judging how much I really need to eat before a race/workout. We were in the bullpen for forever, I was able to do a few strides but even then they made us wait for like 5 minutes while the heat before us ran. Annoying. Another annoying thing: they made the faster people go on the back row. It actually worked to my advantage on the mile, but I was annoyed for people like Garek. I went out at 5:00 pace the first lap, slowed down to a 2:40 at the 800. I was with Mary at this point I think, I don't remember when but I passed her. Then she passed me back and so did a few other girls and I think mentally it got to me. I should have stayed up there, as soon as I was alone it was so much worse. Ended up with 5:37 (full mile), not happy with that. But you know I just said "okay that was awful but now I'm gonna focus on the 800." Went on a 2 mile cool down then later a 2 mile cool down with the team.

Can't remember how much warmup I did for the 800, but I did tons of strides cause they made us wait forever at the line again, but at least this time I had a straightaway I could stride on. I was on the back line. I had to remind myself this was an 800 not a mile. I forgot how fast it actually is. With like 300 left my arms were burning and I think I backed off a bit, I should have stuck with it. The last 100 I should have kicked it in more too and I let up a bit at the line like Bill has always said not to do. So those are things to work on. Was 10th overall with 2:28, was hoping to PR but for it being my first 800 of the year it was alright.

Did 1.5 cool down with Tresa and 2 with the boys, got back and took my time, went to the bathroom, then went back to our stuff and they called boys 2 mile. I froze for a minute, thinking I missed my race. I didn't but I missed the seeding. That was a panicked 5 minutes. Got it all sorted out and I shoved my spikes on and slapped my stickers on. I joined the girls just as they walked onto the track.

Was towards the back of the pack to begin with, but picked girls off the first 2 laps. Aubrey took the lead and had a good gap on us, Sam Hedquist was in second. I worked my way up to her and followed right behind for a bit, then decided I felt good and thought what the heck? So I passed her. Later Bill said that was a really good move because some other girl was coming up from behind and would have boxed me in. I stayed in second until 800 to go. Then it felt like everyone passed me. If I would have stayed in control I would have had a much better race. I need to get myself to be ready at all times to match. I did match well when Sam tried to pass me back a few times but it was like with 800 left I no longer had the Umph. Some freshman tried to pass on the inside the last straight, I went to the line so she couldn't but she went inside the line and still passed. I think I freaked her out a bit when I told her that was cheating, she went out to lane 3. I should have beat her but I wasn't pushing it in my hardest again. I was annoyed that the officials didn't catch her, but oh well she beat me fair and square. 11:55 for the full 2 miles, 7th overall. Was hoping for closer to 11:40 but I guess the 3200 would be closer to 11:50 so I wasn't that far off, and huge improvement from 2 weeks ago. And for coming pretty close to dreading the 2 mile after the 800 I'd say it was pretty good.

Cooled down 2 miles then felt nice so I went with Garek to finish to 3.25 (same with Bill and Diwas.) yay for being 6.25 miles over what was planned for this week :)

Double core and a small walk with my family, beautiful weather today!

AM:

3 out on Shriners run and back. I wanted to get 8 in but it was a struggle to wake up. I forgot how much I love morning runs, the only thing about them is it's dark until 7 right now (the sun rises at 7:45, or so google says) and waking up early is not easy for me. But I want to start up the morning runs again, I just need to find a buddy. 7:57 average.

PM:

Hurried home and did VA loop, 4 miles. 7:15 average. First mile was slow (8:22) but the next 3 were fast (6:40, 6:58, 6:57.) Felt good.

Workout at the oval, 8 laps warmup and 4 laps speed changes. It was odd not having the boys there, but it was alright. Workout was originally 4x800s but I didn't hit my time on the third one. I finished the 4th and thought I was done but Bill made me do another one. I got mad and took it out fast. Yay. No I was actually glad he made me do another one even though I was mad about it at the time. Coach just wants whats best for me. I was supposed to hit 2:45-2:50, I hit 2:45, 2:46, 2:57 (yikes), 2:49, 2:47. I was tired.

On another note, went to UVU for an official visit. Now I'm stressed cause I really don't know how I'm gonna decide where I go. I was pleasantly surprised with UVU. I can really only compare it to SUU and I liked both. I'm gonna weigh out the pros and cons and perhaps go on more visits. Maybe then I'll have a better idea or another one will stick out more.

Good run, we went up to foothill and over by the freeway and took the trail over to Tanner Park, then went to Sugarhouse and along 1300 S to East. Mile splits were 9:17, 8:20, 8:03, 8:01, 7:34, 7:47, 7:24, 7:22, 7:09, 7:14, 7:30. So 7:48 average. I'll do core later. Knee was aggravated on all the uphills, felt fine on downhills. If I drove my knee up it wouldn't hurt, but going up the small hill on 13th no matter how I stepped it hurt. I'll also roll that out later.

Ran a mile towards the school then Olivia drove by so I got a ride for the next half mile :) we went Shriners run for 4 miles and turned back. 7:49 average for the part with the group, I sorta had to reset my garmin cause the memory was full. Bill took a look at my knee and massaged it, it's a little inflamed and there's a nice little knot. It warmed up after drills, it had hurt the mile to the school.

We got to the oval and I was worried I wouldn't have enough warm up but I was fine. I got in 3 or 4 laps, not sure. I did a lot of strides and jogged on the curve for a bit while we waited for the timers to be ready. Calling it 1.5. Finally they started the first heat. I was in the second, kind of glad I was.

I had a crappy start, I was literally in the worst spot all the way out in lane 4 and on the back row. So I was in lanes 2 and 3 the whole first lap. I slowly made my way up, I was at the back of the pack coming through the 400. It was a 76. So a bit quick, but I liked it. Then made my way up to like 5th, we were all right there. Coming through the 800 it was a 2:37, all I heard was Bill yell "perfect." Then I really started to get pumped, I knew I was gonna get a good time. And I felt good. Mary made a move at one point, I saw her and did not want to let her go. I felt like the group was slowing down too, so I swung out to lane 3. That was actually kind of hard to do, I had to slip through the tiny gap between girls. Once I got out I took the lead, and I thought "Well, I'm just gonna go for it." I had a gap on everyone with 400 to go, by now I was starting to lose steam. 100 meters left the first girl caught up and passed me. Then the next. Probably 5 girls out kicked me in the last 100. I wasn't giving it my all, kind of embarrassing but I was trying to focus on not peeing my pants (I sort of had 2 waterbottles full of water during my last period and 3 before that in my earlier classes). So yeah I guess I "gave up." Man.

Overall I'm happy with it, I was hoping to PR but it's still improvement and the best I have done in indoor. And it's still early, and I was only 1.5 seconds off. I think I could have worked a little harder the last 200 meters, I started to back off around there. I kind of feel like I made a fool of myself cause I had a good gap and got caught. But it felt good to be in front. Did about 2.5 cool down.

In the morning I ran the winter series SLC Track club 5k out at Saltaire. It was really windy, so coming back absolutely sucked. I probably could have worked the last mile a little harder but gave a good effort. Used it as tempo. 20:15, 6:32 average. I think everyone's times were slow because of the wind. 3 miles warmup and 4 miles cool down. 

Then realized I had to do 10 more miles! So I went over to the oval and hopped into the 3200 last minute. 4 miles warmup and half mile of strides. By then I was getting tired and all I really wanted to do was take a nap. I took a 5 minute one until 5 minutes before the race started.

I was towards the back of the pack coming onto the first curve. First 400 was an 80. Then settled a bit, first mile 5:40-5:41. When Mary passed me I should have gone with and settled into her pace instead. I wasn't thinking very positively that last mile, I thought I was dead last and barely hanging on. And another mile just seemed so long even though it's not. But I made myself work through it, I was determined not to completely die. I thought for sure I would be over 12 minutes but I wasn't! The last 100 I outkicked Sam (thinking I was last motivated me a bit). I had picked it up a bit with 300 left but I wouldn't call it a kick.

Then did a 2.5 mile cool down, unfortunately couldn't finish the last mile because I had to hurry to work. It was a lovely 5.5 hour shift. And it wasn't an ice skating competition like I had hoped. It was 2 college hockey games which meant we were super busy and also meant standing the whole time. Yaaaaaayyy. Okay we did get a 20 minute break. That was nice.

I was tired. Really tired. I think I'm still worn out from Saturday. Maybe I need to eat more, fast Sundays tend to drain me. But it's Monday! You'd think I'd feel fine by now.

Anywho, one mile before towards the school, then to Sugarhouse, 4 state hill loops, up to that tree, 5x1 minute on/off fartlek. Then up to like 2000 E and zigzagged a bit to Foothill and VA loop back to the school. I cut out the mile in the cemetery cause I was tired and running just wasn't feeling good like it normally does. I'm drained of energy. Now that I think of it I haven't taken iron for a week or so... Hmmm. Did my core. 8:02 average.

Ran to Liberty and took long way to the fountain. Then went over to where the hundred marks are and did a mile of speed changes. Then went to the mile mark and started our workout, 6x800s. I misunderstood what Bill said and thought he meant I had to hit 2:30-2:35. That'll come later in the season, for right now 2:45-2:50. Splits were 2:41, 2:40, 2:43, 2:44, 2:44, 2:44. Towards the end I was close to losing it. But I gutted it out even though I was thinking super negatively. Maybe if I was more positive I would have done better... Something to work on. Cooled down to 12. Did core and the "easy" things at home.

I need to be more positive. Was not thinking positively today at all. Time to turn that around, I'm gonna kill the workout tomorrow. It's gonna be hard but imma hit the pace!

 We went to Fairmont and did 10 strides. We dropped to Liberty where Bill surprised us (or me) and told us we were doing a mile 30 seconds slower than current race pace. So 5:49. I hit 5:55. Then we were to do an 800 at the average of yesterday's 800s. Mine was 2:52 (shooting for 2:43). Then a 400 at 75. I hit 78. Then cool down to 13. Legs are tired. Knee hurt at the beginning but warmed up, hurt again but a weird hurt on the cool down. Did core.

It wasn't the workout I was expecting but it was still a good one. Track warmup around the school then distance skipped team drills today and went up to the track to do our bleacher drill laps. 6 of those. They actually were kind of tiring, at least going up and down the bleachers. Then went up to the zoo and did flagpole run to Foothill drinking fountain. 8 miles (of the 8.6 mile run) along flagpole run were 7:44 average pace, the middle 5 miles we stayed around 7:25 pace. Granted some of that we had wind to our backs but some we were running against it (tried drafting, it kind of worked in some spots but others I was either too far back or just wasn't working. Was nice when it did work though!) The first two miles were slow, last one was average. Back at the track we did 4x300s with about a minute recovery to the start line. By then my legs were dead. But I still worked them. 56, 60, 59, 58. Then half mile cool down to the school. Did my core.

Ran to the school, then we went Legacy Bridge way up to the trail and took it to JCC and up JCC until just before the elbow and turned, heading back the same way. I'm kind of sore. It was really windy. But also temps are in the 60s! This is crazy, it's February! I hope this doesn't mean summer is gonna be unbearably hot but it probably does. No more inversion! The view was clear for once, I think I take the landscape/scenery here for granted sometimes. Not today, it's beautiful! 
I've been really worn out the past week, but I know right now is the time to be tired. Soon I'll be used to it (ish) and when we start to back off I know my times will come down. I also know I have to work my hardest right now, I have 3.5 months left. And I've decided I need to break 5 by April, and the only way to achieve that is by working 10 times harder than I ever have. So bring it on.

Good run today, we started on the south side of the Parleys bridges and went along Wasatch. Shout out to Garek and Bill for blocking the wind for me! We ran the whole thing into the wind. Well except for the last 2 miles? Did my core. 

AM:

VA loop - 4 miles before school. Calves were a little tight. 

PM:

Went to the oval for speed. 7 laps warmup (we miscounted), 4 laps speed changes. Then changed shoes and did another lap and to the mile start. I was supposed to be 5:34 or under (15 seconds slower than this seasons PR). I was a 5:37. So 1600 would've been around 5:35, so I really wasn't that far off. But, I still should have hit it. Splits for that were 82, 2:45 (83), 4:11 (86), 5:37 (86). Then an 800, Bill wanted me to go 81, 78-79 so 2:39-2:40. I went 82, 79 (2:41). Then we did 6x400s except I thought we were doing 4x400s. Surprise! 2 more than I thought. Times went 79, 75, 75, 78, 74, 73. Cooled down to 11. Did core at home.

Ran to the school then with the group ran down to Liberty and we went long way to the fountain. Then we did 2 laps of fireman which was kind of a 3 mile tempo run for me (boys are fast). It was about 6:50 pace. Then long way back to the school and added to 10. Hips are a little sore, knee has been bothering me a bit so I rolled out when I got home. Did core as well.

We ran up to the U track and did 6 J's which was essentially 200s with 200 recovery continuously. Then did some stride things and took Shriner's run back to 13th. We tried to combine choir and running, not so sure we sounded good but Mulan is great anyday. Then Garek gave us a detailed tour of the neighborhood around East... Who needs those sightseeing buses anyway? Added to 10 for the day. 

Said goodbye to some of my favorite people today... their family is moving to Washington. :(

Ran to the school then those of us racing tomorrow went up to Sunnyside and did some strides and an 800, then did a lap and down to the track and did 2 miles of speed changes, then up to Guardsman and over to 500 S to 1200 E and came up behind the school then added. 9.5 total. It's hot for being only February. Funny how in the summer this would be seen as cold...

Warmed up for 6 laps then did 4 laps speed changes. Then strides at the line.

I was at the back of the pack (fastest heat, had the choice between second heat or first and decided I wanted to go with the faster girls) but was still a 75 first 400. Maybe a little fast for what I was shooting for but that's not the thing I'd change most. That was my second lap - it sucked. I just settled behind Mary and Millika, I had thought they would pull through around an 80. It was a flipping 85. It did feel slow but I didn't think much of it at the time. Third lap when I heard I was a 2:40 at the 800 I nearly panicked, but reminded myself that I didn't need to make it all up in the next lap. I did pick it up and as girls went out in lane 2 on the backstretch to pass I slipped in on the inside staying relaxed. Then on the straight coming up on our last lap I decided I wanted to push the pace. So I picked it up. Then 400 left I really started to move (maybe it was earlier idk) and felt what it was like to kick (ish). I think third lap had been an 80. Passed a pack of girls. 200 left I started to fade. 100 I tried to sprint, I probably could've given a little more. Got outkicked by one right before the line. Last lap was around 78, so not really that impressive but I'll work on it. At least I negative split last 800.

Overall happy with it, I would have loved to PR but I'm getting closer. Less than a second. I'm headed in the right direction. I really want to get to 5:10 in indoor so I want to do the mile at Simplot but Bills pushing for the 2.

Cooled down two miles. Warmed up a mile like 3 hours later.

There really weren't many fast girls running the 3200. Winner was around 11:30. I should have won I was right there... First lap was like 82 so right on. I had settled behind a girl and next lap was 86. Took the lead cause that was too slow but next lap was still an 86. It just got worse from there. Came through the mile at 5:41. Then with a couple laps left a girl passed and so did another one. Then they gapped me and another one passed. A lap left I tried to kick but I guess I didn't have it in me. Or I didn't want it enough. Second mile was shameful. Finished with 11:49 meaning I ran a 6:08. I should have gone with that girl, I would have at least been 11:30 something.

Cooled down to 10. Shout out to the Lehi boys who ran a lap cool down with us, and to Diwas for setting a PR in both the 1600 and 3200! Chris ran really well in both too! Much improvement for our team.

Was supposed to do the 10k today and am kind of mad I didn't. I sort of slept in by accident, turns out when I thought I was setting my alarm for a different time I completely turned it off... It was a pretty late night last night.

So out and back on Shriners run by myself. Random thought of the day- if the boys from Forever Strong really ran up past the cemetery on 11th Avenue they definitely ran more than 4 miles. #lies

Felt pretty good, just stayed relaxed. The view was beautiful, as always.

Workout at the oval today. Normal warmup - 8 laps and 4 laps speed changes. We did 2x200s which I hit both in 34, then 4x400s and I hit 74, 73, 77, 75. Then we were supposed to do an 800. Well it didn't exactly go as planned, I guess I just didn't want to hurt. I came through the 400 at about 82 then died. 2:49. Yikes. Then I changed back into trainers and started cool down. Bill was waiting at the 800 mark. I immediately knew. I wasn't getting away with that. I was by myself this time. Came through 400 in about an 83. Finished in 2:48. Then started cool down again, Bill running with me and giving me a pep talk. I didn't like having him mad at me or being mad at myself. So I decided to do another one, much more motivated than I was before. Changed back into flats. This time I just told myself I needed to hit that 80 first lap then kick. I surprised myself and actually went 76, finished with 2:35. And I did it alone! Then cooled down for real this time doing an extra lap. Did my core!

I wasn't really thinking and ran down to the school. Turns out we're supposed to be resting up for Simplot which meant we were planning for only 6 today but Bill says it doesn't matter much cause my best race will be Saturday. But don't be fooled! I'm still gonna PR on Thursday! 2 extra miles can't have hurt much can it? Anywho we did VA loop to the cemetery and did a lap and 5 hill strides then back to East along 1300 E. Our pace was quicker in some spots, the downhill mile (500 S) was 6:57 and 3 other miles were under 7:25. But averaged out to be 7:31 for the 6 with the group, 7:45 for all 8. Did my core!

Went up to the track, did 2 laps warmup, then 2 laps of speed changes, 3 laps of Js, and another lap of speed changes and cooled down to 3.5. Felt really good, ready to kill it tomorrow!

Got in 3 miles warmup plus strides and drills. I started fast with a 33 first lap and was in good position but felt good so I kept it going. I battled in the middle and faded towards the end. Overall happy with it because it's Prelims. I learned what I needed to and know what I need to work on and will give my all in finals. Did 1.5 cool down before heading back home.

Did 3.25 with some pickups in the middle.

Did a mile warmup plus some strides on the ramp before heading onto the track. Then did 2 more strides before we had to go to the line. I didn't get a great start and was in the back, made my way up to the front gradually. Came through the 400 at 79 and 800 around 2:40. Then I made a move in lap 5 and got to the front. I didn't want to kill it from 800 to 1200 and die so I tried to relax. Then with 400 left I was trying to kick, in the last 100 I got outkicked by two. Got to work on that. I thought it was kind of fun that I used two different strategies for simplot, instead of a 2:31 800 I relaxed and negative split. I will think it out more. Happy with it, PR'd by .22 of a second! Would have liked to be at least under 5:15 but I raced the race and that's what matters. Cooled down 2 miles and then 4.25 more later. Shout out to Bill who ran 5:03 in the coaches mile and showed me how to kick! Now he's gotta work hard to break 5, he was so close! :) Calculated wrong so right before we left I ran a half mile to get to 40 for this week. It's been forever since I've dropped this low.... Time to build back up again.

Good run today, we went Shriners run to city creek and dropped down to South Temple then came back along 1300 E. 7:16 average. I'd say that's pretty good considering it was a hilly and windy run. The wind is absolutely crazy today! This morning it was kinda scary, supposedly like 60+ MPH (I don't actually know how fast it was but it was strong enough to blow me over a few feet). Luckily it died down a bit in time for our run but in some parts it was tough. We started out slow then picked it up a lot. Slowest mile was 8:33 (first mile up 900 S) and fastest was 6:14 (coming down Memory Grove - mile 7). At that point I was with Bill and Chris, started struggling up South Temple. As we got closer to 1300 E and as it got steeper I started to fall back. They got stopped at the first light on 13th and I caught up then stayed with the rest of the way. I'll do my core later.

Ran to Sugarhouse and went over to the top of Poker hill, we did 6x800s on the road to the top of the first hill at State. Then back again for the next one. Bill said I had to beat him on three of them or else I'd have to do another one so I made sure I did. The last one I was close to beating him a fourth time, he had a good gap and I really tried to close it (he had said to outkick him, cause we're still working on getting me a good kick.) But he still beat me on that one. Between each we had a quarter mile recovery. Times were slower because of the hills and wind and it was more off of effort than anything. I worked pretty hard so it was a good workout. Back to East and added to 11. Did my core!

Shout out to the basketball boys for a good game today! (Even though they will probably never see this...) I expected Olympus to crush us so my friends and I were iffy about going but it was actually the best high school basketball game I have been to! Huge shout out to Dacian Spotted-Elk for shooting the 3-pointer that pulled us into overtime, that turned into double overtime. Random fact- I had Physics with him last year and he probably graded at least 40 of my quizzes/tests. Garek, you won't get to fully appreciate the weirdness and stupidity of that class because you're taking it ONLINE. Lame. 

Got my brother to come to track today! If only he had joined our freshman year... It's alright just a few years late! Lets hope he sticks with it this time he quit after 3 days last year. Anywho, ran to the school then after warmup and drills we went up 900 S to the crosswalk at Sunnyside just before Military and did a full lap around Sunnyside then down to the track. Then did 7 bleacher/drill laps, wall sits and 6 hill strides on the asphalt hill. Then did VA loop and a lap in the cemetery and back to the school. I was tired, perhaps it was my inconsistency with my vitamins/iron this week. And maybe I was dehydrated. Plus legs are tired from yesterday.

Today we did more drills than normal, then Bill, Chris, Tresa, Anderson and I went for a run. We did Shriners run, Bill, Chris and I went out 4 and back then added 2 laps around the school to get to 9. We got some more snow today :) Now warm up again please cause I don't want the 15k to be miserable like a couple years ago. I'm gonna get new shoes soon, looks like they're past their mileage. I'm surprised I don't feel pain in my knees. I guess my left knee was bothering me a bit during drills but it warmed up like it always has and probably has nothing to do with needing new shoes.

Ran to the school then did track warmup and drills plus we added a couple circuits. Then we went up to the track, 2 miles of speed changes, VA loop back to the school then added to 8. Did my core at home.

We got in 2.5 warmup along the road. I had to rush to the line so didn't have time to get up in the front but I was fairly close.

I didn't really have any goals for it other than be under 7:00 average. So I went out what felt a little quicker than 6:40 first mile but it was 6:08 (it's gotta be that track speed!) After the initial shock of that I slowed down because I was scared I'd completely die if I kept going that fast. Splits after that were 6:42, 6:53, 6:53, 6:55, 7:03, 6:58, 7:04, 6:57, and closed at 6:39 pace. My garmin had it a little longer than 15k (9.34 miles instead of 9.321) but that's probably because of my start and not cutting tangents like Bill always says to do, oops. I did in some places though! The wind was to our backs going out the first half and coming back we were running against it. But it wasn't that bad. Out of curiosity I checked my 10k split and it was 42:02 so not bad.

Overall I'm happy with it, did better than I was expecting and feel stronger. Now that I have some food in me I feel much better, afterwards I crashed bigtime. Luckily after the cool down though :) Which was 4.4 miles. Was the 5th woman and 1st in my age group so yayyyy. 

AM:

4 miles before school

PM:

2 laps warmup and drills, then distance went down to Liberty and went long way to the fountain, then over to the 400 marks and did a mile of speed changes, then went to the mile mark and did 2x800s. Bill and I switched shoes (we're pretty close in size but these were actually pretty big) cause my knee/quad started to hurt. It was a weird change cause his felt heavier and were a way different feel, like rolled you to your toes more. First 800 was 2:45, then we switched back our shoes and next one was 2:37. I think I'm starting to get what a real kick is! I think the last one I got frustrated because the wind was getting stronger so for some reason that motivated me to outkick Bill...go figure. Happy that the rain/snow waited until after we ran the 800s! Shout out to Diwas for PR'ing in the workout...twice!!

Then we went back up to the track going around to the fountain then added an extra mile to get to 10. Did my core!

Ran on the snowy trails behind Weber State, of course it waited to snow in March instead of January/February. Jk we needed it and it was pretty, but made the run more difficult. Legs felt heavy.

I came across a video of my race at Simplot, feel free to check it out. Sort of fun cause I've never seen a video where I'm visible almost the whole time. It's still fresh in my mind and still get mad about the finish. But we move on and don't let it happen again! 

http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?video_id=134952

Two laps warmup, stretching and drills, then we had a time trial! It was shorter distances this year, 100, 800, 300 meters in that order. I did the 800 and 300, went out hard in the 800 and then cramped up second lap and honestly just tried not to slow down so much that I was crawling. I think maybe the cold contributed to that. So first lap was a 71, which means second was 77-78, yikes. It was a high 2:28. It was windy and cold and also hard cause I was alone. I guess it was alright for only being a time trial :) Also I was slipping a lot because turns out I was missing a spike, literally in the most needed spot for my stride (I do this little thing with my foot subconsciously and without a spike there I didn't have much power.) then the 300 I went out at a pace I felt good at then the last 100 Ellie was just a little ahead of me so I kicked and won that heat! Time was 47 seconds. Then we went for 8 miles and at the end 6 burnouts - 100 meters as hard as you can and 100 meters recovery, continuous. It was a good workout.

2 laps warmup and drills, then did 4 more laps and down to the asphalt hill where we did 8 hill strides. I worked those pretty hard. Then we did 6 miles (VA loop and 2 laps in the cemetery, then added at the track) and did 8 burnouts. I worked those really hard too. I'm feeling more energized lately, maybe cause my colds finally headed out the door. It's about time it has lasted two weeks! Cooled down to 11.25, got new shoes so tomorrow I get to wear them! This is the farthest I have run in a single pair of shoes... Yeah my feet were starting to feel the impact.

On a more positive note, I'm feeling strong and my speed is good, I now am beginning to believe I am capable of breaking 5:00 in the 1600. A month ago I had a desire but was iffy about whether or not I could actually accomplish it. Bill has been a huge help and has told me a hundred times he thinks I can. Now I can see it happening, and my desire is 10x stronger. I have been approaching practices differently and really want to do all I can to make sure I break it!

We did 8 laps warmup and 4 laps speed changes then headed to Rite Aid for a bathroom break. Then back to the track and changed shoes and did two more laps. Workout was 5x1000s. I hit 3:32, 3:36, 3:36, 3:37, 3:37. I think I could have done better. My right calf started to hurt yesterday on the cool down (it cramped up) but I didn't think much of it. Today after warmup it steadily got tighter and tighter until the last two repeats I was limping for the first 25 meters trying to stick to Bill. It would warm up a little in the middle but could still feel it. Then I'd stop and it would tighten up again, so starting recovery laps wasn't so fun. Then cooled down to 12, the last half mile I practically hobbled. Then Bill massaged it out, I think I actually cried cause it hurt so bad. I destroyed the water bottle gripping it so tight. It was way worse than even my IT bands were a while ago. So now I'm icing it. I gotta get it under control.

Prayers for Lilly Randall (Olivia and Clara's younger sister), she got bit by a dog yesterday on her way to school. I don't know how she's doing right now, but as of last night she was in surgery.

We had a debate about the color of my shoes. They're BLUE not gray. :)

Ran with Bill and Natalie! Got some good advice from Nat about college! We started at Wheeler farm and ran around there for a bit then did a loop I've never run before and still don't know where we went. It was a nice run, the only bad part was the huge hill. The worst part about it was when a group of people walking down the hill told us we should be sprinting up it. Around mile 10 my calf really tightened up, it was fine up until that point. Maybe the hill aggravated it. So last two miles weren't awesome. But good run otherwise! And it means I just have to keep icing and massaging and it will be just fine. It hurts less than yesterday!

I'm happy to announce that I have committed to SUU! Signing day is April 15!

2 miles warmup, 1 mile speed changes then changed shoes and did another lap. Workout was 1600, 3 sets of 3x400s. We had 2 laps recovery after the 1600 and 1 lap between sets, standing recovery during sets (I think equal recovery, we just went when Bill said.) My 1600 wasn't so hot, 5:47-5:48. I was supposed to be under 80 for every 400. Mine went 

1) 76, 78, 77     2) 79, 78, 76    3) 78, 77, 77.

Then we cooled down 2.25. Got me to 10.5 including the 2 team warmup laps. Happy with the workout, I would have liked to see the 1600 be faster but otherwise it was good! The wind was strong so that was a bit tough but glad we worked through it cause you never know what the weathers gonna be like on race day! 

Calf felt fine! I put on Icy Hot so maybe that helped it but it's feeling much better. Can still feel it a little but it's definitely improving.

Track warmup then distance went for our run. I like watching sprinters faces when we tell them how far we are running today. And when we put it in perspective, such as "you see that U up on the mountain? We are headed to a trail that'll take us right by it." Joey looked at us like we were crazy. Maybe we are...just a bit.

I felt pretty good, going up by the fence I fell back maybe 100 meters cause my calves didn't like the hill (jk that was the one part I didn't work hard enough) at the first part of the trail I got lost in thought then took the wrong way when it forked (I don't even remember there being a fork in the trail...) I realized my mistake when the trail disappeared and I almost fell off the side of the mountain. Then I heard my name called, yeah I was way lower than I was supposed to be. So I scaled the mountain until I found the right trail and continued onward, the boys were nice enough to wait for me :) I made sure to stay with them the rest of the way. It was a good run, I think we kept a pretty good pace. It was hot. How do we survive summer when 65 degrees feels like it's burning? Maybe it wasn't exactly the heat but how dry it is. I'm sure in a couple months I'll laugh at how I thought 65 was hot. 

Today was the first (and last) meet at East! Man no more races at our track for me. Stupid Football. But I won't go into that right now.

Warmed up 1.25 plus I'm counting all the strides I did today as .25. Bill switched the 2 mile to the front (Yay!) so I did that first. It was super windy and was hard to battle through, Diwas isn't that great to draft off of (he's a lot smaller than me). Well I won it (for girls) but my time was slow, 12:01. Dang. I can do better than that, especially once I do it at an invitational. My last mile sucked. I know I'm ready to PR in the 3200, I just need to prepare more for it. I can be consistent when I focus on it and want it.

I cooled down/warmed up a half mile plus more strides.

I was happier about the 1600, I ran 5:31. That wind was brutal, especially on the last lap. It was literally like I hit a wall, it felt like I wasn't moving. I still think I could have run faster, I slipped the last 800. It's hard though with no competition. Would have liked it to be closer to 5:20 but it was alright, I worked and that's what matters.

Then I cooled down / warmed up for the medley, 1.5 miles.

I did the 800, I'm pumped because we can realistically qualify for state on time! State qualifying is a high 4:25, we got 4:41 and all of us went slower than normal. I went 2:33, I can knock at least 8 seconds off there (I was getting tired). The wind was still pretty brutal. Our sprinters can all go faster too, so I'm excited!

Cooled down a half mile.

Team warmup then we did Thunderbird Flagpole run. When we got back we did 6 burnouts, I was tight and it took a couple for me to loosen up and run them as hard as we were supposed to. It was a good run though. Calf is 95% better, it still doesn't like calf raises. Finished to 10 for the day.

Ran to the track and was just in time for drills! Then we went up to Sunnyside, a lap and back, then down to the asphalt hill and did 6 of those. Next we did 4x400s at goal mile pace, so 75s for me. I hit 73, 73, 74, 74. Then we did 6.25 cool down. I did it all in flats so by the end my legs were pretty beat. I was happy with my 400s, now to do it with no recovery...

Ran a 10k starting at the Capitol building to city creek and up the canyon aways then back down and down memory grove to the stairs. I didn't realize how far up we had to go. I should've expected it but after about a mile and a half up the canyon I started to struggle. Managed to hang on until the turnaround, took me about .25 to recover fully from the uphill and let myself go. After that I knew I was fine, started passing a few guys. I felt like I was going pretty fast, my last 3 miles were a couple seconds over 6:00 (last one 6:00 exactly) and kicked in the last bit at 5:22 pace. But it was obviously that downhill. Not too happy about my time, 42:53. I slipped a ton on the uphill. But maybe it was just a slower course. My legs were a little heavy from yesterday so that could have contributed to it. Got in a good tempo though that's for sure.

Then for the cool down I didn't realize quite what I was getting myself into. I had expected just to go to 65 for this week which meant like 6 miles cool down. But nope! Angie and Jayden met up with us after the race for their run. We went back along the course and up the canyon until we hit 2 miles, I fell back a bit. Then down memory grove to the finish. I thought I'd look for some chocolate gold coins (Bill said they threw some during the race) and came back with two handfuls! Then we did a large loop thing first going down victory road or whatever. Idk the rest. Towards the end I struggled to just keep going, I was super dehydrated and hadn't had anything other than a piece of toast and two pieces of candy to eat. And my legs were getting tired but that wasn't really the problem.

I guess even though I felt like crap it was a good day, got my miles and a tempo run in and ran the farthest all at once I have ever gone. Granted we had a bit of a break between the finish and cool down but still... Ah great I'm a mile short.

Track warmup then a mile warmup and a mile speed changes, then another lap. Girls did 2x400s because of the race tomorrow and boys did more (they don't race until Wednesday.) I was supposed to hit between 70-73. I hit 69, 72-73 (my watch didn't stop). Then cooled down. 

Idk how much warmup I got, I'm guessing a mile plus strides.

I got an okay start, settled behind the pack. Then the second lap I felt them slow down so I continued at my pace and luckily an opening came in lane one so I took the lead. Then tried to just relax that third lap, and then the last came and knew I needed to kick. At some point two Davis girls passed me, I'm not exactly sure when. I should have fought them off. I think it was closer to the beginning of the last lap but I'm not certain. Then the last 150 meters I knew the Davis girls had too large of a gap on me and was sort of just trying to hold position. 50 meters left I could hear Maddy coming up and told myself to stick it out. But my legs! It was like I couldn't move them any faster. She barely got me. I'm quite discouraged. I wanted a faster time, I was hoping to qualify for state (5:13). I know I've been improving but it's so minimal. I was really hoping for a jump. But, when Tomy was here he said you always have to be happy with a PR. So I guess I am.

About a mile and strides in between. 

Then the 800 was next, the first lap girls went out so fast. I honestly feel like my first 200 meters I was half working half getting myself in race mode. I was getting discouraged because gauging off of the other girls I thought I was going too slow. Came through the 400 at 70 so then I thought "oh, not too bad." Then I just tried to hold on. I passed a couple girls who obviously went out too hard. I think I could still have kicked harder. I think I need to work through the sprinting pain more than anything cause that's when I struggle. That burn though. 2:26.

Did some strides. 

I really don't want to think about my 3200 I wish it never even happened. But I'll use it as a learning experience I guess. To start off we went 81 then slowed to like 87. Yikes. So I took control. Then some girl fought me idk when I just thought I gotta hold her off. Finally we got to the curve and then I thought you know what? You can lead. I'll draft. That's my big mistake. She took the lead and then I tried to follow for maybe five seconds. Then mentally I just gave up. Came through the mile at 5:51 and immediately knew my time was gonna be terrible. My last 3 laps were 1:40, 1:32, 85. Hehe. Never. Again. Aubrey Argyle said "good job in the 3200!" I laughed and said a half hearted thanks. She had good intentions I'm sure. Time was 12:08.

Literally nothing between the 3200 and the 4x800. I went 74, 76 (2:30). My legs were heavy and I was tired.

No cool down either, haha. I think it was a good meet but I'm hoping to kill it at pine view. I know I can do better.

Sidenote: the Lehi guys are gonna have to let me know how that hurdler is doing. She wiped out really bad and they had to call paramedics.

I was jamming to my iPod and accidentally went over so I just finished to 11 :) ah well it makes Saturdays run shorter! Did my flagpole run loop and added VA loop and Shriners run. It was quite enjoyable, it reminded me of summer runs with the smells of barbecues and FOOD. Except for maybe the part where I looked down at the ground just in time to see the biggest rat I have ever seen and narrowly miss stepping on it... it scared the bajeebees out of me. I hope the boys did well at the race today!

Ran to the track, then we went to Sugarhouse and to the tree by highland and started a 10x1 minute on 1 minute off fartlek. The ons ranged from 5:25 to 6:20 pace depending on where we were in the park, and the offs about 8:00 pace. Bill was feeling good today I think! Had a hard time keeping up but I think it was a good day. I have been a little out of it today because I haven't had much sleep two nights in a row... No particular reason. Just restless and waste time at night. Imma try to get to bed earlier. Finished to 10 once back at the track. Left knee was bothering me a bit as well as the ball of my foot but nothing unmanageable.

Had to squeeze it in because now I have to get ready for Junior prom. Why is it on a Friday? Who knows. 

Running of the Leopards 5k! I'm happy with it especially considering I did literally the opposite of what you're supposed to do the night before a race. I had a ton of brownies and stayed up until 2 in the morning because of the dance. Hahaha. Anywho, got about a mile warmup and a few strides.

Got out alright, Diwas took off so I wondered if maybe I should have gone out harder? But I made my way up and caught back up to him by the time we exited This Is The Place. When we got to the post office and started heading up the hill I just tried to stay positive and keep myself moving. I hit 5:32 at the mile, then used the downhill and once I got to Foothill just tried to keep the pace going. Mile 2 was 11:27 (5:55). Then coming down Sunnyside I struggled a bit. I knew I needed to start picking it up but I was having a hard time getting myself to start pushing even harder. Mile 3 was 17:31 (6:04) and finished the last little bit in 39 seconds finishing with 18:10. First woman!

Then cooled down a lot of grass laps with some guys and then some more (4.5 miles total). Then Bill, Diwas and I did Shriners run out 3.5 and back and added a little to get to 16 for the day.

On the cool down I asked Bill about how much time he'd add to make it measurable to a flat 5k and he said that because the first mile had the uphill in it too it'd be pretty accurate about 5 seconds faster, then the second mile 5-10 seconds and last mile 10 seconds. The turn onto the track also slowed us down and the rocks and gravel right after did too. So that means for a flat 5k it would have most likely been 18:30-18:35, obviously it doesn't count but still is fun to compare. I worked hard though. If anything it tells you my 3200 on Tuesday was not even close to what I'm capable of. Hahaha I'm gonna kill it at Pine View. In both the 1600 and 3200. I'm ready for a great performance.

Today we ran down to Liberty, went the long way and did 10 x 1 on/1 off fartlek around the pond. Then back to the track and added to 10. Felt alright, gave good effort. Legs were a little heavy.

Warmup was a bit different today. We did the track warmup (cut drills a little short) and then a mile speed changes and a couple more laps, then 6 asphalt hill strides. Then 2x1000, 2x800, 2x400, 3x200. I hit 3:28, 3:27, 2:45, 2:49, 74, 75, 34, 34, 34. I struggled a lot today, I focused on staying with Diwas and Bill. The second 800 I had fallen off. But I refocused and tried to hit the rest on pace. The 200s I relaxed first 100 and kicked last 100, it was the first time I actually switched gears into the fast twitch muscles I think? But it was the first time I could feel the switch turn on. I doubted myself 20 meters later and backed off, now that I know what it REALLY feels like I think if I continue to work on it I will have the kick down! It was windy so that was kind of tough. Good workout.

Zayn left One Direction (cries inside).

Track warmup, then 1.5 warmup, 1.5 speed changes, 1 cool down. I feel bad that I missed practice yesterday but it's the first time in months, and it's end of term tomorrow so missing the last day of term for Pineview doesn't help. Got my assignment in so now I should have an A (it was 1.5 12 hour assignments that I did in 8 hours. And in Art no less... She asked us how many concentrations we had done, I had 3.5 because mine were all in pencil, I regret picking that for my concentration now. Some people had 7 done. So she said she'd grade 5 of them which meant I was looking at a C. Yeah not happening.) Anywho, stress behind me I'm ready to focus on Pineview. I'm gonna PR in every event!

Didn't get as much warmup as I would have liked but it's whatever. Hurried off the bus to the bathroom and then down to the track and did 1.25 warmup (.5 of it speed changes) and a couple strides.

I was seeded fourth and they had three waterfalls, I was in second spot on the first waterfall  right by Lucy. Confused me a bit but I'll take it! 
The bummer was I couldn't gauge off of other people very well, so I went on feel which wasn't very precise because of the shorter warmup. Lucy took off and I didn't bother going with her. When we got to the break line people cut in and I got boxed in. But I didn't mind so much until the second lap, people started slowing down and I needed to keep going. I don't actually remember much because it went by so fast. I may have made a move around 800? I did make a move somewhere. 500 left I started picking it up, I had in my head that I needed to kick. Tried to do the Garek kick but I'm not so good at it :) hahaha. But I did pick it up a bit with 400 left. 100 left I was shoulder to shoulder with Mary and she took off before I could match, by the time I started giving what I had she had gapped me. Makes me frustrated a bit because it's always the last 100 meters. Anyway, splits were 77, 2:37 (80), 3:56 (79), 5:12 (76).
I'm really happy about it, I maybe would have liked my second lap to be a little faster and my last lap could have been faster too. We've been working for a 70 last lap but it's coming down. I qualified for state and PR'd by 4 seconds!
Cooled down 2 miles with Garek, Chris and a couple of Lehi guys (they're pretty chill).

Got about a mile warmup for the 3200, I was still half asleep at the start line. First lap was an 82 and second lap the pace was too slow so I took control of the pack. Then just relaxed and tried to stay focused. I wonder what would have happened had I chased Lucy down, she wasn't that far ahead. But I was too intimidated to try and wanted to stay even. Mile split was 5:37, a bit slow for what I wanted. Then I slipped and last 400 got passed by a ton of people. Okay just a few but it felt like a ton. I just don't think I cared enough. I was thinking negatively. 11:32.

Very disappointed I cooled down a half mile. Warmed up a mile and strides (it was so hot we didn't need much warmup.) I got out slower, thought I was going too slow (it's such a change to go from 3200 to 800). First minute or so I sort of warmed into it. First lap was a 70. Then felt good so I tried to start a longer kick. 200 left a coach yelled to his athlete to "catch her. You're a kicker and she's not." I can only assume he was talking about me, it's well known I have a terrible kick. Well I tried to prove him wrong. I started picking it up and 100 Mary's sister came up on me. I fought her as hard as I could for 80 meters. 20 meters of it could have been harder. She does have a better kick but I was happy I fought. 2:23, new PR! 

Warmed up another mile or so. Practiced handoffs and did strides. Then sat down to put on my spikes, stood up and all of a sudden my hip hurt like it needed to pop. Tried to but it didn't help. Bill showed me stretched. Didn't help. Massaged it, helped a little. Leg swings, that just hurt it. Strides just hurt and I limped along. Emma got the baton for the 400 and I felt so bad, came to Bill almost in tears and told him I couldn't race. He said "serious?" I knew we wanted to qualify for state. I felt so awful thinking about how Brooke, Ellie and Emma would be so disappointed when I didn't run. So I said a quick prayer that my hip would miraculously feel better, crossed my fingers and tried one last stride. It still hurt but not quite as bad and didn't limp so much. So I decided I'd try it and if I had to drop out fine.

Emma gave me the baton in 2nd I think, just ahead of 3rd. Mary had a good gap and I started to close it. Either I was going too fast or she too slow. Relaxed and passed her 200 in? Then 400 left tried to pick it up again. 200 left even more. 100 left still in the lead but Mary not so far behind me. She swung and outkicked me. Bill said my split was 2:25 so I was happy with it, and we qualified with a low 4:25, standard was a higher 4:25. And my hip only hurt the first couple steps. Miracles do happen!

Cooled down a mile and a half.

Did a 3 mile shakeout from the condo. Found a fun dirt area to run, saw a steep hill where a view at the top looked promising. It was a beautiful view from the one side of the dirt area with the setting sun, wondered if maybe it would be a cool view from the top of the hill. Unfortunately I misjudged how long it was. It's gonna be fun to explore on Monday! Hip hurt for the first half mile but warmed up. I'll just pay special attention to it and it'll be fine.

Did my workout at Snow Canyons track. It was hot and doing it by myself was actually really tough. The wind picked up a lot the last three so that was both physically and mentally challenging. Regular 3 mile warmup, workout was 5x1000s, it was really hard for me to start the fourth one. But I forced myself to do it because I know it'll help me. Times went 3:31, 3:33, 3:34, 3:35, 3:36. 600 meters recovery on all but one, where I switched from trainers to spikes (400 recovery on that one.) Perhaps my last two should have been faster seeing as they were run in spikes but man it was getting tough.  I was pretty dehydrated and baked in the sun. I'd say it was a successful workout. Tomorrow my workouts gonna be earlier so I can beat the heat.

My plans for waking up early failed when my alarm was set for PM not AM. Oops. Anyway went for a run later to try to avoid the heat but it was still hot. Got kind of frustrated because I didn't know my way around and ended up hitting huge hills I didn't expect. But I suppose it made it a more challenging run. It's been a blast here in St. George, but I'm glad we're heading home tomorrow. It'll make running a little easier anyway. And I get to chill at a track meet this weekend, hooray! Maybe it'll be good to get back home so I can refocus for the meet.

Ran to the track, 1 mile of speed changes, and back home.

67 for the 400. I could have done much better.

Timpanogos Alpha meet today. I couldn't run.

AM: 3 miles

PM: 15 miles on rail trail. Diwas killed it today. First 10 were under 7:00 average, last 5 felt like death. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?

Normal track warmup, then a mile warmup and a mile speed changes, and another lap after we changed shoes. Workout was 2x200s, 5x1000s with 400 recovery, and 2x400s (had to do 3x400s actually because I didn't hit my times). It was really tough, was probably the hardest speed workout I have ever done. But I worked hard. Got discouraged because I was not hitting good times (the wind was super strong) and I knew we were doing 400s after the 1000s, which I figured were supposed to be between mile and 800 pace (and I guessed right.) Yeah it was tough but I know it'll help me. I am sore/tired from Saturday's run too so that probably took some out of me. Cool down was a bit of a struggle but was more enjoyable than speed. A little over 4 miles (out and back on Shriner's run) to get to 12 for the day.

I almost forgot - HUGE shoutout to my sister Hattie who is a big girl now (she turned 8 an hour ago!)

Ran down to Liberty and we did a 4 mile tempo. This wind sucks. Or as Bill would say, it blows. Time was 26:55 (6:44 average) so right on what I was supposed to hit. Negatives: I didn't stay on Diwas and Bill like I was supposed to. Positives: I hit the pace and was 2 minutes faster than 2 years ago (exact same day before Arcadia, which was where I ran my PR.) So, I just gotta be tough like I was 2 years ago. I'm stronger and faster. Now I gotta be tougher. 

Nice little run. Legacy bridge to the fence then took the trail for a bit and dropped back down to the road. There's a 30% chance that it's already raining. Hahaha. And I rated it a 1 in 1000 chance that there was snow on the ground (it's funny cause there actually was snow on the ground) wow I should be a weatherman.  Then we stopped at Sunnyside and did 2x800s and finished to 8.

4 in Cali before heading to Knotts Berry Farm!

Warmed up 1.5 with Tresa at the Tiger invite. She broke 6:00! But got DQd because of a lane violation :(

Warmed up 1.75 at Arcadia.

Was on the third waterfall, when I cut in I was in lanes 2/3 for a bit. When I saw a chance I cut in to lane 1 but that wasn't for a little while. First lap felt fast and was scared it was too fast but I thought oh well I'm just gonna stick with the pack. It was a 76. My plan to stick with the pack worked great, got into a rhythm and made moves up when people went out to lane 2 to pass so I maintained my spot in lane 1 for a while. Acouple times I saw the pack start to split up so I moved to the front to try to make sure I went with the faster group. At least three people cut me off, it's funny cause we literally just talked about that before like how you can get DQ'd if you make someone alter their stride. But no one did get DQ'd I don't think. Anyway my splits went 76, 82, 83, 83, 83 then Bill got excited so he forgot to get the rest but 3000 was around 10:22 so I closed in 41. The only thing I would have changed is kicking harder and not doubting myself like I did with 200 left. And maybe thrown a few more surges. I raced really smart and did really well, PRd by 12 seconds I was really disappointed at first because I didn't break 11 but then I realized I should be happy with it so I am. Cooled down 4 miles.

2 mile shakeout in the morning to loosen/wake up. Yay for 4.5 hours of sleep :)

2 miles warmup before the mile. Should have done a few more strides but oh well.

They went out faster than I was really ready for, I was back of the pack thinking oh crap I need to get moving. Came through at like a 72-73? 800 was 2:30ish. Felt fast and my legs felt like lead. Then I fell off the pack I wish I had stuck on for longer. The last lap was hard cause I wanted to kick but I was all alone except for one girl who had a good gap on me. But I told myself I needed to so I tried, last 100 I almost caught that girl :) finished with 5:12 so for the 1600 that's around a 5:10? It was okay for having tired legs from yesterday. I suppose its a PR but then its at sea level so... idk. Would have liked it to be faster but it was a good race and I'm glad I did it.

Cooled down 2 miles.

Ran from the school to Cottonwood Complex, 4 Bessies, and back to my house. Felt really off, I think because of the change in elevation and all the travelling plus my sleeping schedule is way out of whack. Somehow I slept in until 1:30 this afternoon... we did get in really late last night but 1:30 is really late to wake up. I was expecting like 11:00 or something, but nope! I wonder if the motion sickness I began to feel last night is lingering. I swear our plane made 1000 different turns it felt like a roller coaster.

Normal warmup, 3 x 1 mile, 2 x 800, cool down. Need to get back in the swing of things. Did not feel good at all, pounding head ache.

Good run today, feeling back to normal. Ran to the school then we did Shriner's run + City Creek and went a mile up the canyon and back, then to South Temple and zig-zagged back to East. Legs began to hurt around mile 12. Felt good to make myself work into tired legs again. Finished up mileage in the teacher parking lot to 14. Then we pulled out a hurdle at the track and I practiced getting over it. I'm terrible at hurdles, but Bill says form doesn't really matter as long as I run fast in between the barriers (I'm doing steeple on friday! This will be interesting.) I'm tall so jumping high enough is not a problem, it's getting the technique right and not wimping out last second. I'm gonna practice more tomorrow at the meet.

AAAANNNDD it's official! I signed with SUU!

Today we did cemetery run, the one past Sugarhouse. Felt nice and easy, 11 miles. I practiced hurdles (a lot more successful than yesterday) while Bill made a makeshift barrier by the long jump pit. I then practiced jumping up on it and continuing my stride after landing on the barrier. After spending a long time practicing that Bill showed me the steeple chase pit (ours isn't in great condition because we never use it but I bet if we cleaned it out it would be usable. Not that we're really ever gonna need it though.) Landing on a slant is really the only thing that worries me, that and chickening out right before the barrier. But I'm a lot more comfortable with it and I can clear them all, I just don't want them to slow me down too much. I can see how they tire you out though, it wouldn't seem that hard on first thought but after doing them over and over I started to get a bit worn out. But 5 laps doesn't seem that bad. 

Oh yeah, meet was cancelled :) That's okay I don't like tri meets much.

Hahahaha that was fun! It wasn't bad for my first time but now that I know what it's like I know I could cut a lot of time off. I think I would do it again if I could, it was interesting. Didn't feel like a race though, it was weird racing at BYU with hardly anyone there. I probably could have pushed harder too I sort of just ran between a lot of the barriers. The barriers slowed me down a ton, my hurdling skills are spectacular ya know? No they're awful I was just happy to clear them all :) The water pit was fun. I did it the way Bill said not to do it a couple times though and would pause on top of the barrier for a minute before continuing, or so it felt. Anyway, it was fun, great experience. Did a 2 mile run then 1 mile speed changes and 1 mile cool down on the track (they weren't using it anymore.) I'm gonna get that state qualifier in the 3200 tomorrow!

4 miles warmup for the 3200. I got out fast, went out in 74. Was surprised cause it didn't feel that fast. Then relaxed never quit like I have in the past, I kept going but I think physically I was just tired. Two laps in the middle slipped too much. A little disappointed, but we've had a tough week of training plus I was sore/tired from steeple yesterday (and was still half asleep 2 minutes before we lined up.) But I won! It was really hard being in the front the whole time, I was in first from gun to finish. Happy though cause I got myself to kick a little.

2 miles cool down then 1 mile warmup for the 1600.

Eh. Wasn't good. I think I was still in 3200 mode. Hard to get myself moving. Came through 800 at 2:37 though so it wasn't bad at that point, for some reason I really slipped the third lap. Wind really picked up for this race and 3rd lap was when I felt it most so that may have contributed to the slow time. But I actually kicked. 5:27, yikes. But again, I was tired.

1.5 cool down with Jakob, Diwas, Garek and Bill to cafe rio and back. 2 big disappointments - the quesadillas we ordered were really small and I broke my garmin. More sad about the second one but I'll get it fixed, it's just the band part. I think it will be a cheap fix I was just worried at first that I'd have to pay for a whole new garmin. I love my garmin so much we are buddies.

.5 warmup for the 400. Hahahaha I'm not a sprinter but Bill put me in it because it's supposed to be part of our training. It was a 67, for being in lane 8 and windy I'd say that's pretty alright. And I didn't react to the gun as quick as I should've. Haha the girl in lane 7 asked if I prefer not using blocks. I have never used blocks and don't think I ever will. But it is a little awkward being the only person standing up. Distance runners.

.75 warmup for the 800. By then I was exhausted but I never gave up. Came through at a 72 and closed with 75. Outkicked a girl the last 100! Feels a lot better to be the one catching others not the other way around. 2:27.

5 cool down with Garek, Bill and Chris. Then added another .25. Good day, got me a good workout and it'll help big time for State. Sure times were slower but I don't care cause I worked hard and know it's gonna pay off. After all, it's not every weekend you run the 2000 steeple, 3200, 1600, 400 and 800. 

Shout out to Garek cause he PR'd twice.

Shout out to the boys Medley for qualifying for state.

Shout out to Sarah Spiro cause I followed her on Instagram.

Good workout today, it was tough but I worked through it. 2 miles warmup and 1 mile speed changes, then changed shoes and did a lap. Workout was 1x2000, 3x500, 3x400, 3x300. We did an 800 recovery whenever we switched distances and idk how much recovery between each interval I just went with it. We were supposed to go straight into recovery not stop for a bit then go like I usually do, that was hard when it got to the shorter stuff. The 2000 was at 2 mile pace then the rest faster. I hit 7:07, 1:43, 1:42, 1:45, 79, 79, 79, 54, 51, 52. Doesn't seem like that fast but trust me it was hard. But I really worked and pulling off those last 300s was really difficult, huge thanks to Bill and Diwas for being there to push me. It really helps to have someone there. Then did a 2 mile cool down to get to 12.

Bill said something after practice that made me realize everything's gonna change soon. I think I've been avoiding it, but now I think it's time to accept it and enjoy these last few months. I'm stoked to go to SUU but I'm really gonna miss the team and my amazing coach.

Ran to the track then did the normal track warmup, then up to Sunnyside, a lap, down to the asphalt hill and did 10 hill strides, then some 200s I think one was 38 but then I hit 33 or 34 on the rest. Maybe one was a 35 idk. Then a 400 I hit 74. I think I just crashed. I was probably dehydrated too. I felt like I had very little energy, I'm surprised I got myself to run the 33s and 74. A couple times got light headed. Then cooled down to the light on 500 S and back to my house. I'm thinking I need more sleep at night, according to Bill 7 hours doesn't cut it for athletes :) actually now that I think of it maybe that contributed to today, I got 6 last night... So that plus the heat and how incredibly dry it is I didn't feel like I was sweating a drop. Just overheating so that's cool. Sorry TMI. But I've been taking my iron and vitamins and doing my core, maybe I should eat better though. I wanna break 5 so freaking bad. And 11:15 at altitude. Soooo scratching the 800 at Davis? I think yes.

Normal track warmup and distance went to Sugarhouse, 20x1 minute on 1 minute off fartlek around the park (grass laps) got a little over 5.6 in on that part so about 7:05 average, then did another grass lap and back to the track, added to 12.5. 

Ran to the track, normal warmup, then went along 1300 E to 2100 S and then to Liberty and went over to the 100 marks and did a mile of speed changes. Then back to the fountain and 2 laps of fireman with Bill, Jakob, Garek and Chris. Felt like I was only slowing them down but kept up well enough. Then went long way back to the track and added to 14. Someone played disney music during the warmups a couple days ago so naturally I wanted to jam out to disney music, which meant I got Prince Ali stuck in my head the entire run today... Prince Ali - glamorous he - Ali Ababwa! Heard your princess was a sight, lovely to see. And that good people is why he got dolled up and dropped by with sixty elephants, llamas galore, with his bears and lions, a brass band and more! Hahahahaha GET OUT OF MY HEAD.

Knee hurt/was stiff when I woke up today, when I went home during my free period I rolled it out and massaged it and it didn't help really. It's a little different than the chronic pain I've felt in both knees, but isn't as sharp as that pain can be. So I was a little nervous when starting, even a half mile in it wasn't warming up. Thankfully, a little before 900 S (about .75) it no longer hurt and I could move it like it had never hurt in the first place. So blood flow helps it. However side lunges do not. That was the only time with the team I felt it. That and a few of the stretches (I did my best to modify those though). Gotta pay attention to it so it doesn't get out of hand, but it will be fine.

Well that was something! Ran a mile up Sunnyside and back, then 2 miles of speed changes then got .75 of cool down in before Tolbert and James yelled at us to come get shelter. I guess there were 3 lightning strikes. The soccer game got cancelled too so sucks for them. Then it really started coming down, that's when we bagged it and went home. I hope tomorrow isn't too bad.

Man, getting that mileage in really wasn't as hard as I was expecting, probably because it was so spread out during the day. Anywho, 4 mile shakeout in the morning with Bill and Chris for Chris's warmup. Then 2.25 to Subway and back. Then did 2 miles with Bill and Garek as warmup for the mile. Crap I accidentally deleted part of the notes I made on my iPod figuring out mileage, I'm forgetting a mile somewhere but I know I was at 10.25 miles after I raced the 1600. 

Well, I knew the race was gonna go out fast. I wanted to be close to a 2:30 so that I can prove to myself breaking 5:00 is possible if I can be strong enough. Cause if I can't run a 2:30 first half how can I expect to run 2 of them? First 50m though I tripped on Tatum from Davis' shoe who had tripped from something else and accidentally slapped her really hard on the back because I reached out to catch myself (reflexes tho) so I feel really bad about that. Sorry! Splits were 73, 2:32 (79), 3:54 (82), 5:13 (79). Eeeeps. After the 800 I wasn't on edge and just ran it. Was mad at myself because I know I can do better and I really wanted to be 5:08-5:10, maybe if I was feeling really good 5:05. And I totally could have if I had kicked with a 70 like Bill's been saying. Afterwards I puked up my subway sandwich, should've listened to Bill when he said not to eat the whole thing. Well now I know.

Then ran a 2 mile cool down with Bill and Garek after our races, elevated legs and 1 mile warmup.

I was a lot happier with the 3200, wanted to break 11:20 but I qualified for state so yay. Mile was 5:32. Somewhere I made a move and ended up in no mans land for a loooong time. I should have pushed up to the top pack (of 4) when Sam from Weber did (she came up from behind me) but she moved up way fast (encouraging me to do so as well, thanks!) but I decided I didn't want to make a stupid move and die. So I remained in no mans land for the rest of the race, yaaaayyyy. But really ahhhhh because the wind was awful. So then the only other splits I remember were 7:00 and 10:00 for laps 6 and 7 which means 6:00 pace which means BAD. I kicked at 200 left because I decided right then that I wasn't gonna run this whole flipping 2 mile in the wind just to miss qualifying by a second or two. Ended up with an 11:23.81, 3 seconds under the standard :) And I also got 6th and medalled!

Then ran 2 miles on Davis's indoor track - 11 laps to the mile (wish we were cool enough to have one of those at our school) because it was pouring outside and then out for 2 more when it was just sprinkling. Would have finished then but the bus had to leave, so I did another 2 miles right when I got home. 

Overall, happy with it. It was a nice reminder in the mile that I've still got it (I have been discouraged these past couple weeks because of my mediocre performance at Arcadia and my terrible one at Taylorsville. And Pineview feels forever ago even though it was only a month.) And in the 3200 I qualified for state and new PR at elevation. Finally. And I did all that on tired legs from high miles.

Shout out to Garek for winning both the 1600 and 3200, running a flipping 4:15!!!

Killer workout today, it was really hard but I feel good about it. I thought it was gonna be 12x400s, but Bill did mention there was gonna be a twist on the last set (3 sets of 4x400s). So instead of the last 2 400s we did an 800 which was brutal and I'm pretty sure everyone was slow on. We were supposed to average on each set our goal pace, so mine was 5:00. Times went: 1) 76, 76, 74, 74. (5:00) 2) 76, 74, 75, 76. (5:01) 3) 75, 74, 2:49 (ehh-5:18 that 800 killed it). For recovery we had a 200 and standing for the remaining time (2:00 total) and then in between sets 2 laps. Once we finished that 800, Bill and I did the 2 laps recovery and then did 4 Js. I worked really hard but didn't catch times. Then finished cool down to 12, and including the 2 laps with the team beforehand I got 12.5 for the day.

After the 6th 400 I began to struggle and had to just focus on one at a time. Then I about died when Bill said we were doing an 800 instead, that was honestly the most effort it has ever taken me to just start the flipping thing, cause by then I was beat and was trying to convince myself 2 more 400s wouldn't be that bad. But I worked really hard and it was a good workout.

AM: 4 miles

PM: Timpanogos relays meet today, I ran the 1200 in the DMR, the 800 in the SMR, and second leg of the 4x400 in that order. It was a fun low key meet. Maybe that was part of the reason I felt like hitting the times I was supposed to was hard when it probably shouldn't have been. I hit 73 first lap of the 1200 then backed off way too much and finished with 4:06. EEEHHHH. I was supposed to drop to 80s but I guess I liked 86s better. Legs were really tight though, didn't feel smooth or relaxed at all. Then in the 800 I did better, hit what I was supposed to (2:35). After that I had literally the worst mentality. I was tired, hungry, my knee hurt, and I was a bit cranky (sorry) and really did not want to run the 400. But I knew I had to. I thought we were gonna get creamed and I was only gonna ensure that, so when I realized I was gonna be in first place when I got the baton I panicked a bit. But I pulled myself together and did my best not to let her catch me. 100 left I felt my form fall apart. Did my best to kick but she got me right before the handoff. Pulled me to a high 65 or low 66, not half as bad as I was expecting! New PR actually... ha. We took second. Not a bad meet considering the brutal workout we did yesterday. Then I finished my miles to 8, to get 12 total for the day.

Idk how far of a run that was, I'm just saying 10 until I hear otherwise. I ran to the track first (hence the added 1.5 miles) then we did Legacy Bridge run to the fence (the farthest one, not the yellow!) and then took the trail over to JCC then went along 11th to the fountain and Shriner's run back to the track.

Bummed cause our track is officially closed. I really hate how they decided that NOW was the best time to redo our football field. It's not track season and we don't use the track every single day or anything.... sike. It's okay though we will be going to another track from now on it's just super inconvenient.

On a better note, we had our XC banquet today and it was awesome, but kind of final. Bittersweet.

AM- 4 miles

PM-Flagpole to Flagpole run continuing through the U campus and last mile or so of Shriner's run.

About 3 miles warmup. Not a good race, first mile was fine (about a 5:30) I made moves up (got a bad start) then thought I was fine after the mile and relaxed too much, then fell off the pack I had moved up to and my mentality was not where it needed to be. Then I gave up and just ran it. Decided I wanted to try to kick with 200, but after 50 meters of that quit on myself again. I think part of the problem was that I had literally no plan other than get the first mile under 5:35. Really mad about it because I know I can break 11:10 if I just go out and race the entire race like I did at Arcadia. I guess it's good that I still have state as an opportunity to get myself there.

Did a 6.5 mile cool down with an ice bath in the river. It was coooold.

Another 1.5 shakeout followed by another ice bath in an even colder spot of the river. My 1600 is gonna be hecka fast tomorrow, I'm in the Golden Hour and it's gonna pull me along to a really fast time. I'm also super pumped because hey it's Golden Hour. And I know what I'm gonna do! I got a plan :) Our medley team also made it into the Golden Hour so I'll be running the 800 in that too!

Did 1.5 miles then chilled in the air conditioned car for a while then grabbed my spikes, ran .25 and did some strides and drills.

Splits were 74.01 (dead last), 2:33 (79.18), 3:54 (81.43), 5:15 (80.86). Hard way to race but I had to or else I would have fallen off the pack and died. I raced the race and made the right moves when I needed to, worked hard and thought for sure at the effort I put into it I would break 5:10 but no I didn't so I felt like a failure. I really thought I would and believed I could. Coach said he doesn't see why I'm so upset with it because it was a really good race and I never once let up. But my time was freaking slow for the result I was expecting. Granted it was super hot and windy but I'm tired of coming short of my goals. Now it's like I really only have one chance left to achieve my goal and how can I expect to do that when I can't even break 5:10? Then I get mad because I know several girls that just key off of me then outkick me right at the end because they know that I'm not a kicker. Really discourages me because I work so freaking hard and can never pull out a last lap like they can. I'm tired of losing in the last 400. I want that race to come where I can be the one pushing past everyone else. I don't think I have ever been so disappointed with myself.

3 miles. Then strides for medley. 69, 2:25 (76). That just made me feel worse. I wanted to get close to 2:20. Team finished with like a 4:24. A little over 4 miles cool down.

Shout out to Emma and Eleanor for running 2:23 and 2:24 in the 800, we're gonna kill it at region. Maybe one of them would have been better off running the medley.

Shout out to Garek for capturing the school record in the 1600 in 4:12.99. He is a beast.

Shout out to Connor Baller for qualifying for state in the 1600. Coach thought he was gonna win his heat, he prolly could have if he was just a titch closer to the leaders (his kick was freaking awesome.)

Ran to the U track, mile of speed changes, then work out was 2 sets of: 1000 (800 recovery), 400 at mile pace (30 seconds standing recovery), 200 hard, another 400 (30 sec. standing recovery), 200 hard and 2 laps recovery in between sets. Times went: 1) 3:28, 75, 34, 81, 36. 2) 3:39, 79, 36, 76, 34. After that we did 4 laps of Js. On the third one I pushed myself into an asthma-like mode. My asthma hasn't acted up in over a year so that was kind of freaky. I worked hard, times were a little slower because of the wind which was brutal but happy with the workout nonetheless. Ran back to East for cool down.

Ran down to Liberty, went the long way then did a lap of fireman and back up to East the short way. Region tomorrow!

That was crap. 10 minutes before I was crossing my fingers that the meet was gonna get cancelled because I honestly didn't wanna race. But no lightning = meet goes on. Quite honestly I didn't wanna hurt and was in a slumpy mood. I was more concerned about my foot that hurt than how the race was gonna play out. Fortunately the foot is fine, worried me a bit cause when I tried to jump over a puddle on warmup I pushed off and it pulled weird. Frickin tendons. But I got the 3200, 800 and 4x400 tomorrow and I can already tell it's gonna be a great day! 800 is gonna be sick because 6 people can realistically get the top 4 spots to move on to State! Imma be one of those 4.

2 mile shakeout in the morning. 4 miles warmup with Garek and Bill. Then .25 of strides before the 3200. The 3200 was quite awful. I just slowly died. Did not feel good at all. 11:59. Then .5 (laps around the field) and 1 mile with Garek on the track while they did the hurdle finals, elevated legs, then meet got postponed 30 minutes because of lightning. Then warmed up another 1.5, .25 of strides. I was grateful for the break because it allowed me to get focused (I was very demoralized after having two awful races in a row, honestly didn't want to run any more events because I felt like a failure. I just was in a slump, felt crappy and running hurt more than I wanted it to).

I had a terrible start in the 800, was in 4th and trapped behind two girls plus Emma on my shoulder. Millika was in the lead, I knew I needed to be up with her. 500 left I sorta stopped a second to pull out to lane 3 to pass the two girls, Eleanor had the same idea and came out from behind me to pass all of us, I squoze between her and the outside girl then decided now was the time to go. Millika had gapped our pack, I pushed past and actually got myself moving for once. Came through at 71, way too slow for my goal first lap. I closed the gap in 200 meters, 300 left I went to pass her but she elbowed me in the chest and surged. It kinda hurt. Then I settled back to lane 1, I should've been sassy and bolted away from her but... 200 left I faded a ton, then last 100 still faded but made a weak attempt of kicking in fear I was going to get outkicked and miss qualifying for state (in the only event I haven't qualified by time for...) Eleanor came up on me right at the end and slipped past. Congrats to her! But I got it, 3rd overall with 2:25, I'm going state in every event. And perhaps the medley? Or the 4x400? Speaking of which that was next, did another mile warmup. .25 strides. I felt like I ran fast, a possible PR but no one got splits. We qualified in that too. Yay for being just barely fast enough to be in the 4x400. I'm no sprinter but I was actually closing a little on the 2nd place team! 

Aaaaand like .25 cool down cause you know who needs a good cool down? JK I prolly needed at least a mile but when the team is leaving.... gotta get to the bus.

Confession: I have a fear of lightning. So when it strikes close by, I freak out and turn right around. I was only a quarter mile from the turnaround but.... Lightning is scary especially when it's so flipping close and the thunder that follows is freaking scary. 

It was a good day because you know it was my birthday :)

Ran down to Liberty, went to the mile mark and did a 3 mile tempo. I hit 6:27, 6:28, 6:26 for the three miles for a total of 19:21. It was hard doing it in the rain (it was cooold) and also hard being by myself and not being able to gauge how fast I was going, thankfully it was the right pace! Happy that I stayed consistent too. Ran back up 1300 S to my house. Man that hill is steep - worse than 900 S. 

Ran to the school, then we carpooled to Granite's track. I really don't like their track. The track itself is in great condition, better than our track, but it seems like it's always windy (granted today was a real windy day) and people take their dogs there and their kids riding tricycles and they always hang out in lane 1. The worst was when we all almost stepped on this tiny dog in lane 1 and it came running at us and the owner yelled at us that "oh it's okay, she's friendly." No, that's when you apologize and put your dog on a leash and keep it close to you. People. NONE of them were on leashes. And there were like 10 of them. And you'd think when we're running laps over and over again they'd try to keep their dogs out of the way but they could care less. On one of the recoveries I legit ran into one because three of them came in lanes 1 and 2 right as I was passing by. I've decided the dogs are just as clueless as their owners.

Okay now that I've ranted about that, let's get to the workout. 2 miles warmup, 1 mile speed changes. Then changed shoes and did a lap. We did 1000, 2 sets of (300, 500, 400 - each w/ 2 minutes recovery). 1200 between. I hit slow times on all of that. I just felt really off and mentally was doomed. Then we did 200s, the first couple were ehhh not awful but not good. Then Bill managed to snap me out of it a little, hit the rest in 32-34. I really need to flip this switch in my brain to where I have confidence that I will do well at State. I need to convince myself that. Agh.

It was JV region today, so I did 5 miles in Bountiful then when I got home 3 more. I still feel a little off but I think by the end of the week I will be feeling better.

Shout out to Natalie because I saw her on my second run and she's my role model :)

We took an adventurous route to the U track, then went up to JCC cause we couldn't use that track (Granite's had a junior high meet going on so we couldn't use that one either) so we ended up going up to JCC and measured out 100 meters for 300 meters and did our workout there. It was a great workout, last speed of the year. I can't believe in 3 days it's all over.

We did a mile of speed changes, then 3x300s and 3x200s. I was supposed to hit 58, 57, 56, and I hit 57, 55, 53. The 200s were supposed to be 34, 33, 32. I hit 34.83, 34.06, 34.06. Then we ran back to East. Time to rest up for State, I know it's gonna be a great race.

Ran up to Sunnyside, did 10 barefoot strides then finished the lap and back down to the school. Felt really good, I'm way pumped for State tomorrow!

Warmed up 2 miles on the track then did strides and drills. I got out alright, was surprised because the pack didn't go out as fast as I expected. Came through at 75.23, then 2:33.29 (78.06), 3:52.09 (78.81), 5:13.03 (80.94). I'm so mad because if I had kicked I could have broken 5:05 or 5:10 depending on how much I wanted it. I was hesitant and didn't want to push myself into that pain. I was overthinking it and psyched myself out. I counted the place I was in (7th) and sort of panicked I guess . It wasn't bad but I know I could have done better. 4.5 miles cool down.

2 miles (out and back) then strides and drills for warmup for the 3200.

Splits were 79.09, 2:41.57 (82.48), 4:06.48 (84.91), 5:31.61 (85.12), 6:56.77 (85.17), 8:22.33 (85.56), 9:46.89 (84.56), 11:08.34 (81.45).

Summary of the race: I got out okay, trying to relax. Then my plan was to make sure I went with the front pack, wherever that may be. At one point I was behind a girl who was fading and saw the front pack pulling away, so I surged up to make sure I stayed with. Then just tried to stay relaxed and keep it moving. Then people slowly started to fade and I wasn't really paying attention to that cause I was so focused but eventually realized I was in 4th place. Kate, Britney and Maddie were all right there just barely in front of me with 800 left. I got an adrenaline rush and almost made a stupid move, almost surged to take control but I told myself to relax and stay excited enough to have a kick. Yeah well my burst of energy faded by 400 left when everyone started to kick. I tried to go with, but struggled to get myself going. 300 left I started to pick it up a bit but not a lot, by then Mary and another girl had passed me. 200 left I tried to pick it up a little more not so sure I did but it made me continue at that speed, then 100 left I said I'm not gonna be outkicked and not get a medal so I really tried to kick. Luckily I had a gap on the 7th place girl.

I'm really happy with it, 15 second PR at elevation and Bill said it would've been faster than my Arcadia time at sea level. And I medaled!

Cooled down 1.5 with Garek and Bill doing grass laps and then 4 miles with Garek, Bill and Connor Baller.

Took a nap then warmup for the 800, 2 miles doing grass laps. Then like .5 of strides. I did a lot.

My first lap sucked. I didn't get out fast enough then trapped myself on the rail. Then I didn't move when I should have. Splits were 73, 72 plus the decimals to be 2:26. My legs were dead and I couldn't get myself moving but honestly I really only cared about the 3200. It was alright. I ran in lane 2 for a lot of it.

Cool down consisted of the .25 to the car and a lot of chocolate milk :)

Stoked because I got invited to Great Southwest, medaled and PR'd all in the same day!

Shout out to Garek for getting 3 medals! He never ceases to amaze me. I'm really gonna miss being his teammate cause he's an amazing guy.

Huge thank you to Bill, he's the best coach and I couldn't have done it without him.

I really need new shoes, 500+ miles on them now! Good little run on pipeline with Bill, Jayden and Angie. I felt alright for the first 3 miles, then my calves and arches were sooo tight and hurt so bad. At the turnaround I tried stretching out a bit. I stepped on rocks in the same spot where my foots been hurting for a while like 5 times consecutively. Ooooohh that hurt. Then around mile 8 I like hit a wall or something. It was a bit odd. Now my legs feel like I ran a 15 miler but it was only 10? I'm confused and I think my legs are too. 10 miles usually is the norm but apparently my legs think otherwise! Maybe it's because of the taper for state. Or maybe the pace was faster than I think it was? Idk. Gotta shoot that mileage back up though so that I'm ready for Great Southwest.

What is with the weather? I guess it's finally spring. I just really hate lightning. 9 miles by myself, felt alright but at about mile 7 this time my legs got tired.

Had to squeeze this one in because I had a very long shift at work. It was a boring shift. On the bright side I got paid to do homework and play games. I'm getting some more of these shifts in the summer after the summer camp ends (I want to work more hours haha) so I'm gonna have to get a book to read or something. But maybe we'll actually be busy in the summer. We'll have to see :)

Anyway, started at Sugarhouse, 1.5 laps warmup then 10x(1 minute on 1 minute off) fartlek, then cooled down another lap.

I did my run during my hole so that I could be done earlier. 7:40 average with a couple quicker miles in the middle (7:01 for both). Towards the end I got tired again. I dunno what it is but I still feel exhausted. I've been taking iron supplements so it shouldn't have to do with that, maybe I'm just worn out from all the intense training.

Turns out I can't go to Great Southwest, that weekend is just too packed from graduation and senior trip. I'm sad that it didn't work out, I was really looking forward to it. But I still have 4 years of college running so it's not like it's the end of the world, it just would have been a cool experience.

I suppose that since I have no more high school races East High track is over. I just want to thank my coach, Bill Cobler, for everything he did to make me the runner I am today. Bill has done so much for our team and even me in particular, he has sacrificed so much to help us be successful. He always looks for the potential each person on our team has, and he helped me see mine even when I doubted I would ever be good at running. He devotes so much time to our team, he comes on every single one of our runs. He always knows how to motivate us and gives the best pep talks before races. Then afterwards he'd ask what went well in the race, what we could have done differently, and then use workouts to practice not letting those things happen again. And on the days I wanted to be a punk and sit out instead of doing the workouts he'd make me finish the speed or tempo or keep up with him and so-and-so, sometimes making me do MORE repeats than everyone else, but each time I was grateful because it made me stronger and achieve the goals I had set. Thank you so much Bill, you are the best coach I could have ever asked for.

8 in the morning with Jayden, Angie, Bill and Garek. It was a good run, felt like we were moving pretty well. I didn't bring my garmin because it was dead so idk what the pace was like but it felt faster than yesterday. We did an out and back from the park and ride by the bridges on Wasatch. 7 miles were great then we hit the last hill... Yeah I think I was just worn out from the previous x amount of hills and the pace was faster. But I prolly could have stuck with everyone cause once the hill was done the gap stayed the same.

My dogs looked like they were in need of some exercise, so later I took them on a run. Penny was first, and she did better than I thought she would- 1.5 at 8:00 pace. Gus was a different story, after .15 I got frustrated cause he was going so slow (11:00 pace) so I took him back home. He's just getting too old. Finished up to 4.

Ran on Jeremy Ranch Road with Bill and Garek. Here's the thing about Jeremy Ranch Road, it's very scenic and beautiful. But it's so hilly and after a while the road seems endless. It seems every time I run there the last two miles are a struggle. Granted today was 4 miles farther than I was expecting... it was kind of rough especially going into the wind the last half. 8:06 average so nothing spectacular, but glad to get it in. Also I'm catching a cold which I'm not thrilled about, I hardly slept last night.

I was kind of a complainer today, sorry. Last night was difficult because the friend in charge of senior trip said we don't have enough room for everyone to go, someone's gonna have to sit out. Thankfully I can still go to Great Southwest, I thought I missed the deadline. So I decided I'd rather go to GSW and let everyone else go on senior trip, it's not worth the hassle and I'd rather everyone be happy, I've got my trip and they've got theirs.

On the bright side, I'm going to Great Southwest and it's gonna be GREAT.

For the run we started at JCC and took the trail to City Creek then Angie and Jaden joined us and went to the capitol building, did a loop around it twice that I didn't know existed until today (granted I rarely go to the capitol building), then back to the canyon and up 2.15 and back then added .5 to get to 15. I gotta get used to hills so... lots of hills.

New shoes feel fantastic! Great run today, ran down to Liberty where we met Angie and Jaden, then ran to Granite's track. It started to pour rain right before we got there, so we hung out under a tree for a couple minutes until it was a light rain. It was literally showering. Anywho, then we did a mile of speed changes and then back to Liberty and up 900 S to East. It was at a faster pace, warmed into it going to Liberty then we gradually picked it up until we were hitting sub 6:30 pace. 6:57 average at 7 miles, then we slowed it down a bit, but ended up picking it back up again haha. 10.25 was 7:01 average. Then we took it easy going back up the hill for the remainder of the run. Good day! I'm happy that Angie has been running with us and will be for the rest of the summer, she's giving me the scoop on what to expect at SUU and is a great running buddy :) Also, because of all the puddles I so gracefully ran through I recieved a good amount of blisters. Yaaaayyyy.

Ran to the school then we did the Avenues hill run. Once at 11th Ave we went a little farther west to add then took Shriner's run back.

Speed today to get ready for Great Southwest! Actually felt good to do speed, weird. Anyway, mile warmup and mile speed changes then changed into flats. Then did another lap and started the workout. It was 1000, 400, 800, 400, 600, 400, 400, 400. We alternated the speed for each interval every other one, so I was supposed to hit for the 1000- 3:32, 800- 2:50, 600- 2:07, and 400- 85. The faster 400s were supposed to be at 78-80 and very last one sub-75. I hit 3:32, 77, 2:52, 79, 2:08, 76, 85, 72. I feel good about it, the 800 and 600 maybe could have been faster (I was stubborn when the pace was too fast 400 into it and slowed down, then had to speed back up the last 100. If I had stuck with Bill I would've hit my time, but still came pretty close. The slower 400 I had learned my lesson and stuck right on him, sure enough we hit it right on.)

Anyway, good workout, happy with it and I know it'll help me for Great Southwest!

Nice little run from the school to Fairmont, 8 strides and then down to Liberty, 1 grass lap and long way back to East. Then added to 9.5. I gotta get my head screwed on straight and get focused again. GSW is gonna be sweet. Jakob was trying to convince me I can run faster than 11:00 there (haha I don't quite believe that with the higher elevation and incredible heat, but he has the right idea. I think Bill said its like running up on pipeline or park city maybe? which we do a lot so now I'm not so worried about that.) I say elevation will only cost me maybe a few seconds, but I'm still gonna have a great race. The heat is gonna be tough, but it's gonna be pretty warm here in SLC so maybe I can get a little used to it :)

Squoze in a run today, I was so busy it was crazy. Had my little sister's last soccer game to go to, it was her very last one so sorry not missing that. Then I had work a little over an hour after that, then a party an hour after that. So I chose to be late to the party and get my run in. I did Wasatch loop from my house. Nothing exciting happened.

Holy. Smokes. It's so freaking hot. It's 90 degrees and super dry. Depressing thought of the day: It's gonna be hotter and dryer in Albuquerque. At least I'll only have to run for 2 miles right? We just did a run. Natalie, Tomy, Angie, and Jaden came today so our group was huge today! Okay not huge just bigger than normal. So the first 2 miles were great, we stayed together and everything. Then some of us crossed the road (we may have jaywalked a bit..) and Natalie and Angie I guess decided not to cross so they missed the light and got separated, then at the same time Garek and Tomy seemed to have sped up and gapped the rest of us (Bill was killing it up front with a huge lead), Jaden was just a little ahead of me. So I stuck with Jaden for a bit. We went to Sugarhouse and did a shorter version of the cemetery run. So I stuck with Jaden for about a mile until we turned onto the street after the bridge or maybe a titch farther, then Jaden fell off and I was tempted to slow down but... I figured it was gonna hurt the same amount anyway. So then I was completely alone, I was just close enough to have Bill turn around and motion for me to turn left. And I'm lucky cause I saw the second time they turned too. And then I was overheating and crashing and calves on fire and everything burning, but tried to push through. The last 3 miles were miserable. Mile splits were 7:24, 7:03, 7:35, 7:26, 8:14, 7:41, 8:18 plus .5 at a lovely 8:45 pace... ha. 

We did 34 laps and 36.something laps is 10 miles so I'm pretty sure we did 9.5. Anywho, 4 laps warmup and 4 laps speed changes (at the oval), then changed shoes and did another lap. Then we did 800, 400, 400, 800, 400, 400. 800s were at 2 mile pace (2:50), and 400s at mile pace (77-80). My times went 2:47, 76, 75, 2:45, 74, 73. Actually those last two 400s were on the verge of 75 and 74 respectively so idk. The purpose of this workout for me was to latch onto the group and then kick the last 100 and beat everyone. Excluding Garek of course... haha. But I had Bill, Angie, and Natalie to pace me. I latched on pretty good, the second 800 I fell back maybe 5 meters so had to make it up at the end, which I did! Towards the end of the workout my hip was doing something funky, kind of like what it did at Pine View. So the last 400s my first 100 meters were slow and I fell behind because I was having a hard time driving my knee forward and as I warmed into it I picked it up so that by 200 I was with everyone again. Then just tried to stick with it and push a little harder the last 100.

Good workout, last speed for a while. Starting to get pumped for GSW! Also, stoked because I'm almost done with high school, I got 45 minutes of class time then I'm DONE FOREVER. (We have a weird schedule tomorrow so I'm only going to 1 class and classes were shortened and the rest of my teachers might "forget" to take role). I'm so ready to be done.

Laps around Liberty so that we could stay flat. My hip took a while to warm up but eventually it did. It should be fine, I wonder what I did to aggravate it? It was hot but not nearly as bad as monday. Good news-  it's actually not going to be as hot as expected this weekend! Also no more school, just yearbook signing and graduation!

Ran to Sugarhouse, started at the fountain on the far side an easy fartlek (30 sec on 1 minute off) just as some pickups. Felt pretty good. My hip pain slid down to my knee by the end of my run so tight IT band it is. Bill massaged out afterward, it hurt so good.

Can you give shout outs to yourself? If so, shout out to me cause I graduate high school later tonight. Hahaha I'm so stoked.

Will update later to include distance. 

I have mixed feelings about the race, it was soooo windy (Bill estimates 40+ MPH winds) so that really affected the race. Well I was just gonna stick behind someone and draft, thought maybe I could draft off of Julie Sumsion because she was seeded only a second faster than me. I knew the girl that won was gonna kill it, she was seeded with 10:30 and ran 10:59. I contemplated going out with her, but thought I better not basing it off of how I felt. I felt like I was working hard but I have a hard time feeling good about my time. I got out good right behind Julie, then she slowed obviously not wanting to take the lead and going with the pack, then the girl that won from Arizona jetted out after 100 meters and Julie surged to go with, and so did I and another girl from New Mexico. Then we settled and Arizona girl gapped us, I chilled behind Julie for a while then somehow passed her ? Not sure how that happened maybe I felt she was going too slow or something but somehow ended up in front of her and she drafted off of me for most of the race. The wind was absolutely brutal, on the backstretch we were running straight into it. I began to struggle with 3 laps left, I felt like I had pushed hard the first mile and wasn't too relaxed which worried me cause I knew after the announcer said that the Arizona girl ran 5:23 first mile we were going a lot slower than I had hoped. But it felt like I was running just as fast as I was at some of my better races. Anyway then Julie and New Mexico girl surged and I didn't stick with like I should have, it was right before the backstretch so perfect timing cause just as I tried to respond we were going into the wind and they were too far ahead for me to draft. I wish I would have stuck with. I began to fade a little, 500 left another pack had caught up to me and 400 left I tried to pick it up, 300 it was me and 5? other girls I think all right there and 200 left was really the first time all season I have actually kicked. I decided right then I didn't want to be beat. I got moving good, unfortunately the two I passed at 200 to go got me right at the end. Ehhh. 

Time was 11:50 so way slow. Wind obviously was a factor and elevation maybe a little. I know this race really doesn't matter and I know State was the race I needed to have a great performance in, which I did, but I still wanted to get a decent time. It wasn't a bad race but it wasn't spectacular either. Julie ran 11:41 so if I had stuck with her I could've been 10 seconds faster... Just a thought. But really that's the only thing I could've changed cause that's just how the race played out.

Cool experience, okay race, good trip. I'm lucky to have been able to come and so for that I am grateful.

I was originally going to take the whole week off, but not running was driving me nuts. I've been at my cabin this past week so I did it on the dirt road. The first day back sucked I felt like I couldn't breathe and was so tight. Was probably the worst run of my life. But oddly felt good to get back into it.

Twice around the island on the dirt road

Twice around again

Twice around again.

First summer practice! I'm happy the team still lets me come even though I've graduated :) It's gonna help me get ready for college running! It's gonna be great. But first I gotta get back in shape (okay I probably haven't lost THAT much fitness... but I still feel really slow and out of breath and ouch my core is suffering). I kept up with the group for 3.5 miles, then we reached the cemetery and man I just felt awful, so I stopped for a minute then ran the loop backwards until I met back up with them. I know I know I should never ever stop but I honestly was dying. 7:15 pace is hard for me right now. Hopefully by next week I'll be back to where that's not such a struggle.

I overslept this morning and was bummed out that I missed practice. It was a mistake to wait until later to run which meant running in the heat. I really just want to be able to go for an easy 10 miler, I was going to try today but with the heat, wind and having a hard time getting air it wasn't happening. I wonder if allergies are part of the problem, I was prescribed fluticasone propionate last year when I went to the doctor for my crazy asthma-like cough (along with my inhaler) but I haven't used either in a long time. I ran out of the fluticasone propionate and didn't think it necessary to use my inhaler (no asthma attacks). Maybe I should get some more and try using my inhaler as he suggested instead of abandoning it completely. I might try it for a week and see if it helps me breathe. I just don't think I could've lost that much fitness, so why am I struggling so much?

I got my wanted 10 today! Practice was up on Pipeline. I ran with Natalie, Angie, and Tresa on the way out then on the way back with Angie. On the way out I felt good and like I could've pushed harder but thought I'd stick with the girls so the way back wouldn't be so brutal. Good thing too because on the last 2 miles I was struggling again. Breathing wasn't so bad until the end. Nat had a hard time breathing today so maybe there's just something in the air, but kind of glad I'm not the only one! I was really glad Angie was there on the way back because conversation made it pass quicker :)

Ran to practice, it was at Sunnyside, we did Shriners run to the second fountain then came back and did 2x800s that were really slow for me (had a hard time breathing again). Then cooled down to 10.

We left for Youth Conference yesterday right after practice. We went to Zion! Today we hiked the Narrows I went up past what Richard called Wall Street idk if that's the actual name? But where it narrowed out and became shady. Went up quite a ways past that. I was at the front and Richard finally caught up to us and told us we were past Wall Street (that was our original destination cause the Narrows go on for 19 miles) we prolly would've gone farther if he hasn't stopped us. But the Narrows are my new favorite hike if you were wondering! It was perfect and I was stoked that we did that one instead of observation point because the river was so refreshing the other one would have been miserable (we went in the middle of the day when it was 100 degrees.) Anyway I think it was about 8 miles. When we got back we had some free time so while everyone else went to the pool or zip line I did a quick run - 3.5 miles.

Night run tonight! Got back this afternoon so I was able to come. We did laps around Liberty then went along 600 E I think? Out and back then added to 10. Feeling much better, unfortunately I had stomache problems but I can breathe now. I'd take that any day. Also just cause it's on my mind I got two really bad bloody noses at Youth Conference. It may have looked like someone socked me in the nose judging by the amount of blood that dripped onto the paper towel. But no I just made the mistake of blowing my nose. When I got off the shuttle there were some startled faces. Hahahaha ok that's gross.

Got my SUU packet this weekend, it's weird to think that in less than 2 months I'm gonna be on my own. I'm super happy I have been able to run with Angie cause she's literally the only person I know going to SUU that I'm close with, there are a few girls I met at track meets of course! But all my friends are going to BYU, U of U and BYU-Idaho or on missions. Gotta enjoy this summer while it lasts.

For the run today I thought I'd go with the earlier group so I could get more mileage. I need to jump back up. I always feel better on higher mileage so if I can get myself back into the 65-70 mile range and maybe above I know I'll be more confident and be in better shape. In the packet coach said he wants us to work on building base and the workouts he listed are very similar to the workouts we do with Bill. I was a little worried at first about the workouts with East conflicting with the ones coach Houle wants us to do, but it seems like that won't be a problem.

Today we met at Sugarhouse and did a 5 mile loop with Natalie, Jaden, Bill, and Angie. Idk why but it just felt hard. It was 7:45 average (first mile was slow) so really not that fast. Maybe I just got used to the slower paced runs. Or maybe it's more that through the craziness of this month I have forgotten quite often to take my vitamins and iron. I'm trying to get myself back into the habit. Oddly my breathing was fine through this. Then when we got back to Sugarhouse everyone else joined us and we ran to Tanner Park and back, then added to 11. That part was slower, I was getting fatigued and I got the same I-cant-breathe-deep-enough feeling. Frustrates me, but I'm also encouraged because I know that it will go away eventually and by the time I'm in Cedar Ciy I'll be in better shape than I was even during track this year.

Rock run at JCC. I felt very fatigued. I think I need more sleep. I got to bed early last night cause I was just exhausted after yesterday's workout and work. I have to work extra long today, yayyyy. At least I'm making money right?

Finally had a good(ish) workout! I still felt a little sluggish and slow on the warmup. 2 miles then we did some strides, after the first couple I was surprised to feel good. Then we started the workout, 10 x 2 minutes on 1 minute off fartlek. I felt good on the first two or three, then alright until the 5th, then I started to hurt. But it was the good hurt, something I haven't felt in a long time. I tried to just focus on sticking with Natalie and Bill. On the 7th I realized we had one more than I had thought (I guess I lost count) and my thoughts went negative (already were kind of negative cause it was hurting but added to it) and that was my downfall. Halfway into the seventh I fell off, if I had turned my thinking around I could've finished with them. But it's easier said than done, I just need to relearn how to stop overthinking things and just run with the pack cause I'm sure that's how college runnings gonna be and it makes things so much easier. Luckily I got a little while longer to practice :) Also kind of disappointed cause next week I'll be gone to my cabin and I'll miss out on a week of good training. I just don't want to dig a deeper hole. But it'll be fun and it's the one week I get to be with all my cousins up there, this time we'll have the boat out on the water! And maybe I can convince my mom to let me run off of the island. :)

Met at Sunnyside, did VA loop into the cemetery for a lap then back to Sunnyside and the rest of the group joined us and we went to the gully, 2.5 laps and then up to 1900 E, over to 1700 S, down to 1500 E, and back to Bonneview Dr and back up to sunnyside. 

Was up super late last night and accidentally slept through my alarm and yes I'm genuinely disappointed that I missed practice, even if it was some 800s. Actually more because of the 800s haha, I miss the speed. Did 5.5 miles later.

10 on Shriners run on my own, started a little after 5:30 AM and it was a struggle to get out the door. But it was nice once I did! Headed to my cabin in just a little bit. 

AM: Didn't get the chance to run yesterday, I was going to push yesterday's workout to Friday but after an easy 7:45 first mile I decided to turn it into the tempo. I did 2 more miles at 7:02 and 6:55, making the three mile 7:14 average. Goal was 7:15 pace so yay! Then cooled down to 6.5.

PM: 2 laps = 4.5 miles.

Lost track of time and hurried out the door once I realized how late it was (my mom insists I'm back before dark- not that I really want to run in the dark up here. My moose and bear friends probably wouldn't be so nice after dark!) But I still got 8 in.

Pool ran today, total of 36 minutes cause that's how long it took for the parents to holler at us to come inside.

Felt long, but kept the pace going. 4 laps around the island. I think it's important to mention how sore I am from wake boarding and slalom skiing. It was tons of fun though!

I procrastinated my run because of the 4th of july parade early in the morning and the boat parade later, then when I dressed up to go running it was too late. Grrrrr. But the fireworks were pretty cool and I got a solid workout from swimming for so long and pulling myself up onto the paddle board (we were trying to get three of us to balance on it and stand up, we got two and were so close to getting all three, but we were all exhausted at the end.)

Late night run, it was the SUU crew + Bill! High schoolers have moratorium this week so... college runners only! We did it at Sugarhouse, did a couple laps of warmup (7:20 pace!) and then did 3x 15, 20, 25 second hill strides. Worked those pretty hard, it's so sweet that I can run with future teammates! Then added to 8.5.

Was busy today, had to do the run on my own and when I realized it got dark at 9 not 10 I freaked out a bit. Stopped cleaning immediately and laced up for a run, I feel really stupid now. Looks like I'll have to make up for it later this week, I'm climbing my mileage back up.

Met at Liberty, we did a couple laps of warmup then did a tempo at 6:30 pace. It was supposed to be 2 x 2 miles, I hit the first one right on 13:00. But it hurt so much more than it should. I felt crappy and was sluggish. The second one I really did not want to do but Tomy convinced me to focus on hitting the first mile, then make the decision of whether or not I could hit the next one, if not I could stop. I REALLY felt crappy on that one, but made it to the mile and quit. 6:29. I feel bad for quitting, but I'm grateful Tomy was there to make me focus the first mile, if he wasn't I'm certain I would have fallen off pace and been super slow for two miles, better to hit one on pace right? I think I really need to bring my confidence back up (AKA mileage) as well as my positive mentality, I've been out of town this past little bit and let myself slip. I need to get myself back to race mode, I have 4.5 weeks left to do so. AND no more trips for me (except for orientation next week but I'll be with some of the girls on the team!)

Met Jakob and did Shriner's run. Felt pretty alright.

I've been super stressed, my employer switched banks a while ago meaning I had to get a new paycard, it didn't come in the mail for a long time and my old account got closed, so the remaining balance was supposed to be mailed as a check. I never got the check and I haven't been getting payed (my balance on the new card is still $0 and it's been a month and a half since I got the card) which is stressful because the money I make this summer is supposed to cover the remaining living expenses not covered by my scholarship. Ahhh whyyyyy?

On the bright side I absolutely killed it today in Uno during checkout, I won every round except for one in which I had to draw 12 cards. I still beat Lisa during that round (she was the one who made me draw!) It was pretty sweet.

10 miles on wasatch.

VA loop + Shriners run out and back. I think I'm gonna start doing some two a days next week.

AM:

4 miles at 7:49 pace

PM:

Drove to SUU and went on a run with Angie and Ashley H. They called it canyon run! It was tough, I didn't feel particularly good but managed. I actually think I slowed them down, but it was 7:13 average for 6 miles.

AM:

6 miles with Angie, Ashley T, Casey, and Jaden. It was more enjoyable at 7:54 average. Knee hurt a bit the first 2 miles, I think it's IT band issues.

PM:

4 miles, ran with Angie, Jaden, Ashley H and Hayden. I turned at 2 because my knee was giving me problems, I was beginning to change my stride in effort to keep it from giving me pain. I figured it wasn't worth going an extra 2 miles, better safe than sorry. I didn't have a foam roller, but now that I'm home it'll become my best friend. 

Wasatch loop, 7:44 average. Feeling almost back to normal, maybe it's just that I have my motivation back :) Talked to Coach Houle for a minute yesterday (I kind of snuck out of a little bit of orientation...shhhhh) and it made me excited for the season! It's weird to think that I'll be moving in a month from yesterday. But it will be great!

Ran with Easts team today, ran to the zoo trail where I met up with them and we went up the trail to Red Butte and then the black fence (farthest one), I stopped at the bathroom once we got to the road and then continued to the fence, then when I turned I saw Natalie so I waited and we stretched for a bit before heading back. When we finally got to go down all the hills (which I usually struggle on a lot coming up, but today it wasn't until the big one that I had a hard time, which is good cause it means I'm in better shape than I thought!) I guess I forgot to breathe because I got a huge side ache, then on the last downhill was so intense that I actually couldn't breathe so that's cool. Then we had a core session and I ran back home to get to 12. 

Ran laps at Liberty. Was a good run. 5k tomorrow for which I am completely unprepared so we'll see how this goes.

Warmed up 2 miles with everyone, didnt feel so great but tried to get myself in race mode. Never really happened but oh well, I didn't really expect to. I guess we were running behind, I should've checked what time it was cause after I put on my flats I ran to the bathroom (race day habit!) and as I exited I heard the siren signaling the start of the race. I panicked and booked it to the start but I was too late, obviously. So I slowed into my pace, it honestly felt like 7:00 pace because I had to weave through the slower runners and walkers. After about a quarter mile of this I got sick of it and finally put on my thinking cap and ran on the dirt beside the road where not quite as many people were. I didn't have a clear path until the first turn almost a mile into it. Then there was enough space in between people to have a pretty straight path. Worked my way up, it was fun to have a couple people fight me. I like their competitive spirits :) When we got to the random little trail that lasted for like 15 feet I got trapped behind a couple going pretty slow so that was annoying. When we turned onto the road heading towards the trail it was kinda windy, I remember some guy telling a girl to draft off of him so that it'll be easier. Unfortunately since I was still passing people I couldn't draft. But it was kind of fun to continually pass people. When we got to the trail I thought oh sweet I'm almost done but it was a lot longer than expected. I began to pick it up halfway between the sharp turn and where we got on the trail, then got to the sharp turn and began to kick (surprised myself there) but it was a lot further than I expected so just tried to hold a long kick. Splits were 6:09, 12:07 (5:58), 18:31 (6:24), 19:08 (36). Kind of bummed that I didn't start on time cause then I could've worked up to Angie and Natalie, maybe even Diwas. But I got the workout in and I pushed myself so that's all that matters. Cooled down to 9.

I slept through my alarm by accident today... I'm exhausted for some reason. I got a full 10 hours of sleep last night so I shouldn't be tired... but I am. I did stay up really late on Saturday cause I was hanging out with a friend who leaves for his mission tomorrow and it was my last chance to say goodbye. Anyway, I decided to wait until after work to run, did shriner's run.

Was tired again throughout the day, but I stayed up pretty late again last night so... Yeah. But when it came time to run I felt surprisingly good! I did feel a little bloated because I had just eaten dinner but other than that I felt great! Towards the end my IT band started to hurt so I'll roll that out in a bit. When we talked to coach last week Angie mentioned that we typically start our runs pretty slow for a mile and coach said not to include that in our 50% runs, that would count as warmup. So today I did start slow for a mile (7:54) and the uphill might've helped with that (I did Wasatch loop) but then picked it up a lot. Finished with 7:06 average for the whole thing, or 7:00 average for the last 7.25. 

AM:

5.25 miles, I went to Sugarhouse then up 2100 S until I hit foothill, then over to 1300 S and back home. I've got a good sized knot in my IT band. Gonna keep on rolling out and icing, might take some ibuprofen to get some of the inflammation out. I was debating whether I should do the Deseret News 10k or Half on Friday, but I don't know that I'll do either if this doesn't get under control. It wouldn't be worth the risk.

PM:

6 miles. IT band hurt. But I'd take it over sharp knee pain any day.

Kept it short today, I think I jinxed myself. IT hurt a little but my other knee was the focus of my pain. It's the same sharp knee pain that I've had off and on. Which means my other IT band is now aggravated, great. 

Cemetery run, I'm shocked at how much my IT has improved. Two days ago it hurt to go up the stairs, now it feels like it's back to normal. My knee felt better too! Easy 8:00 pace.

Started to run to the U's track, but then remembered that they usually have the bars up in lanes 1-3 so I'd have to run in lane 4, which I didn't want to do so halfway there I turned and went down to Liberty. I thought I should do some speed so that I can begin to feel what it's like again. It was kind of a failed attempt because there were so many people on the sidewalk (much more than usual) and it was windy. And I'm not really good at pacing because it's been a while since the last time I did a speed workout. But it's whatever. I did 4x800s, I hit 2:57, 2:54, 2:48, 2:46. First one I just went off of feel which was obviously not very accurate, and the third one had to stop for 3 seconds because a car failed to yeild to me (so I suppose it was technically a 2:45?) Was originally gonna do 6 but I bagged it after 4 because I was frustrated. It was also dark out and I got a little creeped out by some motorcycle gang honking at me (I didn't know they had horns?) It was just time to leave the park. Ran up 1300 S and added to 10.

Ran to the zoo trail, up to the big hill where the trail widens. Was originally going to do 3 sets of 15, 20, 25 second hill strides but wanted my watch to beep when I finished each stride, couldn't figure out how to do that so I set it to an interval workout and settled for 20 seconds on, 30 seconds off 10 times. It actually worked out perfectly, every time the 30 seconds of rest were up I was right at the bottom of the hill. I worked them pretty hard and got close to where the hill turns each time. There was a bush I used as a marker of how far up I got, and I stayed pretty close to the same spot, towards the end I was 3-5 meters behind. At first the hill seemed easy but at the end it was pretty hard, and I wasn't recovering fully in the 30 seconds. But it proved to be a good workout, felt short though. Felt like I should've done it again as another set. Next time! I continued up the trail for .25 then saw the sunset and stopped to admire it. I'm really gonna miss Salt Lake and its stunning views. Then turned and ran back home, added to 8.

AM:

4 miles, was going to do more (like 6-8) but felt awful. I don't know why??

PM:

Came home from work exhausted and crashed. When I woke up it was getting dark and I hurried out the door, felt better than this morning but took it easy. 6.25

Did wasatch loop, felt pretty good and pushed the pace. 7:01 average including slow 8:08 first mile, or 6:53 for last 7.5 miles. I felt like it was a good workout especially considering all the wind and hills.

Shout out to Steiner because turns out they sent the wrong paycard in the mail. Yay for finally figuring out the problem!

Ran with East's team today, started at Sunnyside and did VA loop to the cemetery, went to the hill and did 5 continuous hill strides, a lap, and 5 more continuous hill strides, then finished the lap and backwards VA loop to Sunnyside. Added to 8 then ran home to get 9. Was kind of tired but pushed myself on the hills nonetheless.

AM:

8 miles, Shriner's run. Felt kind of tired but otherwise alright.

PM:

5.5 miles, shorter wasatch loop. Felt good. I'm getting excited for SUU! But at the same time I don't really want to leave quite yet... But it'll be a blast. 

Side note: when I went to count out the till today for concessions I was short 4 whole dollars! I freaked out a bit because I have no idea how I messed up that bad. I've been off 25 cents before, but 4 dollars?? Where'd it go?!?!

6.5 in the morning, was originally going to do a double today but then I realized I had committed to a second shift at work.

Ran with East today, we first did a lap at Sugarhouse then did cemetery run with a lap in the cemetery. I felt awful, I think it might be that I'm still used to running in the evenings and I didn't eat anything before coming, when I run in the mornings I usually eat a piece of toast or something. And the air wasn't so great today? Idk I just felt sluggish and lightheaded, and had a hard time breathing.

There's an issue with the track house that doesn't make much sense but I'm hoping it gets worked out soon. 8 miles on my own cause I slept through my alarm. Decided to explore the U campus. Found myself up by JCC so I went over to 11th Avenue and took Shriner's run back.

Met the team at Sunnyside then did Shriner's run + VA loop. Afterwards did 2 flannigan circuits and went to the Randalls for a delicious breakfast!

Had to wake up much earlier today, I needed to be home by 7:15. It actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting, it was really cool out and I really like running during the sunrise or sunset. It's weird how fast it'll get light out though... by 6:30 there's no touch of darkness. Anywho, 8.5 miles at 7:00 pace. Dang I was really hoping to bring it below 7:00 average. Ah well, the last 7.5 were 6:52 average. It was windy out, especially by emigration canyon. My cold just keeps getting worse, I'm starting to sound like a dying horse.

I'm really anxious about my low mileage, I wanted to bring it up this week but so far it hasn't gone all that well. I've actually wanted to bring it up for many weeks now but it never happened. I just hope that I can build throughout the season. This summer has just been super busy, and many things got in the way. I'm hoping I can be confident enough with the things I have been able to do so I can perform well at SUU. I really just needed to focus on running the past couple of months, but I didn't as much as I should have. On the bright side I think I have a place to live again! But of course living on the streets would have been quite the experience. 

Ran to Sugarhouse, did a 10 x 1 minute on 1 minute off fartlek then ran part of the state course and ran home. Finished to 8. Fartlek was 6:55 average.

Met Angie at Sugarhouse, we did a lap then out and back on 1300 E. 7:40 average.

Ran with Angie and Jaden from my house to Sugarhouse where we met up with East and did the run to Tanner park. Angie, Eleanor and I turned around once we got to Tanner park and ran back to Sugarhouse, where we found Jaden again and ran back to my house.

Side note: don't use the restrooms at Tanner park. I got locked in, it's a miracle I got out of it! Shout out to my roommate Jenny who is actually a distant cousin of mine, we just found out today!

Was busy today, when I finally found a time to run it was getting dark out. I did shortened Wasatch loop, was going to add on Foothill, but then it was extra dark and I decided against it. Felt good though and wanted to continue. When I got home my mom asked me to run Penny around the circle, so I did that but then at the end of the street her leash broke and she sprinted across the street and I sprinted after her, eventually caught her but it took a while. Dang she's fast. Kind of scary too, glad there weren't any cars. Also, I went to get my physical today and on top of the blood work I was dreading they told me I needed to get another vaccination, ask me if I liked it. My quad is on fire.

Nat and I started at Granite and ran towards Liberty, then turned around at 1.5 and found the rest of the group, then ran back to Granite. Did a mile of speed changes then another lap. Workout was 3 sets of 4x400s with 2 laps recovery between sets, we were supposed to go at a slower pace than we did in track so about 85s for me. I hit 1) 87, 81, 80, 81 2) 82, 81, 80, 81 3) 82, 81, 80, 79. Haha that 87 I still don't know how we slowed down that much we were 42 seconds at the 200... Weird. Anyway, felt good and was happy with the workout. The last set was kind of tough but I gutted it out and finished. We then ran back to Liberty and got to 11.75.

Shout out to Garek for being a homie and buying me a Jamba

Last practice with East, it was great! We ran on pipeline. Legs are kind of sore and tired. I'm just tired. 4-5 hours of sleep for the past 3 nights in a row is not such a good idea. Great breakfast at Bill's afterwards, huge thanks to the Coblers! I'm moving to Cedar City tomorrow, so long Salt Lake!

5.5 miles before I left, was planning on a second run later but moving in took a lot more time than I expected.