On the road to BOSTON!

This is the day that I officially started my run hobby. I actually did it as a walk for the most part. I signed up for the Saint George Marathon today!

100M sprints

Veyo to church

This was my first experience with Veyo hill and Dammeron Valley hills. I ran my fastest overall run for 16 miles today. Felt great! I would have gone further but my right foot began to hurt....no need to press it now. I ended up with a 9:45 average pace for the run.....for me that is a major accomplishment. If I can keep that pace for the marathon I would be thrilled with a 4:15 for my first marathon ......off to cool down.

Fall was in the air around veyo/Dammeron area. It felt great out there this morning! Lots of runners out too!

I am backing off running for a few days, rest the right foot. Pretty sore...I should not run the same side of the road the whole way......I have to learn the hard way...LOL

After giving my foot a rest for a couple of days I went out for a run. The foot is feeling better during running just a bit sore now that I am back. I was fitted for orthotics yesterday and wore them the entire day. The feet are sore from wearing them but I understand after a few days you can't live without them. I will wear them the next time I run to see how they affect my run.

I decided to get the bike out of the cobwebs. I road the same route the I had run earlier this morning. What a different experience that is. My feet feel great but the legs took a good beating...pushing it most of the way at 18.5 to 21.0 mph. It feels good!

This morning I decided to go back to Veyo and work the hills again. I ran from Veyo thru Dammeron Valley for 4.125 miles then turned around and went back to Veyo. Overall I felt pretty good about the run. I want to get real familiar with these hills so that they don't become a major hurdle for the marathon.

I plan on doing some bike work today as well......we will see how that goes.

Well, I went out to the bike and decided that I had enough energy to run some more. I ran an additional 6.25 miles......should have biked it...LOL

Went for another short run of 2 miles aound the neighborhood tonight.

I did a short run this morning. The legs were very heavy today.

I decided to work the legs a bit while resting the ankle by biking 16.30 miles.

I took today off. I want to feel strong for the long run in the morning. I could not believe how worn out I was yesterday after the run and bike ride yesterday morning. I am hoping to have found my renewed energy in the morning for a good run on the SGM course for 16-20 miles.

Ran the SGM course from Veyo to the finish line. This was by far my best run. I ran a 9:31 average for the run. This may not be great but it is for me. The body handled this run better than any other that I have run....now for the recovery!

Ran from Ledges overpass to my home in Bloomington. The first 7 miles were good the last of the run was slow.....but overall I felt good,

I got home from the run and 45 minutes later I was on my way with my family to do some hiking....added another 5 miles. Time for a break.

I was able to get some good sleep last night. My body was very tired after a couple of hard days running. Looking at playing tennis for a couple of hours this morning and maybe an easy run later...

I decided to go for a 3 mile run before tennis. Slow pace, didn't want to burn out before tennis.

The day was too nice! I ran another 4.70 miles before lunch.

Could not sleep last night...my dog would not stop whining, usually there is no problem because she sleeps with my daughter. Last night my daughter decided that she should stay with us...all night long she wanted to go to my daughter.....long, long night!

I couldn't go running til 8:15. I tried running some short one mile segments focusing on bringing my pace down. Not too bad for me I averaged 8:44 over 5.65 miles. This was a mix of up and downs....I will try it again in the morning and see if I can improve on that mark.

I had a hard time getting up this morning. I went out to Ivins and drove the trails course to gunlock to see what it was like. Stopped just past Gunlock and ran 4 1/2 miles, mostly up hill to just outside of Veyo, to the top of the big hill, then ran back to the car. The hills felt better today, I was able to keep a descent pace going up most of the hills. I was able to kick out my fastest mile ever today. I hit a 6:15 average pace coming down the hill from Veyo.....sure it was hill aided but I don't care, it felt good. I just wish I could do that for a longer period of time.

Going to take a break and try out the 1/2 marathon on saturday and see what a race is like...my first!

I ran the Trails Half Marathon this morning in St. George. This is my first race that I have entered. Overall I felt good about the run. I know that I can do better and hope I can at least hold my pace for the St. george marathon next month. I finished with a 9:01 pace for the race. What a great morning to run!

Just 4 weeks until the marathon........can't wait!

Today I took a long slow run. Started at my home in Bloomington and ran over Tonaquint past the Stephen Wade, up past Dixie High. Then turned up past the Temple and zig zaged to Dixie College and out to River Road. I then went up past the Mall and through Washington to the top of the hill. Turned right out to the Fields, turned onto Industrial Drive(3000 South) and ran up to the Summit Athletic Club, crossed over and onto the bike path to the Dixie Center and then continued along the path back to Bloomington. I ran this for fun not for time.

The first leg was 13.1 miles without making any stops or walk breaks. I ran a 10:00 pace and felt very strong and rested. The last 8 1/2 miles I just did what felt good. I walked quite a bit because my foot started to hurt. That worked its way out and once I got close to the Dixie Center I ran most of the way home.

Nothing impressive just putting in some logged miles. Putting them in the bank.......LOL.

Just another mellow run today. Decided to basically put in miles this week and not worry so much about the pace. For the most part I am holding to about a 10:00 pace, every once and ahile I will move up to a 7:00 pace for a quarter mile or so just so I am not too bored. I just feel like I need to get the feet conditioned to the extended miles, I can always put the speed back in as I get closer to the marathon.

Went for another very slow run/walk.....

I decided to do some resting. I ran 43 miles in 3 days and that is a lot for me especially after running a half marathon on saturday. My left foot has some pain in the ball under the big toe and some minor pain in the legs. I feel good enough to run but thought that it would be wise to not overdue it. I am planning for my last 'big' run on saturday morning. I am sure that there will be a lot of runners on the SGM course saturday.

I may sneek out for a small run tonight just to keep the legs going......

I did sneek out for a run this evening. 4 miles at an easy pace around the Bloomington loop and home. Finished with a strong 6:40 pace for the last 1/2 mile. Now its time to get ready for the saturday run!

I did the same run as last night with a similar pace.

A great benifi that I have enjoyed with running the past two months is weight lose. I started out at 178 and weighed in yesterday at 154. 24 pounds! Of course that was right after a run but none the less the weight is coming off and I feel great. I hope to stabilize at 150-155 for the marathon. I just picture myself running with a 25 pound bag of sugar down the road and then dropping it and sprinting to the finish...LOL

Today I ran from the top of veyo hill...whimped out and didn't want to climb the 'hill' this morning. This was a great run for me. I did not look at my pace the whole time, I just ran what felt good. I ended up with a 8:32 average pace for the 18 miles.That would put me at a 3:45 marathon! From last saturday to today I was able to cut off 29 seconds per mile and my body feels great. Hopfully the taper will help my body mend and be able to perform at its peak.  I am hoping that the stars, planets etc. line up for me on October 4th so that I can pull off that kind of a time.

It was good to meet Steve, Clyde and Logan after their run. Of course they flew by me...but the inspired me to push a little harder coming out of Winchester area. We talked for a bit...thanks guys for the support!

I noticed that I hit 69 mjiles for the week, that is by far my personal best. Now it is time to start cutting back and work on quality miles.

Time to watch some football............

Starting my taper. Today I ran between a 9:00 and 10:00 pace and then mixed in some .10 to .20 mile sprints every once in a while. I was hitting between 4:26 and 5.30 pace on the sprints. If I could only maintain that kind of pace over a longer timeframe. I think that I will try to hit those times on wednesday morning for .25 to .50 mile sprints and start building up the distance I can hold the fast pace.

It was good seeing Clyde and Logan out on the trail this morning.

I went out and ran a couple of .25 mile sprints. 5:12 and 4:25 pace. I am trying to get a feel what it is to run that fast....... It was too hot for me this afternoon to push it longer. Maybe later tonight I will try a few more and longer.

Ran over Tonaquint picked up the bike path at the Dixie Center and ran to just short of the Post Office and returned back on the trail to home. 8.85 miles

Took a one hour break and did a 1 1/2 hour fast paced workout with tennis. I was running through the numbers and figured that I did at least 7 miles of short burst, side to side, up and back miles. May not be distance miles but for me they were miles none the less. (I logged only 5 of them).I did this instead of biking. The feet took a pounding for this workout but I feel great and very rested.

I have been mapping out my Wednesday morning run. I am looking at running the Snow Canyon Park road from the bottom of the park to the highway at the top. The plan is to take the run if if things are feeling GREAT, I will make the full loop (16.15 miles). If they are not do the simple down the hill to the car (9.00). This leaves me an out rather than running from the church and having to make the loop. I know Clyde and Logan did the loop on Saturday and I understand it is a tough run.....we will see how it goes!

Today I started running below the entrance to Snow Canyon Park. I ended up making the full loop. I am glad that is over.......a tough run this morning!

I have a litttl emore time now to explain my run:

Those hills going through Snow Canyon have some bite in them, especially the last couple of miles. I was sure glad when I got on top of Snow Canyon. The next 8 miles were great, not as fast as I had thought they would be but they felt good. I didn't look at my pace until I was completed with the run. The hard miles were the last 4 running along the Snow Canyon Parkway. I was tired and felt beat up on the last couple....had to do some walking.
When I started out the run my body hurt. The inside of my left knee was very sore as well as my left ankle and ball of my left foot. My left hip also hurt. (I think it is a combination of trying to shift my strike more to mid foot and getting adjusted to wearing orthotics). Once I g0t running they all went away and it is 3pm and my body feels GREAT!

Last night I was tired, not my body but me. The nrun in the morning took it out of me. At the same time my legs and feet felt great. I cannot believe how quickly the body can heal itself!

This morning I went for my normal 6.20 run around tonaquint to the Dixie Center and back on the trails through Bloomington and home. I took it easy and didn't push much at all and ended up with  9:14 pace. I even took a few walk breaks. 2 months ago I worked hard to get an 11:12 pace.

I am gettin more excited for the SGM. Hopefully the body and mind feels great that day and I can put up some good times. I feel very good about putting up a 4 hour run. The question is going to be can I have everything come together and cut that down to a 3:30?

I ran the exact run as yesterday morning. My legs were very heavy theis morning for the first couple of miles. Then all felt great! Headed for Ogden this morning and back tonight.....then run in the morning!

For starters I didn't get much sleep. I got home late from a fast trip to Ogden and back. My son had friends staying over for the night and they were making a lot of noise after 1am. My daughter was out late and is never quite when she comes home.....

I ran the final 12.13 miles of the SGM course. My body had a hard time getting going this morning. I almost stopped and went back to my car a couple of times. Then I finally realized that going back up hill was not a good option...

I had originally planned on pushing this run pretty hard to see what I could do. I abandoned that idea and decided to not look at my watch and just run what was very comfortable. Well when I got to the finish I was amazed to see that I had run an 8:07 average. That is 4 seconds slower than my Boston Q time. Of course I did run the easiest part of the course but I am still feeling very good about things.

I am going to officially start my taper now. I just couldn't do it this past week and I am glad that I didn't. The running I did this week has made me stronger and my body has mended very well this week from the minor pains that I have been having.

Ran my 6.20 route taking it easy....it's taper!

Left knee is a bit sore, the left hip was sore this weekend. I am going to go in today and make sure that everything is lined up properly with my chiropractor.

Had a hard time getting out this morning. I forgot to set the alarm because I was too tired last night. My body feels like it has been beat up.

My run was un eventful slow pace. I just ran to get the body woke up. Each mile I thought I put in the same effort. When I got home my pace was getting faster and ended up with a 9:20 pace. I was only going to run a 10:00.

Later I ran a quick 3/4 mile @ 7.30 pace just for fun.

This morning I  ran the double loop. From home over Tonaquint to Dixie Center and back to Bloomington then around Bloomington Drive to home. I ran into Logan, Clyde and Dave at the Dixie Center. They were done with their workout and ready to run their cooldown. They took off for Bllomington and I just tried to keep up with their cooldown pace. That happens to be about where my marathon pace is. It was great having them pace me, I stayed with them for 2 1/4 miles then I continued on to my last 3 miles. Thanks for pacing me! (8:50 average pace for 8.85 miles) When I was running behind the gang I felt like I could have run closer to 7:00 to 7:30 the legs felt good on that stretch but I wanted to make sure that that I didn't push too hard. Today felt good...body starting to heal.

Tried on some Saucony Fastwitch 3's today. I ran for a bit on the treadmill (.65m) to get a feel for them. I decided that I will wait until after the marathon to wear them. Don't want to screw things up this close.

Nice easy 9:15 run around Bloomington.

I only ran 2.50 this morning on the treadmill. I wanted to try out the Fastwitch 3 shoes. I am not going to go to them this close to the marathon but will the next time I run a race. They felt good. I will have to get them out on the road next time to see how they feel.

I have been trying to decide what and where to run in the morning. I think that 10 miles is my distance I am going to run. My options right now are:

a) run 10 on the course to the finish line

b) start at the finish line run up 5 miles then back track.

c) start 10 miles from my home and run to the finish line then continue to my home in Bloomington.

I suppose I will make that decision in the morning.........

If anyone is running 10 on the course let me know.

Change of plans; The day was feeling so good that I decided to take my last long run today. There was some cloud cover so I went for it. I ran up to Tonaquint then on to the Green Valley loop through the desert to the Green Vally Spa then made my way back along dixie drive, Tonaquint drive. BAD IDEA. As soo as I got going the clouds went away, it got hot and the path was way too rocky! This was not a good run.....period. I am beat, now it is time to go chill.

It felt good to get this morning and run. I needed to get the BAD run on friday out of my memory. I ran an easy 6 miles out to the dixie center and back. I just let my legs run a comfortable pace on this run. I feel that I could easily have moved my pace down :30 or so and still felt good. That is right where I want it to be. I need to get an 8:03 for my BQ of 3:30:59. The body continues to feel stronger.

I noticed that on my run on friday that I had some Nikken mag step insoles in my shoes. They are heavy! This is what really complicated things plus the heat of the day (95). I also checked my shoes to make sure that everything is good with them before the race. I have been having problems with the balls of me feet hurting the past week or so. I have been using a very light weight insloe and it was totally crushed from the summer worth of training. Ran with new ones this morning....much, much better.

Will be resting until Wednesday.....

Took today off to heal. I so wanted to go out running to get ride of some energy. I am getting amped for Saturday. My left leg still hurts a bit from a slight roll on Fridays run...stupid, stupid trail run! In the morning I plan to run 5 miles+- with 2 of them at marathon or under pace. I want to see how the legs feel after minimal miles this week.

I have been studying the course to plan out my Rocktane intake.

I am going to go drive the course Friday morning again to scope it out and finalize my game plan. I have trained hard for this first marathon and I expect to run strong. I am trying to decide if I should run with a pace group. I don't know much about pace groups and hope to learn more s the week goes along. I have trained as a loner and have a hard time talking to people when I run......but I can see the benifits from running with a group to keep the mind sharp and try to take some stress out of the run.........time will tell.

It felt great to run this morning. I ran into several runners this morning from the neighborhood and all we could talk about is Saturday. I AM PUMPED!!!!

Went for an easy 5 first 3/4 was @ 8:30 pace/ faster than I usually get going by a minute. I took off for 3/4 mile @ 6:30 pace, felt great. I only wish I could hold that pace for a longer timeframe. Slowed down and carried an 8:45 pace to the DC. I returned back home with a 8:40 pace for a mile then did 1/3 mile @ 6:10 then went the rest of the way @ 7:30.

The body is ready..........is the mind?????

Nothing to report exept that the body is healing well. The legs are feeling strong.

I am holding at 153. That puts me at losing 25 pounds during August and September. After my run on Friday I did hit 149 but that doesn't count....lost a lot of sweat on that run. I ws hoping to be at 155 with 150 being the ultimate goal so I hit it in the middle. I cannot believe how much better it feels running without that weight!

Well it is over! What a day. Wind and rain. This is not what I was hoping for but I survived! My ultimate goal was not met but I did stay under 4 for my first marathon....wet feet and cold is all I can say.

I will talk more later....

It's later. Man did my core body temp drop over the run. I didn't realize it until I got home. I have been wearing a jacket and a blanket for a couple hours now an am finally feeling right.

All I can say is WOW! What an experience. I would have much rather had a dry day but be that as it may it was a good run. I had a insole malfunction. With the rain my insole would bunch up every time I stopped to take a walk break. That sucked big time. At the same time it keep me focusing on running. The crowd really helped me out especially the last 2 miles. I hit the wall at 24 and was ready to walk it in but I couldn't. Hitting the last stretch I said to myself what the HECK let's get this done. I sprinted to the finish the last .25 miles at a 5:29 pace and finished strong, knocking off about 20 runners (road kill for Clyde)LOL

Thanks to everyone for the support and encouragement!

Trying to work out the quads a little bit...fast walk.

I needed to get out and walk to get the legs feeling better....any down hill is pure torture.

Went out and had an 1 1/2 hour tennis workout and I feel great! My legs are itching to go running.............

I just had to go out this morning and run. Just a short run in the neighborhood but it felt great. I just need to nurse my stupid blister and then I am ready to log a few more miles. My legs felt strong today and the running was not labored at all. I looked at my watch after running about 3/4 mile and I figured I was in the 9:45 area and was actually running 7:25. I hope that is a good sign for the future!

What great weather today to be outside!

Took a nice late morning run this morning. The weather is so perfect right now. I can sleep in and then have an enjoyable run and enjoy the surroundings. I love this time of year!

I can't believe how fresh my legs feel. I really wasn't planning on a hard focused run today, just go enjoy it. I did enjoty the run but was logging for me fast times.

8:19/8:12/8:31/7:59/7:57/8:17/9:03 8:19 average

Based on my marathon run pace at 8:52 I feel real goood about how the marathon has made me a stronger runner. I can't wait to go out and run the Snow Canyon Half in November.

I went out for an early morning run around Bloomington. I started out with the plan to run 6-8 miles going over Tonaquint to the DC and beyond. Once I got to the top of Tonaquint it was very windy and I cut my plans back and went back and finished Bloomington Drive loop. I could never really get things going this morning. The blister on the side of my foot was bugging me and that held me back. (4.65)

I ran over to SunRiver to watch the BYU game and ran back after the game. (7.00) Head winds going out and the wind shifted and ran into head winds coming back. Just my luck!

Took a run on the bike path from home to river road then crossed over the bridge and followed the trail to the Bloomington roundabout then back home. (8:52)

A simple run over to the Bloomington Park to watch some of the Senior's Game Softball action.

I started off running over Tonaquint then down through Southgate to the DC. I then decided to run part of the Painter's half marathon course. I ran about the first 6 1/2 miles of the course heading over to River Road and then on the bike path over through Bloomington hills. When I got to the switchback down to cross the river I stayed up and ran over past Flying J and then back ome through Bloomington on Brigham drive to Sugar Leo.

I am having a hard time with my stamina on these longer runs. The last few miles my legs feel heavy. I suppose I just need to keep at it. I am down to 148 after this run. That is 30 pounds of lose so far. Maybe I can loose some weight off of my heavy legs....LOL

I decided to run the Snow Canyon 1/2 marathon course today. I ended up running most of the course till you turn in to Entrada. I bailed at that point and continued down Snow Canyon Parkway to Dixie Drive and ran to just short of Sunset to get in the 13.1 miles. I was shooting for 1:45 and ended up with 1:47. Overall I felt pretty good about the run, just need to work on consistency. I would like to run it in 1:40 for the race in 3 weeks. For most of you that is slow but would be a major accomplishment for this 49 year old beginner!

Here are the splits: (8:13 average)

6:23 steep down, trying to hold back

6:59 steep down, trying to hold back

7:34 down

10:00 up- gravel road

9:27 up- gravel road

8:18 reverse directions-gravel road

7:39 gravel road

8:40 mellow down

8:15 mellow down

8:51slight rise- getting tired

8:05 mellow down

7:54 mellow down

Had to drop my car off to get fixed at the Honda dealership. Ran home. My legs are very sore. I failed to take care of them after my run on saturday......learned the lesson. I hurt almost as bad as I did after the marathon and I only ran a half marathon distance.

Legs are still sore. I went for a short hike/run along the Temple Quary trail and did some hillside climbing up to the ridge.

This morning I decided to run from the DC. After a short 1/2 mile warmup...(6:26 pace)I had no idea I was running at this pace, I was just running out a quarter mile and back.

I ran a 5K on the trail from DC towards Bloomington and back. 22:51 the splits were 7:01--7:31--7:38--average pace 7:23. I didn't feel very good about the run but it was okay. The second half has a lot of gradual up grade.

I took a break at the parking lot for 15 minutes and then ran another 5K on the other bike path. I felt like I could run this trail faster. I ran without checking my pace. I knew I was going slower but figured just barely and hoped that I would be very close to the same time as the other one. 24:28 that sucked! splits 8:08--7:58--7:51 average 7:58.

I am going to try the same runs friday and see how it goes. I have never run a 5k in an actual race. I am trying to decide if I should give the Save a Sister 5K a go on saturday or go run the Snow Canyon course again in preparation for the 1/2 marathon. Maybe I will run the 5K first and then go out and run the Snow Canyon course without running the up and back portion of the run....I will have to see how I am feeling on friday.

I did exactly the same runs as yesterday. 2-5K runs.

The first towards Bloomington: 7:05--7:43--7:35--average 7:26  (22:54) 3 seconds slower

second 5K: 7:29--7:54--7:53--average 7:45  (23:52) 43 seconds faster

I found out after I ran the first 5K that the Save a Sister 5K was changed to run towards River road on the bike path not towards Bloomington. Had I known that I would not have run the Bloomington route first. oh well. Between the two courses I like the Bloomington one better. I was hoping for a 22:00 5K. The inly thing I don't know is if when doing the 2nd 5K I was affected by being tired. Hopefully that is the case and I can push through and gain some speed in the morning. Knowing how I run hitting 22:00 would be a great goal to shoot for.

I ran the Save a Sister 5K. This is my first attempt at the 5K. I ran pretty much as per my plans. I failed to look at my watch to see exactly how I was running and that cost me a sub 22. At the 1/2 point I saw that I was just over 11 minutes but I knew that I should be able to run the second half a bit faster. At the 3 mile mark I had a runner in front and one behind me. I keep waiting for one of them to break away. Finally the one behind me started to make a move so I took off and closed strong. As I was sprinting I partially saw the clock at 21:--- stupid me, I should have looked at the watch and started out sooner to sprint instead of waiting for someone else to to make the move. The last .10 of the race I ran in 21 seconds or 3:30 pace. Overall I have nothing to complain about, great day, great weather great run!

Great, beautiful day to run!

splits 6:49/7:32/7:27

Today I started out  from about 3/4 mile from the start of the Snow Canyon 1/2 course, down the highway, this portion is mostly uphill. I wanted to warm up a little bit before running down the steep hills at the beggining. I then ran a good portion of the 1/2 marathon course. I cut short the west canyon portion by a little bit and adjusted the end to continue on Snow Canyon Parkway to the Running Center. The run felt pretty good except for the last 2 miles. My right heel started to hurt, I tried a differant insole, so I ended up dogging the last 2 miles with 10:00 pace walking a lot.I ended up 1:46:55 for the run.I was shooting to run 1:45 so I was off by about 4 minutes since I was going to run 13.1 and ended up short.

I am still feeling okay for the Snow Canyon 1/2 next week. I just need to get some more miles in this next 7 days. I spent most of the last week or so preparing for the 5K run. I plan on getting in 4 or so 10-15 mile runs in to get the stamina built up for the 1/2 marathon.

Splits: first 3/4 warmup 9:34/ 5:52/ 6:56/ 7:34/ 9:01/ 8:08/ 8:43/ 7:25/ 8:03/ 8:45/ 9:16/ 8:26/ 10:08/ 10:35 last .15 of run (8:14 average)

Nice easy run around Bloomington Drive Loop. The legs were tired from yesterday's run. 8:30 pace

I was hoping to run longer but needed to break for the morning. I will try and get out later today for 4 more. I need to build up some miles to get my endurance built up for the 1/2 marathon in a week and a half. Yesterday I really felt the let down after about 11 miles. I had been making several 3 mile runs for awhile and I need to lengthen those out now. I really would like to come in at 1:35-1:40. That for me would be incredible. My only other 1/2 I did at 1:58 7 1/2 weeks ago. I feel that if I can work hard enough over the next week I will be able to pull it off.......

Easy late morning run. (7.70 miles) Over Tonaquint to DC/ then towards River Road on the path for 3/4 mile and back tracked to DC then back to home on the path. My legs are still sore from Tuesday's run (quads). I couldn't really get them going (8:30 pace) Coming down Tonaquint I was struggling to get the legs rolling and was only hitting around 7:30 pace through that section...heavy legs!

I was considering running the Butch Cassidy 10K on Saturday and have decided not to. I need to get the legs feeling better and need to get the miles on them not race speed.

WOW! I just noticed that on my next run I will go over 600 miles for the year. Not a lot for most people taht are serious runners but for this beginner that started in July I feel good about that. I plan on keeping about a 30 mile average through most of the year with some bumps up before the Ogden Marathon and the St. George Marathon. I don't feel the need to do much more than that, I want to continue to enjoy the running while throwing in 2 marathons, 2-3 1/2 marathons and a few 5k and 10k's throughout the year. Keeping it fun with some challenging races hear and there to give me some purpose and meaing to the runs.

I would like to get a 5K under 21:00/ 10K under 43:00/ 1/2 marathon under 1:40 and a marathon under 3:30. That should be some pretty good goals for this 49 year old.

1.82 miles this evening around the neighborhood. Trying out my new landreth shoes trying 1/2 size larger (9 1/2) and wide width.

Had to get the 600 mark on my mileage.....couldn't wait til the morning to do it.

2 short miles this morning. Just wanted to loosen up the legs a bit. The quads are feeling good again. I may go bacl out later this afternoon for a couple. Trying to rest a little. I plan on a good hard run in the morning. Right now I am looking at running down Snow Canyon bypassing the west canyon portion and continuing down to Snow Canyon High. Basically the 1/2 course without the west canyon portion. The plan right now is to run the first 3 miles @ 6:10 pace, the 2nd 3 miles @ 7:30 and the last 3 miles @ 8:00. This would represent how I plan on running the 1/2 marathon next week. Tuseday I ran the top 3 miles @ 6:47 pace, the next 3 miles @ 8:03 and the next 3 @ 8:20. I want to see if I can do this on a training run to see how realistic my goal is. I have decided I really want to run 1:40 or under for the 1/2. This may be pushing it for me but I think it is worth a good try.

I am spent. I started off with plans as laid out yesterday. Once I got running I just wasn't feeling it. I ended up running the 3 miles to the west canyon dirt road then instead of continuing downhill I ran up the west canyon dirt road 1 1/2 miles and then back down. I then decided to run back up to the top of Snow Canyon....that I did not enjoy other than the beautiful views. Once I made it to ythe top I ran about 1 1/4 miles down towards Winchester Hills then turned around back to the car. 11.00 miles total at 8:45 pace. 1:36:30

Next week I need to run 1 minute faster pace per mile to meet my goal of 1:40 for the Half Marathon. Overall I am feeling like it is possible. If I adjust the 3 miles of uphill(steep 11:15 average) to gradual downhill miles (7:15 pace) that would cut off 12 minutes and if I can hold 7:22 pace for the final 2.1 I would be right there.

I am hoping that I can get the legs feeling fresh for next saturday and have a great run!

By the way it was beautiful out there today, nice temps with thin cloud cover....and it is Nov 1st!

Went out and voted then took a 3.50 mile run in the neighborhood. Nothing special other than I was planning on doing some sprints and just couldn't get my legs moving like I wanted. I decided to take a break for a few hours and try it again this afternoon. (8:13 pace)

Afternoon run: easy 1/4 mile @8:10 then 1/4 mile @ 4:36 then finished of the run with 2 3/4 miles @ 8:03 pace. This run felt much better than this morning. I have decided that I need to go find some fun trail runs around 8-15 miles and take as much time as I want to...speed hike. It is time to enjoy the running rather than training all the time. I really admire you guys that run so diligently, training for the next run. This is so new to me. I am glad that I have found the sport of running, now I need to make sure I can continue to have fun with it!

I am hoping the the run Saturday, the Snow Canyon Half Marathon, is an enjoyable and fast run for me. I am plotting things out for a 1:40.

My upper hip has been sore since my saturday run and I aggrivated it more yesterday with my sprint and hill run. I took the day off and it started feeling somewhat better. I went out this evening to loosen it up. It was tight to start with and felt better after about a block and then made a climb up a hill. The hip feels good now. I think the cool weather really helped. I have not run in the dark since before the marathon over 5 weeks ago. I really enjoyed it this evening. I just may go out again this evening for another short run.......

Waited til 9 to run this morning---lazy!

Ran the Tonaquint loop. I have run this several times over the past 3 months and today was the best of all of them. I set out to do an easy run to loosen up my hip and just get 6 miles in. splits: 8:31/8:41/7:43/7:53/7:58/7:50/7:24for the last .17 (8:03 average 49:54) I have had it in the back of my mind to run this loop in under 50 minutes, when I got home I looked down and couldn't believe that I had done it. It is fun to look back at the other times and see the change: 7-31 11:06 pace/ 8-6 11:02/ 8-11 10:38/ 8-18 9:54/ 8-27 12:09/ 9-3 8:44/ 9-19 9:02/ 9-22 9:34/ 10-9 8:19

I need to go nurse a small blister and get the hip taken care of. I am looking foward to Saturday now more than ever. I feel real good about this run.

Took today off to heal. The hip is still sore today. I am doing some stretching and rubbing in the Wintercrest. I am sure that it will be good to go in the morning but I really wanted to put up some fast miles on the steep beginning. I will have to take them mellow.....dang!

Oh well, the weather is supposed to be perfect and I am still hopeful of a 1:40 run.

I ran the Snow Canyon Half Marathon this morning. What a beautiful day! The race started about 25 minutes late...bummer. We stood at the start line for ever. The race went well just a bit harder than I expected for the last 3 miles through Entrada. There was more hills in that area than I expected. The hip acted up for most of the race and keep me thinking about it....I was shooting for a 1:40 but it wasn't there today.

I feel good about my time and it is is my new PR 1:44:32 3rd in age division

splits: 5:46/ 6:18/ 7:44/ 8:56/ 9:30 restroom break..dang/ 7:51/ 8:42/ 7:45/ 8:22/ 8:01/ 8:41 started to get tired/ 8:38/ 8:10 (7:58 pace)

Great job Logan!

I have been thinking about yesterday's run. Bummed out about the hip...can hardly walk. It seems like forever ago that I ran the Saint George Marathon....really only 5 weeks and I was able to cut 55 seconds off of my marathon pace. I know I am not as prepared as I was for the marathon so I am feeling much better about the time yesterday. I am starting to understand more about getting proper rest between long races. I am planning on running the Painters Half in January...talked myself into it today. I will take it very easy this week and try t get the hip feeling better. Probably get doing some biking to break things up. I do plan on training harder in December and leading up to the run doing some longer runs just as I did for the marathon. The one thng that I was lacking yesterday was being able to feel strong at the end. In September I was feeling much better after much longer runs.

Great race to all that ran!!!

Today I needed to get out of the house and clear the mind.....but I can't run! I went out walking very slowly trying to stretch out the hip a bit. I was able to gradually speed the walk up to where I built up some sweat. I jogged very slow for about 100 feet is all at the end. Hopefully I can get this worked out fast and be able to do some fun enjoyable runs for the rest of the month before training for the Painter's Half.

Logan just informed me that I took 3rd in my age not 4th. The master's winner was in my group and that bumped me up to 3rd. Yee Haa

Went out for a very easy walk/run. The hip is feeling a bit better but still sore. I started out walking for about 30 feet then jogged. It felt good to run so I continued at a 10:00 pace just trying to stretch things out. At 1 mile mark I pushed the pace a little more to 8:19 pace for the 2nd mile. The 3rd mile I pulled back a bit to 8:30. I am going to continue to take it easy this week and hope to get back on track for next week.

I decided for sure to run Painter's Half. I am going to train different this time, getting some longer runs in prior to the race. Between the Marathon and the Half I really didn't do much as far as long runs. I feel that I need to get at least 3-4 runs over 15 miles in this time to improve my endurance. The speed is coming along alright I just need to be able to hold it for a longer distance without getting exhausted.

Today I ran the first half of the Painter's Half course. I am taking things very slow just trying to get the hip feeling strong. After a mile I felt pretty good but there is still pain and stiffness in the hip. I ran about as far as I felt I could push it. ( 8:20 ave pace) I stopped and decided to run another 3-4 miles, started out about a 1/4 mile and that was all the hip needed today. Don't want to push it when I don't need to. Beautiful day today!

I am going to train on this course for the rest of the year getting to know it well so that I can give it a great run in January.

I ran the club 7 mile run today. Nothing special. Great day to run! ran 8:20 pace til the last 1 1/2 miles than slowed down up Sunset to the Running Store. 8:45 average

I took a few days off to let the hip get feeling better. It feels pretty good today. Just a little dore after my run. I ran the first part of the Painter's Half. Felt good today. I ran 6 miles with an average pace of 7:54. When I ran this last week I had an average pace of 8:20.

What a beautiful day....I hopw we have a lot more of these days ahead of us!!!!!

This morning was another beautiful one. I ran the second half of the Painters course. This portion runs from DC on the path to Bloomington turning right onto Bloomington Drive and making the loop and back to the DC. This portion has more uphill than the first half. My average pace was 8:07 for the run. Combining the 2 runs would give me 1:45. Based on that time I am going to shoot hard to hit under 1:40. This is a good hard goal to keep me going when it gets cold outside.......

Another great day! I took my run into town by way of the bike path to DC then followed the first 2 miles of the painters course then went up to the office complex by Applebee's. I met a client for awhile then ran down River road and hooked up on the bike path again at Riverside road and then went bact to the DC then on to home. 8:14 average pace. 7:57/ 7:36/ 8:00/ 8:11/ 8:54/ 9:21 up hill/ 7:04/ 7:34/ 8:30/ 8:54/ 8:41/ 8:36

Didn't feel much like running but did anyway. I am fasting for a friend of mine today that is in surgery for a terrible leg break just below the knee. He had to go to Salt Lake for the surgery because it was so bad and that specialist said this was the worst he had seen. He was told that he ay never bend his leg again...he is a very active outdoors person...that sucks!

I just couldn't get it going at all today...average pace 9:10.

Beautiful day though!!!!!

I ran from home to the Running Store by way of Dixie Drive and Sunset Blvd then down Bluff to the Dixie Center then home on the bike path. The day I signed up to run the St. George marathon I walked/ran this same course without the additional section to the running store. It took me just under 4 hours. Today I ran it slow and finished in 2:02. Not very fast but it felt good to enjoy the run, not pushing for any time goals and halfing my original time.

Another beautiful day in paradise!!!!!

I have been bothered by an ingrown toenail...ouch! Still hurts but needed to get out for a run today. Tried to run a consistent pace today, not neccesarily fast. My average was 7:48. splits 7:49/ 8:00/ 7:51/ 7:50/ 7:43 at the end of this mile I saw a women on roller blades ahead of me and pushed it enough to pass her.....felt really good and this pushed me to finish strong for the last 1/2 mile/ 7:12    41:22 total time.

I cannot believe how great the fall has been this year, everyday has been beautiful!

Side note: I had business up in Dammeron Valley yesterday and drove up to see a property in Brookside. I really miss running the marathon course every saturday. I decided that I am going to have to run the marathon course from the beggining to the end in the next few weeks, just for fun!

Same run as yesterday, different result for the better. Light rain going out and a little heavier coming back----felt good.

7:17 average pace;

7:13/ 7:13/ 7:06/ 7:20/ 7:39/ 7:04   38:38 total time.

Amazing to me because yesterday felt good and I cut 2:44 off of yesterdays run or 31 seconds off of my average......I suppose I like the rain....lol

ran around the block. Needed to get the legs and butt loosened up. Yesterday's run made me pretty stiff...in a good way.

Similar run as last saturday. I strapped my pack on, loaded with a computer hard drive that needed to be taken to the computer store. I needed to get it there at 10am so that really messed up my running plans. I ended up running up past sunset blvd, where the computer store is, and ended up going to the Snow Canyon parkway then turned around and went back to the store. Then is was back home for a total of 14.65 (8:54 average). Another beautiful day just a little cool. Had my first nip bleed......they sting...lol

Checked my shoes on sunday and found that I had put some heavy magnetic insoles in my shoes and had forgotten to take them out for this run.......the legs were heavy......I was trying to figure out why the bottoms of my feet hurt so bad, DUH!

Today was an easy 4 mile run around Bloomington Drive. 7:59 pace

Nothing special just needed to run to get rid of some stress.....would have run longer but life calls.

The Thanksgiving weekend took its toll on the weight. I gained 5 pounds from thursday moring till sunday. This week I am concentrating on getting that back off by eating smarter and running more.

Got a late start this morning, didn't get out to run til 11:30. I ran to the Dixie Center then crossed under I-15 past St. George Ford then up Tonaquint Drive, Bloomington Drive back to home. 6.20 miles (7:48 average)

Easy run to the DC and back. I could not get things going today.....made several walk breaks...5.40 miles (7:54 pace)  7:10/ 8:01/ 8:06/ 8:01/ 8:18/ 7:40  Without the walk breaks I was typically averaging 7:19 whenever I looked at my garman. I just need to keep working on my stamina/breathing.

Another beautiful day in paradise.

Did another run this evening around Bloomington Drive 3.60 miles (7:34 pace) 7:20/ 7:36/ 7:45/ 7:37

I just noticed that today I went over 750 miles this year. That is since mid July. It may not be very many compared to the top guys around here but if you would have told me that I would run for over 750 this year I would have laughed. Running a mile was not even in my thinking, why run when you can drive? How things have changed! I am shooting to get as close as I can to 900 by the end of the year. I am hoping to stay healthy and motivated and run for 2500 miles in 2009.

Did my Tonaquint, DC and trail back to home. 6.20 miles (8:02 avg) 8:04/ 8:36/ 8:/16/ 7:52/ 7:42/ 8:02/ 7:10.

I set a goal to try to make every run at my Boston Qualify time or under. Just programming my body to get used to running that pace or better. My BQ until august (turning 50) would be 8:02.......today's run run was right on the mark.

Had a terrible night, stayed up late trying to get a new computer up and running...I hate computers! I had decided to not run today, well it was too nice out this afternoon. I headed out for a short run to the Dixie Center. Well I ran past the DC and ended up 6 1/2 miles away from home wondering what the heck I had had done to myself...short run.

Coming back I hit a wall pretty bad at mile 11. I didn't make my goal of running everything under 8:02 pace but considering I didn't plan on this long of a run and no water stops along the way I feel ok with my 8:14. Actually this is the 2nd fastest I have run 13.1 miles and only 3 minutes slower than my last half marathon and it was downhill.

I am going to go die for a while!

7:26/ 7:30/ 7:54/ 8:37/ 8:12/ 8:12/ 8:29/ 8:42/ 8:00/ 8:09/ 8:07/ 9:22/ 8:29/

I woke up late night feeling like crap. I finally decided to go out in the fresh air and do a short run. Temp felt good but I could never get my legs to move. It felt good to get the air but the running was more like crawling......(3.55)  Added another 1.45 this evening doing caroling, some was walking but most was running to the next home and then a 1/2 mile run to the house when we were done

Another beautiful day in paradise! Just a little cool. I ran from home to the Dixie Center on the trails and then in to Washington on the trails then up to Albertsons then over to the new Running Store. Chatted with Steve, Kendra and Clyde for a while. Then off for home by way of River Road to the trails and then home. The last 3 1/2 mile kicked my butt. My back started hurting and the legs were very tired. The first 2 1/2 miles to the Dixie Center were very slow compared to my normal days. I was averaging 9:45 in stead of 7:30. I ended up with 9:20 overall average..........did I mention that it was a beautiful day?????

The St George Running Store is looking great! Way to go Steve!

This morning I ran my Tonaquint, Dixie Center loop  6.20 miles. Trying to recoup from the gombo from this weekend. Legs felt somewhat better today especially after the long run yesterday that destroyed me. I only ran 8:42 pace today just making sure I enjoyed the weather and beautiful day. This run should put me over 800 miles in 5 months.

I ran the same run as yesterday but felt much better. I wasn't trying to press it too fast and ended up with 8:14 pace. I still cannot believe how nice the weather has been, great sunny day today. Heading out for Salt Lake in an hour or so and will take a day off from running and get back at it on saturday.

This morning I started out for a short 4 mile run around Bloomington Drive. As I got going I changed plans and headed towards Navajo Drive and headed out to the desert. It has been forever since I have gone out this way and just ran. I got out to 8 1/4 miles and decided that I wasn't prepared to be out this far away from civilization. I didn't bring water or gu. I am glad that I turned when I did. I was beat by the time I got home and needed some liquid refreshment. A great day today. I thought it was going to be a cold run today and it was perfect! slow trail run 8:59 average. Overall I felt pretty good about the run. It is amazing to me how running on the trails slows you down. I would be cruizing along and I would check out the garmin and I would be 45-60 seconds slower than I felt like......good training.

With the St. George Half Marathon coming up I am hoping that I can get 2 runs of 15 plus miles a week for the next 4 weeks. Of course this depends on the weather and my body. I may take one of the runs on dirt and the other on pavement. We will see how it goes.

Bloomington Drive this morning. Went out before the snow is supposed to come. NOthing special just miles......cold miles. 8:20 avg

After the snow yesterday I wasn't sure if I would run today. I took off around 10:30 and ran to the Running Store and looped back. I don't know what I was thinking.....it was pretty cold but not too bad. As I am getting back it looks like the snow is going to start falling. I had a time when it was lightly raining and I was only 7 miles from home, glad that didn't last. 8:50 avg

My typical Tonaquint/DC loop. 8:13 average pace. Cold morning!

Yesterday was a snow out day!

Today I ran into St. George to see my wife at work on Tabernacle and 200 south. I then ran home...nothing special.

Great run today!

I started the day off organizing a move....we moved someone out of the ward and downloaded as well. When I got home it was clean the house and garage day. Now that those things were completed I went for a run. I did my typical Tonaquint/DC loop. This was my personal best for this loop. I ended up with a 7:32 average pace. 7:38/ 8:06/ 7:28/ 7:09/ 7:44/ 7:14/ 6:34 (46:27) That beat my best run by over 3 minutes!!!!

It was 40 out but the sun was shinning. I went out with the shorts and shirt...felt great!

Now it is lunch, then football games, GO BYU!!!!!

Bloomington drive loop. It has been raining on and off today. I finally decided I better get out while there was a break. Then run felt pretty good, temperature was great...nice and cool.

7:38 avg pace  7:29/ 7:50/ 7:56/ 7:05

Today I did my run to the Running Store and back. I felt really good about the first 10.50 miles after that it sucked! I did a lot of walking but I actually enjoyed the scenery. Since the run wasn't going well I decided to enjoy it and not worry about running. My Garmin died after 6 miles so I didn't have that to push me. The first 10.50 miles I averages around 8:20.

I took two days off and it feels like it. I gained 5 pounds over Christmas and need to run it off. I started off by running the Bloomington Drive loop of 3.55. I need to get out in the morning and do a long run! (7:46)

A cold morning but the sun is shinning.

I couldn't decide what run to go on this morning. I started out running the Bloomington Drive loop then headed over Tonaquint to the Dixie Center. I stopped for a few minutes there then headed towards River Road. I crossed over to the trail on the other side of the Virgin River. I ran the trail and headed past Flying J. There was a portion of the trail that is dirt and I ended up getting pretty muddy, had to stop and scrape an inch of mud of the shoes. I then ran through Bloomington to home. I never really pushed it just enjoyed the day. (8:40 pace)

Today I wanted to run part of the SG Marathon course. I needed some downhill running. I started off at the Ledges overpass and ran to the top of Diamond Valley hill then turned around and ran back to my home in Bloomington. The first 3.50 was uphill @ 8:55 pace and the last 16.50 was @ 8:00 pace.

This run felt really good. I am well under my Boston Qualify pace and am excited for the next SGM.

Bloomington Drive loop.......legs were very tight and heavy.8:45 avg..........The run yesterday really took it out of me.