ShufflingSista

I resisted the urge to sleep in on this rainy Saturday morning and it paid off! I had a great run with Jody! We did a foremaster loop (starting & ending at the gym) in the rain.  I was SOAKED by end of the run. I booked it home, showered and changed into some cuddly PJs & slippers to blog in.  After this entry I'm going back to bed until the rest of my sleepy family gets up!

This blog is great! So glad this blog put me in touch w/ Jody. She is an easygoing girl w/ a friendly smile and fun personality (cute hair too!) We had a great time chatting about our families , jobs, church  etc, etc.  Since she has family here and I have family in SLC, I know I'll get the chance to run w/ her again.   I think we did pretty good on our run- 5.4 in 55 min.  (10:11 pace) considering we were chatting and running up foremaster, not too shabby!

Yah! Just realized this run put me over my 25 miles for the week.  I'm glad, after a rough start this week (rough as in- I was lazy!)

Next week goal is 26 miles.  I know- you're thinking I'm really ambitious!! (ha)

Wow! Can't believe its Dec. 1st already!! Going to finish some Christmas shopping today and go to ward party tonight.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Afraid I'll have to take a goose egg for today.  I have come down with "da gunk".  Sore throat, headache, stuffy head.  Think I caught it from my son.  Tomorrow I'll try to get out for a mellow 4 mi. w/ Sara. 

4 miles w/ Sara, 10:30 pace.  It was SLOW, I had to remind myself that's what I needed to see how good I felt and if I could go harder or not the rest of the week. I felt pretty good on this run.  I think w/ some good food & sleep today I'll be ready for 5-6 mi. w/ strides tomorrow.  I'm running the Tuachan Duathlon 5K this Sat. My plan for week is: (my cold better cooperate!! so far it hasn't gotten any worse, still head conjestion and sore throat- just don't want it to move to chest as my colds usually do...)

Today- 4 mi. w/ Sara (2 more alone tonight)

Wed- 5-6 w/ at least 7 strides w/ Heather

Thurs- 4 w/ Sara (2 more alone at night)

Friday- 5 alone

Sat- race

I still want to get my 26 miles in for the week without making my cold worse and without tiring myself out for the 5k on Sat.  Any suggestions anyone? Maybe I could break up my runs and try to fit in a couple easy miles at night?

BTW- Sara is doing great! She ran her 1st 5k end of Oct. and averaged almost 12 min. miles.  Now she's running 4 miles in 10:30 w/ me! I think she'll be ready to go longer and faster soon- I just don't want to push her- want running to be fun for her.  She's lost almost 20 lbs since she started running- bravo!

Another day of improv as far as the workout was concerned.  Got to Heather's at 6:00am to be stood up (paybacks are heck).  So I went home and back to bed (I know, I know...)

I had a PT appt. at 10:00 so I decided to get to the gym early and get a few miles on the treadmill before the workout.  I only got in 2.25, then it was time to meet her.  She stood me up too! (Her daugher was sick, so she was home w/ her).  Maybe my friends and associates are trying to tell me something? (j/k.. hopefully....)  It was actually a good thing that she stood me up, I was relieved.  I'm still sore from my last workout w. her and I didn't want to be sore for the 5k on Sat. 

SO- I hopped back on the treadmill.  Overall I got in 5 miles in 45 minutes- 9 min. pace.  I had a really good run (broken into 2 segments).  I didn't run a consistent pace, but did lots of strides- would go to about 8 min. miles, hold for awhile- then recover... over & over again.  The "women's" room at the gym in nice & quiet, just a few of us in there and Rachel Ray was on so it was a good distraction.  She was suprising people w/ Christmas gifts and it brought a tear to my eye.  I'm so cheezy- running & crying....

Just wanted to add a big THANK YOU to all of you who stop by my blog and leave encouragement.  Like Lybi said- even if you just say- "You ran, good"  It means the world!!! You guys are the best!!

Have to pat myself on the back today.  Met Sara for 4 mi.  She only had 1/2 hr. so we did 3, 10:30 min. miles.  Then when she had to go home instead of going back to bed (what the normal slacker me would do...) I ran another 1.8 loop in (average 8:53 for the last 1.8). 

The rain kept me in bed today and I still haven't logged any miles for the day.  I did set a time w/ Heather to meet at the gym and run for 1.5 hr in the morning.  Hopefully we'll log 9-10 miles tomorrow.  If any of you St. Georgians want to meet us at 7am tomorrow for the run, we'd love to have you! (Gold's Gym parking lot 7am).  We figured we'd meet at gym and stick close to there so we can keep an eye on the weather- storms a-brewing!

Well- the 5k I was going to do did end up getting cancelled from all the rain we've had recently.  That's OK they are going to apply my race fees to a Feb. race &  I really only signed up so I would get my booty out of bed for training runs.  And today Heather & I got in a great run.  Man- I was struggling though! I was only 3.5 into it and my body wanted to quit! Guess that's because I haven't done any long runs lately- and this one had some incline.  But I stuck it out and glad I did! We did a nice big loop that I'd never done before, so at least that kept it interesting.  We averaged 10:20- which isn't too shabby considering how HARD it was for me and we had to stop to cross several roads and had a gas station stop to buy a drink.  So I'm sure we were actually running closer to 10 min. miles.  So I'm a few miles short of my mileage goal for the week, but I'm OK with that.  I started the week w/ a cold and the weather was a challenge this week too.   I feel my workouts I did get in were quality this week- even though most weren't too long, my pace was faster than usual (except for today) and I'm happy about that.  Well- I gotta run, family calls.  I hope to jump back on later this weekend to check out your blogs and leave comments!!! Have a GREAT weekend!

Yippee! I got a Monday run in! It was shorter than I'd hoped, but pace was good- so it'll have to do.  9:14 average pace.  I started out slow & awkward, but after about 3 miles I felt really good.  I think I really picked up the pace the last 1.5 or so.  It was a nice alone run, me & the IPOD.  I slept in today so tried all day to get a run in.  But ended up putting out fires at work all day- so didn't fit the run in until about 4:30 pm.  It was overcast and cooling down, and it was a nice dusk run.  Some people had already turned their Christmas lights on and it was fun to see them all.  I'm glad I started my week off on the right foot with a good run.

Decided to do some "cross training" today.  Took a big ol' walk on the trails.  It felt really good to stretch my legs.  Kept my pace up so I was breathing hard.  Think I averaged about 13/14 min. miles if I had to guess. Judging from the mile markers on the trail I think I went about 3.5.  I feel kinda like a slacker that I didn't run- but wow, it was really enjoyable- late afternoon, cool enough for a hoodie, but not too cold. Tomorrow I'll log in 6 running miles before I sleep.  That's right, its written, now I have to do it!

Met PT at gym at 9am, she killed me for 1/2 hr.  I swear this girl thinks I'm stronger than I am! All upper body today so I may not be able to lift anything for a week, but at least I can still run!

Then I hopped on the tread mill in the women's workout room.  This is a good set up- no body is ever on that treadmill and Rachel Ray always seems to be on when I go & she distracts me pretty well.  My pace was all over the place! I started at 10:20 and kept going up & down for the whole run, sometimes down to 8 min, miles, other times 9:30- crazy.  Average pace 9:28.  I wonder if I'm this erratic when I run on the road? Should I be worried about that?

It was fun.  But I said no sleep until I get in 6 miles today.  So I have another mile to fit in before bed!

Now back to mortgages and mommyhood...

OK, I'm embarrassed- I didn't get my extra mile in last night.  I put it off so late then forgot until this morning!! Shoot!

Today I did 4 easy w/ Sara.  About 11 min. miles.  My upper body is sore from the PT yesterday. 

Slacker today! Slept in, didn't run and ate alot! Yikes.  I did take a 40 minute walk with my family that was very nice, I even rode my son's scooter for awhile (yah, I looked like a dork!) Believe me I tried every which way to calculate it and see if I could use some of this walk for "cross training" mileage- LOL! But never got my heart rate up so just couldn't count it.  It was just a mellow family walk.  Then my Dad came in town and we all got together at my brother's house and ate lots! Even 2 pies from Croshaw's... you all from St. George know how good those pies are! Looking forward to meeting Mik'l, Heather & Amanda in the morning to run some of it off! Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!

Well, its taken me all day to get a chance to sit down and blog today! Great day for me! Met up w/ Mik'L, Heather & Amanda at 6am to run 5 miles.  Let me just say that Mik'L's snoman tree & collection is even CUTER is person!  It was cool to meet Amanda (another"bloggie"- stole that cool term from Mik'L). We ran one of Mik'L's regular loops, nice quiet, wide streets.  It was pretty early and pretty cold, but I had a great time regardless thanks to the great company.  Mik'L had the Garmin going and we clocked 9:58 av. pace for the 5 miles.  I felt pretty good so when I got home I decided I'd try to squeeze in a few more miles.  I had to be showered and picked up for the temple in an hour so I had to book it.  I ran 3 more miles around my neighborhood, 9:20 average.  I'm proud of myself that I went out and did a few more miles alone.  I really wanted to get in a few more miles for the week and I'm stoked that I just barely got in my 25 miles for the week.  My goal is 110 for Dec. so I need to average high 20s for the next 2 weeks.  Then I rushed to the temple to escort my sis-in-law through for her 1st time.  Excellent experience.  In the afternoon I was SO tired, stole a short nap that felt SOOO good- then off to Tuachan with the family to see the nativity and lights.  Couldn't ask for a better day!

4:00 pm UPDATE: Michelle's group- we DID NOT get selected for Moab!!!!!! BUMMER!!!! And I was SOO looking foward to it! I just got the email.... Maybe Hurricane 1/2 in May?

This was a "mental strength building" run today.  Met up w/ Heather & Buffy and decided to do Foremaster.  Lots of incline and fast partners.  We did 5.5 in about 9:27 pace.  I think it was even faster than that because one chica ran to the gas station bathroom and I took off 2 minutes for that (forgot to stop my watch while waiting for her), but it may have been even longer.  So 9:27 is conservative- may have been closer to 9:15.

Anyway, I hit the wall at 5 miles and had to walk for just about 10 seconds.  I hate when I do that, makes me feel weak! I feel a nap coming on later today.Mondays- yuck! At least I started it with a run!

I am looking forward to my sister & her family (4 kids) coming in town tomorrow night and staying with us until Friday when we'll all head to SLC to my parents.  So later this week and all of next week my blogging may get really inconsistent.  However, I'm determined to stay active even if you don't hear about it until after the fact.

MERRY CHRISTMAS DEAR BLOGGIES!!!!

Nice solo run today.  Was supposed to meet Sara for 4, but got to her house and it was all dark.  Waited for a few minutes, then decided to do a nice fairly flat 5 miler.  Little Valley Loop, one of my favorites.  No IPOD, so nice chance to reflect on Christmas vacation coming up and plans for that week (even mentally reviewed packing- LOL).  I started my watch then didn't look at it again until finished.  I didn't want to be pressured, I wanted to find a nice steady pace.  It felt like I was able to keep the 9:55 pace with no speeding up or slowing, nice easy run- only stopping to take off some layers and cross a road.  So glad I got my run in.  Will need the energy it brings- I'll be BUSY today with a long list of Dr. Appt., work,  shopping, cleaning, gymnastic performance and family coming into town!

Oh- no more real thoughts on Moab alternative.  I'm really not feeling ready for a 1/2, but I'd do it for fun if the gals come into town for it.  Otherwise I'd consider SLC 1/2 or Hurricane in the Spring.  I need to find the date for the SLC half...

Note to self..818.17 miles logged since joined the FRB in March.  Probably ran about 100ish combined in Jan & Feb.  Trying to decide what goals for next year will be...

Easy day today.  Went to gym at 9:00 to do 1/2 hr. of arms/ abs before the 9:30 spin class.  Then nobody showed for spin! I even asked at the front counter and they said it was on the schedule, but I was the only one in the room (weird!).  So I decided to head outside and get some fresh air and run a loop around the gym.  I had a 4 miler planned, but 2.5 miles into it I ran into my sister, brother-in-law & nephew walking! They had just gotten to my brother's at 3am this morning from North Carolona- so I didn't expect them out so early.  I hadn't seen them since the spring so of course I stopped and walked with them.  Walked the last 1 mile w/ them back to the gym.  Still a good workout.  Especially glad I got in the abs & arms.  Today my crazy holiday begins as my sister Julie's family moves from my bro's house to my house.  I'll try to make it to the computer when I get some free seconds..... Less than a week 'til Christmas!

"Cross training" today.  Walked 3 miles w/ my sister Julie.  They were hilly miles so we were breathing hard at some parts (much more for her due to the altitude change).  It was a nice dusk walk, got to check out lots of Christmas lights and most important- great sister bonding time!

10k run today w/ Heather.  It felt pretty slow so I was pleased when we clocked it and figured it as 9:21 average pace.  Who knows how accurate that is- still driving the miles.  Hope I was good enough to get on Santa's good list and get a Garmin for Christmas! (hee hee)

I felt really good (probably since I haven't run hard the last 2 days) Felt like I could've run 2 more miles at least.  Afraid that was my last blast as far as good runs go (for the next few days) Leave at noon for SLC, staying at my parents with a house full of 20 people!  Get back Wednesday.  I need to run at least 3 mi. tomorrow to get in my 25 mi. for the week.  Then I'll try to get in some miles next week, but we'll see!  I don't rememember how to run in snow, I'm a wimpy St. Georgian now!

In case I don't make it to the computer the next few days, I wish you all a very enjoyable holiday- full of quality time w/ friends & family! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

This was actually ICE SKATING mileage! Took the family to an indoor rink (Olympic Oval in SLC)  They told me the distance was 400 meters around the rink.  So being the running nerd that I am, I calculated about how many times I went around.  I think 3.5 miles is conservative (we were there over an hour) but I was only going fast 1/2 the time, the other 1/2 the time I had a timid 7 yr. old hanging on me and we were going SLOW!

2.5 mile walk w/ my sisters, Jim & brother in law in the cold! Get to get the fresh air!

Slept in, then saw my opportunity to sneak out of the house of 20 people and run a solo run.  Ran around my parent's neighborhood in the middle of the road, 'cause everything else was icy! Average pace 9:50. I felt kinda slow, but it was really nice to get away and get some fresh air before all the Christmas Eve & Christmas Day festivities! Glad I got this in before the big snow storm today.  Its DUMPING snow right now! Its Christmas Eve- hope everyone is eating good food and having a great time with your loved ones!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Day walk w/ my sisters.  It was dumping snow and I was just honestly too lazy to run in it- heck- its Christmas! Instead my 2 sisters (Ash & Jules) and I bundled up and took about a 4 mile walk.   It was very pleasant! (and also pretty slow, we were mostly watching our step and trudging through snow on roads and sidewalks that hadn't been paved- so I didn't count the mileage, can't say the heart was pumping very hard....) Great sister bonding time!

Hectic travel day today.  Got up early to be at the temple for my brother's sealing- AWESOME!!!! My eyes are still puffy from crying...my brother got sealed to his wife, then brought in my 2 yr old niece to be sealed to him.  Adorable!!!!! Words can't express.... then it was a RUSH to jump in the car and drive straight to St. George so my dear hubby could work a night shift at the hospital tonight.  So no run today, still on the road side after falling off the Christmas train... Tomorrow I've promised myself no bedtime until I run 6 miles- hold me to it dear bloggies.... And YES- I got the garmin!!!! I will take it for the test run tomorrow!

Got my 6 miles in by the skin of my teeth!  Had to go to the gym so I'd be forced to get on the treadmill, no distractions.  I was feeling extremely lazy today and it was too hard to step out the door and run.  Luckily the runner's high kicked in a couple miles into it and lasted the rest of the day! It was hard however to run on a tummy full of chocolate! I think it will be easier to stay away from the leftover stocking candy if I can just remember how my stomach felt during the run- yuck! Let's just say I couldn't go too fast for fear of seeing the chocolate again! Ended up w/ a 9:50 average pace.  Can't seem to break that 9:50 barrier lately.  Probably need to add some strides to my workouts.  Heather, Buff & I have a 8 miler planned for the morning- so I gotta get my Zzz's! Love the new sleep entry, hope it will make me think twice about staying up all hours of the night watching mindless TV or playing on the internet! (Tomorrow will be my first chance to really play w/ the new garmin- fun!)

Thanks to energetic friends who drag me around, I got in a great run today.  9.29  mi, 9:19 av. pace.  Happy to break the 9:50 slump I've been in lately.  I took 1/2 pack GU before the run and 1/2 pack about 45 into it, that helped ALOT.  Looks like I may get in my 25 mi. for this week after all! Heather & I have a 5/6 miler planned for tomorrow.  Mik'L or any of your St. George folk are more than welcome to join us tomorrow morning!

I was feeling a little blue today.  Not sure why, probably just hormones! It was kinda overcast, maybe that's why.  I felt like a SAD sufferer! Couldn't seem to get out of my sweats and get moving! I finally got my hubby to go on a walk w/ me right before dark.  We did walk hills and kinda fast so I'm counting it (desperate to count mileage- maybe....).  It was enjoyable and helped me get out of the slump.  We then took the kids to National Treasure Book of Secrets.  Great family movie!! Not sure my 7 yr. old caught it all, but 10 yr old loved it and wanted to talk about urban legends all night.

I was tempted to run today to make up for this week's lost mileage, but its Sunday so I didn't.  We went for a nice family walk in the evening.  I was walking (aka being pulled by) the dog, so I was walking way ahead of everyone else.  So Jim & the kids went on a family walk anyway- ha!

Today's my anniversary! 12 yrs! Jim suprised me with a night away for next weekend.  He even lined up the babysitter- gotta love that! We'll be celebrating our 12 th in the city of sin- Las Vegas..  Since our favorite activity in the world is eating, I think we'll fare quite well...

OK- something weird's going on w/ my mileage postings on the blog.  Like the sleep hours are showing up as mileage.  And the mileage I just entered for Sat. & Sun. aren't showing up?! (given, I'm probably being cursed for counting walking mileage, but still! LOL!)

Now I think I know why I've been so lazy the past few days.  I was really getting mad at myself for being so lazy. But I think I was just worn down from this cold that's been lingering for over a week.  This morning I woke up w/ a really sore throat and swollen glands.  I got a cold about 10 days ago and for awhile it seemed like it was going away, but now its gotten worse! So I slept in, but I'm determined to get in at least 5 miles today, even if they're really slow & ugly! So Michelle, although I was considering Painter's 1/2, now with the cold getting worse I'm really leaning toward the 5k.  I wasn't 1/2 ready anyway, but this throws another wrench in the whole deal.  But I do think you girls are ready Michelle & Lybi- you have both averaged over 125 mi. for Dec and been quite consistent.  You girls ROCK!!! I'm glad you have eachother to do the race with, it will be fun!!

UPDATE:

VERY happy with my run today.  Now if I can just remember how good this feels more often maybe it would help me be more consistent! Decided to just go on a solo run, Me, the IPOD & Garmin.  I choose to do my favorite 5 miler and hopefully add on a mile and just go whatever pace I wanted- the goal was to have fun! It is beautiful here today! Sunny and probably in the 50's when I ran- t-shirt weather! I just cranked the music and let it carry me.  9:04 average pace, 6.34 miles.  This is a VERY good run for me. splits: 9:04/9:21/9:05/9:13/9:10/8:38/8:44.  I wonder what I can do to have more runs like this? I think I should plan to run solo at least 1x a week.  I LOVE running w/ partners, but we chat so much I think it really slows us down.