Each Day Is a Gift

Woke up at 4.  Took a shower.  Ate breakfast of banana, yogurt, granola bar and EmergenC.  Went down to the lobby where I grabbed another banana and drank a glass of orange juice.  It was a bit breezy and chilly out the hotel.  Waited for Lowell to pick me up at 5:20.  We got on the very last bus which left precisely at 5:30.  It was the shortest bus ride ever.  At the start we were greeted by Marci, Sam, TJ and his family, Bill Mandler, Teota, Angie, Bret, Kristen, Lance Clark and another girl whose name I forgot.  The atmosphere was relaxing and fun!!!   I love this smallish and very well organized race! :) :) :)

Marci and I barely had enough time to make one pop trip (the line was long and slow).  As the National Anthem was sung, we shed our jackets and handed our duffle bags (nice race schwag) to the UPS volunteers and walked 20 steps to the start.  Our group of 8-10 happened to position ourselves between the 4:15 and 4:30 pace groups.   

The race started on time.  The rain last night made it humid, temp in the mid 50s.  The full moon was setting as the sun peeked over the eastern sky.   I started out running and chatting with TJ, Troy and Jill.  We soon caught up to Lowell, Marci, Sam, Teota and Angie.  I somehow lost track of TJ and company and ended up running with Marci and Lowell with the 4:15 group close by exchanging jokes.  Lowell was doing the run 2 miles walk 1 min plan.  He took off running after the first aid station.  I looked at my Garmin and saw that he was running in the low 8s so I let him go.  Marci and I decided to be patient on these fast downhill miles to save our legs for the rollers on the second half.  Mile 1-5 splits (heart rate) ~ 9:35 (129), 9:42 (143), 9:56 (145), 9:39 (150), 9:34 (148)

My strides were rather clunky the first few miles.  Felt a twinge on my left hip flexor and knew it'd be a long haul.  At the 2nd aid station (mile 5.3), both Marci and I had to make a pit stop.  The "little Ireland" that Lowell dubbed is not as green as in years past.  The grass is now a golden brown and the leaves already changing colors.  We saw some low lying clouds in the distant.   I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful cascade mountains scenery and loved the friendly helpful volunteers.  At around mile 6.5 we turned left onto the only uphill portion of the first half.  Did some jump shots for the photographer.  :) The uphill ended at around mile 7 where we made a 180-U-turn to head back down.  It was so fun to high five Lowell and his "current" running partner, Marissa, as they were running down.  Then we got to high five TJ on their way up.  :)

Gu'd at the mile 8 aid station and took another pop stop.  We caught up to Sam and lost sight of Lowell.  TJ's wife, Marsha and their family were there cheering us at the church after the first left turn into Inkom.  Took second gu at mile 12 since they were handing them out.  We had to make another pit stop at the mile 12 aid station (too much yummy fruits and salad last night).  As we approached the half where hubby was cheering, I looked at my Garmin and saw the time 2:11:5x, so probably 2:12 - 2:13 at the half.  I tossed my gloves while Marci took off her arm warmers to give to hubby.  Mile 6-13 ~ 10:51 pop (145), 9:43 (152), 9:55 uphill (155), 10:39 pop (147), 10:28 (147), 9:40 (150), 9:20 (153), 9:20 ( 153), 11:17 pop (157)

At the half Smooth, Marci taking off her arm warmers. 

We lost Sam at the half where he went to the pop.  I was so grateful for Marci's company as we found ourselves pretty strung out from the rest of the pack.  As soon as we made the right turn onto Old Hwy 91, a train chugged alongside us.  It was so fun to have the train whistle and chug-a-chug-chug next to us.  The course flattened and the sun came out.  My tummy was so bloated that all I could think of was "get to the next aid station and pop".  Marci was having the same issue too and she didn't even have dinner at TJ's!  :)

We started to pass some half-marathoners and encouraged them along.  We got a nice little tail wind once in awhile to cool us from the warming sun.  My leg started to get tight and sore so I took two ibuprofen around 18 while Marci made yet another pit stop.  I ran slowly ahead and she finally caught up to me on the uphill roller.  We enjoyed reading some fun chalk messages encouraging cyclists on the rollers.  Mile 14-19 ~ 9:16 (164), 10:11 (160), 10:21 (164), 10:16 (165), 9:40 (166), 9:49 (160)

I told Marci I would walk the uphill under the freeway overpass to mile 21.  But I was running about mid hill when she asked:  "I thought you said you would walk this."  So with a "O yeah" we walked about 45 seconds and resumed jogging to the top. :)  My shins started to cramp when the course flattened around mile 22.   I totally missed Marsha by the HS until I heard her call out: "No Hi Marsha?".   I spotted Lowell about half mile ahead.  We knew we could catch him but I didn't want to speed up for fear that charlie-horse would seize my legs.  The boys at the aid station drenched us good! :)  We sneaked up on Lowell pinching him just as he was exiting the aid station!  We had a good laugh and kept on running with Lowell's voice trailing behind telling the guy next to him, "That evil woman was rescued from...."   Mile 20-23 ~ 10:41 uphill (162), 9:57 (170), 10:49 gu'd, shins cramp wishing there were some salt tabs (169), 10:07 (168)

After that little fun exchange with Lowell and a slight incline, my shin cramps left and I picked up the pace a tad bit.  Soon I spotted Rachelle and RAD running towards us.  I called out their names deliriously happy...such a welcoming sight! :)   It was so wonderful to have them come run us in. :) Somewhere around mile 25,  I felt a prompt to turn my head and look left, (Marci was running on my left while RAD and Rachelle running on my right); at that instant I spotted my husband running on the grass/sidewalk looking up ahead and didn't even notice us run by.  I yelled out "Honey! Honey!" and he turned back and joined us.  Hubby said,  "I thought I would run a mile with you...but may be not with Rachel prodding you girls like a repeat at Park City!" :)  He cut corner at the last turn and was actually running ahead of me. 

My legs started to cramp up and all I could do was concentrate on not letting charlie horse seize me.  Marci started to run faster like she smelled the barn or something.  Rachelle and RAD were very encouraging to me and other runners.  RAD turned around at the shoot and back to get Lowell.  Rachelle ran with me 'till the barricade and encouraged me to beat the clock t'get under 4:25.  I crossed the finish with the Garmin stopped at 4:24:19 (same as the official chip time).  I jogged in place while the volunteer placed the medal around my neck.  I kept jogging while the volunteer said:  "She's still going!" I jogged/walked in circles until Lowell crossed the finished 2+ min later.  Mile 24-finish ~ 9:39 (173), 9:38 (176), 9:56 (176), last 0.37 at 9:36 (178).

With my drenched clothes, I started to shiver once I stopped running, so went to get my bag and put on jacket.  Then we lined up for the post-run feast of baked potato topped with bacon bits, sour cream and butter, BBQ pork sandwitch, frozen yogurt and lots of chocolate milk! :) 

Lowell, RAD, Rachelle, Smooth at the food line.

Lowell wanted us to show some legs! :)  Lowell, RAD, Rachelle, Smooth, Sam

This is my slowest of the 3 Pokeys so did not expect to place.  Was very surprised when they announced my name.  Now I have three of these nice bottle/awards! :)

As we were walking to the car, I saw the gal in my AG that took 2nd place at the PCM two weeks ago.  I stopped to congratulate her for her placing at PCM.  She was shocked to hear that they did not add the extra 1.5 hours to her finish time.  She started the race at the "walker early start".  I sort of suspected that as she was usually a 5:30-6:00 marathoner.  So that means I actually placed 3rd at PCM, O well!  :)

My fitness level has taken a nose dive.  Last year I ran this in 4:06 and felt great.  This year I ran 18 min slower and my legs are trashed!  However I need to consider that it has only been 13 weeks since my second stress fracture and a recent tachycardia episode, I am extremely grateful that I finish this marathon in one piece AND I ran an even splits with my heart rate average at 158.  Very happy with the progress and the lucky break! :)

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Legs very sore.  Walked like Frankenstein and backward down the stairs!  :)

Slept in.  Ahhh!!!   Nice pillow talk with the hubby!  :)

We walked 1.5 miles to Kneaders for breakfast then walked 1.5 miles back home.  Hubby ran the last 0.5 mile home!  :)

Legs still sore.  Walking normal, but still backward down the stairs.

30 min. recumbent bike

15 min elliptical

1 mile speed walk on 3% incline on the TM

Went to tend/love/cuddle/feed baby Skylar so her mommy could rest a bit.

Legs still a little sore and stiff so not ready to run. Was planning to go to the swimming pool; but my son called me very early this morning and said his sweet wife is having chills and fever again.  She has been battling a bad case of mastitis and was hospitalized for 3 days with IV Nafacillin when the baby was 5 days old.  The baby is now 3 weeks old and she's been home for a week (taking oral Dicloxicill).  Jeff can't miss any more days from work.  So I quickly showered and went over to help with the baby.  I love every second of time with baby Skylar.  :)  

Ran early with Karen and Wendy.  Hubby did 1st mile with us.  We took it nice and easy as my legs are still a bit sore.  On the uphill, my heart started to act up; so I held my breath and walked until the palpitation stopped.  Was able to resume running the remainder 2 miles home without any more tachycardia.

Took Jen to her doc. who prescribed a compound antibiotic/steroid topical cream and extended the Dicloxicill for another week.  Baby Skylar slept thru the whole morning.  Jen starting to feel better by the time I left them.  Hopefully she'll continue to improve! :)

Annual Fall hikes with my friends Diane and Wendy this morning.  I requested a close-by easy peasy short hike because I have a half marathon tomorrow plus my legs are still stiff and a little sore.  So we hiked on the trails in Corner Canyon to Ghost Falls, a beautiful 3 mile round trip hike.  Saw lots of bikers, hikers and trail runners.  Thought a lot about Steam8 who loves hiking and Teena who mtn bikes here a lot.  :)  Leaves are changing already.  We're going to be in for a real Fall colors treat at TOU next week.  :)

Temple in the afternoon and dinner date with the hubs.  :)

Easy 5 miler on Canal Trail with Karen, Wendy.   Hubby ran with us till 1.6 then peeled off.   Slow on the uphill to keep heart rate down, although did not walk, feel SO out of shape.  Legs felt fine.

Myrtle.  Core.

Karen and Wendy did their 10 miler early; so I ran with hubby east to Smith and west on Canal Trail.  Took it easy the first couple miles with him; then picked up the pace and ran back and forth to him.  Last 0.75 mi at 9mm which felt good.  NICE running weather!  Hope it's as good on Sat. !  :)  Did a little yard work with hubby. 

Checking out a marathon in Nov.! :)

Water aerobics with Karen, Leslie while hubby swam laps.  Great core and arm workouts. Afterward, Leslie, a former member of the BYU women swim team, showed me how to breath without swallowing water!  :)

Just registered for the 2013 Boston Marathon! :)

Now if I can just find lodging for this Fri night in Logan! :(

Cool morning, not willing to break out the gloves yet!  Ran first 1.5 miles with hubby then he split off and let me run my pace.  Did a few strides which felt smooth.  Left hip flexor bugged a little walking up the steps/stairs to the temple.

Got confirmation of acceptance to the 17th Boston Marathon!  :)

Ran 2 easy miles with hubby, no watch (I was going to say naked...but that wouldn't sound right, hehe!) around the block.  Ate breakfast.  Pack.  Ate lunch.  Left the house at 2:30 for the drive to Brigham City to pick up Marci.  On the way just past Murray, Lowell called and said he got a room for us when he checked in at Holiday Inn Express.  Dang, should've packed my swimming suit instead of sleeping bag, pillow and air mattress.  :)  Waited for Marci to get home then drove her straight to Packet pick up.  We had dinner at the Expo with Lowell, Kelsey, her roommate Abbi and the elders who baptized her.  :)

Checked in the hotel around 7pm.  Was pleased that they let us have late check out and breakfast in the morning.  Marci forgot her gloves, so took her to Ross.  Was planning to go to bed by 8ish but had a nice visit with Lowell about Kelsey's baptism and all that entails.  Finally got back to our room and made preparation for the race.  Took a Tylenol PM at 9:15 with good thoughts of tomorrow's run! :)  It was so sweet to say goodnight to Marci's little girl, Cleo via cell-cam!  Hubby was happy I made it to Logan safely although I wish he was with me! :(

I always wake up before the alarm no matter what time it's set, and it was no different this morning.  Drank EmergenC, quickly got in the bathroom just as the alarm went off at 4 which awaken Marci.  Went to breakfast at 4:30.  Ate half an English muffin with strawberry jam, bowl of oatmeal with vanilla creamer, boiled egg white, 1/4 banana, cup of orange juice.  This is the most breakfast I've ever eaten before a marathon! Lowell assured us that it will make a difference.  I was still full from last night's pasta dinner (linguine with mushroom meat sauce, mixed green salad, dinner roll and two giant cookies).   Anyway, this just made for more potty stops! :)

Waited for Lowell and left at 5:10 (10 min behind schedule as planned).  We parked about 3 blocks northwest of the park/bus loading.  By the time we walked there, the bus line was super long and so was the bathroom line!  To my joy and delight, Rachelle walked up to say hello and we got to ride on the same bus together.  Giving Rachelle a hug was the best part of the morning! :)  We arrived at the start with 25 min to spare.  Unfortunately we chose the friendliest and SLOWEST p-o-p line, stood there for 20 min without moving a step!  Arrrghhh! When they announced the clothing bus leaving in 5 min. we quickly stripped and let Lowell take our bags, still waiting for the pop...dejavu of last year! 

We didn't see Lowell by the start arch so we went to look for him inside the tent which was way too warm.  I think temp at the start was low 40s, clear sky with a slight breeze.  It was SO exciting to watch Jake, Ben, Steve, Jonathan, Sasha, and Allie lining up at the front.  I just had to go over and shout "Go! Allie!!!" :)  The race didn't start on time.  The riffles went off and so did the elite runners!  :)  Lowell jumped in after the 3:30 group and I protested that we should wait for the 4:15 pace group...he never listens to me! :) 

Last year I ran TOU with one goal in mind which was to help Lowell get a BQ with 5 min cushion so that he could sign up that very afternoon.  My time last year was 4:01, 5 min faster than Pocatello two weeks prior.  With that as a guide, I thought perhaps I would be capable of a 4:19 this year, 5 min faster than Pocatello's 4:24 two weeks ago.  Since 4:19 is an odd time, I printed out a 4:15 pace band (Lowell's goal time) for general pace reference.  However, my arm warmers covered the watch and pace band for most of the canyon miles, silly me! :)  Above all, my main goal today is to run healthy and keep my heart rate below 170 to avoid a tachycardia episode, all the while paying attention to the right foot and left hip flexor which has been bugging me lately.  With SGM three weeks away, I do not want any injury.

Lowell and Marci went out too fast for my liking.  Within a quarter mile, the 3:55 pace group caught up.  It was fun to say hello and visit with my friend, Pron8r (Don who was the pacer).  Then MarcieN ran up to me and we visited for about half a mile.  I lost sight of Lowell and Marci by the second mile.  I told myself to be patient and focus on finding a smooth stride down the canyon.  The left hip flexor complained a bit so I went to my abs and that seemed to help! 

The Fall colors this year was not as spectacular as in years past perhaps due to a drier spring and summer; but I still soaked in the beauty of the canyon and thanked and joked with the few campers/spectators and volunteers along the way.  I leap froged with a girl from Ohio and a 50 state guy, Brian, from Iowa.  They asked if I was a 50 state marathoner and if I was Mormon.  It was fun to introduce a little history of our great Beehive State and about my Faith.  Brian wanted to know the best way to see the Great Salt Lake with only limited time since his flight was to depart at 5pm.  I told him how to get to Antelope Island!  I also leap froged with George Sunderland whom I secretly admired for his multi-marathoning talents.  :)

This is my first marathon without hubby there being my "race manager, picture taker, clothing drop-off-guy, cheer leader and chauffer".  It made me a little sad missing him terribly.  I found myself pretending that the guy wearing kahki shorts, blue polo and baseball cap appearing intermittently along the course was hubby and I'd smiled broadly every time I spotted him.  My heart acted up couple of times on incline/uphill, so I slowed down and tried to breath deeply through my diaphram.  I seemed to be not absorbing fluids well, as there was sloshing in my guts.  I hit the wall hard after I passed the mile 23 aid station and realized I hadn't taken any Gu for an hour.  So I gagged down one without water and hope that it was not too late.  The 4:15 pace leaders caught up to me,  turned out to be Laura and Steve who knows me and we visited a bit.  I felt bad that I couldn't keep pace with them, there seemed to be only couple of runners running with them at this point.  The hill on Main Street did not seem that bad.  Even though I ran slow I did not walk any uphill.  I psyched myself out by not looking/counting the traffic lights or city blocks and before I knew it, I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line.  I was very happy to see that I finished under 4:19, no cramping, no tachycardia! 

Lowell finished in 4:15:30 and was there to hand me my chocolate milk.  I was very happy for him meeting his goal, even though I missed running with him as he always made running so fun.   This was his 80th marathon and made extra special when his son, Jason and daughter Kelsey showed up at the finish.  After gathering our drop bags, we walked over to Burger King for lunch.  Jason drove me back to the hotel while Lowell went to the award ceremony.   I was very worried about driving home alone (first for me) so I took extra time to clean up and stretch a bit.   I also took couple of Tylenol and salt caps.  So glad I made it home safely.  Today's run broke my one year streak of even or neg splits runs; so I was a bit bummed and mad at myself for hitting the wall the last 4-5 miles.

Mile splits from Garmin was a bit off from the mile marker, so the slower splits reflected at the beginning of each even miles where I walked thru the aid stations: 

1.  9:15 (138) too fast but felt comfortable

2.  9:00 (153) way too fast

3.  9:00 (163) Oops

4.  9:26 (154)

5.  9:41 (154)

6.  9:48 (154)  how's that for consistent heart rate! :)

7.  9:43 (157)  This is the pace I should've been running all along, dang!

8.  9:52 (152)  Gu'd at mile 7 aid station

9.  9:35 (156) 

10.  9:56 (156) walked and drank

11.  9:30 (160)

12.  9:24 (164)

13.  9:10 (164) nice tailwind.  Ripped off the arm warmer and saw the time: 2:03:25.  Oops!!!  Ran too fast the 1st half and paid dearly later. 

14.  9:27 (168) Gu'd at mile 13 aid station

15.  9:17 (168) feeling energized from the great cheering crowd at mile 14 mouth of canyon.

16.  9:54 (168) high fived and thanked the boy scouts at the mile 15 aid station.

17.  9:23 (168)

18.  9:47 (168)

19.  9:55 (169)

20.  10:53 (171) heart palpitating on the incline so slowed down and controlled the breathing a bit.

21.  9:31 (166)

22.  10:10 (169)

23.  10:53 (167) fading

24.  11:06 (169) hit the wall hard, took a gu, watched the 4:15 pacers pull away :(

25.  10:51 (167) ran this mile with George alongside helped ease the pain and agony

26.  10:42 (169) very tired but did not walk

0.36  9:55 (174) mustered up last ounce of energy, relieved to be done, grateful for the gift of another marathon in the book. 

I think I ran with a smile most of the time!  :) :) :) :)

Love all the talks at Regional/Stake Conference.  Hubby did a great job with his talk last night in the adult session of stake conference.  My legs were quite stiff while sitting thru conference last night and watching the BYU vs Utah game.   It was funny to hear someone commented this morning that the reason why BYU's PAT ball hit the goal post (after the Utes fans stormed the field celebrating their win twice) instead of making the goal to tie the game and play in overtime...well, it would've necessitated the Cougars to play on Sunday as the game ended at midnight.  At any rate, I was rather tired after running TOU in the morning, driving home in the afternoon, attending Stake Conference and watching BYU lost!  Ha!  :)

There is no noticeable soreness in my legs.  I wanted to play it safe and decide to go to the pool for aqua walking against current in the lazy river.  It was great "recovery".

Hubby showed me how to "front crawl" across the pool.  I made it about 2/3 of the way before getting too tired or choked on water.  I really need to learn how to breath while attempting to swim.  I am glad the pool is shallow and I can stand up when I get tired or tensed.  Will I ever get over the fright of drowning in deep water?!!!  :)  I hit my head at the edge of the pool when I fluttered across on the back.  Wish there was something in the ceiling that signal it's the end of the pool/lap! :)

Babysat my neighbor's 2 year old twin daughters.  I pushed them in a double stroller for a mile walk around the hood hunting for dandelion seeds, looking at horses, cows and chickens; then played for an hour in my backyard swing-set.  It was exhausting FUN!!!!  Then visit taught their grandma who is recovering well from her kidney/cancer surgery!  

Original plan was to go to water aerobics with Karen and practice swimming with Leslie.  But got a text from Diane about meeting Wendy and her sister, Beth (visiting from OR) at Park City for our Fall hike.  Figured I could always go to water aerobics whereas the Fall colors won't last plus wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to meet Beth as well as exploring a PC trail.  It was a good choice!

We met Wendy and Beth at Jeremy Ranch, then drove to the trail head (Colins Trail?) close to the Canyon ski resort. 

At the top of Colins Trail, just before it converge to Mid-Mountain Trail.  It was cool to see the Canyon Ski runs in the distant. 

I didn't know that the trail was runnable or I'd have worn shorts instead of Levis.  I did run most of the way up and hiked down to avoid rolling an ankle.  Definitely going to come back to run this or may be run the Mid-Mountain Marathon one of these years! :)

The Aspen has turned gold.   I think we heard an elk! :)

Wendy and her younger sister.  It was great so chat with Beth all the way down.  She's an avid cyclist having competed in the LotoJa many times.  She told me about her 52 yo friend, a triathlete who has A-fib...not good prognosis! :(

The beautiful Fall colors was worth the drive up to Park City.  Wendy treated us to lunch at Wasatch Bagel and Grill after the hike/run, it was fabulous!  :) 

After we got back, Diane and I went visiting teaching.  Then I got home to cook for our Youth Missionaries.  It was a great day! :)

Didn't get out until after 8.  I convinced hubby to run 5 with me using the gallow run 4 walk 1 min. method.  We ran west past Karen's house hoping to "run" into her.  We got on the Canal Trail and saw her running east with Sky on Bull River Rd.  She wadded thru the weeds and got up on the trail to run with us west 'till we reached our turn-around.  It was so great to talk and jog with her...it's been over a week since we've run together.   It was fun to hear about her 20 miler with Wendy last Thu.  We made plans to run 12 miles tomorrow since she's leaving town on Sat. and I have company Sat. morning.

No soreness to speak of.   :)

What's wrong with the Cougars!!!  Such a crazy embarrassing game against the Bronchos (Boise State) on their Smurf turf! 

After our house guests ate breakfast and left for their nephew's wedding in Salt Lake, hubby and I ran to meet Karen.  Hubby peeled off after 1.25 mile while Karen and I continued east on Canal Trail, down to the bottom of Dry Creek bridge where we saw DavidB.  We wanted to run 12 today and explore some trails.  He told us the canal trail in Highland isn't completely paved and dead-end after crossing Alpine Hwy.  We ran to where the trail dead-end then got on Alpine Hwy north to School Park Rd and accessed the trail to Highland Glen Park.  Stopped at the park where Karen used the facility and I ate 1/2 pkg of PowerBar energy chews.  My legs definitely felt the fatigue of the marathon 6 days ago.  Grateful that Karen didn't mind running slow today.

Continued northeast on the trail (Knight Ave) north of Lone Peak HS to LonePeak Pkwy (4800W) then west on SR 92 (Timpanogos Hwy) to Alpine Hwy.  We turned south on Alpine Hwy to 10700N (south of the Highland City Library) where we turned east to access the Highland trail system that runs behind some homes.  It is in the middle of the block between SR92 and 10,400N.  We exited the trail onto 6400W then ran south till we reach 10,400N and ran a little west to access the Canal Trail.  We stayed on the Canal Trail 'till we reached the non-fenced part of Ivory Ridge about 600E and got back onto 3200N.  It was fun exploring all the trail system.  Can't wait until the tunnel on Center St. is complete and the rest of the trail in Highland to be connected to Cedar Hills.  Very slow going today, walked on the uphill portion coming out of DryCreek. 

Legs quite stiff and sore from sitting for couple hours in the temple.  Went to visit grandma and took Bryan and his roommate out for dinner.

Slept in.  Made a nice breakfast for our house guests.  After they left, hubby and I went to the Legacy Center.  Aqua running on the lazy river for 10 min.  Then swam 6 laps alternating between front crawl (free style) and on back (flutter kick with occasional back stroke).  On the 5th lap I made it across without standing up.  Yep, the pool was only 3-4 ft deep!  :)  One of these days/months/years, I may graduate to the "grown-up" pool!  For now, I'm practicing how to breath in air, not water!!!  Hehehe!  :)

I have not done any speedwork for the last two years, I think!  I know my days of PR is over.  Just going to enjoy running for the sake of running.  I am very grateful that I was able to finish 3 full marathons and one half marathon in the span of last 4 weeks...strange way of training in most people's mind.  In two weeks I will run my 8th SGM, 40th marathon.  It's been a wonderful 7 years of running and meeting GREAT friends along the journey!  Thank you!!!! :) :) :)

Attended the 9am and 3pm Dedicatory services of the Brigham City Temple.  Pres. Packer and his wife, both born and grew up in Brigham City, have been married for 65 years.  That is so awesome! :)

Pres Preston James Checketts, temple president, talked about how good habits can be very powerful because our brain is constantly making adjustment to save energy and reduce stress.  Therefore, as we establish pattern of good habits, our lives become simpler and less stressful.  Following good habits, being constant, is something my sweet hubby is good at! :)  I know our weekly temple attendance has brought much peace and spirit in our life.  I love visiting the Lord's house regularly!  We are so fortunate to live so close to so many temples! :) :) :)

It's wicked windy out there, went to the LC with hubby and Karen instead.  Ran on the track for 21 laps (a little over 2.5 miles) until treadmills become available then did 1min on/off on the mill for 1.5 miles.  I think we average 9mm for the whole 4 miler.

Jogged 4 laps on the lazy river.  Swam 8 laps alternating between free style and back stroke.  I was able to make it across the pool without stopping!  Yay! :) :) :)

************

Last night I signed up for the Sojo Marathon before price goes up at midnight.  I did some tricky talking so hubby would consent to my crazy ideas.  I laid out all the choices and asked him to help me pick the best one (even though he wanted to say NONE of the above ☺!)

1.  SoJo Marathon Oct 20.  Pros: close to home.  I think the course is gentle down with couple of ups.  Plus I get to do the PCM thing going from aid station buffet to buffet with RAD and Lowell!  I am SO excited!!!  AND hubby can cheer along all over the place! :)  Cons: only 2 weeks post SGM. 

2.  Halloween Marathon Oct 27.  Pros: fairly close to home. Beautiful Provo Canyon.  Cons:  Wicked down and up hills that will certainly destroy my already post-SGM-trashed legs!

3.  Pony Express 50 miler Oct 19.  Pros: love this historic course with pack dirt trail.  Own crew with ultra fun.  Cons:  too far from civilization and risky in case of a tachycardia episode.

4.  Ogden Valley 50 miler Oct 27.  Pros: beautiful Ogden Valley.  Cons: a wicked up and down over Mtn Green at the beginning (start) and last miles (to the finish), all on roads which may be risky for another sf.

5.  Just Cuz Marathon Nov 3.  Pros: fun casual run up to the start of the half then back down so less punishing on the legs.  Cons:  may encounter another snow storm and icy road like last year.

6.  Really Big Free Marathon Nov 3:  Pros: it's free.  Cons: it's an 8 hr drive from home and since baby Skylar may be blessed on Sunday the 4th making it not practical to stay overnight after the race.

See... the BEST and FUNNEST choice is #1. :) :) :) :)

Love running in the cool light rain!  Ran with hubby (he peeled off at 2.25 mi), Karen (Sky) south down 3rd W, north up on rail trail, east on canal trail.  An elderly "trail guzztapo" stopped us at the first tunnel under 1200W.  He was just doing his job to make sure no one goes thru where workers were moving the dirt by the side of the trail.  So, as obedient law-abiding citizens we hiked off the trail down thru the mud onto Bull River Rd which put our lives in danger crossing 1200W where fast moving vehicles were blasting down from SR92!  :)  

Did not wear heart rate monitor, just kept plucking along on the uphill, talking away about the blessings of the temple.  I was sure that my uphill pace were in the 11s but am pleasantly surprised that it was in the mid/low 10s. :)

After I got home, ate breakfast, stretched, then did 30-45 min of Coach Johnson's Myrtle, Pfitz's CSE, Gaucher/Flanagan's core with Swiss Ball, Teena's Kagel bridge while watching TV!  :)

Going to babysit 1 yo Charlotte this afternoon! :)

Not sure if it's the cooler weather (aggravating the arthritis) or switching back to running in the Elixir; both my metatarsals have been bugging the last few days.  Since it's bilateral, I'm hoping it's not a stress fracture brewing.  So, Karen and I decided that we should not run today.  Went to the pool to practice breathing and swimming for 40 min. then did 20 min of core and arms with aqua-dumbells.  Then made a mad dash to the Clinic for my Dexa-scan and blood work!  :)

Ran 5 easy miles with Wendy, Karen and hubby (he peeled off for 2).  We couldn't decide on the route so instead of a tempo run that I wanted, it turned into a progressive run! :)   (11:08, 10:56, 9:35, 9:28, 9:10).  So discouraged about my lack of speed these days but I am loving the wonderful company and nice cool weather...no complain!!! :) 

I brought up the subject that Boston registration is still open and encouraged Karen to go for it at SGM if it's not filled by then.  Those shooting for a BQ at Hunstville this Sat. has a good shot at it!!!  :)

60 min of various Pfitz's CSE, Myrtle, Swiss Ball core, Kagel bridge, push ups, foam roll and stretch.  

Lunch then temple with hubby and Wendy.  May go to Yoga tonight.

Went to Yoga class first time in my life.  I was worried that we'd do stuff that I could not possibly phantom.  Thankfully she didn't do any hard stuff like Kathie had shown me.  I really liked it especially the plank and downward dog stuff! :) :) :)

We (hubby, Wendy, Karen and I) ran east to the trail next to SR92 by Smith's.  The trail worker-monitor wasn't going to let us on the trail; but since the work hasn't started yet, she said:  "OK, I didn't see you guys!"  Half way up the other side of the hill at mile 2 I told hubby to turn around so he wouldn't get booted off the trail at the other end since he only wanted to do 4 anyway.  He ran back and into Burger King for a breakfast burrito and read the morning papers! Karen jokingly said that she'd follow him instead!  SOME people know how to have fun on the run! Ha! :) 

We got on the Highland neighborhood trail and I opened up my strides which felt good.  Went to MRJHS park to drink and saw DavidB who was at his mile 4.5 (we were at 4.15).  Since we were all doing our 8 miler before SGM so he hung with us on our way back.  It was fun to catch up on his cute family. :)

Had to run a little detour on the trail down to Dry Creek to avoid getting in trouble with the trail monitor by SR92.  Climbing up from Dry Creek was a killer!  Such a fun morning, everyone's all excited about SGM.  :)

11:37 (hubby insisted that we go slow for the warm-up mile), 11:03 (walked past trail monitor), 10:43 (uphill first half of this mile),  9:40 (road crossing, school traffic), 8:59 (flat trail), 8:56 (flat trail), 9:22 (talking with David), 9:38 (not bad for the Dry Creek killer hill), 9:08.

Trying to decide which shoes to wear for SGM.  The shoe-tongue of the Inspire 7 really bugs my tibial tendon especially on the downhill.  It has over 300 miles.  The Elixir 6 is so much more comfortable but less support (still weary of metatarsal sf).  What to do?

Got a bad case of paronchia on my right tall finger! :(  Have never had that before in my life.  Did the warm epsom saline soak and antibiotic poinment but it throbbed and hurt so bad that I had to take couple of Tylenol to help me sleep.  Needless to say, didn't sleep well last night. :(

Went to the LC with hubby.  His left inside ankle is swollen and therefore can hardly walk.  Anyhow, there was a swim meet (Special Olympic of some sort) so the center was busy.  Ran 3 miles on the tm, warm up 10 min then did 1 min on/off till I hit 3 miles in 27min.  That is all I wanna do b/c hubby was waiting for me at the pool.  Swam 8 laps (5 free style, 3 backstroke).

Shopping.  Drove past Scheels and saw how crowded the parking lot was, we opted to go to Dillards for their sale instead where hubby bought couple pairs of swim shorts and I bought a shirt, 2 pr of pants and some crocs! :)

What a day!!!  Got up super early to make shrimp tofu (16 lbs of tofu and 8 lbs of shrimp).  Made cookies for choir.  Went to a different ward for sacrament immediately after choir practice.  Got home, ate, changed and load up the car with woks, rice cookers, all the necessary utensils and the huge roaster pan of shrimp tofu.

My sis-in-laws and me were asked by the Young Ambassador's director, Randy Booth, to cook for 100 honored guests, most of them from China.  They are from Being and will be performing at BYU this week.  For the last 33 years since the YA performed in China, this is the first time the Chinese will be performing here. 

Anyway, since today is Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (Harvest Moon Festival), Randy wants to treat them to a 9 course home-cooked Chinese dinner complete with moon cakes.  We were able to host this dinner in the beautiful spectacular Ashton family's ranch in Walhsburg inside this amazing huge Red Barn.

We got there at 2pm and immediately went to work.  Ann's amazing organizational skill was very evidence today.  With the help of our nieces and nephews we chopped, cooked, stir fried and served up some delicious dishes that rival a 5 star restaurant.  Here's the menu:  beef pho noodle soup, BBQ wings on bed of broccoli florets, garlic bok choy & napa cabbage, pork chow mein, shrimp tofu, tomato beef with green and red pepper, ginger whole tilapia, fresh fruits, rice, moon cake.

To our surprise, my son Bryan came with the guests/YA and dean of the Communication Dept.  He was one of three students that performed the "er-hu" (a Chinese string instrument) for our guests.  We didn't know he was coming and he didn't know we were the chefs.  It was a fun evening of cultural exchange with friends and families playing/working together.  Our Chinese guests were impressed with how well these American students played the Chinese songs.  We can't wait to watch the Being Ballet Company dance concert (with the accompaniment of the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra which Bryan is principal violist) on Wednesday.

I was exhausted by the time we got home in the evening, driving home under a full moon, smiling and grateful for my rich heritage and the Gospel of Jesus Christ! :) :) :)