Each Day Is a Gift

Drove down to SG on Friday and signed up at the packet pick up in the Dixie Center.  Met up with Lowell and TJ.  Susie made us a wonderful dinner.  What a nice visit with my besties from Pokey! :)

Next morning, Lowell had an oatmeal breakfast ready for me.  We drove to the Dixie Center with just enough time to walk to the start and off we went.  Lowell went with the 2:00 pace group.  TJ and I stayed at the very back with the 3 hr. group! :)  I hadn't run much since the SG Marathon last Oct.  I think the longest I ran was 8 or 9 miles this year.  My asthma had been acting up bad lately.  I wore a jacket that Lowell lend me.  It was too big.  I soon took it off and wrapped around my waist.  TJ was so good to stay with me the whole way.  He said he couldn't have run much faster and much rather have the company.  I was cramping up a bit the last mile and struggled to keep going.

Lowell did great and took home hardware which was an awesome sculpture.  We then went to Cracker Barrel for brunch.

8 miles on March 8 in 80 min. wearing Saucony Ride 8! :)

Our 5th son, Bryan, got married today to a wonderful Japanese girl, in the Salt Lake Temple.  All our kids are now married.  The youngest three all got married in the last three years.  If we hadn't come home early from our mission Larry would've missed two of the weddings! 

RV camping with David, Maddi, Jia-fen and her sister Pei-Ling in Moab.  The newly weds also are in Moab but we got them a hotel room in the next block from the RV Park! :)

Hiking all over Moab with the newly weds and David, Maddi, Courtney, Jia-fen, Pei-ling. Fun day!

Leaving Moab, driving through Canyonlands and Deadhorse Point.
 

Drove down to Donald Trump's Golf Course from Sissy's house in Rancho Palos Verdes to run the trail along the coast starting at the Golf Course with Steven.  Slow scenic run.

Hubby dropped us off at the bathroom in Donald Trump's Golf Course.  We ran on the trail then headed up on the road and back to the course. 

Had hubby dropped me off on Palos Verdes East above the Golf Course bathroom so I could run on the road heading along the coast to scout out if I could run around the island for a long run tomorrow.  Steven and I decided to turn around at the point where the road had very narrow shoulder with blind corners.

Ran the same portion of the trail along the coast by Donald Trump's Golf Course as Monday.  We then went to the beach and drove home along the north portion of Palos Verdes East and saw a runnable trail in the median with trees (shades).  I could've had hubby dropped me off at the beach asset and run north for long run. Oh well, next year or next time when I visit Sissy, I'll know where to do the long run!

1.5 miles on Radondo Beach.
 

Since I was visiting my sister in California last week and drove home on Sunday, I didn't run my long run last Sat.  So I get to run long today. 

22 miles in 4:42.  I didn't pause my watch with all the pit stops. 

11.5 in 2:07:03 (first couple miles with Eric on the river trail in Albuquerque).

We drove to Albuquerque yesterday.  Today is Emi's baptism which is not until later in the afternoon.  So Eric and I got up early and he drove us to the river trail west of the freeway.  He had hoped to run at the base of Sandias Mountain on some hilly trail.  We're both training for Utah Valley Marathon.  But I stink at uphill so I opted for a flat river trail (paved bike path) run. 

He stayed with me for the first mile and half on the dirt portion of the trail; then I urged him to go run his pace and let me run my slow pokey pace since the trail is pretty straight forward along the river and I would not be lost.  So he took off on the dirt trail.  He would turn around at his half point of a 13 miler.  There were some semi-pro runners doing their training there.  It was so awesome to watch one African gal running so smoothly and effortlessly with a coach or husband biking along side.  She's passed me both ways.  Then on my return trip around my mile 10, a group of 4 African ladies running single file passed me on the trail shoulder (on dirt).  They were running so quietly and gracefully so swiftly, probably a 6min pace. 

It was a nice trail other than some occasional swarms of bugs and cotton from the cottonwood trees, reminds me of the Jordan River Trail back home.

Emi's baptism was wonderful.  Her aunt (twin sister to Marianne) surprised them by driving down from AF and showing up at the church parking lot as we pulled in.  After the baptism, Eric treated us all to a very nice dinner at a fine seafood restaurant! :)

It's been over two years since I blogged.  I don't think anyone would be interested in reading this anyway.  I had also forgotten my login password.  Oh well, here goes.

I hadn't signed up for any race this year.  2016 was one tough year with taking on the role of my hubby's personal nurse, chauffer, ambulance driver, nutritionist, etc. that I have all but lost interest in doing any races.  I'm only running this 10th edition of UVM because I have a deferment from last year when I couldn't do it due to attending my grandson's baptism in TX.  Anyhow, since this is my 6th time running UVM, I was inducted to their 150 miler club at the VIP dinner on Fri. where I saw Marcie N. (Canyon) and her sweet sister Christine.  I brought with me my son, Eric, who has flown in that morning and Lowell who drove down from Pokey.  They each won a raffle drawing prize.  Winner, winner chicken dinner!

Eric drove Lowell, Karen and I to the bus ride dark and early at 3:30 to catch the 4am bus.  We got to the start ridiculously early with 75 min before the race start.  I was freezing so ducked inside a pop to read from my phone.  I felt completely at ease and was just super happy that my son, two of my best friends are here.  I went to look for Kandi who is running as Huntsman Hometown Hero and saw John Bozung in firefighters' armors; chatted with them a bit. 

Race started on time.  Eric and Karen went with the 4:00 pace group, Lowell went with the 4:30 group and I hung back with the 5:30 group.  I have no dilusional goal that I would break 5 hour since all my runs have been in the 11-13 mm pace.  I'm here to enjoy the scenery, the commaderie, may be help someone along the way. 

In the Wallsburg miles I chatted with two ladies from Colombia which reminded me that one of our missionaries from Colombia is getting married to one of our missionaries from Maryland next Sat.  I ran with two ladies (who turned out to be in my AG) from Salem OR who were doing the 5:1 thing.  Chatted with big Al whom I beat to the pop at the mile 5 aid station. 

The biggest ascend comes in at mile 7.5 to mile 9.  I would give myself 30 seconds to walk to catch my breath, trying to keep my pace under 13mm.  It worked pretty good other than the fact that there was a lady speed walking and managed to get ahead of me and it would take me awhile to catch up to pass her.  I found myself leapfrogging with two cute girls 19 yo twins with perfect matching strides prancing effortlessly down the canyon like two fawn deer. 

I caught up with the firefighters who had a 30 min early start at the tunnel.  It was so awe inspiring to see them walk/jog holding the flags, wearing heavy gears, to honor fellow cancer survivors or victims.  I walked a bit with them thanking and cheering them on.

The temperature is probably in the low 60s and feels cooler in the shady spots.  I crested the last uphill at mile 17 past the Bridal Veil Falls and was immediately greeted by a gusty headwind.  That normally would take my breath away and caused an asthma attack but today it felt like a welcome cooling breeze.  I took an Aleve and couple of salt caps just in case!  The temp was heating up as we exited the canyon and the traffic was getting heavy.

I had been taking Gu every 5-6 miles or so.  As I approached the 21 mile aid station, I was focused on looking for RAD and missed taking my GU.  She emerged with her puppy Daisey past mile 22.  I was so relieved to see her.  She gave me a salt tab to suck on and went to get me some ice from Will's Pit Stop.  What a great friend and support she's been to me.  I just kept one foot in front of the other while she chatted away encouraging me along. 

As we approached the last intersection I could see Eric running towards me with a medal around his neck, then I saw hubby, my mil and sil, Lily and my niece Jessie.  That gave me extra boost to kick it in.  I looked at my watch as I crossed the finish that I had a 9:35! Wow! I hadn't seen that pace in over a year!  Anyhow, that lasted only 1 second I'm sure of it.  I was so happy that I finished this race with ZERO charlie horse, and even splits. 

Karen BQ's and PR'd.  So proud of her training alone the last two years as I have become too slow to run with her.  Eric did better than he expected.  Lowell on the other hand came up short.  I would've caught him in another block.  But that crazy man had done a Half Ironman and Ogden Half recently.  So I can't accuse him of being lazy!  We all went out to lunch at ChuckaRama and reflected on such a wonderful day with great friends and in a beautiful place!

What's next? Do the Morgan Valley Marathon in two weeks and see how I recover and evaluate where to go from here!

Wow! The last time I posted on my blog here was TWO years ago...same Sat. when I ran to the AF Canyon Half finish to see Gary and had a miserable training run!

Today I ran the Morgan Valley Marathon.  I deferred it from last year (due to hubby's very ill) so therefore I had a "free" entry, so decided to run it even though it's only been two weeks since I ran Utah Valley which was also deferred from last year (due to attend my grandson's baptism in TX). 

Anyhow, MVM is in its7th year (my first), all previous 6 years were at the end of July, but they changed it to end of June this year.  The course is beautiful, quiet farmland, gentle rolling, start and finish at the Morgan Fair Ground with the Full starting at 5:30. 

Hubby and I took our motorhome and stayed at the River Brige RV Park which is right by the Fair Ground on Fri. for packet pick up and pasta dinner.  The swag was amazing.  Met up with Lowell and the RD, Tara who gifted me last year's shirts and medal, so kind and generous. 

Race morning got up at 4:30, ate breakfast and walked to the start at 5:25.  Lowell was late so we were the last two to cross the start at 5:33.   Temp was probably in the low 50s, there was a stiff head wind the first half mile heading southwest, but not a problem when we turned on 100E going north.  We caught up to two ladies (who turned out to be in my AG) within the first mile.  The roaming aid station was a jeep driven by two women.  I asked if they could carry Lowell's bacon because he's forgotten his fuel belt.  He informed them that he would need it around mile 10.  They did just that. 

We had a lot of fun the first half even though Lowell had some stomach issues requiring  him to hide behind some bushes.  It took us 2:45 to run the first half.  By then he was done.  I had to use all kinds of tricks to keep him going.  He had to use the bushes couple more times.  When we got to around 15, he wanted to quit and went into the gas station across from the aid station.  He said he would take a ride with the Jeep and meet me at the next aid station.  Well, I decided to wait for him in the gas station.  That stop took  over 15 min. 

For the next 10 miles,  Lowell would get in the jeep every time it came by and I would keep on running ahead to the next aid station where he would be waiting.  I'd get him to run with me but he was clearly spent and could only jogged may be 400m and then walked.  I would run back to get him going.  I told him we would only walk in the shades (there were some cottonwood trees sparesely scattered). 

The last 2 miles were not fun.  My right shin started to cramp when I stopped at the Jeep to get Lowell.  I got some ice to put in my hat and bra.  Lowell made me eat a piece of bacon which is his magic anti-cramp potion! :) :) :)  I just wanted to get it done.  I know we had to check out of the RV park by noon.  So if I finished under 6 hours I would have 30 min to shower, eat and get out of there.

Crossed the finish in 5:49:01.  I had run 26.75 miles.  Tara gave me a hug and handed me a bottle of water and said to share it with my hubby.  She's been keeping track of hubby to make sure he drinks and not overheat.  Then I turned back and ran Lowell in! 

65th marathon in the book...glad I did it!

6 miles in 1:03

5 miles in 57:57 on MCT with Wendy

Wasn't going to do this but due to "family pressure" (which is worse than peer pressure), I signed up for this 2nd annual "family reunion race".  Got up at 3:30, got to bus ride at 5:05, barely missed the last of the 5 buses then had to wait for nearly an hour for the bus to return which really irritated me...could've slept for an hour more! Grrr!  Bus got to the start with barely enough time to use the pop, dropped off the warm up clothes (which I didn't even need) and found my nieces and nephews. 

Started with my niece Karen behind the 2:20 pace group which pulled away after couple miles.  Legs are pretty tired...not fully recovered from two marathons in the last 4 weeks...not enough sleep with the family reunion/camping...family fun run around Silver Lake less than 30 hours earlier did a number on my ankles...excuses, excuses!  Gave Karen some pointers on downhill running, enjoyed the scenery.  Dropped Karen after mile 4, fully expecting her to catch me when I walked on the uphill, but she never did.  Took the Gu offered at the aid station before mile 6 turning onto the trail.  Shins started to tight up on the trail rollers.  Nice tail wind coming out of the canyon.  Legs felt okay so kept a steady pace and focused on passing runners.  Passed Karin R. around mile 10.  Getting warm, poured water on head.  Saw Josse running back for her mom.  Saw Mika with half mile to go.  Saw Warren cheering at the last turn.  Heard Lily, grandma and Larry cheering loudly as I turned onto the grass...just focused on the finish line and not tripped...haha!!!  Splits: 10:39, 10:43, 11:18, 11:02, 10:10, 11:34, 10:55, 11:28, 11:02, 10:47, 9:57, 10:21, 9:40.  I think the course is short!

So happy to see Allie, the female winner!!!  The family members did well too.  Nephew Jared won in his AG, his son took 2nd in his AG.  The little ones ran the 5Ks and a handful of them also placed.  For my generation, Roman and I are the only representatives.  We both took 2nd in our respective AG.  Gotta love these small town races.  Fun day to cap off our family reunion.  Spent the rest of the day with Eric and the grandkids at the splash pad close to home! :) :) :)

11.25 miles in 2:26 with Wendy on MTC

4.5 in 54 with Wendy

16 in 3:07, second half with Wendy on MCT in PG.

This run/walk was organized 5 years ago by a local Stake.  I understand it has doubled in size every year since.  It's a free race but you do need to register to obtain a commemorative bib.  My brother-in-law Gary was in town so he signed up his wife, daughter and mother.  So I signed up my hubby, and our missionary (an elder from HK who graduated from BYU-H and now here to start graduate study at the U) who's staying with us. 

The website projected that there were nearly 10,000 registrants (we registered the night before).  The race starts at 8pm. at the Provo Temple and finish at the Provo City Center Temple.  Bib pick up at the start between 6:00 to 7:30.  So hubby being the punctual guy decided we need to leave the house at 6am.  We parked our car at the temple overflow parking lot where they have the bib pick up tables.  After getting our bibs, we called Gary who was parking at the finish and taking the shuttle bus to the start.  We moved our car to the church parking lot where there were lines of portapotties. We saw a big group of missionaries at the parking lot.  Gary and the rest of the family arrived, we took pictures and milled around until the race started at 8:10.  The annoucer said there were estimated 20,000 participants this year.  The atmosphere was fun, families with strollers and even pioneer costumes.  There were hymns being broadcasted and even a poster cut out of Pres. Monson standing on the top of the starting ladder.  The sun was peeking over Squaw Peak and you could see a sea of people on the road going up the hill behind the temple.  Those with timing chips (for about $9) get to line up in the front marked up cones followed by runners, then walkers.  Those with strollers or wheeled stuff line up behind the second crosswalk. 

Gary and my niece Jessie (18 yo) and Nelson (our former missionary) jumped in after the first wave of runners.  Lily, Grandma and Larry would jump in with the walkers.  The first mile was down Temple Dr. going west then turn south passed the MTC. then another right turn going west to the stadium.  Then we turned onto BYU campus running pass the field house.  I was able to keep up with Jessie and Gary.  At the field house they were giving out water bottles, so I made my way across there and picked up a bottle.  Took a big gulp and was going to put the cap back on so I could run with it; but dropped the cap so decided to drink some more and ditch the bottle.  Gary and Jessie got a little ahead and I chased back up to them.  We're now running south on 200 E.  and I glanced down at my watch and saw that we're running a 8:40 pace which scared me a little.  I told Gary our pace and saw Jessie breathing hard.  I eased up a bit and let them go.  The runners around me were all breathing just as hard.  I wanted to keep a good tempo and would sprint once I see the finish.  I was surprised to see the finish as soon as we turned west on 100 S.  So we only have to sprint from 200 E to 50E.  Man, I should've picked up the pace sooner!  I stopped the watch after I crossed the finish and high fived Gary.  Very pleased with the time.  The last time I "raced" a 5K was probably in 2010 at the Nestle 5K.  My PR was 23+ min.  I seriously thought it would take me 30 min to run a 5K.  I guess it helps to have some youngsters to pace me! :)  Splits: 9:19, 8:59, 8:53, (0.1 @4:58)  I have not run in these paces for years!!!! Haha, I know...this is supposed to be "fast'runningblog"...and I'm really a jogger these days! :)

I was supposed to run 18 miles today; so plan was to run to the mouth of AF Canyon to wait for Wendy (who's running the Timp Half) then run her to the finish and then tag on 5 more miles afterwards.  Lowell called last week and asked if I would run this Half (for old time sake when we used to run the SOGOFull/Timp backward).  Anyway, last time I ran him in to the finish, I wished I had signed up and ran the race.  So, the night before packet pick up, Lowell called and said he was not going to run this afterall because he had a wedding to go to in Pocatello on Sat.  But really, this is only a half...I told him I would sign up if he would.  SO, we both signed up at the last min.  By now the entry fee is a whopping $90 (more than what I paid for SG Marathon).  Luckily I got a FB discount of 15%.  With that, I feel motivated to actually run this and test where my fitness level is.  Three weeks earlier I ran the Hobbler Half in 2:19:  , I figure I can shave at least 30 sec./mile on this. 

Wendy and I picked up the race packets at AFHS.  We bought some running shorts/capri at the Expo.  Lowell got to my house at 6pm and off we went to Oliver Garden, his favorite, for his birthday celebration! :)  We didn't go to bed until 11:30 so got about 3 hours of sleep.

Since I'm driving, I told Lowell we have to leave the house at 3:35 to pick up Wendy and make it to the bus ride by 4:00.  Well, we left at 4:45 and got to AFHS at 4:05.  I ate a Greek yogurt and 1/2 banana on the bus.  Got to the start with 90+ min to spare.  Wendy brought a camping pad for us to sit on.  Saw Don and David Rogers, Emily King, Josse Tobiason and Michelle Lowery.  Plenty of portapotties and time to make 3 trips.  Race started on time at 6am.  We all lined up with the 2:30 pace group.  Temp was probably in the high 50s. as the sun was rising. 

Within the first quarter mile, we passed the pace group.  I told Lowell we should run the canyon miles in 10 mph pace conserving energy.  We started to pull away and lost Wendy after about mile 3.  At times Lowell would run ahead chatting with other runners, I kept a steady comfortable pace and would always catch him at the aid stations where we would walk.  I took a Gu at mile 3 since breakfast was over 2 hours ago.  There was a nice tail wind around mile 6 which I took advantage of.  Took another Gu given by the volunteer at mile 7 aid station.  The course flattened out at mile 7.5 leaving the Canyon onto the Golf Course trail which was rolling with some inclines which I also walked. 

Mile 9, 10 and 11 are on the Cedar Hills trail and Murdock Canal Trail which for some reason slows me down; may be my brain has been conditioned to run these slowly because I've run on them for my long runs.  Weird!  Once I got to Art Dye Park, I realized there's only couple miles to go, so I put a little more effort.  It was also getting warm, so I took off my hat and dump water on my head at the last aid station.  I saw the 2:10 pace group as we turned onto 700 N. so I focused on reeling them in.  We made a right turn onto Cavemen Dr. I focused on passing people and before long I saw Larry and John (Wendy's hubby) at the corner by the Seminary Bldg.  I smiled and waved to them as we made the last turn left towards the High School's track.  We had to run 3/4 way around the track to the finish.  The 2:10 pacer was yelling for us to go faster.  I realized he had gone a bit faster than pace and waiting to get the group in on time.  The clock read 2:09:xx when I crossed.  My official time 2:08:01.  So pleased with this time, and no cramping.  Well, I did have to keep walking after I finished around and around the water mister.  Lowell came in couple min. after me and Wendy came in 14 min later.  We're impressed with the finish goodies: chocolate milk, fruits, pizza, creamies, wash cloth.  We took some pictures and high tailed out of there as Lowell had a wedding to attend in Pocatello at 1pm.

Splits: 9:58, 9:50, 9:46, 9:58, 9:23, 8:48, 9:36, 9:14, 10:40, 10:28, 10:22, 9:43, 9:35, (0.1@8:12)

We (Wendy and Amanda) went to water aerobics at 9am.  Felt so good.  But I undid all that good afterwards with raking dirt, weeding, etc. immediately after I got home.  Three plus hours later I took a quick shower and headed to Costco. Since I didn't even eat lunch, I ate samples there. When we got home at 5pm, the irrigation flood water had started, so I went back out to the orchard and pine trees and dug trenches for the irrigation water to flow.  Didn't come in until dark around 9pm.  I ate some left over noodles, started three loads of laundry and went to bed at 11pm.  Have to get up early for long run tomorrow.  My shoulders, arms and hands and back are so sore.  Took me awhile to fall asleep.

17.75 in 3:42.  Last 8 miles with Wendy on MCT in PG.  Woke up to the alarm at 5:15.  Since I ate so little and so late last night, I felt hungry so I ate a yogurt and a banana and headed out at 6am.  My arms and back still sore from yesterday's shoveling dirt, digging trenches last night.  It's only been 6 days since I raced a Half so legs are still fatigued.  I managed to run in the high 10s the first 9 miles.  Took some Powerbar chews that Wendy brought me at the PG Canyon Rd parking lot/bathroom, I was at my mile 9.75.  Then we headed out for 8 more.  By now the sun was peeking over the mountains and getting warm.  I had to walk a lot the last couple miles.  Wendy was very patient and so nice to sacrifice her morning to run/walk with me! 

I think I'm going to sign up for a marathon in 3 weeks, most likely the Nebo Marathon.  I was eyeing the East Canyon Marathon; but we have 2 wedding receptions to go to the Friday before so Nebo is better choice as it is closer to home. 

6 easy on MCT then went to water aerobics with Wendy.  Spent 4 hours in the afternoon hot sun laying pavers...these things are 13"x11" cobble stones weighing a ton!!! If I don't break my back... 

Got up super early, 4:15 so I could take Lily, Sammi and Jessie to the airport.  Ran 10 solo, slow miles with tired legs. After I got home, spent the rest of the morning and afternoon digging trenches on the east side of the shed removing the short logs-border, weeding and raking the dirt on the east side of the pines/orchard.  Arms so sore.  Showered then went to Elder Macfarlane's wedding.

Down MCT west to rail trail, turn around at top by condo and home via 600 E access. Cooler 63F and cloudy with SW breeze!

With Wendy on MCT to Mitch Hollow.  New shoes!

Solo run on MCT east.  Saw Pres. Grimley and Steven's CFO.  61F sunny.  AP: 10:48

Bright sunny sky 72F at 8:45am. AP: 10:48 (exactly the same AP as Saturday's).

Very cool watching the total eclipse on NASA channel and KSL.  Went outside at 11:30am to view the 91% eclipse here.  Darker, dusk like atmospere/sky even though it is cloudless and the sun is high above at 11:30am.  Temp fell, crescent shadows from the tree reflected on the front porch and walkway.  Holes from the colander also reflect crescent shapes. 

Hiked 3 miles on the rims at Bryce Canyon.

Hiked 5 miles on various trails, Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop at Bryce Canyon.

Signed up for this race last minute.  Was debating between this one and East Canyon.  The deciding factor was that we had two wedding receptions to attend last night, thus Payson being closer to home than Morgan.  In hindsight, should've done East Canyon instead.

I went to Packet pick up at the Provo Towne Center Mall and ate at the mall food court some blah spaghetti.  Then went to the wedding receptions and ate cake and punch, doughnut and chocolate milk.  Not very good pre-race food!  Got home around 9 and readied some race gear, set the alarm for 2:30a and went to bed at 10:30p.  Tummy was rumbling, legs were restless, very tired but could not fall asleep.  Tossed and turned and up to bathroom couple times...finally got up at 1:48a and read.  Out the door at 3 and got to bus ride at 3:40.  Got on the first bus and sat by a very friendly young fella from Tennesee who greeted me cheerfully with a "Good Morning!"  Told him I did not sleep a wink (hinting that I wanted to nap on the bus ride).  He proceeded to tell me that he's been in Utah hiking at Arches and Bryce and been sleeping in his car so he too did not sleep much.  So we ended up chatting up a storm for the lenghty 1hr 15 min bus ride.  Good thing it was a plush touring bus, not some ricketty school bus. Got to the start at 5:05.  There were 6 SIX port-a-potties!!!  Good thing we were on the first bus and seated towards the front.  It was so dark I had to use my cell phone to navigate around.  They had some fire pits which gives out more smoke than warmth.  I wrapped myself up with a space blanket and sat on the small airline fleece blanket I brought and positioned myself at one of the two port-a-potty lines.  The lines were so long and so slow!!!  There was just enough time to shed the warm clothings in the drop bag and headed up to the start line at 6:15.  

There was an uphill from the get-go.  At 9300' elevation I could hardly breath no less run uphill.  I remember Slick told me there were 7 uphills in the first 10 miles.  They actually had signs naming those hills, listing the distance and elevation gain. One of them was 1.25 mile long with over 200' gain!!!  What goes up must comes down! On the very first decline my quads immediately protest.  O MAN!!! This is a BIG mistake!  I'm gonna injure myself at worst or suffer for 6 hours at best!  There weren't very many full participants.  I found out from the result that there were only 170 running the Full.  So we were pretty spread out.  Some had a partner to run with.  Those running alone had ear buds on so I pretty much ran alone.  The one good thing I can say about this race is the gorgeous sun rise in the distant and beautiful scenery!  There were a few Lookouts the first few miles, Bald Mountain, Mt. Nebo, Santquin and Utah Lake.  On the top of the ridge you can see mountain ranges 360 degrees! 

I leapt frogged with a couple from Payon.  The husband was running shirtless with cargo type shorts.  He had a beard and long hair like Forest Gump.  Occasionally he would stop to stretch his sides and I'd remark that he's doing a ballerina pose!  His wife was quiet with a pretty long braid.  I also leap frogged with a gal who looked very familiar to me.  She was doing the tengent and a couple of times encountered oncoming vehicles at a blind curve.  When I said hello to her she only responded with a nod so I assumed she wanted to be left alone.  I found out later on the result page who she was.  I actually ran with her and Lowell together at the very rainy Ogden in 2012.  Dang!

At mile 6.5 we turned left onto a 1 mile long out-n-back dirt road where I could see 2 or 3 old ladies ahead of me.  I was so happy to see Maynard!  We gave each other a quick hug and I uttered: "This is a BEAST!" to which he agreed!  He sure was looking strong and in control!  HOW I wish I had trained better and ran more hills and....

My quads were screaming with each step, it didn't matter whether I ran or walked so I just tried my best to minimize the damage.  The worst part about this race is that the winding narrow canyon was not closed to traffic.  I had to jump off the road a couple of times.  The smoke from the firepits earlier had aggravated my lungs and now the burning smell of vehicles brakes made it worse.  At mile 15 aid station, I took an Aleve and couple salt caps along with a GU.  A tall young man ran alongside me remarking: "Got to take this for energy, huh!"  I told him I tried to take one every 5 miles so this is my 3rd Gu.  He said this was his FIRST Gu and then proceeded to say, "EWWW! Nasty!!!"  He also told me that this is his first marathon.  He's running this because his wife wants this for her birthday.  This is her 7th marathon and now leaving him in the dust!  Poor guy!

At around mile 18, the road got even narrower with a rushing river to the left.  I passed 3rd old ladies just before mile 19 which gave me a boost...got a 10:02 pace for mile 19.  But that was short lived...nearing the mouth of the canyon there was zero shades and getting very warm.  It was now a boring grinding run.  I started to pass a few more runners.  A young lady asked me if I'd passed her husband earlier.  I asked if this was her 7th marathon and had her husband running this for her birthday to which she replied with the affirmative.  Yep, I passed him at mile 15.  How was he? I feel so quilty leaving him? I thought this being a down hill course would be an easy one for his first marathon.  Ha!!! She realized now how this brutal course chewed you up and spit you out mercilessly.  So, we chatted while we wogged (walked/jogged) together.  We were both grateful for each other's companies.  At the last aid station mile 25 she urged me to go on ahead so I left her and ran by myself.  My phone rang and I was too tired to pull it out knowing it was probably hubby calling to see where I was.  He mentioned that he may or may not come to the finish.  Then I saw him standing on the south side of the park.  I high-fived him!  As I made my last turn north to the east side of the park I saw Slick cheering me at the corner.  What a pleasant surprise!  I high-fived him just as the "familiar lady" sprinted past me.
I will probably never run this marathon again, I may do the Half, but not the Full.  My quads were so trashed.  I was getting very sleepy on the drive home.  Good thing the traffic was light.  I fell asleep after a shower and lunch while attempting to watch the BYU game!  So so so tired!!!!
 

Here's the splits just for the humor and heck of it :  13:10, 9:47, 11:03, 10:49, 15:41 (this was the monster hill that everyone was walking up), 11:51, 11:16, 12:33, 14:53, 15:23 (another beasty hill at mile 10!!!), 12:26, 12:04, 11:00, 11:03, 12:14, 11:16, 11:02, 11:12, 10:02 (passing people at a elevation loss of 339'), 10:46, 10:58, 11:09, 12:39, 14:05, 12:40, 12:20, 11:30.  Yep! pathetic!  This marathon advertised: "Find Your New Fast!" Sure! I found out I'm OLD and SLOW! Haha! :)

Did not run a single step this week!  Legs were so stiff and sore!  Did heaps of yard work, digging irrigation trenches, doing patio pavers, camping at Mirror Lake.  So today I thought I'd go for a recovery run.  Jogged to other side of Dry Creek and decided to turn back at mile 2.5, ended up walking and talking on the phone on the return.  Quads still sore!

Easy solo run, quads still a bit tight.  More yard work.

Started out late.  Zeus barked as I ran past Wendy's house.  Went over there and Wendy came out from picking raspberries.  Asked if she wanna join.  She changed into running clothes and we ran west (to avoid the hills on Dry Creek that I ran on two days ago).  It was a nice slow chatty run to catch up on what she and John's been doing up at Salmon, ID.

Wendy and I went to water aerobics at the Legacy Center.  It felt good to be in the water!

Did 9 slow miles east on MCT on 9/9!  Legs not quite recovered still!  Spent the rest of the day working in the yard!  So dehydrated...I lost 2 lbs of fluid!  So tired!

More yard work! I think I'll rest from yard work the rest of this week!

Ran west to MCT bathroom.  5 miles in 54:19 (AP: 10:51) Splits: 11:52, 10:57, 10:43, 10:20, 10:26.  Legs not completely recovered...

Signed up for Huntsville Full Monte tonight! Am I foolish to drop $100 for a suffer fest?!!! Forecast says it will be rainy with highs in the mid 60s.  Perhaps the rain will be a good cleansing! 

Start my first day of temple ordinance worker tomorrow! Exciting!
 

Walked with Wendy and Karen who ran the Big Cottonwood Marathon last Sat.

First day working as ordinance worker in the Mt Timpanogos Temple from 10a to 5p.  Lots of walking, standing, going up and down flights of stairs...my dogs are tired! :)

Met RAD at the McDonald's off Bangerter in Riverton at 5am.  I'm terrible with night vision driving and ended up driving past the State Prison 3-4 times before finding the dang road.  Thankgoodness, RAD was awesome at driving and getting me there right on time to meet Teena for the bus ride up.  Had 30 min to use the PoP, find Slick and his protoge Troy in the tent before dropping our bags and head to the start line.  The tent was awesome!  I think every race should have a tent instead of smoky fire-pits to keep runners warm. 

I think the temp was in the low 40s but the 10+mph wind made it feel like mid 30s.  Teena and I walked shivering to the start line with Slick and Troy following close behind.  Gave Teena a quick hug and a good luck to Slick as they joined the throng of speedsters down the canyon.  I was instructed by Slick to bring Troy back a marathoner and Troy was instructed to not loose me; so no matter what the two of us need to stay together.  We started somewhere between the 4:30 and 5:00 pacers.  Breathing was uncomfortable for me at this elevation of 8,730'.  The first 5K always seem to go by quickly and I found myself running with Cathryn who was pacing the 4:15.  We chatted a bit and I let her go knowing that I would not be able to hold that pace.  I was not aware that we were supposed to stay on the left side (inbound traffic) of the road.  I was following the runners crossing the road doing the tangent when all of a sudden, rounding a corner, a motorcycle cop blaring his siren and yelled at us to cross the road.  He was driving on the "wrong side" of the road with several cars behind him.  I jumped off the road to my right onto the side of the hill thinking that I would just let them pass before crossing the road.  He yelled at me with angry commanding voice: "Get over there NOW!" That totally scared the heck out of me...never been yelled at by a cop before.  There goes my trying to teach Troy to do the tangent.  Then he told me how he was stopped by a cop earlier this morning making an illegal U-turn on his way to meet Slick.  He told the cop if he was going to write him a ticket, to do it fast because he didn't want to be late and face the wrath of another cop (Slick who's a retired law enforcer) on their way to his first marathon.  That made me laugh! :) :) :)

Anyhow, we both had to stop and use the honey bucket at the mile 5 aid station, where I also took my first Gu while waiting for the p-o-p.  They need to put more honey buckets in the earlier aid stations.  Anyhow, it was fun to run with a first-timer.  Troy shared stories of his running to loose weight, and how he met Slick and wonderful U of U students and employees on his daily train ride to work.  He also reminded me what Slick would say in coaching him.  Yep, Slick used to tell me all that good training wisdom when I was a newbie some 10 years ago.  I have been "hiding" from the running community the last few years and sorta lost my enthusiasm in running.  Running with Troy in his first marathon is just what I need to remind me of the joy of marathoning. 

The first few miles had some good decline, then it would flattens out a bit.  After the Half the course has some rollers then flat the last 6+ miles.  My legs felt good the entire time.  The temp stayed in the mid 40s with sunny blue sky.  The scenery is gorgeous.  BUT, the wind was unbearable!  It literally took my breath away.  I was hoping that the wind would die down once we got out of the canyon.  But no such luck, in fact, the wind seemed to worsen blowing through the open fields of farm lands.  Everytime we turned left, the wind would be a nasty headwind and I would duck behind Troy to draft off him.  I was coughing and wheezing.  I had to take my inhaler at mile 23 and took lots of walk breaks.  If not for Troy I think I would've never made it under 5 hours.  Saw hubby with 0.1 to go and I wanted to cry.  When I crossed the finish, a volunteer saw my labored breathing and assisted me as I staggered around.  I got light headed and my fingers and toes were numb and tingling.  She kept asking if I needed to sit down or go to the med tent to which I refused.  I just needed to walk a bit and get my breathing under control.  Hubby later told me that my lips were purple.  Troy crossed the finish ahead of me and made a bee line to meet his family.  After collecting some post-race food, I found Slick who has run a BQ and won in his AG.

Mile 1-5 -- 9:22, 9:18, 10:05, 9:43, 11:58 (potty stop, GU),

Mile 6-10 -- 9:41, 10:24, 9:52, 10:10, 10:01,

Mile 11-15 -- 12:18 (potty stop, GU), 10:20, 10:25,  Half-2:14:xx, 10:42, 9:51,

Mile 16-20 -- 12:45 (potty stop, GU), 10:24, 12:23, 10:43, 12:20 (Troy pit stop),

Mile 21-23 --11:18, 11:47, 12:23 (inhaler, cough/wheeze),

Death march the last 5K -- 11:45, 12:20, 12:22, 12:10

Water aerobics with Wendy.

Easy 5 recovery on MCT

Second day as ordinance worker.  I passed off and did VL and NIB with no assistance.

Spent the morning in the temple so didn't go out until mid afternoon for a slow easy jog/walk while memorizing the words.
 

Water aerobics with Wendy.

12 solo slow miles on the MCT east to bathroom by Lone Peak HS where I saw the Rios. 

Water aerobics with Wendy.

Marcie N. emailed and invited me to be on her Ragnar So. Cal. team.  Hmm...her team has been know to be fast and they intend to win.  I am the oldest and slowest (compare to the girls on the team)...not a good fit for her team. 

Walked 0.5 mile with hubby west to Center then he turned north and did his usual 1 mile loop while I continued running north and west on MCT. 
 

Third day as ordinance worker.  Need to study IN-W.

6 slow solo miles

Water aerobics with Wendy, Karen and Amanda.  So good to catch up with Karen and Amanda.  How I miss running with Karen.

Too windy and cold to run outside.  After the asthma fiasco at Huntsville I decided that wind is my enemy.  Jog 8 miles on the dreadmill with last 2 miles watching the first part of General Conference.  Ran on new shoes, Saucony Ride 9... they're ok.

Walked 0.25 with hubby then I continued west and north.  Had to make a pit stop at the 1500W bathroom.  Temp was in the 40s with wind coming from the WNW.  Got a 9:32 the last mile but it was hard.  I think I need to incoporate some kind of speed work in my next training cycle.  I'm SO SLOW these days...so pathetic!

Left Lowell's house at 4:22 to pick up Amanda and Kirsten at Dr. Hansen's to meet Toby, RAD and Teena at 4:45 at the southeast corner of the park for bus ride up.  Lowell missed a turn but we still made it there at 4:50.  The bus lines were long but moving pretty fast.  So happy I got to sit by Toby.  Across the isle was my neighbor Scott seated next to Lowell.  We snapped a couple of pictures after we got off the bus.  Then everyone dispersed to do their various pre-race business.  The flags' blowing direction indicates a tailwind!  Temp was probably in the mid 40s.  Perfect!!!

After making couple of pop stops, it's time to shed the warmups and toss the drop bag.  The announcer said the race would be delayed because there's still one more bus making its way up to the start.  So I took my sweet time to get to the spot (next to the right side ENTRANCE flag) where I've designated to meet with my peeps and wait to jump in with the appropriate pace group.  Lowell, Amanda and Kirsten found me and soon joined by BeMo (Julie Ann).  We cheered on all the runners walking by, never did see Teena.  Toby and RAD came up following the 4:15 group but RAD stopped and stood by us until we left with the 5:00 group.  Within the first mile or so, RAD came whizzing by weaving around all the slower runners.  Not sure what her game plan was but she sure was having fun!

So, Lowell, Amanda, Kirsten and I stayed pretty close together wearing matching throw-away shirts and carrying flashing light sticks that Lowell gave us.  We lost BeMo after couple of miles.  The first 10Ks went by pretty quickly.  Amanda occasionally ran fast ahead to hit the pop lines then would join back with us.  A friend's daughter, Kassi, running her first ever marathon, heard me talking and recognized me so I started running with her.  By the time we hit bottom of Vejo, my bladder was busting full so I had to stand in the pop lines and watched my running buddies went on without me.  When I took off my throw-away shirt, I must've accidently hit the stop button on my watch.  Didn't realize it until about .25 or so miles later when walking up Vejo.  I don't ever remember it being this crowded at the back of the pack...anyhow could not find any of my peeps which is just as well because I was doing quite a bit of walking.  Whenever I felt my breathing labored I'd take a 60 seconds walk break. 

In the Dameron Valley miles, I spotted Kassi so I slowly reeled her in and started running with her.  She was having some tight calf issue so she was taking quite a bit of walk breaks which suits me just fine over these rolling miles (10-12).  It was around here that I spotted Maynard running along the right road shoulder so I ran over there and said a brief hello.  That guy is amazing running with painful L5-SI joints...tougher than nails! :)  I didn't want to loose Kassi so I left Maynard and chased after Kassi.  After the half, I felt pretty good and decided to pick it up a bit and left Kassi.

At around mile 15 I spotted Lowell and caught up to him at the aid station before the Snow Canyon crowds.  He was still wearing the long sleeve shirt so I told him he needs to shed it as it was getting pretty warm.  He then looked for a little boy among the spectators to gift it to.  Then I spotted Amanda running back up on the course.  She's been running ahead to each aid station's pop then run back to keep Lowell going.  Apparently Kirsten felt good after the Halfway and decided to go for it.  Amanda and I started running together for the next mile and when we realized Lowell wasn't right behind, she ran back to look for him.  I'm not in good enough shape to run up so I kept pressing ahead. 

Around mile 17 I spotted Brent Z. wearing the bright yellowish-green Grand Slam shirt that I also would wear in running halfmarathons.  So I caught up to him and we ran the next couple miles together chatting and catching up on each others' families' going-ons.  It's so good to see such good ole' dear friends as BeMo and Brent Z.  I sure miss many of our former ForumFlyer friends.  I've been kinda "hiding" from the running community, ashamed of my slowing and out-of-shape self. 

Hubby called me just before the Ledge on the last uphill of the course so I walked and talked to him on the phone.  He wanted to know if I was running with Lowell because Susie tried to call him with no answer.  By mile 21 my calves and shins started to cramp so I would slow to walk and bid goodbye to Brent Z.  I stopped at the aid station to have the volunteer rub some icyhot on my lower legs and nearly fell over when my right calf started to cease up so I limped off and kept going.  I then remembered I had a packet of the "Leg Cramps" tablets given to us in our race packet.  I remember the lady at the expo said to take it sublinqual (under the tongue) when you feel a cramp coming on.  So I did just that and within a few minutes the cramp would ease up.  The cramp would return whenever there's a change on elevation or pace and I would take one of those tablets.  Thankfully there were four tablets and just enough to carry me to the finish. 

With 0.5 mile to go I heard a lady saying that there's no reason why we can't go under 5 as she calls out the time of 4:50...4:51 and she said she's going to ease back on the pace so she would come in just under 5.  That's when I realized it was the 5:00 pacer talking so I focused on not letting her/them pass me.  I heard a spectator yelled out "Bruce!..." and I looked over to my left and saw Bruce F.  just a few strides ahead of me.  I wanted to say hello to him as I passed but was afraid I would cease up so I kept going and then heard Susie calling out my name and a bit later heard and saw my hubby cheering.  Since my watch was inadverdently stopped back at mile 7 for about 0.25 mile, I had no idea what my time was.  When I crossed the finish it read 26.04 miles in 4:53:27.  It wasn't until later in the afternoon when Slick texted me and congratulated me of a 4:57:11 finish that I knew my official time! Hehe!!! 

As soon as I crossed the finish I spotted Kassi's mom standing to the right side of the fence so I went over there to talk to her and together waited for Kassi to come in.  After she crossed the finish we took some pictures and then went to gather our medals.  I looked for Amanda's son and Kirsten's daughter, the two teenager volunteers giving out medals.  I spotted Amanda's boy, Landry, who bestowed the medal to me.  Then we went over to the left side of the fence and talked to Kirsten who finished in 4:15.  We saw Maynard come in and waited a little later for Lowell and Amanda to come in.  I do not remember the finisher corral and the park being this crowded this late in the race in past years. Hubby said he had to drive several blocks northwest of the park before he found a parking spot.  Walking to the car couple miles away actually felt good. 

So, that's all folks...marathon #68, SG #12 in the book!  I had a lot of fun.  We treated Lowell and Susie to movie (The Stray) and dinner at Texas Road House in the evening.  The next morning, after attending the 8:30am sacrament meeting, Lowell and I went for a 2 mile walk with his dog Molly.  Larry and I drove home after a delicious lunch cooked by Susie and got home around 6pm. 

Signed up for the Revel Canyon City Marathon Nov 4.  Going to take it as a vacation marathon to visit my sister in California.  Booked the flights, hotel and rental car before signing up for the marathon! Hehe!

water aerobics

Only have time for a quick 5 miler.

water aerobics

It was a crazy busy weekend so I had to do my medium long run today.  I've been running solo these days because Wendy has some osteoitis in her SI and pelvic region causing pain during and after run so she has stopped running for over a month now.  We go to water aerobics on Fridays.  Anyway, today's a blue sky sunny a bit windy (10mph WNW wind) beautiful Fall day.  Legs are tired and felt like lead the entire run. 

Flew into Long Beach Airport yesterday around noon.  Picked up rental car and drove to packet pick up.  The expo was in an industrial type neighborhood.  There wasn't too much vendors.  Did look at an enlarged poster of the course map and elevation profile.  Whoa!!! What did I get myself into? The first half was like falling off a cliff, then there were some major uphills in the second half.  This looks alot like Mt. Nebo reversed!  Yikes.  Drove to check out the finish/bus pick up area then to the hotel.  Had lunch at Marie Calendar's next to the hotel before checking.  The hotel was not offering a shuttle to the bus so we drove around to check out the roads/traffic pattern and back to the shopping mall close to the hotel and had dinner at TGIF.  Ate way too much for lunch (beef stroganoff) and dinner (steak and lobster).

Since the bus pick up was at 4:00-4:30, I set the alarm at 3:00.  Went to bed at 10:00 but got woken up by some kids running out in the hall.  I tossed and turned and finally looked at the alarm clock faintly saw a 2 thinking I still had an hour before the alarm goes off.  But in reality it was 12:xx.  Dang!  I could not go back to sleep.  So got up and ate a yogurt and tried to get ready quietly.  Finally woke hubby up to drive me to the bus ride at 3:45.  The hotel had a brown bag breakfast of banana, bagel with cream cheese, water for the runners in the lobby. 

I got on the 2nd bus seated next to a young guy who looks like a fast runner on the first seat right behind the driver.  This gave us a perfect view of the course in reverse.  My, the canyon road is so narrow and winding that the bus ahead of us kept knocking over the traffic cones placed in the middle between the two lanes road.  Our bus driver was rather experienced and still brushed the road shoulder so close that the branches of the pine trees would hit the top of the bus which by the way was the plush tour-bus, not your rickety school bus.  We got a bit concerned everytime we went down which means it'd be an uphill climb for us in the later miles.  There was two miles of serious climb around mile 16-18.  This bus ride reminds me of the Mt. Nebo one, taking an hour or more to reach the start. 

The bus dropped us off on the road before the start line and we walked about 0.2 miles to the Crystal Lake Campground which serves as staging for the start.  I made a bee line to the portapotties with an hour before start time.  The campground host got a fire started in the outdoor fireplace with many log benches and tables around for the runners to sit and keep warm.  The temp was probably in the low 30s.  Under the moonlight I could see the pine forest with gigantic ponderosa pines.  I have never seen such huge pine trees up close.  It would take 5 persons holding hands to hands to succumvent the trunk of one of these.  I shared a log bench with some runners, chatting and eating our breakfast of bananas and bagels.  I made friends with a girl whose bib has "Beat PTS" on her bib and a Chinese guy from Hong Kong who is now a California resident.  I made another p-o-p visit 15 min before the start.  Soon the announcer told us to drop our gear bag in the truck and make our way to the start line. 

It was so cold that most runners kept their space blankets on walking and then reluctantly gave it up to the volunteers before crossing the starting mat.  I was so tired from the lack of sleep that I just wanted to stay back with the blankets and take a nap.  Haha!  I found myself walking with the last pace group (the 6 hour cut off) toward the start line.  A few hundred feet after crossing the start mat, the pacer barked: "Well, people!!! You need to run now! It's a marathon race...not a walk in the forest!"  We groaned and started trotting down the mountain!  One older man would run and count out loud 1...2...3...4...5...  Then he'd stop at 60 and walk a bit and start the running/counting out loud cycle all over.  It was so annoying I decided to ditch the group. 

At mile 3 or so we turned onto the main road where I saw a girl sat crying on a big rock by the side.  I asked if she was okay, she didn't say anything and waved me on.  A volunteer was coming up towards her and uttered that they have got emergency personnel coming.  A few min. later I saw an ambulance driving up.  So sad for that girl!  The first 10 miles were so steep that my quads took quite a beating.  No amount of downhill running could prepare me for this and I have run 4 downhill marathons since June this year (UVM, Mt. Nebo, Huntsville and St. George; Morgan Valley was the only non-downhill one).  There are a lot of switch backs and one can see the runners winding down below.  The scenary is breath taking.  Soon, we left the forest and the vegetations changed which feels a lot like running in Utah's high desert canyons.

The first uphill came around mile 12 for half a mile then down to the Half start.  I've been running with a handful of people, a couple who speak Spanish, a Korean and a Japanese lady, an Asian man and a Mexican fella.  We encouraged each other.  I stopped a lot to take pictures and mostly to give my legs a little rest.  Just before we reach the Half, a young Asian fella running really fast passed me.  He has a very athletic build...and I was surprised that he's running from behind.  I called out some praises as he ran past to which he replied, "No, I'm not running well, I'm hurting bad."  Soon I caught up to him when he started to walk.  He explained to me that he's not a runner but a cyclist.  He's cycled this canyon many times.  He thought he's fit to run this marathon but found out quickly that he's not properly trained.  When we reached the Half start, he told the volunteers there that he has to DNF. 

The second half of this course has so many uphills...we'd run up to the reservoir then down it...then up another pass and down it.  Like most canyons, it got windy as you approach the mouth of the canyon.  Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely hate running into the wind?  My breathing became labored and the temperature started to climb.  After leaving the canyon we found ourselves running on this straight, long road lined with tall tall palm trees on both sides.  It was quite beautiful, and a "wake-up" reminding me that I'm not running in Utah, but in Southern California.  Too bad that there were zero spectators, and the runners were strewn far apart.  At mile 21ish I passed the 4:30 pacer who was walking dejectedly.  He's from a local running club.  He told me he should've never paced the Full as his legs were not prepared for this brutal hilly course.  I passed a few runners who were crashing badly.  My watch sent out a low battery signal and then died completely after 23 miles.  By now I was so tired that I just wanted to sit down on the curb and take a nap.  There was another incline which felt like a huge uphill before mile 25 going over a bridge with the railway below.  I called hubby to inform him that I'm walking the last mile in so he wouldn't be worrying.  The splits alert he received had me coming in at 5 hour.  It was a death march to the finish.  My legs were heavy, my body was spent...I was so so so tired...I have never experienced that kind of tiredness in all my previous 68 marathons, even the 50 miler I ran did not leave me feeling this exhausted.

I came in so late (5:30) that they ran out of pizza, so they gave me two pies which I did not feel like eating.  In fact I felt nauseous.  Hubby gave me a few sip of his diet coke.  He drove me back to the hotel and we barely missed the late-check out.  Hubby had arranged to get a towell for me and I was able to freshen up and change into clean clothes in the lobby restroom.  I promptly fell asleep in the rental car as hubby drove to Long Beach to return the car and meet my sister and her husband. 

My quads were totally trashed.  It's gonna take awhile to recover.  This course is very beautiful but is such a beast with the severe downhill in the first half (many runners said they got a PR half) and nasty uphills in the second half.  I don't think I'll run this one again...not with these old tired legs of mine!

First run since the Canyon City Marathon 16 days ago.  Have been going to water aerobics with Amanda, Wendy and Karen.  Boy, my legs are still tight and a little sore from that beasty marathon!
 

In New York visiting my son, David, his wife Maddi and Maddi's sister for Thanksgiving.

Maddi and Mikki are training for a Half Marathon to be held in couple weeks.  They have a 10 miler training run today.  I decided to tag along.  We ran in Astoria.  I did not bring my Garmin but luckily had my running shoes and some long sleeve running shirts.  Temp was in the mid 30s.  We ran at what felt like a 10:45 pace.  Got to the path along East River a little over 2 miles.  We left the apartment a little after 6am so there was very little traffic but it was garbage day so there were heaps of trash bins and trash bags on the side walks.  We dodged those and doggie poops along the way.  We encountered lots of dog-walkers.  Ran past Astoria Park around mile 3.  I made a mental note and told Maddi I would probably turned around at mile 3.5 asking her if there's a bathroom in that park.  When we reached the ferry dock at mile 3.5 and found no bathroom I decided to turn around while Maddi and Mikki continued on.   Made it to the park bathroom but found that it was locked.  I asked a lady who was walking her dogs nearby if she knew when the bathroom would be opened.  She pointed me towards the men's bathroom where a janitor was carting his cleaning supply.  Thankfully the janitor understood me when I asked if he could open the ladies restroom.  Did I ever mention that New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world?  You never know what nationalities, cultures, languages you encounter.  Anyhow, I made it safely home with my trusted iPhone's GPS. 
 

In my moment of weakness, under influence of Black Friday good deal registration discount, I got talked into (by my husband who's visiting with me in New York at the moment; and my daughter who's contemplating a redemption marathon) signing up for the Woodlands Marathon to be held on March 3, 2018.  The Black Friday discount was 20% off registration fee AND an on-line training program.  It's a 12 weeks training program where you download an app called VdotO2 based off of Jack Daniel's training philosophy.  Boy, what did I get myself into?!!!

Did the 4:1 ratio. Terrible air.  Wheezing.

Not a good run.  Started late.  Did the 4:1 ration.  Poor air quality. 

First Coach Green Workout.  Supposed to run 9 miles at marathon pace with 0.5 mile WU and CD.

Due to the terrible air quality, smog, cold air, plus I caught a cold on the flight to New York on Thanksgiving morning so still hecking up a lung.  I opted to do this on the dreadmill.

1 mile WU starting at 12 pace and gradually increase to 11:05 pace.  Then did 10 mile alternating between 10:34 and 10:15 pace (on the treadmill which would be more like 11:00 and 10:45 road pace).  Had to stop every 2 miles to drink, blow my nose.  The only way I could finish this dreadmill run is watching a show on TV. 1 mile CD gradually slow to 12 pace.

I seriously don't know how I can follow Coach Green's 12 weeks training program.  The workouts are 3 days a week with very intense intervals threshold, 800 and mile repeats, all long runs are to be done in marathon pace.  Kowabunga!!!

Temp was 19F, heavy smog, it was pea soup out there.  I'd have to wear an O2 mask to run outside with my asthma, haha! so back on the dreadmill I go at incline 2.

1 mile warm up @12 pace

4 x 1 mile repeat @ 10 pace (up pace slightly to 9:50/9:40 during commercials)

3 min. recovery in between mile repeats @ 12 pace, pause briefly for 30 sec. to blow my nose.

1 mile cool down @11:06 to 12:00 pace

7 miles total time 1:14:10.  AP: 10:36

My treadmill is over 12 years old and not calibrated so the pace is not accurate.  I also feel that it is less effort to run on the treadmill.  But given the poor air quality and my residual head cold, dreadmill is healthier for me for now.

The smog has accumulated overnight into fog.  This morning the mountains are not visible and the sky is gray.  The fog's condensation/moisture became frozen overnight with the dropping temp forming an icy sheet on the pavement.  So, not only was it unhealthy to breathe the air, it was unsafe to run outside.  So, back on the dreadmill @ incline 2 again.

Combination workout:

1 mile warm up

Set 1 - 1 x 30 min @11:00 pace (or as close to marathon pace as possible)

Set 2 - 4 x 200 m in 1:08 with 2 min recovery between

Here's how it went down this morning -

1 mile WU @12:00 pace

30 min @10:54 pace

5x200m repeats @ 8:57 pace (which feels more like 9:05 road pace in effort) with 2 min. recovery between @ 12:00 pace

10 min cool down (5 min @ 10:00 pace, 5 min @ 10:54 pace)

6 miles total in 1:04:50.  AP: 10:48

Today's workout calls for 11 miles @ 11:00 pace (marathon pace or as close to marathon pace as possible) with 0.5 mile warm up and 0.5 mile cool down.  Cannot imagine doing this on the treadmill again even though the smog is still horrible outside.

1st mile warm up east to MCT in 11:57.  Then the rest of the run was miserable.  Stopped at Mitch Hollow Park bathroom (mile 3) to refill my water bottle and shed the jacket.  There was a 10mph WNW wind.  So everytime I turned north or uphill, my breathing would become labored.  Turned back at halfway (6.5 miles) heading west.  Stopped at Lone Peak Parkway bathroom to refill water bottle, used the facility and ate a Gu.  By mile 8, the wind has picked up and got very cold with snow flurries which made my asthma flared up.  Had to slow down and walk and cough.  Fingers and toes were frozen numb.  Walked a lot the last 5K when the headwind and snow flurries got nasty.  The splits reflect the miserably slow run: 11:57, 10:50, 12:05, 11:13, 11:33, 11:10, 11:04, 11:41, 11:41, 11:58, 12:46, 12:33, 14:32, 11:52.

* Coach Green made one and only remark on my Vdot2 app on this workout:  "GREAT jog! "   What a slap on the face!!! It was NOT a jog, but a miserable walk/run!  May be it's a typo and he meant to say Great Job! Haha!!!  Well, what does he know!  He's over there in Houston TX, never met me, has no idea I'm an overweight, out of shape, old lady who's pretending to be a runner! Sigh! :-/

Didn't run today!  Spent the whole day at the hospital with hubby's kidney biopsy.

Today's workout: 1 x 4 miles @ 10:30 (threshold pace) with 1 mile WU & 1 mile CD

Temp this morning was in the teens with 20mph NNW wind and 2" snow on the ground.  So on the dreamill @2 incline I go.

Here's how it went:

1 mile WU @ 12:00 pace

4 threshold miles @ 10:30, 10:20, 10:10, 10:00.  *Treadmill pace does not equate road pace but tried to match the effort of road pace.

1 mile CD gradually slow to 12:00 pace

6 miles in 1:03:48.  AP: 10:38

My daughter and her family were driving from Houston straight overnight to spend the holidays with us here.  Original ETA was 4:30pm.  But when she texted me at 7:00am that they may arrive as early as 10:30am, I got up and made preparation for their arrival and cooked a pot of curry chicken. So, didn't go out for my run until 12:45pm just as the snow storm rulled in.  Turned around at mile 2 running westward with the blowing horizontal snow jabbing into my eyes.  By the time I got home, my torso, front of my arms and legs were caked with snow.  Tried to thaw out and attempted to finish the rest of my 10 miles on the treadmill unsuccessfully.  Had to abort the run when my back started to ache and the achilles protested.

Today's workout: 6 x 1 mile repeats @ 10:00 pace with 3 min. recovery between reps. with 1 mile WU & 1 mile CD

Training hasn't been going well the last week due to holidays, etc.  This morning Temp was 20F, sunny, patches of snow/ice on the road.  My daughter and I started the run together with 1 mile warm up to the MCT, having to walk during some icy slipperies.

There was still some slipperies on the MCT going east for the 1st mile rep.  Didn't know how to program the workout on my Garmin so ended up including the 3 min. recovery into the mile splits.  After 4 miles I stopped at the 1500W bathroom to use the facility and paused the watch.  So mile 5 split was the only true mile rep pace @ 10:01.  I seriously could not hold a 10:00 pace the rest of the workout to save my life. 

8.33 miles in 1:36:39.  AP: 11:36. 

Splits:  13:45 (WU, lots of walking around the slipperies), 10:35, 11:07, 10:33, 10:02, 11:10, 11:00, 13:31 (CD).  Jogged 0.33 in 4:48 to home. 

* My daughter did the same workout on MCT at different pace running back and forth around me and ended up with 9 miles. 

Does skiing with my Houston grandkids and Taiwanese daughter-in-law count as workout?

Second day skiing with my Houston grandkids and Taiwanese daughter-in-law!  SO FUN!!!!  NOT working hard at all!   So much partying, eating and very little sleeping! :)

This was supposed to be a 13 miles @ 11:00 (marathon pace) with 0.5 mile WU & CD

T 34F, partly cloudy, 5mphWNW.  Very disappointed that I could not run that pace.  Legs felt heavy, well, my whole body is heavy.  May be lack of sleep and the last two days of skiing?  Well, no excuse really!!

Had to use the bathroom at mile 5.5.  On the return around mile 8.5 stopped the watch at the same restroom to refill my water bottle and forgot to retart it until about 0.25 mile later.  Thus the Garmin reflects 13.75 miles.

13.75 miles in 2:45:53.  AP: 12:04

Splits: 12:17, 11:25, 13:14, 10:57, 12:10, 12:11, 11:37, 11:24, 12:16, 11:26, 11:54, 13:13, 12:46, 12:08