Stroller pushin in Texas

Well, I guess I am in the second looser of this race according to RAD.  ;)  I didn't even know I was fifth place until I looked at the race results the day after the race.

I ran in circles for five hours; I am officially insane.  Here are a few highlights of today's VERY long run.

1. I brought my husband to a race in which he planned to run a a half marathon.  Well, his run turned into 28 miles.  I was proud of him, his longest run of 2012 was 10 miles. :)

2. I got to run the first 13 miles with RAD and it went by rather quickly.  When she told me we had already ran 9 miles, I was not happy.  I told her not to tell me where we were until we reached 20 miles.

3.  I knew David was about done with his half, so I went to run with him a little.  That little bit turned into me leading him around the track.  I started counting every ten laps and then call out for a rest.

5. 15 miles in my left foot was screaming!!!  Running one direction killed my arch.  Every time we stopped I limped.  Changed shoes and it helped a little.

6. I was proud to run part of my 21st marathon with my husband and finish with him. We walked for about 40 minutes after we finished.   

Great day, did not feel like I had ran a marathon. 

One hour on the elliptical. 30 minutes on the bike.  Legs feel ready to run again but I will wait a few more days. 

I thought Texas would be warm but I was wrong. :(  I hate the high of 50 around here. 

70 minutes on the stairs.

30 minutes on the spin bike. 

Aerobathon!!!!  2013

Today I wanted to try the Aerobathon that Randolph AFB gym was offering.

Hours of the event were from 10:30-1:30.  

Zumba (30 min): First on the chart was Zumba and there was barely enough space for everyone to fit in the room.  The class was taught by Grandma.  Seriously, this lady was 60+ years old.  The class was ok in large setting but I will not be attending her class.  She sings, says her steps out loud and kind of scares me.  Her little Grandma friend (also 60+ and not even 5ft) taught one rump roast dance and a kind of threw up.  

Step (30 min):  Kind of a boring step with a million people.... Everyone managed to have a step.

Kickbox (30 min):  Pretty fun high intense class for 30 minutes.  If I am sore tomorrow, I think it will be from this class.

Yoga (30 min):  I think this class took the icing on the cake for the day, it just felt so good.  Wish they would have saved this class for the end because I just wanted to stay on the floor relaxed when the class was over.

Cardio Fusion (15 min):  This class was not my favorite but I know it would be an awesome workout.  A lot of hard power reps. 20 minutes was enough and everyone cheered when the class was over.

Reps and Sets (20 min):  Worked the arms with light weights, I think I would go back to this class.  Lots of ABS.

Spin (20 min):  Pretty good class and teacher, I would go back for sure.  The bike seats were unusually hard.  Cool spin room.

Cool day at the gym.  I got home and I was really tired and hungry, guess that means I worked hard.  Still felt like I could go run 10 miles. 

10 miles at the gym on the TM.  I was going to take the spin class but I didn't have cash to pay for it so I did 30 min on my own.

I asked if they needed a Zumba teacher and they told me there is a waiting list.  They are the ones that will miss out.

AP on the TM was fast today. 7:30.  Felt really good. 

1 hour on the Stairmaster.  During my workout a lady on TM next to me was yelling out loud, giving a 5,4,3,2,1 signal with her hands, holding the TM with her hands, banging the TM with her hands, she was crazy.  I thought and wanted to say to her, "You aren't the only one here trying to get a hard workout in.  You don't need to announce it to the rest of the gym."

6 miles on the TM. slow. 

Pretty darn lazy and it felt good.

10 really great miles today.  This run was one of those runs why you run.... If you get what I am trying to say.  AP of 7:23!!  I was so flippin proud of myself.

We live in neighborhoods that are far from being flat, which is a good change. The roads climb and then they drop, climb and then drop.  Rarely is it flat around here.  Today there was a huge head wind from the south as well making it rather difficult to run hills in it.  

I was just sooo happy with this run.   

Spin class that was only 45 minutes long... Not too happy about that so I stayed another 15 minutes.  The class was really easy and I couldn't understand what the teacher was saying.

4 miles on the track.  Two big weight lifting men asked me how the weather was up on the track.  I laughed but they were impressed with my 4 mile run, ha.  They also asked me why I had a car and why I don't just run everywhere.  Funny boys. 

10 miles around the rolling hills.  Got out late this morning but still got 'er done.

8 miles. 2 on the track.  6 miles of MMG workout on the TM.  Easy today ran at 7.0

1 hour on the Stair mill while reading a Yoga magazine.  Made me want to do Yoga while I was on the stairs.

6 miles on the TM.  Pretty uneventful. 

7 EZ miles in 55 min.  Pretty dang windy out.  I watched a cop pull two different people over for speeding, his trap worked.  Not a good day for those people.

Yoga For Runners at home.  Pretty good On Demand program. 

10 miles on the TM in my new Kinvaras.  Sooo happy I got new Kinvaras, my feet have not been too happy with me.  

TM workout: 1 mile 7.0 7.5 mile 2: 8.0 8.5 mile 3: 7.0 7.5 miles 4-6: 8.0 8.5 miles 7-9 8.0-9.0 mile 10: cool down

Legs don't feel very good.  Yoga for Runners at home,  my legs are just so inflexible.  Don't know if it's because I don't stretch like I used to or I'm just getting old. 

Yoga for Runners

12 really good miles with the Mr.  We ran at McCalister Park (love) 5.5 miles around the park on trails.  It was a lot of fun exploring a new place to run with David.  The weather was just absolutely beautiful.  Then we ran 7 miles on the Greenway path.  Lots of bikers and walkers out.  8:13 pace.  Loved this run.  <3

6 miles with the Mr.  Really beautiful out.

Stair climbed for an hour and it about killed me.  

10 miles at McCalister Park.   By mile five, I was lost. All I was running in was more and more trees and I felt like I was running in a bunch of circles.  At mile five I saw a man walking in the woods and I got a little suspicious because well, he was the only man I had seen.  I was looking over at him and I tripped, flew through the air and landed on my leg side.  I was actually ok and I wasn't scraped up.   The man was nice and asked me if I was okay, how embarrassing!  I started running and my right bum cheek REALLY hurt, but I just kept running.  

I ran and got lost a few more times and by mile 7, I finally figured out where I was.  This run kind of took a toll on me because I couldn't figure out where I was and it was all on trails.  By the time I saw my car, I was at 10.  Thank the heavens!!!!  

Hours later I really did do something to my hip.  :(  Pretty sure I pulled something in there.  About two years ago I did the same thing when I tumbled down Sunny Side Avenue in Salt Lake.  I am just hoping it heals up really quick.  I have a half marathon on Saturday.  :( 

6 out and about.  hip feels better.

San Antonio Road Runner's put on a race called the Endurathon up in the Hill Country of San Antonio.  It's crazy that we live in a city but a 30 min drive puts you out in the country.  

David and I didn't know what to expect from the race so we toed the line and gave each other a kiss.  Gun went and we were off.  The crowd seemed to be 300-400 people, not a bad size at all.  Mile 1 and 2 I hit below 7 minutes.  I knew I was going out way too fast and I was playing tag with a gal that was in front of me for about three miles.  

Mile five the hills started rolling, and I mean rolling.  Here on out I counted an average of 3-5 hills per mile.  It was nice to recover on the little pieces of downhill we got but it was major challenge.  By mile five, I just set my pace behind tag girl and let her dictate the pace.  I knew I was going too fast so I went off of her.  By 6, I broke away.

The course was rather interesting, we ran out and back miles 5-7 and a different out and back miles 9-12, kind of hard to describe the course.  All I know there were hills and hills.  The road was also curving in and out throughout the course so I knew I would end up with extra mileage.  

I remember seeing David by around mile seven and I gave him a big frown as he passed.  He knew exactly what I was thinking.  Hills.  From miles 10-12, I was facing runners going out to a turn around and I decided to smile at each one as I passed them.  To my surprise, ALL of them smiled back at me, it gave me the biggest boost.  This crowd of runners was just cool and relaxed.  The Texas running scene seems more open than other places I have ran.  

Mile 12 had a HUGE climb back up to the finish and I still kept a pretty good pace.  I noticed that by taking a GU at mile 5 and 9.5 during this race, my legs felt fresh the entire time.  I usually only take one GU during a race.  I also ate each GU slowly while I ran so it didn't hit my system in a big blob.  

Mile 13 came and my watch already read 13.2, bummer.  I finished at 13.4 and the course was long, booo.  I was the third female and I felt great about that, David was the third male and the first placed military male.  Yes, they even give military an award which I think is awesome.  

We had a fun day and I lucky to share running with my husband.  I also felt like I could still put in another five miles, probably not at that pace.   

2 miles on the TM at the apartment gym.  So humid I had to leave.  Ran 1 mile outside and got sick and had to come home.

6 miles on the base TM. 

2 miles on the track at the base.  This was just my warm up since the wind was so fierce. 

I ran 5.5 mile on the TM @ 8:34 pace.  I climbed 1,030 feet.

Workout:

1 min each 4-6% incline

Rest 2 min @ 0%

1 min each  5-7% incline

Rest 2 min

1 min each 6-8%

Rest

1 min each 8-6%

Rest

7-5%

Rest

6-4%

Rest

Repeat.

I only did half of the second repeat.

Did some abs, plank, calf raises, and stretches. 

7.5 of Schertz hillz killz.  Cold front, 60 out with lots of wind and sunshine.  7:57 AP

Yoga for Runners at home. 

Had to break out the capris because it was so cold this morning.  6 in the lovely morning.

So gorgeous out, I had to run outside.  Ran 4 miles on the track.

Planned to go to the spin class but I remembered it was beyond lame so I did my own on the bike.

10 min tempo ride, 10 min of huge hill increasing resistance every 30 seconds.  Repeat. Leg drills for 5 min, chill for 5 min to cool down.  Great workout.

Finished with progressive work for 2 miles on the TM.   

8 miles on the Shertz Hillz with David.  I named the huge hill, "Beast Creatch." 

Today every time I stopped to take a break, David pulled out a Nutter Butter and ate it.  He always makes me laugh and then I have a really hard time running. 

Cardio circuit class at the Y. Taper time.

6 on Schertz prkwy.  One girl across a parking lot called me a "jogger" and mimicked me to her friend.  Wish she would come "jogging" with me.  I am runner, not a jogger.  Glad my run could look like a jog to her.  Guess that means I make it look really easy or just difficult, don't know.

I was running uphill and I man rolled down his window and said, "come on, come on."  I must have looked like a chubby bunny out there or something?

It's getting warm.  By March, there is no way I can continue my wonderful afternoon runs. 

just 4. 

I read the book Marathon Man by Dean Karnazas six years ago and I was fascinated that he ran himself sober for his 30th Birthday.  Dean had never trained for any race of any sorts and he was sick of what he had done with his life up to that point.  He ran 30 miles without training (he is some kind of animal-like creature anyway) and he thought he could be good at running.  Ever since then, I have made it a goal to run 30 miles for my 30th Birthday.

It wasn't too hard to accomplish this feat in Texas.  Right now the weather is simply beautiful and ideal for running.  I picked the Love. Run. Marathon in Huntsville, Texas because it was only a 4 hour drive from where we are currently living and it was the day before my Birthday.  This race was also a trail race.  That's all cool but I don't have any experience on the trails...

I told my husband if he ran it, it would be his gift to me for my Birthday.  It didn't take much to convince him to run with me.  Furthest we had ran was 13 miles for a half marathon two weeks ago, so we planned to take a lot of time on this run.  The goal was between 8:30-9 mm miles, and finishing under four hours.

The Huntsville State Park was a pretty ideal place to run.  The course was all trails and it wound around a lake.  We ran the loop twice for the full marathon, which was actually better than I imagined it being.  The trail was pretty narrow and the terrain was challenging.  There were deep roots, twists and turns in the trail and constant rolling hills.  I tumbled a total of 5 times because I wasn't picking my feet up enough and I failed to pay close attention to the trail.

Before the marathon David and I ran 2 really easy mile around the parking lot, so we would only have to run 2 miles when we were finished with the race.  That part was the easiest part of the day.

The marathoners started with the half marathon folks, which was basically the field of runners.  We started mid-pack and we couldn't pass anyone, so we were stuck in the middle of what I called the "Soul Train."  Soul Train  consisted of hundreds of runners in front of us in one big line.  It was pretty hard to pass anyone for about three miles,  and that is where the trail opened up.  

David and I made small chit chat as we ran around the lake.  I can't really remember what we talked about, all I remember is that the pace was real easy.  By mile 12 we caught up to a guy in a grey shirt, whom was also doing the marathon and he sped up... We kept it cool.  We ran into the half at 1:53, slowest half ever.  We both felt really great as we started the second loop around the lake.  We caught back up to Grey Shirt and David and I were making small talk between the two of us.  Guess we were annoying him, so he sped up again.  We maintained his pace and by mile 15 passed him for good.  

15-20 we just ran.  My GPS watch was about 2 miles behind David's!  So crazy, at mile 20, my watch finally said it had lost signal.  I just free loaded off of David's watch since the course was not marked.  I actually enjoyed not having a marked course, made the time go by faster.  When David's watch would beep I would always ask where we were anyway.  

23 came and I thought. "Ok, just a TV show left, that's all."  Between 23-26, we just wanted the thing over!  Those last three miles were the most difficult on the course.  So many roots to run over with tired feet, you had to watch your footing!  We crossed the finish line and I won the women's marathon.  I laughed and enjoyed my little win.  :)  Pretty sure David was 3rd place and a win for his division.

We finished off by running 2 miles around the parking lot, worst part of the day.

They gave us hamburgers at the end of the race (ick) and we just picked up our awards.  There was a little girl that asked me what I did after the race.  She was looking at my body covered in dirt.  I laughed and replied "oh, this happened DURING the race.  I fell down five times."  I was covered in dirt.  Luckily, at the park there were some showers I could rinse off in before our 4 hour drive home.  

Such a sweet day. 

No pain or soreness from the marathon.  I actually felt REALLY good from this marathon as far as my body in concerned.  So I decided a little TM run was necessary.  I actually woke up super excited to go run and workout.

6 miles on the TM.  AP was 7:41, not too shabby.

50 minutes on the spin bike 

7 outside.  It was absolutely beautiful out.  7:47 AP.  Just lovely and perfect.  Shertz Hillz.

6 fast miles on the TM.  AP 7:21, just felt great.

Yoga class today, I loved it.  Felt so good to stretch and relax. 

There was a 5k on base today!  I woke up at 6:30 and drove to the base looking for the park where the start/finish line was.  I wasn't sure where to go until I saw a car with a 1020 sticker in the back window.  1020 is a race that takes place in Austin, so I knew that car was heading to the race as well, so I followed them.  Love our little running community.

I got to the race and there were 10 minutes before it started, so I quickly ran up and down the street to somewhat warm up.  We didn't get race numbers and there wasn't a race clock, so I knew this was a very low-key race.

The race started and we were off.   I quickly made my way to the front and I was behind the lead man the entire race.  We ran down a road that was adjacent to the flight line for a mile and a half and then turned around.  The course was flat and honest.  I ran in at 20:50.  I didn't run with music and I tried to listen to my feet and breathing.  I was proud of my time.  

I ran the course again and people were giving me a lot of funny comments.  People were telling me I was amazing, fast and looked good.  hee hee, I liked the comments.  After running six miles, I got back to my car and decided to go a few more miles and change my shoes.  

I ran along the flight line and watched the T-38s take off and land, it was sooooo cool!!!  At one point on the running path, the planes fly directly overhead and pretty low.  You can't even hear them coming but when they fly past they are extremely screaming loud.  It made my running week, so so cool.  The weather was absolutely perfect.  Just one of those running days you fall in love with running all over again.   :)

I got back to my car and texted my hubby a big "Thanks" for bringing me to Texas and letting me be a part of the Air Force.  It was just a great day! 

7 miles in my Altras.  Those shoes are a hit and miss.  Sometimes they feel really good and other times, my knees, feet and arches hurt.  I am breaking them in slowly, just wondering if I am doing it wrong?  

Today I chose a rather difficult route because I was dedicating 3 miles to Rachel for her Birthday.  I am 1500 miles away from my BFF running friend and we were running at the same time!  I started thinking of some of the times I have shared with Rachel.  Here are 33 memories to her, from me.  

1. I met you from the blog, Smooth brought us together.  We met at the JRP for a long run. 2. You were at the end of the Riverton Half cheering the fellow runner in.  You were holding Nathan and he was just a little thing. 3.  Getting to know you at the Legacy Center because we were both, "broken."  4.  You being there when I started dating David  5. I was sitting in a ditch when they called your name at TOU when you crossed the finish line. 6.  You getting me to come run with the BBKs. 7. When you came to my house after my bike crash. :( 8. infamous penny run at the Oval.  9. I took work off to run a 31k on your 31st Birthday.  10. The JRP on your Birthday run was icky and windy but you kept me going.  11. You coming to my bridal shower. 12.  You coming to my wedding.  13.  You coming to my Grandpa's funeral (so cool you did that). 14.  You running 10 miles with me on the morning of my wedding. 15. You giving me the courage to make it through my second (or third?) stress fracture after my breakup.  16. You jamming at my wedding. 17. Your crazy run/scoot around the Oval on New Year's Eve.  I still think you are crazy for doing that! 18.  Your 1/2 Ironwoman accomplishment.  19.  Seeing you at the finish line of the SLC half while you were prego! 20.  That chocolate milk I suppose to drink with a diamond ring at the bottom. 21. You on Christmas Eve with a broken foot! :( SO SAD. 22.  You running 31 miles and laps and laps at the oval, while everyone else was done.  23.  When you qualified for Boston with a cramping foot/leg?  With tons of time to spare!!  24.  You and your huge PR at St. George! 25.  Running in Lehi with loads of snow on the ground and while it was snowing.  26.  Seeing that BIG spider after we ran Hi country with the BBKs.  27.  Running down to the Daybreak Lake and back, we did that a few times.  28.  Book lady in spin class.  29.  Running Park City Marathon with you.  30.  You running that hill part on the JRP trail, while I always walk.  31. Running RRHPC up P Canyon with you.  And the Christmas run up by Bridal Veil in the snow.  :) 32.  Sitting on your kitchen floor after long runs and stretching and drinking water. 33.  Talking to you and listening to you while we ran hundreds of miles together!

Happy Birthday my dear friend, I hope it's a good one.  There are so many miles ahead of us on this road, we have barely passed the start line.  Keep going until you get there!  You are blessing and a motivator in my running, thank you.  :) 

8 miles with David.  Beautiful out.  When we first started running, an ankle biter (little dog) came out of nowhere and started barking at me.  I almost wet my pants!  The owner stood by and watched before he called it back over.  Not the nicest way to start a run.

8 miles with David on the Holiday.

1 mile on the track for a warm up.

8 miles on the TM for some speed. 7:05 AP I went from 8 to 8.5 to 9.  Held each pace for half a mile and started back at 8.  I got 6 repeats in 8 miles, I was pleased even though it was on the TM.

1 mile cool down.

30 minutes of biking.   

6 miles out and back from the gym on base.  Pretty morning.  Flat trail.  

Yoga.  :) 

3 miles on the track at base to warm up.

I surged the straights and jogged the curves for 3 miles.  This felt like speed work, don't know if it really was but it FELT like it.

3 mile cool down on Woodway TM.  I have never ran on one of those TMs and I was impressed with how it made y joints feel.

Attempted Zumba.  20 minutes in I wanted to scream at the teacher!  The class was terribly boring and the music wasn't anything to get excited about.  This Zumba could be taught at a rest home.  I left and walked outside on the track for a mile.

These were suppose to be 6 slow miles, but I can't guarantee that.  No watch on Shirtz Hillz.

Don't know my pace for this run, but I know it was fast.  I made it to 50 miles this week!!! I know that isn't much for most of the people on this blog, but it is good for me!

4 miles. 2 around the track and 2 on the TM.  It was really windy outside, so EVERYONE was in the gym. Sucked. Wanted 8 miles but I got sick so I went on the Stairmaster for 30 min.

1 mile to warm up and cool down.

8.0, 8.5, 9.0 for 1/2 mile each.  Repeated 5X.  7:06 AP

I wanted to go on the spin bike, but both were taken.  One of the men on the bikes seriously looked like he was riding a bull.  I have never seen anyone stand on a bike and go up and down, up and down.  Strange folk. 

8 miles in the windy wind.  Really windy.

I planned to do speed work at the track, but it was too dang windy, what was the point?

Ran 6 miles out and back on the path that goes across the flight line and around the runway.

4 miles on the TM.  .25X10 @ 1:30 pace (10) with .15 miles recovery between repeats.   

I have wanted to do this race for about a year, and it's where they hold the 50 Mile National Championship.  Since the race is an hour and a half away from Del Rio, which is close in Texas terms, I needed to find out what this race was about.

The race was held at Camp Eagle, a Christian Camp located outside of Rocksprings, TX.  They wanted people to come up Friday, stay the night Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy the camp and it's amenities.  It was a beautiful setting.

I woke up at 3:30 and left SA to get to the race by 6:15, the start was at 7:00.  Got to the camp and I registered late.  I didn't get a shirt because I had registered late, so I bummed by that .  6:45 I went out to the start line and there were only about 15 people.  Where was everyone?  At 6:50, all of these trail runners came out of nowhere! Everyone was stocked up with gear.  Backpacks, hand held water bottles, gaiters on their shoes.... They just looked a lot different than a road race.  I surely felt and looked like a newbie.  I placed myself toward the front of the group because I was stuck in the back at the last trail race.

Race started and we were off onto the narrow trail.  This was one big line of runners, I don't think I could pass anyone for the first mile.  Someone yelled out our first mile split, 11:30.  I about died!  We were going so dang slow and I couldn't get around anyone, I was getting really frustrated.  By mile three, we started to get a little faster. By mile 5, things were starting to straighten out.

The terrain was VERY VERY difficult.  I have paced Wasatch 100 in the past and it didn't compare to the shell, hills, and switchbacks of this race.  I had two goals for this race: 1. To not fall. 2.  To not hurt myself.

 I was amazed that there were so many runners walking up massive inclines.  It just took more energy to try to run up the hill rather than just walking.  I was so happy that I had only signed up for the 25k.  I can't imagine doing the 50 miler.  No wonder why they had the National Championships here.  

My watch was behind (of course), so I ignored it and didn't know my mileage.  There were three aid stations, so I had to carry a little water bottle.  It was fine until the water bottle started leaking.  I didn't want to stop to even take a GU, I just wanted the race to be over!  About mile 11 ( I think), I finally stopped on a huge incline to fix my water bottle, turn my ipod on and take a GU.  I did all of that and then I was a lot more comfortable.

By the last aid station, a volunteer said I only had a mile and half left... Never can trust race volunteers, but I hoped he was right. During the last mile we had to cross the springs, on cobble stones...... Ummmm.  I was trying to jump from rock to rock, surely I was going to fall, so I just walked in the water.  And then they had us exit the springs on some really slick rocks.  Danger.  

I ran to the finish, and it didn't feel like a big deal.  I didn't even stop to get my medal, I just kept walking to look at the race results.  They gave me a medal and a strange looking metal donkey because I was third place.  I really didn't know what to think about my time, other runners were telling me I did a really good job.  So I was pleased I finished the race without falling or hurting myself. 

 I really hope to do this race again, such an awesome experience.  I would also like to go up early and spend the night.  It was fun and it was for sure an adventure for me.

Today didn't feel too great.  I used today mostly to recover and go slow.  My body feels sloggy, dehydrated, and bloated.  Great combination.

Ran on the track for 3 miles and it got too hot.  Headed inside and rode the bike for 32 minutes and ran 3 more miles on the Woodway TM.  Boring.   

Super pleased with my Tuesday TM effort today.  1 mile warm up, one mile cool down.

8 miles of tempo stuff. 7:00 AP exactly. 

This was probably faster than it should have been.  Ran around in the wind for awhile. 

Track Thursdays. 

3 mile warm up on track.

Ran the straights, jogged the curves for 3.25 miles.  I just about died!  How will I ever be able to do 400s, let alone 800s??

TM: One minute @ 7.0, 1 min @ 10, repeated 8X. Death death death!!!

1 mile cool down.

Stretches and some ABS.  I have a long way to go until I get wherever I'm getting to.  

5 around the neighborhoods.  Can't believe running up and down the little streets by my house would equate for 4 miles.  Who knew? Super super humid.  

Super humid out.  Really boring.  I ran by the industrial park part of town.  Mile 5.5 I saw lots of ladies panties strewn all over the road.... What the? At mile 6 there was a big bull staring at me as I passed his field.  I then starting thinking ways I could escape from a bull chasing me, if it were to happen.  All I could think of was to climb up a tree.  Only in Texas.

Mile 9 stopped at Wal-Mart to get a drink.  Even though I was in running clothes and looking array, I felt I mixed in with the crowd.   

I got a facebook message from my friend this morning asking me if I wanted to join her on her 20 mile run.  I was so excited, I ran and got dressed and met her at the park. 

We ran an out and back on the Greenway that totaled around 14 miles. I was so so so so so happy to run with a long distance runner that ran my same speed and was a girl!!  We talked and ran and I LOVED it!!  So refreshing to run with someone, I was so happy.  The sunshine and the weather were just as perfect.

1 mile warm up, 1 mile cool down.

8.25 speedwork on TM.  6:55 AP  

6 miles, very beautiful out. 

YOGA. :) 

Base 5k today.  I really wanted to run 10 miles but we were leaving to go to Del Rio early so I didn't have time.  I was also with David and we usually don't run a long way when we run 5ks.

Warmed up 1.6 miles.  Started at the front of the pack.  Goal was to save my legs for tomorrow's race.  

Ran the out and back course in 20:44.  Nothing eventful.   

Cooled down for a few miles and went home.  It is always fun running with David. David won in 18:34. 

I signed up for this 5k because it sounded like fun and the prizes were the best in town.  I showed up early because I wanted to run 6 or so miles before the start.  I started running on the course and got a little confused because I went around the course once and it was 1.5 miles long.  Then I realized it was a two loop course.  The course was beautiful but it climbed up and down some pretty big hills.  It was a fun course and I made some few strategies as I did my warm up.  Take it easy on the up hills and fast as I could fly down the down hills.

The race didn't have very many people registered and I could tell there weren't any "fast" ladies as I looked around at the start.  We were off and a girl was trying to keep with me, but I could tell she would fall off on the first hill.  Sure enough, the first hill she was left behind.  I tried to push my pace to keep as close to 20 minutes.  First 1.5 miles I ran in a few seconds less than 10 min.  Ran the second lap and just wanted the race to be over.  Finished and the clock read 20:14.  

I took another lap around the course to cool down.  While I was running I watched a couple in front of me in their 20s cheat the course.  I kind of laughed that they were really cheating on a 5k course.  I caught up to them and jokingly said "Were you cheating?"  The girl replied, "no" and the guy said, "um yesss!"  It just made me laugh.  Toward the the finish line I caught up to a teenage girl and when she saw me, she started sprinting.  It made me laugh.  I guess I helped her finish faster, right?

For the prizes I got a huge purple towel, a water bottle and $50 gift certificate to the overpriced spa that sponsored the race.  I get some of the strangest things for prizes at races.  Oh well, better than nothing and I had a lot of fun.   

18 miles with Melissa on the Greenway and McAlister Park.  

Nose bleed miles 10-16.  I never have nose bleeds!! I scratched my nose and that thing just bled and bled!  I used my shirt to wipe my nose, I eventually just ran with my shirt around my neck, pretty dang gross. I felt bad that we had to keep stopping for my nose.  Didn't know what to do, so I just kept running.

8:45 AP for the run.  Felt nice and easy.  I loved running with Melissa. Melissa+running = Fun and happiness.  Yes, I am corny.  

Came home and soaked waste deep in the swimming pool, so nice.  :)  High of 93 today. 

7 miles around the 'hood. It's officially summer here, no doubt.  I love living in San Antonio and I am very sad to leave this beautiful place.  I ran alongside the beautiful blue bonnets that have been starting to appear in the fields.  Lovely and sunny out.

10 miles on the TM. 1.5 to warm up and .5 to cool down.

Fartlek on the TM.  8 miles AP 6:53.  Went a quarter mile on 8.0, half mile on 8.5 and a mile on 9.0.  Repeated that five times.  On the fifth repeat brought the last half mile up to 9.5.  

Yoga today.  :) 

5 miles on the track.  It was fun to run while people were getting their PT test done.  

Yoga class in a racquetball court.   Lots of fun. 

5 miles with the hubby and 2 alone.  Pleasant run talking to him most of the time.  Extremely humid today.  Ran through a cool mist.

7 with the hubby.  Chatting away, 8:10 AP

5 miles with hubby, 3 alone.  Lots of shopping today, I bought a few clothing items $10 and under, love the outlets.

10 TM miles. 1 mile warm up. .25 @ 8.0, .50@8.5, 1.00@9.0 repeated 5X.  Half mile to cool down.

Weights.  Oh boy, I think I will be sore tomorrow.  Took it relatively easy so I won't be so sore tomorrow.  Legs strong, arms weak. 

Yoga this morning, it was perfect.

8.25 miles

I went to the social run tonight at iRun Texas running store.  I got there a half hour before and ran 3 miles alone.  The store was putting out Easter eggs for the runners to collect on the run, I passed about 4 eggs on the way back up to the store but left them alone.

You can run 3, 4, or 5 miles with the group run.  I decided on the 5 miles.  The route was incredibly hilly.  There were two huge hills we had to go up.  I collected 2 eggs and they were both full of candy.  Some of the eggs had gift certificates to the store, I didn't get one of those.  The end of the run went up a huge hill the runners call "The Beast."  At the top of the hill is the LDS temple, kinda cool.  Really pretty views of the city too. 

5 miles with Melissa in the evening.  Her daughter was at soccer practice nearby, so we planned an evening run.

10 miles in the mid-morning.  I was on FIRE!  I was so hot and I was thankful that I had my little water bottle with me, I was dying of thirst.  

7:54 AP 

9 miles.  8:07 AP 

HAPPY EASTER everyone! 

I was planning to run 22 with Melissa today, but I chickened out and called 21 good enough. 

We met at a running path in Northern SA on another Greenway trail which was long.  We planned to meet at 9, but started at 9:30.  By then end of the run, the heat was killing me.

Mile 7 we got a little lost and ran to a park pavilion.  We met an older runner up there and started to ask him where we were.  He had just finished a marathon... He was by himself and putting on his finisher's medal.  Then two ladies joined him, and they had also ran a marathon.  Guess they had ran 75 on Saturday.  The three runners were well over 60.  One of the female runners is training for Badwater this summer.  YIKES.  She was a really cool lady and I forgot her name.  Guess she puts on marathons and ultras at that same spot a few times a year.  She said she is going to do a 48 hour run this summer.  Guess that's how you do it.  Badwater is what, 135 miles in the scorching Death Valley heat?  Anyone considering doing that is crazy in my book.

Melissa and I found our way.  We kept running until our watches were at 11 miles.  Then we ran back.  My watch is always screwy and her AP got messed up.  I hate GPS issues.

I pretty much feel apart at about mile 14-15.  I was really thirsty and tired.  I felt bad because I was stopping at every mile to get a drink.  It was heating up to about 80 and it was also really humid.  Melissa kept so strong and never complained.  She was patient with my ordeal.

The last 3 miles were a death march.  I told her that when we got back to the parking lot I was going to be done.  Got back and I sat on a rock.  She ran the last mile alone, what a stud.  She will ROCK her marathon coming up this month and I have a lot of training ahead of me before June it feels like.  I want to show the long run who is boss, even in the Texas heat!

21 on a Monday?  Why not 21 on a Monday?  I wanted to open this month up with style.  :)   Our AP was somewhere between 8:45-8:55

5 very very slow miles on the TM.

Yoga class. :) 

7 miles at the base.  It was WINDY.  I knew it was very windy because most of the planes were grounded and I only saw a few taking off.  

.50 walking on the TM

Yoga class.

Appreciation day at the gym!  Free cake, fruit and prizes.  I won two pens.  I think I got the lamest prize they were giving out.  The two ladies in front of me got Aqua Massages.  I wonder how Aqua Massages are anyway?  Customer appreciation day at that FREE gym we all go to.  Kinda cool. 

1 mile to warm up

8.25 miles of speed.  AP 6:51.  8.0 for .25, 8.5 for .50, 9 for .75, 9.5 for .25.  Repeated 4X. Last mile started at 8.0 and each quarter mile got bumped up .5.  Ended at 10 mph.

Cool down for .50 

6.3 around the neighborhood.  So beautiful out. 8:05 AP

I have wanted to run The Race For the Cure for a long time.  There aren't very many "big" races in Texas on Saturdays, so I had to take advantage of my opportunity.  My aunt is struggling with breast cancer, I thought it appropriate to run dedicate it to her.

David and I arrived at the Alamo Dome well too early in order to beat the masses that would soon enough be there.  We parked about a mile away and walked to the Dome.  Upon arrival, we discovered there was not a bag drop.  I had throw-away clothes on that I didn't care about, but David had an entire warm-up outfit, plus his racing flats that needed to stashed somewhere.  A race with 30,000+ people and there wasn't a bag drop?  I guess people were going to run with backpacks or something.

Before the race there was so much pre-race excitement going on.  All of those that survived breast cancer had on survivor shirts.  There were so many women in pink and a few men.  Surely, I thought this race would bring some faster runners out, but still, I have not seen them...

We warmed up and people were still parking next to the Alamo Dome.  I was kind of mad that the day before they a police man directed us to park a mile away.  Oh well.  We warmed up and dropped our bags with some volunteers that seemed OK with stashing our stuff.  We made our way to our corral.  

The race start had cool music provided by a local DJ.  The music just made me nervous and on edge before the gun went off.  National anthem, prayer, and tribute were said and then we were off . 10k went 20 minutes before the 5k.   

Started running far too fast.  I was excited and my nerves needed to settle.  I don't time splits, so I can't tell you what they were.  Some girl in a purple jacket tried to stay with me the first mile, I dropped her.  There was no catching the lady in first, she was the real deal.  Just paced myself off of odd men.  

I saw a man in neon shorts and he looked back at me and started SPRINTING full out!  We were at what, mile 2?  Caught him and gracefully ran past him.  I guess he was all out of sprints.  Probably made him feel bad being chicked, I don't know.  

Course was pretty darn flat and certified.  There were times I felt like we were heading a little uphill, but not enough to notice.  I passed the 5k at 21:00 minutes.  I told myself I could try and relax a little and I did.

Mile 4, we joined up with the 5k people.  I was a little nervous about having to face a wall of people, but it really wasn't bad.  Everyone was moving at a steady pace.  I was able to just pass and pass people, it was motivating! Hit the 5 mile mark around 35 minutes and knew I actually could PR today!!!

Cranked my music up (even louder, yes, it was REALLY loud) and jammed it out.  During the last mile there was a very large dip we had to run down and back up.  Ran down as fast as possible and went up pretty easily.  Last part of the race went down a big road that kept going forever!  I just ran my little booty as fast as possible, I wanted my PR dang it!

Saw the balloon arch and crossed.  I screamed out loud "YEAH" because I was happy.  Saw my hubby and he got 2nd place as well.  His time was 37:42!  He's a fast one!!  We cooled down, ate a gross yogurt and waited for the awards.

During the race I decided that any hardware I received today would be going to my aunt.  I got first in my AD (30-39).  Happy about that because only first got hardware.  It was just a little pink medal.  Thought they could have done better with the prizes since there were 30,000 + people.  Oh well, such a fun day! 

My last 10K PR was at Des News 2009.  I don't run very many 10k's, but I still felt really good about my effort today.   

15 miles with Melissa at the Greenway.  70 out and 100% humidity.  

Run went by fast and we had good conversation.  I am sure going to miss that girl when I have to move back to Del Rio.  :(  Good running buddies are kind of hard to come by these days.

8:29 AP.  We were rockin' it!  Her marathon is in 2 weeks and she will do great.  

Didn't run because I wanted to save all I had for my first Bikram class.

Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute class held in a 98 degree room.  Super hot and dry in the room.  The worst part of the experience was the horrific smell.  It was the smell of foot and bum combined with a mix of severe BO.  

Got there 5 minutes early to lie in the heat and try to get used to it.  It was REALLY hot.  We weren't allowed to drink water until about 20 minutes in.  I actually wasn't that thirsty and my sweat just rolled down my body.  By the end, my full large towel was soaked completely.  Felt so good to stretch super deep.  I will go back tomorrow.

So happy that I was brave enough to try this class!  I have been scared to take it for over a year now. 

I felt like crap today running.  I got so overheated during my speed work, I had to depart from the TM and run on the indoor track.  Maybe my body was overheating because of what I did to it last night?  I wanted to cry.

First 5k was in 21 minutes.  Ran another few miles.   

Day 2 of Bikram.  I went to another studio and it smelt so so so much better!  Bikram class is exactly the same wherever you go, kinda neat.  Anyway, it hurt more today.  There was one point in the class I started blacking out and I had to lay down.  After that, I was fine the rest of the class.

My ultimate goal with Bikram is to lengthen my hamstrings back out.  I don't think there is any hope for this, we will see what happens. 

10 miles in the breezy 50 degree weather.  Cool and sunny, just the way I like it.  Wore tank and skirt, and I felt like I was overheating??? Hahaha, I think Bikram is messing with me big time!  My body doesn't know what it is doing.  AP 8:07.  Felt like I kept it easy most of the time.  

I tossed and turned and laid in bed for an hour in the middle of the night again.  I sleep but I wake up thinking Bikram, Bikram, Bikram!!! It's scaring me.  I think I might take today off and go back tomorrow earlier in the day.  It gives me sooo much energy I can't sleep.  Plus I wake up in the night and my belly is super warm.  ??  Read online that these are some of the side effects for first timers.   

7 miles on the TM. 7:30 AP.  Got really hot again.

12 miles with Melissa at McAllister.  So sad it was our last run.  Perfect weather, and the path was so so so GREEN today.  LOVE San Antonio in the spring.  So sad to leave and I will miss Melisa so badly. :(  Such is like.

We rocked at an 8:21 AP. 

I seriously watched the marathon from start to finish today.  Such an awesome race to watch!  I got a text from RAD right when she finished and she was as high as a kite until it all went down.  Just sucks.  

I didn't run, I didn't eat and last night (Mon night) I did not sleep.  I am just sick sick about all of this!! I really don't know if I have as much desire to get back to Boston like I did just 24 hours ago.  I am so sad that anyone would threaten they very gift  I am so greatly thankful for every day.  I think because I have so much of a passion for running, it makes this even that much worse.  It has cut me to the soul.  I hope they catch the SOB that did this!  Even if they do, racing will NEVER be the same.  So tragic.

I ran on base today in the morning.  Such a beautiful day, cool and humid.  Before the run I sat in my car and stared into space.  It hurt just to think about running.  I question why I train and why I care?  I run for freedom and joy.  Why would some threaten the very gift I am thankful for everyday?

I am a runner.  We are runners.  We will run!!! I got out of my car and started running.  When I am emotional, I usually just cry and have to pull to the side of the road and cry cry cry.  Not today.  Running felt good.  Running is a gift.  I saw other runners out on the path and waved and said "Good morning" to each of them.  It just felt so amazing knowing I could just run.

I saw a turtle on the golf course at mile 1.4 and stopped and stared at it and watched it hide in it's shell.  So innocent.  How could anyone hurt a creature, or someone else?  We are all God's children and we all belong on this planet together.  We have to get along.  What would the world be like if we all ran?

8:00 AP 

Went to Bikram today at noon.  Still hurt. 

Ran outside in what felt like a warm swimming pool.  I am pretty sure it's 100% humidity out.  Felt like junk.

7 miles in the early morning before leaving San Antonio.  The last mile David drove by with a bag of breakfast tacos out the window.  For sure I turned the speed up when I saw that!  Moved back to Del town.

Moved all day.

8 miles around the base.  I think I am going to tally every time I make this run. Happy with a 7:40 AP

Don't know my pace, ran without a watch.  Ran around the base just like I did on Saturday.  I kinda already want to leave and I miss Schertz Parkway.  :(  I must really love my husband.

.60 or something up to the gym. Speed workout on the TM.  It is blazin' hot in there!! I forgot how awful that place is.  I pulled a fan by my TM, but it was still super muggy in there.  .25 @ 8, .50 @ 8.5, 1.00 @ 9.0.  Repeated 4 X.  6:54 AP

6 miles outside.  This was suppose to be a recovery run, it felt slow.  Really cold and windy out.

Ran up to the gym... Another 2.5 on the TM while I listened to the news.  Looks like the media is still having a hay-day with the Boston Marathon.  Did some leg workouts and ABs, rna back home.

They are removing all of the cat pee carpet in our new rental... Would have been thoughtful of them to do this all BEFORE we moved in.  Oh well, life is good. 

I got new Kinvara 3 and they kill the back of my achilles.  They have rubbed the skin raw, is this normal?  I like the shoes, minus that part.  I have always worn Kinvara 2 until now.  Don't know if I am a fan and I don't want to pay full price for the 4s.  Should I just cut out the back of the shoe?

3.6 mile run/warm up thing with David.  I felt like he was annoyed with running with me this morning.  Sometimes he just sits and questions me my training why we are running... Wish he would not bring that up while we run.

Ran 4 miles @ 7:30 AP

2 mile cool down back home.

7:54 AP 

Ran with some girls from the base today since it was my recovery day.  Super duper slow 8 miles.  

Did ABs and shoulder/ back workout things.

13 miles.  First 6 miles with David around the humid base.  Goal was to hit 9 miles at marathon pace.  1-11 miles were 8:04 AP, last two miles were slow.  :)  Happy with my run today and my great week of running.  

So I woke up really early to run with Marshelle this morning.  So happy I did.  The morning was brisk and cool, just perfect.  I wish Texas were like this all year. HAHAHA, no way it is.  Anyway, we ran 4 together while we (I) mostly chatted away about Boston Marathon.  Her husband is a doctor on base and we talked about Smooth's son and what he must have seen that day.  So sad.

I ran 6 more by myself.  Mile 8 I stopped and watched the beautiful sunrise.  My heart was full of so much gratitude so I stood and thanked God for a lot of things.  10.25 total mileage and then I lifted at the gym. ( Legs) Walked home from the gym.

Good day so far. Hamana hamana hamana

So I ran early with Marshelle again.  So tired.  I forgot how early mornings make me feel.  We ran about 5 miles.

I ran 5 mile on the TM doing speed stuff. 7:00 AP

Lifted upper body.  

Walked home. 

Run with Rachel this morning.  :) So so so nice to run with her and be back in Utah for the month/  Ran up in Hi Country and I rather enjoyed the adventure that she took me on. Up and up some pretty darn big hills.  Beautiful views and vistas. I have missed my mountains!  

Felt slow, but it really wasn't that slow. 8:15 AP 

Beautiful views.  I love Mt. Timpanogus. 

First off, I had such a fun day.  Rachel picked me up at the Park and Ride in Lehi and we started laughing from that point and on.  Sleep deprivation and really funny stories made me feel really loopy and so happy to be in the car riding with her.

We got to P-town and I got my packet.  We proceeded to wait around for the pace team to show up so we could grab Rachel's pace gear.   I was fine by that.  The later we hung around the finish area, the less time we had to spend up in the freezing temps.  Rachel got her pace gear and we headed to the bus with the rest of the pacers.  I have never really "hung" out with pacers, but tell ya what, they get a lot of attention.

Sat by the 5 hour pacer for the marathon on the bus and we had a good conversation.  I kept thinking that 5 hours was an awful long time to hang out on that course.  11:36 was the pace, oh boy, so crazy slow.  I hope she survived and had someone to run with.

Got to the start area and Rachel and I made our way to the fire pits.  We squished into the crowd of runners and people were asking Rachel all sorts of questions about her 2:00 hour marathon she was about to attempt.  Made me laugh.  I mentioned that Rachel had just been to the Boston Marathon and also paced Salt Lake City Marathon.  After I mentioned all of that, I felt really bad.  Lots of questions and conversation about the topic.  I learned my lesson and felt really bad I said anything about it.  One of my brother's best friends was also standing right next to me at the fire with his wife.  It was fun to re-connect with them.

We made our way to the pacer pow-wow and they were given instructions.  I made my way up toward the big porta line party.  Did my business and then it was time to strip down.  That was the worst part of the day for me. I was shivering from head to toe and I just wanted to start running.  Marathoners were off and we lined up.  Saw Rachelle and Jeff L and that made me happy.

Off we went!  Down Viviann I was actually gasping for air a little.  The high elevation was really high for me and I concentrated on taking big, deep breathes.  I had a side stitch at the bottom of my throat.  I just prayed that it would go away soon.  At the bottom of Viviann, it was starting to subside.  

I only ate a banana before the race, so I was concerned that I would need fuel.  Pulled over at mile 4 and stuffed a GU down with some water quickly, glad I did.  I ran rather well down the canyon and I felt great.  Mile 7, the brakes were put on a little and that was expected.  By that time my high hamstrings were starting to cramp up.  I was thankful the downhill was over.  I then plugged into the tempo pace I have been practicing back home.  

The last two miles drug a little, but I was almost done.  Super sad that my sub 1:30 was not going to happen today.  I just gave it a push and finished and felt pretty good the whole time.  I was pleased with my 1:32 time, won't lie.  :)  I am a little upset that I probably won't get another chance at 1:30 for a very long time.  Maybe even years.  There just aren't downhill courses in Texas.

Did some cool down miles and headed back out on the course to run Rachel and the 2:00 hour runners in.  I was super impressed with Rachel's pacing skills.  She ended at 1:59:59!  There weren't very many mile markers to pace off during the race either, so that is a plus on her part.   

Partied at the finish with Rachel, Rachelle, and I even saw Allie too!  It was a lot of fun and it felt so good being back in such an inspiring running community.  :) 

My stinkin watch didn't record the splits and I didn't run with pace on my Garmin.  I have a new Garmin and I didn't set it up correctly, so it was all my fault.  I also wanted to pace myself according to the way my body felt.  I wanted a 1:30, but I knew somewhere between 1:30 and 1:35 is what my body has been trained to do.  

Since I am running my long run on Weds. I decided to do my speed work today. Didn't know how this would go over considering I just raced on Saturday. I also wanted to lift weights, so the Legacy Center was the place to go.

Got there at 7:30 and they wouldn't let me in because it was "members only" time until 8. Ran a 2.5 route outside to warm up. Got on the TM and did the .25 @ 8, .50 @ 8.5, 1 mile @ 9.0 repeated 4x. The last mile was one the edge of killer, but I managed to pull off the workout. :)

Pumped iron (legs) and did some ABS, stretched and called it a day. :)

6.5 or so in Draper. At mile 2 i saw some teens making out. Guess I was running in the afternoon, so at least it wasn't early in the morning.

Porter Rockwell was a beautiful afternoon run.

20 with the one and only R.A.D.  It was basically RAD.

Got to her house about 8:30 and she and Craig (her hubby) were getting the kiddos off to school.  Made me remember the days when my siblings and I would rush off to school in the morning.  Her little guy Nathan was having a Birthday and they were enjoying some Kneaders sweet rolls.  Kids left and we made our way (drove) 4 miles down and started our run.  I mentioned the word "hills" when we were putting this run together and boy, did I get some hills thanks to Moody Running Club.  I think we should name this run Hell's Hills, just sayin'.  

I didn't have a Garmin, so I was not keeping track of mileage.  I would occasionally ask her where we were at and I was sorry for it.  

Phase 1: Climbed up to the top of Mountain Corridor?  I forgot the name of that road, but it was a small mountain so we can call it that.  

Phase 2: Downhill and some rollers in there at the end.

Phase 3: Up a canyon she called The Cove.  

Phase 4: Up some mountains and then some more mountains.

Mile 10:  Looked at the most amazing view ever!

Mile 12:  Rachel's hero friend whom was sent from heaven found us on the side of mountain and brought us some water.  Evidently she lives on the mountain side and just happened to be going into town.  God sent.  

Phase 5: Down some really steep passes with a couple of big climbs in there.

Phase 6: Gradual downhill to her house.  We were now at mile 16.  She threw together a Birthday lunch for Nathan and Adam and we took a momentarily recess.

Phase 7:  Last 4 miles back down to the car!  

Phase 8:  We went to 7-eleven and bought she Slurpees!!!  Yum yum, they were the best ever.  Dr Pepper slurpees to be exact.  

Recap:  So much fun and such an AWESOME course!  HOMM (a crazy marathon) will be held there for the craziest of the craziest.  Rachel is planning to run that.  Sad I will be back in Texas for that one.  Beautiful weather, company, and again, so blessed that I can run.  :) 

My friend told me to meet her out the Ivory Ridge Clubhouse for Zumba at 7.  Woke up at 6 and got over there at 6:50.  No friend and no Zumba.  The class was held at 7 PM!!  Luckily, they let me workout anyway.

20 min on Elliptical

Weights (Arms)

Went home and waled about 1.5 with my mom.

Went to Zumba in the PM and had a blast. 

8 miles in the morning, mostly on the Murdock Trail.  I can't get over how beautiful is out. :)

I went up to Big Cottonwood Canyon half to pace the 1:45 group with Rachel.  I was so sick I told her to just leave me in the back of her car.  I threw up a few times and stayed in her car for a few hours... It was an AWFUL morning, afternoon and day to say the least.  Thank goodness I just had the 24 hour bug.  Put me below the Athena category.  

6.5 miles on a sad sad body.  I can't remember the last time I have felt so slow and tired during a run.  I knew that I was recovering from the sickness over the weekend, but I felt just awful.  It's so frustrating to think that all of your training has gone to pot when you feel this miserable. 

Sat down at mile 3 for a rest in the shade.  Took a drink break at mile 4.  I still had an 8:27 AP, I guess that's good?

:) :) :)  Today I felt much better on my run than yesterday, thank goodness.  Slept in (again) and started running around 9.  I saw Wendy and Smooth right off the get-go and I sped up so I could run with them a little bit.  I knew it was them from a distance because short Smooth and tall Wendy.  It was a good start to a really nice run. :)

Today I decided on an old scenic route that I used to run back in the day at least twice a week.  Today I gave it a name: The Old Boyfriends Loop  I never counted all the guys that I actually dated that live on that loop.  There are 9 guys and that loop I dated/friends with!!! That loop was only 7 miles long.... I am a hussy!!  I am glad my husband wasn't here because I think I would have talked about funny stories as I passed their houses.  Geez.  Talk about a run down memory lane.  I hope all of those boyfriends are happy and have good lives.  Just funny how life works when you stay single until you are almost 30.  

10 miles.  AP 8:12 

1.5 mile warm up on TM

.25 @ 8,8.5,9,9.5,10

.25@7

Repeated 5x

1.25 mile cool down on track 

8 miles with Rachel and Chad at Daybreak.  Ran around the lake with R and C once, then let C leave us.  R and I ran around again.  I was so completely drained.  

Ran 2 more miles down to my bro's house and walked a mile because at 10 miles I was done.  

Drove to Wyoming with RAD (8 hours) 

No running.  Left Wyoming at 6 am to make it to Fargo by the evening.  Enjoyed the Expo.

Fargo Half marathon pacing.  This was a great and fun filled day.  

Woke up and walked to the start with Rachelle.  We ran around for a mile with our pacers signs in hand.  Got to the start and met some of the people that wanted to run with me.  First time pacing and I felt completely scared and nervous....

10 miles in Lehi on the Murdock Trail.  7:52 AP.  Felt awesome and I had fun.  

I am still tired from the 18 hour drive home from North Dakota yesterday.   

10 miles with Rachelle on the JRP.  That girl made me haul, LOVE it!  After the first few miles, my body fell into a 7:30 pace and it felt great.  7:33 AP

10 miles.  Up Suncrest road and over on Westfiled road.  Beautiful out. 7:53 AP

I am in aspen for the weekend and let me tell you, runner's paradise. It is gorgeous up here and the elevation is intense. There are at least a half dozen trails that I know about, so there are even more.

Started my run by the condo we are staying at. 8000ft when I started, climbed 4.5 miles or so and turned around. Just so beautiful here, I can't stand it. My lungs were working overtime and I could barely run uphill without gasping for air.

8:30 ap. I am giving myself a break for the altitude.

7 miles down and around paths that were downtown. Ran on hunter's creek trail..... A must for every runner. Very tactical running but soooo worth the views of the river. I am here during high run off time, the river is crazy.

Spent the day at glenwood springs with my sis and her fam. That place is amazing. 104 and 90 degree pools. Just perfect. Can't say I would want to go here in the middle of the summer. It was such a great place to relax.

Last long run/workout before my taper for UVM. I am really proud of this run. First 6.5 were up. East aspen trail with the last 3.5 up a mountain pass. I walked every .50 on the last 3 miles to bring my heart rate down. Then I got to run down after I hit 6.5, what an awesome reward for all of the climbing.

8:12 ap. splits: 8:47, 8:14, 8:21, 9:07, 9:44, 9:41, 8:25, 6:45, 6:39, 6:55, 8:11, 7:59, 7:45

10 slow miles with RAD.  Took her around where I grew up.  Ran in the cemetery to remember those of the past.  

8 miles on the TM at the legacy center. 1 mile warm up. Started at 8 and went up .25 every quarter mile until 10. Repeated 5x. Cool down and abs to finish. Last speed workout?? Maybe a few more strides here and there before the marathon.

6 miles in Bountiful. Ran from my Grandma's house up 3 miles.  Ran up to the big "B".  That wasn't my plan but that is where the road took me.  SERIOUS incline.  8:29 AP

6 miles around the 'hood. 7:38 AP

Today I paced the Thelma and Louise Half Marathon down in Moab.  I paced the 1:50 group with Rachel and I had a complete blast.  This race is now in my top 5 destination races.

Drove down with Rachel, Rachelle, and Christine on Friday around 4:30 in the afternoon.  We arrived in Moab around 8:30 and went and picked up our race goodie bags.  We checked into our hotel (Best Western) and went down to Zax Pizza for some dinner.  

 I barely slept at all that night because the room was so dang hot.  I had opened the windows, but it was so hot and there were drunks outside making the biggest racket.  Nonetheless, 5 am still came early and I rolled out of bed.

We drove to the start line (up a canyon).  We got out of the car and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.  The start/finish area was next to the Colorado river and the backdrop of red rock was stunning.  The race had about 800 women racing.  

After we hit the POPs we found the pacers and took our lovely pace sign toward the front of the crowd.  The race started on time and we were off.  Rachel and I started off a little slow due to the congestion of slow racers that had lined up at the front. We were off and soon out a little too fast.  We were basically pacing one lady named Annie and we really didn't have a group of runners.  Annie held strong with us and I personally thought that she was capable of better than a 1:50.

The course was an out and back and the first half seemed a little downhill.  We were ahead of pace by about a minute and I figured that would buy us time for the second half of the course that would be slightly uphill.  The views of the canyon were just out of this world and the race was just so mellow.  I have never been in an all ladies race, I LOVED it!  Everyone just seemed so relaxed.  We picked about another gal named Tami at about the turn around point.

Turning around we hit a wall of wind.  The headwind just would not break and we ran right into it for the second half.  It was pretty constant.  Once we were back in the canyon in wasn't as bad.  

We were always a little bit ahead of pace and that bought us some good time at the aid stations.  I think the gals we ran with appreciated the fact that we stopped and took water or Gatorade and encouraged them to do the same.  It really did not feel like we were going fast at all, but I kept creeping ahead of the pace and Rachel had to call me back in.  

Mile 11 we told Tami that she had to break away.  Rachel gave her a challenge to run ahead and pass at least 4 girls.  We watched her do it and she looked so strong.  We were both proud of her to push those last few miles.  I liked running with Tami because she had her phone on speaker and she would play her music out loud.  

The last mile we were still ahead of pace 20-30 seconds.  We took it slow and encouraged those runners behind us to pass us up.  It was fun to watch a big group in front of us go sub 1:50.  We ran in and I saw that I could end exactly on gun time. so I jumped across the finish at 1:50:01... Perfection.  My actual time was about 15 seconds ahead of pace.

They had an awesome spread of food at the finish.  This was a very expensive half ($100), but at least they treated the runners well.  I had fun hanging out at the finish listening to the band and seeing other ladies finish.  I had to be back in town for a graduation, so I made everyone in the car zip back to the hotel, shower, eat and get on the road.  

Such a fun time with the running girlfriends. 

I went with a gal that lives by my parents, she is training for Ragnar.  She was cute and told me this was her long/fast run before Ragnar.  That just made my day.  

We ran 8:35 AP and she was just pleased as ever.  :) 

6.1 miles on the JRP with some of my most favorite running people.  :) : ) Running is great, but when you combine it with good friends, it takes flight to another level.  Loved seeing Smooth, Luz, Karen, and of course RAD and baby Adam.  I thought it was cool that RAD brought Adam along in a special jogging stroller she bought yesterday for $30.  I must say, I have been running with RAD for about 4-5 years and I have never seen her push a stroller with any of her babies.  Guess now is a good time to start?

Loved the company and the special farewell run to Smooth.  Sounds like she really is going to be going on a marathon of her own, hope she is up for it!!  Smooth and Prez will be the best mission presidents.  LOVE them!  

Hikes with RAD, Adam and Lucy.  I want to big like RAD when I grow up.  Strap my kid to my back and let my dog roam free in the wilderness.  We had fun.  :)

3 miles to shake out the cob webs before tomorrow's race.  7:31 AP.  Last miles I did 5 strides.

Goals for tomorrow:

1.  Sub 3:20.  I have my pace band printed out and rearing to go.  My goal is to keep to the pace and to not go out like a full blown maniac (this happens often).

2.  Try to enjoy myself

3.  If 1 and 2 fail qualify for Boston... 3:35

4.  If I fail 3, pull over for a stop and wait for the 4:00 pacer (RAD)

I am getting nervous about my 3:20 goal, it scares me.  The other day my mom told me if my goals don't scare me, they ain't big enough.  Guess it's big enough for now. :-)

-Over and out 

For the longest time I have thought I would never be able to PR in the marathon again.  I honestly don't feel like I am better shape than I have been in the past 3 years, but I think today things just fell into place.

I slept well the entire week minus the night before the marathon, which I had planned on.  I didn't overeat Friday, and I didn't have any injuries throbbing at me.  I ate at the BYU creamery on Friday and my mom is claiming that is why I PR'd.  (I kind of despise BYU)

Went and picked up Smooth in the early hours of the morning and met RAD and Marci at the Park 'n Ride.  I laughed from the time I picked Smooth up and on.  I was getting nervous that I was spending all of my energy on laughing, but it really relaxed me.  It was nice to be around runners that weren't racing, there wasn't a stint of stress.

After waiting for Lowell at the buses (he was at McDonald's eating his pre-race meal), we got on the bus.  I got to sit next RAD, and it was so nice to sit by her and get all of her positive energy coming my way.  She even gave me a shoe charm that I will wear on my running shoes from here on out.  It says "Running Buddy".  When she gave it to me, I cried.

Got to the start and stood in lines for the Portas.  Went to the bathroom and got back in line. Went again and it was time to line up.  Everyone went to line up and I went to the bathroom for the third time.  Made my way up to the start and wedged my way into the crowd.  No prayer and no National Anthem, kinda bugged me... We were just off.

Key was to stay on pace.  I had a lovely pace band that Rachelle sent me via e-mail that I had printed out, cut, taped and prepared a few days earlier.  I tried to stay on pace but I felt really good and I was ahead of pace by about 2 min by mile 4.  I continued to hold myself back but the downhill felt so good.

Coming out of Wallsburg, I was ready for the hills.  Nice and easy was the idea, not bringing the heart rate up.  I did just that.  There were two girls that looked like they were in high school.  Whenever I would get up to them, they would surge ahead, it was driving me nuts!  I could see how hard they were working and I just kept my cool.  By mile 9, they were history.

 As I ran up and down the hills I started thinking of all of the training I had done for these few hills.  This is where my Aspen training came into play.  I ran three miles straight up at 9,000 ft, these hills had nothin' on me!  I also thought of the neighborhood I lived at in San Antonio.  Hills were all I ran there.  

Mile 9.5 I looked up and I saw Julie C from the blog on her bike!!  She was working wayyyyy harder than I was.  She rode up the freakin' canyon!  I was so excited to see her and I called out to her, she made me laugh and smile.  She was this little lady on her bike just cruisin' up and up!

Next few miles were ok, things were starting to heat up (my body) and I started to feel like I was running and not just floating around.  Hit the half with plenty of time for my sub 3:20.  I realized this was the first time I had seen portas on the course and there were a million of them.  The smoke from the fires they had put out made me cough and nauseated.

I didn't realize that after mile 15 there was a pretty big hill.  I felt that one.  The downhill after that caught me by surprised and I picked up the pace a lot, I felt really good at this point.  Got to mile 19 and took my 3rd GU,  it was just as nasty as the last two.

Ran down to the mouth of the canyon and dedicated the last 6 miles to David.  I remember seeing him at mile 20 when he ran UVM back in 2011.  He didn't look very happy and I know those last six miles were hard for him.  I wanted to kick those last 6 in the behind!  I knew my folks were at Will's Pit Stop, so I gave it a push so I could see them.  

Saw my parents and gave my mom a big sweaty hug.  Her reaction was funny, she gave a disgusted look and started to run with me.  That lasted about 5 seconds when she realized how fast it really was.  I might have looked slow, but it was quick.  

Mile with the hill (24?) was not a pleasantry and I started cursing Provo at that moment.  I was praising the RD for moving this horrid 6 mile stretch out of the sun and into the shade.  Then I could see the finish, I had my PR in the bag a long time ago.  :)

Ran down the finale and smiled, screamed, and cried a little.  I was soooooooooooo happy.  I think that when I get to heaven I will have the same feeling of excitement I had those last 30 seconds of the race.  I wish that happy feeling of finishing with a PR would have lasted a little longer.  I think I honestly run JUST so I can have that awesome feeling when I cross the finish line.  Just not fair that we train that much for only those few seconds of bliss.

Soaked in the bullfrog ice bath when I finished.  Also spotted Julie C right off the bat eating snacks and I got to chat with her a long time.  I was high on a happy happy happy moment.  I was making all kinds of jokes while I sat in the ice bath and froze.  I was with a bunch of men that didn't get their goal times.  I don't really know, but they were all acting grumpy.  

Went and got my official time and picked up my BQ shirt.  Found Rachelle and talked about her awesome race.  She is a running idol of mine.  :)  

Waited around for RAD, Smooth, and Luz too.  RAD and Smooth FLIPPED out when I told them my time, tears were flowing from me and I was happy all over again.  I honestly don't know how I did what I did!!!!  

Ran 6 miles on the TM in a super soupy gym.  First time i have ran since the M-thon, felt ok, knees hurt a little.  7:07 AP

Cardio Circuit class.  I was bummed because the schedule said the class was supposed to be 30 spin/30 min sculpt.  It was a class that was just filled with random things we had to do.  Good workout but really boring... I wouldn't want to do this class again. 

8 miles in the slug, mug, pure nastiness.  Texas summer, hello!  Right around 7 when the sun started coming up, the mug burnt away and it was a little refreshing.

Ran with Paige and picked Diana up.  Paige puked and Diana died on us. :(  I guess later Diana puked too? Was I working these ladies too much?  Nah, I just think they were having a hard time with the humidity and my talking.  87% humidity when we left their houses.

 I also spotted a snake and pointed it out to Diana, she screamed!  The snake was only like a foot long and red and spotty.  I stick with the phrase, "If it's close to Mexico, don't touch it!"

Eventful morning.  Birthday boy at my house (David), so I had to try and be creative and such... I think it worked, he might have a good Birthday.  It's hard to compete with his spoiling antics toward my Birthdays.  It would have been a lot easier to run his Birthday years in miles, but he didn't think that sounded very fun.  I was the one bummed on that one. 

ARC trainer 1 hour.  Off to Austin for the weekend!

30 minutes on the stairs at the hotel.  Only had time for 30 min cause we didn't want to miss the breakfast at the hotel.

Off to Barton Springs.  :)