You've got to want it to win it

Brr brr brr! ⛄️ Happy new year! Today I ran 8 miles in the neighborhood. Glad I ran from home because the time from completion of run to hot shower is shorter that way. :-) 

I met up with Jessica, Jocelyn, and Meghan today at Sugarhouse so we could do our long run together. We did a lap around the park to start (so we could wait for Meghan since she wasn't there yet) and then ran out towards Milcreek. We ran to the intersection at Olympus high and then turned around. We saw Jade on our way back :-) Needed to add on about a quarter mile at the end. It was so nice to have company for this cold run! And no more running until Monday! Also, my foot has been feeling so much better! 

6 miles on the treadmill at the gym this morning. It turns out there are actually a lot more people early in the morning as opposed to later following sleeping in. I used to wonder how much this gym was actually used when I would come last winter and was able to sleep in every day. 😂

4.5 miles with Ellie in the stroller at the oval. She looked bored and fell asleep about 25 minutes in. I finished with strides and walking drills. 

Long run with Jocelyn, Kate, Shaylen, Andrea, and Ali and Kenzie for part of the way today. We started on campus and ran down Guardsman to 1500e all the way to Sugarhouse. We did a lap there and then took the tunnel through Hidden Hollow and then went out to 2100s. Then we continued down to 700e, which we took over to Liberty Park. We didn't want to run a billion laps so we ran down to 500e to go to 2100s and back. Then we did a partial lap in Liberty before running to the library Trax station and only had to wait 2 minutes for the train. :) .

First day of school! And I have a crazy schedule on Mondays and Wednesdays, so today I just missed running with the team. I got out of class at 12:50 and hurried to get my run in since lifting was at 2:30. And then I had class again at 4. I went out and back on 11th because no one ever wants to run there so I will gladly take any opportunity to do so.

Another day on my own. I ran through upper campus and then when I got to Sunnyside I went up and above the zoo and onto Wasatch. I took that to where the road cuts diagonally down to Foothill and took that back to campus. My knee has been hurting, but on this run I didn't feel it until I started coming down after passing the zoo. Starting rehab on it soon.

I started the workout with the long distance group today. We warmed up from Trax to Liberty and did our usual strides and drills in the park. We made a potty stop at Smiths on the way and were all eyeing the free cupcake samples just past the checkout lines. The cashiers thought we were sad because there weren't enough for all of us, not realizing that we were in the middle of a run. My knee was hurting during the warmup but I told myself I had to see how it felt on strides. It still hurt. But Kep wanted me to try the threshold and see how it felt. It was 3x8 minutes at 6:10ish pace. When we started I lagged behind everyone. And my knee hurt. But when I came through 800 at 3:01 Kep was ok with it and had told the others to slow down. I probably backed off too much also because I was trying to gauge off of them. The mile was 6:18. Oops. My knee hurt more and more the rest of the rep so after that one I just ran back to Trax, sprinting to make the train as it pulled in. I biked 15 minutes to cool down once back on campus.

Ran Trax today! And ouch my knee! We were short when we got to the library station and we had just missed the train so we ran to trolley to get 7.

The deal with today's long run was that I would go out and back 3 miles and then if I felt good I could go out and back again. I was sad because in the 12 miler group we had decided we were going to run 11th and City Creek, but my group wanted to do Wasatch. I think courtesy of long runs should be that the group going the longest gets to choose the route. But I didn't get to go 12 anyway because my knee started hurting a mile and a half in. Biked with Giselle when we got back.

Jesse and I had a funeral to attend today so I missed practice with the team. In the morning I went running at the oval. My knee didn't start hurting until mile 3, but not really bad until mile 4. I made it to 6 and then called it. I think it hurt later today because it was flat and because I had the day off yesterday.

Another out and back day on Wasatch. Ran with Nikki and Jade.

Today I decided to stay on campus for my run to see if it hurt less on the flat part. It was ok except coming down from the track to the hper and huntsman center area. I didn't have time to cross train right after because we had a team meeting, and then because of class I skipped weights so I could cross train in that time.

Today I was supposed to try and do half and half on alter G and running. I started with 4 on the alter g. I started at 85% but had to keep backing off because of pain. Running right after felt so heavy! But I also felt so drained because my legs sweat a lot in the bubble. I made it a mile and a half on the real treadmill and then did 5 miles of biking. I don't ever want to alter g again... Unless they come up with a way to not make it extremely hot on your legs.

Today I ran on the underwater treadmill :) it felt great and I didn't hurt at all :) I ran on that for 45 minutes and then did another 30 on the bike.

Today was another half run half cross train day. I started with 30 minutes on the bike and then bundled up to go run at Liberty.  The team was supposed to do the first lap at the park and then were allowed to leave.  So for the first lap and a half I was with the team and then just with Nikki and Giselle, since they had to stay at the park too.  Having to go around the snow and ice patches was rough, but on the south and west ends of the park it was not bad.  I did 4 laps plus a little extra to finish with 6 miles total.  Then I caught a ride with Giselle back up to the training room where I did my rehab, and another 30 minutes of biking.  So much volumeeeeee.  But at least I don't have to run again until Monday!

Started off the week with a half run half cross train day.  I ran 4 miles on the treadmill with less pain and in a smaller area than before.  Yay!  Then I biked 30 minutes before doing rehab, grabbing ice, grabbing food from the fueling station (best idea ever!) and rushing off to class.  

Today I did another 50/50 run and cross training day.  After doing prehab, I went upstairs and ran 4 miles on the treadmill.  My knee didn't start to hurt until almost 2 miles, and wasn't too bad until almost 3.  Finished my 4 and then biked.  The nice thing about biking afterwards is that it doesn't hurt walking around on it afterwards.  Did my rehab when I was done and then iced.

I got out of class 10 minutes early today so I was able to run with Caitie and Jade today :) we ran out on Foothill, Caitie turned around at 2 miles with me. When we got back I did elliptical and rehab before weights since I had to rush off to class afterwards.

I went to the oval with the team today to do part of the threshold. I warmed up on the bike 11 minutes and then on the track 11 minutes. I did a few strides and then was grouped with the freshmen and Dakota for threshold 400s. We were supposed to hit 90-91 with the 40 meter jog back to the start recovery. We hit between 91-93. The max number was 12 but Mack was checking in with me every 2 reps to see how my knee was doing. I made it through 4 ok, 5 and 6 hurt a little bit, and 7 and 8 hurt more so I was done. Added one more lap on the track to get to 4 miles of running and then cooled down 30 minutes on the bike.

I started on the underwater treadmill today before trying the real treadmill. I did 45 minutes and then went upstairs. My knee started to hurt around a mile and wasn't feeling better through the second so I stopped. Stretched and foam rolled well before going and getting my rehab exercises done.

After rehab this morning I went up to the student life center to workout. I got through 3 miles on the treadmill. My knee was hurting during the first mile but as I picked up the pace to where I could run on my toes the pain went away for the next mile. But it flared up again the mile after that. So I ended the run with 3 and then found a bike and did about 25 minutes on there. I was supposed to get 45-60 minutes but was too exhausted. I slept all afternoon when I got home. 😴😴😴

I was really late getting to campus today. I had little time to do knee rehab, then got in 2 miles on the treadmill before switching over to the bike to get just 30 minutes total. Class all day the rest of the day.

Workout at the oval today.  I did a few minutes on the bike before joining the group in the warmup on the track.  I did threshold 800s with the freshman + Dakota.  For recovery we jogged the 80ish meters from the finish line back to the 800 start.  My times were 3:03, 2:58, 3:05, 3:03, 3:00, 2:58, 2:57.  Times fluctuated as we switched leaders on each rep.  My knee felt fine, it hurt a bit on the 4th and 5th ones but after Mack's suggestion to take the curves wide it wasn't so bad.  I cooled down 5 minutes on the track and then biked.

Cross training day before lifting weights.

Another workout day at the oval.  I did a few minutes warmup on the bike before joining the running group.  This time we were doing 300s until failure.  We were supposed to hit about 62-63 for each of them, and not take more than 70 seconds recovery, which meant we had to fast jog over to the start each time.  Times were 63, 62, 60, 61, 62, 61, 62, 61, 63, 61.  Surprised that we made 10 all on pace, Kep had us do a recovery lap before doing the next set.  This time he said we would be doing less, so that was something to look forward to.  This time we hit 62, 61, 61, 62, 62, 62.  The recoveries got a little longer on each rep, so we just did 6.  This time I cooled down just on the track to get to 8 miles total.  That's the most miles I've had in one run in a while, so I'm pretty happy about that!

Today was a half run half cross train day.  I ran out 2 miles on Foothill and back.  Then I biked.  

Today was another mixed running and cross training day, but I was able to do 8 miles of running so that was awesome.  The team started out on Foothill towards Wasatch.  Some of the group wanted to run through the golf course, and some wanted to go to 1300s, so we split.  I was in the golf course group.  Having the hill spread out over the distance up is so much nicer than taking it straight on!  We went along Wasatch and then made it to Thunderbird, where we cut down to Foothill and kept going towards the trail over the freeway.  A little ways onto the trail I hit 4 miles, and was glad to turn around since it was snowy and hard to run on.  Also this affected my pace.  On the way back I ran with Nikki and some of the freshman, but they went down 13th.  I went through the golf course again, but because I made a stop at the tennis place bathrooms I wasn't on Foothill by the time Nikki and crew ran by.  But I ran on the north side of the street and rejoined up with them after they crossed Foothill.  Finished with some biking to get rid of the knee pain that had flared up.  

i didn't have lab today! So after class I went running with Kate. We ran out and back on 11th. Lifted with the team afterwards, and then it was back to class!

Workout at the oval today.  I warmed up 5 minutes on the bike and then joined the group on the track for the rest of the warmup.  We started with two 200s before getting into the workout.  I hit 41 and 39.  The workout was sets of three 400s with 90 seconds recovery and an extra lap between sets.  I was with the freshman, and on each set we were supposed to drop 1-2 seconds on the 400s.  Times were 1:27, 1:28, 1:28; 1:25, 1:26, 1:25; 1:24, 1:24, 1:22.  I cooled down on the track to finish with 7 miles total and then biked a few more minutes.

Limited time between class and the team meeting before lifting and more class. Today was a cross training day, I only was able to get in 27 minutes on the elliptical.

Since Kep moved today's practice to this morning with a short notice of yesterday, he got to tend Ellie for me while I did the workout!  He needs practice.  I warmed up a few minutes on the bike, and then with Ellie in the stroller I joined the girls on their track warmup for a mile.  Kep hadn't arrived by the time we got to the strides and drills portion, so I just pushed the stroller for the strides.  At least the first 2, then I handed Ellie over to Kep.  I was doing threshold with Dana today.  We had a 5 lap threshold, followed by a 70 second recovery, a 4 lap threshold at a faster pace with 90 seconds recover, and then a 3 lap threshold.  When we finished that we had 200s.  I hit 38 and 40.  I cooled down to finish with 6 total and then added a few minutes of biking.  

To get out of the inversion I went to City Creek to run today. There were few cars so I thought it looked skeptical but about a half mile up there was a group of runners going down so I knew I wasn't the only one looking for clean air up in the canyon! At about a mile I could start to see blue skies, and I got a shadow as the sun was out! And the air kept looking better and better as I kept going. I went to the 3 mile mark and then turned around. My knee had been hurting on the way up so I wanted to be cautious on the way down. Surprisingly, the way down didn't hurt! But it was depressing running back into the nasty air, and finishing my run without being able to see the sun. Also it was really cold on the way down, I guess I had had the wind to my back. I'm really glad I took the chance and went to see the sun and blue skies today!

I never heard back from the girls in town who were supposed to be doing a long run so I just went out to the oval. I forgot how terrible it is running there when there are ice skaters. And people who think they can just walk all over the track when they get tired of skating. I did 3 miles but was having really bad heartburn from a too spicy lunch. So I switched to the bike. Felt a little better, but the heartburn didn't stop until I was done.

Today was a 60/40 run and cross train day. I didn't have my lab this week, so I was able to run and lift with the team today. For the run we went out on Foothill and then 1900e. We ran right through a herd of deer going down Sunnyside 😳 Oops. I turned around at 2 miles with the rest of the girls who were going 4. Back at campus I added another half mile to be closer to the 60/40. Biked and then lifted after, then after rehab it was back to class. 

Another workout at the oval.  Can winter be over yet?? Having to drive all that way kinda sucked today since it was so nice and warm outside!  And MD got to stay on campus!  Well, sort of.  They were running at Liberty.  The track still had snow on it, and we were doing distance.  I warmed up partially on the bike and then on the track.  By myself.  Since everyone else warmed up outside today.  But that's ok.  Before the workout we did two 200s.  I hit 39 and 42.  I was with Jocelyn, Kate, and Shaylen today.  They were doing 1000s, and Kep had me do 600s because I haven't done stuff up to their speed yet nor this long yet.  So on the rotations I stuck to the back and outside.  They had 2:30 recovery upon finishing each rep, so I had that plus their last 400.  My times were 2:03, 2:04, 2:03, 2:03, 2:01.  On the last one the girls broke it up into a 600 and a 400, so because they were going shorter they helped pace me faster on that one.  We finished with 200s.  I did 3.  My times were 37, 37, and 35.  Cooled down to 6.5 and then biked the rest.

Cross training day. I ellipticaled 15 minutes and then biked 45. Lifting followed.

Today we were supposed to stay on campus to workout, but with the crazy storm that the wind blew in we had to postpone practice until it was safe to go outside and then ended up getting the workout moved to tomorrow. Few people ran outside, but I was one of them! The starting group was Nikki, Jocelyn, Shaylen, Sarah, and Meghan. Shay went about 100 meters and then decided to stay inside. Sarah and Meghan turned around at 1.5 to just do 3 and finish on the treadmill. Jocelyn and Nikki and I ran to Sugarhouse Park and back for a full 6. My legs were drenched in my capri tights when I was finished, but my top was dry because of our waterproof jackets which are totally awesome! My legs below the my tights had freezer burn I think. I finished with 15 minutes on the bike and still had to bundle up to get my legs warm again! Brr! But it was definitely a memorable day running in the heavy snow with Nikki and Jocelyn. A few hours later the whole thing cleared up and the weather acted like there was never even a storm that day.

Today was the rescheduled workout. Because of class schedules there ended up being 5 different workout groups at different times, so in the 12:30 group it was me and Kate. We took Trax to 900e and then ran to Liberty Park for warmup. Kep let us skip the usual stride and drill routine but we did 6 strides once we were in the park. The workout was a three by 8 minute threshold with 1:45 recovery, and the pace was by feel. I was worried I was going to be slow since I haven't done a threshold this long in a while, but I came through the first half mile in 2:55. The mile was 5:59, and we finished just around the corner where we had started from. On the second set I came through the half at 2:59 this time, and had a hard time keeping up with Kate through the mile and through the 8 minutes. On the last one I just did a mile, hitting 6:03. When Kate was done we did four 30 second strides and then ran back to the Trolley Trax station to finish with 8 total and arrived just in time to catch the train.

Our "long" run today was shortened because everyone was recovering from working out yesterday. Most people had to do just between 8-10 miles. We had to do the first lap in the park and then we were allowed to go out. We did 2 laps in the park, and were glad to because on our second lap we picked up Lauren! Who had just finished a 12 mile run, but still ran another 2 miles with the team anyway :) after completing the second lap I went out of the park with Hannah, Sarah, and Becky. It felt nice to be running with them again! My knee has been feeling so much better, though with more running my plantar has been acting up again, though that is something I can run through. My knee did start to bug me but once we were on the flat pavement instead of the constantly changing terrain of the grass it felt better. We ran out on 500e to the golf course and then turned around. Becky and I finished with 8 and Hannah and Sarah went the long way around the park to get their 9. Such a great run! It is crazy how track workouts beat you up a lot more than cross country workouts, but if you have any sort of injury it is easier to manage on the track because it is flat. At least that's how it is for me, anyway. I'm hoping to race at MPSF next week since I've done 3 weeks of workouts now. 

I had lab today so I had to get my run and lift done in the morning.  I went running with Sarah.  When I saw on the forecast that it was supposed to rain and snow, I pictured a day like Thursday again, but today was actually much better!  We ran out and back on 11th Avenue, making it just past the ranger station up City Creek to reach out 4 mile turnaround.  When we finished I had to hurry over to lifting, and then rehab, and then class.  

This afternoon we got to stay at our track for practice :)  We did the usual warmup and strides and drills.  Today's workout for the long distance crew was a 1200 threshold, then two sets of 200, 400, 400.  I was with Becky and Dana, so I think that means that if I get to run this weekend it will be in the 3k.  For the 1200 we were supposed to hit 4:35.  We actually hit 4:29.  Following a 2 minute recovery, we started on the fast portion.  We were supposed to hit 39 and 80s for the first set, and 38 and 78s on the second set.  My times were 37, 80, 80; 38, 77, 77.  Dana was pushing and Becky followed her, so they left me in the dust probably looking slow but I hit my times!  I was watching the splits so I knew if I needed to pick it up or relax...  For cooldown we did 2 miles to finish with 8 total.  Did my rehab in the training room afterwards.

Not feeling great today. I went to class, because I had a test, and then went to the training room afterwards. There is this dumb rule that if you are well enough to be in class, you are well enough to be at practice. Well when you only have class two days a week, you miss a lot of material by missing a class day. And there was no way I was missing my test. I didn't feel like running and I'm pretty sure I had chills, so I just biked for 30 minutes. Luckily, there wasn't lifting! I had missed that memo because I was in class through the meeting and team lifting Monday. Skipped my afternoon class to go home and rest. Slept 12 hours.

Today I did a threshold workout on the track with the other girls who were in town.  We warmed up the usual warmup route, and then got going on the workout.  I was with Jade, Hannah, and Megan, and Jess did part of Andrea's workout with her so she wouldn't be alone.  The workout was 12 400s, specifically in lane 9, so that the recovery jog could be from the finish line to the 400 start in lane 9.  Since there were 4 of us, we rotated each rep to help make the workout go by quicker.  Each of us only had to lead 3 times!  It doesn't sound so bad when you look at the workout that way instead of 12 reps.  Our times were 1:32, 1:33, 1:32, 1:34, 1:33, 1:31, 1:31, 1:31, 1:31, 1:31, 1:30, 1:30.  Recovery times varied from 25-34 seconds, depending on who was in the front for that rep... Something I am glad I learned early in my running career was the benefits of jogging recovery.  It really is so much easier if you keep jogging all through the recovery!  Cooled down 2 miles to finish with 8 total.  Being in lane 9 was a plus because of the wider curves, I think it helped my knee not to hurt.  Until the very end on the cooldown, along with my shin.  After I finished my rehab exercises I did an ice bath.

The girls who were in town did their long run in the morning. When I had to be at work. So I couldn't make it. But I enjoyed the sunny day by taking Ellie for a run at Sugarhouse Park in the stroller :) I forgot how terrible drivers can be and how many of them don't look before pulling out onto the sidewalk or into a cross walk. I don't think I'm invisible, especially in broad daylight and pushing a stroller.

Too sick to run today :( a lot of chest and sinus congestion, and a headache that makes me dizzy when I walk :( I'm glad I'm home and able to rest and not in Seattle like I had hoped last week.

I've been having a really hard time breathing because I'm so congested. He headache is mostly better, but I didn't feel up to running this morning. I ellipticaled and biked 50 minutes and then lifted. The cardio was ok but lifting made my head pound. Again this is a day I would have preferred to only go to class. At least in class I was able to just sit in one place and relax that way.

Today was so beautiful outside! I still wasn't feeling 100%, but decided to run outside anyway since Andrea needed warmup buddies for her workout and I figured by staying close to the locker room I could stop if I needed. We did the track warmup with her and then went out on Foothill to Sunnyside and back. My knee and foot didn't hurt at all, and I could breathe so much better after running! Minus the coughing up a lot of mucous that followed. But I'm glad that I went running.

This afternoon I was just a few minutes behind the group that meant to start at 1 (they really got going around 1:15) and I had to check with the trainers first to see if I could skip rehab first so that I could run with the team, and they said yes, so I took off from the training room and hoped to guess correctly which route the team had gone.  Just as I got to the east side of the Huntsman center, there they were!  Since we are supposed to be doing the first mile on the track again, they had been there and were just now heading out :) perfect timing.  We ran out on Foothill towards the golf course, and then through up to Wasatch.  I turned around with Nikki and went back along 1300s and Foothill.  Finished with strides.  Then lifting, then rehab.

Andrea and Sarah had workouts today so we ran their warmup with them before going on our run.  By the time we left campus via Foothill we didn't have very much left, so we turned down Sunnyside and ran to the park, and those who needed more could do as many laps as they needed before heading back.  I did part of a lap and then went back to campus with Sadie, Dana, and Hannah to finish with 5. 

Today was a workout/long run at Liberty Park.  We were doing a Kenyan, so we warmed up from Trax to Liberty and then did another 2 miles for our warmup before checking in with the coaches really quickly before starting the Kenyan.  They organized us into groups and we got going.  I was with Sadie and Jade.  Our warmup pace had been 7:20, so the next 4 miles were supposed to be 7:00, 6:40, 6:20, 6:00.  Our first one was 6:59, then 6:32 (too much, which made the rest of the workout off), then 6:27 and 6:19 to finish.  After the second mile we got spread out because I guess each of us tried to compensate in a different way.  I cooled down to finish with 9 total.  

Running with Jesse and Ellie on the Jordan River Trail today :)  Jesse ran the first mile and a half with me and Ellie, then it was me and Ellie the rest of the way.  I really need to air up the tires on the bob...  Also going out into the wind with the stroller is a challenge!

Ran on my own this morning because of my crazy class schedule, and Sarah wasn't able to join me.  Though I don't think I could keep up with her anyway right now.  I ran the fruit loops route to Sunnyside and then above the zoo!  Onto Wasatch.  Once there, it wasn't very much farther to get to 3 before turning around and heading back the same way.  When I was done I lifted and did my rehab and then was in class the rest of the day.

We had a workout this afternoon.  We did the usual warmup and then strides and drills on the track.  The long distance workout was 3-4 sets of four 400s with 60 seconds rest and a lap between sets.  The goal today was volume rather than speed.  Kep didn't put me in a group, so I did the first two sets with Kate, Jocelyn, Shaylen, and Jessica, and the last ones with Hannah, Meghan, Jade, and Dakota.  The first two were supposed to be 10k pace and the last two sets 5k pace.  I switched groups so I could just do 85s the whole workout.  We did a 200 to start and I hit 39.  On the first two sets of 400s my times were 1:24, 1:24, 1:24, 1:26; 1:24, 1:25, 1:24, 1:26; then I had a little shorter recovery as I was trying to catch up to the other group to join them for the start of their third set, and we ran 1:24, 1:25, 1:24, 1:25; then I just did 2 reps on the last set in 1:25, 1:25.  Running some with both groups today definitely helped me realize what the older girls were complaining about my freshman year about freshmen not knowing how to pace!  It definitely takes practice.  But I do think our freshmen's logic is weird since knowing the split times they are supposed to run they don't really run them or adjust when they are off... But I am sure they will learn as they get older.  After I was done I cooled down with Andrea to finish with 9 total.  She is going to USATF indoors this week!!  Super excited to see how she does, and to see Sarah compete in the 3k!!  Go Utes! 

This afternoon I had limited time between class and the team meeting to get my run in.  I ran up Legacy Bridge and then up to Red Butte and up to the gate.  I turned around and then hopped on the Shoreline trail going north towards the JCC.  When I got to the JCC I ran down and took the track warmup route back to the locker room, adding on in baliff to get the full 5.  And then I saw one of my old professors and ended up talking for a few minutes and was late for the meeting anyway.  But it was worth it :)  And I have missed running trails!

This afternoon for workout the MD group stayed at the track and LD was at Liberty.  We took Trax down to 900e and then warmed up to the park and then the usual add on and strides and drills.  The workout today was threshold 12 minute, 9 minute, 6 minute, with 3:30 and 2:30 recovery.  I was supposed to run with Kate, Shaylen, and Jocelyn, and the paces Mack told us were 5:55, 5:45, 5:40.  Those sounded fast to me... But I was able to keep up the first half mile of the 12 minutes, which was actually a 3:05.  I just couldn't stick with the girls when they picked up the pace, but I maintained the 6:10 mile pace for the remainder of that rep.  I grouped back up with them on the 9 minute and this time I stayed with them pretty well, and was 6:00 pace.  So at least I dropped what I was supposed to between the first and second.  On the last one I kept up most of the way as well, splitting 5:57 for the mile.  Afterwards we did four 25 second strides and then cooled down to the Trolley Trax station, where we could see the train pull up from a block away and sprinted even though we knew we wouldn't make it.  Luckily, there was a bus in sight just down the street so we were able to catch that instead of waiting for the next train.  Although I am not able to keep up in the speed workouts right now, it was definitely a great feeling to come out and run the threshold without major adjustments to the workout.  From the team meeting yesterday, I was able to see the entry sheet and I am entered in the 3k next week at Arizona!  So I am looking forward to that.

This afternoon I went running with Becky :)  I feel like I haven't seen her in forever since we both have crazy class schedules and always miss each other at practice.  We ran fruit loops to get to the golf course, and then ran through and up to Wasatch.  Then we ran over to 1300s and cut down to Foothill and took that back to campus.  Running Foothill on the east side of the street is so much nicer (at least north of Sunnyside) since the sidewalk is up further away from traffic and you don't catch random stoplights 2 minutes apart.  

Today I went running on the Jordan River trail with Jesse and Ellie.  I ran the first mile and a half with the stroller and then passed it off to Jesse so he could run back with her.  I continued out, but at 3.25 the trail was closed so I turned around.  I thought about turning around again when I was at 5 (since I originally planned on 10, since it was on my sheet from the coaches), but decided to run all the way back and see how I felt.  I ran back to starting point, and then started out again, but turned back shortly after going out so turned back and finished with 8.  I saw a snake after I was done.  

This morning I went for a run up City Creek.  I started at the Capitol and ran the first mile up the road to the gate/ranger station/place with disgusting bathrooms and then 2 miles up.  There were quite a few runners.  I turned around when I got to 3 and ran back the same way.  With a mile to go it started lightly sprinkling, and right after I got in the car it started pouring.  So I guess I got my run done just in time!  And especially knew so when it was snowing later.

This afternoon for workout I met up with Jocelyn, Jess, and Becky. We were doing a fartlek so we decided to head up to Wasatch. We warmed up there along Foothill and through the golf course. We did a few strides and drills and then got started on the workout. It was five sets of 2 minutes on at 5k pace, 1 minute rest, 1 minute on at 1500 pace, 2 minutes rest. I made it down to Foothill past Thunderbird for the end of the on rep in the middle, then did the rest on the way back. Out and back once was perfect for the workout length. We cooled down back to campus.

This afternoon we met up for practice. We did the first mile on the track and then headed out on Foothill and then 1900e. I turned around with Becky and Jade to get 6 miles. We finished with strides on the track and then lifting.

This afternoon we had a threshold workout at Liberty. We warmed up to the park from the Trax station and met at the tennis courts for strides and drills. For the group racing Saturday the workout was 2 by 10 minutes with 1:45 recovery. I was supposed to run with Becky and go around 6:05-6:10 pace. On the first one I came through the half in 3:00 and the mile at 6:04. On the second one I was on my own but the freshmen had started behind me and because they were there I was worried I wasn't hitting my pace and ended up going 2:57. They backed off after that, realizing it was quicker than they needed. I came through the mile at 6:02. We finished with 6 200s with equal jog recovery. I hit 38, 39, 39, 39, 38, 39. Cooled down back to the Trolley Trax station and just caught the train :) traveling to Phoenix tomorrow. 

This morning I got up early to get my premeet done in the 32 degree weather since it is predicted to be 90 in Phoenix by the time we will be there and ready to premeet. I ran out 2.25 and back and then finished with strides and drills. Because I was so cold this morning I won't be complaining about the warm weather in Phoenix! 

This afternoon we did our best to stay in the shade as we waited for our race.  We went out to watch the 800s (we weren't at the track for the other events, but watched online) and then retreated to our shady place under the bleachers.  For our warmup we ran in the parking garage next to the track to stay out of the sun.  And Kep said to shorten it because it was so hot.  We ran 12 minutes and then did a few strides and drills.  I talked to Andrea after her race and she said that putting water on her arms helped her stay cool for her race, so I did the same as we were in the check-in tent putting on our spikes.  We walked over to the start and I was position 1!  So no fighting for the inside for me.  When the race started we were sort of all together for 200 meters and then broke out as our paces were established.  The Texas A&M girl went up on her own, then I was with Jocelyn, Kate, and Shay, but really more behind them.  I came through the first 400 in 82.  Faster than practice pace but that was ok.  As the other girls made their distance on me I just focused on running my pace and keeping good form and the effort under control.  I came through the first k in 3:30.  So on pace for a 10:30 :)  I was hoping for 10:40 so this was good.  I didn't hear my mile time but I was a little over 7 minutes at 2k.  The last few laps I could feel I was getting tired but I tried not to lose pace and just kept going.  Finished in 10:34.  It was nice to get the first race of my final season done!  And hopefully be able to figure out what I can do the rest of the season.  I am now 15 weeks along with my second baby, so as I get further along and am gaining weight throughout the next few months I am really going to have to play this track season by ear. :)  Somehow between changing shoes and getting going on the cooldown the other girls were gone, but I didn't think I would be able to keep up with them anyway or go the distance we were supposed to for our long run cooldown.  Also we were pushing it to catch a flight 3 hours later... I ran a few laps around the block that the track was on, stopping outside the fence at a gap in the bushes to watch the 4x400s, and finished with 2.5 miles total running, plus some walking cooldown.  

This morning I went running with Sarah.  She started a few minutes ahead of me but circled back so I could join her.  We did Albertson's loop.  It was a nice run and the temperature was perfect!  Enjoying it while it lasts because I know it is supposed to get stormy later this week.

This afternoon we had a workout at Liberty Park.  We warmed up there from the Trax station and took the long way around to get to the tennis courts.  Because the rain was supposed to pick up soon, we didn't have to do the full warmup, but because we were standing around so long while Mack explained the workout it was hard to stay warm and then the first few minutes of the threshold ended up being more warmup anyway.  My sheet said I was in the 2x10 minute group, but Mack said I was in the 20 minute group.  For paces it made sense, at least based on my thresholds the last 2 weeks.  We were supposed to average 6:00 pace for the 20 minutes.  I started with Shay, Kate, Jocelyn, and Jess, but wasn't able to stay with them long.  My pace was more like 6:10 at first, and gradually declined to 6:20, then 6:30... When I passed by Mack the first time she was asking if I was sore.  Yes, my calves are sore from racing, but I think this was more to the fact that I am in my second trimester, and workout days are kind of a hit and miss on quality or not...  But I kept going and made the full 20 minutes.  Somehow going 20 minutes straight sounds better than 2x10 minute because it is only one rep.  Finished with strides and then ran back to the 900e Trax station with Jocelyn, getting there just before it started sleeting.  Finished with rehab in the training room.

5 mile run on my own after class trying to get done before the team meeting.  I ran down Guardsman and then 1500e to 1700s and back.

Workout on the track today.  We did the usual warmup and then had four sets os 2x800.  Dana and I were with the freshmen and were supposed to help them run even splits.  The times we were supposed to hit were 3:10, followed by 45 seconds rest, then 3:00 followed by 4 minutes rest.  They had me lead first and were complaining when we started that it felt like jogging.  As my heels were getting stepped on, I picked it up but then we came through too fast on our 100 in 21.  At 200 we were still off, but the next 200 split was on, so it was ok.  But that is the part they didn't quite understand yet, since they then wanted to back off pace a little more since we were fast on our splits from the first 100.  So that was a 3:08, and the next a 3:04.  We had the freshmen take turns leading the next ones, and magically they all were on pace in 3:11, 3:00, 3:08, 3:01, 3:08, 3:00.  They also needed a brief lesson on pack running and not running in the space between the two runners in front of you if you have a teammate next to you.  I cooled down just over a mile to finish with 9 total.  A lot of volume today!

Trax today!  We started as a larger group but not everyone needed 6 miles, so they turned as necessary.  I wasn't up to pushing the pace with Hannah and Shaylen, but Nikki was there so I ran with her :)  We had to sprint to catch the train, but we made it!  And this will probably be the last all downhill run for me in a while.

We started our long run from campus today to save on travel time since we had a team Easter breakfast planned afterwards.  The plan was to run to Sugarhouse for a lap on the grass there, and then down Liberty for a few more laps before running to catch Trax back to campus.  Those of us who did this run a few weeks ago knew it was meant to be along 1500e, but those who didn't elected to go on Foothill and 23rd east, so that's what we did.  So. Much. Downhill.  It was a lot of strain on my pelvis, so a little after 2 miles in I backed off and then when I reached 2100s and was running down decided to run back to campus along 2100e to spare my stressed pelvic floor.  I finished with 6 miles total and then Mack had me do 20 minutes on the bike, not realizing initially that my reason for coming back early wasn't my IT band.  Had a wonderful team breakfast afterwards!  And Nikki discovered that if you pour bacon grease into a plastic cup, it will melt through, even if there are 2 plastic cups.  :)

Ellie has a fever :( So I was home tending her in the morning.  Got in 4 miles on the treadmill between classes.

Ellie is still sick so I was home tending her all day until my afternoon class.  After class I went for a run, appreciating that it was still light out!  I ran out 2 miles onto 11th Avenue, then turned back and finished with a mile on the track.  I cringed at all the soccer players who would run out onto the track in their cleats!  I know Kep would have been furious.  There are signs, people!  Resurfacing a track is expensive.

6 miles around Liberty Park.  My back has been hurting and I thought running on a flat, soft surface would help, but it didn't.  Better than an all downhill run though!

30 minutes of pool running at the student life center.  I did 5 minutes warmup, then 10 sets of 1 minute hard 1 minute easy, then 5 minutes cooldown.

Pregnant mama with a stroller run today on JRP trail.  Out 2 and back.  Felt better after taking a day off of my feet yesterday, but apparently no matter how slow I start my runs, I will still finish even slower.  

My back and hips were feeling great this morning, and the weather was perfect, but because there is a workout tomorrow I decided to cross train today to hope for a good workout tomorrow.  I did my rehab and then biked 40 minutes (10.3 miles) and finished with a very modified lift.

Workout at the track today.  We did the usual warmup (well sort of, I stayed on Wasatch Drive to run flat) and then strides and drills.  The workout was a 600, 200, 700, 300, 800, 400 with 40, 2:20, 50, 2:50, 40, and 2:20 rest (or something like that.  Just trying to go off of split times on my Garmin but they aren't really making sense).  This is the first workout I wasn't able to keep up anymore with the younger girls so after the first rep, I was on my own.  But not really since when you're pregnant you're never alone :)  My times were 2:22, :45, 2:43, 1:11, 3:06, and 1:32 on the build up, and then 2:39, 1:09, 2:21, amd :47 on the way back down.  I was so happy to have done the whole volume!  Cooled down on the track until I was at 7 total.  Running my last home meet on Friday!! (And maybe my last track meet as a Ute) 

Cross trained today so I can plan on running for premeet tomorrow. 40 minutes on the bike. Easy lift afterwards.

Premeet with the team today.  We did the first mile on the track and then were allowed to run wherever.  We ran towards Foothill.  At Foothill, I turned around with Dakota before we crossed the street so we wouldn't have to cross and turn right back around.  We decided we would add on in ballif before going up to the track, if we needed extra distance.  In the parking lot at upper Huntsman we almost got hit by a car because the driver was texting.  Clearly not watching where she was driving, and us pedestrians had an even more clear view that her phone was out.  I yelled at her.  I hate people who text and drive.  No text is that important, and if it is either pull over or be on a call.  Anyway, after that I rolled my ankle on a stupid rock that was on the sidewalk, probably came from the landscape for the life center.  It hurt pretty bad, but I think because we do ankle stability drills every day with our cooldown drills that it saved me.  We finished with strides and drills on the track.  Excited for the home meet tomorrow!

Last home meet ever!!!  I started the warmup with the team but turned around at South Campus so I could stay flat.  Ran a few laps at the track while waiting for the rest of the girls to get back.  We did our strides and drills and then spiked up.  The 3k was mostly our team, with a few girls from the other schools.  When I saw that there were some Westminster girls signed up, I was happy because I knew I wasn't going to get last (but I will always remember Bill saying to respect all competition, so I knew it really depended on the race).  I was towards the inside for starting position, so I was able to get to the rail, and then everyone just filled in around and ahead of me.  I just focused on keeping my pace.  I was in the back, but that didn't matter.  I just ran even and the distance between packs slowly formed.  On the second or third lap I passed one of the Westminster girls, and a few laps later I caught the other.  Based on the announcer, I could hear that Hannah was pretty close to lapping me (I think she had 300 meters on me) so it became my goal not to get lapped.  This also helped me have a kick. On the last lap I could see that I was closing on Jade, so I kept my eyes on her and got her with about 100 to go, knowing that if she dug deep and had a sprint that she would get me.  But I guess she wasn't feeling it, so I finished just ahead of her.  After watching the 800s (I had to make sure that Andrea won at her last home meet!) I took Ellie with in the stroller for my cooldown.  I ran about 5 minutes and then that wasn't happening anymore, so I just walked instead.  I walked all the way from South Campus to North Campus, and then back to the track for senior recognition.  Kep said I did a good job keeping my emotions under control.  Um thanks.  But that is Kep for you!  Anyway, it was a great way to end my final track season as a Ute, and I'm glad that Jesse and Ellie and my parents were all able to be there :)

65 minutes of biking today. My legs hurt after racing yesterday! Ice bathed for 10 minutes afterwards.

With the workout tomorrow in mind, I cross trained today. I biked 40 minutes. I had a hard time deciding between Netflix and reading articles about fluoride toxicity for class, but decided to go with the articles. I could have biked a lot longer! Very modified lift afterwards.

Had some lower back pain and irritated nerves so I did intervals in the pool today instead of running the workout. I warmed up 5 minutes and then did a ladder 1 minute on, 1 off, 2 on, 1 off, 3 on, 2 off, 4 on, 2 off, and the same back down. The nerve pain was worse afterwards, or maybe it just felt like it hurt more after getting out of the pool. Finished with rehab in the training room and then a chat with Kep about goals these last few weeks of semester.

Mostly I just walk now, but sometimes I bike.  Today I took Ellie for a walk in the stroller on the Jordan River Trail.  Maybe when school is over and I am on my first semester off in 5 years, I'll jog this summer.  But I've also got to remember the importance of listening to my body.  Which means that if running is giving me back pain, walking is fine because it is lower impact and still a great form of exercise!  :) 

Evening run with Jesse and Ellie in the stroller at Murray Park.  We ran around the outside perimeter and then a few more minutes to get to 30 minutes total.  Then we enjoyed showing Ellie the ducks in the river :)  She is getting pretty good at saying "Hi" and "Bye".

18 minute run with Jesse around the SLCC campus, he gave me a tour of his life when he went to school there back in the day.  I feel so heavy right now!  I haven't checked my weight gain in a few weeks but last I checked I was up 10 pounds.  So maybe another 5 by now, who knows. My legs are probably going to be sore tomorrow.  

Jog/walked around the block today with Ellie in the stroller. Hoping baby boy comes soon!

Baby boy arrived this morning! No additional running necessary.

First run post baby! 1 lap around the block. It's a little hard to believe this used to be easy! 

Family run in the neighborhood with our double stroller! Jesse gets to push the stroller when we go on these runs because it'll probably be a while before I can keep up :-P :)

1.5 miles of me time this afternoon. Faster than yesterday.

This morning I took my babies for a run in the double stroller 😊 I did a 2 mile loop in the neighborhood. I almost wonder if this should count as 6 miles since I was running for 3 people 😜 Just kidding. It was nice to have the chance to get a run in. 

2 mile loop in the neighborhood with my babies in the stroller. The stroller really places emphasis on the slight incline south of our house. At least the way back feels easier! 

2.5 miles on the Jordan River Trail today with the double stroller. It was windy and one of the tires is low on air, so it took a lot of effort. But I broke 10 minute pace! 9:57average. I'm in no rush to get my miles or speed up right now. I know my body is still recovering from having a baby, and I need to work on getting into a routine now that I've got two babies. Long term I am hoping to run either the Salt Lake 5k or half marathon next April. 

My babies went to bed early last night! Meaning I was able to get up early enough to run before Jesse had to go to work. Hoping to keep this schedule going since the forecast looks too cold to be taking the stroller this week. 

Ran from my parents house today so my mom could babysit :) I ran to Sugarhouse park and back. 

Ran from home this morning. I ran out on 3200w to 4700s and back, then a little extra to get to 3. Average pace 8:59! Making progress. I'm hoping to adjust my baby's routine so that he gets to bed a little earlier so I can go running earlier in the mornings and have time for longer runs. He sleeps well at night, waking to eat and going right back to sleep, but he likes to keep us up late. 

Family run on the Jordan River trail this afternoon. We went out 1.5 miles and back. 

Jordan River trail again, this time we started at a different spot. We saw a snake! And some grasshoppers, and some ducks and geese. 

3 miles in the neighborhood. I went out along 3600w and back. 

Ran from my parents house today while my mom watched my babies. I ran over to Sunnyside, up to 1900e, then over to Harrison Avenue and back down. 

1 lap around the block this morning.

"Long" run in Park City this morning. We sent Ellie on her first sleepover and enjoyed a night in Park City. From the hotel I ran to the trail that I used to do every Saturday in the fall with the Utes :) the fall leaves were beautiful. I ran out 2 miles and back. The way back was rough since it was uphill! 

My baby slept through the night last night! Well, from about 12:30 to just before 7. Which is when I set my alarm for a run in the mornings, otherwise I just plan on getting up at 8 and getting ready for work. I ran 3 miles in the rain around the neighborhood.

3 miles in the neighborhood this morning. My baby did awesome last night, sleeping 6.5 hours straight! That plus a morning run means today is going to be great!

Another cold morning run, but it isn't that cold when you're bundled up and running. And because I get up and run in the cold, I don't feel sorry at all for making my P. E. kids run the mile outside. :) 

Had to be quick today so Jesse could get to class this morning. 8:27 average pace :) I enjoyed having the day off for UEA. I just wish it could be at the same time as fall break at the U. Oh well. Maybe one day we'll both be done done with school. :) 

First 5 mile run post partum! While my mom watched my babies I went for a run from her house. I ran over to 2100s, up to 1900e, to 900s, and back down to 1500e and home. 

2.5 miles in the neighborhood. 

4 miles in the neighborhood in the dark this morning. It is kind of creepy running in the dark here, I'm seriously thinking about bringing my treadmill home from my parents house, except we are hoping to move soon so I'm hoping that either we will go to a less creepy in the dark neighborhood or that I won't have to move the treadmill twice. But it would also be nice to have so I can run when both kids are napping and I don't have a babysitter.

3.1 in my parents neighborhood. I ran to Sugarhouse park and back, then decided I would go for 3. Then I went out a little extra so it ended up being 3.1.

I was short on time today so I just did a mile out and back in the neighborhood. Not like my runs are usually much longer than this anyway, but I know that if I'm going to seriously plan on doing some races in the spring I've got to start building my mileage. But at the same time, with a new baby in the house and having started working again already, I don't want to be stressed out about training on top of trying to balance everything. In time I'm sure it will get easier and more manageable though. 

Evening run in the neighborhood.

4 miles in the neighborhood this morning. I'm looking forward to daylight savings next week so it won't be so dark in the mornings when I go for my run!

1 mile out and back from my parents house.

Ran from my parents house again, this time it was afternoon instead of evening so I went longer. I ran to Sugarhouse, did a lap around the perimeter, and back.

Ellie started putting her shoes on when she saw me putting my running shoes on so I decided I would let her come with in the stroller. She was excited about it until I told her to say bye to Daddy. Oops. After wrestling my crying toddler to get buckled into the stroller, we were off. She didn't cry long, thankfully. The single Bob feels effortless after trying the double Bob with car seat!

Thank you daylight savings for letting it be light for morning runs! And thank you Jesse for watching the kids in the mornings so I can run. 

Went running from my parents house today.  I got my ballot in the mail a few weeks ago but didn't fill it out until today, so for my run I ran to the Marriott library to drop it off.  It sure felt nice walking past everyone in line since I was just there to drop off my ballot!  It's also nice to be able to combine errands into my run, especially while the kids are at the babysitter, since getting them in and out of the car is a hassle!

This morning I ran 4 miles in the neighborhood.  Sometimes, I wear my reflective vest even when it is already light out to make it look like I've been out running longer. :)

Ran from my parents' house again.  This time I ran over to Sunnyside, up to Foothill, and down to Guardsman and back to their house.  Running on Foothill isn't so bad after not having run it in months!  

Evening run with Jesse in the neighborhood :)  And core.  We made it a goal to do 100 reps of core a day.  It's not a lot, but from coming off of a second baby it is a good start.

Another run from my parents house.  Tank top and shorts weather in November is so nice!!  I enjoy being able to catch some running in the sun since I missed it this summer.  But growing baby Elden is way more important than running :)

Morning run in the neighborhood.

Morning run in the neighborhood.

Ran from my parents house in the afternoon. I'm so glad I can come up and have them babysit and be able to run some of my old routes! (Even if most of my old routes are really 10 miles long so I only catch little pieces 😬)

Left Ellie at grandma's house for a sleepover and went up to Park City for the night with some family. We went on a run in the morning, guess who went the farthest 😊 I ran down to Rail Trail. I thought it was super cold to be out running but then I saw someone swimming in an outdoor pool and thought I'm not that crazy after all. 

Had time for a longer morning run in the neighborhood today. 

Morning run in the neighborhood again. I didn't know it would be my last in our West Valley neighborhood, we signed a new lease last night and started moving!

2 miles on the treadmill at my parents house. Moving sucks, it took me this long to find my running shoes, but I'm not even sure if these are the newest pair. I'm hoping my newer ones will show up as we start unpacking, I wasn't home when my running shoes got packed 😩 But I probably need new ones anyway. After 5 years of being a runner at the U it will be my first time having to buy my own again. Fortunately, Amazon has them way cheaper than running stores do.

Morning-ish run in my parents neighborhood. I think I found my newer running shoes. I'm hoping to get back into more routine running, moving has thrown off everything. But after only about 5 trips to the store for parts (and at least two more to return wrong ones), we finally got our dryer set up so I can do laundry!!! Which is really a big deal because we didn't have a laundry room at our old place!

10 minute run from my house this morning. I was going to do 20 but it was cold and I wasn't dressed warm enough. Also Jesse needed to get to work and although he told me I could do 20 I wanted to make sure he got to work on time. 

Morning run in the neighborhood again. I ran to the golf course and back.

I like Saturday mornings because they mean I have more time to run 😊 I ran to 1700s and back for a total of 5 miles.

3 treadmill miles.

Ran from my house to my parents house and then my dad gave me a ride home. :)

My husband got me some new running shoes for Christmas!!! And they are pink and purple :) I'm so glad to have some that aren't black for the first time in about 2 years 😋 This morning I ran from my house to Liberty Park and back. 8:17 average pace. I think I'm finally back to where I was before moving, and the snow slowed me down a little bit towards the end. 

6 miles from my parents house while they spoiled my babies.  I ran to campus and through the Avenues on my way up to 11th Avenue.  Luckily, I hit 3 miles before the hill from the drinking fountain by Shriner's to 11th, so I didn't actually have to run up it. :)