I Can Do Hard Things

Happy birthday to my 8-year old babies!  Where has the time gone????

Life has been swirling out of control these past few weeks.  Between going out of town (several times), planning birthday parties, finishing our basement, and working in our two very large garden, I've taken a bit of a break from running.  My ankle is feeling a lot better.  I've really been hitting the balancing PT exercises hard core.  WHY didn't I think to do that 10 days ago?  Oh well, I needed a bit of a rest.

I'm afraid I just too behind to be ready for SGM.  I was talking with Don (the owner or Fleet Feet) today and he said I still have my base and should be alright.  We'll see.

I ran 2 miles then grabbed my big kids.  We went for 2 miles.  1 mile up to the HS.  We stopped and got a drink.  The HS marching band was practicing so we watched for a minute.  Then ran back home.  So 2 of my 3 kids are really loving running (they are in running camp this summer....more on that later).  But #3....she is LAZY!!!!  She belly ached and whined and walked and whined.  I'm finding it hard to motivate her.  I realize it may not be her "thing", but I want her to do something even though she doesn't like it - I CAN DO HARD THINGS.  This little thing called balance!!!

I did a few PT exercises and stretching.

Big breakfast, went to see Brave (so cute), then shopping to spend birthday money.  It was a wonderful day!!!!  I love that my oldest daughter spent her money on "cute" running clothes.  A girl after my own heart!

This run wasn't quite as hard as the past few have been.  I huffed and puffed at first, but seemed to warm up and it felt alright.  I'm going to try to do 5 miles tomorrow on the hotel TM.  We'll see.

PT exercises

Stretching

What pathetic miles!  I was up SO late watching fireworks in Logan and then had to get up SO early to watch the Lewiston parade.  Oh well....at least I got a few in!

AP:  8:48

44:02

9:19, 8:51, 8:45, 8:43, 8:19

Finally, a glimpse of hope that all running ability is not lost!!!  I was way too tired to get up this morning after 4th of July festivities, so I ran when hubby got home from work.  I was really hoping to run in the rain, but I was a hour late.  Bummer!!

This run took a lot of effort.....I was breathing hard.  But I felt good.  My legs and feet felt good.  Maybe there is hope!

30 minutes with trainer.

Slow and easy today.  Hubby didn't go into work as early, so I got to sleep in some....Yahooooooooo!!!!!!

Long stretching and balancing exercises

Off to take my kids to running club!

1:36:00

 AP:9:34

9:53, 9:43, 10:02, 9:50, 9:31, 9:45, 10:20, 8:48, 8:53, 8:54

I met Catherine this morning for a 10 mile run.  I'm not sure WHY I chose the hilliest route EVER, but I did.  I don't think Catherine will ever run with me again :)

The road construction by my house is getting a tad better, so we ran up the monster hill on my main street.  Oh...such a nice way to start a run!  Then we turned and ran up a 2 mile long....long....long hill.  Thankfully, there was a drinking fountain at the top. 

Then we took another turn and headed UP to the mouth of the canyon.  And the winds started.  My heart was beating SO fast and I could hardly utter any words.  Catherine was running effortlessly!!

We hopped on the golf course trails and found another drinking fountain.  Finally, we were able to got down some of those monsters we climbed.  Just one hill on the way back.  And it kicked my tail!!!!

But the last 3 miles were so nice compared to what we had just accomplished.  Today was definitely "quality"!  We had awesome conversation (on the way back...breathing too hard on the way there). 

The verdict is still out on how my ankle feels.  I iced it immediately.  We'll see. 

Spent 2 hours on my plot at the ward garden, then another at my home garden.  THEN, we shoveled 4 yards of turkey poop to all the flower beds.  Gotta get everything looking spiffy for the baptism in a few weeks.  I am SO darn tired!

3 really easy miles.  No Garmin.  

4 houses of lunges.  Stretching.

Grumpy.  It is too hot.

37:51 (4.3 mile loop....hot, hot, hot)

AP:  8:52

1 mile wu (up the monster temple hill):  10:11 (that is such a big climb!!!)

Tempo for 2 miles:  8:21, 7:45  (first mile was on a partially unfinished road and flat, second mile was slightly down hill for .5 miles, then slightly up hill for .25, then downhill again for .25)

1 mile cd:  9:04

I was definitely breathing hard and the 2 miles seemed to take awhile.  But I wasn't in puke mode and I made it.  Done.  Hopefully, I'm not as far behind in my training as I really think I am.

Stretching, pt balancing exercises and foam rolling

Uhhhh....my alarm went off way too early today at 5:15am.  It was still dark out.

Easy 6 miles

AP:  9:24

57:06

9:58, 9:28, 9:18, 9:24, 9:16, 8:40

Nothing special about this run.  Too hot outside.

30 minutes with trainer.  Gonna be sore tomorrow.

12.32 miles

AP:  9:46

2:00:00

9:51, 9:38, 10:05, 9:47, 10:11, 10:15, 9:50, 9:41, 9:54, 9:27, 9:17, 9:21

My alarm went off at 4:15am.  Ughhhh....so tired.  I drove to Karen's house to do a long run!  I'm so glad our schedules meshed and we both needed to do a long run, on Friday, really early!

It was very smokey and dark this morning.  I had a hard time getting my legs to move.  Very heavy.  We ran part of the Suncrest hill...BIG hills today.  I was grateful Karen was not pushing the pace!

We saw SO many deer this morning and had a great conversation!  We stopped at the everflowing water fountain.  Smooth was out with her posse!  Go Smooth!  Even though it was early, it was still very hot! 

It was a great run but I just wished I was stronger and faster.  Don't we all wish that?  Even though this wasn't a super great or a super horrible run, I'm still worried that I won't be ready for SGM.  Wait and see!

1.30 miles with kids during running club

My 4 year old has been running around our cul-de-sac with my iPod.  Even though she isn't old enough, she really want to go to running club with the big kids today.  So I kept my running clothes on and headed for a "speed walk".  We got 20 feet into the 1 mile run and she was done.  So we walked/run and was able to cut the course short.  BUT I was able to run my big kids in from their 1 mile/2mile run.  Fun times!

Slow recovery miles.  Very stiff...heavy legs from my long run yesterday.  

4 houses of lunges

Stretch and foam roll

Slow and easy

Mish mash of situps, pushups, donkey kicks, whip arounds and other junk

I met Catherine at the high school track this morning.  Our plan was to do 5x400 with a 200 rest.

1 mile run to the track for a WU

5x400

1:35 (When I looked at my watch after the lap, I thought it said 1:45.  That would have made me really sad!!!)

1:33

1:31

1:33

1:30

Though these were hard, they were manageable.  Catherine took off like a shot and I thought that was the end of me!  She is a good training partner....just faster than me to really make me push.  When I did this workout before Ogden (8x400), I was in the 1:38 range, so I was pleasantly surprised.  Thanks Catherine for making me faster this morning (please don't move)!!!

1 mile cool down run home

It totally BUGS me when joggers/walkers don't move out of the inside line.  I always get out of the way for other runners when I am done with a set.  They need a track etiquette sign!!!

Lower legs have totally been aching.  I'm wearing my compression socks this morning which stinks because I have to wear pants over them (shorts and compressions socks don't jive!!).  I think my legs are going through some shock.

Catherine was nice enough to meet me again this morning for a longish run.  I met her a little over a mile from my house.  It was still very dark, but nice and cool.

I didn't sleep well last night.  I kept waking up thinking I had slept through my alarm.   I always do that and it drives me bonkers.

1:07:00

AP:  9:36

9:17, 9:29, 10:21 (we had some serious sprinkler dodging issues here), 9:24, 9:19, 9:43, 9:36

We had a wonderful run and I was very grateful for her company.  Great conversation, but I was totally holding her back.  She could have gone way faster....thanks Catherine!!! 

I felt great when until I dropped Catherine off, then I started to tank.  My shins were totally bugging and I was just tired. 

Just a little stretching and foam rolling

Back to bed for 1.5 hours till my kids woke me up.  That is one nice thing about summer is I get to sleep in more.

30 minutes with trainer this morning.  She had me do the one-arm-on-a-ball/one-arm-on-the-floor pushups.  I still had a hard time lifting my arms to do my hair this morning.  Weaksauce.....

I finally slept really great last night.  Yeah!!!  But my body is still so darn sore from yesterday's trainer workout.  I've been so tired lately.  I forget how tired marathoning makes me.

I haven't been as intense/focused/crazy about training for St George this year.  In someways it has been nice to have balance.  But as I was figuring our my remaining training schedule, I realized I was only going to have 1 half marathon before the race.  Whereas with Ogden, I had 3 half marathons.

 So on a whim, I was able to get into the Timp Half Marathon next weekend.  I'm very nervous to test out my fitness level.  I know I can run 13 miles, but how fast is the question.

I wanted to get another speed session in today, but not as intense as a track session.  So I ran a 2.5 mile warm up (this section of the run was all uphill), then did a 2 mile tempo and ended with a .5 mile cooldown. 

45:38 - AP:  9:07 (10:06, 9:44, 8:48, 7:49, 9:06)

2.5 mile warm up - 24:44

2 mile tempo - 15:36/7:48 (slight downhill with a few little rollers)

.5 mile cool

The tempo was definitely pushing the pace.  I was breathing hard (but not at puke zone) and I really had to work.  It probably didn't help that I was so sore from yesterday.

I'm hoping to get one more speed session before the race next Saturday.  I have no idea how it is going to play out!

Long stretching session and foam rolling

During running club today, a film crew came out to film all the kids for Studio 5.  They were pretty darn excited!!  They are running the Steel Day's kids run tomorrow.  We picked up our packets.  The medal was included.  But I told them they couldn't wear it until after the race :)

2:15:57

AP:  9:32 (10:09, 9:44, 9:49, 9:58, 10:01, 10:18, 9:51, 9:09, 9:12, 9:13, 8:57, 9:02, 8:49, 9:08, 2:25)

I decided to run the portion of the Timp Half course that is out of the canyon.  I tried to add on as many miles as I could before I hit the canyon so I could just head right home when I hit 14 miles. 

I ran part of the course that I ran with Catherine last weekend.  Running that route is so hard for me.  It is long and hilly.  BIG hills.  And they just don't stop!!!  I was having a bit of a pity party too.  So dark, alone, 5:00am and my feet/ankles were hurting.

I got to the mouth of the canyon around 7/8 miles.  Perfect - just like the race.  But I just couldn't get my legs moving and had some serious doubts about next weekend.  Even though I run this route a lot it was good to look at it through racing eyes.

Once I got by the AFHS, I saw the Steel Days runners and ran with them for a mile or so.  I was only .25 over for the day. 

I ran in the door and did all my girls hair then we headed to the Steel Days kid run.  My kids were very excited and we had a lot of neighborhood friends there.   I love the little hometown races!!!

The 1/2 mile fun run should have been very easy for them....they run at least a mile during running club.

But my son shoots from the start in a full sprint and dies 100 yards into the race.  It's hard to explain pacing to an 8 year old. Then he was mad and grumpy at everyone.  I need to figure this out because he really likes to run, but needs to learn how to race.

But my oldest daughter (blue shorts) took 2nd in the 7-8 category.  And my other daughter (purple shorts) just had a lot of fun (which was the goal of the day). 

We had to have a long talk about sportsmanship when we got home.  Joys of parenting.

1:06:32

AP:  9:32  (10:08, 9:45, 10:02, 9:28, 9:08, 9:18, 8:47)

Honestly, I feel like crud.  My left ankle is totally sore.  Just under the ankle bone.  It hurt after my run on Saturday and hurts again today.  Ughhh.....

I did my mid-week long run today (instead of Wednesday) because of the race on Saturday.  Climbing those 100E hills kick my trash.  All hills are kicking my trash these days. 

I'm kinda feeling grumpy about running right now.  Grump...grump...grump....

I was totally bummed that Catherine wasn't able to join me this morning on the track.  She really pushed me last week and it was mentally helpful to have her there.  But she did a great job at Deseret News!   Go Catherine!

1.5 mile warm up

6x400 with 200 rest

1:35

1:34

1:33

1:33

1:33

1:31

Cool down until I hit 5 miles

I definitely had consistency this week.  During the last 100 of #4 and 6, I really tried to get up on my toes like I did during high school when I ran the 800m.  They were hard today and I was breathing hard.  But I don't think I could have gone any faster.  I was also in a better mood.  My ankle didn't hurt during the run, but definitely after (and now at night). 

30 minutes with trainer.  Stupid front and side lunges.

5 very slow - easy - recovery miles with Catherine.  Rehashed yesterday's race.  It's been so fun to run with her and I am really sad she will be moving.

Left ankle and flexor on the bottom of the foot still wacked out.  I have no idea how Saturday will play out.   Right now, my main goal is to give my kids a big sweaty kiss at the end.  I hope I can make it to the end.

Very sore from yesterday's beating with the trainer.

ART done on the ankle/calf/flexor...ouch

Designated rest day.  The carpet guys just finished in our basement.  Basement is officially done.  So I ended up moving all our million #10 food storage cans and food storage from the garage to downstairs.  

Maybe not so restful.  But I did get a massage.

Easy shake out run.  Everything hurts.  Below my ankle still totally bugs.  I think I did something to my back moving all that junk yesterday into the basement.  

Racing makes me go absolutely mental.

I decided last minute to sign up for this race.  But come to find out it was sold out and I got on a "waiting list".  I've never heard of a waiting list before for a half marathon.  But a few days later, I received an email and I was in for $75.  

The race was well organized and had super cool T-shirts (why is it so hard to design a cool shirt???).  My far my favorite shirt thus far!!!

I wanted to have 2 half marathons (Timp Half and Hobble Creek) before SGM.  As much as I don't like racing, I feel like every race helps me learn and grow.  So I was really stressing about all this "learning and growing" all week.  It makes me sick to my stomach.  But I got a true test of where my fitness is at right now.  

Because of my hard recovery from Ogden, I'm behind on my training.  Nothing I can do about it.  I will still get my 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 22 milers in, but nothing extra.  I knew the course would be similar to Hobble Creek, so my goal was between 1:45 (Hobble Creek PR) and 1:50.

I had two main prayers this morning: 

1.  To have fun (and get rid of all the stressing). 

2.  To not get any more injured.

Both goals were met!

My alarm went off at 3:55am and I quickly got ready.  I live exactly 1 mile from the AFHS and I quickly found a parking spot.  I happened to see Julie C in the bus line and she kindly invited me to sit with her on the bus.  I was grateful for the stressing out distraction.  We had a great chat on the way up!  She is such a great runner that I hope she finds answers to her injury issues!

We parted on the top of the mountain and I headed for the POP line.  The weather was perfect - cold at the top!!  Quickly got through the POP, dropped my clothes bag and saw several friends (Emily H., Pacer Paul, Kelli, Lindsay Dunkley and Mckell).  I love seeing friends at races!

Soon enough, they called for everyone to head to the start line.  I wanted to try and run with pacer Paul (the 1:45 pacer).  But soon enough, I couldn't keep up.  Then 2 seconds later, the 1:50 pacer flew by me.  It totally deflated my mental ego.  It reminded me of the Salt Lake Half.  So many people were trucking down that canyon  that it really messed with my mind.

But I knew I still had the majority of the race to go and I needed to grow up and just run my race. 

Mile 1 (8:02):  Feeling mentally down

Mile 2 (8:16):  Worried I was going to fast.

Mile 3 (7:59):  I could hear my watch beep and knew I was losing signal in a few spots.

Mile 4 (8:01):  Still worried I was going to fast, but only 9 miles to go.  I saw Lowell somewhere around here and gave him a quick hug. 

Mile 5 (7:50):  The AF track team was handing out water, so I found my cute neighbor and grabbed a cup from her. (maybe the water station was at mile 4)

Mile 6 (7:37):  Feeling mentally better and starting to warm up and get into the groove.

Mile 7 (7:51):  Took a Gu and quickly grabbed a water.  Tummy started to have issues shortly there after. Saw Smooth heading up the canyon.  I always feel better after seeing her!

Mile 8 (8:03):  I was just entering the golf course trail and saw Catherine.  She texted me yesterday and asked if I wanted a buddy to run the last few miles!  I quickly took her up on the offer but told her I'm not a very good story teller during races (sorry!!!!!).  I was grateful for her stories and had a lot of questions, but knew if I opened my mouth, I might vomit!  I want answers next week when we run!!

Mile 9 (8:38):  I'm not sure why this split is slow.  I was on the very familiar part of the trail and I was just starting to loose steam.  Took water.

Mile 10 (8:44):  Maybe this was the water stop.  I kept saying to myself to hang on for 3 more miles.  My calves were starting to cramp from the downhill canyon.  Thankfully, this was all in shade.  Catherine had an emergency potty stop.  I was sad to see her go, but was grateful she was with me for as long as she was. 

Mile 11 (8:20):  Took another water stop.  Just hang on.  Mentally tired.

Mile 12 (8:48):  I've run this hill several times a week.  The houses are in my ward.  I knew I was getting close.  I tried my darnest to hang on.  I was totally in puke zone.  I also knew there was a downhill and a flat portion to the finish. 

Mile 13 (8:19/:20):  I got down the hill and got close to the last turn.  I see sweet Kelli.  She turned and started running.  I couldn't believe she was going to run me in (I figured she had an awesome race and was tired).  I couldn't utter one word (puke would have come out), but was SO grateful for her company.

I was totally BUGGED at the finish.  They had a timing mat and a balloon arch.  I figured it was the finish.  I crossed it and hit my watch.  Then someone yelled "keep going".  The real finish line was still 10 feet away.  I wasn't sure I could keep going.  So my watched stopped/started/stopped at 1:46:55 (it had a few lost signal canyon stops too). 

I got my medal, grabbed a water and sat on a volunteers chair.  One of the things I need to work on after a long run and race is that I drink too much water/gatoraide too fast.  It always makes me feel MORE pukey.  I complained to Pacer Paul and Rachelle about the too fast 1:50 pacer (she finished before I did).  But they were spot on with their times!  Yeah for their runners!

I headed to drop off my medal in my clothes bag and saw Kelli.  She said she would run my 2 extra miles with me.  I politely told her I was just going to waddle.  But she ran with me anyway!  She is just an amazing runner and person.  We ran into Smooth (who was looking strong) and a few ambulances (boo!!!).  My legs felt better after the cool down...not as much cramping.

I grabbed another water, went to look up my official time (1:47:18) and headed home.  I was sad my kids/hubby weren't there.  But kids had a late night Friday evening and had no interest in getting up.  Understandable.

So overall analysis:

1.  Injuries felt fine (yeah!!!!!) - leg cramps and soreness feel "after-race" normal

2.  Love the course and weather

3.  Semi-happy with results. Now I know where my fitness is - I have a better idea how to train.  MORE MILES.

4.  Grateful for good friends.  Good...good people!

I came home and took a shower (sat in Epsom salts for awhile).  Hubby had to leave, so I had all the kids.  I closed my eyes for an hour, but knew I would need a real nap later when he got home.  Ate a big burger at In n Out and came home and took nap #2.  Feeling much better. Calves still very sore.  Wearing compress socks.

(Sorry for the blurry picture!  Gotta love wearing compression socks with shorts!!!)

Going to see Neil Diamond tonight.  Gotta love Neil!

Onward and upward

Designated rest day.  My legs felt totally thrashed - marathon sore.  It is a lower mileage week for me, so it all worked out perfectly!

But I still did get up early and worked in my garden for 2 hours.  The basement is officially DONE so I finished moving everything back downstairs.  Garage is cleaned out.  

T-minus 5 days until the baptism.  Lots to do.

I didn't run but I did burn a million calories :)

 BEWARE:  Proud Momma moment below!!!

Today was the last day of running (sniffle...sniffle)!  And to celebrate, they had a one mile and a two mile race.  Abby ran the one mile and Annie and Carter ran the two mile race.  The weather was overcast and cool.

Abby signing in at the race

Pre-race jitters!

The starting line of the one mile

And their off.....

I love that when Abby runs, she is ALL smiles!  That girl loves to have F.U.N.!

Abby is about half-way through the race....still smiling!

Start of the 2 mile race....those boys are ready to race!

Carter at the halfway point!

Annie is fast on Carter's heels.  That girl has beautiful form!

Trying to catch her little brother!

Carter on the home stretch.  I guess he crashed hard somewhere on the course.  Another mom told him to get up and finish.  I was semi-glad that I wasn't there.  Sometimes it is too easy to "crutch" on mom and after our Steel Days mishap, I was just happy to be the cheerleader!

Annie on the home stretch.  She heard us cheering and really turned it up a notch.  She told me after the race that she really wanted to beat that pink-shorts girl!

Here she comes...gaining on the pink shorts girl....Mom cheering so loud as she is so excited for her girl!

Perfect form...booking it to the finish...Mom about to cry she is so proud!

A great morning for all!

It has been a great experience for me (as Mom) to watch my kids participate in running camp this summer.  Obviously, I love to run and to have them enjoy it (or even semi-enjoy it) makes me spew with happiness.  They have gotten so much better with their running and their times are proof.  

I receive so much joy from this great sport, but to be able to cheer on my children (while they are feeling that runner's high) makes me want to cry.  I almost had tears running down my cheeks and I watched my kids cross the finish line.  I know those feelings they were experiencing.  I hope this amazing running trend continues.

GO BARLOW KIDS!!!

8 easy miles for me.  My calves were still extremely sore from Saturday's race.  But after a few miles, they started to loosen up.  AP:  10:00....SLOW!!!!