I Can Do Hard Things

Another hill workout.  This sounds silly, but I had some major anxiety about this workout.  I hardly slept at all last night.  I guess that means I need to do it more to just get use to it.

2.5 mile warm up

900 E Hill

1:27

1:31

1:29

700N Hill

Forgot to hit my watch for the first split

1:07

1:03

These were about the same speeds from when I did them last time.  Ughhh....I REALLY dislike speedwork.  I just need to keep on trying.

It was a beautiful morning and I LOVED the cooler temperature.  Cooled down until I hit 6 miles.

Then I came home to make breakfast for 40 youth after they attended the temple.  Time for a nap and to decorate for a birthday party tomorrow. 

TT:  1:35

AP:  9:30

Home TM

When my alarm went off early this morning, I just shut it off.  I didn't even realize what I had done until it was too late.  My triplets turned 10 today.  We had a big family breakfast, opened presents and headed to Target to spend some of their birthday cash.

My girls had a craft party in the afternoon with their friends.  Those that know me well...crafting is NOT a talent of mine (I can sew...but no crafts).  It took every ounce of creative juices for the next 5 years to come up with the party details.  But my girls had fun and everyone was happy.

We then went to Fashion Place Mall to go to the Lego store.  You have to be a special person to work there!!!  Then we took them to Cheesecake Factory for dinner.  They always complain that we never take them there (duhhhh...you guys are 10!!!!).  They loved it.

So I finally started my run at 7:30pm with a very full gut.  Ughhhh...I had a mad tummy.  Lots of potty stops and TM hop offs so I wouldn't puke.  Nothing fast or impressive.  But the miles are logged.

Quick stretch and foam roll.

10 miles

TT:  1:36

AP:  9:36

6 miles

TT:  56

AP:  9:20

Another home TM run...ughhhh.  I knew doing last night's 10 miler and then my long run this morning was going to be hard.  And it was.  My legs were still tired.  My workout room was still hot and smelly from last night.  

The run was alright.  I had a lot of hopping off the TM...blow my nose, help my kids, change the channel.  Certianly not my best run.  But it is over and the miles can be logged.  

Rest day tomorrow and I'm very much looking forward to.  

Stretch and ice bath

TT: 58:53

AP:10:00

9:54, 10:44, 10:37, 11:22, 9:05, 9:05

Mandy and I went up Logan canyon for an easy trail run. Ohhhh the beauty! I was not interested in going fast and the upness kept us slow. We had a great conversation and I was grateful for the change of scenery :)

Yesterday while riding 4 wheelers, I hit a big bump and my shin went crashing into the front of the frame. I was riding a kid size 4 wheeler and my legs were WAY too long to be on it. So I have 2 huge gashes on my shin and calf. Kinda funny.

I write this for my own personal remembering. My right shin was totally aching after Wednesday and Thursday's run. Of course I was nervous. Tim dug into my calf, I used zany TENS unit and iced all day. I took yesterday off. It feels good. I guess the back to back run mad it angry.

Off to play on the farm again. Note to self....ride the adult size 4 wheeler.

TT: 54:00

AP: 9:00

Working out didn't quite turn out as I planned...I'm learning how to be flexible. I'm watching my 2 nieces for the next few days. I didn't sleep well last night and turned my alarm off. My thumb is infected again and I've been to the doctor 5 different times about it. Grrrrr....so between my huge, throbbing thumb and my gashes from the 4 wheeler, it was a long night.

So I started my run at 7:30 pm and ran downstairs. This is actually a bit faster than I normally run on the TM,miso that's a plus.

I'm concerned that I haven't done any strength training last week or this far this week. Life has been a bit crazy and I need to have balance. But it needs to get done.

Another hill Tuesday!  I forgot my ipod and I think that really helped me to focus today.  Interesting!

1.5 mile warm up

900 E Hill
Today   Last Week     2012

1:27       1:27             1:15

1:23       1:31

1:21        1:29

700 N Hill

Today       Last Week     2012

1:04             -                  56

1:00             1:07

1:02             1:03

I was really pleased with today's hill session.  I was a few seconds faster than last week and felt like I made progress (I still have a ways to go though).  Plus, I didn't have as much anxiety as usual.  It gives me a small amount of hope :)

I cooled down until I hit 7 miles (part of cool down was on the home TM). 

AM 2:

Running camp.  I ran a mile with the top boy today.  He's 7 years old and FAST!  He is going to be a great runner! My 2 year old niece that I'm babysitting walked/ran .75 miles in flip flops!

I picked all 4 rows of my peas yesterday in my garden and planted green beans in their place.  I could see small potatoes peaking through!  Plus my kids were swiping raspberries.  I love summer gardens!

TT:  1:46:36

AP:  8:53

9:50, 9:24, 9:01, 8:57, 8:42, 8:45, 8:44, 8:38, 8:46, 8:28, 8:24, 8:20

Dark thirty comes way too early.  I think I was sleep running for the first few miles.  My legs felt a bit heavy and it took more effort than it should have.  Blah....Blah....Blah....

It was hot this morning and I had too much sweat stinging my eyeballs.  This always makes my contacts happy.

Stretch and foam roll

AM 2:

Running camp - 1 mile.  I run a lot with twin sisters Hailey and Hannah.  They are about 7-8 years old.  There is something about their muscles....they seem soft.  Their arms and legs go flailing around and it takes a lot of effort to move their legs.  I'm not sure what it is.  Mom and Dad came to watch them today.  I introduced myself to them and told them how great their girls are doing.  They can finally run a mile now.  They had hear all about some coach and how much the girls like to run......how good it has been for their therapy.  YEAH!!!!  That totally made my day that the girls LIKE to run...even better they like to run with me.  Payoff :)

JRP with Smooth, Karen, Rachel, Virginia and Leslie

I've been in a conendurum about running lately.  I try REALLY hard to get up early and get my working out done before my family even gets ups.  I have a neighbor who is constantly gone from her kids (they are left alone) teaching various workout classes.  I totally understand that moms need a break, but I feel like (for my neighbor) her family is suffering because of her absence. 

Therefore most of my runs are done alone (it's hard to find buddies to go super early).  I've been struggling a bit to find the motivation to go alone day after day.  The long runs are even harder.  So when I got a text yesterday to run with Rachel, Smooth and Karen, I knew I HAD to go.  I needed a buddy.  I found a babysitter this morning and felt guilty for leaving my kids.  BUT I felt better.  My spirits were lifted.  I appreciated all the encouragement from my friends.  Sometimes it is hard to find balance.

ONTO THE RUN:

Oh my...the humidity.  I was sweating just sitting in the car.  It was comparable to running in the Bahamas.  Uck!  But there was some good cloud cover and lots of good conversation.  My legs were definitely tired after running 12 miles yesterday.  I was suppose to do some MP miles, but it wasn't happening.  

So glad I went.  So glad the long run is over.  So glad for a shower.  So glad for a nap.  

THIS girl.....does NOT like the heat!  At all.....it gives me a serious case of the grumpies!  I didn't get out on my run until 7:00am which was WAY too hot for me.  GRUMP!

My run was purely survival.  My legs were toast and full of aches.  But it is done.  I ran 30 miles between Thursday and Friday.  That is the most I've ever run.  And I ran another 50 mile week.  Another first for me....2x50 milers in a row.  Come on body...hang on!

2x

walking lunges

single leg hamstring lift

squats

side to side lunges

Stretch and foam roll and ice bath

I worked my my garden for a long time.  I thinned out my carrots, hilled up my potatoes and gave my tomatoes a good hair cut.  Plus the normal weeding.  Then I cut a few fresh flowers for my kitchen counter.

TT:  54:00

AP: 9:00

Easy recovery run on the home TM.  I was surprised at how good I felt this morning.  This is a lower mileage week.  

2x

walking lunges

single leg hamstring lift

squats

 side to side lunges

stretch and foam roll

2 mile warm up

400-1:35

400-1:34

800-3:27

400-1:32

400-1:34

I wasn't sure how today's speed session was going to turn out. It's been since 2012 since I've been on the track.  I was pleasantly surprised...I guess those hills have been working.  The ultimate goal is to hit 1:30 or below and I'm not that far off.  I thought I would hit the 1:40's.

On my first 400 some guy just started his speed workout and I jumped right in behind him.  Thanks dude.  I think that help me find my groove.  Speed work is still not pleasant, but I survived.

Cooled down until I hit 6 miles.

AM2: 

2 miles with the running camp kids.  Oh my hotness!!!!!

TT:  1:38:58

AP:  8:59

MCT

9:45, 9:38, 9:15, 9:33, 9:07, 9:04, 8:47, 9:00, 8:28, 8:12, 8:01

Dark o'clock run.  It took me awhile to find my mojo.  I started a new audiobook and it always takes me awhile to figure out all the characters!

So its been interesting this training cycle.  I've been doing more structured speedwork (track and hills).  But I feel like I'm getting slower on these longer runs.  Last training cycle, I would do MP/HMP miles during the run.  I could run this course in an 8:30's pace and today (and other days) I only squeaked out an 8:59 pace. Just when I think I have running figured out, it reminds me I know nothing!

This is my last run of the week.  Tim and I are heading to Trek for the remainder of the week.  I'm hoping for a small miracle that my running won't suffer.  I just hope it is not crazy hot!!  Tally HO!

TT: 1:23

AP:  9:13

We are back from Trek.  And we survived!  I was very surprised at how wonderful an experience it was.  I guess it was the element of the unknown and being dirty for several days that made me hesitant.  I'm very glad I went and have a greater appreciation for our pioneer heritage.

I did walk a lot (12 miles on day 2), but there was no stretching going on!  I can feel that I'm very stiff and creaky and that is how my run went this morning.  Stretching is on the top of the "to-do" list all week.  

One set before and after run:

walking lunges

single leg hamstring lift

squats

side to side lunges

plank

Long stretch and foam roll and baseball

Another track Tuesday!  After today, I'm determined to find a buddy to do these workouts.  I need someone to push me.

2 mile wam up

Last Week          Today

400-1:35             400-1:38

400-1:34              800-3:21

800-3:27              400- 1:37

400-1:32              800-3:24

400-1:34              400-1:33

I was all over the place today.  I definitely ran my 800's faster, but my 400's were a lot slower than last time.  I really dislike those 800's......they are just  plain hard and make me want to poop my pants (sorry for the TMI).  

I'm learning I get a bit more comfortable with th uncomfortable.  I will try again next week.

AM 2:  1 mile Indian run with running camp kids and link tag.

6 miles

TT: 56:40

AP: 9:25

Reset TM

6 miles

TT: 54:40

AP: 9:06

I really struggled with mojo this morning and the "shut-eye" won. I didn't start the run until almost 4:00pm and took a lot of physical effort to just walk down to the basement. I felt alright during the run. Mind over matter today.

During my last marathon training cycle, I felt that "fire" (for lack of a better term) all the time. I was so motivated.  I knew that if I worked hard enough I would get my BQ at Ogden. But that didn't happen.

This training cycle, I've done all my workouts, and hit my miles. But hardly any fire. I'm not even sure I'll be able to get any benchmark races before a fall marathon. I guess what I'm trying to spit out.....I'm not feeling that pressure. Heck....I don't even know what race I'm doing. I'm even considering not wearing my watch on race day.  I have no idea what is in store.  Maybe I'm finding balance.  Or just rambling because I'm tired :)

1 set before and 1 set after run

walking lunges

single leg hamstring lifts

squats

side to side lunges

LLL

adductor lift

Stretch and foam roll

AP:  9:05

This is the first time EVER that I will run 6 days/week.  I always take Thursdays off.  I'm taking very small steps to adding more mileage...even if it is only 2 miles today.  

1 set before and after workout

lunge matrix

push ups

dips

Foam roll

Can't wait to read all the Des News reports....GOOD LUCK!!!

1 mile warm up - 9:20

2 mile MP -8:20

1 mile cool down - 9:30

1 set before and after run:

walking lunges

single leg hamstring lift

squats

side to side lunges

front lift

seated row

seated fly

butterlfy

overehead press

skull crushers

For the love....my kids need to go to bed.  I can't handle this staying up all night and having to get up early to run.  But we did have a lot of fun shooting off fireworks last night.....lots of fireworks!

Those MP miles today felt a bit too hard.  I need to do more of those.  18 miles tomorrow....hopefully there will be cloud cover!

TT:  2:57:56

AP:  9:33

9:52, 9:51, 9:31, 9:52, 10:18, 9:18, 9:30, 10:15, 9:39, 8:51, 8:48, 8:59, 8:56, 9:33, 9:23, 9:24, 9:31, 10:06, 6:10

Provo River Trail

I met Smooth, Karen, Collette, and Leslie at the PRT this morning.  Oh my...what a fun group of ladies.  It was fun to laugh, chat and just enjoy a slow run in the shade.  There was even a Josse and Ericka sighting!  My legs felt great except for the whopper of a blister on the bottom of my foot.  

We soaked in the river for a long time after.....it felt so wonderful!

I refueled at Chipotle and bought a few new running clothes.  Great day!

TT:  1:25

AP:  9:25

Slow creaky run on the home TM.  The longer I ran, the better I felt.

I'm having a hard time getting early to run outside...my family just needs to go to bed earlier!!!

2x

walking lunges

single leg hamstring lift

squats

side to side lunges

front raise

row

fly

supermans on bosu

Stretch and foam roll

I finally recruited Heather to join me for track Tuesday.  We ran together a few years ago and did lots of track workouts together.  So I knew she could handle it.  

I had my normal pretrack workout anxiety and didn't sleep well.  

1.5 mile warm up

McMillion Calculators say I should be hitting these paces (I'm not sure about these time!!!!):

400:  1:24-1:36

800:  3:20-3:31

          Today     Last Week      2 Weeks Ago

800     3:19         3:21                3:27

800     3:17         3:24

800     3:16

400     1:33         1:38              1:35

400     1:34         1:37              1:34

400                     1:33              1:32

400                                          1:34

Running with a buddy certainly makes you run faster.  I'm hoping I can keep her coming on Tuesdays!  Those 800's were extremely hard.  I felt like my gut was going to fall out. But each one got faster....yeah!  Getting more comfortable with the uncomfortable.

AM 2:  1 mile with the running camp kids.  It was probably more, but it was slow.  We have our big race next week!!!

Ive been so tired lately!  My husband jokes with me that I need to stop smoking and using drugs and find a better lifestyle choice!  Ha Ha!  When my kids do their 30 minutes of reading , I totally crash on the couch!!

10 miles

TT:  1:34:45

AP:  9:28

Quick break to get kids ready for bed

3 miles

TT:  28:00

AP:  9:20

Quick break to put kids to bed

2x

Lunge matrix

LLL

Hip swings

I didn't get started on my run until 6:00pm.  Not the most ideal time, but I was beyond exhausted this morning and was busy being a mom all day.  BUT...I did get my miles logged even though I had to stop a few times to help my kids.  Thank goodness for my home TM...major blessings in that thing!

Stiff from yesterday's speed.

Stretch and foam roll

2 pitifully slow miles with running camp kids.  One of the twins that I've become good buddies with gave me one of her special rocks.  I feel the love! 

Legs feel lik toast