I run therefore, I am!

D

Run

Ran with Danielle this morning and it was chilly and a bit windy. Talked about a few races she is over and may use me to help get them done. Fun early morning run.

I went to the start of this chilly race and it had a late start at 10 am.  It started snowing with a wind blowing to the east. I did a warm up and found it to actually be nice in one direction and horrible coming back.  My strategy for this race was to take it easy with a slower start. But after talking to Scott I decided to go out a bit stronger and battle the headwind back and hope to have someone break my wind.  This race was the first on the USATFLDR (USA Track and Field Long Distant Running) Circuit.  I could score some points with this race. The course record on it was 33:41 set by Dennis Simonitis.  I actually felt like I could break this record today.  I did a 16:50 two weeks ago and if I could keep this same pace, id have it really close.  The race started with it snowing but a great tail wind.  I felt like the pace was a lot slower than two weeks ago so I stayed with Jake and Rylee and a few others.  Matt came up on me at mile 1 and I did a 5:11 first mile.  My second mile was 5:19. I was in 7th overall and felt really good. I got to mile 3 with a 5:23. I was at 16:23 at the turn around. If the wind wasnt ruthless I know for a fact I couldve had 33:41. As I got to the turn around I passed a high schooler and  at the turn I had a look back for the first time and saw Scott and Fritz right behind me. As I started the head wind I felt the wind get sucked out of my sails.  I made it about a quarter mile and Fritz and Scott immediately came in front of me and Scott broke the ruthless wind for me.  He told me we could work together and we were in single file and the person in the back would run to the front and run as long as it took the person in the back to recover enough.  I was amazed to see how doing this got us closer and closer to the main group! But it was short lived.  I only made it about a half mile and bonked.  They kept it up and I noticed after the next mile they even broke up the line.  I came in close to the finish and was upset when I saw 34:25 about 150 yards away.  It was a crappy last 3.1 but I ended up with a Masters win and $75.00 for my troubles. :)  And I love how anal I have to be to put an exact to the damn millionth of a mile this 10k is so it will register.  Why if you have to go to the extreme to be exact on a course mile in a 10k race can you not just make a button for Kilometers. Der Der DEr

I ran 20.5 in 2:15 and .5 with Boston.  I had a good last three miles considering they were all gradual up hill. I used my negative friends who have backstabbed me this past week and in my life to fuel myself up the last bit with a 6:30 pace which felt good.  To those coworkers and so called running friends that have hurt me and lied to me and manipulated me and used my works to help their cause I fart in your general direction! I thank you for fueling my fire to push harder. Be stronger and shine through your lies and deceit.  I had a bad week and I thank my friends that lift me up and not push me down to benefit themselves. Karma is a you know what and I have had it come back to bite me and learned to be better. To those that have hurt me, I dust my feet to you now. I am thankful for endorphins and running to be my punching bag in life and not my friends.  Hope they can do the same. I will rise! I am stronger for it. 

got to the race got my pacers organized. it was 38 degrees that was a little chilly with a strong wind that turned out to be a tail wind.  started thd race out ran my first mile w a provo runner named Trapper After mile 1 pulled away and ran the rest  of  the race by myself. It was hard to push myself when I was alone. they had a hyro pouch system worked ok by myself but with other runner's it would have slowed me down was able to stay under s 6 pace even with sll thelong hill in this race.  the prize I won was a parks parks for  the year pretty cool overall pretty good race for  a all mostly up hill

race.

Went up to daybreak and ran a double loop around the lake. It was  great afternoon and everyone was up there basking in the sun!  My legs felt a little heavy from not running often this week but good to get out in warmer temps. 

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Got to the buses and organized the pacers and got their gear together and some instructions.  Then Got the Go Pro cameras out and on 5 of the 10 lucky pace groups. Got on the buses and headed up to the start and I was 20 minutes from starting time. The line to the porta potti was a good 30 or more minutes long so I took off for the bushes. I saw they had a campground so I went to look for a bathroom there. Walla! A good one with no wait. I did my business and paper work and then headed for the start.  I should have stripped down to a singlet but I chickened out so I had my singlet over the shirt.  I took off at the start and the pack of 4 fast runners seperated from us pretty quick. I stayed about 5-10 seconds behind them to mile 1 when I did a 5:19.  I felt like I was pushing hard for this time. I honestly was expecting 5:08 or so. I kind of fell back to 6th postion till a few miles and then Albert and another guy passed me and I used them as a wind shield for a bit and then passed the one up to get to 8th overall. I pretty much stayed like that the whole way.  I love the turn around mile 9.5 with the horses! So cool! They love to run along side of the field with you. So cool! I then started falling back off pace a bit. I was struggling for a 5:45 the last 3 miles. I had one mile that was 5:54. Steve Anderson was awesome! He mounted a go pro camera to his jeep and was driving up and down the course cheering us on.  At mile 11 he ran with me for about a quarter mile. I was extremely tired at that point. I worked to hard this week with concrete work and long hours.  Body is not used to that.  Got all the pacers in on time and they had a blast carrying the cameras! I cant wait to edit it into a clip!  This event was part of the USATFLDR circuit so I won cashola for 1st in masters.  It was great weather and the winner hit a 1:07 on the course. Smoking fast! I find it pretty difficult.  

Met up with Danielle to run 10 and talk about a business we are partners in. Sometimes running while doing business is better than sitting at a table and trying to get the same amount of info through our brains. lol We went up to Daybreak and around the neighborhood. It was windy and butt arsed cold! Not a fan of cold anymore. 

I ran up to daybreak and did a triple threat loop around the lake. There were thousands of gnats all over the dang place that I kept choking on.  I followed Christies advice to try and picture myself in the race and simulate my running on my last three miles and make it count.  I did a 6:01, 5:47, and 5:23.  Felt amazing! The weather was bitchin and so nice out! Im ready as Ill ever be for Ogden next saturday.  I have some great support and friends and family! 

I felt great going into this race very mentally prepared thanks to some pep talks with Christie. I think my pep talks to her for the Ironman returned to me 10 fold! Sometimes your advise to others helps when they return the favor on your event.  I slept on a couch at a friends house in Ogden pretty close to the start line and woke up with a very bad migraine.  I was up at 4:15 looking through his cupboards for Excederin and to my astonishment none of his cupboards had a trace of even ibuprophen! I later found out from him that his family was into herbal remedies.  I was with Bill my brother in law and we made it to the busses and a friend of mine, Danielle, who I was waiting for and knew got migraines a lot, so I called her to see if she had anything but all she brought up was Advil.  So up at the start line I took some because I was getting to the point of Nausea.  This was a mistake. Ibuprophen always seems to bug my stomach but I was desperate.  It started to rain about 30 minutes before the race start.  It was great to see friends up there and have a little fun even though we looked like a garbage liner convention.  I love pre race atmosphere! I made my way to the starting line and got in front of Tee, and Devra and Tara and talked to a few fast guys and wished a few good luck. Steve Anderson came up to me and pants me in front of a few of the elite group.  Always great times with steve at the starting line! At Top of Utah half I tried pushing him in the river that came up close to the side of the road.  I wished I had a pic of me and him at that moment when everyone is in serious mode squatted down like they are running a 400 meter dash holding their watches in preparation to start them.  Fun times with Steve.  Im plotting my next race antics for him when we meet again.  Paybacks! Ok So the race started and I really felt good. There were a group of 4 guys and they really werent going out that fast I thought so I ducked behind them with Justin Park.  Our first mile was 5:12 and I told Justin I thought I was going out to hard. But I think the first mile marker was off a bit because my watch turned at 5:28. So I settled into that pace and followed behind Justin for the first 3. I was hitting 5:38s on the dime! Justin was pulling away each mile about 100' each mile.  It rained continously on us but it really wasnt a factor to me.  Riley Cook started pulling away at this point and distanced himself about .25 mile in front of me.  He was by himself and the pack started breaking up into single file. I was in 6th position.  The race continued and I really love the scenery up there and my favorite part is when you run next to the horses for about a mile! They love running with you its so awesome! I chatted with them a bit encouraging them.  haha. I swear I heard one say go wilbur!  It was mile 9 so maybe I was starting to go delirious. hah. I made mile ten in 58 minutes and had a goal to hit it in 55 but didnt let it get me down. I kept running and used the half marathon point to help fuel me with the spectators that were there! Very supportive.  The dreaded hill at mile 14 hit and slowed me down. It was pouring at this point and I laughed as I saw thousands of garbage bags and rain parkas strung out along the road from the half marathon that started at this point.  I was having difficult seeing out of my right eye at this point and thought it was from the rain so Id keep wiping it as I ran but my vision was so blurred and seeing stars out of the corner of my eye as I always do with Migraines. I actually stopped at mile 15 asking the med table for some Excederin or bayer or anything like that. NOTHING! In fact they didnt know what to say to me. I told them I had a vicious migraine. They said there would be a better med table at mile 19. So I proceeded and made it to mile 16 when I was so nauseated I had to stop and puke.  I then got to running again and was passed by a few runners as I was trying to get my legs to go again.  I made it about .25 mile when I totally lost vision out of my right eye. I was all over the freaking road and couldnt run straight.  I stopped and help my head trying to get my bairings. I started to shuffle walk run again and Steve came up to me and as he grabbed me I started to fall a bit but he was a help. I tried to get running again but my head was spinning and I made it about 100 feet with him before I threw up again.  I walked for a bit again and made it to 17 and thats all I remember. I know I was pretty out of it and stumbling and freezing! I heard a vehicle approaching from behind me and I waved them down but they told me I didnt need to wave them down because I looked like a drunk man trying to run a marathon.  It was a med crew vehicle. They laid me in the back seat and took my blood pressure 120/80 which I dont know what that means. Then they took my temp and it registered at 92 degrees.  They were freaking out throwing blankets around me and a guy actually was laying on top of me trying to warm me up.  They called the Ambulance and it got there pretty quick.  I just wanted to be taken to the med tent at the bottom but they were trying to get me to get into the ambulance. I refused! So the Suv that picked me up drove me down and I was given something under my tounge which helped out a  lot! I wished I couldve gotten the name of it because My headache subsided and my nausea at the same time!  I have never been in bad shape like that.  I learned from this race that no matter what next time I have a migraine before a race, to either try to get rid of it or drop out.  Second I learned to listen to my body more and suck up my pride and stop in a race to get aid if my body is asking for it. Its not worth the mental and physical pain later.   I want to thank my friends for their support and a very big thanks to the Machine  for getting me  ready for this race and helping me. 

I ran up to Daybreak lake and met Lisa Paxton, Binghams Track coach and we did a double loop around the lake. 6 miles. Lisa helped me last year at SGM when I was at mile 23 and feeling like crap.  She ran with me and helped push me as I was completely wore out.  I got to catch up with her and talk about some fast freaking kids from Utah. One ran a 4:02 in New York! I was talking to her comfortably so I didnt notice my pace but we were 7:15 our first mile and then we were pushing 6:45-and up to average 6:55 pace for 6 miles! Holy crap she is really talented. It was a fun run and now Im pulling the boat out for some quality bonding time I have missed all winter! 

I met up with the BBKs and did a 3 mile warmup and then did 5 sets of 2x400's with a 1 minute rest and a 200 with a 200 jog.  My 400's were all really consistent from 1:09 to 1:12  I about 5 1:10's I wished I had some one to push me on these.  The BBKs are great support though. My 200s were all 32-34 range. I do love the track workouts. As soon as i get on the track I swear my body turns to high school mode. 

Found a canal road and figured Id run on it for a new change of scenery. I ran to Herriman and then ran up to Pioneer road and over to Herriman High school and down to Daybreak lake for a loop around the lake and then back down to my house. I saw a few familiar faces along my route including James Barnes right by the high school. Im headed to Moab today to help them pace for the Thelma and Louise, an all womens  race they have. Fun stuff.  UVM is closing in fast! 

I had a full house last night with friends staying over to run this.  Monica Bujold who took second overall in this race a few years ago stayed. and Matt Rowley.  We had a fun time hanging out together.  Monica has a very cool story that she has struggled through the past few years not with injuries or crazy ailments but being put on protective list so no harm would befall her from a bad situation with a spouse. She couldnt run a race at all or she would be able to be found. Now the situation has adjusted itself so she is back at it! She actually registered as herself in this race which made her feel normal again.  I think she has a cool comback story because she missed the Olympic marathon trials by seconds! seriously a fast girl!  Although her training just started last month she blasted a 3:15 today.  I feel she hasnt lost much and will comeback with avengeance. I made it up to the starting line and it was a bit nippy. I hung out at the fire pit and warmed up and got to the start. I was running as a team with Steve Hooper, Adam Wende, and Logan Fielding. The race started and I was imediately with Bryant, the kenyan and Seth Wold. I honestly felt like I was sandbagging it and keeping myself back but my first mile was 5:30. I forced myself to fall back off of Seth who was about 200' behind Bryant and the Kenyan. I was alone and trying to make myself slow down but its drop kept me at a 5;35, 5:40, 5:45, and then finally a 5:50. I was able to stay at the 5:50 pace and noticed Logan was gaining on me on every mile.  He caught me at mile 8 and charged up the hill. I really didnt want to push the hill but I tried to keep him close to me to see if I could stay with him when it went to downhill.  Just as I projected the down helped me catch him so we ran together from mile 11 to mile 15.  I needed a porta potti in the worst way at 15 I was prairie doggin it so bad.  I saw a camp off the highway near the aid station so I ran off the course, down the hill and used it.  Very smart move on my part because I felt 100% better. I actually started to reel in Logan again as he was slowing on the hill a bit at mile 17 I think it was.  Its amazing how your body goes through so many emotions becase at mile 18 I went from Ive got this to Ok keep focused and keep your shoulders up and talking myself up.   I made it to the bottom at mile 21 and saw Misty with PowerBar drink mix that I stole from Christie. lol Ok so I bought it for her for her last Ironman and wasnt able to get it to her so I opened it up.  It worked pretty good.  I got out of the canyon and tried to take it one mile at a time.  I was really cramping up and trying to sing to myself out loud but there were a ton of Half marathoners looking at me weird.  I am weird so suck it! lol I had a hard time from the last 3 miles trying to keep myself going. I faded hard, but my best moment was when my Bailey, 11 year old that took region in cross country offered to push me in the last half mile I accepted. She kept telling me I was doing great and as soon as we hit the shoots we would sprint.  There  were a group of 20 plus half marathoners in the way and I got around them and got the pic with her pushing me in! A great day, 1st Masters 8th overall and our team took 1st with all of us in the top 8! woot woot! Go Flying Squirrels! lol  My first half  was 1:17:00, my 20 mile time was 1:58:40, and I kind of blew up from there. All I need was a 40 minute 10K to finish and I wouldve broke Jeff Shadleys course record. Better luck next year!  

Got the American Flyers Race Pacers all set up with gear and last minute details. There were a lot more runners there this year from last! I hear the competition would be fierce this year and knew Scott Keate and Matt Poulsen who are amazing runners would be there. I got lined up at the start and did a last minute game plan with Steve. I feared my legs wouldnt hold out from a marathon last Saturday so my plan was to go for broke! Take it as hard as I could as far as I could.  My goal was actually to make it to mile 8 in all under 5 minute pace.  I saw Danielle Johnson who looked nervous when she saw me talking to Lindsey Dunkley.  She had that look I probably felt when I see fast runners line up.  I honestly didnt let it get in my head.  I got ready and Steve Anderson said he was going to get back more, little did I know it was because he had a plot to pants me again.  I was holding my shorts all morning around him.  He couldve totally got them down when he tried because I was trying to focus.  I think Lindsey only got a peep as he was nice not to go past the plumbers crack.  Good old Steve! The gun went off and I pushed my way to get right behind Scott and the other guy with him.  I stayed right behind them for the first mile--4:43! Suck! I didnt let it get to me though. Most races that would have had me fall way off from them but I stuck to them as best I could.  Mile 2--4:56. Still behind them but they have pulled a bit away from me.  Mile 3--5:14.  A bit more flat on this mile. I knew the steep was still coming so mile 4--5:04. Then for the steed miles mile 5 was 4:49. Mile 6 was 4:49 as well.  Mile 7 was an aid station and I used this to find out who was behind me. I counted the seconds off till the next runner came through by listening to them clapping and cheering them on. Mile 7 time was 5:01. Mile 8 was the first out of the canyon. Started to go flat and have little rollers in it.  5:09. Mile 9 I saw skip and he ran with me for a bit and cheered me on. I did a 5:33. Started to feel my legs a bit but told myself to push it hard!  I saw Scott was getting closer to me so it gave me a bit of motivation to go. mile 10 was 5:35. Ugh this was my race to this point.  My legs from then on were in complete survival mode.  Just trying not to fad too much. Mile 11 I got passed on a hill part and tried staying with him.  He was going for broke! Mile 12 I got passed again by Matt Poulsen and managed to hit a 5:35.  Then on the last half mile to go Michael passed me and I didnt have any more turn over in my legs. They  were running flat footed and I just hung on to him to keep from getting passed by anyone else.  Lindsey came in behind me with a 1:11! She is so freaking fast!  Then it was good to see Steve come in with a 1:12 after all his playing around throughout the world he finally decided to grow some and push it! It was good to see him get that time after doing Utah Valley last week.  Im really happy with my time and I broke the course record even though 3 others did as well. I still can say I own it for Masters.  I came in defending this race by winning it 2 years in a row so it was awesome to give it all I had to try a 3 peat!  Fun Day!  

Endorphin Power! I ran the Great Western Trail that starts in Millcreek canyon and loops around for 14 miles.  It is steep! It starts at 7000' and at mile 7 you are at 10,000'! Youre lungs are burning and legs feel like they are someone else's! Then you free fall for 3000' down to the parking lot! You hit Dog Lake at mile 2.9, then Desolation Lake at mile 5.2, then an overlook of park city at mile 7 where there is a third lake. Amazing views all the way to Wyoming and to Logan and over to the Great Salt Lake all standing at the crest! 

First off before I start this report I wanted to point out this is my 10th year of running since my wreck. It was my 10th year running St. George Marathon. What a great way to celebrate! I rode the bus up with Sarah my 18 year old who was running her first marathon and my wife Misty and Danielle my neighbor and partner in crime. It was cold but I always seam to do best in cold races. Plus there was a tail wind!  I got the new St. George Running Center Team jersey and wow did we look great! Thanks Steve Hooper!  The race started and I was honestly trying to hold myself back but kept hitting 5:30 times.  I got settled after a few miles and ran next to Clyde and felt good with the pace but he had more strength than I did going up Veyo. So I was alone and ok with it. I stayed at a distance from him. At mile 13 I stopped to blow my nose. I have been battling a cold for a week and had a runny nose. It felt good to clear it out to breathe.  So I really felt ok hitting 1:18 at mile 13.1.  I figured I would be in the 1:16 range but I felt good and thought I could make a plan to push it a bit. I still waited for the downhill around 15. I started hitting 5;30 pace once again.  I got to mile 18 and Mandi Mcbride was there with a drink and electolyte tablets and ran in the 5:40 range with me the entire 2 miles of her helping me. Thank goodness because there is a crappy incline at19 and some rollers. She broke away at mile 20 and I had 10K to go. I was at 1:57:50 at that mile. I thought in my head I was golden for a 2:34ish at that point. I got to mile 23 and Christie Krompel got her revenge on me from me pushing her a couple of weeks ago in Big Cottonwood Canyon marathon. She was a cussing and stomping and throwing water around! OK so I was exaggerating on the stomping and throwing part.  My mind honestly was so gone I couldnt even focus my eyes. I was zoned out but I was reminded constantly by her yells to get my damn head in the race.  I got dizzy at mile 24 and was actually running behind her and using her bright green shorts as a guide to run straight. She helped me with a water at mile 25 and reminded me every minute to stay in it. push hard. My legs at that point were gone. I would usually start walking at this point but she wouldnt let me and I felt an urgency to stay on my plan. I did fade to a 6:30 pace but honestly I wouldnt have finshed without her awesome paybacks!  I loved it! She is a true friend and athlete! I love her family, I feel a part of them everytime we are together! I really felt great today and had a great comraderie with friends afterwards.  I truely am at peace when I run and im in this environment. 

I had fun on this course! So beautiful and scenic. We paced it as well. There was some trail in it that was technical but the view of the sun coming up and hitting the red rocks and lake was afreakingmazing! After I ran I got in my car and drove to Moab to help pace their race. 

This race I paced the one hour and 40 minute time. I got up to the starting line and ready and got the Pacers and ready and the race started. I immediately found in my group of pacing runners that I was running with Daren Johnson the brother of Derek Johnson who was shot in the line of duty and Draper.  At mile four I had him tell everybody in our circle of runners about his brother and he did such a great job telling everybody about him and the emotions he went through and when he did we were all pretty tiered up and it was really emotional he's a great kid so we had fun getting to know him. He was truly running with his brother. Another great story was a lady in my group had never broke a 1:40 and I told her from mile 9 on she would do it. We were a little ahead by 15 seconds at mile 12 we were 4 seconds behind. So I gave her a few tips and had a little down hill to help. She rocked it and gained 30 seconds! She did a 1:39:30. So cool to see and help her! This truly is what keeps my racing in balance. 

I'm so glad to see this blog accept my apple phone. I did a tempo workout tonight.  I did a 2 mile warmup 2 mile tempo in 11:51. Then a potty break then a 2 mile tempo in 11:38. Then another potty break and jogged home. Stomach issues. Glad I got what I could though. 

I did a bike ride from Provo canyon to Heber and back with Christie. It was my first ride of the season and was an eye opener. Christie is an amazing rider and graciously waited for me about every 5 miles or so. Lol thanks Christie. Fun ride!

I decided to race this depite the fact my company was pacing this race. I started this race out similar to last years as I felt the down hill miles would give me the advantage against my competition. I led the race with Trevor next to me and the first 3 miles are flat but got into headwind right after mile 1. My first mile was 5:08 and I pushed the pace hoping I could have enough once the steep part hit but I got tired quick. We were in a pack of 6 guys so I slowed down on purpose so I could get a wind break for a bit but found myself fading from the pack. After mile 3 it finally dropped. I caught back to Trevor and passed him and worked on trying to get back to the pack. My miles were 4:38, 4:42, 4:48 for 4,5,6. I started reeling them in but then the course flattened more and had a few rollers that put a hold on me. I made it to mile 9 and had to stop for a bathroom break. As I came out Christies dad saw me and gave me a high 5 and that seriously gave me a kick ass high! I caught Trevor back up and passed him and felt good. It was a fun day!! 

Ran a 5k fun run with the Rungr8 center. Got a phone call from a friend that I havnt seen for a while and she asked me to run it with her. It was fun and I had scones afterwards! With honeybutter! Lol we ran a little after the race as well. 

Night running with the monsters. 

Got to the race and it was bitter cold. Wind present and light drizzle rain.  Got the pacers are organized and snapped a pic and I was off to the start. I started slower than I did at snow and let the pack of runners stay in front of me. I hit mile 1 in 5:22. That kind of dictated my pace from there. Fritz took off and nobody went after him. I stayed behind the pack to mile three and that's when it started to seperate. I got to the turn around point at 6.55 and was passed by another runner. I started feeling stomache issues and knew if I didn't go to the only porta potty I wouldn't make it. It was at mile 8. I went into it and my hands were so cold I couldn't get the wrapper off the TP. I was ripping at it and it took about 4 minutes off my time! I was mad but couldn't do much. When I came out I went from 6th place to 14th place. I immediately caught 4 guys and passed them up then worked on the others. I passed the 9th place guy and got close to the 8 guy but ran out of miles. It was so damn cold my body temps plummeted and I desperately changed out of my wet gear into dry and it was better. It was nice to associate with friends today and I went to breakfast with a few after. I really love the comraderie we have in iur pace group and meeting new faces. 

Monica Runningwolf came down with her boyfriend Chris for a work meeting and Monica sent me a message asking if is like to run. So we went up city Creek canyon 4 miles and back 4. She was really running strong up it. My legs were still a bit tired from yesterday's run. Then I went and looked at a job I was doing in Murray. Ran 8 more around Murray park then over to the neighborhood I lived in when my parents moved here from Coeurdalene. I was getting nostalgic thinking about how I rode my bike through Gibsons which is now a toys r us.  

Went and helped the cookieathlete.com with her race and decided to give it a whirl. I was tired by the first mile with all up hill and found myself in third behind some younger runners. I started catching them on the downhill part but didn't have enough miles to get close enough to strike. Lost by 10 seconds. 

Then I went on a 16.07 mile long run and tried out some trail running shoes. Getting ready for the big expedition next Saturday when we tackle rim 2 rim 2 rim. 

On December 24th, 2013 it will be my 20th anniversary  of my life changing pedestrian vs. auto accident I was in.   http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705376283/Nearly-18-years-after-accident-runner-Walter-Brown-defying-odds-to-keep-racing.html?pg=1

I have put many negative doubts to rest with a lot of hard work and  mental perseverance. I made some big goals to prove to my neigh Sayers and myself that I can do that which they say is impossible or dangerous.

So I planned to run Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon. I got a group of 12 crazy other runners that seemed to share the same goal. Steve Hooper, John Beckstrand, Ben Ford, Wan Kou, Mandi Mcbride, Maurine Lee, Clyde Behunin, Steve Anderson, Brett Peterson, ChristiegKrompel and myself.  We got an RV and drove down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with a few flat tires to deal with. One of them was a few miles from our destination. We decided to get to the parking lot and pursue but Steve Anderson stayed back and worked on getting the tire fixed. We decided to run from the north rim to the south rim and back at 5 am on Saturday. Steve Anderson said he would join us on our start. That ended up being a great move on his part as Maurine was struggling from the start on this venture. He nursed her back to the RV. We found ourselves split in half at this point as Steve Hooper, Ben Kroff, and John Beckstrand came a couple hours later to start out. The conditions at the start were snow covered and slick. It soon melted with the drop in elevation. Our first real stop for Christie Clyde and me was at Phantom Ranch. 14 miles+ from the north rim. It warmed up so we shed my heavier pack and some clothes to a lighter hydro pack. We then ran up to the south Kaibab rim and caught a shuttle over to Bright Angel rim and grabbed a drink. It took us 4:29:19.  I should've got something to eat here that was a mistake. I felt a bit drained from the push up Kaibab as it was freaking draining. Clyde gave me two Aleve and a Tylenol. It seem to help my legs a bit. The run commenced downhill back towards the north rim. I felt really great and my legs felt a lot better. We ran into our two groups that were working their way up as we were headed down. We made it down to the river and over to Phantom ranch. Grabbed my pack and headed for the rim. This is where my body decided to get picked apart. I was really starting to show signs of struggling at mile 36 I had taken a 5 hour energy drink which made  me sick to my stomach. Mile 38 I was puking. I started back at it and then my calves tightened up. So bad I had cramping. Christie gave me a pair of her compression socks which seemed to help. But as we got moving on the cramping was going up my legs. I ran into Steve with 6 miles of the hardest miles yet to go. He cut a toe out of a sock and used it as a home made compression sock for my hamstrings. It worked a bit. I made it to mile 42 when my body felt complete tiredness I sat on the trail and was mentally gone at this point. Steve gave me some Fritos and I ate half the bag and followed it with water. I rested a bit and got back at it. I got a second wind and was able to catch back up with Clyde and Christie with less than a mile to go. What a death march. I got to .20 and couldn't go so I sat in the snow. My body was blown up. I wasn't thinking clear at all. Steve got me back on my feet and we got to the top. I've never been more proud and more tired in my life. This was a bucket list check off that I am estatic about achieving. My overall time on the trail with breaks was 13 hours. Of the 11 that came with us 8 finished but Steve should be considered doing it as he has to hold back for the tire. Thanks Steve and thank you to all my friends that joined me on this venture. Sooo fun!!

On December 24th, 2013 it will be my 20th anniversary  of my life changing pedestrian vs. auto accident I was in.   http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705376283/Nearly-18-years-after-accident-runner-Walter-Brown-defying-odds-to-keep-racing.html?pg=1

I have put many negative doubts to rest with a lot of hard work and  mental perseverance. I made some big goals to prove to my neigh Sayers and myself that I can do that which they say is impossible or dangerous.

So I planned to run Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon. I got a group of 12 crazy other runners that seemed to share the same goal. Steve Hooper, John Beckstrand, Ben Ford, Wan Kou, Mandi Mcbride, Maurine Lee, Clyde Behunin, Steve Anderson, Brett Peterson, ChristiegKrompel and myself.  We got an RV and drove down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with a few flat tires to deal with. One of them was a few miles from our destination. We decided to get to the parking lot and pursue but Steve Anderson stayed back and worked on getting the tire fixed. We decided to run from the north rim to the south rim and back at 5 am on Saturday. Steve Anderson said he would join us on our start. That ended up being a great move on his part as Maurine was struggling from the start on this venture. He nursed her back to the RV. We found ourselves split in half at this point as Steve Hooper, Ben Kroff, and John Beckstrand came a couple hours later to start out. The conditions at the start were snow covered and slick. It soon melted with the drop in elevation. Our first real stop for Christie Clyde and me was at Phantom Ranch. 14 miles+ from the north rim. It warmed up so we shed my heavier pack and some clothes to a lighter hydro pack. We then ran up to the south Kaibab rim and caught a shuttle over to Bright Angel rim and grabbed a drink. It took us 4:29:19.  I should've got something to eat here that was a mistake. I felt a bit drained from the push up Kaibab as it was freaking draining. Clyde gave me two Aleve and a Tylenol. It seem to help my legs a bit. The run commenced downhill back towards the north rim. I felt really great and my legs felt a lot better. We ran into our two groups that were working their way up as we were headed down. We made it down to the river and over to Phantom ranch. Grabbed my pack and headed for the rim. This is where my body decided to get picked apart. I was really starting to show signs of struggling at mile 36 I had taken a 5 hour energy drink which made  me sick to my stomach. Mile 38 I was puking. I started back at it and then my calves tightened up. So bad I had cramping. Christie gave me a pair of her compression socks which seemed to help. But as we got moving on the cramping was going up my legs. I ran into Steve with 6 miles of the hardest miles yet to go. He cut a toe out of a sock and used it as a home made compression sock for my hamstrings. It worked a bit. I made it to mile 42 when my body felt complete tiredness I sat on the trail and was mentally gone at this point. Steve gave me some Fritos and I ate half the bag and followed it with water. I rested a bit and got back at it. I got a second wind and was able to catch back up with Clyde and Christie with less than a mile to go. What a death march. I got to .20 and couldn't go so I sat in the snow. My body was blown up. I wasn't thinking clear at all. Steve got me back on my feet and we got to the top. I've never been more proud and more tired in my life. This was a bucket list check off that I am estatic about achieving. My overall time on the trail with breaks was 13 hours. Of the 11 that came with us 8 finished but Steve should be considered doing it as he has to hold back for the tire. Thanks Steve and thank you to all my friends that joined me on this venture. Sooo fun!!

https://m.facebook.com/events/452223521573440

Don't have to be to work till 8 so I ran a 5 mile loop in a snowstorm. It was fun catching up with her and I'm right by her house which is awesome to have someone fast like her to run with. Plus it helps me try to get out which I have a hard time with. My legs are hamburger still. This is the longest pain I've dealt with. I'll be visiting the NormaTec machine for sure today. 

Ran on the Jordan park trail 7 miles. Really slick in spots but better than running in the road. 

Didn't have to work till 8 so went with Danielle my partner in crime  and caught up with each other's lives. I'm getting a deep cough from working in this cold weather. She is a great support. 

Started off of 12th street and Rainbow Gardens in Ogden. Went 5 miles up and 5 back. Ran with   Mandi and Brett and s couple other locals that ran with us. It was thick packed snow the whole run. We came across 3 mountain bikers believe it or not. So crazy. I thought we were crazy being on it. There was a pine tree decorated on the trail that was really cool. Fun run! Brought to you by Brooke's Cascadia, ran by Walter and fueled by Owen! 

5 hard miles with a chest cold. Went to the doctor today and had blood work drawn and got a tetanus shot and talked about my sleep disorder.  I honestly don't know how I work 10 hour days   With 45 minutes to an hour of sleep a night. My running is suffering.  Fueled by Owen though. 

Got done a little earlier than normal. Took a nice run in shorts down to the park trail. Went south to Christie's fall place. Then up west loop back home. It was really close to 13 miles. I only had to run a block more. The air is gross out. I feel like I smoked a pack on my run. 

Fueled by Owen 

I cannot believe how freaking cold it is in the morning. I have a chest cold so no morning run. I did 7 mile loop around snowy daybreak and back home. Still not sleeping well. I think I know the reason. Will be doing more blood work in the morning. Third set should be the charm. 

I took Bailey and Boston to the Olympic oval with me tonight to help bailey with speed work and I didn't know they were holding Olympic speed skating trials so we went back home and did a 3 mile run. Since I found out my blood work results were clean I've been sleeping like a baby! I havnt slept this sound in a long time! It's nice to be drama free free in my life and I swear I can concentrate! I have missed that in my life for a while now.  Time to get serious about the masters championship race in 5 weeks. 

I had to work today so I met a friend down on the park trail in Lehi early today and hammered out 6 miles at. 5:30 in 20 degree chillness. We were doing about a 7:20 average. Good run. Fueled by Owen. I Rabin Altra Torins and I love them!! Best shoe I've ever owned hands down by far!

Met up at the second dam up Logan canyon with Brett, Steve, Mandi, Emily, Joanna, Rob, Conner, and his sister. We did a trail run in packed snow. Soft in some places and icy in others.  Very fun run before the New Years party.