my.daily.body

6 x .25 hill training.

7:14 min/mile

Today I paced the Thelma and Louise Half Marathon in Moab. I paced the 1:40 slot with Rachelle. She is incredible and inspires me to push myself harder. I didn't here her breath once. That girl has total control! 

I was introduced to a great hill in Bountiful that is perfect for my .25 hill training days. It's never easy, dang-it! ;)

My husband signed me up for a 5k with an expectation of me winning it. Today during my 3 mile training run I stopped 3 times to catch my frustrated breath. I can't run with someone's expectation hanging over my head. I freeze and it's the only thing I think about. I love running because it's my escape from other's expectations and the chaos of life. I walked in the house and snapped at him to cancel my 5k registration because I'm not going to run with his expectation. I like having cheerleaders, but not expectation setters. Anyway, my 3 little breaks consisted of pushing pause on my watch and taking 3 deep breaths, and then picking up again. RAWR! I don't like to stop! (6:29 pace) 19:28.41.

Early recovery run with my sister 9:07 pace. It felt great to just run slow and really enjoy my surroundings. I did, however, consume more calories than I exerted today. ;) Chowed down on kids leftover grilled cheese. I may have ate 1.5 sandwiches + my own dinner. Gross, but whatever! They were good. 

My 3 miles was split up in 1 mile runs. I lifted weights and worked my chest and back and in between exhausted sets I'd run 1 mile. 

Mile 1: 7:05
Mile 2: 6:54
Mile 3: 7:05
Mile 4: 6:50
Mile 5: 6:37
Mile 6: 6:41
Mile 7: 6:50
Mile 8: 6:48
Mile 9: 6:55
Mile 10: 6:59
Mile 11: 7:08
Mile 12: 7:07
Mile 13: 7:05

Overall average pace: 6:58 

 It was a good run. The last 3 miles was a killer. I was thirsty and pretty much done. I think it's hard to see that finishing line so far away. New PR for me. 

I did a cross-training workout that worked my entire body. The top of my right foot is very tender and hurt to even put my shoe on, so it wasn't very motivating to workout. I had 2 hours of physical therapy. 

3 miles on the elliptical and 1 mile run on the treadmill. It was the longest 4 miles EVER! I don't like indoor training/running when it's so beautiful in the mornings to run outside. That's just the life of a mom though. I have been so tired lately. My house is unorganized with unmade beds and kids clothes just thrown on the floor. It's getting very tiring lately cleaning up every day... It's been one of those days, alright who am I kidding, it's been weeks of just wanting to throw the towel in and crawl in my bed and sleep it off. My diet today consisted of too many to count doughnut holes from Costco and other rubbish. 

Sorry for the complaining post... I'm just done today!  

I wasn't planning on running, because I'm trying to get my ligaments in my legs healed up, but I'll just take it easy and ice. I have another physical therapy session for Friday. It's helped a lot! Physical therapy isn't something I'd do for such minor injuries, but I just really want to take care of it now so I can train consistently and healthy for my full in September. I really miss running with people. I love that good company and great chats. 

mile 1: 7:45
mile 2: 7:32
mile 3: 7:45
mile 4: 7:08 

Average pace 7:32 

Update: After a cross-training boot camp style workout at Firehouse Fitness tonight I went for a 4 mile jog with Becky. It was super windy outside today. I like training in the wind and heat every once in a while. It makes me feel strong, because I'd rather be at home watching the trees go crazy with wind through the window.

Average pace 9:01 

I paced the Drop 13 race. It was in Big Cottonwood canyon and it was a fast course. The course was off and felt a little unorganized, but other than that it was beautiful! I paced the 1:40 finishing time. 

Today was a great run! I got up early and ran with Becky 5 miles before she split to get ready for work. I picked up my pace and ran 2 more miles. It was an overall 8:03 average pace. I came home and got my son up since he's been wanting to run more. We ran 1 mile together, and it was by far my favorite mile. It took us just under 12 minutes, but his little legs never stopped. I'm so proud of him!

I should just get my running over in the mornings when the weather is cool and lovely. Today I just pushed it back, so I had to go this evening. Good thing is was only 3 miles. It was one of those runs that I felt like I just couldn't get my legs to move. This morning I did a 5:30 AM cross-training class at Firehouse Fitness that kicked my butt! I worked out at the class next to Becky. She can really push me. That girl has got some explosive energy that is a blast to be around!

Mile 1: 8:01
Mile 2: 7:28
Mile 3: 7:08

If Becky wouldn't have showed up at my door this morning, I would've crawled right back into my warm toasty bed. I slept so good last night that I want to climb back into bed and do it again. This morning was gusty! It's really calm outside right now... We started our run against the wind hoping it'd push us home. It was just a stiff morning for me. Becky is awesome to run with and inspires me to have more passion in everything I do. That girl is passionate about life! I love that energy!

mile 1: 9:12
mile 2: 8:32
mile 3: 8:21
mile 4: 8:12
mile 5: 8:12
mile 6: 8:15
mile 7:  8:10

3 miles mid-day training. It was a little cooler today than usual, so that was helpful for a mid-day run.

mile 1: 7:36
mile 2: 6:56
mile 3: 6:49

Average: 7:07

Tonight I ran 2.37 with my 7 year old son, who is training for his first 5k. I'm really looking forward to running this race with him. He's doing great, and I am one very proud momma!

mile 1: 11:23
mile 2: 11:17
mile 3: 10:54

Average: 11:06 

I ran with  my sister Charmaine. It was a 9:30 average. 

Woke up at 4:30 to pound the pavement before my husband left for work. Jasmine and Dena ran with me today. Jasmine ran 3.5 and headed home for time restraint. Dena powered through the full 16 miles with me. What awesome friends! Dena didn't need to do the full 16, but it meant a lot to me that she did. It was a windy morning and it was a run with some major hills and then some nice rolling hills. It was a 9:11 average pace. I then came home and ate egg whites with toast and veggie sausage patty then headed to Firehouse to do a 45 minute strength training workout. I feel good. I went to Ikea and kept my legs moving all day, so they are looking forward to resting tonight. I'm glad the pace wasn't rushed this morning it conserved a lot of energy for me to get through my day happily. My kids were happy and that makes me feel like the best mom ever! ;)

I ended up running the North Salt Lake 5K with my son, and it was so much more rewarding than any placement possibility! I am so proud of him! He held strong the entire run. We kept a steady pace and he finished strong! He developed a love for running on that race. YAY!!

I put the 10 miles in the "Easy Mile" category, because the pace I ran should be classified as easy miles, but it kicked my butt today. I went down to St. George for the weekend with my mom and sisters for my momma's birthday. I enjoyed every binge and the heavy laughter with my mom and sisters. They are wonderful people to be around. Running 10 miles with hills this morning was a good reality check as to how much lack of sleep and a poor diet can really affect training. 

1: 8:46
2: 8:24
3: 8:30
4: 8:51
5: 8:56
6: 8:38
7: 8:41
8: 8:24
9: 8:35
10: 8:29

Average: 8:37 

Last night I went to the Advanced Cross-Training class at Gold's Gym which consisted of 200 box hops, 100 burpees, 120 weighted crunches, 200 25 lbs. weight plate swings, 100 thrusters. After that awesome workout I ran with Candice, who instructed the class, up at Mueller Park to elephant rock and back. I feel so lucky to live so close to beautiful mountains full of trees. It was a pretty warm night. The total miles that my watch clocked was 6.66 and I ran it in 1:07 minutes. I love trail running! It's the training I was advised to do by  my cardiologist. I made myself thee best protein shake before going to bed. Whey isolate (30 grams of protein), 1 Tbls Peanut Butter, ICE-CREAM, 1/2 frozen banana, and water. It was delicious!

My goal this morning was just to run through the heat under a 7:30 pace. My first and third mile were prep miles to my second and fourth. It was creeping into the 80 degrees and that's just hot for a morning run. I commend all those in Vegas and Southern Utah who run in heat like that everyday. Running in the heat better have it's benefits, because it robs me of my energy. I slept a full 8 hours to recover from my trail run last night. 

mile 1: 7:41
mile 2: 7:09
mile 3: 7:18
mile 4: 7:02

Average pace: 7:18 

A nice 4th of July run on Bountiful Blvd. I love the rolling hills!

Average 8:36 pace. It was so nice to run with Becky. She is such a strong runner with an even stronger mentality. She pushes even when it gets hard! I love that! I feel great, other than putting my swollen feet in high heels right after the run. I had to peel my feet out of them. ha!

Today's run was great. I ran with Becky. She is quite the speed demon! We beat the heat by going early in the morning. My goal for my average pace was to be under 8:20. We were 8:08. We crushed the goal! There are huge benefits to having a running partner. They push you and even though it's hard during the run they improve your abilities to run faster longer. I have days that I just don't want to move. In fact, I have more days I don't want to work out than days I do. It's more important for me to be consistent, and that is what keeps me going every day. 

Sprinted 6 .25 miles, and did an advanced cross-training class at Gold's Gym. It was killer! Box hops, burpees, jump ropes, squats, mountain climbers, and thrusters.

8.44 pace. Recovery run was much longer than it needed to be, but I had to run off the 2 cupcakes I ate last night. ;)

A nice evening run. 

Average pace: 6:57

mile 1: 7:09
mile 2: 6:51
mile 3: 6:50

I paced the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon 1:45 pace slot with Becky today. It was a toughy. We didn't sleep the night before because her son was sick. :( Poor boy! AND, I ate really awful the day before. It was one of the harder runs. I had the worst stomach ache and felt like I was going to puke the entire run. I felt awful. It didn't help that I pounded a 5 hour energy drink before the run. It was rough on my stomach. I had to stop once to hit the toilet and then catch up to Becky. Becky felt just as sick. Next weekend we both have obligations and it's our 19 miler. This week was supposed to be a cut back week, but we decided to tack on 6 miles at the end of the half to get our 19 miler done. I have an awesome blister on the bottom and the whole length of my toe. I'm thinking it's my shoes, which makes me mad! I have the Brooks Revenna 4, and they might just be too narrow. Bummer! Why can't I just find my perfect shoe like Cinderella's glass slipper? 

Half Marathon average pace: 7:59 Finished 1:44:32 (according to my watch)
6 mile average pace: 8:50 with Andy and Becky.  

Average overall pace for 19 miles 8:09 

I tried to just sleep in today, but my body wouldn't let me. I tried telling it that it was ok to sleep now and I'd just run it later tonight. It didn't listen. So, I got it up. I felt creaky and old today. My hips did not want to move. Running downhill kills me! Saturday's race was downhill and my hips must have just swayed side to side. They are not happy! I slept in compression sleeves to help my calves and shins recover last night. Hobbling to the bathroom this morning was just that, hobbling. I thought I'd just run a 3 mile loose jog, but once my shoes were on my body knew what it wanted to do. I had 30 minutes to run, so I took advantage of the crunch time and ran 4 marathon pace miles miles.

Average pace 7.24

mile 1: 7:43
mile 2: 7:25
mile 3: 7:16
mile 4: 7:15

This week I have got to cut back and recover. I'm feeling weak. My arms are turning to flab because they're being neglected. Today was an 8 miler recovery run, but the last half ended up being a little faster because I just wanted to get my butt home. I ran with Jasmine and Becky today. 

mile 1: 8:45
mile 2: 8:29
mile 3: 8:38
mile 4: 8:25
mile 5: 7:46 
mile 6: 7:57
mile 7: 8:03
mile 8: 7:22

Average 8:11 

I met up with Andy, Kam, and Tara on the Legacy trail this morning for a tempo run. I did 2.34 miles to warm-up before forcing my legs to do what they needed to do to keep up with the pack. Those 2 miles were an 8:04 steady hold pace. 

Andy, Kam, and Tara are strong runners, it's impressive! I'll be training with them weekly to get my speed kicked up. It was a great push for me. It showed my weaknesses. I do love my weaknesses because they make me feel that much more determined to conquer them. It was pretty fun running in a pack of 4! *copied from Andy's blog* "We decided to start at a more comfortable pace and make it a progression run.  First 2 miles were into the wind and were 7:09 and 7:00.  Took more effort than it should have.  I could especially feel it towards the end of the second mile when the wind picked up.  With the wind at our backs, we picked the pace up a bit.  Ran mile 3 in 6:39 and Shantell and Tara started to pull away.  Sped up a bit to catch up and finished the 4th mile in 6:30.  Tara was showing off and finished 10 seconds ahead.  Good, solid effort.  It definitely helps to have company on these runs." 

Today's workout was awesome! I hate swimming, mostly because I'm just not good at it. I met up with Dena and Brady today at the clubhouse pool and we did a workout that Brady had lined out for us. It consisted of sprint swims, squats, elevated push-ups and so much more. 

I'm cutting back this week, so I really didn't want to do anymore than 30 miles. My workout today was at the gym:

1 mile on the treadmill 7:50 pace.
1 minute push-up burpee into a pull-up. 
1 minute tricep dips with legs elevated
1 minute Dumbbell high pull 
1 minute push-up position rows

I went through that workout twice. It was fun to switch it up a little bit since running has ruled my workouts lately. 

I was up at Bear Lake with Andy's family. It was so much fun for everyone! The kids all played well with each other which makes a weekend getaway that much better! Thanks Andy for letting my family intrude on your family's vacation! You're mom was so sweet!

Saturday Becky and I got up at 6 to run. We had planned on 15. I was having one awful running day! I hurt my hip during the Bryce Canyon half. I fell into my hips as I ran down the course and that is just sloppy form that I'm paying a hefty price for it now. (Pretty sure it's my IT band). Well, now it's flaring up at about 4 miles and just hurts the entire run. I would've been happy to turn around at mile 2! Becky was the stronger one. I ran 12 miles while Becky continued on to run 14 miles. I hate giving up early! Lately that's just what my body wants to do. I should probably take everyone's advice and run slower on recovery runs.  

I needed to do my 20 mile run today since I have other obligations on Saturday. I followed Becky in my car as we drove up to Big Cottonwood's Marathon course. We left one car at the mouth of the canyon and drove the other one up to the start line. CAN I JUST SAY THAT I'M FRUSTRATED??!! Our pace was 7:54 and my hip just killed me! I would be much happier if I felt awesome after that pace, but it hurt to even walk. DANG-IT!!!! 

Things I need to learn:

*how to fuel my body right
*how to recover properly
*how to pace myself so I don't get burned out
*how often I need to drink water on the course
*not be so dang hard on myself!

Today I just walked for 10 minutes and then did 1 round of a workout with Dena from men's health magazine. I was in the gym for 40 minutes and it was a great cross training work out.

I paced the Deseret Half Marathon this morning for the Utah Race Pacer's. It was my first time pacing for that group. I paced the 1:50 slot and it was very enjoyable! It was a great course with the last 3 miles of parade route. It is so motivating to have people cheering you on! It was an early rise this morning. I always get nervous setting my alarm clock on my phone just in case it doesn't go off. I was up at 3:10 and out the door at 3:30. I used to have such a hard time getting myself out of bed in the morning to go workout, but something in my brain flipped and it's not as challenging as it once was. I have gained a true appreciation of life and living it to my absolute fullest. I love to watch people's chest rise and sink as they breath. When I looked at my brother lying in his coffin with a still chest it was ever so haunting. I love to hear people breath. I love pacing because I'm surrounded by people's feet pounding the pavement and their quickened breath. It makes me feel alive and happy to see life in other's. The last few days have been very tough emotionally, tougher than I've had in a while. I've been crying a lot. I am really missing Aaron. 

The Grand Teton Relay is coming up, so we got together as a team to run 10 evening miles and then again in the morning to run 8. We're an ultra team this year so it'll be a bit more intense than last year. I'm sure it'll be fun. It was hot and I was stupid to not bring water with me. I have to admit that I love running in groups. It's empowering!

Pace 8:29 

I am so proud of myself!!! I told everyone last night that today's run needed to be a recovery run and no faster than 9 min. miles. Usually I get anxious and speed up, but I stuck to my word. Dena, Amy, and I left at 5:00 am to meet up on Bountiful Blvd. I love that street. The rolling hills make things interesting. I found my dream house. I'm not much of a house dreaming kind of person. I love the simple life and love ramblers. I've never been a fan of multiple levels. I love angles on a home and a lot of multi-level homes are so box shaped. Not a fan! Find me a house with some character and angles and I'm in love. I fell in love with a house today. Sorry Timmy, but I need you to give me $600,000. Anyway, today's pace was a 9:35 average. It felt like it took forever to run 8 miles at that speed. Be proud of me Tara Summers!! 

The 6 mile run is my favorite. It's not too long and not too short. I love to see a 6 miler on my schedule. Today Becky and met at 5 to start our run. My family was still asleep when I got home and I had 20 extra minutes so I went to the gym and messed around with squats and leg machines. I slept bad last night and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. I can't go on 5 hours of sleep. I need a good 7+ hours in order to feel like myself. 

mile 1: 8:33
mile 2: 8:15
mile 3: 8:13
mile 4: 8:13
mile 5: 8:23
mile 6: 8:12

Average 8:17

Tonight I have a hill training run with Dena and Jasmine. 3-4ish miles 
UPDATE:
400 North hill was the beast it's always been. 2 miles up. 2 miles down.   
mile 1: 11:22
mile 2: 11:15
mile 3: 7:00
mile 4: 6:11 

Average: 8:55

Today's run was similar to the dreams I have when someone is chasing me and I can't seem to get my legs to move and I wonder why they just won't go any faster. 

I started with a 1.2 mile warm-up 8:29 pace, then met up with Jasmine, Kam, Andy, and Tara to get my butt kicked. They are incredibly fast. It's inspiring! Tara told me today about a comment that someone had made in her church yesterday about not comparing your talents to those who are better. Good thing she told me that at the beginning of our run... Maybe she had a little inkling of how my run was going to blow up. Kam's idea of a 5 mile tempo was slightly longer. ;) I decided that 4 miles was were I hit my limit. I backed off for mile 4, and Andy hung back with me. Thank you Andy. You make running look easy! As soon as my watch beeped at mile 4 I was done. I stopped dead and watched Andy and Tara zoom off. Kam and Jasmine had long ditched us. I love to see and run with such strong runners. It gives me something to aspire to. I knew if I walked the rest of the way it'd take me forever to get to my car so I picked up a very slow jog. Then I saw Kam running toward me. Thanks Kam! We were then joined by Andy and Jasmine. That support felt very nice after falling apart at mile 4. I'm just going to go ahead and trust that today's run will somehow improve my speed. This morning when my alarm clock went off I picked my phone up and texted Tara to tell her I was out for the run. I deleted it before sending it because I knew it was out of fear and lack of confidence that I really didn't want to run. I refuse to fall into that fear. The truth is I'm not as fast as them, but they give me something to reach for.

I met up with Becky to do a nice little run. She ran to my house 4 miles and then slowed down to my 9 min/mile pace to run 4 with me. I think she had another 2.5+ miles back home. I was not feeling up to running 10+ miles today. 

Today's 4 miles felt good to just shuffle through. My legs are tired. I'm 6.5 weeks from Big Cottonwood and I've got to do the rest of my training right. Up until today I've ran every scheduled run that was on my calendar to run. Now I just need to be smart and run for energy and not exhaustion. 

Ave pace: 8:58 

I slept until 8:10 today. I would've slept longer, but my son has already started school and I needed to get him ready and fed. After I dropped him off at school I went to our clubhouse and did 3 rounds of Spartacus. Jasmine joined me for the last bit of my workout and then offered to take my 2 little ones so I could get a run in outside. How could I turn that down? So in 92 degree windy weather I ran 5.5 miles. I didn't want to bring my watch because I let it dictate to me what my pace "should" be. I did want it just for tracking my miles though. So I brought it and kept it on my clock rather than my pace stats. It would beep every mile, so it kept me on track. I wanted to run easy. My legs enjoyed the pace and my breathing was easy. It was a good run to listen to music and think of my brother.

Average pace: 8:41 

Today's run started far too early for a Saturday. It's always good to get it over with before the sun has enough time to scorch me. Today is my husband's birthday!!YAY!!! Happy Birthday love!! My sister has my kids so after my run Tim was still in bed so I jumped in the bath to relax my legs. 

Anyway, today Jasmine, Dena, Tricia, and I ran to the Bountiful Temple. 7 miles up 7 miles down. It's a steady climb up 1500 South and then a great climb from Orchard to Bountiful Blvd. My goal today was to stay under 10:30 pace up the hill. It was a 10:17 for that mile. I was very happy with that. It's a good mountain climb! Once I got to the top of the hill I felt like I could've pushed a little harder, but was happy I reserved the energy for the rest of the run. The way home was nice!! It felt so good on my legs to just shake out the uphill. I better go get ready for Becky's daughter's baptism.

Ave pace: 8:40 

Drove to Becky's to start our run at 5 am. We ran an 11 mile loop and it was the hardest loop I've ran lately. We ran up 400 North. It was 5 miles to the top. B.R.U.T.A.L!!! We used the walk/run/shuffle method on the ridiculously steep parts. I know... I know... If I have to walk I started off too fast. You're right. I should have held back more in the beginning of our miles. Mile 5 was an awesome 12:44 pace. Not my best. Oh well... 400 North is now my enemy that I will conquer. :) That was a hard run today. Whew!!! Our overall pace was 8:47. 7 miles were really tough with hills while the last 4 were pretty nice and downhill. I'm just going to say it now... I'm nervous for tomorrow's tempo. It kicks me around, beats me up, chews me rough, spits me out, then stomps on me. It's the one workout I really dread. Whatever, I'll keep showing up in hopes one day my body will get it. 

I must have jinxed myself from my complaint yesterday about being nervous for today's tempo run... My patience, love, and parenthood was tested to his limit last night with my sick baby boy. Some people can go a few nights of crying children before their limit is tested. My limit hits quite quickly in a time span of 1 night. My sleep has always been my number 1 priority my entire life. I value my sleep above everything in this life. I was up from 12:30-6. I sat on the couch with an ill child from 12:30-3:40 and then put him in bed and climbed into my own bed and it wasn't 10 minutes till he started crying again. So, I returned to the couch and held him till we both fell asleep around 6. There was no way I would attempt a tempo run after that. I took him to the Dr. and he has a virus that has just wiped him out. :(

I thought about just not running at all today because I tore my house apart spraying everything with lysol, scrubbing walls, and washing everyone's bedding. All that cleaning can wear ya out! I was ready to crawl into bed at 6:30 when my husband told me that I should run if I want to be my best. With a challenge like that I was dressed and ready to run. Since it was still 94 degrees I drove where the trees are tall and shady, Bountiful Blvd. I love the rolling hills! I was not feeling it today. I had the worst "no sleep headache" and just plain tired, but I had to prove to myself that I could still perform after a sleepless night and busy day. There were bikers next to me climbing the hill and said to the kid lagging behind "Come on! You can't let a runner beat you!" That was it... I was going to run a steady good run because of that stupid comment. I maintained a great 7:31 average. I'm very happy about that after the crappy night and day I had. Now I'm off to my bed to prep for another sleepless night and 10 miler in the morning. tschuess! <-- sound that one out. (swiss german)

Man, sleepless nights mess me up! Last night I was on the couch again all night with the little man. I bailed again on my morning run. I was supposed to run 10 miles with Becky, but that didn't happen. I worked this morning and then sat on my couch all day with my little guy till he fell asleep and then I moved him to his bed and I returned to the couch. I got up to fix myself a salad, 10 oreos, and a king size kit kat. How could I not run after eating oreos, a kit kat, AND sitting on the couch all day? It's been a long time since I've binged like that, so I'm okay with it. Well, I'm okay with it now that I've ran some of the calories off. :) I was planning on 8ish miles at an 8:30 pace. I maintained that pace for the first 5 miles. I was quite proud of myself for sticking to that comfortable pace and letting the little legs enjoy the run. But then, my brother joined me in my thoughts. I let the thoughts flow. Song after song on my Pandora radio station fed my desire to see my brother. My last 3 miles were under 8:00 min/miles. I sometimes feel like I've gone a little crazy since my brother's passing. I get at the verge of tears when my sons laugh because I remember Aaron laughing a lot when we were children. I went to Lagoon the other day with my 7 year old and fought the tears the entire time, because his laughter triggered memories that are passed. I run and in the back of my thoughts I am thinking of him the entire time. He loved running. (I was never the runner). He loved to feel his heart beat fast, I was okay with not feeling that. I miss him so deeply. Life has taken some very surprising turns. All this running used to be my therapy, but it may be so that it's not enough. *sigh* Well, dang-it... Sorry for unloading. My run was great and the average pace was 8:08 (8 has always been my lucky #)

Today was a great workout day. I do love pure cross-training days. I went to the Gold's Gym with my sister and brother-in-law. We did 20 minutes cardio warm-up. I was highly against running, because that's all I've been doing lately, so while they ran I did the stair climber which got me sweaty. We then moved to the free weights and worked out our arms and shoulders. It was great, and I kind off miss the weights. At the end of our workout we had mini competitions. (who can do the most of certain workout moves) Always a great time with Barry and Charmaine! Now, if I could just get my husband on board. He doesn't know how fun working out is yet. ;) I do have to say that he is incredibly supportive of me and my hobbies! 

Becky, Andy, and I planned to run the last 14 miles of the Big Cottonwood marathon course. Once we were all in the same car we decided to add 2 more miles. 14, 16, what's the difference? Well, not much, but jump to 17 miles from 14 and then it gets a little tougher. It was so nice going down the canyon. Easy miles and they flew by. It was a great run until we hit a long stretch of a busy road. It smelt bad and it was UgLy! I felt pretty good for the run. I tried my new Saucony Kinvara's out and they were lovely! They gave me a couple of blisters, but they felt pretty good for the most part. The marathon is approaching quite fast now and I'm feeling quite nervous. Our average pace was just under 8:00. 

This was a great recovery run. Nice and slow. I ran with Becky and we were still pretty wiped out from the 17 we did on Saturday. I'm trying to figure out what a realistic goal is for me for the Big cottonwood marathon. It's a hard one to predict since I don't know how I'll feel on the day of the race. Hopefully the tapering will get me excited to actually run it... At this point I'm purely nervous!

Becky and I put in 6 easy miles. Still recovering from Saturday. ;) Reality is setting in for the both of us of what we actually signed up for. We have just one more week of high miles and then it's cut-back time. This is where I wonder if I've done enough... I think I have. I've not missed one long run and have put my entire heart into the training. It will be interesting to see where it gets me on race day. I will be able to evaluate myself better once the marathon is over and how to better train for the next one. I don't even know yet if there will be a next one. It's all based on my Cardiologist. He's only given me clearance for one. 

UPDATE:
 I was feeling like doing some weights, so I did 45 minutes of squats and lunges and a little shoulder work. Felt amazing! I love some good squatting. 

Spent all day thinking about doing a run today and finally did it with Becky tonight. It was an ugly run! The sky was ashy with the fire burning. I couldn't look straight ahead, because every time I did my eyes would be pounded with the ash falling from the sky. I have been sick the last few days and the air quality probably wasn't the best, but oh well... what's done is done. Tomorrow we leave for the Tetons to run our ultra relay. I'm nervous, but the group of girls I'm running with are incredible! Best bunch of ladies around. Marathon is 4.5 weeks away...

43 Minute leg workout. LOT'S OF WEIGHTED SQUATS. LOT'S OF WEIGHTED LUNGES!

10 mile evening run on Legacy Trailhead.  
First 5 miles were 8.22 average pace.
Last 5 miles were 7.47 average pace. 

5 mile treadmill run. I ran on the treadmill at the clubhouse since I needed to take my  kids with me while my husband replaced our water heater. It wasn't as enjoyable as most of my runs are. I watched them the entire time through glass windows as they fought, threw toys at each other, and cried. Those 5 miles were long and frustrating. 

3 miles @ 8:00/mile
1 mile @ 7:30/mile
1 mile @ 7:00/mile

Today was great to run with Becky. I feel like I haven't ran with her in a while with feeling sick and doing more night running lately. We started off at 5:30 am for our 10 miler. This was my recovery run so good thing Becky didn't push me to go any faster. I felt great to keep it at a nice honest recovery pace. I'm feeling tired now though. Next week is the beginning of tapering, and I'm looking forward to it. I hope that I've done enough. It's the best I could do, so I'm proud of that. Like Tony Horton on P90X always says "Do your best, forget the rest."

Average pace 8:49 

Ran this evening since I'm afraid to run in the dark in the morning by myself. It was a good thing I ate a (maybe I ate 2, but you will never know for sure.) donut, because donuts really motivate me to get my butt moving. ;) 

Average pace 7:41 

Today I ran the "Utah runner girls" half marathon course with Becky.  It was a pretty tough course. It was such a fun 20 miler run! I laughed a lot!! 

Now, my left hip is hurting me! It really killed me at the end of the run. I think I should figure something out to fix this. Anyway, the last high mile run was fantastic! 

8:37 average pace. 

40 minutes weighted squats and lunges. A lot of leg work. 

20 minutes kickboxing

60 minutes "Stretch X" from P90X

Ran with Becky today. It was nice to get a 5 miler over so early in the morning. I came home to sleeping bodies, so I did the 1 hour "Stretch X" from P90X. One hour of stretching really feels amazing!!!!! I'll be doing a lot of stretching these next 3 weeks. I don't feel ready to hit my goal, but I feel totally ready for a full marathon.

average pace: 8:25

mile 1: 8:45
mile 2: 8:36
mile 3: 8:33
mile 4: 8:21
mile 5: 7:54

My legs felt heavy today. I just couldn't get a good burst of energy. Becky had already ran her 8 miles, so she took one for the team and ran my 8 with me. I needed that push today. I find that when I'm emotionally drained that my physical level sinks with it for a while. I can usually climb out of it, but yesterday was particularly a sad day. Its why I run though... It turns a negative into a positive. It helps me realize that I am not responsible for anyone's happiness. I can't run their miles. They are on their own. I can only choose to change my life. I didn't eat my emotions yesterday, so YAY me!! I'm improving!

Oh man, I have lead legs! I just did want want to move them today. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill 8:00 min/miles, then 1 mile on the elliptical, then 2 more miles on the treadmill 8:00 min/miles. 

Update:

Ran 4 miles with Becky. I agreed on 3, but then when she got here it quickly turned to 4. That always seems to happen... I am now covered in mosquito bites. I'm counting this 4 mile run as my 4 miler I'm supposed to do tomorrow. I'm sticking to early morning pilates and resting before the Layton half marathon. 

Becky and I paced the 2:00 time slot at the Layton Half Marathon. It was so good for me to run slow. My hip is just killing me lately. I'm nervous about the marathon. I'm interested to see how I do, yet nervous about my hip acting up and bothering me during the run. I can do it, right? I keep telling myself that everyone running will be battling their own injuries and mental abilities. I'm not exception. 

Ran a very easy 4 miles today. I called my sister to run with me today. It's been a long time since I ran with her. We kind of just shuffled through the run. It was very slow. I'm trying to be ridiculously cautious with my running. Average pace was over 10 min miles. :)

I had to dig deep today to find motivation. I think my mind has caught on to the fact it's cut back week because I just want to sleep all day and night. I did a .25 walking warm up at a steep incline then took off for my 4 miler. I ran on the treadmill since I decided to sleep in. The kids played much better in the playroom which made treadmill running a little more bearable.

Pace 7:30

The start of the run was a little stiff. I did a tough leg workout Monday night and I'm paying for it. Other than the sore muscles I felt really good. It was another treadmill run because I wanted to sleep in again. I find it hard to get up so early to only run 4 miles. Average pace 8:14.

Ran with Becky a little later in the morning. It was a slow 4 miles. My engine in my legs never fired up. I nice 8:51 pace that felt like an 8:00 pace. Nice! <---- sarcasm!

Another slow crawl. I'm not going to let this get in my head though. I have had better days and this week my body must know it's coming to an end. 8:54 average pace. 

Ran to Gold's gym to meet up with Charmaine and Barry.

mile 1: 8:31 
mile 2: 7:34

It was the last hurrah run with Becky before the marathon. 

mile 1: 8:40
mile 2: 8:19

What a run! I hydrated really well before the race. I drank a crystal light energy and 16 oz. of water after I had used the honey bucket, so I knew I would be hitting another toilet shortly after the run would start. It was like jumping on a trampoline for the first 4 miles every pound made my bladder more loose and I started to pee my pants. Seriously? This early in the race and this is already starting? I made it to the toilet just in time around mile 4. Stopping like that made my hip instantly act up and I knew it wasn't going to be pretty. I had an ibuprofen 800 in my pocked that I knew I could take if I absolutely needed to. I was happy to go to the bathroom in the beginning since I could make up time going down the canyon. I wore 3 different pace bands. I first wrapped the 3:30 pace band on my wrist. This was my worst case pace I would want to hit. Next I loosely wrapped the 3:20 band. To finish the race in a 3:20 was my goal. I really wanted to run this marathon the same minute miles I ran my first half marathon last year 2 days after Aaron had died. I knew it was aggressive for the lack of speed training I had done, but nonetheless, I knew I could do it with the downhill of the canyon. I wrapped the 3:15 pace band over the 3:20. I knew if I could use the 3:15 pace band to get me out of the canyon in 2 hours then I'd have some time to walk through the rest of the water stations and purhaps enough time to run slower on the hardest stretch of the race. Days leading up to this race I was torn whether to shoot for the goal or just be okay with running with a pacer to get me a qualifying time for Boston. I took the risk, and it payed off well. I followed the 3:15 and then ripped it off just as I hit the mouth of the canyon. I hit the mouth 1 minute behind the 3:15 paceband. I was in pain from that ridiculous downhill. my calves were as hard as rocks, and my quads were just as tense. My running stride quickly changed to a lopsided weird run since I was trying to go easy on the ole hip. At mile 18 is when I plugged my headphones in my phone and listened to "Ellie Goulding" on Pandora. This station really helps me stay distracted. I sang every song that came on. There were people scattered through out the end of this course cheering on their loved ones. I adopted every single one of them and pretended they were all there for me. I wanted to make them all proud. I threw the peace sign to many of them, and smiled, and waved. I even thanked them for cheering. One police officer around mile 22 clapped just for me (I was on my own at this point) I felt his strength for me, and I knew I could do it. I read a sign along the course that read "It took courage to start. It takes faith to finish". This resinated in my head over and over again. At mile 24 I was going down. NNNOOOO!!!! I looked down at my watch and saw it was hitting over a 9 minute pace. Dang-it! Then I saw Tara Summers running towards me. I wasn't sure what she was doing. I thought maybe she was just going to stand on the corner and cheer people on, but then she turned around and started running with me. What an angel!! Seriously, she totally picked me up. She coached me the whole way in. I told her I couldn't talk. My breath was as heavy as it gets when I run a 6 min/mile. I was panting and wanting to just stop. She ran ahead to the water station and picked me up a water cup. Who does this stuff for others? I stopped for a little bit to drink it. If she wasn't there saying "K, come on, let's go. You've got this!" I would've just shuffled to the finish line. I kept my head hanging down low just staring at my tired thighs and she said "Look up, look at that guy in the yellow. That's your point. Go get it." That was like hanging a carrot in front of a horse to keep it walking. Everytime my eyes would float south I forced them up again to find the guy in yellow. She talked me through every step. The corner to turn into the very last .40ish mile was approaching and I saw my sister standing on the corner. I threw my hand in the air so she would know it was me. When I got closer I realized my brother Luke was there holding a sign in Aaron's place. I busted into tears, but had to suck it up and finish this race. Charmaine ran on my right and Tara on my left as we got closer to the finish line. Tara told me to get a girl that I had noticed had been running stronger than me and a little ahead of me. That was blood for me. When someone challenges me I always step up. I looked at that girl and wanted to smoke her. A little boy darted right in front of me and I lost site of that girl so I pounded it forward hoping I had passed her. I near trampled the little child and yes, I did pass that girl. I was extremely light-headed and didn't notice the loads of people yelling and clapping. It was incredible. I was nearing the finish line when I saw my mom standing in the middle of it just behind it. I was shocked that she was there. She just had knee surgery. Was I hallucinating? That's when I really thought I was losing my mind. I've hallucinated before. In fact, I've hallucinated in Switzerland and saw her walk across my living room. When I really want my mom I seem to just pretend she is there. ha! Anyway, she stretched out her arms and I ran right into them. It was awesome to run into her. It was not the best idea to stop dead from my sprint because I had no time to cool down and I blanked out and fainted. Shinade caught me from behind and sat down behind me to rest my body in her lap. I think I heard her say "you did it telly! You did it!" If it wasn't her then it was Aaron. (That could be crazy thinking, but for me it's wishful thinking. ;) I couldn't open my eyes because they were just fluttering. I knew people were asking me questions, but come on medics... I hear you, but it's taking a while for my brain to get it off my lips. "What's your name?" They asked. I know my name, just give me a sec. Then a doctor ran over and took his knuckles and roughly rubbed them on my sternum. Um, Ouw!! I looked at my dad on my left and then fainted again. They put me on a gurney and moved me to the medical tent. They started poking me with needles trying to find a good vein and put an oxygen mask over my face. They flipped me over on my left and yanked my sweaty nasty shorts down and shoved a thermometer up my bum. Wow! It felt like this was all going so fast. My family had told them I had a heart condition so they called an ambulance and hooked me up to an EKG  machine. It all felt a bit dramatic. I know it was because I just stopped dead in my run. Bad idea!! Bad idea people! After breathing in sufficient oxygen I said "I feel great!" I sat up and said "I really don't need anymore needles in my arm." They wanted to draw blood and everything. They were very wonderful and I'm sure they had fun practicing all sorts of medical stuff on me. The paramedics were there with the ambulance and had me sign a waiver saying I declined the transportation to the hospital. Really? I was not going to the hospital. How embarrassing. I'd rather pee my pants! Who wants to leave the after race party with all the free goodies? I hobbled off the gurney and wobbled away. My poor hip just hates what I've done to it. My family had lined the last 6 miles with posters. They were beautiful and made me smile. My support was phenomenal! Tara was incredible for coaching me in! Mile 24 was 9:03, and then Tara came and got me an 8:36 for mile 25 and 8:18 for mile 26. I could not have got that pace without her running next to me. I will definitely pay that one forward!!

All in all...

** I loved the marathon. The distance wasn't so much the challenge as sustaining pace for that distance. I'd like to run another, but with less pressure on myself. 

** I stopped to hit the toilet 3 times. 

** I love my family

** I love Tara

** I'll never stop dead in a run again

** I walked through every aid station to drink water

** I had gu every 5 miles

** I had a cup of gatorade, and only one cup the whole race, AND NOT WITH GU!! I read that it was a bad idea to mix both.

I have zero miles to report. I decided after the marathon that I was going to take this whole week off, but knew I was probably lying to myself. I have been so sick today. I woke up through out the night last night feeling like I was going to throw up. I held it together until 6 this morning. That was it for me. I hugged the toilet for the next few minutes getting everything out. I wish it could've only been once that I threw up, but it was all morning. I've never had such stomach cramping, EVER!! I feel like garbage. I have an appointment tomorrow morning to talk with my cardiologist. Back in May he cleared me to run just one marathon. He's such a nonbeliever in me! I said "well, what if I qualify for Boston, can I run that one too?" He just laughed. I'm convinced he laughed with doubt that I'd qualify. Well, maybe he laughed because he thought after my first marathon I'd never want to run another. On the contrary... I loved it! I registered for Boston and now I have to go see if it's wise for the ole heart to carry me through. My biggest concern is how sick I get when I run strenuous runs. The ultra relay kicked me around the corner and I couldn't finish my last leg. I am not the type to bow down so easily. I love to be challenged, and try to fight every fear that I have. Again, I am sick. Swollen toes and short of breath. Please tell me this can be normal... Anyone?? I will update tomorrow with the cardiologists verdict on whether I'm cleared for another amazing marathon. 

Went to Firehouse today. It was an easy fast going workout. I don't feel like I got a great workout, but I'm okay with that. My legs are still a bit sore. My hip immediately acts up when I start running and my right quad is pretty painful and doesn't like to do any quick movements. I will just stick to walking like a grandma until I heal up. Secretly, I'm happy to take time off. :)