Here we go again~

Met with Michelle and Ali this morning at 10:30 for a run. Yes, you all heard me right, I put Michelle, running and 10:30 all in the same sentence.  I was actually shocked when I heard about this run, because Michelle (and Ali for that matter) are always the early birds up and out.  In fact, if you read Michelle's post from yesterday she actually said that she "slept in" until 6:10, WOW!! I aspire to be like her.  Anyway, we met at 10:30, which was heavenly, and headed out for a run.  It was nice to get up and out (especially given the late night last night, etc).  We just kind of improvised and chose our course as we went along.  The weather was perfect, skies were blue and the roads were clear, Yeah!  What more could you ask for? What a great way to start a New Year!!  I am so thankful that I can run. 

Tyler had gotten up and gotten out before me so I completely lost track of time while he was gone and got carried away cutting my boys hair, and doing stuff in my house so when it came time to get dressed, I was in a rampage running through the house to get out of the door and I forgot my watch so I had to look at Michelle's blog for our pace (thanks Michelle).   Have a good day ya'll~

Avg. Pace: 8:01

Tyler left my house at 4:45am this morning to go fishing so no running for me.  I was actually kind of glad to get a day to sleep in because we have had some very late nights and adding early mornings to the mix have only caused my cold to come back :(.  So, instead of running, I got up, got my boys breakfast, then organized the pantry, did all of my ironing, cleaned the laundry room, cleaned out the fridge, went through my kids closets and organized new clothes (clothes that were too small, etc), cleaned the entire house, then balanced my checkbook!!  It was 5:00pm before I even got dressed for the day.  SO, all in all, I feel that I got my workout in.  Then I went to a late night movie with my friends and didn't get home until midnight again, so yet another late night.  Wow, I am really making the most of this Holiday break, it has been lovely!!  I fear how I will perform next week when reality kicks back in but will savor the memories of these past few days!!  

So, considering the very very cold temperatures (I think they said 3 degrees where I live this morning), the Heidi's and I opted for a little indoor workout session rather then running.  Heidi W slept in (it's okay, she deserved it) so Heidi C and I did a little strength training.  Now, I can't tell if I am shaking because my muscles are tired or because I am freezing to death.  It was great to get up and get back to a somewhat normal routine today.  Here is to Monday and getting back into the groove. 

I guess a new year bring change right?? So, this morning I attended a spin class for the first time in about 3 years. I have to be honest, I am not a person who does well with change. I am completely comfortable with what I have been doing in regards to exercise (running, working out in my basement, etc). But given the weather conditions and the yucky roads that have come with them, and the fact that all of my workout buddies have been going to the gym (I don't care for the gym), I opted to shake things up a bit this morning with a spin class. Now, to be even more honest, the fondest memory of me and spin class is when I was about 6-7 months pregnant with my 2nd child. I attended a spin class and it about put me into labor. No kidding, It was horrible. I literally cramped and didn't move from the couch for hours after the class. Then, I attended maybe 2 classes after I had the baby and it was pure and total pain, I could not figure out why I was doing that to myself. It hurt, I felt like I was going to puke or that my heart was going to jump out of my chest, my legs hurt, my butt hurt, my head hurt. So, needless to say, due to these fondest of memories, I was a little hesitant to attend again this morning. However............... I LOVED IT!! I have to admit that I was a little proud of myself. Yes, I felt the burn. Yes, I felt my heart race but I could handle it. And so I am assuming this is because I am in better shape, RIGHT??? (this is where you are all supposed to be shaking your heads up and down saying, right!). Really, it was a lot of fun and when I was done, I could feel that my muscles had been worked, and I felt so good! So, maybe change is good from time to time. It was a great way to start my day, I feel like I am still on a high from it! Have a great evening everyone!

I recruited a new one to come and do strength training with me this morning.  My friend Tiffany lives pretty close to me and so was so gracious to come down and work out with me this morning which I needed because it's the motivation I need to get out of bed.  So, we did the usual workout video that I have grown to love.  It was a great morning.  

Did I mention today is day #7 with no sugar or soda??  Just thought ya'll should know! Pretty proud of myself here, ha ha~

I am not sure if there are many more things as beautiful as the Riverbottoms on a foggy winter morning.  I know that sounds like a Hallmark card, but seriously!!  It is breathtaking.  I love how the branches on trees ice up and how the clouds just lay low and hover around all of the trees.  There is sort of a magic to it.  It was just what I needed after a pretty rough week.  And, Today was my first day "running" all week.  Tyler took the earlier shift so I met up with JaNae at 8:30 which was so fun, being I haven't ran with her for weeks.  We had planned on going 10 miles but at about mile 3 JaNae started getting some stomach pains that she tried fighting through until about mile 7.5.  At that point, we were going to turn down a side street to add on some mileage but she was ready to go back to her car (which I think she needed to, I do not run well when I don't feel well), so we parted ways and I turned down the road intent on getting the full 10 miles. As I started adding up the mileage that would take me back to the car, I realized that this wouldn't get me to 10 miles either, so I pretty much improvised and just kept going around until I knew I would hit 10 miles.  However, I was feeling really good so I decided to take another side street that took me around, adding on an additional mile.  So, all in all, it was 11.5 miles.  It felt really really good to get out and run and again, enjoy the views that come this time of year.  Now I am off to plan my Young Women Lesson.  Happy Saturday!!

Splits: 8:46, 9:12, 9:03, 9:19, 9:27, 9:08, 9:30, 8:48, 8:18, 8:10, 8:00, 8:01.   

Went to the eventful spin class again this morning with Tiffany.  We actually met a little early and made a few laps around the track while we were waiting for class to start.  The spin class was a a little harder today but I liked it, and like that its a good workout.  They also incorporated some weights in at the end for arms, etc.  Tiffany and I then stayed after and did some abs too. It was a good workout, and a good morning.  I look forward to the next class. 

Tiffany came over this morning for some strength training.  We just did the video that I have been doing.  It was good to get up and get the morning started off right.  Also, as a confession, I have completely caved in the "no sugar" department.  I went a full 7 days with no sugar or carbonation and after a few consistent stressful days at work, I caved.  And, I have caved several times since. There, I said it, I admitted it, it is off my conscience.  However, Just in the sugar department though, still no soda for almost a month now.  What can I say? Sugar is the only thing that carries me through sometimes.  I am going running in the morning so I look forward to that!!

Went out with the Heidi's for the 5 mile square preparatory for the Painters Half Marathon.  It was cold, but fun.  It'd been a awful long time since I had ran with them so it was very nice to visit!! 
Avg Pace: 8:35

JaNae was willing to come over to my neck of the woods this morning so that we could get a few miles under out belt and loosen up for the big Painters 1/2 tomorrow.  It was very nice to sleep in a little later then usual and as always, to run with JaNae.  Good morning. 

Avg Pace: 9:01

 

So, My first "go" at the Painters 1/2 marathon.  It was a great run and a great way to get some miles in but I have to admit, it was a little hard for me.  At least harder then I thought it was going to be.  I had no plans how I wanted to do at this race, no strategies, so I don't know why I act surprised, I should have figured it would hard for me given the way I have slacked at my training lately.  But, to break it into little tiny reasons, here are some of the reasons that I think why: (1)We didn't get into St. George until late Friday night and so after making a few stops (One of which was my highlight: we stopped and visiting Kelli and Scott, Smooth and her Hubby, Marion and her hubby, met Leslie and her sweet husband, saw John and his girl friend Kelly, who was a sweetie, and Mary Ann and her friend.  It was so fun stopping and seeing you all, thanks for letting us crash to party for a bit oh and Kelli, thanks for the wonderful Mint Brownie, it was yummmmy!!), Anyway, then I went to the grocery store late and ended up getting to bed late too.  (2) I had an upset stomach all day Friday and so I hadn't eaten very much that day or taken very good care of myself so I just felt out of energy.  (3) I haven't been running near as much as I need to be (4) I left my arm band to my i pod at home, along with my head phones, so I found some head phones at Albertson's but ended up having to hold my i pod the entire race, not that big of a deal, but just a little annoying.  (5) I was feeling good at first so I think I went out too fast not understanding the course or what was to come.  (6) Did I mention that I haven't been running much??  
No, I don't mean to sound unhappy or dis-pleased with my time, I just wished I could have felt better at the end.  I started with the Heidi's and we were right together until about mile 2 when all of a sudden I tried to find them and couldn't.  I felt really bad but didn't dare look too hard for them and get distracted so I just let my legs take me. I felt awesome, my stomach ache was going away, I had my music going and all was well up until about mile 5. I had planned on taking my first gu at 6, but decided, due to the water stop, that I would take it now and try to get a little added energy. So, I did.  Then I felt reasonable until about mile 8 and that is when I hit "the wall".  I really didn't feel well at all and I started psyching myself out a little bit.  I struggled through the gradual inclines, taking my next gu at 9, and just tried hanging in there as well as I could.  Michelle N came up on me at about 11 and was running strong.  I wanted to keep up with her but I just didn't have it in me.  So, I fell back a way just hoping I would get a second wind and soon!!  Anyway, I made it past 12 and my dear hubby came and found me.  I told him I needed him to talk me through to the end.  I had no idea about the course change and was not prepared for the end.  However, I kicked it up a notch at the very end and finished strong so that was good.  All in all, my time ended up just 2 minutes slower then Hobble Creek, which in my opinion is a much easier course.  So, I have to feel happy about that.  I feel great today, no soreness or anything.  I hope that I can train a little better and run this race a little stronger next year.  It was sure fun seeing so many fellow bloggers and meeting new ones for the first time.  It was great putting faces to names (Teena and Julie for instance, so fun to meet you).  For now, I am glad to be home and excited to get to bed. Night night.

Avg. Pace: 7:55

It has been hard to do much of anything this week because Tyler had been gone on a golfing trip (yes, he has it tough, Golfing in Vegas in 72 degree heat, LUCKY. He came home with a sun tan!!!) and because of the air quality we have been having. So, Tiffany so graciously agreed to come over this morning for some strenght training. It felt good and was needed. I actually feel like I am going to be a little sore so that is good. Then, I know I worked hard enough to fatigue my muscles a bit, YAY!

Tyler took the scouts ice fishing this morning so I had a neighbor girl come over to watch my kids while I went for a long run. My friend JaNae is running a marthon in AZ in 3 weeks so she wanted to go for a longer run then I would normally do on a Saturday, but given the low miles (in other words, NO MILES) this week, and my very limited opportunities to run with JaNae lately, I wanted to go out with her and get some good miles in today. The weather was so fun this morning. It was perfect temps and we would get an occasional drops of rain here and there. It reminded me of Fall weather except for the ever present snow and slush off the sides of the road. But it was really fun to be out running. I felt really good except for my sciatica has been giving me fits for a while now and it really took a toll on me today. I am not sure what to do about it. I think I may need to go get it checked out. For now, I am trying to stretch it really good throughout the day to keep it from flaring up. Hope it works.

Avg. Pace: 9:00

So, being there is over a foot of new snow at my house, running was not an option this morning so I opted for the Spin Class with Tiffany.  It was really early and it semi kicked my butt this morning, but a great alternative given the fact that my sciatica is still very sore from Saturday.  In the past "it" (yes, I am still talking about my sciatica, I should give it a name or something) usually worked its way out after a day or so, but not this time. I think I may have to go see a physical therapist or something for it (which I am not happy about).  Or, I need Marion to demonstrate her "fishes" yoga move she was talking about to stretch it out :).  So, we did the spin class, then some weights and abs, and then walked one quick lap around the track and followed it up with some stretching.  Tiffany is very fun to talk to and I have enjoyed working out with her.  I enjoy this class although it is very exhausting and I want to quit from time to time.  I love the feeling when I get off the bike and my legs are all wabbly and tired.  Lets me know I have worked hard.  Anyway, it was a good morning and beat getting wet in the snow!!  Have a great Monday!! 

Yeah, I got to meet with the Heidi's this morning! It has been a long time since I had the grace of working out with these fine ladies, so I sure enjoyed my morning doing some strength training in my basement.  We pretty much lifted some weights, talked, did some lunges, talked, did some more weights, talked, stretched, talked some more, then talked some more.  Could you ask for anything more to start out your day?  I think not!  Thanks Heidi's.  

Woke up at 4:55am so that I could to to spin again with Tiffany this morning. Oh, it is painful but I am always glad once I am up and going.  It makes it all the better when I walk in the door at 6:45 and know that I am done for the whole day, YAY!!  So, we "spun" then did extra weights at the end and walked once around the track to losen up and cool down and........... chat, of course.  Then it was time to head home.  So, then I got home and got my kids up to do scriptures and when we got done, I all of a sudden got VERY VERY TIRED.  Like that feeling you get when you are 16 in History class and the teacher is boring you to death and you just want to lay on your desk and fall fast asleep.  You know what I am talking about right??  Anyway, I was that tired.  I sat there for a minute trying to fight it (or trying to find a way to just get a few more minutes/hours of sleep) before realizing that it was not a reality and that I just needed to jump up and get breakfast started.  So, the morning went on as so... and I am feeling fine now but hope that it doesn't hit me mid-day!  I guess we will see.  Good morning none the less.  Now, back to work. 

So this morning I met up with Ali and MacK to run.   I had planned on just going 6 since I haven't ran this week and my sciatica is still giving me fits.  We met at 5:00 which worked out great because Tyler wanted to go once I got home.  However, Ali and MacK wanted to go 9-10 so they were gracious enough to pretty much work around my mileage today, and carry on after me.  (Thank you guys so much for sticking with me).  So, we ran 5.75 and then I took a .25 mile cool down before heading home.  It was so nice to get in the car to come home and see 5:52 on the clock, nice feeling. So, I came home and woke up Tyler to go, but he had a really bad head ache (probably because he partied too hard yesterday for his birthday :)), so what did I do???  Got in the shower and then climbed back in bed of course.  In all honesty, I was completely chilled to the bone and needed to warm up, so what better way then climbing back in bed and cuddling with your hubby right?

It was a good way to start the day and a good way to prepare for a long run tomorrow.  

Avg. Pace: 8:20

Tyler took the early shift today so I met up with Heidi and Sue (seesuerun) at 7:30 for a run.  It was nice to sleep in a little bit and was really nice running with these ladies.  This is the first time I have ran with Sue and I may have to say that she is one of the sweetest and most humbled runners I have ever ran with.  Really!  What a sweetie. Mix sweet little Heidi into the mix and you couldn't ask for a better equation for running.  It was cold this morning and a thick haze that made breathing a little harder, but all in all, it was a great run. Tyler had worked up what was supposed to be a 11 mile course for me (thanks Ty), little did I know that I messed up the end and cut of .75 of a mile off putting us at about 10.25 total mileage (including our walking which I stopped my garmin for).  Now, it's time to get my Saturday started, I have a very messy house that needs to be cleaned. Have a great Saturday everyone!

Avg. Pace: 8:26 (some good steep hills in there). 

This morning I went to spin class with Tiffany.  It was a little harder work out today so it felt good knowing that I had burned some good calories.  We then stayed after to do a few extra weights, some stretching and then just one lap of walking around to cool down.  Great morning!!

Strength training with Tiffany!! Followed up by a good chat session!  Then I had to hurry and get the kids up to start the morning routine.  Glad I got something in today. I am going to try and attempt getting some yoga in later (am thinking very positively here, Nights are very hard for me, TOO DARN BUSY!!).  

Yeah, I got to run with the Heidi's!!  It's been a while since we all ran together. But, we did it!!  We ran our usual 5 miles square with pretty little road add on.  It was hard this morning, the cold and the lack of running is catching up with me, but that's okay, because I RAN!!!  It is so fun running with these guys and I am craving spring, summer and fall to get back into our normal routine of 4-5 days a week of running.  It's coming, just a couple more months to go!!  It was a great day and I look forward to Friday when I can run again. Now, it's 11:00 and I need to finish up some things so that I can get to bed! Night~

Avg. Pace: 8:41

6.5 with the Heidi's.  It was cold, but a great morning!

Avg. Pace: 8:41

Ran 9 miles with JaNae who has a marathon in AZ next weekend. I always love running with JaNae. We usually talk more then run, actually.... wait, NO, I think we run as much as we talk. I should be saying, we run more then we talk, but that's not how it is when it comes to JaNae and I.  It was a good run. 

Happy 8th Birthday to my oldest son Evan!!!  

Strength training this morning with Tiffany, followed by about 10 minutes of Yoga.  I didn't do anything yesterday, so it felt nice to get up this morning.  

Early morning Spin class today with Tiffany and WOW, I am going to be sore.  Lacie (the instructor) really changed things up this morning and my legs were on fire.  But, it felt good to know that they were being worked.  Then Tiff and I stuck around for just a few minutes and did some ab work.  It felt nice to be done (especially when I walked in the door at 6:40 am), but I am sure tired now.  Guess that's what I get for waiting until 11:45pm to go to bed. But, at least I got a work out in.  I feel good about that!  Happy day! 

Spin class again with Tiffany this morning. Holy Cow, it's kicking my butt lately.  But I love the feeling when I get done so it's worth the pain endured.  We didn't have time to do anything after because they (the high school) were closing up and we had to run to Wal-Mart to get a few things.  As a plug, the best time to go to Wal-Mart is at 6:30am in the morning, there was nobody there, we were in and out in no time!! The morning got even better when I got home to find two of my boys already up and fed, and my bed was made, yeah!!  Thanks Ty for your help with that!! It was a good morning.   

Happy Valentines day!! 

(feeling the love) 

I was supposed to go 8-10 this morning with the Heidi's but we woke up to an inch of new snow and decided not to go at all. I was going to go downstairs and just do a video when Tyler walked in from his 15 MILE RUN (puts me to shame every time) and assured me that the roads were just fine to run on.  So,  I talked Heidi W into going and running just the 5 mile square with me.  It's the first and only time I have ran this week so it felt to good to get out but I have to admit, I could tell that I hadn't run this week, it was pretty hard to get going.  I guess it shows how important it is to run consistently, because if you take even a few days off (6 in my case), it is sure hard to get back into the groove.  The roads were fine, but very very wet and slippery in just a few places.  Needless to say, I am ready for warmer temperatures and ready to get back into a normal running routine.  Oh well, at least I can eat some of my cookies my hubby sent me and not feel as bad about it!!  Happy Valentines Day Ya'll. I hope you all have a great one!!

Avg. Pace: 8:51

Man, I am a slacker!! I hate to admit this but I actually had to be woken up today at 7:30, by the doorbell, to get up for running.  Is that sad??  Tyler took the early shift and didn't set the alarm for me to get up assuming I would wake up on time to meet up at 7:30.  But, I didn't so the doorbell was my alarm this morning.  Then, I was rushing through the house trying to get things together to run out the door that I got shaky, you know what I mean by that?  Anyway, I met up with the Heidi's and we went 5 mile square route with the Pretty little road add on. It was so fun running with these girls, I just love them!! I learn so much from them! They are great people.  There were some major snow drifts on the road and some parts we had to stop and walk because the road was covered with a shin sheet of ice, but all in all, it was a good run. I am just darn excited for Spring, that is all I have to say!!  I was proud at our overall pace considering the slow spots through snow and even walking is some areas too!  Now, I am off to get ready for the day, get my house cleaned and to find something to do with the kids!!

 Avg. Pace: 8:53

Early morning spin class with Tiffany again. I don't know why this is killing me lately, but.........it is!!  It is always nice to get done though and know that you have gotten in a good workout for the day.  Too bad I always have to blow it by eating like crap the rest of the day, Darn it!!!

Okay, okay, confession is coming:

I don't know why I try to convince myself that I am a morning person.  This comes as a surprise to many I am sure.  I am the girl who could sleep in until 2:00 in the afternoon when I was a teenager.  I have tried to convince myself  when getting up early, that I feel better during the day; or that I get more done during the wee hours of the morning, or that getting up early makes me entire day just roll better, but......... I have to admit (here comes the confession part)that I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON (do you think this may be genetic?).  There are days that I feel it is more painful to get out of bed than it is to give birth.  Why is this? (if only I could have an epidural when waking up in the morning).  Why can I not just hop out of my bed and get going for the day?  Today I literally moped around for a good 10 minutes before I felt like I was waking up.  It literally took me splashing freezing cold water in my face to wake me up.   Okay okay, enough from me, I know...............but if anyone has any simple remedies, could you please let me know?  In any event, I did get up, and Heidi W and I had an intense session of strength training.  Heidi had a new video that I had not done before and lets just say that my arms are still fatigued and shaking from it.  WOW!! I am going to be sore tomorrow.  It was a good way to get my day started and I always love working out with Heidi, I just wish it was easier to get out of bed.  Or, that it were possible to start my day at 10:00am instead, maybe some day or in my dreams................. oh,  my dreams (is it time for bed yet?) !!!

5 mile square Baby!!!!  Heidi and I met up this morning for a little run.  It was good to get up and going for the day (painful again, but good).  I always love talking to Heidi (she probably feels like it's too much sometimes)!!! My sciatic is still bothering me but it wasn't too bad this morning and has felt good for the rest of the day so I am counting my blessings :) 

Avg. Pace: 8:28

Okay, so this was officially the longest run I have gone on since the Marathon in October, can you believe that??  I have to admit that I was a little scared to go and there were several times during the run that I wanted to stop but, BOY IS IT NICE TO KNOW THAT I GOT 15 MILES UNDER MY BELT TODAY!!! YEAH!!!   A big thanks to Mac and Sue for hanging in there with me and pulling me along. I am really sorry that I held you guys back but do appreciate you letting me run with you today, thank you!!  We met up and ran out around the golf course, then out into Leland area.  There were some pretty brutal/fierce winds out around the golf course but after we got past that area, it was a beautiful morning. It is nice that it's starting to warm up a little bit.  It was about 27 degrees when we started and 32 when we finished, NICE!!  I have got to find a way to get this sciatic feeling better.  Hopefully it just corrects itself here soon, what do you think the chances are?? 

Now it's off to a busy Saturday! We have a baby shower and are going to the Draper Temple open house so I am excited for that!!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Splits: 8:12, 8:26, 8:36, 8:31, 8:10, 7:56, 8:06, 7:52, 8:08, 8:09, 8:18, 8:14, 8:20, 8:24, 8:13

Met up with Heidi this morning for a nice run. Oh, the weather was PERFECT!! I am so darn excited for Spring!  It's amazing what 10 degrees can do when it comes to running.  SO, I had a bit of a rough start.  My sciatic is officially on the fritz.  I had only been running for a couple of minutes when I felt it start warming up.  It is one of those things that if I stop, it just hurts worse though.  So, we kept going and I pushed through it.  Heidi was a sweetie to let me stop just short of mile 1 to stretch it a bit and then we headed out to finish.  We did the usual 5 mile square with pretty little road add on.  I also like that it is getting lighter earlier, YEAH!!  All in all, it was a great morning and so nice to run.  However, I am really starting to get concerned about this little situation in my leg.  Does it seem like a lot of runners are injured right now?  What's up??

 Splits: 8:45, 8:36, 8:26, 8:39, 8:26, 8:25, 8:20.  Avg Pace: 8:30

Met up with Heidi again this morning.  We were going to do another 6-6.5 route but cut it short because I had a crazy morning and so I wanted to get home a little early.  And, I was also nervous about  how my leg (sciatic) would hold up.  So, we just did the 5 mile square.  Some of you may be very shocked, disturbed or haunted by what I am about to say so you may want to turn your eyes for this next part, but this was the first time in a long long time that I have ran 2 days in a row during the week in months, so, I felt a little sluggish today until about mile 4 and then it got easier, but it wasn't my best run.  The leg held out okay until about mile 4 when it started to get really warm and started burning. I was glad I only had a mile to go before being done.  So, I took an anti inflammatory and will ice tonight, then take tomorrow off from running then see how Friday goes.  It's always nice to get out with Heidi though and run with her. She is such a sweetie! 

Avg. Pace: 8:38

Okay, prepare yourselves. This mornings entry may be a little too spunky, cheer leader'ish for the average reader, but, here it goes:  Yeah, it's MARCH!!! Yeah, it's WARM!! Yeah, my leg didn't hurt today!!  Yeah, I got up and ran!! Yeah, I felt great the entire time!!! Yeah, I ran with great friends who brighten my day!! Yeah Yeah, YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

Really, I feel like I am on cloud 9 today.  This morning I actually got up easy and LOVED my run with the Heidi's.  We did the 5 mile square with the pretty little road add on, however we decided this is going to be our normal route from now on so we need to come up with a clever name, any ideas???  "5 mile square with pretty little road add on " is a bit of a mouthful!!  But, it was so nice to get out and run today. It was bright half way through our run, the birds were churping, it was warm, Man, it was great!! It helps that I have gained weight and so starting today I am turning over a whole new leaf. I need to be pumped up about this!!  And, if I admit this on the blog it binds me to it right?  So, I am ready to turn over a new leaf.  I look forward to running more, feeling good and hopefully having a good attitude through all of it, YEAH!! Go........., Fight............., WIN!!!!  ha ha~

Avg. Pace: 8:44

So, I went for a P.M. run tonight for the first time in a long time and BOY, WAS IT NICE!!! I had planned to meet JaNae but while driving to meet her passed Heidi C so she stopped and came with us for the first part of our run (the end of her run).  It was so fun getting out at this time of day and having some girl time.  JaNae and I just kind of improvised and made up a route as we went along.  She ran a marathon just a couple of weeks ago and this was her first time out since then.  Plus, she has an injury that she has been nursing so it was just an easy little running/chat session. It was so good to run with her.  At the end she was ready to turn off and head back to the car but I wanted to get one last mile in at a faster pace, so I turned Left, made a small loop and caught back up with her.  Again, great run, great visit, It was a Great night!!! I am glad I was able to get out!!

splits: 9:00, 8:40, 9:08,9:04, 7:45(this one felt so darn good), 8:08 (last .5) avg: 8:44

Okay, so I am not quit as chipper today as I was on Monday. I am still Happy, just not completely phsyced, cheer leader, valley girl'ish as on Monday. I am not sure if it is due to the fact that we stayed up until 12:30 to watch American Idol that has me tired today, or the fact that I am trying to cut out my sugar/chocolate intake, but either way, I just feel more tired today.  In any event, we got out this morning for our "NEW LEAF" route (thanks for the help on that one JonA, the name passed the board with flying colors).  Poor Heidi C is having some problems with one of her knees and so we took it a little easier today and then Heidi W and I kicked it into high gear the last mile.  If anyone has any advise I can give her, please let me know, I am sure she would love some input.  It is hurting her on the outside of the knee.  I have advised ice, stretching, taking a day off in between and taking glucosomine, so let me know if I am way off!!    Anyway, it's always nice to get out with these girls and it was a BE-E-A-Utiful morning!!

splits: 9:20 (warm up mile), 8:57, 9:01, 8:56, 8:51, 8:06, 7:46 (last .5 mile).  Avg: 8:51

So, those of you who know me, or have even seen me, know that I am a brunette.  This has been the case for just over 4 years. However, before this, I was a blonde and had been my entire life. Moral of my story is that I pay heavy attention to the word "USED" to be a blonde.  Last night I attempted to go back to my blonde days and lets just say TRAIN WRECK!!!!  It was a horrific experience. After almost 5 hours at the salon, I left with 3 different sections of hair. The top part being mostly orange, with some plantinum blonde areas, mixed with a little brown and gray....... yes, I said gray. Then, the underneath part that was actually pretty decently weaved, but also resembled the gray tint, and then the third section was the inch of roots left from my original brunette color making it look like it had been months since I had my hair done. Needless to say, it was Horrible and made for a very long night, I was sick to my stomach and had a hard time dealing with it.  I do not mean to seem so dramatic, but hair is a very big deal in my opinion.   So, I got up Friday morning (the next day) to run and I was a little wiped out because of the whole ordeal. Heidi had to witness the catastrophy (sorry about that) but was so nice and even sent me flowers later that day with a card that read: "Sorry that you had a "bad hair day" yesterday".  Talk about a sweet friend.  Anyway, we trudged along and tried to make the most of the run. I didn't even dare look at my watch when I got home because I didn't want to know my splits, but I did and it actually wasn't as bad as it felt.  Avg. Pace was 8:42.  So, I am sure you are all on pins and needles about what happened with my hair?  I went back into my lady first thing and she put dark back on and got me all fixed up.  However, some of the highlights did pull through.  So, now I am a brunette with some dramatic highlights.  A compromise I can handle!! HA HA :) Thanks for letting me share the drama~ 

What a fun weekend. We went with Tyler's family up to my sister in law's cabin  for a little getaway.  To give you an idea of what my plans were while we were up there, I only packed sweats and books in my suitcase.  A nice, relaxing weekend.  It was so much fun.  But, Saturday morning my mother in law got out a work out video to do, so I joined her.  We did some walking in place and then I tried to bump up the cardio just slightly and did some push ups, a little yoga, and some other little stretches, etc.  It wasn't anything major, but it was nice to do something. I actually had sore arms on Sunday too, so I guess I worked them harder than I thought.  It was so fun doing that with my mother in law, and again, Such a fun weekend!!!  

I opted to switch shifts with Tyler yesterday morning for a night run, but the lovely storm that swooped in ruined that idea and so I needed to get out today for sure.  Tyler and I are both in church callings that require our Tuesday nights so I had called one of my Young Women in advance to ask if she could come sit with the boys, while Tyler and I went out together.  However, she got here to babysit and Tyler wasn't home yet so I went out by myself. I didn't leave my house until after 9:00 so I was a little scared.  Yes, I am a wimp, I will admit it.  But, it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it tonight.  I had my ipod and the chill in the air was perfect.  I just ran 2 miles out and then back.  I am going to try to hit tomorrow morning (despite the painful adjustments to the time change) and then again Thursday in preparation for the Spectrum 10K this weekend. Can't wait!!  

Splits: 7:59, 8:18, 7:59, 7:45.  Avg: 8:00 (Darn 2nd mile!!!!!)

5 mile square this morning with Heidi.  This time change is officially kicking my butt and I feel tired all day long.  Hope I get into the groove soon. 

Heidi's knee is still bothering her so we took it easy today but it was so nice to run with her.  She is a great friend and I always love talking to her.  What would we do without good friends? I honestly wonder how I would survive. Thanks for the run Heid!!!  

What a fun race and a fun weekend.  Heidi W, JaNae and I left for St. George Friday afternoon for a girls racing weekend.  We got to St. George, went to dinner, went to a movie, the grocery store and then stayed up until 1:00am just talking, WHAT MORE COULD  A GIRL ASK FOR??  Oh, I know, a 10K the next morning!!!  So, we got up and went and ran the race, then went and got massages, went shopping and drove home.  It was a jam packed day and a half, but very fun!! 

So, now onto the race.  It was an interesting race from the start.  We got to the church (to meet the bus) at about 8:10.  The said the last bus would be leaving at 8:30.  Well after sitting and waiting for almost 35 more minutes (now putting the time at 8:45) we finally got on the bus and headed up the course.  When we got up top I needed to use the bathroom so just as I got in the lovely porta potty, I hear the announcer yell "30 seconds".  (Okay, not much time to pee, just get out there).  So, I ran out just as the alarm sounded to start the race.  I was trying to shuffle through people and find my groove on the road and with my breathing, kind of running here and there when some lady behind me said "Your strike is off, that is not a smooth run."  I was insulted and felt stupid.  I didnt' remember asking for her opinion and yes, I was not into an official groove yet, so I am sure it was true but I didn't need that to start my race :(.  However, I just kept running and eventually found a good place on the road and my breathing settled in.  Almost immediately, I just took a breath and said to myself "I LOVE ST.GEORGE".  Oh, it is so beautiful down there!!  First mile was down hill and fast (I avg. a 6:45 pace, I think I was running from the lady who was critiquing my form).  But after that, it kind of rolled and was perfect.  I started to struggle a little at about 4.5 when going through a neighborhood that had a gradual incline but cute little Marcie in front of me, 6 months pregnant and kicking my butt, motivated me to keep pushing through. I figured if she could keep going, I had no excuse not to (Way to go Marcie, you did awesome by the way)!!  So, I finished strong and felt pretty good with all things concidered.  If MichelleL were to ask me if I felt like it was a race effort, I would have to say Yes!!  Heidi and JaNae did awesome too!!  It was a very fun race and I am so glad that I did it.  Not to mention that it was my second race for the Runner's Series so I should officially be eligible for the marathon now, YEAH!!!   A holler out to Smooth, JonA and Kelly that I ran into down there. It was so good to see all of you guys!!  You all did GREAT!!

Avg. Pace: 7:21

Met up with Heidi C this morning for the 5 mile square.  Her knee is feeling a little better so she wanted to take it easy and I was a little sore from Saturday so I wanted to take it easy, so we just took it easy.  Heidi is such a sweetie and always so good to get up and get me out in the morning.  It was a nice, easy run and a great way to start a Monday!! 

Avg. Pave: 9:00

So, it's been over a week since I last ran and after eating myself into sickness for my birthday, I felt it was time that I got out for at least a couple of miles.  I didn't leave my house until 9:50pm to go though, so I just ran out and back.  I ended up going 4 miles because I felt so good and it felt good to get out and run.  I hope to be able to start putting some more miles in soon!!! 

Avg. pace 8:17 

Met up with JaNae and Heidi W this morning for a little walk/run work out.  Tyler was planning on leaving the house at about 7:15 for the Riverton half today so I knew I had to be home for that.  It was really fun getting out with these girls and to have some time to visit and catch up!!  It was in no means a work out that pushed me, but it was still nice to get out none the less.  Then, I came home and got myself and the boys ready so that we could go up to the finish of the Riverton Half and rally my hubby in.  He ended up taking 2nd place over all, WAY TO GO TY!! I also want to give a big holler out to Kelli, Smooth and Marion who did so stinking awesome today!  I also saw Michelle N, Peggy, and a few others from the blog.  It was a fun, cold, fun morning!!!!  Good job today everyone!!  

Did a quick strength training video tonight by myself down stairs in attempts to get some exercise. I had planned on going running all day, but the weather did not permit, so I settled for some in home options and the Treadmill made my sick to my stomach to think about. Therefore, I resorted to strength training and it actually felt really good! I know I will be sore. I always like that feeling.  

Yeah, I went running!! And, I actually ran the whole time!!  Granted, I did not feel my best (or even half best for that matter), and it was a pretty slow pace, but STILL, I did it!!!  I am really excited to get back into the swing of things.  Thanks for getting me up and out Heidi C.

I am back in the saddle, ready to roll!!  I got up this morning to run with the Heidi's for our traditional 5 mile square (we are doing the "new leaf 6.5 mile route Wednesday).  It was weird because I was in the middle of a weird dream when my alarm went off and woke me up, so I just had a weird feeling to start. But as soon as I was up, I was ready to roll! It felt really good to get out and run, especially when the sun started coming up and there was no snow or rain to go with it, YEAH!!  And, I just love running with these girls! I am sure they get so sick of me talking, but I sure do enjoy running with them!  I am excited to go again Wednesday and to start putting some more miles in then I have the past few weeks! YEAH!

Avg. Pace: 8:34

I have decided I am a conditional runner.  I must be hard to please. Yesterday morning I was singing praises because I got to run in nice weather, no rain or snow, etc. and tonight, I was praying for rain or snow, WHOA it was HOT!!!! Granted I didn't leave my house to go run until 5:00pm so the sun was starting to get low and when I was on my way back, it was right in my face.  I was glad I got out to run at all tonight but I am going to admit, it was hard and pretty much wiped me out.  Oh well, I got to run today, I am happy about that.  However, I did leave my watch home so I am not sure on my pace, but I estimate it to be about 8:30-8:45 or so.  

Someone must love me because tonight was perfect conditions for running!!  I am not all that picky, I just prefer it to be day light, over cast, a slight chill in the air, birds chirping, and not many cars on the road and tonight was JUST THAT~!~ I got home from running kids to piano lessons and soccer games, got dinner in the oven and ran out the door to get some miles in before the rest of the night took it's course. Again, it was perfect outside and I felt SO MUCH BETTER then I did last night!!  I just did the 5 mile square adding on just a bit during the course. I really wanted to go longer but I needed to get home to finalize dinner and get my family fed, so I compromised a bit.  I am looking forward to meeting with the Heidi's tomorrow morning for the "New Leaf" route that will get me 6.5 miles in for the day!!~

Splits: 7:53, 7:25, 8:03, 7:45, 7:36, 7:33(last .25) Avg. pace = 7:51, Hooray!!

So, it's 9:45pm and I am just walking in from a late night run!! I was supposed to go this morning but woke up to wind and rain so I opted for a change of plans. So, I just did some push ups and sit ups and then started my day from there.  However, the weather later on, and the stress from a crazy day made me want to get out tonight so I called Heidi W and she came along. We just ran the 5 mile square with a little .3 mile walk in the middle.  We both had a late dinner so our food wasn't sitting right and we both suffered a little during our run.  However, I was surprised when I checked my watch and we averaged a 8:30 overall, I felt like we were going much slower than that.  So, now I am off to shower and get to bed so that I can get up in 8 hours to go again! Yipee!! 

Beautiful morning run with the Heidi's.  We ran the "New Leaf" route.  It was so nice getting out and so nice to run 5 days in a row!! Loved it!!

Avg. Pace 8:35

New Leaf route with Heidi W this morning, WOW, it was a B-E-A-Utiful morning!! I LOVED IT!! Seriously I just wanted to keep running and running!!  It's sad because it has been so cold for so long that now I worry we will only get a few short weeks of this PERFECT running weather before it gets too hot and we all know how well Heat, Kellie and Running minx :(. NOT GOOD!! I am going to make the most of these next few days.  And, we are leaving to go to St. George on Wednesday so I look forward to running down there as well!!  Today is going to be a crazy one, I am off to work, running my son to pre-school in Spanish, then back to his normal pre-school in Salem, then back to work, to Orem to a closing, back to work, then to get my kids from school, run Evan to Piano and then having the family over at 6:00 to celebrate Jack's Birthday (sniffle, tear, he is going to be 2 on Wednesday), should be a busy day, but I look forward to it!! 

Ave. Pace: 8:42

I was going to try and go running tonight but the weather did not permit so I opted for a strenght training video instead.  It was very nice and I can tell I am going to be sore tomorrow which I like!!

In sunny St. George today so I got up late and went for a run by my lonesome. It was lovely. Both waking up late and getting out for a run.  Wow, I love it down here!!!  It was over cast when I was out with a small chill in the air, Nice :).  I just ran out and back getting 5 miles in with a .25 mile walk at the end. Tomorrow I am going to get up and run with Marcie J down here so I am excited to see her and her cute belly and to have the opportunity to see more of St. George while running.  Yeah~

Avg. Pace 7:55

What a fun morning.  Tyler and I got up and met up with Marcie along with her friends Heidi and Court for a beautiful run down here in St. George!!  I had only packed shorts for running expecting it to be 50-70 degrees but I guess we brought the cold south with us because when we started it was only 37 degrees.  I guess it wasn't that cold being I am used to running in those temps back home, I just didn't bring the proper clothing for running so I ended up wearing my big heavy sweats for the first couple of miles until my body warmed up!!  But, WOW, what a fun morning (did I say that already:)).  It was really so nice meeting up with Marcie and getting to know her better.  I am sure she was sick of me talking her ear off but I love opportunities to run with people and to get to know them better, so THANKS MARCIE for letting Tyler and I invade your usual Friday morning run.  Now we are off to a fun day in St. George. I have no idea what we are doing today but I look forward to it!!

Avg. Pace 8:21

It was a beautiful Monday morning today! I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!  It's so fun to see all of the trees blossoming and to hear the birds chirp in the morning, etc.  The best part is going out to run at 6:00am and actually having a little day light, I LOVE IT!!!  So, Heidi C and I met up for the New Leaf route. It was nice to chat and get caught up from our weekend ventures.  I want to try and get some more miles in this week  as well as trying to get my diet back under control.  You know, swimming suit season is just around the corner :) (YIKES!!).  Have a great day Ya'll!

 Avg. Pace: 8:45

5 mile square this morning with the Heidi's.  It was a lovely morning and I really enjoyed the run, the sun, and being able to get out today!!. 

Avg. Pace: 8:35

Tyler took the early shift today and had a course he wanted to do that allowed me some extra sleep time and so I didn't start my run until a little after 6:30. It was so nice to run in complete day light. I Ran by my lonesome this morning because everyone else had other plans and it was very different from what I am used to. Worse was that my ipod was dead so I didn't even have music to keep me entertained. It's sad how dependant I have become on gadgets and gismos to run, or the company or a running mate. I look forward to running on Friday with the Heidi's again so I can have someone's ear to talk off!!! I am glad I got out this morning and that the weather has been so beautiful!!!

Avg. Pace: 8:17

What a fun, accomplishing morning!! I finally, for the first time in history, pulled a Kelli, Teena and Marion and did multiple exercises all in the same morning, HOORAY!!!

First I met with Mac and we ran an out a back course to get some miles in.  She had already ran almost a mile when we met up, so I ran just a little over 7.25 with her and then she finished up herself probably getting about 9 miles in for her (good job Mac).  It was fun running with her and chatting away.  I find it so easy to talk to her, so THANKS FOR THE RUN MAC!!!  She is a speedster and I hope to be able to run with her a little more to help increase my pace and have her share her secrets with me!  Avg. pace: 7:59 (yes, at least it was in the 7 range, even if it was just barely).

Then, I met up with Heidi C for some strength training at my house.  Again, something I have learned to love and it makes it all the better when you do it with someone you love, so Thanks for coming over and working out with me Heid!!!  We just worked out to a video before ending and starting the morning routine.  It's so nice to know that I got some cardio and weights in, now I really feel like I can take on the day.  Especially considering that tonight a few of my neighbors/ward members are doing a "Mood Enhancement Night".  This will consist of anything related to chocolate.  It is only woman invited and we are supposed to bring anything including chocolate or our favorite thing to dip in chocolate.  There will be 2 chocolate fountains (milk chocolate and white chocolate) and multiple desserts to choose from with chocolate.  Yup, glad I worked out this morning!!! :)

So after my little "mood enhancement" night last night, it was sure a good thing that I got up and ran this morning. I literally ate myself sick on chocolate and sugar, but OH WAS IT FUN!!! I am going to try and convince the ladies that threw the bash to have one a month. I can see some serious "mood enhancing" benefits that would come to my life!!

I actually really struggled to get out of bed this morning and almost wouldn't have if my husband wouldn't have said "just think of how good you will feel when you are all done for the day". I changed up the thought a little and said to myself "and how crappy you will feel if you don't go after what you ate last night", so I hopped up and got outside. Of course it always helps when I have the Heidi's to go with. So, we ran New Leaf and then I tacked on an extra .25 at the end to try and get my mileage over 30 for the week (I was off on my calculations and thought I needed an extra .25 to get to 30, but I was actually just slightly over). It was a B-E-A-Utiful morning and now that I am done, I am so darn glad I went!! Happy Friday!!

Avg. Pace: 8:45

Got up and ran with the Heidi's this morning for our long run.  When we were getting ready to leave it looked like rain would be hitting us for sure, but we got no more than 2 little raindrops on us the entire run. To be honest, this morning's weather defined my exact idea of what "running weather" should be. It was beautiful and I LOVED running this morning. We just left the house, ran out to Osborns, down tree road and back.  Originally we had only planned on going 8-10 miles but when we hit tree road instead of turning around in the middle, Heidi W and I decided to take it to the end to get a little more miles in before turning around.  Knowing I have a busy day today I was anxious to get home so I kind of kicked it up just a bit and left the Heidi's at around 9.5 to finish the last 1 1/2 by myself. It was a really fun run this morning and one that made me realize just how much I love running and how grateful I am to be allowed the opportunity to run.  I am excited to take tomorrow off and hit it hard next week!! (First week I have broke 40 miles in a long time, it feels really nice.  Thanks to Tyler for being so accomodating this week and helping me out so that I could run every day!!:).

Splits: 8:58 (nice warm up mile), 8:46, 8:46, 8:41, 8:17, 8:04, 8:50 (big hill here), 8:31, 8:35, 8:00, 7:46.  Avg. Pace 8:29

I am not off to a very good start this week.  Last week I didn't get a lot of sleep for a few nights so you know how it tends to catch up with you eventually.  Then, I totally lost my voice over the weekend because of it, that was the first time in a LONG TIME that has happened me (I am sure it has nothing to do with my level of talking or my ability to talk anyone's ear off without even having to have a topic to talk about :).  In any event I made it out this morning with the Heidi's for the 5 mile square.  Tuesday is Tyler's day so I waited for him to get home and didn't go until 6:30 which was very nice.  It's amazing how just that half of an hour makes such a huge difference in the morning.  

Avg. Pace 8:39

P.M.  Went down stairs and do a weight training video to get some strength training in while Tyler is at a meeting. It is only 45 minutes but manages to work every muscle group in the body I feel like.  I am shaky now and am ready to go get in the tub and go to bed (hopefully soon)!!

6.5 "new leaf" route this morning with Heidi C.  Wow, it was a beautiful morning! I felt a little sluggish today but was sure glad to get out.  Got my day started off right.  I want to try and go for a walk later with my boys too. We will see how that goes. 

avg. pace: 8:38

PM.  Went for a short walk around the neighborhood with the boys.  It was pretty easy going but Man, so nice to get out and soak up this weather!!  

I went and got me a jump rope and pull up bar today so tonight I jump roped for 3 minutes.  That doesn't sound like much but boy, it gets you tired fast!!  Let the good times roll!~!!

Met with the Heidi's for our "New Leaf" route.  Weather was chilly but perfect for running in!!  Great Morning!!

Avg. Pace: 8:38 (weird, we have been within 1 second of this all week). :)

Met with the Heidi's for an intense session of strength training.  We did a movie that I have done only once before and WOW, it is a killer.  It's a silent killer though.  Your muscles burn throughout but you feel pretty good but then I know I won't be walking or lifting my arms tomorrow!! I actually really like that and like being sore so I look forward to it! Thanks to the Heidi's for accommodating my schedule this morning!!

I was supposed to meet with the Heidi's this morning for a 10 miler but woke up to rain that surpassed the sound of cats and dogs and moved right into the category of small people.  It was unreal!! So, I text them (the Heidi's) and my sitter and told them never mind (I Hope they were all having the same thoughts, assumed as much). I would love to say that I went back to sleep and slept in due to not getting home last night until 1:30am (my son and I went to see Wicked with my sis, niece, her sister in law, my friend , mom, and step dad, IT WAS SO FUN), but my baby woke me up at 6:25 ready to party for the day so I have been up ever since.  We (the boys and I ) are just gearing up for a big .50 mile walk around the neighborhood to make up for the run this morning, I think it will be comparable right!!! Oh well, I have had a fun day with my boys, so I am not going to complain, DANG RAIN!!!  

BEAUTIFUL morning, especially considering the weather we have been having.  I even got to bed early last night (10:30) so once I was up, I felt refreshed and ready to run!!!  We ran "New Leaf" this morning.  When I started running I felt a little sluggish, I think from not running for 3 days.  But, we pushed through and when we got done, Oh, how lovely I felt!!  

Avg. Pace: 8:37

Then we jump roaped afterwards for a few minutes.  I did a total of 180 "jumps" (3 sets of 50 with the last set getting 80) and whew, it kicked my butt!! We are going to start trying to jump rope more often to try and "jump" up the cardio a bit!!  It was a fun morning!!

WOWIE!!!  A new, fun, hard workout this morning with the Heidis.  It was Tyler's day to run so the gals were gracious enough to agree to do strength training with me at my house.  Heidi has Jillian Michael's 30 day shred movie ( I thought of you Britta) so we did level 3 and HOLY SMOKES!!!  Seriously, it was amazing how good of a work out we got in just 30 short minutes!!!! We were all dying!!  But, it was so fun and new and kept us hopping.  Then we went outside and jump roped for another 10 minutes or so.  Up until about 3 hours ago (it is now 7:00pm) my body was still shaking from it!!  We are going to run in the morning so I look forward to that and then plan to do the Shred again on Thursday, Shnikies!!!  

Woke up with sore abs this morning, HOORAY!! I think the last time my abs were sore was about 2 years ago after giving birth to my son and the last time they were sore due to a work out was...........Um Never.  REALLY, I Love it!! It is nice to know that the area my body suffering most these days (due to my sugar intake I am sure of it) is the area that got a significant work out yesterday, THANK YOU JILLIAN!!!  

But, onto today.  Met up with the Heidi's today for the New Leaf route!! What a beautiful morning and almost warm enough to start running in shorts (this takes time for me Tyler), can I get another HOORAY!!!  We followed up our run with some more Jump roping.  A total of 200 jumps plus some "jump rope running" (is what I am going to call it) down the road and back. It really gets your heart rate up.  Our goal is to be able to run (jump rope run) the entire distance of our street here soon!! We will see how that goes!! What a wonderful way to start my day, HOORAY!! 

Avg. Pace 8:33

Shredded again this morning with Heidi W and Jillian :)  We did level 2 today and Holy Smokes, it was hard.  It is so fun to do an all over body work out, get my heart rate up, sweat, strengthen and stretch all in about 30 minutes.  Wowie!!  Then we cooled down a little bit with a different home video working our butts (am I allowed to say that on the blog?) a bit and biceps.  We were going to jump rope but ran out of time so........darn it!!  Look forward to running tomorrow (solo :( and then a long run Saturday!!

Flew the 5 mile square solo today!!  It was a very pretty morning and I actually enjoyed the run even though I was by myself.  It gave me some good time to think about things and prepare for my busy day!!

Avg. Pace 7:51

Met up with Heidi W this morning at 7:00 for a long run.  WOW, what a pretty morning!!  We left our houses ran down canal road to Woodland Hills Drive cut back over to the highway, across and around the Krishna temple to the ball park and back home!!  It was a very fun run this morning with Heidi and I felt it was challenging at parts and then easy running in other parts!! The Sun was very intense this morning which was the first time I have felt it like that this year, so it brought on the heat and the endurance!!  It was a great morning and a great way to get my Saturday off to a good start!! The last mile was a gradual incline so that lap slowed our overall pace down a bit but I am still very happy with the outcome!

Avg. Pace 8:19

Level 3 of the Shred today with Heidi W with some jump rope to follow!! It was a little easier today than it was last week, but still very hard!! It was an exciting day today!! We found out the the Heidi's got into the SG Marathon, HOOORAYYYYY!!!!! I am so excited, CONGRATS HEIDI'S!!!  We also found out that our little Evan made the Salem Shooter Soccer Team so we are pretty excited about that!!  It was a good Monday, and a good way to start the week. 

New Leaf route this morning with Heidi W!! Let the Marathon training begin!! It was a very lovely morning and so nice to run.  My legs were a little sore from yesterday and my energy level was not up where I like it to be but otherwise, it was perfect!!  We then came home and jump roped.  4 sets of 50.  wahoo~

Avg. Pace 8:31

PM: 3.5 miles Late night, easy run with my friends JaNae and Courtney.  I met up with them about 9:30pm and we just went out and around the neighborhood and then ended with a little walk out around a little park right by JaNae's house.  It was a fun little moment with the gals!

So, for the first time in history, I actually consented to an afternoon run with Tyler.  He has asked me a few times before, but I have rejected his offers because it is hard for me to leave work, come home to run, then have to get all ready again to go back to work, but it was one of those moments that I though, Why the heck not!! So, we met around 12:00ish and just ran the New Leaf route.  It was a little cold when we started (57 degrees) but it warmed up very fast and took me about an hour after I got done to actually stop sweating.  It was a very fun change from my normal way of doing things.  It almost felt like I was doing something wrong running in the middle of the afternoon.  I kept having to think about where my kids were and what I still had to do for the rest of the day at work, then later tonight, etc.  Weird, but fun!! I wish I could do it more often but fear that it won't work out that way! Oh well, I will just have to take it when time permits!

Avg. Pace: 7:58

Nice easy run with Heidi this morning just to keep  our muscles warm in preparation for the Ogden Half on Saturday.  It was hard to get out of bed this morning but I was glad I got up and did at least a little something. I am taking tomorrow off (sleeping in) and hope to enjoy my Saturday run.  I am still unsure if I want to push myself and try to go fast on this 1/2 or just take it easy and enjoy the scenery!?! I think I might just take it easy.  I guess we will see what the morning brings!  

Avg. Pace:8:46

WAHOOOOOO!!! I am officially on cloud 9 right now.  We are actually in route home from the Ogden Half Marathon and so I am using Ty's computer to get my blog posted before getting home and getting into the normal husstle and bustle that Saturday brings.  Let me just say that today was seriously the funnest, most organized, "feel good" 1/2 marathon I have ever done, HOORAY!!!  I am not sure if it was due to eating ice cream with Kelli last night (which she claims in her normal pre-race ritual that I am considering taking on as my own ritual as well:)), or just that I was ready to get out and run some long miles, but it was AWESOME!!  And, the first time that I have not been nervous before a race.  I think it was because I had no expectations of myself today. I just wanted to get out and run with what felt good and luckily, I felt good the whole time so I was able to PR.  I have to say that I was very impressed with how well this race was organized and put together.  I would like to consider it as one that I will try to run consecutively in years to come.  

We came up last night and met up with Scott and Kelli, Heidi W and her hubby Jeron, and Sue (see Sue Run) and her husband Jared for dinner (Fun, and very yummy food).  Then it was off to get ice cream with Kelli and Scott (even though our husbands didn't eat any, what the heck?!?), then back to the hotel to get some rest.  What a fun date night before a race (maybe that is the second pre-race ritual I will have to start).  We woke up 4:00 and drove down to the race with Dustin, Wild Bill and James, what a fun group of guys.  Tyler has enjoyed getting to know them.  Then we headed up the canyon to the start line.  I was nervous because I couldn't find Heidi, but I found her and was able to start with her.  We ran the first 4 miles together and then I let the down hill take me away so we parted ways a bit.  From that point on, I just took each mile as it came and pushed things when I felt I could but tried to reserve some energy because I knew the last 3 miles were flat and that they would potentially be very hot.   I pushed the last 1/2 mile pretty hard and finished at 1:38:57.  My goal was to break 1:40, so all in all, I was very proud of myself. What a FUN race!!  Heidi came in at 1:44 which is incredible to me considering this was only her 2nd half marathon ever, WOW!!!  Tyler came in at 1:19:12, which placed him 1st in his age group and 5th overall, WHAT THE HECK??? WOW!!!  Seriously, a fun race, fun group of people to be there watching and supporting. Just a fun morning (can you sense the enthusiasm?).  I am considering bagging full marathons and just focusing on 1/2's for a while.  Not really, just a fun morning that made me realize why I run in the first place, how fortunate I feel to be able to run and just how much I love it!! 

Splits: 7:59, 7:59, 7:50, 7:48, 7:15, 7:26, 7:26, 7:23, 7:12, 6:58 (FIRST TIME IN HISTORY I HAVE GOTTEN IN THE 6 MINUTE MILE RANGE, HOOOORAH!! A small celebration took place due to this in the finish area :)), 7:19, 7:26, 7:23, 6:38 (last .2 miles).   

Enough said, I am signing off~

Nice, 5 mile square with the Heidi's this morning!! Wow, it was a beautiful morning, I didn't even need a jacket.  I still had some sore muscles due to Saturday but all in all I felt really good!! Finished it up with a little jump rope.  

Avg. Pace: 8:42

Phew............ I did it!! I actually woke up by myself and exercised in my basement by "myself" this morning, who knew the possibilities :)? Tyler left at 4:30 to go turkey hunting so I couldn't run, but that was okay because I wanted to do some strength training anyway.  I did level 3 of the Shred again today.  It felt a little easier, but is still a killer workout.  I would like to try and do it once a week if possible.  I think it will really help with strength and toning.  Then I did 20 minutes of aerobic yoga.  It is a very interesting movie, but is basically breathing and stretching but it is classified as no impact aerobics because you are basically standing in place and moving and breathing your so your heart race goes up but it works your muscles at the same time.  One of those movies you want to do by yourself when no one else is around to laugh at you, but I liked it :) ha ha.

5 mile square this morning with the Heidi's again. I am not sure why, but I felt really sluggish this morning, really sluggish!!  I didn't eat much more then some crackers after 6:00 last night so maybe I didn't have the "usual" (un-healthy dinner, etc) fuel in my body to run off.   All I know is it's mornings like today that make you grateful for the mornings that you feel good!!I guess sometimes you just have to take the bitter with the sweet! We finished up with some jump roping.  I just did 150 today instead of 200 because I was still struggling with the energy and I needed to get the morning started!   As a side note, it's always awesome waking up and seeing the Heidi's first thing in the morning!! I love running with these girls so Thanks Ladies!

Avg. Pace 8:37

In St. George for family vacation.  Just did 20 quick minutes of swimming laps in attempt to exercise while playing with the kids in the pool at the same time.  Hey, it was better then nothing and actually got my heart rate up, for 20 quick minutes anyway!

I am guesstimating my mileage today because we are in St. George and silly me forgot my watch, so.................................. 

We decided to take a long weekend and spend time with the kids for a family vacation.  Because we have our house in St. George we thought it best to make the most of it.  And, because we are considering this our Family vacation for the year. neither Tyler or I wanted to be selfish with running so we are each taking a day to run.  Tyler got up and went yesterday so today was  my day to run.  I really wanted to sleep in a little bit but Tyler threatened that if I didn't get up and go, that he was going to go in my place, so, I had to get up early and go.  But, I am so glad that I did.  It was an incredible morning down here. The weather was perfect.  The sky was a little overcast which was great considering the heat factor down here.  I ran down a route that Tyler told me about that we estimated to be about 10 miles.  Given the time that it took me, I assume it was at least that.  It was just me and my ipod today and it was quit relaxing and nice.  I am not sure of my pace but know that it wasn't fast by any mean.  And lately,  I am finding that I don't really get into my groove with running until almost 4-5 miles, which is weird.  It makes those first few miles hard to push through, but sure makes you appreciate when you get into that zone.  I followed up my run with a few lunges, some push ups and a little ab work.  A great start to a wonderful weekend down in St. George.  

Happy Memorial day everyone!  

We are still in St. George (actually driving home now as I type this), so I decided to get up and run this morning.  I usually run on Monday's and so I didn't want to lose a day of running due to leaving today. However, I really wanted to sleep in too (day off work, in St. George, on vacation, why not!?!) so I did.  However, I wish I'd gotten up earlier because BOY, was it HOT!!!  I didn't leave the house until almost 8:30 and so a mile in, I was sweating to death.  This comes from a girl who does not run well in heat and traditionally I don't sweat that much while I am running, only after I stop, so I was shocked to see how much I was really sweating.  However, I was up, and out running so I had to make the most of it.  I just ran around some neighborhoods and out to a main road and back.  Again, it was a very beautiful morning, just very hot.  I got home and got right to work getting things ready to load up and head home.  We had a wonderful time in St. George and enjoyed spending time with our boys.  We did lots of sight seeing, hiking, swimming, and eating.  It was a great start to what we hope is a great summer!!

Late night Taylor Swift concert resulted in an early morning today, but I was glad to get up and run.  I met with the Heidi's for "new leaf" route.  Wow, it is so beautiful outside.  However, it is starting to get hotter each day since the sun comes up earlier.  It was fun visiting with the gals and getting some mileage in!

 Avg. Pace: 8:33

200 jumps with the jump rope.  4 sets of 50

I decided to get up and do some strength training this morning by myself so it was a little harder to get out of bed.  But once I was up, I was glad to be up.  My house is so quiet in the morning as opposed to every other time of the day :).  I just did a workout movie that I do from time to time. My muscles feel tight so I expect to be sore tomorrow, YEAH, I love when I am sore!!

Ran "new leaf" again today with Heidi C.  For some reason the last few times I have run I haven't felt my best.  I hope that I get into again soon and can start to run with a little less effort and more ease (yeah right).  In any event it was a fun morning with Heidi and I look forward to a long run tomorrow.  We finished up with a little jump roping!!

Avg. Pace: 8:41

9.5 miler with the Heidi's.  Man, it is getting hotter each day!! It was a beautiful morning and nice to get out with the girls!!

Avg. Pace: 8:41

Injured, this run was painful and only 3.5 :(  Pace: 8:25

Better this morning and felt pretty good.  Estimated pace at 8:35 because I forgot to re-start my watch.  

Met with Heidi C for a late morning workout.  First we did a strength training video then went out for a 3 mile run.  We didn't leave to run until 8:00 which felt really weird, but it was sure nice to run.  I haven't been able to run much due to my back injury so I will take whatever I can get!

Avg. Pace:8:27

This morning was the Provo 10 miler.  It started up the South Fork of Provo Canyon.  I have never done this actual race before but it was about the same route as the Provo 1/2 so it was all familiar.  My babysitter was supposed to be at my house at 5:40 but by 5:50 she wasn't here yet so after a few phone calls and me driving up to her house, I found her (phew!!).  I met up with Heidi C, Heidi W, her sister Emily, Emily's husband Richard and JaNae to drive over.  It was a fun morning with them and I enjoyed the ride over and the preparation time we had together.  We got on the  bus and up we went arriving on top at 7:00am. The race wasn't supposed to start until 8:00 but they started it just a bit early.  I ran with JaNae and Heidi until the first water stop at mile 3 but then lost them.  I got my drink and started running for a few steps assuming they were right behind me but when I turned around to check, they were no where to be seen.  I sat and looked and looked but could never find them so I had no idea what to do.  I kind of hung back for a bit waiting to see if they would come through the crowd but they never did so I just took off and kept running.  It was the perfect weather for running this morning. The canyon is absolutely beautiful because of all of the rain we have been having. I loved it!! I had to take it a bit easier today because my back is still giving me fits but I was using today's race as a cage on my recovery and all in all, I felt good about it. A big thanks to Dr. Cook (my chiropractor) who made the recovery thus far possible.  He is awesome!  I was able to push a few miles here and there and ended feeling tired which tells me that I probably pushed it about as much as I should have today given all of the circumstances (low miles over the past 2 weeks and a back injury).  The ending was fun and I ended up seeing all sorts of familiar faces which was fun.  Good morning run.  I am ready to start my marathon training.  Let the good times begin!

Splits:8:19, 7:55, 7:52, 7:42, 7:45, 7:29, 7:33, 7:49, 7:42, 7:34.  Avg. Pace 7:46

5 mile square with the Heidi's and JaNae this morning!! We met at 6:00 but took some time reviewing a schedule that Heidi W gathered together for us to assist in our marathon training.  I am really ready to start training harder and getting more miles in.  So, we talked and then started running.  JaNae was supposed to meet at my house but she wasn't there when we were getting ready to start running so we hoped to find her along the way. Low and behold we got about a .25 mile out and there came JaNae running along the road!!  Poor girl had almost ran a mile before even meeting up with us because we had been talking to long.  We had official negative splits today.  It was a good run.  I am looking forward to the Wasatch Back this weekend!!

Splits: 9:08, 8:46, 8:45, 8:32, 7:58

Thanks Ladies :)

What do you get when you take an overly full stomach and try to go run with it?  A stomach cramp from the top of your rib cage to your waistline! OUCH!! Tonight was a very LONG, PAINFUL, SLOW, Run!! I should have known though.  I made dinner and inhaled it just before we had to walk out the door to meet with the Bishop.  Well, then I got released from my calling so I was sad and went and got a banana cream pie shake to help "slurp" away my worries.  As we were driving home I told Tyler I wanted to run later that night but he had a meeting so he said that if I was going to run, I would have to run before he went to his meeting.  So, I got right home, suited up and walked out the door, BIG MISTAKE!! I literally didn't allow my food to settle for 20 minutes.  Therefore, it was painful and I must add, very humid tonight which didn't help.  I debated even posting the run but wanted to count the mileage in for the week so here it is.  Needless to say, I learned my lesson, No more banana cream pie shakes for me!!

5 mile square with the ladies this morning.  My stomach ache was still present this morning so things were painful again today.  No, not as bad as last night but still painful and still very humid outside!! However, it was still good to get out and run.  I look forward to sleeping in tomorrow a bit and getting all ready for the Wasatch Back this weekend!!  Wish me luck, I am a first timer and a little nervous about all of this (however, very excited too). 
Avg. Pace 8:40

WOW!! My first Wasatch Back experience and I have one word for it, ADVENTURE!!  Seriously I can say this today (Sunday) that it was very fun and a great experience but I may have chosen alternative words if I had posted Friday or Saturday.   I will write more tomorrow.  I have to get to bed.  I am sleep deprived! 

Nice, easy recovery run today in attempts to get back on board after the WBR!! I actually felt really good when I woke up today so that was nice.  Heidi C and I started and met up with JaNae.  Once I started running my legs were tired and I could tell that they had taken a beating this weekend.  It was nice to get out and to try and keep them lose a bit.  What a b-e-a-utiful morning it was today!!  If only it could stay like this throughout the entire summer!!  We just ran the 5 mile square and visited about the adventures of this past weekend.  It was a fun run!

 Avg. Pace: 8:50

Okay, it's official I am tired and I had a hard time getting out of bed today.  It seems to be getting a bit harder each day over getting easier, what is up with that??

Did a little strength training this morning with the Heidi's, which was nice.  I feel like I took it pretty easy in attempts to keep my back strong.  I went to the chiropractor yesterday and he was surprised at how well my back held up through the WBR, so that was a good sign.  However, it's still sore and I really feel like I need to take it easy so that I don't strain it or injure it worse later.  Then we went out and did just a bit of jump roping (literally, like maybe 50 jumps is all).  It was a fun morning with the girls!! 

My first official workout doing SPEED WORK this morning!!! And................it wasn't bad at all!!  So, here's how it went. I met with the Heidi's and we drove down just a ways to meet up with JaNae.  We did a warm up mile, a speed mile, jogged 1/2 a mile, another speed mile, jogged 1/2 mile and then a full mile cool down. Not too shabby at all.  The only time I felt really tired was for about the last .25 miles of the 2nd speed mile.  The splits went like this:

Mile warm up: 8:49

Speed mile: 7:18

800m jog: 9:36

speed mile: 7:13

800m jog: 9:13

cool down mile: 8:35

Worked out to be a 8:20 pace overall.  It was a fun morning with the girls and WOW, a very beautiful morning as well!!  I look forward to speed again but fear the 3-4x1600's to come, yikes!!!

I got a sitter this morning so that I could go out for my long run.  The Heidi's and I planned to go out but Tyler's running partner had some things come up at the last minute so he decided to join us as well.  He had to go to the city park in SF to set up for the big Iceland Days festival so he just decided to run there.  We left our house and ran out to river bottoms where we parted ways with Tyler and then ran back. (Just 6 miles out and then 6 miles back).  It was a Beautiful morning and perfect for running.  I felt really good today and felt like I could have even gone a few more miles, but realized that it won't be long until I am running longer miles so I better take these days while I can get them!!  

Avg pace ended up being 8:23 over all but the last mile I averaged a 7:58 so I was happy about that! 

PM.  We had a FRB party at our house! So much fun!! Thanks to everyone who came and brought yummy food and partied with us!!  It was really a lot of fun.  I feel very fortunate to have found so many great friends on this blog!! Thanks again Ya'll~

Fun running this morning with Heidi W!!  Heidi C is in Lake Powell (lucky duck) and JaNae is in Wyoming so it was just the two of us this morning.  We ran the "Mailbox" route this morning.  This is a tough course but fun because you can really gage yourself on where you are at, training wise.  I remember 2 years ago, I had to walk several times when running this route and today I ran up without stopping, YEAH!!  Granted, it was hard and there was some heavy breathing going on, but that's okay because I did it!! The first 2 1/2 miles are pretty much up hill, then you have a mile and a half down and then 2 miles of flat to end it out.  I was tired when I got home and my back is really stiff but all in all, I felt pretty good!!  It is going to be fun to run this route while training for SGM so that I can see how I progress, etc. 

Splits (off memory): 9:12, 9:35, 8:40, 7:52, 8:18, 7:58.  Avg. Pace ended at 8:41. 

Week Plan:

Tuesday:  Strength training "solo"

Wednesday is our first official tempo run (mile warm, 3 miles at 7:48, mile cool)

Thursday: Rest or possible yoga day (if I can find a good yoga movie)

Friday: 6 miles

Saturday: 13 miles I think??

Strenght training by my lonesome this morning!!  I was supposed to get up at 6:00 but I slept in until 6:30 so I was in a rush to get started and get it over with so that I could start my day.  I went downstairs to start the video and my blasted DVD player was having issues so I had to go upstairs to work out (it's hotter upstairs :( ).  But all in all, it was a pretty decent workout.  Her (Erin Obrian) videos never feel like you are working hard but then I am always sore the next day, so that's a little after party present!!  If only I could quit eating like complete crap, I bet I would be able to tell a more significant difference with my muscle tone.  I need to eat better, I NEED TO EAT BETTER!!!

Then I just did some stretches for a bit and got my boys up to get the day started.  It's swimming lesson week so that always brings on an added layer of craziness in the morning (and the week for that matter). Oh well, it's fun to watch my boys swim!!  Over and out, have a good day ya'll!!

I truly can not believe that it is already July, the summer is flying by!! Happy July everyone! I feel bad that I pretty much haven't done one thing with my kids this summer but I am going to blame it on the rain over my negligence, just in case anyone asks why ;).

So, my very first tempo run this morning and WOW, I am tired. This by far was harder to me then speed work (at least the speed work I did last week).  I actually got to bed early (about 10:30) last night so I got about 7 hours of sleep and I swear, the more sleep I get, the more tired I am in the morning, WHAT IS UP WITH THAT??  So, I met up with Heidi who was also tired and we had a hard time getting started but finally agreed that it was time to get going.  So, we did a mile warm up and then 3 miles tempo and a mile cool down.  Then we got to "the corner" where we always stop and walk it out and decided to take a lap around the neighborhood to cool off a bit so that added another 3/4 of a mile in walking (not counting as distance though).  I am tired and not looking forward to the next tempo run. Glad it's not until next Wednesday, but then we have to add another mile to it, oh well.......no pain, no gain!! 

Splits: 9:01 (warm up) 7:42, 7:30, 7:22, 8:15 (cool down).

I found a quote yesterday that I like so I am sharing it (Not to copy cat Kelli or anything).

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give" ~Winston Churchill  ( I likey this quote).

Went to a late night movie with my friend JaNae last night so I couldn't wake it up this morning to exercise.  However, I think I got a pretty good ab workout due to laughing me stinking head off at "The Proposal", WOW, cute movie!  Maybe I will try to do something later tonight!  

So it's official, my back is messed up!!  By last night, I could barely even move. I have no idea what I am going to do but it's my own darn fault for missing my Chiropractic appointment yesterday. 

Last night my dear father in law volunteered himself for a Grandpa's sleepover with all of the grandsons (so nice of him) so we dropped off our 3 boys and went out on a date!! We went to dinner and then Yes, went and saw the Proposal again, I am pretty much addicted to it I think! It was a fun night out aside from the fact that I was walking around like I was 90 years old by the end of it.  So, in any event, I was not able to get up this morning and run either.  I wanted to give me back a little break so that I could try to run my long run tomorrow.  However, I did go and get a Pilates movie from Wal-Mart that I did tonight so at least I did a little something!  

Last night Tyler and I stayed at our family cabin with my mom, etc so we had to get up extra early to make it down for our Saturday run.  Thank you to my mom who agreed to watch the boys so that we could come down together.  We woke up about 4:45 and left the cabin at 5:00 (only 15 minutes away), picked up the Heidi's and headed over to S.F. to meet up with JaNae (Ty was meeting up with Rich).  We had planned to do 14 miles and I kind of had a route mapped out in my head but when we were only about 3 miles from the finish I looked at my watch and we had only gone 8 miles, SNAP!!!!, we had to add on 3 miles.  So, we kind of improvised and took some turns here and there to get our mileage in.  All in all, I felt pretty good today. My back is sore and I had to stop and stretch it several times, but I tried to take the down heels easy and listen to my body.  We had some good heels today and so I felt a was a very versatile course.  It was very muggy this morning but good cloud coverage so we didn't get pounded by the Sun, BEAUTIFUL!!  It was a perfect morning for running with girl friends. Thanks Ladies!

Avg. Pace: 8:27

Met with the Heidi's this morning (and Jileen from our neighborhood as well) for what was supposed to be another "mailbox" route day.  However, after assessing the situation with my back, I asked the gals if they would be willing to keep it a bit more flat this morning to which they agreed, THANK YOU LADIES!!  I had a hard time at first but after about 3 miles I started feeling better and got into a groove.  The last mile felt so darn good I was actually sad I had to stop but I think my body must have been telling me something because the second I stopped, my back started throbbing.  So, I went to the chiropractor and he said that my disc is now putting pressure on my nerve. No wonder the pain has been so intense these past few days.  Worse, he told me I have to take this week off.  There is inflamation clear up my spine and my muscles are very tight trying to protect it all from getting worse.  Yes, I am in a bit of a pickle!!  So, I will take this week off but I am running the Red Hot Pink Chick 1/2 on Saturday if it kills me :).  No, I plan to take it very easy but hope to get through these next few days.  If for any other reason, I think I will miss the socializing as much as the running :(.  Darn injuries! 

Avg. Pace: 8:37

I was going to try to get up and do a workout video this morning but slept in so I just ended up doing my pilates movie tonight instead.  Being very careful not to strain my back.  I got about 35 minutes in at least before having to stop.  I guess it's better than nothing! 

Oh, and I also did 250 jumps on the jump rope. Probably not the best thing on the back but I wanted to get my heart rate up for just a split second! And, it worked~

Ty has been gone all week and I have been banned from running so I just did a little exercise video again tonight for my exercise, at midnight none the less. I have basically completely dropped the ball with my exercise regimen but I guess that has to happen from time to time.  I am looking forward to next week in hopes that my back will permit me to run some more~

"Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful Day" la la la la, can you all hear the tune in your head??  I am singing it as I blog this!  Really, a very fun run this morning. A big thanks to Marion, Josse and Michelle for putting this together and working so hard to bring us out and accommodate so many pink runners, it was a blast!!  Tyler and I met up and drove over with Mac, My friend JaNae and her hubby Kyle, Brandon and Tiffany(a first time 1/2'er or a virgin under Marion's classifications). The weather could not have been more perfect. The course was pretty and the ladies (and men, my hubby being one of them) were all so much fun too.  On the way up the course there was a pretty strong head wind but it sure felt nice coming down.  I was so excited to run this morning and get some miles in but knew I wanted to take it easy so as to go easy on my back and fool my chiropractor into thinking that I had really taken the day off :) I felt really good the entire time and now only have a little tightness in my muscles (lower back) but nothing that is prohibiting me from doing anything so I feel very lucky!  I ran with Tiffany and Janae until the turn around, then got a bit ahead of Tiffany because her knee was hurting her and so she wanted to take it a little easier.  Then JaNae and I stuck together until the last half of a mile when our hubbies met up with us and we ran in with them.  I only got 2 pictures so if you want to see a bunch link over to Kelli's blog (Kelli) or Marion's or there is a link posted on Leslie's blog thanks to the services of her dear husband Herald who was the official photographer!!  You will have to check out all of the pink outfits and the beautiful onsamble I wore accompanied by what else?? Bright Red Lipstick!!!  We SO need to do this next year.  It was a ton of fun!! Thanks again Ladies for all of your efforts!!  

Avg pace: 8:47 (however this is just my running avg.  I stopped my watch a couple of times when taking water breaks, etc. Just being honest here) :)> 

Tough run this morning.......well at least half of it was.  The Heidi's and I left our houses this morning and ran 2.5 miles UP Loafer canyon.  I have driven this road a number of times but never ran it and BOY, is it deceiving!! It was a tough run and I sounded like I was in labor most of the time (with the heavy breathing and all). However, the run back down was sure fun.  Amazing how much faster it went coming down as opposed to going up!! I don't have my exact splits but know I was in the 9 min miles going up and mid to high 7's coming down.  Avg. Pace 8:47

It was Tyler's day to run this morning so I slept in a bit longer (6:15am) and got up and did some pilates with resistant bands.  I think it is a pretty decent work out. At least I feel my muscles working and dont' feel like I am straining my back or doing anything that will bulk me up (when saying this I am sucking in my stomach trying to pretend like I am long and lean, ha ha ha :).  Then I went outside and jump roped 200 quick jumps and ran up and down my street once to get my heart rate up.  I think I may try to run a few miles tonight, just easy miles becuase it's my tempo day tomorrow.  I am honestly scared about it!! Wish me luck!!!

I am DONE with the Tempo RUN Baby!!!!  WAHOOOOOO!!! Man it's nice knowing that I don't have to do that for another week.  So my friend JaNae and the Heidi's and I met up this morning for the event.  I am some what dreaded the thought of this run beings that last times tempo run about sent me into cardiac arrest. However, I must admit that today was a bit easier. Our plan was to start slow, tempo for 4 miles averaging a 7:42, then cool it down the last mile.  The first mile warm up was very easy at a 9:14 pace, then we kicked it into hi gear.  Heidi W and I stayed together the entire time which was nice, even though we weren't able to talk and be our normal "chatty" selves.  First 2 miles were actually pretty easy, the 3rd mile at tempo got a bit harder and by the 4th, my legs were tired and my lungs felt heavy.  It was nice to back it off a bit for the last mile.  Funny, how after you have ran faster than your normal speed for a bit, even when you "slow" down, your pace is still pretty good!!!  Splits: 9:14, 7:42, 7:37, 7:28, 7:24, 7:55 (cool down), last .25 was right at a 8:00. 

Now it's off to the shower to get my day started.  Have a good one ya'll~

Easy 5 miles this morning with the Heidi's!!  We were all a little tuckered from yesterday's Tempo run and wanted to run today so that we could take a day off before our long run Saturday!! It was a beautiful morning and nice to get out!

Do you ever have one of those days (running days) when you just never get into a groove??  Well............today was one of those days for me.  Usually when I run I eventually get into a mode where I can just run and it doesn't feel like I am using every ounce of exhertion that I have to do it.  However, today I was tired the entire time.  I kept waiting and wondering when my body would fall into that mode and it just never happened.  Oh well, I know you have to take the bad with the good but it just made for a hard run today.  We met a little earilier then normal (that may have been one reason :), then ran out 1/2 a mile and back in the opposite direction to get a warm up mile in, then ran out and around the golf course and back.  When we got our behind the golf course there was a VERY VERY Strong head wind.  I swear I felt like I was running in place (glanced down at my watch and pace was 9:05) so it was a bit tougher then it had been in the first place but it eventually eased up and it was just back to being "hard" again.  Sorry, I know I sound awful negative, I am glad that I got out and got the chance to run, but it tuckered me right out.  I am looking forward to a rest day and a better week next week.  It's FIESTA DAYS BABY!! And,  my little brother comes into town for his yearly visit next Saturday, I can't wait to see him, his wife and his darling little boy again!!! Look forward to this week :)

Avg. Pace 8:37

Oh, Monday!!! What is it about Mondays?? I have decided that there is just a feeling that comes with Monday!!  I always have a hard time getting out of bed (even despite the fact that I got a 2 1/2 hour long nap yesterday, that NEVER happens), and so I know it has nothing to do with the fact that I am tired, just that it is Monday!!  But, we got up and got out.  The Heidi's and I left our street and ran into Brenda Loss who is going to try to start coming with us.  It was nice to have her a long, she is a very sweet lady!!! The air felt pretty dry when we first started but about a mile in I changed my mind........it was VERY muggy!! But, it was still great to get out and get my week started off the right way!! I am taking a cross training day tomorrow then running a new 7 mile route on Wedesday that I look foward to.  It will be called the "Pond Route" (just for Teena)!!  We just keep rackin in the Routes.  I love marathon training!!

Avg. Pace: 8:41

I started with a bit of jump roping this morning to get my heart rate up!! I found it tends to stay up a bit if I do this first and then move onto a different workout.  So, I just did 200 jumps and then took it inside to do some pilates.  So, then it was onto pilates with my resistant bands and Suzanne Brown (aka home video).  For some reason it was a bit harder today then I recall it being from last week (which was nice).  And, I am really starting to enjoy this workout.  I feel like it strengthens yet stretches my muscles as well.  I would like to do more of this.  Maybe I can start being like everyone else on the blog and run, do pilates, yoga and bike all in one workout instead of breaking it up into days :)!!! You all amaze me!! Maybe some day?!?

Have a great day ya'll, it's July 21st, only 3 days until the 24th of July, PARTY ON!!!!

7 miles and not a step over!! I met with Heidi C and Brenda for the new "7 mile Pond Route", however I think I need to look at the exact coordinates again because we ended up having to tack on some extra mileage at the end to get to 7 miles.  It was an okay run, still not feeling like I am all together with it or that I am getting into a groove when running.  I think it is the heat! I have never ran well in heat and so, I am going to blame it on that for now!! However, it was fun to run a new route, fun to chat with the ladies, and fun knowing that I have my work out in for the day! I plan to do some cross training tomorrow before the Speedy Spaniard on Friday and my 20 mile long run Saturday!! 

Avg. Pace: 8:36

It was Tyler's day to run today so I planned on getting up and doing some cross training but DANG, I slept in. I was planning on getting up at 6:30, but didn't wake up until 6:45. I actually tried to go back to sleep but I couldn't (my mind started wandering) so at 7:00 I figured I may as well get up and do something.  However, now my time was cut short so I was only able to do 30 minutes of my pilates work out.  Oh well, better then nothing I suppose :).  It's July 23rd!!! Fun weekend ahead~

I need to get out tonight and run .3 miles so that I can get to 40 this week!! Do you think I can do it??  FUNNY~

The Annual Speedy Spaniard!!! Oh, I am not sure if it's funner to run this race due to tradition or just to see all of the familiar faces when running (more at the start line).  Either way, I have grown to love this race.  It is getting a lot bigger however, Almost 650 runners this year.  I first ran this race back in 2000 when I was just 9 weeks pregnant with my first son and there were only 150 runners.  When I crossed the finish line (back in 2000) it was over 90 degrees and NOT PLEASANT! That was the first time I thought I may officially die due to running :).  From that time on, I had no desire to run it (or come to think of it to run in general).  However then I ran again in 2003 (had a baby June 2004 so no running that year) and then have ran it every year since 2005, Yes, I like it!!! It is a fun one.  My goal was to beat last years time which was around 1:49 I think.  I went out a little fast and I feel I paid for that later.  I had a hard time staying motivated at the end. I was alone pretty much the entire time until my knight in shining armor, AKA, Kelli Stephenson, came to rescue me at mile 5.  She had to talk me through the last mile and we finished together, THANKS KELLI! I am not sure what is getting my energy down lately but whatever it is, I need to figure it out (Maybe it has a little to do with my sugar intake, I have to ease up :)). All in all I was happy with my result and was happy that I got to see familiar faces and meet some fellow bloggers face to face for the first time.  A big shout out to Linds, Lily and Merri. It was so nice to meet you all.  ROCK ON FIESTA DAYS!!! 

Avg. Pace: 7:19

HOLY SHNICKIES, I am done with my first 20 miler and lets just say that it is a darn good thing.  I know I have complained about my energy level lately (sorry :(), but something has got to give.  I actually started hallucinating  today, not a good sign right? However, I must say that it was actually a pretty fun course.  We (the Heidi's, JaNae, Sue and I) started in Spanish Fork, ran out toward Lindon, then around Spanish Fork, out to the airport, over the over pass into Mapleton, along the highway, back by the golf course and around back home, YIKES!!  I was a very long run.  A big, HUGE, MONSTROUS, GIGANTIC, ENORMOUS, GINORMOUS, MONGORONUS (yes, I made that last one up), THANKS to my dear friend JaNae.  She actually went out last night after the Rodeo and set water out every 3 miles for us.  She was out until 1:00AM and we met at 5:00 this morning.  That is a good friend there and there isn't a day that I am not thankful for her :).  We had to tack a bit on at the end and I knew I needed to get a little over 20 to make it to 40 miles for the week so I kept going and got to 20.5, stopped, stretched, walked and then ran out the last .5 to get to 21 total. Thanks for the run ladies. I really hope that I can get past this little funk that I am in and be a little stronger in the future. I need to ease up on the sugar.  How possible do you think that is going to be with the Rodeo tonight and a family reunion this weekend.  BE STRONG, Kellie....... Be strong!!! Keep cheering me on ya'll, I know I can do it with your support!!!

Happy Saturday! My brother comes in today and is here until August 5th! I can not wait to see him and his family and spend time with them all.  I am so excited that I could do a heel kick right now..............okay, maybe not :)

Avg. Pace: 8:44

Okay, so I totally slept in today! I guess that is bound to happen when you PARTY HARTY all weekend due to Fiesta Days and my brother coming into town.  What a fun weekend though.  So, Ty and I actually didn't go to bed until after mid night last night.  Did anyone have the chance to get out and look at that beautiful sky last night??? Wowsa, it was BEAUTIFUL!!!  We went out and layed on a blanket and watched the stars until it was very late, I think I want to do that more often, it was fun!!! But, it resulted in a late night and a hard morning trying to get out of bed. Tyler actually was going to get up and go at 5:00 but he got up and turned the alarm off then climbed back into bed.  So, then my eyes popped open at 6:08 when I was supposed to meet Heidi at 6:00.  I asked Ty to go see if she was outside while I started getting dressed and sure enough, she was (THANK YOU HEIDI and TYLER FOR CHECKING).  So I threw on clothes, threw my hair back and out the door I ran (wait, I brushed my teeth too).  We had to stretch for a bit and then right when we were getting ready to start we saw Mac who was on mile 9 of her 10 miles for the day (HOLY COW!), then ran into Michelle who was out walking for the first time today (HOORAY MICHELLE!!!), Man, it was nice seeing her out on the road again!!  We ran a very nice and easy recovery run around the 5 mile square due to time and energy.  I really should have done more because it is going to be a low mile week due to my family reunion, but oh well, I enjoyed the late night star gazing with my hubby and the fun weekend so my running can suffer a bit this week :)

Avg. Pace: 8:40

A measley 20 minutes of yoga was all I did today :(

AM: I was supposed to get up and run but I woke up having back spasms and thought it may not be the best option.  Not to mention the fact that I was stinking tired.  So, I got back in bed for 15 minutes then got up and did pilates and a bit of yoga.  Total work out time was 40  minutes. 

PM: Coach Tyler convinced me into going down to the track for some 800's.  So, we got the boys loaded up and went down.  Evan wanted to run a little bit and Kael and Jack just played in the sand and hung out.  It was fun.  My first go at 800's.  WOW, it was very hard.  I ran one warm up mile at a 8:25 pace then started my rounds.  They went as follows (forgive me if I don't comply to traditional format).

1. 800: 3:30 (.5mile)

recovery lap (.25 mile) 8:48 avg.

2. 800: 3:32 (.5mile)

recovery lap (.45 mile, stopped to check on kids and ran with Evan a bit) 9:06 avg.

3. 800: 3:23 (.52 mile)

recovery lap (.5 mile) 8:37avg

4 800: 3:24 (.5 mile), PAIN, PAIN, PAIN!!!!!

walk out .25 mile

Total Distance with warm up, cool down and 800's = 4.5 miles.  Feel like I just completed a science project.  I can see how that would really help speed someone up but it was hard for me.  I appreciate Tyler going down with me though and helping me along the way.  I hope to be able to do it again soon!!

Opted to get up this morning and do some pilates since running didn't work out and I wanted to make sure that I got one more work out in  before leaving.  I did 35 minutes of pilates followed by 20 minutes of yoga.  A nice relaxing morning and easy on the back........I likey!!  I am on my way to my Family Reunion where I intend on doing absolutely no running.  Just river rafting, hiking, walking and chasing kids instead!!!  Of course there will be lots of relaxing in there too!! Can't wait!

Kellie Barney is in town visiting her family so I had the chance to meet up with her this morning for the "new leaf" route.  Both Heidi's are out of town so it was just Kellie and I (doesn't she have a great name :)).  Kellie is a very talented runner and seems to do it with ease.  I was huffing and puffing (especially given my extremely low mile week last week) and she seemed to go along as if it wasn't even phasing her!  I aspire to be like her and so many other runners that eventually get to the point where it's easy to run.  In any event, it was a pretty morning and nice to have the chance to go with Kellie and catch up a bit!!

 Avg. Pace: 7:55

Nada, zip, did nothing today! Ty and I were up until 1:00am so I was too tired to get up and run! Aw, well :) 

This morning I met up with Heidi W and Kellie again for a little 3.5 out and back course (3.5 out and then 3.5 back).  Heidi just got home from a fun filled week in Lake Powell so it was nice to run with her, it had been way too long for me!!  We ran with Kellie until mile 3 and then she had to turn back due to time constraints that resulted due to me and Heidi's sluggish attempts to actually start running this morning, sorry Kel~!!.  So, after Kellie parted ways, we (Heidi and I) carried on and then turned to come back.  About mile 3.5 Heidi got a little twinge in her knee that I am pretty sure is her IT band, not good. She pushed through until it was getting too painful so we backed it off a bit for the last mile and a half.  I was surprised to see that we were still able to maintain a pretty impressive pace.  I hope her knee starts feeling better.  We are at the half way point until marathon day! She can't get injured now. :(.  It was nice running with the girls and just getting out this morning!!

Avg. Pace 8:17

I am not sure on my exact placing today but Tyler looked at the results and thinks this is what he recalls!! What a fun race today. I got a new PR and felt awesome the entire time.  I think I really owe this PR to Kelli who introduced me to a new "Pre-Race Ritual" which is eating ice cream!!! Honestly, when we ran Ogden, we went and got ice cream and I felt great and PR'd there and so Tyler and I went out last night, went and got ice cream and low and behold I PR'd again, HOORAY!!! Thanks Kelli!!!

So this morning we left our house at 4:50 and picked up the Heidi's to travel over.  Tyler was gracious enough to drop us off at the bus, then he went and parked and actually ran from the bottom up to the start line to find us.  When we got up top, I will admit it was very chilly!!! Chillier than I have been used to these past months.  We met up with Kellie Barney, her sister Michelle and found another Heidi friend hanging out before the race started.  When we went to actually get in line to start, I could not believe how many people there were and JUST HOW FAR BACK we were in line.  The line started on road, then turned on a side road and opened up into a large pit where people were waiting. We, were among the people waiting in the pit.  So we start creeping to the start line and luckily found Tyler who was sure he would find us!  It took us almost 4 minutes to even get to the start line and my watch started and off I went.  So, for the first 2 miles, I felt like I was participating in a game trying to weave around so many other runners (I guess this is why my hubby likes to start at the front of the pack), but it was fun trying to creep my way back to the front and get out of the cluster of people.  I was really surprised how many people I saw that I recognized today.  Running is taking over Utah I think!!!  It was pretty incredible.  All in all I felt awesome today.  It was very very nice having Tyler along to help me out along the way.  Not to mention that I just like running with him. Poor guy already had 11 miles under his belt when we started so he ran a total of 24 miles today and acted as if it didn't even phase him.  I was happy to end with a PR, feeling good and having energy in the bank.  These are the kind of runs that make me love running~! I look forward to Hobble Creek in 2 weeks :). 

Splits: 8:14 ( I told you it was a cluster)7:12, 7:11, 6:56 (first time ever getting a mile in the 6 minute range, HOORAY), 7:22, 7:17, 7:40, 7:47, 7:09, 6:58 (2nd time ever getting in the 6 minute range, OH YEAH, OH YEAH), 7:01, 7:20, 7:07, 5:39 (last .12 mile).

Avg. Pace: 7:19

Nice recovery run this morning with the Heidi's and Brenda!! We had planned to do the Mailbox run but after careful consideration of my back injury (that is still lingering), Heidi's IT band, Heidi C's shin splints and Brenda's injured ham string, we decided to lay off the down hill and go for the "new Leaf" route today, a little flatter course!!  Call us whimpy!! 

We had a slow start but eventually warmed up a bit and settled in at a comfortable pace. Poor Heidi C was in a lot of pain due to her shin splints but hung in there the entire run.  She said that they usually go numb after a mile or so, but the pain stayed with her today so she had to take it a bit easier.  I tried to run ahead a bit then lap back to check on her so my 6.5 course ended in 7 miles total today!! It was a very nice morning, I love this chilly weather, it tends to help me a lot with my energy levels!!  I look forward to a pretty solid week of training and a fun weekend with my family in Park City!!

Avg. Pace: 8:44

Lucky me had to go to Jury Duty this morning so I had to get out the door a bit earlier (about an hour and a half earlier, ouch!!) today which meant I had little time to exercise. I was actually proud that I got up and got at least 30 minutes in of something.  I did about 5 minutes of yoga is all, 20 minutes of pilates (abs and arms) and then finished it up with some planks.  Not much, I will try to do more tonight but  with our Ward Party and all it may not be possible, I guess we will see.  The good part is, that I went to Jury Duty and didn't get selected as a juror!!  Yeah, I am off the hook!