Here we go again~

Just got back from a full week in California/Disneyland and am sleep deprived and exhausted. I slept in today and will pick things up tomorrow :) 

Late morning run with Heidi C. and Jileen. We didn't meet until 7:10, it was lovely!!!! 

Full hour or yoga with Heidi C followed with some abs!!

I am way behind in my blogging and trying to catch up so I know I ran this day but can't remember how far and haven't been wearing my watch :( 

My son woke up this this morning so I had to do a quick 5 miles on the Treadmill so I could get back to nursing duty! At least I got to run :) 

Got up this morning to work out with Tyler before he had to go out of town for a couple of days.  We did P90X Plyometrix (sp?) for about 40 minutes and then I ran a quick 2 miles on the treadmill :) 

Work out video with the Heidi's.  It was a fun morning.  Easy workout but nice little visit! 

5 mile square with the Heidi's this morning!! It was a cold one this morning but at least the air was okay for running! I am ready for warmer temps (just slightly) and cleaner air!! 

7 miler this morning with Michelle!!! Yeah, I got to run with Michelle for the first time in a long time!! It was a great morning and so nice to visit.  I am amazed at how well Michelle has recovered and picked up right where she left off!!  She is also so generous to run with us slow pokes.  It was a cold morning but nice to get the miles in! Thanks Michelle~ 

So I was going to get up this morning and try to run on the treadmill but I am an insomniac lately and couldn't sleep last night (didn't fall asleep until 2:30 and then tossed and turned all night) so I couldn't get my butt out of bed.  I slept in with my kiddos until almost 8:00, it was lovely!! Then, we got up and did some chores around the house, got cleaned up and spent the day together.  We went and had lunch with my mom, then ran some errands and later met up with my in-laws to go to a wedding.  So, we got home and I got the hoodlums to bed and decided I would try to go get some miles in. I was only going to run 3-4 but I started running and felt really good so I kept going.  Not to mention "The Notebook" was on T.V. (only my favorite movie) so there was some entertainment to keep me going.  I ended up running 5 miles then getting weights and doing arm work while walking an additional mile.  I then followed it up with some abs and more arm work. It was a good workout and I am feeling pretty good now.  Too bad it's 11:30 and my adrenaline level is up.  Gonna go hop in the bath and read. That should calm me down.  Night~ 

Strength training with Heidi C this morning!! We did the workout with "Erin" (Gal from the video).  I think I may deem this my favorite workout video for the time (aside from P90's yoga that is :)).  You feel like you are doing nothing, yet are always sore the next day!! LOVE IT!!! 

Race Report especially for cute little Smooth who is checking in on me (Thanks Sweetie Smooth).

Painters 1/2 marathon and 5k. I ran the half marathon course of this last year but this year, given the amount of running I have been doing (or lack of) we opted to do the 5k. We arrived and Tyler settled in line at the front so the Heidi's and I jumped in a ways back and got ready for the event. We decided just to take it as a training run and enjoy ourselves so........we did. We pushed ourselves the last .25 mile or so, but otherwise, just enjoyed the moment, running in St. George, and being a part of the running world. It was a great time with the girls. We then finished the race, hung for a minute and ran out for another 2 miles to keep things real. Tyler had to hustle home to spell his mother who had our boys so it was a nice morning with the Heidi's and I enjoyed seeing so many of my wonderful friends from the blog who ran the half. Way to go everyone!

AP: 8:04

5 mile sqare with H.C. (Heidi C) this morning.  Its the first time I have ran this course this winter (since November or so) without being fatigued, breathy, or flat out tired when getting done so, maybe there is hope for me afterall :).  Great way to start the morning and week :)

I haven't been wearing my watch so I have no idea on pace.   

I did a new Jillian Michaels workout tape with H.W. (Heidi W.) this morning and HOLY FREE HOLY!!! IT KICKED MY BUTT!!!!  I literally shook for 3 hours afterwards.  Man, it was great! Thanks for getting my tail feather out of bed Heid~ 

Nice casual morning with the Heidis.  We started our normal course and just kind of kept walking and talking deciding that we didn't want to run the usual 5 mile square. We turned up into some neighborhoods and walked and ran on and off.  Then walked out the end. It was a nice change and nice to visit and feel some sore muscles being worked out after yesterdays killer strength training session :) 

Hour of Yoga this morning with Heidi C.  I couldn't fine my blasted yoga mat (its become a common toy at our house) so it was a bit difficult to really get into some of the positions but Oh well, I still did it and was glad I had gotten up. 

5 mile square with the Heidi's before heading into the weekend. 

Nice solo run today! I got up and wasn't really in the mood to run but I got my house work done and figured it'd be good for me so I went out by myself to get some miles in. The weather was BEAUTIFUL this morning and it was nice going out a little later then I normally get to go.  It was also nice to just listen to some music and do some thinking.  Sometimes that is good for ya :).  

AP: 8:17 

So tonight I borrowed a new workout video from my sister in law and tried it out for the first time, HOLY MOLY!!!  It's called Physique 57, is anyone familiar with it?? Okay, okay, this  is by FAR (yes Amber G. for real this time) is the hardest video I have ever done.  I have never felt the muscles in my legs burn as intense as they did tonight.  It was SO FUN though and the lady (instructor on the video) is very entertaining to watch and quit funny actually!!! It was fun to do something a bit different. I wish I had been doing this video for the last month because I am sure it will bring results!!

Woke up late so I was only able to do 40 minutes of Physique 57 again!! Great way to start the morning.

PM: Ran 4 miles on the treadmill.  It was just okay tonight but at least I got some miles in for the week :)  

Full 57 minutes of Physique 57 again tonight.  WOW, yet again a very intense workout and very fun at the same time!!
Also, I managed to go the entire day without sugar! Only because my son and I challenged each other to accomplish certain things today and my choice was to go the day without sugar. This may not sound that hard but this comes from someone who has to eat sugar on a daily basis, NO KIDDING!! I can't remember the last time I went through a day with a treat of sort, so this was hard for me! Thanks to my sweet son for motivating me :)

SO, I am a a bit disappointed with how my day panned out today! I wanted to wake up this morning..........didn't. Wanted to go run when I got home from work and.............didn't (you know how the night routine goes: Dinner, WalMart, Payless, stuffing Pinatas in preparation for my son's birthday party tomorrow, tidy up the house, kids to bed, etc). Went down to run on the treadmill and my dear husband was trying to rig the DVR so that I could watch my shows while doing so but the TV experienced some complications and I was left watching a few segments of Mary Poppins so I gave up after just 2 short miles (actually 1 mile of brisk walking at a 4.5 incline, and one mile at a 8:30ish pace). Then, I came up stairs and did a bit of "ball" work. All in all, it only resulted in about 35 minutes of exercise, but........oh well!! I'll try harder tomorrow and Friday!

Managed to get some strength training in today amongst a full day's work and my son's birthday party!! We took ten 9 year old boys to the movies, along with my immediate family and my mom so there were 16 total! Good times!! It was a really fun day :) 

Wow, yes, you see it, TEN WHOLE MILES!!! This may not seem like much to most of you out there but it's the furthest I have ran since November and the farthest training run I have been on since the marathon so....yes, it's a big deal for me. I woke up not feeling very ready to run but my Sargent Husband cracked the whip and kept me runnin! We ran out and back. There were many times of trial and ache along the way..............okay, not really that dramatic, but there were some hard times but all in all, it was a nice run. Nice weather for running also and HEY, I GOT IN 10 MILES!!!

I am not exactly sure on pace because mine and Ty's watches recording different paces per mile but I estimate a 8:40-8:45ish  

After a day of fasting and then EATING MY HEART OUT at a Super Bowl party, I felt it necessary to do a little something tonight before bed so I just did a quick 30 minute Physique 57 video and WOW, it's as hard as the 57 minute one! Serious, I am so excited to do this more regularly, I can really see the potential for some serious results!! That'd sure be nice :) 

YEAH!!! My gals are home from vacation so I got to run with Heidi C this morning. We just ran 5 mile square. My legs are a bit thrashed from Saturday's run and from physique 57 so it was hard to get started but after a couple of miles, it got easier. I haven't been wearing my watch lately so I am not sure on the pace but it just felt nice. Not too hard, not too easy!! It was a great morning and so fun to visit with Heid again!!! 

In Hawaii Baby!!!  I got up and went to the gym in the hotel.  Lifted weights for 15 minutes and then ran 3 miles.  Nice to get up and work out!

On a cruise ship now and loving the fact that I can get up in the morning and work out before getting ready or running kids around........this is the life!! Not to mention, I am in Maui which adds to the beauty of this entire equation!!! Lifted weights then ran 5 miles on the treadmill.  I actually got up to a 8.0 (the highest setting on the treadmills here) for a full mile. YIPEE!!!

Another glorious morning of working out on a cruise ship in Hawaii!!  Today I lifted weights, ran 4 miles and ended with some good ab work. Nice!!!

Early morning up to get to the LDS Temple in Kona, Hawaii!!!  No working out but still a glorious morning! And, lots of walking around, so that counts as working out right?

Okay, so this day in Hawaii was a bit different then the past. Today we are in Hilo, HI.  I didn't have a lot of time this morning so I opted for 20 minutes on the bike, 15 minutes on the eliptical and then 15 minutes of weights, and strength training (lunges, abs, etc).  I am actually shaking after this workout.

PM. Got back to the ship and had time so we (Ty and I) headed back to the gym for some more working out (again.........this is the life).  I walked 2 miles on the treadmill because it was rocking and when I tried to run, I was all over the place!! Then, I did 15 mins on the eliptical and more weights!

Last day of pure bliss on the ship.  I woke up and went to the gym by my lonesome this morning.  I did a bit of everything this morning.  Bike, eliptical and weights.  I think I really enjoyed this because I haven't been to a gym in years!! It was nice to have a variety and everything right at my finger tips.  Sad this is my last day in Hawaii and on this ship with so many fun people.  It's been a blast!

57 minute workout of Physique 57 with Heidi C.  We flew through the night Saturday and got home early yesterday morning so I am a bit wiped out today!! But, ready to get rolling on things.  Just one request...............SPRING!!!!

5 mile square this morning with Heidi W!!  Man, it was hard getting back into the saddle this morning with the cold factor that applies here in Utah!  It was great getting out with Heidi though and chatting with her. I have missed my gals and our chat sessions. Part of what makes running fun for me :).  However, it was hard to talk also due to the cold and to the fact that I have not been running much nor practicing the "talking while running" tactic.  I have some work to do! Did I mention Boston is only 6 (ish) weeks away and I am in no condition to run a marathon??? I have some SERIOUS WORK TO DO!!!

30 minute express Physique 57 workout

9 very slow miles with the Heidi's this morning. It was perfect weather for running but Heidi W has a yucky cold and had a hard time breathing, I had an upset stomach the whole time and thought I was going to barf and cute Heidi C just hung in there with us. I admit, I initiated most of the "stop and walks" but all in all, we got out, we got some miles in and all is well.  We are all signed up for the Utah Valley Marathon so we are going to start our schedule and marathon training now. Let the good times roll. 

"New Leaf" with Heidi C this morning!! It was a much better run then Saturday's attempt but still have this little situation going on with my stomach and lacking energy.  I think we averaged about a 8:45 pace.  Good to get the week started off in the right direction though :)

So,as life sometimes goes (running the kids, family time, etc. )I DVR'd the Bachelor Finale and didn't start watching it until 10:00PM.  My cute friend JaNae came over and joined me and we didn't end up finishing our "bachelor party" until 12:30 in the morning.  Hence, me sleeping in and not getting up to do anything. So, I got off work and decided to get a few miles in before Tuesday night took it's toll also.  I ran out 2 miles and home to get warmed up and then did the express 30 minute Physique workout again.  Its a good all over body workout that really kicks my keester.  I felt like it was a good workout :)

Running AP: 8:16 (nice to get on the low end of a 8 minute pace for a change. It's about time :).

Another very late night last night resulting in not getting up this morning so I settled for 5 treadmill miles tonight :).  It wasn't that bad tonight! Ran the first 2 miles at 8:43, then the next 2 at 8:30ish pace and ended the last mile at 8:20.  It was nice~
 

Full 57 minute workout with Taunya this morning (from "Physique 57" of course).  Killer workout!! I am LOVING these videos :)

Longest run since November of 2009 this morning so I am feeling pretty decent about it :). Truth be told I have slacked this winter and with Boston coming up soon, I had better get crackin. I am not attempting to make some record time at Boston but I would like to be able to run the event feeling decent! Tyler is going to run this year with me so we want to run it for the experience rather then a time. Got to get some long miles in so that we can feel well enough during the course to enjoy it!! I am looking forward to it!

This morning I met up with the Heidi's for our trek. We started and walked a bit here and there over the first 6 miles so we had to tack on distance so that we actually ran 12 miles. I had a baptism that I needed to get home and ready for so my mind was a bit consumed with that. We turned at the 6 mile point and started heading home and my watch beeped at me that the data base was full. I attempted to clear a couple of entries so that I could record the run I was in the middle of but accidentally cleared the entire memory so I was starting from scratch for the last 6 miles. I think we averaged a 8:45ish for the first 6 miles though. As we started home, we got to about mile 9 and I looked at my watch to check the time, OH NO, I was supposed to be home RIGHT NOW!! And I still had 3 miles to go. I told the Heidi's I had to book it home so I tried to speed up slightly and get my booty for home. I ended up averaging an overall 8:36 for the last 6 miles and made it to the baptism about 9 minutes late is all. It was a nice run and a nice Saturday :)

5 mile square with Heidi this morning!! Yipee~

So, my husband surprised our family last night and brought home a new puppy to join our family!  Then, informed me that he had to leave town for a couple of days for work so..................let the work begin ah???  I slept in a bit later then I wanted so I only had time to do the 30 minute Physique before my kids got rolling, but at least it was better then nothing :)

My dear mom agreed to sleep over last night so that I could run this morning with the Heidi's. We had planned to do some tempo miles so I really wanted to get in on this run to challenge myself more then I have lately.  We originally wanted to warm up, tempo, then run a cool down mile but we got talking and visiting and instead ran the first 3 miles slow (between 8:40-9:00 pace) so that we could gear up for the tempo portion.  The next 3 miles were quicker and felt pretty good actually. Yes, I was tired and ready to be done after those 3 miles, but it was still doable (Man, am I really running a marthon in 5 weeks???, I am a bit frightened).  Last 3 miles went 8:08, 7:55, 7:45.  It was a good run and I felt good when I got done.  All is well :)

Hubby is still gone (coming home tonight, YEAH!!!) and I am pooped so I slept in. Now, I feel guilty, I should have gotten up.  Dang it!!!!

5 mile square with Heidi W this morning.  Gearing up for our 14 miler tomorrow! It was a beautiful morning and my hubby made it home safe so I got to go out a bit later then normal!! This is the life :)

I have not been wearing my watch on casual runs so I have no idea on pace but it felt a bit quicker today then normal.  Maybe 8:30'ish :)

A very fun run this morning minus the wind that kicked in half way through.  Heidi W and I started out on the venture, only to be surprised at mile 7 by Heidi C (who has just gotten over a 24 hour bout of the stomach flu) to join us for the last 7 miles of the run.  We ran a little different route then we have been doing and it was great to get out and see SO MANY RUNNERS on the road!! I think spring training is officially in play!!

AP: 8:46 

AM: I slept in this morning and only had time to do the 30 minute express video of Physique 57.  Figure I will try to get out and run tonight :) 

PM:I went on an evening run tonight by my lonesome. The schedule said 6 mile mailbox route which I haven't ran since last year (it's a harder course, the first 3 miles are basically up hill (both gradual and some steeper parts)), so I was a bit nervous to run it but decided I really needed to challenge myself. I started out slow and got up the hill part but gave myself a large side ache that I had to stop and breath through. I tried to then nip it in the butt a bit and end off a little stronger (granted down hill always dramatically speeds my pace ;), so I ended up at an overall pace of 8:28. Nice to be done and have that checked off for the week!

Full 57 minute workout of Physique 57 this morning!! I love these workouts, always feel so nice when I get done :)  

I was supposed to do a 6 mile tempo run with the Heidi's this morning but I haven't gotten much sleep the last 2 nights and I could not get myself out of bed (you know when you are literally sick because you are so tired??? Pitiful to say, that was me :(.  So, I got home for the day and of course felt guilty for not getting up.  Tyler volunteered to run kids to piano and karate so that I could go run in the evening (thanks Ty Babe) so I loaded up Jack in the jogger and decided to run 5 mile square.  HOLY SMOKES it's a lot different running while pushing an almost 3 year old in a jogger!! I have a lot more admiration for you moms out there who do this on a regular basis (a hum.... Sue!!!).  It was a lot harder.  Still we managed to get the full 5 miles in despite Jack's never ending talking (mom, whas (aka what's) dat? Mom, do you see dem horsies?? Mom, who's put dat poop on the woad?? Mom, its told (is it cold)?  Mom, wun into thems tractows (run into those tractors, that'd be fun), etc etc etc.  He is so darn cute but I finally  had to say "Jack, just look at all of this beautiful stuff around you and stop talking for a minute", only to have him say "Why???".  "Well because son, it's hard for mom to talk while I am running",..... Jack says "Why??", well because I am exercising and it takes a lot of hard work so it's hard for me to talk and breath"..... Jack says "you esewsising (trying to explain how cute he talks) , "Yes, I am exercising"...... WHY??? I basically just gave up and talked when I could but just had to start saying "I don't know" and "Yes Son". Funny kid!!! Whole different experience but VERY nice to run and VERY nice to spend some one on one time with my little man!!!

AP: 9:01

30 minute express video of Physique 57  (wish I had more time to do the 57 minute one but just didn't, snap!! :(  )

New Leaf route with Heidi W this morning!!! Kids are out of school and Tyler didn't have to leave early for work so we got to go a bit later........SWEET!!!!!  It was a beautiful morning and we managed to get our run in right in the nick of time before little snow flurries began!!  FUN!!!! 

AP: 8:31 (yes, running with the watch again.  It has it's good points I guess) 

FUN FUN run this morning with Heidi W.  I want to wish all of those running Spectrum 10k good luck this morning, I really wish I was in St. George running with you all :(.  However, again, it was great to get out and run with Heidi W this morning!!  I had a hard time getting started but after 3 miles, it all started to come together! I am feeling a bit more ready to run  Boston but no where NEAR where I should be for a marathon not to mention BOSTON MARATHON (good grief)!  My weeks start to pick up more from here on out as far as mileage is concerned so that will be good!!  Nice to be done for the day and get going on my Saturday! I love Saturdays!!!!!

AP: 8:30on the money~ (sweet)  

AM: So, my Heidi W friend got a bad case of the stomach Flu and wasn't able to run this morning :( and Heidi C has graciously decided to run with a fellow neighbor on Monday Mornings (later in the day) so I was flying solo this morning :(.  With that being said, do you think I got out of bed.................???? Yes, actually I did, just very late.  So, I was only able to do about 25 minutes of the 57 minute Physique 57.  I will finish it later tonight :)

PM: Finished the 57 minute Physique 57 video and then ran 3 miles on the treadmill. I really, REALLY, wanted to go farther but the clock was ticking and taking too much time of my night so I stopped at 3.  At least I got 3 in :).  Ran at 7.3 (8:13 pace).  Felt really good!!!

Full 57 minute Physique this morning with Heidi C.  Good workout :)

A little sore this morning from 2 days of Physique but so nice to get out and run!! It was CHILLY this morning.  It seemed colder then it has been but silly me didn't watch the weather to confirm that actual temperature.  Cute Heidi W came out this morning after a bad bout of the stomach flu so we just took it easy in an attempt to get her back into the swing of things.  Ran nice slow miles and walked here and there when she needed to.  She was actually going to stop at 5 miles and then I planned to run at least 1-2 more a little quicker but she started feeling better and wanted to run one more so we stuck together and got one last mile in.  First 5 miles were at a 9:00 pace but we managed to kick the last mile out at 8:36.  Fun morning!!

Slept in again........SNAP~!!!! Why am I so tired lately??? So, just got in 30 minutes of Physique 57!!  Better then nothing :)

So, Spring brings Soccer games and soccer games bring Early Saturday Mornings so....I had to go on my long run this morning. A HUGE thanks to Heidi W for agreeing to go with me! We basically just ran out 8 and back so it seemed to go fast.  We also got some good hills in there to help challenge me a bit in that department. We got a bit of snow, some sprinklings of rain and sun all during the run (gotta love Utah)!! It was a fun morning! Thanks to Tyler for setting out water and for allowing me to have a late morning, oh, and for all of the fun Birthday presents when I got home!! He spoiled me :)

So, the soccer games began today which meant early morning preperations to get there on time.  Hence, no working out!!  However, I had a window of time before a family party so I decided to go for a run in the afternoon.  I originally just planned on going New Leaf route (6.5) miles but got running and felt pretty good at 2-3 miles so I decided to attempt HARRY'S HILL (da da da, the dreaded hill) for the first time this year!! As I got going up I really wanted to stop and walk  but visions of the Boston Marathon kept dancing (not literally) in  my head and I told myself "you can not quit, you are running the Boston marathon in 3 weeks for Pete's sake"...........so, slowly but surely I made it all the way upwithout stopping, HOORAY!! I then decided to challenge myself further and trecked up Woodland Hills drive (another hill part) to see how I felt, etc.  As I started heading back down the other side of the hill toward home, I honestly felt the BEST I have felt in a LONG LONG time!! I was on cloud 9. I think I could run every afternoon, if only my life allowed it!! I actually forgot my watch also so I have no idea on pace but I felt fast and strong and invincible (yah, I could get used to this).  Too bad it had to end and too bad I didn't have my watch to tell me the truth about my pace (maybe that is a good thing actually).  Very nice to get out on a Saturday afternoon!!!

Estimates: 8:30-8:45 (first 2 1/2 miles) 9:45-10:00 up Harry's Hill, 7:00-7:45 last few miles back home :)

Nothing like a nice little 10k to get your week started off!! I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning but made it up and out to meet Heidi W for a little jaunt! We ran New Leaf today which is a good mix of flat and up hill!!  Looking forward to this week's running and getting some good miles in before Boston.  3 weeks from today!! It's a bit surreal to think about and to be right honest, is freaking me out!! I am not ready!!

AP: 8:41

PM: So my cute little Evan has eagerly signed himself up for the 300 and 400 meter races for his first ever Track Meet to come in May and therefore, wanted to go to the track tonight to start training.  Tyler of course embraced it as an opportunity for FHE tying in the whole Physical Fitness perspective, etc. So, as a family, we headed down to the High School tonight to run and exercise as a family.  I took scooters for my younger boys (which they loved by the way.  Tracks are fun to ride around but the ramps going up and down to the bleechers are even funner), and then Tyler and I ran with Evan.  Tyler mostly worked with him on breathing, form, etc. while I just ran around watching it all, etc.  I was so darn proud of my little guy.  His first 400 meters he ran at a 8:00 pace, then took it down to a 7:29 and by the last lap, he was down to a 6:30ish pace.  I actually tried to race him and couldn't keep up! Must take after his daddy!! I hope that we keep it up and have him all trained come the track meet!!! I ended up running 3 miles at the track and then decided to run home to get in a couple of extra miles.  As I got closer to home I realized I was only at about 4.8 and that if I were to go 5.8, it would round out my mileage for the day. However, of course then I got to 5.8 and of course had to just round it up to 6.0.  So the mileage doesn't make a lot of sense today but..............at least it was some good mileage!!

AP: 8:19

I had a early morning meeting (no exercise) followed by a late day at work (no exercise) followed by running kids around and a RS party that went until 8:15 (no exercise) followed by the night routine and kids not wanting to go to bed (10:00 bedtime which was supposed to be 9:00), followed by my husband getting home at 10:30 from a late church meeting.................I am tired and just want to go to bed :) No exercise~

Heidi's and I went out for a little longer run then we typically do during the week.  The Schedule called for a 7 mile route so we decided to include a bit of hill work and do Harry's hill again!! We ran the same route I ran on Saturday afternoon.  It was harder for me this morning so I didn't feel as well but it's awful nice being done and knowing that I got 7.5 miles in today! This crazy March weather. I can never tell what to wear in the morning.  I always over dress or underdress, I can't seem to get it right. Today I overdressed and ended up taking off my gloves, hat and one shirt. Luck be had, it started snowing right when we ended! Crazy March :).  

AP: 8:53 (I didn't feel bad about this concidering it takes into account the hill(s) but hope to speed it up a bit over the next couple of months :).  

Full 57 minute workout today of Physique 57!!  Off to a very busy day~

I had to do my long run this morning due to The Easter Bunny visiting our house on Saturday!! Me and the Heidi's ventured from our house to the Spanish Fork Airport and home!! We encountered some snow, strong winds and hills, but made it home safe and ............tired!! Great way to start a Friday morning!  

AP: 8:44 

Wish I could say that I was able to get out today but I just wasn't.  The Easter Bunny visited us early, then we had Easter Breakfast, made sugar cookies, went to 2 parties, cleaned up after one of the parties at our house, had a friend over to visit, Tyler went to the Priesthood Session, and I went to dinner with the boys and my friend.  She left at 10:00 and I was simply too tired to go down on the TM.  Does an hour of "Lets Dance" on the Wii count as exercise???

AM: I couldn't find anyone to run with me this morning and it was yucky weather so I decided to let Ty run and stayed in for a quick Physique. In all honesty, I am trying to catch up on my sleep so I slept in a bit longer and only got in the 30 minute video before having to get ready for the day.  

PM: Headed down at about 9:45 for a run on the treadmill.  It wasn't that bad tonight. I did a warm up mile at 6.9 then took it up to 7.1 for 2 miles ( I think about a 8:40pace), then up to 7.3 for a mile and ended the last mile at 8.0 (7:30 pace).  I am not going to lie, as much as I wish I could say it felt easy, it didn't.  I am losing what I had acquired in the "fast" department.  Oh well, as long as I can maintain, I guess that's what matters most :).  I do hope to speed up slightly as the training continues but am trying to be happy with myself where I am at~

It was Tyler's day to run so I slept in a bit later than normal (love Spring Break, even though I have to work all day, my mornings are a bit easier) and go up with enough time to do just the 30 minute Physique workout. I was really hoping to run later like I did last night but no such luck :(

Heidi W has been out of town so it was just Heidi C and I this morning.  We decided we wanted to do a tempo run and the schedule called for 6 miles so we decided to do "New Leaf" route.  Rather then warming up for a mile and cooling for a mile, we just decided to warm up for 2 miles, tempo for 4 miles and then walk out the rest.  We had a nice stretch also before starting which has been helping us stay healthy, well I guess I mean............injury free!!  We got our warm up in and starting picking up the pace right in time to hit the incline portion of the course (YUK!!), however...........we kept the pace pretty respectable and held strong through the rest of the course.  I was pretty proud of us :)

First actual run of the year with consistent negative splits (Yipee!!!) 8:52 (Warn up) 8:40, 8:19 (First tempo mile with hills) 7:49, 7:47, 7:36 with a .50 mile walk out, cool down!!  It was a nice morning!! Sun was FINALLY shining when we got done!!!! 

Full 57 minute Physique DVD this morning.  Killer, of course but I love it!!! 

Spring break.......................St. George................Sunny skies...............perfect temperatures.....................Good company..............PERFECT RUN!!!!!  Man, this is the life! Today Tyler and I met up with some good friends for a little run in St. George!!  We actually owe credit to this couple for getting Tyler and I into running in the first place! They are marathoners amongst trail runners, in addition to bikers, swimmers, triathlon'ers, Iron-men'ers, etc......they do it all!!  We all happened to be down here for Spring Break so we thought a morning Date/Run would be just the ticket.  I originally wanted to go a little longer knowing my Saturday run would be cut short due to the 10k we are running tomorrow, so I thought 10 miles would be good, but we ended up having so fun we tacked on 2 miles.  We drove up to Snow Canyon and parked in the little parking lot, then ran down through Snow Canyon (BEAUTIFUL) through some trails and came to a road just a mile from our house so I parted ways and headed straight home then "let" Tyler go a mile the other direction so that he could go get our car, etc.  I had to get home to relieve my gracious Mom and In-Laws who were watching our kids so that we could run.  I was greeted at the door by happy, energetic kids and home made crepes for breakfast................um yeah, I could get used to this!!! Seriously one of the funnest mornings I have had in a long time!!

AP: 7:56

Again, I love St. George and love running here.  Tyler and I picked up Dan M this morning to head out to the race.  It was perfect weather and I was excited to get my 2nd race in for the year(generally speaking).  This race also completed our requirements for the Runner's Series so we are officially IN THE MARATHON, yipeee!!!  Originally I had not anticipated a hard course but after looking at the course and talking to Tyler, was informed that it was a hard course so I instantly started to worry.  I am a whimpy runner! However, we started out, felt pretty good and I had to shift my thinking a bit: the only way running hills and running in general is going to get easier, is by running and running hills, makes sense ha!?!  It helped that Dan was along to coach me (more just someone to talk to) so it went by pretty darn fast!  It was pretty easy for the first 2 miles, then we had a gradual incline that started at 3 1/2 followed by some serious uphill and more incline all the way to mile 5 1/2, I was ready to be done but yet, kept enough in the tank so I didn't feel Horrible like I have in the past(that's nice).  We hit mile 6 and kicked it in for the end finishing at 47:26.  I had no plans for this race, just wanted to take it easy and not put too much pressure on myself.  I would have been happy with anything under 50:00 so I was happy with our time.  I was even more happy how good I felt afterward.  It was a great morning and a good race! it was also nice to see some fellow FRB'ers (Jose, JonA and his cute wife Kelly, Tom and Kim, Dustin, Wild Bull aka Bill.......such nice people).  Glad I am all done with the series and into the marathon :) 

AP: 7:42

It's my goal to run every day this week!! SO, Heidi W wasn't feeling well this morning and Heidi C had other plans for running so it was a lonely morning on the treadmill! Na, actually it was quit nice to run and watch TV for a change.  Started at 6.7 and worked up to 7.5.  Kind of a fun morning afterall :)

AM: Full 57 minute workout with Tanya this morning (Physique 57) and the Heidi's! Such a fun morning to workout and visit!! Niccccccccccccccccccccccccccccce!

PM: In attempt to fulfill my goal, I had to run on the TM, so at 10:00PM, I headed down to the basement.  I was going to run 7 miles but got a pretty intense side ache that wouldn't shake so I cut it short at 5 :(. Oh well, at least I ran :)

Ty had an early meeting so I couldn't run with the girls.  So, I got up and hopped back on the treadmill (Yes, this is a world record for me!! The treadmill and I are typically not friends and I have shared 3 consecutive days with it now, Miracles do happen).  I wanted to go 7 again this morning but my kiddos woke up and were getting inpatient wanting breakfast so I thought rather then starving my children to death, I would stop at 6 :).  It's all good~

Started at 6.7 and worked up to 7.4 (setting)

So, I was up all last night with my baby who has a double ear infection and soar throat! Worse, it's his birthday today and he spent an hour of it at the Dr. with me.  Poor little guy can't get a break lately.  Never the less, I couldn't get my keester out of bed to run this morning so after a full day, dinner out for his birthday, cleaning the house,etc (in preperation of heading out to Boston) I ended up walking downstairs to get on the treadmill at 10:30PM.  I finished at 11:30PM and was in bed by mid-night.  Not too bad :)

Ran 1st mile at 6.8, up to 6.9, 7.0, 7.2, 7.3,and ran last mile at 8.0 (7:30 pace).  I felt pretty good about it. 

6 mile run with the Heidi's this morning! It was our first official time running together this week and our last official time running together prior to me heading to Boston for the marathon!! YIKES, am I ready?? I am so darn excited to have this opportunity but admit, nervous also!! I am looking very forward to the trip though and to seeing fellow friends and bloggers out there!!!!  Wish me luck everyone, I am off to Boston!!!!

AP: 8:36

I am in BOSTON!!!! Hooray!!!

So, it's over! The Boston Marathon has come and gone and for the first time I can say, I was a part of it! Man, talk about an amazing, humbling, exciting, challenging, motivating experience!! I know it may surprise some to hear that marathons are emotional for me on so many levels. This year's marathon was emotion for the following reasons: 1. 8 years ago I could barely even run, I tried to be active and involved but running was a challenge for me, now, I just ran the Boston Marathon! 2. There is so much history that goes behind the Boston Marathon that I am honored by those that sacrificed so much to put the race together and that assisted in making the Boston Marathon the success that it is today!! 3. I was in Boston,  with my Husband running one of the most well known marathons in the world! It is so exciting to love a sport that both my husband and I appreciate.  It was special to be doing it together with him and to have him sacrifice his time to run with me.   4. There is a spirit to the city, so many people, all running for one reason or another.  Something has driven each and every person that was there to run that race and they did it!! 5. It took a lot of work, time, blood, sweat, and tears to get there and I was finally there!!! Despite the challenge that it was, it was fun and a life experience! I am so thankful that I got to be a part of it!

I am basically going to use this blog to not only report my actual marathon but my Trip to Boston.  Just a warning for those who choose not to read my inapt ability to talk for hours on end :) So, Sunday Tyler and I just went down to the Expo to get our bibs, etc and walk around.  We ended up having to leave the expo to run up to Marathon Sports to get the Hoddies we wanted because the Expo was all out of them (You should have seen the people, CRAZY).  So, we ended up getting lunch and then heading back to the Expo so all in all, we spent almost 5 hours down by the finish line! The people are honestly amazing and the entire experience is one that I will not be forgetting! 

Race day morning we woke up at 5:00am (3:00 Utah Time) to head to the bus.  By the time we got off of the bus, it was almost 7:00 and by mistake, we were dropped off at the Finish Line (our bus driver was following the elite runner's bus that went to the starting line. Too bad we never got to see the elites, but seeing the Police Escort was certainly entertaining).  So, we had to walk 3/4 of a mile to get to Athlete's Village where we again sat for almost 2 hours before heading to the start line.  It took us almost 10 minutes walking time to get to the start line before we took off and were running the course of the Boston Marathon!! Tyler brought his Ipod that has recording features that allowed to record the people, etc.  I had told him that I wanted to dedicate each mile to someone so he was able to record me giving my tributes up until the batteries died at mile 20 (SHOOT).  I know this was cheesy, but it really helped my mind focus on other things then just running.  It was nice to think about all of the important people in my life and the people that make me want to run and run better.  I was feeling really good and getting into my zone at about mile 6 when suddenly, I had to take a potty break.  This may not seem like a big deal but for me, it was! I have NEVER, in the history of any race I have done, had to take a potty break and now, at the Boston marathon, my body decides to take a potty break!?????? NO!!!  So, we found a porta potty at about mile 7 and make a quick stop.  OH, I forgot to mention that my shoe lace also came untied at mile 6 (another first and another sto[ :().  So, I was feeling a bit frustrated but ready to run.  I was a bit upset when my feet started hurting at mile 8.  I thought they would feel better as time went on but unfortunately they didn't.  We dropped from an 8:05 average to a 8:12 average within 2 miles and I started psyching myself out mentally (BAD BAD GIRL). All I can say is Thank goodness that I had Tyler with me, Thank goodness for the crowds and the music along the way! I was actually feeling relatively decent until about mile 17 when my feet were killing me, my back had started hurting and again, the negative mental thoughts were taking their toll.  It's hard because I was still enjoying the experience and loving the fact that I was running the Boston marathon, but my body just did not feel very good.  I wouldn't say the course was hard but different then what I have ever trained on.  Rather then extreme ups or down, the course literally rolled the entire way.  This made it hard for me because I could feel the gradual incline but never felt the ease of down hill because it too was very gradual.  All in all, I was ready to be done and I was telling myself that (again, BAD GIRL).  Tyler made it so much better but even he could tell that I was having a hard time.  I had my watch set so that only my average pace was showing and when I crossed the finish line, my watch registered a 8:18 pace overall.  However, it also registered 26.6 miles in distance so I must have been wandering all over the road.  My time resulted in 3:41:07 a mere 8 seconds short of a BQ at Boston.  This is the part that I am struggling with most because I could have easily shaved 8 seconds off but again, it's the mental part that is bothering me!!  So, with all of the nagging and complaining what did I think of the marathon?!?! I loved it! It was hard, and challenging but honestly Humbling and amazing! I am so glad that I did it! So glad that I can run, So thankful for the circumstances that allow me to run, so grateful to my husband for running and experiencing it with me and SO grateful for a fun trip to Boston!!!  It was a life experience that I will always remember and be grateful for!!!!

Later that night we met up with Scott and Kelli, Teena and Ryan, Smooth and Larry, Lark (first time meeting) and Rhett and Dune (first time meeting ) and Kathy and SHOOT, I can't remember her name, SO SORRY!,  for dinner!! It was so great to see them and do a date night in Boston!!! It was fun hearing all of the stories and enjoying their company!! Later we parted ways and Tyler and I went to get some Jelly Beans at a little store right in the Park Place mall we had eaten in.  We left the Mall and were walking down the street heading to the subway (and to the hotel) and were talking about Ryan Hall when all of a sudden 2 men walked out of a restaurant and started walking down the side walk right in front of us.  We had gotten a glimpse of the one man who we swore was RYAN HALL but we weren't certain as our luck typically is the exact opposite of that!  Tyler and I kept asking back and forth "Is that really him?" "Do you really think he would just be down here in town?", so I very quietly said "Ryan", and sure enough he turned around.  All I thought was, "What?!?! It was really Ryan Hall"??  So, I asked him "Would you mind if I got a picture of you with my husband, it would really make his day?"  He was so dang nice and willingly accepted so I snapped a pic, we made a bit of small talk and he walked off!! Wow, that was really the highlight of our trip!! We couldn't stop talking about it and it totally made Tyler's trip!! SO FUN!!!!  

That pretty much completed our marathon experience with no complaints!!!  IT was a great Patriots day/Marathon Day for us!

Thanks to Kelli, I am going to copy and paste our day this day in Boston!

 WALKED 5 or so miles, plus 294 stairs UP and then DOWN (ouch!) Had a great time completing the Freedom Trail with Walter and Misty, Smooth and Larry, Scott and Kelli and lots of other marathon strangers.  We had fun eating lunch and getting all sorts of treats along the way.  Loved the treats!!!  We started the trail at 10 and finished at 5, LONG Day (Thanks Kel)

Later that Night Tyler and I had the treat of going to Blue Man Group (which was an experience indeed) which intailed more walking to get to the theater.  After the show we walked more as we looked for and found "Cheers" (the later part of the evening of course taking part in 3 inch heels :).  I am tired but it was an awful fun day! 

Wednesday in Boston was fun again!! This day we woke up with intentions of finding the LDS temple and spending some time there.  Then, we wanted to go to the JFK Library on our way back into the city before heading out to a Red Sox game.  However, the morning took a turn of events which resulted in a 45 minute Subway ride, 45 minute wait for the bus (we took this opportunity to eat lunch of course), a small bus ride that dropped us off on the side of the highway, a long walk through neighborhoods that got us very lost and required flagging down a DHL truck for directions which then led to a RIDE in the DHL truck to the front of the temple!! ha ha!! Seriously, funny!!  All in all, it took us almost 3 hours to get to the temple so we were short on time, crammed in some work at the temple then had to catch a taxi back to the bus station to catch the Subway to get back to the Hotel to get ready for the Sox Game!! We had some time to meet up with a neighbor who happened to be in Boston on business, grabbed some Ball Park food (fun part) and watched the game!! FUN FUN GAME and FUN FUN NIGHT!!! We missed the Library but felt it was an eventful day none the less :) 

Just some slight walking this day! We rented a car and drove up to New Hampshire and Maine for some sight seeing. Holy Cow back East is BEAUTIFUL!!!!  We stopped in Newbury Port for lunch and browsing, and then headed up to Kittery Maine to walk the Massive number of Outlets stores there! I have seriously never seen so many outlet stores in my life. We went into Saucony, Under Armor and of course Crate and Barrel and called it a day of shopping.  We then headed back toward Boston and had time to spare so we pulled into Salem to see if we could spot a Witch!! It was a very very interesting town that clearly drives on the Witch Tales.  Every corner had Which/Spell Schools, Physics, Wizard shops, etc.  Very interesting. We found a poster that mentioned a Night Ghost Tour and thought "Why Not", so at 8:00PM Tyler and I met up with about 25 other tourist for a tour around Salem to learn all about the Hauntings and stories that keep the City stirring.  It was a fun day with Tyler and a fun day of seeing things I have never seen before!

When we got back to the hotel I really wanted to make an attempt at running so at 11:00 I headed down to the gym to see how I felt.  Not good! I was over dressed and the gym area was hot so I sweat like Crazy!! I also couldn't get much energy (I wonder why after an entire day of traveling, walking, etc and the fact that it was 11:00 at night) so it was hard for me.  I originally wanted to try and go 5-6 but after 4, I was tired and wanted to be done.  So, I quit~ :(

Slight walking as we bid farewell to Boston! I tried to talk Tyler into going to JFK Library again this day but he was Tour'ed, Museum'ed and Sight See'd out (how about that verbiage).  So, we settled for a movie and some relaxing before the long flight home~ 

First official Post Marathon Run.  I was supposed to meet up with the Heidi's this morning who were going 16 miles but we didn't get home until late and didn't get to bed until 1:30 so I knew 5 hours of sleep wasn't going to cut it.  I slept until 8:45 (LOVELY) and got up and dressed to run.  It was a beautiful morning and felt so good to get out and run! I am not sore at all but after about 4 miles, my legs felt tired and I could tell it was from the marathon.  I was glad I had opted for my own run (shorter miles) rather then 16 with the girls! I am ready to get running and train hard for Utah Valley in June!!  

I am very sad to say that some how, some way, I was loading my dishwasher today and totally threw my back out! It must have been the way I was standing or something but my lower back buckled and literally knocked the breath out of me and dropped me to the floor.  I have tried to work through it today but it's only getting worse.  I don't think I will be running tomorrow.  So sad! Hoping and praying for the best!!! 

Sadly......................still not walking!!!!

And still...............not walking, at least not well~

I went to the Chiropractor yesterday and am feeling much better today! He said my Disc is torn again and the inflamation is what it tearing me up (pushing on nerves, etc).  I was able to walk a measely 30 minutes on the TM today is all :(

So, today I am feeling much better and feel ready to run (against Chiropractor's orders) :) . I actually went to a Physical therapist as well today who mentioned nothing about my disc but said that I have Facet Syndrome.  I am learning a really lot about what running and babies has done to my back but it's not stopping me!

So, tonight when I got home from work, I decided to hop on the treadmill and see how I felt.  I started at a 6.9 setting and worked my way up to 7.5 for the first 4 miles, then ran the last mile at 7.6.  I feel good!! No complaints! Hoping it remains this way :)

Weather nor my husband's work schedule allowed me to run outside this morning so it was just me and the treadmill..........and Channel 2 news blaring in the background of course!!  It was a pleasant run this morning.  I started again at 6.9 but only ran up to 7.5 today! I was happy to get in 5 miles and happy my back is feeling okay today! Off to Saint George tonight to watch my brother in law compete in the first IronMan in Utah! Pretty exciting~

I love St. George and Love running here!!! I woke up this morning a bit earlier then the rest of the family and headed out for a nice little run.  I had no plans today but just wanted to get in at least 7-8 good miles.  I started running along Dixie Road and felt really good!! The sky was beautiful and you could smell the Russian Olive Trees all around (one of my favorite smells).  It just smells like Spring in St. George.  It also totally amazes me how much goes on at 7:00am in St. George!! There were Yard Sales Galore, people out every which direction, a Dog Adoption/survival event going on, people out doing yard work, etc!! It was fun to see all that was going on.  So, I felt really good, had my music going and decided to run out 5 and back!  Made it a total of 10 miles at a 8:11 pace so I was happy with that, especially considering that there were a couple of decent size hills incorporated there!!  Nice.................!!! Now it's off to watch my brother in law compete in the IronMan (poor fella)!!

Yeah!! I got to run with both of the Heidi's this morning!! It has been WAY too long since this happened.  I think it's been over 3 weeks so we were over due!! This morning was BEAUTIFUL also! I finally got to wear capri's and actually took my long sleeve shirt off during the run and finished the last 2 miles in a short sleever, yipee!!!! We ran New Leaf and had to drop Heidi off to run with another neighbor so then Heidi W and I continued on 2 extra miles! I felt REALLY good this morning and am ready to RUN MY (whatever: Butt, belly, arms, legs) off!!!! 

AP: 8:16

Did a little variety this morning with my work out! 1st of all, I am just proud of myself for waking up at 5:50 and getting to work ALL BY MYSELF! I usually have to have someone outside waiting for me, so this is pretty impressive (Go Kellie).  I got dressed and headed down to get on the TM but decided I needed some strength training since I haven't done any for the past 3 weeks.  I walked on the TM for 5 minutes (a semi-warm up) then did 20 minutes of the 57 minute Physique 57 video. During this video, there is a 20 minute part that I don't love so I let the dvd continue to run and hopped back on the treadmill and ran 2 miles (8:11 or so pace) then went back to the DVD to do 20 minutes of abs! So, I feel it was an overall body workout. Got some arms in, leg muscle work, cardio and abs, Yeah!!

Another glorious morning with the Heidi's (if glorious consists of occasional exhaustion, energy loss, and wheezing mixed with good conversation and laughs as well :)).  We just ran the same course that we did on Monday but to be honest, I was sore today (from the mere 30 or so minutes of Physique 57 yesterday) so I was a little upset that our AP was so much slower today! Oh well, it was still nice to get 8 in today! However, I went to the P.T. (Physical Therapist) again today and he said that I can only run a max of 6 miles at a time (not good 5 weeks prior to Utah Valley), so I am going to try my best to follow Doctors orders.  Kind of a bummer day :(. I am ready for bed! Night~

AP: 8:32

Ty left early to work so I got up (a little late) and only got in the 30 minute physique 57.  Better then nothing I guess :) 

7 miles with the Heidi's again this morning!!!  We kind of improvised this morning and went out and ran around until we hit 7 miles.  Believe it or not, I am actually a bit sore today from my mere 30 minute Physique yesterday so I was a bit sluggish but glad I got out.  We hit some hills too so I am happy with a AP of 8:41.  

Went against Dr.'s orders and ran more then 6 today! I couldn't resist.  However, I am paying for it (now posting past Saturday).  I hobbled around Sunday and now realize why the Dr. Said only 6 miles.  Oh well, it was a fun run with the Heidi's and I am glad to have the miles in.  They were a bit sluggish, but.......miles none the less :)

AP: 8:36 

Amongst the pain in my back, I also am coming down with a cold and lacking major sleep so I couldn't get my keester out of bed this morning. So, I slept in and had a window of time tonight to run a quick 5 miles on the TM. Started at 6.9 for a mile, took it up to 7.2 for 3 and finished at a 7.6. Then it was off to pick up kids from soccer and start family time~

Again, I couldn't get up this morning so I only squeezed a quick 30 minute session with Taunya and Physique 57 today :( 

Ty had to leave awful early this morning so I got up and ran 5 on the TM. My back was so tight I had to stop after every mile and stretch!!! I am beginning to wonder!>!>?? I am going to the Chiropractor today so we'll see what he says!! Nice to get 5 in anyway :) . Started at 6.9, took it up to 7.3 and ran the last mile at 7.6 (low energy), I have got to get over this and get into a groove :)

7.5 with the Heidi's this morning!! Man, it was a BEAUTIFUL, Perfect Morning!!  AP: 8:21

45 minutes of yoga this morning.  Tyler had an early morning meeting so running was not an option.  I haven't done yoga forever so it felt very nice!!! I didn't have much time so I just cut the 1 hour 30 minute P90X yoga disc and did 45 mins only!!  

I have officially deemed the Ogden 1/2 marathon my favorite Half Marathon!! It is such a beautiful course and it helped that today was absolutely PERFECT weather!! Oh, and of course that Tyler ran with me.  No, no, no, he wasn't just attempting to complete Charity work today, his I.T. band on his left knee has been hurting him and he didn't dare "race" the race today for fear of hurting it further.  So, he settled and decided to run with me instead today.  I was a bit bummed when I got to the start line and realized that I had left my ipod in my purse (in the truck) which meant I would be racing with no tunes to keep me rockin. But after the run and running with Tyler, I am slowly trying to persuade him to become my new "ipod"!! Not that he serenades me by any mean, but it's just so darn nice to have him to run with.  He helps coach me through things and knows the exact distance to stay in front of me to make me "chase" him. So, all in all, it was a great morning!!  Also, before going to Ogden last night, I failed to check my time from last year's race so I had no idea what I had to run today to compete or possibly beat last years time.  I was happy to see that I beat last years time by a whole 1 minute and 12 seconds, he he he!!!  I guess improvement is improvement ha!?! I was even a bit more proud of myself because with my sporatic running lately, I didn't expect improvement at all, so.......improvement in improvement.  Anyway, I am not a runner that remembers each mile and how I felt, etc so all I know is that I felt really good until mile 12 where of course I got the normal fatigue that comes with the end of races.  Tyler was great to keep me hanging in there and I finished strong!! Love love love, the food at the finish line too!!! Yes, it was a great race!  AP: 7:21

P.S. I just posted my placing overall, etc.  Apparently, Tyler registered me as a Male so my name doesn't show anywhere on the Female results :). Oh well! I found my times and kind or plugged in where I would have placed, ha ha!!!

Oh my, what a BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL morning it was today!! I walked outside to run with a jacket on and didn't even need it so I took it off and off Heidi W and I ran!! We had 7 miles on the schedule but decided to make it a challenging 7 and run Harry's Hill, then Woodland Hills "hill" to get the most of our run.  With that being said, CHALLENGING it was!! We hit some good strong Head winds and had to stop and walk a bit up Harry's Hill.  My legs are sore from Saturday and Heidi had ran 16 on Saturday so her legs were sore also.  Needless to say, by the time we got to the top, both of our legs felt like jello!! We were going to cut it short but decided to hang strong and so we ran up Woodland Hills Drive to the mailboxes before turning for the homestretch down home.  The last 3 miles were fast and so overall with the hills and wind we averaged a 8:30 overall.  I was happy with that pace having sore legs and all and Boy, it was just a great way to start a Monday morning!! I am so excited about this weather, It makes me happy!!! Okay, back to work now :).  Have a great day~

30 minute Physique 57 @ home

Nice and easy 5 mile square with the Heidi's and cute Janie today! We also ran into Michelle and she ran for a mile or so with us! Loving this weather :) Ap: 8:31

Due to a conflict in our Saturday, we opted to do our 20 miler today! WOW, what an amazing morning with the Heidi's!! Heidi C planned the course for us! It was a blast!!

AP: 8:30 (on the dot) 

Got Home after a girl's trip to Park City and Ty and the boys were gone fishing so I headed out for some mileage!! Ran around on a new course not really having a plan on distance or anything. Ended up being 8.6! It was a great run and nice to listen to some tunes and enjoy the weather!

AP: 8:21

I thought it was raining cats and dogs this morning so I didn't get out of bed. Low and behold, it was just my gutters making noise and wasn't really raining that hard so I slept in for nothing :(.  Got home from work and had to run so I ran up Harry's hill and up Woodland Hills drive to get some hill work in. It was a nice run by my lonesome :) AP: 8:21

Ouchy!! Speed work with the Heidi's this morning. We decided to run down to the track and I messed my watch all up so I don't have the exact times, but I have it pretty close.  Warm up mile 8:55, 1st mile speed 7:05, jog 1/2 mile 8:40, 2nd mile speed 7:15, 1/2 mile jog/walk 8:30-9:30, 3rd mile speed 7:05, 1/2 jog mile, 4th mile speed 6:55, 1/2 mile jog home.  It was a hard workout but one we needed to do.  I would like to do it a bit more consistent next time. None of us were really feeling it today~ 

Canyon run this morning! We really tried to mix things up this week with some hill work, speed and now downhill!! Part of our tapering week also so my mileage is weak, but it's been a fun, variety filled week.  Tyler so graciously drove us 12 miles from our house up Payson canyon this morning to run home.  WOW, what a beautiful and may I add Warm morning. We all wore warmer clothes and ended up taking off layers after just a few short miles.   It was a hard run and one that I could feel in my quads, hams, etc.  I know I will be sore tomorrow but it's all good! Hopefully it will help with my recovery after UVM.  FUN MORNING!!! AP: 7:46 (wouldn't it be lovely if I could say this was on a flat course :). 

Going to Yellowstone for the Memorial Day Vacation! Ty says no running while we are on vacation (rightfully so). So, taking a few days off! Did I mention I am horribly sore!?! OUCH!!! 

I love days that I get a lot accomplished! Today we slept in until 8:00 (still in Jackson Hole), got a delicious breakfast at The Bunnery right in Jackson Hole Square, made a quick trip to the Candy Store (pretty much a regular event while on vacation) and got in the car for the 6 hour drive home :).  We got home, got the car unpacked, all suit cases unpacked, all of the laundry done, house cleaned, kids bathed and ready for bed and I decided I wanted to go run, so............I did! Tyler went out and ran first and then came home and shuffled me out the door (while he stayed back to get the kids in bed, nice).  I started running and felt really really good so I decided that I wanted to run a sub 8 the entire time! I ran 5 mile square and hurried home because it was dark at this point! It was a beautiful summer night! I love it!!! I love the cold and hot spots that you hit while running out in the fields!!!  FUN RUN! AP: 7:56.

Our Summer Schedule is officially in swing.  I wasnt' going to run today but I decided I wanted to get just a few miles in to start my day off right and keep my muscles warm.  I knew I needed to get going early today because I started swimming lessons for my 3 year old, my 9 year old has a summer soccer camp at BYU and we had a Birthday Party to get ready for.  So, I woke up at 6:00 and headed down for a short little jaunt on the TM.  I ran 6.9 the first mile, then up to 7.0 and ended at 7.3.  It was just enough to get my heart going and to get my day started.  Now, it's off to get ready and out the door.  Got to go to work, have piano lessons later today and have to run my puppy to the vet also so it should be busy!! Gotta love it~ Later!!

So the schedule said Tempo today! Why do I hate tempos??? We were supposed to do a mile warm up, 3 mile tempo and mile cool down but decided that we would rather do a 3 mile warm up and 3 mile tempo instead! It usually takes us about 3 miles until we get into a groove or wake up :).  We ran "new Leaf" backwards today so it incorporated some up hill as well.  Then, we tempo'd home.  It was very muggy this morning but still beautiful!! Summer continues today with swimming lessons (Jack), soccer camp (Evan), summer school activity(Kael), work (me), baseball practice (Evan), 2 Ball games (Tyler), cleaning the house prepatory for RS party tomorrow night (me). Fun times! I am ready for this week to be over :).  Glad I got a run in to help me through it~

Splits: 9:01 (yes, nice warm up mile), 8:55, 8:45, 7:31, 7:21, 7:14 (wish we could have got that first tempo mile down but oh well :). 

What an incredibly beautiful morning it was today! I met up with Heidi C and Janie C for a little 8 miler. We basically run "New Leaf" and then turn down to Power House, back to Woodland Hills drive and home.  One week until UVM and Heidi C is running very strong (I am proud of her). I felt really good until we came down a slight hill right after 3 miles and I felt a strong pinch in my left hip area.  I have been having this problem for a while and turns out , the inflammation in my L4-L5 (low back) is  irritating a nerve that shoots out to my side and down my leg.  I could feel the pinch but decided to run through it in hopes that it would go away.  Worst part is that my energy levels were great this morning (go figure) so I wanted to run my heart out but couldn't :(.  It was still a great run, so fun talking with Heidi and Janie and getting some mileage in. 

Splits: 8:54, 8:38, 8:37, 8:13, 8:18, 8:24, 8:17, 7:48, last 1/2 7:36, AP 8:21

Today I ran with Jamie E. Cute little thing that I know from High School and a natural runner. She got in to SGM this year (her first) and is looking for someone to train with on her long mile days so it was great to have her along this morning. It was supposed to be a party with the Heidi's as well but Saturdays get too busy and it ended up just the two of us.  I decided to do the same route as yesterday. I went to the Chiropractor yesterday and my back is feeling much better today but still sore.  All in all, it was a great run!! HOT morning but GREAT run and so fun running with Jamie!! Great way to start a weekend (how many more times should I say Great??).

AP: 8:19 ( a bit faster then yesterday, that's nice).  :)

The beginning of a nice easy taper week before UVM on Saturday!!!  I met up with the Heidi's for 5 mile square. We had a nice lazy walk and visit before we started our jaunt for the day!! Wow, it's getting warmer and this morning was a bit muggy after that freakish rain storm last night :).  Fun morning!!! Can't quite decide what to do this week as far as running, so we will see :)

I would also like to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet little Kael who turns 6 today! Life is surreal.  Look forward to spending some time with him tonight celebrating!!!

AP: 8:31

Treadmill miles, it was okay~

Happy 12th Anniversary to me! Ty is at scout camp so I am celebrating alone :(.  Actually, he surprised me with a Bread Maker, delivered to me by cute Heidi W after our 3 mile easy run!! So nice of him to arrange that before leaving to Scout Camp.  Anyway, just a last little run before UVM on Saturday.  None of us wore our watches so I have no idea on pace, but it felt good and we are ready for Saturday~

Another Fun Marathon for me!!  I ran with the the Heidi's today~.  Heidi C. wanted to get her BQ so our plan was to stay with her and get her there!!!  She did very well.  The course was a bit harder then I expected it to be. They advertised it as a “Speed” course with the revisions this year but it actually was, in my opinion, much harder then St. George.  The race started a bit late (about 15 mins) and the first 6 miles flew by (flat course), however, then we hit the hills around Deer Creek Rez, and they seemed to just keep going and going. You would get a hill, then a bit of down hill, some flat, then another big hill, then a slight down, then a hill, etc.  The hills lasted from about mile 7 to mile 15 so it was a long stretch. Then we came out of the canyon at 19 miles and the last 7 miles were flat until the finish line.  The Weather on the other hand was PERFECT running weather!!! We couldn’t have asked for better weather.  Yes, we got some serious rain for about 10 miles through the canyon, but it was welcomed and kept us cool.  Heidi needed to get 3:45 to qualify and we came in together at 3:44:01 (nothing like leaving 59 seconds in the bankJ).  She felt really good until she came out of the canyon and then she got tired, so we just stayed by her side trying to rally her spirits and keep her going.  It was a fun race!! I have to add how much I have loved meeting people in the running world!! I ran into Amber G, Smooth, Teena and Marcie at the start!! Saw Dustin, Walter and Wild Bill lined up and ready to go! Passed Smooth at mile 1 and gave her a little tap on the buttocks (Purely for blogging purposes) and then saw others at the finish as well!! Ran into Josse who was running back to get her sister (about mile 23-24) and I was also so  happy to be greeted by Kelli S who had been running people in all morning (she is an animal).  I am so grateful to have met so many wonderful people and to see familiar faces at races! It's the best part of running!!!  I am not sore either, YEE HAW!!! I am going to try to walk tonight (Now Monday) and then run Wednesday to be prepared for Friday's Ragnar!!!! Let the good times roll!

So, I woke up late this morning but decided to at least get on the treadmill and see how the legs were feeling.  Because I was short on time, I decided to just walk it out with intentions of running later tonight.  I got on and walked for 15 minutes and got a mile under my belt before the kids woke up and started in with the orders :). Hey, it was a mile, and 15 minutes to  myself, I am not complaining!

Later, I had a window of time after dropping my son off at piano lessons to run in the heat.  With Ragnar being this weekend and our start time being 2:00PM (YUCK), I really should have been running in the heat more but, it doesn't work that way sometimes. So, I decided to embrace the 25 minute opportunity and run 3 quick miles (quick not referring to my pace in any way).  Tyler ended up meeting me and watched the boys play at the park (while waiting for my oldest to get done with piano) so that I could go out on the roads of Bejmamin Utah!!  That was nice of him to meet me and let me run, and fun to get out in the middle of the day (5:00pm is the middle of the day for me anyway).  It was also nice to get miles in, despite my tired legs and know that I got to run today! Yipee. 

AP: 8:19

Feeling a bit more sluggish this morning but WOW, the weather is BEAUTIFUL for running!!  Ty got up and went out before me and then I met up with Heidi C for 5 mile square.  Tyler has a "meeting" tomorrow morning so I can't run tomorrow or Thursday (unless of course, I decide to Treadmill it) and I wanted to get some miles in before this weekend so I decided to get up! Now that I am done, I am awful glad I did.  It was nice to visit with Heidi and hear how she is recovering from the marathon Saturday! Now it's off to the normal hustle and bustle of the day! 

AP: 8:46 (nice and easy :))

My 2nd attempt at running in the middle of the day and in heat! I am not too keen on it! I prefer mornings, a bit of chill in the air, having my girls with me and talking along the route!! However, it was good to get it in before Ragnar!!! AP: 8:21

I am not quite sure how to post my actual stats of Ragnar so............I'm not going to worry about it!!! Ragnar 2010 was a complete BLAST!! I loved doing it with Tyler this year and we had such a great team and loved the people in our van with us!!  It's so fun getting to know people and spending 2 days with them!!  Our van 2 did hit a deer, and missed the exchange point which required Tyler to run a bit extra (after just running a very hard leg) but aside from that, we lucked out!  We started at 2:00PM (HOT). My first leg was 7.9 miles!! Turns out they re-routed the course this year and took on a trial through a park so the van got lost and didn’t' find me until mile 5, yes, I was dying! It was Hot and I needed hydration!! However, seeing them pull up all smiles was GREAT!! I got my water and carried one!! First leg averaged an 8:30 which I felt happy about given the gradual hills, heat, time of day, etc!!!  Cute little Madeline (18 years old and just graduated high school.  A complete DOLL) in our car tackled AVON'S PASS flawlessly and has to be commended!! Tyler (runner #6) had a very steep 8  mile, downhill leg amongst boulders, pot holes, and any other road hazard you can think of (He is very sore today), so they were my HERO's for Set #1 of the race!!!  We started out on our second set at about 10:00 at night! I was runner #1 so I got us started again!! Can I just say, THIS WAS THE FUNNEST RUN OF MY LIFE~ I had an 8.6 mile stretch.  The first mile was a pretty good uphill (averaged a 10:12, not very impressive), but after that point, it was down hill with quarter mile climbs every here and there. I think it was running at night, seeing the people ahead of me, the head lights blinking, the silhouette of the mountains, stars in the sky, the RAGNAR spirit, but WOW, it was SO dang fun!! And, for the first time in my life, I got 4 consecutive miles at a sub 7 pace (even a whole mile at 6:21).  Granted, it was down hill, but I don’t' care, I pushed myself to a level I never have before, and IT WAS FUN!!! Oh so fun!! Average pace for that leg was 7:24.  It was during this set that we learned about van 2 hitting a deer.  This was a sad moment! I felt bad for the van and they were borrowing the cute couple from our car's SUV so I felt bad for them!! Then because of the event, they missed getting to the exchange which made me feel bad for Tyler who was running, not feeling well and he had to keep going waiting for our team to arrive.  It was a hard moment :(.  In any event, the damage was hopefully minimal, our team was un-injured and the happy attitudes of all involved, kept us going!!  We finished our second set and headed for a resting zone.  We rolled into Oakley (the next exchange point) at 5:15 or so in the morning, rolled our sleeping bags out on some grass and CRASHED!! Man, I was oh so tired!! We got about an hour and a half’s sleep and were up getting ready for our last stretch!!  We started our last set of legs at about 9:45am (I think, the times are blurring together).  I set off on my last 4.8 mile stretch.  The sun was up and it was already Hot for the day (70 degrees).  This last leg was very hard for me (I am not going to lie).  I was tired, my legs were tired, I had no energy, had a bad cramp in my stomach and to be honest, just felt like I was ready to be done for the day :).  In any event, the show must go on, so I took off and ran my heart out (which resulted in a measly 8:45 AP).  The "ray of Sunshine" was coming around the corner, feet away from the finish and seeing Cute Amber G cheering me in (THANK YOU AMBER G).  Poor girl had the same leg as Tyler (the steep downhill with boulders, etc), only had to do it at night and she got some serious battle wounds to show for it. Man, she is tough!! Later in our day, Reed took it for the team running a grueling 8 mile stretch up hill in the blazing heat, not stopping one time!! Further, he was energetic, joking around and making it so fun for all of us!! He is my HERO for Set #3!!  In any event, is over and I have some Great Memories stored because of it!! I am so thankful to be a runner, Thankful to have the support of my husband and Thankful for opportunities like Ragnar to get to know new people!! What a fun weekend~

45 Minutes of YOGA, NICE!!!  I will be sore~

Tyler had an early morning meeting which meant I had to get up all by myself and venture running.  I know I sound pathetic, but running alone early in the morning is hard for me.  I like the company and frankly, need to know that someone is outside my door waiting for me, in order to get my phanny out of bed.  With that being said, I was proud of myself for getting up and getting out.  I made a jaunt around 5 mile square and called it a morning.  NICE nice morning!

AP: 8:17

Day Off, I am tired~

Oh man, how nice to get a 10 miler in!! Even nicer to run with Heidi C this fine morning!! We just ran out 5 and came back~ Felt really good.  AP: 8:31

I didn't wake up this morning to run and we had Iceland Days so we had to get up and get going.  Needless to say, I came home this afternoon, got my baby (3 year old) down for his nap and hit the treadmill.  I was just going to go 5 miles, but a good Hallmark movie came on (I am so turning into my mom :)) so I made it a 10k instead :).  Felt good. 

New Leaf route with Heidi C this morning! We got up early and got out and BOY was it PERFECT weather! I am beginning to see that waking up early definitely has it's good points.  It was a great run (6.25) followed by a nice .25 mile cool down!! Great start to a Monday :)

AP: 8:30

Eclipse was GREAT!!! However, due to the late night, I did not run today :(

It's Tyler's day to run so I got up and ventured the Treadmill.  It wasn't that bad.  Caught up a bit on the Kardashians this morning :).  Nice wake up call anyway~  I ran the first mile at 6.9, then took it up to 7.0 and ran the last 3 at 7.2-7.5 

We are in St. George for the 4th of July Holiday and have family with us so Ty and I were able to get up and run together today!! It is HOT HOT HOT down here but OH SO BEAUTIFUL!!  Ty and I got up and drove a few miles past the Snow Canyon turn off then ran back home.  It ended up being 14.5 miles total but I basically walked the last .5 miles because I was completely out of Steam.  I admire those that live down here and train so diligently in the heat! It takes it right out of me.  We ended up running 7:32 AP so I was happy about that (granted it was a lot of down hill).  It was a leisurely walk in the park for Tyler but a Temp run for me.  I am tired :) 

Got home and settled from our Weekend in St. George so I left the house at 9:30PM for a little run.  Only got 4.5 miles in because my brain started to take over with all of the things I still had to do before hitting the work week so I cut it short.  Oh well, I got a bit in anyway. 

AP: 8:18

Hooray!! I finally got to run with the Heidi's today!! And, for the last 1/2 mile, got to run with Michelle too!! NICE!!! It was great to visit and catch up a bit!! I love running with people~

AP 8:21

45 minutes of yoga this morning!! I couldn't bare the thought of getting on the treadmill and my back is hurting so I thought stretching would be better.  It was nice~

I am very sore from yoga yesterday( back and shoulders) so I decided to work my legs today.  Tyler had an early meeting which meant no running so I slept in a bit longer and opted for my quick 30 minute Physique 57 (it's been a long while).  WOW, I am out of shape.  I had actually gotten to the point of being able to complete the whole movie without stopping back in March and April, but today was a bit pitiful!! I am starting all over with strength.  Oh well~ It was a good workout, quick but I sure felt it!!!

ANNUAL RHPC 1/2 Marathon today!! We had such a great time! I met up with Michelle and Marion for the ride over (THANKS again Michelle) so it was an early morning but oh so fun!! I missed my hubby this year, dressed in his pink shirt but it was still a good race.  The course was a bit different this year so that was new also.  I liked it because it was challenging on the way up (gradual incline with a strong head wind) but nice on the way down.  I think I averaged 8:45's on the way up but about 7:40-8:00's on the way down so my AP was 8:10 overall.  It was a great morning!! A big THANK YOU, YOU'RE WONDERFUL TO MARION!!! She has so much ambition, I dream of being like her someday! And it was SO GREAT to see all of my FRB friends and meet some new faces also! 

Nice New Leaf route this morning with Heidi C.  I love this course!! It's scenic, has some up hill, down hill, flat, etc!!! And, again, it's one of those courses that feels like 4 miles but is much further!! It was such a great morning. I love my Monday Morning runs! Such a great way to start the week.  AP: 8:15 

Little 4 mile Treadmill run this morning. I know 4 miles is nothing to brag about but miles are miles and lately, I haven't been doing much on my "off days" so I was happy that I got up!~ I kept it at a nice 7.0 and took it up to 7.2 for my last mile. I then walked it out for 5 minutes while doing some weights for my arms and then did just a few planks! 

It's time to Amp up the miles this week so I talked the Heidi's into a couple more miles today then we typically do!! It was SO GREAT running with both of them this morning! This summer has really thrown a wrench into our running together so I always appreciate having both of them to run with!! We kind of improvised this morning and ran around until we hit 8 miles!! NICE!  AP 8:21 

So, this morning was an interesting one. I was supposed to meet up early with Heidi C and go 16 miles because I have an early morning  4 wheeling trip planned (with our neighbors) that will prohibit me from running Saturday.  In any event, at 6:10, Tyler woke me up while saying "shoot, did I forget to wake you up".  The alarm clock is on his side of the bed, so I am not sure if I forgot to turn it on, or if we both slept through it or what, but never the less, I didn't get up.  I felt horrible when I saw Heidi had text at 5:10ish wondering if I was coming.  I need to put a clock on my side of the bed, that is too much pressure to put on my cute hubby :).  Anyway, I ended up texting her back (to see if she ended up going) and text Heidi W as well (she mentioned she may come) to see if she had gone with her.  About 2 minutes later, Heidi W text back that she had just woke up also and wanted to go running.  SO.....................Heidi W and I headed out to make the most of the time we had left to run.  We were at about mile 4.25, talking about how diligent Heidi C is and how we would be amazed if she had gone out on a 16 miler all by herself when low and behold..........there she was!!!!  She amazes me!! She was at mile 9 (sniffle, tear) and we were almost to 4.5 so we ran down a little ways and then turned back toward home running together!! I was glad that we got to run the last half together and visit a bit. I know I  have said it a million times, but these girls are the best! I am grateful to have friends to run with!!!  It was a fun morning!!

AP: 8:18

Bound and determined to get 30 whole miles in the week so I hit 4 on the treadmill.  Hey, they're miles~

Okay, it's July and it's hot outside!! It doesn't matter if it's 5:00AM or 5:00PM, it's hot!! I woke up this morning and met up with Heidi W and her cute sister Emily who is visiting from out of state for a nice route that includes Harry's Hill (OUCH).  I am going to be honest, I am a bit (okay, a lot) intimidated by Harry's Hill.  I know it's good for me, but I don't like it and I get whimpy when it comes to running it.  Never the less, we did it and then ran up Woodland Hills Drive (another killer) before hitting the ever so lovely down hill back home!! I was very sweaty and very ready to be done running! We ran into Michelle and Mac at the first of our run (before I was sweaty) so I had to touch Michelle (on the hands of course) after her week with RYAN HALL!!!!!  I am amazed!  I then got to see her again at the end of our run (and her workout), when I was all sweaty so she can confirm that I was a mess!! Still.........I love my Monday morning runs! It's a great way to start the week.  And, I am starting a new meal planning, diet today so wish me luck!! It's time to eat better and more balanced starting with no sugar or white flour for 2 weeks, YIKES!!!

AP: 8:47

I tried, really tried to get out of bed this morning to run on the treadmill but I couldn't get my eyes to open.  So, then I tried to just swing my legs off my bed and stand up, but my legs wouldn't work either.  Nor would my back, my arms and especially not my brain so I said to heck with it (that was the part of my brain that actually was working).  No, I am trying to be dramatic.  I was tired this morning so I didn't get up and run.  Then, of course I was mad at myself but really felt like my body just needed some good stretching.  So............at 10:30PM, I went downstairs and did 45 minutes of yoga!!! It felt nice. 

So, I tried to talk the girls into a little longer run this morning but we are doing 20 on Friday and so I couldn't temp them strong enough.  Needless to say, we woke up this morning intending to do New Leaf (6.5) instead but BOY, it was muggy this morning and none of us really felt very good (I am contributing my lack of energy to day #3 of no sugar.  I think it is my fuel food).  So, we got going and just decided to do 5 mile square instead.  We were a sight for sore eyes this morning and pretty pathetic.  Oh well, we all have our days and in this case, we all happened to have "a day" on the same day!!! Glad I got 5 in at least! I will try to run tomorrow on the TM before our long one on Friday! I want to get 40 whole miles in this week. I know that sounds measly to most of you FRB'ers out there:)

AP: 8:37

A lonely, tiring, pretty pathetic 5 mile treadmill run this morning.  I need some energy:(.  I need some sugar!!! I need  some carbs!!!  JK, It's all good.  It's going to pay off right?!?

Yes, I wish I could just say this was a 20 miler, but it wasn't (only 19:(. Still, I am considering it as much.  Heidi and I headed out at 5:30 this morning for our first 20 miler since April'ish (training 20 miler that is).  We headed out to Payson, then out to Benjamin area and back around Spanish Fork and into Salem.  It was such a beautiful morning and actually not all that hot until...............................................................about 8:00am, and then OUCH!!! The sun just sucks any energy that lingers in my body, right out!!! The last 4 miles were nothing to be commended for that's for sure but we were tired and needed to get home (I had to get to work and Heidi's kids had swimming lessons).  So, we just cut it a bit short.  It's all good, I got some good miles in and actually felt decent for the first 15 miles of it (hooray!!!).  And, it's sure nice to be done:).  Happy 24th of July everyone!! Fiesta Days Baby!! LeT ThE GoOd TiMeS RoLl!!!!! 

AP: 8:37

Clearly my primary (basically only) motive for running today was to get me to 40 miles for the week.  Ty woke up to do his long run (20 miler) so I got up and on the treadmill prior to a fun filled day of the parade, park, carnival, fire works, etc.  I ran first and then did about 20 minutes of weights, planks, etc.  At least I got it in and got my 40 miles for the week!! NICE~

Man, it's stinking HOT outside! The heat is sucking the life out of me :), and I am having a hard time getting my breath through the thick muggy air, but never the less, we got out this morning and ran New Leaf.  We, being Heidi C and I since cute Heidi W is living it up in Lake Powell (jealous).  It was a pretty good run after we hit mile 3 or so, but the first few miles were a pit painful.  Still, always nice to get out and run on a Monday!

AND, TODAY MAKES DAY #8 WITH NO SUGAR!! gO mE!!!!

AP: 8:25

7 miles with The Heidi's~

I am at a Family Reunion up in the Mountains so I woke up this morning and went running by my lonesome. I was sure an animal of sort was going to jump out and eat me. I kept hearing scuttering of mice (I am sure) and what sounded like snakes.  It was interesting and hard to get my breathing but I ran none the less. 

My running lately is pathetic and I realize it! The heat is just killing me lately! I really really need to get more into it if I want to run a respectable SGM this year!! However, I sure enjoy my morning with the girls and just getting out!!  I am not making any commitments because then I feel like a failure, so I am just going to say that I am happy to run as much as I can :)

AP: 8:27

New Leaf with Heidi C~ AP: 8:31

Ran our long run again on Friday cause Heidi is going to Powell and won't be home on Saturday! I quit enjoy running long on Fridays! It frees up my Saturdays more, which is great!!! Feeling OKAY today!  AP: 8:27

Went out with a goal to run 6-10 miles.  We ran a new little course with Heidi W, her hubby Jaron and my cute friend Jamie.  Jamie had to get home so after 6 miles, we split and headed for home. Put us at 7 for the day! I tried to get my son up to go run a couple more with me, but.....he isn't feeling well :(.  We have him signed up for Salem's 5k next Saturday so hopefully he gets some running in this week! May be interesting :) 

AP: 8:32 (some good hills with this little run today~) 

Feeling No Bueno today so I bypassed running :(

Got up and walked ont he treadmill for about 30 minutes while lifting weights,etc.  Then I got down and stretched, did some lunges and abs for a minute.  45 minutes.........better then nothing.  Still not feeling very well~

Ran New Leaf this morning with Heidi W.  IT was nice~ AP: 8:23

Fun 20 miler this morning with Janie C, Carolyn, Jamie E, and the Heidi's!!  We all kind of met up at our own little places, but Janie and I stuck together from start to finish!! IT was nice to get some long miles in.  Looking forward to the Salem Days Fun Run tomorrow with my family!!

AP: 8:25

Okay, funnest morning for me in a Long Time! I decided I am hanging up my marathon shoes and just going to run 5k's with my kids from now on, it's WAY funner!!!  Not really but honestly, I am so darn proud of my kiddos right now.  Today we woke up early and got the boys up preparatory for the Salem Days Family Fun Run!!!  My cute little 6 year old has gone out a couple of times this week and ran up and down the block for some "training" in pursuit of his 1 mile race today!!!  He and Tyler took off for the out and back course so Evan, Jack and I ran around for a minute trying to get in places that we could snap some pics!  You should see how stinking cute he looked running with Tyler.  He has been working on his form and I must say I am impressed.  He finished at 10:13 taking 6th in his age group!!  It was a pretty competitive race. I couldn't believe all of the people out today running.  I was so proud of him for running and sticking with it and better yet, he had a great time running and now says he wants to keep running races, YEAH!!!  After Kael finished it was time for Tyler and I to run the 5k with Evan.  We geared up and off we went.  The first mile is a good up hill stretch and Evan didn't stop once.  He has also been sick this week with a nasty cold so that meant NO TRAINING and a little harder time breathing.  We got to the top of the hill and started down canal road and hit the 1 mile marker and Evan said "NO WAY IT'S ONLY BEEN A MILE", we had to laugh a bit.  Tyler and I just started talking and kept trucking a long and he hung in there all the way.  About mile 2 he got a side ache so we coached him through that and kept going.  There was a water stop at mile 2.5 so he grabbed a quick drink of water and got a 2nd wind and took off leaving Tyler and I for a minute.  So........we caught up with him and kept running until we hit the last stretch which included a hill followed by down hill (of course).  He booked it up the hill and then went full speed down the hill and...............of course; this made him sick to his stomach.  We literally had a tenth of a mile to go and he felt like he was going to throw up and couldn't breathe.  SO...........we took a mini walk break and then when he started up again, he literally took off so fast, we really couldn't keep up with him.  He crossed the finish line at 28:16 averaging a 9:03 mile!! I am so darn proud of him for doing this and he had a really good time!! We are already talking about finding some other 5k's coming up for us to do again!!  It was a FUN FUN morning and something that I look forward to continuing! Yeah!!!!

45 minutes of pilates, It was nice~

A pretty pathetic "new leaf" run today but at least we got out!! Weather was also perfect this morning............nice!!!!

Zumba with Lyns.............wow, that girl can move!!! I feel so silly out there trying to look like I can actually dance when it's obvious that I have NO Coordination anymore!! It's still super fun though, and a good workout!!!

Another pretty lousy attempt at New Leaf.  Not to be commended, but again.....nice to get out!!!!

Fun morning today with Heidi C and the HobbleCreek Half Marathon.  I really love this course but really hate that it NEVER NEVER starts on time.  I think this is about the 5th time I have run this race and it's never started on time.  I wouldn't care expect that it gets so blasting hot and we all know.................I hate heat, and don't run well in it :).  Man, if only this race was Totally about me, ha ha!! Sorry, that all sounded very selfish, I need to get over it I guess.  In any event, we had a fun ride over, fun ride on the bus (once we actually got on the bus and after our standstill for 20 minutes in the middle of the road), fun time waiting at the start line, and for the most part, a very fun run.  I wanted to stay with Heidi the whole time and we had to take a potty break at the first stop (mile 3) so that stunk.  I timed the break and it cost us 2 minutes so had we not stopped, we could have ran this is 1:42.  It was a PR for Heidi which was very fun to accomplish with her!!!!  We finished, got our bags, got goodies (aka.FOOD) and headed home for a FULL Saturday!! It was nice to run and get some miles in. 

Okay, I have got to get some more miles in this week and I am not sure how I will do it.  I guess I may have to actually sacrifice some sleep and get up and run on the treadmill but I just CAN'T GET OUT OF BED TO DO THAT!! It's one thing to know someone is outside waiting for me, but totally another to know there is a lonely treadmill (yuck), downstairs (yuck) waiting for me to run on it(yuck).  I have to toughen up and get some ambition.  BUT.......I sure had a fun run this morning with Heidi C and Jamie E.  We met up and headed out for New Leaf.  We debated on another course but the weather was questionable so we decided to stay a bit closer to home and get our run done.  And, it did and was actually a very perfect morning for running.  So, I announced this morning to Heidi and Jamie that I am preggers :).  If anyone couldn't tell given my unbelievable Training lately, ha ha ha!!! It's been a little (okay, A Lot) more challenging to get up in the morning and run with no energy and a sick stomach.  However, I know I need to stick with it so that I can get past this first trimester and continue to run as long as I can.  Not to mention that the actual Running makes me feel better and it's just good to know mentally, that I am running.  Also, I am in for SGM that I plan to run as well as the Salt Lake Half in a couple of weeks so I need to be consistent and keep it up. I just hope winter doesn't kill me.  I am looking to Josse and her example to hold me in there (if she can run until 34 weeks pregnant, so can I)!!!! I am just about 9 weeks along so not too far yet but with this being my 4th baby, and the fact that I am barely 5'4", I am already getting a belly on me so the secret has to be shared!!  Pretty fun stuff!! We are excited.  Off to work and a fun filled week with school starting, etc!~  Happy Monday!!

AP: 8:30

Despite the craziness of my life lately, I am in need of serious motivation to run so I am going to attempt to blog my running these days!! Today I went out with the Heidi's on a quick 3 1/2 out and back route! It was such a perfect morning for running and I of course always appreciate our morning chat sessions.  Even though pregnancy has made it harder to breath while running (hence a little less chatter on my end), I still just love to have the girls with me while running!!!  I actually felt really good this morning and felt like I had some energy which I have lacked up to this point!! I am 16 weeks preggers now and trying to hold strong (hence the need for motivation:)).  Can't wait to keep it up!

AP: 8:31

PS.  I went to the DR later this afternoon and was told WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!!! This is after having 3 perfect little boys! My head is spinning, I am in shock!!! Man, miracles do happen. I am so blessed:)

A full hour of Yoga this morning with the Heidi's!! It felt so nice to stretch! Last Thursday I also did Yoga and was sore for several days (nice).  I hope to incorporate yoga more regularly to my regimen to help keep me somewhat flexible!!  It was a nice morning:)

My head is still spinning with our exciting news! I didn't sleep a wink last night! So much to do in these next 5 months to get ready for this baby girl:)!! Ooooooh, I can't wait:)  

Quick little jaunt this morning with the girls before heading out of town for the weekend! I cant wait to get away and spend some much needed time with my hubby and kiddos!!!  Fun run:)

AP: 8:32

Headed out this morning with the girls for what was supposed to be the "New Leaf" route but we decided to walk the first 1 1/2 miles (had to get all caught up on our weekend) so we ended up just finishing 5 mile square so that we could get home in time!! You know, for hating Monday's......I sure LOVE my Monday morning runs!!! I had such a fun weekend with my family!!

AP: 8:28 (when running that is:))

Little chilly this morning out on New Leaf with Heidi C but a fun morning run:).  We wanted to go about 5-6 so we just decided to do New Leaf:).  AP 8:33

So, after a little scary pregnancy episode yesterday I decided to take the day off from running.  But then, as the day went on, I felt lazy so at 9:00 PM I did a little mix of Physique 57.  50 minutes total of legs and arms.  It felt nice and got my heart rate up.  I am really out of shape and just see it getting worse from this point.  Oh well, at least I will have a cute little baby in the end to show for it!!!

My son had a mouth surgery yesterday that was supposed to be minor but ended up being a little more intense.  He had an extra tooth in the roof of his mouth that they (the Oral Surgeon) thought would be easy to get out but turns out they went through his pallet and couldn't find it so they ended up having to cut through the front of his gums (right up where the gums meet the lip) and go in that way to get to it.  Needless to say, they had to remove quit a bit a bone to get it out.  OUCH!!! It was not a pleasant day for him and it broke my heart!!! So, after a full day of hanging at home yesterday and all day today (cleaning my house and playing Nurse) I went and hopped on the TM at 4:00 this afternoon for a little jaunt.  I ended up walking a nice .5 mile warm up and then ran 3.5 to get to 4 miles.  I then just did some quick weights and a tiny bit of yoga to get a full hour in.  Again, I am out of shape but trying to hang in as long as I can.   Glad I got something in today:) 

Ran New Leaf with the Heidi's this morning!!! All was well until I hit about mile 2 when my left leg got a pain from my hip clear down to my ankle and eventually turned into a dull pain, almost numbing feeling.  It was weird!! I stopped and walked it out but it just felt weird the rest of the run!! Granted, we had our fair share of walking this morning which I was grateful for but I am worried about my leg.  I have had sciatic problems in the past and my first pregnancy about killed my sciatic but have been pretty lucky lately so it was frustrating to me!!  I hope it works itself out so that I can keep running a while longer!!

Hour long strength training video in my basement this morning! Oh how I love this video!! Thanks for coming over Heidi C and getting my buttocks out of bed:)

Well, I am running still..........but barely!!! I didn't feel well this morning so I missed the morning run but then headed out on a run later in the day.  I felt okay until I hit that stinking 2nd mile when yet again..............my left leg got that deep pain in it again!! I turned to come home and at about mile 2.5, my right leg, also got the same pain clear down my entire leg.  I stopped and stretched but when I started to run again, I honestly felt like my legs were impossible to even move.  I am frustrated!! I am not even half way through this pregnancy and already having a hard time running.  I really hope this problem works itself out so that I can keep going!!!

Averaged a 8:51 (makes me even sadder). 

Just about 45 minutes of yoga for me this morning! Trying to work out my pains from yesterday's run!!!  It felt nice:)

Update: Went to the Chiropractor today and he told me it's time to hang up my running shoes until after the baby is born.  He thinks she is laying on my sciatic nerve which is causing the pain but somehow pinching muscle also which is causing additional side effects.  I am also experiencing some serious TFL pain which is a joint that runs along side my leg starting at my hip (it hurts) and my back (spine) is still inflamed as well.  So moral of the story........I am a mess.  I need to stop running but I can't!! I think I am just going to have to listen to my body and if I feel like I need to take it easy, I'll have to take it easy!! I also plan to start going to the gym (oh the dreaded gym) to do some cross training.  Keep me going FRB............keep me going:)

I was a bit sad this weekend that I couldn't do the Half Marathon but grateful to be pregnant so I have to think that way!! It was so fun to see so many familiar faces and always good to get away to SG, if even for a night.  Me and Heidi C just went down, ran the race, did some Christmas Shopping and came home.  I will admit that it wasn't the same without Ty there:(. I missed him!! However, all in all, the weather was great, I was grateful to run, it was a blast hanging out with Heidi and I got one of my 2 qualifying races in for the Runner's Series.  Score!!! A huge Congrats to AmberG, MarcieJ, Michelle, Dustin and Teena Marie for having an awesome race! It was so great to see you guys:)

I ended up finishing my 5k and ran out to find the Heidi's as they finished the half! So I managed to get a whole 6 miles in for the day............go me!!!!

Woke up this morning to run but the storm was blowing in so I decided I would just go downstairs and do something.  Just as I was getting ready to start, Ty walked in from his run and told me that I could go to the gym while he stayed with the kids (nice of him).  So, off I went.  I did 15 minutes on the Eliptical (those things are hard), 15 minutes on the treadmill (walking and running, on and off), 15 minutes of weights and 15 minutes on the bike.  I felt like it was a decent workout and like all areas of my body got some attention so that is always nice!! Maybe the gym isn't as bad as I think it is! I will just need some motivation to actually get up and get there:).  Hoping to make it a good week with working out and eating!!!

Got up and did a little strength training by my lonesome in my basement!!! It was actually so easy to get up this morning!! I am loving the time change. 

A little 5 mile square this morning with Heidi C.  Ironically, neither of us wore our watch so we must not really care about our pace:).  It was sure nice to get out and run! I love how it gets lighter earlier and actually really prefer running in colder temps so it's a win win situation!!  Feeling pretty good, just so different running.  I feel blessed to be running still.  Hope it continues:)

YAY!!! It's Friday!!!

It's been a bit of a crazy week with Piano recitals, school projects and just the normal hussle of life so I woke up yesterday with a sore throat thinking I was getting sick. Needless to say, I went ahead and just went back to bed to get some extra sleep.  I think sleep is the "cure all".  So, I got up this morning and actually felt a lot better (nice).  So, I met up with the Heidi's and did a little 5 mile run again!!!  I felt pretty good, just a couple small walk breaks and we were back on board.  It was COLD this morning but I still prefer it over hot!!!  So so  nice to get out and run! Just makes me whole day go better:).  I am officially over the half way mark of my pregnancy so that is a good feeling!! Gotta keep getting out there and run for as long as I can!!!  Man.............life is good:)

So it appears this was officially my 5 mile square week:). I was limited on my time this morning (gotta love Saturdays), so I had to make it short.  My goal for the day was just to RUN without stopping to walk, breath, or stretch:). The pace was nothing to brag about but at least I accomplished my goal and ran the whole time (which was a nice feeling).  I didn't even wear my watch (if that's any added indication of my concern on pace lately and to be honest, it's just discouraging).  So it was a quick run but very nice to get out and get some miles in.  And, I think this was my best week of exercise since finding out I was expecting. I was able to get 5 days in this week......yesssssss!!!  I need to keep it up!! Wish me luck~ 

I know, I know, 2 measly miles :).  I actually didn't get up this morning to run (weather related, I am wimpy that way) but wanted to go later in the evening. Then, the evening came and it got dark and I had a small window of time so I ran down and jumped on the TM.  I actually just ended up walking "briskly" the entire time so I walked for 30 minutes at an incline and got in a bit over 2 miles.  I stopped in the middle and did some weights for a bout 15 minutes, then finished walking and afterwards stretched for 15 minutes.  So I ended up getting an hour in which again, was better then nothing! I need to get some miles in this week however prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday!!! 

Did I mention how blessed I am??? Today I had the good graces of sleeping in until 7:00 and then my sweet hubby let me go downstairs to do my strength training DVD with Erin (Erin is the instructor on the DVD), while he handled breakfast and getting the kids ready for school:).  I think I could use him home every day of the week. That was sure nice:).  Needless to say, I feel like I got a good workout in and then got ready for work quickly so I was still out the door on time! What a wonderful morning!! Granted now I feel like I miss my kids (what is that about moms?) but all the more reason I am excited to get off work and go get them!!!  Happy Tuesday~  

So after being sick most of last week and not doing any sort of exercise Thursday, Friday or Saturday it was nice to get up this morning and get something in.  Tyler went to the gym so I just got up on the TM.  It's so sad how fast my body has gone downhill and amazing how hard it seems to run, but I tried to do the best I could.  I walked for a couple of minutes, then ran to the first mile.  Then walked for another 2 minutes, and ran to mile 2, then walked again and ran to mile 3.  I was happy to get in 3 miles:) and it seemed to get easier the more I stuck with it.  I then did about 15 minutes of weights and stretched for 10 minutes! Felt nice and I really think worked some of this cold out of me.  I coughed my head off during the run and afterwards but actually have my voice back today which is a nice thing:)

Strength training this morning with Heidi C and Erin (Erin is the lady on the video).  I love this video. It's a good workout:)

Wowsa!!! I went to a yoga class this morning with the Heidi's and HOLY COW! No wonder the instructor had a rockin body! This workout was VERY HARD!! I actually got dizzy and had to sit and stretch for a while (yah, I am pretty much totally out of shape).  We worked out for about an hour and 15 minutes and had to actually leave a bit early so that I could get home for Tyler to meet the scouts and plow driveways after that HORRIBLE STORM YESTERDAY, ha ha!! What in the world was that all about?!?!

Needless to say, I am already feeling sore!! I wish I could go to this yoga class more often, I think I would be in the best shape of my life:). Jimminies~

Happy belated Thanksgiving (I am posting this after the fact).  This morning, Tyler and I got up and went to the gym (my mom was at my house to watch the kiddos so I got to go with Tyler, SO NICE).  Ty ran on the TM while I did 35 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes of spinning, 15 minutes of walking on the TM and then some light weights.  I traditionally like to run 6-10 miles on Thanksgiving morning so this was a big change for me but one I am trying to embrace!!! Not to mention that it was too bloody cold to even think about running outside, YIKES! I am grateful for a warm car, a warm house, a very warm gym and the ability to work out with my hubby from time to time! It was a great morning:)

So, I went out for a run with Heidi W this morning.  We got to sleep in and start at 8:00 which to me was quite dreamy!!! However, it is getting harder and harder to run and I am NOT dealing very well with it!! I just can't seem to breath!! And my baby shifts and lays on my sciatic and it causes some pretty serious pain down my legs! I got home and told Tyler that I need to quit drinking soda (a new addiction that cured morning sickness and now I can't seem to quit) because I think it is contributing to the loss of oxygen when running but Tyler's response was "Ummmm, you don't think it has something to do with the fact that you have a baby in your belly?".  It made me laugh.  But then I went into my room and had a little moment!! It is hard! I want to keep running but is my body already telling me enough??? I know that it will all be worth it when my beautiful baby is born but it's sure hard to think about taking the next 5 months off with no running (remaining pregnancy and recovery).  And in the past I have been able to run further into my pregnancy and I really really know that it helps with recovery so I am trying to focus on that.  I probably just need to try to slow my pace down significantly and do what I can (especially through the winter) because I don't want to just give up and stop doing everything.  I don't know?!?! I guess we will see what happens! I will try to remain positive in the meantime because aside from this.............everything else is pretty darn great!!!