A Little of This and a Little of That...

We celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary this past week! I can't believe how the time flies. We both have a few more wrinkles and a couple of gray hairs (well, he does..I don't have any yet, must be the genes..thanks Mom!) 

I really am so grateful to be married to such an awesome man...Isn't he cute?

We have had a lot of good times over the years, but I think our lives together really started about 7 1/2 years ago with the birth of our son, Ethan, Isabelle was born 2 1/2 years ago. Being parents has been so rewarding...and challenging at times. But it has been wonderful! My family is the most important thing in my life and I am truly grateful for them!

I ran 6 miles this morning and I put on an old playlist of 80's music...we are talking high school days..isn't it amazing how music brings back so many memories? Anyway, I have a trivial question for you, internet...Is Van Halen (the band) Sammy Hagaar or David Lee Roth?? Leave your opinion below...I am really curious to know which you are. ( :

I will be running with my running group in the morning, Christmas Eve, 8-10 miles. I love burning calories before the feast! 

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and get everything you want from Santa...Happy running! 

1500...

I was inspired by Blyfinn and RunnerMom to add up my mileage for the year.  I have really never given it a second thought, but I have been curious, so I added up my miles for the year, I am at 1404! There is a new goal somewhere in this....I will be at 1500 by December 31. (I only had to add in about 12 miles). Woot Woot! 

Hitting the Wall

I got a comment from someone, which I have to say, I totally appreciated, saying that my nausea at mile 18 in the marathon was caused because I had hit the wall. 

Hmmm... I didn't run out of energy, I was mentally still "there," no fuzziness in my brain, my legs didn't feel like lead...I was just nauseated. I have hit the wall before! And the wall was not being hit last weekend. I have been in races where I was completely DONE, physically and emotionally. But, I started thinking, maybe I don't know what it feels like to hit the wall, so I googled it...Nope, I know what it feels like.  

Of hitting the wall, Dick Beardsley said,"It felt like an elephant jumped out of a tree onto my shoulders and was making me carry it the rest of the way in."

George Ringler said, "At around mile 23, I was beginning to feel like the anchor was out."

"The Wall." It evades easy definition, but to borrow from Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's famous definition of obscenity, you know it when you see it--or rather, hit it. It usually happens around mile 20, give or take a couple of miles. Your pace slows, sometimes considerably. Some runners say that it feels as though their legs had been filled with lead quail shot, like the stomach of Mark Twain's unfortunate jumping frog of Calaveras County. Others can't feel their feet at all. Thought processes become a little fuzzy. (Mile 22, again? I thought I just passed mile 22!") Muscle coordination goes out the window, and self-doubt casts a deep shadow over the soul.  (This was taken from an article written by Sara Latta called "Hitting "The Wall")

What it all boils down to is that "Hitting The Wall" is basically about running out of energy!

Apparently, it is a common occurrence in distance runners to have nausea, either during or after the race. (I get it during and after, a lot of the time for the rest of the day, yeah me!). It can be caused by the sugars in the gatorade or Gu, which, I use both. I have tried pretzels and fig newtons, real food, but I still get nauseated. I read eating a packet of salt before and during the race can help. Has anyone tried that before? What about ginger? What are your rituals before, during and after a race?

Viva Las Vegas ~ The Recap

One of the ladies I went to Vegas with has a cousin who owns a condo just right off of the LV Strip. This was only small part of the view from my room!

We had an amazing panoramic view of the city, and it only cost me $10 ~ my portion of the cleaning fee...

Vegas is a very interesting place...no, we didn't do any gambling, in fact, we didn't even step foot into a casino, I know this probably disappoints some of you, but I did see some fascinating people...I will just leave it at that. 

Getting to the starting line was a little tricky with ALL the road closures, but we finally found a way through and got a parking spot and ran over just in time to visit the port a potties and have the gun go off. They shot off the fireworks over the strip, which was such a cool thing to see. 

As we started inching our way across the start line, I got a little weepy, I was so excited to be running another marathon (this was #11), and with the fireworks and Elvis singing Viva Las Vegas it was just cool.  There were about 15 thousand runners (full & half marathoners combined).  

                                       

The first 4 miles were really crowded with walkers and so I was having to dodge in and out of them, but once the half marathoners split off it was wide open. 

There was a run through wedding chapel at mile 6-ish and just after that was a line of about 10 Elvis' on the sideline, which was a total energy boost, seeing so many in one place. Of course, all along the course there was someone running as Elvis...

The weather was great! It wasn't too cold, there was a nice cloud covering, and not a lot of wind, it was a perfect day for running a marathon! I was feeling good and running strong and it just felt fabulous to be out there.

 

I started getting nauseated at about mile 18, but I stayed strong and just tried to run through it. Does anyone else have this nausea problem?? What do you do to keep it at bay? 

That last stretch before the finish line was the frontage road of I-15. There were more spectators than I had anticipated, which was really nice. As I turned to go around Mandalay Bay to the finish line I started getting weepy, I do that EVERY time...but as I crossed the finish line, there was Clara, it was so nice to see a friendly face and I cried, of course! 

I went into this race with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised, they had an aid station at every mile, with port a potties at each, and they also had a potty at every half mile as well. They took tons of pictures, MarathonFoto was everywhere. They didn't run out of cups at mile 22...it was mile 25! I was glad I brought my own post race food because there was NO post race food, not one morsel. They had water, gatorade, regular & chocolate milk and orange punch..that was it! Next year that won't be an issue since Rock & Roll bought the LV Marathon! Yeah!  All in all it was a fabulous weekend and a fabulous race. I finished in 4:33. Viva Las Vegas!

I am heading...

off to Vegas a little later today and getting very excited. My goals for this race are pretty much the same as every race:

*Finish in 4:30 (but 4:12 would be awesome!)

*Enjoy the journey

*Have fun

*Remember to RUN STRONG

I am going into this race with NO expectations. It is after all a Divine Sports race. I will be bringing my own post race food, I can't stomach hot dogs/hamburgers/taquitos after running 26.2 miles!! And I am hoping they don't run out of cups at mile 22 like they did the last time I ran it. But I am excited to run. I love the excitement and anticipation among all the runners before a race starts! I loaded a new playlist on my ipod and I am ready to run! 

I love FrayedLaces' quote:

"There will be a day when you can no longer do this. Today is NOT that day!"

Hope you all have a great weekend! Good luck to all of you who will be racing.

I'm Going to Vegas, Baby

I'm getting really excited for the Vegas Marathon this weekend! I haven't felt any pre-race jitters...yet.  Although I do have that cleaning bug I seem to get, all the extra energy, I guess. I am also excited because I will be driving down with some friends from my running group, which is totally awesome, since the original plan was to drive down on my own...

Hope I don't feel like these people next Monday!!

                               s

Santa Came Early

I am probably the last runner who didn't own a Garmin. 

My wonderful husband surprised me with this little guy last night, just in time for the LV Marathon! What a great man! I am so excited to try it out and reap the benefits of technology! ( : 

Happy Turkey Day

I am planning on a 10 miler tomorrow morning with my running group LocoMotion. Isn't it GREAT to be able to burn off a few calories before eating thousands more...

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I should take a minute to talk about the people/things I am thankful for:

*I am thankful for my wonderful husband! He is so supportive of EVERYTHING I do. He is always the first to say, "Sign up for that race." He has never once complained about the time I spend pounding the pavement in those long runs or the waiting at the finish line. He really is the best! Thanks, Lover!

*I am thankful for my kids. They bring so much joy into my life, and I could not even imagine life without them! I am grateful that my family CAN be together forever!

*I am thankful for running. It is such a great stress release, it just makes me feel good.

*I am thankful for good parents, who taught me by example, how people should live to be happy. I love you both!

*I am thankful for all my running/bloggy friends. Even though I haven't met most of you, I feel your support and camaraderie. Thank you!

And I hope you all have a

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

T.G.I.F. Photo Friday

Today is Thank goodness it's Friday picture day with NikeMom. 

I wanted to share these.

The weather here has been so very nice (high 60's) and sunny all week.  So, to take advantage of the beautiful weather we went to Wheeler Historic Farm the other day.  It is a great place to go and get away from the hustle of the city. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Shoes...

...or 'runners' as they are called at my house. When I first started running many years ago, I thought Saucony was the shoe for me. But after 3 stress fractures, I went to Salt Lake Running Company and they had me run on a treadmill to do the pronation/supination test...and their recomendation was the Asics Kayano! At the time I was a bit skeptic, I thought, yeah, sure, the most expensive shoe in the store...I bought them anyway and there has been a love affair between us ever since! The Kayanos have been with me through thousands of miles and all 10 of my marathons. They really are awesome shoes! 

The other night my husband and I went to the new James Bond movie (good flick) and after I wanted to go into Sports Authority, they often have a good sale on the Kayanos and since I am in great need of a new pair, we went in....my heart just about leaped out of my chest! $59.99 for my beloved Kayanos (last year's model of course) but not one in my size (probably because I bought them all at the last sale) Oh, the disappointment! 

So yesterday I ordered this pair from Zappos. Aren't they great! I love a new pair of runners!!

Asics Gel Kayano 14

I Did It!

I signed up for the Las Vegas Marathon ~ 20 days! Woo hoo. I am so excited!

7 Random Things About Me...

This tag was left open to anyone on another blog. Since I didn't have any ideas on what to post I thought this might be fun. Here are my 7 random things...

1.  I like reality TV

-The Biggest Loser~although this season the "blue team" makes me sick to my stomach. Can it get any more Jr. High???

-Survivor

-Dancing With the Stars

-Jon & Kate Plus 8

-Little People Big World

-Gene Simmons Family Jewels~it is totally staged, but they are a funny family. I don't even know if it is on anymore.

2.  I like peanut butter in my oatmeal.  It is really good, you should try it!

3.  I love Disneyland. No really, I wish I could live there~ in the castle...( :

4.  I have never been skiing in Utah (I have lived for nearly 14 years)

5.  I don't like ironing or dusting, but I do like doing dishes.  It is very therapeutic.

6.  I was the Little Caesars employee of the month in October 1989.

7.  I have partially webbed toes. It is true! My two middle toes on both feet are affected, but my right foot is worse than my left.

There you have it.  Now I will tag Janice and Run Mommy and whoever else wants to participate. 

National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month. Just wanted to let you know! I have a very tender spot in my heart for adoption. I think Birth Moms are the most incredible women! There are not many people in this world that have more unconditional love and courage than Birth Moms! So, if you know anyone who has been or will be affected by adoption, give them your love and support. Adoption truly is a blessing in so many lives!

"12 Months of Motivation"

I got my Runners World 2009 Calendar in the mail the other day. I was so excited! I love perusing through the pages and getting motivated for the upcoming year. A few of my favorite quotes this time were:

"We run not because we think it is doing us good, but because we cannot help ourselves."~Sir Roger Bannister

"My feeling is that any day I am too busy to run is a day that I am too busy." ~John Bryant

"Running is the big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today?' ~Peter Maher

I woke up yesterday with a sore throat and ran my 8 miles anyway. I thought I would just sweat the cold away...this morning my noggin was stuffy, my ears are plugged and I can't smell anything... which isn't so bad when dealing with those dirty diapers... Needless to say, but my plan did not work. So, I did not run this morning. I am just going to take it easy today and see how it goes. 

Goals

After a weekend of eating Halloween candy and junk I have resolved myself to eat clean! (at least until Thanksgiving Day) because I really want to look like this: 

Who wouldn't want Jamie Eason's arms? I do realize that it takes A LOT of work to look like that. Being really strict with what you fuel yourself with and making sure you get your workouts in everyday. (I'm sure a couple of cycles of steroids wouldn't hurt either) but I will forgo the steroids and keep reminding myself to... 

I am really itching to do another marathon! Training keeps my mindset in the right place. The holidays are really hard for me. (I have no willpower when I'm not training for something). I am thinking about doing the Las Vegas Marathon, which is December 7th. I said I would never do another race that is run by Devine Sports again...they aren't very organized in my opinion, and the post race food is lacking in nutritional value...but Vegas is close and my parents only live an hour and a half away, so I wouldn't have to get a hotel room, which will save me $300. No brainer, right? 

What I really want to do is run my 40th marathon on or as close to my 40th birthday as possible. So, that gives me 32 months to run 30 marathons....Is that crazy? I totally need a sponsor!  

Happy Halloween

This is what I woke up to in the middle of the night!

Scared the crap out of me! And me, being half asleep, my reflexes were put to the test and my husband got punched in the nose! hehehe. He thought it was so funny!  I've got to get him back, any ideas?? Happy Halloween!

An Inspirational Story

As I was preparing for a lesson I had to teach I came across a great story told by Thomas S. Monson back in April 1987. I hope you like it too!

"In everyone's conscience lies that spirit, that determination to measure up to the stature of true potential. But the way is rugged, and the course is challenging. So discovered John Helander from Goteborg, Sweden. John is handicapped, in that it is difficult for him to coordinate his motions. 

At a youth conference, John took part in a running race. He had no chance to win. Rather, his was the opportunity to be humiliated.

What a race it was! Struggling, surging, pressing, the runners bolted far beyond John. There was wonderment among the spectators. Who was this runner who lagged so far behind? The participants on their second lap of this two-lap race passed John while he was but halfway through the first lap. Tension mounted as the runners pressed toward the tape. Who would win? Who would place second? Then came the final burst of speed; the tape was broken. The crowd cheered; the winner was proclaimed.

The race was over~or was it? Who is this contestant who continues to run when the race is ended? He crosses the finish line on but his first lap. Doesn't the foolish lad know he has lost? Ever onward he struggles, the only participant now on the track. Every eye is on this valiant runner. He makes the final turn and moves toward the finish line. There is awe; there is admiration. As John approaches the finish line, the audience, as one, rises to its feet. Stumbling, falling, exhausted but victorious, John Helander breaks the newly tightened tape. The cheering echoes for miles."

There are several of my "blogging friends" who are facing challenges in their running, whether it be an injury or the blahs, we all face these obstacles at some point. We just have to keep our eyes on our goal and hang in there and remember that we do not run alone. The vast audience of family and friends will cheer our courage and will applaud our determination as we rise from the pitfalls and obstacles in our course.

Weight Not, Want Not...

This week's TIART topic over at Runner's Lounge is: Weight

Logically, I know the number on the scale really doesn't matter. So why do I still step on that darn thing? It's as if the scale has a strange hold on me, almost like an addiction. I have to know that number! It is a sick relationship. I think the scale is my friend, but it only disappoints me...but there is the occasion that it doesn't! I have realized that this is a problem for me. So over the past several months I have been trying not to weigh myself everyday. I am down to about once a month (old habits die hard). I figure as long as I feel good and my clothes are still fitting properly, I am probably doing ok.

There are a few things that I do to keep my weight in check:

1.  Eat 6 small meals a day.   It is important to get a good balance of protein and carbs to keep hunger at bay and to keep your metabolism working.  

2.  Drink lots of water. 

3.  A good night's sleep.

4.  Exercise. Cardio & strength training. The more muscle you have the more fat your body can  burn.

5.  Things I can't live without: 

*Protein Powder~  I like Optimal Nutrition (Dbl Rich Chocolate) & 

           BSN Syntha-6 (Strawberry or Chocolate)

*Fish Oil 

I have always thought it was calories in & calories out, but it really is much more than that. You have to eat to fuel your body. When you eat good foods and you are properly hydrated, your body will work the way it should, like a fine tuned machine. 

Why I Run

Someone asked me last week "Why did you start running?" 

The answer is simply: WEIGHT LOSS

After spending some time in England, I rolled out of bed one day and I was 30 pounds heavier than when I arrived. I hated the way I looked and felt so I started walking/running and dropped a few pounds, but still I wasn't completely hooked. 

I gained some of the weight back that first year after I got married. Knowing that I needed some encouragement, my non-runner husband started running with me (he has always said about running, "I would rather be dragged naked behind a bus!") So, after buying the cheapest treadmill ($399 at Sears), to his great relief I was running on my own.  I loved that treadmill. It was used so much that the tread started peeling off. OK so it was the cheap one, but let me tell you, I ran hundreds of miles on that thing! That was 13 years ago, and I haven't looked back! (I also don't like running on a treadmill anymore!) 

After I lost the 30 pounds I was feeling great and was getting faster, and I really wanted to run the St. George Marathon, so I started training only to get a stress fracture in my right shin 4 weeks before the race. So, the next year I got into the lottery again, trained all summer, was so excited, and I got another stress fracture, in my left shin 3 weeks before the race. The next year, the stress fracture was in my hip, and that one was bad!  I couldn't run comfortably for over a year. After that, I thought that maybe I wasn't cut out for running a marathon. 

Our son was born a year and a half later, and of course, I was heavier than I wanted to be. I started running again, but this time I was doing strength training as well. I ran my first marathon when Ethan was 18 months old. Going over that finish line was so empowering! I knew at that point I was hooked! There was no turning back. That is the reason I keep running, the way it makes me feel, I love that runner's high, I love the sense of accomplishment knowing that I finished my run before most of my neighbors are even out of bed in the mornings. I love that my 7 year old asked me before my last race, "How old do you have to be to run a marathon?" He is thinking about it already and that makes me happy.  I love that my 2 year old daughter was running from one end of the house to the other and announced "I runnin' marason!" I love the look of pride on my family's faces when I see them after a race. But most of all, I love that running has made me feel better about myself. Not only physically, but mentally as well. I KNOW I can do anything I put my mind to! That is why I run!

 

Ultra-Motivation

I found this video on another runner's blog and thought it was amazing! Enjoy!

What's Next?

I feel like I have been walking around aimlessly for the past week and a half.  I have completed five marathons this year and now, I don't have anything else scheduled. It has been an awesome year for me. I have proven to myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I love running! It really has been the only thing that has kept me sane over the past 10 months. We have had a lot of stress in our lives and being able to "run the stress away" has been a real blessing, and the support of my family has been just amazing!

There are several marathons I would love to do one day: 

Athens 

London 

Boston, and of course,

All the Hawaiian Island ones

Marathons that are a little closer to home:

Big Sur

San Francisco

Disney World Goofy's Challenge

Chicago 

NYC

*I am sure there are plenty more, these were just the biggies off the top of my head.

I have done: 

St.George (4)

Salt Lake City (2)

Las Vegas 

Ogden

Deseret News

Top of Utah

What are some of your favorite races? Suggestions are always welcome. 

I think I may have come up with a new running goal for this runner girl. I will let you know. ( :

Happy Friday!

In life, as in business, there has always been a need for those persons who could be called FINISHERS. Their ranks are few, their opportunities many, their contributions great. One day each of us will cross the finish line. Will it likewise be to the cheers and encouragement of those we have loved and served? Hopefully, it will be to the approbation of our savior, who because of our faith and good works, will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Thomas S. Monson

St. George 2008

I have always said I am a fair weather runner and St. George has a great climate and always has nice weather in October. It was 1983 the last time it rained during the St. George Marathon. And this year it rained again, all day. 

My friend Leslie and her family stayed with us the night before the race and we were able to ride the bus to the starting line together and hang out there before the gun went off. I have to say, Leslie is an incredible athlete! This was her second marathon and she did amazing! It was nice to be able to talk with her and feel her energetic attitude. 

When we got to the start line, the marathon organizers~they really do think of everything~ had garbage bags for those of us who were unprepared for the downpour. I wore mine for the entire race! I really think it is a good look for me!

As we were sitting by the fires, trying to stay warm, we met a man from England, who actually had rented his home to the missionaries in my mission. It was fun to talk about places I haven't been in 15 years, and the rain was very reminiscent of that as well!

When the gun went off and I started out onto the course, to my surprise, the rain didn't seem so bad.  It was cold, but it felt familiar, like a long lost friend. I know, that sounds so dumb, but I really was enjoying it.  It seemed like we were running in the dark for a lot longer this year. There were a few people right out of the gates that slipped and fell. So I kept my eyes on the ground and just kept going, and tried not to worry about the slippery conditions.  

At mile 7 I ran up the Veyo hill like it was nothing. Now I need to preface my week before the race here; I went down to St. George on Monday and spent the week there.  My Mom had to have surgery, so the kids and I went down to help where we could. I didn't eat well all week, lots of sweets and even a trip to, dare I say it, McDonald's. (YUCK!) But I was really surprised by the way I felt, normally when I eat junk, I can really feel it in my running, but it didn't seem to make a difference on Saturday. By the way, my Mom doesn't have to have chemo! YEAH!  

I was really sticking to my schedule for my Accellerade/Gatorade/GU and everything was going great.  At mile 13 I was right on schedule for a 4:30 time, sounds familiar doesn't it??  By mile 16 I was feeling great and was using Janice's mantra of "Run Strong." (Thanks). The spectators on the side of the road were great, as they always are in St George. When I saw Snows Canyon I got a little weepy. It is an incredible sight on a sunny day, but I have never seen it in that light before, with the freshness of the rain. 

At mile 23 I called my family to tell them where I was, so that they would be there at the finish line.  I always seem to have a hard time those last few miles in town, but not on this day.  I started counting (in my head, of course) the people I was passing. I wasn't nauseated at all and I just felt great! As I turned that last corner, I started getting more and more excited and I could see the finish line.  I saw my cute family and ran over the finish line!  My personal best! 4:15! I'm sure to a lot of you, that doesn't sound like a great feat, but all year long I have been trying to get a PR of 4:30 and have not been able to pull it off for some reason or another. But I finally did it! And it felt so good to surpass my goal!   

I love the St. George Marathon. It is my all time favorite race!  They just know how to do it! Their organization is awesome, the aid stations are awesome, the post race venue is awesome. This was my forth time running it and I loved it just as much, if not more, this year than in the past!

Things I learned from this race: 

*Be prepared with a poncho/garbage bag.

*I need to wear better socks. I have always worn cotton, I know, I know, I learned my lesson.

*I am not necessarily a fair weather runner. Rain is NOT a bad thing! 

Happy Running!

Top of Utah ~ Race Report Part 2

I had never been to Logan, Ut before last Friday night.  What a cute little town, it had a nice quiet, small town feel to it, and the temple is beautiful!

I rode up with my friend Lyndi~this was her first marathon and she did awesome! We picked up our race packets, signed up for the text messaging updates and then ate pasta. I normally don't do the race's pasta dinner, but since neither of us know Logan, we decided to stay.

I stayed with a friend and after chatting for a bit and checking the alarm for the third and fourth time, I was able to go to bed relatively early.  Does anyone really sleep very well the night before a race? I kept waking up: 11:30, 12:45, 1:15, 2:50 and at 3:19 I woke myself up from a dream that I had forgotten a vital piece of clothing and I couldn't find Lyndi to get my things out of her car...and the last bus was leaving...When my alarm finally went off, I got up and as soon as my feet hit the floor I heard a loud crash  of thunder and then the downpour of rain. The neighborhood had to hear my heart hit the ground. I am a fair weather runner, my friends. So, I geared myself up for the rainy conditions ahead.  On the bus ride up the canyon I could see the lightening and was getting rather anxious since we were heading straight for it. My worries were for naught, by the time we got to the top of the canyon the sky was clear. 

I made a final potty break then lined up at the starting line, the gun went off and away I went. I hadn't even run 3/4ths of a mile when I saw a group of people up ahead standing in the middle of the road. As I passed there was a guy who had totally turfed it, his face was bloody and he needed help getting up.  I felt bad, but I was grateful it wasn't me.

The miles seemed to be flying by, I even wondered if they had mapped them properly.  I was just enjoying the beauty of Blacksmith Fork Canyon.  The leaves were already changing, I love this time of year! 

At mile 7 I started to feel the beginnings of nausea, which normally doesn't happen until the later miles.  I ignored it and thought about how well I was doing, then to my dismay I realized my Imodium wasn't kicking in...UGH! No need to say anymore. I made the necessary stops and was still right on schedule for my 4:30 marathon.  

At mile 20 I was really needing to talk to someone, and I looked over and my friend George was there.  We ran together for a couple of miles and then the port a potty was calling my name.  By this time the nausea was in full force, but of course I kept going. It just took me longer than I had hoped.  I was so glad to finally reach the finish line and started getting weepy before I even got to the chute. George was there at the finish line and got all my tears. 

The post race venue was great. There was live music lots of water, "Gator juice" (as my Girly calls it), fruit, goldfish, ice cream sandwiches and chocolate milk. A bit too much sugar for my sensitive tummy, but it was well organized. It was a perfect day to run 26.2 miles. The weather was great, it was a bit warmer than I had expected, so the random rain sprinkles were very welcomed! 

My Race Intervals:

13 Miles 2:13:59  2:13:59

20 Miles 1:23:12  3:37:04

26.2 Miles 1:24:55  5:02:00

So you can see I slowed WAY down that last 6.2 miles.  Definitely, not my PR, but I did the best I could on that day! 

Just a few side notes:

*The guy who turfed it...I saw him at the finish line, his face had dried blood on it, his head was all bandaged up, AND he had his medal around his neck!  He finished his race too!   

*Someone had a quote on their shirt that said, "Pain is weakness leaving the body."

*I wasn't sore at all on Sunday! : )

*Official race pics aren't available yet, I will post them later.

9 down 1 more to go to meet my goal of 10 marathons completed before 2009! I will run St. George next weekend!  I am so excited. I saved the best marathon for last! 

Top of Utah~Race Report Part 1

I FINISHED!  Race report to be posted soon! (:

Pre Race Jitters??

                                                 

I ran my last run before the marathon this morning.  I feel ready, just need good sleep tonight! I am not nervous about running the miles on Saturday, I pretty much know what to expect from my body. However, I am nervous about the drive to Logan and getting to the busses on time and then driving myself home.  I know, it seems silly. I guess I can chalk it up to the pre race jitters. 

The Madness Has Begun...

The TIART topic at Runner's Lounge this week is "Taper Madness". 

Even these guys are affected by the crazy feeling of not being able to concentrate on ANYTHING, having nightmares that you got lost and didn't make it to your race on time, worrying that you will forget a crucial part of you racing gear, feeling like a hypochondriac, cleaning out every cupboard in your house because you have so much more time on your hands that you don't know what else to do...the list goes on and on.

I started my taper this week and I have enjoyed the lower mileage. I have been training hard since January and I am on the final leg of my racing for this year with my last two marathons coming up in the next 23 days. (My goal was to have ten marathons completed by the end of the year). So, I guess I am essentially tapering for both right now, since there is only two weeks in between the two.  I have never run back to back marathons before, so I am excited for the challenge!

I have learned, that for me the first step in dealing with taper madness is accepting and understanding that I do in fact have a problem.  I actually know when I am suffering from it because I feel like I am going a bit crazy.  My husband asked me last night why I was acting so weird, I told him I was in the tapering phase of my training, and being the non runner that he is, he just looked at me like I was a freak and said, "What are you talking about?"  

I have learned that I just need to relax.  There is nothing more I can do at this point to improve my race performance.  Just getting to the starting line rested, fully recovered and ready to run is the objective!

I have to remind myself not to worry about every ailment, pain, or sniffle I experience during this time. But to increase my chances of staying healthy, I make sure I wash my hands and try to avoid anyone who is sick. 

The more positive reinforcement and distractions I can create for myself really help in keeping the taper madness at bay.  Telling myself that I am ready to run and BELIEVING it is the key.

My Favorite Run in Pictures

The topic for this week's Take It And Run Thursday is "your favorite run in pictures." Anyone who knows me knows that St. George is my  favorite place to run/race. I grew up in St. George and I always  loved to watch the marathon runners come through the finish line.  And even as a little girl, I knew I would run a marathon and that St. George would be my first, and that was the beginning of my life as a runner!

  

I love this picture of all the runners leaving the big Metropolis of Veyo, 

gearing up for that mile long hill.  It really is an awesome sight on race 

morning.  You know that you are part of something special!

Then there is the volcano.  The Diamond Cinder Cone.  I have always been fascinated by volcanoes, and you can almost see into this one! 

Snow's Canyon is so beautiful in the early morning.  

The sun hits it just right.  It is simply spectacular!

When you can see the city, you know you are "almost there.

Just a few more miles!"

St. George is such a cute little town. Although it has grown a lot since 

I lived there, it is still my favorite place to run! 

Run Rest Recover Repeat

This week's Take It And Run Thursday topic at Runner's Lounge is "Run, Rest, Recover. Repeat." When I was a younger runner I didn't take the necessary time to recover or rest from my six day a week running regimen, and back then I never did any cross-training (gasp).  Today, my running is much smarter!  I run 4 days a week and I lift weights 4 days a week.  I take my rest days! And if I do miss a run, I don't feel guilty about it.  It's funny how age has made me adapt and change my thinking and attitude.  I am more in tune with my body and perhaps I take it too easy sometimes when I have those aches and pains that we runners occasionally get, but I would rather take some time off and not get an injury so I can continue to run! 

My favorite things after a long run are:  a chocolate protein shake, a banana, tortilla chips and a NAP!  I have to have the nap.  I'm still learning about new things that work for me and I am always interested in what other runners do.  

I love running for the satisfaction and accomplishment I feel.  Running makes me happy.

Running Loco

I ran 18 miles this morning with a local running club.  Loco Motion. It was so great! Every two miles they had a sag wagon for us...anything and everything a runner needs on those long runs was available. Most importantly though, were the friendships that I was able to make. I met lots of great people and I don't know why I haven't joined a club before. Most of the people there are training for St. George in October. They have long runs scheduled every Saturday throughout the valley. Today we were up Emigration Canyon; the Deseret News Marathon course. Such a pretty run! I think we must have run about 12 miles (give or take) uphill. The final hill just about kicked my butt, but I triumphed! (: I pushed myself harder than I probably would've on my own.  I came home so excited!  

Deseret News Marathon Review...

The race started at the butt crack of dawn, 5:30 am.  So, I was up at 2 and got to the bus by 3:05.  Thank you Joe!  I was feeling really good about my training and I had great sleep two nights before the race.  I felt prepared.  I sat by one of the sports writers for the Deseret News, Amy Donaldson, who wrote an article about the race in today's paper.  I sat with her and a few other runners at the start.  There was one big tent set up that was basically standing room only for the 500+ runners.  We were on the first bus, so we had a spot to sit down..on rocks and gravel, of course.  I think I had indents on my bum by the time the race started.  I was really surprised that there was NO music playing or fires at the start line.   Luckily, it wasn't too cold.  Another thing I was really surprised by was there wasn't a mat on the ground to start the timing chips.  Interesting. I guess we all started at the same time?  What about those who were at the back of the pack?  I was totally bugged by by that!  How accurate is their timing???

As I was talking to the other runners, they were saying that this marathon is one of the toughest courses in the nation.  Hmm, I have never heard that before.  The first ten miles was downhill.  I like hills.  Then there was a pretty good uphill.  Again, I like hills, so it wasn't a problem.  I didn't think it was as bad as they made it sound.  I was totally enjoying the scenery and the early morning.  It is a beautiful course!  I was plugging away at my training pace and feeling fabulous.  At the turn around point I saw Sharon, the lady I ran with in Ogden.  There is always a friendly, familiar face in the crowd, whether you know them or just saw them at the last race.  I love the camaraderie that running creates!

The miles were flying by it seemed.  I was at mile 20 before I knew it.  I called Erick to give him the heads up and they had only been awake for a few minutes. I was right on schedule for a 4:30 marathon.  I didn't have any nausea, I was feeling great!  There was a slight downhill on 5th South as it meets 13th East, my right IT band started acting up and was not going to take any more hills. And then my left calf started cramping.  Dehydration?  Couldn't possibly be.  I had done everything by the book.  I was drinking gatorade, accellerade, and water at regular intervals.  But I had to walk for a bit.  The course goes on the Days of 47 Parade route for about a block.  Apparently, the Days of 47 Parade is the 3rd largest parade in the USA, and the largest heritage parade.  Who knew?  People were actually camped out in tents on for the parade the morning before.  It is a huge deal to some people.  Amazing.

So, as I turned the corner onto the parade route there were hundreds of people cheering, calling out my number and I was already in pain and feeling emotional, that I had a hard time holding back the tears.  I turned the corner with only a few blocks left.  I finished with a time of 4:55:59.  I did beat my Ogden time though.

I am a little disappointed because I know I could have done better.  I guess I just have to look at it as a good training run for St. George!  

 

Training

I ran my last training run before the Deseret News Marathon last Saturday.  I actually ran with my friend Heidi and it was a really great run.  The first five miles was uphill which meant the last five were downhill.  I love hills!    In all the years I have been running, I've always trained alone.  I haven't wanted to slow someone down OR to have to slow down myself.  So I have always shied away from running with a partner.   It was actually an eye opener for me.  There really is something to training with a friend.  I didn't take my ipod and it was totally refreshing to hear our feet hitting the pavement.  I have really missed that.  I have a renewed enthusiasm!  Heidi is training for her first half marathon.  Go Heidi! 

I started my taper last week and I really haven't had that "madness" this time around.  Granted, I have been super busy.  We have had family in town all week, I've taken the kids swimming, I taught a CPR class and took a trip to the farm.  So I really haven't had time to think about the upcoming race.  I am looking forward to trying the acelerade/gatorade endurance combo in an actual race though.  I've been using it in my long runs and haven't had any nausea.. cross your fingers!