Slackersauce

Ive had a cough that feels like its deep in my lungs and ive found it hard to take deep breaths so I thought a run might help. It did feel good for awhile and I jogged slowly on the flat. I tried to run the hill but I was having a hard time finding the breath so I had to walk. I dont know if I made it worse or better, I feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest. I know I made my mental state better though so thats good. Hopefully it helps clear it out and I can have a better run tomorrow. Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Years! Im personally happy to have the kids back in school for awhile, Dont look forward to homework time again but I am happy to have my afternoons back.

My lungs feel much better today. I was even able to push it up 2 hills {except when I had to walk a few ice patches} so it felt good. I needed to take gloves though, my hands were freezing. I was a little concerned about my lungs turning into pnemonia, Ive had it before and I know what it feels like, but it looks like its taken a turn for the better so thats great news. April 1/2 marathon.... $70.00... ouch, why?? what does it go to?? Are the shirts made of gold?? Does it go to a good cause? I have no problem with it if it does.

I dont know whats wrong with me. I dont feel sick anymore but when I run, im so winded. I had to stop for a sideache once and another time just to catch my breath. I feel like im breathing all wrong. Did I forget how?

I read in the runners world magazine today "You rarely regret the runs you do: you almost always regret the runs you skip."  So on that note, Im still happy I got out there today.

Jillian Michaels on demand workout with Erin and 30 min yoga. Jillian kicks my butt.

Wore a fleece shirt and a shell with gloves and a headband, shed the shell at mile 1, shed the gloves at mile 2 then put the gloves back on at mile 3.5. Couldnt decide if I was cold or hot. Felt really good today,  It was nice to not be pressed for time and be able to just go with no worries. I do have alot to do today but I let myself forget about it for an hour and its been awhile since ive done that. Love saturday runs.

Jillian Michaels on demand again. I have to run to Provo during running time today and dont know If I will be back in time to run. Still hoping. btw, Jillian kicks my butt.

Does anyone else feel the gunk entering their lungs? I keep having the urge to cough but nothing comes up. Not a pretty picture.

30 minute elliptical

Wow. what a horrible week for me. Im not going to bore you with the circumstances. or the excuses. All I can say is next week should be better.

the elliptical wasnt cutting it so I took a quick 2 mile run with a steep hill. Maybe that will help, now im off to run errands before the kids get home in an hour1/2! uggh, fridays are brutal sometimes.

good run. My right arch was hurting today. What is that? And what do I do about it? Is it my shoes? They dont have that many miles on them, could they need to be replaced already? And I wonder why its only on my right foot. It started around mile 3, and I noticed it hurt more on a down slope. I really, really hope this isnt an issue.

quick 3 miler. felt good. going to a bday party now.

Ran around the hood and then down highland Dr and down 9400 S. It was beautiful to look out over the valley and see Kennecot with a fresh coat of snow and blue clear skies. Then on 1300 E to 8600 S and back home. Right arch still bugging me. Have to wait until pay day next week to buy new shoes.

Taking the kids to free ski at Alta this afternoon. Should be fun.

Takin

I was up until 4:00 a.m. with a throwing up child. Ive never had a kid just keep throwing up and throwing up and throwing up like that before! ugghh. And selfish me just kept thinking.."how is this going to affect my run!" Well, I think its going to call it off. Now that Im up and trying to clean up, disinfect and function. Maybe some BryanKest yoga will call to me this evening. Or maybe just bed will.

around the hood bc I woke up with a headache and not feeling too great so I am a bit worried I may be getting what my daughter had. Felt pretty good on the run but running into that wind isnt too much fun. Its blowing hard but only when I was heading South. Blowing hard enough to actually slow you down. Anyway, heres to another run! Its always good to appreciate another one.

70 minute yoga and 45 minute elliptical. Sweat my ars off. too bad not literally.

4 miles. I ran.

runnin off some steam.

Cant seem to break away from the number 4. beautiful day, I dressed way too warm.

good run today. I love love a run that I dont worry about my splits and I just hang out with my thoughts and take my time and enjoy the feeling of distance rather than speed. Its too bad I cant let myself just feel this way during a 1/2, I would enjoy them much more. I end up being disappointed in my times anyway, so I should just never think about it and just cruise. Funny how everything is so mental. My foot was bugging me a little bit but Im choosing to ignore it for now. Dont lecture, you would do the same.

Not worth talking about. boo.

Second attempt with Scott on the horse trail, distance was 3.3 but with all the walking I did, Im only counting another 1.5 miles. Total calories burned today, somewhere in the low 700's. So thats something. I need a do-over of this day. It will be called "tuesday."

Ran along 1300 E. to Pioneer Rd. and mom picked me up and drove me home. Felt groggy today also but pushed through it. Ran really slow splits but at least I did it. I kept waiting to get the 2nd wind but it never came. Maybe im getting sick, who knows. Just dont feel normal.

60 minute on demand Jillian Michaels kick arse workout. Core strengthening. I believe Im really lacking in this area and I know I need it to become a better runner. Stronger core, better runner, ..stronger core, better runner..

slow start, saw Erin and stopped and chatted for awhile. Then I felt better when I started up again. Had hunger pangs that were making me feel sick, that usually doesnt happen to me, kind of weird. Another run, another day. 

As the day goes on, I am more and more sore from Jillian's circuit training yesterday. I feel like I can barely walk! good feeling.

gradual uphill first 3 miles, took off on a trail for a bit and then back down on road. Ran some new streets, I wasnt sure where I would end up but it worked out, back up Falcon Hill and around the hood back home. felt good, did some posture adjustment a few times, wouldnt it be nice if someone could video tape you the whole time so you could see yourself and see your mistakes? Anyway, perfect temp. beautiful day.

Can I just complain about my husband for a minute? I run, he bikes. Running is my outlet. Lately he wants running to be his outlet too, Im all for that. I really am. What im not all for is that I go out and run 7 miles today, which for me is pretty good and when I come home, hes not here. Not here bc he's out running strait up the face of Mt. Olympus. WHAT??! He's not only faster, hes stronger and Ive been doing this for going on 3 yrs and he has been doing this for, Oh I dont know, on and off for a couple of months? I mean really running. He has gone in spurts in the past but few months he has been getting serious. Im just venting. I want to be proud of myself without him outdoing me!! I know I sound like a winey baby. waa waa. Okay, its now out of my system and now I will go tell him im proud of him, bc thats what good wives do.

Good first mile, a little fartlek on mile 2 and mile 4, pretty good consistency in my splits. Ive had another epiphany.. Ive decided that im holding back bc of fear. And Im trying to figure out what it is im afraid of. Is it bonking? working too hard? fear of being slow forever? I dont know, but today I tried to let myself go a little more and feel a little bit more free with my run. Im not sure what or why I let myself hold back, but Im happy that I realize that I do it and now I can try to overcome it. Do I sound crazy? well like ive said before, thats bc I am.

went and ran on the draper trail this morning while mom watched the bean. Spent the early morning at the dmv to renew my license. An hour in line just to find out that I need my birthcertificate to prove that Im not an illegal...ummm, Ive been driving in this state since I was 16, look it up you idiots!! curse the dmv.

decent run, running into a headwind and my legs felt like steel posts, but other than that, it was decent.

70 minute Brian Kest yoga, then babysat my niece. Watched MJ's "This is It" with my cousing and mom. Just in case you wanted a play by play of my day.

woke up a bit congested today and low on energy, I actually ran/walked a bit in mile 2 and 3, just trying to warm up. Felt pretty good the rest of the run until about 5.5 and then I was a little light headed. Slow finish home.

Remember the 5k I did for the man in my neighborhood with ALS? He passed away. I will be going to his funeral saturday, so sad for his family.

Felt pretty good, got new shoes, yay. Dragging a bit bc of a little bit of a cold and bc I ate horrible the last 4 days. Popcorn and candy at a movie, valentine sugar cookies, some candy hearts, and a few other things Im not even going to mention bc Im already feeling ashamed! New day, a new week, a new start. Thank goodness we get to start over again every day.

1 mile warm up and then 2 mile sprint/walk in btwn. and 1 mile cool down. Just around the mile loop in my neighborhood. Havent done speed work in way too long. Felt good but I forgot how freakin hard it is.

yesterday I had a dr. apt and my daughters maturation program and I havent felt well again. Its giving me anxiety that I am sick. I dont have time for it. Today I ran around Draper, it was a nice change of scenery. I could feel the sickness at mile 2 but it seemed to leave around 3 and I felt good at the end. Maybe I ran it out of me. It was nice to run into the calm snow, it was beautiful. Btw, Im running on asics duomax I believe. Im not positive. theyre cute though. And thats important too.

skiing up at Brighton all day with the kids. It was a last minute decision. We have free passes up there and so when we woke up to sun, we thought we better take advantage. Im worried about not getting any long runs in this week whatsoever. Which means next week, I need to do two. Its all good guess, I need to take advantage of beautiful days with my kids also.

Meant to do a long one today but I have to take my mom to the doctor. I will try for tomorrow..Ran around the park where it all started. When I first started running, we used to go to this park down the street and run a lap or two until we worked up to 3 miles. I havent been there for so long bc I got so burned out on it, it was nostalgic to go around it again today.

My asics are gel-kayano 16's I told you duomax but that was a blonde manuever.

Have you ever had a run that is so crappy bc of your emotional and mental state that you seriously cant wait to get back home? Then half way through you get a killer headache and you want to cry? That was today. Now Im going to go sit in the bath and lay down and pretend that never happened.

five fabulous miles around Draper.

I didnt really plan on going 8, I was actually going to do that tomorrow, but I was feeling good and so I thought I better take advatage of it. Its the first time ive done 8 without bringing a gu or water with me, then I realized Ive never run 8 at this time of year before. Usually I run my 8's in the summer and I have to have water. Anyway, it felt good although my splits were pretty slow. Anywhere from 9:40 to 10:40, I even had an 11:20 but that was up a long hill. whatever. Running is such a personal thing and I get so worked up in my head about time and comparing myself to others, It drives me crazy. I know running is about 60% mental and I need some mental running therapy.

5 miles. Not as fabulous as the day before, I get these lovely headaches and yesterday I got one when I got back from my 8. They wipe me out and I was feeling the affects of it today. At least I got some miles in, thats all that matters.

A very pathetic 3. Try again later?

Bought some body glide for some chafing issues, hope it helps

Ran almost to my sisters then she picked me up at the bottom of 4800 S. and drove me home and then I ran another mile around my neighborhood. I thought I would get more distance then that running to her house but now I know. Ive always wondered how far it would be. Of course I could make it longer by going a different way. I took 1300 E. which was a mistake bc with all the construction, I had to play frogger several times. Next time I will take highland drive and run through Holladay blvd over to her house, that will be a nicer run and give me more distance.

Going to St.George thurs. morning. for the weekend. I will bring my running stuff with me.

Got one run in in St.George. Everyone decided to go in for a nap so I went out for a run, it was beautiful! 61 degrees, beautiful landscape, gorgeous red cliffs with snowy mountains behind them and the bluest of blue skies. It was amazing. I love Southern Utah. I took my shoes off and walked in the red sand for awhile. Hope that moment doesnt leave me for awhile.

Came home from St.George last night to a sick child. I didnt think I was going to be able to get a run in because of it but my nice mom offered to watch him while I went on one. So I am so grateful for that. She is so helpful, its not like she did'nt just watch all of them for 4 days for me. Anyway, good run around Draper, I ran faster then usual so that was good.

woke up to my child still having a fever, spent the morning at the pediatrician's just to find out they cant figure it out. super annoying. Im planning on doing eliptical and weights, I hope that will suffice. Im getting really worried about my crapola training.

parked down on 8600 S to run on 7th East. I did that last year and would run to Draper and back and It was usually a low traffic pretty flat street. I got to 3 miles heading south and they had ripped up the sidewalks in both directions and there was alot of traffic. So I turned around and at 4.5 I got a bloody nose, totally random and I was thinking the running God's were against me at that point. But I dealt with it and kept heading back toward my car, when I got there I decided that I felt good and so I kept going the other direction heading North and ran for a little bit more and then turned around. My bloddy nose came back at 8.5 or thereabouts but I just sniffed it away until I hit 9.

Ran into some headwind heading North, but still, pretty good run.

1 mile warm up, then hill repeats and a 1 mile cool down.

squats and lunges with weights at home

yummy healthy easy recipe: chicken breasts in a 9x13, top with onion, diced eggplant, spinach and can of diced tomato's with the spaghetti sauce of your choice {I like prego garden veggie} Bake for 45 minutes and serve over whole wheat spaghetti noodles. You can melt cheese over it at the end of it baking if you like. My kids love it that way.

Slloowww Easy fiver around the neighborhood. Sore legs from yesterday. Felt good. I love to be sore.

Awesome recipe for pre-run or post-run meals out of Runners World magazine. I made it yesterday and you can keep it in your fridge for a week, there is so much! Easy, try it.

Pasta bean toss

1bag whole grain penne pasta {cook as directed} diced red onion, 2 large garlic cloves diced, 1 tsp. olive oil, 1 carrot peeled, handful of spinach, {actually calls for brocoli, but I cant do brocoli bc of heartburn issues} ripe tomato diced, 3 TBS. worsteshire sauce, basil {fresh or dry}, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can white kidney beans, grated parmesan

carb and protein packed recipe. can serve it hot or cold.

five today. So after a sleepless night of my children having cat terror's and months on end of cat attacks, we decided to let Luna the cat go this morning. It was sad but I surley didnt expect to react the way I did. I bawled the whole way home. So sad. It's like losing a kid. {well, not quite} but anyway, my body felt strong today bc I have rested but my mind was having a hard time. Mixed emotions run, but glad as always to get it in. And what a BEAUTIFUL day

Ran on the Jordan parkway Trail. It was okay. Got confusing in a couple of parts and since Ive never been there, it gave me a bit of anxiety. I thought the JPT was a straight shot but its not, there are a few detours that take you into neighborhoods if you dont know what you're doing. Saw another girl that blazed past me and smiled and said "Hey! we have the same shoes!" As she left me in the dust. I wondered if she was on the blog.

I fought with my water belt the entire time, velcroing and unvelcroing the strap to get it just right. It was either too high or too bouncy. I need to go talk to Salt Lake running and find out what they recommend, bc what Ive got just is not working. What do you like? I have the one that can hold 4 little bottles and a little fanny pack, but its too much. I want a bigger pack and less weight in H20.

Im not trying to sound like Debbie Downer, although I just realized that I am sounding that way!!  AWESOME RUN, BEAUTIFUL DAY! hows that?

beautiful run around the hood. Did a few long hills and then just some easy flats. Feels awesome to be in shorts and t-shirts again. Its liberating.

70 minute yoga energize video. Oliver home sick AGAIN. These kids are really cramping my style.

I started out this run thinking I just needed to hurry and get it over with because I have so many errands to run to get ready for Izzy's birthday slumber party tonight, and I ended up feeling really good so I decided to just run fast. I ran all my splits faster then I normally do and was able to keep up the speed until the end, which felt awesome. I would love to feel this way everyday. So it was'nt necessarily a speed work out but I did it speedy.

I think I have a hangover. But not a normal one, one caused by slumber parties and a weekend of tending a 2 year old. Bit of a headache today but I pushed through the run anyway. First 3 miles were faster then normal, I tried to do what I did last friday. And then I think I wore myself out and actually walk/ran the last mile 1/2. Oh well.

the big 10! wohoo! I have decided that I am extremely sllooowww, and if you wait for me at the end of the 1/2, you will be waiting a very very very looonnnggg time and I dont want you to do that. So please,  you and Aaron celebrate your speediness and I will celebrate with you later. seriously, you will be very bored waiting for me.

meant to go for a run. My mom and dad showed up at my house and wanted to go to lunch. I decided to go since I have'nt done anything like that in a long time. My dad is waiting results on friday to see if he has lymphoma or melanoma. Both bad. Will keep you posted.

Had to include the .1 - Ran around Draper, better splits today but Im still guessing Im not going to be much different then last year finishing at 2:20 or so. If Im faster, then great, but Im not going to get myself all worked up about it. Im going to just hope that Im feeling great that day and have fun with it. Kudos.

45 minute eliptical, 15 min weights. will have to do for today.

My nice friend let me come and run on her treadmill today. And due to the fact that we are living in Kansas today and I have a sick child, I couldn't be more grateful to her. My family will thank her also, maybe cruella deville will not make any more sightings today.

twelve! It was good, around 5 it was snowing so hard I needed windshield wipers for my sunglasses. I am going to run a 2:20 or even longer 1/2.  And Im okay with that.

My legs felt like dead weight for the first 3 miles but then I started to feel good. Ran up a few hills and pushed through them. Its funny how after you conquer a hill your legs actually feel lighter. Ran much better splits today then on my long run. I wish I could keep up that pace on a long one, I just dont have the endurance yet. Oh well, beautiful day, the mountains look gorgeous!

good run, pretty good splits, felt good.

today I slept in, ate cereal, ate some easter candy, went to a a movie, ate popcorn, more easter candy, then ate a big bowl of veggies bc I thought I might puke, then put on my pajamas and now im sitting here.

Im seriously the biggest wimp. I went over to my friends and ran on her treadmill 4 miles bc I didn't want the cold wind on me today. Serious wimp. And treadmill running is quite dreadful, but I am grateful she let me come wimp out at her house. My sister is having her baby tomorrow! Im so excited!

Kind of a sorry run. Feeling a little bit like I might be getting something. Like a cold or something. I really hope not. Maybe its just stress and alergies. I dont know. Gret should be having that baby girl around 4:00 today if all is predicted right! Im so excited. I have two of her other monsters right now. Her son Gage and her giant dog Ozzy.

Had to take the kids to my moms to get in a run today. I've still got my sisters boy until this afternoon and I have been pulling my hair out not being able to run. I called my mom and she agreed to take them for a bit, but while I was running I decided that Lysa needed to be selfish and stay out there for awhile. Sometimes mommys need to be selfish in order to make a run work out and I knew my son would be late for school, and I knew that my nephew needed a nap and I knew that my dad was in pain from his surgery, But I had to do it. I had to be selfish, I had run. And now Im back. Its good to run.

ugh.

Got up at 4:30 a.m. to go with some girls in my neighborhood. My body was rebelling big time.  My legs felt tired and heavy, my hips were tight, even my fingertips were pulsating from the blood flowing to them that early. These girls are a little bit faster than me, {not that that is hard to do} And I kept up pretty good with them until we got to a gradual uphill and then I told them to go ahead and I would catch up with them. I didn't have my music bc they are all talkers and I was regretting it on that street but then when we reached the top and had a gradual downhill I was able to talk to them again. I needed to get up this early and let my body know that It has to perform at 7:00 am in a few days, Ive been running at noon for so long that I knew I would need at least one day to prepare my body and mind. Hope it worked! Im getting nervous already about saturday.

easy 3 to calm myself down.

ski day. legs are a bit trashed. But it was sure beautiful up there today

Yoga. Calm Body, Sound Mind.

Wow, I finally got my PR!! My 1/2's have been getting slower and slower with each one and I really needed a good time. I beat my fastest time by more then 5 minutes and It feels GREAT!  I Loved this course. I loved that they sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the race, that always gets me a little choked up, I loved the temperature outside, I loved the energy that was there, I loved it all. I saw JD at the beginning and at the end. We got some good pictures and were both pleased with our own performances. I ran with a girl who is a friend of a friend and she paced me until mile 8 and that was extrememly helpful. She gave me some good advice and let me know when I was slouching or looked too uptight, she helped me know when to take gu's, she was great. I really appreciate her. I feel as though I maybe could not have paced myself that well without her. It was nice to run with someone with no fear since Im such a neurotic mess about everything. She was very calming.  I owe her.

I felt as if I was running this race with JD even though we weren't together at all, we have talked so much about it and it was so much fun to do this with him. What made it even cooler is we ran by the Soup Kitchen where we met and by the TapRoom where we spent many nights. {me more than him} But It was an amazing and ironic feeling that the lifestyle we were both leading at that time was such an unhealthy one and to be running by our old stomping grounds, both in the best shape of our lives was exhilarating to me! Great race and alot of fun.

p.s. now I have an added pressure to beat 2:10!! aaahhhhh!!! The stress never ends! And there I go fearing again. Today I am just going to be grateful for my body and for what I was able to achieve and celebrate life a little. I will put off the fear for a few days!

Im adding my splits now before I erase my garmin.9:27, 9:23, 9:03, 9:07, 9:38, 9:44, 9:28, 9:55, 9:47, 10:31,10:29,11:50, 9:49, 9:44

My sister gave me a massage gift certificate for watching her son for a couple of days, and Im going to use it today when the kids are all at school. My achilles has been singing to me since sat. night. It hurts to walk down my stairs still so Im giving it a rest  for a day or two. I dont want to end up like my friend who is now scooting on her bum around her house bc she is in so much pain. I've never had a serious injury and Im really hoping to keep it that way. Other than that though, my blisters are gone and my thighs no longer hurt so Im in good shape. Still proud of my time on saturday and feeling the high.

Hey,  I thought I would feel all strong and awesome but instead I felt heavy and dragging. Still good to get back on the horse.  I have no idea how I ran that well on saturday considering how I feel today. It's funny how different you can feel from day to day. The high from saturday was definitely gone and Cruella was starting to set back in, so no matter what, it feels good to be back out there.

30 minute elliptical and some price is right. Maybe a small run later, I have a very long to do list today.

Yesterday I was completely worthless. I dont know what my deal was. I got dressed in my running clothes and sat on the couch with my son, waiting to take him to school and fell asleep watching Garfield. Then I got up, felt all weird and showered, layed back down and slept for another 30 minutes. Then I pretty much spent the rest of the day on facebook. Seriously, so worthless.  I was wondering if I was getting sick or something, I woke up today with a bit of congestion but nothing bad so who knows.

 forgot to tell you the good news, my mother-in-law is giving me her old treadmill!! HOORAY!!

beautiful day. 5 around the neighborhood, I felt pretty good. I had to stop and stretch my achilles after 2.5 miles but then I felt fine. Its noticeable but not painful if that makes sense.

Woke up to the smell of my dog's stinky toots and had to put him out. When I opened the door, it was so nice that I went and put on my running clothes and left. I actually had really good splits and alot of energy but due to time before getting kids to school, I had to come home. Felt good to get up and get out though.

My allergies are bugging me. I have itchy red eyes and a runny nose. My legs felt heavy today and it seemed harder then usual. Maybe its the time of day. Im not used to running in the a.m. yet. But I am happy that I got up when its later. My day seems to be happier when I start it out with a run, even if its not that good of a run.

after not feeling well for two days and barely working out, I woke up with ants in my pants and had to do something a.s.a.p. So I did 15 minute strength training with weights and 30 minute elliptical. After my son goes to school, Im going to do another 30 minute elliptical.

Im waiting for the motor to come in the mail to install in my mother in laws old treadmill, I thought it was no hurry bc its supposed to be Spring time and you are supposed to be able to go outside, but with all the d*#* snow, I wish the motor would get here.

50 minute elliptical and weights. Weather is cold and crap and Im bitter.

Did the elliptica watching Blazing Saddles. My dad loves that movie, brings back memories

umm, that was hard.

I signed up for the Hobble Creek this morning. I guess im in, it said that it guaranteed me a spot by registering so thats that. Put in for the lottery for St.George only bc my friend wants to do that one. I dont care, I would rather do TOU. Im guessing we wont get in and then we will end up doing TOU anyway. Either way, Im running a freakin Marathon this year and after todays "awesome" fiver, Im a little nervous. Oh well, the running God's are whispering to me that this is the year, and how do I argue with them?

It was hard running into the wind, it made me extra thirsty. I didn't run the entire time, I actually ran up a steep hill half way and then turned around and walked backwards up the rest of it. Trying to work the butt and back of thighs a little bit. Running has seemed harder lately then usual. I hope this funk is short-lived, I need to get back into it. I need to eat more veggies, I really think my eating lately has alot to do with it.

Just about to finish my loop when I ran past my street and saw my parents car in my driveway so I cut it a bit short. Felt much better today. Felt stronger, so thats good. Still to think adding 21 more miles to that is a bit daunting. I know I will be ready with the right training, but today it seems ...not impossible..just hard.

Today I went on a field trip with 2 1st grade classes to Red Butte Gardens and although the gardens were peaceful and beautiful, the ride home on the bus was anything but relaxing. They all started yelling, No, screaming.."Annie and Carter sitting in a tree K.I.S.S.I.N.G. first comes love, 2nd comes marriage.....and this went on the whole ride home. My son was one of the few who was as annoyed by it as I was. He sat there with his head in my lap and plugged his ears. Seriously. It takes a very, very, special breed to be a school teacher and I could not be more grateful to them. I on the other hand, am NOT one of that breed.

No run today. Some silence for an hour and then they are all home. DEEP BREATH.

It's been a long time since I've had a run that relaxing. I just went easy on my pace, about a 10:20 avg. and just let my ipod play at will, through slow songs and usually annoying songs that I fast forward through. I just went with it and it was so nice. I was actually home at 7 miles but I said to myself, "just one more mile" and so it was. I live for and love runs like this one.

My achilles took about 2 miles to warm up, was feeling a little strained and when I got to the light at mile 2, I stretched for a bit and then it seemed to calm down and go into auto pilot mode like the rest of me.

Today my youngest left to school early and so I have the entire day to myself, well at least until 2:00, and I loved the preview of what my life will be like next school year. After 13 years of having little ones at home with me all day, It will be a great reward to have my days be free for me time.

edit: I checked my splits, they were actually a little faster than that. So I've got that going for me. Which is nice.

Sorry to talk about this on here, but I do need to keep track of how I feel. Im hours away from my monthly friend and I feel completely drained. It took everything I had to run that today. I was slow and lethargic but pushed through it anyway. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger right? I should feel much better tomorrow. [cross my fingers] All  I can say about that is I sure would hate this day to be a race day. I feel bad for anyone that happens to. I guess it's different for eveyone, but for me, the days before my friend comes are the worst.

thats all she wrote.

had my running clothes on, was on the way out my door and got a call to go to meet someone my hubby and I have been trying to meet with for weeks and they could only meet right then. So out the door I went to meet him in my running clothes, b.o. and all. It was great. FREAK!!! that is me.

EDIT: ran down to the park by my house and did hill repeats for 20 minutes and ran home. I can barely breathe, it felt great! Im so happy I could squeeze something in afterall!! WAHOO!! Im guessing it was around 3 miles, I actually left the garmin at home.

Met Erin this morning, It's been a long time since Ive run with her. She is slower than me if you can believe thats possible, but we hit a few steep hills and busted up them and got a good work out. My arms kept going numb like the blood kept running out and I kept having to shake them out to let it go back down to my fingers. I dont think I was holding my arms too high, but who knows. Its hard to tell just from looking down at yourself. Thats never happened to me before, I think maybe my arms just weren't awake yet. who knows. Anyway, felt good, by the end my legs felt heavy, again, I think its just that they weren't awake yet.

Im trying to be all sunshine and roses, but today I wanted to quit the whole time. I dont know why it felt so hard today. I really do try NOT to complain, bc I really DO love running, I guess I can say that I would rather have gone today and had it been hard, then not be able to run at all. I AM grateful for running. It IS my sanity, my pride, and my happy place.

It's been a long time since I ran 6 days in a row. Right now, I guess its more important that I get in the miles then worrying about how fast Im going right? Because I am going really slow lately. Im going to focus on quantity right now rather than quality.

I hope it went well for you JD on the marathon today! I kept thinking on my run today "am I crazy?? I signed up to do a freakin marathon!"

So my friend Im running the marathon with is following this schedule that is a schedule for people running their first marathon. We printed out two. One is for finishers one is for people trying to get their PR. So we decided to kind of mix and mingle the two. When I run with her, I will follow it, when I run alone, I will do what I want to do. The Hobble Creek falls perfectly into the schedule so thats good. But since I feel like Im past that already, I will try and do more on days Im not with her. This is her first thing back after having a baby so we are in different places. But it's all good. It was a beautiful morning.  Perfect temp. It was fun to get up and meet her again. It's been a loonngg time. She is the person that I first started running with. We learned together, so it's fun to be training for our first marathon together.

I spoke too soon about how I haven't gotten sick in a long time. I woke up with  a sore throat and a conjested head. bummer.

Went to bed feeling like crap, woke up feeling like crap. Feel a little better now. Going to try for tomorrow morning, even if I end up doing some walking. I need to get out there.

30 minute elliptical, It felt good to get my heart rate up again but my  throat and lungs didn't care too much for it. Too bad for them. It's hard to get up in the morning when you are laying in bed and cant breathe, but It did feel good to breathe hard a little bit later in the morning. Im still waiting for the dang motor on the treadmill to show up, Im a bit annoyed its taking so long. Im going to do some weights now and drink a couple of gallons of water throughout the day, It's getting much better, I will back in business in no time.

Edit: Its now evening and I have felt worse for the last 4 or so hours then I have the whole time. Im hoping that it is at it's worse and can only get better from here. Is is possible that the little exercise I did only hurt me?

Whoppin 6 miles this week. That is crap. I felt okay today, mostly I just couldn't go one more day without doing something. I ran the first mile, walked for a bit and then ran down a hill so I could go up another, I wanted to see if pushing it up a hill would clear out my lungs a bit. Time will tell. I feel kind of tingly and lightheaded, but happy I went a little bit.

My lungs feel like they used to feel after smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes. ouch, I cant believe that I used to be okay with that feeling. I just want to be back to normal. Im starting to whine about this but I cant help it. I need to run, I need to train, I cant feel like a bar fly smokin, hacking, mess anymore.

side note: the mailbox I run past every day that has a red painted hat on it, is now painted with sunflowers..Why are they messing up my universe?

Felt alot better today, My splits were all faster and my lungs felt alot better. The schedule only called for 3 today so I went with it bc Im still on the mend, but things are looking much better.

I felt so tired this morning, It was hard to get up. Third day in a row of 6:15 a.m. it's rough. Decent run, not awesome, but decent.

Today was a little bit of speed work with a few hills with a little bit of walking and a little bit of running. Couldn't decide what to do so I did a little bit of it all. I need to get over a little bit of a rut or hump or whatever it is that Im in. Nice day, better than sitting on the couch.

edit: I just told my husband I ran 3 miles and he said "thats it? thats like running nothing, what are you doing?" It totally bugged me. Now I may have to go again later. [do you think he does that on purpose?]

diarrhea cha cha cha...and all day long at the school with the kids. That was and is still my day.

Im frustrated. My two boys were throwing up all night, both have fever's. I have had the Cha cha's still and feel a bit achey. Not horrible, but my skin is sensitive to touch and just dont feel good. Scott is installing the motor in the treadmill right now, so hopefully later this afternoon, I can give it a try. Even if I just walk. Doing 20 loads of throw up laundry and putting lysol all over the house. Awesome.

Ran to the cemetery in Holladay where my gpa and gma are buried. Met my family there and then Scott drove me home. Felt really really really good to feel good. I finally feel like Im back in business. YIPPEE!!!!

early morning 4. Felt like I was dragging a bit but it still felt good. Pretty morning

Ran better then I thought I would. I felt extra tired getting out of bed but when I started running I felt better.  Went alone today, kind of nice. My own pace, my own route. Its fun to run with Stacie, but its nice to go alone too. Had many marathon thoughts while running today. Watched 20/20 last night. They had a guy on that ran 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. On average, he likes to get up at three in the morning, go run a marathon and then around two oclock go do some speed work with a 10 miler. WTH?

Ran with Stacie. Nice morning but it was a little bit hot. I know this is only the beginning. Im not complaining though, It beats more snow! Right ankle felt a little bit funny, not funny enough to stop or anything. Ran up a hill at the end and thought I would have an emergency bathroom break for a second but it went away. Too many beans yesterday I guess. {I know you were dying to know that}

Only had time for 3 today anyway, have to take Sen to an orthodontist apt at 8:00. Warm morning out there, im sweating like crazy. Cant believe I signed up for a marathon, but now a 1/2 doesn't feel scary to me anymore. Im actually looking forward to only having to run 13 miles for the Hobble Creek. Now it feels like a 5k in comparison.

Woke up about 10 minutes late and so I went by myself for 3 miles, then I ran into Stacie and ran a mile home with her. I took my own sweet time while I was alone and just enjoyed the scenery. When I hooked up with Stac, I picked up the pace and took off. Funny how that happens. Decent run, need to bring my sunglasses next time, it is so bright heading East, its hard to even cross the street looking in that direction, blinding.

Felt pretty good today. Slept like a rock last night, nice morning. Went with Stacie.

Woke up at 5:30 and ran with Stacie. I think I talked her on to getting on the blog. Run was good, we were at a 10.30 {thereabouts} average, so overall pretty slow but it felt really good. I kept saying "its all about distance not speed" bc she feels like she has to go fast so she can up her husband. They're funny, really competitive with each other. But I LOVE a good relaxing long run, they're my favorite. It was fun to go that distance with her again, its been forever since we have done that. Anyway, much better day today. happy run. happy running to you.

Felt good today, I thought I would run faster then I did today but I was slow again. whatever. And even though I'm complaining that I had to turn my heat on last night, It sure is awesome to run in this weather. How often can you go run 5 miles in June at 10:30 a.m. and not die from heat?  The schedule said I'm supposed to cross train today but honestly I don't know what to do besides run, nothing sounds as much fun or as brainless as running. OH and look for Stacie on the blog now! She signed up yesterday!

Ran with Stacie, felt good and then came home and did weights. Woke up with my eyes glued shut and an itchy throat but I think its just allergies bc I feel good now. Ate like crap yesterday. Good thing I can start over today. Today is a new day, always is. : )

Felt really strong today. I was worried bc I had one of my headaches last night and had to take a 1/2 pain pill. Went with Stacie and we are talking more and more rather than listening to music. We brought our music and used it on the hills but talked the rest of the time. I LOVE that I can do that now, I never thought I would be able to run and talk at the same time. Its a really welcome and nice change. I mean I love to be inside my head on a run and just go aimlessly with my thoughts, but it is really nice to change it up a bit too. Sometimes I get bored with my thoughts and then I focus on how long the run is taking and what hurts etc. So its great to have options. And I know at any point if I told Stac I want my music now, she wouldn't take it personally. Its nice to run with someone like that too.  Anyway, nice morning, conquered a few hills and ran strong. Happy Running.

My left calf has been whispering to me the last few days but nothing bad. Woke up this morning and it was a little uncomfortable walking down my stairs but I ignored it, went out and started to run and I realized I was limping to avoid that calf.{at least I think that's the muscle that hurts. maybe it's something else, but I feel it in my left calf on the outside of my leg} And then I decided if I warm up it will stop hurting so I kept going, at 1 mile I stopped to stretch it and when I started again It still hurt, so I walked home. Did weights, arm, legs and core. And 30 minutes elliptical. I will stretch it and maybe ice it, Its not a horrible pain but it enough to know that I need to be careful. Bummer. I hope after a day if feels better.

Felt good today, Not as energetic as last week when we ran 9 but still pretty good. My leg only bothered me a little bit at mile 2 and around mile 8 but nothing bad so that made me happy. I loved running 10 today though. Always fun to go that distance, and it was great to talk to Stacie almost the entire time, which is still just crazy to me that I can do that now. We were laughing about adding 16 more miles to what we did today and it almost seems impossible..I said almost, Staying positive and in denial about what I've signed up to do. That will be the best way to go forward I believe. Just be in denial. Happy Running.

Slept horrible last night. Woke up to Erin's text's in the middle of the night. She was running the Ragnar. After that I couldn't go back to sleep and when I finally did, I woke up bc I was hot and had a sore throat {allergies} So I got up and played on facebook at 4:00a.m..and no, im not too obsessed.{only slightly} BUT after feeling a bit hungover this morning, I went and did 3 miles at noon bc Im normal, and normal people love to run at noon in June..But my average was 9.47 so thats not bad considering all of the conditions. Now I will do weights, upper and lower body and core.

 {side note: my leg hurts a little bit again.}

9.31 average. Felt good, beautiful morning, not too hot. Now on to weights and stupid planks. Which are totally hard and I always end up laughing at myself for being so weak! I know I will get stronger, but Im blaming kids {specifically C-sections} for having zero muscle there. And I will not admit that it would have anything to do with the fact that I haven't done sit ups in years. happy running to you.

9.45 avg. Felt pretty good starting out. Ran up Falcon Way otherwise known as the street I hate. My calf started to hurt toward the top of Falcon and so I stopped and stretched for a few seconds and then ran down NewCastle, felt it the whole way down but kept going anyway. I told Stac, I cant explain the pain except for saying it feels like my calf has hemroids. Its like a burning and I cant pinpoint the exact place it hurts. Anyway, ordered new shoes yesterday, hopefully that might help a little. I dont know if thats the issue, but it cant hurt to try. I will R.I.C.E. today as much as I can and head out again tomorrow.  Still, the run felt good.

wow. A 9.50 avg. Which is shocking to me bc I felt like we were going so slow. I thought for sure it would be at best 10.30. I was dragging today, felt tired. So was Stacie. Got home from my daughters dance recital and was limping a bit so I elevated my leg to sleep last night, wrapped it and iced it. It felt pretty good getting out of bed but is burning again right now.  Now I will do SP {stupid planks} and some upper body weights. Im going to avoid doing my lower body today and hope that my leg will feel better.

two mile pathetic run. totally pathetic. I dont want to talk about it. Then home and did weights and 60 minute yoga. Thats all I have to say about that.

Dragging bad today. Luckily Stacie was feeling the exact same way so we were both on the same level. 10.15 avg. Which is better than I thought It was going to be considering how we both felt. At one point Stacie said "I feel like we are running in place." But it was a beautiful morning,  a little bit warm, its time to break out the tank tops. Going to a family reunion in Provo all day..lucky me. Happy Running.

9.58 avg. Good run up NewCastle and then back down. Not much else to say about it.

I was supposed to do 6 today. I started out feeling extra tired and worn down but thought once I got going I would be fine. My body felt achy. I dont know if this is just one of my pms runs or if there is something else wrong. My leg started saying hi to me at 1.5. So nice to hear from her again, its been a few days. I was running at such a snails pace I lost Stacie completely, We were exploring a new neighborhood, which would have been fun had I felt good. Funny how 2 people doing the same exact run can have such different experiences. I hope tomorrow will be a better day.

I was happy it was only 3 today. Still felling a bit worn down but MUCH better than yesterday. 10.02 avg.  The sky was beautiful with the clouds and the sun coming out over the mountains. The wind was annoying and the temp. was HOT. But much better run today.

Did weights. Arms and legs.

Went to adult lagoon night last night, got home at midnight,  got woken up at three, got woken up at five, and again at seven, slept in, going to get braces at noon on my tweenager. Trying to be happy on little sleep. Not doing a good job.

four words...Thank Heavens for Sprinklers! It was really nice when we first started but got hotter and hotter as we went on. We ran through every set of sprinklers we could see and at a church, we actually stopped and got drenched and filled up our water bottles in the sprinklers. I was really grateful for the water bc I found myself feeling nauseous a few times and after I got wet, it would go away. My avg said 10.36 but thats not acurate bc I forgot to stop the time when I stopped to gu, or be in the sprinklers so I dont know, I would guess it was more like 10.20 or thereabouts. Anyway, I have that proud feeling that you get after running 12 miles, so thats a nice high to be on today. Happy Happy Running!

Fun 4th of July 5k, avg pace was 9.28{according to garmin}- Ran with JD, Mrs. JD, Randy, Kathryn, Heidi, and Scott. Was alot of fun. I was a little bummed on my time but Im happy that I was at least under a 10 minute mile. Not a PR, but still good. I am blaming some of that slow time on the fact that I felt like I had to weave in and out of runners for what seemed like a 1/2 mile. Really crowded, but nice fun route. One little uphill but other than that, smooth sailing. The little up hill was at the beginning too so that was nice. Loved the shirts they gave us and Loved the company I was with. I think that should be an annual tradition. Happy  Happy Running!!!

Started out slow but ended up at a good pace. Felt good today which was nice after my hangover day yesterday from my mommy sleepover the night before. Plus I ate dog food last night for dinner so I was surprised at how good I felt considering that. Stac is out of town so I ran alone today. It was the perfect temp. outside with no wind which was nice. Beautiful morning. Now Im off to go meet cousins again. And it is getting to be old. Im ready for a day that I dont have any plans to meet anyone or go anywhere.

I slept in a bit. Nice cool morning. Legs feeling a bit heavy but good to get out there anyway. Lifted weights, SP's, arms and legs.

Since this run was a couple of days ago, I dont really remember it. So obviously not that memorable.

Beautiful morning, cool temps. I ran our usual route but then I ran all the way down Sego Lilly and ran to Draper and had Scott pick me up. I was running along 13th east and suddenly the cha cha cha's attacked. I didnt know if I would make it to the Chevron and when I was almost there, I remembered that Einstein Bagels is closer. It was funny bc a man runner was coming the other direction and ran into the mens bathroom at the same time I ran into the womens. It cracked me up. Then I fought a side ache after that but dealt with it anyway. Stacie was out of town so I ran on my own.

 Im on my mother in laws computer bc mine is broken and they're telling me its going to be 3 weeks to fix it. Im freaking out! Who can live that long without a computer! Stacie is going to be seeing me daily. I hope she realizes that. At least until I get it back. Anyway, Happy Happy Running today, good run, beautiful morning, sore feet. Feels good.

ran with Stacie, it was fun. No music, I look forward to that sometimes, Im so sick of my music. We are going to a Scott's uncles cabin in Heber Valley for the next two nights so I will be running up there and wont be updating this until wed. Maybe I can get Kathryn my sis in law to run with me, Im actually looking forward to running in a change of scenery. Today was 9:49 avg. nice run. 

Ran with Kathryn from the cabin down some really steep hills and along a highway in Heber City. It was beautiful, Our average was 9.15. I think its bc we got going down those hills to begin with and just kept that pace. I honestly couldn't believe at one point I looked down and the split seemed to be around 9.50 or so and it was 9.02. I was shocked. We saw a deer and with the sun coming up over the mountain, it was beautiful. Kathryn definitely has that Smith gene though, she is one tough chic with lungs of steel. It was fun to run with her, she hasn't done anything over 5 miles in about 3 years so she was really proud of herself for doing 7. 

Woke up today and was really sore from those hills yesterday. The front of mine and Kath's thighs were so tight, it was hard to walk down the stairs. We took off from the cabin again and ran the first hill, walked backwards down the other hill and then ran again. We were both really sore and Kath wanted to quit at 3 bc she was trashed and bc she was worried about her baby waking up back at the cabin, so Scott picked us up and drove us back up. We felt trashed from late nights and play and the run yesterday. Was a lot of fun to run somewhere different. Good times, happy running.

I will write more later, I have to go meet the cousins up at Brighton.  But our average was around 10.20 We burned 1764 calories. The garmin said we did it in 2:39 but that is not accurate bc I didn't stop the garmin a couple of times when we stopped to stretch or drink or gu. I will be back soon and tell about it.

Edit: Okay Lysa, breathe..Ive been going since 5:00am and Im exhausted, my body hurts, and I just ran further than I ever have before. : ) Big Smile. We ran our usual route and when we got to 2300 E and 10000 S. we turned left and ran down Dimple Dell road. I loved this part of the run. There was shade, horses, colts, goats.. It was very cool. Then we came out at the bottom of Wasatch Blvd. and ran to 12300 S. Down the round about, along 1300 E. and then finished on Fort Street where my dad picked us up and took us home. But not before treating us to a drink at 7-11. My dad is completely amazed at what I do. He cant believe I would or could do it. {This is coming from a guy who rarely gets off the couch} But its nice to hear the encouragement from him anyway. My music was dead and I realized that at mile 3. So Stacie put hers away and we just talked the whole time. I was actually really grateful for that bc I think it went alot faster and smoother bc we could lose ourselves in conversation for awhile. Around mile 11 we were both wondering what the hell we were doing and what in the hell we got ourselves into. But once we pulled out of that lull and started to feel a bit better again, we were encouraged once again. It amazes me what the human body is capable of doing. How it almost just needs to rebel and protest and then it realizes you aren't quitting so it kicks back into gear. Pretty cool. Anyway, I know this is long, but its kind of a monumental day for me, so I have to talk about it. Happy Happy Running.

10:02 avg. Felt almost silly starting out, my body was rebelling a bit. Ended up okay. Nothing to write home about. Decent run.

Didn't feel good today. I almost felt like I had asthma or something, I was having a really hard time breathing the whole time, even on the down hill. Also my stomach started to churn a little bit at 5.5 so I just slowed down even more than what I was already going. Stacie talked to me the whole time and I think I said about 2 sentences total. I was happy she did that, It was helping me not think about it as much and also helped me to finish the whole 7 even when I wanted to just quit. Thank you Stacie. I hope Im not getting something, I went to bed at 9:40 last night and was out like a light. Maybe just the heat and the chaos of summer is catching up to me, who knows. Happy I finished.

Felt sick all day yesterday and went to bed at 9:15, woke up at 8:45. Alot of sleep. Felt a little bit better when I woke up and took some advil, now that the advil is in me, I feel pretty good. Im meeting a friend for lunch today and driving my boys up to Centerville to play with cousins after that. I think it will be good for me to take it easier today and again tomorrow so I can be ready for 16 on friday. I think its more important I get that run in then a few little ones.

Word of the day. Endure. Thats how I felt on this run. I was enduring it. I felt pretty good until around mile 10 and then I started to hit a wall. I believe it's bc Ive been sick this week but I guess you never really know why one run can feel so good and another can feel so hard. Last week on our 15.t much stronger. Ran the same route as last week except when we got to the Draper trail we went on that 1.7 miles in and then turned around to finish. I did run/walk those last 2 miles. I felt like it was all I had to hang on to the end. felt as though I was actually walking faster then I was running anyway. I ran out of water at mile 12 and Stacie's husband Jeff met us with a cooler full of cold water and gatorade. It was nice of him and felt good to down so ice cold water. My stomach was a bit upset so the gatorade was not tasting good but I endured it anyway bc I thought my body needed it. I was wishing I had my music those last 4 miles. Stacie was ahead of me that whole time and I felt like It would have helped pick me up a bit especially on the trail. But I really enjoyed not having it the rest of the time. I really like running without music. I think its nice, but today I feel it could have been helpful. Im still really happy I did it. Really proud of myself for running 16 miles. And I know as the day goes on I will be even more on a high.

Next week I have to go to girls camp. I will run monday morning and then Im gone tues through friday. I dont know if or how I will be able to run while Im gone. I will be back to do something on saturday and possible sunday too. There is another girl that is going that runs so Im hoping the two of us can work something out. Sorry about the novel. Happy Happy Running to you.

Went on a 3 mile hike with nine 12 yr. olds...giggle giggle, snicker snicker..

Actually woke up several times last night not feeling well again. When I got up to get Senekah up, she was laying there with a fever also. We both just took advil and drank water and toughed it out anyway. Took a few breaks and finished. I couldn't not go, Scott and I were in charge of this group. They had fun and passed off a few of their requirements. Glad to be back home in AC and quiet though.

Leave in the a.m. to 4 more days of giggling and snickering.. should be fun

Felt good to be back. My alarm went off and I fell back asleep so I was running to not miss Stacie and my eyes weren't even all the way open when I got to her house. Took me a minute to wake up and my lungs hurt a little bit. That always happens to me when I haven't run even for four days. And since its been a whole week!! uggh. I cant believe that. I am praying I will be okay for the marathon. I'm starting to get my anxiety stomach already! I need to start having my mental talks with myself already and we still are 7 weeks away! Calm the eff down Lysa. Seriously. Anyway, good to be back, good to be running. Happy anxiety running.

Also did planks and weights when I got home.

The important thing is that I got the distance of 8.

Came home and did total body circuit weights for 15 minutes also.  My thoughts on today's run are this: Stacie has found a new speed within herself. One that I have yet to discover. I think it's great for her and I'm not mad by any means, I'm a bit frustrated with myself bc I don't understand why I cant feel as strong as It seems like everyone around me is! I think I will start bringing my music with me though bc she is getting ahead of me more often than not now. I'm not angry at her, and I surely don't want to hold her back. She does still push me and that is good. I just need to bring my daughter with me sometime so I can feel like the strong one. It would be good for me mentally to run with someone sometime that I can feel like I am the strong one. Does that make sense? Like I said, I'm not angry at her..I'm frustrated with myself. I have been saying "oh maybe I'm just having a bad day.." But those "bad" days are turning into more than just a few. I cant look at it like that. I just need to think that I'm having a good day and I'm doing the best I can. I need to stop comparing myself to anyone else. It's just hard to not do that when I see her so far ahead of me. I don't want to ever NOT run with her, like I said, it pushes me and I have to see this marathon through with Stacie. I ran my first mile with her. I just need an attitude adjustment and I need to incorporate more weights and nutrition. I'm already good with the nutrition, but I could always be better.

Cleaned the house and then did the 15 minute lower body weights and 15 minute upper body weights. {I really like this DVD Stacie}

A lot of  thinking and contemplating today. 

10.43 avg. 1440 calories burned.  After an alone day of thinking, contemplating, crying and praying over running and personal issues, I came out this morning refreshed and rejuvenated. It was nice to walk outside to a cool temp. and even better when it started to rain our first mile. Wish it lasted longer then it did but it was nice. I ran with Stacie and talked to her until mile 9.6 where we stopped to gu. She then told me she was going to push it so I put on my headphones, cranked up the volume to Disco ball World {David Garza} and it was me and the road. It was liberating to me to know that I didn't have to catch her or end with her that I could be okay with my own time and my own speed. We agreed that that is what is going to work best for us. Running is such a personal thing and I just needed to get over the fact that she is stronger than me and just be okay with where I'm at. Me against Me right? I'm so happy that I have the kind of friends that I do. I can't stand people who create drama everywhere they go. People like that are exhausting and  I have enough to think about. I guess that's why I have the friends I do, bc they are like me. They cant get hung up on all the little details. I'm not talking about running, I'm just saying in general. I'm just lucky, that's all I'm trying to say. Anyway, Happy Liberating Running! 

Went to swim laps at Alta Canyon this morning. I don't think I have ever swam laps in my entire life. I was completely idiotic at first and kept sinking. There was a girl there who is on a swim team, probably about 17 or 18 yrs. old and she gave me some tips. Once I followed her advice and practiced a bit, I felt like I was in a groove. It was a lot of fun, I really liked it. A nice and welcome change to running. It's interesting swimming laps bc you are so focused on what you are doing that you don't realize how hard you are breathing until you stop. I didn't think my heart rate was really that high until I would stop to get a drink or take a break. I really liked it. Not that I want to be a swimmer now or anything, but it is a nice change.

Ran the hills at the park a couple of times. I almost made it up the second time without stopping! ha. Then ran home. Did the 15 minute lower body and 15 minute abs {weights} 

Ran the first half with Stacie and then I put on my music and finished the second half alone. Ran our usual route but I was needing a change of scenery so on the way back I just went all the way back to 9400 S the way we came {so down that big hill Stacie} and then down 9400 S to Falcon park and finished at the switchback trail going home.Turned out to be just about perfect distance, I did have to do one loop around the parking lot at the park and then it was 9. I know it's a busy street but I needed a change. I actually don't mind the busy street once in awhile, there is a lot to look at. Anyway, I felt like I finished strong and could have kept going if I needed to so that's a good way to finish. Happy running.

I can barely say the words out loud bc I want to remain in denial, but I went to bed last night with a sore throat and a runny nose. I actually felt pretty good on the run today considering. I stayed with Stacie until the hill at the end and even then, I was not far behind her. I was surprised at how strong I felt considering. I plan on resting now and tomorrow and doing everything I can to fight this off before Friday's big run. 

rest day. My nose is a faucet and my head is a balloon of pressure. I have about 18 hours to kick this. Can I do it?

I did it! I went to bed at 8:30 last night and woke up at 4:30. I wanted to give myself ample time to get advil in my system and eat and go to the bathroom and drink some caffeine etc. Met Stacie at 5:30 and felt pretty good. Even though we just got done not that long ago, 5:30 this morning seems like a dream. Like it was yesterday. Stacie stayed with me until mile 14 and we talked the entire time. It made things go by faster and smoother. At about mile 12 my right Achilles started to talk to me. I just kept going, but now that we are done, it is definitely bugging me. I'm walking with a bit of a limp. I plan on icing it and elevating it today. I'm sure it will be fine. But other than that, I felt strong and good. I was so happy. At about mile 16.5, I started to think about it being done and was thinking how grateful I am that I could do it and that my cold felt better and It made me all emotional for a minute. I didn't let myself go there bc I didn't want to start crying and mess up my last mile 1/2. But honestly, I could  have fallen down and started bawling right then and there.  My avg. time was 10.50 and I feel like I could not have gone any faster, but I feel good about what I could do and am so happy that I was able to pull it off. Happy Long Distance Running.  Oh! And the temp. out there was just perfect. It felt like an autumn day. It was beautiful.

10.01 avg. Ran with Stacie the first two miles then she had to go race the two men running on the opposite side of the street. She won. But I don't think they knew they were racing. Anyway, I went out exhausted and felt really good by the end like I could have kept going. It's funny how sometimes your body decides to wake up the last mile or two. Going to do some weights and then I'm going to burn out later and take a nap. Sounds like a good plan.

Did I really wake up at 5:30 in the morning again to run 9 miles? What is wrong with me? 

I gave the first 3.5 miles a good effort : ) The last 1.5 was killer. It was so hot and a warm head wind plus hills were not making things any better. I was so thirsty, I actually felt kind of sick. Plus I didn't drink my whole gallon of water yesterday and I think that made a difference. I stopped at 5 but wasn't quite home yet. Probably had about .4 more to go and of course Stacie was way ahead of me, suddenly I saw her car cruising on the street toward me, she came to rescue me and bring me my water! She said she needed her water so badly she just ran fast home and knew I would be feeling the same way. Thank you Stacie! I was happy to see you. Home was so close yet so far away! I'm really happy that we have two rest days now until Hobble Creek on Saturday. I'm really looking forward to sleeping in a bit.

Slept in until 8:20!! Booyah!

Okay, first of all this is not the actual time. They still haven't posted it. I will edit when they do. But I know it is somewhere around there. I started out way too fast for how I was feeling. I was a bit sick to my stomach, I'm not sure why but here is what I think. #1- I had eaten toast with peanut butter at four a.m. and by the time the race started late at 8:15, That was completely gone. #2. I am heading into my bad week for running. ya know, girl issues. {not making excuses, it is what it is} And #3. I had some serious blister issues.  I started with Stacie and ran 5 miles with her, but I knew at mile 3 that I might have some trouble. Not a good feeling when you are only that far into a run. I asked her to tell me stories to get my mind off of my stomach. She told me stories for a few miles and we were making great time. 9.25, 9.14, 9.04, 9.11, 9.23, 9.32, and here is where it got bad for me. I slowed way down to 10.30's for pretty much the rest of the race. My blisters were really bothering me, my stomach was still uneasy and it was getting warmer and warmer. I knew at that point that I needed to be happy with whatever my time was and to just finish and hopefully not want to die when I do. So that is what it was. I am happy with my time for these two reasons. #1. The way I was feeling, it could have been much worse.. #2. It still beat my time at the Hobble Creek last year by 5 or 6 minutes. Not a P.R for a 1/2 marathon for me, but still a P.R for THIS 1/2 marathon. I think if this was it for me as far as races coming up, I would be disappointed, but since in the back of my mind I kept thinking that I am about to be  heading into a 40 mile week starting Monday and that I have the marathon coming up, I could just say to myself, It is what it is. Don't get too hung up on it. Still after feeling this way, I wonder how on Earth I am ever going to do double that distance in a few weeks. And also, I don't care if I ever do Hobble Creek again. And the reason is They NEVER start on time, and it really annoys me. Like REALLY annoys me. But overall, I am pleased with what I could do considering how I was feeling today. Not every run is a great run, but they are all still a run. And A Run Is better than NO run. So to that I say, HAPPY RUNNING! Edit::  Official time was 4 minutes faster then I originally thought, that's a nice feeling. I thought I was 2:15. Turns out I was 2:11. : )

Woke up at 5:30 to go run at 6:00,  bc school started today. I had to be  home before my jr. high student left at 7:30. Which I had plenty of time, but I needed to be here to help her get ready.  Felt pretty good, better than I thought I would after Saturday. Still can't believe I'm running a marathon in a few weeks. I honestly don't know how I will do it. Let me re-phrase, I honestly don't know how I will do it without walking and coming in at a really bad time. Whatever. Such is life, it is what it is at this point. I guess all that matters is that I finish it right? 

I'm counting it as 10 in my head bc I was just short of it. I started having some potty issues at about 6 miles but just tried to ignore it. At about 9.3 I knew I couldn't ignore it anymore, I cut a corner short from where Stacie was going to finish and ran home. I figure if I really want to make up the difference, I can run down my street and back later. Whatever. It was a cool dark morning when we left at 5:30a.m. The moon was incredible. Full and yellow. Beautiful. I love the cooler weather. We ran our usual up for the first 4.5 miles and then turned around and ran the exact way back home and finished around the neighborhood. It was nice to avoid all or our usual hills today and go a different route. It's always good to change it up a bit.  Ran with Stacie the whole time and talked, it was nice. ALL of my kids will be gone ALL day today to school. First time I have been alone for an entire 8 hours during a school day since they were born 12 years ago. I'm not quite sure what I will do. I was thinking of walking around my house in my underwear all day and laying around and doing pretty much nothing. Because I CAN! Anyway, HAPPY RUNNING! 

Ran the usual route with the exception of a few streets. Felt a bit burned out this morning,  "do I really have to get up and run again??" Once I was out there I was fine, Stacie took off and I turned on my music and just ran a mellow run. The sides of my big toes are hurting so badly and I don't know what to do about it. They are giant calluses with what looks like blisters deep inside of them but when I stick a pin in them nothing drains. They are red around the edges almost like an infection. It have to lay a certain way in bed so that they don't touch the mattress and rub or it hurts. I put on neosporin last night and a band aid, it didn't really do anything. I guess it's good I'm not running again until Saturday. I  wonder if I should try filing them down a bit, but they are so sensitive to touch that I'm afraid to.

WE DID IT!! THE BIG 2 0!  Scott dropped us off at the top of Millcreek Canyon at about 6:00am It was still dark and cool. I LOVED running down the canyon. It was beautiful, I couldn't tell when it was light if it was the moonlight or the sun coming up. It was so pretty. And memories of that canyon came flooding to my head. I told Stacie some of them. First time I got drunk was up there. First time I kissed my boyfriend was up there. I got engaged to Scott up there, And spend many other nights with friends and family. I love that canyon. When we got to the bottom we had gone 9.4 miles. It was perfect. If only the canyon lasted another 9.6..Then we turned onto Wasatch Blvd heading South. And I'm not going to lie, this part of the run I HATED! It was a brutal headwind and a slight uphill the entire way to the 7-11. The wind was so strong that at one point some spit came out of my mouth and flew onto my cheek. Like someone had punched me or something. It was crap. I was so happy to be at the 7-11. Went in to use the bathroom, Stacie bought gatorade, we refilled our bottles and then we were off again. There were 3 other runners there at the same time doing the exact same thing as us. Then we went down the Old Mill road and got onto a trail behind Market Street, came out at the street where the Cotton Bottom is and headed up Holladay Blvd. Stacie noticed someones landscape fountain thing and we went to wet our heads under it. It was a good call. Felt really good. Ran up and turned left to head down Haven Lane. This is my old neighborhood where I grew up, so I kept telling her boys houses that I had made out with [only 3]  and other memories. Ran up Cottonwood Lane and turned on Viewmont to 4800 S. and then to 4500S. Where there is a park thing about 1 street away from Gretchen's house. That's where we hit 20. We could have walked to her house from there, but we didn't want to move another step. She came to get us and brought with her an ice water and a fresh juice she had made for us. Then she drove us home. I felt really really trashed that last 4 miles. I walked a bit the last 2 miles. But whatever. We did it and that's the important thing. So overall, Loved the first half. Hated the first of the second half and then ended liking the last part of the run.  We both said at the end while we were waiting for Gretchen, "we would have to run one more hour now.." Just have to focus on today's run right? One day at a time. Amazing to say that I have now run the distance of 20 miles! HOLY SHIZ! I can't believe it!

Woke up today with a killer headache so I texted Stacie that I won't be meeting her. Took some advil and laid back down. Did Yoga video today bc even after waking up the second time, my head is still kind of bothering me. Don't feel like pounding the pavement. Plus my body is still a bit sore and yoga felt good. And that's that.

Ran with Stacie the first 3 miles and then we went our separate ways home. Nice run, cool morning, good times. 

Was nice to only run 4 today. Stayed with Stacie and talked the whole time. Good times, happy running.

Weights also.

Started running at 5:30, ran 5 with Stac and then went a different direction. She was in more of a hurry to get back home to the kids then I was. Scott was here to get them off to school so I just went my regular pace for a long run and tried to enjoy it. I ran up 10000 S. along Granite Park and down 9400s. back to 2300 E and then back the way we started down Newcastle back home. Good run, had bathroom issues at the end again. It must have been all the yummy garden food my sis-in-law brought me yesterday. Kept thinking about the marathon, and every time I did, I would feel my heart sink. So I would talk myself down. I'm such a spaz. I dreamt last night that I stopped in the middle of the marathon and took a nap and ate lunch and then started again. It took me like 7 hours but I was just trying to make it last as long as I could bc I knew I wouldn't be doing another one ever. So, the marathon  is not consuming me or anything..Anyway, happy running to you.

one mile warm up then 2 mile fartlek up Newcastle. Hot Hot Hot. Waited too long to run, went at 10:00 am. I just had to sleep in. 

Cold morning. I was shivering when we started out. Stayed with Stacie and talked the whole time. We didn't go until 7:30, which was really nice for a change. Funny that That feels like sleeping in and going late. 9.55avg. No school today. Happy running

got up to run and while I was downstairs getting ready, I heard puking noises coming from upstairs. It was Oliver. Then I remembered Scott told me he had to leave early today so I texted Stacie to go without me. Bummer.  Hopefully I can make it up later today or maybe just another day.

Went out with Stacie and her 11yr. old tough daughter this morning and ran 3. Came home, drove carpool, got the other kids to school and went and ran 3 more. Trying to make up the mileage I missed yesterday. 

Weights hamstrings, quads, tri and biceps. core. ..bitchin.

Happy running

Went at 6:00am, was a bit cool but once we started running my body warmed up. Stayed with Stacie the whole time even though she had to slow down to wait for me a few times. It was nice just to talk the whole run. Every time the marathon was brought up though, I would feel my heart start to beat faster. I can't think about it. Not until next week. I need to stay chilled as long as I can. Anyway, Nice morning, happy running.

Some weights and then Brian Kest Yoga. I needed the yoga today, I felt good.

Did I mention that at this time next week I will have finished a marathon??

Woke up at 7:00 to go with Stacie and when I sat up I had a headache. I get these lovely headaches from time to time and the only thing that makes them go away is sleep. I got up, got dressed, went downstairs thinking it would maybe go away but it wasn't happening. So I texted Stacie went back to bed and woke up an hour later. Still hurt but not as bad so I went downstairs, drank some water and caffeine and went running. I was able to stay under 10 minute miles which made me happy. Headache is still whispering but at least its not screaming anymore. 6 day countdown. 

Weights and some yoga stretches.

Met Stacie and her daughter came with us again. We talked marathon the entire time. Trying to figure out wardrobe, packets, time etc. I think we are both just consumed with it at this point. What else is there to talk about? I can't seem to think of anything else right now.

Funny. I can run 2 miles really well, too bad the marathon isn't 2 miles. 

weights. Bc strength builds in increments. That's what Bryan Kest tells me.

Well I have so much to say about this I don't even know where to start. So I will start out by saying I JUST RAN A MARATHON! It was the most organized race I have ever done. They thought of everything, I was so impressed. It was such a far cry from Hobble Creek, No comparison. Saw Allie on the bus on the way up, I was so happy that I didn't have her pressure. I was freaking out enough. She is amazing and ended up taking 1st in the Women. Incredible. Then we got to the top, it was soo cold. I was so happy we had all the layers that we did. Got in the POP lines and then got back in line again, then we walked down to the start line and that is where we saw Kelli and her friend Wendy. It was so much fun to meet other blogger's! The race started 3 minutes late {which is awesome} when the gun went off, Stacie and I grabbed hands and looked at each other both with teary eyes. Neither of us could believe it was actually happening. I was so emotional the entire run. Ran with Stacie until about 6.5 and then I was kind of slowing down. I could see her in front of me for awhile and then no more. Turned on the music and ran the rest of the canyon. My family and my parents were there at the bottom of the canyon to cheer me on. I was happy to see them. I stopped and said hi and then went again. I was actually expecting my sister in law to be there to run a few miles with me but she didn't meet me until mile 16.5. When I saw her, I started to get all emotional again! Right then, JD ran up to meet me. Erin ran a mile with us and then my brother Cam jumped in and ran the entire rest of the way with JD and I. The most my brother has run is 3 miles so I was shocked he just kept staying with us. I mean, given I was moving like a turtle. Literally.  Really horrible splits with much walking. But STILL! awesome. I kept getting worried that JD was totally bored but he was extremely supportive and patient the entire time. He let me have as much of his water that I wanted and gave me two of his gu's. I can't express in enough words how grateful I was that they were both with me. I was tired, emotional, slow, and reluctant about what to expect from mile to mile. At about mile 19 or thereabouts, my calves started to cramp up. Ive never had that happen. They were like convulsing on their own, it was a crazy feeling. I ate some banana and that helped a bit. It kept happening and another runner passed us and offered me a salt pack. Ive also never taken one of those, it helped I think. The cramping never went completely away, but it did get better. We slowly but surly made it to the finish line and I was feeling pretty good actually, tired & sore but good. I was holding up emotionally as well until they announced my name over the loud speakers. "Lysa Smith!" And I just lost it. I let it all out.  The reality of crossing a finish line at a marathon hit me. The whole week of stress and excitement, and exhaustion, all of it hit me. I just started bawling. I couldn't get a grip for awhile either. Seeing my family and friends didn't make it any better either. I couldn't believe all the people who were there just for me. It was so overwhelming to me and still makes me choked up thinking about them.

I started regretting my time even at mile 20. I knew I was going to come in much after I had planned and It was disappointing to me. Don't get me wrong, I just ran a marathon. I get the significance of that. And as I thought about it, I couldn't help reflect on even just a year ago. Talking about maybe doing one some day but really wondering if I was ever going to be capable of it. I guess anyone is if they go slow enough. But I never thought It would be me. As I was writing in my journal this week, I realized that I have some alter-ego personality that is a runner and that me myself doesn't know that person very well. Who is this crazy person that thinks they can sign up for a marathon and then go run it. I don't know this person. And I certainly don't trust this person very much bc I have so much reluctance when I run. I need a name for this 2nd personality of mine. Its like there is me. And then there is runner person. I know, you are all thinking I'm crazy now. I guess I can't explain it. It is just so strange to me.  Anyway, I better stop before I start letting more crazy feelings become public.

Overall, beautiful canyon for 14 miles and the rest is a blur. At least the scenery of it. I didn't pay attention to what was around me after that. Disappointed with my time. Grateful to JD and Cam, Happy and amazed I have such a great support group that celebrates me no matter what. Still feeling like it was all a dream and I still am in awe that I just ran a marathon.