I Can Do Hard Things

Sat, May 19, 2012

Sat, 19 May 2012 06:00:00

THANK YOU to all my family and friends who have supported me during this training cycle and race. I can't tell you enough how amazing it is to have someone rooting for YOU! Thank YOU! Thank YOU!

This past week I've been tapering and I about went crazy. My body felt like it was going through detox and my mind was spinning out of control. By Thursday, I couldn't handle it any more. I decided to sew myself a dress as a distraction. Tim came into my sewing room and asked what I was doing and I told him. He lovingly responded, "You ARE crazy!"

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect out of the Ogden Marathon. My training has been good, but I still have a loooooong ways to go. I hit the wall so hard during my first marathon that I didn't know how I was going to handle the ending miles. So my *main* goal was to have FUN. You can't go wrong with FUN, right?

I headed up to Ogden around 3:00pm on Friday. Tim stayed home with the kids as they had various activities going on Saturday. I went straight to the expo. After I picked up my packet, I noticed that the authors from the book "Running the Edge" had a booth. One of the authors is Adam Goucher (husband to the elite marathoner Kara Goucher). Kara is one of my favorite athletes to watch. I immediately headed over to the booth and asked if he was "Mr Kara Goucher". "Yep. But my name is Adam." We chatted for a few minutes and they signed my book. Of course, I had to have my picture taken with them. Awesomeness!

I met Rachel and we headed out for yummy pizza. It was wonderful to laugh and fill our bellies. Then, she so kindly drove the last half of the course with me. It was so helpful to actually see the hills and various landmarks. We ended the evening and I headed to my uncle and aunt's house in Layton.

Waiting outside the expo ready to get the marathon-madness OVER!

Rachel and I eating dinner

After a restless night's sleep, I jumped out of bed at 3:30am. I quickly got ready and headed up to the Ogden Marriott's lobby to meet Smooth, Karen, Rachel and others. We headed to the bus and laughed on the way to the start.

Hanging out at the Marriott Lobby


Still smiling....haven't started running yet

When we arrived at the start and got off the bus, I realized I didn't have enough warm clothes. So I scooted right up by the fire and stayed warm. The start staging area is located is a large field full of wet cow pies. I'm grateful someone told me to bring grocery sacks to put over my shoes.

I saw lots of familiar faces in the start staging area.

Ragnar Teammates

Cousin Callie

Soon enough it was time to shed all the warm clothing and head to the start line. My hip has been hurting for the past few days just like during the St George Marathon. Weird....because this same ache hasn't happened during any training runs (just during the taper). I need to figure this issue out. I wasn't sure how it was going to respond during the race.

I brought my Sharpie marker to make sure I had something on my arm to look at when times got tough. Thanks Saucony for a great slogan.

Here is a mile by mile recap:

Mile 1, 2, 3 (9:20, 9:09, 9:05): Weaving through a lot of people and lots of excitement. I ran with Karen. Tried to warm up....brrrrrr. Walked thru the water stop at mile 3.

Mile 4, 5, 6 (8:38, 8:49, 8:55): I felt so stiff and creaky. My hip was really hurting and I had a hard time finding my rhythm. The scenery was absolutely majestic. There was a small valley and a large herd of horses came galloping through. Everyone around me slowed down to watch. Walked thru the water stop at mile 5. GU at mile 6.

Mile 7, 8, 9 (8:51, 8:55, 9:07): I didn't look at my watch at all during the first half of the race. I really wanted to run by feel. Looking back, these splits were too fast. No wonder I was feeling bad. Water stops at mile 7 and 9. I was really thinking I was going to have a SGM repeat. It was going to be a long, slow, painful finish and no Tim to help me through.

Mile 10, 11, 12 (9:05, 9:17, 9:13): I kept thinking in my mind that I was almost halfway...I at least had to make it halfway then bail if my hip got worse. Walked thru the water stop at 11 and GU at 12 (this GU had 2xcaffiene.). Hang on.

Mile 13, 14, 15 (9:18, 9:09, 9:35): Potty stop at mile 13 and I thought I lost Karen (she had been running SO strong). But I was able to catch up to her. Water stops at 13, 14 and 15. Mile 14 was a large hill. We had driven it yesterday, so I knew what to expect. There was some guy right beside me saying it wasn't smart to run hills hard. I ran right past him and didn't want to listen to his stupid comments any more. I lost Karen somewhere on the hill. There was a water stop at the top of the hill and a lady was handing out Advil (she was an answer to my mid-race prayers). I grabbed one and hoped it wouldn't upset my stomach and help my hip. I felt SO strong at the top of that hill and it was the turn-around point in my race. Maybe it was the caffienated GU and Advil kicking in, but I was ready to turn it up a notch.

Mile 16, 17, 18 (9:15, 9:03, 8:42): I walked through all the water stops at 16,17,18 and took a 2xcaffiene GU at 17. It was at mile 16 that I realized I only had 10 miles to go. "Just like my mid-week long run" I told myself. My favorite song came on my iPod and I realized I could do this. I could run this marathon. Maybe it just took me 16 miles to get warmed up? I could pick up the speed and finish (maybe with my SGM time - 4:11). I have never had a feeling of empowerment like that before. I got tears on my eyes and that feeling of euphoria sunk in. I found my STRONG!

Mile 19, 20, 21 (9:04, 8:55, 8:27): I didn't care if I blew up, I wanted to go for it. I felt fantastic. Walked thru water stations at 20 and 21. I looked at my watch at mile 20. Then I realized that if I could just hang on, I thought I could break 4 hours. WHAT? I thought I might drop out 6 miles ago. My hip was starting to redeem itself (compliments of some Advil).

Mile 22, 23, 24 (8:39, 8:27, 8:47): I took another GU at mile 22 and was hoping I wouldn't vomit. My stomach was starting to get funny. There were more spectators and it was welcoming to see them. My legs were starting to get heavy at mile 24. I knew I just had to hang on for 2 more miles (versus the 7 mile "hang on" at SGM).

Mile 25, 26 (8:58, 9:16, 3:15). I was so close and knew I could do it. I could conquer this BEAST! My stomach was still funny from that last GU (probably too much caffeine) and my legs were getting tired. The course was .2 long....WHO MAKES A MARATHON .2 LONG?

Smooth was cheering me on as I was approaching the finish chute. It was SO wonderful to hear someone cheering MY name. 3:58:35 was my final time. A 12 minute PR and negative splits. I NEVER thought this morning when I toed the line that I would EVER break 4:00 hours. It NEVER crossed my mind. I didn't know I had it in me.

I crossed the finish line and got really dizzy. Those finish line volunteers are angels. I couldn't figure out how the lady knew my name (duh....it was on my number). She walked with me for awhile, got me some water, and asked if I wanted to go to the medical tent. I quickly declined and convinced her I felt fine.

Then I saw a big cooler full of Cokes. Ohhhhh....it was the most divine Coke I've ever had. I leaned up against one of the barriers for a few minutes to make sure I didn't puke or fall over. As I went to grab a chocolate milk, I heard a loud "TOBY!!!!!" Rachel had sought me out and fussed over my 12 minute PR. I was SO proud of her amazing race and BQ!

SUCCESS!!!!

I couldn't stay long after the race as I had to get home for the girls' dance recital. I gave Rachel one last congratulations hug and as I walked away, she yelled "TOBY, YOU FOUND YOUR STRONG TODAY". I did. It was hiding in Ogden.

As I drove home and reflected on the race, I couldn't believe I did it. I broke 4 hours on my second marathon and I PR'd by 12 minutes. The St George Marathon was a complete opposite experience than this morning. My fastest today miles were 20-25. I couldn't believe I felt so wonderful after having such a rough start.

I need to figure out my hip issues. Maybe not taper as much so my hips don't go into "shock"?

My miles and miles and miles paid off. My 4:30 morning runs, track and hill workouts, iTunes downloads, emotional breakdowns and etc were worth it! The weather was perfect and the course was ideal (WAAAAAAAY better than SGM).

Most of my runs/races are 75% "fair to partly cloudy". The far and few "great" runs go a long way in the mind of a runner. It was nice to have a good one today.

I will never forget May 19, 2012.

It was EPIC.

Fri, May 18, 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:00:00

Easy 2 mile shake out run. My hip has been bugging these past 2 days. I wonder if it is because I HAVEN'T been running. Annoying.

Massage

Stretch, foam roll, LLL

Thu, May 17, 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:00:00

My post today on our family blog:

Believe it or not, MARATHON #2 is 48 hours away. Just like the last marathon, the Barlow household is encompassing the"mom-is-going-crazy-marathon-madness". I wish I didn't care about this nonsense. But I do. I've spent 20 weeks preparing and in 2 short days it will ALL be over (until the next cycle starts....which is the beginning of June).

I still can't believe I'm doing another one. It didn't seem like that long ago that I was crawling through the last 7 miles of the St George Marathon. Miserable. Overheating. Lead-legs. Wishing someone would just shoot me and put me in an early grave. I remember "hitting the wall" and trying to explain to Tim at mile 21 that I just couldn't go another step. NOT ONE MORE.

But there is something about the spirit of the marathon. Something that makes you crave more. Yearn for it. Think about it constantly. Smell it (maybe that is just my shoes). Taste it. Envision the glory. But you can only get it after 26.2 miles.

So here I am again. #1 is a memory and #2 is a vision. I'm hoping I've learned a few more things this time around.

At the risk of sounding like a dork (hey....I did get an accounting degree), I've compiled a few statistics. (too all my "elite running friends"...don't laugh at my puny miles)

#1 (SGM) #2(OM)

Total miles run: 533.01 649.83

(20 wk cycle)

Slow miles: 533.01 546.09

Fast Miles: 0.00 103.74

Average M/Week: 26.65 32.49

Average Daily (5d): 5.33 6.50

Tune Up Races: 3 4

10K: 1 1

HM: 2 3

Calculating: TOO MANY TO KEEP TRACK OF

Numerous pairs of running shoes

Immodium AD taken before runs/races

Runs starting before 4:30am

GU's taken

Snot rockets shot

Emotional breakdowns

Hours wearing compression socks

iTunes songs downloaded

#2 picture review

Finishing a 15 miler.

Starting line of the Salt Lake Half Marathon

Track workouts

*MY* hill...I will someday conquer it

Carnage from having ART done.

$300 sitting by my front door

There you have it. The numbers can't lie. I'm not sure how the miles will play out on Saturday morning. But I can promise they will take me on a journey.

I CAN DO HARD THINGS

Tue, May 15, 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 06:00:00

I decided to get up early to get my last "faster" workout in. I need to finish painting my dumb kitchen and wanted to have all day to get it done. Had to put it on hold for a week while I sewed up a quick job for my designer.

Since I was heading to the track today, I had bad dreams last night. WHY does the track give me bad dreams? :) But it was light outside when I went today.

1 mile run to the AFHS track

3x400 (200 recovery) (I needed something fast, but not a lot of reps that would fatigue my legs

1:31, 1:33, 1:30

I was really surprised at how fast these were (especially my first one). Maybe because my legs are fresh, or I was only doing 3, or it was light outside....or all of the above. Regardless, I was a small mental booster that my legs can move!!!!

1 mile run home

I *think* I'm taking off Wednesday and Thursday. Maybe???

LLL, stretch, foam roll

Mon, May 14, 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:00:00

These lower miles are driving me crazy. They hardly seem worth the dirty laundry :) I felt a bit stiff and creaky....golly, I hardly ran enough to get warmed up! Taper...Taper...Taper

Here is our annual Mother's Day Photo:

Sat, May 12, 2012

Sat, 12 May 2012 06:00:00

8 easy miles. My legs felt heavy today. So I just took it easy.

AP: 9:25 - UP farmhill road

9:26, 9:38, 9:41, 9:36, 9:15, 9:15, 9:10, 9:30

My son has been bugging me about taking him running. His timing is always less than ideal....right after dinner, right before bed. So when I got back, I took him out for an easy mile. It was SO fun to run with him and listen to his constant chattering! I need to take him out more often or have him ride his bike with me while I run.

1 miles - 11:32

Sorry for the depressing post yesterday. Feeling better today.

Fri, May 11, 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:00:00

Hubby is home, but I decided to sleep in today and run during preschool. It was much warmer than I had anticipated, but enjoyed the sunshine. Vitamin D always does the body good!

49:18

AP:8:54

9:35, 9:13, 9:10, 8:56, 8:16, 4:06

I felt just ok on this run. I've been thinking a lot about the Ogden Marathon next weekend. I was having a bit of a mental breakdown on the run today.

I feel good about my training...I've been smart. I've built my mileage slowly and started to add some speed work (I don't think I would have done anything differently, but I still have a long ways to go). No injuries. But I don't think I'm any faster or stronger than St George.

Here comes the mental breakdown part. I saw several women out running today. None were overweight but not super fit and trim. They had less than perfect form. Just plugging along. AND it hit me....I was looking at myself. I look just like they did.

For the longest time (this is before having kids and 2 years ago when I started back running), I thought I knew everything about running. I was thin and "fit". I was fast. I could do it all.

But I can't. Some days I struggle to just stay afloat with life. And I'm not sure I'll every be a really great runner. Maybe I'm just realizing what my running ability is and I need to adjust my goals and expectations. Qualifying for Boston may never happen. I may just always fit in that "average" category. Maybe I need to just accept that.

All of this garbage was floating through my head during the run. Isn't that why we run.....to get out all the garbage?

SOOOOOO.....I don't really have a goal for Ogden. This will only be my second marathon, so it is hard to judge where my fitness level is. I feel like my confidence is slipping away by the minute. Sorry for the sad post....sometimes writing things out helps me sort through issues.

I came home and worked in my garden all afternoon. I got my hanging baskets for my front porch so we can have our annual "Mother's Day Picture". Flowers always make me feel better.

C'est la vie.

Wed, May 09, 2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 06:00:00

Another preschool run.

1 mile warm up

I wanted to get in one more speed workout...but not as many reps. I figured the HS track would be occupied since school was in session, so I decided to do hills. There are 2 large hills right next to each other. So I ran up HILL A - turned left - ran down HILL B - turned around - ran up HILL B -turned right- ran down HILL A. Repeat for a total of 6 hills. Hill A is MUCH steeper and longer than Hill B. But both are a good climb.

HILL A (900 E)

1:20

1:18

1:16

HILL B (700 N)

I think it is interesting that I got faster by 2 second on each one. It took me a long time to get my breathing under control during the cool down.

Long stretching session, LLL and foam rolling. I had some ART done on my calves yesterday. I have long lines of bruises down the back of my legs. OUCH! I think I will have it done again on Monday. Hubby comes home tonight!!!!

Tue, May 08, 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 06:00:00

I had a 45 minute window during dance class to get my run in. Ughhh....it was way to warm for my liking (I definitely do better with chilly weather!!).

3 easy miles - no watch

I decided to help my designer with a *quick* sewing project. A quick 50 skirts/shirts by Monday. I'm stressing a bit. My ceiling and family room are still halfway painted...the stuff is strewn every where. Millions of "end of school" activities, recitals, games. Plus my son told me last night that my belly is big...like having a baby big (no, I'm not pregnant....remnants of bearing children and too many cokes). Then he told me I don't ever play games with him. Dad does this....Dad does that...Dad...Dad...Dad. And Dad is still out of town. Bleh.....

Mon, May 07, 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 06:00:00

Preschool route

1:10:49

AP: 8:51

9:17, 9:07, 9:02, 9:17, 8:54, 8:49, 8:32, 7:43

Hubby is out of town, so I HAD to sleep in and run during preschool. Oh, how I just HATE sleeping in :) Since I had a bit more time, I decided to get my mid-week longish run done.

It was beautiful outside and I just decided to run by feel. I only used my watch for distance. I had to stop a few times to stretch out my calves...still feeling tight. I think I may get some ART done on them before Ogden just to loosen them up.

It was beautiful out this morning. It is amazing how much more ALIVE I feel when I don't run in the middle of the night. I stopped at 4 miles and took a GU/water (I probably don't need to take one, but mentally it always helps...so what the heck!!!).

There were a lot of runners out this morning and it was fun to try to catch them on the way back to the car.

Lunges/LLL/Foam roll/stretching

Sat, May 05, 2012

Sat, 05 May 2012 06:00:00

We had various commitments this morning, so I needed to be done running by 7:00am. Which meant I needed to be up before 5:00am. I slept horrible last night. Between the crazy wind and thinking I kept hearing the baby (which I didn't), I was up all night. My alarm went off at 4:50am and I couldn't do it. I couldn't get up and run in the dark and cold. I just couldn't. My MOJO went away with the wind.

I got up and got everyone dressed, fed and lots of head of hair to do (5 girls). My two nieces went to dance rehearsal and my kids went to soccer game with Dad. I finally got out for my run.

I was still feeling grumpy. I felt very labored in my breathing and ended up taking the most hilly route in the area. The wind was blowing hard...in some spots, I felt like I was running into a wall of wind. I kept shortening my run in my head justifying that it would be ok (but I didn't). I was struggling mentally. Ughhhh.....I was on empty physically and mentally. I borrowed a few of Allie's "Mental Band-aids" from the the Salt Lake Marathon.

I got the mouth of AF Canyon and headed toward the Highland trails at the golf course. At the half way point, I had to fix my dumb socks and I took a GU/water. I'm not sure if it was the 2xcaffeine in the GU or I was on my way home, but I the "Band-aids" started coming off and my MOJO was coming back.

I only had one big climb and enjoyed the downhills that I had already climbed. Mentally and physically I was getting stronger and stronger by the mile. THAT is what I love about running. I left all my "garbage" sprinkled along the streets today. Running is so much more than physical exercise.

I didn't even look at my watch except for the mileage. When I looked at my splits after the run, I knew why I was breathing so hard. I didn't even realize how hard I was pushing it up those climbs.

I felt SO much better (physically and mentally) after my run today. I love running and what it does for me :)

1:42:00

AP: 8:57

9:04, 9:06 ,9:26, 10:19, 9:19

8:59, 9:29, 8:33, 8:02, 8:11, 8:02, 3:34

Fri, May 04, 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 06:00:00

I totally felt like I had been hit by a truck. My cortisone injection sites were sore. My body was sore from the personal trainer. I was beyond tired.

I'm watching my two nieces this weekend. I have a total of 6 kids - 7 years old and younger. 1 set of 7 year old triplets, 2 - 4 year olds (or another set of twins) and a 9 month old. I definitely in MOM mode and feeling a bit grumpy.

Thu, May 03, 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 06:00:00

AP 9:24

Catherine emailed me last night and asked if she could join me for a run. Hooray for a running buddy during my "middle of the night" run! She had mentioned that her ITB had been bugging. So we met, but her ITB was not feeling any better. So she ran home. Bummer.

I ran 6 easy miles. So with all the painting, my shins have been hitting the ladder right in "the spot" that always aches. So they were aching this morning. Calves are still a little tight. I used the rolling pin on them last night.

My trainer came this morning. I could wash my hair this morning...so my arms weren't that sore. I need to be doing those exercises several times a week, but I have a hard time getting motivated. I really think they would help my running. I need to plant a motivation tree in my garden.

Got the kids off to school and took a nap. But I'm still really tired. Too many things going on! I went to the doctor to get a cortisone shot in my hip and plantar. Ouch! My foot is totally numb. But I'm taking tomorrow off. Hooray for getting some sleep!

Wed, May 02, 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 06:00:00

4:20am comes way tooooooo early! I dressed too warm today and wish I had on a short sleeve shirt instead of my long sleeve.

10 slow miles up the rec center loop.

I was taking my time today. My calves were very tight today and I stopped a few times to stretch them out. Ughhhh....

I stopped at mile 5, stretched by calves, took a GU and water then headed down those 3 miles I just climbed. My breathing felt great, just tight calves.

Stretch and foam roll

Onto finish painting my kitchen/family room ceiling and the walls. Painting ceilings are the worst.

1:35:17

AP: 9:35

10:04, 9:55, 9:54, 9:34, 9:31, 9:20, 9:12, 9:05, 9:27, 9:00

Tue, May 01, 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 06:00:00

I was a bit weary about running outside this morning due to the crazy wind. But it turned out okay and I'm glad I went to the track (versus doing them on the TM).

1.25 mile warm up to the track.

9x400 (The wind got a bit CRAZY during the middle 200 of the track, but I guess it didn't effect my times too much!!).

1-1:44

2-1:38

3-1:36

4-1:36

5-1:34

6-1:33

7-1:33

So at this point in the workout, I thought I only had one more to go. But the "laps" on my watch looked a bit off. So I went under a light and figured out I had 2 more instead of one. It kinda messed with my head. Which makes me mad....what is the big deal about 1 more fast lap.

8-1:44

9-1:38

I was disappointed in the last 2 times. I had to stop for probably 3 minutes to figure out how many laps I had done. Oh well! My times are still MUCH faster than last week (which averaged about a 1:38), so I am pleased! I was at puke zone for several sets (maybe 4-9). But I found the more I pump my arms, the easier it was to go faster.

I remember doing an obscene about of 400's in high school while training for the 800M. I was always up on my toes during the last 200-100m. I need to get to that point of strength and speed. I was also running those in the 1:20's too...guess I'm getting old!

A few cool down laps on the grass around the track.

1 mile home

4 houses of lunges

1 set of LLL

Stretch and foam roll

Mon, Apr 30, 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:00:00

Official rest day after the long run on Saturday. I wanted to be smart about recovery. I even got a massage. I need one every week.

I have ZERO soreness after the long run. I'm very surprised at how good I feel.

Sat, Apr 28, 2012

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:00:00

22 miles

3:33:00 - AP: 9:42

9:21, 9:32, 9:36, 9:46, 9:03, 9:12, 9:12, 9:34, 10:17, 9:46, 9:54, 9:36, 9:58, 9:27, 9:54, 10:16, 9:05, 10:15, 10:23, 10:10, 9:43, 9:22

First AND foremost, I'm so grateful for this blog! I've met so many wonderful people and consider everyone friends. Way to represent today!

I signed up to the the Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon last year and was unable to run it. I was able to defer it to this year. I needed to do 22 miles, so I just enjoyed the scenery and didn't worry about racing! My main goal was to feel good and not worry about time (obviously, I did...those are some slow splits :) ).

I met RAD, Catherine, Smooth, Karen and Lowell around 6:00am to get a few miles before the race. I was freezing ALL morning long, so I was a bit overdressed (the weather was really perfect...a bit on the cool side!!!!!). We were able to get 4 miles in. I took off one of my layers and headed to the POP before heading over to the start.

This was a very organized and fun race! Good music and energy at the start! I hung back at the start...I was a bit nervous about starting off too fast. RAD and Catherine took off like a flash. I knew I wouldn't see them until the end :) Way to run speedy times ladies!!!!!

I caught up to Karen and Smooth and we had the MOST glorious run. I was so grateful for their conversation and company. We talked about everything from chicken coops to how this was a fun run, but would have been horrible to *race*. Lots of crazy twists and turns, ups and downs, tunnels, dirt, bricks and everything in between.

The aid stations were frequent and well stocked. Hooray! Around mile 4, I saw an old running friend (Sarah) and her boyfriend. We ran with them for several miles! It was so wonderful to catch up and laugh about old runs together! It made the time go by SO fast and I didn't notice the hills as much!!

I took GU's at mile 8, 14 and 18. No GI issues today! About a half mile from the finish, Sarah took off to finish strong. I finished the race around 2:06. So slow, but I felt SO wonderful. I've never felt so great on a long run before! I kept thinking I was going to blow up.

I quickly changed my shirt, grabbed some water and went off to find everyone to finish the final 5. RAD, Karen, Smooth (for part of the way) and I rehashed the race. I still couldn't believe how wonderful my legs were feeling. I could have easily run more miles. I was afraid to verbalize my good fortune for the day...fearing it would quickly disappear!

Finally, we finished and headed over to the awards. It was fun to catch up with all the FRB bloggers (RAD, Smooth, Andrea, Jake, Lily, Melody, Jun and his buddy, etc). So many of them placed...HOORAY!

I couldn't stay long to mingle. I was able to make it home in time for the last half of the soccer game and 1 (out of 2) gymnastics meets. Thanks hubby for supporting me today!

I feel so much more confident going into Ogden. My two 20 milers for SGM were so horrific and the Ogden 20's were complete opposite. I'm not sure that I will run a faster time, but my goal is to feel better during the race (which will hopefully lead to a better time).

Thanks friends for a wonderful morning!

Fri, Apr 27, 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:00:00

Farmhill road loop - AP 10mm

Slow and easy 6 mile run outside. Sometimes I think the slow and easy can be just as hard as *hard* days. If I wanted to go faster, I'm not sure I could of.

I picked up my race packet for the Thanksgiving Point Half tomorrow. Though I'm not racing it, I'm excited to run through the TP gardens. Tulips are my favorite! I even made my hubby take me on a trip to the Skagit County (Washington) to see their tulip fields/festival a few years ago.

I'm heading off to bed to take a nap. Gotta rest up for 22 miles in the morning!

Thu, Apr 26, 2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:00:00

Thursday has traditionally been my sleeping in and rest day. Hubby goes to the temple in the morning and I am in desperate need of SLEEP!

I've been in the market for a personal trainer for awhile. Though I found many who were qualified, they were way out of range for my budget. I feel like having a personal trainer is a total luxury. Definitely a want and not a need.

I finally found someone who I think is *it*! She comes to my house for a 30 minutes/once a week and her price is right. I have to be warmed up before she comes and I stretch on my own after she leaves. She ran collegiate track and field. So she understands running and knows I don't want HUGE muscles.

I was able to sleep in some this morning (6:15am is way better than 4:30am!!!). While walking from my front door to my family room she was already giving me instructions. There was no fooling around.

I realize my muscles were weaksauce within the first set of circuits. The "one arm on a weighted ball and one arm on the ground" pushups I thought were going to put me to an early grave. I think she is going to make me do them every time since my arms are so weak.

I was sweating and breathing hard the whole time. When my 30 minutes were up, she quickly ran out the door. I appreciate her speediness.

I'm really excited about this. I'm not very motivated to weight lift. If I get my running it, then I feel like I've worked out and always sluff off lifting. BUT I know I need to and it will make me a better runner.

I can't remember anything we did(except those pushups)...she was going fast. But I know that I am sore all over.

Wed, Apr 25, 2012

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:00

I just read Adam Goucher's blog (Kara Goucher's husband) entitled "Road to London". After reading her training efforts, I feel like a slacker :)

1.6 mile warm up

8x400 ON THE TRACK (It has been 2 years since I've done a speed workout on the track and it is a bit intimidating. Though I was the only one there, it was 5:00am and dark...I still felt sick to my stomach.) But I survived and once I started it went by fast.

200 recovery

1:45

1:40

1:38

1:41

1:38

1:36

My legs felt very good during the speed session and I was pleased with the consistency of the times (except for the first one....had to figure out my pacing). It was my breathing that was going crazy. Obviously, I need to speed to spend some quality time on the track. Build up my VO2. I've run 8x400's on the TM just in the last little while, but putting out the effort (versus the TM *making* you run that fast) is so very different.

I ran 2.5 laps on the grass around the track and then ran home for a total of 6 miles. Rest day tomorrow.

1 measly set of LLL and planks on my front lawn (too hot in the house).

Tue, Apr 24, 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:00:00

1:32:58

AP: 9:23

9:30, 9:40, 9:32, 9:25, 9:14, 9:04, 9:03, 9:03, 9:05, 8:47, :52

It never fails on my mid-week long runs, I don't sleep well. So goes last night. I was afraid I was going to miss my alarm. I was WIDE awake at 4:15am. It was a beautiful morning outside.

I ran 5 miles up the rec center loop. Surprisingly, I felt super. I went up those few hilly miles much faster than I normally do. I wasn't breathing hard and it felt effortless. I'm a bit worried I did this run too fast. (maybe I shouldn't do my speed workout tomorrow???)

I took a GU at mile 5 and charged back down the hills. It was weird....I would run through pockets of really warm air, then instantly it would be cooler again. The only bad part about the run today was the mouse that ran in front of me...ewwwwwww!

Stretch and foam roll

Hope to do some planks and LLL later this evening.

Mon, Apr 23, 2012

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:00:00

FIRST: We made homemade ice cream tonight (more like soft serve). INCREDIBLE!!!! How can you go wrong when you use a pint of whole cream :) First batch was orange creamsicle and the second batch was butterfinger!! Yum!

I ran an EASY 3 recovery miles this morning outside - no TM running for the past week and a half. This awesome weather is spoiling me!

I REALLY need to do some laundry and was forced to wear my ugliest running clothes ever. My leprechaun green shirt (which were a size too big) and my "Get Bit" shorts from the Dogtown Half marathon (which were a size too small). Then I had on my reflective vest and headlamp. Good thing it was dark!

Most of my soreness is gone. I felt good on the run and am ready (mentally and physically) to get my last BIG mileage week before Ogden marathon - 47 miles (this will be the most miles I've ever run).

I did all my stretching and exercises outside on the driveway. The newspaper delivery guy gave me a weird look (whether if it was for my *awesome* running outfit or stretching on the driveway at 5:30am...I'm not sure).

2xLLL

2xplanks

foam roll and stretch

So I had a really hard parenting moment today. There was a class spelling bee and my son was eliminated during the first round. Spelling is by far the hardest subject for him. He is an excellent reader and super at math, but just doesn't like to practice spelling words. So we did practice his *spelling bee* words, but probably not as much as we could have.

I happen to be in the classroom working on a project for the teacher. He was eliminated during the first round. I could tell he was heart-broken. I saw the lip quiver and the pinching his eyes to hold back tears. As much as I wanted to scoop him up, I knew it wasn't appropriate timing.

It was time for me to head to my daughters classroom. The teacher excused him to use the restroom and to get a drink so he could compose himself. I met him in the hallway. We talked about how I have never won a race. But I still practice every day. AND I still love running even though I don't win. We talked about all the *good* things he does.

I was heartbroken to see him fail. But we can't win or be the shining star every time. And I felt guilty that I didn't work more with him on the words. I guess today was a learning experience for both of us. Sigh......

Sat, Apr 21, 2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 06:00:00

Running the Salt Lake Half Marathon was a last minute decision! I was a bit nervous about doing it...my shins have been very sore and I was nervous about racing the Saturday before a big training week. But I'm glad I did it and (as with every race) I learned a lot.

I got up at 4:25am, ate a peanut butter and honey sandwich, took my Immodium AD and headed to Salt Lake. I met Rachel at Trax dark at 5:40am. I saw some friends on Trax which is always fun!

I lost Rachel when we got off the train and headed to a POP line. It was forever long and I knew I would be cutting it close making it to the start on time. Rachel grabbed my arm (right when I was putting on my vaseline) and ran me to a really short POP line. Talk about a great running friend!

Rachel took her "magic mouthwash". Quite funny!

We had a few minutes before the gun was to go off, so we headed to the start to see all the elite! It was awesome to finally meet Allie! Andrea and Emily already had smoke coming out the back of their shoes!

1:51:17

AP: 8:28

Mile 1 - 8:20 My goal was a 1:50 (I ran a 1:55 at SG Half and 1:52 at Dogtown...so I thought that was a reasonable goal). I found the 1:50 pacer. Gun goes off and that pacer sprinted out of the starting area. I was feeling frustrated with myself that I couldn't keep up. I looked at my watch and it said I was running around an 7:30 ish mile(during that split second when I looked at my watch)...average pace for a 1:50 is 8:23. That pacer was at least 100 yards ahead of me.

I had to quickly decide that I was going to run my own race regardless of the dumb pacer.

Mile 2 - 8:27 I grabbed a quick water. I was worried I was going out too fast. My legs were a bit stiff.

Mile 3 - 8:16 Finally starting to warm up and felt like I was in the groove. Never saw that stupid pacer again.

Mile 4 - 8:10 Still worried I had gone out too fast.

Mile 5 - 8:21 Feeling good

Mile 6 - 8:41 Took a GU and walked through the water station. I got GU all over my hands and on my chin. During training I always stop to take a GU...I need to practice taking a GU on the GO! When I got through the water station, a little kid came running up behind me. One of the other runner's asked him his age "11 1/2". That totally ticks me off when "children" can beat me! I did pass him later on though!

Mile 7 - 8:24 I was still feeling very good.

Mile 8 - 8:25 I tried not to look at my watch until mile 10 and now that I look at these splits, I super pleased at how consistent they are (minus the GU water stops).

Mile 9 - 8:29 Started thinking, I only have 1 more mile until another GU and water stop.

Mile 10 - 8:27 Starting to get tired and just tried to hang on. Trying to mentally prepare for the hill at mile 12.

Mile 11 - 8:42 Going through the park. The water station came up sooner than I had expected and I quickly took my GU and water. My stomach was starting to feel pukey. I always seem to get pukey at the end of the race. Uggghhhhh....

Mile 12 - 8:49 I was officially out of gas. I started running next to this man and woman. It appeared that he was pacing this lady. He asked me for the distance and time off my watch. Then proceeded to give this lady pep-talks. I was in need of pep talks and hung with them. My breathing, going up the hill, became very labored and my stomach was getting pukier by the minute. I'm SO frustrated with myself that I stopped and walked for 10 seconds. WHY couldn't I have just run slower or just toughed it out. I was able to catch back up the the man and lady. State street seemed to take forever. I couldn't see people turning and I was growing wearier by the minute.

Mile 13 - 8:36, 1:04 I thought the finish line was at the Gateway, so when I turned off of State Street, I thought we still had a ways to go. Then I saw the arch and looked at the distance on my watch and knew it really was the finish. I started to speed up and pukes came on. I just kept swallowing them down. Ughhhh...

I grabbed some water and ran into my friend Janae. She and her hubby are so darn fast!

I have mixed feelings about the race. For as many miles as I've been running, I feel like I should be able to go faster. But I couldn't. It frustrates me that I was starting to run out of gas at mile 10. This confirms I need to do more speed work ON THE TRACK. AND I just need to run more miles.

Running certainly keeps you humble!

After I chatted with Smooth, Lowell and Rachel, I headed out to watch the winners of the marathon. The police escort for Fritz was pretty darn cool! While waiting for Allie to come, I ran into Jake and Andrea. Talk about a darn to earth, friendly pair! Allie looked great coming into the finish!

When I got home, we needed to go to my son's soccer game and clean out the basement (we are finishing our basement and everything had to be cleared out). Stupid food storage. I'm officially tired!

Thu, Apr 19, 2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:00:00

I have some friends who are baaaadddd influences! They convinced me that I need to run the SL Half on Saturday. So at 10:00pm (1 hour before registration closed) I registered and paid $90...ughhhhh....

So I'm taking today off and doing a slow 3 miles tomorrow. This is the most spontaneous I've been about a race. I'm getting WILD!!

3xLLL

Stretching and foam rolling

I happened to have a massage scheduled for tomorrow....hopefully that will help work out the rest of the kinks in my legs.