Hobble Creek Half

I did it. I ran the Hobble Creek Half Marathon this morning. I suppose I haven't advertised my participation in this race as much as I often do. Perhaps that can be attributed to the overall uncertaintly with which I approached this little run. It was just a fluke that I was even able to get a bib. . .as a girl in our RS couldn't make the race. Secondly, I haven't done a lot of running since the Provo 1/2 two weeks ago. Finally, I was racing alone. Now, I've run races alone before, but usually I have a friend to meet or people at the finish line---not this time. Needless to say, the fear and trepidation kept me from mentally commiting to the race right up until the bus pulled out of the dark parking lot of the Mapleton City Center. I had about 30 minutes to pray about the run. . .for the stamina to finish and the strength to do it upright with the least amount of chaffing. Let me tell you this--prayers are answered. Despite a very late start (we were waiting for 2 buses), the run was great. I met a first-time runner, Megan (not of the Summer of Fitness fame), on the bus and we visited. She was so cute and so nervous. Just visiting with her and reassuring her that she could do it made my own anxiety disappear (another answered prayer). The fact that I jumped in the potty line at the top of the canyon and actually made it to the makeshift facility long before the race began was another bonus. I cut over 10 minutes off my time from the Provo race and felt better about my performance. My favorite part was parking my sore bottom on the curb and watching Megan finish her first 1/2 marathon. The getting up from the curb wasn't as enjoyable. I suppose the 13 miles is semi-impressive and all, but there is something more inspiring about recognizing the spirit of someone who sets out to do something really difficult and succeeds. That, my friends, is why I run. . . because it's hard, it hurts, and it pushes me to be better. Isn't that what life is all about?

Does anyone else find it ironic that I ran the HOBBLE CREEK half and now I'm HOBBLING with a CREEKy body?

Run for your LIFE

I know you're all dying to hear how the big race was. Here's the deal--I ran a race and lived to tell about it. And, quite honestly, that's another modern day miracle to be grateful for.

After an early morning, a nearly vomit induced bus ride, and a long (and I might add cold) wait in a potty line, our 13 mile adventure began. It was a great run. The best part is that aside from having a sore foot, I feel awesome! In fact, I'm going running Monday morning. . .so much better than last year. Granted, I ran a bit slower than last year, but sometimes it's more important to finish the race with all of your body parts intact than to kill yourself for times sake.

Special thanks to Laura, Poncho, Jeff, and Melissa for greeting me at the finish line. A muchos gracias to Kimmy for her thoughtful care. Eric--your Diet Dr. Pepper gift was just what I needed.

Last, but not least, great kudos to my fellow runners--Megan & Jerilyn. You running diva's did awesome. I'm so proud of you both. Why didn't we get pictures together? What were we thinking? Maybe we'll have to sport our new t-shirts sometime this week. . .just to record this momentous event for posterity. Yes, yes, I think that's a plendid idea.

Can't wait for next year! Everyone--lace up your running shoes, get your buns out of bed, and let's get going. We've got a year to train. That's plenty of time for ANYONE. I promise you won't regret it--not for one minute (okay--maybe for one minute, but the pain and anguish disappear pretty quickly).

Running for Chocolate

This is what I'm eating tomorrow after the race. By my calculations, it will take every one of the 1300 calories burned under the early morning summer sun to offset the consumption. I'm totally fine with that.

Please be generous in the prayers offered on my behalf this evening. Pray for strong legs, happy feet, hydrated flesh, and cooperative intestines. Yes--this is going to be the best run ever. I prefer the term run rather than race. It takes some of the pressure off.

As advised by the good doc, I'm fully hydrated. I'm kinda carb-loaded. My alarm is set (remember that Seinfeld episode?) and I'm ready to run.

Good night, friends! Happy half.

Running. Living.

This morning was my last canyon run before the race next weekend. I'm going to take it easy this week. In fact, I'm in semi-quarantine--hoping to avoid any accidents, blisters, intestinal diseases, or spores. For my final long rung, I started at South Fork Park, ran down to Bridal Veil, did the switchback and then ran back to my car. It is a beautiful summer day and I decided to just enjoy myself. No timeline, no bridal shower to attend, no distractions.

Every weekend brings a very similar crowd of outdoor enthusiasts (some a bit on the crazy side). Over the past few months, the faces on the trail have become familiar. There's the pair of mid-agers with Lassie, a peppy lady with big earphones, the guy who works down the hall from me, and two die-hard Loveless runners. Usually we just exchange "heys" and head on our way, but today it was fun to run a mile or so with Mark & Jeff on the trail. Let's face it, a great deal of my running motivaton comes from them. I think watching the Salt Lake Marathon for the first time and seeing Mark cross the finish line was when my desire to run more than 3 miles surfaced. They always ask about my training and the last few months, seeing them on the trail has given us a much needed boost to get through the remainder of the run. So, today I felt like a little girl (a slow one at that) running betwen these two powerful runners and it humbled me. Needless to say, their running abilities are well above mine and I knew they were just trotting along at my slow pace to be nice (and I appreciated it). But at the Bridal Veil switchback, I let them loose. It was the most amazing thing. I couldn't believe the power and speed with which they attacked the incline. It was inspiring.

Can you order running bodyguards on eBay? I am definitely going to look into it. Wait--stop the train--I already have 2 awesome running guards--Megan and Jerilyn! Ladies--I'll see you on race day.

Summer of Sleep Deprivation

This is going to sound so pathetic, but it's time for me to go to bed. We have another long run tomorrow and the party begins promptly at 5:15. It honestly makes me tired just thinking about it. Fortunately or unfortunately, the alternative is running in triple digit temperatures and that makes me want to vomit. . .so, I'm getting up early.

Check out the front logo for our new running t-shirts. I spent some time last week designing and am pretty excited to have them made. Hope the "thirty, flirty & fabulous" like it.

Today's Run

So today was our 10 miler. We decided to run from Vivian Park back home--knowing that it was just over 10 miles. Megan and I left at about 5:30. I was so tired when we left that I thought my eyeballs were going to pop out, but they managed to stay intact for the duration of the run. I felt good for the 10 miles, but I'm feeling it today. In fact, I'm scared to go to bed tonight for fear that I won't be able to move in the morning. The temperature was perfect and we saw some running friends along the way. Mark & Jeff were looking in top form as they were running up the canyon just as we hit mile 4. Their dedication is quite inspiring. Then, as if a vision, at about mile 8, I saw Aaron (of Llama & Whooping Cough Fame) coming toward me on University Ave. Suddenly my legs had new vigor and I was good to make it the last little bit. He did 8 miles yesterday. . .amazing!

So, today I'm thankful for Asics, moderate morning temperatures, fluids, running friends, and Icy Hot.

Today's Run

Keep Moving

Today's run.

Two Wet Noodles

Tennis season started today. . .kinda. Apparently, torrential weather isn't conducive to the sport, so Lori and I ventured up Hobble Creek Canyon for a bit of a cardio workout. When we started our trek, the rain had stopped. Unfortunately, by the time we reached our destination and were ready to head back to our cars, the rain returned with fury.

Drowned rats? Perhaps.

Wet noodles? Maybe.

Shower clean. . .definitely.

More Picts

My friend, Chris, was the photographer for the 5K we ran a few weeks ago. These are a few of the pictures recently posted on the website. . .looking good, huh?

Running With Angels. . .Literally

Today was "RACE DAY!" The Flirty & Fabulous bunch gathered for a 5K at Thanksgiving Point this morning. I forget how exciting it is to run a race. I forget how much it inspires me. I forget how much it brings people together. I forget how much I love it. Fortunately, I also forget how hard it is. I sometimes forget to pace myself. I forget how red my face gets. I forget that I smell when it's all over and done with.

This photo was taken before the race. . .when I still smelled semi-good. Don't we look awesome? Ready to conquer the world? This was the same race I ran last summer with Alicia (missed you bunches). Running With Angels is an inspiring book about a woman who overcame personal obstacles and found herself through her running. It is the inspiration for this race. There is something amazing about women. There is something amazing about these women I ran with. They are inspiring. They all have different personalities, struggles, strengths, and goals. They all have self respect, discipline, kind hearts, and a genuine desire to make themselves better. They sparkle. I'm better for being associated with them. I'm sparklier for it. Love you all.

Calli and I finished the race together. It was so much fun having her as a running partner today. We even managed to beat the 60+ sister team (barely). She did awesome. I can only hope and pray to the heavens above that I have the courage and stamina to lace up my racing shoes after having a baby. Oh, what an angel.

Thanks to all for a great challenge. Can't wait for our next run. It will undoubtedly be a further test of our dedication. Keep Moving, ladies! Happy Summer of Fitness, Summer of Fun! This morning certainly felt like a bit of both.

Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon results.

Make it Count

Today's running route. The map does not include a park. . .which brings us to nearly 7 miles. I love Mapmyrun.

Running & Tumbling Don't Mix

So much for sexy summer legs.
Good run this morning--until I took a little tumble. I wish I could tell you I was on mile 12, chasing after a hot runner, or even fleeing the scene of a crime. The truth is that I was just completing my run when I tripped over my own feet and took a nose dive into the cement. I laid there for a few seconds trying to establish that I was still conscious and that all of my appendages were in good working order. After I confirmed life, I was just praying that there wasn't a hole in my favorite running pants or that there were no witnesses. It would appear that all of my prayers were answered. Needless to say, I won't be wearing a short skirt to church tomorrow, too much discoloration on the old knees. Don't want to scare anyone! Poncho will be so disappointed.

Warning: Cold Winter Running Proves Deadly

I've been on a sort of running sabbatical for the past couple of weeks. January is not my favorite month. It's just miserable outside. . .cold and dark. It effects me. It keeps me in bed in the mornings and that isn't good for the running routine. So, I've regained my mojo. The girls in my FHE group have committed to running the 1/2 marathon (which is now available for registration for those interested) and we decided to go to the indoor track yesterday morning. Unfortunately, our plans were foiled by a bunch of high schoolers and their track meet. . .ArggggHh. I thought I might just to the gym. . .but that didn't sound too appealing. So, in all of my brilliance, I decided to take a stab at the great outdoors. A couple of miles into my run, I thought one of my lungs had collapsed. Unfortunately, I still had quite a trek back home. This is what I looked like after my run. Yes, that right ear was amputated yesterday afternoon. You win some. . .you LOSE some.

mapmyrun

My new best friend is MapRun.

Keep on Runnin'

I'm having trauma uploading my pictures today--so this isn't my best display of photography skills. . .but the phantom runner in the white hat is Mr. Jeff Loveless. He ran the Hobble Creek Half on Saturday morning. Amazing! Jeff--I think you should keep a log of the # of miles you run. You must be topping out at 9 bazillion this summer alone. You are so ready for the Top of Utah Marathon next month. I might even consider missing the BYU game to witness your stellar finish.

Cheaper by the Dozen? I don't think so!

12 miles this morning. A FULL DOZEN.

Lavender Fields Forever

The road to Mona. Actually, I suppose the more correct phrase would be the "rail to Mona." I actually took I-15, but couldn't resist this photo.
When I woke up this morning, I decided that Mona, UT was calling my name. . .so I ran a little 5K through the lavender fields. Last night Alicia and I decided that we weren't going, but I decided I had to run sometime today and figured the lavender would be homeopathic, right? It's lavender days in Mona and everyone in town was out to celebrate. Yep--that's me in the lavender fields. I look like I'm in heaven, huh? I guess I am. Missed you, Alicia. Next year?

Running with Angels

So Alicia and I ran the Running with Angels 5K this morning. Our route took us through the Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Everything was so pretty. At one point I could smell the lavender and thought I might be in heaven. Despite the race's late start--it was a fabulous event for a wonderful cause. I felt great and finished in 33:45. . .a really good time for me. If you haven't read Pam Hansen's book--Running With Angels--you need to do it. A special thanks to Heidi for the recommendation. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Alicia is a great 5k partner. Check out that stretching form.
Hmmm. . .I'm not looking too shabby myself--other than that goofy look on my face.
It was just like running with angels. . .
Everyone plan on running this race with me next year!