Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Jumpin' the Gun

I'm planning again. But, really, are ya'll surprised? Here's what I think our tenative racing schedule should be for the summer.

June:
Wasatch Back Relay, June 20-21
(just Lori...Manda & Erin have the month off...unless you want to do the Standard Examiner 5k...)

July
12th - The Davy Foundation 5k (WSU, Ogden)
24th - Deseret News 10k (SLC)

August
9th - Provo River Half Marathon
22nd- Hobble Creek Half Marathon

September
8th- Huntsville Half Marathon
13th- Ogden Valley Triathlon (relay/ Manda & Lori)
OR Marathon Relay (at Thanksgiving point, 5.2 miles each)
20th - TOU Marathon (??)

What do you guys think?

Monday, April 28, 2008

30K = 18.64 miles...

So this post is going to be short and sweet because I'm going to blog about it more on my personal blog. But here are the things I learned/felt on this run. It was a really lovely day for a run. Much better than any of our long runs have been weather wise for quite sometime. The sun was shining and it was neither too hot nor too cold (even though my hands were still arthritically frozen by the end). The run itself went really well. I felt good and was able to figure out a few good things race-wise for me. The first 6 miles, I ran for 3 and then would only take a walk break at the aid stations. After mile 6 I remembered that Lori had said that she wondered if we'd been less sore after the marathon if we'd taken more walk breaks throughout the mileage. So I decided that this was a training run and I should try it. So I came up with a plan. At every mile marker walk for 30 seconds and then every 3rd mile (at the aid stations) walk for 60 seconds. As I did this I found the walk breaks to be renewing. I knew I could pound out another mile because I was going to walk for just a bit. I also found that even when I was feeling more tired and having a harder time getting through a mile I was still able to keep my pace. I was able to keep about a 9 minute mile pace give or take 20ish seconds. So I felt good about it. Really the great part about the race you'll have to read my blog about. Overall I was happy with my time and encouraged that I would be able to finish the marathon in the time that I am hoping to (under 4:30). It was fun to have Lori there at the end cheering me on. It made my heart leap with joy when I saw her, and then I was sad and worried that something bad had happened to her...especially when I saw the bag of ice she was holding. I was relieved to find out nothing traumatic had happened but that she had had the feeling that she needed to turn around. I was still really bummed for her because I wanted this race to be encouraging and not discouraging for her. So as relieved as I was, I was equally as concerned.
My body is MUCH more sore after this race than after our 20 milers. I'm sure it has something to do with no long stretching breaks. Blasted. Don't you think they could just pause the time and have everyone stretch every 3 miles or so during the marathon?

Sunday, April 27, 2008

ahhh...makes so much sense now

had a real bad day yesterday. finally figured out why. decided to unload into word. here's the edited okay-for-public-viewing version:


also helps me see why I have this incessant need to run the TOU Marathon. You two are welcome to join me. ;)

Saturday, April 26, 2008

My 12 mile 18 miler

Started out simple enough: run every mile and walk 60 seconds. Sounds great! (nevermind the chest cold and the blaring Achilles) It worked great and I was feeling perfectly fine (albiet the random coughing spits...) About mile 4 I had an interesting experience that made me realize I wasn't going to finish this race. Sad. So, I waited until the appropriate moment and turned around (about mile 6). I ran back to the finish line, asked for ice turned on my tunes and watched really cool peeps run in to the finish line. :) I was disappointed and discouraged but felt peaceful at my decision. I want to run this marathon and unfortunately pushing myself health-wise and injury-wise at this point in the training isn't worth having to take 2 weeks off (uhhh since the marathon is in 3 weeks). Plus, in my own way of justifcation I felt that it was still 12 miles, double digits is better than singles!

However, Manda ROCKED the course and should blog about it soon (hint hint). And despite being totally bummed at the outcome today I DID have some cool experiences:

  • I got to be lapped by the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place winners. (ummm they ran 14 miles in the time it took me to run 10) It was cool seeing their stride and watching them run. I'm sure I had drool.
  • I was able to cheer for people coming into the finish line, namely Amanda (I haven't been able to cheer for her at a finish line in about a year) (and ps, I got to see PONY TAIL girl--Erin this is a must-tell story)
  • I remembered WHY I like to run... it has nothing to do with time but all about the company and the clarity I receive during my runs
  • I got a good 45 minute icing session for my left foot, probably the best icing that foot has ever seen! ;)

So, yup, that about sums it up. I'm quite leery about the marathon, not quite sure how it's going to go... I'm really hoping the next two long runs will go well and boost my confidence again. But, I'm so pumped for you guys. I really feel like you two are going to great and get PR's. It's been awesome just being able to train with you two, for better or for worse. :)

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Just thinkin'

The 18 miler on Saturday. I'm trying to decide how I'm going to attack the race. I'm currently bouncing back and forth with these two thoughts:

-the Jeff Galloway run mile/walk 60 seconds...
-running it in 5k spurts/60 seconds....

thoughts?

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

What I love about Country Runn'n

So since Tyson and I have packed up and moved to the country I have decided to list a few of my favorite things about running in the wide open space of Lehi....
1. the fresh country smells (a.k. Cow Sh*T)
2. "Hay for sale signs"
3. the country nod- everyone waves to everyone
4. the fun game I play in my head of counting power line polls
5. Having cows stare at me as I run by
6. farmers burning their ditchs-the smoke is great on my lungs
7. Being ran off the two lane road when trackers need to pass
8. The birds singing
9. and my new favorite..... SNAKES! ys'ma'm today I was being a polite runner by getting off the run for a car to pass when my foot stepped on something that looked close enough to be a snake I jumped- in my head I thought it was just a shoe lace so I went back to get a up close and personal look...and indeed it was a SNAKE (dead of course) but real enough to make me pay closer attention to where my feet where.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Always the last one....

Shocking I know that I am always the last one to post. Really you guys covered most everything. I just have a few things to say.
Wind - For. The. Love. Could have definitely done without that.
Running - Easier than last week. Felt better and wasn't half as sore. Makes me think this marathon is going to be ok.
Friends - You guys ROCK! Thanks for taking me in my grumpiness Saturday morning. I felt like a new person after the run.
Einsteins - Freakin good food + Freakin HILARIOUS friends = A FREAKIN GOOD TIME!
Thanks for the run girls. We're doin it! I don't know what I'd do without you. Check in the same time next year and make sure I haven't gone into some sort of self-induced psycosis without you guys, because I'm pretty sure it might happen.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

My dog is slow

Ladies I apologize for the love I have for my faithful pup- she is not a running dog and is offically retired- but thanks for hanging out while I took her to my grandma's- I felt good about yesterday just like the week before I was able to push it to the end- I have decided the last three miles of every training run is the most important to me. I love the purple gatorade and am glad the garge picker-upper on Park Blvd. didn't take our drinks.I think its funny how on both saturdays no matter what we incountered we left Lori's at the same time in the morning. And I think I would run 20 miles all over again if I got to have that fun at lunch. I am really enjoying the training this time around- I have always felt everyone is a runner once you have ran far enough and long enough and yesterday reminded me of that! S
uper good luck this weekend- you will both do great.
P.S next time the weather says its going to be windy- we are running east to west instead of north to south. And now that I have brushed my teeth and am out of the wind. I can now say it was a good thing to experience in a training run.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Another Successful Saturday!

We did it, AGAIN. I felt much better this time around (other than the knawing pain in my left leg... feeling like my ankle was going to snap off). I felt like we were able to run longer and sustain the pace even with the O-Town Tornado. Here were a few of my favorite moments from the run.
  • being forced to eat "boob GU"
  • the fact that we ran up 3/5 major hills and kept GOING
  • choosing to be silly instead of angry at our cute bethrowed for all miscellanous reasons
  • stopping to feed horses on Mountain Road
  • being able to FINALLY wear short sleeves!!!!

My favorite post-race moment? Well, first of all... I LOVED Einsteins. I think it was a perfect idea and it was soooo nummmy. Thank goodness it's about 3 minutes from my house, eh? Okay... so these are highlights that I love..

  • that Erin eats like a 5 year old :)
  • Manda wanted me to lick her
  • Erin wanted me to bite her (you two are obsessed with me...you know it. ;)
  • I let one rrriiiip in public... and consequently made you both snort.


From my research online this is what I think is going on: Achilles Tendinitis. It makes sense that my shin splints and extra tork in my calf muscles maybe have created a strain on my Achilles tendon. They suggest you take a few days off. So, no running til Thursday ladies. Scary! So... it WAS a good idea to slow down at mile 15 and walk til mile 18. Sorry I couldn't do the entire 20 miles. But, I'm beginning to think that in the end it was the better choice. So, there you have it ladies! Your faithful solider was wounded in action... maybe I can get a purple heart or something... with running shoes in the middle. Hmmmmmmmmm.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Shin Splints are Baaaaaaack

Just a heads up ladies.

They

Are

Baaaaack.

Yup, I felt crappy after the speed workout yesterday morning. (something about my calf muscle having a 20 minute charlie horse... only remedy? a warm bath full of leg stretches) But I wasn't sure if it was just me. I went on a walk this afternoon, it started hurting. Decided to try running... Baaaad plan... especially without tape.

Holy.

Moly.

ladies.

Let's start an anti-shin splints prayer....well... I guess they are here, so that would be praying for a miracle. Let's pray that the tape, ibprofen and my undying will to finish the stupid 18 miler race will workout. Pah-lease. My first goal? To finish our 2-3 mile tempo run tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

PACK MENTALITY

Running deepend the potential of any friendship. To run and talk with other people is a form of cherishing them. When otherwise, is there time to offer a true and thoughtful answer to the bedrock question upon which all intimacy is found: "How are you?" If you've got three or four or 15 miles with which to answer, chances are you're going say something genuine along the way.
In turn, running makes us keener listeners, if only because we are not checking our e-mail or doing dishes at the same time. I can tell you about my firends- about what's important to them, what's driving them crazy, which body parts ache and what makes their spirt soar-because I've covered a lot of literal ground with them. We are propelled not so much by our legs but by the force of our chatter.
Every so often I enjoy a solitary run and the internal dialogue that comes with it. I think through my problems, talk myself into logging an extra mile, or just revel at the way the clouds hang in the sky. More often than not, though I'm not alone. Under those same lovely clouds, I'll turn to my running partners and say, "would you look at that?" But even the most spectacular sight- the glowing mountains, or the beautiful view of the valley- won't stop our talking for more than a few seconds. We've got way too much momentum going for that.

Thanks girls!

Monday, April 14, 2008

I Guess it's My Turn....

Ummm 20 miles? Yah......it is as crazy as it sounds. You DO hurt as bad afterward as you think you will. You ARE as hungry as you'd think after that much running. However, you WILL BE 20 times more exhausted than you think you would be. Holy I-could-sleep-for-days batman. The run itself was pretty decent for me. Really I felt pretty good the majority of the run until we got to Boughton. Then my hips were KILLING me and I just couldn't move. After the run I was sore like I thought I would be, but it was better if I kept moving somewhat. I came home and did some house work, but hit a point that I just couldn't stay standing any longer so I layed down to take a nap. I slept for an entire 15 minutes before Jared came home and wanted to get the doors rehung on the hall closets so I got up and helped. By Saturday evening I was still feeling tired, but not nearly as sore. Sunday morning I wasn't sore at all! What happened? Pretty sure the last time I ran 20 miles I hurt for days. Not that I'm complaining, I'm just intrigued as to why I don't hurt as bad this time around. It's been 2 years since I've put in this kind of milage so it's not like my body is really used to it. Hmmmmm.....any ideas? All in all I'm just proud of us for pounding out the miles. I really feel like we're going to be much more prepared for this marathon than we were 2 years ago. Yay! 18 next week, then 20 again. We are going to own it. I wonder if this means we won't be as sore after the marathon as we were last time. Hmmm? I could deal with that. :)

Saturday, April 12, 2008

how many steps do you take to cover 20 miles?

....I was wondering that towards the end- any way to know the answer? I can't say I love running 20 miles but I can say I love running with the two of you. I am glad I learned the importance of speed training and which side of the road you are suppost to run on, but the most important thing I learned was how Lori pulls her hair into a ponytail with half inside and half outside. All in all I am proud of us! As a training note- my goal was to push myself at the end because I get bored and its just easier to walk- but I did it today I proved to myself that I can run to the end and a desent pace- hopefully I can remember that.


And I was sure to enjoy my Malt from Neilson's (PS Lori no one thought it was funny when I honked in the middle of the stupid, stopped traffic)and I didn't make it to my study group but I did have a great nap!

20 Mile Success!

Hey Ladies. Even though I complained my way through 20 miles I feel so happy that we did it. I will never, despite my best efforts, be as fast as either of you...but man...you two are awesome training partners...always keeping tabs on your slow friend....making sure I was okay (until the last 1/4 of a mile...tee hee hee). I felt very loved and knew you two would keep pushing me to the end, thank you! I loved the stories...we produce such random ones on our long runs... they were fun to listen to until I could no longer stay close enough to enjoy them. Then me and my Ipod were BFF's. Pretty sure I'm going to have permanent hearing damage from my possessed ipod...yes yes. I loved that Erin thought we were running on the wrong side of the street and that Amanda talked me out of wearing shorts (gold star to you, ps) I'm so proud of you two!
YAY! We did it!!!
And of course, no blog of mine is complete without... pictures!
Us Before the 20 miler...approximately 6:30 am. (before we knew the pain)

Us after the 20 miler ... unable to move from where we collapsed on the front lawn (we were fully aware of the pain)


So happy to have you two as my running partners! I like you. Awwwwww.



Just for running log's sake... the last two weekends it seems like I'm hitting a minature wall between miles 7-11. Thoughts? Should I take GU earlier? Eat something different? It seems like once I get past about mile 10-11ish I seem to catch a second wind (the run to Flying J was great) and the next "wall" comes around mile 16. Thoughts? Hmmmmm. Blog about how your 20 went!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

20 miles in Ogden?

This post if for Erin and those 3 other people who read our blog. (Christy, you're the only brave one who leaves comments...) How do you manage to run 20 miles in the Ogden area?

Wish us loads and loads of luck!!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Thought I would share...

Today I wasn't able to run before school and when I got home it took all the will power I have to do my speed training workout. Here is the internal conversation all the erins had...

Real Erin said, "I know I will feel better if I go."
Lazy Erin said, "Ya but I am just so tired"
Inspiring Erin replied, "well you are going to be tired no matter what, but you owe it to yourself to go- besides every time you don't go it just becomes easier the next time not to go."
Evil Erin said, "Ya but you can just stay and in a 1/2 hour you will have forgotten all about letting yourself down- besides if you don't go you can stay and clean and finish your last paper due tomorrow."
Obessive-complusive Erin agreed, "Ya jsut stay and clean that will make you feel just as good."
Over accomplishing Erin yelled, "Toughen up guys- besides if you don't go your going to end up walking this marathon- and I am too prideful to allow that to happen."

Real Erin finally took control...and all the Erins in my head when running- I am sure Tyson appriecated when I came home I had them all in control- it makes a long night for him when he never know which Erin will attack

P.S all the Erins agreed it was one of the best speed workouts I have had- I ran 1:32 400... its not my jr. high speed but for my old age its not bad :)

Sunday, April 6, 2008

WRC Half

A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent in doing nothing. -George Bernard Shaw

That's how I feel about the Half Marathon on Saturday. Summed up in a few works?

At least I ran it...and finished.

I could have stayed in bed, I could have given up and asked someone for a ride. Instead when my body shut down and I couldn't move mile 11 I kept going and did my best to try and jog. My time isn't worth mentioning, neither is talking about the race in detail. It was really disappointing and the worst time I've had since '03. Overall, it was the best AND worst race I've ever run. My Nike+ said that I mile 3-mile 4? I ran that in 7:46... pretty much the fastest mile I've ever done. Mile 12-Mile 13? 15 minutes. Pretty much the worst mile I've ever done. I learned a lot from this race. More of it mental and emotional than physical...but as Jared said, it's good I got the worst race out of the way now.... at least this wasn't the marathon!!

Friday, April 4, 2008

Flashback Runs...tee hee.....

Ok, so I was going to post this and be all sentimental about the three of us running halfs together, but Erin! Where did you go? I hope you're picturing my sad punkin head face right now. ;) The pictures are still funny though and still worth posting. So onward and upward.
TOU Half 9/06. Welcome Erin to the crazy world of Lori and Amanda. Don't get too scared...we're only getting started. ;) The race was beautiful. The canyon had just started to turn colors and it was the perfect temp for running. I loved it, until I decided to try to kill myslef and push as fast as I could. I remember I was trying to come in under 2 hours and I wasn't sure what time it was or how long I'd been running. Yikes. Thanks Lor for the watch the next year! Well, I had never, and have never again, almost vomitted after a race; but this day I did. When we got done we took these fun pics. I will now interpret the pictures for you....

Amanda - "I did it! I ran it in under 2! I am Cheetara!" Lori - "Yah, you think you're cool, but remember you almost puked! Besides I look a lot better than you do right now." Erin - "What on earth have I gotten myself into?"

Amanda - "Oh, no one thinks I'm cool. I'm not really all that cool. You're right. Puking is totally not worth it." Lori - "Yaaaah...if you keep standing like that, I'm going to have to pretend like I don't know you." Erin - "Yup! These guys may just be certifiably insane. I might have to stick around just to fix them with my super social worker skills. Hmmm...."
Ok everyone! Gather for a picture!...Erin - "Finally a normal picture. There IS hope after all!" Amanda and Lori - "Uhhhh, did she just let one?...Yup, she'll just fit right in!"

Finally a "normal" picture! Amanda - "This is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Lori - "What have I created? A running group? Niiiiiiice....." Erin - "Yup. Certifiably insane......I LIKE it!!!"

There you have it friends! Happy Flashback Friday!

I DID IT


Lori! This is for you! I did it... I ran the whole long run by my lonesome, and actually really enjoyed it. I was able to entertain myself pretty well,it is amazing all the things you can think about. I have decided cows are very ugly animals...thats about the only thing I passed along the way. I am kind of kicking myself in the butt it took me so long to just go out and get it done. The first 4 miles were a struggle...not sure why but then somehow 5-9 just flew by and then I was almost done so I didn't mind- so that is that 14 miles down...next week 20!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

That's Right. Can I Get a Woo Woo!

"Big occasions and races which have been eagerly anticipated almost to the point of dread, are where great deeds can be accomplished. " Jack Lovelock