Oh what a beautiful morning!

This morning I went out earlier than I usually do because I had to be at the school real early. It was around 50 degrees and overcast. There were dark clouds looming in the west and it was threatning rain. That is my very FAVORITE weather! I love rain and I don't think I could ever get sick of it! As I ran down one of the streets on my route, there was this AMAZING rainbow peeking through the VERY dark clouds. I took a photo on my cell phone, but it didn't do it justice and so I tried to find something similiar on line and these are the best I could do.
It was even more brilliant and beautiful than these. The sky was pure black behind the bright colors and it was one of the most spectacular sights I had ever seen. I only wish I would have had my real camera. I could have taken some amazing shots. It only lasted for a minute or two and it was gone. It was one of those brief moments in time that I was just lucky to be a part of.

Yesterday I ran five miles almost effortlessly, but today I only ran three and was struggling. Once again, I realized it was because of how I ate the day before. I know it is so important to eat well within one hour of exercising to help replenish what you just spent in energy. I know it makes a huge difference in how well I do the next day with my run. When I got back yesterday after my five miler, I didn't eat anything for almost two and half hours. I was waiting to go to lunch and I didn't want to spoil it. Not smart! I need to eat as soon as I walk in that door from my run in order to have the energy I need for the next day. I am amazed at the difference it makes. I need to do better with that! I am still trying to decide what to do about the full marathon. I think I am leaning more towards doing it now, but I am still not feeling real confident about being able to do it. 26.2 miles is a looooooooooooong way! A VERY long way!
Total distance: 3 miles
Total distance yesterday: 5 miles

The week after...

This week I have pretty much taken it easy. Other than some cross training at the gym and a little salsa to spice things up! You can read about that here. I did run yesterday but only had time for about two or three miles. It felt good. The weather has been back to wintery temps again and it's rained almost everyday since Wednesday. I am sure this next week we will be in for blistering temps. It seems to be one extreme or the other this year. The lilacs are in full bloom right now and that is about three weeks later than usual due to the colder temps this spring.

I am trying to decide what to train for now. It's kind of like the day after Christmas and you look around and say, "Now what?" I have several races on the agenda for the summer, but nothing bigger than the Peach Days 10K. Dave thinks I should go for a full marathon. In my heart, I really want to do one, but have serious doubts about myself being able to do it. It's a formidable thought for me. I am toying with the idea of doing the Top of Utah one that is in September. Maybe I could be ready by then. They also have just a Half Marathon a month before in August that I for sure want to run. I keep thinking that this is my time and I will regret it if I don't do it now while I am injury free and still enjoy running. Hmm.... at least it gives me something to think about while I run this next week!

Made me laugh...

Just had to share... ☺
You will have to pause the music on my playlist at the bottom to hear it well.

Marathon Madness

I survived the half marathon!!! It was a great experience, even though it didn't turn out exactly as planned. I won't go into all the details here, since I already posted it on my other blog. For that and more photos, click HERE. For Jen's story, go HERE.

I learned a lot from the training and the actual run of this marathon. The most important thing I think I learned was that it isn't about the race, or the time, or the competition. I know that's what most runners are there for. But for me it was about the journey to get there. I never thought in all my years that I would ever be writing about ME running a half marathon. Just that one little thing has taught me so much. Mainly that there is nothing in this life that we can NOT do if we desire to do it. There is nothing too far, too distant, too great, too hard, too impossible to do IF we are willing to sacrifice what it takes to get it. Running is not always a pleasurable sport. In fact it is MOST often just the opposite. It is filled with many days that are hard and painful and discouraging. Just the fact that I have been able to force myself to go outside when it is bitter cold in order to keep training is huge for me. I am the kind of person that hates, hates, hates to be cold. But just doing that has made me feel stronger inside since I avoid being cold at all costs! But if there is a reason that is bigger than the discomfort, I've discovered I can do it. Running has also taught me that even though some things come slowly and only with persistence, they will still come if we are willing to pay the price. Nothing in this sport comes easy, at least for me. It takes a great deal of stamina, hard work, and even courage at times. I have always admired people that run and even though I never thought I would be one of them, I have found a great deal of satisfaction in accomplishing the goals I have set. My oldest son told me that you aren't a REAL runner until you have run a full marathon. Guess I'm not a real one then....yet. Maybe someday I will be. I can only hope! Here's a great quote: "You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement." -Steve Prefontaine I think that pretty much says it all.

A few shots of the day.... (I know most of these are on my other blog, but I was having fun experimenting with the different slide shows!)

Ready or Not!!!!

IT'S HERE!!!!! Kinda scary!
Yesterday I downloaded some new music on my IPOD (shuffle)and deleted some that I was getting sick of. I hope that will give me a boost when I need it. I put a lot of the 70's songs that I used to listen to and some Disco. Nothing makes me want to move like a good ol' Disco beat! I LOVE DISCO!!! Guess that shows my age! The only problem is I may just start swinging my hips or doing the "Stayin' Alive" finger point (aka the John Travolta Hip Dislocator) while trying to run at the same time....let's hope I don't dislocate anything vital! Just kiddin' Jen...I will try to not embarrass you!


I walked about two miles yesterday, because Dave came inside in the morning and said that there were a ton of walkers out and so it made me want to get out there in this great spring (finally) weather. I basically strolled because I knew I wasn't supposed to do anything but let my body recover this week. I got a little panicked because my hip flexors started to really ache and I got a little concerned. I do NOT want them to hurt tomorrow! I hate hip flexor pain! I was also a little worried because I have been feeling really sore still from the accident. It seems to be getting worse, not better lately. But at least my knee is fine. After tomorrow any soreness will all just be relative!
I am finally getting excited for this run! Jen and I just got back from Ogden's Union Station to pick up our numbers and running chips. Now, it seems real! With over 4000 runners registered for all the races combined, it is going to be exciting! I also found out I can drive to the half starting point so I won't have to take the bus at 5 a.m. like all the other halfers who are starting at 7 a.m. My friend Julie is going to drive up around North Ogden divide into Eden Park where I will start. Jen will probably get there about 9:15 or so and so that way I won't have to wait all that time. AND, I won't have to get up at 3:30 a.m.! Yea!!! Sorry Jen, I know you still have to! I do feel bad I will be missing out on the amazing sight of all the runners loading the buses, but for a couple hours extra sleep I can deal with that. IF I can't sleep, then I will call Jen and go with her early.

They had a little expo at the Union Station as well and I was able to get me some Body Glide (for chaffing prevention) and a cute necklace. We also listened to Jeff Galloway, a famous marathoner who spoke on running tips for tomorrow. He was adamant about running for four minutes and then walking for one. He claims that will help you reserve vital energy for the finish and help you end much stronger. I need to read his book. After picking up our packets and chips, we headed to Jamba Juice for a 3G Energy Boost drink. I had one before one of my longs run a while ago and I swear that it helped. We will see if it was a fluke or if I am right. I will know by this time tomorrow!

I did a post today about the marathon on my other blog here if you are interested.

Jen and I picking up our running chips

Jeff Galloway giving some last minute advice

It was a busy place

Here's a map of the route ---oh, man that is REALLY far!!!!

McKay's teacher Mrs. Klein was there picking up her stuff too.

These are all the shirts that were still left. That means this many people still have to come and pick them up. That is a LOT of runners!!!

The necklace I bought. Kinda blurry...but the first one says '13.1' and the second one is a woman runner and the third says 'Love To Run'

Run...Because I Can

Here we are with my bud Logan at Jamba Juice

Sore already!

Today I woke up and was feeling like I needed one of these (massages) big time! That is supposed to be AFTER the race! But I was really sore. Mostly in my quads and glutes. I must have pushed it a little too hard yesterday, although I really don't feel like I did. Maybe it's still lingering from the accident. Whatever reason, it has stressed me out. I am not doing anything from now until the marathon. At least I hope. That is hard to not do anything. Maybe I can walk a bit. I know you aren't supposed to do anything in order to let your body heal and recover so you will be able to give it all you can on race day. Not real easy for me when I feel like my body needs more training still. But I will resist! What a woman! ☺

This is a photo of my new shoes. I know it sounds bad to get new shoes so close to the big race, but theoretically you are supposed to be able to walk out of the store after buying them and be able to run a marathon that day. A good pair of running shoes shouldn't need any time to break them in. However, I am not sure I believe that 100%. I have had to get used to these this week because they are not like my other ones. They are good and I know they will be fine, but just different. I am a little worried about the left one rubbing on my Achilles a little. I went to lunch with some friends today and ran into another friend who is running the half on Saturday too. She is a long time runner and so I picked her brain a bit. She informed me on such things as Imodium on race day, 800 mg of Ibuprofen immediately after the race to prevent soreness, drinking a TON of water the day before, eating carbs the day before, how it's all mental, etc. Most of what I already know, but it is always good to be told AGAIN. I talked to Jen today and she seems real nervous. We need to keep each other from going nuts before this is over!

I am still trying to figure out the logistics for Saturday. I really don't want to have to leave here at 4:15 a.m. But I may have to. I won't start running until Jen is done with the first half and so I will start on mile 13 with her. It will probably be around 9:15 or so. That means I will have to catch the runner bus at 5 a.m. and WAIT that whole time! And Jen and I will be at different locations. That doesn't sound real appealing. I am trying to find out if I can get a ride to the half starting point, but it looks like the canyon will be closed. I will find out Friday when we pick up our packets. I am trying to psyche myself up and think of this as just a long training run and not a real race. I need to keep working on that! This is turning into a long post so I will end now!

I think I can, I think I can....

I think I can, I think I can...

Thankfully today has been a better day. I have had a lot of encouragement from great friends and so I am feeling much better about things. I am also feeling much better physically, which always helps with the attitude! I am trying to gear up with the attitude that this is going to be a FUN RUN and not a test of my endurance. I am not trying to beat any records or win the race... just cross that finish line in one piece! I have been doubting my strength and ability mainly because my training was so thrown off by my vacation and I haven't felt I have done all I need to do to be ready. But I have decided to focus on what I HAVE done and hope that will be enough to get me over that finish line. I know it's important to respect the distance - no matter what it is - and that I have down to a tee! Now, I just have to respect my body's ability to do this.

I felt good enough to run this morning and logged in almost four miles. It was a pretty easy run for me. I didn't want to over do it and so I am hoping that distance is good. I plan on running tomorrow for about the same and then that's it! I hear conflicting reports on what I should or shouldn't do and so I am just going to listen to my body and see how it feels. Only FOUR MORE DAYS!!!! Total Distance: 4 miles

I know I can, I know I can!!!

My sweet friend Julie brought me a Marathon Survival Kit today!

It has lots of good things in it I will need!

Thanks Julie!!! Just knowing I will have chocolate has made me feel better already!!!

I know I'm not ready but:

At least that is what I keep telling myself. Today wasn't one of those really great days. I didn't hear my alarm and so I was late getting to the gym. To make matters worse, my membership scanning card was on the key chain of the car that I crashed on Friday and only my son knew where it was and he was asleep. So I had to wait until someone came or left to get in. I got there about 6:12 a.m. and the only person I saw leave was one guy as I pulled in the parking lot. I waited at the door for a while, but no one came or left, and so I decided to bag it because I was freezing. I forgot my jacket because I was in such a hurry. I was pretty bummed knowing I haven't been to a strength training class since before Hawaii. I know it will be to my detriment in the race on Saturday and so I really wanted to do it today. I came home and was going to run, but the hubby had to go into work early and so I needed to do all the carpooling. When I finished with that, my son was still home and I needed his help on the computer and so we did that for quite a while. The stuff I was doing on the computer was making me crazy in itself. It was really chilly this morning and so I wasn't motivated to go out anyway, but I was still planning on it. Then I started to feel really sluggish and I was getting a serious headache and so I kept putting off my run ALL DAY! I really did NOT want to go! What is the matter with me??? That is not like me. My parents called and said they were on their way and I was so grateful for an excuse not to have to go. After they left, the day just got away from me. I was going to go about 3:30, but my headache won out on that one. The worst part of it all is my attitude! I am just feeling pretty discouraged because nothing has fit into place during the last couple of weeks and I feel like I am NOT going to be able to endure that long run. I feel like I am setting myself up for a day of torture and failure. So what did I do? Turned to the CURE ALL for everything.

Yes, I OD'd on:

What else?

I need to shake off this attitude and just try and remember I HAVE actually trained for it even though the past couple weeks do NOT show that at ALL! I was really getting excited on Saturday, but now I just feel depressed about the whole thing. I am seriously doubting my ability to endure the distance. I hope tomorrow will be better. Total Distance: ANOTHER BIG FAT ZERO!!!!

Been one of those days...

Actually it was yesterday ~ for the full story go HERE to the May 9th post. I hadn't planned on getting in a car accident the week before the marathon! I thought that if I got an injury it would be from running. But I don't control those things and so I need to just be VERY grateful that I wasn't seriously injured. I think I am over my frustration for the most part about the accident and now I can just pray that I will have trained enough to endure the 13.1 miles. I really don't think I have. But there is nothing I can do about it now other than PRAY HARD and hope for the best. I didn't think I would be able to even run at all today and so things are already looking up. I am still pretty sore, and so I didn't get in my last long run as I had planned today. Jen didn't think I would be going and so she ran 10 miles without me and then when I told her I was going to go, she ran another almost six with me! What a friend! She is amazing. I really did NOT want to run alone today. It is so much easier to be with a buddy. If I am feeling any discomfort, I don't focus on it at all when I am running with someone. I was so glad she went with me. I ended up going only six miles....5.85 to be exact, even though I was really hoping for at least a 10-miler, but I didn't want to over do it with the way my body is feeling after the accident and so I am happy I was able to even do that. I was surprised how good I felt. I was planning on hurting worse today than yesterday. I was so grateful my knee was okay. I was more worried about that than anything.

This upcoming week is the week to take it easy and allow the body to heal so it can be ready for race day, but I already did that on my vacation! Well, with the exception of Boogie Boarding...that really takes it out of you! But, I know if I push it too hard before the race, then I won't have a good run. So I am going to have to try and find a balance between the two. At least that WAS what I was going to do. But now, the way I am feeling, I think I better just do it as I had planned. Everyone tells me that since I have already got in three long runs that I will be fine and that it doesn't matter when I did them. Hope so! Guess I will be finding out in one week! Eeek! I can't believe it is already here!!! I am starting to get excited! Total Distance: 5.85 miles

I didn't blog yesterday's run. I only ran about two miles and then did a little hiking on the mountain for some cross training and strengthening. It was a nasty day and rained a lot.

Stressed!

There is a picture used as part of a stress test developed by researchers at St. Mary's Hospital in London. It is the final picture of a series of stress determinators to gauge the amount of stress a patient has built up over a short time.

Don't open the picture just yet but when you do you will see a picture of two dolphins jumping out of the water in tandem. The research has shown that the more differences you notice in the two dolphins, the more stressed you are.

This is attributed to the concentration and recognition influences intensifying when stressed.

The two dolphins are very similar, so if you can tell the difference without looking hard, you should pack up work and go home immediately.

Click here to see the picture and check your stress level.

I wonder if you see what I see? Hmm.... Hope not!

Today I did run SIX miles! Yahoo! Finally! But I am still feeling extreme anxiety over whether or not I am going to be able to pull off this half marathon! Today's run was great as far as my lungs, but pretty much every other body part was hurting. I only stopped once to see the bunnies at the farm and then just one other time to answer a text. I was surprised about that. But my knees were both in pain and that is not real normal for me. My shins were really tight. My quads were even hurting. The worst pain was on the ball of my left foot where I got a huge sliver in Hawaii. My SIL tried to get it out but missed some and so Dave took to it with his pocket knife and really dug into it to get it all out. I am not sure if the pain is from me bruising from that or if there is still some left in there. It sure did feel like there was a chunk inside. I can't tell and so I will have to soak it sometime and see. All I know is I do not want to run 13 miles with that kind of pain. It was not fun. But I know as long as my lungs are okay I can pretty much push through everything else. My biggest worry is the fact that next week is supposed to be my week for taking it easy. I know there is NO way I can do that since I did that for the past 10 days or so! But at the same time, I don't want to overdo it and be wiped out for the half either. My vacation was great, but it did mess up my training. I just hope I can do it. I am having serious doubts today!!! Total Distance: 6 miles in 62 minutes

TIME TO PANIC!

Actually I think that's an understatement. I have the half marathon coming up in less than 11 days and I have only run ONCE in the past 10! Not good! I hope I can do it. I am starting to really STRESS about my abilities. I honestly don't know if I can do it. Our last day in Hawaii, I actually had the time to go out and run, but my body just did NOT feel up to it. Probably because I was eating SO much more than I am used to! Or maybe the adjusting to a new time zone. Whatever the reason, I just didn't want to. Even with the beach as a backdrop and the sound of the waves, I was just too tired. And that problem is now only compounded. We traveled ALL night last night and I have had MAYBE three hours of sleep, and that is if I count sleeping off and on in a cramped up airplane. I will have been awake for about 40 hours straight (with the exception of the three) before I can hit the pillow. Just thinking about getting up at 5:30 in the morning is not a HAPPY thought. PANIC! Guess I have to just resolve the fact that I can't do much about it now and so I will just have to give it my best and hope it IS my best! Only time will tell... Total Distance: A BIG FAT ZERO! Maybe all that walking I did on my vacation will count for something!