Blessings and Balance

I ran alone this morning. I have been going back and forth on whether or not I am going to run a half coming up this saturday. I have had a cold so that has made running a bit harder. I have still been putting in the miles but normal pace has felt a lot harder than "normal".

Conclusion.... I am going to run the half and still go for it. I would like to run in the 1:30's. I will be happy with 1:39:59 :)

8:36, 8:35, 8:03, 7:35

Miles felt like normal pace except last one. I was pushing it and it felt like it.  

With Jackie. We haven't had our normal talking time over the holidays and today was speedwork so we still didn't get our talking time.

2x1600  6:48, 6:37

I am going off of memory as far as the splits go. I didn't have my watch but jackie told me our times and those should be them.

Need to to fill in the rest of my entries for december. I have been a blogging slacker. I want to get my total for 2011.

Not really sure where to put miles so I just put them all in Threshold.

I had my hesitations about running this race during the 2 weeks leading up to it. I had gotten a cold and running my normal paces were more difficult. Jackie said something to me that made me realize I wanted to run the race and give it what I had. She said "This is why we get up so early in the morning". So I decided she was right and no matter what I wanted to race.

My theme for this race was NO EXCUSES!.....I was going into it with a goal (1:39:59) and no matter what I was going to have fun.  I usually run races and give into my acceptable time, the time that will be good enough. I don't usually just go for it. This race I decided I was not going to run conservative I was going to go for it.

Things I told myself during the race.... "If you are comfortable you are not running fast enough." and "Hang on to this pace for just one more mile." and  "You are stonger than you think." and "No regrets". Each of my kids also gave me a silly band to wear... so I kept looking at them and that kept me smiling.

I feel like this race was a breakthrough for me of sorts with the thought that....  There are almost always reasons why we "could have" gone faster, some are in our control and some are not.The one thing we control is the effort we put into training and what we do with what we are dealt on race day. PACE (Positive Attitude Changes Everything)

It was so fun to run the race with Jackie and Ana. There are several turn around points and since I was slightly in front for most of the race it was fun to still be able to see were they were. Jackie caught me at the last quarter mile and we gutted it out to end. We were laughing and running as hard as we could to the finish. I am looking forward to seeing the pictures:). She beat me by one second... can you believe it... one second!!! She deserves it!

Looking forward to a re-match :)

Splits 7:32, 7:10, 7:16, 7:36, 7:21 (almost puked up Gatorade :), 7:23, 7:33, 7:28, 7:20, 7:45, 7:43, 7:45, 7:27

With Jackie and Ana. I am for sure a CA girl now. I'm freezin in the morning in Temps I would have died for during Utah winters.

AP 8:31

With Jackie.. I think swear words when my alarm goes off right now. I think I will take a few days off. See ya sooner or later:)

AP 9:09

Needed a few rest days physically and mentally. Now I am back and feel great.

Ran with Jackie and Amy.

AP 8:30

3x1600 repeats 6:15, 6:40 (.25 uphill), 6:33

with ana, jackie, amy, and jen.

we were all diff. paces

with Jackie

AP 8:53

With Jackie and Ana. It rained the entire time. My 4 yr old was not happy to get soaked when he ran up and hugged me when I got home. We talked about sinking cruise ships and a grown man who reverts back to an 18 month old when he is home. His girlfriend changes his diapers. WEIRDOS!

AP 8:50

With Ana, Jackie and Amy. Things are getting weird in the group. Too competitive.

AP 8:22 Too fast for easy pace.

1 WU, 4 tempo, 1 CD

Really had to go the Bathroom last mile.. little dissapointed in that split but what is a girl supposed to do:)

Tempo Splits 7:10, 7:26, 7:25, 7:32

Wanted to average 7:30 first mile was too fast.

With Jackie and Amy. Amy had to go early so she turned around at 7.

AP 8:40

 3 miles up skyline and 3 back down. Pure torcher. Skyline is a small mountain near our home. I would have rather run a marathon. Even passed a couple guys on mountain bikes while they were pedaling for dear life.

10:00, 10:41, 11:36, 9:37, 8:30, 8:29

AP 9:49

I will do it again I want to get faster at it.

With Ana, Amy, and Jackie

Didn't have watch don't know pace.

With Jackie, and Amy Ran Masters. Big Steep hill. Was easier than I remember:)

With Ana, Jackie, Amy, and Jen. Jen was a little late and caught us after we had started running. She honked, parked in the street and started running. :)

Jackie and I always figure out what works best for us and then let the other ladies know when we are running and they are always invited. It has been a bit challenging to add new people to the group. Just different personalities and diffrent reason why each of us run and different goals. Some seem a bit competitive like wishing injuries on us so they will be able to catch up... not sure how to take those kind of comments. Just trying to give them the benefit of the doubt and keep doing my thing.

 Anyone else expericence situations when people want to run with you?

AP 8:32

With Ana, Jackie and Amy

AP 8:40

With Amy and Jackie. My knee felt a bit tight so I will Ice it.

AP 8:27

 4 mile tempo tonight with 1 WU and 1 CD

Tempo splits 7:11, 7:09, 7:12, 7:10

It felt almost easy till about 2.5 then I had to talk my way through the end. Jackie and I are pretty evenly matched now so it is nice to have someone pushing me along.

Amy came too.

I iced my knee early today and I didn't noticed it on the run at all. :)

With jackie and Amy. Amy had to get home so turned around early.

AP 8:40

Didn't feel easy. I was tired from 14 yesterday.

AP 8:30

With Amy, Jackie and Ana

AP 8:42

3x1600 repeats. 800 recovery between.

Splits 6:34, 6:27, 6:26

Got a side cramp half way through 3rd one. It was really hard to run through it but I didn't want the girl behind me to catch me. :) My side is sore now and I know it will be tomorrow.

With Ana

Leaving for Sacramento today to visit my in-laws.

Still need to pack 4 kids and myself.

AP 8:35

The park by my in-laws as a path all the way around it that measures 1.4 miles.

My father in law came over with me and walked the opposite way so we would run into each other several times. It was nice to give him a high five each time I passed him.:)

Pace felt easy but was faster than my normal easy pace. I measure that up to the fact that I wasn't talking to anyone like I normally am and it was an entirely flat run which where I live I am always running up hill.

AP 7:55

Ran with my husband today. That is always a treat :) He slowed down for me so we could run and talk.

AP 8:09

Tempo run tonight with Jackie and Ana. We all ran together for about 2.5 miles and then Ana got a side cramp and backed off a little. Jackie and I finished together.

Tempo Splits 7:13, 7:16, 7:18, 7:11, 7:15

Jackie's splits on the last two show 7:09 and 7:10 she was right by me.... why they are off I don't know.  I will keep my splits what my watch says

We wanted to average 7:20. Really happy we were able to do that. I felt great till around 3.5 miles in. Last 1.5 was hard but it was nice to have Jackie right there. We are really helping to push each other right now which is really nice.

Ran with Ana, Jackie and Amy. Ana had to be home at 6 so we did 7 with her dropped her off at home and finished the rest. I got a new Jillian workout called..... "Killer Buns and Thighs". Between doing that video this week and my tempo run on Tues night today my legs were sooooo tired!

Walking up my stairs when I got home just about killed me. I got to the top and sat down for a rest. :)

AP 8:40

With Amy. Jackie and Ana couldn't go this morning.

This is our rest week which means no speedwork and nothing over 8 miles. :)

AP 8:38

Nice morning. It was perfect temps. Cold enough for a jacket for the entire run but not so cold that my hands froze.

AP 8:19

With Jackie. Ran up Masters this morning. VERY LARGE STEEP HILL!

Evening run with Jackie, Ana, and Amy.

Jackie and I are planning on running Deseret News marathon in July. We are really excited!

AP 8:14

Decided to do a Yasso workout tonight with Jackie and Amy.

4x800 splits 3:01, 3:07, 3:07, 3:03

We ran over to the high school track and there was Fball practice going on so we hopped on the track. Jackie was freaking out and thought we were going to get thrown off the track. :)

The third was the hardest for me. I didn't think I could do the 4th. My watch was acting up so I turned it off and ran naked the 4th one. Jackie had a watch and I let her keep track for the both of us. It didn't feel as hard as 2 & 3 and turned out to be slightly faster. :)

I did Jillian's killer buns and thighs last night till 10 PM... this mornings run did not feel easy.

My legs are super tired.

AP 8:46

Ran with Jackie and Amy. Nice conversational pace till last two miles. Picked it up and ran the last two at a bit faster than anticipated marathon pace for Deseret News. We were still able to talk a bit at this pace.

Jackie wore my watch and we ran by feel. She is better at not constantly watching the watch.

Splits 8:43, 8:51, 8:32, 8:26, 8:47, 8:16, 8:24, (slowed at bit for the next few miles to hang with Amy) 8:52, 8:46, 8:47, 8:41, 8:34, (last two marathon pace miles) 7:12, 7:16 

Felt really great overall.

AP 8:27

Late evening run with Amy and Jackie. Amy tried to talk us out of going 7. :) She has an injury.

AP 8:19

With Amy and Jackie

Set out to do 7 but both Jackie and I weren't feeling it so we cut it short.

That is what we are supposed to do right?.....Listen to your body?

AP 9:02 Our pace was slower than normal so we made the right choice to stop short.

We are running the Hollywood Half Marathon on the 7th of April and it is two miles up hill to the finish line so we made our last two up hill today. We did great.

AP 8:45

Jackie and I did a 5 mi. tempo today.  Jakcie said I can't call it on off day because I hit my times so I will just call it a HARD tempo. I wanted to give up about 2 miles in but I hung on till the end. I almost puked.

As soon as we were done I sat on the curb and then we walked the mile home. :)

7:15, 7:16, 7:17, 7:30, 7:24

We were shooting for 7:20 so that all averages out.

With Jackie and Amy 5AM.

AP 8:33

Wtih Jackie. Needed to go to today because Jackie's husband is on call tonight.

I had bathroom issues. Had to stop three times.

AP 8:31

8:40, 8:51, 8:46, 8:38, 8:42, 9:12, 8:16, 8:21, 8:01, 8:24, 8:30, 8:31, 8:19, 8:38, 8:14, 8:07

Ran the second half a bit faster because I made us late wtih all my bathroom stops.

WIth Jackie. Legs were super tired from yesterday.

AP 8:41

With Jackie. Amy is injured and Ana is recovering from surgery. I always make us late. Sorry Jackie!

Next couple weeks will be a bit easier with the Hollywood Half marathon on the horizon.

AP 8:40

With Jackie. I am getting worse with time managment. I get later and later. I must drive my husband crazy!

AP 8:40

With Jackie

2 With my Daughter on her bike. I want to say it was a mistake but she really loved it so it was worth it. She didn't last as long as I thought she would though. We live in a very hilly community so as soon as we had to go up a hill she was done. Dropped her off and 5 alone.

AP 8:31

AP 9:00

Easy with Jackie. Half on Saturday. I am going to run without my watch. This is new territory for me. Wish me luck!

AP 8:46

1 mile on 1 mile off

2 miles on 6:49, 6:37

Felt amazing the first 7 miles. Died at 8 never regained strength. Suffered through 8-end. Counting ever 100 steps from 8 till end. Went out too fast. Last two miles were super steep uphill. Walked some of the last half mile up hill.

AP: 9:00

AP 8:39

AP 8:45

My goal is to run a 3:15 marathon this year so I did a Pace run tonight

Splits7:39, 7:29, 7:24, 7:21, 7:20

Felt good.

RAGNAR Mi.

It was so HOT!!!

AP 8:34

Filled in for a friend for RAGNAR.

Had a great time. So glad I got to run it. again this year.

2AM run 3.85 mi AP 7:28

12 PM 11mi AP 7:58

With Jackie nice and Easy

AP 8:45

4x800's

3:10, 3:10, 3:16, 3:05

Effort felt same on third one. Not sure why it was 6 seconds slower.

I am not use to running 3 days in a row. Jackie and I were really tired.

AP 8:54

Got a peep show.....won't tell who from;)

Going to Hawaii today!!

AP 8:48

Woke up in Maui... Did a gym workout and then ran 4 miles

In the rain in Maui. It was beautiful.

In Maui with Ana!

HELP!!!! I didn't get into SGM What do I do???!!! I am so SAD!!!

Took the last few days off. Just wanted to. I haven't taken a break since my baby was born 18 months ago and I started running just two weeks after she was born so I figured I was due for a break. I enjyoyed it!

Ran with Jackie tonight. It was great to catch up.

AP 8:36

Mile repeats tonight. Haven't done them in a while and haven't done 4 forever. We were shooting for a relatively easy pace at 6:49. Previously we have run them in the 20's.

Splits 6:29, 6:35, 6:39, 6:49

Need to figure out how to slow down at the begining and speed up at the end. I wish those splits were switched around.

Ran tempo with Jackie this morning.

Felt good

Was shooting for 7:24 average. Wish I could figure out how to run them all within seconds of each other. I feel like they are a bit all over the place.

Splits 7:12, 7:19, 7:24, 7:01

With Jackie and Ana

AP 8:47

Jackie and I ran 5x800's  this morning. Felt pretty good. I was super happy our times were so consistent. We were shooting for 3:15 and did slightly better.

Splits 3:11, 3:11, 3:04, 3:11, 3:10

4:45 AM with Jackie and Ana

Feeling like I don't really care about running anymore.

Not going to be able to run long on Saturday so did it this morning.

I feel tired of running right now.... Blah!!

AP 8:43

2x2.5 Start @ MP drop to HMP

5x4 min on 4 min off

On was right around 7:45

SO TIRED!!!!

Wan't planning on running this race tll Tues night. Some friends who had registered couldn't run anymore so they called Jackie and I to see if we wanted their bibs..... shhhh!! Sorry if that offends anyone. We didn't place in their age groups so we feel okay about it. If we had run under our names we would have placed 2nd and 3rd.... I was the 11th woman out of 553 finishers and 76 finisher out of 1025. I am super excited about that.

This a down hill course so it is pretty fast. In comparing my effort to that of my previous PR on a flat course in Jan I feel my effort was about the same but I ran this 6 and half minutes faster. This course is similiar to the Hobblecreek half for any of you who have run that.

Jackie and I decided to stick together. I always go out too fast and she catches me in the end. We weren't sure how to run the course cause the majority of the downhill is in the first 6 miles. We decided to hold back on those miles and run comfortable.. it really paid off cause it left us with steam to keep up the pace the last half of the race. 

Splits  

1-5--7:02, 6:48, 7:02, 6:57, 7:02 uneventful. Started dumping water over head starting at 2nd water stop and continued through the rest of each water stop. It was warm today.

6- 6:47 Jackie was running two steps in front of me, had to talk myself into a positive place. I always feel defeated when I am not in front. Don't know why.

7-8 7:02, 6:58 We have been running close behind a guy the entire run. Everytime he sees us out of the corner of his eye he picks it up.

9-6:52 Jackie decides to pass the guy... I am cursing her because then the pace gets faster. I am too tired. She thought I had told her to pass him but I said "don't pass him yet". We lead him for only around a quarter mile. He passes us and so does another guy.

10- 6:59 Jackie points out a lady with an orange skirt up ahead and says we are chasing her. I am starting to feel defeated again and want to tell jackie to stop chasing people. I have to remind myself Jackie is tired too and to just hang onto her.

11-7:07 Pass a group of policemen at a blocked off intersection and get a burst of energy to show off. I am so dumb. We pass the guy we have been close to the entire race and he is not able to hang on.

12-7:18 started pulling away from Jackie somewhere in this mile. She has a side cramp. Start picking people off. Wish this mile was a bit faster.

13-6:59  You can see the finsih line almost this entire mile. It is a straight shot course. I keep reminding myself of all the speedwork I have done and tell myself just 7 more min. you can run 7 more min. I started counting down the minutes and then I started counting down the flags. There were 7 starting at about 4 10ths to go. Kept trying to catch and pass as many people as could. I passed around 6 or 7 people. One guy was not too happy.

last .1-- 38 sec.

Jackie finished just 20 seconds behind me.

I am really happy with this race. Of course I wonder could I have run it even faster with a proper taper and if the weather had been cooler? So silly!

4 TM miles and 4 miles around my .4 mile circle. Tedious!!! I am still so sore from the race on SAT. I felt like I needed to get somethings moving.

I put them in easy miles but I assure you they were not easy or FUN!

AP 8:39

4:45 AM run with Ana. I knew if I didn't meet someone I wouldn't go today. My legs were still so tired.

It was painful!

AP 8:55

Up Masters Hill. I walked a bit of it. Now I am mad at myself.

AP 8:39

4x1600 6:43, 6:33, 6:40, 6:40

Shooting for 6:45's I really struggled today with my asthma. My breathing was really labored. Jackie said she could hear me wheezing over her music. Jackie and I manipulated the last 3 so we had some down hill in our favor. I couldn't have done this pace today without the downhill.

I felt like puking when we would slow for recovery.

Blessing: My health!!!! My 16 year old sister has MS and is not doing well. It is hard to see her changing so quickly.

Nice and Easy with Jackie.

AP 8:46

Blessing: Jackie... it is really nice to have a best friend when you don't have any family that lives nearby.

5 mi Tempo

7:08, 7:03, 7:20, 7:15, 7:20

Not sure why the first two are so fast. Oh wait yes I do... I ALWAYS go out too fast!

with Jackie

Ran Masters today

6x800's going for 3:15

3:15, 3:09, 3:16, 3:15, 3:15, 3:13

1 WU, 2x3 mi at marathon pace, 1 recovery mi between, 1 CD mi.

Splits 7:22, 7:20, 7:03, 7:26, 7:23, 7:12 

With Ana AP 8:40

On my TM. I haven't run on it FOREVER. It was really difficult!!!

6x4 min ON 4 min OFF

1 WU 3, 2, 1 with half mile recovery between each  1 CD

Idea was to start each with MP and drop to HMP for the last mile of each

Splits 7:23, 7:08, 6:58, 7:13, 7:02, 7:00

Felt pretty good. I like this work out.

With Ana and Jackie.

I have been having problems with my left calf this week. I felt fine till about mile 4 then the pain started again. It didn't really hurt till about mile 9 then was bad between 12-14. It wasn't affecting my form so I kept on. Once we were done running it didn't really hurt that bad. I have been icing hopefully I can get it back under control. This coming week is a "rest" week with fewer miles so that should help.

AP 8:40

With Jackie.... we had um...... bathroom trouble:) No one was hurt!

Blessing: Having a comfort level with your running partner that you don't have with anyone else.

At Elk Grove Park in Sac town. I scouted out where to put our blankets for the fireworks. Jonathan and the kids and his mom and dad met me when I was done so we could feed the ducks.

Blessing: Being born in the United States of America!!!!!

With Jon at night. I had major bathroom issues. I told Jon he better be grateful I gave him 4 children and not be grossed out by my bladder.

Blessing: Spending time with Family this week has been awesome.

With my nephew Stone. We ran a few sprints at the end. It was FUN!

With Jon in Sacramento over at Elk Grove park. I struggled with my asthma today. My allergies have been bothering me here in Sac town.

Don't know pace didn't have watch.

Just got home from Sacramento this afternoon and swam in the pool with the kids for awhile. Ran 10 on the TM had to give myself a time limit so I wouldn't drag it out forever. I really struggle running on the TM. So not fun!!!!!

Trying to call this day a victory cause I listened to my body instead of doing my planned workout.

Was planning on doing 4x1600 @ 6:40 pace. Did the first one and felt terrible and almost puked. I haven't bailed on a workout for a long time so I feel like a failure but I keep trying to remind myself I listened to my body and my body was saying "NOT TODAY"!

Jackie and I ran easy and just put the miles in but we both had a hard time just doing that!

Blessing: Our new swimming pool. It was just finished a few weeks ago and with it being over 100 this week we are loving it. It has a super fun rock slide built into our hill. It is fast!

Set out to do a 6 mi tempo run at 7:19. Didn't happen... it was so hot this morning with 100% humidity. Did the best I could and hung on as long as I could. I think what we should have done was lower our expectation on how fast we should have done the tempo and then maybe we could have hung on all 6 miles.

Maybe instead of 7:19 we should have hung around 7:45

Splits 7:19, 7:14, 7:25, 7:44

Blessing: lots of family visitors this month. I can't wait to see everybody:)

With Jackie. It was warm but not as humid as yesterday. I felt pretty good but feeling a bit dissapointed in speedwork for the week.

AP 8:39

7x800's walked .25 in between each. The walking was NICE!!!! Felt good and helped boost my confidence after last week of bad weather and bad speedwork.

I will add 3 sec to each repeat because we had a downhill for about .08 of each 800. Shooting for 3:15 did slightly better.

Splits 3:15, 3:08, 3:08, 3:11, 3:05, 3:08, 3:05

Blessing: The air was so much cooler this morning and the humidity has gone down!

10 easy with Jackie. I have felt nauseated while running for a the last few runs. Not sure what is going on.

AP 8:38

With Jackie. Felt really good till 14.5... it was instant... I felt great and then 10 seconds later BOOM! I had bathroom issues and stomach issues the rest of the run. Still feeling like I need to throw up every run.

With Ana... I haven't run with her in awhile. So fun to talk with her. She needed to run 19 I so we ran 10 and then I got on my bike and rode 9 while she finished her 19

AP 9:01

Blessing: My parents are here visiting and will be here for my BDAY!

On my own this morning. I used to run alone all the time but since moving to Corona and finding great running partners I haven't in a long time. Getting out of bed is harder when there is no one watiting for you but I didn't mind the actual run.

2x4 miles start at MP and drop to HMP

I again felt like I was going to throw up most of the run. I am starting to think I need to get in and get my asthma looked at.

First 4: 7:30, 7:24, 7:13, 7:17

Second 4: 7:20, 7:30, 7:25, 7:14

Blessing: Mace.... holding that little black bottle in my hand helps my husband to "sort of" feel ok about me running alone.

With Ana and Laurie in the evening.

AP 8:33

Yoga 30 min. Was nice to feel the my muscle getting stretched.

Speedwork out today. 3.5, 2.5, and 1.5 miles. Start each at MP and drop to HMP.

Splits 7:24, 7:10, 6:55, 3:32---7:29, 7:18, 3:36----7:22, 3:32

Felt good. Ran alone. I like to run alone except for the fact that my husband is nervous I won't make it home so then I am nervous and looking over my shoulder every 10 seconds. Only scary thing I ran into today was a coyote. He was affraid of me.

Blessing: My brother and his family are coming today to visit for a week. So excited!!!! I love my brothers!

Ran with Jackie and Ana. Parked a car in Anaheim and ran Green River to the Santa Ana river bed and along that trail. It was a nice run.

It felt hard between miles 12-15 for no particular reason or another.

 AP 8:26

With Jackie and SNL Amber joined us for 5 miles.

AP 8:53

6xHill's 3 up and 3 down. Up was about .3 and down was about the same. Up took about 1:55 not sure about the down. Didn't time it.

Ran with Jackie and Ana we did a MP run. Forgot to tell Ana so we ran to her house and got her music.

Felt great could have kept going.

Splits 7:27, 7:20, 7:24, 7:25, 7:24, 7:07

With Ana. Jackie was out of town. We were both pretty tired and took it slow.

AP 8:51

5x1600's With Jackie

First 3 felt great. I had to work for the last two but still hit pace. Goal pace was 6:35

Splits 6:30, 6:22, 6:30, 6:33, 6:34

With Jackie. Our legs were so tired! Our AP was slow I keep wondering... if I am hitting all my speeds during speedwork does it matter how slow I run "easy" miles? Amyone out there reading who knows the answer to that ?

Ran up a lot of hills today. One hill was 1.9 miles long. Up Lincoln.

AP 8:59

7 mi tempo with Jackie. I was nervous to run this morning with the heat... I wasn't sure I would be able to hit the pace. I felt fine. The pace wasn't easy but it was doable.

Shooting for 7:16

Splits 7:10, 7:20, 7:08, 7:15, 7:16, 7:14, 7:18,

Michelle L was in town and came and ran a few with us. It was fun to talk with her. I ran a few faster with Michele which brought my overall pace to 8:20.

8x800"s

3:14, 3:10, 3:06, 3:04, 3:08, 3:08, 3:13, 3:03

Felt good

2x4.5 mi start at MP drop to HMP

I didn't the workout super accurate I started too fast but was able to maintain so it was fine.

I felt great.

7:17, 7:21, 7:16, 7:07, (half mi) 3:35

7:44, 7:41, 7:09, 7:07, (half mi) 3:35

Felt terrible, cut the workout down by 1 mi.

AP 9:23

We were scheduled for 20 today but both jackie and I started out the run only committing to 10 miles so I would say we succeded in making it 18. :)

AP 8:57

Didn't ice bath after saturdays long run. I could really feel the fatigue in my legs today. I will be sure not to miss my ice bath again. This is our "rest" week so... nice and easy all week long:)

AP 9:11

Easy pace again legs felt a little better than mon.

AP 8:44

AP 8:40

Really really hard today. I couldn't keep my marathon pace with out some serious effort. I told Jackie I would do her marathon pace for the first three... I really had to pay attention to my watch to keep us on track. The last 4 were sooooooo hard!!!!!

7:41, 7:34, 7:42, 7:36, 7:15, 7:24, 7:26

8x4 min on and 4 off. Fartleks

Felt fine. The next few weeks before taper are feeling daunting. :( I am tired and feeling like the workouts are going to be hard to complete well.

Why do I keep putting all my miles in easy. They are supposed to be Easy pace but they still feel hard.

With Jackie don't know AP didn't wear watch.

4:30 AM is gettig OLD!

Workout was 3.5, 2.5, 1.5 with half mile rest in between each. Start at MP drop to HMP

3.5 splits 7:27, 7:25, 7:07, (.5) 3.34

2.5 splits 7:28, 7:20, (.5) 3:33

1.5 splits 7:11, (.5) 3:33

We walked each half mile recovery. Probably should have jogged them but we enjoyed the rest and the chatting.

I really need to get my diet under control for SGM. When I am running this much it is hard to not eat stuff that is just easy to grab. Need to remind myself an apple or greek yogurt is just as easy to grab as a a handful of crackers.

Felt really great!!

Started out slow and naturally picked up the pace as we moved along. Ran with Jackie and Ana. SGM is getting so close!!! I'm nervous-excited!

AP 8:28

My kids are all sick. My husband had to leave early so I had only one choice.... The TREADMILL!

I made it a little over 7 miles on the TM and then couldn't take it any longer and ran around my circle ove and over.

Mile repeats....

First two on TM don't know time but they were 9.6. and 9.4. That was so hard!!!

Outside splits..... 6:33, 6:36, 6:34

With Jackie this morning. She is having IT band issues. She ran 2 and decided that she better not run so she rode her bike with me. That is a true training partner!!!!

I have had sick kids the last two days. My daughter has been the worst. I have had a hard time controlling her fever even with tylenol and motrin. Let's hope today is better.

We went boating Monday and  my 5 yr old wanted to knee board but wanted me to come so I hung on the back of the board for dear life. My quads got so beat up. They were so tired running this morning.

AP 8:59

7 mi tempo run this morning. Jackie is injured :( ran alone.

For some reason I have been worrying about doing this tempo all week long. I went into it not feeling super confident but just kept telling myself to do my best. I had wanted to average 7:13 but didn't quite make it... close though.

tempo splits 7:24, 7:08, 7:23, 7:12, 7:17, 7:27, 7:05

I felt really good till mile 5 had to stop at 5.5 and eat some stingers. Wasn't sure I would be able to finish the rest but plugged along as best I could.

Sometimes speedwork sucks all the fun out of running and sometimes it really makes running fun. Latley is sucking!

Again I put these in easly miles because there is no category for... painful miles!!!!!!!

Felt good till 9 then wanted to shoot myself for the rest of it.

AP 8:28

Ran the last 3 with my kids. Took each of the kids for their own mile. My 5 yr old was the best he ran the whole way. The other two whined the whole time.

8x800's

Warm up 4 mi on TM till it was light outside.

800's 3:08, 3:14, 3:12, 3:12, 3:11, 3:09, 3:11, 3:13

Missing Jackie it is lonely running without her.

Jackie tried running today. She made it only a few miles and had to stop. She got me through the darkest part of the morning. That was nice. It is scary running in the dark and my husband REALLY doesn't like me to do it.

Uneventful miles. My body is tired. I think I am looking forward to taper.

Blessing: God... it is so nice to know that we didn't come from nothing and there is someone always on our side. He truly wants to see us acheive great things.

Workout was supposed to be 2x5 at MP drop to HMP. Only did one of the 5's. Ana had to use the bathroom which she never has to do and we weren't even running close together so decided to only do one. Feeling a little guilty I didn't finish the other. I felt really great for the one I did so I feel like the 2nd one would have felt good too. Oh well!

 5 mi splits 7:21, 7:19, 7:18, 7:14, 7;06

Felt really great. Ran with Ana, Ed, Paula, and Jen.

Our water at mile 15 had been stolen. Then we ran up a hill that is almost 2 mi long. I was ok but others were not. Had to finish the run alone and come back to pick up others.

AP 8:27

With Jackie She is still running with a limp. Hoping she can recovery in time for SGM.

5x4 min on and 4 min off.

AP 8:32

1 WU, 2 @MP 7:15, 7:02, 1/2 recovery, 1 @HMP 6:57, 1/2 CD

With Jackie.. her hip is getting better but still not 100%

So tired!!! Now that it is taper time my legs feel even more tired. OH how I look forward to taper and hate it when it comes.:)

Blessing: My Sister and her husband are coming today to stay for a week!!!! I love my sister!! Her kids and mine are BFF's!

Trying to eat as healthy as possible before SGM. Some days are good some not so good. :) Every little ache gets me worried. I also have a scratchy throat. BOO!

Blessing: I am lucky enough to not have to work. Even though being a stay at home is not always glamorous or easy... I feel lucky to be at home with my children.

Felt good and relaxed. Thought about SGM the whole time. Getting really excited!!!

AP 8:02

Was going to do 3x1600's at 6:30.

First two went well and .25 into the 3rd I got a bad side cramp I couldn't shake. Had to stop and walk for a bit. Even running at easy pace really hurt. Feeling dissapointed I didn't get to finish the workout. Should I jump on the TM later and do the last 1600 or should I just figure my body is telling me to rest up for Saturday?

Hmmmmm?

Splits for 1600's 6:27, 6:29

Blessing: Going ANYWHERE with my two yr old is teaching me great patience and humility. :) You know when everyone at Walmart is staring at you there is a problem. There are plenty of people to stare at there how did I get to be the weirdest one?

HMMMMMM............

 How is it possible that this was the worst race experience I have EVER had but it is also a PR?

I had trained for a 3:15-3:20 marathon but I am super happy with a 3:26 considering how horrible I fetl for 20 miles.

It all started 2 weeks before the race when I came down with a cold. I had been coughing up a lot of junk for 10 days but the last couple of days before the race I felt pretty good. My ears were still a bit clogged but I wasn't really coughing much anymore. I even cleaned out my sinus' with a salt and baking soda solution. I knew I wasn't in 100% condition but I really wasn't concerned at all, I thought I would feel just fine for the race. I stayed on top of my asthma meds knowing that my lungs had been weakend a bit from the cold but I really was feeling fine.

Jackie, Ana, and I met at the buses and rode up to the top together. We found jen almost immediatley after getting off the buses. We headed straight to the POP lines and they were super short so it didn't take long. We then hung out by the fires for a few min and chatted. We headed back to the POP lines went one more time and then dropped off our clothing bags at the truck. We lined up with about 5 min to start and wished each other luck and exchanged words of encouragement.

I took off ahead of them cause my goal was faster then theirs. I felt good and kept telling myself to run relaxed. I payed close attention to my breathing and made sure it didn't sound labored. For the first few miles I ran along the side to pass people. I didn't want to take any extra steps weaving in and out of people.

First 7 mile splits 7:26, 7:31, 7:13, 7:02, 7:21, 7:02, 7:09

In hind sight would I have run the first 7 miles slower? Maybe but then maybe not... I really spent a lot of that time paying attention to my body making sure I was running relaxed and very comfortable.

It all started with Veyo. My legs were on fire up Veyo I couldn't control my breathing and I was really hurting. I slowed considerable and kept my effort even. Once I reached the top I expected it would take maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 mile to recover but the relief never came and I ran the rest of the race struggling to breath and trying to keep my heart rate down.

I tried to stay calm and just get to 12 knowing that after 12 the down hill starts. I spent those miles considering walking sooooo many times. I couldn't wait for each water station so I could walk through them. I was trying so hard to stay positive and not give up completely I started calculating what I need to get under 3:35 and qualify for boston and I still really wasn't sure I could do that.

8-12 splits 7:59, 8:03, 8:06, 8:15, 8:09

Again after these miles just more of the same. The word I used for this race over and over again was relax. I decided to stop looking at my watch at this point and just run. I was struggling through every mile and made each water station my next goal. I allowed myself to walk through each water station and I really needed it emotionally. I kept telling myself this was just a rough patch and it would get better soon but it NEVER did.

13-21 splits 7:45, 8:13, 7:40, 7:27, 7:48, 7:54, 8:27, 8:02, 7:40

The last few miles I cried a bit and tried so hard to keep it together. Ana ran past me around mile 21 and she looked so strong and happy, I really wanted to look strong and happy too but I felt miserable. I saw my husband around mile 24 and told him not to talk to me. Every step was so hard. I crossed the finish line and stood in the showers and bawled. I saw Ana and bawled. I turned around and saw Jackie had run 3:29 and bawled. Then I layed in the grass face down and bawled.

I am happy with my time but really dissapointed with the experience,:(

22-26 splits 8:20, 8:32, 7:49, 8:28, 8:19, last .2 2:08

My IT band is really hurting and so is my knee.

AP 8:49

Ran 3.5 before my IT band was too sore. Walked one home. I think I won't be running for a few days.

Jillian Micheals Killer buns and thighs

Slow... not feeling normal yet. Body is still really tired from marathon.

AP 9:03

5AM with Ana

AP 8:41

In the evening with Ana

AP 8:24

Jillina Micheals Killer buns and thighs.

On the TM

With Ana

AP 8:47

With Ana.. it was nice to sleep in till 6 on a Saturday!

I finally felt like my body was working like it was supposed to since the marathon.

AP 8:29

On the TM....It was OK. I survived.

Alone... Jon didn't have to leave till 7:30 so I was able to go when it was almost light outside.

AP 8:31

Jillian Micheals Killer buns and thighs

With Ana this morning. We have been going at 5 AM. It is so early but it is nice to get it done. I have to better about going to bed early.

AP 8:37

Ran first 2 with a friend who wants to start running. She did great. AP 9:04

Ran 6 alone

Overall AP 8:30

I LOVE TO RUN!

With Ana.. it was finally chilly enough to wear a jacket. Wore it for 6 mi.

We talked about men in our stake who are creepy.

AP 8:34

Felt Yucky. Felt like puking the whole time. Had to walk a bit.

Sorry Ana for wasting you morning!

Feeling really bumbed about the election.

I know Obama means well but I really feel he doesn't really know what he is doing and he is listening to the wrong advisors. What is that saying?..."You don't get to heaven on good intentions",

Atleast Romney is a buisness man and knows what to do to be succesful. His track record is so much stronger than Obama. I still am amazed that so many people thought is was a good idea to give Obama another chance. I feel Romeny was penalized for his financial status like so many Americans are going to be under Obama's plans. I don't understand why it is thought that those who make more $ should pay there "fair share". If we are all paying 20 or 30% of our income those who make more pay more regardless. Why isn't that their fair share? Why do they need to pay a higher percentage? Also those who make more don't really have a say because majority rules and the majority of america makes less than 250k. Why is it ok for those who make less than that to tell those who make more than that what to do with their money. It is easy for them to say the wealthy should pay more because it is not their own $ so it doesn't affect them finacially.

It makes me nervous for the next four years.

AP 8:37

sick :(

still sick :(

Strep Throat!!! Yucky!!! I can't eat.... I am starving!!!

Tried to run today... really weak from being sick all week. Ran 3 walked 3.

Ran 5.5 with Ana and Jackie... came home went potty and went out for 3 more. Felt great today

AP 8:52

With Ana and Jackie.