I guess this is goodbye.

Over a month ago a friend of mine suffered (and is still suffering) a terrible tragedy.  I talked about it on the blog before.  Although I haven't mentioned it much since, it has really affected me.  It's affected so many little things that I can't even name them.  I think the best way to explain it is by sharing this quote:

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

This quote is from the Prophet of my Church, President Thomas S. Monson.  I actually came across this talk when I was searching for peace just after the loss of Val, Kathy and Quincy.  While this tragedy is not my own, it has helped me to more fully distinguish those things that are important, and those things that aren't.

I've realized that this blog takes time away from what is most important to me in this world- my children.

Don't get me wrong- I have loved it.  It has been a great blessing to me to form friendships with people that share my passion.  I've loved connecting with so many people, and I feel truly blessed for the relationships that have formed here.

But it is time to say goodbye.

I've thought about just not updating, but I hate it when a blogger just disappears without a proper farewell.  So, here it is- the final post of Run My Guts Out.

Crazy.

Thanks for supporting me in my successes, and most of all my failures.  Thanks for inspiring me.  Thanks for making me laugh.  Thanks for being a friend!

Much Love,
Amylee

5 Ragnar Commandments

I just completed my 5th Ragnar!  How nuts is that?!  Just two years ago the Wasatch Back was my first race EVER.  My how times have changed!  For me, I feel like the Wasatch Back is the most challenging race that I participate in.  I love the hills, I love the difficulty of running in the elements, and I love doing it with great friends by my side.

Since this is my 5th Ragnar, I will share my 5 Ragnar Commandments:

1.  Thou Shalt Pack Light!  I sleep in my running clothes, and I take advantage of Ziploc bags.  However, you shouldn't follow my example of forgetting to pack a jacket.

2.  Thou Shalt Run Happy!  Smiles are contagious.  Feeling tired?  Smile.  Feeling sore?  Smile.  Feeling excited out of your mind?  SMILE!

3.  Thou Shalt Run Hard.  It's probably going to be hot on your longest leg with the biggest hill you've ever had to climb, so run hard.  You'll be proud of yourself if you do.

4.  Thou Shalt Get Out of the Car!  Everyone is tired, everyone would prefer to sit in the car and relax, but everyone loves a good cheerleader.  Everyone NEEDS a good cheerleader.  My own personal rule is that every time we stop to support a runner, I always get out of the van.  Always!  This is my favorite of all the commandments.  It makes you the best teammate, and your legs will thank you for allowing them to stretch and move.

5.  Thou Shalt Rock the Night Leg.  I didn't get any night pictures this time, but the night legs are always the best.  Every time!  Maybe it's because it's finally cool out?  Rather than dread running at an obscene hour of the night, anticipate it!  I guarantee it will be your favorite run of the race.

 My team was T.H.E.  B.E.S.T.  So proud of each and every one of them.  We finished in 33:53:32, and we had fun in every single one of those seconds.

I pushed myself harder than usual on this Ragnar, and it was great fun.  I'm way sore today- my quads and calves are both shredded.  I'm so happy with how I was able to run, and I can't wait to do one of these crazy relays all over again!


 What are your personal Ragnar Commandments?

Socks are packed!!!

Wasatch Back, here we come!

Lately...

Not much blogging, but....

I did a three-a-day last Saturday- 3.1 in the AM, 4.5 in the noonish, and 6.7 in the evening.  The best part was that my mid-day run was this:

Dirty Dash with the husband and Piglet Plunge with the piglet.

I checked out Guardsman for the first time this year.  It was gorgeous and every bit as challenging as I remember.  I only ran a mile and a half up and gained 1,085 feet- for a road runner, that's a lot!  And I was able to keep a 10:52 pace.

We had a team 10K for my Ragnar team- Stoked on Socks.  Wasatch Back is 8 days away and I'm, well, STOKED.

On Monday I ran leg #27 of the Wasatch Back with Darcy.  She's runner #3 and this will be her final leg of the race.  It's a route I've wanted to run for a couple of years and it was fun to actually do it!

I also ran leg #28 with my sister, Cami, last weekend.  We NEVER get time to ourselves, so to run for over an hour and being able to talk uninterrupted was blissful.

Can you tell I'm excited for Wasatch Back?  I'm E.X.C.I.T.E.D.

What are you looking forward to these days?

How I ran a 3:29 Marathon

When I showed up to the expo with my friend Kalie before the Ogden Marathon, my stomach dropped.

There was no 3:30 pacer.  3:35- yes.  3:25- yes!  NO 3:30.

Considering the fact that I owed my last goal hitting marathon to the 3:40 pacers, I was devastated.  I had only run 1 other marathon, and I was nervous thinking that if I wanted to hit my 3:30 goal, that I would have to do it on. my. own.

I grabbed a 3:25 pace band just in case I decided I was feeling fast that day.

I *attempted* to eat healthy that day (and in the week leading up to the race).  I had a 12" turkey sub from Subway for lunch and a 6" turkey sub and banana for dinner.  Subway is the recipe for success, I tell you!

I kept debating about what shoes to wear for the marathon.  Nike Trainers?  New Balance Minimus?  I wore the minimus shoes for my last marathon, but I hadn't been training as much with them this time around.  Ultimately my husband made the decision for me and I set out my Nikes- best not to change what you practiced.

At about 10:30 PM is when I started panicking about the pacer all over again.  I just didn't feel like it was smart to try to do a 3:25 when I hadn't been training for it, so I madly created my own pace band using the splits that Billy created for me and finished at 11PM- just in time for Pepto and bed.

I slept okay- thanks to taking a melatonin- but woke at 3:15AM and just waited for my alarm at 3:45AM to get out of bed.  I've learned over the last 2 1/2 years that lack of sleep doesn't affect race performance.  I began my early morning race routine- bath, Pepto again, granola bar and banana for breakfast, lots of water, more than one prayer on my knees, and I was out the door.

I took a Gu with caffeine about 30 minutes before the race started.  Let's talk a bit about Gu- it's positively GAGGY.  However, it is the only thing I've found that doesn't give me GI issues during the run.  The trick is getting it down.  I've found that if I swallow it with a swig of water that I do better, but I'll be honest, every time I took one during the race I thought I wasn't going to get it down, and that that was going to be the one that finally made me puke.  I never did, but that feels like a miracle.  I hope to find something one day that is good on my stomach as well as easy to swallow.

I ran this race one mile at a time.  I looked at my pace band and did my best to match my mile pace to the pace that was listed.  I was completely focused on this- so focused that I didn't even see my family until I literally ran right into them.  It was so great for me to have a little goal to look at and wrap my head around for each mile.

I drank 1-2 cups of liquid at every water stop along the course.  If I was taking a Gu, then I took water, and if I wasn't then I chose Powerade.  I wanted to be sure I was well hydrated throughout, and I feel like I was.  I never felt thirsty.  I took a Gu at miles 5, 12, 18, and 22.  Gu was my only fuel for this race.

Here's the mile breakdown compared with Billy's splits:

My splits:                                   Pace Band:
1- 7:36                                        7:37
2- 7:48                                        8:22
3- 7:39                                        7:59
4- 7:41                                        7:59
5- 7:44                                        7:54
6- 7:43                                        7:46
7- 7:42                                        7:49
8- 7:48                                        7:51
9-8:03                                         8:08
10- 8:01                                      8:06
11- 8:13                                      8:08
12- 7:58                                      8:01
13-7:59                                       8:08
14- 7:54                                      7:54
15- 8:26                                      8:27
16- 7:57                                      8:08
17- 8:00                                      8:21
18- 7:34                                      8:07
19- 7:59                                      7:49
20- 8:22                                      8:36
21-7:56                                       7:56
22- 7:45                                      7:49
23- 7:22                                      7:43
24- 8:09                                      7:47
25- 8:13                                      8:01
26- 8:30                                      8:03
.4- 2:58                                       .16- 1:18

Garmin time:  26.39 miles, 3:29:00, 7:55 pace
Official time:  26.2 miles, 3:29:00, 7:59 pace

Sure wish I could figure out how to pace myself according to miles rather than using my Garmin.  Seems like the distance is always off in races, but I just don't know how to do it without my watch!  I still feel like I ran a marathon with a 7:55 pace.

Taking into account that this was only my second marathon ever and that I was able to pace myself to my goal of a sub 3:30 on my own, I am very proud of myself!  I love that I can say that I truly ran my own successful race.  It still amazes me!

I was so glad I didn't wear my Minimus shoes.  Last time my calves were cramping so bad during the last 12 miles and this time I didn't have any cramping at all!  I was able to walk around and even run the kids race with Annie that afternoon.  I felt fatigued, and had a bit of hamstring pain and IT Band pain that I had been fighting over the last couple of months, but nothing that I felt negatively affected my performance.

As I look back on race day, the only mistake I feel like I made was signing Annie up for the kids race.  I finished my marathon at 10:30, and Annie's race didn't start until 12:30.  I ended up getting really sick that afternoon and I think it was because I didn't get food- or enough water- in me fast enough; we didn't get lunch until 1:30 and by that time I was feeling SICK.  It's important to take care of yourself after you put such a huge demand on your body like this!

My biggest mistake in all of training was running 20 miles on a treadmill.  I never train on a treadmill and running on one for such a huge run screwed up my body.  I did that treadmill run almost 2 months ago, and I'm still fighting off the injuries from it.  I will never do that again.

I trained using the FIRST method from Run Less, Run Faster.  I missed an entire month of training within my training cycle, and I really believe that if I hadn't been following this program, I wouldn't have made it to the start line.  I'm a convert!  I would love to run more frequently than I do, but because I'm prone to injury, it's just not in the cards.  This program keeps me healthy AND helped me achieve my goal of a 3:30 marathon.

Running for the Drapers 5K

This Saturday, May 26th, is a community wide fundraiser for the Draper/Johnson/Finlayson families that have endured so much tragedy in the last few weeks.  At the Wasatch County Rec. Center there will be not only a 5k, but a raffle, silent auction, breakfast (included in race entry!), yard sale, and bake sale.

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, come up to the Heber Valley and help these families!

5K begins at 9AM- registration starts at 7AM for $20.  You can also register online HERE.

Raffle Tickets will be sold at the event for $10.00 a piece

 The Yard Sale begins at 7 AM with all proceeds going to the families.

I'm in charge of the Bake Sale- if you want something you better get there early before I buy it all! 

Donations will be accepted from 10AM to 7PM today at the Wasatch County Rec. Center- you may drop off your gently used items and bake sale goodies during these times.

I love this family!  Even though money will not take the pain away that they are experiencing, I know it will help lessen the financial burden that has been placed on them at this time.

If you can't make it, you can call the Utah Community Credit Union and make a donation for Brady and Angie Draper, or Kassidy Johnson's funds with a debit or credit card.  The number is 435-654-2464.

Thank you everyone for your love and support!

Birthday Girl

I only wanted one thing for my birthday- (well, besides a 3:29 marathon)- these babies!

I've been running in a pair of the New Balance Minimus 10 Road Shoe for a year now and I loooooove them.  Every time I slip them on my feet, I get really excited.  Just like Benny in The Sandlot, they make me run faster and jump higher.  I'm certain.  They help me immensely with my form- the fact that I've had them for A YEAR is evidence of that; normal trainers only last me about 4 months if I'm lucky.

The only problem I have with these is that I can't run the long distances (13.1 and above) without my calves starting to cramp.  It could be user error though because I typically only wear them for about 10 or so miles, and then I run a marathon in them.

If you are looking for some great minimalist shoes, I would check them out!

Ogden Marathon 2012

We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies-

Marathons are full of factors that are beyond your control- weather, injuries, sickness, sleep, cramping.  You train for months and when you toe the start line you have to stand there knowing that you did the best you could with what you were given.  At miles 6, 13, 20, 23, you are still evaluating hoping that your body will respond in the best way possible, and it's not until you reach the finish line that you realize and can even fully comprehend what you have accomplished.

I ran the Ogden Marathon one mile at a time; checking my splits, putting in the effort, and hoping for the best.  The only screen visible on my Garmin had my current mile pace, distance, and total average pace- I didn't know my total run time until this moment, and in that moment, I let every remaining piece of energy I had left escape.

This was, hands down, one of the most freeing moments of my life.

Know what propelled me across this finish line?  People.

I was surprised by multiple friends and family members across the course:

•  Darcy and her baby Andi at mile 8.
• Dallas, Will, Annie, Seth and Sierra at the half.
• Old High School friends and neighbors that were having their own race experience- Grant Keaton, Linda Callor, and Katie Storbo.
• My girls- Whitney and Erin at mile 17.
• My sweet friend Ashley- who started running at the same time as I did- at mile 23.
• Nothing pushes you across the finish like family waiting:  Cami, Ty, Lauren, Alex, Leslee, Clayton, and Kenny.

These people all mean something to me, and their support and encouragement kept me going.

I had several friends that were running this race, and thinking of them kept me working hard, too.  I wanted them to hit their goals!  With every step I ran, I knew that they would be passing those same points, hitting some of the same lows, and enjoying the grandeur of the valleys and the canyons that I was.  Ashley, Pam, Holly, Kristen, and my best friend Kalie (read her recap!  It's incredible)- you kept me pushing.  Thank you.

And YOU.  All of you "invisible friends"- your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement were felt on Saturday.

As I was running the course I thought so much of the bigger picture.  I had the thought that what if we could see those family and friends that are on the other side; what if we had a glimpse of them and could see how many loved ones are cheering us on without our knowledge- imagine the boost that would give us!  We could get through anything!  Although we can't see them, we can lean on our faith that we know they are there, and they are rooting for us.

I thought often of my friend Dustin whom we lost to overdose 5 years before- I dedicated this race to him.  I thought of his family and of the pain they have had to endure because of his absence.  I thought so much of my friend Angie.  My heart is still broken for her and the loss of her daughter Quincy.  How could I not endure the momentary pain of a marathon when there was so much other real suffering going on so close to me?

The last three miles of a marathon are so difficult- the fatigue really set in for me and I quit looking at my watch and I just focused on keeping my legs running.  I call these miles the prayer miles because I'm in a constant state of prayer by this point- it's 25 minutes of gratitude for the many blessings and opportunities that I'm given on a daily basis.  Running can be an intensely spiritual experience, and the Ogden Marathon was definitely that for me.  I am so very, very blessed.

The last half mile of the marathon I ran to the sides and just started giving high fives to everyone I could.  I needed their energy and enthusiasm!  I don't know if it was just a final kick, or a tail wind, or angels, but I felt my body speeding up even though I truly felt like I had nothing left to give.  It was a feeling I don't think I will ever forget.

At this race, and this moment in my life, all of those marathon variables lined up and I was able to achieve my goal- 3:29:00.  I still can't believe it.  When I got to the expo and realized that I was going to have to pace myself to a sub 3:30 on my own, I kind of panicked!  I didn't know if I could do it.  I don't have a lot of marathon experience, but thanks to some very smart splits on a pace band, smart running and fueling, prayer, and a belief in myself, I was able to achieve something that I would have thought impossible a year ago.  I beat every one of my splits but 4.  My fastest mile of the race, a 7:22 mile, was mile 23, and I beat my projected goal time by 58 seconds.

With hard work, people, and faith, you can do anything.

In case you were wondering...

This is what a 3:29:00 looks like!

Look for a full recap some time on Monday.

Onward to Ogden

"[Running] is what gets inside you. It's what lights you up, you can't deny that. It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard...is what makes it great."

-Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own

 

My thoughts have been all over the place this week.

I'm running a marathon this weekend.

To quote my 3 year old neighbor boy, "What the?!"

I feel calm.  I feel ready, and finally I feel excited!  Of course I have goals for myself, but the real thing for me is that I get to run this weekend.  After all the training, all the set backs- I made it to the start line, and I know I will make it to that finish.

May 19, 2007, we lost a very dear friend of ours.  Dustin Ryan Morris- one of my husband's very best friends- died from a drug overdose.  Losing Dustin was heartbreaking for all of us, and losing him the way we did just ripped us up.  Drugs became very real to us at that point.  The danger and the heartbreak they cause are not worth it. Drugs affect so much more than just the person who's taking them.

This Saturday, May 19, 2012, on the 5 year anniversary of his death, I will be running for Dustin.  For all of the things he missed.  I will be running to set an example for my kids about what a healthy addiction looks like; there are healthy outlets for stress, insecurity, and pain.

This one's for you Dusdee....

Happy:  Run a marthon

Happier:  BQ

Happiest:  Break under 3:30

Thank you to family, friends, and the best blogging community around for your support in getting me to the start line.  And thanks to Erin and Breona for the perfect quotes to sum up how I've been feeling.  Love to you all!

Coming to see me?  Look for me in a green Nike top, black shorts and black compression socks, and bright pink Nike shoes.  Looking to finish by 10:30 AM :)

Two Week RUNdown

Although I haven't posted much, I have been able to get workouts done.  My left leg is still not feeling 100%, but I have no doubt that I'll be able to complete Ogden this coming Saturday.  Just being able to say that feels like a miracle considering what this training cycle has been like!

Monday: Cycling, 6 miles in 45 minutes (8 mph).  I pulled both kids in the bike trailer for fun.  Breona ran beside me, so it was much more of a workout for her than it was for me, but I just couldn't bring myself to leave my kids behind :)

Tuesday:  5.06 miles at 9:29 pace.  After my really great long run the weekend before, I was pretty sore.  I thought I had essentially trashed my IT Band and wouldn't be able to run another step before the marathon.  Being able to get out and run so quickly was a blessing to me.

Wednesday:  Cycling, 12.4 miles in 45 min. (16.4 mph)

Thursday:  6.2 miles, 8:06 average pace.  I ran 3 tempo miles in this run with a goal of 7:14.  Splits were 7:19, 7:05, 7:08.  It felt good to run fast, but my leg was bugging me towards the end pretty bad.

Saturday:  13.12 miles at 7:56 pace.  This was my shortest long run that I had had in months!  It still felt pretty hard, and I was wincing on any downhill from the leg.

Tuesday:  5 miles at 8:59 pace.  I hadn't been taking care of myself while dealing with my friends' tragedy.  I got a terrible side ache, each step felt hard, and I nearly fainted during this run.  I was thankful for Jami who kept me from eating pavement.  It's important to eat and drink if you plan on running.

Wednesday:  5 miles at 8:50 average pace.  I went to Memorial Hill and ran 2 good tempo miles up hill and recovered very slowly on the way down so I didn't aggravate my knee and leg problems.  Tempo miles for the mile up hill were 8:02 and 7:49- with a total of 566 feet of gain in those 2 miles, it was a good workout.

Thursday:  Cycling, 12.6 miles in 45 minutes (16.8 mph)

Friday:  Cycling, 12 miles in 45 minutes (16 mph)

Saturday:  10 miles at 7:57 pace.  I ran this after the funerals of my three friends.  It was good to get out and just hit the road.  I felt like I was able to focus and able to deal with the grief.  I was reminded, yet again,of how running is the best kind of therapy for me.  This run was beautiful as I watched the sun set on a peaceful valley.

If you've been keeping track, you may have noticed that I was supposed to be running Red Rock Relay in Moab last Saturday.  Unfortunately I was unable to run because of the funerals.  Thankfully, Red Rock proved- once again- that they are the best and transferred our fees over so we could run the Zion race in September.  Most races won't ever do something so kind and we were so thankful that they were so kind and understanding to us!

Phew!!!  That was a lot of workout journaling!  The Ogden Marathon is only 5 short days away.  Amazing!  If you are going to run a marathon, then can I suggest to you to run 2?  This time has been so much less stress.  I haven't had any kind of nerves yet (although I'm sure even those will show up some time this week).  This training cycle I have missed nearly an entire MONTH of training, but I never panicked once!  One day at a time, one step at a time, and I'm trained and prepped for a PR race this Saturday.  I'm feeling very blessed and thankful for the opportunity.

I will write more about my goals in another post, but just know that I'm totally pumped for what is sure to be an awesome race!

Anyone racing Ogden?

Have you ever run a marathon?  Were your nerves significantly better the second time around?

There is HOPE

This past week has been so hard.  Last Sunday some friends of ours were in a terrible car accident.  Four people died, and it has left our entire community reeling with grief.  In the midst of a tragic loss, we have been able to see an outpouring of love for this family.  From meals, flowers, and small acts of service, to a giant fundraiser that will be taking place on May 26th, everyone is pulling together to do all we can to help lessen the burden that has been placed on this family.  It makes me grateful to live where I do.

My thoughts have continued to turn to our Savior this week.  Although we don't understand why tragic things like this have to happen, through Him we can be lifted, strengthened, and filled with love.  He understands our pain.  He has been there.  I know that in the midst of our darkest grief, there is light in Him.

Just this last month we celebrated Easter.  To have this tragic accident follow so closely after this holiday has been a tender mercy.  What Jesus Christ did for us- suffering for our sins and bearing our burdens and afflictions, His crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection- is fresh on our minds.  Sometimes when we are in the midst of all this fear and turmoil, we need to remember our Faith.  This life is only a short time.  Our friend's daughter that passed away in the accident may have only been on this Earth for 21 short months, but her life is much bigger than that.  I believe her parents will be able to hold her again.  I believe that they will be able to raise their daughter and experience all of the joys that this Earth life has to offer, plus many many others.

There is a plan for us.  I know this.  With every fiber of my being.

If you would like to read more about the accident, click here.

If you would like to open your heart to help this family, then you may call and make a donation at Utah Community Credit Union under Brady and Angie Draper's name at 435-654-2464.  There is also a fund set up for their niece Kassidy Johnson- the sole survivor in their family's car- at the same number.  Kassidy has suffered many serious injuries and is being treated at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake.  She has a very long road ahead for recovery, but they are optimistic, and Kassidy is a fighter like you've never seen.

There is a 5K/raffle/silent auction/yard sale/bake sale/breakfast fundraiser called Running for the Drapers and Johnson's 5K that will be taking place on Saturday, May 26th, at the Wasatch County Rec. Center.  Entry for the 5K is $20 and can be paid the same day.  They will begin registering runners at 7AM and the race begins at 9AM.  Your race entry will also include breakfast.

Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with the Draper, Johnson, and Finlayson families who were all so tragically affected in this accident.  I pray their lives are filled with peace and love.

Running Partner

I run with a lot of people.  I do run by myself, but I oftentimes coerce someone into going with me- even if it means changing my pace goals, distance goals, or route.  There's something about running with someone- you are instantly bonded.

Last year (and the year before) I ran nearly every step with my friend Darcy.  If you've been reading my blog for awhile, then you might remember her name.  We ran Top of Utah together, she pushed me through a very tough trail race, cheered me up Guardsman, and saw me through miles and miles of running therapy.

Last September, just weeks before Top of Utah marathon, she moved across the valley.  It wasn't far (seriously only about 8 miles away), but couple that with a foot injury and that means that I haven't run with Darcy at all this entire calendar year.  Proximity means a lot, I have learned.

I have missed her so.

Last night I joined her for 5 blissful miles.  After taking off nearly 7 months trying to heal her injury, she's finally back and starting all over again.  We ran in perfect weather up the hills at Soldier Hollow and back down.

No matter what my "goals" may be, I would much rather skip them and spend more time with people I care about.  After all, what's more important?  A PR or friendship?

Weekly RUNdown

This pretty much sums up my week.  I fought the fear clear up until my last long run on Friday evening- that's when I decided I wasn't going to be afraid anymore, and I was just going to DO IT.  Here's what the week looked like:

Monday:  ITBS Rehab routine and REAL cycling- like, outside on a mountain bike cycling.  11.18 miles in 45 minutes (14.9 mph).  This was totally harder than I thought it would be!  My bum was sore for the entire week.  I don't know how you cyclists deal with the bum soreness.

Wednesday:  ITBS Rehab routine and 6.06 miles, 8:16 pace.  Took it easy as I was dealing with IT pain after the first mile.  I was disappointed in how I felt.  I was really hoping that I would magically be healed... I wasn't.

Thursday:  ITBS Rehab routine

Friday:  3 hours, 22.18 miles, 8:06 pace.  My goal was to run for 3 hours- no matter how far that was.  I had read an article on Active that said, "There really is no physical or aerobic benefit to running beyond the three-hour point. You'll be doing more harm than good to your body."  Seeing as how I deal with the whole injury thing a lot (and am currently dealing with it again), I decided that 3 hours was what I would aim for- no matter the distance.  Last training cycle I ran 23 miles and it took me 3 hours and 27 minutes, and then my body fell apart afterwards.  I was hoping not to jinx myself by just pushing for a solid, successful 3 hours on the road- even if my total mileage was lower.

Although I don't typically do it, I decided that I would take Ibuprofen before the run.  I was advised by my physical therapist to just complete this run so I could have enough time to properly heal before the race (rather than wait to run it the next week and risk re-injuring myself anyway).  I knew it wouldn't be pain free, so mentally I just needed to get through it.

I felt so good.  SO. GOOD.  I felt like the first 15 miles were effortless.  Every time I looked at my watch I couldn't believe my pace.  I was running so consistent at between a 7:59-8:03 mile.  I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Mile 15.5 I stopped for my last water stop and when I went to run again my IT Band totally KILLED.  I was kind of skipping/limping trying to get my stride back for about a quarter of a mile, but then I went numb again and was able to run just fine.  I felt like I had to push a little bit after about 18.5 miles to make sure to keep my pace in the low 8's (my goal was to keep all of my miles under an 8:15 pace).  I did it!  So proud.

Got some serious foam roll action this weekend.  Probably clocked a total of 2 hours on the foam roll.

I walked into my house and texted a bunch of my best friends.  Talk about a runner's high.  When I saw Dallas I started to cry.  I honestly didn't think I would be able to do it.  There was so much going on mentally that I was not prepared at all for the run; ironically, the run was exactly what I needed.

Dallas went and picked me up a chicken sandwich at Wendy's at 11:30 Friday night and let me eat it in bed.  That's true love, my friends.

Mouth full?  Why yes, I think it is.

Saturday:  Cycling, 10.5 miles in 45 minutes (14 mph).  It felt so good to get on the bike and spin out my very sore legs.

Now that it's over, I feel like I can relax.

I feel confidant that I can break into the 3:20's with this marathon.  After dealing with IT Band issues a few times in the last year, it's nice that I actually know what I'm doing and how to fix it.  I'm going to see my PT a couple more times before the race to continue working out the kinks.

In less than 2 weeks I'm going to run Red Rock Moab Relay with a bunch of friends and family with ZERO pressure.  It's the perfect reward for all of my hard work this year.

Running is so awesome.  Even when it is really, really hard.

Quick tip:  I put diaper rash cream between my toes to cut down on blister problems and it worked like a charm!

Who's racing the Ogden Marathon?  Are you so relieved to have the last loooong run over with?

What do you feel like is the biggest hurdle in marathon training?

For me, it is without a doubt, the fear of injury.  After this training cycle I have learned A LOT about injury, my own body's limits, and smart(er) running.

Keep moving forward.

"Winners must have two things:  Definite goals and a burning desire to achieve them."  -Unknown

That was the quote that was hanging on the wall while my leg was shocked, stretched, poked and prodded today at the physical therapist.

I think I need to read this about 1,000,000 times a day to remind me not to give up.  I've made it this far in my training cycle; 4 months of injuries and issues and I haven't give up yet.  Why should I now?

PT hit some new painful spots in my hamstring and behind the knee as well as unlocking my hip (AGAIN).  I was told to complete my 22 mile run this weekend as planned so that I can properly taper for the race in 3.5 weeks.

Woah.

Is it really time to taper?  I feel like I haven't even been able to train yet.

The run today was... disappointing.  I experienced more pain and discomfort than I had hoped for, but I'll have one more treatment and another rest day under my belt before I tackle the last long run.  Let's hope it's not teeth-gritting.

Now for my internal debate-

Should I take Ibuprofen before the run?  Or not?  Would you?  Have you?

This was the song I was singing as I headed to the PT today.  This part of the lyrics was SO APPLICABLE :)

My body needs a hero.

Come and save me.

Something tells me you know how to save me.

I've been feeling weird.  Oh!

I need you to come and rescue me!

Words of Wisdom

After meeting with my chiropractor and my physical therapist last week, I thought I would share a few things they said that I thought were really interesting.  For me, they really rang true, but everyone is different- so take it with a grain of salt.  (Worth a grain of salt?  How does that saying actually go?)

They both asked when I felt my injury, and after telling them I ran 20 miles on a treadmill and then I could tell the next morning when I got up (I did the run right before bed), they both looked at me like- DUH!

My Chiropractor said that treadmills are dangerous because you are never setting your foot on solid ground.

I thought that was so interesting.  I've always felt like my form is really off (as opposed to just off) when I run on the treadmill, so this made complete sense to me.

PT thought I was a fool for running that far on the treadmill, and then he told me that when you are running, your feet should fall in a straight line.  For example, if you are running on the road where there is a painted line, both of your feet should be landing on that line.

Interesting!

And the last bit of wisdom for today- Cheeseburger Pizza is.... surprisingly good!  Don't knock it 'til you try it.

Weekly RUNdown

"Courage doesn't always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" -Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Rough week.  Not really what I was expecting, but I rolled with it.  I had a really fun run, a great run, a run that I quit, and the toughest run of my training thus far.  Mixed bag, eh?!  I'm grateful that I have been able to keep a positive attitude through the multitude of challenges I've had this training cycle, and I see no reason why that is going to change.

If anything, I've sure learned to roll with the punches this year.

Monday AM: Cycling- 13.4 miles in 45 minutes (17.9 mph)

Monday PM:  3.34 miles @ 9:48 pace/mile.  I ran with friends to encourage.  IT WAS SO FUN.  My favorite run of the week, by far!  There were 4 of us that just ran a hill by my house, and it was perfect in every way.

Tuesday:  10 miles @ 8:00 pace/mile.  This was my tempo run for the week.  It felt super tough and I was so, so, so grateful for my last cool down mile when it came.  I saw Mindy drive past right before I was done, and I'm telling you, if she would have pulled over I probably would have hopped in her car and asked her to take me home!

Wednesday: Yasso's x5- sets were 3:14, 3:11, 3:20, 3:16, 3:18.  I was supposed to do 10 sets, but by my second set I could feel my left IT Band really tightening, and by my 5th set I knew if I kept going then I was going to have real trouble on my hands.  I quit, jogged home, and rolled on my foam roller for 20 minutes.

Friday:  Cycling, 13.4 miles in 45 minutes (17.9 mph), ITBS Rehab Routine.  I also was able to get in to see my Physical Therapist.  Since I've dealt with this injury a lot, I knew that if I just got in early to get it taken care of, then I could get myself recovered and ready for Ogden with no problems.  So for an hour and a half he beat me up and left me with this souvenir:

The bruise is 9 inches long and follows my IT Band.  You think foam rolling is painful?  FOAM ROLL OVER THAT.

My PT gave me the go ahead for my planned 15 mile run on Saturday, so I did...

Saturday:  15 miles @8:15 pace/mile.  My leg ached when I wasn't running, so I knew I was probably in for it- but I was feeling positive!  I felt really great until I hit some slight downhill.  With IT, any sort of downhill really aggravates the injury.  I stopped and stretched a couple of times, and decided that instead of quitting at mile 7, that I would just slow the pace and zig zag the flat streets in front of my house.  I dropped Jami off at mile 10, and when I started running again it was so painful!!!  I decided to just go home, but then I kind of went numb again and told myself to finish.  I was glad I did, but it was hard to keep moving forward.  The only thing that got me through was a 5 mile prayer to my Father in Heaven.  Thankfully my IT Band didn't bother me much for the rest of the day- usually it's the other way around and doesn't hurt as much while running, but then it bothers me for days following.  I take this as a good sign because I was on my feet for nearly the entire day after my run (5:30 AM until I left work at 10:30 PM)- coaching soccer, walking around Salt Lake, cheering on runners, and then waiting tables at night.

Today I'm feeling really good.  I will definitely be seeing my PT again this week for another treatment, and hoping to still run 20-22 miles on Friday at my planned 8:15/mile pace.  I'm not worried about the injury because I know it will heal quickly and I will be able to run the marathon.  Experience matters sometimes!  I'm glad I've been through this before so I know I don't need to freak out.

The highlight of the weekend was watching my son score his very first soccer goal, and seeing my sister-in-law Leslee complete her first marathon!

I've also been holding out on you...  I've spent a few more dollars on running over the last month that I haven't added to my total.  Quite frankly, I'm shocked at how much I'm spending!  I have even been holding myself back (although my husband would never believe that).

2 new Nike running shirts: $47.85 (one of these is my shirt that I'm saving for Ogden!)
Nike Running shoes:  $63.95 (I ran across these Nike's at TJ Maxx for a screaming deal and am saving them for when my other shoes need to be retired- they are a $110 pair of shoes!)
Chiropractor- $40
Physical Therapist- $50

RUNNING total: $819.68

Kill. Me. Now.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

How much do you think you've spent on running this year?

Shut up!!!!

I hit 100 followers!!!!!!!!  That's nice of you to read my blog :).  Thanks to all of you for cheering me on, giving me advice, and being the best readers anyone could ask for.  I may have to do something to say thanks...

I was just checking in to tell y'all why you should blog; you should blog because you meet awesome people that will do stuff like this for you:

Isn't that so pretty?

Billy Jacobs, you are my hero.

Confession

The Titanic is probably one of my favorite movies of all time.  I want to see the movie in 3D... but the nude scene just keeps me from going.  Not sure I could handle that in 3D.

Every race I hope that the distance will be short.  For example, when running a marathon, I hope and hope and hope that my Garmin will read 26.02 when I cross the finish line.

I can't get hold of the sugar problem.  I quit my New Year's Resolution to only have one treat/day.  Of course.  I blame the failure on the Cool Mint Oreos.  They stole my soul.

I got a new job!  I'm serving at a restaurant in town and the other day I waited on a producer that is filming a movie.  They have been shooting all over town over the last few weeks.  I wished he said, "Hey!  You're fun!  Come star in this movie I'm producing!"

Same lines- I still dream about standing alone on stage and belting out a high C.  I've never felt it before, but I know- KNOW- that that would be one of the most incredible feelings in the world.

I loathe strength training.  Why do I hate it so bad?  Could it be because I love my couch so much?

I updated my candy drawer.

Bless those post-holiday close outs.

I'm always scared to run my next run after my long run.  (Did that even make any sense?)  Injury has made me a pansy.

Sometimes I lay in my bed reading for over an hour after my kids wake up.  They'll be watching cartoons, filling pots up with water to play with bath toys, and eating their weight in clementines all while I'm wishing I could hit the snooze button on my children.  Mother of the year?  Definitely.

This isn't so much a confession as it is a realization- I finally figured out why it has been so hard to fit blogging in!  We unfortunately said "Goodbye!" to nap time months ago, and that is when I used to blog.  Nap time, oh how I miss you...

Your turn.  Spill it.

Weekly RUNdown

Last week I took a day off.  I was feeling kind of beat down after a tough week the week before, and I'm so glad I did!  My IT Band on my left side was a bit tight after my 20 miler, and again after my tempo run, but not painful... yet.  I saw my chiropractor today to make sure everything was in line- which it wasn't- but I'm sure feeling fluid now!  I'm excited for a week of hard (and fun!) training.

Monday:  Cycling- 12.4 miles in 45 minutes (16.5 mph)
Wednesday:  20 miles @ 8:45 pace on the treadmill.  It was ugly.
Friday:  30 minutes on the elliptical.
Saturday:  6 mile tempo run.  1.5 miles at 8:34 pace, 4 miles at 7:11 pace, and .5 mile at 8:34 pace.  Unbelievably, I did this on the treadmill.  What was the deal with last week?!  I will admit that the treadmill was pretty nice for a tempo run because it was easy to keep the pace... obviously.

Like most of you, my thoughts have been filled with Boston today.

• At the chiropractor I was waiting for text updates on Rachelle.

• I was at the grocery store and I was thinking about what I would be eating if I had run the marathon this morning.

• I painted a bed for Annie and I was thinking about what it would be like to hang a Boston medal on my mirror.

I was so close to being there.  I thought that today I would feel sad because I was missing out, but instead, I have felt so happy.

I feel the fire again.

I know I have the ability to qualify for the Boston Marathon again, and I know that one day I will run in the sea of Boston Marathoners with the biggest smile on my face.

It's good to have something to continue to work for.

What is your ultimate running goal?

Tready Twenty

Remember how I hate treadmills?

I HATE THE TREADMILL.

On Wednesday I ran 20 miles on a treadmill.  There was no other way.  Hail, strong winds, rain, lightning, and lack of time forced me to face my nemesis.  Before that day, the most I had run on a treadmill was 7 miles, and that was over a year ago.

I felt really good.... for 8 miles.  Maybe less?  Shoot.  It really doesn't matter how I felt- 20 miles- DONE.  I made that treadmill my B.

I wore my Garmin to make sure I could accurately track time- which is good because the treadmill shut off after 99:59...  luckily it didn't restart the mileage.  I kept my watch going no matter what-

...through 3 bathroom breaks.

...removing shoes to apply Boudelair's Butt Paste in between my toes.

...water and GU stops.

Even with all of those breaks, I ran the 20 miles in 2:55:09- an 8:45 pace.  I kept the TM between a 7.1 and a 9.0 for the duration of the run.  My last 3 miles were my fastest.

I'm not going to lie.  This was SO HARD.  I don't ever want to run on a treadmill again.  BUT, I feel so much stronger mentally.  This felt harder mentally than my marathon was- after all, this was just a training run.  No medal.  No finish line.  No tear-filled hugs from the family.

Everyone comes across those really tough runs at some point in their training cycle.  The important part is that you push through them and check them off the list.  I feel like it's these runs that provide the most growth.  The only thing that got me through this was determination.

And to quote Dolvett- Hard work.  Dedication.  Dedication.  Hard work.

I still have one more 20 mile run before my marathon in 5 weeks, but I feel ready because NOTHING could be worse than 20 miles on a treadmill.  Nothing.

I could smile because it was over!

BEST. CHEERLEADERS. EVER.

Katie and Breona got me through the toughest miles (14-20) and witnessed me at my weakest running moments.  I would most assuredly be dead on that treadmill if they didn't show up.

Weekly RUNdown

What a great week!  I was all by myself this week and was in the mood to run really hard.  It was great, and although I probably pushed myself a little harder than I should have (especially on my hill run), I don't regret it.  I may take it a little easier this week to make sure I can recover properly.

Monday:  Yasso's, 8 sets: 3:15, 3:12, 3:14, 3:13, 3:15, 3:16, 3:14, 3:16.  My goal was 3:17.  I was really happy that I was able to run so consistently, especially towards the end.  I was running out of time and had to cut my recovery time in half, so just being able to hit my goal was exciting. 7.09 total miles.


Tuesday:  Cycling- 11.2 miles in 45 minutes (14.9 mph).

Wednesday:  10 miles, hills 742 foot gain, 8:00/mile pace.  This run was hard, but it made me really, really happy.

Friday:  Cycling- 11 miles in 45 minutes (14.7 mph).

Saturday:  15 miles, 8:08/mile pace.  I ran in the afternoon in the glorious sunshine and it was A-MAZING.  I came home covered in salt streaks, sunburned, and with a smile on my face.  I ran alone and it was nice to be able to run at my own comfortable pace (and to see what my comfortable pace for a long run by myself is!)  This gave me the confidence that I needed- maybe a 3:30 marathon isn't as much of a pipe dream as I thought.

This was such a fun week of training for me.  It feels so great to push yourself hard and see what you are capable of sometimes.  If only every week could be like this!

As a result of some hard runs, my left shin is feeling really tender.  It didn't bother me at all while running, but it's pretty tender to the touch.  I have figured out how to foam roll my shins in a super awkward position, so I'm doing that a couple of times a day, icing, and wearing my compression socks.  I'm pretty positive that it's going to be just fine.

My positive attitude may have been influenced by lots and lots of Easter candy, triple date with the husband and some friends, and the cutest kids around.  And the sun.  The sun helps the attitude A LOT.

What little thing helps lift your spirits?

Run My Guts Out

I just walked in the door from one of the hardest runs I have had in a long time.  I feel like I fought through everything that I could have on a run.

Heat.
Fatigue.
Hills.
Thirst.
Side ache.
Chunky burps.
And...  that which must not be named.

But you know what?  I didn't quit.  I pushed and pushed and pushed.  No matter how I was feeling, I knew I had the ability to keep going- no matter what was pressing my buttons at the moment. 

I was reading- on a blog that has nothing to do with running- about potential.  She said that if you don't give 100%, then how do you know what your potential is?  We can always reach higher than we think we can, go further than we think we can, and run faster than we think we can.

We just have to keep trying.

I'm at the point that I don't know where this blog is going any more.  I love it, but there are so many other things that are pulling my attention, and this is the thing that falls by the way side.  So even if I'm not posting regularly, then you must know that sometime, somewhere, at some random hour of the day, I'm out there- running my guts out.

I hope you are too.

10 miles.

742 foot gain.

7:59 pace.

Weekly RUNdown

FINALLY feeling 100%.  I'm so, so, SO happy to start out April feeling strong and ready for some really hard training to prepare for the Ogden Marathon.  With only about 6 weeks until race day, I can say for the first time this year that I am looking forward to running another marathon.  Phew!  Glad that feeling is back.

Monday:  Cycling- 13.5 miles in 45 minutes (18 mph)

Tuesday AM:  6.5 miles hills, 8:14 pace, 330 feet in gain.  FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS I BEAT JAMI UP THE BIG HILL!!!  It was only by about a step, and I probably beat her because she felt bad for me, but I will take it.  I'm so glad I can finally keep up with her.  Gotta get my hill strength back.  We ran up the hills at a faster pace than we ran the flats and downs- I don't know what had gotten into us that morning.

Tuesday PM:  ITBS/Shin Rehab Routine

Wednesday: Cycling- 12.4 miles, 45 minutes (16.5 mph)

Thursday:  7.4 miles, 7:50 pace.  I was sore from Tuesday's workout and I got up before I ran and foam rolled for a good 30 minutes.  It was much needed.  I haven't felt so sore in a long, long time.  I ran Ali's Spatula Virtual Race as part of this run, and I was stoked to find out on Sunday that I won a box of GU!

Friday:  20.3 miles, 8:51 pace.  We started running at about 10 PM and finished just before 1 AM.  Mindy ran the first 10 miles with Kristen and me. 

We decided to run to the top of Memorial Hill in Midway.  It was clear, gorgeous, and perfect running weather!  Memorial Hill is a memorial for the veterans from the valley that have served in many of the past (and present) wars.  My brother-in-law Jake served in Afghanistan in the War Against Terror.  We are proud of him and his sacrifice for our Country.

 We felt a little crazed at this point.... which is funny because this was taken BEFORE we started getting freaked out by all of the weird teenaged boys that started popping up out of nowhere.

I felt really good during the run.  It was nice to take it at a slower pace and to have someone to push- and to help push me- for the duration of the run.  Kristen- aka ROCKSTAR- ran 22 miles that night after she finished a 15 hour shift as a nurse during the day.  Seriously.

The best part about the run on Friday night was sleeping in on Saturday and stepping out of my bed to zero foot pain!!!!!!  Yeah!!!!!

Have you ever completed a long run at night?  Did you like it?  How did you feel compared to running in the morning?

My body felt really good running at night.  I fight stomach problems in the AM, so it was nice to not be plagued with that.  However, running at night meant I was already tired from an entire day of being a mom and a wife.  I'm sure I will end up doing it again this training cycle.