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?