Mu-ah-ah-ahhh! That was my attempt at a really spooky laugh. ;-)
Anyways, today is Friday, October 30th. Do you know what this means???? Halloween is tomorrow!!!!! What does Halloween bring (other than candy we shouldn't be eating)?? A very insanely COLD half marathon in Provo, UT. It has been so cold this week, but apparently it is supposed to warm up tomorrow. That's great and all for the actual valley floor.. but for us insane people running in costumes in the canyon along a river- it doesn't matter how much it's going to warm up. It's going to be FREEZING! There is no way around it and denial will just make you colder.
I'm not going to lie, I am really nervous for tomorrow. Not just because it's going to be cold, but because my mileage this last week has been really skimpy. My last real long run was on the 17th because I had a 5k this last Saturday. I'm just neverous that I am going to fall flat on my face and just seriously drag myself after mile 7. That's what happened last time. After mile 8- I just wanted to eat dirt and go home haha... I know that sounds weird- but I was dying! It was my own fault- I kicked up my pace WAY too early like I was running a 10k. I have been praying that I won't make the same mistake again. It'll be hard not to on this course though. The first 5 miles are down hill. This down hill isn't your run-of-the-mill down hill... it's STEEP! Steep like- make sure to waste a whole stick of 'Body Glide' on your feet to try and prevent blisters. Yeah, it's that good.
Anyways, so those are my thoughts for tomorrow. Stay tuned... I'll be posting pictures of my entire outfit later this evening! I know, you're all dying to see it ;-)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
BYU Cougar 5k Run
Today was awesome! Jon and I got up and got ready and headed over to the BYU track to pick up my race bib and shirt. Then- we headed over to the ESPN College Game Day set up. That was pretty cool- other than I'm too short to see anything haha... Lots of flags and signs, cheering, booing.... everything you'd expect :-) It's homecoming week and BYU is playing TCU today.. actually they're playing now... and BYU isn't doing so hot at the moment.. anyways! After a while we headed back to the track and we caught a few of the kid races- so cute! I hope my kids will want to do stuff like that some day.
The 5k race started at 9:45am and we ran the parade route. I was a little nervous but I warmed up for about 15 minutes and was ready to go. I felt pretty confident :-) I know it's kind've boring when someone just gives a play-by-play of a race... so I'll spare you from most of it.
University Parkway went well- nice long hill. Although, I got stuck in a pack of like 10 people who kept slowing down and when I tried to pass one of them, they sped up. Sounds like driving, huh? It's just like, really??? Either run faster or just let me pass you- I just need like a few feet! Then the down hill- 900 East was great! Passed a lot of people up. Only downside of the down hill... because today was the homecoming game different places around Provo were serving a Blue Pancake Breakfast and I passed up like 2 and even though it smelled great- it's nothing something you want to smell when you're running. Gross.
Anyways, during the last mile I got a cramp in my shoulder so that slowed me down a little. When I finally entered the track to finish there was a small group of people who were running together and they were being kind've ridiculous. For example, one genius decided he was going to jump a hurdle because it just happened to be on the side of the track and he almost didn't clear it. Honestly. Just run! Maybe I'm a party pooper... but you're less than a lap away from the finish... just run!!
I finished strong and was really happy with my time. I finished in 27:07. For those of you who don't know- this is a pretty big deal for me. I haven't seen numbers like that since WAY before I had foot surgery. It's definitely not my PR of all time- but post surgery- it is a PR for me. :-) I'm really happy with this race and want to know the best part about it? Last year, I ran this race in 33:10. I shaved off SIX minutes! Wahoo! Here is another piece of fact for your enjoyment. In 2004 I ran this race in just under 25 minutes. I know I still have some work to do- but for now- I am happy :-)
One week until the Halloween Half!!
The 5k race started at 9:45am and we ran the parade route. I was a little nervous but I warmed up for about 15 minutes and was ready to go. I felt pretty confident :-) I know it's kind've boring when someone just gives a play-by-play of a race... so I'll spare you from most of it.
University Parkway went well- nice long hill. Although, I got stuck in a pack of like 10 people who kept slowing down and when I tried to pass one of them, they sped up. Sounds like driving, huh? It's just like, really??? Either run faster or just let me pass you- I just need like a few feet! Then the down hill- 900 East was great! Passed a lot of people up. Only downside of the down hill... because today was the homecoming game different places around Provo were serving a Blue Pancake Breakfast and I passed up like 2 and even though it smelled great- it's nothing something you want to smell when you're running. Gross.
Anyways, during the last mile I got a cramp in my shoulder so that slowed me down a little. When I finally entered the track to finish there was a small group of people who were running together and they were being kind've ridiculous. For example, one genius decided he was going to jump a hurdle because it just happened to be on the side of the track and he almost didn't clear it. Honestly. Just run! Maybe I'm a party pooper... but you're less than a lap away from the finish... just run!!
I finished strong and was really happy with my time. I finished in 27:07. For those of you who don't know- this is a pretty big deal for me. I haven't seen numbers like that since WAY before I had foot surgery. It's definitely not my PR of all time- but post surgery- it is a PR for me. :-) I'm really happy with this race and want to know the best part about it? Last year, I ran this race in 33:10. I shaved off SIX minutes! Wahoo! Here is another piece of fact for your enjoyment. In 2004 I ran this race in just under 25 minutes. I know I still have some work to do- but for now- I am happy :-)
One week until the Halloween Half!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Long overdue
My husband is the sweetest. He really supports my running (even though he thinks anyone who runs for fun is crazy) and helps motivate me. I mean seriously... he goes to all of my races and waits for me to finish. If that's not love... I'm not sure what is ;-)
Anyways, before I ran my first 1/2 marathon in September- he was apparently going to every athletic store in Utah County to try and find a "13.1" car decal so he could give it to me at the end of the race as a gift. He spilled the beans the night before the race because out of all the stores he went to- no one had any in stock and he was really bummed. How sweet is he for at least trying? I had NO clue that he was driving all around the state just to find a silly decal. In the end, Runner's Corner in Orem, UT put him on their call list for when they got the decals in.
A few weeks ago, they called him and told him that the decals were in and he could come get it any time. I never even asked for the decal but I think it's so cute that he really wanted me to have one :-) Yesterday afternoon we finally put it on my window. One of my co-workers asked me about it today and was like "What's the 13.1 all about?" I had to explain it to him and he looked at me like I was crazy. Well, maybe I am :-) But, that's another topic for another day. Anyways, here it is! My decal from the hubster.
PS: 11 days until the Halloween Half Marathon and 18 days until the Snow Canyon 1/2 marathon!!!
Anyways, before I ran my first 1/2 marathon in September- he was apparently going to every athletic store in Utah County to try and find a "13.1" car decal so he could give it to me at the end of the race as a gift. He spilled the beans the night before the race because out of all the stores he went to- no one had any in stock and he was really bummed. How sweet is he for at least trying? I had NO clue that he was driving all around the state just to find a silly decal. In the end, Runner's Corner in Orem, UT put him on their call list for when they got the decals in.
A few weeks ago, they called him and told him that the decals were in and he could come get it any time. I never even asked for the decal but I think it's so cute that he really wanted me to have one :-) Yesterday afternoon we finally put it on my window. One of my co-workers asked me about it today and was like "What's the 13.1 all about?" I had to explain it to him and he looked at me like I was crazy. Well, maybe I am :-) But, that's another topic for another day. Anyways, here it is! My decal from the hubster.
PS: 11 days until the Halloween Half Marathon and 18 days until the Snow Canyon 1/2 marathon!!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Halloween Teaser
15 days until the Provo Halloween Half Marathon. This event is going to be so awesome! I am really looking forward to it. It's going to be uber cold because we're running in the canyon and along the Provo River! Is this giving anyone else chills??? No but really, this is going to be really fun. Jon has volunteered to hand out race packets the day before the race- so nice of him :-) Well... maybe i asked him to do it... but he totally could've said no. We do get free stuff if he does it :-) free shirt for him and running cap for me! See? It's worth it! Anyways, if you're in the area and are running the mileage to do a half- you should really do this half marathon. They're having a raffle at the race, free shirt, and finisher medals for everyone- awesome! I'd tell you what my costume is... but then i'd have to... nevermind. So, here is the teaser. I'm showing you part of my costume... a very close up picture of the costume. Enjoy!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Long Saturday Run
This last Saturday I decided to do 12 miles. I realize that some of your mouths are dropping and ready to accuse me of being crazy. Maybe I am- I haven't been tested for that yet ;-) It was really enjoyable though. I did have a lot of highs and lows throughout the run, but overall- it was great.
One thing that I really need to stop caring about is how fast/slow I go. I recently joined dailymile and I have fun looking at the "leader board". This keeps track of who is running the furthest. You want to see crazy people- head on over and look at it!! Jon and I have fun looking at the distances some people do and they say something like "this was a shorter run for me" and it was like 9-10miles! The only downside of looking at this is that I get caught up in people's paces. There was a girl who did a long run (14-16miles) and she maintained a pace of under 8 minutes! I just can't fathom how!! I am struggling to make sure I stay under 10min miles on my long runs. In shorter races I can do under 9min miles... but honestly, I couldn't do that for over 6miles.
This long run I did- I ran it slower than I ran my first half marathon and I am hoping that this isn't a sign of what is to come for my next 2 halves! Yikes. What I really enjoyed about this run was that I was able to listen to a book on my Zune. My husband was nice enough to help me get the book on the Zune and compiling all the tracks by chapter. He got a program that can do that- it's pretty cool! Anyways, it kept my brain focused on the story and not on the run- if that makes sense? It was really enjoyable!
Anyways, here is the run :-)
One thing that I really need to stop caring about is how fast/slow I go. I recently joined dailymile and I have fun looking at the "leader board". This keeps track of who is running the furthest. You want to see crazy people- head on over and look at it!! Jon and I have fun looking at the distances some people do and they say something like "this was a shorter run for me" and it was like 9-10miles! The only downside of looking at this is that I get caught up in people's paces. There was a girl who did a long run (14-16miles) and she maintained a pace of under 8 minutes! I just can't fathom how!! I am struggling to make sure I stay under 10min miles on my long runs. In shorter races I can do under 9min miles... but honestly, I couldn't do that for over 6miles.
This long run I did- I ran it slower than I ran my first half marathon and I am hoping that this isn't a sign of what is to come for my next 2 halves! Yikes. What I really enjoyed about this run was that I was able to listen to a book on my Zune. My husband was nice enough to help me get the book on the Zune and compiling all the tracks by chapter. He got a program that can do that- it's pretty cool! Anyways, it kept my brain focused on the story and not on the run- if that makes sense? It was really enjoyable!
Anyways, here is the run :-)
Monday, October 5, 2009
So. Cold.
This evening after work I decided to do a 5+mile run. I put on my "knickers", long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt and colorful gloves. I figured that would get me through. I wasn't completely wrong... but by the time I was 3 blocks away from being done and home- I was so stinking cold!! I'm not sure what else I really could have worn... earmuffs? I really need to invest in a "running jacket". Like a REAL running jacket. Not a hoodie or a thin zip up jacket. I've been meaning to buy one... but I was planning on not really needing it until Halloween/early November. I honestly thought I would have more time to prepare for the cold and to buy items that I've either gotten rid of or have just gotten really old. The last time I was seriously running in the cold was the winter before I had foot surgery. That was 4 years ago! Hah, that makes me sound like a serious slacker when I admit to how long ago that was!
I'm still cold though- even after the run. Jon always asks me why my body doesn't produce heat. ever. Poor blood circulation? I don't really know. Oh well- time to sit back and drink my first cup of hot chocolate of the season :-) That'll warm me up!
Before I post the run- I'd like to announce that I have officially signed up to run the 2010 Salt Lake City Marathon this April. I am really nervous about it. I have my two half marathons coming up in the next month- we'll see how I feel :-) Oh and last thing- my costume for the Halloween Half Marathon will be revealed soon! Get ready!
I'm still cold though- even after the run. Jon always asks me why my body doesn't produce heat. ever. Poor blood circulation? I don't really know. Oh well- time to sit back and drink my first cup of hot chocolate of the season :-) That'll warm me up!
Before I post the run- I'd like to announce that I have officially signed up to run the 2010 Salt Lake City Marathon this April. I am really nervous about it. I have my two half marathons coming up in the next month- we'll see how I feel :-) Oh and last thing- my costume for the Halloween Half Marathon will be revealed soon! Get ready!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
20 lbs down!!!
As most of you know, last March I put my foot down and decided I needed to do something about my weight gain from the past 3 years. I decided to stop talking about it and really do something about it. I had to throw out all the excuses and the "I'll do better tomorrow" phrase.
It was all worth it though. I have now lost a total of 20lbs from since I started counting. I did it in six months and I'm happy with that. It wasn't easy by any means, but I am glad that I have had Jon's support. I couldn't have done it without him.
If you're trying to lose weight and just feel like you're too busy or have no time to really commit to that- I think that's a bunch of bologna. I've heard tons of people say they work full time or have kids and just can't make time. You can always make time. Even if it's just 15 minutes- do something! You'll be so much happier that you did. Foot surgery is what really stopped me in my tracks 3 years ago and ended a lot of my running. My doctor told me I might never be able to run the mileage like I was ever again. Little by little though, I have overcome that and I have proved to myself that if you put your mind to it and have a support group- you can do anything.
I have to put a shout out to those who really inspired me. First, my oldest sister, Shannon (15 years older than me). She worked her fanny off and went from never ever exercising to going at it for 1-2 hours a day and she looks fantastic. She would call me and tell me how she was throwing away all of her "fat clothes" and had to buy new clothes- I won't lie.. but I was jealous at the time haha.. I wanted to buy new clothes!! She ran a 5k w/ me this last May and she beat me!! I think that in itself says a TON!!
Second, my mother-in-law, Anne. I always thought she looked great- but this last year she lost 20+lbs by changing small things and adding in cardio and weights and sticking to a tough regimen. I hope that I look like her when I'm her age! My father-in-law, Clyde looks fantastic too! I'm really proud of all their hard work and they really inspired me to get back at it.
I'm still not done though- I have 9lbs left to go. I am hoping I can do it by Christmas! Heh, and for your amusement- I took a picture of my progress on Wii Fit for the last year. I would get on it whenever I lost more weight on our home scale. Don't mind the "goal of 117.5". That's not my final goal- but it's my next goal that I'm aiming for :-) Also, for those of you who know- when you do the "body test" and it looks at your BMI and your weight and then it tells you "that's overweight" or "that's normal". Well, I'm happy to say that it no longer tells me that I'm overweight! My Mii does a dance and gives me the thumbs up :-) Awesome.
PS: I'll try to find some before and after pictures good enough to post.. hehe. I never thought of taking a before picture... I'm sure I can find something though!
It was all worth it though. I have now lost a total of 20lbs from since I started counting. I did it in six months and I'm happy with that. It wasn't easy by any means, but I am glad that I have had Jon's support. I couldn't have done it without him.
If you're trying to lose weight and just feel like you're too busy or have no time to really commit to that- I think that's a bunch of bologna. I've heard tons of people say they work full time or have kids and just can't make time. You can always make time. Even if it's just 15 minutes- do something! You'll be so much happier that you did. Foot surgery is what really stopped me in my tracks 3 years ago and ended a lot of my running. My doctor told me I might never be able to run the mileage like I was ever again. Little by little though, I have overcome that and I have proved to myself that if you put your mind to it and have a support group- you can do anything.
I have to put a shout out to those who really inspired me. First, my oldest sister, Shannon (15 years older than me). She worked her fanny off and went from never ever exercising to going at it for 1-2 hours a day and she looks fantastic. She would call me and tell me how she was throwing away all of her "fat clothes" and had to buy new clothes- I won't lie.. but I was jealous at the time haha.. I wanted to buy new clothes!! She ran a 5k w/ me this last May and she beat me!! I think that in itself says a TON!!
Second, my mother-in-law, Anne. I always thought she looked great- but this last year she lost 20+lbs by changing small things and adding in cardio and weights and sticking to a tough regimen. I hope that I look like her when I'm her age! My father-in-law, Clyde looks fantastic too! I'm really proud of all their hard work and they really inspired me to get back at it.
I'm still not done though- I have 9lbs left to go. I am hoping I can do it by Christmas! Heh, and for your amusement- I took a picture of my progress on Wii Fit for the last year. I would get on it whenever I lost more weight on our home scale. Don't mind the "goal of 117.5". That's not my final goal- but it's my next goal that I'm aiming for :-) Also, for those of you who know- when you do the "body test" and it looks at your BMI and your weight and then it tells you "that's overweight" or "that's normal". Well, I'm happy to say that it no longer tells me that I'm overweight! My Mii does a dance and gives me the thumbs up :-) Awesome.
PS: I'll try to find some before and after pictures good enough to post.. hehe. I never thought of taking a before picture... I'm sure I can find something though!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)