Happy February! I promise that I didn't disappear :-) I am alive and well (and let's not forget running!). Training has been going alright lately. I'm kind've in the "dumps" if you will. It seems like every Saturday when I can run outside it's either snowing or something "drastic" happens (i.e. bathroom issues...). Or I just have low motivation and I kind've make it out to be something dramatic. I really need to work on that.
Speaking of Saturday runs... I have some really exciting news about this upcoming Saturday!! Okay, I may be an awful wife... but I love my husband to pieces. I found out about a run this Saturday that is put on by the "26.2 Running Company". It's called "Fortune 5k". It starts at 5pm and it's to celebrate the Chinese New Year... basically it's just an excuse to have a race. Anyways, there will be Chinese lanterns that line the course and there are prizes AND Chinese food. Who would want to eat that after a race?? Although, I do know one person... So can you guess who is running that 5k this Saturday?
me AND JON!!!
Here is the bad wife part... I told him about it and he did the nod of "i'm not really interested but sounds fun for you crazy runners". Then I asked if he would run it with me and I got a smirk... maybe I took that as a "sure!" because I signed him up! We're not doing it for time or whatever.. although the "fastest couple" does win a prize!! Okay, let's be really honest. That won't happen. I can always dream right?
This last Saturday he ran 2 miles with me before I went off on my longer run and I was in true bliss! I enjoyed the entire thing and I didn't care how slow we were going. If anything, you can stamp that with a Valentine heart and call that my Valentine gift :-)
If you are in the Provo area you should really sign up for this 5k. I think it's kind've funny and I am really excited to run it! It's only $12 and then it goes up to $15 on race day. Here is the link:
Fortune 5k
Happy running!
ps: embarrassing run post with pictures to come soon! Aren't you just at the edge of your seat??
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Just thought you'd like to know...
81 days until the Salt Lake City Marathon!! Isn't that crazy? It feels like I have been training and waiting for forever! It sounds like it's far away- but time is going to go by really fast here on out!
I've been starting to look at races that I could do in Texas. The San Antonio marathon is in November and then the Houston Marathon is in January... so many choices!! Then there are a TON of half marathons! There are also a lot of running groups in Houston that I could join to meet new people. I think they meet like once or twice a week.
Can you tell I am getting anxious to get out to TX? It could be partially because we are so far into winter right now we can't see an end to it yet! I am itching to run outside in the daylight! Thankfully- I'll be able to run outside pretty much all year round outside in TX! Granted, it does get a little chilly in the winter- but it's nothing like UT or NH! Snow free sidewalks! That's like a dream come true! :-)
I've been starting to look at races that I could do in Texas. The San Antonio marathon is in November and then the Houston Marathon is in January... so many choices!! Then there are a TON of half marathons! There are also a lot of running groups in Houston that I could join to meet new people. I think they meet like once or twice a week.
Can you tell I am getting anxious to get out to TX? It could be partially because we are so far into winter right now we can't see an end to it yet! I am itching to run outside in the daylight! Thankfully- I'll be able to run outside pretty much all year round outside in TX! Granted, it does get a little chilly in the winter- but it's nothing like UT or NH! Snow free sidewalks! That's like a dream come true! :-)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I hate treadmills
You either dread them or you love them. Treadmills have always been "dreadmills" to me. I hate the monotony of them. Where is the adventure in just "running in place"? I really only run on them only if I absolutely HAVE to. I've been known to refer to them as a "hamster wheel" because really... isn't that what it is?? Isn't it just a machine for people who don't run very often?
Wrong.
I had an experience in the last week that has been slowly helping me change my attitude towards those awful (I did say slowly) hamster-wheels. Jon and I had been planning a surprise trip out to New Hampshire to visit my family for the last month and we were leaving on a Saturday. Problem? Saturday's are my days that I do long runs and I don't run on Sundays and if I waited until Monday- that would just throw me off pretty bad. Solution? Take Thursday off for the most part and run my long run (18 miles) on Friday before work. This sounded great. I'm not a morning person, but I will run if I have to :-)
I got all of my gear laid out on Thursday night and then I checked the weather. Earlier that day it said that it was going to be around 12 degrees at 6am, so I figured I'd be alright. As I checked it again, my heart sank. It said it was going to be in the negatives. There is NO way I will run in the negatives! I'll run in the cold, but asking me to rub Vaseline on my face to protect myself is going too far. I went to bed that night still hoping that I could go outside. Friday morning I woke up and sure enough- it was -5. "Now what?" I thought. I couldn't skip it or wait to do it.
Treadmill.
That was the first thing that came to mind. I shuttered a little, but that was my only option. So, off I went. I watched Harry Potter 6 on my Zune and that kept me occupied for most of the run. Okay, I realize that running 18miles on a treadmill is pretty ridiculous, but I started a little after 4:30am and the gym was completely empty and it was just starting to get a little busy once I left. It was nice though. I got to run in shorts! I didn't have to bundle up with earmuffs or a face mask. I had my towel, water, sports drink and shot blocks. I didn't have to strap a fuel belt to my waist either. I think because I didn't have water bottles on my waist- I was able to go faster too! I really enjoyed myself and I had a bathroom nearby if I needed one. I didn't have to worry about if a car could see me in the dark or not or if there was ice on the sidewalks.
Don't get me wrong- I LOVE running outside and when the weather is nice enough to go out- I do. However, the treadmill saved me this last Friday and I still got my run in and I think I did pretty well. Will I do that type of distance on the treadmill again? Probably. Any time soon? NO. Maybe next weekend... depending on how the weather pans out. Crossing my fingers for an outside run!
So, next time you are really dreading the hamster-wheel, just remember that it's not as bad as it seems. Just keep yourself busy- watch a movie or a show that you love (you'll at least feel less guilty spending the time watching it because you're not sitting on the couch pigging out on ice cream). Mix up work outs- do intervals or switch back in forth with the elliptical machine. Also, just have fun and you can be a little safer on those really early morning runs when there are a bunch of creepers out!
Wrong.
I had an experience in the last week that has been slowly helping me change my attitude towards those awful (I did say slowly) hamster-wheels. Jon and I had been planning a surprise trip out to New Hampshire to visit my family for the last month and we were leaving on a Saturday. Problem? Saturday's are my days that I do long runs and I don't run on Sundays and if I waited until Monday- that would just throw me off pretty bad. Solution? Take Thursday off for the most part and run my long run (18 miles) on Friday before work. This sounded great. I'm not a morning person, but I will run if I have to :-)
I got all of my gear laid out on Thursday night and then I checked the weather. Earlier that day it said that it was going to be around 12 degrees at 6am, so I figured I'd be alright. As I checked it again, my heart sank. It said it was going to be in the negatives. There is NO way I will run in the negatives! I'll run in the cold, but asking me to rub Vaseline on my face to protect myself is going too far. I went to bed that night still hoping that I could go outside. Friday morning I woke up and sure enough- it was -5. "Now what?" I thought. I couldn't skip it or wait to do it.
Treadmill.
That was the first thing that came to mind. I shuttered a little, but that was my only option. So, off I went. I watched Harry Potter 6 on my Zune and that kept me occupied for most of the run. Okay, I realize that running 18miles on a treadmill is pretty ridiculous, but I started a little after 4:30am and the gym was completely empty and it was just starting to get a little busy once I left. It was nice though. I got to run in shorts! I didn't have to bundle up with earmuffs or a face mask. I had my towel, water, sports drink and shot blocks. I didn't have to strap a fuel belt to my waist either. I think because I didn't have water bottles on my waist- I was able to go faster too! I really enjoyed myself and I had a bathroom nearby if I needed one. I didn't have to worry about if a car could see me in the dark or not or if there was ice on the sidewalks.
Don't get me wrong- I LOVE running outside and when the weather is nice enough to go out- I do. However, the treadmill saved me this last Friday and I still got my run in and I think I did pretty well. Will I do that type of distance on the treadmill again? Probably. Any time soon? NO. Maybe next weekend... depending on how the weather pans out. Crossing my fingers for an outside run!
So, next time you are really dreading the hamster-wheel, just remember that it's not as bad as it seems. Just keep yourself busy- watch a movie or a show that you love (you'll at least feel less guilty spending the time watching it because you're not sitting on the couch pigging out on ice cream). Mix up work outs- do intervals or switch back in forth with the elliptical machine. Also, just have fun and you can be a little safer on those really early morning runs when there are a bunch of creepers out!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Where did December go???
Well, Merry Christmas everyone! December has been a busy busy month! I have no clue where it went! Work has been busier and Jon was busy finishing up his LAST fall semester ever!! 4 more moths until he graduates with his masters!! Wahoo!! Then it's off to TX for us and I can mostly run all year round comfortably outside. None of this snow, earmuff and face mask business!!
I realized that in past posts I didn't mention that I had the opportunity to run a race on Thanksgiving day (at least I don't think I did). It was in Orem, UT and it was called the "4mile earn your turkey run". It was such a cold race! The starting temperature I think was like 24 degrees if I remember correctly. It was really worth it and I had a great time! Of course, I can't forget to mention that Jon was waiting for me at the finish line! What a trooper! I was at least sweating and a little warmer than he was- shivering on the sidelines with his earmuffs! They had hot chocolate at the end of the race- you better believe that we took full advantage of that!!
Other than that, this month has just been a normal training month. I am very excited for the SLC marathon in April, but I know I have a long ways to go. To help me along though, Santa and my husband got together and left some things under the tree for me that will be a great help in my training!
First thing I received (thanks to my Christmas bonus) was a Garmin Forerunner 405!! I have been eying this beauty for a VERY long time. The only disappointing thing about it was that it is supposed to come with a USB stick that helps you configure it to your computer so you can keep track of your splits, GPS information... etc... and unfortunately, there was no USB in my box :-( Jon and I went through all of our wrapping paper to make sure we just didn't miss it or throw it out, but alas, I have just concluded that it was a fluke accident. I am still able to look over the information on the watch itself and I can still use it without connecting it to my computer, but it would be nice to have! We're going to call Garmin on Monday to see if they can send me one. Fingers crossed!
The 2nd present was a RoadID wrist band. There are a lot of accidents with runners and if you aren't carrying your id and something happens to you- how do they know who to contact or what your name is or who you are?? These little bands are comfortable and keep you safe. It has a very light metal plate on it with your name engraved on it along with emergency contact information- if your information ever changes you can order a new plate. Or I believe there is a pay/month account where your wrist band only has a website/1800 number and a pin number on the back so you can update your info if you move around often. Sorry, no picture of mine... I don't feel like blurring out my personal information... if you don't like it... tough. It's pink though! :-)
Thanks, Jon (and my Christmas bonus!)! I was able to wear both today on my long run. I ran the longest I have run since pre-foot surgery! 16 miles!! It was crazy cold (19 degrees!!) but it was worth it and I am happy I finished instead of caving and calling Jon to come and get me at a random location. I stuck it out and rewarded myself with a trip to the hot tub at the gym and ice cream later :-)
As 2009 is coming to a close I just want to mention that I only set out to lose 20lbs. That's usually a very overwhelming goal (don't get me wrong... it was..) but, I was able to conquer and even go above and beyond that. I don't want to sound like I have big head or whatever, but I am really proud of all that I was able to accomplish on my own. I couldn't have done it without all the support from my sweet husband, Jon.
Now to work on some new resolutions for 2010... what are some of your resolutions??
I realized that in past posts I didn't mention that I had the opportunity to run a race on Thanksgiving day (at least I don't think I did). It was in Orem, UT and it was called the "4mile earn your turkey run". It was such a cold race! The starting temperature I think was like 24 degrees if I remember correctly. It was really worth it and I had a great time! Of course, I can't forget to mention that Jon was waiting for me at the finish line! What a trooper! I was at least sweating and a little warmer than he was- shivering on the sidelines with his earmuffs! They had hot chocolate at the end of the race- you better believe that we took full advantage of that!!
Other than that, this month has just been a normal training month. I am very excited for the SLC marathon in April, but I know I have a long ways to go. To help me along though, Santa and my husband got together and left some things under the tree for me that will be a great help in my training!
First thing I received (thanks to my Christmas bonus) was a Garmin Forerunner 405!! I have been eying this beauty for a VERY long time. The only disappointing thing about it was that it is supposed to come with a USB stick that helps you configure it to your computer so you can keep track of your splits, GPS information... etc... and unfortunately, there was no USB in my box :-( Jon and I went through all of our wrapping paper to make sure we just didn't miss it or throw it out, but alas, I have just concluded that it was a fluke accident. I am still able to look over the information on the watch itself and I can still use it without connecting it to my computer, but it would be nice to have! We're going to call Garmin on Monday to see if they can send me one. Fingers crossed!
The 2nd present was a RoadID wrist band. There are a lot of accidents with runners and if you aren't carrying your id and something happens to you- how do they know who to contact or what your name is or who you are?? These little bands are comfortable and keep you safe. It has a very light metal plate on it with your name engraved on it along with emergency contact information- if your information ever changes you can order a new plate. Or I believe there is a pay/month account where your wrist band only has a website/1800 number and a pin number on the back so you can update your info if you move around often. Sorry, no picture of mine... I don't feel like blurring out my personal information... if you don't like it... tough. It's pink though! :-)
Thanks, Jon (and my Christmas bonus!)! I was able to wear both today on my long run. I ran the longest I have run since pre-foot surgery! 16 miles!! It was crazy cold (19 degrees!!) but it was worth it and I am happy I finished instead of caving and calling Jon to come and get me at a random location. I stuck it out and rewarded myself with a trip to the hot tub at the gym and ice cream later :-)
As 2009 is coming to a close I just want to mention that I only set out to lose 20lbs. That's usually a very overwhelming goal (don't get me wrong... it was..) but, I was able to conquer and even go above and beyond that. I don't want to sound like I have big head or whatever, but I am really proud of all that I was able to accomplish on my own. I couldn't have done it without all the support from my sweet husband, Jon.
Now to work on some new resolutions for 2010... what are some of your resolutions??
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Snow Canyon Half pictures
As promised- here are pictures from the Snow Canyon Half Marathon. Enjoy!
all of my goods laid out the night before
Our awesome motel room.. haha
About to get on the bus to the start
Ending on the track!
I'm done!
Jon and me.
I heart him.
Hopefully he'll run w/ me someday... maybe in the next life ;-)
all of my goods laid out the night before
Our awesome motel room.. haha
About to get on the bus to the start
Ending on the track!
I'm done!
Jon and me.I heart him.
Hopefully he'll run w/ me someday... maybe in the next life ;-)
Friday, November 13, 2009
Snow Canyon Half
So, I realized that I hadn't posted about this yet and it has almost been a week- yikes! I don't have much time to post at the moment but wanted to say that I am alive and well. I am actually very surprised at how good I was feeling this week. I was only a little sore on Sunday (the day after) and I was only sore in my upper back. I'm counting my blessings here because I was expecting to be completely wasted after this one.
A few things:
The course was gorgeous! Red rock everywhere! We had a gravel trail we ran on for about 3 miles and there was a cactus or two. It felt really cool to be running in the "desert". My shoes are still a little red from the sand/dirt but no biggie.
The weather was amazing! The high for St. George that day was 75 degrees! I was wearing shorts and a racing tank. Talk about a complete opposite outfit from the week before! I was wearing earmuffs for goodness sake!
This was the HARDEST course I have ever run. That includes Derryfield (my high school cross country course). The last 3 miles were uphill! Whoever planned the course must have had a lot of fun because really... it was awful! I still did really well- but if it weren't for those last 3 miles- I would've finished in under 2 hours. I was on track to do it and as soon as the lady pacing with me yelled out "5k left!" and we turned the corner my heart sank. Oh well, better luck next time :-)
Pictures are coming!
A few things:
The course was gorgeous! Red rock everywhere! We had a gravel trail we ran on for about 3 miles and there was a cactus or two. It felt really cool to be running in the "desert". My shoes are still a little red from the sand/dirt but no biggie.
The weather was amazing! The high for St. George that day was 75 degrees! I was wearing shorts and a racing tank. Talk about a complete opposite outfit from the week before! I was wearing earmuffs for goodness sake!
This was the HARDEST course I have ever run. That includes Derryfield (my high school cross country course). The last 3 miles were uphill! Whoever planned the course must have had a lot of fun because really... it was awful! I still did really well- but if it weren't for those last 3 miles- I would've finished in under 2 hours. I was on track to do it and as soon as the lady pacing with me yelled out "5k left!" and we turned the corner my heart sank. Oh well, better luck next time :-)
Pictures are coming!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
What you've all been waiting for!
I posted the real post about this race on our family blog. I am working on turning that blog into a book and I really wanted that in there, so sorry. Click HERE to read it!
For now, here is a picture of my costume! There are more pictures on the other post!
For now, here is a picture of my costume! There are more pictures on the other post!
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