Saturday, September 20, 2008

So I'm a Slacker

I havent kept up on this blog much lately. Although my training is still in progress I forget to write about my runs. I ran 20 miles last Sat. it was such a great run. I felt so good and accomplished when I finised. That is the farthest I will train, so I am a little nervous now. Hoping it will be enough and I will be able to add 6 miles to that. Its 2 weeks away...crazy. I think about it a lot, but I am trying not to get myself worked up about it. I know I can do it. I have trained very hard. I just wanna do it, and hope nothing gets in the way. Tappering is harder than I thought. Its like I know its so close, and I just want it to be here and cutting back the running makes the time go by slower. Anyways, I will probably write one more time until the big day. So wish me luck

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

16 and Feeling Good

So I ran 16 miles on Sat. It was by far the best run I have had since I started running. I am attributing the good run to one of these things ( I havent figured out which one) Eating Sushi at 10pm the night before, I upped my weekday runs, just a good day, it was cooler, I had great new songs on my ipod (thanks to all that commented on my other blog with the songs) What ever one of those things or a combination of them all I was able to run so long with out stopping. I am still doing Galloway's walk/run program but I had so much energy that I was able to cut out a lot of the walking and I had a good time (for me) It gave me a confidence boost and helped me realize I can do this marathon. I want it so bad and I'm gonna do it. Still figuring out the in's and out's of all those little things that make my running day better. Like do I get new shoes even if I cant afford them? Do I just use insoles? Or just tough it out. And what do I eat the night before. Should I go with the Sushi? I've got about 6 weeks to figure it all out. I'm nervous and excited for this

Saturday, August 2, 2008

15 MILES

The morning started at 5am for me. That is so bloody early. That is my biggest struggle right now with training. To beat the heat you have to get up so early for long runs. I am just not a morning person so its really hard to force myself to get up so early. Anyways, I went with my friend Amber who is now going to run the STG Marathon with me and I couldnt be more excited. She is a great running partner. We ran from the top of Millcreek Canyon down through many neighborhoods and then over to 3900 south then over to highland drive and 3300 south area. It was really good running down the canyon and the weather wasnt too hot then. As we got out of the canyon it got really hard to run. We really had to push ourselves and were just so drained by that dang sun. Luckily we had Lacee come pick us up and I have been trying to take it easy the rest of the day. I still wonder how on earth I am going to do 26. But I will train very hard these next two months and I will do it. I just need more motivation-working on that too.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

I'm still here

Well the training is going good. I am having a little trouble with motivating myself. I think its a combination of things; first I have to get up super early because its so hot-its really hard for me to get up around 5am. Second thing I have upped my weekday runs so I am running 5 times a week now. Its a lot and very time demanding. Other than that I am doing great. I ran a really good run in Bountiful today. I wasnt going to go (I couldnt sleep last night so it was super hard to get up at 5) but I am really glad that I did. I felt really good. I am pretty sure I have figured out my stomach issues. It was the whole wheat bread I was eating before every run that made my stomach sick. Other than that I am just doing my thing. Training like crazy. 16 miles next week-the most I have ran. Should be hard and a great accomplishment (when I'm done)

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Its been a while

Sorry for the lack of blogging. I have been super busy-not to say I havent stopped training. Things have been going really good. I took a week off after the half marathon and did a lot of thinking. I had to decide if I was going to run a marathon. I really wanted to but was I cut out for it?? I decided that I had already ran half, I need to finish my goal and run the marathon. Shortly there after I was given a slot from "St. George on the Run" and I was so excited. It gave me the boost that I needed. I have since picked up training..more than I was going before and I am really motivated to do this. I am running 5 days a week instead of 3 and I think that will help my endurance. I am also going to start doing more hill work..up and down to prepare me for the hills in St. George. Still in the process of figuring out my stomach issues but I have time and plenty of long runs to figure it out. Thats about it from here. I think I am going to run the Deseret Morning 10k on the 24th of July. So 3 more months of killing it running. Hope my body holds out (it has so far)

Monday, June 16, 2008

Race Report

I finished the Half marathon and I am alive to report about it. It was not the race I hoped for but its the farthest I have ever ran and I am happy with myself. We got up to Bear Lake the night before and got checked in to the room. I went and picked up my packet, that was a fun experience. There I was standing around with all these runners. I felt a little out of place..I dont feel like a runner although I was glad I was there. I got my number..239. We waited for Joe to get there and then we went to get some pasta and pizza. I ate some spaghetti and it was kinda ghetto. We then went home and hung out until it was time to go to bed. Joe and I slept on the pull out bed..crappy bed. Then I frozed the whole night so I only slept about 3 hours. I got up and my stomach was a little unsettled. I still went about my usual routine and ate my breakfast and got ready. My Dad took me to the park. I waited with Lacee and Amber until the busses left. We got to the start and there were no bathrooms, WHAT?? I had to go! My stomach was really unsettled but I ignored it and we started the race. We kept up with the crowd for a bit then fell a bit behind. Around mile 2 or 3 my stomach started to get really gurgly and sick. I had to wait in line at the porta potty and then we were very far behind the others. This was the beggining of a long race. I got really sick and had major issues with my stomach. Luckily my family was waiting for me later on and I took another imodium (I had already taken one that morning) I couldnt run. Every time I would start running my stomach would get so sick. I was very discouraged. I wanted to be able to run. I had trained at least 10 miles to prepare and just couldnt do it. Around the 10th mile my stomach was a little better and we were able to run more. We still finished really late. I was so glad I didnt quit. I would of had it not been for Amber and Lacee. They were so sweet to stay with me. I couldnt have done it without them!! This race helped me learn a lot. I am now trying to figure out what the issues I am having with my stomach are. If they continue to bother me through my long runs I wont be able to do the marathon. Just phyisically cant do it. Just dont know what my deal is and how to fix it. It was a fun race and I finished which was great. I am now in the decision process whether or not to continue my training to a marathon or stick to aerobics (a little less hard on my stomach) Thanks for a great race Bear Lake.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Wonderful

So I have figured out that I do much better on my long runs than my weekday runs during the week. I dont know if its because I am outside where its so pretty, or if its that I am running with someone, or what but I am glad I enjoy it. On Sat. we ran 10 miles. We ran in Millcreek Canyon and then down Millcreek Road through neighborhoods. We decided to set a time of 2 hours. This is what we had ran our 9 miles at but felt we could push it. We ran or should I say walked and tried to run the first mile but it was up hill. That is really hard when you are just getting started. After that mile we ran so good. We took our needed walk breaks but we ran a lot of it. It was so gorgeous up there. The trees were so green and the river was flowing so strong. We even saw this natural waterfall. It was very peaceful. It started to get hot when we got out of the canyon and it slowed us down a little. But we did finish our 10 miles at 2hrs and 5 min. We felt really good about it. I feel very accomplished when I finish..also very tired!! Hope 11 Miles goes just as good. I run my Half in 2 weeks...getting a little nervous. 

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Great Day

Well Sat. was a really good day. One of my girl friends, Lacee, decided she wanted to train for the Marathon so she came with me. We ran down Emigration Canyon. It was sooo Beautiful!! We walked the first mile to make sure we were really warmed up (we didnt need to walk that much but I think we were enjoying the conversation and company) It was so nice to run with someone. We pushed each other and like I said before the company was great (especially when I am used to running alone) The last two times that I have run I have gotten really sick stomach's. Its always been around mile 7. I think its from the shot blocks that I ate. I am going to try Gu next week to see if it helps the problem. The weather was really nice and there was a cool breaze to cool us off. I felt really good during my run (other than my stomach) We got done in just under 2 hours and then we realized that we had tracked the miles wrong in the car. By the time we got to the car we had gone 10 miles. But we walked the last mile. It was a great acomplishment-especially from the last Sat. run I had. I am so glad I will now have a running partner. Here's to a great week.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Going and Going

Well I decided not to do the running group. I am just gonna do it on my own. As far as my run on Sat. went-- I was supposed to get up at 6:45 Sat. but for some reason got up at 7:15. I had to get my run done before a certain time cause Joe had to work and I needed to take Izaiah. So by the time I ate and go to Sugarhouse Park it was after 8. I started to run and felt pretty good. I realized I dont to as well running in circles as I do running out and back. I had a sick stomach so I had to stop for a bit. Joe had to bring Izaiah to me with the jogging stroller. Usually Izaiah is really good in the stroller but he had been in the car running errands with Joe for over an hour and was so tired and hungry it was a disaster!! I had a mile and a half to go when I got him and he just cried and cried and cried. So I ended my run a half a mile early and took him home. He was so sad I couldn't just run with him crying that hard. I was discouraged this run. I feel like I am not improving. I feel like I just give up and walk when I'm to tired. I wanna push myself and not sure how to do that. I was frustrated. I want to do this so bad! I am out of shape and running for 8 miles when you are out of shape is not so easy. I am trying to re-focus and get my head back in the game. I gotta quit comparing myself to other runners. I gotta just run!! I am going to do better this week and push myself during my weekday runs so it will help my long run on Sat. I guess you have good days and bad ones. Hope to have a good week this next week.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Debating

So....yes I am trying to make another decision. There is a Jeff Galloway Running Group coming to Salt Lake City that is going to be training for either the St. George or TOU Marathons. Its 159 to sign up. I currently run by myself and am considering joining. Do you guys think its worth the money to pay to run with the group. Dont get me wrong, I am sure the people running in this group are great. Just trying to figure out if I should pay to be in a group. I am nervous about running with other people I dont know cause I am self consious about how slow I run-or how out of shape I really am. What is your advice about paying for a running group. Also, the $159 includes Jeff G's new book, 1 year subscription to Running World, and a Running Singlet. Let me know..Thanks

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

At Last

Today I went to the gym and ran..today is the first day that I felt that I was finally getting more endurance. I was able to run much longer than I have in the past and it felt so good. I know its been 6 weeks-and that may be a long time to some of you but I'm out of shape and I was really excited. I felt really good running. Hopefully this means I can push myself even more this week and hopefully have a better time for my long run.

Monday, May 12, 2008

What a week

So this has been one crazy week of trying to make decisions. First off-(before the decision part) I did my long run on Sat. I had a cold the whole week and really was pissed about the whole St. George marathon thing, so I debated whether or not to run, but I decided to just quit being bummed and go run. I ran from about a mile above the Eagle Wood Golf Course down through the Bountiful streets for 7 miles. I ran pretty much the whole time down hill. I felt so great running fast down those hills and was doing really well. I got to the bottom of the hill and continued to run. I dragged the last two miles so bad. I dont know what my deal was. I just couldnt push myself. I was so worn out (later to figure out it was because I was getting yet another cold..my third in a row) I finished the last half a mile pushing it and running. I didnt have as good of time that I would have liked but I still finished, that was what mattered to me at that moment. Overall it was a good run. I felt really good running down hill. It pushed me and I tried to push myself and run faster. I ended up getting so sunburned that day! I havent been in the sun much since I had Izaiah, so I have some fun tan lines from my tank top and ipod to show. Good run though. The peanut butter and wheat bread really helps me on my run. Ok now to the decisions. I have signed up for the Bear Lake Half Marathon. I am so excited for it. Its supposed to be beautiful ( I actually just read that-dont know anyone who has ran it) Its around the lake and you are able to see the sun rise while you are running. I love Bear Lake so I'm excited. My parents are coming up to help with Izaiah (Joe has to work) and then we are staying 2 nights to play at the lake and for a little vacation. I'm excited. The other decision I am trying to make is what marathon to do. I am thinking about using a friends number for the St. George but they are pretty strict and I dont want to train super hard just to get the boot for doing something they dont "condone" I have thought about the Top Of Utah in Sept, but havent heard much about it (advice would be much appreciated) I could figure out my training to be able to do it this year. Or do I wait and do the SLC marathon in April or the Deseret Morning News in July. But I dont really want to train in the winter. I am so frazzled. I dont know what to do. HELP!! I need advice from you runners. I would really appreciate the help. Thank you so much. Here's to figuring out my marathon :)

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Oh Man

I didnt get picked for the St. George Lottery. I am so sad. I had my hopes on it so much and have been so frustrated since I found out. I am now trying to re-evaluate my options. Any suggestions? I know for sure I'm doing the Bear Lake Half Marathon in June, but I need to figure out what marathon to do. Thanks    (boo you St. George)

Sunday, May 4, 2008

I was runnin!

I did my long run a day early this week due to the fact that we had Izaiah's 1st birthday party on Sat. I ran Jordan River Parkway cause it was close and I needed to be back to my house by 9:30. I like that run. I feel safe running alone cause I have people around me. Anyways, I had some new equipment to run with this week and it really made my run better. I bought a new fuel belt that I love!! I love having water right there whenever I need or want it. I thought it would bother me a little while running but it was so comfy. I also tried eating more for breakfast. I have a hard time eating really early in the morning, so I pretty much gagged down wheat bread, peanut butter and a banana. It was a little much all as a sandwich but it really stayed with me through the run. I also tried GU while I was running. I had never had it before so it was interesting to say the least. The first second I squished the GU into my mouth I gagged so bad. The texture brought back memories of when I drank castor oil to induce labor (I would not recommend it) It was awful. I swallowed it and chugged some water to wash it down. EEWWW it still makes me cringe thinking of it. But I finished it and continued to run. My big toe and shins had been hurting me earlier in the week but I was surprised that they didn't bother me during the run. I set a goal for myself and I finished at my goal so I felt really good after my run. I cant wait to find out this next week if I get picked to run St. George. Cant wait. 

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Feelin Good

I felt really good about my 5 mile run this Saturday. I have had a really bad sinus infection the past 2 weeks and have finnally gotten on an antibiotic so I didn't do my weekday runs this past week. Because of this I was a little nervous to go out and do my run, but I thought possitive and just did it. I decided to try Jordan River Parkway. I really loved it. The river was great to run by and the weather was so nice. I did walk some but I improved my total miles per min. which I felt good about. I am really glad I have these long runs to experiement with. Trial and error for all the things that are going to be benifitial to me during the marathon and those things that are not. One thing I have realized I need is a water belt (not sure what they are called) I've been placing water at certain places and it just doesnt work for me. I dont get enough fluid. So any suggestions for a good belt? I also figured out that I didn't eat enough before my run, I found myself dryheaving a couple of times from being hungry. I am going to try the wheat bread, peanut butter and bananas I've been suggested this next week. So I will do those two things and can imagine I'll have an even better run next week. Oh and I was congratulated by Lance Armstron on my "longest run so far" (my Nike Ipod thing has famous people come on and congratulate you on your run) Thanks Lance :)

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Brutal

I know I know it was only 4 miles, but I am going to be honest. It was brutal. The run started out with my mom and I dropping my car off at the Eaglewood golf course and then driving 4 miles to where I would begin my run. As I watched the mile gage we just kept driving and driving. "Is that right, we seem to be driving really far" As we kept going and going. We finally arrived at the Bountiful temple. I got out of the car and watched a bride and her family for a minute and then I was off. The wind was awful today, and it was blowing straight at me. Running in Bountiful made it even worse. I felt pretty good at first, then the hills came. I haven't really done any hill work yet to this was really hard for me. I'll be the first to admit I walked a lot. Throughout the 4 miles I think I can count 2 places where it was flat. Brutal I tell ya. Also I had put water at mile 2 and then from then on out I didn't have water. Bad idea (I'm going to get a waist band that holds water next week) the wind dried my mouth out so bad I couldn't even swallow. Although the run was hard, the highlight of my run was when I had stopped for a brief minute and looked back and saw the temple. It looked so far away...it was so cool to see that I had come this far. I know I have a lot of work to do..but I just have to take it day by day and take in these great moments. So all in all it was a pretty good run. I give my hats off to those that ran the marathon today with that wind-nice work!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Name Change


So not sure if anyone noticed, but I have changed the name of my blog. Its now "HEEL RUNNING" Here is the reason behind it (a couple of side notes first) Will Run For Designer Jeans is a great blog that I read. These girls are great motivation. They have been training with 6 friends-with great goals in mind. To finish the SLC Marathon and to get a great new pair of Designer Jeans after the training. So lately I have been thinking of some of my goals that come along with this marathon. 1) I really want to get back in shape and feel good about myself-I want to be a mother with great self esteem. I want to be an example of this for my child (and children in the future) 2) I want to test my limits and push myself, this is a goal that I have wanted to accomplish for a while and I will do it! Now this last (there are also many more I wont list) reason is why I have named my blog Heel Running. I have never been a heel person. Never have worn high heels, although I have wanted to. I cant get myself to wear them. I really hate my legs, thighs and butt. I really look awkward and awful wearing hills. I always tell my husband "fat girls cant wear heels" I see girls wearing the cutest heels and am envious that they look so great in them. So, another goal of mine is to train and work out like crazy. To slim down my lower half to finally wear heels...and feel great in them!!! So here's to wearing Heels!!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Cardio Cinema


So my gym has come up with the best invention ever for helping those runs go by fast. The Cardio Cinema Room is awesome. Its a movie theater with all the cardio equipment in the same room. I love it!! Its all dark and loud like a movie theater, with a great big screen, and they always have great movies playing. I run at the gym during the week and it really is so fun to watch a movie and work out at the same time!! Wonderful idea gym. The other day I went to run and Hairspray was on. I had never seen it so needless to say I was super entertained. All those songs just pumped me up and kept me running for a long time. Thanks Zac Efron!! (lol)

Monday, April 14, 2008

3 Down

Well I started this blog mostly for my own journaling purposes and to track my progress for running this marathon. I have officially signed up and paid my money. Now all I have to do is wait for May 8th to find out if I made the lottery. My training started this last week with a 3 mile run on Sat. I was a little worried about it due to the fact that I havent ran in a month (because of sickness and stitches) but I did it and I felt great. I got tons of new songs on my Ipod and that made the world of difference. Dont get me wrong, I was super tired..but I did it. I also went and bought some new running clothes. Not quite sure which ones will be the best to run in but I'll have to just try them out. (if anyone has advice with what to run in the advice would be much appreciated!!)(WRFDJ told me about some Nike pants, still need to figure out where to get them and which ones they are) It was a good week. 3 down...23.2 to go!!