New Year's Eve 5k

I wanted to have one last "huu rah" run of the year, but we all know that it is not much fun to run by yourself. I decided to create an event on Facebook, and invite a few friends and see who was willing to be my running buddy. I honestly thought that only about 5 or 6 people would show up. To my wonderful amazement, there were 17 of us on Saturday morning.

When I woke up on Saturday morning, I was thinking, "What did I do? I just want to crawl back in bed. I do not want to run today." But I had already made the event and had a few people planning on attending, which made me more accountable.

My daughter Jacque was the official photographer of the event. She made this video! (I can't figure out how to post a video here, so you'll just have to click on the link.) I decided that I would set up a water station at the half way mark, just in case someone needed a drink. I cut what oranges I had at the house and took my last 4 bananas with me to share with my running buddies after the run.

The route I picked was an easy one. 3.1-ish miles. A straight road, first 1.5 miles was a gentle up climb, and then the turn around point where I put the water station. The final 1.5 miles was the best....gradual downhill. Jacque took photos of all when they crossed the "finish line." When I arrived at the half way point, where the water station was, everyone was just gathered around, chatting and laughing. This was nice as we had a chance to get to know one another. There were people that came that I knew, that I kind of knew, and people that I just met.

I felt really good on this run. Maybe the Race RX Cardio is working??? I consumed a Chocolate Raspberry GU, it was ROCTANE. May be my new favorite flavor. Today was AWESOME! I'm so glad that I did this and that so many "buddies" showed up to run. My legs felt good and strong. My breathing was in control. My yin was aligned with my yang. And I was able to share the day with lots of friends.

After our run, Krista, Jacque, Josie, Ashlee, and myself went to Noodles & Co. for lunch! Love Noodles. I had my usual, Penne Rosa with a small salad. Happy New Years everyone. Looking forward to a great 2012.

I am no longer a Rookie.

When I run into friends, I'm always asked, "So what have you been up to?" My reply is usually the same. I mumble something about where I work and what my daughters and husband have been doing. In my mindset, I think that if I tell about some of my successes, I will seem like I am bragging. But you know what? I think I am short changing myself. Looking back at 2011, I have come a long way.

I have logged over 500 miles.
I had many FIRSTS! An 8k, 10k, 15k, and conquered my first half marathon.
I ran my second half marathon 1.5 months after my first, and got a personal best.
Got to ride and power the "flinstone-mobile."
Ran a personal best 5k.
Found my favorite flavor of GU, Espresso Love. (mmmmm mmmmm)
Started strength training at Race RX.
Met new friends and re-connected with old ones through running.
I placed 3rd in my age group in the TOU 5k.
Actually wore out my running shoes.
Started running with a running belt!
Ran a 5k where I didn't know a single person, in a town I was visiting, and loved it!
Oh, can you say GARMIN.
Ran with 500 other Santa's.
And counting tomorrow, participated and finished 19 running events.

Oh, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Secret Runner Exchange

This year I stumbled on a blog site that was going to do a secret runner gift exchange for Christmas.(www.runwithjill.blogspot.com) I have participated in these types of exchanges in the past, and really enjoyed it, meeting new people. I received my gift today, from Courtney, www.chemrunner.blogspot.com. She goes by Courtney@Nerd on the Run. I was so excited to open this gift. I look forward to trying new flavors of GU, and other things. I love the perfume. It's called "Step into Sexy." I figured this was appropriate, "step", as we are both runners.

I received a thank you email from her that was very thoughtful. I just wanted to share a little bit of that: "....and hope we can continue to motivate each other. I have been struggling to get back into running consistently, but reading stories from inspiring women like you is helpful to get my laces tied and my body out the door."


On a side note, I am going to use the Race RX Cardio program for my training for the upcoming Canyonlands Half Marathon that will be on March 17th, 2012. It is based on heart rate intervals. October of this year, I did a cardio test, and received a scheduled printout. Didn't really do much with it until last Saturday. I have done the first 5 workouts, and then was re-tested tonight. To my surprise, I am on level 5 now. The schedule that I had was a level 3. It's been amazing to see little results using the different Race RX programs.

The 10K race is a metaphor for living a good life. No matter what you do in life, don't just be a spectator, be a player. Anyone can watch from the sidelines, but few participate in the race. Choose to become the hero that you want to be.

Mark G. Collis, Becoming Your Own Hero

Upcoming Races

JoAnna talked me into putting my name into a "lottery" for Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab. I wasn't going to do it. In fact, the deadline ended, but then the next day I found out that it had been extended due to a website malfunction. I thought, "It must be fate." What are the odds that we would get in, right??? Well, guess who will be running a half marathon on March 17th in Moab? You got it, me and my gang...JoAnna, her son, Mindy, and myself.

This has lit a little fire under my feet, and got me out of my comfort zone into the "training zone."

2012 races I am registered for: (so far)
March 17th, Canyonlands Half


April,
Pink 5k in Pleasant Grove

May 12th ,
Red Rock Relay in Moab, and then the following week, the 19th, the Ogden HALF. I know, scheduling of this didn't really make sense, but what the heck. This should keep me rockin and rollin for the first part of 2012.

October, Pink Half Marathon in Park City

Not sure if I am going to run the TOU half in 2012. Also, I would love to do the Provo Halloween Half again, this was so FUN!!! But it will be a couple of weeks after the PINK and not sure about that yet.

Reindeer Run 8k

Today I ran my first 8k, and of course, I got a PR! It was really cold this morning. When I left my house it was 11 degrees. I decided to stitch my antlers to my headband, so they wouldn't fall off. Bells were a must for my shoes. I was surprised that I was the only runner with bells on. MMHuh?

Santa started our race with a gun start, and we reindeer were off and running. The first mile is always my hardest. Today was no exception. It was bitter cold. My nose, cheeks, finger tips and lips were so cold. I wore gloves and tried to curl my fingers into the palm of my hands to conserve heat. I started out running with JoAnna, and she said that my bells were driving her nuts, so I told her that she better kick it up a notch......and she did.

About 2.5 miles and my extremities started feeling better. This is where I caught up with Lisa and Chris. Chris said, "I hear you coming." The three of us played leap frog with each other for the duration of the race. It was fun to have those two there to push me along, as I was not feeling fast today.

The course made its way through Providence and River Heights. Flat, up hill, and my all time favorite...DOWN HILL. It was nice to have hot chocolate at the finish line.

After our run, about 8 of us met at Pier 49 for lunch. Me, Marian, Lisa, Chris, Mindy, Jared, JoAnna, and Jennilyn. Heather came after she got all the race stuff put away. It was fun to mingle with old running friends, and meeting new ones as well. Lisa made the statement that this was her last race of 2011. I had never thought of it like that. Kind of makes me sad to think of it that way.

My time was 48.07 for an 8k. I thought an 8k was 5 miles, but my trusty GARMIN said 4.58. I have not really "ran" for a while. Kind of fizzled out after my half marathon in October. It's funny how even though I am still exercising, Race RX 3 x a week, that I have lost so much of my speed. Interesting. I guess it's true when they say "use it or lose it."


The Reindeer Run was sponsored by my favorite running store, Runners North. They did an awesome job putting this race together. Started on time. Nice refreshments at the end. Race route was marked well. Route itself was just challenging enough to make it fun. Long sleeve red t-shirts, and a set of antlers to each runner.

Santa's Comin...

Just found this picture today. Proof that Angie and I are comin to town!

1st Snow Run of the Year

Not a good run. Not a bad run. Just a run. I decided to go to Hyrum to run my favorite road, down main street. I have had a hard time running lately. My legs have felt like bricks, and my mental state has been questioning my endurance and ability. Not sure what is going on. Too much training, not enough training, winter blues, burnout, no energy, lack of sleep...I know that my eating habits have not been as good as they should be......could be anything.

It was a little chilly this morning, as we were blessed to be blanketed by a carpet of snow. My run today was about 4 miles. It was nice to be outside. Good to see the sunshine.

The draw back of running on a cold morning...when cars would pass me, their exhaust would linger a long time in the air. Did not appreciate that today. The sidewalks had not been cleared, so I chose to run on the road. They were just wet, so it wasn't too bad. When I moved to the sidewalk, I just did fast walking, as it was slick.

Did not push it today, just out and about for 47 minutes.