Well, dang, but YAY!

The planets aligned and we got a treadmill!!!

Our tax return came a couple weeks ago and we set a little $$ aside for the treadmill, just in case. Well, last Saturday while I was at the doc with the Rose I saw that Sports Authority had a 20% off coupon. YES! So, we went by the store and the treadmills were on sale. They were out of new Freemotion 750 treadmills at the store so, we decided to get the floor model for an extra 10% off. We were STOKED!! We were going to save $389! Then we remembered that the new company Jason's with gives a $350 fitness allowance for things like treadmills or gym memberships. We ended up saving over $739 on a $1299 treadmill!! How awesome is that?!

Well, they came by today to drop it off, but they couldn't get it in the front door. Who ever put the treadmill together stripped the screws and the delivery guys couldn't take the treadmill apart to get in in the house. I was a little upset just cause I was hoping to use it today, but I'll survive. After talking with the manager they're going to give us a BRAND NEW one in the box tomorrow afternoon. I am SOOO excited!

I'm telling ya, it pays to have faith in the Lord's timing! 

We got a NEW treadmill for an AMAZING price.

Since the treadmill wasn't coming today I got out a little late for my run. The wind was blowing like crazy. It was pretty nuts. I felt like a dog with my head out the window at some points. My cheeks were blowing in the wind. What's crazy is, I tend to go faster when there's wind. I push harder against the wind. I shaved a good minute off my time from Monday.

It felt good! I didn't stop and I ran a solid run. Those are the best runs.

I ran right at the perfect time cause when I got home the snow came in and it was a white out. It was NUTS! I'm glad I didn't wait any later to run.

Tomorrow's an off day, but I'll be getting the treadmill (hopefully) and I'll have to post pictures. :)

New shoes!

Today I did 20 minutes on the elliptical. I had to break in the new shoes. :) 

I wasn't to sure when I ordered them (running warehouse is having a sale!), but I'm LOVING the green!! 

The first thing Jason says is, "It'll be perfect for your St. Patrick's Day 10k." Yeah they will!

I've got something REALLY exciting to post tomorrow. All I can say is... 

The planets have aligned!!

Quit cheating yourself....

Things I learned on today's run:

1. Ducks around this lake sound like they're laughing when they quack. 

2. I tend to want to stop running when I get bored.

3. I'm capable of running 4.5 easily.

4. I think 3-4 mile runs are tough for me because it takes me about 2 miles to warm up. So, just when I'm warmed up the run is over and I don't have enough time to get my mind in the game. 

5. I made the resolution today to stop cheating myself. I told my sister a couple months ago that the trick to doing better is to not cheat yourself and stop when your mind starts wanting to stop. I figure that's when your body is about to reach a new level and if you stop now that won't happen. So, I took my own advice today. I gotta stop cheating myself.

6. When I make my mind up to do something it's hard to change my mind otherwise. 

7. I have an awesome husband who supports me in all I set my mind to do. (I already knew that, but it was reaffirmed today.)

8. I go faster when I pass other people on my runs. I don't intentionally do it, but I really noticed it today.

9. When I don't stop during my runs I get negative splits. I get faster with each mile I run. When I take breaks my miles are all over the place. 

10. I feel SO much better about myself when I run a nice solid run. 

Tomorrow I'm going to go fast! :) 

I'm going to try some speed training!!

WINDY!!!

This morning my sister came over and we ran 7 miles in the crazy wind. 

I wanted to stop a bunch of times, but I kept telling myself that I was an inspiration to her and if I stop now, what kind of example does that make me? So, I kept going strong and ran 7.17 miles in 1.16! I was impressed with myself. 

I was feeling really strong towards the end of the run. I ditched my jacket at mile 6 and I felt SO light without it on. 

I love when runs go smoothly. :)

Thanks to my wonderful husband for watching all 8 kids so we could go run. 

He's such a great husband!

Oh, and my elliptical time that I was going to wake up early on Friday and do didn't happen. I had a little boy keeping me up all night Thursday night with an ear ache. I figured I'd be a kinder mom if I slept in rather than woken up and worked out on only 3 hours of sleep. 

Just cause...

Today nothing was scheduled, but I was feeling like doing the elliptical. 

While the older kids were at school and the others were napping I was talking to my mom online and she says, "So, go do it now..."

Meh, why not... Why not do it now?

So, I turned on some "I Love Lucy", pumped the resistance up to 6 (Oooh! Getting higher!), and started sweating. It felt good to get down there and workout. :)

Towards the end of my 30 minute workout Annabelle came down, found a book, and plopped down next to the elliptical while I finished. It was fun to look over and see my baby twitching her legs while reading. 

Life is good! 

Tomorrow 50 minutes on the scheduled. Fun, fun! I may have to get up early and do it. 

Ok, that's what I'm going to do! I'm going to bed tonight at 1030 and getting up at 6. I'm going to get my sweat on early!

Pushing along...

5 miles done.

I was scheduled to do 4.5, but I was feeling good so I finished off the last mile.

Today after the two oldest were on their way to school I loaded up the two youngest in the stroller and went for my run.

I don't know why, but for some reason I've been feeling really nervous before each run. I'm so weird.

The first 3 miles flew by. I was really surprised. I didn't have any thoughts of wanting to stop or anything. My legs were feeling great. I think my speed work from Monday helped.

I finished faster than I started and that's always a big plus. My over all pace was a minute slower than normal, but I blame it on the stroller and the wind.

I'm thinking my 7 miles this weekend are going to go smoothly.

Yesterday I was supposed to do 3 miles or cross training. My cross training ended up being cleaning the kitchen and doing step ups onto the kitchen chairs to get stuff off the ceiling.

My thighs are loving me this week.

Slow start...

 I started out slow this morning with my Yaktrax on.

The snow was on the sidewalks and the sun was out. I was listening to Catching Fire for the first 2 miles and then the book ended.  Just when the snow started to melt, I took off my Yaktrax, put on my music and my speed naturally picked up. Interesting how things work like that.

I picked a different route today. I think that helped...

The view of the city is always amazing, especially after a snowfall.

I am blessed.

My first 2 miles were slow... about 12.30 pace. Then I got into the grove and my pace easily went down to a 9.46 pace...WHAT?! Yeah, man! I love when that happens. If only I could keep it at or around that pace. I ended up doing 4.5 miles and then I finished off walking/fartleks for another .5 miles.

The fartleks were a little tough, but I did it. I told myself that I'd walk on the parts that still had snow on the sidewalks and the parts that were all melted I'd run as fast as I could.

Today was a great day.

It was Jason's birthday!

Happy Birthday Love!!!

6 miles

Today I ran 6 miles.

It was a LOT easier than the 3-4 miles I have been doing. I think a big part of that is the whole mental aspect to running. With longer distances my mind and body knows how to settle down and just run. The shorter distances for some reason my mind just counts down the miles starting with the first step.

The run went well. Even though I was nervous before I stepped out the door I don't know why I stress out about long runs like that. My legs felt good the whole time. When ever I thought about stopping my body was content and just wanted to keep going. Maybe it's cause I was going at a slower pace, I dunno, but I was able to complete my 6 miles without much trouble.

I got home and went straight to work cleaning the house and folding too many loads of laundry, you know, typical Saturday stuff.

Now to relax for the rest of the weekend. My thighs are still sore from my workout on Thursday. Haha! It worked me out more than I thought it would.

Water and weights...

 This morning after all the kids were settled with school and naps, I left home to run my 4 miles I was supposed to do yesterday. 

I did pretty well on my run. I felt slow and heavy, but I did it. 

 I finished it under 45 minutes, that's been my goal for the past few runs.

I wish I was back to where I was 2 years ago when running was fun. I don't know what's holding me back and I don't really know what made it "fun" in the first place, but somethings gotta change.

Anyway, when I got home from my run, I figured I'd do some "strength training". I don't have any fancy machines, but I do have a willing 3 yr old. Haha! I did some leg presses or whatever you want to call them. I laid on my back and had her on my feet. She loved it and thought she was Super Girl.

Then I did some sit ups. She sat on my toes and helped me count. That one wasn't as fun as the other, but she got a kick out of my counting. 

I tried to do a couple push ups after that, but I'm NOT that strong. I couldn't even do girly push ups with her on my back and she didn't want to get off. She wanted me to walk around and pretend I was a horse. Haha! Maybe one day I'll be strong enough to do a couple push ups with her "help".

This is my new friend. I fill her up once at night and once in the afternoon. The goal is to drink 2 of these a day to stay on top of my water for the day. It makes a difference when I get all my water in. 

I have 6 miles scheduled for Saturday. EXCITING!! :)

I guess it's not in the cards...

Happy Valentine's Day!

We've been wanting to get a treadmill (a freemotion fitness 750 treadmill, to be exact) for a while now, but each time we get the itch we either don't have the money and it's on sale with a 10% (or more) coupon or we have the money and it's not on sale. 

Today it looked like everything was lining up for us to get it if we REALLY wanted to. That was until I clicked the link for the 10% coupon and it was ONLY for online purchases. UGH! Then things started to unravel... Jason can't help me lift the treadmill to put it together (duh!) and to get them to install it would negate the whole 10% off coupon. The basement is a mess and the price is still $100 more than we had seen in the past.

We've just come to the conclusion that right now, getting a treadmill just isn't in the cards. I guess the money would be better spent paying off debt. We're almost there... I guess we'll just have to wait until we're completely out and then get one. 

While I was getting all upset about the stupid coupon in my inbox, I came across my friend Amy's message... "did you run already today? just reminding you that you promised you would...."

How could I not run after that?! I laced up my shoes and headed out the door. 

Thanks, Amy for the kick in the butt. ;)

My run was pretty good today. I was determined not to stop, I got 2 miles in and then my mom started texting me from Africa. I had to reply. Haha!

I keep feeling really weak when I run. My legs feel SO heavy. I don't know what it is. I gotta get to the bottom of that. 

I did pretty well today. My goal was to run it under 45 minutes and I did it in 44! Yay!

Tomorrow is another 4 miles. I hope to do it early, but you know how that goes....

Switchin' workouts...

Today was one of those days...

The days when so much is happening that your workout falls to the background. I had 4 miles scheduled for today that didn't happen. 

At the end of the day I just wanted to sit down on the couch and not move. 

Me being the genius I am, I started watching this season of The Biggest Loser. 

There's no way for me to sit on the couch and skip a workout while watching The Biggest Loser. 

So, I got myself up and did the elliptical. It's better than nothing, right? It helped having the laptop covering the numbers. It made the time fly. I even had it on level 5 resistance. Yay! The one thing I did wrong though... I didn't wear my shoes. So, my socks rubbed on the bumps on the pedals and now my heels are sore. Yeah, I'm smart.

Anyway, tomorrow I'll do my 4 miles early so I don't have to stress about it all day.

South Jordan Valentines Day 5k

What a day, what a day...

Yesterday I spent all day with my wonderful husband at the hospital for his back surgery. I have an awesome friend who went above and beyond with watching my kids for me. We ended up having to spend the night at the hospital due to pain from the surgery. Luckily, I was able to stay the night with him there and take care of him during the night.

I ended up getting about 3 solid hours of sleep last night, when I woke up this morning around 5:30. 

I drove 1 hour from the hospital back home for the race this morning. 

My sister was waiting for me with my packet when I arrived. This is her first 5k, her first official race. She was so excited. Her goal was to run it in 30 minutes. I told her not to worry about me and to run ahead if she wanted to. She did awesome! She ran it in 30.30. GO JOY!!

Me on the other hand... I felt really slow and heavy. It was one of my faster 5ks, so I was happy about that, but holy cow... It wasn't easy. Those 3 miles were tough. I ended up finishing in 33.20. I think I'm just emotionally drained from a lot of things that are going on.

I saw a couple people running with bibs for Sherry. Pretty cool how many people are running for her this weekend.

Right after the race I went and picked up the kids and then drove an hour back to get Jason at the hospital. 

I did a LOT of driving today, but I'm glad to have him home and taken care of. 

Right now, I'm running on empty emotionally... It's been one of those crazy days where I just feel like binging on a box of JUJUFRUITS.

Tomorrow will be a better day. :)

Tired....

For some reason staying up WAAAY too late last night I was SUPER tired this morning when I woke up and my body didn't want to get out of bed. I forced myself up and out and ran 4 miles. 

Actually it was more like:

run 1 mile

Stop and look around.

run .50 miles

Stop and stretch.

run 1 mile

 

Stop, look around, and try to get my legs to keep moving.

run .16 miles

Stop and convince myself I'm almost done. 

run .34 miles

Stop, look around, take a picture of myself, talk to myself a little, and then tell myself, "You're finishing this last mile without stopping."

run 1 mile without stopping.

I'm telling ya, it was rough. 

I did have one good thing about my run today. 

I had one of these:

 PureFit Bars. Mmmm!

I've had some power bars that aren't very good. 

They taste like chalk and aren't good at all, but these babies are actually really good. 

So far I've had the Berry Almond Crunch and the Chocolate Brownie bars and they are really good. 

I'm saving the best for last though. 

I'm thinking I'm really going to like the Granola Crunch and the Peanut Butter Crunch bars. 

I've eaten mine before a longer runs and they seem to help give me that bit of energy that I need.

Go try them out!

Elliptical...

Today I procrastinated. 

I waited until right before dinner to do my cross training. I like watching I Love Lucy while ellipticalling (totally NOT a word) it makes the time fly by.

It was a pretty uneventful 50 minutes, besides my oldest dancing around me in a tutu mimicking Lucy. Until the end when I had to cut my hour workout short. Jason comes running down stairs to inform me that Annabelle (our 3 yr old) slammed Rosalie's (our 1yr old) hand in the door while upstairs away from grown ups eyes. 

Poor thing...her fingers were dented! She must have closed that door HARD. Poor little Rose, her index finger is all swollen and tender. I'm going to have to keep an eye on it. I may have to take her in tomorrow, to get it checked out. 

See, that's why I have a hard time working out when the kids are awake. 

 Oh well, c'est la vie. 

Tomorrow... 4 miles. :)

Sneaky, sneaky...

This morning while I was watching my oldest go down the street to school, Jason decided it'd be best to lock me out of the house. Good thing I was all dressed and ready to run. 

He passed my Garmin and a neck warmer through the crack in the door and told me to get my run on and to not come back until it was finished. I guess he knew that I was thinking about putting it off today. I feel guilty sometimes when he has to watch the kids while I run. He must have sensed my hesitation today and that's why he kicked me out. I sure love my man. :)

My run went well today. I felt pretty bloated and slow today, but that's to be expected this time of the month. I finished it only 22 seconds slower than my last 4 miles, which isn't bad considering. 

Today was weigh in day... I lost .2 lbs. I call that a win! I was on a trip and eating fast food everyday for the past week AND we had an awesome Super Bowl party last night. A .2 loss is better than a gain any day. 

This week will be great. 

Lots of things happening... like Jason's back surgery. I'm a little nervous about it, but it's something that needs to be done. Everything will work out. :)

Running with my sister...

Yesterday was my nephew's 6th birthday. I can't believe how fast they grow up. 

This morning Joy and her kids came over so we could do our 5 miles. Jason's amazing, he watched all 8 kids so we could run in peace. 

We started out on the Jordan River Trail. I thought we'd try it out since the half marathon will be on a part of the trail. Things were going good, until the trail was closed due to the river covering it. We turned around and headed the other direction. It worked out perfectly cause halfway through we came to this massive hill. You can kinda see it in the picture. It went up quite a ways and then leveled off slightly before going up again. I got a little nervous when the hill came, but I didn't say anything. I just kept going cause she was still going. If it was just me I would have stopped 3 times between the start of the hill. We made it to the top without stopping and then took a second to catch our breath before turning around and heading back to the car. 

I really enjoyed running with Joy. She really kept me going. I wanted to stop so many times, cause I'm a slacker like that, but I kept going cause she was still going. I was great though, we ran a 10.24 pace! That's a minute faster than normal. :) It felt really good. I didn't feel like I was pushing it or anything. 

I love when a run goes smoothly!

Holy Altitude, Batman!

It's blurry and it's not the best photo, but it's my favorite. :)

Today while in Denver I was scheduled to run 3.5 miles. I thought nothing of it and headed out around the park where Jason and the kids were playing. I was going to have to do 11 laps to get my run in. 

I started out good, but then the altitude killed me. 

Denver's altitude is NO joke when it comes to running!

I thought I'd be a little used to it running in Utah with the altitude there, but NO WAY! My lungs were burning, my legs were aching, and I have a nice headache to prove it. My teeth were even aching. Crazy, man... I ended up doing my 3.5 miles 3 minutes slower than my last one, but that's ok. Better than nothing.

After my run we went back to the hotel and went swimming. The kids had lots of fun.

After swimming we headed back to our room only to find that the key wasn't working. Jason headed down to get a new key and before he could get to the elevator and before I could yell, "NO!!" my little boy had pulled the fire alarm. 

Nice...

Poor kid was so freaked out. The sound of the alarm, talking to the firemen, and then going down to apologize to the manager. I don't think he'll ever pull a fire alarm again. He even smacked his shin on the stairs after the alarm went off. 

Yay for adventures and new memories. :)