Run, Momma! RUN!

Early run

2012-01-30T10:28:00.001-07:00

I woke up early this morning and checked my Facebook only to find my sister's status: "Gained an hour of day this morning by waking up at 5:30am for a "before the kids wake up" run. 4 miles done."

How can you NOT go out and run when you see that your running partner has already gone?! We're going on a small trip today and I was tempted to wait to run until tonight, but after seeing that I couldn't wait. I had to do it now.

I got out before the sun was all the way up. I love seeing the sunrise. It's pretty cool seeing it come over the mountains.

I felt pretty good on my run. I felt like I was going slow, but I was at a pretty fast pace (for me). The major thing I noticed on my run today was that I really need to work on my posture while running. I run so heavy. I don't know of that makes sense, but you see some runners out there that just look SOO light on their feet. I'm the opposite. I trudge along. There are some times when I'm running on the trail or the treadmill and I totally hit the perfect stride and I feel light, but I want to figure out how to do that during the whole run, not just a tiny section of it.

This week will be a fun one. Lots of family time. :)

Hale Freezes Over 5k

2012-01-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

We got up and headed down to Orem this morning around 8. I've been trying to get past this sinus/head cold that I've had for the past week and woke up with a headache, but I wasn't going to let that stop me.

We got down there and ran 2 of my 5 miles. I was feeling good. It was cold out and my hands were freezing, but after those 2 miles I didn't need any gloves. The race started out great. I was at a good consistent pace for 2 miles of the race until I hit the hill. There's a massive hill around mile 2 that just kills. I ran half of it and then stopped and walked to the top. That was rough. I finished strong, though! 34.33! Not too bad! I'm pretty proud of myself. :)

Yay, for races!! I'm getting back to running a race every month this year. I love looking forward to a race every month. The next one is a Valentine's Day 5k, I'll run that one with my sister.

(Who, by the way, got bitten by the running bug. She just signed up for her first marathon!!! GO JOY!)

What a great day! :)

The treadmill...

2012-01-26T19:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was supposed to run 3.5 miles.

I didn't.

I took a rest day.

I've been feeling a sinus thing coming on, so I rested. Today wasn't any better, but I wanted to get out there. So, after a loooong day at home with kids and taking little Rose to the doc for her 1yr check up (with all other 3 kids in tow) I was able to get my run in at the gym.

I haven't run on a treadmill for a while, so every mile I paused it for a min and caught my breath. I ended up running 3.5 and walking .5 as a cool down. Not bad!

Tomorrow is a cross training day and then Saturday is my first race of the year. Hale Freezes Over 5k. Yay!

Elliptical...

2012-01-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today was 2 miles or cross training. I chose cross training.

I started out with 30 minutes and then went upstairs to get Jason to let him know it was his turn. He was too caught up in his game so, I went back down and did his 30 minutes for him. Haha!

I guess my 60 minutes made him feel guilty, cause he's down here now doing his 30 minutes.

60 minutes on the elliptical! Yeah, man! It feels good to work up a sweat. I love that I felt like I wanted to keep going. That's the best feeling. :)

Tomorrow 3.5 miles + strength.

Upping the miles...just a little...

2012-01-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today I ran 3.5 miles.

Week 3 in my training for the Riverton Half. Things are going good. I'm feeling stronger.

My goal today was to keep my miles under 12 or even better 11:30. I did well, just barely over 1130 for 2 of the 3.5 miles. I've gotta push myself though. I need to push past those "wanna quit" moments in my run.

I'm almost done with Hunger Games... Next up: Catching Fire.

Since the Jan 1st, I'm down 6.6lbs. Not bad, not bad!

I've been tracking my food every day and drinking a TON. Jason visited his friend last week and he had been losing weight really well and one of his tricks was to fill a gallon jug up at the beginning of the day and have it all gone by the end of the day. So, for the past 3 days we've been doing it and boy do I feel good! Sure, I'm peeing like a prego again, but I feel SO much better. I think it's helping flush out all the junk in my body.

This week will be a good one, I'm sure of it. :)

We are so blessed...

2012-01-22T18:11:00.003-07:00

We went on a little walk today as a family before dinner and this was the awesome view.

Boy are we blessed. I never wanted to live in Utah growing up, but I love it now. I love seeing the mountains all around me. The kids had fun making snow angels and sliding on the ice.

Tomorrow I'm doing 3.5 miles and I may have to pull out my YakTrax so I can run in the ice.

Rain, rain, rain...

2012-01-21T12:05:00.002-07:00

This morning I woke up to Jason telling me that the clouds were deceiving and that it was really 930 in the morning. I had slept in a lot longer than I planned, but I'm sure my body needed the sleep.

I got onto Facebook and MyFitnessPal to find that my sister had finished her 4 miles 2 hours earlier. I felt like a slacker and didn't really want to get up and go. I looked out the window to find it raining outside. "This will be a fun one," I thought. "These are the kind of runs that separate the slackers from the ones that really want it."

I got all dressed in my comfy Lucy leggings. Those pants are SO comfy. The only thing missing is a draw string. They tend to slide down while I run, so I put on a running skirt with an extra tall waist band (made for pregos) to hold them up. Anyway... I headed out the door with my raincoat on and my iPhone all wrapped up in Glad cling wrap (I didn't want any water killing my phone.)

I started out great. I was into my book until it went to the next track. Yeah, I gotta make sure to turn off the shuffle mode when I run. I fixed that, took a picture, and then kept going. The last mile was the hardest. The wind and rain were picking up and I was starting to hear the negative voices... "just walk...it's ok. You did good it's ok to walk now." No way man! I kept it up and finished my 4 miles strong.

I'm noticing differences in my legs now. They're starting to feel more muscular and less fatty. My body is getting leaner. Yay!

Next week is my first 5k of the year. It'll be fun. :)

3 miles and a book...

2012-01-19T12:34:00.002-07:00

Today I did 3 miles around the lake.

The clouds were threatening to rain/snow and there was a super light drizzle at times, but the temperature was PERFECT. I loved it.

I decided to listen to the Hunger Games today while running. Boy, did that make a difference. My mind was on the book rather than wandering and wanting to quit. I know some people think I'm nuts running while listening to a book, but sometimes it really is MUCH easier to run to. Music gets to be too much sometimes. I ended up running without stopping and I didn't have to fight myself the whole way to keep going.

Tomorrow I'll do the elliptical again... That or I'll do 2 miles. We'll see what happens. My baby girls turns 1 tomorrow! How crazy is that? I can't believe it's been a whole year. Time flies by so fast.

Yay for the Elliptical!

2012-01-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

Today I did the elliptical.

A couple years ago we bought a cheap-o Golds Gym elliptical from Walmart. It's squeaky and it's not the BEST, but it does it's job. I used it for my cross training.

For Christmas Jason bought me the first 4 seasons of "I Love Lucy." It holds a special place for me because Lucy is just like my Grandma. I knew it'd help hold my attention while doing the elliptical.

I ended up doing 30 minutes. Not bad... not bad...

Tomorrow I'm scheduled for 3 miles. Yay!

What the heck man....

2012-01-17T22:16:00.001-07:00

Last night we had sushi.... This morning I woke up with stomach issues. Either the sushi was bad or I caught that stomach flu that's been going around. Needless to say, no exercise for me today.

A COLD 3 miles....

2012-01-16T12:15:00.002-07:00

It was a cooooold 3 miles today. Joy came over and we switched off again. It's SO nice to be able to do that with her. I went first and didn't even think to use a scarf. Boy, do I wish I had one. The snow was pelting me in the face and neck. I didn't warm up until about halfway into the run.

I'm relearning how to run without thinking about running. I keep getting to a point in my run where I just want to stop. I'm not sore and my muscles aren't super tired. I just want to stop. So, today I kept telling myself that when I get to that point where I want to stop that's when my body is reaching the next level. If I stop when I'm just about there I'm just cheating myself. I have to push past the uncomfortable and keep on. So, today that's what I did. I stopped twice to take a couple pictures, but I finished strong.

My sister was next. I told her what I was thinking about while running and she went running. Her goal was to beat my time. She did great and ended up beating me by 2 minutes! Go Joy!

Tomorrow is 2 miles or cross training. I think I might just do the elliptical tomorrow, but we'll see.

Running partner...

2012-01-14T11:52:00.003-07:00

I love my sister. She's so great. Yesterday she called me up and had the idea of taking turns watching the kids so the other could run. So, this morning she came over and that's what we did. It's SO nice to have someone else to run with (even if we aren't running together). She's really helping me stay on track with training.

I started out great. I felt really good. I was going at a good pace without feeling like I was pushing it, but then around mile 2.5 I started getting the itch to stop. I kept telling myself that I was almost done and I didn't need to stop. I allowed myself a couple seconds to take a breath, but other than that I did really well. I ended up running 4 miles in 43.48. :) Under an 11 min mile! Yay!

Oh, and I am LOVING MyFitnessPal! I've lost 6.4lbs in less than a month. LOVE IT!! Soooo much better than the new WW plan.

Thanks, Joy for making today's run possible. :)

Walking for cross training...

2012-01-13T18:43:00.001-07:00

It was such a beautiful day today and the kids wanted to walk around the lake. So, that's what we did. It was cold, but the sun was shining bright and the sky was blue. They did well scooting around the lake on their scooters until about a mile into it when they started getting cold.

We stopped a couple times to throw rocks and the play with the cattails. I spotted a cool heart on the lake. I love when things like that are found in nature. :)

I just LOVE our home. Tomorrow 4 miles are scheduled. My sister is coming over and we're going to take turns watching the kids while the other runs. It was such a blessing that she called and had the idea to do that, cause I had no idea how I was going to get 4 miles in with 4 kids around the lake. The 2 miles today was hard enough.

A flat tire...

2012-01-11T11:49:00.002-07:00

3 miles around the lake. That was the plan. Around mile 1 I noticed that my right rear tire was getting low. Do I turn around and call it a day or do I keep going? I figured the tire would survive and the girls were doing well so I kept going.

Halfway through the tire decided to go completely flat. Oh well, I'm halfway through...I might as well turn around and head back. So, that's what I did. The only thing, though, was I decided to try some easy hills with the stroller today. Hills+stroller+flat tire= NOT EASY! If you want some good resistance training you should try it. I kept telling myself that it will make me stronger and I'm sure it will. Tomorrow is a rest day. Yay! :)

Running with the girls...

2012-01-10T12:14:00.001-07:00

1 mile turn around point.

Guess what!! My sister is going to run her first half marathon with me in March! It's so nice to have another person to run a race and train with. I'm having to practice running with the girls in the stroller. I may have to push them on race day depending on if I can find someone to babysit them or not. I think it'd be pretty cool to run a half marathon pushing a stroller, so right now I'm just preparing both them and myself if I do end up having to do that. We're going to start out with low miles and build our way up. I'm sure in 12 weeks time the girls will be more than used to running with me.

Today I felt really good. My muscles were a little sore from yesterday, but in a good way. I felt like I was able to run easier today even with pushing the stroller. I try not to use both hands when I push them. Sometimes I'll even just use my body to push, which isn't too hard, but it's not easy on the pathways that still have snow/ice on them. The girls did awesome today. Rose slept and Belle just looked around and talked about the ducks. We only went 2 miles today, but tomorrow we'll go 3. They'll do well, I've just got to keep them warm. :)

He kicked me out....

2012-01-09T09:31:00.001-07:00

(Half way.)

Jason kicked me out of the house today and said, "You have 30 minutes to run 3 miles. GO!" He had a conference call at 9 and I had to get back to watch the kids. I ran and I ran and I tried my hardest not to stop cause I didn't have time to. I ended up running it in 34.42, without stopping. Almost 30 min, but I did it! I tried to not think about anything and just run. It seemed to work. My lungs were burning because I didn't bring something to cover my mouth in this cold weather. I ended up taking my headband and covering my mouth with that. I'm sure those I ran by thought I was crazy, but it helped! I ended up getting home at 8:59. Haha! Just in time. :)

It's a great way to start the week and I'm feeling good!! :)

Food Poisoning

2012-01-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Yay, for food poisoning.. NOT! On Thursday we had nachos for dinner. Jason thought it'd be a good idea to use some salsa that we canned. Yeah, not a great idea. I don't know if the salsa was just old or if that jar wasn't canned right, but let me tell you.... UGH! 2 days of nastiness came from it. Now that I'm feeling better I'll get on track with running again, starting Monday.

Beautiful day...

2012-01-05T19:41:00.002-07:00

Forget getting up early this morning... After getting up a couple times in the middle of the night, I had to sleep in.

It was such a beautiful day today! Nice and warm. I ended up going around the lake with Jason and the kids. I'm so proud of my little girl. She wanted so bad to try her big bro's scooter, so we lowered the handles and she went for it. She was actually pretty good! After scooting a little while she was getting tired and wanted my help. So, she put both feet up and I pushed her along. She wanted to go fast, so I got a couple sprints in. :)

Life is good.

See what happens...

2012-01-04T21:47:00.001-07:00

See what happens when I don't get up when my alarm goes off. I don't work out. I had LOTS of opportunities to exercise today, but I didn't take advantage of any of them. Well, tomorrow is a new day. I will set everything out tonight and get out in the morning.

Crazy thing happened today though. In November I entered a giveaway on one of our favorite restaurant's (CAFE RIO!) Facebook page and today I was notified that I was one of 5 picked out of 4500 people. I won free meals for an entire year! Awesome, huh?! I'll have to be careful to work out hard on the days that I get Cafe Rio.

Did it anyway...

2012-01-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

A view from my run.

I woke up at 6 this morning when my alarm went off and when I stood up I instantly felt some pms cramps. Ugh... The 2nd day is always the worst for me (Sorry, TMI. lol), thankfully tomorrow all those cramps will be gone and I'll be feeling great. I was really debating on skipping today. I could have just gone back to bed and done it later when the kids were at school. As much as I would have wanted to skip, I wanted to go that much more. I made a promise to myself and I need to keep that promise.

So, I got out and started running a short little 2 mile loop and ended up going a little further than I was expecting, but that's ok. I didn't look at my watch. I didn't want to frustrate myself by seeing my slow pace. I'll get back to being faster. The more weight I drop and the more I get out there the faster I'll be. :)

All in all, I'm glad I got out there. I'm always happy when I get my run in.

Let go of the fear

2012-01-02T10:09:00.001-07:00

For some reason the past year and a half or so, I've been afraid to run in the mornings. I would just get all nervous, so much so that I'd just talk myself out of running all together. I don't know why it started, nothing's ever happened to me and I live in a good neighborhood where there are tons of people running all the time.

This morning when my alarm went off I started getting those thoughts..."I'll just do it later." "What if something happens?" Blah, blah, blah... So, I just said, "Don't think, just do. It'll all be ok." I got dressed and headed out the door. I started out listening to music, but wasn't feeling it after the first mile, so I switched and listened to Elder Holland's talk. I think, what I got most out of the talk was that there is one person in this universe that doesn't want me to succeed. He will make try to make me scared, he will try to make me quit. He doesn't want me to be happy and healthy. He wants me to be miserable, just like him. But, you know what? I'm not going to let him win. It may be hard, but I am strong.

I have nothing to fear! I can do this.

I get to run by this everyday. :)

Well, I ended up running 3 miles this morning before the sun came up. I felt slow, but that's to be expected. At least I got out there and did it. Today is the first day of many, I can do this! I've been tracking with myfitnesspal and I am LOVING it. The iPhone app has a scanner that you can scan your food's barcode to get the nutrition info. It makes it SOOOO much easier to track. I LOVE it!

2012!

2012-01-01T14:40:00.001-07:00

Everything's set out and I'm ready to go. I even have all my races updated for 2012.

Here's to an amazing new year! I've got lots of races planned that I can't wait to run. :) I've slacked off for the past 2 months, but I'm back at it.

I have a lot of plans for 2012, so I'll try not to put too much pressure on myself and only list a couple.

1. Read my scriptures daily.

2. Exercise first thing in the morning.

3. Track my food on Myfitnesspal.com (I'm mommatwitch if you wanna add me.)

4. Choose to be happy. :)

That shouldn't be too hard, right?

3 miles...

2011-11-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to get faster. My goal is to run a comfortable 8:30 pace by my next half marathon in April. So, this morning I did 3 miles around the lake. I have this thing for Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins that come out around Halloween. I promised myself that if I could run 3 miles faster than 31 minutes that I'd earn my favorite treat.

I headed out and got the first mile down in 10 minutes. The second mile I pushed a little harder and finished around 9 minutes. I stopped a couple times in that second mile to catch my breath and I'm going to work on running straight without stopping for a faster pace. The third mile I ran around 10 minutes for 3 miles under 30 minutes.

I'm pretty amazed with myself. I ran so much last month... a marathon, a 5k, and a half marathon. Sometimes I wonder how I do these things and honestly I don't know, but I do know I'm really blessed. Jason's been so great with watching the kids and everything. :)

Oh, so I've been having a tough time with the new Weight Watchers Points Plus, but last week I promised I'd track every day last week and I did. I tracked and I lost 4.4lbs this week!! :) Yay! It's just what I needed to get me motivated to keep going. I'm totally going to keep it up!

Lucy Activewear Sale

2011-11-03T22:49:00.000-06:00

Hey! Just thought you guys would like to know that Lucy Activewear is having a sale on Saturday. There are some shirts and running pants I've been eyeballing and Saturday will be a great day to get something. Go check 'em out!

The crazy adventure otherwise known as the Provo Halloween Half

2011-10-30T13:33:00.000-06:00

It all started last year when I registered for the race. After some issues with my pregnancy I had to bail out before the race and transfer my registration to this year. After lots of emails in attempts to contact someone who works for the race I finally got it confirmed that my registration would be transferred. Which brings us to September of this year. In an attempt to verify that my registration was transferred I tried contacting through emails, the website, and then finally facebook before it was confermed that my registration was transfered.

Soooo... Now, it's the day before the race around 1:45 I drive an hour down to Provo (through INSANE traffic) to find the mall full of cars. After finally finding a spot I go inside and see (picture #1) a line stretching from one end of the mall to the other (I'm talking at least 2000+ people in line). This mall isn't tiny, so, I know I'm going to be waiting for a while. It's a good thing I had my phone cause I kept checking their facebook page to find out what was going on. I waited in line for an hour and a half before reaching the doors to registration only to find the room completely full of people trying to get their packets. A friend of mine tells me where to go and I make my way in only to find my packet isn't there. After talking to 5 different people, looking through the registration boxes 10 times and coming up empty I ask a guy for a new bib number. He points me in the direction of the bib checker who's having a rough time. She informs me that she can't give me a new bib unless she has the old bib. Well, that helps... I DON'T HAVE AN OLD BIB!! So, she looks me up in the computer only to find that I'm not actually in there. The guy didn't transfer my registration like he said he was going to. The lady was so stressed out with everything she just gave me a bib and took my info. I just had to cross my fingers my info I just gave her wouldn't be lost in the shuffle and it'd work in the morning. After spending 2 hours in the mall I start to go back home only to find that I-15 was a parking lot and I'd have to take State Street as far as I could. Well, yada, yada, yada... it ended up taking me FOREVER to get home and I ended up spending 5 1/2 hours round trip getting a packet that didn't exist.

Finally, it's race morning (Picture #2). I'm up at 3:45 and the race doesn't start until 9:20. (Which is CRAZY! Who starts a race that late?) I didn't want to risk traffic and any more organization problems on their part, so I made sure I had plenty of time to get on their first bus at 5:30. I forgot to grab something for breakfast other than a banana and I knew I'd have a TON of time to eat, so I got some McDonalds oatmeal and a hot cocoa (picture #3). I got to the bus pick up in time to get on the first bus. It was a nice bus, heated and comfy. The bus driver did well, until he passed the start line and went too far up the mountain. He started hitting the switchbacks and the back tires started going off the edge at one point which started freaking everyone out. Rather than go up the rest of the way with the driver about half the bus (including me) got off and walked a half a mile back down to the start. It was pitch black, but a few people used their phones as flash lights so, that helped. Oh, and since it was SO dark you could see the stars SO clearly. It was pretty cool! We made it down to where the start was supposed to be only to find no one there and no lights directing us where to go. There was supposed to be a BIG heated tent for everyone to hang out in.

After standing around for 15 minutes a runner comes and lets us know he found the tent. (Picture #4) It was still cold inside, but I was sure after more people came it'd warm up. I sat down on the cold ground and started playing on my phone to pass the time. (Picture #5)

After getting bored and not warming up enough I made my way through a TON of people (Picture #6) to the front of the tent where the heaters were (I should have gone up there in the first place!) I'm glad I moved to the front cause that's where all the entertaining people were. There was one chick dancing around and the more the music played the more people joined in. (Picture #7) It was really fun to see everyone dressed up. At one point my bro called so I had to make my way through all the people outside where it was FREEZING! It was 27 degrees out there. Burrrr! I saw a couple friends which was nice cause I rarely race with anyone I know. I made my way back into the tent to the front and had to step over a couple people who were asleep on the floor. Talk about crazy, it was shoulder to shoulder standing where they were laying. Not the best idea...

Finally after waiting forever it was time to race! One last potty break (Picture #8) with a beautiful view and it was time to make my way towards the start. Another quarter mile walk to the start and we were good to go. (Picture #9) There were so many people there that they had to start in 2 groups. I was in the second group because I wasn't sure if I could finish before 2.10 which was the cut off for the 1st group.

I headed out and it was ALL downhill for the first few miles. About an hour in Jason calls to see how I was doing. I love that he calls!! It makes it so much easier when people talk to me while I run. I was really amazed with myself. I reached 6 miles before an hour! I was feeling good when my sister called around mile 7. She thought I was holding my phone up to my ear the whole time. No way! I keep my headphones in and I can still talk and run at the same time. So, she stayed on the phone with me for a couple of miles and played some song requests from her kids. There were some funny ones like this one. It was nice talking and listening to her cause my right calf was cramping up some and it helped me not focus on that.

At one point, about mile 10, I think, I passed a dad pushing his son in a wheelchair. Talk about amazing! They didn't say anything to me and I didn't say anything to them, but in just passing them I could feel the pure love of theirs. It gave me goosebumps all over and made me tear up some. Talk about amazing! What a wonderful father. It helped me to keep going. I made it until there was a half a mile left and I had to call someone to talk me through the last little bit. I had pushed so hard for so long that my mind wanted to stop. I called my bro, Adam, and he talked me through it. I finished strong in 2.22.39! (Picture #10) Almost a PR.... That's ok, next time I'll totally smash it.

The medal for this race was pretty cool. (Picture #11) It's one of my favorites. I have 7 medals now... It's so hard to believe that I've run 5 half marathons and 2 marathons in the past 2 years. I can't wait to run more!

When I got home yesterday I was rolling out and icing my muscles, but for some reason I couldn't position myself right to get my calf rolled out right, so I handed a rolling pin to my oldest and she got to work. (Picture #12) She thought it was fun. Haha! It felt good when she was rolling it. I may have to get her to do it again today cause....today.... OUCH.... That's all I gotta say.... I hurt. My right calf is sore and my left hip muscles are just aching. My butt hurts too, down hill races are killer. I didn't feel this bad after my marathon and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that it wasn't down hill. Oh well, it's a good kind of pain. Jason laughs and says that I do it to myself. True, I do... and it's all worth it. :)

SoJo 5k

2011-10-27T21:34:00.000-06:00

I've been a super slacker lately on this blog. I'm going to do my best to write more often. I have some new goals, so I'm sure writing down what's happening will help a lot with that.

I ran the SoJo 5k a couple weekends ago. It was only a week after my marathon and I thought I'd do pretty good since my muscles were feeling great. I met up with my friend Sue (She's a super AMAZING runner.) at the race and warmed up some before. I'm sure warming up helped cause I surprised myself with the race. The wind was blowing some and it was chilly, but I ran my fastest 5k since having Rose. I was amazed! 31.58 was my time.

There was a couple spots in the race where I wanted to slow down and walk just cause I could, but I kept telling myself that I just ran 26.2 miles and 3 miles isn't going to kill me. I kept it up and finished strong. After the race I hung out a bit with Sue and then left to go home and help Jason with the kids. I never stay for the awards since I never win anything, but guess what!!!

Sue contacted me and told me that I got 2nd place in my division!! Let me tell ya, it pays to sign up in the Athena Division (girls over 150lbs can sign up in this division). I was 2nd out of 9 people and only a minute-ish shy of beating the 1st place chick. I would have gotten 8th place if I was in my age division.

I may just have to stay longer for those awards from now on. You just never know if you've won something.

Well, the next thing coming up for me is the Halloween Half. It's this Saturday. I've been looking forward to this race for the past 2 years. I'm so excited!! I'm not sure yet if I'll dress up as anything, but I do know it's going to be fun! :)

2nd Marathon In The Books

2011-10-08T17:26:00.001-06:00

I got up at 2:45 this morning and set out to run the Layton Marathon. It was snowing slightly at the start and my toes were numb from the wetness/cold. I'm glad I decided to make a quick little fleece throw to use at the start since it was going to be cold the night before.

Things started out good. The timing company was having issues so it was a gun start. I'm glad I was toward the front of the line. There were only 250 or so runners.

I felt good until about mile 20 when I started losing my concentration. I kept going though and finished in 5.40.23! That's a 15 minute PR! :) Yay!

Longest ever

2011-09-24T19:54:00.000-06:00

Today I ran my longest training run EVER....

I ran 20 miles!!!!!!

Layton Marathon is in 2 weeks...eeek!

8 great miles

2011-09-08T12:31:00.000-06:00

Well, I'll be doing the St. George Marathon NEXT year. The lady in charge was nice enough to switch my entry to next year. This year though, on the 8th of October, I'll be running the Layton Marathon. I'm excited to run it. 9 months after having Rose.... I love when I amaze myself. :)

This morning I pushed the girls 8 miles around the lake. I'm getting better each time I push the stroller. I'm so surprised I ran 8 miles in 1.36. Crazy, I'm getting faster!! :) It was easier too. It's taking less effort.

Halfway through I had a lady pushing a stroller stop me and tell me that I was her motivation to keep going. I love when I motivate others. It makes it all that much more worth it, ya know? What a great run.

Rose was amazing the whole time. She took a nap and then had a bottle and was just great. Annabelle on the other hand wanted help with something every mile, tough, but you do what you gotta do. I've got 16 scheduled for Saturday and my oldest turns 7. It'll be an awesome weekend.

I can't believe it!

2011-09-06T14:25:00.000-06:00

I just WON an entry into the St. George Marathon!!!

I just can't believe it. It's only 24 days away, but I'm SO excited! I'm pumped!! I've been training for the Layton Marathon, but I'm totally going to switch and run this one. I did 8 miles this morning pushing the girls in the stroller, so I know I'm building those muscles. :) I've been SO excited all day about it. I've always thought it'd be fun to run, but you have to put your name into the lottery to even try to get in. WOW! I'm just so happy! My 1st marathon 8.5 months after having Rose. :D

14 miles!

2011-09-04T15:14:00.000-06:00

Longest run since having Rosalie. I woke up yesterday morning an hour past my alarm going off. That's one thing wrong with having your phone right next to your bed.... You turn off your alarm without knowing it.

Anyway, I got up and headed out the door. I did the first 6 miles around the house and then decided that I'd run to weight watchers rather than run around in circles. It was a really nice run. I even did it faster than my half marathon by 12 minutes. I think it helped that I did it super early in the morning and it was in the 50's out rather than the 80's. I'm not a fan of running in the heat. I'd rather run in the snow any day.

I felt great though. It was nice to do 14 at a good pace and not feel sluggish. I hope to only get stronger. :)

South Valley Half Marathon

2011-08-22T21:41:00.000-06:00

I woke up and walked over to the bus pick up area and loaded onto the first bus. There were 5 porta-potties and 300ish (maybe more, I didn't count) people waiting to use them. Haha! That's one plus about getting on the first bus. You're always the first to get in line for the bathrooms.

Anyway, we started out watching the sun rise above the mountains while running down the canyon. It was really pretty. I started out just fine, I ran the first 6 miles without stopping and I felt fine. Well, that was until I realized that I forgot my GU and there weren't any at the water stops. The hills killed my energy and I walked/ran the rest of the way.

I didn't expect the hill to be that big. I will say though, my outlook on this race compared to the last half was amazingly different. I was a lot more positive this time around. Maybe cause I knew the area, I don't know... But, it was a good race. I was drained, but it was good. :)

Caleb saw me coming up to the finish line and ran across it with me. They called out my name and said they loved seeing all the "helpers". Caleb was so proud to run with me the last few feet.

I did it! 2nd half since having Rosalie! :)

I'd run it again. Though, I think it would be better in the fall when it cools down since there wasn't much trees along the route and it was pretty hot out.

Good race!

10 miles on a monday

2011-08-08T09:18:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so that's how my 10 miles were today. Pretty crazy if you ask me. The downhill wasn't so bad, it was the uphill on the way back that made my GU and ibuprofen start coming back up. It's all good though. I don't throw up, I kept on keeping on and finished my 10 miles in 2 hours. Plus, after my run I weighed in (because what's a better time to weigh in than right after a long run) and I'm FINALLY out of the 190s. Yay! I feel good, my legs feel good. I think I did really well. I'm proud of myself for getting up at 4:45 and heading out the door. :)

Keep going..

2011-08-04T08:53:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to bed around 1. My mommy radar was on full blast with Jason not there, so every little creak or bump in the night had me awake and wondering what was going on. I wasn't sure if I'd get up and go this morning since I went to bed late, but I set my alarm anyway.

Along comes 5 am and the alarm goes off and I'm wide awake. I didn't argue with myself, I just got up and got at it. 6 miles with a few fartleks thrown in. About halfway through I just felt like I was going to fall asleep. Is it possible to fall asleep while running? Cause that's totally what it felt like. My run turned into a walk, but I finished my miles. I'm so much happier when I run. Though, today I feel so drained. I think I'm getting a head cold. I'm sure after a shower and some food I'll feel much better.

After 6 miles. I may not look drained, but boy do I feel it!

Good thing tomorrow is an easy day. I just need to get some good sleep and then I'll be fine. This summer has been rough on my sleep for some reason.

The first step

2011-08-01T09:30:00.000-06:00

The first step for me when it comes to running is the actual getting out and doing it. I woke up this morning when the alarm went off at 5:15 and then crawled back into bed and fought with myself for 15 minutes on if I should run now or wait until later in the day.

I ended up getting up and going. 5 miles DONE! Slow, but comfortable. I really need to get to bed earlier. I think that's what's making me feel so slow. Going to bed at 11-12, waking up at 5, and then chasing kids all day... somethings not right in that picture. I need to go to bed around 10 or something.

I feel proud of myself for getting out there and going this morning. It took a lot of prayer, but I did it and everything worked out great. I really wanted to start August off on the right foot. Can you believe it's August already?? Man, times flies!

Morning

2011-07-30T22:53:00.000-06:00

Last night I set out my clothes and set my alarm. I had 8 miles scheduled for today and I had high hopes. I set my alarm up at the top of the shower in the bathroom so there was no chance of hitting snooze and rolling back into bed.

My alarm went off this morning at 5:15 and I headed out. It was a slow jog this morning. I wasn't going fast by any means, but I did 8 miles without stopping. I've been a little down lately with my running because I have been feeling a little alone. With my parents in Africa and Jason taking care of the kids while I run/race, I've felt like I haven't had the support I wish I had. They do the best they can and I'm not blaming them, but sometimes I just imagine how awesome it would be to be running a race and see my family and friends cheering me on along the way with signs and all that stuff.

The sunrise on my run this morning. BEAUTIFUL!

While I was running this morning I decided that if I am going to do this I need to do this for me. I need to trust myself and my abilities. I know that I have the ability to do this. I've done it before and I can do it again. I am a better mother and wife when I run. I'm a kinder person when I take care of myself. I just have to remember that I am never really alone and I have all the support I need.

Anyway, my run went well. I felt good! I'm really proud of myself. We were in Montana visiting my grandmas all week and we didn't get home until late last night. Go me. :)

This week

2011-07-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

Well.... I've been running a lot this week and I've been sticking to my training. It's been tough convincing myself to get out and run. Yeah, I really like running and I enjoy the alone time, but honestly I have been having a tough time with the mental part of running. My mind just isn't into it. After mile 2 I'm counting down the steps until it's over. I'm also having a tough time not stopping to walk. It's not like my muscles ache and it's not like it's too hard, it's just that I get this STRONG desire to walk.

I'm going with the thought that if I just get out every day and run then my mind will fall into place with my heart and my running will get easier.

What do you do to get over the mental hurdles that come with running???

Hobbler Half 5k & Mack Family Croc Walk

2011-07-10T09:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning I woke up at 530 and headed out the door for a fun day full of events. The first thing was the Hobbler Half 5k. It was a little under an hour away from the house so, I had to get up early so I could get there on time.

Today was my weigh in day (which isn't the best idea for race day) and I tend to not eat or drink as much as I should before I weigh. Thinking back now, I should have just weighed at home before I left. Oh, well. I got to the race early and had plenty of time to walk around and talk to friends.

The race started a little late due to the timing company being late, but that's ok. We started out good, I felt a little slow. (I haven't run in 2 weeks since my half.) I did well until mile 2 and then I felt drained. So, I did the whole walk/run thing. I finished the race in 36.02! Not bad considering I walked some of it. It's amazing how 2 years ago when I first started running again it took me over 47 minutes to run a 5k and that was with "running" the whole time.

After I crossed the line I got in the car and went another 40 minutes back up, towards home, to a fun walk for a great cause. My parents are in Sierra Leone serving a mission and one of the other missionary couples had a daughter living just a few miles from me. Well, a couple months ago, while 8 months pregnant, she passed away and the baby didn't make it either. (Read the story here.) So, the community got together to help support this father and his 3 kids.

Orange was her favorite color and she wore orange Crocs at the hospital, so everyone wore orange and Crocs donated an orange pair of Crocs for all of those who did the Crocwalk. :)

(The Kimball's, Wendy's parents. This is the other couple that was serving with my parents in Sierra Leone.)

The amazing thing about this event was the fact that there were more people there than were at the Hobbler Half 5k. I love when a whole community comes together to help someone in need. :)

When the walk was over we headed home and I weighed in and lost 3.6 lbs this week! I love weigh in weeks like this! :)

Mmmm...

2011-06-28T21:46:00.000-06:00

I was reading this blog yesterday and she was making her own LARABARs. I've never had one before, but it looked tasty so, I went to the store and got some dates. Yeah... dates look weird! I wasn't too sure about it, but I figured I'd add some Nutella to the mix and it'd make everything taste great.

(Not the BEST picture, but they're oh, so good!)

This morning I threw a pound of dates, a cup of cashews, and a couple big spoonfuls of Nutella into my food processor and made myself my own Nutella Larabars. I laid it all out in an 8x8 pan and put it in the fridge for about an hour and they were good to go. They taste kinda like brownies. They were just the right texture and even my daughter who doesn't like nuts or Nutella (weirdo!) ate them and wanted more. That's the other cool thing about these, they're made with "good for you" stuff so you don't have to feel guilty eating it.

I love simple treats that are good for you. :)

American Fork Canyon Half Marathon

2011-06-26T23:12:00.001-06:00

Better late than never, right? ;)

I ran in honor of my Aunt Marena on the right. :)

I got up yesterday morning at 3 am to run 13.1 miles. Yeah, I'm a little nuts, but it was fun (well, for the most part.) I woke up and finished my shirt that I started the night before. I picked a dark blue shirt for colon cancer and freezer paper stenciled the words on with silver. The only thing I did wrong was I put too thick of a coat on it and it wasn't dry when I pulled it off so the letters looked a little funky. Anyway after messing with that for a little bit I got my breakfast ready (oatmeal and banana) and was about to walk out the door when Annabelle woke up wanting a blanket and a drink. I hurried and got her all settled and left. I got down the street and realized I forgot a hair tie. I can't run without my hair back... I don't know how some women do it. It would annoy the crap out of me.

Anyway, I made it down there and on the second bus up the canyon. It was super dark and a little chilly when we got up there. I brought a blanket with me to use, but at the last minute I decided it wasn't that cold so I left it in the car before getting on the bus (I shoulda brought it. Oh, well...)

Start-Mile 3

Well, the race started on time (6am), but for some reason I was thinking it was supposed to start at 630 and that's what I told Jason (more on that later). We started out going down hill through the canyon. Before mile one we ran through a little river going across the road. There was no way to miss it, so my feet were soaked with ice cold mountain water. From then on the miles just flew by. I was going at around a 1040 pace and I was feeling really comfortable. When mile 3.1 hit I thought, "10 miles to go. I can do this. I've done this before." For some reason I wasn't feeling the music I had so, for the majority of my race I just enjoyed what was going on around me.

Mile 4-7

I was feeling AWESOME! Down hill all the way. I was letting my feet go with the down hill and I felt great. I was down to a 930 pace when my garmin lost reception and got a little screwy. At mile 7 it said I did a 639 mile and that my fastest pace was a 315 mile (YEAH RIGHT!!) There's no way I could EVER go that fast. I caught up to this one guy and my feet fell in line with his and it totally got me in the groove. I kept thinking, "1, 2, 3, 4...1, 2, 3, 4" over and over in my head. (I know, I'm weird...)

Mile 8-10

I was out of the canyon and things were starting to level out. No more down hill and my legs were starting to feel it. I ended up running with this one lady for a couple miles and saw that we were ahead of the 2.20 pacer. I was so shocked that I was that far ahead of him, but I started to slow and he passed me.

Last night I watched this video (it's SOO funny!) and when my mind started wandering, I started thinking to myself about how I've never had to go #2 while running and how I would totally hold it in if it was me. Yeah, I jinxed myself. Around mile 9 I started to feel it. OOOooh, did I feel it. (A jalapeno burger from Carl Jr's is NOT the best pre race dinner.) I passed an aid station and the port-a-potties cause there was a major line and I didn't want to waste my time waiting in line. I shoulda though cause around mile 10 I REALLY really really had to go. So bad that each time I started to run I had to stop and walk cause I was totally going to mess myself. lol!

Mile 11-13.1

Around mile 10.5 there was a single port-a-potty on the side of the road that I was lucky enough to use without having to wait too long. I ended up wasting what felt like 5 minutes at the potty. After that I felt better, but my legs were feeling the little break and they didn't want to go fast. I tried using my music, but I still wasn't feeling it. It was actually making me go slower. I needed someone to talk to and no one was around so, I tried calling my brother and he didn't answer so, I called my mom in Africa.

I was starting to get all emotional around mile 11.75 telling my mom that I hate running races alone and I really hope Jason is there at the finish cause I really need support right now. My mom and dad were driving through the jungle in West Africa with some missionaries when I called. She told me to just imagine my dad waiting for me and running the last bit with me (that's what he did at my full marathon last year) and that my aunt Marena was there by my side. I could hear the missionaries in the background saying I was doing good and to keep going. I started getting all choked up and hung up and started running again. My bro called when I had less than a mile to go. My legs wanted to walk, but my heart wanted to run. I really just wanted to be under 2.40 and I knew that if I kept walking I wouldn't make that. So, Adam told me to pretend like I was doing fartleks. Run some, walk some until I got to the end. I did and I saw the finish and kept running.

Finish:

I crossed the line and my feet were killing me. I had a couple little blisters from some flip flops that I wore a week ago and I think the wet socks from the beginning made the blisters worse. I called Jason cause I didn't see him at the finish. I knew he was trying really hard to be there. I wasn't upset because I told him the wrong start time, so it was my fault. (Note to self: Tell Jason the RIGHT start time!) Brianna was SO sad because she wanted to cheer me on and didn't get the chance to. She even made a sign for me.

So, I did a fake finish so she could say, "Go ma!" It wasn't the same thing and she was still sad. Oh well, the next half is in August and it finishes right by my house so it'll be easier for them to be there at the end.

I ended up finishing the race in 2.36.02! Not bad!!! I finished and I reached my goal of being under 2.40. Imagine if I didn't waste time at the bathroom, I would have been even better. It's all good though. I did well. I'm proud of myself. I did really well, I mean really, it's only been 5 months since I had Rosalie. I wouldn't have EVER imagined running 5 months after any of the other kids. GO ME! :)

I woke up this morning and my legs were ACHING!!! I swear I didn't feel this achy after the full marathon and I was prego at the time. I bet it was all the down hill that is making them ache so bad.

Now I gotta get some rest and get back to runnin' for my next half at the end of August. I just wanted to say thanks for all the support from you guys out there. It means a lot. :)

Race day tomorrow!!

2011-06-24T20:14:00.001-06:00

So, tomorrow I'll be getting up at 3AM to run a race at 6:30AM in the mountains of Utah all for a great cause. Since the race is for cancer research I've decided that I'll be running for my Aunt Marena who died of cancer in 2005. She was such a wonderful woman.

Wish me luck! It'll be my first race since having Rosalie 5 months ago and I've been fighting a sore throat all week and I pray I feel 100% in the morning.

Country Fest 5k

2011-06-18T22:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I signed up last minute for a local 5k. I haven't run for about 2 weeks thanks to wussing out and not running in the San Antonio heat. I thought a 5k would be a good way to get back into things. Sooo... I signed up and picked up my packet.

This morning I got up at 5:30 and headed over to the race. It was a little chilly this morning, but it was the perfect running weather. I love weather like this. I think it was in the 60s this morning.

Anyway... They told us yesterday to pick up the timing chip this morning, well.... that didn't happen. For some reason they didn't have the chips so we weren't timed very well. I'm so glad I have my Garmin. I started out feeling great other than my lungs having to get used to breathing again. I was feeling a little burn, but I got used to it quick.

The first mile passed by quickly and so did mile 2. I even passed the water station without really know it. I finished the race in 33.47 according to my garmin. That's almost a minute faster than my last 5k!! I'm so proud of myself for doing so well after so much time off. I felt really comfortable running today. I love when I go faster than I feel.

Anyway... I hope everyone who ran today had a great run! :)

Half marathon next Saturday!!!!! Eeek!!!

cookies

2011-06-16T21:38:00.000-06:00

Why do cookies have to taste sooo good? I've done really well at staying away from them, but it's tough when your husband cracks open a box of Samoas and offers you some.

Starting WW tomorrow.

Half marathon in a week.

Possible 5k on Saturday.

Haven't run in 2 weeks.

Sore throat.

Tired.

A little depressed.

Need a good run.

The End....

SLACKER!

2011-06-11T22:16:00.000-06:00

Yep, still in Texas and still haven't run. It's too hot.... That's my excuse. Tomorrow I have 10 miles scheduled. I wish I can get it in, but I have to drive 2 hours to Dallas to pick Jason up and 2 hours back to Waco or 5 hours back to San Antonio. We'll see. I really need to do it. All I've been doing for exercise is pushing a stroller in the 100 degree heat while checking out all the different sites with the family. Fun fun.

Yesterday I stepped on a toad....

That's exciting right? I stepped on the thing barefoot. GROSS!!! It still gives me the chills thinking about how it felt squishy on my heel. YUCK! I didn't squish it, it hopped away with no injuries, but still GROSS!

I was also stung by a bee on Monday. Not too big of a deal except it was on my elbow and I'm pretty allergic to the stinkin' things. My elbow swelled up and itched like mad. It's just now starting to go away.

Oh well, it's been fun! I love spending time with my family. :) I'm going home soon and then I can get back to running. Hopefully I didn't lose too much of my training by missing these couple weeks. I have a half in less than 2 weeks!! Eeek!

San Antonio...freakin' HOT!

2011-06-06T19:25:00.000-06:00

For the past few days I've been in San Antonio, TX visiting family. I've attempted to run a couple times, but by 7 am it's already in the 90's and the humidity is way up there so my 6 mile run on Saturday turned into a barely there 1.75 mile run. Call me crazy, but I'd rather take the altitude that Utah brings over the heat of Texas. Man, oh man...

I made up the other 4 miles by walking around the Alamo and the River walk down here. Pretty cool stuff....it was freakin' hot and I got a little tan, but the stuff was neat.

Later this week I'm going up to Waco and Dallas and I'm hoping to be able to workout at the fitness center at my bros place. I need to figure out something cause on Saturday I have a 11ish (hoping for more) mile run due.

I had the Utah Valley Half scheduled for this weekend, but I decided I didn't want to run my first half since having Rosalie and not have anyone there at the finish.Plus, I didn't want to fly home with 2 little ones by myself. Soooo, I switched it to the American Fork Half. It'll be a good race and it's for a good cause.

Hopefully this week I'll have a better post with some running included. :)

We've got a winner!

2011-06-01T22:44:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all of those of you who entered the giveaway.

Lucky number 6! Danae you won the Auria earphones! :)

Email me your info and we'll get these sent out to ya.

This morning to celebrate my birthday AND National Running Day I went out for a 5 mile run and then came home to eat some birthday pancakes with a big "C" for Cathy in the center. :)

I was amazed with my run this morning. I started out feeling slow even though I was going much faster than I thought. I ended at a 10 minute mile pace. GO ME! :) I felt great!! I love runs where everything goes smoothly.

Early Morning Run

2011-05-28T21:29:00.001-06:00

This morning I woke up at 4 to feed Rosalie and then headed out for my run. I know it's a little early to run especially on a Saturday, but we had my niece and nephew sleep over and I knew that if I didn't get my run in then, then it wasn't going to happen at all.

My heart didn't want to run this morning. I didn't really want to, but I knew I wouldn't regret it if I did. This time I planned my route around a working water fountain so, I wouldn't have a repeat of last week. It seemed to help. I started out feeling good around 4 miles into it I stopped by the house and dropped off my jacket and kept going. I was pretty impressed with myself for still going after stopping at the house. I even did the first 4 miles without music. I had my music on me, but something in me just wanted to be alone with the morning and not be distracted by any music.

I made it to about mile 7 and my mind was ready for the run to be over. I hate when that happens. I keep thinking about the end and it makes it that much harder to keep going. The music I turned on after mile 4 didn't seem to help. I started seeing more and more people out running around mile 8 so it kept me going. I knew I would be finishing soon so, I kept going. The back of my right knee started aching a little towards the end. I'm so nervous about that. I don't want a repeat of last time with the whole IT Band issues. They are NOT fun.

Well, I finished! I did 9 miles in 1.52.24! Not bad. I walked the first 5 minutes and ran the rest. Pretty cool!

I walked 1.61 miles home as a cool down, so technically I went 10.61 miles this morning, but I'm weird and I just count the running.

I wish I would have done better this week. I ran Monday and Saturday. Next week should be better. :)

Oh! I'm down another 1.6 pounds this week!!! YAY!!

Auria Earphones Review and Giveaway (Giveaway Closed)

2011-05-24T12:14:00.001-06:00

A little while ago I was contacted by the great people over at Auria.com to try out a pair of their Exceed model earphones. I was so excited to get my Glacier White pair in the mail.

Who doesn't have a couple pairs of earphones from your iPods laying around? I have them and have been using them, but they always hurt my hears. I even tried getting some of those ones that have a soft cushion, but either they didn't fit or they hurt so, after reading what Auria had to offer I couldn't wait to try them out.

I am totally one of those women who stick one in my ear and the other in my strap so I can hear. When I opened the package I tested it out. I put my earphones on and turned on my tunes. Jason talked loud and I could hear him. He talked soft and I could hear him. He even whispered and I could hear him. I like the fact that I could have them on and still be able to respond to my husband and kids without yelling.

There's a couple of cool things that these babies do.

1. You can hear the things around you.

2. There are control buttons on the cord where you can change the song, pause the song, skip a song. No more fumbling with your iPod at the start of the race.

3. You can answer you phone with the control buttons! I'm one of those crazies that will answer my phone mid run and talk. When I was doing my marathon my little brother called me about 10 times and each time I had to fumble with my phone to answer him. NOT ANYMORE! Now I just push a button.

4. There's also a little clip that will clip your cords to your shirt so they won't flap all over the place while you run. I couldn't find my Auria earphones yesterday and I had to use the ones that came with my iPod...yeah...I hated how the cords kept tugging the buds out of my ears and how the cords kept flapping all over. Needless to say, after my run I went in search for my Auria earphones and found them!

Soooo.... Do you want a pair??

All you have to do is leave a separate comment for each entry!

Tell me why you want these awesome earphones!
Like Auria and Facebook HERE
Tell me your favorite song to run to. I need a new play list for my half!
Follow my blog if you don’t already
FB, Tweet or mention this giveaway on your blog

The giveaway will end next Tuesday May 31st at midnight and the winner will be announced the morning of Wednesday June 1st (My birthday!!! Hehehe!)

The past couple days...

2011-05-22T21:02:00.000-06:00

This week I went a total of 25 miles! I kept up with my runs and did everyone this week. Some of the days I went farther than I was scheduled. On Friday I did a 4 mile run where I took my time and felt easy. I felt like I was back to where I was before I had Rosalie. It's such a difference when your legs do what your heart wants. I know I may not be fast (read: 11-12 min average pace) and I may never win any awards in my age group (besides this one), but this momma is made for endurance. I can go, go, go. I can keep going when others quit and to me that is something to be proud of. :)

Yesterday I got up at 5 after feeding Rosalie and headed out. I went 8 miles! I love that I could go 8 miles before anyone else woke up. The one thing I did wrong with my run was my lack of water. I was 4.5 miles into it when I stopped at the park to get some water at the water fountain and realized that they haven't turned the water on for the year yet for some ~~stupid~~ reason. So, I kept running and stopped at the bathrooms that they built only to find that they were both locked since it was so early in the morning. I ended up finding a faucet on the side of the building and used that. Haha! Next time I'm bringing water or I'll stash some along the way.

Well, after my run I weighed and guess what!!! I'm out of the 200's! I've lost 17 pounds since having Rosalie. Yay! Only 35 more to go. :) I just hope I can keep up the weight loss like it's been going the past couple weeks.

I read this quote today... It's totally going to be my motto this week.

"Next time you want to give up - push on. Next time you want to skip a run - don't. Next time you want to ease up on your body - tell your body you run the show, not it." -Mile Posts

I hope everyone has an AWESOME week!!

Superhero Walk

2011-05-17T20:37:00.000-06:00

This evening we went on a walk as a family around the lake. I pushed the BOB and the babies while Jason and the kids ran ahead. Jason is a BIG comic book fan so, the kids have grown up knowing all about all the different superheroes. Today while we walked Caleb was Flash, Brianna was Superwoman, and Jason was Superman. Their goal was to protect the "Tank" (aka me and the babies with the BOB) with a BIG engine (my butt. lol!) that has a lot of power. They had SO much fun running around even with the chance of rain. After about a mile the heroes were starting to lose their powers and the "Tank" had to carry them.

While we were walking we saw that the orange and blue ribbon from Chelsea's Virtual Race a year ago was still there! It's a little faded, but it's still there. Pretty cool, huh? I wonder how long it'll be there.

I just love walks like this with the family. I can't wait until the weather makes up it's mind so we can do this more often. We ended up going 2 miles, not bad...not bad.

11 miles today? Sure, why not....

2011-05-14T20:17:00.000-06:00

This morning I got up, got ready, and headed out for my run. I figured I'd go around the lake today since I had so far to go. My goal was to go 7 miles, but I was scheduled for 80 minutes total. Could I go 7 miles in an hour and 20 minutes? The answer: YES! Well, technically it took me 1.23.43 to go 7 miles, but still 7 miles!!! The further I go the more I'm surprised with how well I'm doing for having a baby only (almost) 4 months ago. I wasn't able to run this much this soon after having any of the other kids.

The first 2 miles were SO easy. I felt great! I kept it up and around mile 4.5 I was starting to feel a little slower. I stopped for a second to take a breath, but I kept going. I saw a fellow blogger (That was you right, Whitney? lol) at the beginning of the run and I kept telling myself that I had to keep going cause I was sure I'd pass by her again. I couldn't be walking when that happened. lol! That and the fact that I had my Garmin set to count down the miles and not show the time really helped me keep it up. I think I'll do that from now on with my watch.

Anyway, I finished up my run strong and I feel GREAT!!

When I got home and Jason decided he wanted to go for a walk/run around the lake with the kids. Sooo.... I got the BOB all ready and we headed out. B rode her bike, our boy walked, and the babies were in the stroller. Jason was walking beside me when Caleb ran up to Jason and says, "Let's run dad!" So, he grabbed his daddy's hand and off they went. Ahead of me I could see them running then stopping, then running again. It was so cute! Apparently Caleb kept telling him to run then walk then run. Haha! Such a great dad to keep going with him. We ended up going 4 miles. The kids did well and the rain held off until we got home.

A total of 11 miles for me today!! I'm a little sore, but that's to be expected.

27 days until my half marathon!!! If I can go 11 miles today I'm sure I can go 13 in a month.

I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!!

Provo City 5k and cookies

2011-05-09T17:23:00.001-06:00

It's a couple days late, but here's the recap!

I got up Saturday morning early and headed down to Provo for the race. Since I had to leave early Jason decided to stay home with all the kids rather than have to herd them around the finish line while I was running. It was a good idea since there was a good amount of people out there waiting for the half marathon and 5k to start. 4 kids under 6 is a little tough for 1 person. That's ok. :)

So, I meet up with Sue and get ready for the race to start. My mom was on the phone texting me from Africa. It's pretty cool that we can do that cause it was like she was there at the start with me cheering me on. When the race started I kept hearing my phone ding with each text she sent. (After the race I saw that she was writing "GO GO GO!!" I love my momma!) I started out good. I always feel like I'm going a lot slower than I am. The first mile went by quick. I looked at my watch and saw I was going at a 10.45 pace! I just kept wondering if I could keep up that pace the whole time. I did pretty well. My mind started thinking about the finish when I hit mile 2, but I was able to keep my pace around 10.30-11.00.

There was this one dude that kept passing me then he'd stop to walk and I'd pass him and then he'd pass me and stop to walk. He did it the WHOLE race. Hey, if that's how you do it, go for it...just don't stop right in front of me and walk, at least move over to the right side or something. Anyway... I stopped and walked a second through the water station and then kept running. I haven't mastered the art of drinking while running. lol! A little while later I saw the finish line ahead of me and I wanted to go a little faster. I felt like I was slowing down (after looking on my Garmin later I wasn't. I was actually speeding up without knowing it.) so, I tried to pick up the pace cause I really wanted to finish faster than my last 5k.

Well, I crossed the finish line at 35.34 which isn't bad! It's still faster than my last 5k by a minute, but the course was an extra .12 miles longer than it should have been. Sooooo... according to my Garmin I finished 2 minutes and 15 seconds faster than my last 5k at 34.15!! I'm just so amazed with myself that I am able to run a 5k in 34 minutes only 3 months after having a baby. I just wouldn't have ever thought that I could do that. You know what's even crazier? The last time I ran this race in 2009 I ran it in 44 minutes. That means I shaved 10 minutes off!!! Isn't that insane?!

I wonder what my next 5k will have in store for me.... :)

For Mother's Day Jason made me a yummy breakfast and took care of me all day. We had some family over for dinner and Jason asked if I could make some of my delicious cookies for dessert. You remember how I'm trying not to eat cookies until I'm 185, right? Well........ These cookies are my FAVORITE!!

Chocolate, pecan, and butterscotch chip cookies......MMMMMMmmmmm! How could I turn them down? They smelled sooooo good and I wanted to eat the dough soooo bad! I kept texting my brother asking if cookie dough was the same as cookies and telling him how tempting these soft chewy delicious bad boys were. The hardest part is when you take the cookies off and a cookie breaks. I HAVE to eat the broken part, it's something I've always done and I wanted to eat the broken piece so bad. But, my brother in law Anthony helped me out and ate all the broken pieces so I wouldn't. Haha! How nice of him, huh? Well, I got through the night without eating any cookies. It was SO hard. I could eat a dozen or more of those without batting an eye. I'm glad I did it though. I just proved to myself that I can stick to the things I decide to do.

This week will prove challenging. I will have to figure out a way to run since Jason won't be able to help me this week. I may just have to suck it up and pay a TON to have the people at the community center watch them while I run on the treadmill. J laughs at me he says I should just ask a friend to watch them for an hour, but I feel guilty. I'd use my BOB, but there's 3 kids and only 2 seats and it's cold and they wouldn't keep content for an hour. Oh well, I'll figure it out and I'll get my runs in. I can do hard things. :)

I hope everyone has a GREAT week!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T17:34:00.006-06:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!

I can't wait until I can run with you again!! :)

Next time we'll do a marathon together!

New shoes and sore legs

2011-05-05T15:15:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I did fartleks and today my legs HURT! I went 4.44 miles! Talk about a good workout.

One thing yesterday's run told me was my shoes were shot. I needed new ones. So, today I went in and got those pretty shoes (the ones on my new header at the top of the blog). I tried on all sorts of shoes until I told them that I came last year and got some and I LOVED the shoes I had last time. He looked me up and pulled out the Brooks Defyance shoes. I was SO excited to see that they were orange, white, and gray. (My favorite color combo!) I can't wait to try them out on Saturday for the Provo City Marathon 5k. I bet they'll feel awesome!

The only thing though...I need my legs to feel better. My shins are a little sore and my legs are achy. I think I'll just go on a simple walk around the lake with the family today so they my legs can rest some.

2 spring miles

2011-05-03T21:42:00.000-06:00

Aren't they pretty? They're from a tree outside my front window. I just love spring!

This afternoon I went and did a quick 2 miler around the middle lake. It was nice. My legs didn't feel as tired as yesterday so, I was able to go a little faster. The only thing though is my form is WAY off. I really need to work on that. I wonder if that's what's contributing to my tired legs. I don't know...

I'm just glad I got my run in. It was such a beautiful spring day, a little over cast and windy, but still beautiful. It's a MILLION times better than the cold that's for sure. So, yesterday I come down stairs in my running gear and my oldest says, "Wow mom! Your belly and your arms are getting smaller." lol! Don't you just LOVE how honest kids are? 6.5 year olds crack me up. I'm glad she can see a difference. I want to be healthy and I want to lose this weight. Even though it's not coming off as fast as I'd like it to weight wise, it's still coming off.

Tomorrow will be a fun run. I get to do fartleks. I hope my legs feel fresh so I can do them with no problems.

Ewwww!

2011-05-02T20:42:00.000-06:00

I swallowed a gnat on my run today! Ewwww! That's what I get for running with my mouth open. Haha! My oldest told me to be careful last time I ran with her. The gnats around the lake can get bad.

Oh well, my run today made it all worth it. I'm getting a little faster. I was able to run/walk 4 miles in 51 minutes. My legs felt really tired today and I felt like I was going slow, but when I looked at my watch I was going a lot faster than I thought.

I didn't post about it, but on Saturday I ran another 6 miles and I lost 2 more pounds. :) I almost reached my goal of 10 pounds in April...almost. I was 3 pounds shy. This month I'll do it! I also had the goal of not eating any cookies for the whole month, but without thinking about it I ate a stinking Oreo on the very last day. It sounds silly, but my biggest craving lately has been homemade cookies, so to go almost a whole month without eating a single cookie, that's a big deal to me. So, now I'm making the goal of no cookies until I'm 185. I think I can do it.

I can't believe my half marathon is only 39 days away! Oooh, it's coming up QUICK! I hope my legs stop feeling tired by then. It sucks, I wish I knew what was causing it.

This is my "I just ran!" face. :)

I have a review coming up about some headphones or earbuds, or whatever you want to call them. They're pretty cool.

I hope everyone has a great May!

Blog slacker....

2011-04-27T17:36:00.000-06:00

I know I've been slacking on posting lately. Things have been so busy. BUT, I have been running still. Monday I did 3.58 miles around the lake, Tuesday I did a simple walk to the park with the kids, and today I did 4.04 miles!!

Today's run/walk was a good one. This is how it went walk 5- run 20 at 5k pace- walk 5- run 1 mile under 11 minutes- walk 10. I started out awesome! I did the first mile in 12.30 which isn't bad considering I walked the first 5 minutes of it. The second mile was 11.09! Then I walked 5 and ran the last mile under 11 minutes. Sure, it was 10:57, but it was still under 11. lol! I was so drained halfway through that last mile that I had to stop for a second and catch my breath and then keep going. Talk about a TOUGH workout. I'm just glad I did it and was able to accomplish my goal. I love that I'm able to keep my pace and I'm going faster. I just love that feeling after a GREAT run. It just makes you feel soo accomplished.

Well, 44 days until my half marathon. CRAZY! It's coming up fast and I'm excited. A little nervous, but still excited. It'll be a good race. I just love the half marathon. I think it's my favorite distance.

Tomorrow's another "rest" day which is good after today's run, but I'm more excited about Saturday's run. 65 minutes I'm scheduled to run and 10 to walk. I love long runs!!

I hope everyone's week is going well!

104 miles!

2011-04-23T23:49:00.000-06:00

This morning I got up and ran 6.03 miles!! WHAT?! Yes, yes I did. How awesome is that??? I actually ran 5 and walked the last one, but still.... 6 miles is awesome!

As of today I have gone a total of 104 miles since I started back running. Pretty cool! I'm just so excited about how my running is going. I'm really amazed with myself. I still have to tell myself to go when I don't want to. It really is a mental thing. That and there's that fine balance of pushing yourself and pushing yourself too hard. My shins were a little achy yesterday and today which was the main reason I walked the last mile this morning.

Anyway, today was a good run. I hope everyone else has a great weekend!

First time ever...

2011-04-21T12:13:00.000-06:00

This is the first time I've ever kept up running while on vacation. Yay! On Tuesday I was scheduled for 20 walk and my strength exercises. It was a rest day. But, the hotel has a cool treadmill so I had to test it out. I walked for 10 minutes and then ran. I started out at 5.0 and quickly pushed it up to 5.5. I felt great! The treadmill was nice and smooth and I didn't feel like it was yanking my feet under me. (You know how some treadmills do that...) I was so surprised with myself for going 5.5 mph. I'm starting to go faster!

Well, yesterday I was stuck in the hotel ALL. DAY. LONG with 4 kids that wanted to get out. It was fun. When Jason got back around 9 I ran out the door and hit the treadmill for my run. 50 minutes running each mile at a 11:30 pace, with a 5 minute walk between each mile. I started out awesome. The first 2 miles flew by like it was nothing. I was even going at a 5.6 pace the whole time. The walks in between were helpful, but when mile 3 came around... that one was tough. I had drained all my energy and I could feel it. My hands were like magnets to the hand rails and the more I thought about it the harder it was to not hold on. I lowered the pace some and still felt the need to hold on for a couple seconds. Soooo...I caved and held on for about a minute or so. I finally finished the mile and had another 5 minute walk to finish it off. After about 3 of the 5 minutes I was feeling good and decided to run the last minute at a 6.0 pace. I know a minute isn't very long, but I did it. I ran at 6.0!

I came up stairs and iced my legs, they were a little sore, and went to bed. I feel great for keeping it up while on the road. I've never done this before and it's awesome that my hubby is so helpful and willing to watch the kids while I get my exercise in.

I'm just amazed at how well I'm doing. Yesterday marked 3 months since little Rosalie was born. She's such a good baby. It really helps!

(I had one if her smiling, but it was all blurry... Oh well, maybe next time.)

Yay!

2011-04-18T17:22:00.000-06:00

Well, today started off great. I woke up and went on my run for today. I was scheduled to run 30 and walk 10. I was debating on running outside, but it was raining and me being the silly person I am decided that I'd just go to the gym and run on the treadmill. I didn't want my hair to get soaked with rain before my weigh in. lol!

So, I got to the gym and hopped on the treadmill. I started out walking 5 minutes and then I began to run. After 10 minutes I was feeling comfy so I decided to up the pace. I ended up getting up to 5.0! I know I went faster than that on Saturday, but for me the treadmill is harder cause you have to stay at a consistent pace the whole time and when you run on the road your pace changes naturally.

Around 14 minutes I wanted to hold onto the sides. My legs were starting to feel it, but they weren't drained. It's like my mind realizes when things are starting to get tough an it wants to quit. BUT, I DIDN'T! I kept going, but my mind kept nagging. "Hold onto the sides, it's ok." How can I say I ran it without holding on if I hold on? The funny thing is, I really didn't need to hold on. I was comfortable, but I was having to work at it.

Well, I finished it without holding on. 3.04 miles in 40 minutes. Really not bad considering I walked for 10 of those minutes.

I came home after that and weighed and I lost 3.4 pounds this last week!!!6 more pounds and I'll be under the 200's!!! Go me!

This week will be fun. We're going on vacation to California. My goal is to eat lots of fruits and veggies and run at the hotel's fitness center.

I hope everyone has a GREAT week!!

Salt Lake City 5k

2011-04-16T21:15:00.000-06:00

I don't have any pictures from the race, oh well, that's ok.

This morning I got up at 5:15 and got ready for the race. I got downtown by 6:45 since the race started at 7:10. I went alone this time. I didn't want Jason to have to wake the kids up so early and then have to keep them in one place while I raced. They would have been super cranky...

I had some oatmeal before I left the house, but when I got to the race my stomach was growling so I ate a GU right before the race started. I think it helped cause get this.... I shaved 2 minutes and 23 seconds off of my last 5k time!! How awesome is that?? I ran it in 36.33! I love it!

My legs felt great. I didn't feel winded or drained at the end, that's what I was hoping for. It's nice when running feels natural. The only thing that I am having to train more than my legs is my mind. I really have to work at not giving up. There was a hill halfway through the race and I looked up and my brain started with the "walk...it's ok. No one will blame you for walking. It's ok. Give your legs a rest." Then the other side of me started saying "keep it up, you're doing great. Just keep your mind on the road and focus on the next step. One foot after the other. You've got this. Keep it up." I made it up the hill without stopping and I finished the race at an 11.41 pace. LOVE IT!

After the race I met up with my friend Sue. It's always nice to see her. I want to be a racer like her one day. She always wins! She's a super fast runner. She did great at this race. We run a couple of the same races every year. It's nice on days like this when I'm at a race alone to know someone there. :)

I got home just in time to feed Rosalie. She woke up about 5 minutes after I walked in the door. Talk about perfect timing!

I can't wait to see how I do at the next race. It'll be great!

Playing Catch Up...

2011-04-15T21:07:00.000-06:00

The past 3 days have been busy and I haven't been able to blog, BUT I have been able to run!

On Wednesday we took the kids to the park and my awesome husband watched them while I ran 4 miles. I was really impressed with myself. I was scheduled to run 45 minutes. I ran 45 and walked 5 to cool down and I went a little over 4 miles. I love that I'm getting a little faster with each run. I actually felt pretty good too. I was going faster, but I didn't feel like I was pushing myself any harder than normal.

On Thursday I was scheduled for a 20 minute walk and strength exercises. I did the walk with the family around the lake, but I was so busy with a million things that I didn't get the strength exercises in. Some is better than none, right?

Today I went out and ran 2 miles in 27 minutes. Not bad...not bad. Not super fast, but that's ok. I'm working up a sweat and it's getting easier each time I do it.

Tomorrow is my 2nd 5k! The SLC Marathon 5k. I'm hoping to go a little faster than I did last time. So, if I can beat 38.58 I'll be happy. I just need to update my tunes. I'm getting a little tired of the ones I have on there now. What are some of your favorite songs to run to??

Now, I'm off to bed...I've got an early race tomorrow!

Good luck to all those racing this weekend!!!

Day 9: Flaming Enthusiasm

2011-04-12T22:06:00.001-06:00

So, one thing that always gets me pumped to get out and move is The Biggest Loser. It makes me realize that I never want to be that big. My biggest weight was 235 and that was after giving birth to Brianna. I never want to be that way again. I could have easily gotten bigger. It's so easy to put on the pounds, but after watching that show, wow...I just don't want to feel that miserable ever again. It's hard to move, it's hard to find clothes, you're always out of breath, it's not fun. Food isn't worth that.

I got close to that weight again with Rosalie, I topped off at 228. Now, I'm ready to lose it. I'm ready to be under 200 again! I've got enthusiasm. :)

This evening I went out to walk 20 minutes before I did my strength training and I ended up walking 5 running 15 and walking 5 more. I felt good running. I'm loving that I'm getting back into this. I know I'm going to reach my goal. I'm going to be successful.

Day 8: Joy

2011-04-11T20:59:00.000-06:00

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”

I am so filled with joy today. I lost 2 pounds!!! I am so happy about that. I'm right on track for this month. I haven't been doing WW, I just don't want to shell out the money, plus I'm not sure I like the new program. So, rather than WW, I've been doing SparkPeople cause it's freeeee. It has a lot of the same things that WW does, but there's no points and it's all about reading the label.

This morning I was laying in bed and Jason says to me, "Hey, I thought you were going to get up early and run." It was funny cause right at that moment I was having that argument in my head "should I stay or should I go?" His comment made the decision for me. I got up and ran. 3.72 miles! During my run I just kept thinking about how awesome my husband is. He's so great to me. I'm getting a little faster, I even had negative splits this time. :) I am so happy right now. I'm starting to get the hang of running again. I love that feeling I get after a good run. A good run + losing weight makes me feel like I'm progressing and it really makes me want to keep going.

OOOH!! I forgot to tell you, but a couple days ago I signed up for a marathon! It's the Really Big FREE Marathon. I was hoping to run one this year and I still might, but this Big Free one is November 2012. That'll give me TONS of time to get ready. It looks like it'll be lots of fun.

I hope everyone has a great week! I know I will. :)

Day 7: Develop success

2011-04-10T22:17:00.001-06:00

I can remember the first time I quit on myself. I was in Okinawa (around 14 years old), swimming 500 meters for the 2nd time that week. It wasn't required. But, I was doing it to show the boss of the pool that I was eager to be a lifeguard at his pool, that I had the skills that were needed, and cause I enjoyed doing it. I was about 400 meters into it and decided that because it wasn't required and because "I wasn't feeling good" I quit. I remember thinking while I was swimming, making an excuse, and then actually making the decision to quit. Ever since then I've had to make a mental effort to not quit on myself.

I don't want my kids to grow up thinking, "Jeez, my mom never finishes anything she starts. I can quit, too." I want to succeed for them. When ever I'm doing something difficult I have to tell myself that it is NOT OK to quit. I can't quit on myself again. I think that's why I'm so good at enduring things. I tell myself, "It's only 'this' far away. You can stop when you reach the finish." All of my past failures help me want to succeed and reach my goals.

"Success results when preparation meets opportunity in your lives."-Joseph B. Wirthlin

This week will be a great week. My second 5k race of the year is this coming Saturday! It's going to be a fun one. I wonder if I'll be any faster this time around?? Tomorrow is my official weigh day. I thought it was yesterday, but I was off by a couple days. I used to weigh in on Saturdays, but now it's Monday.... I hope my effort this week shows on the scale. :)

Day 6: Action!

2011-04-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

Honestly, sometimes I just don't know what to write. I wish I was a great writer, but the way I write is usually just what's going on in my head. I jump back and forth from different thoughts and I feel like half the time they don't make sense when I write them down. Hopefully they make sense to some of those of you who are reading....

Today I took action and I succeeded! My workout today was to run 55 minutes and walk 10 and my goal was reach 5 miles by the end of it.

I just dropped my oldest off at a birthday party and I had exactly an hour and 15 minutes before I needed to pick her back up. It was the perfect time to get my run in. The crunch for time made me run faster. I'm kinda funny that way... The closer I am to a deadline the faster and sometimes better I do it. The down side of running right then was the weather. It was snowing. You know, that really wet snow, huge flakes, it might as well have been raining. It wasn't sticking to anything so you know it wasn't that cold out, probably around 38 out. The wind was blowing, but not too bad. I started out going against the wind cause I figured it would be better to end with the wind against my back.

I felt pretty good to start. My legs felt good, but I didn't have the energy I needed. I felt a little drained. My lungs were still getting used to breathing while running so they were a little achy. I wanted to quit around mile 1.5 and start walking, but I kept trudging along. My mind would start to wander a little and a few quarter miles would pass by without notice and then I'd start to think about running again which would make me want to start walking. But, I kept on keeping on and I kept my eyes on the ground right in front of me. (I know, bad running form, but it helped.) Mile 4 came around and I started thinking about how proud I was to still be running. I was going to reach 5 miles in 65 minutes! I was going to reach my goal!!

I did it!! I reached 5 miles in 1.04.36!! I still had a little ways to go before I reached the house so I ended up going 5.28 miles in 1.08.44 minutes. :) Towards the end I was so hot I took of my jacket and ran the rest of the way in my short sleeved shirt. I'm sure people driving by thought I was crazy. Haha! I had more than enough time to go and pick up my kiddo from her party. I love when things work out like that. The timing was perfect.

Even though my run was tough, I'm glad I did it. I pushed through and I did more than 5 miles. I ran the 55 minutes without stopping, which is awesome! I even ran at a faster pace then I had been running and I kept my pace consistent.

Awesome run, red faced and all! :)

Day 5: Energy

2011-04-08T20:49:00.000-06:00

Today's workout was a good one. I was scheduled for 25 minute run 5 minute walk. I went out and there was a slight snow coming down. I felt good starting out. I wanted to feel faster today so I threw in a couple fartleks. I was loving the moment! I was running as fast as I could. The energy was flowing, I felt great! :)

After the run my muscles were a little sore, but it's that good sore you get from working out muscles you haven't worked out in a long time. I can't wait to be faster..... It'll come in time, I'm sure.

I hope I lose some weight tomorrow. I've been trying hard to track my food and stick to my workouts. We'll see. If I don't say anything just assume I lost nothing. lol!

Day 4: Imagination

2011-04-07T22:23:00.000-06:00

I think when it comes to the hard things in life you have to have some sort of imagination to get through them. The tough things in life vary for each person. Someone's tough thing may be easy to another and that's ok. Every one's different. You have to use your imagination to figure out how to work through them. During marathon training all sorts of obstacles get in your path. You can get injured. You can lose motivation. You can feel it's too hard and give up. But, to get past all of that you have to think of the different ways to get through. It's like a wall in your path. Are you going to climb over? Dig under? Go around? Break through?

Right now everyday brings another challenge for this mother of 4. Last night I got out of bed at least 7 times. Each kid needed something. So, when I got up this morning the last thing on my mind was exercise. I was exhausted. I barely got any sleep. So, this afternoon during nap time I took a nap, well, as much of a nap as you can take with a baby in your arms. Now it's 10:30 at night and I still haven't done my exercise for the day. Good thing it's a short one. I'll have to do it now so I can stick to my plan. Good thing it's a 20 minute walk cause right now I have a fussy baby that is so tired she doesn't want to sleep. I'll just have to walk her to sleep. (See imagination. Fussy baby+walk=workout done and baby asleep....lol)

So, tell me... How are you going to use your imagination to get past something hard and have wings to over come it?

Day3: Begin with the end in mind.

2011-04-06T15:38:00.000-06:00

The end....what's my end goal? My end goal is to be back where I was a year ago. I want to feel like I did when I ran the Riverton Half. I remember running the half and just feeling awesome. Everything fell into place and I felt amazing. I want to be back to my weight of 160. I felt right at that weight.

Today while I ran I kept in mind the end goal. I kept thinking how much easier this will be in a couple of months if I just keep it up. If I just stick with it. It may be hard right now, but it WILL be easier and it will be worth it.

So far my waking up at 6 has fallen, that's ok though, I've been sticking to my workouts and I haven't been sleeping in. It's not easy getting up at 6 when I wake up 3 times in the middle of the night. I've been tempted a couple times to run at 3AM when Rosalie wakes me up, but I'm sure that wouldn't be the best.

Well, it'll all work out in the end. Things are moving along. I'm just going with it day by day. One day at a time.

Day 2: Begin

2011-04-05T18:34:00.002-06:00

It all begins with a single step. My journey to another marathon and losing all this weight is going to be a tough one, but I'm up for the challenge. The first step for me is to take my before pictures.....wow... If you ever want to get motivated to lose weight, that's the way to do it. lol! I am more motivated than ever to lose this weight after seeing those pictures. I want to be an after!

Today we went out as a family and walked around the lake. It started out as a stroll and turned into a QUICK walk because the wind started up halfway through it and then the clouds were threatening to rain. (Crazy Utah weather. It was a high of 32 yesterday and 65 today.) We went a 1.25 miles and after we got home I did all my strength exercises. I'm feeling good and I'm tracking my food. I'm excited to see how well this weight drops.

Oh, the other thing I'm doing is NO COOKIES FOR A MONTH. Eek! It'll be tough cause that's what I've really been craving, but I can do this!

Day 1: Power

2011-04-04T11:01:00.000-06:00

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside. You are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you."D.F. Uchtdorf

I just love this quote. It's so uplifting. I love how it makes me want to be the best me I can be. It helps me not be afraid of who I want to be and the things I will have to do to make that happen.

For this 21 day challenge my goals are:
-Wake up at 6 every morning. Even if I stayed up late or woke up a lot in the middle of the night. I need a routine and it all starts with getting up in the morning.
-Stick to my exercise plan. I've made the goal to run a half marathon in June and to be able to do that I'm going to need to stick to my plan.

So far so good... My alarm went off this morning at 6 while I was feeding Rosalie. I set out all my running clothes last night so they'd be ready when I got up. After I fed her I got dressed and headed out the door.

3.16 miles and 46.16 minutes later I felt good. I felt like I got things done and I was on track for the day. I felt so good that I took my before and after pictures (that you guys will probably NEVER see... lol!) and am aiming to lose 10.4 lbs this month. My goal is to be under 200 by the end of April.

LET'S DO THIS THING!!!

Feel free to join in on the 21 day challenge. I'd love to read what you guys do with it. :)

What motivates you?

2011-04-03T23:08:00.000-06:00

This weekend I went back 2 years in my journal (aka my other blog) to try and find what made me decide to run my first marathon. I came upon a post made on August 31st, 2009...

At the dinner table today out of no where Brianna says:

-"Hey, mom. I'm trying really, really, really, really hard to be just like you."

-"Why do you want to be like me, Brianna?"

-"Cause I love you so much!"

If that doesn't make you want to be the best mom you can be, I don't know what does. I makes me realize how much she's watching my every move and learning from everything I do. I need to try a lot harder.

(Brianna was 5 at the time.)

After that post things changed. My mind changed. What kind of mom was I? Was I being the best I could be? Was I acting in a way that I would want my daughters to act? The answer was no.

I wanted to exercise, I wanted to lose weight, and I wanted to be a better person. The thing about it though...I wasn't doing it. As much as I wanted it, the work was too hard. It wasn't impossible and it wasn't even really THAT hard, I guess it was taking more effort than I was willing to give at the time. The moment my daughter said that to me something clicked. Do I want my daughters to be like this? Eating cause she's bored without any self control, sitting more than she's moving, being unhappy? No. I don't want that. I want to be the best example. I want them to know what happy is. I want them to SEE what happy is. I want them to see that I love myself. I love myself enough to take care of myself.

Sure, it's going to take effort, but you know what. I'm no quitter and I'm NOT going to quit on myself. I've done this before and I can do it again.

Around that time I also started this 21 day challenge. They say it takes 21 days to start a new habit and my habit was to exercise everyday and run a marathon a year later. The daily quotes REALLY helped me stay motivated.

So, today I am making a change! I am going back to where I was on August 31st, 2009. I'm going to bed before 11:00 and getting up before 6:00 to run. If that doesn't happen due to baby girl waking up in the middle of the night then I'll make sure to get it done before bed. I'm sticking to my plan. I'm also going to post the quotes from the 21 day challenge on here everyday to keep myself motivated.

What motivates you??

sinus issues...yay...

2011-03-30T21:37:00.001-06:00

Now that I'm over the fever and the sweats, and all that jazz I now have a sinus infection with the runny nose and everything and I'm starting to get a cough. It's crazy... I don't get sick very often, but when I do I'm usually in it for the long haul. I'm still doing some of my exercises. I may not be running the whole time, but I'm still getting some movement in.

I really need to get over this stuff...it's NOT fun!

Nice run and a 2 month check up

2011-03-28T22:16:00.000-06:00

Now that I'm over that yucky sickness I am back to running. I'm sooo glad it didn't last longer than a couple days. It's not fun being sick.

This morning we went in for Rosalie's 2 month check up and she's doing GREAT! She's a lean and tall little thing, but she's growing right on track and even hitting some 4 month milestones already. I just love my sweet little girl.

It's amazing that only 2 months after giving birth I'm recovering as fast as I am. I'm really impressed with my body's ability to recover. Today I went on my scheduled run. 25 run/ 15 walk. I ended up walking 21 and running 25. My loop ended up being a little farther than I expected. That's ok though, it was good to get out there and I felt great. The wind was blowing some and it was kinda chilly outside, but I wore my hat and gloves which helped out in the beginning when I was walking.

I was a little unmotivated to go out and run today, but Jason kicked me out and told me I am a happier person when I run so I needed to get it done. While I was walking I started thinking about all the things I had to do this week and when I'd find time to get my exercises in and it was starting to stress me out. But, rather than continue to go down that mental path, I had the thought..... TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME! So, that's what I'm going to do. One day at a time and I will reach my goal. Step by step, little by little. I can do one day and I can find time to get a 30-60 minute run done. There's 24 hours in a day, what's a half an hour or 1 hour?

I'm still kinda having a hard time with the whole nursing/diet/running thing. Either I run and nurse or I run and diet. I can't seem to get all 3 to work together. My milk drops when I diet and run, so I have to pick one or the other. Are there any other nursing momma's out there who run, diet, and nurse and who are successful at it? If so I'd LOOOVE some tips.

Oooh!! Check out this article about running while pregnant. My sister-in-law Hayley wrote if for the Rocky Mountain Running and Triathlon Magazine. Go Hayley!!!

Sick

2011-03-22T18:18:00.000-06:00

I knew it, I knew that wind would make my sickness worse. I'm a genius sometimes, you know. Seriously, who in their right mind does what I did yesterday. Anyone else would have gone back inside and done something else.

I woke up this morning with a sore throat, aching ears, and an aching back. I knew today was going to be rough. Around noon my fever kicked in, good thing it was nap time for the kids cause I don't know how I would have done it with them running around. They did so great during nap time, so much so that it made it possible for me to take a 2 hour nap.

I don't feel much better right now and the DayQuil isn't really doing much. I'm so glad today is a rest day. I hope I feel better tomorrow. I don't like being sick. It's not easy to be sick and have 4 kids running around begging for your attention. It's ok though, the kids were really good today. I'm very thankful for that.

I hope tomorrow's better. :)

I hate you wind!

2011-03-22T00:09:00.000-06:00

The kids were begging to go outside and I still needed to get my run in so, I bundled up the two little ones in the stroller while the older two got their bikes ready. We step out the door and BAM! We're hit by wind. Tons of wind. Wind that kept trying to blow Caleb off his bike. We couldn't go back inside, everyone was ready and that's NOT an easy task.

So, we started along. Brianna's biking ahead of everyone while Caleb bikes as slow as humanly possible. I'm trying to walk at a pace that's somewhere in between the two. Caleb's starts fussing within 5 minutes of leaving the house. He doesn't want me to walk faster than him.

Well, we get to the part where you have to go up hill to cross a bridge and the fussing gets worse and so does the wind. Caleb's hat blows off, Brianna's way ahead of everyone, and the stroller with the two little ones is going to blow over if I let go. Sooooo..... I get Brianna to come back and sit on the front of the stroller (which has it's break on) and go running after Caleb's hat.

I get his hat, Brianna rides off again, and Caleb's refusing to get on his bike again because the mean old wind is going to blow him and his bike away. So, I push the stroller and the bike up the hill and make the decision that we are going to leave the bikes at the top of the hill while we finish our walk. (The walk/run/whatever is only 35 minutes, mind you, but it feels like a LIFETIME!)

Brianna and Caleb run ahead. That's great, until the wind starts gushing again. When will we ever start going with the wind rather than against it is what I kept wondering. Caleb starts fussing because his legs were tired (we're 10 minutes into it for heaven's sake!) and Brianna follows along with his thinking. I need to start running so I have them get on the stroller so I don't have to listen to them whine anymore. 4 kids + 26 mph winds + 1 stroller + hills = one frustrated mom.

So, I'm trudging along pushing the stroller when FINALLY the wind is helping me. I jog along and turn the corner and we're back facing the wind. Brianna makes the comment, "Mom, you're breathing is scary." I ask her why and she says, "Because it sounds like your going to die." Hahaha! Yeah, it's not easy to push all of you in this stroller with the wind.

After about 5 more minutes of that, I tell both kids to get off, I can't push them anymore, they're way too heavy and the wind is nuts. So, they run along. Brianna does awesome and runs without complaint. Caleb on the other hand.... ugh. He whines and whines and whines while holding onto the stroller making it a MILLION times harder to push. So, I have him get back on it just to make it a LITTLE easier. We round the corner and we're coming to the part where we're under the bridge.

I tell Caleb to get off and we take a little break. The kids start throwing rocks and I start texting my brother about how mad I was. This was the worst run ever! After about 10 minutes we get back to the top of the hill where the bikes were and go back home. Well, not even 2 minutes after getting the bikes Caleb REFUSES to get on or push his bike sooooo I put the bike and him on the stroller and push it all the way back home. By now all 4 kids are fussing. Brianna's cold, Caleb's legs are tired, Annabelle's following along with the other two, and Rosalie is hungry.

We walk in the door, the kids are cranky and I want to binge on all the sweets in the house because I'm so frustrated with the run/walk/whatever it was. Plus, I wasn't feeling 100% before the run and if I wasn't sick then, then I am sure I will be now. I should have just waited until the kids were in bed and ran around the living room.

Worst run EVER! I just hope Wednesday's run is a million times better. I wish I could take them to the fitness center's daycare for an hour, but it costs WAY to much for 4 kids. Oh well, that's life right?

Here's to better days!!

This week

2011-03-20T11:08:00.000-06:00

This week is going to be a good one. I get to start doing Fartleks! Yay! It's just one day with a few of them, but it'll be fun seeing how fast I can go. :)

Monday: 35 Minutes (20/15)
Tuesday: 30 Minutes R1
Wednesday: 45 (30/15) wo1
Thursday: 30 Minutes R2
Friday: 30 (15/15)
Saturday: 60 min (40/20)
Sunday: OFF

I gotta build my base for this half, so that's what I'm gonna do.

Can you believe it's been 2 months already since little Rosalie came? Talk about time flying. Jeez.... In some ways it feels like it's been much longer than 2 months and in other ways it seems a lot shorter. I'm so glad things are working out the way they are. I'm feeling great and she's growing strong. It's great being a mom.

Anyway... I hope everyone has a great week!! I know I will. :)

Longest yet.

2011-03-19T19:48:00.000-06:00

I just finished my longest run so far. 4.35 miles in an hour! :)

I wasn't sure how I'd feel since I pushed so hard with the 5k, but I felt great! My muscles weren't sore or anything. I was able to go the distance without any aches. I felt great out there. I'm still doing a walking warm up and cool down, but it's amazing to me that I can go that far only after 2 months. I can't wait for next week's long run. :)

St. Patricks Day 5k!

2011-03-17T22:35:00.000-06:00

I did it!

My first race post pregnancy. :)

I ran it in 38.58. Not bad at all!

Going into it I was expecting to run it in around 47 minutes. Figuring I had been doing all my runs during the week at 13-14 minute pace I was really surprised when I looked at my watch a mile into it and saw that I was running at an 11 minute pace.

I was moving along just fine until around mile 2 when my legs started telling me that they were getting really tired. So, I stopped and walked about a quarter of a mile and then started running again. I felt good while running and realized a few things....

I was talking to my little brother the other day and I told him that 5ks weren't doing it for me anymore and that the half was my favorite distance. Well....boy was I wrong. 5ks are exactly what I need right now. My mind said 5ks were too easy, but my body was saying otherwise. I keep forgetting that I just had a baby. I've recovered so quickly that I forget that I did take 9 months off of running and I'm not in the same shape I was before.

The good thing about all of that though is I haven't lost as much of my running ability as I thought I did. The fact that I was able to do 2 of the 3 miles in under a 12:30 pace is awesome. I mean, like Adam pointed out, I did run it faster than a lot of my races in 2009. I'm not starting from scratch like I did then.

All in all I feel really good about my race. Sure, I didn't run the whole thing and that's ok. But, I did run it and I ran it with all that I had.

I was having a little bit of a hard time before the race started. I was getting pictures of myself all dressed and ready to go and I just kept seeing this big girl with this big belly. I was starting to get really frustrated and self conscious about it all. That's when I had to be reminded that I did just give birth not too long ago. I'm no Angelina Jolie or Mel Roggia (my sis-in-law). I don't look like I did before I got pregnant right after I gave birth. My body's not built that way. That's ok, my body is different. I have to work hard to lose weight. So, with saying that I'm going to really start WW this weekend. (It's not really working doing it on my own.) I have to go to the meetings and stuff. To do the best that I can do I need to put in 100%. I need to track everything and I need to follow the plan. Like my dad always says, "Proper prior planning prevents poor performance." If I don't want a poor performance for my half I'm going to need to plan and I'm going to need to work that plan and not take any short cuts.

I know that in the end it will be worth it. I will be a better person. A better wife, mother, daughter, and friend. Plus, it's a MILLION times easier to run not carrying an extra 50 lbs.

Now that I have my next months training plan, I'm going to work extra hard on my eating plan. With the two together I'm hoping to do even better on my next 5k, the Salt Lake City Marathon 5k. Wish me luck!!

Now, I need to go ice my legs, my calf muscles are begging for some love. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

yuck...

2011-03-14T22:14:00.001-06:00

I don't feel good.... I got a filling today and I have some sort of stomach flu going on. I'm sure it's the same thing the kids had last week that had them throwing up and all that jazz. The only thing is I don't throw up. That can be a good thing and a bad thing, but I'd rather have puke burps than actually be puking. I'm nice and bloated, too. Fun.... I'm sure that's a little TMI, but oh well.

I put off my run/walk as long as I could hoping I'd feel better, but I had to do it. So, I went slow and got my 35 minutes done (25R/10W). I feel a little better after, but I think a good nights rest will help me feel much better.

I can't be sick this week. I have my first 5k since last year on Thursday and I can't miss it. I want to do well. Let's hope this sickness is a 24 hour thing.

I hope everyone else has a great week!

Rain, wind, and night.

2011-03-12T22:30:00.001-07:00

Today was busy. I didn't get up and run in the morning, I was planning on running in the afternoon while the kids were sleeping. Well, rather than getting my run in (I know, I really should have.) I took a nap as well. It's 4:30 when I woke up and now I want to go run. Not gonna happen... Soooo.... We end up running errands and getting pizza for dinner and I start to get cranky cause I still haven't gotten my run in.

It's now 6:30 and Jason offers to drop me off at the soccer fields and have me run home. I wasn't sure about it at first. I didn't have my watch and it was starting to rain. The closer we got to the soccer fields the more my mind started to change. Who needs a watch anyway, right? So, I pulled up MapMyRun on my phone, told Jason to drop me off, and away I went.

My muscles were a little sore from yesterday's workout, but I think they were extra sore on my right side because I was being a genius yesterday.

Here's the story with that... Our BOB stroller is usually hanging at the top of the garage on one of those bike hooks. Well, I wanted to take all the kids for a walk and Jason wasn't available to get the BOB down for me. So, me being the smarty pants I am, I take the ladder and start to take it down myself. It's not too heavy right? Wrong! I wasn't as strong as I thought I was, so the BOB and I fell over on top of the car. The car got a tiny little dent and I got nice and banged up. Needless to say, I'm a little sore and very blessed. I'm lucky I just fell over and got a little banged up. It could have been much worse.

Anyway, my run went well. It was cold and wet and the wind was blowing at first. I started out with a 10 minute walk and then I started running. My mind fell into the groove and my legs followed. I ended up going 4 miles in an hour. Not too bad. I felt great through out the whole thing. My muscles felt great and I was glad to be out there. I just love when a run goes smoothly. Now that I'm settling down I can feel my muscles aching on my right side. Nothing too bad, I'm not going to cry over it and it's not stopping me from moving around. It just feels like I worked out really hard on my right side.

I'm glad to have gotten my run in. I'm a much happier momma, wife, and person. Now, for a good nights sleep! Yay!

Views from today

2011-03-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

I did my strength exercises today (wall sits are HARD!!) and I went on a walk with the kids around the lake for about 45 minutes. Let me tell you... it is NOT easy to get 4 kids ready and out the door. They were SO excited to finally get out of the house. We haven't really gone out a lot this winter with the baby coming and kids being sick and all. It was nice to get out and feel the AWESOME weather. It was about 54 out and it just felt amazing! The kids started out with coats on and then ditched them after about 10 minutes.

I felt good, my muscles felt great. The kids did awesome! Brianna and Caleb had so much fun riding their bikes around, Annabelle just sat and looked around, and Rosalie slept the whole time. We stopped a couple times to look at the lake and throw rocks. It was such a beautiful spring day.

Here's one of the shots from our walk. Isn't it beautiful?? The day was just great. I love, love, love spring!

Tomorrow's my "long" run. Lets see if I can pass the 2.5 mile mark. 35 minutes, the longest I've run in a while... Such a difference from a year ago. Oh well, it'll come in time.

done

2011-03-09T23:24:00.001-07:00

I just finished my workout. Yes, it's 11:00 at night, but I did it. Today's been rough. Caleb has a fever, Brianna's getting over her throwing up, Annabelle has the runs, and Rosalie is warm (It's a borderline fever.) and threw up tonight. I've just been going all day. I did finish the quilt though. It's a simple quilt and it's nothing fancy, but it's good enough that Brianna snatched it up before I could get a good picture of the finished product.

The best part of this quilt is the fact that I didn't do it traditionally. I don't have batting in it. It's just the t-shirts and some fleece for the backing. It's like a giant sweatshirt!! Talk about comfy. Maybe I'll have a chance to try it out if Brianna ever gives it back to me. :)

(45.16 min)

A little project

2011-03-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

I got my workout done. Yay! Strength stuff and all that jazz. I went to the running store today and got some pepper spray for runners. I figured that would be a smart idea since I run alone sometimes. I also picked up this new shirt for myself (you like my "suck in your gut" picture? lol!). Its so soft and comfy. I needed a new running shirt for the cooler weather that fit me, all my other stuff is too small.

I figured since I bought a new shirt I should get rid of some old shirts. But, they're all my race shirts I can't really get rid of them. So, I'm going to start a little project today. I'm going to make a quilt out of them! It should be a pretty simple quilt. Hopefully I can get it done this week and show it off.

feelin' gooood

2011-03-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

As promised, I got my workout done.Yay! It was raining outside so I decided to go to the fitness center and run on the treadmill. I started out great. I walked 5 at 3.5, then did 25 at 4.5, and then did the last 10 minutes at 3.5. I wanted to hold onto the hand rails again, but I didn't. I also wanted to hit the pause button a couple times, but after covering it up with my towel it was much easier. I feel great about today's workout. I love the feeling after a run.

I exercise because I am worth it. :)

This week

2011-03-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I missed 2 days this last week due to the crazy life of a mother of 4. Lets just say it involved lots of poop and TONS of cleaning. This week I hope is MUCH better. I plan on getting out every day and getting my runs done early and if I can't get it done early I'll do it during nap time, but I promise you I will get them done no matter what.

This week I'm also going to start tracking my food again with WW. I'm to cheap to pay for the membership while Jason's still doing it so, I'm going to use all my old trackers and stuff from when I was doing it a year ago (I'm sticking to the old plan, not their new plan.). I need to do better cause let me tell ya a whole day (Wednesday of last week) of just eating homemade chocolate chip cookies isn't going to cut it (as much as I'd love it to). Here's to more veggies and fruits! Yum!

Well, this week I'm upping my running time which I'm excited about. Here's the plan:

Monday: 40 Minutes (25 R/15 W)
Tuesday: 30 Minutes R1
Wednesday: 45 min (30 R/15 W)
Thursday: 30 min R2
Friday: 20 min
Saturday: 55 min (35 R/20 W)
Sunday: OFF

I think it's totally doable. I just need to take it one day at a time and make sure I make it a priority.

In other news you wanna know what I did today?? I registered for a race. You wanna know which one? The Utah Valley HALF MARATHON!

YAY!!!

It'll be my first half this year. It's 13 weeks and 5 days away. I think I can do it....No, I KNOW I can do it. I was going to sign up for the 5k, but after doing the full marathon last year there's no way I could do the 5k, I had to do more than that. It was so much fun being with all the great people running the full. Plus, my mom did the half last year and I know she had a great time.

The best part about registering for it...I totally got the butterflies in my tummy. I love that feeling when you're signing up for a race. :) Exciting!!!

I hope everyone has a GREAT week!!

My "long" run

2011-03-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

Today was my scheduled "long run". 30 minutes running 20 minutes walking. I set my alarm last night for 6am. I figured that would be the best time to do it so I could get it done earlier in the day and not have to worry about it for the rest of the day. Plus, I was excited to run it. I haven't ran for 30 minutes straight in a long time.

Well, I went to bed at 10:00 and then woke up at 11, 2, and 3:33 to feed Rosalie. After the last feeding it was about 4:00 when I decided that I'd go run then rather than fall asleep and not want to get up again until after 7. I know myself and I know that if I went back to sleep and the alarm went off I'd shut it off and talk myself into just doing it later in the day. So, I got all my stuff on that I set out the night before, but I couldn't find my other shoe. Ugh! I ended up using my new Pearl Izumi shoes. They were perfect! The shoes were amazing, but my socks were too big.

It felt so weird going that early. I was the only one out there. Which was nice, but I couldn't stop being paranoid in the back of my mind. The main thing keeping my mind off of that was my socks rubbing my heels wrong. I knew they were going to give me a blister right when I walked out the door, but I knew that if I went back in and searched for socks (hard to do when everyone's asleep) I'd stay in, so I just kept going.

Yep, that's what I got.... A nice blister the size of a thumb print on the back of my right heel. Stinkin' socks! Smart Cathy...real smart. I shoulda changed the socks.

I ended up walking 10 minutes, jogged 30, and walked another 10. I felt great!! I didn't want to stop (other than that stinking blister). I really loved it. Now, I need to lose this weight so I can run easier. I really need to watch what I eat. Time to get back on with WeightWatchers.

I can't wait until my long runs are really long runs. I miss the great feeling you get after a nice long run.

Tired momma

2011-03-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

I did my rest day workout around 9:00 and I'm still up. Today's been a BUSY day. I'd better go to bed before it's too late, I'm getting up to go run in the morning. A wonderful friend of mine is going to watch the kids while a run.

I'm so thankful for great friends. :)

:)

2011-02-28T20:52:00.040-07:00

Yay, I got my workout done before 9:00!! I know, I know, I wanted to get my workouts done earlier this week, but anytime before 9:00 PM is early in my book.

Today was a great day in many ways, but running wise it's been great for 3 reasons.
1. I signed up for my first postpartum 5k....The St. Patrick's Day 5k!! I have 3 weeks until it happens and I can't wait! I just love to race.

2. I also signed up for my 2nd race of the year... The Salt Lake City Marathon 5k! This one will be fun because I get to see my friend Sue there.

3. Because today I ran on the treadmill at the fitness center and I did 20 minutes without stopping or holding onto the handrails.

I'm sure that 3rd one's not that big of a deal to most, but let me tell you... I wanted to hold onto that handrail SOOO many times. I wanted to stop and walk, but I didn't! I pushed through and did it. I kept telling myself, "Only 5 more minutes, only 5 more minutes...you can do 5 minutes." Then when that 5 minutes passed I'd tell myself it again and again and again until I did 20 minutes. It's so much harder to do 20 minutes running without stopping on the treadmill. Your pace never changes unless you make it change, but when you're running outside (or around your living room) you can change your pace without thinking about it. So, in some ways running on the treadmill is a good thing. I think I may have to go to the fitness center more often.

I'd been having some aches in my left foot when I was walking/running, but today I decided to tighten my laces to see if that would help and sure enough, it did. No aches other then the ones you get from not working out for a while.

Anyway, I'm proud of my accomplishment today. I think it's a good building block in my rebuilding with running.

35.15 (2.37)

Last minute

2011-02-26T23:06:00.001-07:00

Nothing like waiting until the last minute of the day to get your run in. I was busy all day with family things and working on a quilt that I didn't get my run done until 10:00 tonight. I know, I know...they say it's not good to workout right before bed, but I can't help it! I can't miss a day on my first week officially back. It's just not right. I'm hoping to do better next week about getting my workouts done earlier in the day.

I did 20 minutes running and 25 minutes walking though. I feel good, but this whole walking/jogging in small circles thing isn't cutting it. I really felt MUCH better when I was out on the street running.

Oh well, I've got tired eyes...I think I'll be sleeping good tonight!

(45.07)

My thighs!

2011-02-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

My sore thighs!! Yesterday I did my workout, walked fast for 15 minutes and the did squats, lunges, wall sits, etc.... Oooh, I ache! It's a good ache though. It's hard at the time I'm doing it, but afterwords when I feel the ache I know it's working and will be totally worth it in the end. I'm sure I didn't have perfect form, but that will come in time. The more I do it the better I'll be. Today's a rest day which is good cause it's snowing outside. Tomorrow is 20 run/25 walk. Exciting!

I'm feelin' it...

2011-02-23T22:48:00.001-07:00

Oooh boy, I'm feeling the achy muscles from a good workout. Today I walked for 5 minutes, jogged for 20 (without stopping!), and walked another 10. I felt good. The route was a little hilly in some spots, but nothing major. My left arch was starting to bug me a little bit, but I think that's because I was landing wrong or something. But, let me tell ya, my legs, back, and abs are feeling the love.

I got it done earlier today too. Go me! No waiting until the last minute.

I can't wait to be able to go at a faster pace. This whole 13.30 pace is getting a little old, but I guess if that's what my legs are willing do right now, that's what I have to do. I'll build back up. I'm not worried. I can do this!!!

(35.53)

Internal Cheerleader

2011-02-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

I know I'm weird and I may be the only one, but does anyone else out there cheer in their heads for random runners that they see running down the road? I noticed the other day that I do that. Whenever I see a runner I always cheer them on in my head. Sometimes I'll say it out loud (not loud enough for them to hear...I'm not that brave yet.), but mostly it's in my head. "Run, run, run! Go, go, go!" "Way to go!" "Great job!" I don't know why I do it...maybe it's because I know how they feel or because I secretly wish there's others out there doing the same thing when I am trotting along, but what I do know is for that split second that I am cheering them on I am caring for another person and it makes me happy.

There was no run scheduled today, but there was a 15 min walk and some core building exercises. So, again, I put it off until tonight and walked for a mile and then did my exercises. I felt great! I love feeling like I'm building up to something great. Sure, it's hard and it takes effort, but in the end I know it works and it's all worth it.

I can't wait until I get to the point where I was last year where I could run 13 miles with ease.

Here we go...

2011-02-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning at 7 to feed Rose and the mental war began... "Should I go right now or wait? I want to go now, but sleep sounds so good. Why do I have to feel so tired? I had a decent nights sleep last night, I only had to get up once. I should just go. What if Rose starts crying? Will Jason be able to take care of all these kids? Of course he can, quit making excuses! Ok, I'll get dressed in my running clothes and then I'll have to go. Yeah...that's what I'll do." So, I fed Rose and got dressed.... Then the other kids got up so I got them breakfast, then I was hungry so, I made myself breakfast, then the kids needed help getting dressed, then Rose was hungry again, then someone was picking on someone, then we had to run errands and eventually I got caught up putting together an entertainment center and it was dinner time. What happened to the day? Seriously?! It was 8:00 and I texted my bro, "I'm about to go run." I know that if I text him he'll kick me in the butt and tell me to get out and I just have to. So, I fed Rose, the other kids were in bed already, I got Fraulein all harnessed up (we got her one of those harnesses because I feel bad that she chokes herself to death every time we walk and just hook the leash to her collar. She runs on her hind legs, for Heaven's sake, when we don't walk fast enough for her.) and we got going.

Ok, so I have this irrational fear that every time I go walking at night or in the mornings that some weirdo is watching me and is going to kidnap me or something. I don't know why it started, maybe too much CSI or something, but I get all nervous. I wanted to get some pepper spray to run with or something, but I never got around to getting any. I even tried running with a pocket knife once (yes, I'm crazy.), but today I thought I'd run with the dog. People are scared of dogs especially when they bark a ton, right? Anyway, I took her and the harness worked like a charm. She did awesome. Not bad for her first time.

Anyway, I got my workout done. I walked 20 and ran 15. I'm not only training my legs to run again, but I'm training my mind. It take a lot to get over the mental hurdles of running. Though, today was pretty good mentally. My legs were a little tired since I did it so late, but I pushed on and ran the full 15 minutes.

Now, I'm ready for bed. Good thing Rose is out for the night, I'll be able to get a good block of sleep before she gets up.

35.19 (2.19 mi)

Let's do this thing!

2011-02-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

I love my brother Adam. I sent him a text the other night asking for one of his awesome training plans and he sent me an email starting like this....

"So, here's the deal. I have set this up so you can succeed. BUT YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE TIME TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! So that means no excuses...."

He knows me so well... :) You can always tell when I'm slacking because I fail to blog.

So, I'm officially starting training. There's a 5k I want to do in March and I don't want to end up walking most of it, so I need to start getting strong and I need to start building up. I'm thinking I'll go in the mornings with our dog. (She could use the exercise too.) I just feel so much better when I go in the mornings.

Here's what I gotta do:
Monday: 35 Minutes (15 R/20 W)
Tuesday: 20 Minutes R1
Wednesday: 35 min (20 R/15 W)
Thursday: 20 min R2
Friday: OFF
Saturday: 45 min (20 R/25 W)
Sunday: OFF

I'm excited! There's so many great races I'm excited to run. Not to mention the weight I want to lose. I feel so much better when I'm lighter. I've hit a plateau and I need to start losing! Here's to an awesome week! I hope everyone has a great week. :)

Really...

2011-02-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

Today, I missed my workout. I was tired, so I took advantage of a great husband and ended up taking a 2 hour nap while he watched the kids.

I don't think I've been drinking enough water. I've been feeling a little light headed today. Not enough sleep + not enough water= a tired headached momma.

Holy wind, Batman!

2011-02-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

The wind today has been CRAAAZY! I went out to do my walk/run while Brianna was at school. I didn't plan out my walk/run very well since I went with the wind for the first 5 minutes and against the wind for the last 25 minutes. I felt like I was being lifted and pushed to the side when I was jogging. It was nuts. I'm just glad I did it. Funny thing though, I went faster this time running against the wind then I did the other day running with it. lol! I'm glad I got out and did it. It always feels good to get my exercise in. Even though last night was a rough night (Rosalie isn't a fan of Pioneer Woman's Favorite Burgers....I think the blue cheese was too much for her little tummy.) I'm glad I went out rather than take a nap. I'm a better mommy for it. :) I walked 5, jogged 15, and walked 10. I feels good to get more running in.

I have such a hard time calling it running...really is that what I'm doing? I feel like I'm trotting along, like I could be walking. I'm sure someone walking could walk faster than I "run" right now. Oh well, I'll get faster. I may not get super fast and I may not even get to the point where I run an 8 min mile like it's nothing, but you know what? I can endure...I can go long distances....I am proud to say, "I am an endurance 'runner'!" :)

Nope...

2011-02-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

No walk today. There was so much going on today that it just didn't happen.

Uuugghh.... I have to.... I can't do this. I may not run/jog/trot, but I will walk right now. Around the living room I go. :) Be right back....

Ok, so...I did it... and I even jogged for 10 minutes. :) How can you NOT exercise when The Biggest Loser is on? Seriously, I feel so guilty. They're working hard, why can't I? Why can't I make exercise a priority? Sure I have kids and life that gets in the way sometimes, but I can do this!

IKEA

2011-02-14T20:06:00.008-07:00

I like IKEA, you know why? Because they watch your kids for free while you go shop. You know why else I like IKEA? Because I can walk and the kids can play and we're both happy. :) Sure, I'm not walking around IKEA sprinting or anything, it's more of a stroll, but something is better than nothing. We walked for about 45 minutes not counting the stopping and looking around we did.

I wanted to walk "for real" but life happens when you have 4 kids. Maybe tomorrow I'll get out and get it in.

Oh, yeah...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

This weeks exercises

2011-02-13T19:47:00.027-07:00

Let's see how I did with last weeks exercises:

Monday: 30 min walk- Walked 30 min
Tuesday: 35 min walk- Jogged 10 walked 25 min
Wednesday: 30 min walk- Walked 30 min
Thursday: 35 min walk- OFF
Friday: OFF- Walked 20 Jogged 16 min
Saturday: 40 min walk- Walked 25 min
Sunday: OFF- Walked 10 min

Not bad! My goal was to go 170 minutes and I went 166. I feel good about this week!! It's going to take a little time to get used to running again, but I can do this!

This week's exercises are going to be about the same, but I'm going to up my jogging time.

Monday: 30 min walk
Tuesday: 25 min walk/10 jog
Wednesday: 15 min walk/15 jog
Thursday: 15 min walk/20 jog
Friday: OFF
Saturday: 20 min walk/25 jog
Sunday: OFF

Let's hope I do well! :)