Run the mile you are in

Good run this morning. I skipped yesterday because I havent been feeling well. Im not sure if its just allergies, but I think its maybe more. I decided to go ahead and run today anyway. I took benadryl before the run and decided to just listen to my body. I was hoping for 11 miles this morning, but decided to take Ryan Hall's advice-

Ryan Hall is an Olympic distance runner. He has set records in the Half Marathon. You can find his tips on the Runnersworld website. One of his tips is: "Focus on the moment," says Hall. "I avoid thinking about how far I have to go early in the race, because that can be overwhelming. Late in the race I try to forget about how far I have gone, because that would give me an excuse to give in to fatigue."

Based on Ryan's comment I thought Id just go out and run a mile, and then another, and then another, as long as I kept feeling okay.

Allot of days I am so focused on that final mileage goal. But somedays one mile, followed by another....is just perfect.

Goodluck Bridge!!!

Goodluck in all 3 legs tomorrow and Saturday! Ill say a prayer for you to do your best!!! You'll do Awesome!

Back to Intervals

The last time I did an interval run was November 27th of last year. I hadnt realized it had been THAT long until I looked up the date for this blog. I knew it had been awhile though. For about 3 months in the fall we had been going to the highschool track every thursday morning 6-7 am for speed intervals. We being Me, Cynthia, and Lisa. Not allot of talking on thursday interval mornings. We were there for speed on those days. I guess I fell off the interval wagon when I got assigned at the gym to teach Wednesday 5:30 Muscle class. After doing 2 early days, I need a day to stay in bed alap. Alap=7:30 in my house.

My thursday runs since November 27th have been stroller runs on the road. Today I decided to muster up some energy and do a few speed intervals. I did 3 half miles. Padded with half mile recoveries imbetween. This is the first time Ive done speed intervals with a stroller. I havent uploaded and examined my stats yet, to see how much the stroller slowed me down. On other runs, I feel like the stroller slows me down a whole minute per mile. So Ill have to take a look-see and find out if my suspected formula holds true for speed intervals.

I would like to get back to our track runs. Dont know if I can pull another early morning, though. I feel so wimpy, but when Im suffering sleep deprivation I really have a hard time being pleasant with my girls.

Until I figure out how to get track work back in my life, I guess it wont hurt me to do intervals with the stroller. Gotta admit that Id rather just enjoy the scenery when Im pushing the stroller, rather than push myself to that other level.

I feel that speed intervals are helpful and I like that they are challenging. But I look forward to long runs and dont so much look forward to speed intervals. Id like to hear any comments on speed intervals- like it? hate it? What do you think?

Something New for Someone New...

Hello all! I'm Bridgitte (Bridge from here on). I've known Lindy for about 9 years now because I've worked with her husband and brother-in-laws at Sage. I'm excited to be invited to blog and have sooooo enjoyed reading through everyone's posts, but I think my feelings are similar to Bryn's in that I'm somewhat intimidated. ;) I've never really blogged before, but now I have a reason to give it a shot! Thanks Lindy!

Just so you know a little bit about me...I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and still live here (in Glendale now). I just got married in December to my best friend and man of my dreams (awwww), Tim. I started running in June of 2006 - um, who in their right mind joins a running group in Arizona in the middle of June?? Not sure what I was thinking! I have never been athletic in all of my life and running was extremely difficult in the beginning, plus the heat was a killer. Nevertheless, we kept up our meets and our training and I ran my first 5K in the ARR Summer Series, then a 10K in Prescott, and my first 1/2 marathon the following January (PF Chang's). Building up to the next level always feels great! Now here we are a couple years later with three 1/2 marathons down, a 189 mile relay completed, and another 202 mile relay to go this weekend!

My last 1/2 marathon was just last weekend - The Lost Dutchman in Apache Junction. It was absolutely beautiful and absolutely grueling at the same time! I would love to do it again if I train longer before it, but I might just opt for the 8K or the 10K next year. I’ve only been back to training since we came back from our honeymoon (so only about 5 weeks and only up to a 10 mi long run prior to the race). I’m doing the Ragnar Relay this Friday and Saturday so just decided to throw in the LD ½ on a whim.

The course is just gorgeous and you run East straight toward the Superstition Mountains then turn South right along the mountain for about 2.5 miles to the turnaround. Perfect weather – cold morning, but you warm right up by mile 3. I had a great start and I was on track for a PR by the turnaround if I was able to keep up the pace. It’s an out and back which I love because you know once you’ve hit the turnaround you can do what is up ahead because you just did it in reverse. My running partner, Suzanne, had stuck with me until about 4.5 which pushed me a little faster but probably too much faster on the downhill. I was wearing a brace on my right knee which is the usual for me, but not the left. My knees and my patellar tendinitis weren’t ready for the hills, so by mile 10 I considered finding a medic and a ride to the finish, but I didn’t come all that way for nothing. I was getting that medal! (One of the best parts of doing any of their races – loved my 10K medal from last year and this one was even better! Check them out…http://www.lostdutchmanmarathon.org/medals.htm). I decided to limp my way to the end and run on my left tiptoe wherever I could which was mostly on the remaining uphill portions. It was awful looking down on my watch at a 17 minute mile – I could have walked it faster than that if it weren’t for the limp and the pain. By mile 12 I was fighting back tears and feeling my muscles tearing, but I had to finish no matter how long it took! I got to the finish to see my friends and a medal waiting for me! And, oh, let’s not forget the food they have at the end is GREAT! Hot potato and cheese burritos, chips & salsa, yogurt, pretzels, cookies, chips – all sorts of stuff! Mmmmm!

It was all funny in the end because weeks ago I told my friends that came out for the race, “I’ll be lucky if I finish that thing in 3 hours!” My time was 2:48! I suppose that beat my joking goal, but I was really hoping for 2:23 to make a new PR. Probably not the best idea to attempt to PR a race with those kind of hills on 5 weeks of training. Live and learn! I am just glad I’m off the painkillers now and can't wait for another flat course race. ;)

Thanks again for inviting me to join the blog! Hope this wasn't too much for a first post!!! I'll definitely have some good stories to come from the relay this weekend as well!

Some runs are tough, some are tougher

Not all my runs leave me feeling more energetic and rejuvenated. In fact, today's run got the best of me. I did my long this morning and as I started on the trail my stomach wasn't feeling so great but I thought it would eventually go away once I got going and into my rhythm. It didn't. I probably should have stopped and used the restroom but I detest public restrooms - ew! I kept running. Stomach's churning. About 70 minutes into the run, I knew I couldn't put it off any longer so I stopped at one of the restrooms and it was locked. Almost started crying. Gritted my teeth and kept running. I knew there was another bathroom about a mile away so I pushed the pace and made it to the next restroom. Never happier to see a germy public restroom.

The running and trying to stifle the stomach pains drained me. I came home lifeless and it was only 8:10 in the morning. I knew I'd have to dig deep to muster up some energy to chase after my three boys for the rest of the day. Tough run. Hope tomorrow's (shorter) run is better.

24 hours in the Old Pueblo

I missed my Saturday Long Run. I knew that I would, so in anticipation I ran 9 miles on friday.

But this post isnt actually about me! I have to brag about my husband! We went to Tucson for the weekend, and Noah was in a 24 hour mountain bike relay race. The course is a circuit, and a single rider, or a relay team, see how many laps they can do in 24 hours. It goes from noon saturday, to noon sunday. Noah did the 5:00-7:00 shift Saturday night (2:14) and the 10-12 shift the next morning (2:23). It was a 16 mile circuit.

He did the final leg of the race- finished it for the team. The girls got to see him close to the end. He said that he really teared up when he saw them. Now he knows what he's been doing for me these past several years- always insisting on bringing the girls to see me during my race. I try to let him off the hook, but he says 'no way, of course we'll be there'. So Im glad he got to see what that feels like.

We see them all the time- those little people that live with us. For some reason it feels very emotional to see their faces in a crowd, cheering us through a hard effort!

Im proud of Noah. He doesnt thrive on the competition the way I do. He loves his sport, and doesnt feel the need to compete. But Im proud of him for finishing this race. Way to go Sweetie!

Bryn's Intro.

Hi running Gals!

My name is Bronwyn and I'm a friend of Lindy's and that is how I came to be blogging on this website.  I don't think I have run alongside Lindy yet, and maybe never will, although we've talked about running quite a bit.  I have great aspirations for running but have yet to realize them.

So writing this is pretty intimidating.  I'm not qualified to be writing a blog along with others who have so many running accomplishments.  But I sure enjoy reading what you've written.

I am pretty much a "wantabe" runner.

My earliest memory of running and loving it was when I was in the 2nd grade and on recess we played a game that we called "Little House on the Prairie", and other than that being a current TV show I have no idea why we called it that.  It was basically a game of tag with the boys catching the girls and then taking them to an area that was for their keeping while the rest of the girls were rounded up.  I remember being frustrated that not many boys were pursuing me but realizing that since they could never catch me they quickly lost interest.  I remember letting myself get caught a few times just so I could be part of the game, but I much preferred to run for my life and stay beyond their grasp.

My next memory was in either 3rd or 4th grade.  My teacher put a map of the United States up on the wall and told us we were going to record our laps at recess and see if we could run across the U.S.   I thought this was totally cool!  Of course it would be a class effort but I was always so proud to say how many laps I had done at recess.  I remember going round and round and loving it, long after most had lost interest.

My next memory is that of a Community St. Patrick's Day race, when I was around 9 or 10, that was probably a mile long.  I was sure I had a chance of winning!  HA, HA!!  Arriving after the race had started quickly banished all those unfounded expectations even though I remember joining the race late and finishing all the same.

Things actually went worse from there.  The next memory was in Junior High with the dreaded MILE.  All I can remember is my throat, lungs and legs burning during that early morning PE class!  It was awful!  I hated it!  A mile was sooooo longg!!  I was so glad when the torture was over!  I have thought since what a great way to teach people to hate running.  Force them to run for a grade when they are totally out of shape!  Great system our schools are sometimes!

Next, I remember when I was a freshman in High School, having a Young Men/Young Women Activity that was a Mini-Olympics.  I don't remember exactly how I got talked into running the "mile" but I think it was by the only other girl that ran.  She was a couple years older and had run cross-country and all the rest of the competitors were boys.  And all I saw of the competition after the whistle blew was their backs.  I gave it my all but I came in dead last with a time of 7:30 minutes.  When I think about it now, I think that wasn't so bad!  But at the time I didn't think that, all I knew then was that I was dead last!!  And not wanting to repeat that experience again I steered clear of running, leaving that for those who were fast.

It wasn't until I was a Senior in HS and had a boyfriend who was into running did I recall that once upon a time I had loved running.  With his encouragement I went out and enjoyed running for it's own sake, not for the PE teacher or for the grade or to beat my peers.  I really loved it!

And Cynthia, speaking of running on Sunday, I remember one time I ran on a Sunday when I was a Senior in HS and had a similarly wonderful time!  And then I remember telling my boyfriend about this wonderful run I had that morning and he was like, "You ran on Sunday?"  It hadn't even occurred to me that that was something I shouldn't do.  Or that someone would think I shouldn't do.  To me it had been a very spiritually enriching experience as I appreciated the gorgeous sunrise etc, etc.  Over the years and during my moments of running I can recall waking up on several Sunday mornings and thinking how great it would be to get a run in but not doing it because it was a Sunday.   But that is more because of what others think.  Personally I don't think running is necessarily an inappropriate Sabbath activity.  I think it has to do with the type of run it is.  I don't have it all worked out in my mind yet, but I think it is great that you had a wonderfully inspiring run!  And I can totally relate.

Well I think I've rattled on enough for now!  But thanks for letting me be a part of this!

Sunday Run

I don't usually run on Sundays, but I have run on Sunday several times in the last few years. Including races, which are hard to find on other days. During training sometimes things come up and I miss a run during the week. That was what happened this week. I am totally fixated on my schedule and if I miss something I always have a horrible, nagging feeling that something isn't right. So this morning I got up early and headed for the canals to get in the six miles that were on my schedule. I thought a lot about running on Sunday today. I know a lot of people don't do it and never would and I totally support that. I actually really enjoyed it.

Today was a different type of run in several ways, mostly it was quiet. I brought my ipod but never felt like turning it on. It was slow and steady and it felt great to be outside. My kids were home in bed, my husband at meetings and I was enjoying some quiet time in the beautiful Arizona winter. I came home refreshed and energized for church and had even come up with some ideas for how to run sharing time today. So while I don't think I would ever make running on Sunday the norm, today it felt right.

Snowy Saturday

Thanks to our weather looking like this, I did my long run on the treadmill at the gym yesterday morning. Actually, I wouldn't call it a long run. I only ran 6 miles. That's about all I could stomach running in the same place. I appreciate the water that the snow brings but hope that Saturday snow days will soon be a thing of the past. Until Spring . . . when the rain comes. But I don't mind running in the rain - not as much chance of slipping, sliding and falling as in the snow. Hope you all had a great run yesterday morning. {My husband and boys sure had a fun time in the snow though!}

Some of my Favorite Running Partners

Two of my favorite running partners have not yet been recognized in this blog. We hit the road together, usually twice a week. They seem to enjoy the run as much as I do, but their job is a little different than mine. They have 3 jobs, actually. 1. Tell me to go faster. 2. Spot doggies in the trail ahead. 3. Pass back and forth a few carefully selected treasures that will likely be missing by the time we arrive home.

Purchasing a double running stroller was one of the best things Ive ever invested money in. Just a few years ago it allowed Megan and Hannah to be my running partners. Then it was Hannah and Kelly. And now Kelly and Melissa.

Of course it is a very seasonal event. Every fall I dust off the stroller and pump up the tires and then the let the new season begin. I love that theyve trained with me for most of my races.

Will these friends still be running partners in 10-15 years from now? I really hope so. Some of my best runs are with those girls just right in front of me. Close enough for me to hear their conversation. I hope that's how it will be the rest of our lives.

My New Running Partner

After dinner on Thursday Lyndsee (6) wanted to go for a run. I've been saying no to her a lot lately about a lot of different things, so even though it was bound to be a busy night with homework and finishing valentines I said yes this time. I laced up our shoes and she made sure I had my Garmin because she wanted to see how fast she could be and off we went. I have to admit I was expecting a bit of a slow jog - maybe even a walk, but off she went. I was sweating within minutes and she made it a whole half mile before she took a walk break and that only lasted to cross the street. It was so fun. She chit chatted about lots of things, including telling me what a cool mom I was for taking her on a run after dark. As it got darker she even got to make a wish on the first star she saw. We had one more walk break and then after about a mile we made a sprint for home. She beat me in the race for the door and I was only holding back a little. I never was a runner when my kids were little enough to come along with me in the stroller, so I'm hoping that at least one of them will want to run with me, at least occassionally. I really enjoyed trotting along with her and can't wait to do it again soon.

Saturday Morning 6am

I cant really think of anything clever or interesting to say about this morning's run, except that I loved it. I feel it was a run worth talking about. I love getting up on a Saturday before most people are awake. I love heading out into the dark. I love the solitary peace outside. I love seeing my friends running towards me at the pre-designated meeting spot. This morning it was Cynthia.

This morning was one of those mornings where everything was kind of fuzzy. A little bit of fog? I love it. It gives the morning a dream-like quality. I love being out there in the dark, while everything is still sleepy, and then still being out there when the sun starts to rise. This morning we even saw a shooting star! What a great morning.

I had a good 8+ mile run this morning. Cynthia went on to get 10 miles. It was a good morning!

St. George Marathon Lottery

Here is what it says under group registration for the St. George marathon:

Group Registration - Runners can register as a group of up to 5 runners. Each member of the group should fill out their own individual registration application. On the second page of the application there is a field for "Group Email". Each member of your group should enter the exact SAME email address in the "Group Email" field. The group will be entered in the lottery as ONE. If the group is selected, the entire group will be in the race. If the group is not selected, none of the runners are in the race.

Registration opens April 1st. Run is October 3rd.

Do we have at least 5 who want to register and should we register as a group or go individual? I say we go for broke and register as a group - if we have at least 5 who want to run it. I'm in and I can see if some of my runner friends/family want to do it. Lind, it sounds like you're in, too. Anyone else up for 26.2?

Garmin Geek

I love my Garmin. It totally motivates me to run and especially to run faster than last time. Lisa has to tell me to quit looking at it when we run. I like to have my stats laid out there before me, like Lindy, I almost always have a goal, and it shows me exactly where I'm at on the path to that goal, whether the goal is time, distance or speed. I also like coming home and looking over the info, comparing it to last week or even last years info.

So, I've had my Garmin for just over a year now and the only thing I've been disappointed in is that it doesn't show me my average pace on one of the main screens. Until yesterday! I was trying to set it up to do my interval run for this morning and happened on a setting where I was able to add average pace to one of my main screens. I cannot believe how excited I am about this! It has been a frustration (especially since I knew Lindy's Garmin had it so I was sure mine could do it) and I've tried to figure it out several times. In fact, I'm not sure I could figure out how to do it again. So on my run this morning it was all about average pace (which happened to be 10 minute miles today.) I love it!

get ready, get set, go!

I've been contemplating and analyzing which races to enter this year. This is what I've come up with so far: April 18th SLC Half Marathon, May 25th local city Memorial Day Half Marathon, and then I'm trying to decide between the July 24th Deseret News (not sure if they're still having this one, haven't updated their website) or Aug 22nd Park City Marathon. AND I'm contemplating entering the lottery for the St. George Marathon. The lottery opens April 1st and the race is Oct. 3rd. What do you think? Two marathons in a year, too ambitious? Probably. Much easier to list them out on paper than actually run them :) Barring injury, pregnancy (definitely NOT planning a pregnancy - I have a six month old!), life, etc. this is my tentative race schedule. Anyone want to join me for 26.2 in July/Aug or October?

Running geek married to technical geek

Noah wants to know where you got the cool running girl picture. He has tried to build me different running tools- and looked for good pictures to go along with. He says he can never find anything good...

And speaking of his tools- he was working on building us a tool where we could list our races, or even his tool would find our races on its own- and there could be a link to this tool right from the blog.

But then he found out that Runnersworld already has a similar tool. But the Runnersworld training log doesnt find our races on its own- we have to enter them in. Anyhow, Noah would be happy to still build us something- that does whatever we want it to do.

So be thinking about what we would like for logging races in. Ideas?