Scott Dunlap, A Trail Runner's Blog

Cant remember how I came across Scott Dunlap's blog, but I enjoyed reading his recap of running the Boston Marathon with Kristin Armstrong, and her friend Paige. I really like the way he writes- he and other's have been inspiring a desire within me to try out trail running- someday. You can check out his blog at http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/04/having-fun-at-2006-boston-marathon.html

No Laughing

My name is Hannah. Marcie and I were roommates too many years ago, and I believe that is when we both discovered our love of running. Four of us roomies would get up before dawn to hit the pavement. I think we were lucky to make it one mile the first day. (Please feel free to correct my less-than-perfect memory, Marcie.) I remember feeling like a champion when we were able to make three miles by the end of week one. So we continued -- three miles a day at least three days a week. That summer I stayed in the small college town while many friends and most roommates went back home. I was such a loser and had no social life that it wasn't unusual for me to run morning and evening. Running was my release. Running was my escape. Running was my entertainment. Running was my sanity. Running was my friend.

Unfortunately, I have not stayed as true to the sport as I wish I had. I have a whopping three races under my belt: Moab 5 Mile 45: and something (03.94) , some 5K in Salt Lake City ('94), and Provo River 1/2 Marathon 2:04 (08.09.08). You women inspire me, though. I don't ever expect to run a full marathon. I was so sore after the 1/2 that I don't know that I would ever recover from a full. But I can keep running. If Lindy is pushing her stroller for intervals and Marcie can fit in such intense workouts with three boys (two of them twins!) and Bridge finishes a 202.1 mile relay, I can definitely run three miles a day, at least three times a week. I can reconnect with my old friend. I can be constant. Isn't that how relationships and friendships are forged: through consistancy, dedication, effort, and time?

So, no laughing as I log my petty 1/2 marathons every once in a while. Thanks to you all for getting me back out there.

The end of my Season?

This fall/winter I have really enjoyed my training and racing. More so than ever. After recovering from PF Chang's, I started to think about what I should do next. I contemplated running a halfie in Tucson with Cynthia. I thought about it until I got really excited about it. But a couple of days ago, Noah made me aware of a schedule conflict. I cant go without the whole team- allot of the fun is in the family event. We were going to stay at a fun resort and have a family weekend.

So yesterday and today I have been panicking. Is this the end of this season for me? I started searching the internet for other possibilities, before it gets too hot. Isnt there anything else in March or April here? Is it really all over?

Im looking for a half marathon, or a 10k would do. Something in March or April. Early May would be okay. Something close, or that would work for a family weekend vacation.

Maybe Ill just live vicariously through Cynthia on March 29. A friend with a good race and lots of details is almost as good as your own race.

Speedy Shoes

I'm sure you are all glad to know that my new shoes came yesterday. I've been complaining about my old ones for a few weeks now, and blaming all my running problems on them. So this morning I was like a little kid with my new "fast shoes."

I always put off getting new shoes until too late, so I'm hoping that by writing this I'll remember next time what an incredible difference it made. I noticed a significant improvement with each step. Maybe it's only such an improvement for a "heavy runner" with high arches like me - but the gear really makes a difference. My knees are still a little sore today, but I figure they'll need a few weeks to recover from running with no support. But I really did feel faster, and by the end of the run I didn't feel like I was running in moccasins like I've felt the last few weeks (how do those barefoot runners do it?) If you're wondering, they're Saucony Progrid Triumphs (my second pair of this same shoe) and I LOVE them.

Finished 202.1!!!

Just a quick post to let you all know that my team, Draggin' Ass (appropriate team name for the way we felt), finished the Ragnar Relay Del Sol this weekend! 202.1 miles total divided amongst 12 runners. I personally made it through my 16.2 total miles on about 2 hours of sleep over the 34 hours that it took the team to complete the race plus a few more hours of prep, drive, loading and unloading time. I feel surprisingly good after the whole experience, but I must admit I'm pretty exhausted today and I've been lounging the majority of the day. Off to bed in a few minutes after I get some pictures uploaded. I'll be posting a couple more blog entries this week with the details when I've got my mind back in order!

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!