What does the map say now?

Im so excited to have experienced my first real trail run! I mean, I run the "Provo River Trail" every time I visit Utah, but it is paved and GORGEOUS, but still not what I consider a "trail run". Today's trail definitely qualified as trail!

Cynthia planned a field trip. I was the only one she could convince that a "hilly field trip" would be any fun. So the two of us got in the car at 6:15 for a road trip out to the mountains. Our local mountains are pretty in a deserty, cactusy kind of way. It was really very pretty and nice out.

We had to carry a map on us, and consult it regularly as we kept coming to forks in the trail. Cynthia was the map expert. Id look at the map and shake my head, agreeing thoughtfully. But really not very confidant in my own powers of direction.

We experienced hills. Small rolling hills, and sandy stretches that challenged our ankles.

It was so fun to think more about the terrain, and the new scenery, then my usual mile markers and the pace on my watch.

Very fun!!!

Saturday, 5 a.m.

Because my husband had to be at the church at 8 a.m. this morning, my long run started (way too) early. My alarm was set for 5 a.m. and I managed to crawl out of bed at 5:11. On the trail at 5:30. Amazingly, there was a biker that passed me just as I started running. Crazy man, I thought to myself. Doesn't he have anything better to do at 5:30 a.m. than ride his bike in the freezing cold? He probably was thinking the same thing about me.

I had my ipod on but the thoughts in my head held my attention more. When I was the YW president in our ward, there was a sweet girl in the Laurels that was friendly and outgoing. I could always count on her for a smart, thoughtful answer. She is getting married today. I thought about her and all the wonderful experiences she has before her. Then because I read Scott's blog last night about him, Kristin Armstrong and her friend Paige running the Boston Marathon together, I thought about them, their friendship and wondered if I could ever challenge myself enough to Boston qualify. Hmmmm, not sure. But this I know for sure: One hour and 45 minutes of running, thinking and wondering is a great way to start the day.

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!