It's time, ladies! I know we have talked about it in the past, but the time has come! Ragnar Del Sol registration is due in mid-October! Lindy, I know you said you want to co-captain a team with me - let's do this! Again, I'd love to get an all women team together if we can, so call out to all of your girl friend runners!
February 26-27, 2010 - 202.1 miles, 12 runners, 3 legs each, around 3 to 8 miles each leg over about 24-30 hours. AMAZING FUN!
Details here: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/delsol/index.php
We need $85 for registration from each of you that want to join us. I'd like to get your registration and commitment by Friday, October 9th from as many as possible so we don't have to front so much to Ragnar. I know most of you see Lindy, so please get your dues to her. You can get your $85 to us in smaller chunks over the next few weeks if that works better for you too. In addition to the $85 we will need to cover expenses for vans, food, possibly uniforms, rest lodging, etc. From past experience I have to estimate this at approximately another $80 to $100 in addition to the $85. We don't need this until February though. This CAN BE LESS if we can do some good fund raising and get sponsors! I know it sounds like quite a bit, but this race is truly amazing at over 200 miles with the experience of being with a team! Del Sol '10 will be my 5th Ragnar - there MUST be a reason for that, right??!
Anyone can join us - I've had walkers, joggers and sprinters on past teams together...it's all about the team and the fun! Who's with us?!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
3 States in Less Than 7 Days!
Ok, so I'm a little behind on blogs. I FINALLY got my pictures off of my iPhone to share with all of you from my IL/MO/NC trips! :) I know I blogged about O'Fallon, IL - I DID get in St. Louis, MO and the next week I ran in Wilmington, NC! Crazy couple of weeks but some good times were had. The run I was really excited to tell all of you about was my 6 miles in Missouri. I really wanted to run in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park beneath the St. Louis Arch but I also wanted to do Forest Park (I mentioned earlier is about 500 acres larger than Central Park in NY and beautiful!). With everything we had going on and the distance of the parks from where we were staying in IL, I had to get them in on the same day! I set out early on my Saturday morning on a 40 minute drive from O'Fallon to St. Louis. I drove straight to a parking lot we'd noticed about a mile from the arch when we were there earlier in the week. This is my view running up to the park. (I brought my iPhone with me tucked into my sports bra since I was by myself in a strange place - was great to have so I could snap some pics to share! Click on the pics to see them larger!)
I had to climb up these stairs and had the view of the capital when I got to the top. Very cool!
When I got to the arch after the long drive and the mile run, I ran around the park for a bit.
Then of course needed to potty. What a geek I looked like going into the underground tourist entrance for the arch all sweaty and in my running clothes - I had to go through security and put my water belt through the x-ray, then my knee braces went off when I walked through the metal detector! The guy was nice enough just to feel them for the metal rather than make me take them off. I went in and hit the bathroom, then of course, since I didn't hit up the Arch store earlier in the week I went in there with the $20 I put in my water belt as a "just in case" and bought a magnet for us and a pin for a friend for about 7 of those dollars. Silly, I know, but hey...who knows when I'll be back, if ever! Came out of the underground and realized it was a real treat to be running right along the Mississippi - I went and dipped my hands in the muddy water just to say I did!
I even saw a Lewis and Clark statue on the way back to the car right along the river!
Got back to the car and headed about 6 miles away to Forest Park. I had just finished about 2 miles total at the arch and needed to get in 4 miles here. BEAUTIFUL park! I passed by museums, sports teams practicing - even some "medieval knights" practicing with real swords that had protective covering on them that almost looked like big sword shaped potholders! I contemplated taking a picture but didn't want to make a mockery out of them since I was actually really impressed as I ran by watching them. A beautiful morning in the park - I wish I had all day there but we had to get to our cousin's wedding (and get the groom there early!). Here are some shots from the park - I highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area.
So that was Missouri. I went to North Carolina on business the following week. I did get in some running there but it was unfortunately NOT on the beach. We made it to the beaches for couple dinners, but since my coworker isn't a runner and the car was in his name it didn't quite work out to make it back for a run on the beach. Still enjoyed a few miles on the treadmill at the hotel and a few miles around the hotel (literally around the hotel in the parking lot!). It was really nice outside so it was definitely enjoyable! Here is what the beaches were like - next time I'm running along there! I did get to put my feet in the Atlantic finally, though!
I had to climb up these stairs and had the view of the capital when I got to the top. Very cool!
When I got to the arch after the long drive and the mile run, I ran around the park for a bit.
Then of course needed to potty. What a geek I looked like going into the underground tourist entrance for the arch all sweaty and in my running clothes - I had to go through security and put my water belt through the x-ray, then my knee braces went off when I walked through the metal detector! The guy was nice enough just to feel them for the metal rather than make me take them off. I went in and hit the bathroom, then of course, since I didn't hit up the Arch store earlier in the week I went in there with the $20 I put in my water belt as a "just in case" and bought a magnet for us and a pin for a friend for about 7 of those dollars. Silly, I know, but hey...who knows when I'll be back, if ever! Came out of the underground and realized it was a real treat to be running right along the Mississippi - I went and dipped my hands in the muddy water just to say I did!
I even saw a Lewis and Clark statue on the way back to the car right along the river!
Got back to the car and headed about 6 miles away to Forest Park. I had just finished about 2 miles total at the arch and needed to get in 4 miles here. BEAUTIFUL park! I passed by museums, sports teams practicing - even some "medieval knights" practicing with real swords that had protective covering on them that almost looked like big sword shaped potholders! I contemplated taking a picture but didn't want to make a mockery out of them since I was actually really impressed as I ran by watching them. A beautiful morning in the park - I wish I had all day there but we had to get to our cousin's wedding (and get the groom there early!). Here are some shots from the park - I highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area.
So that was Missouri. I went to North Carolina on business the following week. I did get in some running there but it was unfortunately NOT on the beach. We made it to the beaches for couple dinners, but since my coworker isn't a runner and the car was in his name it didn't quite work out to make it back for a run on the beach. Still enjoyed a few miles on the treadmill at the hotel and a few miles around the hotel (literally around the hotel in the parking lot!). It was really nice outside so it was definitely enjoyable! Here is what the beaches were like - next time I'm running along there! I did get to put my feet in the Atlantic finally, though!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Random info about my 20
Our "Islands club-St George division" had to split up for the 20 mile run. Saturday was just not working out for any of us this time. So Cynthia and Lisa went on friday, and I went today on Sunday. And Karen, bless her heart, ran with me. Friday I was scheduled to teach cycle. I probably shouldve just done the run and then ended with a cycle class. It would be the closest thing to a triathlon that Ill probably ever do. But I felt wimpy about that idea.
Today was one of those runs- I know most of you have had at least one and can relate- when the bathroom issues interfere with the enjoyment. There are very few things that I DONT like about running. Needing to go #2 is definitely something I dont like about running. Ugh!!!
Luckily there are some bathrooms and drinking fountains along our route.
I ate breakfast this morning- corn pops with milk and a little gatorade. Then I took one gell and some power jelly beans while running. I felt so empty, hungry, weak at the end of the run. Its amazing how you just run for a few hours and it seems to sap all your readily available carbs bye-bye...why is my body not drawing more from fat stores??? Cant we tap into that???
I enjoyed running with Karen, and I enjoyed our route. Karen did 15.75 of it. Still no official half marathon under her belt! She's such a good running friend!
I fell asleep for a minute in church. Im in with the Young Women. When I opened my eyes, they were all staring at me, and one girl was laughing. Im glad she laughed, because its probably what woke me up. Oops. So rude to the Women giving the lesson...!
Now that Im tapering, can I still eat custurd at Culver's every friday or saturday night? Its been so easy to justify with these super long runs!
I did a good job with the body glide this morning. There's only one important spot I missed.
Any other questions? I dont know if Im sharing too much random info, but its these details that interest me to know about all of you and your runs. So Im giving you my details...
St George, Im ready for you! Bring it on!!!
Today was one of those runs- I know most of you have had at least one and can relate- when the bathroom issues interfere with the enjoyment. There are very few things that I DONT like about running. Needing to go #2 is definitely something I dont like about running. Ugh!!!
Luckily there are some bathrooms and drinking fountains along our route.
I ate breakfast this morning- corn pops with milk and a little gatorade. Then I took one gell and some power jelly beans while running. I felt so empty, hungry, weak at the end of the run. Its amazing how you just run for a few hours and it seems to sap all your readily available carbs bye-bye...why is my body not drawing more from fat stores??? Cant we tap into that???
I enjoyed running with Karen, and I enjoyed our route. Karen did 15.75 of it. Still no official half marathon under her belt! She's such a good running friend!
I fell asleep for a minute in church. Im in with the Young Women. When I opened my eyes, they were all staring at me, and one girl was laughing. Im glad she laughed, because its probably what woke me up. Oops. So rude to the Women giving the lesson...!
Now that Im tapering, can I still eat custurd at Culver's every friday or saturday night? Its been so easy to justify with these super long runs!
I did a good job with the body glide this morning. There's only one important spot I missed.
Any other questions? I dont know if Im sharing too much random info, but its these details that interest me to know about all of you and your runs. So Im giving you my details...
St George, Im ready for you! Bring it on!!!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
22 miles
This run went a lot better than my 20-miler. I felt good at the end and felt like I could have gotten another 4 miles from my legs. Let's hope we all feel that way come marathon day. I started running at 4:50 a.m. and needed to wear a light jacket until mile 13 because it was a little cool. Hope your morning weather is getting a big cooler in AZ, too.
Now it's taper time. The long runs and even the weekday runs are cutting back on miles. My legs are going to love it!
Now it's taper time. The long runs and even the weekday runs are cutting back on miles. My legs are going to love it!
Go Bridge!
Good luck on the 10K tomorrow, Bridge! I've never tried one. It sounds like a fun distance. I'll have to look to you for advice when I decide to sign up for one.
Are we St. Georgers planning on the early bus? Have you already let them know?
Are we St. Georgers planning on the early bus? Have you already let them know?
Friday, September 11, 2009
We Totally ROCK!
What's better than driving home from the gym after a 20 mile run than finding a note flapping in the wind on your windshield that says "You Guys Rock!"? Lisa and I knew immediately that it was from our #1 fan - even before we saw that it was written on Diet Coke stationary. After we had done about 15 miles Lisa had turned to me and said "Lindy will be so proud of us for doing our 20 miles today!" She was right.
It's great having a cheerleader all throughout this marathon training. Between that and the ice cold chocolate milk waiting for me it almost made the 20 mile run worth it. Now it's time to taper! YEE HA!
It's great having a cheerleader all throughout this marathon training. Between that and the ice cold chocolate milk waiting for me it almost made the 20 mile run worth it. Now it's time to taper! YEE HA!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Back in the Saddle
I haven't written in so long for so many reasons ... one of which is shouting, "Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy" as I write at 8:51 p.m., which is way past bedtime.
So, a few run updates.
Hobble Creek 1/2 Marathon
I fully expected to run this without any issues and finish at least close to the 2:04 I ran Provo River 1/2 last year. Oh, when will I learn to not be so arrogant? My time was 2:20, which isn't a bad time but just a whole lot more slow than last year's. I knew I had been running more slowly in my trainings but not that much more slowly. Here are a few of the lessons I learned:
1. Get more sleep the night before.
2. Eat something before the race.
3. Don't wear newer shoes for a race, especially a downhill race. My feet were battered.
4. Don't run downhill races, meaning significantly steeper downhill races.
5. Just because I had bathroom issues last year didn't mean that I needed to stop at EVERY potty on the course.
6. If taking a beverage from the beverage stations, walk, do not run, while drinking otherwise it is a pointless endeavor.
7. Know the course ahead of time so that the sprint to the finish can really be to the finish and not to the last bend before the finish. (See Lindy's post, too!)
8. Drink more.
This 1/2 was brutal for me. I left wiped out, more sore than I'd been in months, and highly discouraged. For a few days I was convinced I would be cheering you all on from the sidelines at St. George. Even the week following was horrible, but it turns out I was just getting sick when I ran Hobble Creek. My son had a stomach bug a few weeks prior and I came down with it a few days after the race. I didn't run for almost a week after the 1/2.
I had met a friend at the race start who has run St. Georrge 10 times -- every year since she was 12, except last year when she was pregnant. She runs a mile and walks a minute for the whole race. I decided to try it for an eight mile run the Saturday after the race. I made it four miles and walked the four miles back, knowing that I can't stop to walk because it's so hard to start running again!
Well, last weekend I just decided to give another long run a go. I was shooting for 20 miles but my watch wasn't working so I couldn't tell for sure how far I'd gone. It ended up being an 18 mile loop ... and I felt TONS better than I had for the 1/2. Here's what I learned on the 18 mile run:
1. When planning for a long run, make sure there is an open 24-hour somekind of place with a bathroom along the route. I'm not a McDonald's fan, but I loved the sight of the Golden Arches at mile seven or so.
2. Eat goo a small squirt at a time with lots of water. I tried taking a big swallow at first, but it was horrid. I'm glad I figured out how to down it because it really did give me some much needed energy. I'm also glad I had enough water to wash it down.
3. After 13 miles, who really cares how fast all the other runners are going? I just kept thinking to myself, "He must be out for a 5K today. She's not training for a marathon." And, by the end when I was merely shuffling along, I didn't care how I looked or who ran past me.
I'm feeling much more optimistic today. I've decided to do more strength building this month than I have in the past. I know it's a little late, but even a little will help, right?
Also, here's some advice from the friend who has run St. George 10 times: It's cold at the beginning so have a pair of stretchy gloves. I didn't know that they have labeled bags for all runners so that jackets and sweatshirts can be put in them and left at the start. That's mighty considerate of them. So, here's to St. George! Are any of you getting on the 4:00 a.m. bus?
So, a few run updates.
Hobble Creek 1/2 Marathon
I fully expected to run this without any issues and finish at least close to the 2:04 I ran Provo River 1/2 last year. Oh, when will I learn to not be so arrogant? My time was 2:20, which isn't a bad time but just a whole lot more slow than last year's. I knew I had been running more slowly in my trainings but not that much more slowly. Here are a few of the lessons I learned:
1. Get more sleep the night before.
2. Eat something before the race.
3. Don't wear newer shoes for a race, especially a downhill race. My feet were battered.
4. Don't run downhill races, meaning significantly steeper downhill races.
5. Just because I had bathroom issues last year didn't mean that I needed to stop at EVERY potty on the course.
6. If taking a beverage from the beverage stations, walk, do not run, while drinking otherwise it is a pointless endeavor.
7. Know the course ahead of time so that the sprint to the finish can really be to the finish and not to the last bend before the finish. (See Lindy's post, too!)
8. Drink more.
This 1/2 was brutal for me. I left wiped out, more sore than I'd been in months, and highly discouraged. For a few days I was convinced I would be cheering you all on from the sidelines at St. George. Even the week following was horrible, but it turns out I was just getting sick when I ran Hobble Creek. My son had a stomach bug a few weeks prior and I came down with it a few days after the race. I didn't run for almost a week after the 1/2.
I had met a friend at the race start who has run St. Georrge 10 times -- every year since she was 12, except last year when she was pregnant. She runs a mile and walks a minute for the whole race. I decided to try it for an eight mile run the Saturday after the race. I made it four miles and walked the four miles back, knowing that I can't stop to walk because it's so hard to start running again!
Well, last weekend I just decided to give another long run a go. I was shooting for 20 miles but my watch wasn't working so I couldn't tell for sure how far I'd gone. It ended up being an 18 mile loop ... and I felt TONS better than I had for the 1/2. Here's what I learned on the 18 mile run:
1. When planning for a long run, make sure there is an open 24-hour somekind of place with a bathroom along the route. I'm not a McDonald's fan, but I loved the sight of the Golden Arches at mile seven or so.
2. Eat goo a small squirt at a time with lots of water. I tried taking a big swallow at first, but it was horrid. I'm glad I figured out how to down it because it really did give me some much needed energy. I'm also glad I had enough water to wash it down.
3. After 13 miles, who really cares how fast all the other runners are going? I just kept thinking to myself, "He must be out for a 5K today. She's not training for a marathon." And, by the end when I was merely shuffling along, I didn't care how I looked or who ran past me.
I'm feeling much more optimistic today. I've decided to do more strength building this month than I have in the past. I know it's a little late, but even a little will help, right?
Also, here's some advice from the friend who has run St. George 10 times: It's cold at the beginning so have a pair of stretchy gloves. I didn't know that they have labeled bags for all runners so that jackets and sweatshirts can be put in them and left at the start. That's mighty considerate of them. So, here's to St. George! Are any of you getting on the 4:00 a.m. bus?
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