Work will win when wishy washy wishing won't

Fifteen miles at the New Year's Revolution Run.  That means 55 laps.  I kind of don't mind that run.  Someday I kind of want to do the whole 5 hour thing there.  But for this year I just wanted to start 2015 with 15 miles.  

Tom and I went out a little later than our regular Saturday morning crew.  Tom is training for his 50 miler and wants to do a few things different than the gang does week after week.  I was with him for not quite half of his run this morning.  

It was a balmy 27 degrees this morning with a group of 7 of us.  Nice morning.  Even warm enough that my doggy wanted to go out for his walk when I got home.  

Beautiful full moon out this morning!  And fun to go back to Zumba after the holidays.

27 - 30 degrees out this morning.  Love the mild mornings.  No wind.  A bit cool starting out or if you stand around talking too long but perfect for running in Utah winters.  Chad entertained us with the story of his journey into running and being fit.  Went from a non runner who was quite overweight in 2003 to lossing weight and running his first marathon the next year in 3:14.  

Went to BYU to do speedwork with Bethany, Walter and the gang.  Warmed up for 15 minutes then did 7 400s.  First two were 1:52 but then I realized I was starting in the wrong place and was a little long.  The next 4 were right at 1:47.  I was going to stop at six but decided to go for seven and the seventh was 1:42.  I'm excited to do some more of this and see what happens....especially with a little extra chubbiness I've been carrying around...I would like to see this help it go away.  :)

Had to walk home a mile and a half after having some grabbing knee pains... :(  Unfortunately it probably stems from some exercises I was doing yesterday.  I shouldn't try new things like that.  Now I don't know how long I need to rest and recover....but I am not one to go out on it over and over until it is really injured so I will take it easy here for a bit and see what happens.  

Took a few extra rest days and then went out nice and easy today to test the knee.  Things felt good for the 3 miles.  I'm not one to mess with an injury so I like to kick right at the beginning if possible.  Hopefully that is what I have done.  The test will be Saturday in beautiful St. George.

Tom and Kimi out and back on the Bear Claw Poppy Trail.  Beautiful day here in St. George!

Tom and I love to pace this race....especially on beautiful days like this one! 

There were not really too many at the beginning who said much about joining in on our group.  Usually there are a few that will let us know of their intentions there but it took till we got running to start gathering our little brood.  

Unfortunately I could tell right at the beginning that a POP was going to be needed before the race was over.  I kept a look out for when the perfect time might come to have a POP there without a line.  Of course that perfect time never happens.  So I saw a volunteer and asked when the next one was and she said it was right up around the corner.  So I gave Tom my watch so it would stay in sync with our pace and I hurried up ahead for a quick stop.  Luckily there were two open stalls and two of us running to get them.  :)  I had asked a volunteer to watch for the 2;20 pacer so I would know if they had passed and I would know which way to go to be with them again.  She said they had not passed.  So I was waiting there for a few seconds when luckily someone I knew said hi.  I told her I was watching for Tom and she said he had already passed.  So it was time for me to book it and catch up to him.  Unfortunately it was on the biggest hill of the whole race.  I caught him right at the top and had to take a few walking steps to catch my breath but then all was well.  It was kind of fun to have to throw a little speed in there but it made me want to pick up the pace so I had to keep an eye on it.  

We were able to stay very close to pace throughout the whole race and ended up about 11 seconds before the 2:20 time slot.  It was a great last few miles as we had several who were with us and a few we picked up along the way.  It was also fun to get in and see a few who were able to pick it up and come in around 2:14 or 2:16 after starting with us.

Pacing is a great gig!  

Tom and I just ran a bit more afterward to make it to 14 miles.

Very hard to leave the beautiful St. George.  We love it so much down there...especially at this time of year.

Back in good ole Spanish Fork.  Tom and I were out alone this dark morning.  

Tom and I joined in with Chad and Carolyn today.  Tom went a few more to take it to ten.  I'm enjoying this snow in the mountains but not down here stuff.

Five by my lonesome today.  And that is OK.  

Five out a little later in the morning with Tom.  We drove a bit to cut off a few miles and still be able to go on the river trail.  When we were done Tom was stretching his legs by pushing against the van.  A nice gentleman pulled over to help him push the van.  :)

Did 11 of Tom's 24 with him today.  We joined Tyler Shepherd's gang up the high canal road to the Dream Mine.  Kind of fun to do something a bit different than the ususal.  It was pretty nippy this morning and that wind was making itself known.  

Did 4 1/2 of Tom's 10 with him then went into Zumba and came out and we happened to find each other on the last mile of his.  Then I took Rui out to give him some running time and take me to 6.  Crazy,  mild winter.  

Tom had 18 miles on his plan today so I said I would run 12-14 with him.  The gang joined in with us and many of them stayed along further than we had expected.  At 13 miles Tom and Todd took the trail to add three more and Doc Ludlow and I headed back to reach 15. 

Got home, showered, ate a quick breakfast and then Tom and I went to help our freinds Brad and Jana move from here by us to a beautiful new home in Vineyard.  

I think I earned my Dragon Slayer Burger at Cubby's.