Work will win when wishy washy wishing won't

Enjoyed the opportunity to sleep in and run in the sun later in the day!  Nice to go out with Tom on the first day of a new year.  I was near Lesa's house and stopped to say hi to her for a sec.  She was not there but I got to say hi to Landon and borrow their potty.  I was careful going down their sidewalk because it was icey but I guess I wasn't careful enough because down I went.  Bloodied the elbow a tiny bit and felt like it jammed my shoulder but I made it out ok.  Through the day I have been stiffening up a bit.  I wonder how I will feel in the morning?  Anyway, besides the fall, it was a beautiful start to what I hope is a very beautiful year.  

Nice to get out with JaNae and Jodie again...they have been taking a break.  They need to quit taking breaks now and just run!  

Today along with Kim and Tom were Dan, Hal and Kel.  We also had Alan for a bit but we kicked him out since he had too many letters in his name.  ;)  Actually he just needed to get done quicker to get to work so he took off when we were taking a break.  

There was a sciff of snow on the roads that made it a bit slippery at times.  We were very appreciative of the drivers who actually slowed down as they went past us.  We were hoping not to be bowling pins for some car that slipped our way.  

After running in 18 degrees a bunch I wasn't looking forward to this morning as it was somewhere between 5 - 10 degrees.  However, with layering it all works.  Enjoyed the stars, even saw one falling star.  Tom and I both seemed to phase off pretty good and just enjoyed the run and the morning. 

When I took my doggy out he wimpered and lagged behind.  He has had a sore back leg on and off for quite a while now.  Not quite sure what it is.  He is a silky terrier and I have been told they are prone to hip problems.  He is now over 9 years old so he may be moving his way into old age.  :(

Tom and I tried the yak trax for part of the run today.  Most of the roads were good but we used them for the trail.  It was nice to go up and enjoy our trail.  I like it there.

When it was 5 degrees outside Tom and I decided to sign up for the Revolution Run at the Olympic Oval.  Today was not 5 degrees but it was windy so I guess it at least got us out of the wind for this run.

We just did a gentle half marathon with no pressure what-so-ever.  That is the nice way to do things. I really don't know what our official time would be but it makes me put something in.   I thought it might seem long doing 48 laps for a 13.1 but it really wasn't that bad.  It was fun to see lots of different shapes, sizes, ages and paces out there all doing their best!  

It was also fun to watch the speed skaters out there practicing.  I talked with one of them afterward.  She said she was a coach and would love to have me come and do it.  I would be very tempted if I lived closer to the oval.  It looked awesome!  

I didn't sleep too well last night so I didn't go out early with Tom.  I went out a little later and took some money to my daughter at the high school and out around the ball fields and up through the river bottoms.  It was a nice run with plenty to be thinking about.   

Six mile Center street/River bottoms loop on a starry lit, slighty chill morning with my main man and running buddy!  

Tom and I got to pace this one together.  We haven't done a pace gig together for a while.  It was fun to work together to help our group.  We had an awesome gang with us.  Mostly women, but a few guys too.  I think more guys watch you without your knowledge though...they are not as willing to say they are with you and using you for help.  They are silly that way.  

We gained about a 20 second cussion over the whole race and unfortunately didn't come in perfect but our whole group went in up ahead of us and we crossed the line with no one....and no one behind us for the distance that we could see until the turn.  So there was no need for us to be back any.  So we feel that it was a great success!  So fun to have several come up and thank us after the race...some (even guys) who let us know they kept us in their sights or would not let us pass them.  Pacing is very rewarding.  And it was an absolute beautiful day to put one foot in front of the other for 13.1 miles!

Since no one had to get up early today I decided to wait for Mr Sunshine to join me.  I'm glad I did.  He was a great partner.  

Tom and I went out mid morning.  I think we both phased off through much of this run and even forgot we were running with someone.  

Early morning under the stars and moon with Tom for most of the run.  Took Rui and Musubi out for a bit and ran into Kay so I took the dogs home and did a mile speed walk with her.  

Tom and I got up earlier than usual (mostly unintentionally because of barking dogs!) so we got 6 miles in before we met up with the rest of the gang.  It is always fun to have the guys (and some gals today) along for some great laughs and conversation.  Tom gave us a little scare and lots of laughs.  You will have to go to his blog for details.  

Nice starry lit morning run with JaNae and Jodie.  

Tom and I went out a bit later in the morning.  We drove up to the top of mile road so we could do more time on the river trail and less time on the residential roads.  

I didn't have anything planned, I was just going to go along and let Tom do his thing and me do mine.  As we got going I decided I felt good and could do a few faster miles than I have been doing lately.  The middle four miles were 8:35, 8:00, 8:52 (this one had a walk break at the beginning with the clock running so I could continue for a bit more so I'm not quite sure what the running pace was), and then I finished with a 7:44.  

Every week I am grateful to Tom and all the guys for letting me be a part of a great little running group.  I'm not sure why we have a hard time getting any other girls to join on a consitent basis. Anyway....nice way to start February.   

Told Tom to head out because I was going to meet up with a couple friends.  But a bit after he left and right before I was to leave I got a text saying one was up with a child with the croup and the other one didn't show up.  So it was a solo 6 for me.  Ran up windmill road straight into the bitter cold canyon wind.  Every once in a while that is good for the mental workout.  

It was raining as we started (Tom, JaNae and I) but didn't last long.  There were a few slippery places on the road but no mishaps.  I complained at one point that my cheekbones were so cold and not long after I was complaining that I was overdressed.  Tom said I can't complain about being too hot and too cold that close together on the same run.  :)

Out alone early this morning as I had to hurry off to help at the book fair early.  I went in as a volunteer and out as the one in charge for the next few years.

I normally try not to run too much alone in the dark however yesterday and today I ended up alone.  Yesterday a catfight scared the heck out of me and today some big bird in a tree that decided to flap away just as I was near it.  

Had a nice run with JaNae this morning.  It had been raining before we left and it may have rained afterward but it was perfect while we were out.  I love that crisp morning air!  We headed up east for a few miles and then turned around to do a couple of faster miles than we have been doing recently.  The first was 8:07 and the second 7:55. 

Beautiful morning with a good size group.  Only down side was a fall by one of the members early in the run.  She handled it well and was able to still enjoy the run.  I sure hope I'm....I mean SHE is not sore tomorrow.  

Six running miles and then 4 power walking miles with Kay.  I am always so happy when I have time to go walking with her too.  I miss her as my running buddy.  Darn knees took her away....

One mile with Tom then one and a half-ish miles with JaNae and Jodie then zigzag back toward home alone for a potty break then accidentally meeting up with J & J for a half mile then back home to get Rui for a mile.  How's that for a run on sentence?

Lots of people out and about today!  So fun to run into lots of other runners.  We are so lucky to have some awesome places to run!  I love to go around "pretty little road", especially when we don't go up Harry's Hill.  

We I had a little break of having to wait up for teenagers but it looks like those days are back.  I am happy we still have a couple of beautiful teenagers around though so I will suffer through some short sleep nights to wait for them.  Just happy for nap time!

Decided to start using my new Valentine's Day gift.  1/2 hour of kick boxing and then a nice 5 mile run in the sun.

Tom helped me get a couple speedy (for me) miles in here.  Miles 3 and 4 (8:07 & 7:54)

Very enjoyable 6 miles with the sun smiling through the clouds quite often.  I took some time at the turn around point to sit on a bench by the river for some meditation that was much needed. Nice way to clear the head and listen to the spirit.  

Crazy observances of the day...on the way up the trail I saw a lady with a dog...on the way down the trail I saw another lady with a dog.  I can't tell you much about the ladies but the dogs were both amazing!  The first one blew my mind because it was a huge, beautiful Great Dane!  Although it was super cool to see it I didn't think much of it until on my way back when I saw dog #2 who was small enough to fit in my shoe!  It was a little ball of fluff that was so darn cute I had to stop and play with her for a minute.  She was absolutely darling!  Her owner said she is nine weeks old.  I wish I would have had my phone with me so I could have taken a picture of each of them.  It was kind of crazy to see the world's largest dog and the world's smallest dog on the same trail!

Tom and I went out in a misty drizzle for a nice midmorning run.  My miles 3 and 4 were both under 8 this week.  (7:54 & 7:51).  It will be fun to get more than 2 in a row under 8 again.

Just me and the sunshine and a bit of Mr. Wind.  Ran to the library to return a book and then into the riverbottoms.  

Today, after being involved in running for 7 years, I finally learned about LROY!  As we were finishing up our 18 miler Tom mentioned that we had just taken care of LeRoy.  I had no idea what he was talking about.  Not sure where I have been but am now happy to know LROY and to have LeRoy taken care of....for now....he will be back in a few weeks.

One year ago today my big brother Kevin left this earth.  Lots of things to think about.  Miss him.

I didn't even realize it until I just looked at the date but I wore a bright green t-shirt today.  Appropriate for St. Patrick's Day.  

I"m down in SG to clean some carpets and do a few other odds and ends so I got to run in the sun today.  My super white legs may have frightened a few St. Georgians.  

It was very different going from my dark 30 degree morning runs to a sunny 65-70 degree run.  

Lots of people out and about to say hi to along the way.  

Beautiful, crisp, misty morning.  If only that made the LROY totally easy.  Was happy to finish up and happy I didn't have to be out there alone!  I'm glad Tom and the guys don't mind me tagging along all the time.  

Skipped running today to get a bunch of yardwork done.  Hauled 20 bins of bark from my back yard to the front corner, cut down two very wild rose bushes and one other overgrown bush.  Packed them all in the truck and took them to the yard waste.   I pretended I was on The Biggest Loser as I did each task.  :)

Six with Tom in the sunshine.

Six with Tom under a cloudy sky with a sliver of a moon.  Warmer temps this morning.  

Some with JaNae and Jodie and some alone.  One of these days we won't feel cold when we first get started.  

Tom and I got our last 20 miler before Boston in this morning.   Yeah!

It was a perfect morning in Herriman today.   Bill Miller put on a nice inaguaral half marathon.  The weather was just right.  I'm hoping we can be lucky enough to get perfect weather like that in Boston in nine days.  This was a very hilly course.  I would never want to try to do my best on this one.  But it sure was fun for Tom and I to pace together and to help a few other runners run their best.  Helped one gal to a 5 minute PR on a tough course.  To top it all off Tom and I each one a prize in the raffle drawing afterward.  Ended up with $35 at Red Robin and a few other goodies.  So we went to Red Robin for a cheeseburger and fries for lunch.

I am not very excited about my running time on this...but this whole experience was for a good time...not a good time.  :)  And a good time is what we had!  

After being at the Boston Marathon last year there was no way Tom and I were going to miss out on this year.  We are so grateful for the opportunity we had to be able to participate in a most amazing race!
Not only was the race itself amazing but the whole time in Boston was priceless!  

This will be long...but I need to have it for me.  If you want to read along that is fine too.  :)

The fun all started when Alan and Joy picked us up at our house for our trip to meet the red eye flight in SLC.   I was still quite nervous about my cough...I was afraid I would cough the whole flight and have 
people ready to toss me out the window.  I was ready with cough meds and drops and a face mask.  Luckily it went well.  

At the airport we already started meeting people heading to the same place for the same reason!   It was fun to  meet a guy named Lloyd in SLC and then a guy named Jim in Long Beach.  We had a good little
posse there chatting about past experiences and looking forward to the new one ahead.  After spending some time with them we finally found out that Lloyd was the one and only "Tom Slick"!  What fun to
get to know him!  

All flights went well and we landed in Boston in the early morning hours.  Utah time was 3:30 am so we were pretty well tuckered out.  We were able to get to the hotel and check our bags but there was no 
room in the inn for us yet.  We looked around and found the pool with four lounge chairs there waiting for us to take a nap on.  We all zonked there for a bit and woke up to a very busy pool and game court
area.  I'm sure we looked kind of silly as we woke up to all the action but we were sure grateful for a few more Z's!

Off to the expo to pick up our numbers!  I still get amazed of how many volunteers it takes to pull off an event like this!   It really makes me want to go back sometime to be on that end of things!  After 
picking up our numbers and checkind out the expo we went over to the finish line.  We took some pics and spent some time at the memorials of last year's victims.  There was an awesome memorial in the 
Library.   I definitely needed tissues in there.  My thoughts as I left were how emotional and reverant those rooms were at that moment.  

Another very cool thing that day was to go to the Old South Church and be draped with a handmade blue and yellow scarf.  There were thousands of them made by people all around that were given to the 
runners.  Each had a tag on it with the name and city of the person who made the scarf.   So fun to be on the receiving end of that beautiful service.  And again I thought of how awesome it would be to be 
 the other end making them with love for someone you would never even meet.   

I knew the race would be emotional but I didn't realize I would shed so many tears before the race.  

Sunday Alan, Joy, Tom and I found an LDS church to go to.  We were happy to run into lots of other folks doing the same thing!  It was also fun to talk to the missionaries and run into friends we already 
knew.   We met new friends Melissa and Ryan there and ran into them many times through our stay as we were in the same hotel.  Fun to make new freinds! We happened to go on the day of  Stake Conference.  So between that, Easter and all the visitors all the rooms were full!  

At 4:30 we met at the finish line with many of the Utah runners to take a group photo.  I wish we could have spread the word to all of the Utahns so they could all be there.  We did get a large gathering 
though and it was fun to sit there with cameras all around like we were rock stars!

That night was the marathon pasta dinner.   It had a super long line and was a bit chilly out but even in a long, cold line we were able to meet more amazing people.  One of my favorites from that night 
was cute Connie from Germany.   As we learned about her we found that she is the mom of three kids, one being a deaf and blind 9 year old.  It was amazing to hear of the things her family and this little
boy imparticular had to face...and the love they have for each other was felt as we watched and listened to her!  I was sad that our time with her was cut as we lost track of each other without a proper 
goodbye.  

We were able to enjoy a nice sleep that night and wake up to a beautiful Monday morning race day!  Joy was not running so Alan, Tom and I said goodbye to her and headed to the bus pickup location.  
Last year we remember waiting in a long, winding line for quite awhile before boarding...this year we stepped out of the train station and right onto a bus!  I can't believe how organized it was!   We 
enjoyed more visiting and getting to know more amazing people!   

At Athlete's Village we all headed straight to the POP lines!  Everyone seemed to be in dire need of getting to the front of those lines but everyone was patient and visited some more.  This is the only 
place I see that can be drasticly improved....If you had a roll of toilet paper there you could buy about anything you want from people.  TP was a very rare and unfortuanatly very needed item there!

We took time to write our names on us and take some pictures.  We added the names of Jeff & Cheryl and Desi & Alison to our shoulders.  Jeff and Alison are both fighting some huge battles and I wanted to run for them.  We also added CRTCJTTR for our kids and our dog.  Before we knew it we were off to our corrals.   It was beautiful already so we knew it was going to be rather warm on the run.  
Tom and Alan both came back to my corral to run with me.  As soon as we got to our place it was time to start running on the exact same course that the winners of the race were running on.  How many sports 
are there where you get to participate in the very same event as those who win the big bucks?

I had taken some little tokens that I had stamped BOSTON on to give away to people along the course.   It wasn't anything big or amazing but it was fun to find the right people to hand one to along the 
way.  I mostly gave them to kids around 9 or 10 or to people in wheelchairs.  I would go over to them and tell them thank you for being there to support us and give them one.  One little boy was my 
favorite as he got the biggest smile on his face and said "Mom!  Look what she gave me!"   I was able to put one in Team Hoyt's wheelchair along the way. That one was for Elsha!   I didn't talk to them but I did sneak one in. 

With a few strikes against me before the race even started I knew this would be a slow marathon but that was ok because if  we were going to go slow on one it might as well be one as fun as this!  
I had been sick for over a week, not ran at all for about 8 days and had some knee troubles from my long runs.  I'm also a little fluffier than I like to be for a marathon (which probably adds to the 
knee problems) and our training had only been "to finish a marathon".   So with all that in mind we just decided to take it how it comes.

Most of the first half felt great!  However at about mile 11 I got myself into a coughing fit that made me a bit nervous.  I wasn't sure how in the world I was going to be able to get through it and 
start running again.   Tom and Alan were right there on the side waiting for me wondering the same thing but never leaving my side.   Somehow I got through it and the cough never really caused 
any more trouble.  

The crowds were even more amazing than I was remembering or anticipating!  It is so crazy to have people yelling for you all the way through the race!  There are a few wooded areas where it is 
harder for the crowds to be and it is a weird silence throught those places but everywhere else is full of excitement!  

By the half way point my knee was already giving me some greif.   We got past the Welsley girls (which is not the best crowd of the race as they are often given credit for.  They are loud but not 
nearly as loud as other areas such as Boston College).  About mile 14 I was able to remember last year at that point where there were several people cheering for a guy named Kevin.  And as my race 
last year was dedicated to my big brother Kevin I took some time to think of him and how much I miss having him around.  I think mile 14 of every marathon will be my Kevin mile forever!

I didn't feel like eating all the things people were giving along the way this year but Tom had a few...even a PB&J.  I mostly just kept the water and Gatorade in me so I wouldn't get dehydrated.  They 
sure are good on the drink stations....they come often and have plenty of helpers at each one.

The last half had a lot of run/walk time in it.  My knee would burn and burn and while it was burning I could run but as soon as it 'grabbed' I had to stop for a walk or a stretch.  I went to a few medical
tents to see if they had Ben Gay or Icy Hot but that wasn't something they had.  I kept telling Tom and Alan to run on without me but they were both too dang stuborn and would not leave my side!  
At the time I really felt I wanted them to go on without me but looking back I am ever so grateful we all crossed the finish line together!   I finally found a medical tent that would bring me in for a 
rub down with oils.  I thought they would just do it there on the side of the road but no...they made me go in the tent, scan my bib and go back to a cot.  What were Alan and Tom doing during this 
time you ask....they were waiting right there for me!   The rub down felt great but only helped for a moment.  The knee kept grabbing and bringing me to a halt.  In any other race I would probably 
have just not worried and walked the rest of the way.  But with this one there is no way I was going to walk it in.  The crowds were amazing and something about the support would help me get going
again, at least until the next grab.  One of my favorite yells at that time was  "Come on Baby GIrl!  You got this!"

When we got to the point where we had been stopped last year I just couldn't contain my excitement!   I went over to the crowd and came face to face with some random stranger.   We grabbed
hands together and were facing each other.  I'm sure I probably freaked him out a bit.  I yelled to him and the crowd that "this was the place I had to stop last year.  I could not continue to the finish 
line, my race was over.  But this year it is not over!  I get to go from here!  I get to cross that finish line!"  With that the crowd cheered as I let go of his hands and moved on toward the finish line!
I was wishing I would have had one more token to leave with him at that time but I had used them all up.  Anyway with that cheer I think I was pretty much able to run the rest of the way to the 
finish line!  

Going down Boyleston was absolutely deafening!  Anyone who did not know what was going on would have thought that Alan and Tom and I were winning the race!   And we were!   We
were crossing that line happy and healthy and that was an absolute win!   Getting across that line and getting a medal put around our neck is what we set out to do!  So even though it took
us a record marathon slow of 5 hours and 15 minutes we loved every last second of the experience!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have run the Boston marathon in 2013 and especially in 2014!  I hope to be able to run it again sometime....not anytime too soon but sometime!

Thank you Boston!  Thank you BAA!  And thank you to all my family and friends who support me in all I do!  A big thanks to Alan and expecially Tom for being there always!

Taking some hills easy up and easy down sounded most enjoyable today so I drove over to the top of the hill so I didn't have to spend 2 miles of my whimpy 4 on flat.  

Kind of a silly month...lots of zeros as I tried to get better before Boston.  It was great to get out with Tom in the sun today and get my first run in after the marathon.  Ran three then walked a nice three.  I want to ease in and hope that my knee will be happy.

I was able to do this without my knee hurting.  Yay!  Last Saturday I didn't make it that far without pain.  I wanted to stop before it hurt today and I did.  I hope I am doing the correct thing to be active and let it heal at the same time.  Just listening to the body for now.

I'm going to try to get more days in again but probably still fairly low mileage.  Trying hard to get my knee back to 100%.

Six miles with zero pain!  Woo Hoo!  A little heavy breathing here and there, especially on the uphill/into the wind part....but yay for no pain.  Hoping it continues.

Four miles...still feeling good.  I will take tomorrow off and try Fri and Sat again.  I hope the knee pain is all in the past.  

I gave blood Thursday night so decided to take Friday morning off.  Tom and I met up with some of the guys in the running group this morning.  Luckily they held back the first 4 1/2 miles and I ran with them then but then I took off on my own so I wouldn't slow them down and had a nice animal/bird adventure on a beautiful spring morning!   All kinds of birds singing and flying around.  Geese who made me a bit nervous as I had to run right next to them.  Also peacocks and ducks in their usual place.  Down on the trail the marmots were out and about more than usual.  There were some young so it made me a bit nervous as they would dart out in front of me.  I wondered if there was a mama marmot who would think I was up to no good and pounce on me.  There were probably 7 or 8 of them running in front of me on the trail. Then down on tree line road I stopped as 3 deer bounded along through the field and across the road in front of me.  At home I grabbed my own animal and took him out for a mile run and a little walk.  Very nice morning!  

Tom and I slept in a bit and then sort of enjoyed a run in the riverbottoms.  We enjoyed the day and the beauty and being out but we both felt quite sluggish.

Nice to feel better today than Saturday.  I felt so weak the other day, not sure why just didn't have the umph.  Today felt much better.  Started off with Tom for a couple miles then did the rest alone.  (except of course for my last mile with Rui).

This is the total amount of miles from our trip to Denmark and Iceland.  We had an incredible vacation and enjoyed a few runs.  

Tom and I thought this first run back home at altitude after 2 weeks vacation would be pretty scary.  But a surprise to both of us we both felt very good!  It would be nice if it were going to stay that way but I am afraid jet lag will probably catch up with us and we will have some pretty miserable runs as we get back into things and try to get into SGM training.  

I'm having a heck of a time getting training going good for me again.  Since about the second week in April I have had about 4 weeks of being sick and 3 weeks of vacationing.  

I hope I can get it going from here...but this week will be a bit tricky too because I have a few days I will be at youth conference so a long run still might be another week down the road.  

Finally got a double digit in there.  I've got to quit vacationing and being sick.  Glad I could get this in today.  

Only three miles today but done in the beautiful setting of Manti, Utah!  Love my home town!

First run of the year down Payson Canyon.  Oh how I love it!  :)  The early mornings are a bit hard but it is totally worth it!  Love, Love, Love!

The legs were not interested at all today!  I remember why I usually start Payson Canyon in a more gradual way!  :)

Legs are a bit better today....maybe...3 miles with Kay.

Happy Fourth of July!  Nice to get out on the river trail with Tom this morning.  So happy to run into Desi and Alison and visit with them for a bit.  They are a huge inspiration to all of us!  Legs felt much better but I didn't have any desire to run down Heartbreak Hill so we drove to the trail head.  

Did Payson Canyon again.  Started out with a slight back pain....ended up with a miserable day of back pain.  I hope it doesn't linger too long.  But the run felt good and my legs feel much better than last week...at least at the moment.  We will see if they feel good tomorrow.   

First run after the back problem.  I'm hoping I am healed enough to get going again. 

Things went well with yesterday's experimental run so I went out again today.  But I waited until about 10 o'clock and it was 85 degrees.  I went up Harry's and then down and then a bit around pretty little road.  I was happy to have water at the car.  

Tom and I went out on the river trail then waited at the bottom of Heartbreak Hill to cheer on all the Speedy Spaniards!  So grateful to be able to run again....and sit and stand and walk without pain!  Yeah!

So happy to wake up to the stars in the sky today and be able to go out for a nice run with friends.  Grateful to have my back doing well.  

We were in need of some major yard work so I even mowed a lawn, trimmed some bushes and a small tree, pulled some weeds and took them all to the compost!  And I feel pretty darn good.  I was hoping I didn't over do things today....if anything bothered me it was the pulling weeds part...that always gets me a bit.  But so far so good.  Slightly stiff back when I get up and start walking but I think I am doing great! And that makes me happy!  

Down Payson Canyon...first time since back troubles.  Felt good and still feel good...so hoping the back issues are behind me now.  By the way, I love running down Payson Canyon!

Five with Tom, Dan and Carolyn....mostly Carolyn.  Nice to have company.  

I decided to go on my long run today instead of tomorrow since a few of my friends had to do today.  I am very glad I have it done and get to sleep in tomorrow!  It was nice to have the company of Carolyn and Stephen.  

Met Carolyn, Dan and Chad in the rain.  Thought we might get poured on but just got the mugginess of it all.  But a nice start to a good ole regular week.

There were nine of us to run down Payson Canyon this morning.  Carolyn and I were the only girls.  When we got dropped off up on the mountain Carolyn and I started walking in the dark toward the "little girl's trees"  while the guys walked over to the "little boy's trees".  As we were walking over there we could see two eyes reflecting straight at us from our headlights.  We looked for a minute and wondered if it were eyes or just a reflection on a sign or pole...and then we heard the grunt/snort!  They were eyes and they were conected to something that did not want us looking or going their way!  We didn't wait around long enough to find out what kind of eyes they were...we just ran back and was very happy the van had not left yet and we were in the van!  The guys were brave and went over to investigate....they got a kick out of it when they got over and found.....a cow....not a bear like we had imagined!  I'm pretty sure we will not live that one down.  But to tell you the truth I am mighty glad it was a cow and not a bear!  

Other than that is was just a glorious run down a beautiful mountain on an amazingly beautiful, starlit morning!  LOVE IT!

I'm glad the guys don't seem to mind having me around...without Carolyn today I was the only girl.  The first 5-6 miles I did not feel very well and was not sure how far I would get today.  Luckily I was able to get through the bad part and enjoy the good.

Payson Canyon again this morning.  My plan was to go faster the first 4 miles and then just take it in the last 4 miles.  I didn't intend to be with the speedy guys for the first part but decided to try it as we started out.  Happy to say I was able to get to the 4 mile water stop with them! After that I slowed it down and let them keep it going from there.

7:48

7:14

7:03

7:12

8:03

8:10

8:09

8:56

I was glad I was done.  I am pleased with the splits.

Great run/walk/hike up and down Loafer Mountain today with Tom.  I thought I was going to make it without a fall but got a little too confident and fell a couple miles before the end.  Luckily made it through without much damage.  

Tom and I went out to do some hill work this morning.  He ran the whole long hill...I decided to only do half the long hill.  I did 10 so that is kind of like doing 5 of the long.  It is probably good for me to get out and do hills a bit more before SGM.

Yesterday's 7 was really today.  Got it on the wrong day.

Five this morning and the ice water challenge tonight.  

Tom was kind enough to let me chase him through the river bottoms this morning.  

Tom and I decided to try to sleep in a bit today but the doggy decided to wake us at 5:18....grrrrr....I'm sure he was protecting us from some big, bad boogey man though so I guess I should be grateful.  

Anyway, I went out on my own after the girls got off to school.  I had to take something to my daughter at the Jr. High so I decided to run that way and do the riverbottoms loop.  What a joke at that time of day! Holy Cow....I honestly believe I would be safer in the dark alone on any road than on that one at that time of day!  It is just like being out on a state highway only more narrow!  I was pretty much playing Dodge Car for a couple of miles.  Not my idea of fun.  I am thankful for the two or three people who actually drove slow on that road.  I tried hard to give them a big thumbs up so they knew I appreciated them.  

Crazy night and morning.  Last night Tom and I ended up down at some friends house until close to midnight helping them unflood their basement.  This morning at 4:10 we woke up to head up Payson Canyon for a 20 miler.  Shoved 12 people in the Suburban along with coolers of water/Gatorade and spent the time dropping water along 4 spots The further we went the worse the weather became.  It was just to risky to get out of the vehicle at the top.  We were all bummed but came back down gathering all the coolers on the way down and came back home to bed.  After about an hour or so of sleep we were all able to get out one way or another and get some miles.  I was out of gas way from the beginning. I didn't know what I would be able to do.  Luckily I was able to pull out 16.  Not pretty, but 16 miles is 16 miles.  I actually went up Harry's Hill twice.  Then I ran into Tom and some others who almost had me talked into HH a third time.  Luckily I got smart as we started and I turned around.  I would not have made it without some nourishment which was a couple miles away even without going up and down again.  

So I was hoping for 20, planned for 20, went out for 20, then thought I might get 0 or maybe 3 and ended with 16.  That will have to be good enough.

Seven in the early morning with David and Carolyn.  Company on the run is worth getting up earlier for.  I will probably be doing this a bit more.  

Payson Canyon morning!  I always love it!  Today I got to run it on my birthday.  I finished up today with 10 miles which brings my last 7 days miles up to the total of my new age.  :)

I was pacing this race with Tom for the 2 hour group.  As you can see it was a fail for me.  I knew going into it that it was going to be hard for me with this year's training and some down time for sickness and back issues.  But I was hoping it would have a little more down hill to make it so I could pace this one ok.  I should have traded the 2:10 girl but I didn't.  Anyway, I wasn't much help pacing so I decided to let Tom go and just take it in however it came.  I ended up having two POP stops which didn't help matters either.  So I decided that since I was a pacer I better find others to help along the way even if it wasn't the two hour people.  

Some of the trails had been washed over with the big rains and it had some pretty bad places.  At one of those places a gal right ahead of me tripped and skidded on the rocks.  I helped her up and tried to comfort her a bit and give her some encouragement.  She was road burned pretty good on her arms, legs and tummy.  She was awesome and ran it off.  

About two miles from the finish I found a lady who was struggling a bit so I decided to run with her and help motivate her.  She stuck with me to the end and we ran across the finish line together.  So even though I failed at my first job I still had the opportunity to help others along the way.  In that case I don't feel like a failure.

Looking at this race helps me realize I don't want any pressure for SGM.  I am just not ready to prove anything out there this year so I plan to just go and have a fun time.  That may mean going fast sometime, it may mean walking sometimes, it may mean stopping to help someone along the way or taking pictures with the crowds.  I'm not quite sure what it means right now but I know I am not worrying about time for SGM... I may even leave my watch at home.  

September morn......I love it!  Also nice to have a holiday today so we could sleep in a bit before heading out.  And it was still nice and cool so we didn't have to regret sleeping in.

Tom and I decided to drive out to Harry's Hill and do a few repeats.  Harry's is about .85 to the top...if you take the bend at the top and go up a bit more it gives you a full mile.  Tom was super awesome and took his to the full mile each time.  I just took it to the house on top at .85.  We did 3 ups and 3 downs and then added a bit more.  He was a lot more awesome than me because he also never had to walk like I did.  I figure the up hill is probably still good for me even if plenty of walking happened.

Then we came home and got the girls and hiked up to Escalante's Cross.  It was about a 2 1/2 mile round trip.  Nice to get the girls out with us.

Six in the early morning with Carolyn.  Got to use my new safety gear that I got for my birthday.  Awesome headlamp and a new reflector vest to keep me nice and visible! Thanks family for loving me enough to want to keep me safe!

Lovin the perfect mornings!  Ran with Carolyn.  Great to have a good running buddy!  

Twelve of us made it through our 21 miler this morning.  I love Payson Canyon...I'm going to miss running it after SGM.  Happy to have Carolyn, Janie and Ken to keep me company for the morning.  

Carolyn and I ran with flashlights since our headlamps were taken in Payson Canyon on Saturday.  :(  

Did some up and down hills with Tom.  

Moonlit loop with Carolyn.  Perfect morning temps.

Tom and I out for the best we can do on this Saturday morning in St. George.  We ran the first 8 miles together and then the last half he would double back to me.  I ended up with 17 and he added some with the double back and still had more umph than me and added to 19.  

It was a beautiful morning here in the land of Dixie...many of the dessert blooms were still out for us to enjoy once there was some daylight.  

Down Payson Canyon on my lovely 17 year old daughter's birthday!  I'm so going to miss these canyon runs with the stars and the moon and the perfect weather!  

Today is our 28th anniversary so we have plans and didn't want to do our long run tomorrow so we got up to get er done this morning.  I was hoping for 16....bleh!  I am officially naming this 13.5 miles Ug Lee!  I'm hoping that part of the ugliness is because I am sick.   But whatever the reasons or excuses I only enjoyed from the top of Harry's Hill down to the church in Salem.  The rest I shall forget.

Tom, Carolyn, Dan, Chad and I met at the church...the guys tried really hard to be slow enough to let us girls hang with them but in the end we lagged behind even when they were going slow.  Oh well.

Last Payson Canyon of the year.  I will miss this....until we meet again.  

Ran "with" Tom, Dan and David.  By "with" I mean David....Tom and Dan were up ahead of us.  

Last Saturday run before SGM.   Had a good crowd out today.  Most of the run was dry but we got pretty soaked before it was over and I LOVED IT!  I don't like it when I have to start in the rain but ending in the rain makes me happy sometimes!  

Tom, Dan, Chad, Doug, David, Carolyn and me...later was joined by Hal also.  Great group of running friends!  Tom and Dan will have a nice SGM...not their best but still very respectable.  The rest of us will just be happy to get to the finish line this year.  Maybe next year we will all put forth a better effort through the training season.

Up and down Center Street a few times.

I avoided the rain but not the puddles.  Luckily it was just a short run with wet feet.   

This year I trained mostly just to finish a marathon.  I went into it thinking I would be around 4:30....4:15 if things went well and 4:45 if things turned bad.

The buses were kind of a mess this year.  We were at the park by 4:45 but had to wait quite awhile to get on a bus.  We reached the top at about 6:00.  Missed out on Molly's Thriller flash mob...got there just as they were finishing up. Headed to the POP lines and then it was pretty much time to take our bags to the truck.  We didn't even go anywhere near the fires this year because of time.  

We lined up and then ended up waiting.  I guess the buses were still dropping people off at 7:00.  Start time was suppose to be 6:45.  But it ended up a few minutes after 7:00.  Hopefully they don't let that happen again.

I was planning to meet up with Carolyn, Doug, David and Alan but could only find Alan.  We started out with a plan to keep things pretty easy.  Within the first mile or two he found an old missionary friend and they were really able to chat it up about the good ole days which was nice for me as I  just got to listen.  

Around mile 6 or 7 I saw Jennie King.  She is a local runner who was running her first marathon.  I said hi to her and we started talking great and decided it would be a good idea to run together.  I am so happy we found each other.  I think it was great for both of us!  It helped her through her first marathon (actually her very first run ever of more than 13.1 miles!)  And it helped me have a purpose and enjoy the day! I had planned to keep things over 9 minute miles and had not been doing that up until I met her.  If I would not have slowed down I would have regretted it big time later.

So we just ran and talked and laughed and got to know each other better.  We took it easy up the hills and walked through every water stop.  

I was (and still am) totally  impressed that she made it the whole way with the way she trained.  Just a couple runs a week and never more than a half marathon.  What a woman!  Around mile 23 or so she wanted to do a little more walking than she had in the earlier part.  I would just help her get a running motion going again, even if it were no faster than the walk and eventually she had it going again.  Our slowest miles were 19-23 and then 25 & 26. 

I told her that when we made that last turn we would then start seeing the finish line.  Before the turn she said she wanted to start going much faster.  I told her we needed to wait at least until we turned the corner or she might lose it as she was passing in front of her family.  She waited until we turned but then she wanted to kick it right then.  She got the biggest smile on her face and kicked it!  I was hoping to wait a bit longer before a kick but I had to kick with her or get left in the dust!  My Garmin says the last .20 was a 7:56 pace but the max pace was 6:50.  We sped up as we approached the finish line!  If we would have had to go another 10-20 feet she would have beat me!  Luckily I was able to cross with her!  She was on fire!  I, on the other hand, felt like I was going to throw up!  It was a weird feeling since I had been the one feeling good the whole way.  She kicked me on that final kick!  

Anyway....I am happy with the fun of running with a first timer and the friendship that was started there!  

This morning (Monday) I got in on the runner's series for next year.  Let's have fun again in 2015!

Went to my very first Zumba class and had a very fun time.  I am going to try to go to that 2 times a week.  Also ran my first 3 miles since SGM.  I have felt great but decided to keep it nice and easy to start off.  No need to try to stay up with my hubby in any way!  

Happy to have Michelle Chapman in town to run with this morning.  Nice 5 miles in the river bottoms with her and then a mile with Rui.  Then off for the day with the family to help Tyler and Chelsey with their move from Orem to Sp. Fork.  

A beautiful fall morning in Utah!  You just can't beat it!  Tom and I met up with Michelle C, Carolyn and Dave.  C & D pulled off after about 4, M, T & I kept it going.  Then just Tom in the end.  He got his 16 1/2 in.  I got 11.  

Later went to West Jordan for my Aunt Arlene's graveside service.  Nice to be with family on a beautiful day.  Good bye for now Aunt Arlene.  

I'll call this run "Tripple Hill Loop Around"  Beautiful day to go up and down and on flat in the sun.  I just didn't want to go out in  the dark and howling wind this morning.  

Mighty dark but still so nice in the morning....the wind was out but it isn't so bad when it is not freezing out there too!  Ran for a bit before Zumba, then Zumba, then ran home.  

Three miles with Tom in the dark and wind.  Then Zumba class with my friends.  Then a mile back to the house to get Rui and 2 more miles down to the High School to pick up the van from Tani.  

Just four of us in our group out this morning.  Chad, Carolyn, Tom and I.  We all ran about 6 together, then the C's headed back.  Tom and I went up the dark trail with the leaves under our feet, a few deer running in the field next to us and the wind howling down our necks!  I headed home after the trail to get my 11 and Tom continued for more.  At nine o'clock there was a benefit 5K at the high school for a darling little baby girl with some serious health issues.  I drove down and walked it with some friends and Tom ran down and finished his long run with the 5K making his miles around 22.   They provided some yummy Magelby's french toast for everyone afterwards. 

Chad, Carolyn,Tom and I in the early morning.  I was expecting an arctic wind but it was not that bad. A little bit chillier but no wind to grind it to our bones.   Grateful for yet one more day before super cold times.

Before my morning run was over I saw 3 shooting stars!   

Run and Zumba morning.  

Perfect morning in St. George.  With Tom on the Turtle Wall trail.  

Tom and I got to have the fun of pacing Snow Canyon Half again this year!  I love this race....just not the wind we had today.  But what a beautiful course!  

The mile markers didn't quite line up with our Garmins so we came in a little bit early but stayed true to our pace bands throughout the race.  

Pacing is just so much fun!  Glad to be a part of the American Flyers Race Pacers!

Nice when the wind is not blowing too hard at 5:30 in the morning.  Enjoyed the run with Tom, Chad and Carolyn.  

Run (with Tom) and Zumba (with the BFFs) this morning! Great way to start the day! 

Wednesday morning I didn't get up and run because I was going to West Valley to help my sis in law, Heidi, (36 weeks pregnant with twin girls) out for the day.  I watched Landon (her 3 year old) while she went to the doc for a check up.  When she came home she said the doc had scheduled her for a C section on Nov 19.  

We had lunch together and then had planned to make some freezer meals that she could pull out when needed.  No sooner did we start when she started having contractions.  I continued to chop and put the meals together while she breathed through each one.  We got a bit concerned as they were about 3 minutes apart.  We called Jeremy and told him and then called the doc to see what he wanted her to do.  Of course he wanted her to go in and get monitored.  Jeremy ended up coming home from work a bit early and they headed to the hospital.  I stayed and finished the meals and took care of their other two children.  

Well, sure enough they were the real thing and they ended up doing a C section that night at 8:30.  Sweet little Savannah and Whitney made their grand entrance into this world.  Luckily I could stick around and stay with the kids through the night and the next day.  I wore the same thing from Wednesday morning until Thursday night.  But it was so worth it to be there for them!

So anyway, I missed my run Thursday, then Friday I just decided I needed to spend the time getting other things done at my house.  I did get  a few things done but not nearly what I had wanted.

Today Tom had 18 miles planned.  I was planning anywhere from 1 to "less than Tom".  We met the group and had some of them around for about 6 or 7 miles.  I decided I was feeling good and would stick with Tom for his 18.  Around 16 1/2 my knee started bothering me so I finished to 17 and then walked the rest of the way.  

Very beautiful November morning!  

The wind was a howlin' this mornin'!  Almost decided to stay tucked in and go out later.  Luckily I have a hubby to likes to get out and get er done so I got up with him and hit the road.  We met up with Carolyn...I'm glad we didn't leave her hanging while we stayed tucked in.

Four miles and Zumba day.   I'm having fun in the Zumba class with my friends.  It is a great way to start the day with some smiles!

It was Carloyn, Chad, Tom, Kim morning again.  We were feeling very blessed not to have the wind biting at us today.  Cold is much more bearable when that wind is not around!  Rui continues to love his mile each morning.  This month he will be 10 years old...does that make him 70 in dog years?  He is a pretty fit and active 70 year old!

This was one of those mornings where lots of people look at you like you are crazy.  But it was quite fun and we had a good turnout!  

Fun morning celebrating Tom's geezerhood! Unfortunately we didn't get pics of some of the early crew. But thank you so much to all those who took time to join Tom in this adventure! We started with temps around 16 & ended at 32. We saw peacocks, deer, bunnies and wild Turkeys. We also got to run through the city Christmas light display all lit up. Tom ran 50 K (31 miles). I was able to join him for 11 miles and be support van throughout. Others joined for different amounts of time. But it turned out that he had someone with him from beginning to end!

Well, that was a slacker week.  I would rather run 5 days and take 2 days off but this week I did the opposite.  At least I got double digits for each run.  

Temps are chilly but the wind mild so beautiful morning to run with Tom and other friends.  

With Tom and Ludlow.  Beautiful, mile, star lit morning!

Fun morning with about 20 great running friends then enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner at our house with a small group of 12.

Just Tom and I after a nice sleep in morning.

With a morning like today I can't believe it is almost December here in Utah.  I'm sure we will get slapped across the face with some chilly weather soon, but until then I am totally loving this!  There were shorts and short sleeves all over among us even starting at 6:00.  Nice crew out including my cute friend, Julie who has been staying with us for the Thanksgiving holiday as she is at BYU away from her family in Georgia.  

Wow!  December already!  But the early morning runs do not make me feel like it is Dec.  I am not complaining about that!  I'm ok if it doesn't get below freezing very often!  Today Tom and I ran with Stephen and Carolyn.  Of course Rui got his mile in too!

My 4 and zumba day.  Always glad to have my really awesome hubby to run me to zumba!  And fun to be with awesome friends to dance our way into the morning!

Earlier than usual with Tom, Chad and Carolyn.  Still very mild....3/4 length tights and one long sleeve shirt....Tom still likes his shorts.  Crazy start to Dec.  It sure makes it easier to get out the door though!  

4rumba day.  (four miles + zumba = 4rumba)  

Today Tom went up to Antelope Island for a training run for his 50 miler in March.  I went out with our running group and had a great time.  

Some of the things we talked about today:

*The door to door sales lady who came to one of the houses sharing her card that demanded certain rights to all the beautiful people in the world.  One of the demands was that regular folk should bow or curtsy to them as they walk into a room. What?!

*Pet Cemetery...the book and the movie....(I have no desire to read or watch) but that is not the best book/movie to discuss in the dark in the river bottoms by the murder house.  

*We fast forwarded to many years down the road when we will say "Remember that December when we were able to run in the early morning in shorts and short sleeves?"

*A guy drove up to us and stopped and rolled down his window and asked us if we had seen a dead beaver.  Remember we had just been talking about Pet Cemetery and weird people who want us to bow to them.  He went ahead of us and we came upon him cleaning up a huge dead beaver.  His girlfriend had headed into work earlier in the dark morning (it was still dark when we were there) and she had seen it dead on the road.  She called her boyfriend and told him he should go clean it up so no one hit it on a bike or fell as a runner.  How cool is that?!  But we talked about how not many people would wake up and go clean up a dead beaver on the road.  Nice guy.  He complimented those of us who had reflectors and lights.  :)

*There were several other conversations going on but one that I like the most was about our good ole buddy Pat who is no longer able to run with us.  We talked about how good it was to see him on Thanksgiving but how hard it is to see him with a crutch and a new hip.  We then got talking about what a great guy Pat is.  It made me happy to be in on a conversation about someone where there was not one negative thing said about them.  Of course this is all because there is really nothing bad to say about him....He is definitely one of the good guys!  I know he sometimes stalks my blog...I hope you see this one Pat!  You are missed and we all love and appreciate the great guy you are!

Still mild temps at the moment.  The wind was a bit nippier in the beginning but a beautiful morning and a beautiful day.  Temps still in the 50s in the daytime.  Another oddity at the moment....I bought gas at Costco today and it was clear down to $2.49/gallon.  Merry Christmas to us!

Started my day with a 10 miler with my better half!  Thanks for letting me tag along Tommy!  The moon lit things up nice except when we were on the trail and the shadows of the trees were a little eerie but cool.  We had to scale a couple of fences that were put up along our regular route...wasn't expecting that.  Enjoyable way to start another day!

Even earlier than usual.  Nice run.  Nice nap later.

Was going to do 4umba yesterday but had a crazy night's sleep and ended up resetting my alarm in the night and not getting up.  I don't ever do that ...it was weird, I slept through a phone call too.  I guess I needed the sleep.

Today we were able to enjoy yet one more morning with mild, beautiful weather for a run.  It had rained in the night but was perfect for the gang to have some fun.  It is going to be hard when winter really hits.

Finally got my friend Adrienne to join in on a group run this morning.  I hope she will join us again!

Tom went up to run with a group in Herriman and I knew many of our regulars were not going to be around today.  I was happy that Allison, Doug and Todd showed up.  

Tom took me on the Bear Claw Poppy Trail here in SG this morning.  Plan was for me to run a 10-11 mile loop with him and then he was going to add a few more miles to make 14 for him.  He has done this trail but we decided to do it in reverse this time so the dark part was in the city.  Well...things don't always go as planned.  We got lost and had to work our way back home the hard way.  We followed a dry river bed that was pretty trecherous at times.  Our prayer was finally answered when a runner and his dog came along to save our day.  Luckily he helped us through a few other places we would not have thought to go but were the correct way.  Civilization never looked so good.  It's a good thing I like Tom the navigator.  :)

Fool me once, shame on you.....fool me twice, shame on me......Luckily this saying doesn't apply to me today.  I was willing to go with navigator Tom Lee again on the same trail we got lost on Saturday.  Today it was 10.5 miles just like we had planned for Saturday's...(which ended up 18.5).  We are very confused as to how in the world we got lost the other day....going today was perfect....it is such a well used and well marked trail.  Not sure what went wrong then but I think we have it down now.  Just glad he didn't fool me again.  :)