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.  

We had a good size group out this morning...none of us saw our shadow....it was a little too dark to do that.  But supposedly the groundhog saw his so we have 6 more weeks of winter.  We actually need that 6 weeks....it has been way too mild of a winter here.  However it has been wonderful running weather!

Tom and I went on the high canal road today.  Loved it!  Started up by the golf course in SF and went 7 miles to a road by Elk Ridge then turned around to head back.  Beautiful weather...not a drop of snow to step on...very crazy winter here in Utah.  

Seven miles on my oldest son's 27th birthday!  Happy Birthday Cam!

Usually on Tuesday and Friday when I add in my zumba class I only run 4-6 miles.  Today I did 13 to help Tom out with his 31.

Tom and I were happy that Doug, Allan and Todd showed up and ran most of this with us.  When I got done with the 14 I ran into Kay and enjoyed a couple more miles of power walking with her.  

A little chilly and windy this morning.  We have had such a mild winter that 25 degrees and wind is a bit harder to start out in.  But it all turns out well in the end.  Just Carolyn to join us today.  

Tom, Alan, Todd, David and I started out together....Dave had to call it quits around 4 because he is still having some calf issues.  :(  The rest of us trudged it out in the horrible wind!  We had a great time though!  Tom actually went 25 today!  Woo Hoo Tommy!  That 50 miler is going to be a breeze for him!  (I hope!)  :)

Tom and I had to head to SG for a quick carpet cleaning trip.  So we enjoyed a nice 7 miler after the rain.  

Ten, then a surprise long distance baby shower for Rurika and Cam.  Now on to our young women fundraiser dinner and auction.

Six around town, by myself, in the sun to deliver a piece of mail to the post office.  And who do I run into but Chad and Toni.  

Tom and I had the priveledge of being part of Team Elshanator today!  What fun to spend a big chunk of time with her and her parents.  They picked us up in LaVerkin and we rode to the start line with them in their VANGO.  Great company and an awesome ride.  

We were there plenty early to get Elsha all set and ready to go.  We spent some time hanging out in the warming tent and mingling with the crowd.

We had to walk through a field and up the road to the back of the start line.  The start was a little different since they had to make sure people were spread out good for this race.  They had us go through a very narrow chute to get going.  It took us about 15 or 16 minutes to get to the starting mats. 

This course is pretty much up hill the whole way and to add to that we got a nice head wind.  Luckily Tom and I were taking turns in the pushing.  He would have made it pushing alone but I would have had a pretty hard time.  I had to let Tom help me out on a few of my turns towards the end.  

This is an amazing course!  The scenery is beyond beautiful!  It was fun to watch people from out of state enjoying the beauty!  

After the race we got to ride back down with the Stockseths and then we headed straight home.  We were pretty worn out when we made it home.  Our alarm went off at 4:15 this morning....I'm looking forward to an awesome night's sleep.  I hope I get it!  

I "ran" my errands again today.  It's kind of cool to do that.  Had to take a shirt to Tani at the school and pick up the van.  Nice sunshine.....beautiful day outside to run in.

I've mostly just been going to Zumba on Tues and Friday but I went after my run this morning and think I will add it in more often.  I really like it...fun to be with friends and move and smile!  Thanks Selina for your Zumba kindness!

This was a pretty long 17 miles....I got to join in with Tom as he finished the last part of his 50 mile Buffalo Run out on Antelope Island.  I joined him at 33 when he was starting to have some pretty bad stomache issues that seemed to last the rest of the race.  I didn't really like to see him not feeling well but I did like being the perky one for a change.  He is usually there to help me keep going but this time the tables were turned.  

I'm proud of him and his buddy Terry who decided to do this for their 50th years on earth!  

Tom acts like he is not interested in doing this again...unless I decide to do it when I turn 50 then he would do it with me.

This week I have just been doing my Zumba class.  But this morning it was fun to get out and run again.  

Waiting for grand baby girl to be born!   Can''t wait....tomorrow is the due date, but I don't think she is planning to come on time.  She wants to make her own grand entrance!

Kind of a sad week of running.  Oh well, life goes on.  

3 1/2 with Mu Chan in Seattle.  Counting the other 1/2 from the mile uphill to the hospital and the mile back down to the bus station.  

Tom and Carolyn got to listen to me cough and try to keep up this morning after a couple weeks off.  I keep thinking this sickness thing is going to leave soon.  Anyway, it was nice to get out and nice of them to stick with me.  I'm a little nervous about pushing Elsha in a 1/2 marathon in a few weeks....but she is ok with us doing some walking so we should be fine.

Goodness....I fianlly got my 3rd run of the month in!  Glad to be feeling much better.  Small group today but mostly just ran with Tom.  Happy he was willing to go a bit slower with me.  

Running and Zumba again!  So glad to be healthy again!  

Four with Carolyn.  

Just me and my gang of boys today.  They sure are good to let a girl run along with them all the time!  

We got to enjoy some new parts of our city trail today!  Lovely morning....perfect temps, misty fields, cloudy, no wind....just lovely! 

Todd, Dave, Tom and I on a beautiful morning here in Spanish Fork!Took a totally new route today.  That doesn't happen very often!  

Tom and I had to make a quick trip to SG to hook up a new internet carrier in our condos so we got to enjoy a little Turtle Wall run in a light rain.  :)

Four with Carolyn and a few with Rui.  Great thunder and lightning and rain storm as we went to bed last night!  Glad it wasn't while we were running though.

I got to push my dear friend, Elsha in a very rainy half marathon!  

We have been looking forward to this for a while...the last week we watched the weather forcast closey for race day.  There had been a lot of rain leading up to it (just what we are all praying for here in dry Utah).  Friday night the forcast did not look good for Saturday morning.  However, Saturday when I woke up the hourly forcast looked like the rain would hold out until the afternoon.  At the start line everything looked perfect.  Starting out it still looked perfect.....by mile 3 we were drenched!  Poor Elsha had a leak in the roof of her stroller that kept dripping right on her face.  I kept trying to wipe it off the top of the stroller and stopped to wipe her face several times.  But there wasn't a whole lot we could do,,,,it was just wet out!  But Elsha was a trooper and we had a really fun time!

The course had many more hills than I was expecting but it really wasn't that bad.  The neighborhoods in Daybreak are adorable and Elsha and I really enjoyed looking at all of them!  It was fun to go down the road right towards the temple just before the end of the race.  

I was pretty darn cold when we stopped.  Elsha's dad gave me his jacket and bought me some hot cocoa...so greatful for that!  It helped me get to my car and then I wrapped in my blanket and cranked the heat for the way home.  I was very happy to get into a nice warm shower as soon as I got home.  

It is hard to explain to some people....but what a fun day!  

Thanks for letting me be a part of Team Elshanator today my cute friend!

With Carolyn and Ludlow.  Then went into Zumba for the last 40 minutes....my legs were not quite ready to do that.  But it was fun to start out the week right.

OK, so this wasn't really a race and I don't really know the time, (I just came back and added the official time.)I just wanted to mark it as a race because it was something special that I want to remember.  

Our friend Stephen Amos was in charge of the Utah Countly Law Enforcement segment of the torch run.  It went from the Red Barn in Santaquin to 1800 North in Mapleton.  He told me I could run any or all sections that I wanted.  He was thinking it would be about 18 miles and since I was not going to be available for a long run on Saturday I decided to go for the whole thing.

At each city the local law enforcement would come out and run.  It was fun to meet several of the officers throughout our community.  I told them that if they ever pull me over I have a get out of jail free card since we ran together.  

Anyway...it was longer than 18 miles but I made it feeling good.  I said I would stop and get in the following patrol car if I were ever the last one and holding the group up.  Luckily I was never the last one.  

The hardest part of the run was around mile 19 or so when we were going up hill into the wind and then the time when I was actually carrying the torch.  It was akward to hold without burning my hair off and it was kind of heavy.  I was happy when I got to do the hand off to the next guy!

It was really fun to be part of this.  I hope to do it again.  

A nice Memorial Day run/walk/hike with Tom.  We went to the Escalante Cross and up the Hidden Oaks Trail.  Very nice and peaceful.  

A perfect morning for a run...couldn't really ask for better weather...not too hot or cold or windy...just perfect!

Spent the rest of the day at LaVell Edward's Stadium with Tani and Tia and 13,000 other youth in preparation for next week's Payson Temple Cultural Celebration. 

I got a lot done on this first day of summer break....it all started with a nice run and some Zumba.  Even my girls were motivated to do lots around the house today and read and practice the piano, etc....how many days can we keep this going?

First Payson Canyon Run of the year!  Love, love, love it!  Beautiful full moon to welcome us, green all around, all kinds of birds, the deer and the antelope play (ok, maybe I didn't see antelope, but the deer were fun, except the super skinny one who looks like she hasn't had enough to eat over the winter.)  The river sounds and the trickling waterfalls...the views of the valley below, perfect weather....it just doesn't get much better!

Started at Peteetneet and went up almost 3 miles and back down.  Added a bit at the bottom.  

Payson Canyon

Small group today.  Tom, Ludlow, Carolyn and I.  Ryan was with us for a few miles before speeding up to his pace.  

Tom and I did an up/down Payson Canyon run today.  

Tom and I ran the new 6 mile loop which adds in part of the new river trail.  Love the options we have!  

Sixteen miles...not all of them pretty, but miles are miles!  :)

Up/Down Payson lower section.  Tom, Dan and Chad are with me but not with me on this one.  I can't quite keep with them but have them in my sights.  

Twelve of us for the Payson Canyon run today.  Love this run!  

Tom and I had the opportunity to pace the American Fork 1/2 today.  We love this course and the reason behind this race.  All fees go toward help of local cancer patients.  They also highlight survivors so we ran with Susan Lee's picture and in her behalf.  She was diagnosed with stage 3C Colon cancer in 2007.  She is now cancer free!  We are so grateful that she was able to make it through such difficult odds!  

When we got home we decided to go join in the SF City Treasure of the Trails celebration.  Our river trail has recently connected and made a very nice trail for our city.  We ran the 4 1/2 miles of the celebration trail.  

Down the lovely Payson Canyon this morning.  Have I ever mentioned that I just love this run?!

A most lovely run with my better half in a beautiful woodland area of San Juan Island.  We ran up to Mt. Findleyson and had a super emjoyable run!  Not many miles this week but all miles have been awesome!

Tom and I just made a little run out to the Pacific Ocean.  Had some major downhill to get there and equally uphill to get back.  Lovin our time in Seattle and especially time with our kids!

Yesterday the Pacific Ocean....today Green Lake.  Enjoying our running and tripping adventures!

Did an urban trail today.  Not quite as fun as the ocean run or the Green Lake run.  Also lots more walking downtown Seattle.  Enjoyed dinner and games with Cam, Rurika and sweet baby Ella who learned to roll over today!  :)

Down to the ocean again.  Tomorrow is going to be so hard....I can't stand the thought of saying goodbye to Camron, Rurika and my baby Eleanor.

One more fun run in Seattle before heading home.  Found a fun hidden trail to enjoy.   

Tom and I got to bed at 12:30 last night because of the Rush concert and woke up at 4:30 to head up Payson Canyon for our weekly downhill run.  Happy Birthday Chad.

Four and fun at Zumba.

Up and down Center Street with Tom.  

Was looking forward to my most favorite run of the week....Payson Canyon!  Started out great but ended up pulling a calf muscle at about mile 3.  It hurt to run at all but was ok to walk....so I walked for 5 miles until someone got to the bottom and came back up to pick me up.  Hopefully I can baby it for a few days and it will be all better soon!

Yay for 13 miles today!  

Was able to run 2 pain free miles!!!  Yay!  

3...almost pain free.  Taking tomorrow off so I don't go backwards in my healing.

2.5 then a walk down the canyon again.   :(

9.5 then a 2 mile walk back to the van.  Not a very good marathon training schedule.

So far so good this week.  4 miles and Zumba. 

Grrr....

My goal was to hopefully get 8 miles without pain.  It happened.  I wore calf sleeves that seemed to help.  I didn't want to push my luck so I quit at 8.5.  Hopefully this week I can add a few more miles.  

Terry....you were right!  Grrrr WAS the beginning of something grrrrreat to come!  I am so happy with today!  Thanks Carolyn and Ludlow for helping me!  I did not even think I was going to be able to get any 20 milers in before the marathon with the calf acting the way it was.  Now I have confidence of getting 2 in!  Yay!  I was hoping to get at least a half marathon distance in today.  So happy right now!

Right after the run met up with Tani to help her with her drama yard sale.  Spent about 7 hours with her earning a little extra money to help out with some of her awesome tours available to her this year.

Lest you think I am a huge slacker....I have been being active....just not always with running.  I am having fun with a Zumba class and a strength training class.  I just don't log that info.  

Parked at the mouth of the canyon and ran up three miles to meet those coming down and then down 4 miles.  Did it without injury.  Kind of scary this close to marathon not to do something dumb.  

Well Saturday I will find out what kind of marathon I can run on super low miles.  I sure hope I avoid injury....that is all I want...to cross the finish line with no injury.  It can take all day, just no injury.  Got it?  I don't want to get injured!  :) 

With my training of the past few months I knew this wouldn't be my best or even close to my best.  I was just hoping under 5 and no injuries or accidents.  I was with Ludlow, Carolyn and Chrissy for most of it but had IT issues starting around 21.  I decided to let them go without me while I hobbled in.  Still made it under 5 with 4:41.  The last 6 was a hobble run walk but I think I made it in without too much damage.

Fun night with everyone at the ten year + dinner.  I get to go because Tom is at 12.  I did my 8th today so I will soon earn my own way in.  

Tonight  David Ludlow and Darin Cable earned 20 years and Chad Black earned 10.

Three easy miles with Carolyn on the track this morning.  

Beautiful, dark, starry morning!  Even saw a shooting star.  Still nice weather to run in the early morning but I'm afraid that is going to change quickly on us.  

No racing, no pacing.  Just a nice run on a beautiful morning.  I felt like I put forth a good effort without killing myself but didn't slack too much either.  Just what I wanted to do.

5 X 400

1:50 each

Fun Thanksgiving run with about 20 friends.

Beautiful snow flurries and no wind made for a perfect run.  Tom, Kim, Lud;ow, Carolyn and Dan.

Nice and cold but not too much wind.  Tom and I enjoyed some time out in the clear morning this first day of December.  

Trying to do a little 5K training after lots and lots of time not worrying about any kind of speed.  Today's schedule called for 30 minute tempo run.  I never know exactly what pace that should be but I was right around an 8:40 pace for the 30 minutes which was right around 3.5 miles.   

We are sad today as we have to say goodbye to Cam, Rurika and baby Ella as they head back to Seattle after a 10 day stay with us.  What a joy it has been to have all of our family together for a bit!

While Tom did 8 full Heartbreak Hill repeats I did 13 top half hill repeats.  

Today our group besides Tom and I consisted of Ludlow, Carolyn and Alan.  Carolyn slipped away quickly because her family is heading up to SLC.  But the rest of us continued on with a beautiful morning.

I wanted to get 3 miles in a little faster so 8,9 and 10 were at an 8:25 pace.  Ludlow and Tom were with me for the first two and then luckily Tom helped me through the last one. Toward the end it was a little more difficult than I would have liked it to be.  However, I woke up with a pretty tight back that made me nervous for the run and it seemed to work itself out alright for the run.  I am always grateful when I have a happy back....there were some days years ago that I wondered how I was going to get through some back issues.  

 6 x 400

1:59

1:51

1:50 

1:50

1:47

1:47

Not completely consistent but at least in the ballpark.  Plan was 1:50-1:55

Glad Tom is willing to help me out on these.  

I've been enjoying the indoorness of my Zumba class this week.  But it was nice to get out with my running hubby this morning.