Always Take Running Shoes

I went camping at Pine Valley this past weekend. I have never been camping there before, but have gone for the day more times than I can count. It has been a few years since I have been there and much has changed. The most amazing trail is hidden among the forest trees, follows the river and goes around the lake. I longed for my running shoes all weekend. I imagined me, the trail, the river, and the trees becoming one and blocking everything else out. I imagined what running music I would choose (I can't stand listening to myself breathe) and decided it would be different from my norm. I would listen to David Lanz and Man from Snowy River. I was really happy we took our bikes because at least I could ride the trail on my bike. Not near as amazing as running the trail, but it did for the time being. Now, I am trying to plan when I can go and just run the trail. Life gets really busy this week and I do not know when it will slow, but I will go run the trail before I run the Saints and Sinners Half. I will NEVER go anywhere without my running shoes again.One never knows when the perfect run might present itself =)

The Starting Gate

I love running and decided it must be the closest thing to experiencing what a horse feels when they are released from the starting gate. All day they know the race is coming and then they make it to the starting gate only to be released into the unknown of the race. This is how I feel. Whether my run is first thing in the morning or after all the children are in bed, I know its coming and I live for it. Then I hit the open road not knowing what the run has in store for me. Sometimes the run is hard, and for some reason my body does not cooperate. Most days my runs are amazing. I am running from time, hoping to beat the clock if only by a second. Sometimes a run is so absolutely amazing I cannot hide the smile from my face as I climb hills. I have been thinking about the horse analogy a lot lately. Especially since I'll Have Another was the first hopeful in 34 years of winning the triple crown only to have it stolen from him due to a swollen tendon. I have always had a love for horses and I can only imagine how sad this horse is having to retire from the racing circuit for the time. I hope he is able to recover and make it back to the winners circle. For now, I dedicate my running to him.

Losing Weight After Baby

I had to quit running for awhile because I was very unexpectedly pregnant. I am not allowed to exercise during my pregnancies so needless to say it was a LONG 10 months. The second I received the go ahead to run I was out on the road. Oh how painful it was! I can't believe how the body digresses so quickly. I was expecting to be able to run at least 3 miles with minimal problem. I only made it two and thought I was going to die. My mind was saying we can and my body was 100% disagreeing. I easily lost all but 10 lbs of the baby weight. Problem is 10 lbs. is a big deal when you want to fit into your pants. I am trying to run more, but lack of sleep with a new baby and working full-time is not easy. I have discovered that the body really does not need a lot of food when you are not exercising like a crazy person. I have seriously limited my calories and of course add more on the days I am able to hit the pavement. Chocolate has become a distant friend. I don't allow myself to eat it, and I must say I am surprised at the willpower I have. Hopefully in a month I will be up to 5 mile no problem runs and able to add hills. Right now though the flat lands and a couple miles will have to suffice.

If Chocolate Can't Fix It. . . . . .

I have been studying to take the Praxis test which is vital in order to receive my Elementary Education Degree. There are four sections that MUST be passed. I have been taking practice tests and studying. I thought it would be no big deal, but the results of my practice tests were another story. Math was my enemy. I couldn't get half of the questions right to save my life! What was I going to do? I kept studying and took one more practice test the night before the big day to no avail. The thought of eating chocolate made me depressed because I would have to eat a ton and I would still feel horrible. So I stomped out the door in tears with my running shoes and my ipod. I basically sprinted 3 miles while Bon Jovi and the asphalt made me realize that I will not be defined by a test score. I am a child of God! I have been asked to facilitate a group for a parenting class that DCFS is sponsoring. I am a full time student with a 3.8 GPA. I have an amazing husband. I have three wonderful children. I have been entrusted to lead the primary children in my ward. I am a fighter. I will not be defined by a test score!!!! I felt so much better and I went to bed knowing that God knew what I needed and whatever was to be would be. I took the test and PASSED!!!!! I needed 85% or higher on each section. I scored exactly that on the Math section. God was definitely looking out for me and knew what I needed. I am so thankful and so glad that I didn't eat chocolate until I was fat. Running - therapy that works!

Running Update

I have decided that grown ups are children in big bodies. We say things that we don't mean to help us deal, or to justify it in our heads. I stated that I didn't want to run marathons anymore, but I don't think that was totally truthful. I was saying it in the heat of the moment when my body was hurting. Honestly, I think I will run another one. Unfortunately, the Sand Hollow Marathon did not happen for me. I was a volunteer at aid station four instead of a runner. The back sprain that should not have held me back did. The chiropractor across the street from my house is convenient, but not necessarily the best. After 2 visits and not feeling any better,  I went to St. George to the chiropractor that is not so convenient, but so much better at what he does. Ends up I have a deep tissue sprain and I should not run if I am feeling any pain. I think if I had gone to him first I would be farther along in my healing. Unfortunately, I was not able to recover for race day. It ends up that it wasn't such a bad thing because what started out as a gorgeous morning for a marathon, ended in rain and cold. I love running in the rain, but not for 13 miles. I could have done it and I would not have been last. There were plenty of people vying for that position. (Not on purpose of course and I do not judge anyone who comes in last. It is finishing the race that counts. I just have self-esteem issues that surface when it comes to finishing last in a running race). At this point in time I can run four miles without bad pain. I have a ways to go, but am so thankful I can run, even if it is just for four miles.
I have to apologize for it taking me so long to post this, but sometimes it is hard to face the music. I wanted to be better. I didn't want to bow out of another marathon. I wanted to cowgirl up and run an out and back even though I hate them. However, I know it is very important to listen to our bodies, and I didn't want to end up never being able to run again. Finding balance can be hard.
I am thankful that I volunteered. It was a family event and my children are better people and understand the true meaning of service. It rained on the runners and therefore rained on the aid stations. Runners still need water, Gatorade, oranges, bananas, gel etc. in the rain. My children were troopers!

Can I Retract Yesterday's Post?

Right now I want to run 26.2 like I want a hole in my head. My run did not go well today. It started out good, but mile 8 started to be painful, mile 10 I was trying hard to cowgirl up, mile 14 I called my husband. I can deal with my legs being tired and wanting to fall off. I am used to their ocassional protests. However, my back is another story. I started having serious lower back pain around mile 10 and it wasn't getting better. Every pound of the pavement was painful. I got to the point where I couldn't run anymore. I went to the chiropractor and I somehow sprained my back. It isn't a bad sprain, and it shouldn't hold me back. After that horrible run and all the things that go on with my body after a long run, I want to be a big baby and back out. This will definitely be my last marathon. In order to run a good race, you have to train good. I am tired of training. These continual long runs take too much out of me. I think I will keep my races to 15 miles or less.
I am done whining and tomorrow should be a great day. The whole week should be great until I have to try and do 18 miles next Saturday =(

No Pain, No Gain

This is a phrase that is used all to often. What does it mean? It means that when your legs hurt so bad and you walk like an old person you should not take a day of rest, you should stick to your schedule and go running. It might hurt, but the pain is temporary, and you will wake of the next morning feeling much better!
This was the case yesterday. I got my new spin bike. It is harder to use than the gyms. The wheel seems heavier and the workout was brutal. It would help if I didn't workout to BonJovi, but whatever. I woke up yesterday in so much pain! My legs hurt. I could have not gone on my 4 mile run of more hills, but that would have been giving in to the pain. Instead, I told the pain where to go and headed out the door. This is why I must be constantly training for something. Goals keep me motivated. It was a hard run, but today is my day of rest because tomorrow it is 15 miles baby! I have to go stash water and figure out my route. My mp3 player finally died and I bought a new ipod! I love it. I got the ipod nano. It clips on my running bra and has a nice touch screen.
15 miles, no wall, just me and my playground!