A Whole New Me

What a great week it has been for me so far. I was worried about my shin splints getting worse, so I used RICE (Rest Ice Compressions and Elevation), most of the week long. I wanted to try out my new insoles and did so with a couple one mile sprints this week. It felt good to get back on my feet. Yesterday, I added a two mile nice and easy run, and I felt awesome. Today I wanted to step up to a challenge of running a 5K (3.2 Miles) at a harder pace. Not only was I able to run the 5k at a faster pace, I did it in 36:03. That is a personal best for me. Now if I can just carry this over to race day, That would be sweet.
Overall it has been an awesome week. I have taken the advice Lydia and will be buying some Zensah Compression sleeves for my calf. This should help keep my calfs and shins protected during my runs and help with recovery after them. I am so excited to see my progress. If I havent said it already, I lOVE my new SUPERFEET Insoles. NO SHIN SPLINTS ALL WEEK. It is just rockin awesome...

My shins

So Following the race on Sat, I went to the local running store here in St George. I wanted to find out what I was doing wrong. I have a sweet pair of shoes.. I love my Asics... They are the best. I have never truly been fitted for a pair of shoes. But Lucky for me, I had the right pair. I found out that I overpronate with my high arches, thus causing more pressure and pain to my shins as the muscles pull away from the bone. Having the right pair of stability shoes, All I needed was just an insole. So I was introduced to superfeet green. Oh holy cow..... What a difference these make. I ran two miles today and I totally felt like a whole new runner. My shins are still a little tender but I ran today without any problems. I haven't iced my shins since sat. Looking forward to a whole new me....
About my training. I have added another race. On March 13Th, ST George fire is putting on a 5K... I have added this to my running schedule. Hopefully it will help me as I prepare for the 6.2 mile down hill run in Snow Canyon stake park for the Spectrum 10K. I am thinking That I am going to change my training schedule over from a 10K to the Half Marathon. I know that I am going to be wicked slow but a longer 12 week schedule might do me good, and who knows, maybe just maybe I might change Bryce canyon over from the 5k to a half marathon (its down hill to.... Just gonna roll) LOL :) anyway. Things are good. Still coming off the high of Sat five mile posting. I never dreamed that I would be in this situation, and here I am... ROCK ON!!!!!

Dam to Dam 5 Miler

At the start of the race, I ran into several people I knew. But It was awesome to see mel and her husband Cory there. Mel works at the Hospital, and Cory is Mr. Marathon. She is so RoCkInG the Running world.... One day, I might be as good as them.....lol Standing around for what seem like forever went fast being surrounded by good company....Thanks mel and Gang

I had to stop along the way to snap a few sweet photos of Sand Hollow...

The rain just rolled in over Sand Hollow. The head wind was the worst...

My mom and kids after the race...Quite the Adventure for them... It sure was cold.. But they stuck it our for me... I am so glad that my mom drove all the way down from Spanish Fork to Cheer me on... Thanks it means the world to me....

My last 0.20 mile running partner. I sure needed it... WOW what a day. Why is it that on race day, it clouds all up, rains and is colder than Northern Utah....LOL..... Well it made for a great setting for another fun and exciting race. So i get to the reservoir at Sand Hollow, and boarded the shuttle to the start line. They Drive us clear around to the other side of the lake and drop us off. The Worst part was that I was closer to the finish line if I had turned around and gone the other way, but I really wanted to finish the race. The first 2.5 mile were REALLY difficult for me. My SHINS hurt running on all that Loose gravel. I really had to push myself to keep going. This slowed me down big time. I kept saying to myself, wait till the pavement, wait till the pavement. Yes the pavement finally came in at mile marker 3. Oh it was so nice........ I picked up my times, my Shins didn't hurt as bad, I had gotten out of the head wind, and best part I could see the finish. At 4.5 miles, I was really struggling to keep it going. I was behind my pace time, I was tired, I was sore, but I just kept on running. Over my music I hear Daddy... I looked up and here came Mikayla to meet me at 4.75 mile mark. When she caught up, she grabbed my hand and said, daddy you can do it,, your so CLOSE, I am so Proud of you...... I had to keep going, I pushed myself, and hand in hand we crossed the finish line at 70 minute. Yes I had a 14 min/mile pace, BUT I DID IT...... I passed so many trials on this run, had to push myself harder than I ever had to before, and had the best pick me up ever from my Daughter. I love you guys.... Thanks for all the support in my Journey.... I had a blast looking back on it, but man it has been a day....

Last work out...Pre Race

It has been an Awesome week for me. I have not only completed a 4 mile run but also a three mile run and a day of cross training in the pool. I have done all that I can possible do to get myself ready physically for this upcoming race. I have noticed in my running that my pace is slowly building, my endurance is getting longer and am not having lung breathing troubles. I am still running at a 12-13 min/mile pace, but looking back on where I was just only five weeks ago.... I feel that I have made huge accomplishments. Come Saturday, when the gun goes off, I will be looking at my second race of the year. 5 miles of open road that Surrounds Sand Hollow Stake Park Reservoir. It is gonna be so much fun. It has been hard for me to remember that I am only competing against myself. It is what I can do,What I can accomplish, but most importantly, What I am willing to put in.... If i give it everything I have, No Regrets.... Well enough from me. See ya on Sat. I will post race pics. Wish me luck.... Thanks for all your support.

Happy Valentines Day

First Off, I want to wish yall a happy Valentines Day. It has been quite the week this week. I have been working hard with my training. This week my running came easier. Let me explain; What I mean is that when I have a scheduled run day, it wasn't hard to find the motivation to get up and work out. I have busted my back side off now for five weeks and to finish the week out, just ran 4 miles. My time was 13:30 a mile which is slower than I would have wanted but hey, I got in 4 Miles. I am stoked... Let me tell ya. I have never in all my life ever ran four miles, especially 4 miles in 52 minutes. It has been a great week. Well I only have 5 more days until the dam to dam. I am really looking forward to it. It is going to be a blast. Well bring on the fun....

New Updated RACE Schedule

2010 Races

Jan 23rd- Painters ½ and 5K
Feb 20th- Dam to Dam 5 Miles
March 20th- Spectrum 10K
*April 17th SLC marathon and 5K
April 24th- Hurricane ½ and 5K
May 1st- Provo ½ and 5K
May 29th- Orem Memorial 10K and 5K
*June 12th- Bear Lake 10K
*July 17th- Bryce canyon ½ and 5K
July 24th- Speedy Spaniard 10K
Aug 7th- Pine Valley 5K ??
*Aug 28th- Bryce canyon 5 Mile trail rim run
Sept 11th- Spanish fork ½ and 5K
Oct 23rd- Save a sister 10K
Nov 6th- Snow canyon ½ and 5K
* Nov 20th- Mesquite tristate marathon/ half/ 10K

I have added a few more races(*) to my schedule. I am so looking forward to running. I believe the count is a total of 16 races for 2010. Hopefully We rock them all.
Should be a great running season. See yall there......

Cross train day

On Monday I was able to run for 2.5 miles. I thought that I had a pretty sweet run but instead ended up with simple shin splints. OUCH>>>>> they hurt. I did do some hill running but I guess i need to stretch more and watch the way I run these hills. SO Tuesday was supposed to be my cross training day and or rest day. I lied around in bed until 415pm after working all night before i decided to get my butt out of the bed and at least go swim. I know that i was in no positioned to run, but i could cross train , which is vital in our training schedule. so I got ready and down to the pool i went. The best part, It was all mine...lol I loved that. I jumped into to the pool and I felt an amazing rush come over me like all of a sudden i was Micheal Phelps, the multi-Olympic gold medalist... LOL jk I started out at a fast pace with the front crawl and just kept it going. At the thirty min mark i had swam a little over 350 meters. Man what a cardio-workout it was... but the best part is that i also saved my legs for another day. I haven't been able to swim like that in a very long time ever since I was a life guard in high school. I was so proud of myself that not only did I get myself up and out of bed, but I found a way to still work out. Today I have a 2 mile run. My legs feel awesome and Yes i am craving another good run. I love this stuff. I cant believe how much of an addiction this is becoming. I keep looking at my timer on the left. Only nine more days until the dam to dam 5 miler. I am happy that my MOM is coming down to support me. Good times, and most of all, Enjoy life, we only have one chance at living it, make the most of it... I am...

Blazing Trails

I read this article and Thought that I should share it. It is an awesome reminder of how to form habits and the need to stay focused in our goals.

What Motivates a Runner?
by Brad Boughman

What would drive someone to jump out of bed in the early morning hours and run for countless miles before most people even hear the alarm go off? Are they crazy? Maybe, but probably not.

Once someone dedicates themselves to running, whether as an avenue to lose weight, have more energy, look better, or simply live a healthy lifestyle, they begin to realize the full range of benefits running provides. Running then becomes a habit. For many, it even becomes somewhat of an addiction (a good one). The "runner's high" is just something they must have.

Running is about a lot more than just being in shape and looking good. It provides a great mental escape during the run. Running allows your mind to run free and thoughts to flow. It provides stress relief as one can not only feel good during and after the exercise (as those endorphins get pumping), but can relax and enjoy the run, the moment. For many, running becomes a spiritual thing.

The challenge for many beginning runners is getting to the point of habit. While they may be motivated during the first weeks of running, they fall into the trap of making simple excuses to take a morning off and then find themselves losing motivation.

See if this sounds familiar: Someone decides to start running to get into shape. They run 3-4 days per week for two weeks. Week three arrives and Monday morning the alarm clock goes off while they are cozy in bed and they think, “I’ve been doing so good I’ll treat myself to a morning off and some extra sleep.” Just that one morning off early on can create a big-time setback for many as they may take another run off or even longer, thus delaying them from getting into the habit of running or preventing from ever even getting into the habit.

If you are new to running or just trying to get back into the mode, do yourself a favor and stick with your plans early on. Do the simple things like laying out your running gear the night before to help motivate you the next morning. Run consistently for 4-6 weeks, at a minimum, and you’ll be on track to a healthy life of exercise. Consistency is the key and staying motivated is the way. RUN!!!!


How true this is....I have found that there are days that I just hurt and dont want to get up early before work and run, but I know that not only do I owe it to myself to run, but also when I am awake, I crave a good run. I love this quote..... "I believe in the runner's high, and I believe that those who are passionate about running are the ones who experience it to the fullest degree possible. To me, the runner's high is a sensational reaction to a great run! It's an exhilarating feeling of satisfaction and achievement. It's like being on top of the world, and truthfully... there's nothing else quite like it!"

Enjoy the open road.

Weekly Update

I have decided that Instead of making a entry every day, that I will try to post an entry twice a week. This will be easier for me, but I still want to share the experiences that I have during my training. This week, for some weird reason, I have totally been craving a RUN. Call it runners high, call it the need or desire to work out, call it what you may, But IT FREAKIN ROCKS.... I have been having a complete blast with this whole work out stuff. I am getting so excited for Dam to Dam, which is in less than 16 days. 5 Miles might be the END of me, but I am going to do it, and make it across the finish line. This weeks training hasn't gone without its bump in the road. For some reason, I can not make the complete 30-40 min straight running. Distance so far hasn't been a issue, but i make it a little over .75 of a mile and my calf's start to tighten up. I have to slow myself down to a brisk walk which last only about 30 sec and I have a spontaneous recovery and off I go again. I know that I have only been training for a little over three weeks, but I still wanna ROCK DA HOUSE...lol anyways, It has been such a fun week, full of highs, including my weigh in and loss of 10 lbs.... I'm loving this stuff already. Remember, We are the only person who can prevent us from succeeding.

Bryce Canyon

Yes Yes Yes I finally gave in and will be running the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon But for me..... AKA the 5K..... Yipee. bring on another race.

A new pace

Today was a pretty sweet run. I ran 2 miles in 24 minute. A new pace for me. I did sacrifice distance for the time but was thrilled to death to look down at my favorite running tool, My Garmin 305 GPS watch, and see that I had totally rocked it. When I ran Painters 5K, My mile lap time was 13.35 and today the fist mile was 11:15 and the second mile 12:45. Overall, I can feel that I am making progress and can feel the difference when i run. I am going to need to watch my pace so that I don't over run on my race days. It is never good to start out fast. I still have three more weeks to train for the Dam to Dam, A five mile run around Sand Hallow. It is going to be a blast. I have decided to take the occasional snapshot of me training so that i also have visual progress while I train. Oh and on a side note. I have now been training from the couch to running, just a little over three weeks. Today I got on the scale.... I have lost 8lbs. What an added bonus. Happy Trails all....