Staying Strong

This year so far has been different in many ways but one thing that stands out in my mind is this new found passion for running that my spouse has found. There are only a few hours in the evening really when Carl and I are home at the same time. There are piano lessons, scouts, homework, dinner and the constant juggle to keep the littlest of the three contentedly happy. Even with bills to pay, doctor and therapy updates and various non-desirable topics to discuss with Carl, I've found our conversations constantly directed to our common interest of running.... when we're not running that is:) Yes, it's true. Runners really are a boring bunch- if you ask a non-runner. My observations conclude that while running, runners will talk about anything but running. When not running, all we want to talk about is running.

Personally, I think it annoys the heck out of a lot of people but you know what- I don't really care! Carl and I have found something in common. It may have taken 12 years to find it but that just makes it even better. The other day one of the boys said, "When you two are together all you talk about is running". We tried to explain that it definitely wasn't true that we talk about the boys when we are alone, our church callings, home stuff, etc. However, we tried to explain how important it is to have something in common with a spouse in order to keep your relationship strong.

My constant chatter about running... distance, times and splits, strategy, training programs etc. is mostly limited to those who I know or think may be interested which basically involves only others who run.

This year has been different in other ways too! While I have kept details regarding every run, I have not added it all together. I don't know how much I run every week, month, nor have I kept a running total for the year. Did that last year and it was a lot of fun but this year I'm trying to stay in tune with my body. Looking at the totals on paper makes me want to get out and do more regardless of looming injuries or whatnot which is not a healthy way to do things.

March was my first 1/2 Marathon in almost a year. I went down to Moab with some friends, five of us, and we ran the 1/2. Due to different paces and goals we all ran separately but the trip was spectacular. Can't wait to do it again next year. I wasn't really nervous this time. I didn't know what to expect with the course and so I didn't set any time goals. I actually think that may have helped me have a better run. I kept the pace constant only stopping for water/gatorade and walked away with a PR (1:46:42).

Next on the schedule: Ogden 1/2 Marathon- May 15th!
Oh, and cross your fingers for me... I'm really hoping to get in on the St. George lottery.

My First 10K

Can you believe I have never officially ran a 10K? Somehow I went from 5K to half marathon. It doesn't seem like there are a lot of 10K's in our area. I've wondered many times how I would do in a 10K.

Last year when I was training for my marathon my chiropractor specifically advised against running any races or doing speedwork. I was mainly trying to maintain some level of fitness and avoid further injury.

The past couple months have been great. I've been running injury free. I actually started slipping in some speedwork and have been excited to see some of it paying off.

Carl is running the Striders Winter Circuit this year. Having not raced for almost a year, I decided it was time to give it a try. At the last minute I registered for the 10k, a brutal hilly course. It was a nice clear morning... quite cold too! As soon as we got there I turned on my Garmin only to find it registering "0" hours of battery left. I turned it off and waited until we were lined up to start it again. I was hoping to get at least a couple miles out of it.

I had heard the route was hilly but I didn't actually look at an elevation chart or anything. We started off with a little hill and then it was down hill for the next 3 miles. My watched turned off during the first 1/2 mile. I jumped in behind some guy and set my pace to his. I knew I was running faster than I should but I really wanted to see what I could do. At the 3 mile mark I realized we would be running back up the hills we just came down.... just over a block.

I was holding a real good pace up those hills until mile marker 5. My muscles were screaming and I actually walked 30 feet or so. That last hill was so long you couldn't really see where it ended. It sure was exciting to finally see the top of the hill knowing there was a short downhill from there to the finish line. My speedwork has been great and I gave it a little kick there at the end.... 50:38 (8:09 avg). Hubby came in at 54:11;)

5th place in my age group
22nd female
94th overall out of 400 runners.
Total climb: 534 ft.
Total elevation change: 1063 ft.

I'm good with that:)

NO EXCUSES

My cold weather attitude is much improved this year. I realized there isn't anything I can do to change the temps short of moving south so... I've decided to jump in with both feet and embrace
it;) The last couple of weeks have been interesting- dodging snow banks, and ice patches. Carl spent a couple bucks on a bag of screws and with our homemade, awesome grippy shoes we are able to confidently run outside through snow, slush, or ice. There's No Excuses now!

Chocolate Agave

Shhhhh..... don't tell--- someone I love is getting this in their Christmas stocking.

Winter training

So, I've enjoyed over two months of running... injury free! Exactly one month post marathon, I lost my first toenail. Surprisingly, I've managed to keep the other 9. I know this is probably something you don't really want to know but, ha... its just a blog!

I don't really know what it is but since the marathon I've been pushing it harder than before. Maybe its knowing I came so close to breaking 4 hours, maybe its finally having a break from IT Band pain, or possibly I'm just enjoying the exhilaration of running harder, and faster... improving a tiny bit at a time.

The last two weeks here have been freezing. I've found myself on the treadmill more than want to. Treadmill running sucks! Really, I don't understand why its so very hard. I can hold a faster pace outside and enjoy but indoors my legs are fatigued, totally sweaty, and light headed. What's up with that? Is it that the treadmill uses different muscles and I am actually really out of shape?

I've been trying to mix some of my P.I.N.K. workouts and P90X into the mix. I tried Plyometrics last week for the first time. It totally kicks... gives you that good burn for several days.

I've registered for two spring half marathons.... Canyonlands and Ogden. I'm super excited!

PEACE

A good friend that has been battling Inflammatory Breast Cancer for over two years passed away last night. She was the mother of 5 children. I can't imagine what this family has been through and the struggles that they will continue to face. I know there is a plan but sometimes it is just so hard.

Everyday when I run, I am just so thankful that I CAN run. My life is full of reminders of what a blessing it is to have a strong body. I may not be the fastest runner on the block but I am strong physically and mentally. I CAN take care of my children and I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me in that way. Caring for Crew can be exhausting but tonight after he fell asleep on the floor, I scooped him up. As I carried him to his bed I marveled at his features... his long eyelashes, little lips and a sprinkling of freckles across his nose. He's getting big I thought... I'm sure I can carry him to bed for at least another TWO years.

Two years.

The same amount of time it took for one dear mother to slip from this life to another.

Tonights run was refreshing. A breezeless night with perfect temps. I ran as fast as my legs would carry me. My thoughts constantly straying to her family and what they have lost.... And Also... a new Angel in Heaven. I'll miss you my friend. RUN/FLY/DANCE.

St. George Marathon 2009

It's official, I'm a "marathoner"! Wow, just typing the word gets me all excited. This is something I've thought about for years but was never really sure that I had it in me. I remember about 10 years ago talking with my little brother about running a marathon together "SOMEDAY". Well, last Saturday was that day!

Since I first entered the lottery for the St. George marathon, I've battled a nasty IT Band injury. I remember waiting for the lottery to be drawn and wondering what I had gotten myself into. I didn't really think I would get in and then since the day of that fateful email, I've wondered how I would ever get to the start line let alone finish the race.

Even on Saturday, as Marty and I rode the bus to the start line (at 4:30 am) I wondered how my knee would hold up. The bus ride was long and between the two of us (Marty battling the same injury) I really had my doubts. Still, I was determined to finish the race.

The starting area was filled with excitement. Marty and I hit the porta potties and then found a spot right next to the fire. We sat there for about 40 minutes and visited with some of the other runners. At one point I closed my eyes and said a little prayer. People started getting lined up at the porta potties again so we hit that line one last time. Just as we came out we noticed the race was on. We dropped the clothing bag and took off running.

I ditched my sweatshirt during the first couple miles. At mile 3 we stopped for water and Marty took off his warm-up pants. Another quick water stop at miles 5 and 7. Veyo hill was long and steep but we kept a nice pace and we didn't get passed. The next several miles were slightly uphill and it seemed to go on forever. We stopped at every aid station... mile 9, mile 11, mile 13, 15, and 17. A couple times we stretched our IT bands during the water stops (only stopping for 10 seconds or so). We were really looking forward to seeing family at mile 16 but when we got to Snow Canyon they weren't there. Still, the spectators at that point were a real boost. I was still feeling really good at that point and was shocked that the knees hadn't given me much trouble so far.

The hill at mile 19 was more than I expected. It seemed to go on forever. I was getting to where I really had to focus on just making it to the next aid station. After the aid station at mile 21 I had pretty much hit the wall. Marty and I were still together at this point but I was really having a hard time keeping up with him. After mile 22 he went on ahead. My pace was slowing and everything was a blur. Once I hit the city, I tried to focus on the encouragement from spectators. I ran along the side and high-fived as many kids as I could. I was just really trying to mentally stay in the game.

Honestly, I don't know for sure how often I stopped for walk breaks after that. I was really mentally not with it anymore. I remember seeing a sign that said, "7 MORE BLOCKS" and I wanted to rip it up and scream at them.. but I didn't have the energy. I kept waiting for those corrals around the next corner and wished I had memorized the route a little more closely. One too many walk breaks that last mile. People were wizzing past me. Finally, I saw something in the distance and I could barely make out the words, "FINISH LINE"! I gave it everything I had at that point and then I heard my mom yell, "GO MEL"! It was over... I DID IT. I finished in 4:01 just 3 minutes behind my little brother.

It's true what they say about the marathon. The first 20 miles you rely on your mental and physical strength... the last 6 miles are purely spiritual. I know its true because today just 3 days later I really can't give you a detailed explanation of what happened those last few miles. All I know is that somehow my legs carried me across that line.

At the finish they had these giant water misters. I stood there for a minute and soaked myself. I couldn't believe it! 4:01... I never expected things to go so well with the injury and all.

The marathon is quite an experience! I'm very happy with how it went. The weather was perfect, the spectators were awesome, my brother was an excellent running partner. Much to my dads dismay, I have to say... there probably will be a NEXT time. I just don't know when. I would like to get a lot more miles under my belt before I do it again, I need to get injury free. Next time, I want to finish strong!