It's fine.

This needs to be my new mantra.  It's so true how much running or any cardio makes me feel so much better.  I can totally handle life when I workout.  

Today I ran 9.5 miles nice and easy just to get in some mileage.  The run felt good and I got to run with a few different gals from the Ragnar team today for 4.5 miles of my run which was a blast.  

Tomorrow is a rest day and Saturday we only have to run 8 miles.  YIPEE!!

Have I mentioned the marathon is 9 days away? AHHHHHHHHHH.

The morning of the marathon

What will I be doing the morning of the marathon you ask?  Just hanging out on this sweet pool float.  Not on the pool or lake of course.  But now when I wake up at 3:00 am and have a few hours to kill at the start of the race I can blow this baby up, cuddle up in my blanket and wait without having to be on my feet. That is when I'm not in line for the porta potty. I'm so excited! 

By the way, I got a text with this picture letting me know about this awesome gift.  So I didn't even have to buy my own happiness. What a great friend I have! 

Yesterday I taught spin and this morning was my last tempo run before the race.  Total of 8 miles with 3 of them at a 7:35 pace.  And honestly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  

Tomorrow:  9 miles "easy" run

Gear Review - BTB sunglasses

A friend asked me to review these sunglasses as a runner. I really like them!! I've worn them on a few runs now so I feel like I have a good enough feel to do a review.  Due to my short hair and my really bad bed head I usually wear a hat when I run but I love having options.  

These glasses are so light and comfy I don't even notice they are there (until I stop running and my sweat causes them to fog up ... ha ha).  I can't wait to try these when I finally get out on my bike.  If you wear sunglasses when you run or ride (or really any sport) grab a pair.  They are a great price and she even sent me a promotion you can use!

Saturday we did a nice easy 12 mile long run and today we did 10 miles. Tomorrow is spin and lifting.  

Lots more info on the shades:

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Alone in the basement

I managed to tweak my neck earlier this week so I missed speed work on Wednesday.  I decided to fit it in this morning at home.  Running alone in my basement can really suck.  I had nothing to look at and distract me.  My treadmill counts to the 100th spot so I just sit and watch every single number tick by - which makes it feel so long.  

The good part is that I ran in my sports bra - I would NEVER show my stretchmark muffin top in public.  NEVER.  And the other good part is that I have a fan right in front of me blowing lots of air right on me. 

The workout was 9 miles total.  Warm up mile then 1 mile intervals at a 7:13 pace with half mile jogs between 5 times.  I really didn't think I was going to make it by the 3rd one but somehow I dug really really deep and managed to get the whole workout in.  Now I'm kickin' it in my compression socks hoping my legs recover before our long run tomorrow morning. Luckily it's only 12 miles.

P.S.  how do you like my fake smile?

Time to Taper

Can I tell you how excited I was when I looked at this week's workouts on the training program and saw that today was only 7 miles instead of 10!!  YIPPEE!!  I even got to sleep in.  It's crazy to me that I am on the countdown to the marathon and that it's already time to taper.  But really I feel ready.  So bring on the tapering and bring on the race!

Yeah....we got this!

Today was my last long run until the marathon.  20 miles.  We drove up the canyon to do most of it on the course and get the hills in one last time.  We rocked it - seriously I am so happy with my run today.  We walked 4 times to drink and take GU's and still had an 8:23 average.  Ah yeah!  I so love the support I get from the girls - I love having them there for the hard runs when I feel like quitting and I love having them there on days like today when everything goes great and the weather is beautiful, and the run is fast.

Favorite parts of today's run:

• Laurie shouting how beautiful it was and asking what time of day it was because it was perfect
• Cruising down the hills
• A man on the trail asking us about compression socks because we were "real runners"
• FINISHING

Now I want to lay down and take a nap....but instead it's crazy mom day.  My oldest has his pine wood derby today and the other 3 kids have 3 dance performances today.  So now I get to put my mom game face on and get busy.  Love my life!

Just so I can remember:  took a roctane at mile 5.5, regular GU at mile 11, and another roctane at 16.5.  Drank 2 small gatorades and about 8 oz of water.

Things to get me motivated

I got this quote from Runner's World in my inbox last night.  It's so appropriate for my last 20 miler tomorrow:

The biggest reward of marathon training is confidence. A 20- or 22-mile training run cannot be purchased, and it can't be rescinded. You are the owner of that strength, and it is a powerful force when life tries to knock you down. You have evidence of your tenacity, your ability, and your passion.

- Laura Saladino, Runner's World Challenger of the Week

And while I'm trying to motivate myself this quote is also very appropriate.

So today I rest and tomorrow I will conquer 20 miles!

Too Funny!

This made me laugh way too hard when my awesome Ragnar captain texted this over today.  I love the girls I run with and the sense of humor we share.  


Today I did a 7 mile hill run and last night a 5 mile group night run.  22 miles in 24 hours.  You've gotta love Ragnar training!!  The biggest difference .... I got to sleep in my own bed :)


Tomorrow is a rest day then on Saturday my last long run (20 miles) before the marathon.

Need a healthy meal?

I love drinking protein shakes for meals.  Really I do.  I usually do 1 or 2 meals a day as a shake.  I think one of the reasons I like shakes/smoothies so much is because I don't like very many high-protein foods - aside from a nice juicy steak or burger.  I don't like fish. Chicken bores me if it's not in pasta or cream sauce.  And please don't mention the word tofu to me (I'm still scarred for life from my mom making me eat it as a child).  

So if you're looking for a great healthy smoothie here's an option for you.  Traci's fave smoothie. Enjoy.

Today's workout:  tempo run on the treadmill - 10 miles total with 6 miles at 7:53 pace. Then tonight is a nice easy 5 mile night run to get ready for Ragnar. 

P.S.  today's tempo run was tough because it was done without music.  I was with the girls but we didn't have the energy to chat during the tempo portion so it was brutal. 

You better be fast

If you're going to go out in public like this.  I get that it's hot outside but really those are some high cut dolphin shorts which are only allowed on sub 6:00 min/milers.  

Also if you plan on running in briefs, sports bras, or crocs you best be a speed demon.  That is all.

P.S.  today's workout was spin/lift and tomorrow is speed work and a double night run

Have you met my big sister?

So I have this big sister who I've always idolized - especially when it comes to running.  The girl can run. She has been a runner as long as I can remember.  I think she started in like 5th grade or something crazy like that and has never stopped.  She got me into running in high school and when she left for college I stopped running because it wasn't fun anymore without her.  I've only beaten her once in my entire life and that was my freshman year in high school at a track meet when she was injured.  

This one time when her youngest was 10 days old and I'd been training all summer I decided to go running with her thinking I could finally out run her.  Nope.  I was dying by the end of that run and she was just chatting and having a great time.  Anytime she gives me running advice I follow it no questions asked.  Ice baths - that was hers.  Udo's - hers again.  So far she's never led me astray.   

I got a text from her on Saturday that she had competed in an all-women's half marathon and came in 3rd overall with a time of 1:32!!  Are you kidding me? How is it that she is getting faster as she gets older?  She's getting back to her old college times.  It's so motivating to me and gives me hope that I can keep getting faster so I can qualify for Boston even though I'm getting old.

St. George marathon 2011 she finished in 3:17

Look at her (blue outfit) pushing to the finish
knees up and she kills the guy in the red tank.

Today's workout:  10 miles
Tomorrow:  spin & lift 

Totally great bra

Have you seen this awesome bra from Lululemon?  It is hilarious and functional all at the same time.  I personally hate carrying things with me when I run but I know a few gals who always have chapstick and their phone with them.  And really kleenex is a great idea for a long run - if you can keep the sweat from turning it into a wet wipe.

On short runs I don't bring anything with me and on long runs I have my GU, water and my nano.  Oh and I always have my Garmin on.  I am trying to get in the habit of carrying a little cash and ID with me as well - but usually at 5:30 am I manage to forget. 

Today's run was 12 miles.  I did 7 of it on my own and met up with some of my Ragnar gals for 5 of it. 

Udo's Oil Review

It's been a month since I started on Udo's Oil and I am ready to buy another bottle.  I feel great these days.  The hard part for me is pin pointing what feels great and what it's coming from.  

I've done a lot of things different the past 6 months with my running.  I'm doing a totally different training program (Smart Coach from Runner's World) which has taken my mileage up to 35-45 a week consistently.  I wear compression socks every few runs and love them.  And I take my 2T of Udo's Oil every morning (seriously I haven't missed a day yet) with my high protein recovery shake. 

Today on our 12 miler the girls and I were talking about being achy and I realized that's where I'm feeling the most difference since I started on Udo's.  Most nights I'm achy and sore so rather than be lazy I take a hot bath to relax my lower back and do my roller.  I haven't take a bath or rolled in the last 3 weeks because I don't hurt at night.  Is it from Udo's?  I don't know.  But I do know that things seem to be working for me so I'm not going to change anything right now.  I'm sticking with the oil, socks and training program I'm not.  Why mess with a good thing?

Night Group Run

 Last night 7 of the 12 of the Ragnar girls got together for a quick 5 mile night run.  It was so fun running with such a big group. I'm sure people could hear us chatting long before they saw our group.  

Have I mentioned that I have the BEST running friends ever!!  I love the reflective gear in the picture.  It makes me smile!  

It got really dark on the run and none of us wore headlamps.  Thank goodness we didn't have any injuries from tripping.  The biggest problem I had was that I ate dinner way too close to the run.  I know better - but life got busy. 

I was a little worried that my kids would all be awake and going crazy when I got home but they were sound asleep.  Hooray!

First Double Run

I am running leg 6 of Ragnar (Wasatch Back) 6 days after the marathon.  I haven't focused on my Ragnar training much this year since I've been in full marathon training mode.  I've added in hill work since my first leg is 6 miles down and my second leg is 8 miles up.  But haven't done much else for training.  

This week is a "mileage" week so we are just doing 10's and 12's for training.  No speed work and no long run.  It seemed like the perfect week to throw in some Ragnar runs.  So today is a double run.  This morning we did a 7 mile run and running another 5 miler tonight. 

My super awesome amazing Ragnar Team!

Today's Spin Workout

Today I did pyramid intervals in spin.  I loved it.  The class flew by and I got a great workout.  

5 min hill warmup

1 on (tempo hill) - 1 min off (recovery)

1 on - 1 off

2 on - 2 off

2 on - 2 off

3 on - 3 off 

3 on - 3 off

5 min power hill (seated w/high tension)

1 min recovery

3 on - 2 off - 1 flat road sprint

2 on - 1 off - 1 flat road sprint

1 all out

Busy busy Saturday

This morning I got up early, met the girls, drove up the canyon and went running. I did 17 miles. We drove up to the first half of the marathon course. I'm so glad I ran it. When I drive it the hills look brutal. But today I just turned up the tunes and ran up them. 

I took a GU at mile 7 then another just before 12. We dropped our water/Gatorade off so I didn't have to carry anything. It was heavenly. I felt great today and my average pace was 8:33.

Then after my long run I got to go into full mom mode. I ran errands. Threw a princess tea party. Went shopping for the hubby's birthday present and took the kids out to eat to celebrate my princess turning 6 tomorrow. Now I'm exhausted and ready to go to bed even though my kids are still awake.

A text from a friend

I just got this image sent to me. I love that my friends tell me when there are good deals on running stuff. I'm a GU girl. I love the peanut butter ones and Roctane are my go-to gels when I need even more.

Yesterday a 7 mile hill run and I was planning on doing a double to get ready for Ragnar....but I got lazy and didn't do my second run. Oh well.

Tomorrow is a 17 miler up the canyon.

12.3 on the treadmill baby!

Today I did a tempo run on the treadmill at the gym at 5:30 am.  Warm up for 1 mile then 6 miles at 7:53 pace and then ran another 5 miles at my normal pace.  The run today felt good.  I went a few extra miles (I usually do 10 total for tempo runs) because one of my running girls is going out of town this weekend and can't do our long run so she was doing it on the treadmill and I didn't want to leave her alone :)

I went through 2 full water bottles and a pack of honey stinger energy chews.  The gym is just so hot I sweat like a pig!  One of my water bottles was filled with Gatorade and had a touch of caffeinated crystal light in it.  Ah yeah.

After the run when we were stretching by the HUGE mirrors on the wall at the gym I realized just how bad I looked.  I'm talking scary!!  I look bad enough when I simply roll out of bed, get dressed and head to the gym - but add 12 miles on the treadmill to me and it is so frightening!!  I mean really - wow!!!  If you only see me at the gym in the morning I apologize - I swear I don't always look like this.

Train Insane

Yesterday was the last day of April I logged 164 miles for the month and I've run just over 620 miles so far this year.  When I look at those numbers I'm amazed.  Did I really run that many miles in 4 months?  This training program really is insane!  


And the best part?  I LOVE IT!!  I'm pretty sure I've always had a bit of crazy in me (I get it from my mom).  So when I saw this quote I instantly loved it. 


I am seriously loving this program.  I run a LOT but I feel great and strong.  I wasn't sore at all after running 22 miles last week. That's gotta be a good sign.  


Today's workout: spin - then I started talking so I didn't lift.  Oh well.  


Tomorrow: speed work on the treadmill