It's all gone

Thanks to tapering, two races and vacation I am officially out of running shape.  How does it happen so fast?   Today I ran 10 miles and thought I was going to die.  It was hot and smokey which didn't help but I had to walk a few times and I had to force myself into finishing all 10 miles.  10 miles used to be my base run not a long run and now it's all gone.  UGH!!!


I am officially starting back on training to get back in great shape so I can run the St. George marathon even faster than the UV race.  So here it is my commitment to get back on the road and go for it!

Ugliest Running Picture EVER!

 Oh my gosh - can you believe how horrible this picture is?  It's so bad I had to share it.  My legs look like I have 80 year old skin, and I'm not sure what I'm shouting but I really should close my mouth. 

And since the St. George is only 15 weeks away it's time to get back to a training program.  I'm going to build my mileage back up so I can continue my training program.  I've decided I'm happy with the progress I've made with Smart Coach and that I'm going to continue with their program.  

Today I ran 5 miles just to get out of bed and get my legs moving. 

Ragnar 2012

I feel like such a veteran now that I've done Wasatch Back 3 whole times.  This year was a blast - I love my team!!  I was a bit worried about running it 6 days post marathon but it ended up being fine and my times were right on schedule :)

Before the race started:  I was leg 6 in van 1 this year so we met Thursday night to decorate our van then drive up to Logan.  We had to be at the start by 5:30 am to get our safety briefing before our 6:30 start.  Decorating the van is a great way to start off the race because it's a fun way to kick off the party!  We finally got to Logan around 12:30 pm and got a whole 4 hours of sleep.  Not my favorite way to start off a 2 day relay but it is what it is.

I love being one of the Housewives!

We think we are super funny!

Smac and Higgy decorating the van

Look at the super cute bracelet - or hair tie if you have more hair than me that one of the girls made all of us.  Yep that's my spice girl name - Zippy. 

Race Start:  Before the race started we took all our safety gear up (6 vests, 2 headlights, 2 butt lights & 2 flags) and picked up our race packets.  Then we shopped a bit and got ready for our start.  Then once our first runner took off it was time to jump in the van and get moving. 

Check out those sweet safety vests

Van 1 at the starting line.
Giggles, Smac, Zippy, Higgy, Shutter and Attitude

I love how people dress up at Ragnar. 
This was the RMAFO team and they were tons of fun.

Waiting for our runner to take off

Do you like my face coming out of the honey bucket?  A full weekend with only honey buckets is fun.
I will say Ragnar does a great job of having enough of them at the stops and keeping them as "fresh" as possible.

Trying to get some shut eye before my first leg.....already tired before my first leg might not be a good sign.

My Legs:

Leg 1 was 6.5 miles down Avon Pass.  It was around 1:00 pm and it was very hot outside.  The hill is steep and very dusty.  At mile 4.5 it turns into flat pavement which was even hotter but at least I could get my feet under me and not worry about twisting my ankle on a rock.  Details:  52:08 total time 8:12 pace and 24 kills.

Leg 2 was 8.2 miles gradual climb up East Canyon around 10:00 pm at night.  It was my favorite run.  I had about 2 miles to get my legs warmed up before the climb really started and it was cool and peaceful outside.  At one point on the run I looked up and saw a 30 mph sign on the side of the road and realized I was passing #30 on my run.  It was one of those awesome moments that just kept me going.  The van met me at mile 4.5 and I finished off my gatorade then got rid of my hand-held bottle and just enjoyed the rest of the run.  Somewhere between mile 6 and 7 there was a guy on the side of the road cooking bacon and he offered me a quick slice of it or some salt.  It was hilarious and smelled delicious but I still declined.  Details:  1:14 total time, 9:08 pace and 43 kills.

Leg 3 was a 2.5 mile flat run.  It was almost not worth getting my but out of the van...but I did.  It was fun having my last leg be my easiest.  The last 2 years my last leg was my hardest leg so it was fun to not stress about this one.  Details: 19:06 total time, 7:49 pace 4 kills.

half way through leg 1 - SO HOT!!!

Coming into the first major exchange

My 2nd leg was gorgeous, dark and cool outside.

Fun stuff about Ragnar:  I love this race because it of the team aspect.  The girls I run with are the absolute best.  Our team color has been pink every year and I never get sick of it.  I think the color is so fun to wear and it stands out when I'm trying to find my girls in the crowd. 

We actually had a cow bell in our van this year and it was so much fun when cheering on our runners!

Enjoying a diet coke after our last legs were finished.

Before my 2nd leg cheering on my runner with the rally monkey

Look how much fun we have cheering for our captain while she kicks butt.

Before our last legs - I'm looking awesome by this point - so well rested and clean. 

The Rally Monkey - she needs a name!

Our drive - Fab Spice.  This girl is awesome.  Having a driver on Ragnar is the best.  She took great care of us and got us where we needed to be without a single complaint.  Not only is she gorgeous she's fun and a great driver!

Team Overall Details: 32:48, 7/17 for women's submasters, 25/97 for all women's teams and 459/1092

Ragnar Packing List

It's amazing how much stuff you need for a relay race. When I was packing this morning Todd couldn't believe how much stuff I had.  He said "don't you just need a running outfit?"  No.  I need way more than a running outfit.  It's amazing how much stuff you need when you're a high maintenance girl living out of a van for 2 days.

Our team outfit for the end of the race.  SO CUTE!!!

• 3 outfits  in Ziploc bags
• Extra shorts
• Extra sports bra
  
• Long Sleeve shirt 
• Jacket
• Sweat pants
• 3 pair of shoes (2 pair of running shoes and flip flops)
  
•  Sunglasses
• Compression Socks
• Pillow and blanket
• iPod & charger
• Garmin & charger
• Running water bottle
• Refillable water bottle for the car
• GU's, gatorades, recovery drinks, electrolyte pills
• Mascara, powder & lipstick (a girls gotta look good)
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush & toothpaste

My running outfits packed in ziplocks

My Ragnar Team

Housewives of the UC (Utah County that is)

Ragnar is only 3 days away!!!  I am so excited to spend 2 days and 200 miles hanging with these awesome girls.  

P.S. Today I taught spin and my legs feel so much better now - I think I'll actually be ready to run this weekend. 

Utah Valley Marathon Recap

Before the race:  I met the girls at the race expo to pick up our numbers.  My nerves were so on edge all day and I couldn't relax at all. 

 

Me, Giggles, Higgy, Par-tay, Sunshine and Gourmet

Me and my little bro (who killed it on the half)

Todd took all 4 kids camping and I was on my own to get a good night sleep.  My sis-in-law came over and carb loaded with me.  My pre-race meal was: white bread, pasta w/browned butter sauce & asparagus and cantaloupe.  It was delicious.  I wanted to eat more because it was so good but knew that a single serving was my best option.  This meal did not disappoint on race day.  My tummy felt great.

At 8:00 pm it was time to start setting down and try to get to sleep.  I set out all my race gear.  Shoes, socks, skirt, tank (with number), bra, hat, iPod, baggie with Advil, electrolytes and some cash.  Plus all my throw away gear:  gloves, headband and long sleeve shirt.

Then I marked my gu's for where I should be at miles 5, 13, 17 and 23.

I woke up at 3:00 got dressed, made a pb&j then met the girls.  Higgy's hubby drove us to the buses so we wouldn't have to find parking.  We got to the starting line and made camp.  I tried to blow up my air mattress but lost interest after about 4 minutes and just sat on it with my blanket around me.  Headed to the porta potties then relaxed a little more.  I was surprisingly calm for a race start.  No jumping around, crazy talking, psycho race start for me this time.  There were 7000 runners so I didn't cross the line for about 4 minutes after the gun went off.

Higgy, Gourmet, Par-tay, Me and Giggles

The race:  The course started up in Wallsburg for the first 7 miles then we hit the highway and ran the rest down the canyon.  It was warm (65ish) at the start and the long sleeve shirt was dumped by mile 1.  I felt comfortable the first 7 miles and took my first GU at mile 5.  Right on target for my goal time at this point.  Then we turned on to the highway and the wind hit.  10-15 mph headwind the rest of the run.  

I passed the 3:45 pace group around mile 9 and thought I'd just watch them to make sure I stayed where I needed to since I couldn't focus on anything but moving forward and cursing the wind in my head.  They never passed me - apparently the pacer dropped out.  I took a caffeinated Roctane at mile 11.  I was numb and feeling horrible around mile 14 so at mile 15 I took a couple Advil and an electrolyte pill.  I did another GU at mile 17 and then my last Roctane at mile 21.  At mile 23 I turned up the tunes to block out my thoughts and just kept going.  

It was so hot and windy that I drank every 2 miles along the course.  My throat was so parched and I just kept making myself go 2 more miles then I'd get a drink then go to the next one.  I stopped looking to see where I was with my time and just accepted that I just had to finish.  I ended up finishing at 3:49:40.  My PR by 13 minutes - but I missed Boston by 4 minutes.  Sad.  I'm still a little raw about it but I'll get over it. 

Awesome volunteers

I look so happy .... considering how I felt

The gorgeous canyon

Love my skirt

I drank so much!!!

Kami and David were about 2 miles out with signs for me and Kami ran a few blocks with me telling me it's ok that everything hurt and it was almost over.  It helped so much  then Timmy came and ran in the last block with me and helped me after the finish so I didn't fall over or pass out.  It was so nice to see a friendly face and to have people cheering me on.  I heard my mom whistle for me and I heard Todd and the kids yelling for me.  It was so great to have so much support at the finish.  I wish I had pictures of the signs that were made with my name on them.  I loved seeing them!

The very final stretch

Happy when I saw Todd and the kids

Hooray - I'm done!!

The race was so well run.  There were tons of volunteers and the street being shut down was awesome.  The police covered every intersection to make sure the runners had the right of way.  Besides the wind and heat this run is awesome.  The course is beautiful and it's really no wonder this race sells out. 

Lori and I

My training partners - oh how I love these girls!

The Housewives Ragnar team who ran the marathon - let's hope we can still run in a few days!

All of us except Higgy at the finish.

I will say I got lots of compliments on my outfit and it was very comfortable.  I have a major blister on my right big toe and lost most of my toenail on the second toe of my left foot.  For recovery I took an ice bath, drank my recovery shake, wore my compression socks all day, rested and used my stick to roll out my legs.  I'm feeling much better today and can almost go up and down the stairs :)

I am going to use this experience to train hard for St. George.  I have 3 1/2 months until my next race. 

Trying not to beat myself up....

I promise I will do a real race recap later but for now I need to get over the fact that I didn't make my goal.  My time was 3:49 and I'll talk about it later.  

My friends and family have been so supportive and are doing a bang up job of helping me get over it.  

Here is the best text I got today:

"Listen u r a rock star mom, great wife, amazing friend, u have more determination & discipline than anyone I know....u work and do it all....quite frankly I'm glad u aren't perfect.  I'm glad that the race kicked ur butt a little...so we can still b friends"

Honestly - it made me laugh so hard and I am so grateful to have friends who are so funny and so supportive!  And my big sis called me (you know my running idol) to tell me how proud she was of me and that she totally gets why I'm not quite there yet with being happy.  She just gets it and I'm glad because talking to her helped a ton.  

So tomorrow or Monday I'll be in a frame of mind to do a full recap. 

Staying Sane

I've been freaking out a bit this week about what I want my race to be.  My goal is to qualify for Boston - which means a 3:40 race.  I've trained hard and I know it's a doable goal but it still freaks me out.  More than qualifying for Boston though I want to feel strong and have a good race.  So I decided not to wear my Garmin. Then today I was questioning my decision and just couldn't decide what I wanted.  So what did I do?  Called my big sister of course.  I told her all my concerns and she had the best advice.  She told me to figure out a few check point times so I can have a feel for where I am then to just run and enjoy it.  It's nice having an awesome running resource who understands the version of crazy that I am.  So now I'm going to write my goal numbers on my 4 GU packets and then when I get to those miles I can do a quick check on where I am.  Then I can be calm about my race.  And she told me no matter where I am on my pace to just accept it.  Run comfortable and be happy with it.  Seriously best sister ever!!

And just to make sure I have focus on the run I am planning on remembering these 2 gems :)

I Run...

What  a great day - National Running Day!  Love this quote - it's so true.

Hopefully everyone can get out there and run at least a mile.  I am going to take my kids for a run around the neighborhood today after work to celebrate.  

I ran my last speed work before the race this morning.  It was 6 miles total with 3 one-mile intervals at 7:12 pace.  It never gets easier but at least it was shorter :)

Today's Spin Playlist

Today I taught spin.  Because my head is CRAZY town right now I decided to go for something I wouldn't mess up and we did a "music workout".  So I put together a playlist then as each song came on we mixed it up.  I'm having a hard time deciding if I should teach spin next week or not.  Do I take off the whole week between the marathon and Ragnar or do spin.  Decisions. Decisions.

I really can't believe the marathon is days away.  I seriously can't stop thinking about it which is why I am so crazy (even crazier than normal). 

1 - warm up

2 - seated hill climb

3 - tempo hill standing

4 - hill intervals (stand and sprint during chorus)

5 - fast flat

6 - seated hill climb

7 - high tension hill

8 - jumps

9 - recovery

10 - tempo hill standing

11 - seated hill climb

12 - standing hill

13 - fast flat

14 - tempo hill standing

15 - fast flat with speed bursts

16 - seated hill climb

17 - jumps

18 - cool down

5 days till the race & the dirty dash

I can't believe the race is 5 days away.  OH MY!  I am trying hard to keep myself calm but it's not working too well.  I keep telling myself "you've trained for this don't stress it".  But it's not working.  I'm an anxious person and I am a freak show at starting lines (just ask anyone who has done races with me).  I bounce back and forth from foot to foot and I chatter and I move constantly.  My advice - don't stand by me at the starting line if you're easily annoyed because I am annoying.  

I've been thinking a lot about my nutrition this week and just read this article on runnersworld.com and think it has great advice.  

My plan for the week:  

• drink water and gatorade a little more than normal but not crazy to hydrate myself
• eat foods I love in moderate amounts - mexican food & pasta are my faves
• no extra fiber
• get lots of sleep all week since I won't be sleeping the night before the race
• eat a small bowl of oatmeal 2 hours before the race

My workouts this week are:  3 miles today, spin tomorrow, 6 miles speed work Wed, 3 miles Thurs, rest Friday.

Last Saturday I went to the Dirty Dash for work and because Todd was running it.  There was no way I was going to run the race the week before the marathon but I thought support crew was ok.  For the most part I was fine but we were running across crazy terrain to get to the obstacles before our work team so we could film it and somehow I tweaked my knee.  It stressed me out Saturday - but with ice, aleve and my mom's help I feel as good as new.  PHEW!

My bro-in-law and hubby before the race

 Me and Deni Hill (from season 11 biggest loser)

icing my knee ..... boo!