Each Day Is a Gift

First day of June!  What a beautiful start of a new month, week and day!!! 

Perfect time to lace up the brand spanking new shoes.  Plus the new socks my daughter gave me for Mother's Day...just in time for the healing blister I got at Ogden.

Ran one mile for warm up then test drive the new shoes for three.  Short and sweet!

TT: 3:10.  AP: 8:47.  Splits: 10:01, 8:43, 8:15, 8:10

I think I will run 4, 6, 4, 6 this week and do the Nestle 5K on Sat .  Whaday'all think of running a 5K one week before Utah Valley Marathon?  I can count in one hand how many times I've run 5K's.  It's way out of my comfort zone.  Last year I ran the same 5K and surprised myself with an AG win.  I am thinking 5K is a good speed work.  I just want to train smart to avoid injury.  Any tips and advice will be appreciated.

Temp was in the high 50's.  I tried on a pair of running visor instead of running cap which seems to trap heat.  I think the visor works good as a sweat band.

Ran a route I haven't run for awhile.  First mile east to 1200E for warm up.  Then west along 3200N all the way to 1600W at Fox Hollow Elementary, then south to 2600N.  There's a gentle downhill on this 3 mile stretch.  The uphill comes from mile 4 going east on 2600 N with a nice headwind (summer breeze makes me feel fine!).  Then cruise home for the last mile. 

6 miles in 55:09.  AP: 9:11.  Splits: 10:04, 9:08, 8:54, 8:48, 9:26, 8:50. 

The ITB tugs a little on the downhill.  I'm icing it.  Will stretch and roll later.  Will do core work and yoga as well. 

Very tired this morning.  Didn't want to run.  Kelli's awesome workout yesterday inspired me to JUST DO IT!  I'm thinking my next training cycle of running 3 days a week will work better.  My legs will have a day of recovery and the running will not be so stale.

Ran 4.5 sluggish miles.  Saw a girl who used to live in my ward.  Ran with her some.  It's getting very warm.   I think I will run UVM like I did DesNews last year, similar conditions. 

Splits: 9:19, 9:03, 9:21, 9:04, 9:10.  AP: 9:12

Had to hurry to get'er done.  Not much of a warm up, just ran downhill first, then uphill for the first 3 miles.  Made it home in time to shower and off to meetings.  Now I am tired. Will do some stretches later.

6 miles in 51:53.  AP:  8:39.  Splits: 8:48, 8:34, 8:55, 8:43, 8:33, 8:17

Around the world core, fast abs, abductor lifts ~ 30 rep.

AM/PM yoga,  ITB stretch.

Overcast sky, perfect day for dance festival.  So excited!!!

I could never sleep the night before a race.   Got up, showered and drove myself (that's a first, driving myself to a race, that is) to Springville HS at 5:50 am.  I got there with plenty of time to kill.  Parked right by the track fence, sat in the car and watched the race organizers set up cones, PA system.  Went and got my packet.  Wow, for $11 they gave you a T shirt, coupons, energy bar, hot chocolate mix and tons of candies.  I ate my banana, drank some water, pinned on my bib and tried to come up with a game plan.  Should I run this like a fun run or should I try to defend my title.  With the ITB issue, I doubt I could get a PR.  I figured last year time of 22:15 was too fast, a mistake, was probably 24 something.  So I would be thrilled to run sub-25.

30 min before gun time, I jogged and stretched a little in the parking lot and ran over to the course.  Kathie and her sister, Kimmie, ran up to me.  We ran to the first turn, took a peek of the hill, then turned around.  Also saw Mark (Huans32) and Kristi (Mrs.Fit), Marcie (Canyon) and her son on their warm up jog.  By the time we got back, a crowd had gathered.  I saw Lucy Gull stretching by the start line.  She was one of the ladies I "paced" at Ogden.  I congratulated her for placing in her AG there and predicted that she would win her AG (which she did).  She thanked me profusely.  FUN!

After a quick stop to the pop, I headed to the start line.  Kristi and I lined up on the sidewalk about 8-10 deep while Mark lined up closer to the front.  We also saw Baldmanrunning (Zach).  The count down started; I punched my Garmin when I heard GO.  It was very crowded even on the sidewalk.  Dodging around people was annoying.

I decided to do the Galloway 5K Lowell recommended.  Run a true first mile, walk 20 seconds, take a drink, run to the second mile, walk 20 seconds and take a drink, then run to the finish.  I ran the uphill strong, glancing at my watch and saw that I was right on at 8:00.  At the first mile marker, I walked 20 seconds, no water.  I resumed running and caught all the people who passed me while I walked.  First mile split was 8:06.  Then around mile 1.5, my quads started to protest.  The downhill looked like a cliff to me while all these little kids came prancing by.  I started to worry about my ITB, focusing on not buckling.

Mile 2 couldn't come soon enough.  I walked for 20 seconds while drinking a small cup of water.  That mile came in at 8:12, darn, the Galloway walk didn't work.  I resumed running and saw Kathie just ahead, so I caught up to her.  I tried to stay with her, but she was too fast.  The ITB started to tug at me.  My quads were burning.  I walked for 10 seconds just before we turned onto the street in front of the HS.

Got on the track and heard Mark cheering.  Thought I heard him yelling to "pass people", but my wheels were falling off.  I walked just before the turn and again on the straightaway.  I saw the clock and knew I made my goal of sub-25.  I forgot to stop the watch after crossing the finish where the chute was a traffic jam and my shins started to cramp up.  I grabbed some refreshments.  Wow, they had popsicle, energy bar, hot pockets, banana, apple.  Saw TylerS as I headed to the car for my lawn chairs.

At the raffle, I sat by Lark, Mark, Kristi, Alisa and her family, Kathie, Kim and their mom.  I was very happy to finally meet Julie C.  I didn't win any prize.  The raffle lasted for over an hour with a constant stream of prizes like Wiis, toolsets, iPods, gift cards, golf sets, fishing sets, even a gazebo and a lap top.  Kathie's mom won $100 cash.  Quite a few bloggers and Flyers took home hardwares.  It was a gorgeous day, under blue sky, green mountains, cool breeze, mild temp,  And to be with some of the best running friends is priceless. 

After I got home at 11:00am, the temp was 66, so I went out for another 4.5 mile recovery run, average pace 9:40.  Now on to UVM next week and WBR the next.  I hope I didn't leave anything out there on the course today.

Gone all day to Salt Lake for baby blessing.  Hubby and I tried to go for an evening walk.  Barely made it 1/3 of a mile when a car pulled up.  Lo and Behold, it was our friends from way back out on a Sunday drive.  We stood and talked and talked and talked.  Had to scrap the walk so we could get home to video chat with our children.  Legs started to get stiff from all that sitting and standing.

The quads were so sore that it woke me up in the middle of the night.  This morning it hurts bad.  Each time I attempt to go out, the phone would ring or it would rain.  Was going to swim; but no car, and neighbor was not home.  

Zero work out.  Lots of self-massage on the quads and stretches.  Hope to run tomorrow.

Oh, hubby and I did a 2 mile evening walk (which was cut short yesterday).  We saw Bec out running in her Boston shirt.  It was so good to see her and talked a little bit.  Hope she's well on her way to full recovery.

The legs felt a little better today.  Tried a recovery run.  Felt pain the entire way, more on the left quads just above the knee.  STINK!  Will stretch, roll and ice today.

4 miles:  10:36, 10:00, 9:46, 9:45. 

Had a busy evening with meetings.  Went to bed late.  Got up with leg pain at 3/10 (was 7 on Sun., 8 on Mon., 5 yesterday).  So decided to go for a little run.  BIG mistake.  Pain got worse during and after the run at about 6.  Took one Advil, foam roll, massage, stretch.  

I always thought that recovery runs are supposed to help with active recovery.  I seem to be adding more muscle fatigue to the legs.  The ITB started to protest as well with the weakened quads.  STINK!!!

My WBR team captain found me shopping at the store yesterday afternoon.   He seemed concern...saw me limping around and quickly assured me that he could get the bishop's son to run my legs.  Was I limping around?  Dang! 

Had a dream, er nightmare last night that I was doing WBR with crutches in the Provo Canyon!  Strange!

Leg pain was at 2 upon waking up, whew...no crutches!  AM/PM yoga!  Felt great.  Went to meetings. 

Today I'm gonna do church stuff, eat, drink and be merry!

I was baptized 38 years ago today, one of the happiest days of my life.  I have been watched over and blessed tremendously.  Today I feel loved and blessed beyond measure.  I can never repay all the kindness and grace that have heaped upon me over the years. 

Went to the House of the Lord bright and early with two wonderful friends whom I believe were put in my life for a purpose.  I love them for who they are and admire them for all that they do.  THANK YOU for sharing your time and friendship with me!!!

No running today, the quad pain is about all gone.  The left knee is stiff after sitting and tugs just a tiny little when I go down the stairs.  I'm apprehensive about running UVM tomorrow.  In 24 hours it will be over and I will know if it was foolish thing to do or I may get lucky. 

Carb-load party

Had an incredible morning Fri. with Teena and Kelli.  Teena wrapped my knee good.  Had lots of things going on in the afternoon.  Got to packet pick up around 5:30pm.  O'mgosh, the line was LONG!!! (an hour waiting).  Good thing Maurine saw me and let me cut in.  Got to Brick Ovens after 6:00 with more waiting.   Was good to see AmberG, her sister and mom.  That place was crawling with marathoners.   What a party we had with Marion, David, Maurine, AnnaLisa (another 26.2 virgin) and her hushand, Josse and her sister, LuzyLew and my hubby.  I felt sorry for the hubs who had to listen to our chatting about porta-potties and running jokes. 

Sleepless in Lehi

Lots of tossing and turning with exhausted body.  The Brick Oven's dinner was rumbling through my tummy.   Last look at the clock was 1:50 am listening to the rain storm.  Must have slept because I dreamed of being in an earthquake.  Got up at 3:00 am with sleepy eyes and tired body.   Forced fed myself some yogurt, EmgenC, gatorade.  I wanted so bad to crawl back in bed.  Debated whether to bag this "training run".  Hubby gave me a priesthood blessing.  Off we went to the Mall.  Ate an energy bar and more gatorade on the way.

Bus ride

Marion called as soon as we pulled up.  Went to the p-o-p and saw two ladies in my AG.  Saw AmberG who immediately brightened my day.  Maurine, Marion, Luzy, Dale (DonGardinero) and I rode up together.  We had fun chatting.  Ate a banana and more gatorade.  Our bus had no zip.  We could have run faster.  As soon as we got off the bus, (30 min before gun time) I made a beeline to the p-o-p where I saw Canyon (Marcie N) and Geneyne M. from Vegas (Pron8r's friend). 

The start

The weather gods were with us with overcast sky, mild temp (high 40's).  The excitement was high.  We saw many bloggers, Sasha, Davy Crocket, Alan, Eric, Mary Ann, Scott.  We lined up towards the back of the pack.  5 min. after the National Anthems, we were off.  I was glad that it was not pitch-dark like DesNews or SGM.  The concrete hwy wasn't that bad.  Just needed to stay away from the divets.  Dale and I ran together, chatting away (I did most of the talking).  We practiced our downhill running.  The first mile came in at 11:00.

The fun began

Somewhere before mile 2 I saw John Bozung.  I congratulated him on the successful Squaw Peak 50 which he was director of.  He gave me all the stats and percentage.  I asked what his goal for UVM.  Turned out this was the 2nd of his 3 back-to-back marathons this weekend.  Said he's never done 3 in a roll before.  It was fun picking his brain.  He was running these at 5 hours.  He walked at the 2 mile marker while I turned and could not see Dale.   Thought he was running right behind me the whole time.  I called and only got his voicemail.  I felt horrible.  I asked runners passing me if they saw Dale.  Nope.  I looked ahead and didn't see him either.  Marcie (from PG wearing purple) said:  "I'm sure he'll find you or you'll see him at the next aid station). 

The game plan

Well, without any particular running partner I devised my plan for this "long training run".  I divided the course in 4 portions, Provo Canyon, Orem, Riverparkway and SW Provo, and tackle each as it comes.  Plan was to run Provo Canyon at 10:00 AP,  Orem at 10:10,  Riverparkway at 10:15 and hopefully 10:20 for SW Provo with a  4:30's finish.  At the half marathon mark, the timing clock said 2:16:xx.  My Garmin was 2:14:xx.  The mile markers were off by 0.15 mile most of the ways.  Mile marker 18 was placed totally off.  I decided to gu every 4 miles (inspired by Marion) at mile 5, 9, 13, 17, 21.  I pinned 3 gu on my shorts and used 2 from the aid stations.  I did not gu at mile 25 but ate oranges at a couple aid stations.  I would drink gatorade every 2 miles, and water with Gu, NO electrolyte supplements.  I would walk thru every aid station.

Provo Canyon (~ mile 1-9) The elevation profile shows a severe downhill but there were a couple of good uphills in the canyon.  Kept my strides short paying attention to the ITB.  Saw buses taking runners up for the other race (Provo 10Miler).  The Bridal Veil Falls was stunning.  I saw one lone car parked on the other side of the road.  Could it be?  Yes, it was my hubby and MIL.  I waved and shouted over 3 lanes of moving traffic.  He made a U turn, my MIL gave me a thumbs-up and off they went down the canyon.   Tried running tangent and wherever possible on the narrow dirt shoulder.  Saw MichelleL with her FRB sign cheering.  She's so AWESOME to come cheer us while injured with SI pain.  I really admire her and am grateful for her support.  I kept an eye on a 70ish guy wearing a fisherman hat with very smooth strides for several miles.  Lost him when he made a pit stop at the mouth of the canyon.  Splits:  11:00, 9:57, 9:32, 10:29, 10:24, 10:36, 9:47, 10:05, 9:46.

Orem (~ mile 10-14)  Picked out another "pacer" who was also running on the narrow shoulder dirt.  Passed her just before we turned into the Riverwoods development.  Saw my MIL jogging and hubby cheering around Center St.  I was impressed with the traffic control and volunteers.  Just wish there was more than ONE pop at each station.  Ran the entire first half with a full bladder.  The bike path behind the beautiful Riverwoods homes and on Carterville Rd could be distracting.  I was leap frogging with a guy (Mike with red shirt) as he was doing the Galloway 4/1.  We compared notes about Ogden.  Both of our Garmins showed that the mile markers were off by 0.15.  Saw hubby again before leaving the Movie8 complex getting onto the Riverparkway.  Splits: 10:27, 9:48, 10:29, 9:52, 10:48.

Riverparkway (~ mile 15-19) I had run portion of this parkway in 2005 for my first (and only) 20 miler training run for SGM'05.  I remembered how pleasant it was to run w/o traffic.  I love running under the canopy of cottonwoods, Russian olives along the rushing river.  Finally saw a public bathroom in a park just before mile 16.  Ran across the grassy field as Mike yelled: "You're going the wrong way."  I ran and did walk breaks with Mike for about 3 miles.  He was slowing and I wanted to keep an even pace so dropped him for good around mile 17.  There were lots of flying knets.  Wish I had my sunglasses.  I passed a lot of runners along the parkway.  Passed Cynthia Dye who I "paced" at Ogden and Annalisa who had stopped to stretch.  Hubby called and said he was waiting at the Lake and was eaten alive by mosqitos.  The light breeze was welcomed as we made the last turn going east and spilled out of the parkway.  I found the Run Red Rock advertisement signs annoying.  Splits: 10:05, 10:57 (pit stop), 10:26, 10:26, 10:26.

SW Provo (~ mile 20 to 23) Running on Center St. going east was hot and lonely.  I passed a guy with a nice blue tech shirt.  There were 5 'skittos hitch-hiking on his left shoulder.  I patted him on the shoulder to kill the blood suckers and told him he was feeding the mosqitos.  I looked over my shoulders and saw none.  He said it must be my neon yellow shirt keeping them away. 

Just as my legs were feeling the effects of 20 miles, Teena called.  It was so good to hear her voice while I huffed along the narrow shoulder.  Her magic has saved my knee.  I feared that I would have to walk if charlie horse ever hitched a ride.  It was disheartening to think that I still had another hour to run.  At mile 21, I saw the most welcoming sight, AlisaK with open arms.  We hugged, she gave me two cold thin square sponges.  I put one inside my cap and drizzled cold water all over with the other.  It brought immediate relief.  Alisa ran with me for a little bit telling me that Lowell was about 30 min ahead.  She asked about Dale, that's when I realized he must have been behind.

My ITB started to complain running on the left side slanted roads up and down SW Provo.  I would run on the sidewalks when it got bad.  Time to put on the mental game.   I told myself I would only walk at the remaining aid station and kept putting one foot in front of the other.  When the quads screamed to stop, I would sing Primary songs and recalled the Priesthood blessing earlier that morning.  I passed a lot of people walking.  I would grab their arms and made them jog with me.  I focused on keeping my back straight and not slouched. Splits: 9:49, 10:20, 10:27, 10:20.

The final 5Ks can be torturous in any marathons.  UVM was more so with its endless turns going south, east, north, south, east, under I-15, near I-15...  It was a mental drain.  I fought hard to not walk picking off road kills.  Around mile 24.5,  I was revived and OVERJOYED when I heard Kelli calling me, running towards me.  We embraced.  Her presence gave me renewed energy.  She ran with me and gave me updates of the morning's events, the Bluffdale 10/5K, holding Sarah Pachev's baby, watching the fast runners come in, running with Walter, Scott to the finish.  It was so so so WONDERFUL of her to run me to the finish.  I was delirious, asking her where to turn, how much longer.  Her reassurance kept me going.  I wanted so bad to cut across that vast parking lot void.  But Kelli said no.  It's a good thing or I would have been disqualified...with just 0.2 mile to go.  Whew.  She pointed where the finish arch was and left me while she went back for Marion.  Heard my neighbor calling me, side fived his hand and crossed the finish.  Splits: 10:56, 10:45, 10:44; last 0.45 mi @ 10:20.  Unofficial time: 4:33:15 (a 2 min PR from Ogden).

At the finish  LuzyLew got me some cold drinks, banana and orange; offered me her ice packs and patch of shady grass where her family has taken camp.  She sure has darling children and Jorge is half of the reason for their beauty and handsomeness.  We milled around talking to RivertonPaul, Tom Lee and I also saw Maynard (Brad J.)  We also saw Annalisa came in.  Finally I spotted Marion with her pink visor, her wonderful sherpa Maurine and the ever energizer bunny great "run-everyone-in" friend Kelli.  Hubby got the camera out and captured their joyous finish.   We gathered around Marion as David presented her with dozen of red roses.  The other 26.2 virgin, Annalisa got balloon bouqet from her 8 children.  What a great time!!!!

 L to R:  AnnaLisa, LuzyLew, Marion, Smooth and Miles (aka Maurine) all smiles!!!

Sorry this is so long; but it's my running journal.  I shall always treasure these marathon moments with friends and hope to pass it on to my posterity when they wondered how each of these dusty medals were "won" by Nana.   

P. S.  No cramping issues this time, HALLELUJAH!!!!  The ITB only bugs when I extend my leg after bending the knee for awhile.  I'm sure the soreness and stiffness will show up tomorrow; but I will manage them as they come.  Next is WBR on Fri. and Sat.  THANKS everyone for your wonderful support!!!  If you're still reading this report, you are as insane as me. :)

Quads are a little tight.  

Walked 2 miles.

Swam 30 min.

Around the world core + fast abs, 30 reps.

Biceps, triceps lift, 10#, 30 reps.

AM/PM Yoga 

It's such a beautiful day.  Thought I'd go for a run.  WRONG!  I jogged/walked/hobbled pathetically home.  The quads are NOT ready for any sort of running.  At one point the left ITB protested.   STINK!!!

Foam roll and stretch like crazy.  

Lost the 2 lbs I gained before UVM, darn! 

Breakfast:  Kashi cereal, yogurt, banana, milk, water, EmergenC and vitamins.

Lunch:  Strawberries, salmon, rice, brocoli, apple, more water.

Dinner:  Chicken drumsticks, spinach, rice, soup.

Snack:  Triscuits, wheat thins, almonds.

??? Will I be able to run by Friday at 5:30 pm ???  I hope I hope I hope!!!

Did a little yard work.  It's a jungle out there.  So glad the sprinklers are fixed.  If the sun comes out, I may go skinny dipping in my neighbor's pool.

My burning question today is:  What do you take/pack for WBR?  I don't have a clue.  We are not staying in any hotel.  Do people actually shower in the HS?  Do you take bug repellent, sunscreen, flyswatters, campstove or firewood? 

My only assignment is to bring two cases of bottled water.  My team said we're on our own for meals.  The last thing I want to eat is Gu.   Is there any Chick-Fil-a along the course?  I don't think I can bring my own salmon, spinach and rice.  Hmm, may be I can bring sushi.  What do you do if you get car sick or homesick? 

Please tell me what you bring/pack in your van/SUV...any other tips to make WBR fun, fun fun?  THANKS!!!!  :)  :D

Only had time to run 2.  Nothing's broken; just very rusty.   Should have done the dipping when all the neighbors were gone yesterday.  Now everyone's back from girls camp and vacation.  Sorry if I unintentionally traumatized any of you.  :) :D

Around the world core + fast abs. 30 reps.

Biceps, triceps lift 3 sets x 10.

AM/PM yoga.

What a gorgeous sunrise.  No running until 5:30 this afternoon when Temp is projected to be in the 80's.  THANKS to Metcalf's list; I know what to pack this morning. 

My teams name is Runaholics Unanimous #195.

Van 1 starts at 1pm.  Van 2 starts at 5:30pm.

GOOD LUCK to y'all running WBR and to Davy Crockett running the Bighorn100!!! 

HAVE FUN everyone and a GREAT weekend!!!

***********************************************************************

The haul:

Woke up just before 3:00 am and could not go back to sleep.  Got an email from Lowell to bring my fuel belt, something about let your light so shine!  Thought I packed too much until I saw what the others in my team packed...my goodness, we looked like a bunch of refugees.  

We met Lowell in a grocery store parking lot.  I think he brought everything but the kitchen sink.  That amazing man had already put in a day's work, drove 3 hrs from Idaho, shopped and brought enough food and gear to outfit us and another team.  I noticed he had this very serious camera with him.  Are we on a vacation trip or to a race?

Exchange #6: 

We took a short cut and got to Liberty with over 2 hrs. to spare before my first leg.  I was shocked to see all the elaborately decorated vehicles and the masses of costumed "runners".  When Kelli said WBR is not really a race,  she's not kidding.  It's really a circus.   We milled around the park waiting to hear from van 1.  I was getting nervous when my expected starting time of 5:30 pm came and gone w/o hearing a word from van 1.  The temp was 87 and sunny. 

Finally I was told to line up at the chute and listen for our team # and watch for a tall guy wearing our bib # comes in.  I stood nervously wondering if I could run, if this tall guy's gonna make it.  That's when I saw Kimmie, Kathie, MrsFit, Huans32, Shimelle; and we all watched Cal came flying in.  I found out from Shimelle that their team has the same start time as mine.  O boy, I am so not in their league.

A boy from van 1 rushed over to give me my bib and within couple min. my tall guy came flying in, slapped the sweaty thing on my wrist and I was instantly transformed to racing mode...no stretching, no warm up (did I mention it was hot & sunny?) and chase after the girls ahead.

The kill:

Phil's words kept echoing in my head:  "We're not putting a stop watch to anyone.  We do keep track of road kills and we expect to finish in 25 hours."  What does that mean?  I concentrated on picking off road kills.  That's so against my nature to "kill" someone especially in a "non-race".  I bagged one within the first 0.5 mile. 

My van drove by and asked me what my pace and mileage was.  First mile split:  7:56.   Holy cow, I can't sustain that pace.  I started watching the passing vehicles and read the windows...some are pretty clever, funny, some are downright naughty.  I got a drink around mile 1.5, did I mention it was very hot and I hadn't had dinner?  I bagged another girl on the incline.  Second mile split:  8:37.   A side stitch showed up about the time the FLDS car showed up...what a sight!  Bagged another girl here and took another drink.  Third mile split:  9:05.  Hmm, I sweared I was running as fast as the first mile.  I just wanted it to be over with.  What a relief to see Brayden, a 15 yr old running his very first race of his life, all gunned up and ready to go.  I slapped that sweaty wrist thing on him and he was gone in a flash.  Last mile came in at 7:20.  I proudly reported my road kill of 5 to Phil. 

The relay began:

Brayden was blazing fast.  Lowell barely had enough time to change from his levis to racing shorts.  He was busy snapping pictures.  I was the water girl for Lowell's leg.   He was so fast that exchange #9 came up before we made it to the parking.  We dumped Heather off.  She had no time to use the p-o-p or set her Garmin.  We totally missed capturing their hand off.  Heather is a strong runner, a 39 yr old young mother, a Boston finisher herself.  It was fun watching her pass all these runners.  She handed off to Phil who ran thru some beautiful valleys, lakes and hills.  I had no idea where we were.  It was just gorgeous.   Our last runner #12, Paul who's Phil's 17 yr old, finished his leg before sun set.   At exchange 11, we finally met the rest of the teammates from van 1.  The tall guy's name is Jason Howe.  He too is a Boston finisher.  I started to wonder why in the world, Phil invited me to join their team.

The bed-down:

It took forever to drive thru all that traffic jam in the dark to reach East Canyon State Park where we would try to get some shut-eyes before I start running again.  There were thousands of people there, cars coming and leaving.  Four of us found a patch of grass to put down our sleeping bags next to this RV with a giant flat screen TV (hubby would be so proud) and generator going on.  It was a cool, damp, starlit night, a sleepless 2 hrs wait when we got the call to get ready to run.

******************  To Be Continued on Tomorrow's blog ***************

Sat. I got home from WBR in the nick of time to attend my nephew's first temple.  He's from Hong Kong and recently received his call to serve in a Spanish speaking mission in California.  I kept dozing off.  Sunday was busy with Father's day family gatherings. 

This morning I did an easy 7 miler recovery run, average pace 9:25.

I spent all morning trying to download my pictures.   I am too tired to figure out how to post them here.  I will try again tomorrow.  Got to get ready for a bridal shower for my niece

I am such an iDiot iDummy!!!  I spent hours trying to download the pics to my mac.  I accidentally imported the hundreds of pictures from the iPhoto library to the file.  In the process of moving those pics to the trash bin, I obiterated the entire file PLUS the whole iPhoto hardware program from my computer.  Just like that, POOF, GONE, not a trace!!!  I am so mad at myself and so sad.  Never do anything technicall when you're sleep deprived, I tell ya!!!  Sweet hubby was so kind and said "everyone makes mistakes!".  I lost those precious pics way back from Dec.  STINK!  STINK! STINK!

This week starts week 15 to SGM.  After reviewing the FIRST 3plus2 program, I decide to modify it a little.  Instead of run 3 days xtrain 2 days; I will run 4 days:  speed,  tempo,  hill and long.  Today I ran hill at an easy pace averaging 10:00 not wanting to anger the ITB. 

This is a busy week.  I have 3 nieces performing piano recitals for their Piano Master grad. work at BYU, plus one of them is getting married on Sat. in Manti.  So I will have to run my long run on Friday. 

More thoughts on WBR:  I think it can be a great training run.  The shorter distance leg can be run as speed workout, the medium distance as tempo and then of course there're plenty of hills.  All that in a 24-30 hour period is not bad if you can stand the driving and running on no sleep and sour tummy.  Nothing beats the crazy fun of being with a bunch of friends and family all cheering for each other.

1 mile warm up ~ 10:00

4 x800 ~ 7:30, 7:03, 7:15, 7:05

2 min RI ~ 8:50

10 min cool down

5 miles in 43:50  AP: 8:48

Felt the ITB during cool down.  Stretched well.  Will foam roll.

T. was 60, drank 32oz water post run.  Lost 1 lb. 

Around the world core + Fast abs ~ 35 reps

Hip abductors lift ~ 30 reps

Bicep, tricep lift ~ 3 x 15 reps

AM/ PM yoga

Went to bed very late since getting home from my nieces' duo piano recital at BYU late.  That was the most outstanding piano performance I've ever been to.  They received standing ovations from the audience who almost filled the entire Madsen Recital Hall to capacity.  They are graduating with a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance.  I am so proud of these two sisters, Sarah and Seidi...I just have to brag.  

Slept in till 6:30 am.  Was so tired that I didn't prepare well for the long run this morning.   Found a pair of old socks (mistake #1 ) and the dirtiest of the 3 pair rotating shoes (mistake #2).   Wore sleeveless top, cap and sunglasses, took fuel belt with water, couple of energy bars and mixed a bottle of gatorade (32 oz).  Ate breakfast of banana, Kashi cereal w/ milk and drank EmergenC plus water.

Sky was overcast when I got to the JRP.  There was a small group of scouts doing a troop version of Sprint Triathlon.  The river is a swelling green.  They had names written on their arms.  Temp was in the low 60's, breezy.  I got warmed up pretty quick so I took off my cap.  I felt lots of energy in my legs so I ran the uphill strong.  At the top (mile 5), I saw a family of 3 cyclists getting ready for the bike ride.  I would pass them every mile or so when they stopped to make adjustment.  

It started to rain at mile 6, so I put my cap back on.  At around mile 9, I could feel a hot spot on my left foot.   My shoes and socks were totally wet.  I did not have any dry socks to change into.  By mile 10, the sun has come out, I put on my sunglasses and hope for the best.  By mile 13, the ball of my left foot by the big toe was burning.  I knew a blister has formed.  With 3 more miles to go, I just pushed hard to end the agony.

Drank water at mile 4, 7, 13, 15.  Drank 22 oz gatorade and ate one small energy bar at mile 10.25.  16.25 miles in 2:33:15.  Splits:  10:02, 9:14, 9:08, 10:03, 9:55, 8:57, 9:28, 9:39, 9:30, 9:56, 9:41, 9:21, 9:15, 9:11, 8:53, 8:46, 8:26.  AP: 9:25.

Took an ice bath while drinking a can of chocolate royale Slimfast.  Bandaged up the nasty blister about the size of a quarter.  My house is a disaster.  I need to do some major cleaning since I'm having company this weekend.  Sarah is getting married tomorrow.  It's gonna be so nice to see all the family visitng from all over. 

Have a GREAT WEEKEND everyone!!!

The wedding was perfect.  The bride and groom were a match made in heaven.  It was so good to see beloved family members visiting from Boston, New York, Chicago, Hong Kong, AZ, Calif., Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, Minnesota.  Wedding luncheon was fabulous at Carabas.  It was an Asian invasion in Manti and at the Italian restaurant complete with a pinata festivity.  FUN!  FOOD and FAMILY!!!  

No running...just running around.  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

5 hours of meetings.  Having families over for BBQ afterwards.  Legs are tight.   I really need to get some comfy grandma shoes that are pretty/dressy.

Week 14

T. 66, sunny,

1 mile warm up, 5 miles tempo, 1.5 mile easy

7.5 mi in 1:07:12.  Splits:  10:11, 8:49, 8:25, 8:36, 8:55, 8:46, 8:54, 9:08.  AP: 8:58

Going to Salt Lake for UBA Convention.

Did you know that the Grand America Hotel charges their guests $10 per person to use the fitness center and indoor pool?  You'd think that with the room rate of over $250 a night, it would be complementary.  NO!  It really bugs me!!!

Around the world core 35 reps.  That's all I had time for.  Sat thru hours of boring speakers!  My knees felt yuck!!!