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St. George Marathon

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Location:

UT,

Member Since:

Oct 14, 2008

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

85 marathons, 5 times Utah Grand Slam finisher (division winner twice).

7 Bostons (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016).

Two 50Ks, one 50 miler (Pony Express).

A handful of AG wins in all distance races.

Marathon PR: 3:57:09 (Boston'08)

Half Marathon PR: 1:48:41 (Bryce Canyon '11)

10K PR: 47:50 (Spectrum 10K '09)

5K PR: 22:31 (Nestle 5K '08)
 

Short-Term Running Goals:

2017 Races:

June 10 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:13:43)

June 24 - Morgan Valley Marathon (5:49:01)

July 8 - Hobbler Half (2:19:37, 2nd AG)

July 24 - Temple to Temple 5K (27:43)

July 29 - Timp Half (2:08:01, 3rd AG)

Aug 26 - Mt. Nebo Marathon (5:16:16, 3rd AG)

Sep 16 - Huntsville Marathon (4:48:53)

Oct 7 - St. Geroge Marathon (4:57:11)

Nov 4 - Canyon City Marathon (5:30:07)

2018 Races:

Jan 13 - St. George Half (2:19:45, 3rd AG)

Mar 3 - The Woodlands Marathon (5:01:35)

Apr 6-7 - Ragnar So. California

June 1-2 - Ragnar Wasatch Back

June 9 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:19:22)

June 30 - Morgan Valley Half

Sep 1 - Pocatello Marathon (6:00:43)

Sep 15 - Huntsville Marathon (5:37:08)

Oct 6 - St. George Marathon (5:25:43)

Oct 20 - SoJo Marathon (5:29:23)

2019 Races:

June 1 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:44:24)

June 22 - Morgan Valley Marathon (6:15:13)

Aug 31 - Pocatello Marathon (5:38:47)

Sep 14 - Big Cottonwood Marathon (6:03:51)

Oct 5 - St. George Marathon (5:57:46)

Oct 12 - SoJo Marathon (5:55:45)

2020 Races:

Jan 18 - St. George Half (2:38:28)

Feb 15 - Sun Marathon (5:51:54)

May 5 - Conquer Covid-19 Virtual Marathon (5:49:07)

May 16 - Clear Creek Canyon Half Marathon (2:32:15)

May 25 - Utah Valley Virtual Marathon (5:33:110

June 9 - Independence Run Virtual Marathon (5:55:22)

 

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run happy and healthy all the days of my life. Be an example and inspiration to my family.

 

Personal:

I'm 64, retired RN, happily married, nana to 14 beautiful grandchildren, mother to 6 children (1 daughter, 5 sons) who are kind, hardworking, caring, wonderful people! Wish they live closer!!!  :)  :)  :)

Picked up running in 2005 at age 50, to stay healthy so I can take care of my husband who had endocarditis resulting in AVR and MVR in 2004, end stage renal failure in 2014, kidney transplant on Dec 30, 2015.  Six months after the kidney transplant, we discovered that he has a rare auto-immune disease that was probably triggered in 2004 with then the undiagnosed infective endocarditis.  The doctors had to make up a name for this rare disease, Monoclono Gammopathy with Renal Significance (MGRS).  It is not curable.  After desperately trying different chemotherapies, the doctor finally found one immuno-therapy, Daratumamab, that works to treat the MGRS.  It is a miracle!!! 

Grateful for the gift of life, blessings, dear friends and loved ones!!! Thankful for the ability to move, walk, jog, and yes run!!!!

 

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Saucony Guide ISO Wide Lifetime Miles: 311.91
Saucony Guide ISO Lifetime Miles: 313.31
Sacony Guide ISO (2) Lifetime Miles: 225.26
Altra Torin (sz 7) Lifetime Miles: 44.49
Saucony Guide 10 (2020) Lifetime Miles: 60.91
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
157.8128.205.000.00191.01
Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 78.80Inspire 5 (2) Miles: 18.50Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 31.76Inspire 5 (1) Miles: 4.00Barefoot Miles: 1.00Mizuno Nexus2 Miles: 14.00Mizuno Ascend 5 Miles: 47.80
Night Sleep Time: 129.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 129.50Weight: 0.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

AM/PM Yoga

Stopped at Fillmore Subway for lunch where we saw Walter & Misty Brown, Staci and her family.  Staci let us borrowed one of her cameras as we forgot ours.

Got to Expo at 3:00ish.  Saw Leslie, RunningUtes, Staci, Melanie...

Went to 4pm Ed Eyestone's lecture.  Very entertaining.  Sat by Teena, RivertonPaul and Matt.  Kelli & Scott, Julie were behind us.  For Q&A I had Teena asked Ed if it was true that he has his runners take mustard for cramps.  Did we feel foolish for asking!  So Lowell was full of it!  :)

Got to Scott and Judy's house before 6.  This year she has a house full of guests.  Her aunt, Ramona, cousin Carolyn whose husband Paul Losee has the same birthday as mine turning 62 running his second SG.  He is running the Pony Express 100 on his birthday.  Carolyn's daughter Katherine whose husband Charles is running his very first SG. 

While the men watched the BYU vs USU football I got my race gear ready and went to bed.  Could not fall asleep.  Took an AdvilPM at 9pm and was still awake at 12:34am

*******

Race morning:

Woke up at 3:30.  Hubby took Paul and I to the bus.  Left the house at 4:10 and got there at 4:27 and was met by Maynard and his brother Russ.  We walked south one block on 400E to the tennis court where the Forumites congregated.  Called Teena to make sure she was coming.  Took group picture, at least 25 of us, got on the bus.  It was so fun to sit w/ so many friends.  Ate the one yogurt I brought, no banana and forgot to eat the Clif bar. 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(3)
Race: St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 03:58:49, Place overall: 622, Place in age division: 28
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
9.0017.200.000.0026.20

I love SGM!!! I love love love seeing soooooooo many Forumflyers, friends and family!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

I got to sit by BeMo(Julie Ann) on the bus :D ...loved it...the shortest bus ride ever.  The only problem was too busy visiting and ate only a yogurt for breakfast! :|

Ya know it's gonna be a sizzling hot one when you don't need gloves at the start and had to douse w/ water at the first aid station. :roll: Maynard, Kathie and I lined up together in between the 3:50 and 4:00 balloons while I hastily chomped down 3 cliff bloks. Kathie, Da Ms Organizer, printed Cougar's 3:55 pace wrist bands for us. 8-) I warned her that I would jump up and down or hug and kiss her if I PR (I only need to run 3:57:08 to PR:). My training was going well and was able to avoid any cramping until the last mile in the last 2 marathons this summer.  However with the unprecedented heat a PR was doubtful. Nevertheless we were hopeful for sub-4. For the first 10K we were 30-60 seconds ahead of pace. Then we walked a little on Veyo and were back on pace. I carried only one Gu which I took at mile 5 (hoping to use 3 from the aid stations as promised on the runner's guide, they lied :evil: ). I loved running w/ Maynard & Kathie and watching the motor-gliders, helicopters overhead. I had fun harassing Lowell when I passed him. 8-) Mile 1-7: 9:03, 8:56, 8:52, 8:22, 8:34, 8:45, 8:19.

Somewhere around mile 10, Kathie started to see spots. :? We didn't know whether it was the heat or what. Her breathing was not labored, form was good. She doused w/ water at the station...it didn't help...the vision was closing in on her :(. She urged us to leave her when the 4hr balloons were passing us at the half. :( We hated to leave her but hoped that she would soon catch up if we stayed at the 4hr pace. Mile 8-13: 10:13 (Veyo), 9:18, 9:27, 9:23, 10:06, 8:46. We ran the first half in 1:59:xx.

I lost Maynard soon after mile 15. In the past he always found me if he had to take a pit stop. I kept looking back and couldn't see him. Darn this old lady eyesight! :x I spent way too much time at each aid station looking for Gu, filling cups w/ gatorade and water...quite a juggling act :evil:!!!  I had to be smart to stay hydrated. For the entire race I had one cliff bar, one piece of banana which I took w/ a Hammer electrolytes cap, and orange slices. The 4hr balloons would get further and further away after each aid station. I would then gradually reel them in. Mentally I fooled myself into thinking I'm running in mid 50 temp w/ a cooling canyon breeze. I thought of many wonderful blessings in my life. I tried to run w/ a smile. :) I told myself to "run like a horse" as Ed Eyestone inspired us at the Clinic yesterday. I concentrated on good downhill form, running relaxed. Mile 14-19: 10:10, 8:30, 8:48, 8:31, 9:59, 9:23.

It was so awesome to have so many spectators cheering, I side-fived the kids and thanked the "cheerleaders". :D I passed Staci Carroll on Bluff St and felt bad that she was having tummy issue. :( I passed many runners and encouraged walkers to run with me. I passed the 4hr balloons with a little less than a mile to go. :) Phil Struthers, my Ragnar team captain, passed me just before mile 26. As I turned the last corner I saw and passed him. Within a min. he passed me back and wasn't going to let me finish ahead of him...stinker! :mrgreen: That last 4 blocks were painful as my left calf and foot began to cramp up. :? I stomped hard w/ each stride to keep charlie horse from ceasing me. I saw and heard Teena which helped a tiny bit. Then I saw my sweet hubby and almost lost it!!! I didn't dare return his cheer, just focused w/ all my might to keep charlie horse at bay. :cry: Why did they keep moving the finish arch away from me?!!! :twisted: I crossed the finish and was elated to see my Garmin reading 3:58:51. My chip time: 3:58:49 (1 min 40 sec short of a PR). But I was and am very HAPPY with my effort. I "ran like a horse".  I did my best, no regrets!!!!   Mile 20-finish: 9:26, 8:30, 9:40, 9:08, 8:16, 8:39, 8:41, 9:13.

The elation was short-lived as I stopped at a shady spot next to the p-o-ps within min. of finishing. I collapsed in a heap of pain and cried like a big baby as the vice-grip-like angry cramps ceased my entire lower legs including the feet. Two kind souls, Larry and Ian, helped me passively stretch them out, got me ice bags and even bought me a bottle of gatorade. I laid on the grass for what seemed like eternity as my legs went into involuntary convulsions. :( I was soooo HAPPY and relieved when Maynard and RAD found me and helped me get up on my feet and walked gingerly out of the finisher corral. I found my hubby and had to wait 'till after the award ceremony at 1pm to receive my Grand Slam division award along with Canyon (Marcie) and Teena. I was bummed that we did not have time to go to Cougar's to say hello to everyone there! :(

A million THANK YOUs to you my dear dear friends for your love and friendship. HUGE CONGRATZ to all of you who finished this sizzling hot SGM 2010!!!! See you on the road/trail soon! :D :D :D

Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 26.30
Night Sleep Time: 2.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 2.50Weight: 0.00
Comments(24)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.000.000.000.001.00

Listened to morning session of General Conference on the drive home.  Called all my children after Conference.  Am so blessed to have such good kids.  I miss them terribly.

Watched afternoon session of General Conference at home.

Legs are sore.  No appetite.  Ate left over dinner from Sat. Texas Roadhouse: salmon, sweet potato and veggies.  Drank joint juice.

Walked w/ hubby after dinner just before the windy rain storm hits.  

Inspire 5 (2) Miles: 1.00
Night Sleep Time: 5.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 5.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Did not sleep well.  Legs are sore.  Calf muscles are tender to touch.  Still no appetite.  Ate yogurt and Kashi cereal for breakfast,  some spaghetti w/ shrimp for lunch, salmon burger, rice and brocoli for dinner.  Drank joint juice.

Signed up for the SG Runner Series.  I think the 750 slots were filled within 40 min.  

Night Sleep Time: 6.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.500.000.000.002.50

I got 8 EIGHT hours of sleep!  WOW!!!  finally felt decent to want to exercise.  Karen picked me up to go to the Legacy Center.  We only had 45 min as Karen was leaving to go to her daughter's soccer game down at Dixie.

Did 2.5 miles on the elliptical, 4.5 resistance, that must be very easy!  The legs actually felt good.  Right calf muscles still tender to touch.  

After I got home,  I did 6 circuits of Pftiz CSE, stretching the quads and calves in between circuits.  

AM/PM yoga.

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

Question:  I want to run either the Valley of Fire or Mesquite Marathon on Nov. 20. Hubby has meeting that weekend and can't take me.  He doesn't want me to go alone.  If there's any lady or husband/wife going to either of these marathons...I'd love it if I can have travel company!  THANK YOU!!!!  :)


Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 2.50
Night Sleep Time: 8.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 8.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(7)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.500.000.000.003.50

Legs are still sore.  Walked 0.5 mile to warm up, then ran slowly, stopped at mile 1 and 2.5 to stretch the quads and calves.  So good of Carolyn to keep me company.  Nice cool temp after the rain.  Wore the SGM l/s shirt and CWX tights. 

The post-race charlie horse always creates havoc on my gastrocnemius.  The right medial gastrocnemius is very tender to touch.  Lots of stretching and self-massaging the legs today.  

Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 3.50
Night Sleep Time: 6.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.50Weight: 0.00
Comments(3)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.500.000.000.004.50

Perfect recovery run w/ Wendy, Carolyn and Karen.  Legs were tight at first but felt good after a mile of slow warm up.  Wore CWX tights again for compression, glad the weather is cool, very nice running condition.

Right gastrocnemius (fancy word for calf muscles) is feeling much better after massaging the knots last night.  

6 circuits of Pfitz CSE, stretching.

Just registered for Ogden Marathon and Valley of Fire Marathon. :) Will decide on Snow Canyon Half later.  

Wondering if I need trail shoes for Goblin Valley 50K.  If so, I better get a pair and start "breaking 'em in"! :) :) :)

Inspire 5 (2) Miles: 4.50
Night Sleep Time: 6.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.50Weight: 0.00
Comments(6)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.000.000.000.004.00

A wonderful morning hiking w/ Dianne and Wendy to Steward Falls in Provo Canyon.
 

 


Inspire 5 (1) Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 6.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(13)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.007.000.000.0010.00

Very cool morning, l/s, tights and jacket which I shed 3 miles into the run.  Ran w/ Karen the first 3 miles.  We ran into Lori, the Gazelle, a 1:30 half-marathoner.  Ran w/ Lori for 3 miles.  Legs felt great.  Even the blister on the left foot is all healed.  Ran the last mile bare foot.

10 in 1:23:23.  Splits: 10:48, 10:25, 9:58, 8:55, 8:48, 8:54, 9:05, 8:50, 8:35, 8:57. AP: 9:21

Had a nice 80th birthday celebration for Auntie Gladys...yummy sushi, salad, teriyaki chicken.  Then went to the BYU vs SDSU game where hubby received the game ball after the Cougar's first touch down.  So glad BYU won.  Ate sooooo good at the corporate tent, snapper over polenta, New York steak, new baby potatoes, veggies, strawberry crepe, crab cake, shrimp, chocolate moose brownie, chocolate fountain....YUM!

Barefoot Miles: 1.00Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 9.00
Night Sleep Time: 6.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(7)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
7.000.000.000.007.00

Nice running weather, cool & cloudy.   Feet always hurt bad the first mile in cold temp, darn arthritis!  Note to self, do dynamic flexibility exercises pre-run to warm up.

Ran EZ w/ Karen, Wendy & Carolyn.  After dropping off K and W; Carolyn and I did some hill work and strides.  

7 in 1:07:35 AP: 9:39.  

Hope everyone is off to a great week! :)

Inspire 5 (2) Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 7.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(10)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
7.260.000.000.007.26

Ran w/ K, W & C down 3rd west then up on the new trail/parkway by the railroad, uphill on 3200 N.  Nice hill run today, cool temp again (gloves, l/s, tights, jacket /till warmed up).  Did 5 min dynamic flexibility exercise pre-run.  

6 circuits Pfitz CSE.

Ordered two pair of shoes yesterday.  Should arrive tomorrow.  Going to run some trails...so excited!!! :)

Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 7.26
Night Sleep Time: 6.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.50Weight: 0.00
Comments(12)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.000.000.000.006.00

Ran on the canal trail w/ K, W & C.  The canal is dry but still saw a flock of ducks flying off when we ran past.  Love the perfect running weather.  

Inspire 5 (2) Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 6.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(2)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.002.000.000.006.00

Debated whether going to LC for elliptical since left ITB complained a bit yesterday.  But this gorgeous weather is too good to pass up.  Ran 6 by myself.  ITB was fine once warmed up.  I think the hills on Mon & Tue irritated it a bit.  TT: 55:44  AP: 9:17

Going to the temple and lunch w/ long time friends.  Date night w/ hubby at the Jazz game.   So excited!  A fun fun fun day!

Mizuno Nexus2 Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 7.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(7)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
12.000.000.000.0012.00

BESTEST DAY EVER!!!

Started the day with a fun run on the Rail Trail at Park City w/ my SSF, Brooke & Matt!  Weather was beautiful, clear blue sky, crisp clean air!  The company was FABULOUS!  It was a fun fun fun WONDERFUL run!!!!  Wore my brand new trail shoes...got a blister on the right 4th toe...I expected that...should have put on a bandaid beforehand. 

The day got even better...my SSF & Ry treated me & hubby to dinner and the movie, Secretariat!  It's the BEST movie ever!!!  I highly recommend it to everyone!

A MILLION THANK YOUS SSF for a MOST MEMORABLE & BESTEST B'DAY GIFT EVER!  I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!! :) :-) =) :-D

Mizuno Ascend 5 Miles: 12.00
Night Sleep Time: 6.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(10)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
8.000.000.000.008.00

Woke up w/ a terrible upper backache and muscle spasm between the shoulder blades!!!  What kinda b'day wake-up call was that!!!  Not sure what the deal was.?!!!  Could it be from carrying the hand-held bottle on yesterday's run?  A hot shower helped a tiny bit. 

Was going to run 16 for Oct 16th but the backache and lead legs complained too much! Man, how am I going to run 32 miles next week?!?  Ran 7 slow @ AP: 9:42.  Walked 1 mile in the afternoon to take music to my accompanists. 

Now 7 hours later my entire upper chest and back are sore!  The blister is oozing!  BYU is getting beat badly by TCU!  STINK!!!! 

On the bright side...my hubby and sons are taking me out to dinner for my b'day! :) :) :)  My sister called!  Wendy and Carolyn came bearing balloons and pictures!  I feel so lucky and loved! :)

 

Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 5.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 5.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(8)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

As a choir director of my ward choir I strive to have a fun as well as spiritual experience for the choir members when we rehearse every Sunday afternoon.  One of the numbers we're rehearsing is My Shepherd Will Supply My Need by Mack Wilberg.  I usually share a  thought or two about the piece to get the singers in the right kind of mind.  Today I shared the story that Teena told us during our Friday's PC run.  :)

One day the Jensen family was talking about Jesus (I think in preparation for Sophia's baptism).   Sophie asked the question "Who is Jesus Christ anyway?".  Everyone was thinking about how to answer that question when the youngest child, Livvy, simply replied: "Duh! Jesus is the Shepherd and we are His sheep!" :D  :) :) :) :) :)  

Is that beautiful or what?!!!  Just love the words out of the mouth of babes!  So pure!!!  The choir members loved it too!!!!  :) :) :) :) :) 


Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(10)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.000.000.000.005.00

Ran 5 EZ w/ K, W & C.  

Registered for Boston just before 10am and got in instantly.  Registration opened at 9am EST and closed at 5:03pm EST.  That is crazy how fast it filled up!   I am super bummed for those who didn't get in. :(

Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 5.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 5.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(6)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
7.000.000.000.007.00

7 EZ w/ K, W & C.  Gorgeous running weather! :) 

Had fun visiting teaching!  Everyone has Halloween decorations on their porches.  When I got home from visiting teaching, there was a freshly carved pumpkin on my porch! Someone must have felt sorry that I didn't have any!  :)  :)  :)

Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 7.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(10)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.000.000.000.006.00

Ran w/ W & C on the canal trail.  Wore Mizuno Ascend...no new hot spots, yeah!  Another beautiful day!  Saw a big fat hawk soaring overhead and some ducks along the canal!

Questions:  what do you do when you get a hot spot or blister during a race/long run?  I need to prepare for that on Sat's GV50. 

 

Mizuno Ascend 5 Miles: 6.00
Night Sleep Time: 7.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(11)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.001.001.000.004.00

Only had time for a quick run, AP: 8:56.  Lunch at Olive Garden w/ bunch of friends! :) Shopping, laundry, packing in the afternoon.  Teaching Primary children first aids and safety this evening in our Ward's Preparedness Fair~ KNOW-A as in *Noah preparing for rainy days*! :) FUN FUN FUN!!! :D 

Mizuno Nexus2 Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 5.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 5.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(17)
Race: Goblin Valley 50K (29.8 Miles) 05:21:31
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
29.800.000.000.0029.80

I'm terrible at writing report...but here it is! :P

A little history:  Last year I ran 54K on my 54th birthday (13 days after SGM) on the Pony Express Trail in just under 7 hrs. It was a fun experience albeit long and tiring. After hearing accolades about Goblin Valley and that Leslie and Kelli planned on running it, I signed up.  I did have some concerns: 1) What will my sweet hubby do for 7 hrs in the desert waiting around for me? :lol:  2) Because of my lack of experience in trail & ultra running , how will my legs/feet/tummy/kidneys respond???  3) What if I get lost in the wilderness ? (I once got lost in a 5K!) :lol:  As it turns out all these concerns were unfounded.   I had a BLAST the entire weekend! :D :D :D :D :D

Friday morning, hubby rushed us out of the house for our drive down to southeastern Utah.  Along the way, he visited couple of bank branches in Helper and Price.  It started to rain and the temp dropped. We arrived at our tiny cabin in Green River around 3 pm. Leslie & Harold, Kelli, Scott & their 4 children arrived shortly thereafter.  SO FUN to see them! :D :D :D  My hubby is not a camping type...but he never complains...seriously I think our tuff shed is bigger than the cabin!  I quit whining when I realized Popegirl (Laurie) & her entire family stayed in a tent!  I later found out JD camped by his lonesome for 2 nights in Temple Mountain, WOW!  And to think I booked a $250 hotel room in Boston 360 days in advance! :roll:

Here's Leslie & Harold in front of their cabin:

With the cold rain we didn't have anything to do but go to the registration dinner at the Senior Center, kinda like church dinner being served by the sweet elderly RS sisters and HPs.  We helped set up the boxes containing our packets and some tables for dinner (baked potato, squash, tomato/cucumber salad, watermelon, rolls, fig bars). We visited w/ a few runners from Colorado.  Rumor has it that the Colorado folks are the speedy ones.  The mayor welcomed us and informed us that the crew were out marking the course.  Since it had been raining all day, they had to change the course a bit to avoid the flash-flood areas.  We joked about how accurate could it be when they marked the course in the dark.  The ultra folks didn't seem to care whereas the 5K speedsters would NEED to have it precisely marked! :lol:

Between the rain, the noisy thin HARD mattress, hubby's snoring, getting up to use the restrooms (which is located like a *block* away) several times, I got zero sleep. :shock:   I was fretting over what to put in the drop bags (a new concept to an ultra-newbie :roll: ).  At 6:45 am Leslie drove Laurie, Kelli, Harold and me to the start while hubby would go to Moab to visit a branch and joined us later.  It was a fun 45 min drive under a full moon, cloudy sky. We were so giddy! :D :mrgreen: :D  If it weren't for the big ole' cardboard bib pinned on my shirt I seriously did not feel like I was going to a race; more like going to a fun party in some State Park! :D 8-) :D  I saw Abbie Hawks as soon as we got there; then met JD whom I would not recognize if he didn't introduce himself to us! :D  Harold snapped a picture of our *dirty girl gators* while we waited. 8-)  There were about 220 runners w/ the majority running the 50K.

This is what greeted us as we drove into the Goblin Valley State Park:

We lined up at the start where the RD said the course may be short and if you're the OCD type to run the gaunlet twice (whatever that means) :?:  With a 1,2,3 GO we were off.  The first couple miles were downhill switchbacks on pavement which means it would be uphill on the return! The speedsters tore down the hill while my ITBs protested immediately, so I took it nice and easy.  For the first 4 miles I ran with a gal, Jan, who had recently run the Layton Marathon.  We talked about the craziness of Boston filling up so fast.  I stopped to take some pictures w/ my cell phone while Jan continued on.  Rick, from Colorado, started to run w/ me and we chatted till we hit the first aid station where I dropped off my jacket and used the pop.  The temp was perfect, perhaps in the high 40s, under a cloudy sky and a gentle breeze.  The trail was made soft and NO dust b/c of the rain from the night before.  Running over puddles and muddy clay was kinda fun, at this point anyway! :D 

I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the mesa, the strata, the mountain formation, the vast desert.  My favorite portion of the course was meandering around the canyon (slot canyons?) where there were cravices and interesting geologic formations.  The course was well marked w/ orange ribbons.  Saw the first 25K woman and man running FAST towards us.  When we passed the 25K turnaround I joked w/ Rick that we shouldn't be seeing any oncoming traffic for awhile or we must be running terribly slow. :lol: With that he glanced down at his watch and said we were running too fast.  He told me to go on ahead.  I ran alone and passed a few runners all the while wondering if I should slow down.  My poor eye sight was a blessing b/c I seriously would have freaked out if I saw snakes or coyotes.  The ONLY thing that really scared me was the cattle guard.  The metal slats were so far apart that my legs could seriously slip through and my hips cracked (osteoporosis). :shock:   My legs almost cramped up on the way back crossing the cattle guard.

On the steep switch-back going up I saw the first man blasting FAST down the mountain.   I thought about Crockett doing that! 8-)  It was fun cheering many of the runners one of whom called out: "Matt said to say hello to you!"  I saw the first woman at around my mile 12+ and realized it was not Kelli.  For a split second I thought to trip her :twisted: , but I yelled out a cheer instead! :)  When I got to the top of a mesa, I saw a sheriff vehicle.  I said to them, "You're not giving out speeding tickets, are you?"  I asked one of the officers to take a picture of me w/ the mesa in the background, a beautiful panaronmic view!  I continued to pass pairs of runners. Then I saw Kelly running so FAST, STRONG & FOCUS in her cute skirt.  She was the CUTEST dressed girl by far! :D  I told her she's 4th woman (which she probably already knew) and that she could easily catch them! 8-)  When I got to the turnaround, my feet and legs felt fine. So I decided to not get my drop bag but use the *camp-potty* instead.  It took a few minutes to unzip the tiny tent and use the tiny potty. :shock:  The return trip was fun as I got to encourage all the runners coming up.  I saw Laurie running happily followed by the BEAUTIFUL Leslie. :D  We paused for hugs! ♥♥♥ Seriously she looked so GOOD, a trail running queen indeed! :D 8-) :D

I soon found myself leap-frogging with a young couple, Raquel and Scott, the newlyweds.  I would pass them and only to have them take off sooner from the aid stations where I would sample potato wedges dipped in salt, pretzels, bananas, apples and to fill up my hand-held bottle w/ gatorade.  At the second to the last aid station, the volunteers offered girl-scout cookies which were starting to melt.  I declined but *stole* a handful of ice instead to put inside my running hat.  The sun started to beat down on us and getting a bit warm.  The headwind combined w/ the ice felt good though. 

At the last aid station I asked for gel (mistakenly thinking I still have another 9+ miles to go).  I had used up the 3 gels I carried and didn't think I could stomach anymore solid food, a kind runner gave me one of his gel which I ended up not using since I drained my hand-held dry.  Running on the gravel/dirt road from mile 20 on was surprisingly smooth. I kept waiting for the wheels to fall off but never happened.  I felt strong and passed a few runners including the newlyweds who could not believe I'm a grandma.  The spectacular scenery filled my heart with gratitude!  The majestic mountains all around were so inspiring!  This is why I LOVE to run!!!! :D :D :D

Harold called out "Smooth" on his bike heading out to meet Leslie.  That gave me a boost!  Back on the pavement w/ the State Park up on the hill I kept running and focused on tangents.  I asked some campers how far to the finish, they just pointed to the parking lot up on the hill.  Seriously, I had to loose the mentality of a marathoner...there's no mile markers, no splits, no cheering crowds!  Then I saw a lone figure standing on top of the ridge with something like a binocular held to his face.  Could that be my sweet hubby?  He had been watching for me to *come around the mountain*!  When I made it up the very last switch back and saw that it was him I was so excited! :D   He told me Kelli came in 3:59 (WaHOO!!! :D ) and said I only had one more mile to go! 

As I entered the parking lot, there was Scott w/ his camera and Kelli running towards me.  I just LOVE her!!!! ♥♥♥ She guided me through this torturous gaunlet of goblins.  If it wasn't for her I would have just plopped down and cried!  My little short stubby tired legs just could not navigate around, up and down and over all those fudge brownie like terrain marked by a maze of plastic smiling pumpkins which seemed to be mocking at my clumsiness.  She and her little boy, Eli, were so encouraging and cheerful helping me through this maze.  Seriously, with my blindness and delirious state of mind, I would have been lost in that pumpkin maze. :shock:  Kelli pointed the way to get back up the parking lot to the finish line.  The clock read 5:21:31 when I crossed the finish thingie.  I commented to the RD about the pumpkins not being nice, she said I would have nightmares about them, right! :lol:   She was impressed w/ my dirty-girl gators which didn't get that dirty afterall! :D

After a quick lunch and chat w/ a few runners (one of whom was Carol that I met a year ago at Hoover Dam Marathon...funny how she remembered me dressed up as lady bug) we had to leave.  I wanted to stay and wait for Leslie and Laurie.  But Hubby had a million things to do and wanted to beat the storm.  About 30 min into our drive it started to rain, I began to worry about Leslie.  I got really cold and sleepy.  The rain turned to snow.  By the time we reached Soldier Summit, it was a blizzard.  Kinda scary w/ all these semi-trucks roaring down the winding canyon. :?  We stopped by my mother-in-law's house in Orem.  She fed us dinner while Larry took care of her paper stuff.  My legs were tired but otherwise fine.  I think I'm hooked on trail running! :D

I will post pictures later...gotta go make dinner for another family!

Hubby barely fast enough to snap this pic of Kelli's speedy finish:

Took this with my cell:

One of the officers took this w/ my cell:

Hubby took this spotting me on the road during the last climb.  I'm the little blue dot!

The Goblins aka obstacle course.  Great plyometric workouts, NOT!

Kelli & Eli guiding me thru the goblin gaunlet:

Finish at last!

 Cute Kelli and darling Emma!

Some after thoughts:  so may be I should have tried to race this thing...not spend so much time at each aid station.  Since the course measured short...I still have a score to settle with a 50K for real! :) :) :)

Mizuno Ascend 5 Miles: 29.80
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(34)
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0.000.000.000.000.00

I have the BEST calling in the world.  I get to serve a special girl in Primary.  Physically she is about 180 lbs and about same age as my oldest daughter (late 20's early 30's).  Mentally she is that of a 2-3 y.o.  She is without guile, pure and innocent.  Today is her birthday.  She got to participate in the Primary Sacrament Presentation where she spoke in the microphone:  I am a child of God

After Sacrament, the children made birthday cards for her.  She gushed over each child and totally LOVED each and every one of the cards.  Cards are her favorite thing, pajamas, soft socks, valentines, bead necklaces!  Anyway you'd think she'd won the lottery today!  The Primary children loved seeing her so happy!  She was being a real good girl to leave alone the present I got her (which I hid from her in my bag but she spotted it right away) until after the Sac. Mtg.  It took tremendous self-restrain for a 2 y.o. to sit still thru the meeting and obey when I said: "You have to wait.  We have to listen."  I just love her!

I feel so blessed and privileged to be her *FRIEND*.  She used to call me, Friend or Julie, b/c that's all she could pronounce.  Now she calls me SuuuAaaaNah!  :) :) :) :) :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALERIE!!!!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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4.000.000.000.004.00

Walked/jogged 4 on the mill.  Stretched and massaged the quads.  I think I'll run tomorrow if the weather is good.

Mizuno Nexus2 Miles: 4.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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5.250.000.000.005.25

Ran EZ w/ Carolyn and Karen.  The road was wet, sun was out, no wind.  Very pleasant.  Definitely felt the GV miles in the quads.  

Just got a confirmation email from BAA that I'm accepted into the 2011 Boston! :)

Going to sign up for Snow Canyon Half today. :)

Wonder when and if Goblin Valley going to put up the results.  I'm curious where my placement was.  I think I at least made top 20 of the women. 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(7)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.500.000.000.006.50

6.5 w/ Carolyn AP: 9:45.  Winter is here blanketing the mountains, fields, lawns, tree branches and roof tops with  beautiful glistening white SNOW! :) Hubby purchased our ski passes last night! :D    Busy day today!!!

Hope y'all having a GREAT middle of the weekday day!

Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 6.50
Night Sleep Time: 6.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(10)
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8.000.000.000.008.00

Pleasant conversational run w/ Carolyn and Wendy!  There was a tense moment when we saw a pit bull running towards us dropping whatever thing he had in his mouth.  He just wanted to play w/ Sky, Carolyn's hound.  It took awhile to get rid of him. 

You know it's WINTER when:  1) you can see your breath,  2) the lawn is crunchy with ice and frost,  3) it takes 3 miles to thaw your fingers and toes,  4) 10 mm pace felt like mp pace,  5) your nose runs faster than your legs,  6) the mountains turned white,  7) parents figuring out what Halloween costumes can be worn OVER the coats.  

6 circuits Pfitz core


Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 8.00
Night Sleep Time: 6.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 6.00Weight: 0.00
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Went to a wonderful event last night, (the Women Philanthropic Network Celebration, part of United Way),  such good good women helping very courageous immigrants in Utah!  Went to bed late and got little sleep!

What happened to winter?  Mother Nature must have felt sorry for me...got a taste of what Arizona winter feels like!  Wish every morning could be like this morning! :)

Ran by my lonesome and decided to tempo it to wake up the legs.  Tempo run is supposed to feel comfortably hard...it was more HARD than comfortable barely eeked out some half-marathon pace.  Felt great to work up a sweat! :)

7 in 1:01:53  AP: 8:50  Splits: 10:17, 9:05, 8:28, 8:35, 8:17, 8:26, 8:41. 

Have a wonderful Weekend everyone!!!

Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 7.00
Night Sleep Time: 4.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 4.50Weight: 0.00
Comments(17)
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10.500.000.000.0010.50

Up early to run with Carolyn to Alpine.  Wanted 13 but only had time for 10.5.  

Busy fun day with family for my nephew's wedding. 

Sam's siblings (half of them traveled from Japan, D.C & AZ) and parents!  What a good looking family!

Me and Sam's best friend, Jason who is Lowell's son at the wedding banquet!

Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 20.50
Night Sleep Time: 5.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 5.00Weight: 0.00
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We're supposed to have a quick warm-up-practice before church this morning.  When I got there at 8:30 am, the choir members weren't there.  We run thru the piece twice with two altos, two little girls who sang soprano and zero men.  The piece started w/ the Tenor and Bass in unison so I sang that part.  It was ugly... my low raspy voice was horrible!  I recruited my friend, Keith Greenwood, a great runner/marathoner, to sing when it's time.  Oh, and my accompanist called last night to say she hurt her back and won't be able to come.  So, I asked the bishop's wife, Tina Marie, to accompany us.  There was also a flute part that I had the organist played on the organ since I couldn't find anyone who could play the flute.  Man, was I nervous...it's only the second time I conducted the choir.

Well, when it's time to "perform", the choir got up and sang.  I wouldn't say it was flawless...but as the title of the song testifies...My Shepherd Will Supply My Need...I belief He did!  It brought a few tears of joy!  :)  I truly have the best callings in the world!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
157.8128.205.000.00191.01
Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 78.80Inspire 5 (2) Miles: 18.50Inspire 5 Purple (3) Miles: 31.76Inspire 5 (1) Miles: 4.00Barefoot Miles: 1.00Mizuno Nexus2 Miles: 14.00Mizuno Ascend 5 Miles: 47.80
Night Sleep Time: 129.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 129.50Weight: 0.00
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