Each Day Is a Gift

Tue, Jun 09, 2020

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:00:00

Signed up for this race on Sat. and noticed forecast showing perfect race weather today so decided to run this even though it's only been 15 days since my last marthon on Memorial Day. I have done back to back marathons last year (St. George then SoJo) so figure I should be able to finish fine. Texted Lowell, Rachel, Karen and Wendy to seek comapny. Last night Karen responded that she may be able to run some with me, she having returned from a family beach vacation in California last night.

Got up at 5:40. Ate breakfast of chobani, banana and a small cresent roll. Out the door at 6:45 and ran 1.3 miles before meeting Karen at her house. Amanda Ashby also came in her bike to accompany us. After bidding her goodbye at her mile 10 (my mile 11.2) she turned back home in a much faster speed. Karen stayed with me all the way to the finish. We chatted making the miles go by fast. Lowell called us twice to chat and sing his "unique" songs to us. Love his funny wittiness and singing. At almost age 78, he sure is amazing!

PF pain during almost the whole run. Perfect weather starting temp 43F finish temp 65F sunny with a little breeze in Orem. We turned back when my watch reached mile 18 about a block east on 800 N Orem. Didn't manage Gu taking very well today. I missed my last and 4th Gu so I think I bonked during the last 5 miles. I also talked alot as a result walked alot. Today's run is not about time, it's about visiting and enjoying Karen's company. However, we missed Rachel and Wendy.

TT: 5:55:22 AP: 13:34 Splits: 12:19, 11:45, 11:12, 12:47, 12:04, 12:01, 13:16, 12:21, 12:24, 13:25, 12:30, 13:25, 12:36, 14:31, 14:16, 14:19, 14:39, 13:54, 14:07, 14:00, 13:32, 15:00, 14:34, 15:14, 14:38, 17:30, 14:43

Mon, May 25, 2020

Mon, 25 May 2020 06:00:00

Perfect Memorial Day Weather. Starting temp 45F sunny, calm, finishing temp was probably high 60s. Got up at 5:45, ate one chobani and banana, water. Left the house at 6:45 ran one mile to pick up Karen. Plan was to meet Rachel at 9am at the Canyon Rd Trailhead where Karen's husband will drive Karen home. Got there at 8:50 so was going to run 5 min south and turn back. Lowell called right then so was chatting with him and lost track of time. Ended up running extra mile to mile 10+. Turned back and met Rachel at my mile 11.3 Rachel's dog, Daisy, accompanied us the next 15+ miles. There were SO many bikers in all shapes, sizes and ages on the path. I got nervous especially when Daisy went leashless the last 8+ miles. She is a very obedient dog and always turns/runs back to Rachel whenever called. I just got stressed watching for bikers. I've never seen so many bikers on that trail in all these years I ran there.

Got to the end of trail in 800 N Orem at almost mile 19, then turned back. Stopped my watch at mile 26.21 and walked the last 0.6 or so mile back to the trailhead parking lot. During that walk, my left foot (where the foot bends) started to cramp. So I took a sub-linqual cramp tab and it helped. Ate one Gu every hour+ so had 4 Gu and drank every 2 or so miles the first 18 miles, then drank from every fountain and doused my hat the last 8 miles back. It got a bit warm with no breeze and the sun beating down on us. Lowell called 2-3 more times during the last 16 miles. I don't do well running and talking because of my asthma. Even though my pace always slow a bit, it was great to chat with him. Did the 4:30 to 0.30 ratio most of the time and walk on incline and when getting phone out talking. No walk breaks the last 1.26 mile. Was really hoping to get in under 5:30 but calf cramps came on the last 5K.

TT: 5:33:11 AP: 12:43 Splits: 11:46, 11:16, 10:57, 12:16, 11:40, 12:34, 12:39, 12:09, 12:01, 13:12. 14:35 (talking to Lowell and texting Rachel), 12:45, 12:50, 12:24, 12:37, 12:52, 13:39. 12:31, 13:42, 13:13, 12:53. 13:28, 14:30 (talking to Lowell), 13:05 (back of calf cramp), 12:32, 11:58

Fri, May 22, 2020

Fri, 22 May 2020 06:00:00

63F sunny north wind at 7mph. walked with hubby.

Planning to run the Utah Valley Marathon virtually this weekend, but with the forecast of rain/strong wind, I will run it on Monday Memorial Day instead even though it means I have to do it solo.

Thu, May 21, 2020

Thu, 21 May 2020 06:00:00

48F cloudy south breeze. Ran with Wendy east to 810E west on MCT to center west on Ivory Ridge Clubview Ln, south on 460E thru Bronson corner to 600E. Saw hubby coming out of the house as we turned west on 2600N where we walked and stopped the watch at 3.26 miles. Nice chatty 5K doing 4:1 ratio

3.26 miles in 41:36 AP: 12:46 Splits: 12:17, 11:54, 12:38, the last 0.26 walked 18:27.

Once we reached Wendy's house, said goodbye, caught up to hubby and restarted the watch to walk with him.

1.27 miles in 26:06

Wed, May 20, 2020

Wed, 20 May 2020 06:00:00

52F cloudy strong south wind. First run after the half marathon on Sat. PF is noticeable. Ran the usual west MCT 5 mile route. Paused at 1600W restroom for quick drink. No walking breaks. The last mile with headwind took my breathe away. Wheezing after I got in the house so took two puffs of ProAir.

TT: 53:47 AP: 10:45 Splits: 11:29, 10:42, 10:43, 10:26, 10:24

Almost same time as the run on May 8 (which was 2 seconds faster), except today's splits were more even.

Tue, May 19, 2020

Tue, 19 May 2020 06:00:00

walked with hubby

Mon, May 18, 2020

Mon, 18 May 2020 06:00:00

Walked with hubby on this nice 63F cloudy breezy morning.

Sat, May 16, 2020

Sat, 16 May 2020 06:00:00

Like most night before a race, I slept very little especially in the Trend when hubby gets up to use the bathroom. He tried to be quiet but the RV rocks a little everytime he moves. It got cold for him around 4 so he turned on the heat. Anyhow, I got up at 5:15. Ate a banana and chobani. Dressed in capri, long sleeve top, and armwarmersock, fuel belt with handsanitizer, chlorox wipes, pill box, mask, tissues and one Gu. Three buses pulled in at 5:50 and parked where we would've parked last night when we were eating dinner. But I had a feeling we should move it to the east side, so that was the right thing to do. There was one other camping trailer parked at the northeast corner. Runners started to pull in and parked at the north end and in the middle of the field. Two porta-potties were stationed at the "entrance" on the south side. When the last of the buses pulled out (one remained and was not going to the start), I texted Lowell, Amanda to make sure they're already on their way. It was 6:14am. Amanda texted me as they got off the exit which is about 0.25 mile away and gave description of their vehicle. I got out and walked to the entrance where Chelsie (the RD and some race staff) were standing and directing traffic. I asked them where the finish line is. It's about 0.15 mile off on the frontage road directly west of the parking lot. Patrick drove up shortly and off we went. In the Highlander were also Amanda's two kids (Landrey 15 and Scottie 10). They're making this a little family getaway trip. They brought 4 bikes with them.

Got to the start with 15 min to spare. Met up with Amanda Roberts, Haley Lane and her brother Joseph Bradshaw (who ended up taking 2nd place overall). Amanda and Haley drove up from St. George that morning. Landry would drive Amanda's car down to the finish, he being from Idaho already got his driver's license at age 15.

We took some group pictures with and without our masks. Lowell brought bandanas for them to use as mask. While he shed his tights and down jacket, Haley, Amanda V and I used the portapotties. The Half capped at 90 for the Half. We ended up with 85 participants. There were fire barrels, 5 porta potties, music. The start line is a reflective tape laid across the road. The RD made a brief announcement asking who's the first-timer, 4th timer for this race. He commented that the first timers might get hooked after running this beautiful course and would wanna come back. He explained the course is semi-closed off, there are couple of ranchers living in the canyon and of course the Fremont Indians State Park & Museum is at mile 8 and is opened at 9am. so we could encounter traffic there. I've only seen one car going down and one car coming up the canyon during the entire race.

I was worried that I might be overdressed as I looked around most runners were wearing shorts and singlets. I used the mylar blanket from the race packet to wrap around me so I could avoid the firepit smoke. The race started on time with a 5-4-3-2-1-rifleshot. The two Amandas and Joe were off like a bullet while Haley, Lowell and I stayed with the back of the pack. We leap frogged with few runners. Ran with a lady from St. George who donated her kidney to a friend two months ago in March. We came across Willow, a tall 14 year old with her mother Rhonda. Lowell asked Willow to join us saying it would help her and us. She said she was having breathing issues. So Lowell showed her how to breath properly to get more oxygen. Lowell would make us pose for pictures by running ahead of every mile marker then turn around and run towards the mile marker so he could capture the moments. He'd make us sing the "boot camp" song with him making up words as we go along. We stopped at every interesting geoformation and road signs to pose for pictures. At one point, about 10K into the race, Lowell made Haley posed for a rock-climbing pic. The canyon walls are that amazing, lots of holes and slots undoubtedly created by years of water and wind. The clear creek runs alongside to the right of us. This really is a beautiful course. So safe too that you can look up at the interesting geo-formation. We would point out a T-Rex head, a toad, a giant mushroom, a maiden, a fisherman, a dog, a horse, an Indian chief, a giraffe, etc. SO FUN!!!

We lost Lowell and Haley soon after that "rock climbing" pose. Willow started asking me how to get rid of cramps. I asked where her cramp was. She pointed to her left side just under her ribs. So I showed her some tricks to get rid of the sideache. To her delight, she said it works. Then a bit later, she asked what if it's all the way across. I figured may be it's her diaphragm spasm. So we walked and did some exercise to stretch out the rib cage. Then she asked what if she was not eating well. Then she asked about what to do for the leg cramps. Well, needless to say for two miles I gave her lessons on quads and calves stretches, breathing exercises, proper nutritions. When she wanted to stop again around mile 8 I told her I would run ahead to catch her mom and have her run with us. She said, why? My mom doesn't like to run with people. I said but you're a mother-daughter-team, you should run together. She reintereated that earlier when Lowell tried to get her mom to run with us, she refused. I learned a litte more about her mom who's actually an ultra runner and does prefer to run solo. I caught up to Rhonda and told her that Willow is having some issues. She simply said, Oh I know, she is okay, she will finish. With that I ran ahead knowing that if Willow doesn't catch up with her mom, Lowell and Haley would run along and accompany her.

The moment we passed the mile 7ish aid station, I realized I had not taken a Gu. I asked Haley if she saw any Gu at the last aid station and she assured me that there wasn't any and the next aid station should have it. Anyhow, when I approached mile 9 aid station I decided to take the Gu I carried. Sure enough, they did not have any energy gel. The last 5K was flat with a little rollers, parrallel I-70. It was getting a bit breezy and at times a headwind. I just kept in sight a runner ahead and would reel each one in. I passed about 8 or 9 runners after Rhonda and no one passed me. The last mile has an uphill of 0.75 long, it's a long steady climb. I was about 60 seconds behind my last victim but that last climb onto the freeway overpass dashed my hope of catching her and my hope of finishing under 2:30. I had to take couple of walk breaks as my heart rate soared. The finish line arch was visible on the other side of I-70. Saw hubby down below on the frontage road calling out to me. Twitches of leg cramps started to creep up as I ran down the overpass and made the U-turn onto the frontage road. Saw Amanda V and her family at the U-turn and I commented on the demoralizing uphill of the last mile, then ran straight ahead towards the finish arch to the cheers of the RDs and staff.

They had fig bars, chocolate milk and bottled water for post race refreshment. We cheered other runners in keeping a safe distance. I recommend this race and will come back and run it again in the future. Haley, Scottie and I ran back up the course when we spotted Lowell and Haley coming down and we all ran in together. We took some finish line group pictures and said goodbye with "air hugs". Hubby was extra cautious and stayed some distance away. We got back in our RV and drove home by 2pm. It was a quick 24 hours trip.

Official time: 2:32:15 Splits: 10:03, 10:57, 11:18, 12:05, 11:06, 11:35, 13:37, 11:23, 11:59, 11:07, 11:44, 11:17, 11:38, 9:45

Fri, May 15, 2020

Fri, 15 May 2020 06:00:00

Drove down to Richfield just before 2pm. in our Trend. Top off the propane tank before leaving Lehi. Got to packet pick up at the Richfield City Park on 50N Main around 4:15pm. Lowell got there about the same time. He and I and the race staffs were the only ones wearing masks. He was their top tier sponsor ($250). The names "Smootheroo Enterprises & SOS Pocatello Road Racers" was printed on the back of the shirts which run small. Because I signed up late, they let me pick a shirt from the extra men's shirts. Lowell also got Larry a men's medium which is what I chose. Lowell said Amanda Vereekan's husband will pick him up and can pick me up at the finish parking lot on the way. Lowell is staying a hotel in Richfield and the Vereekans' hotel is across the street from his. The RD showed Lowell how to get to the finish line parking lot (take Exit 23) and there will be sign directing him. We agreed on a time of 6:30am.

We left the city park and drove to Sevier about an18 miles drive and checked out the finish line parking lot which is a sage brush field that the race directors have cleared and leveled off. There's also an option of parking our RV at the mountain bike trail head parking lot at the intersection of Hwy 89 and Clear Creek Canyon Dr, about 0.25 mile walk. We liked the finish line field better as it is somewhat secluded and right where the buses would pick up the runners anyway. There are also campgrounds in the Fremont Indians State Park.

We drove to the start via I-70 and back down on the race course which is Clear Creek Canyon Dr. The drive up to the start took a little longer than expected. Got back around 6:30pm. Cooked my dinner of Chinese egg noodles with spinach and charsiu. Warmed up Larry's dinner of sloppyjoes. Bed down at 9:30.

Wed, May 13, 2020

Wed, 13 May 2020 06:00:00

55F cloudy windy 18mph NNW. Ran/walked with Wendy. Up on MCT via 810E > Center > 3200N > 600E. Nice conversational pace.

TT: 43:42 AP: 12:29 Splits: 12:37, 12:33, 12:30, 12:06

Mon, May 11, 2020

Mon, 11 May 2020 06:00:00

66F at 9am. Cloudy. 6 miler to Mitch Hollow. Walk breaks only on uphill and stopped to drink at Mitch Hollow restroom.

TT: 1:11:47 AP: 11:50 Splits: 12:21, 11:11, 12:25, 12:32, 12:50, 10:50

Sat, May 09, 2020

Sat, 09 May 2020 06:00:00

Short walk with hubby > 100E >2700N > 400E