Each Day Is a Gift

A quick shake down run with Karen, Wendy and Carolyn.

Got some nasty pricks from pruning rose bushes.  Right patella tendon squawked when bending down.

Travel day, no running.

Lowell, Terry and Sam met me at the packet pickup and Expo.  Got a nice duffle bag and two sack of potatoes! 

Then we drove to Lowell's house passing Terry's house.  Had a fun tour of Lowell's house, back patio adjacent to the golf course and Kelsey's playhouse and admired Susie's beautiful, exquisite prize-winning quilts. 

Then we drove to the courthouse to view the Liberty Bell and the two 5000 lbs rocks with the mounted plaques describing the bell.  Lowell is instrumental in moving the Liberty Bell, a 3 years process that finally took place this summer.  We got to ring the bell...very awesome! :)

Me, Susie, Lowell, Sam and Marilyn under the Liberty Bell

Then we went to Terry's house for a most delicious pasta dinner that Terry's wife, Marsha cooked for us.  Terry gave us a tour of his house which took a year to build and his beautiful Corvette! :)

Got back to the hotel at 9:30 last night after a nice dinner at Terry's.  Got my race gear ready, took a Tylenol PM and hit the sack around 10:30.  Woke up at 4:15 before the alarm.  Had a banana, yogurt, instant oatmeal, EmergenC and gatorade.  Went down to the lobby at 5:40 to meet up with Lowell's neighbor, Bill who shuttled us (Lowell, Terry, Sam, Kristen and Amy) to the start.  The ride only took 10 min.  Lowell and I helped a guy get onto his handcyle and pushed another guy up to the start.  We made a quick trip to the pop before dropping off our bags.  Temp was in the low 40s so Lowell convinced me to put on the long sleeve race shirt, gloves and carried my inhaler and cell phone but I forgot the gu.

We started near the back of the pack by the 4:30 pace group.  Since it was a training run, I have no time goal other than to help Lowell gets his BQ time of 4:15.  Had so much fun greeting fellow runners as we ran nice and easy on a beautiful morning in gorgeous mountain scenery.  First hill came just before mile 7 on an out-n-back.  SO fun cheering those ahead of us as they're running down and encourage those behind as they're running up! :)  Since I forgot my gu, I took a twizzler at the turn around and ate a tootsie roll at mile 9.  Had to stop and wait for the pop at mile 11 (a bit overhydrated! :D)

Got to the half where a guy at the timing mat said our time was 2:02.  I never looked at my watch as it was covered by the sleeve.  Hubby was waiting and cheering near the half so we stopped to shed our l/s shirts and posted for pictures.  I also took couple puff of the inhaler.

Once we were out of the hills into Inkom, the sun was in our back and a headwind started to whip up on the straight stretch along the old highway (glad I took the inhaler).  Started to pass lots of half-marathoners and gave them cheers.

Around mile 17ish, Lowell talked to yet another girl.  I looked down at my watch for the first time and saw that our pace has drifted to the high 9s.  So I picked up the pace a tad bit and fixed my eye on Ben who has been leap frogging with us since mile 3.  Ben was carrying his own fuel/fluid so he never stopped at the aid station.  It was a good move as Ben is a big fella and I could draft off him a little bit.  We ran side by side till mile 21, the big hill where Ben slowed some.  Felt good that I kept a steady effort and did not walk any of the uphills.

I stopped at every aid station to drink and sample their offerings of candy and gu.  I turned to look for Lowell who had gotten further and further behind.  At mile 23 I asked Ben what his goal was.  He said he'd like to finish around 4:20.  I looked at my watch for the third time and realized even if we ran at a 10mm pace we could easily finish under 4:15.  So I told him to stay with me hoping Lowell would chase after us as Ben has a red shirt on.  

For the last 5K, I kept repeating in my head my mantra:  "smooth, fast, strong", and with each mile marker told my self:  "just 20 more min...10 more...only 5 more."  I kept waiting for the dreaded cramps which usually comes during the last mile but it NEVER came!!! :)  The last 0.39 mile (I didn't do the tangent well) split was 8:28!!!  Ben came in a min. after me.  After getting my medal and chocolate milk, I walked back to wait for Lowell.  He finished in 4:15:06.  YES!!! He got his BQ!!!! :) :) :)

We lined up for their famous Idaho baked potato, BBQ pork sandwitch and ice cream bars.  I didn't stay for the award ceremony as I had to head back to the hotel to shower before the 12:30 check out.  But did see Rob Murphy get his award and congratulated him!  It was a fun fun fun day and great training run!!!

Terry, Lowell, Smooth and Sam.

Slept in.  Ran a progressive 5K while hubby♥ walked/jogged (9:53, 9:09, 8:52, 8:19)  Other than the tight patella tendon, legs felt pretty good!

Worked in the yard in the cool morning with hubby♥ side by side.   Silly me, forgot to change shoes and got my Inspire all muddy.  Then we went to see the movie, The Help.  It's a good show, I cried and laughed so hard.  Then we went shopping and to dinner.  FUN DAY!!!

EZ run with Karen, Carolyn and Wendy.  We only had time to run 5.  AP: 9:30.  A much warmer morning than yesterday.  Legs feel great! :)

Ran with Karen, Carolyn and Wendy down 3rd west then up on rail trail.  The rail trail is now connected to the newly paved canal trail up to Bull River, YAHOO!!!  Can't wait for the entire canal trail to be paved then we will have limitless trail to run.  :)

Forgot to charge the Garmin so no splits, probably mid 9's on the uphill.   Legs felt great!

Off to shopping with hubby♥ for the renovation and some Cougars garb! :)

Ran with Karen, Carolyn and Wendy.  Last mile by myself.  Felt tired first couple miles.  MP felt harder than it should be.  (AP: 9:14.  Splits: 10:00, 9:11, 8:59, 9:18, 9:18, 9:04, 8:51)

Got up bright and early for the flight to Austin via Dallas.  Travel day so no running!

Look who's flying with us! 

The flight from Dallas to Austin was delayed because it was transporting the flag that was flown over ground zero in New York to Austin, the Capital of Texas for the 9/11 memorial.  After landing and getting off the plane, our party stood just outside the gate to wait and watch the flag being carried by white gloved National Guard off the plane.  It was a very special patriotic moment.  Jimmer stood right next to me! :)

After checking in the hotel, the AT&T Education Conference Center in the University of Texas campus, we were bused to a Salt Lick, a rustic restaurant famous for their BBQ.  I have never eaten so much meat (ribs, pork and chicken) in my life. 

Look who rescued me from a meat coma!

Got up dark and early to run on the hotel's treadmill.  Only had time to run 12 in 1:37.  Sweat bucket.  Showered and went to breakfast with the group.

Guess who sat at my table!

Then we went on a private tour of the football stadium and their athletic facilities.  That stadium is HUGE, can seat over 100,000.

I look almost as tough as the longhorn, Earl Campbell, behind me!

I'd love to run on this turf!

Look who drove all the way from Houston to have lunch with us!

The grandkids were so excited to see/meet Jimmer!  "Daddy is taller than Jimmer!" :)

Cosmo is always cheerful even though the temp was 96F and sunny.  I roast sitting at the southeast end of the stadium.  Can't imagine how hot Cosmo must've been moving up and down the sideline in that fury coat!

Can you see Jimmer's autograph on the back of my right shoulder?

My daughter and son-in-law sat in section 101 directly across from us. We sat in section 32 row 3.  We are in the front row of that blue section show in this picture taken by my daughter's cell phone!

See the blue block among the sea of burnt orange?

Ran with Karen and Carolyn.  AP: 9:21.  Fun to hear about their Spanish Fork 1/2 reports. :)

Ran with Karen, Carolyn and Wendy.  Fun chats.  Fall is in the air.  Cooler mornings.

Contractor removed the funky angle-cornered hall wall and entry to the master bedroom.  In its place a straight wall with double door entry.  Sheetrock to the whole master suite is completed.  Tomorrow will be tape/mud.  Construction dust will only get worse the next few days.  We finalized the purchase of tile, hardwood and carpet.  Cabinet is ordered and a slap of granite is reserved.  Next decision is wall texture and paint color. 

Continue a trend of mini taper for TOU!!!  Ran with Karen and Wendy!

Just registered for Boston 2012!  :) :) :)

There's lots of Spanish talking, pounding, mud pudding, stapling sound going on in the *west wing*. 

4 easy shake down miles with Carolyn.  Getting anxious for TOU!  Hope I can help Lowell get a better BQ so he can register for Boston Sat. afternoon!  :)  

What a crazy day!  The mud crew were here to sand and mud the walls of the *west wing*; and since there were repair holes in my downstairs bathroom wall (the holes were made to gain access to the circuit breaker); I had to wait until they were done before showering.  So, that put me behind in getting out the door. 

Barely had time to eat a bowl of pasta while google map direction to get to Marcie's house by 1:45.  Mindy was there at 2 to drive Marcie and I up to Logan.  We stopped at Wendy's in North Ogden for a baked potato and chicken snack wrap.  Mindy brings her own pre-race meals.  She was drinking all sorts of specialty drinks during the drive; thus we had to make several potty stops.

Made it to Marcie's sister, Christine's house in Logan before 5.  Was nice to meet Christine, her husband and daughter and three little dogs.  Got to the Expo just a little after 5.  The race shirt is long sleeve and the xs fits nicely.  Milled around the pacer booth for an hour as Marcie is the 3:50 pacer.  Then we drove to/thru McDonald so Christine's daughter can grab dinner; then to/thru Wendy's so we can grab another baked potato, then to/thru Starbucks so Mindy can grab soy tea.  Finally back to Christine's house at 7.  I was still hungry.   Thankfully Mindy shared her peanut butter and honey on white bread with me.

We each claimed our individual couch and set out our race clothes and drop bag gear.  Plan was to get up at 4:45 and get to our designated bus loading area at 5:10 to meet Lowell and the Flyers.  We turned out the light sometime after 9.  I took an advilPM and crawled inside my sleeping bag on a couch that is next to the kitchen door and off the family room where Mindy and Marcie slept on their couches. 

Just as I was dozing off, the little dogs came exploring.  One was ready to hop on the couch, I quietly said: "down!"  Marcie got up to take him away.  Then just as I was about to doz off, another dog came in.  I was concerned that he would take my running gear away or pee on my running shoes.  I moved my running shoes right next to me.  Each time I dozed, the sound of a computer receiving mail would wake me. 

I must've slept because I dreamed that Marcie and Mindy woke me up to go.  I could not find my running clothes or shoes.  Christine found me a huge bra and some cargo shorts.  Then she drove the girls to the start leaving me to get ready.  She came back and said I owe her $100 because she told the RD to hold the timing mat 'till I get there and they agree to do it for $100.  :D  I was sweating bullets frantically trying to put clothes and her husband's hunting boots on.  WHAT a nightmare.  Next thing I knew I woke up with night sweat and Mindy got up to announce time to get ready! :)

Morning frenzy:  Got out of my sleeping bag and looked at the cell phone reading 4:45am.  Quickly went upstairs searching for a bathroom in the dark.  All the doors of the upstairs rooms were closed.  Dang!  Hope I didn't wake the sleeping occupants! :)  Quickly put on my compression sleeves, socks, shoes, fleece and jacket; grabbed the drop bag and out the door by 5am!!! Christine dropped us off a block from by the Park. Walked to the designated meeting place and called Lowell who was 5 min. away.  He brought along a fella from his hotel.  Meanwhile TomSlick has arrived.  We saw no other Forumflyers.  The six of us got on the bus.  Ate my banana and a few chex mix nibbles and water.  Marcie shared her gatorade.  I was very sleepy and not coherent. 

The start:  Got off the bus at 6:15ish.  The pop lines were L-O-N-G!  Got separated from the gang.  Thankfully Lowell had his blue flash light and I my pink flash light.  We went to back of line for a second pop visit.  It started to rain.  Lowell and I found a damsel in distress, name Gretchen, I think.  I gave her my garbage bag, Lowell gave her his gloves.  Soon we heard announcement that the clothing truck leaving in 5 min.!  We quickly stripped down.  I kept my Boston jacket on,  Lowell gave Gretchen his spare jacket.  He was so kind to take our bags plus two other people's bags to the truck while we were stuck in the pop lines.  While still in line I heard the gun/riffle shot.  Oh NO, the race has started!  No worries, it was for the handcyclists start!  Made it down to the start and found Lowell standing by the clothing truck.  He had stepped into a huge puddle and both feet were wet.  There were people huddling under a tent.  Loved this wet madness! :)  Walked over to the starting arch and hollered: "GO allie!!!!"  Those toeing the line turned and I was able to get a glimpse of allie as she looked over my way!" :) :) :)

The riffle went off with a loud bang!  Then 20 seconds later another bang!...hope it didn't hit anybody.  We cheered on the speedsters and Marcie's 3:50 group then jumped in between the 4:00 and 4:15 balloons.  The sun was up hiding behind heavy clouds but light enough we could see the wet road and puddles.  :)

Goal of the day was to run a 4:10:00 (a 5 min BQ cushion) so Lowell could register for Boston that very afternoon.  I have total confidence that he could do it as he ran 4:15 at Pocatello two weeks ago.  I secretly wanted a 4:05 goal for him so needed to keep an average 9:10 pace.  I was wearing a jacket covering my belt that holds my inhaler, my bib# with the course-tool-pace-band attached.  Needless to say I never looked at the pace band once. 

The game plan:  Lowell was allowed  to be in charge of the first 14 canyon miles and I the next 12.  Lowell has a tendency to tell stories to those we pass.  He spreads joy and aid to anyone in need especially damsels in distress.  Thus it's risky to let him be in charge of the last 12 miles.  I ran my first TOU with my niece and her husband in 2008 (their very first marathon).  I ran friends in from the mouth of the canyon to the finish in 2009 and 2010, so I'm familiar with *the work* of the Logan miles.  The rule was to utter NO more than 3 words to those we pass during MY 12 miles! :) We'd let the gods be in charge of the weather, the last 0.2 or however long it takes to get to the finish. 

The run:  We walked at every aid station.  Also my Garmin measured long so didn't match up with the mile markers.  Here are my Garmin splits follow by the course-tool-pace in parenthesis.  We were NOWHERE near the course-tool-pace!  Haha! :) :) :)

1.  9:29 (9:07) The usual good-morning-how-are-you-chit-chat slow warm-up mile.

2.  8:57 (9:21) Lowell got carried away by the group of girls in black/red outfits!

3.  8:42 (9:15) Rain. Laughing and singing.

4.  9:34 (9:18) Lowell tried talking to a geezer w/ a straw hat who was hard of hearing.

5.  8:40 (9:15) More rain.  Singing, telling jokes, general goofing off.  :)

6.  9:05 (9:13) Lowell dropped off his long sleeve shirt.  I removed my headband.

7.  8:50 (9:50) Still raining.  Singing.  Harassing other runners.  :)

8.  9:04 (8:55) Gu'ed at mile 7 aid station.  Where's the beautiful Fall foliage?!

9.  8:44 (9:23) More stories telling.  Saw a few Grand Slammers.

10. 9:49 (9:18) Took a picture of Lowell running by the reflection pond.  :)

11. 8:58 (9:33) Raining buckets.  Thundering!  :?

12. 9:05 (9:19) More rain.  Thundering!  Hailing!!!  Kowabunga!!! :)

13. 8:36 (9:15)  The timing clock showed 2:00:xx.  I figured we crossed the start a min. later so probably ran the first half in 1:59 ish.  Gu'ed at mile 13 station.

14. 8:52 (9:12) Saw hubby♥ huddling under an umbrella.  Gave him my jacket which was loaded with a cell phone, firefly glow thingie, gloves, headband, Powerbar chews, energy bar.  Whew!  So much lighter!  Loved the cheering crowds! :) :) :) :)

15. 8:39 (9:18)  Ran with Darla, a USU student, running her first marathon. :)

16. 9:08 (9:07)  Saw Nic, Teena's brother running his first marathon, looking strong! :)

17. 8:48 (9:08)  Feeling good.  Lowell broke the *3 words limit rule*! :/  I kept looking back to make sure he's staying close. :)

18. 9:09 (9:08)  Kept a steady pace to not dip below 9:10.  High fived tons of kids! :)

19. 9:09 (9:49)  How's that for steady pace?!  :)

20. 10:25 (9:38)  Gu'ed at mile 19 aid station.  Darla was groaning.  Told her we'd run to the next aid station then we could walk. Saw Andrea, Nic's wife. :)  THANKS for the cheers, Annie! :) :) :)

21. 8:43 (9:02)  Must be a downhill here!

22. 9:22 (9:25)  Kept Darla going.  Could not see Lowell from behind anymore. :(

23. 9:54 (9:35)  Shins twitched a little on the uphill.  Darla hurting.  Gu'ed.

24. 9:35 (9:42)  Darla's friend jumped in to run with her.  Saw the 4:00 balloons ahead. 

25. 9:09 (9:23)  Feeling good!  Passed lots of runners!  Darla staying with me!

26. 9:06 (9:23)  Feeling strong!  No charlie horse!

0.39 @ 8:49 (0.2 in 1:53)  Couple of turns.  Saw hubby♥ on the right!  Awesome cheering crowds!  Looked up and was surprised to see the clock just turned 4:00:00! Crossed the finish 67 seconds later.  WaHOOO!!!  Marathon #31 in the bag,  7th marathon this year since April's Boston!!! :) 

The Finish: Marcie was there to walk me to the finisher corral.  Turned back to cheer Lowell in.  He finished in 4:09:00. YES!!!  HE DID IT!!!  SUCCESS!!!  He registered for Boston 2012 that afternoon! :)

HUGE CONGRATZ to allie who claimed her champion title and PR'd.  Paul won with a huge margin.  JeffL got his sub-3 goal!  :) :) :) :)  KUDOS to Haley, Darla and so many who ran their first marathons in soggy shoes!  Double WaHOOs to Nic who ran his first marathon with a big ole bruise in his right leg!  Marcie successfully bringing 20 runners in at 3:50 for her very first pacer duty!  A GREAT TOU day indeed!!! :)

So grateful for wonderful wonderful friends!!!  So thankful for the ability to run!!! :) 

Only had enough time to run 4 with Karen and Wendy. 1 mp mile by myself.  AP: 9:15.  No soreness to speak of.

The mud crew came to finish the mudding and textured the walls of the *west wing*.  They call the wall texture Holy Smooth.  :-D  They said it's more popular than Orange Peel.  :~)

Ran with Karen and Carolyn down 3rd W, up on rail trail, east to Bull River.  Was having a hard time talking and running the uphills while Karen was cruisin'.  I chalked it off as I just ran a marathon 3 days ago whereas Karen's been tapering.  Now that I check the splits, I feel much better about my effort. 

7.25 AP: 9:19.  Splits: 9:52, 8:51, 8:42, 8:46, 9:09, 10:33 (walked the steepest part), 9:26, 8:50

The *west wing* double door and baseboards were delivered.  The outside brick work is near completion!   But nothing else is happening inside the *west wing*.

Just as I was heading out, the contractor and the drywall guys showed up.  Ran with Karen and Carolyn progressively faster as I was in a hurry to get back home.  Didn't make it back to meet the tile guy, o well.  

6 mi AP: 8:46.  Splits: 9:34, 9:09, 9:00, 8:33, 8:19, 8:02

There is a film of white dust everywhere in the house and garage!  Sigh!  Going to look for paint and finalize tiles selection. 

4 with Karen and Carolyn, 1 solo.  AP: 9:11  

Tile guy here!  Lots of noise and stinky fumes! 

Ran with Wendy to meet Karen and Carolyn.  Took it easy on hills, west to Bull River, jump on the rail trail then cross Timpanogos Hwy, to connect on the bike trail by Cabela.  Turned around where the parkway ended.  Can't wait for the trail system to be completed. They are starting to landscape the west portion of Timp Hwy. 

Nice cool morning...sunny blue sky, calm...lotsa sunflowers greeting us with cheerful faces!  Hope we get nice weather next Sat. at SGM! :)

Tomorrow will be our last group run before SGM.  Y'all invited to join us for our traditional run on the Porter Rockwell Trail.  Hope to see you there.

SO happy Jon and Kelly came to my house and drove Karen and I to the PRT.  John and Wendy followed us in their car.  They wanted to drive their own cars thinking they'd be running slow and didn't want us to wait for them to finish.  Little did they know we all ended up running 8 easy miles together and waited for the *fast* one (aka RAD) who ran almost 4 miles more! Hehe! :)

Rachel, Toby, Jun and TomSlick were already at the Park eager to run...so the party began with the 10 of us running together.  I really enjoyed Jon and Kelly's company...good chats and positive vibes.  TomSlick was amazing, running smooth and strong...you'd never known he'd run a marathon a week ago! :)  The miles flew by and we were back at the park to be rewarded with OJ, poppy seed lemon bread and banana.  Weather was cool and calm.  Wish every run could be this pleasant and fun with friends!

I was completely content to run 8 because I have not taken a rest day this summer (except for Sunday and the day before a marathon).  Having run 3 marathons in the last 5 weeks, my legs are begging me to taper! :) My right patella tendon is still tight and tender at the insertion point of the tibialis tuberosity.  My core is pathetically weak as I have not done any CSE the last 5 weeks. 

Hope I'm not pushing the envelope at SGM.  I'd love to help Karen BQ which will be a PR by 2 min. 9 sec. for me!  Will see what this old tired body can eek out on Sat.  At any rate, I will enjoy every step and treasure the memory made with wonderful special friends! 

Such a short run.  Karen is holding her ground to not let me talk her into running more than what her training schedule calls for.  :)  My body and legs actually appreciated that...for some reasons...I'm SO SO SO SO tired lately!

Since the flooring guy measured wrong on the bathroom floor, there were not enough tiles thus NO tile guys were here today!  That means I'm not bound to stay home...yipee!

Sweet Karen picked me up after we showered to go for a shopping trip to Nike's Outlet.  I HATE shopping!  She found a cute cute cute running outfit.  I got one identical to hers and another pair of shorts that is twinner to my SSF's...but could not find a tank top that fits me...so frustrating!  Karen even took me to Sports Chalet and Sports Authority...she is so patient!

Went lights and ceiling fans shopping with hubby.  I never knew there were so many choices...I just let the lighting lady and hubby made the decision.  Did I mention I HATE shopping?!! :)

Such a short run, almost not worth getting ready for.  Why am I feeling SO TIRED!!!

Karen looks so beautiful in her new running outfit!  She's gonna be fast and fab on Sat.  I *modeled* the two outfits for hubby last night....."you're gonna wear that?!!!!"....let just say I'll be taking them back to the stores...sigh!!!

The tile guys were supposed to come at 8:30 this morning.  It is now 3pm and NO ONE shows up to work! GrrrRRR!!! The back-order tiles are here though and they look darker than the ones already laid...sigh!!

Weather forecast for Sat. in SG is calling for a sizzling one...sigh!!!

Ok, the tile guy said he would be here around noon.  So I took advantage of a *free morning* and went to Target to find a more modest black top to go with the cute shorts.  Yahoo, I found two black sleeveless (NOT tank tops w/ the racer back kind) tops that are extra-small and on clearance! :)  When hubby♥ got home I modeled it for him...he liked it! :)  While he worked in the yard, I went out for a test run in the new outfit. 

I believe the temp was in the 80s at 5pm and sunny when I ran around the block.  It was SO HOT wearing black under the scorching sun.  I am rethinking wearing it on Sat. 

The tile guy NEVER came!  Neither did the mason!  NO ONE shows up to work today!  Grrrr!!!  I am sick and tired of the *destruction mess*.  Did I mention they jack-hammered the cement steps in the back on Monday and left a gigantic pile of messy concrete along with the mason's mess of broken bricks and mortar, scalfolding, cement mixers, wood pallets...?  Why do men love to make messes???!!!

No running.  Busy busy day.

Got to attend the BYU Instrumental Showcase.  Bryan is the principal violist! :)

Quick 2 miles.  Got back just in time to speak with the contractor, closet builder, tiler.  Then quickly packed and made the 4.5 hours drive to St. George.

Got to SG around 3 and hubby visited a bank store on River Dr.  Then he wanted to go to dinner early at Chuck-a-Rama.  Made it to the Expo around 4:30 and met up with Teena, her sister-in-law, Annie, Fonz and his friend, Ashton. 

Was able to meet up with Toby and her husband Tim.  Was great to see Kellie and Tyler Shepherd and their darling children.  Walked over to the pasta dinner hall for the Flyers get-together.  Was so nice to see Rob & Mindy Waite, Julie Ann Cook, Lex & Alisa Black, Bradley.  Waited for Lowell and Terry to get there.   Finally met Karen and her family who arrived at the Expo around 6.

Made it to my daughter's in-law's house at Santa Clara after 7.  After visiting with the Larsens and the Schumans, I made preparation for race gear and went to bed after the BYU vs USU game. 

Had tummy issues all night...Chuck-a-rama was a BAD idea!