Ragnar Review

This is my second Ragnar. First was Las Vegas November 2012. This time was Wasatch Back June 20-21. I was much more involved in the details of Van #1. We learned a lot of lessons, but the biggest is to make people commit--with money--from the start. That way they are out the money and/or need to find someone to replace themselves. Obviously when it comes down to it, we want a full team, but at least it puts some pressure on them to help find a replacement. They are already considering doing Colorado this fall, we will see if I decide to join, it's in September. I would do it in a heart beat, mostly just the logistics and money, hard to plan stuff like that during husband's unemployment.

I wanted to make sure I remembered things for next time, so this is my quick brain dump before I forget stuff! Here's my list of what you need, especially in terms of food. Obviously it's different for everyone but these are what we took and things I either saw others with or thought was a great idea. I would do better coordinating between the 6 runners in our van; this time we were a bit random and I was worried about bringing for all but it would have worked much better to have basics that everyone pitched in on then bring a few of own snacks if you wanted. We had a lot of extra food but better to have options I figured. We all pitched in about $5-10 for food (ended up about $15 each for gas as well).

Food we took:
string cheese
bread
bagels
Stretch fruit leathers*
Kirkland chocolate meal replacement* (drink within 1 hour of start of leg, works great liquid energy/protein!)
gu or chomps
granola bars
granola (I made a batch of homemade with all kinds of goodness--coconut, flax seed, chia seeds, sunflower seeds)
yogurt, 6 oz individual
bananas
avocados
cucumbers, red peppers, celery
apples
applesauce, squeezable*
trail mix
pretzels, tortilla chips, animal crackers
gum
grapes (tasted SO good the last morning, nice and refreshing)
24 pack of bottled waters (could refill own bottles from bigger jug but this was helpful during legs, plus I lost my good Nalgene last Ragnar :(  )
5 gallon jug of water, didn't use much (one used to brush teeth) but was good to have in case
Powerade

Non-food needs:
baby wipes (for cleaning post-run, a must!)
plastic spoons, knife
sharpie
garbage bags (for in car and dirty, stinky running clothes!)
cash
credit card (for orange flag deposit)
sunscreen
blanket
sleeping bag
pillow

food for next time:
something more "meal-like" whether it's filling for sandwiches like cheese/deli meat or chicken salad like our other van. I was hungry and wanted actual food!!
some sort of treat, red vines...
Fritos
almonds
tortillas
nutella
hard boiled eggs
gogurts? (frozen, portable, easy to eat)
freeze empty gallon milk jugs since dumping melted ice was annoying; never refilled like planned to.
mini muffins, homemade (frozen before)
carrots
hummus

Didn't use much if at all but still recommend having "just in case"!
toilet paper, paper towels
Febreeze for seats
hand sanitizer
first aid kit, bandaids, moleskin, petroleum jelly
inhaler, if you need and have one

Other good things to have:
warmer running clothes--you may be chilly during night runs, I would have been better in my running tights. Maybe wouldn't have needed a beanie or ear warmers or gloves but I'd bring in case next time.
extra pairs of running clothes--shorts, shirts, socks
flip flops, change our of running shoes in between your legs

*from Costco

I have a good list Ragnar emailed the day before the race (would have been helpful earlier) that I need to review, but they may also have a comprehensive list on their site, I never looked.

thoughts on running

I recently started following this blog and one of the bloggers mentioned a list she'd found of 53 Runner's Commandments. These were the ones that really hit a chord for me:

11. Keep in mind that the later in the day it gets, the more likely it is that you won’t run.

Something I'm definitely struggling with lately. My goal has been to get up by 6 or 6:30 am and go to the indoor track and run or the gym and do the elliptical or stationary bike but we've gotten into the very bad habit of going to bed far too late (usually 11-12pm or later...ugh...). I need to break the habit by getting up and exercising so then I'd be too tired to stay up but alas I'm still struggling to start the new trends. But this is totally true, if I say I'm gonna go "after" dinner or "after" the kids are asleep, after comes and I don't go exercise! Morning really is the best time, I just need to prioritize--and just do it!!

28. If you say, "Let's run this race together" then you must stay with that person no matter how slow.

29. Think twice before agreeing to run with someone during a race.

I worry about these two. When hubby and I ran Rex Lee 5K last March together he took out hard and I tried to keep up but then I was doing great the 2nd half but felt like I "had" stay with him but was disappointed at the end...so this is a hard concept for me. I want to run together and yet sometimes you just both aren't feeling it at the same time. When we ran a 1/2 marathon last year on our anniversary together we ran the entire race until about the last mile and then I was feeling good and hubby was okay with me going ahead. I would have loved to have finished together, but I also knew neither of us would like the other to not go with our pace and finish the best for each of us...so maybe I'm selfish but for me it's harder to finish knowing I haven't given it my all than "promise" to stay together when that's not what's in it for both of you.

31. Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.

I have to admit running my 1st marathon (St George last fall) it was really fun to be passing people each hill. Because I started later I was running a "4 hour" marathon pace back with the 5 and 6 hour runners so maybe it was "cheating" in that regard, but either way, it did feel good and motivating to be moving forward up those hills and not slowing down or walking.

32. Distance running is like cod liver oil. At first it makes you feel awful, then it makes you feel better.

This one made me laugh. But it's true that the longer you do it the better you feel. I always say it takes me 4 miles just to warm up. No wonder I didn't think I was that much of a runner before, I'd never run more than 4 miles in one run!

36. Don’t wait for perfect weather. If you do, you won’t run very often.

This one is far too close to home right now. After the months of rigorous training for my first marathon, running the marathon (had a great experience!) but then the cold weather hit and I feel like I hit a wall...excuses, excuses...trying to get back into some patterns and rhythm but really struggling right now. I tell myself it will be easier when spring comes and it's nicer outside but I still gotta run now...makes me feel like I'm not a real runner yet! am I a huge slacker/whiner?!

37. When tempted to stop being a runner, make a list of the reasons you started.

39. Without goals, training has no purpose.

I definitely need something to work toward, to be accountable to, that's why having a race and training plan is so important for me...which is what I don't have right now. that and a running partner would probably help too.

53. Running is always enjoyable. Sometimes, though, the joy doesn’t come until the end of the run.

'nuf said.

Quotes from "Courage to Run"

I had a list of page numbers of quotes I liked from the Courage to Run (I think) which I didn't finish before we left Las Vegas. The pink sticky note keeps popping up so I figured if I typed them here I could throw away the dang thing!

Page/Paragraph

14: 3, last
15: 1
21: last
21: 2nd last, last
35: 2nd last
38: 2, 3, last
40: 4, 5
42: 1
39: *program

Start on page 72

3 runs in a row!

It's been awhile since I have been running. My knees have been hurting pretty consistently and almost constantly. I am not sure why and should probably go to the doctor soon just to see if they can figure out why...I did get new running shoes (Mizuno) which feel really good, but I don't know that that was my probably. Though I did find out my Adidas were 1 size too small--oops. Live and learn. Chris and I went out for a jog a few weeks ago and I ended up having to walk. Overall, Chris has been way more motivated to go running than I have. Which I am way proud of him for! It's just been discouraging for me.

On Saturday our stake had their 5K. Chris had planned to run it too, but ended up being asked to cook breakfast during the run. I ran it with the boys in the jogger. I ran really slow since I didn't want to hurt my knees more than they already are. Ian kept telling me to run faster, which was funny because usually he is telling me to slow down (not that I run that fast!) :) I ran a 37:19. Slow, but it was meant to be just a nice jog.

My knees are still being funky but this week I did go with Crystal at 9 p.m. to the BYU indoor track. We probably ran for 1/2 hour at a very slow pace, but it felt good; we were able to converse the whole time (which was great! good "away"/fun time for me! I love Crystal!! We have great conversations which made the running even more pleasant.).

Because I knew Chris probably wouldn't be back from hunting until late tonight, I decided to take the boys out in the stroller this morning. It is crazy how chilly is suddenly is. It was in the 50's and is the in-between where I didn't want my sweatshirt but I was cold with my t-shirt. I think I'll try a long-sleeved t-shirt next time. Cooper fell asleep and went back down when we got home around 9 a.m. which was wonderful! Ian was really good and ended up with my Shuffle and was quite entertained. He dropped Cookie Monster and Hantoo in some water, then later Hantoo fell out, but luckily a man driving down in the road said: "I think you might have lost something back there." Thank goodness! that would have been bad!!

So I am taking it slow and easy. I've decided I need to give myself one day inbetween each run and that I can't get discouraged about my progress. I just need to go slow and give my body time. I think I pushed too hard this summer. I am looking for DVDs at the library to do toning, pilates on the off-run days so I can strengthen my core and muscles, which I am hoping will take pressure off my poor knees. Waddle on, friends. I think I am realizing I am more of an adult-onset runner than I realized. And ya know what, that is okay. I will take it at my pace and not compare myself to others and will be happy. Since I am learning that doing too much or the wrong thing doesn't get me where I want to be anyways :) Just be me, the runner that I can be. :)

i like to walk and talk!

wednesday, july 30th
3.25 mile walk with Chris and the boys
up to Trop and back
80's (felt good at first, almost a cool breeze; warm by the time we got back)
6:30-7:30 a.m.

We've all been getting over colds and I've just been exhausted, plus I've been trying to let my knee rest from running. But it was so nice that Chris decided to get out of bed at 6 a.m. (I'm so proud of him!) and say, let's go for a walk. I was dragging my feet about it (actually I had already started cleaning the house since Val is coming tonight) but decided to stop being a punk and go. We had a great time and I especially appreciated it because Chris chatted with me later today and said it was so nice to have talked and spent some time together this morning versus usually how it is with him rushing out the door. I could not have agreed more. He wants to do more of this and I am so excited! He has also gone to the gym and ran/walk twice the last few days. I really am so proud of his efforts to get out and exercise and start running. We're looking for a 5K in September because we can't do the one on the 13th because there is a stake Primary activity, but I think I found one that seems really kid-friendly on the 27th, so we'll see where that goes. Hopefully we can get registered soon; it seems like having that out there is a good motivation to keep up with the daily runs. My plan is to run 3, maybe 4 days a week and walk the other 2-3. I don't think it's too much to expect myself to exercise and be active 5, even 6 days out of the week. It's fun to be doing stuff like this as a family! Plus I'm almost to my 100 miles which is fun to see!

breakfast

saturday, july 26th
3 mile walk, nice and easy
7:30-9:30 a.m.
Low 90's, cloudy, rained on us on the way home
Right knee still a little sore, good I'm walking

Chris and boys in jogger, walked to McDonald's then to the bird park and ate breakfast and talked with a nice old lady named Barbara (who I'll mention on our other blog) and Ian ate sand while Cooper tried pancakes for the first time. We had a nice time as a family and I am realizing how nice walking can be. I still really want to run, but the low impact and conversation with Chris and the boys is a good, relaxing thing.

catch up

These days I feel like I am barely hanging in here. But other than my body being slowed down, I feel like my spirits and desire to run are still up to speed. We all got kind of sick after getting back from Utah. Unfortunately my sore throat has lingered most of the week and I've just been tired, but today I am feeling almost better (other than being tired since Coop got me up at 5 a.m. but ya know, I should be getting used to that by now!). My knee has been hurting too so I guess that was good timing, not feeling well in two respects, so I haven't run the last 2 weeks. But I did go swimming at Snowbird and I think I've seen the light on cross-training and not beating my body too much, too many miles/week running. I want to make a running a good thing, which means I need to have balance so I don't overdo it physically or emotionally.

I also finished John Bingham's No Need for Speed and was inspired. I've read some reviews that say this book is too dumbed down, but for me it was needed fresh air; I needed to know it was okay to have rest days, to build those in, to slow down and just enjoy the journey--life, running, everything. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants to run or who sometimes gets discouraged about their running. Sometimes I do wish I was able to do more or be someone else, but I am learning to be content and happy with where I am at; more opportunities and progress is to come. I just need to enjoy where I'm at now. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book that I think illustrates this well:

It was being a runner that mattered, not how fast or how far I could run. The joy was in the act of running and in the journey, not in the destination. We have a better chance of seeing where we are when we stop trying to get somewhere else. We can enjoy every moment of movement, as long as where we are is as good as where we'd like to be. That's not to say that you need to be satisfied forever with where you are today. But you need to honor what you've accomplished, rather than thinking of what's left to be done (p. 159)."
— John Bingham (No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running)

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
— John Bingham (No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running)

So recap the last little bit as far as workouts:

friday, july 11th:
3 miles
down to Valley View, up Battlecreek (1st hill in a long time! was pretty hard, when hit the top, felt like I could keep going, but didn't so I didn't kill my knee)
ended up accidentally running by Josh Byrnes house on the way down, which was weird (I'd had a dream about him the night before; I'm sure it was something Freudian :) ).
mid 70's (felt so good! had forgotten how good this feels. I definitely will miss the cool summer nights and mornings if we move to Las Vegas!)
5 min. warm-up, 30 min. jog
8:30-9 a.m.
Mom watched the boys (Coop asleep)

saturday, july 12th
ran with Jake (he sure ran slow for me! poor kid was practically walking! I really hope he'll do x-country and invest in his running, he has a lot of talent and has performed well up until now without much, if any, effort. we talked about this. i hope he'll do it! that'd be great for him, especially if he could run in college!)
2+ miles
down Battlecreek, up Nathaniel
upper 70's
9 a.m.
didn't time it! (yay! I got done and was almost worried, then told myself to chill out!!)

monday, july 14th
Snowbird, up to observation deck and back down around to Iron Blosam
right knee pain
5 min. WU, 25 min.
12 p.m. it still felt great outside (again, I sure miss running in Utah!! Vegas makes Utah summers seem cold!! LOL.)

wed, july 15th
x-train
10-15 min. swimming laps with Chris, teaching me breast stroke and whatever the normal swim stroke is called :)

thurs, july 16th
x-train! (go me! see I can do it! It's OK not to run!!! x-training is important too!! trying to remind myself of that!!)
15 min. swimming laps

friday, july 17th
x-train
10-15 min. swimming with Chris, not too hard though
right knee has still been hurting all this week, even though I've not done any running since Monday...trying to give it a break and less pounding with swimming instead of runs...

mon, july 21-fri, july 25
sore throat, knee still sore
by Friday my knee is feeling quite a bit better, still not 100%. I ran back to the house today in my flip flops to grab something and could tell it's still bothered. I can tell I need to be careful and ease back into things. I'm realizing maybe I pushed it too hard the last few weeks and have been going too long, too many days a week and really need to be building in rest days and cross-training, even just walking on the days I don't run, but even adding swimming in to my weekly workout (especially if I am really going to get scuba certified; because right now there is NO way I'll ever pass the swim test!!). I guess I just feel bad or guilty or like I haven't really worked out or won't be progressing in my running if I don't run. I left Val a message last week that said that--that I think there is another runner in the family because I think I am addicted. It had only been a week since the 5K and I was getting all antsy to plan and run another one! It's such a good feeling, but I know I need to be careful and not overdo it or I'll just end up hurt most of the time. For some reason I just feel like running 3 x/week isn't enough. But I know I need to give my body time to recoup in between. That and Chris and I are planning to do another 5K mid-September and I'm realizing it would be way more fun if we trained and ran the race together, which means I need to slow down and run at his pace (or walk, which none of this is a bad thing and is probably what I need!) so that we can have something to do together and build and strengthen our relationship as well as have fun and get in better shape. Pushing my body too hard right now isn't gonna get me where I want to be anyways, as much as I keep thinking I've got to do a ton to be a "runner" (remember the penguin!). But I really am excited to do another race and even more so, that Chris seems to be looking forward to it too! Yay! Shared hobbies!! If I can just learn to swim we'll be moving along swimmingly in our efforts to do stuff together!!

the big 5k, etc!

friday, july 4th
Las Vegas 4th of July 5K Blast
3.5 miles (race, plus warm-up)

Didn't know the course at all, thought I had ran a really fast 1 mile (then later realized that was only the first 1/2 mile. LOL!). Met a nice man about 1/2 way through. I was silly and told him to keep it up and he said that's what people said at mile 13 of a marathon. I told him I'd never run one before, so I wouldn't know. I kept running ahead of him and turned back and asked him how many he'd run. He said 100. Wow! So then he passed me about 1/2 mile later, then I caught up with him with about 1 mile to go. I made a comment about the weather and 90+ degrees not feeling that hot when you're used to the 110. I mentioned I was from Utah and we started talking and talked the rest of the race. His name was Stefen (spelling?) and I'm not sure if he is or every was LDS, but he grew up in Provo in the tree streets, where his mother still lives. He said he was a rebel when he left there and was glad to be gone from all of the Mormon stuff, but has since come to appreciate it more since he's gone. He said he doesn't like it when Mormons (even in Vegas) will bring up that they are Mormon in business dealings when it doesn't have anything to do with their business relations. I told him that made sense. Afterwards, I realized I could have said something more like--I think it may be hard for some members to not take their religion into consideration in everything they do, but that if they are flaunting it or expecting to be treated differently because they are LDS, that's not right. It really made me realize how careful we need to be so we are not alienating and offending people when what we need to be as Latter-day Saints is accepting and inviting to come to Christ and befriend people. We had a good talk the rest of the race and I finally kind of sped up the last few meters of the race when I realized the finish line was right there and I felt like I hadn't really exerted much effort the last part of the race! But oh well. It probably went fast and I didn't notice it because I was talking and not paying attention to how much was left! :) It was a good experience and I'm really glad I had the opportunity to talk to someone while I was in Las Vegas about the Church in this way; I'd really been hoping for that. Stefen invited me to come out to the Las Vegas Track Club's trail race the next day. I think I'd consider joining and/or running with some of these running clubs if I end up here, just to meet people and know where to run, etc. I am so glad we ran! Oh, duh! I finished then went running back a ways to find Chris. He wasn't that far behind at all--I am so impressed! He came in just over 33 minutes, pushing the boys, and wouldn't let me help. People were cheering and were very impressed to see the jogger. It was so fun and I'm so excited to do another one with Chris. It was a wonderful start to the day! P.S. I guess runners like to eat hot dogs and hamburgers after a race--even if it's only 8 a.m. Hey weird! But I gotta admit, the hamburger did taste good! :p Maybe I am destined to be a runner/racer if this what it entails!

Jenny: female 25-29 age group, 8th place, 28:52
Chris (pushing jogger): male 25-29 age group, 9th place, 37:50

saturday, july 5th
7:00 a.m.
3.5 mile walk (to park with Chris and boys in stroller)

monday, july 7th
3 miles
5 min warm-up, 30 min. run nice and easy
went west, back east, looped around back home in neighborhoods

tuesday, july 8th
3 miles
3 min warm-up, 30 min.

wednesday, july 9th
3 min. warm-up, 35 min.
3 miles

thursday, july 10th:
No run. We drove from Las Vegas to Utah today. I haven't been getting great amounts of sleep at night, since we've been going to bed late with Andrea being here and Coop up between 5 and 6. I'd thought about going tonight after the boys were down, but decided getting sleep and keeping this sore throat at bay would probably be smarter. It's hard for me to miss a day. I feel bad, like I'm being lazy or something, like I need to exercise 6 days a week or

lovin' the early runs/nice and easy

Monday, June 3o:
It's funny how I honestly can't remember what happened Monday and it's only Thursday...I think it's coming back to me. I was sick on Sunday so I figured running Monday morning probably was too soon. My Monday night Chris came home from work sick, so I took care of the boys and Chris went to bed early, thus no run that day. No prob, I'll do better the rest of the week!

Tuesday, July 1:
6:40-7:15 a.m.
35 minutes (5 min. warm-up, stretch, streets east of house, found quiet neighborhood Lynette told me about--I'm excited to run there! 30 minute jog)
2 miles (best guess)
86 degrees (felt so good!)
Jogging stroller
Nice and easy

The boys were up and Cooper was fed, so Ian gets cereal and off we go. We headed east of our house again and I came across that neighborhood, so we went around there for a little bit then headed back home. I'm excited that we found a good, quiet place to run. I hadn't been sure how to title my runs, since lately they've been pretty slow. But since my book has motivated me and helped me see that it's not the pace, it's getting out there and putting the time, not necessarily the miles and the speed, I am okay and am going to call these runs, "nice and easy". And "easy" isn't bad or slow, like I was feeling bad about. I feel good when I'm done, I'm out there, I am getting the time in and I'm doing it. So who cares how fast. I'm building and getting better!

Wednesday, July 2:
6:20-6:55 a.m.
30 minutes (5 min. warm-up, stretch, 25 min. nice and easy)
Jogging stroller
2.5 miles (best guess)
84+ degrees (this is WHY you go early in Vegas!!)
Mostly south of our condo; kind of did a loop going east and then back around west to the house

I was seriously so proud that we were BACK before 7:00!! Amazing. I really am loving getting up and going. It's funny because later in the day I actually have to remind myself I went running that day! :) Seriously, sometimes it fills like another day, but it is so nice to get so much done and feel so productive. Chased a whole ton of bird on the side of the road--it was awesome! Found some fun little pockets of houses that I'm excited to show Chris. There really are some nice little places over here on the east. "This place is a hole!" (that's for you, Chris!) Also had a funny experience. We were finishing the run past a business (teacher's insurance agency or something like that) and this lady had walked across the street and as we ran by, she said: "I'm proud of you!" I just smiled and she said: "That's not easy!...You make the rest of us look bad!" Then this nice, black man was talking and smiling at the boys, commenting on the two of them in the stroller. It was fun. And people say Vegans aren't friendly! :p LOL.

Thursday, July 3:
Chris keeps thinking I get up and run without him, but I did try one morning to wake him up and he said he wanted to sleep (he says he doesn't remember that, so I've told him he needs to tell me the night before if he wants to wake up and go and then I need to know how hard to try and wake him up). But this morning Cooper was up before 5 a.m. and went back to sleep (luckily! he was so sad and tired when he woke up!). Ian was up at 6:10 a.m. so he and I could have gone, but I opted not to. I read on Hal Higdon's training schedule for the beginner 5K to rest the 2 days before (I don't feel like a beginner really, and hadn't been following his or anyone else's training anyways, but figured it wouldn't be a bad thing to not push it too hard the day before). I seriously feel lazy though not doing anything. I really had hoped to at least get out and walk this morning. Obviously I really need to work on my attitude and not be hard on myself when I don't exercise every day. The book I am reading, No Need for Speed, has a training schedule for beginners that has you running three up to four days a week and he says you shouldn't feel like you have to run/walk everyday, that's it's okay to cross-train, too. I obviously have quite a few mind myths I need to get over. Then I get on my friend's running blog and really feel like I'm lazy or that I suck! :p Not really. But it's just hard not to get discouraged and feel like I should be doing more, instead of celebrating the efforts and progress I've made and know that it is different for everyone and I need to be happy and content with where I am, instead of comparing myself to others. That is another thing from this book--he talks about not running and killing yourself--the whole no pain, no pain theory. So after reading that, I went on a really nice run yesterday morning. I didn't push myself, it was just pleasant. I wasn't winded or sore when I got back. I really enjoyed myself. My thinking really is gonna need some adjustment, as well as I need to stop comparing and focus on me and increasing my abilities and focusing on my goals instead of others.

I am excited for the run tomorrow morning. I hope the boys will be okay and that things work out getting the boys up, fed and out there on time and with time to spare to get ready. More to come on our race! I really think it'll help me to be out there with runners and do a race, since it's been over a year since I last did a race! Yay!

feel like a runner

3.5 miles (warm-up, stretch, to park, 1 mile around park trail, back home)
8-8:30 a.m.
32 minutes
Slower, but steady pace
Bird Park
High 80's (guess; it was pretty warm, but I think I didn't drink enough water, so I was kind of dehydrated; I wasn't even sweating as much as I thought I would be)

Cooper was up at 5 a.m. and I think I fell back asleep for a little bit before he was fussing for Chris. So I fed him again and got him down, then Chris starting making breakfast...we had Cooper's pictures at 10 a.m. so I was talking myself out of going for a minute, then I was like, there is no reason not to go! So I did! And it felt so good to lace up my shoes and go. I was hoping closer to 4 miles, but it probably was more around 3.5 miles. I wasn't exhausted, but just not moving very fast today. I immediately noticed my change of focus when I started the 3 laps around the park trail that equal a mile...I start thinking when will I be done with this mile...as soon as I got back on the rode home and didn't have a "circle" to run that equaled a certain distance, I ran differently. Good to know this is my tendency. I prefer to be on the road if I can.

I thought today about my running in junior high and high school. I was never amazing, but then again I never put that much into it, so I wonder if I could have done/been more than I was. I also was kind of kicking myself for never doing cross-country; I think part of me was lazy, the other not wanting to fit in, be part of that group. I love how strange we are in high school; looking back it's funny to think why was I so dumb about stuff?! :)

I like my new shoes--Adidas Allegra. They are much comfier than my last pair of Saucony, for which I am grateful. I am realizing that I should have signed up for the 4th of July race sooner, just to have something set. I still think I worked to be semi-ready for it, but I think in the back of my mind I was still coming up with excuses of why it wouldn't work. I see that it is better to sign up and have that set, so my attitude and behaviors will fall in line with that, instead of the other way around, coming up with excuses that determine my choices of if I run, how much, etc.

It was a great feeling to start my run this morning and think--I am a runner! To feel cool :) putting my two feet in front of each other and going on a Saturday morning for a run, like a "runner" would.

it feels so good!

3 miles (maybe a little bit less, I ran random side roads)
6:40-7:15 a.m.
35 minutes (5 min. stretch, 30 min. run)
Side/residential streets east of our house
Jogging stroller with boys
78+ degrees

I asked Chris if he wanted to go this morning, but he said no. Both boys were up and Cooper was fed so we headed out. It'd been awhile since I had taken the boys, since it's gotten so hot. It felt so nice outside when we left! It was only 78! Beautiful. I was glad to be out on the road and for it to be morning! Two combinations that I am learning to love. We ran by a few cute houses, which was fun, since I am not a huge fan of "desert" looking houses. Ian said we were Lightning McQueen, which was fun. I am seriously loving getting back, it still being 7:30 a.m., showering, doing breakfast and still having the whole day ahead of me! I feel accomplished so early in the morning, which is a good feeling for me. I often feel like I drag the day out and have hardly gotten anything done (a shower if I'm lucky) by lunchtime, so this has been a refreshing change.

we're official!

I just signed Chris and I up for the 4th of July 5K here in Las Vegas. I'm really excited. I'm proud of Chris for wanting to do it with me. He is actually gone right now, running in the gym. We will be pushing the boys in the stroller next Friday, so we'll see how it all turns out. But mostly I am just super excited to get out there and do it. I hope this will be the start of good habits and traditions that we can carry on for the rest of our lives with our family. I really am almost giddy thinking about the race day, the gun going off, the T-shirt at the end. I hope it will be okay for the boys. Maybe this will be a new 4th of July tradition to add to our others. Which makes me think--I need to ask Chris about plans for fireworks; I know his mom sent a few, but I know that is such a big deal for Chris, I want to make sure that day isn't a total letdown and homesick time for him without the family firework show...

I also wore my new Adidas running shoes today and I like them. They are nice and padded. I hadn't realized until recently how old my Saucony's were getting. I didn't like them anyways, so I am glad to try something new.

morning person?!

3 miles
6:40-7:10 a.m.
Complex track (9 laps)
80's
Steady pace

For any reader who is sick of TMI, oh well. This blog is really mostly for me to track stuff, see patterns, spout off, etc. I started my period last night, but haven't been feeling too bad physically. I got up this morning at 3:30 a.m. after waking up from a bad dream, but was able to fall back asleep. When Ian came in and got me at 6 a.m. I was really asleep, then he was immediately whining about watching a movie and going to the bathroom, etc...not how I was wanting to start our/my morning! By this time I think our noise had woken Cooper up, so I fed him, went in and asked Chris if he wanted to join me and go out with the boys too (so at least he couldn't be mad I didn't ask!) then told him to bring Cooper in our room when he was ready to shower. Ian again asked where I was going. It felt really nice outside and I get bogged down being in the gym, and since this is only my 2nd morning being out, I realized, it's not hot and it's not dark, so why don't I stay outside! So I decided to stay close and do some laps around the complex. I realized this isn't as boring as the treadmill, but that the whole "track" atmosphere still isn't that exciting, not much change in scenario, plus, just like on the treadmill, I focus way to much on how far I've gone and how many more laps I am going to do...I'd really like to do more of running out a certain amount of time and then turning around or mapping out 3-4 mile runs and heading out knowing where I need to go out to get the rest of the mileage on the way home. Not complaining. Glad I am out, but realizing these are some changes I'll probably need to make to not go crazy doing the same monotonous runs every day! :)

Oh, and I think I am a converted morning person!! Never thought I would be saying those words! When people have asked me what time of day I liked--I'd say none. I didn't like morning, in the past I have been so ornery, biting Dad and Laura's heads off during high school...I get exhausted at night, don't function well, usually don't get a ton accomplished, at least not on a consistent basis, especially when pregnant. So then I'd say, if anything, I was a middle-of-the-day-person. LOL. So I guess I have something else to thank my children for teaching me--because almost as habit, my body wakes up around 5:30 or 6 a.m., even if the boys aren't up yet. I can usually fall back asleep until they are awake, but I am realizing how much more I can get done in a day and how good it feels to already have accomplished so much when I get up and run and then have the whole day ahead of me. This morning, my 8 a.m. I had already run, made banana pancakes, and fed Cooper twice. I decided not to shower until after Cooper's nap because I decided to take the boys to the pool for the first time by myself. We had a blast and it's been a great day! I know lots of people talk about the benefits of running, more than just physical, and not that I'm expecting to change my life or me immediately, but I like the change in attitude I think it's started to have. I feel like I am slowing down and making time for this and paying attention in ways I had not been before. By making time for myself and setting some priorities I am recognizing other ways I need to do that both for myself, for the boys, for Chris and I and our family, in general. I hope this can stick! I also started a new book that is giving me some new insights (No Need for Speed).

I had felt pretty bummed that I hadn't made it out Monday and Tuesday but 2 days since then, especially two mornings in a row--as really lifted my spirits and enthusiasm. I am hoping for tomorrow and Saturday, too! Just keep getting up and going!! :)

I have also made another recent discovery--it takes me almost 2 miles to really start feeling good and warmed up. I always thought it was crazy that long distance runners almost ran more in their warm-up than the length of their race, but it's starting to make more sense! I guess the more ya run, the further your body is ready to keep going! (I keep saying that phrase, maybe I'm on to something with it...who knows! it just keeps coming out, not even meaning to keep using it!)

get up and go!

3 miles
32 minutes
6:30-7 a.m.
Treadmill

Caleb stayed at our house for two nights while he was working on a job here in Vegas. I am beginning to wake up around 5:30 a.m. normally, but this morning Ian was up at 6 a.m. bugging Caleb, so I gave him some food and figured there was no reason I should try and lay back down, especially when there were two capable adults in the house to be with Ian, and Cooper was not awake yet! I took my phone and figured Chris could call me if he woke up. I didn't even tell Chris I was going. Which of course, when I got back, he wondered why I hadn't asked him to come (which I did do today and he went back to sleep...he he. At least I can say I asked him and he didn't want to come!). I had previously been worried that I wouldn't be able to run if I hadn't nursed Cooper yet, but it wasn't a problem at all. I had pumped later the night before, so that might have helped, but yay! I don't think that is an issue I need to worry about--another thing that had been holding back when I go. But now it shouldn't be a concern, unless of course he woke up and was starving while I was gone, but I could always come back fast if I needed to! I felt a little more freedom on that, it is a nice feeling. I love nursing Cooper, but sometimes it's hard when it doesn't make things as flexible for me and it really does determine a lot of the day--when, what, who, how long, etc.

I also had discovered a few weeks ago, how great my nursing sports bra really is. It was dirty so I threw on one of my very old sports bras, which I had used just fine when not nursing...lesson learned---there is a reason they recommend better supportive bras when nursing! :) Honestly, now that I'm a day away, I can't really remember what the run was like. There was another girl working out in the gym. I listened to my music and watch the news. There had been a shooting in Vegas after graduation and the teenager died that morning, so that was depressing to see and think about our boys going to school here...but otherwise the run was good. I really picked up the pace for a lot of it, especially toward the end and then cooled down the last little bit. It felt so good to be heading back to the house--in the morning--in the light--knowing I was just beginning my day and that I had already gotten my run in! I got to that night and was almost giddy knowing I didn't have to force myself to go over to the gym after the boys were asleep when I really am just ready to unwind and go to bed.

I was seriously really proud of myself for just getting up and going. When I got up Ian was still eating and playing around and Chris was in the shower. I showered before Cooper even woke up! I had almost not gone because I was worried that maybe he would wake up and Chris would hear him and Chris would feed him a bottle....excuses, excuses! But I just went and was so glad I did! Ian keeps asking and wondering where I am going and I hate having him think I'm abandoning him, but I really just need to get out and go!! :) Especially since I had not made it over Monday and Tuesday--because I was thinking I'd go at night, which of course doesn't happen, especially on Mondays after family night and then Caleb was here...I got to 10:00 that night and couldn't figure out why I hadn't just gone--I was worried about leaving Chris and not hanging out with him. If I give myself time I will come up with excuses and if I've just done it earlier that day, I still have the day ahead and I don't have to get to the end of the day and continue to make excuses and not go...I've already gone!! It is a very empowering and fulfilling feeling!

feels good!

3.25 miles (.25 warm-up, 2.75 miles, .25 cool-down)
9-9:45 a.m.
35 minutes
Treadmill

Cooper slept into until 6:30 a.m. which was great. I made breakfast, then when Chris woke up headed to the gym. Cooper had laid back down for a nap a little after 8, so I knew I had a little time before he needed to eat again. The back of left thigh has been pretty sore, but it honestly almost feels good to have it be sore and need to be stretched. I just listened to music today. I have some slower songs on my Shuffle that don't really work well for running. I decided that if I ever get a Nano or iPod that I'll have a list just for running of all upbeat songs. :) I only ran three times this week, which may have been good to let my body rest in between because my runs on the treadmill have been faster than I was running before. It really has felt good to push it harder and be tired and sweaty by the end of the run. But today I was especially slow. I just couldn't really get into a groove. I finally did after I'd run about 2 miles. So I'm wondering if it takes me that long to get warmed up and then I could run. I sped up for a bit in the middle of my run but then cooled down at the end. I don't want to push it so hard that I hurt myself or am dying.

Tim McGraw's song "Not A Moment Too Soon" came on while I was running (see what I mean about lots of slow stuff!) and it got me thinking about when Chris and I were dating, engaged and first married. I was really hard on him. I was really immature. I said and did a lot of mean things that were really immature. I was naive in a lot of ways and very self-centered. I focused almost entirely on what I was thinking and wanting. I don't regret that we got married, but in a lot of ways I think we had some pretty hard uphill battles because I was young when we got married. But then again, so was Chris, since he hadn't even been home from his mission a year yet! So I'm not taking all of the credit for our first few years of learning to make our marriage work (heck, we still are learning to do that six years later! but we are more grown up now at least, so we're not dealing with that factor as well as trying to make a marriage work!!). But it really did get me to thinking about how my own personal struggles and things I was working through really affected our relationship and the way I treated Chris. It makes me feel sad and I feel like I owe him an apology because we did have some rough time, I think mostly because I was so young and still trying to figure out myself and life, and now a marriage and another person on top of all the other things I was clueless about.