Provo River 1/2 Marathon

We haven't been to Bridal Veil Falls since the boys were just little. Its such a beautiful time of year up the canyon and we really enjoyed a weekend away.

The whole purpose of this trip was to run the Provo River 1/2 Marathon. I've been looking forward to it since I registered last March. Unfortunately, my ITB issue kept me from running it. It was just going to be S, Carl and I running but since I wasn't participating we brought H along too!

I drove Carl and S to the buses early in the morning like 5 AM. They were bussed to the start line. The race didn't start until after 7 so they were up there for awhile trying to stay warm. We had an unusually cold weekend for August.

H and I didn't show up at the finish line until a little after 8. We got to see the first place finishers cross the line. I always get a tad bit emotional at races. Racing has been in my blood since high school. Plus, knowing my 12 year old was out there running 13.1 miles just adds to those emotions. It was hard not participating but it was good to spend time with H.




















Carl and S stayed together for the 1st mile and then S pulled ahead. I was worried about him running alone. I didn't know if he would be able to pace himself well enough to have something left at the end. We waited at the 13 mile marker and when he came around the corner I was so excited. He looked good and strong and he was. S finished with a PR of 1:54:04. I was trying to find S in all the crowds and I missed Carl finishing in just over 2 hours. It was his 1st half marathon and I think he was pleased with his time. Both of them had a good experience. They said the course was beautiful and very much downhill.

If you're interested

Since I started running more I realized that the one thing I like ALMOST as much as running is talking about it or reading about others experiences. This can be particularly annoying to a lot of people. Consequently, I've decided I'm going to keep the content of this blog "Mels Thoughts", geared more towards the happenings of our little family.

If you so desire to follow my running journey you will want to bookmark this link:

Comments are always welcome!

Oh, To Run

The last couple weeks I've really struggled with my training. My right knee has been bothering me... Iliotibial Band Syndrome, I believe. I hobbled through the half marathon... it wasn't too bad. I just took it slow and enjoyed the scenery.

Over the past month, I've seen a sports dr./chiropractor 4 or 5 times. I've stretched, rolled and iced twice a day. I've also been applying something called Volatrol Gel which is like putting Ibuprofen right on the spot. Monday's run was very discouraging. I was in pain nearly the entire 5 miles. Carl has me taking Glutamine for muscle recovery and TriFlex Sport which supports joint mobility and helps rebuild cartilage (I copied that right from the bottle... I'm so smart).








At the race expo I learned how to tape my knee with the Kinesio tape. I'm a firm believer in the KT tape. We used it for several years on Crew to facilitate muscles in his hands and arms. I saw good results. For sports injuries you can also use the tape to relax the muscle. The difference is in how you apply the tape. Crew's PT spent some time with me last week showing me how to tape common running injuries.

Tonight before my run, I taped my knee. I ran 3.5 miles of hills with NO PAIN. It was very exhilarating to be out there running pain free for the first time in weeks. I could feel that my knee isn't 100% healed but it felt so so much better than earlier this week and I could run!

3.5 miles/30 minutes/8:44 average pace

I can live with that!

It's addicting

Sorry for yet another running post! I can't help myself.

Ogden 1/2 Marathon: Great friends, Gorgeous scenery, Beautiful Day. Can't wait until next year:)

This Makes Me SMILE

Before the race...

"Running 4 The Kids" again. 100% of race proceeds go to Primary Children's Hospital. We decided to include the whole family this year.

S got another 5K personal record (23:54). I'm not sure I can keep up with that anymore!

H also did really well but he was having some abdominal pain quite likely due to the late night birthday party the previous night. We stuck together... rain and all!

My first time racing with the jogger. I'll tell ya, it was tough. The stroller naturally veers to the right and my knee was quite tender from Friday's long run.

The rain didn't start until we were into the run so there was no turning back. Not that I would've...

Nearly everyone that passed us commented they wished to trade places with Crew. He was lucky enough to be somewhat shielded from the rain but when we crossed the finish I realized his jeans were soaked. A spectator was kind enough to take these pictures and while they aren't the clearest, if you look close you will see Crew's GRIN. He is loving this!

Pictures aren't in order... Carl crossed the finish while it was just starting to drizzle. I believe he got a PR also but I'm not quoting any times here;)
After the race... huddling together hoping for a prize!

SLC 5K and Half Marathon

THE 5K:
H didn't decide until the night before to run the 5K. Carl had already prepared mentally to run hard so we thought it wouldn't hurt to ask Grandma to run with H. If you know my mom it isn't a surprise to hear that she agreed to do this.

Since I was running the 1/2, I wasn't able to watch them run but Carl finished in time to snap a couple photos. Grandma said H ran the whole way. H's response, "Grandma walks as fast as I run". Nothing like honesty:)

We are so proud of H and Grandma. This is H's 2nd 5K and Grandma's 1st. We promised H he could walk if he wanted to but apparently his adrenalin kicked in. Maybe the cheering spectators got the best of him, I don't know but we are PROUD! I love it that he is a runner now!

Grandma claims her only training consisted of a recliner and a remote but truly she is a natural athlete.

THE HALF MARATHON:
This was a 2nd for me and a 1st for S. We stayed in the Marriott and got up early to catch the shuttle. We left the hotel at about 5AM and visited with some of the other runners as we were waiting for the shuttle. We met several really cool people. The bus dropped us off across from Primary Children's Hospital (been there a few times) and we walked down to the start line. We had a lot of time to kill. We ate our PB and honey sandwiches and banana. We watched the Bike Tour start and then the Early start Marathoners. Finally, it was our turn and the gun went off exactly at 7. There were thousands of runners and it took us 3 minutes before we even crossed the start line. The first few miles were very conjested and it likely slowed us down some. S and I had a really great time pretty much the whole way. We loved the bands, random choirs, and the cheering spectators! It was a dream come true to be doing something I love with my son. He didn't grumble once. I can't tell you how amazing I think that is!

By the time we got down to Liberty Park we were really starting to feel it. I re-fueled with Gu and S ate some Sports Jelly Beans and a bite of his Cliff bar. That seemed to help and the next couple miles were a blur. When we hit the hill on State street I was tired. I told S we were going to call dad at mile 12 and walk for just a few seconds but he said, "NO MOM". Uggh! The hill was tough and just before I crested the hill I dialed Carl's cell. It was all I could do to mutter, "Mile 12" and hang up. Hitting the top of the hill was a great feeling. We turned and we could see the Gateway. We didn't know where we were going once we got to the Gateway and were a little surprised to find out we had to wrap around the block one more time. The plan was to run through the Finish together but S had a little more umpff left in him than I did and he crossed 2 seconds in front of me.

Final time: 1:56:01 and 1:56:03. Five seconds shy of a PR but that's okay. S placed 1st in his age division! Now that's something that doesn't happen everyday. 1st PLACE! We are so happy and proud and believe-it-or-not S wants to run another one:) Yeah!

I'm sporting 3 large blisters and many sore muscles. S didn't get a blister or anything. Lucky guy!

RUNNING 4 THE KIDS

Don't forget to mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual "RUNNING 4 THE KIDS" 5K/1 Mile Run.

May 2, 2009

Brigham City Smith's

100% of proceeds benefiting PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER

A $15 entry fee or $50 for a family of 4 (includes free t-shirt). $20 after 4/18/09 with no t-shirt guaranteed. Race will begin at 8:00 AM. Day of race registration and packet pick-up will begin at 7:15 AM. Race will begin and end at Smith's parking lot (156 S Main, Brigham City)

The Kids and I ran it last year and had a good time. I love this race because I know my money will go to a good cause. We love Primary's! In fact, we were there again today. Crew received botox injections in his gastrocs. Dr. Rehab, our physiatrist, talked to us about the possibility of "trying" medication to help Crew with his moods. This came up as he was screaming and hitting me in the face while I attemted to have an intelligent conversation with the doc. Normally I wouldn't consider it but after 4+ hours of screaming today I'm thinking medication doesn't sound so bad.

**Email me if you want the mailing address for registration. Hope to see you there!

Easter 5K

Carl signed us up for a 5K on the base. We had no idea the Easter bunny was going to be there! Because we didn't have a babysitter I decided to sit it out this time and take care of Crew while Carl and S ran. I'm glad I went along... I don't think Crew was too impressed with the bunny though.

S was suppose to take it easy because we ran 11 miles the day before. He must have really pushed hard 'cuz the course was hilly and still he got a PR.

Carl also did really well. A year ago I would have never thought he would be a runner but he has really enjoyed it the past few months.

H stayed home with his grandparents. He really wanted to go to an egg hunt but with the 5k it just didn't happen. Bummer thing is they were having a huge egg hunt after the race.. we just didn't know.

I tried to get Crew interested in the hunt but it just didn't happen so we skipped out before it started.

The boys were really looking forward to the FREE t-shirt but I think they were a little disappointed to see a giant bunny on the front.

Do you think they will wear their shirts?

Staying active

Basketball season is already over! S had a good season. We loved the coach and S made some new friends. It’s been fun to see him progress over the years. The boys his age are starting to play some great ball! We finished up the tournament last week and they got 2nd place in their division. Friday night is the “end of season” party… pizza and the movie “Monsters vs. Aliens”. He is excited.

Now it’s time to move more seriously into “Half—Marathon” training. Last weeks long run was 9 miles. We had an interesting run… ending up in unchartered territory. After running into a dead end, we had to jump two fences and a ditch, climb an embankment and make a bathroom pit stop. It was all my fault and S had a hard time getting into the groove after that. Miles 4 – 6 were a little rough but we kept it going and S got his second wind apparently because after we hit 9 miles he decided to throw in ONE more to make it 10! I had to rescue the babysitter, so I stopped at 9 and he continued. My legs were tired but I finished up Saturday’s run with a weekly total of 30. I’m happy with that.

This week is lots of prep work on our basement project. We are picking out paint and carpet and starting to make some progress… FINALLY. Yeah!

Slow him down.

My boy, S, and I have NINE miles on the schedule for tomorrow! Normally I would look forward to these "long" runs but I have two things conspiring against me:

1. S has only one speed... FAST! I haven't gotten through to him yet how important it is to take the "long" runs easy. Last weeks 8 miler nearly killed me! Apparently 11 year old boys enjoy the competitiveness of "outrunning" their moms. I came to this conclusion after eating his dust for 2 - 3 miles.


2. I just can't seem to kick the dizzy bug. For two weeks I've had random bouts of dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Should be fun.

WISH ME LUCK!

Pelican Hills Resort & the Tuacahn 5K

Carl and I had an awesome weekend getaway in St. George, Utah. In the past, we have always stayed in hotels when we go out of town but this time we had the opportunity to stay in a condo, Pelican Hills Resort. I'll tell you what, this is the way to GO!

Everything was clean and spacious and quite fancy for us really! The condo came with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and dining room as well as the main living area. We enjoyed watching a movie on the flat screen TV and soaking in the large jetted tub but not at the same time. LOL.

Also, we realized our unit was accessible! What a huge difference this makes when you are dealing with a walker or wheelchair. We were a little bit sad that the kids weren't with us as they would have loved it! The resort also features a clubhouse with a Theatre Room, outdoor pool and hot tub, basketball and tennis courts, and a sandy play area for the kids. S & H would have been in heaven.

On the other hand, a romantic getaway for two was exactly what we needed. I've decided that every couple needs to get away at least every 6 months.

On Saturday morning, Carl and I participated in the Tuacahn 5K. I've been running these shorter distances for years but this was a first for Carl. We didn't know until we got there but the race was downhill for the first half then turn around and run uphill for the second half. I really felt in my groove for this race. The downhill part set the pace for me but the second half was really tough. I felt like I was pushing it really hard but didn't have a clue what my pace was because my Garmin died shortly after the first mile. As I crossed the finish line I looked up and was shocked to see 23:50! Wahoo! This was a 2 minute PR for me and I'm still surprised that I was able to pull it off. I turned around and started walking back to look for Carl. He wasn't far behind me... and he was smiling:)

As we waited for the awards I realized I've never seen this part of my husband before. I think it was runners high because he was talking to everyone, mingling and really enjoying himself. It makes me so happy when someone I love gets addicted to something I love too... running. Surprisingly enough, I ended up getting 1st place in my age group and 9th place overall.

The race was well organized and we walked away with a t-shirt memoir, medals and winners plaque. Don't get confused by the medals... we didn't participate in the Duathalon but they didn't have a separate logo for the runners. The duathalon was tons of fun and I would like to go back next year as a participant. I just need to find a bike! This weekend there is another race in Snow Canyon and Carl and I both want to go. Ah, wouldn't it be nice!

Holiday fun and Road Rash.

I'm not sure if my lack of posting has more to do with feeling overwhelmed or somewhat dissatisfied. Fortunately, I DO have enough sense not to shout those little secrets to the rest of the world. Apparently, when I get in these little funks I forget to pull my camera out of the bag. Sorry, I've got nothing to document the holiday.

I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for just the five of us which was a first. DH was ready to just stay home and take it easy this year. This was a better alternate then dragging 3 kids, wheelchair and various DME equipment 2 hours away to spend the day in a cold church. I ate sweet potatoes for the first time EVAH and they were so good! The mashed potatoes were also a hit and so was the Reese's Peanut Butter pie.

Friday night we stayed with extended family at a Girls Camp lodge that my parents had rented. It was fun reconnecting with family. The little nieces and nephews are growing up way to fast. The whole time we were there I was looking forward to my next run. I'm getting to the point that I cannot live without my runs. I need running and its a great feeling. Saturday morning when I woke up at the lodge I was eager to jump into a run. The road leaving the camp is uphill for about the first mile. When I got to the top of the hill I took off my gloves and my jacket. I was so excited to have made it to the top and set off for a 3 mile downhill course. I had just finished telling myself that it was time to practice downhill running S style. When S and I run he flies down the hills. S says its easy... "just let your body go". So, just as I finished telling myself to not hold back and pick up the pace, I find myself flying through the air. For some reason when I'm in a situation like this my brain processes everything in slow motion. Has that ever happened to you? Anyway, I find myself flying forward on a very STEEP, GRAVEL road! I realize that I am just going to keep on sliding down the road as soon as I hit the ground. Instinctively, I catch myself with just one hand and one knee and then I purposely rolled to avoid turning my face into hamburger. My plan worked quite well actually... not a scratch on my face! My left hand had sharp rocks embedded under the skin with some nice deep road rash. My left knee and right elbow also suffered road rash and now 5 days later I am left with some nice bruises on my knees, elbow, and hip. Truly I was quite sore the day after.

After I fell, I jumped up and checked out my wounds. Realizing I was one mile from the lodge I decided to continue my run. I ran 6.5 miles of hills. Not sure quite how I did it but still glad I did:) Also, I completed my goal of 100 miles for the month of November and that makes me so happy!

Productive Day/ grateful #1

Our family participated in the "Run 4 Amber" 5K and 1 Mile. H decided a few minutes before start time to run the 5K with his friends. It was funny because only an hour before he declared that he would only do the Mile if he could walk it and push Crew in the stroller. When I found out H was running, I took off my Garmin and gave it to S. I told him he was on his own. This was the first time I wasn't there to set the pace for him.

H was awesome! He ran his first ever 5K in 31 minutes something with absolutely no training. S did really well running in just over 26 minutes but he was really bummed because he didn't get a PR.

Carl decided to walk the mile with Crew. Whatever!

The community support was unbelievable! I was so happy and grateful that the event was well attended. Grateful to live in a community where people care. Everyone was wearing pink to support Amber in her fight against breast cancer. Amber was able to make it and seeing her and hearing her publicly give thanks was emotional. The run was lots of fun and the auction afterwards was well supported. The race and auction organizers did a nice job!

The weather couldn't have been any nicer today. After the race we came home and worked on home projects. Carl painted some exterior doorways and I climbed onto the roof and hung our Christmas lights (it's my favorite pre-holiday activity). Carl and I always fight over who gets to do it. I don't know that he really loves being up there but I don't think he likes the neighborhood seeing his wife up there alone. Tee hee.

H started basketball today! This is the first year he has wanted to play. He was pretty happy after his first practice and said it was fun. I hope his enthusiasm continues.

RUN FOR AMBER

My most recent blog posts are becoming few and far between. There are many reasons for this (life is busy). However, the truth is that when I sit down to write I feel as if our day to day happenings are somewhat insignificant. These feelings stem from watching a friend as she battles Inflammatory Breast Cancer. My heart hurts for Amber and I'm sure I am one of many who feels a sense of helplessness. Amber and Dan have been great examples to Carl and I as we've gotten to know them since moving here. Amber, mother of 5, has fought valiantly for the past 18 months. I'm excited to participate in a charity run this Saturday to show support to Amber and her family.

Carl is running the 5K with me this time and S hopes to (he's nursing a sprained ankle). One detail that I haven't ironed out yet... what to do with Crew.

I hope the turn out is significant. Whether you know Amber or not, come run to support the fight against breast cancer. If you're not in the area, you can leave a message to Amber on her blog. Hope to see you there!

5K Report

I do have the intention of eventually starting a separate blog to document my running adventures. But, until then just a quick post to report:

S and I ran the Wellsville "Hotter than Haiti" 5 K Fun Run last Saturday. The run was held to raise funds for an orphanage in Haiti. I was surprised at how many little Haitian children were there who have been adopted by families in our area. It was really neat!

The weather was perfect.

The course was quite fun with a couple small hills.

We both set a new PR.

S- 25:36

Mel- 25:37

Oh, and S walked away with a football prize from the raffle drawing. Woot!

Next race: Red Ribbon Run- October 11th.

Sweet September

YESSSS!!!!!

S and I went running today at 4:00 pm. I am not use to running in the middle of the day but we had an opportunity- and we went. It was a good, hard run. Part way through, S got really tired so I dropped him off at the van and continued on for another 1.5 miles. I passed the bank and their digital sign said it was 86 degrees! My mouth has never felt so dry on a run and I felt like choking. By the time I got back to the van I was dead. I grabbed my water bottle and sucked it dry then S wanted a cheeseburger. *giggle* Good times!

My first HALF

Saturday's Top of Utah Half Marathon was an awesome experience I hope to never forget.

The day before the race I seriously thought I was getting the flu. My stomach was sort of pulsing, I felt achy and lightheaded and my throat was even sore. Looking back I think I must have just been a basket of nerves or a hypochondriac. LOL. I really wanted to enjoy the experience and that night I prayed for the umpteenth time that my body and mind would be strong.

On Saturday morning, I woke up at 4 AM to get ready and my ride came at 4:45. There were five of us girls and even though I was the fifth wheel I enjoyed having some company to keep myself from getting too nervous. I was feeling more calm come race day which was a huge blessing.

We got on the buses in Providence and rode up to Hyrum. There were 4 long lines of porta potties and we all got in line. It was fun to watch all the runners get ready to race and to see what kind of running apparel they had. My favorite was the woman in her 70's that sported a green running skirt and matching tank... she was awesome!

Finally, my neighbor said "It's time to go to the starting line", and I freaked out. I said "Doesn't it start at 7:30" and she said, "No, 7:00!" Okay, I was really sweating it now because I had told all my family that it started at 7:30 and I wouldn't be getting to the finish line until after 9:30. My DH, who works at night, was planning on picking the babysitter up at 8:15 and then driving the 1/2 hour to the finish line just in time to see me finish. We grabbed her cell phone and tried to call and wake him up but duh no cell phone reception that far up the canyon.

Well, it was time to start and I kept telling myself not to worry about the family and just run. After the starting gun went off it was shoulder to shoulder for at least the first mile. The five of us ran kind of in a clump and then after about a mile I lost the other four runners. Two were in front of me and two were behind (I think). The weather was beautiful (overcast) and the slight downhill course was perfect. I really didn't mind running alone. I'm a people watcher and so I just ran and watched those around me, absorbing the energy of the race and the excitement of it all!

My GPS watch is addicting and I kept checking my time. I was running faster than my regular pace and kept telling myself I should slow down but I felt really good and was having too much fun. At the first water station (Mile 3) I grabbed a cup of water and took a couple sips and was off. Just before the Mile 6 water station I got my GU out (that I had safety pinned to the inside of my shorts) and sucked it down just before they handed me a cup of Gatorade. I'm not usually a Gatorade drinker but decided to take the advice of some other runners and give it a try.

At about 6 1/2 miles I started worrying about the family again because my parents and brother/SIL were suppose to be waiting for me as I came out of the canyon. I had given them the wrong info also. I figured they wouldn't be there in time but still found myself scanning the faces of the spectators as we left the canyon, hoping to see them. They weren't there. Bummer.

At about mile 8, my feet started hurting. I started counting the miles in my head and worried that I had started out too fast and began doubting myself. When I reached the Mile 9 Aid Station I walked through it with my Gatorade and orange and then I was off! I think choosing to walk through the aid station really helped me because about a mile later there was a hill and I was able to keep going. My legs felt quite fatigued by mile 11 but another packet of GU and some water and I was able to keep going. I was running along with a pack of runners when all of a sudden I hear someone yell, "GO MEL" and I look behind me to see my mom jumping out of a car and running after me with a "Go Mel" poster. I was really excited to finally see someone I knew and the runners around me started laughing... it was enough to give me the extra boost I needed. Finally, as I was running down the final stretch and the road was packed with spectators I saw my sister there cheering me on. I was really happy about that too because I had no idea she was coming. Surprisingly, I did have some juice left in me for that final stretch. I crossed the finish line with a time of 1:55. Not bad!

Sheri, followed me to get some water and we walked around for a couple of minutes. I explained the time mix up and we started looking to see if Carl and the boys made it. I turned around and there was Carl at the finish line waiting for me to come in. I grabbed him and he hugged me. I asked him how long he had been there and we figured he made it just 3 minutes after I had finished. Darn it!

It's okay... I was so happy with my time and the family support that I got over it. My brother and his wife took us back to their house and cooked a huge breakfast for everyone.

Today, two days later I am a little sore and my very tender feet are recovering nicely. I will be ready to hit the road again tomorrow. The HALF is definitely my type of race and it won't be the last. Anyone want to join me next time?

13.1 MILES

I'm really doing it! This Saturday is the Top of Utah HALF Marathon. I am way excited but equally nervous. I didn't even consider running this until 5 weeks ago so there is a good chance I will be the laughing-stock of the whole bunch!!!

Today and tomorrow are REST days and its driving me crazy not to get out and run. I don't feel ready for this so I will need all the good luck I can get:) Begging you all!

I've done all the training for this by myself. There is a ladies threesome in my neighborhood that is also running it but I haven't trained with them because they are totally awesome and I don't want to slow them down. Fortunately, I will be riding up to Logan with them which will hopefully help me get the jitters out a bit before I run.

Sore Calf Muscles

On Monday I had Carl drop me off up the canyon and I ran home. I wanted to see if my knees could handle the decline. The run was great as the wind was pushing me down the hill. The first 3 1/2 miles were downhill and then it was 1/2 mile up and leveled out for the last 2. Six and a half miles total.

The run was great! My calf muscles are really sore now but my knees are fine.

I compared the elevation changes (love my GPS) with the elevation for the TOU half-marathon. Interestingly, I started at the same elevation 5200ft that the Half-Marathon starts and dropped approximately the same (900 ft). The only thing is the elevation drop would be spread out over the first 11 miles of the Half-Marathon instead of 3.5 miles.

I missed my workout this morning. Carl and S are at a Scout camp and it wasn't until last night I realized I wouldn't be able to go running this morning. Bummer.

I'm still deciding if I should try running my first Half-Marathon which is in 3 weeks. I get nervous just thinking about it. This week I'm suppose to run 11 miles for the long run. Tomorrow is Crew's surgery.... I'm not sure when I'll be able to squeeze in the long run. It might not be until Saturday.

What do you think.... should I push it and go for the Half?

Waterpark and Baseball

The boys are at a fun age! Monday we spent the day at Cherry Hill riding the slides and swimming. We packed a cooler full of goodies and made a day of it. Crew was able to stay home with Grandma and while we did miss him it sure was nice to be able to spend some "quality" time with the older boys. They really needed it.

We topped off the night with a Bee's game. Who would've known that we would become so sports driven. My sister, Sheri, said "You're such a TRADITIONAL family". Um.... that's okay with me;)

Oh, today I ran my first double digit training run.... TEN MILES! I used the Power gels for the first time and after I took my second one I got a side ache. I ran through it and it went away. I had some chafing so I will need to look into getting different clothes or trying Bodyglide. I'm loving it!