Blacksmith Fork Canyon Freedom 15k

Finally a minute to post about my 4th of July run...

Let me just say, this run was FUN! Although the "mostly" downhill part was laughable, the run was super enjoyable because of the rolling hills, the gorgeous scenery, and the sheer vastness of it. There were over 600 runners, which made this BY FAR the largest race I have ever run in. Usually I end up by myself for extended periods of time, but in this race, there was always someone (actually quite a few people) near me, which helped keep me motivated. 

I wish I could have taken pictures while I was running because the canyon is just breathtaking. If there isn't already something like this in existence, an app needs to be created that helps you take a picture while you're bouncing up and down. If there are any takers out there, just make sure you give me a free download for providing the idea. ;)

Also, I think the 15k distance is one of the most enjoyable for several reasons. It is long enough to allow you to get into a nice groove, which is hard in a 5k and even sometimes in a 15k. However, it is not so long that your body is screaming to get to the finish line. The farthest I have run is a half marathon but because of its completely flat course, my joints were absolutely killing me at the end. 

So I don't know if I'm going to be able to push myself to half marathon distance by the end of this month, but I'm going to try. :)

My doofus face as I near the finish line...

Finally...

So, after a few weeks here in Logan, I feel like I have finally landed. I have met people, found a job for the summer at least, and registered for my first local race!

I am teaching 7 yoga classes a week: four at Gold's Gym and three at private yoga studios. It's been an adjustment to teach so many, especially on Mondays when I have three in one day. But it is super fun. I also may start teaching a couple cycling classes at Gold's soon.

My first local race is in a few days. It is the Blacksmith Fork Freedom 15k. Yea... 9.3 miles already. I hope I can do it. The adjustment for running has not been as bad as I had anticipated. I am back up to the 7 miles I was doing in Alabama, although it is a bit slower. Since the course is said to be (mostly) downhill, I am optimistic that I will make it through. I'll post results soon!

Moving Sucks!

     Wow! It has been a looooong time since I posted and I had promised I would post updates about my running streak. Well, let me just say that moving is a lot of work, especially when you're moving across the country. I have been so busy that I could barely think, let alone post those non-existent thoughts. But I did run! Okay, so since we stayed in fleabag hotels on the way from Alabama to Utah, I had to run in place for a "mile" instead of actually running. Neither place had fitness rooms and they were in sketchy parts of town so I felt more safe in the room with my hubby. But I did do it. And now that we are here and semi-settled into our home, I have been actually running around the area and it is absolutely beautiful. I cannot even describe the mountains and the canyon. It's just breathtaking. I may never leave.
     So in order to try to stay true to my goal to run as many races as possible to spread awareness of body image and eating disorders, I have been looking for races around the area. I will post more information as soon as I decide on some.
     So here's to the joy of running because you can!!!

We're Going Streaking!!!

     I am totally in love with this campaign and I am ALL IN!!! I have to admit that running EVERY day can be daunting because... it hurts me body, things come up, and, let's face it, sometimes I just don't friggin feel like it. But I WILL do this, even if I do just run one mile some days. Who knows? After doing that one mile, I might feel like doing a few more, and then a few more after that. Fact: The hardest part is walking out the door.

     So, in order to keep myself on track with this, I'm going to post my mileage every day, starting Monday. Now, this means making time to run even on the days that I am traveling for our move to Utah in a week, but I'm still going to give it a go. I can't succeed without the possibility of failing. Let's see how this goes! And why don't you do it with me? :)

Iron Girl Redemption

     Iron Girl did make it up to all of us disappointed women who did not get to compete this weekend. We got an email that we could choose to have a discounted entry into next year's race or choose to receive complimentary entry into another Iron Girl event for this year. Since my husband and I are moving to Utah in two weeks, I decided to try for the one in Denver, Colorado in August, so I will continue to keep my cycling and swimming training up for that. 
     However, right now I am focusing solely on running, trying to increase my distance. I ran 7 miles yesterday, which is the farthest I have run in over 2 years when I did a half-marathon. I felt really proud of myself for that, but then today I ran 3 miles and was planning to focus on speed. Well, speed was not happening. I ended up with a 9:40 mile at the end! That is more and half a minute per mile slower than I usually run a 5k. What's up with that? Am I slowing down because I'm adding distance? Were my legs tired from yesterday's run? I don't know, but whatever it is, I don't like it. I am going to start adding some speed work to my training soon. Hopefully, that will help. 
     So, anyway, I don't have a race on the horizon simply because I don't know how my running endurance is going to change with the altitude when we move to Utah, but as soon as I feel comfortable, I will be signing up for races there. For now, I'm just going to focus on training, packing, and spending time with my family before the big move.

I read this after my run yesterday and it made me happy because there is truly so much joy in running, even if I do get bogged down with the numbers sometimes. Thought it needed to be shared...

Huuuuge disappointment!

     I won't become a triathlete this weekend... Due to inclement weather, Iron Girl cancelled the race. I am disappointed beyond words. I trained physically and mentally for months for this one day and now I am not going to get a chance to do it. I understand safety comes first, but it doesn't make me feel any better.
     Now I can't even use my car magnet. :p

     I guess I'll just have to put all of my energy into my next races, most of which are yet to be determined due to the coming move. However, I can reveal one for certain... The Las Vegas Marathon in November!!! Here's to staying on track!

Race night!

     Well, it's finally race night and I am FREAKING OUT! Every scenario of things that could go wrong is playing in my head, I am confused and overwhelmed by all of the crap you have to know, and, as I said before, I am so undertrained. But on to logistics and away from emotions...
     The day started as we drove up to the Iron Girl arch to welcome us after our three hour drive. We got our packets with our numbers and swim cap (my wave gets red) and then got our shirt and swag bag. Yay! The expo was kind of cool, lots of over priced clothing and such. I just got a car magnet, tie dye with swim, bike, run logo. Then we had to go set up our bikes at transition. After putting our number in the bike we had to rack it according to our bib number. Being number 728, I had to set up in the back. :( After that we just hung out at the area, ate, and tried to figure out the course. Fail!
     So now I'm laying in the bed trying to force myself to stop thinking about all the bad things and how badly I could suck and just chill and go to bed. I'll post in the morning! :)