Tag I'm it!

I have been a terrible blogger for the last couple months.  So thanks to Catey at Random Thoughts from the Zoo, I'm back today!

1.  What are you most fond of accomplishing in 2010?
Well one of my many goals this year was to crush, smash, blow out of the water and obliterate my 1/2 marathon pr.  Attempt number one was pathetic.  I ended up going 8 minutes longer.  I took for granted that I could do what I had done before without proper training.  Yeah, right, I know you are all laughing right now.  Hopefully that means you've done the same and feel my pain.  So, while attempt number two wasn't originally on my race schedule, I had to do something to redeem myself.

I didn't really train well for it either, but I did focus on doing more distance and it paid off.  I didn't crush my time, but I did get a PR by 23 seconds. 

I also got a new 5k PR by 20 seconds.  And I WON a triathlon for the first time ever!  A super fun (and small) tri a friend puts on twice a year.  It wasn't my best tri time, but I loved it!

2.  What are your running goals for the year? 
Last year I wanted to hit 1000 miles, but really didn't focus on it.  So this year the goals are going to be clearly outlined, and check on so I can have more success.
1.  Run my first marathon. (hoping for 4:15 or less, ok really 4 hours, but that's the fantasy time)
2.  Break 25 min in a 5k.
3.  PR in a 1/2 marathon.
4. Do my first olympic distance tri. (aiming for 3 hours)
5. Break 1:25 in a sprint tri (800 swim, 12.4 bike, 5k run)  
6.  Break 1000 miles.
7. Century bike ride (112 miles) under 6 1/2 hours.


Yes, I know it's a lot for me, but if I'm going to do Kona
 in 2015, I have to get moving faster and more.  I want to be ready for my first IronMan distance in 2014.  I know I can do the bike, so now it's about speed and energy conservation.  I haven't swam 2.4 ever, but I'm a good swimmer and will build that distance.  So this year is the year I learn to do the marathon.  

3.  What is your favorite race?
I really loved the Top of Utah half 2009.  I think it's entirely emotional.  It was my first half.  It was the first race my hubby saw me run.  I did better than I dreamed I could.  I felt like I could conquer the world after that race.  

4.  What is your favorite Holiday guilty pleasure?
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!  I love hot chocolate with chocolate candy melted in it to make it more chocolatey.  I love mint chocolate truffles, Godiva clam shells with the hazelnut truffle pearl,  chocolate oranges, cherry cordial kisses and caramel kisses too.  I love chocolate dipped raspberries, chocolate covered macadamia nuts and raisins, flipz, chocolate dipped toffee.... are you getting the picture yet?  CHOCOLATE IS MY ADDICTION!!!

3.  What is your most embarrassing running moment?
Well, as a tribute to Beth over at Shut Up and Run!,  here it is.  It is the untalked about fact that we all have body functions.  And those functions like to be extra, extra active on me when I run.  There are many examples of this when I have been alone, but I had a funny one with some friends this summer.  I usually run alone, but Kim invited me to do a hill run with her, Mandi and a guy that I'd never met and unfortunately can't remember his name.  We drove a few miles over to the Ranches, which is at the foot of  a small mountain and is very hilly.  As we got going, I kind of knew that something was coming.  I should have suggested we run past the Chevron so I could run in fast..... but since it wasn't my group, I felt embarrassed interrupting their planned route.  Lesson #1, listen to your body!!!  We got going through the neighborhoods, up and down hills, on an unpaved road and about 3 miles in I knew something was going to happen whether I found a potty or not.  As we headed through one neighborhood, Mandi called out "anyone need a drink or bathroom?  So and so lives over there"  I don't think she actually expected a response.  I hollered "YES"  So we ran over to the door, but they either weren't home or not up yet.  Crap!  Literally.  Ok, well, we're in the foothills, there are small trees.  But I forgot my special little baggie with wet wipes in it.  Crap, again.  As I'm climbing up to the trees, Kim yells "WAIT!  There's a port a potty!"  YAY for new construction!  I made it there, it had TP and hand sanitizer!  Whew, happy day, the next 3 miles were much, much better.  


Oh yeah, there was also the time I was running out of our neighborhood and saw my friend in her van.  We stopped and chatted for a minute, when it hit.  Without a word, I jumped in and said "how much do you love me?"  She laughed and drove me home to my potty.  


So I'm tagging Kim at the Brown Bulletin,  Courtney at I Can Do This! and Tracy at Our Life with 3 guys and a Doll.

Have fun!  Can't wait to read your stories!

HBBC update

This week I earned 35 points.  7 because I get my fruits and veggies every single day!  6 for teaching spin, 18 for my weekly mileage, and 4 for hitting the weights.  I think I can hit 40 next week.  I'm upping my mileage a little, not going to be sick so I'll get all my weights in this week.  And now that I have my own spin bike at home, I'm going to get another hour in at home and keep the biking fitness up over the winter.

Return to Blogging with the Holiday Bootie Buster

Well, it's been a while.  Can't really even explain why.  Busy.  In a Funk.  Lazy.  Whatever.....

The Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge is getting me out of my blogging absence!  I signed up for it a couple weeks ago, but haven't posted my points yet, so here are two weeks worth of results.  

First, the requirements:

HBBC Rules
1 Point per mile (run/walk/snowshoe)
1 Point per 3 miles biked
1 Point per 20 minutes of weight lifting, Pilates, yoga, stretching or abs
1 Point per 15 minutes of low impact cardio (i.e. aerobics, easy biking)
1 Point per 10 minutes of high impact cardio (spin, kickbox, etc)
1 Per day where you reach a minimum of 7 servings of fruits and veggies
Challenge will run from Nov 20 to Jan 7…this helps to cover you for the major holidays!

Additional points: Because I am all about taking care of your entire mind, body, soul connection there will be additional posts/questions where you can earn points throughout the challenge.


So week one, Nov 20-26, 2010 results:  31 pts

Week two, Nov 27-Dec 3, 2010 results:  29 pts

Personally, I'd like to hit at least 30 pts per week.  So, here we go!  Really my holiday goal is to not gain any net weight over the holidays.  

I pigged out royally over Thanksgiving (did I ever tell you how much I love to make and then eat pie?)  This years selections included:  Oreo Pie, Turtle Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Chocolate Mousse, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Streusel Pie, and the experiment of the day, Peanut Butter and Fudge Pie.  (it was awesome)  Ate about 10 pieces as well as the leftover filling from making them.  That would be roughly 6000-7000 calories in pie alone, not to mention my addiction to candied yams, stuffing and gravy! 

Thank heavens the post turkey day weight is gone, now to survive the rest of the parties.  First one down, church party last night.  Did great, ate what I wanted but had saved some of the calorie budget for the dinner.  
 
So here we go for next week!    

Super Fun Saturday!

My wonderful Hubby and middle child are out of town at  a mountain biking race, so we were pretty quiet around here.  Did my long run on Friday so that Saturday could be devoted to some kids activities that I was driving for and then off to Power-Tri to watch Ironman in Kona.  

Then dear boss at the gym invited me to run a 5k she was helping sponsor for the library and all I could think was how slow I will run it because of my poor tired legs.

So I talked youngest girl child into going with me, she did it on her scooter.  (allowed per 5k rules).  It actually was really fun!  When I got there, found the other girls from the gym, ran into an old friend,  a fellow spin instructor (both organizing, not running), as well as my dentist and his wife.   So after some chatting about how slow we all are, the shot went off and there we go.  Dentist and wife are definitely faster than me!  Gym girls, slower, and Callie right with me.  Went out too fast and felt it, so I slowed down a little.  


As I got to the turnaround, I realized my time was going to be close to my PR!  So I picked it up a little, left poor Callie in the dust, and finished with a 20 second PR!!!!  26:14 to be exact.  Callie said I turned into a dot.  I love having my race partner go with me!  She's awesome! Now I've done a 5k with both my daughters.


It was a tiny race, only 63 people, I took 10th place and I think 4th in the womens.   But who cares!  I loved every minute!  Just imagine what I could have done without the 15 miles of exhaustion from the day before!


Ate at the Kiwanis club breakfast after, YUMMMY!  Then back home to clean up and help older daughter with surprise party for friend.  Nice surprise for me, I ended up not having to drive.


So Callie and I took off for the Kona party to cheer on my favorite athlete Crissie Wellington.  Was super disappointed to find she pulled out due to illness.  I felt lost, not knowing who to root for.....

Callie's sports watch

We had fun anyway.  Ate good food, won  a nuun water bottle and a yankz t2 transition bag, which had a pair of yankz in them.  Can't complain about that!  Callie was super excited, cause she knew she get's the yankz!  She's wanted some forever.  They had a kids race and all the kids got prizes, she won a sports watch!  She's loving that she can time everything now.  I feel some PR's coming for her!

Giveaways!

I won a Giveaway!!  For an adorable headband that I can't wait to get.  

But while I'm waiting for that, you should go check out my friend Catey's giveaway for a Scentsy Warmer and Scent!  It's for an adorable Give Thanks warmer and the scent of your choice.  Now really I think you should just forget this and not enter at all, because I want to win.  Hee hee!

 

Winners from the September Challenge

September was my month to run more mileage than ever before.  100 MILES!  And I did it! 100.7 to be exact.

Super proud of myself and proud of those who completed their own challenges!

So here's the prize pack:

As chosen by random.org, all this will be going to comment #13!  Stacey (Lowe Family)!

And my bonus prize, a subscription to Fitness for the best story, as chosen by me is going to Catey of Random Thoughts From the Zoo. 


Her's is a beautiful story and very symbolic.  Check out more about Sam's story in her blog.  He's a cutie patootie!


Girlies, email me your addresses and I'll get the prizes and subscriptions on their way.  onedailyrun@yahoo.com


Congrats and thanks for the support!

Dirty Dash pics and story

So a few months ago I got roped into decided to do the Dirty Dash with my friend Emily and some other gals I didn't know.  Never done a mud run before, never even considered it.

The wave before us

The Delicious Dirty Delicates!  Before. l-r, Claire, Emigh, Ashley, Emily and me!

We were in the 4th wave to start and by then the first hill was thick gooey muck, thanks to the huge sprinkler showering down on us.

The first wall climb (of three)

Emily and I made it over!

Doin' the happy dance

Excited or Falling?  you decide

Heading for the Filthy Finish

Never been grosser or had more fun!

Oh my gosh was that some muddy fun! The costumes were hilarious.  One of my favorite scenes was the "brides" being chased by the "chain gang" and the "Muddy Butties" (with fake bare butt shorts).  Had to yell Freedom every time we saw the Braveheart warriors!   We had a BLAST!  I highly recommend doing a mud run!   

Don't forget to post your results of the September Challenge!

September Challenge Reminder!

Don't forget the September Challenge!  Those who entered, post your miles (don't worry if you didn't meet your goal) and any great story about your challenge experience.

Can't wait to hear some great stories!

If you had meant to enter all month long, but totally forgot..... hurry and enter here.  Post your goal, story, and results (all in different posts, each one is an entry in the random drawing.)  No penalty for late entries.

Post your final results by Sunday Oct 3, and I'll select the winners Monday!  Good luck! 

I love primary!

Today Callie had a talk in primary (children's church meeting) that we forgot to prepare.  So as we were talking about it today, we decided to talk about how Heavenly Father and Jesus answer our prayers, sometimes before we even know we need something.  It came from a sweet story about a family during the depression who's dad had a job, but the company wouldn't be able to pay him for a while.  After praying, mom got the inspiration to sell her homemade doughnuts so they could buy food.  But after a few weeks they ran out of yeast and couldn't get any more.  They prayed again, and dad arrived just after that with the mail.  It had a sample of yeast the company had sent for advertising.   The story ties to Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call, I will answer them".

So she was just going to read the story, and share her testimony of Jesus, but then we had two really special experiences.

First I was in the church library waiting to check out the childrens songbook, (I play the piano for the children's singing time.)  and my friend Heather came for one as well.  She was looking for a specific song and asked me if it was in there.  Turns out it isn't, but inside the copy she got from the library, was a sheet of paper with the song printed on it.

Right after that, Callie told me her throat hurt and asked for a cough drop.  I didn't have any, and said maybe we should keep a bag in glove box from now on.  Then her face lit up and she said I think we did!  I gave her the keys and sure enough there was a bag in the glove box.  Last time we went shopping we scored a great deal on cough drops and Callie suggested we leave one in the car.  I asked who she thought had given her the idea? She replied Heavenly Father!

So her talk was updated quickly to include her recent experiences with Heavenly Father preparing blessings before we even know we need them.  

On the way home, we realized there was one more to add to our stories.  When did Heavenly Father choose to give her these experiences?  Right when she needed them.

Food. Reward or Punishment?

So I was reading this story in the paper this morning about Drew Carey's incredible weight loss.  He's lost 77 lbs and looks fabulous!  Well, like most weight journeys, he had some bumps in the road.  After he finished a 10k, he ate an ice cream cone, then a whole pepperoni pizza, then a cupcake.  The next day another pizza.  After a few days, gaining a few pounds and feeling sick, he posted this valuable lesson on his mirror:  "Eating crappy food is not a reward--it's a punishment."

This lesson came right on the heels of  "The Dirty Dash", a 10k mud run I did with my friends yesterday. (Race Report and pics this afternoon)  When we got done, I was starving!  There weren't enough water stops and the fruit at the end was delicious, but not enough for me.  

Well I just did a 10k, so off to eat we go.  Decided on Taco Bell, ordered a couple tacos and a gordita cruch (I think), but then, since we are in Heber, I HAVE to go to Granny's and get a carmel-cashew-brownie shake and onion rings.  They are to die for!  I love Granny's shakes and onion rings.  Been eating them for almost 30 years and will continue till I die.  Good thing I only get up there a few times a year.

Well either one of them would have been fine on their own, but both restaurants were not necessary. It's not like I got any nutrition from either one.  So my stomach was in pain all night long, I never felt like making or eating a healthy dinner.  Good thing only 2 kids were home and there were leftovers and fresh fruit for them.  For the record, I didn't eat the second taco.  It doesn't make me feel any better, but I didn't.  

I had bought cinnamon swirl bread to make french toast with for Sunday breakfast.  I really didn't even feel like eating, but the kids did and it tasted good.  But the tummy still hurts.

Like Drew, there are battles I will continue to fight.  A little is ok, it tastes good.  A lot hurts and brings back all kinds of feelings of self loathing and anger.  

So I will amend Drew's quote, "Eating a lot of crappy food is not a reward, it's a punishment."

Don't forget, the September Challenge is still open for your goals and stories, win a great prize pack!

I'm gonna do the Dirty Dash!

Woo Hoo!  Saturday is the Dirty Dash!  I can't wait.  It sounds like crazy fun.  The Boise one was last week and holy cow did those folks get MUDDY!  

 

This is the first time I've done a race/run just for fun and no expectation of a good finish time or mile splits.  I mean really?  How could you expect a fast run when you are slogging through such sections as "Razorback Alley", "The Pig Pen" and the "Slop 'n Slide"? 
If you want to read more about it, there's a couple articles on this page.

So watch out for the "Dirty Delicates", cause no one is going to have more fun than us!

Don't forget the September Challenge!  Post your goals and why, I can't wait to see all the stories!

A Run and a Winner!

So yesterday my friend Kim ran the Top of Utah Marathon, and as I am not ready for one yet.... I ran a 1/2 in her honor!  I'm working on building distance and not stressing about time, but I have to check my time anyway.

But before I could do that, I had other responsibilities.  Yesterday I had the honor of MC'ing a local 5k.  I was invited to do so specifically "because you have a loud voice that anyone can hear a mile away"  I'll take that as a compliment.

It was a super fun 5k organized by a 14 year old young man as a part of his Eagle Scout project.  Wow, he did a great job!  There were 180 runners between the 5k and the kids run and so far (donations are still pouring in) he has garnered about $1500 for the new Mountain Trails Elementary schools library!  If you would like to donate for Austin's project click here.  I think the donate link will be live for a week or two.

So after the race, when it was nice and HOT, I geared up for my run.  About a mile into it, I realized I was going to go much slower than I'd hoped and would run out of time to finish.  I also had forgot to drink even 8 oz of water that morning.  I had two mostly frozen water bottles in my hands and gu in the pocket.  Not good.  Decided based on the first couple miles to turn around early and finish the run in the evening.  We were headed out to the lake for the last good day of the season anyway.  So did 8.9 in 1:32:55, for a 10:23 pace in the morning.

When dusk hit, I took off again for 4.2 to finish it off.  Was well hydrated and felt good.  Finished that in 37:05 for  a 8:50 pace.  BIG difference.  Finished strong and felt so much better than the morning.  

I told Mark this morning I felt like I had a hangover.  (For those who don't know me in person, I am only imagining.  I have never had a hangover and in fact have never tasted alcohol, so this would rank among my worst headaches of all time).  He informed me a hangover was partly due to dehydration, so I probably did have one.  Hmmm.  

Anywho, I was very proud to run another 1/2 distance, even broken up, just 3 weeks after my race bomb.  Decided to do another half in 6 weeks so I don't end my season on a sour note.

So without further ado or blah blah blahing about myself:

We have a winner for the Road ID giveaway!  

Courtesy of Random.org,

Elizabeth wins a $15 gift certificate to Road ID! Elizabeth, please email me your address and I'll get it off to you.  onedailyrun@yahoo.com

If any of you are interested in a Road ID, please use the link on my blog and 10% will be donated to my friend Jim Hughes' medical trust.  

Thanks for all your entries.  I love doing the giveaways!

I FEEL SO AWESOME!!! I'm doing another giveaway!

Today was my tri.  After the stress of the TOU/2 marathon, I just wanted to race stress free, no expectations.  Thus, I didn't swim for the last two weeks, only went on one bike ride and did no speed training at all.  Just ran for miles.  

I had this tri on the calendar for a few months.  It's a free, low key event put on by a friend of mine, one in the spring and one in the fall.  The spring one I did well and wanted to improve my time this fall, but ehh, with recent events on the mind, decided to do it just for fun.

Last night was supposed to go like this: 

nice pasta dinner, relaxing walk around the block with hubby and in bed with a great movie by 8:30 so I could be asleep before 10pm.  Then wake up around 6, get ready, fill my water bottle, eat a little and take off.  On the way, stop and set up t2, drop off the cooler with recovery drink for everyone after the race and be there 15 minutes early to calmly visit with my friends before the swim.

What really happened:

My awesome friend wrote an amazing book about her mom (who had multiple personalities), love, forgiveness and the gift of peace the Savior can bless us with, it's called Mother Had a Secret.   Well she had her book launch party last night, so of course we had to have a girls night out and go buy our books and get them personally autographed! Then Olive Garden was the perfect place to carboload!  By the time we got home it was already 9:30.  

Daughter calls and needs a ride home from volleyball tournament.  Luckily she calls back and has a ride.  When she gets home, I could tell she needed to talk, so I took her with me to drop off my food co-op order to my friend so she could pick it up for me.  And we sat in the car till 11:30 talking.  

Finally off to bed.  But I'm so excited about the book, I have to read 2 chapters before my eyes refuse to stay open.  Morning! Marks alarm goes off at 4:30 for work!  YAY!  I try to doze, but between that and getting daughter off to 2nd day of volleyball tourney, and trying to catch a few extra winks, I end up not getting out the door on time and after setting up t2 and dropping the cooler off, I get to the pool to set up t1 exactly when it is supposed to start.  So great to get such a good night's sleep before a race, UGH.

I also took a huge chance and ate something completely different for breakfast.  I know HUGE no-no!   I have some Rokit Fuel and just never tried it.  Mixed a little water in and downed it.  It was soooo good!  And it sat well in my stomach, no issues today!  Highly recommend trying some.  You can win a pack in my SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE GIVEAWAY!

Fortunately it's a small, casual tri and no one is stressed about starting on time.   Oh yeah and did I mention it was 42 degrees this morning? So fun to run out of the pool in a dripping wet tri suit!

Distances: Swim 800 yards, Bike 12.3, Run 3.2

Times are an estimate from my amazing, fabulous, incredibly untechnical $7 Walmart watch.

Swim was my best ever!  15:56, a good 30 seconds faster than my best.

FREEZING!!  Fast choice, risk the cold and just throw on a jacket or pull pants on over a wet body.  Hmm.  Decided to go with the jacket and hope to become numb as fast as possible. t1 ridiculously long due to trying to dry as much as possible.  about 4 min

Bike, Ears went first then legs and finally feet lost all feeling.  It was so cold!  But a reasonable time, about 41 min.  Ended bike in 3rd place over all, but I am amazing at t2...

Dropped bike, ripped off bike shoes, slipped into running shoes with ibungee elastic laces (lightning fast!)  throw the helmet as I run away 30 seconds!

Off for the 5K +.1.  Legs feel like frozen Jell-o.  I'm in second, (because I'm lightning fast at t2)  About a third the way in, still haven't hit my stride and Dale slowly passes.  Crap, 3rd again.  But as we hit the top of a slight incline and start a little decline, it hit's!  My legs are fine, turnover increases and I make my move! Back into 2nd.  Aha!  near the turnaround I determine Trevor is only about 30 seconds ahead of me. Oh yeah, I'm gonna do it.  About a 1/2 mile from the finish I passed and felt sooo fine!  Coming to the finish however I heard the pitter patter of big feet.  OH NO YOU DON'T the sprint was on and I finished 5 seconds ahead!  Run time about 28 min.


MY FIRST WIN!! 


Total time 1:29:27


So one of the prizes was a $15 Road ID Gift Certificate.  There were extras, so one of you gets to win one too!


1.  Follow me on the blog, comment to let me know
2.  like Road ID on Facebook here. Comment to let me know.
3.  Go to Road ID's website here. Comment with what you would get and why.
4.  Post on your blog, facebook or twitter.  Comment for each one.
5.  Bonus, enter my September challenge giveaway and comment to let me know.


Enter by midnight September 18 and courtesy of Random.org, I'll choose and announce a winner on September 19.  Good luck!

September Challenge with PRIZES!

So after failing  missing my goal for the TOU/2, I am regrouping.  Last year, I took a week off and never really returned to pre-race mileage.  

So this year, I got my tushie out Monday morning and did a few miles and then Tuesday night a few more.  (they were run/walk---very, very slow)  That was to finish up Tall Mom on the Run's   80 miles in August challenge.


Now I am issuing my own challenge to you and myself.  In order to hit 1000 miles by the end of the year, I have to step it up a bit.  So, my personal challenge is 100 miles in September.  


You however, can choose your distance challenge!  Take what you did last month and bump it up!


To officially be a part of my challenge, and be eligible for the end of the month prize..... you have to do the following:

1. Be a follower of my blog.  And comment to let me know you are now or already were.
2. Comment and state your challenge and tell me why you chose your distance.  (give me a good story)
3. Repost this giveaway on your facebook, blog, twitter (leave a separate comment for each one.)
4. At the end of the month post your mileage and whether you met your goal or not, why etc (good stories again)

The winner will be chosen by random.org, but must be qualified!  In order to qualify you must do at least numbers 1, 2 and 4.  Number 3 will give you bonus entries. (each comment is an entry)  


And you will win: (drumroll please!)
A pack of Shot Bloks
A pack of Rockit Fuel
A Zoot visor
And a 1 year subscription to Fitness magazine.


A second winner will be chosen based totally on my bias.  I'll pick the best story, no judging criteria have been established.  It might be the one that makes me cry, belly laugh or that reminds me of me.  Don't know yet.  This winner will receive a 1 year subscription to Fitness magazine.


Good luck on your goals! Can't wait to hear the stories and see the success!


{HUGS}
 

Have been humbled

Saturday I ran the Top of Utah Half Marathon.  Awesome course, well supported, perfect weather.  Yet I failed.

I did this one last year and had a stellar experience.  Under 2 hours and felt great.  But this summer has had more down time (some injury, some pure lazy)  There were a couple weeks where I only got a long run in.  

Given that last spring I had hoped to hit a pretty lofty goal and had revised to "please let me beat last years time", I really bombed.

My chip time was 2:07:12.8, or 7:50 slower than last year.  What happened?  PRIDE.

Despite low weekly mileage, I assumed that because I did it last year, I could do it this year.  Wrong.  Running is not a forgiving sport.  There are no gimmies.  You will earn every second shaved off your time.

Since I don't get any bragging rights on the time, I'd better learn something out of this.

1. Don't sing along out loud to your ipod.  Not only do people stare at you, you get out of breath and get a stitch in your side that takes a mile and a half to get rid of.  


2.  When you are out of breath, keep jogging even slowly.  Walking a little to catch your breath lets your muscles get cold and you have a hard time getting going again. Thus resulting in more walking.

3.  Having a rocking playlist tailored to the race is AWESOME!  Just don't let the item number 1 happen because your playlist is so awesome.  (#1 started up because Living on a Prayer came on at exactly the right time--half way through the race, think about it)


4.  When items number 1 and 2 happen, don't let your brain tell you all the reasons you can't make it.  Your body will go as far as your mind will.  Unfortunately mine shut down all positive thinking around mile 8.


5.  When you finish the race and you are in more pain than you have been in since you gave birth 10 years ago, forget the awards and drawing and go back to the hotel room for an ice bath.  Thus avoiding limping down the street to the car in front of 2396 other racers and their families.

Looking back, it wasn't the worst experience of my life.  (I thought that when I crossed the finish line)  I know I need a bigger running base.  I worry too much about speed work when I should be focused on endurance.  I lost this race because I assumed once you do it you own it forever, because I didn't keep my breathing under control, and mostly because I didn't keep my mind under control.


In spite of my time, I did place 28 out of 103 in my division.  So that helped me feel a little better.

I'm not letting go of my goal.  Next year, I want to run this race in 1:44:48.  


The training begins NOW!

Half Marathon Jitters!

So, tomorrow is the big day!  I had some pretty high hopes for this race when I signed up months ago.  {sigh}  Well thanks to the combination of plantaar faciitis, itbs, and some lazy busy mornings, I don't think that I'll be running in 1:44:48 or less.  It was an aggressive goal anyway, (this is where I start to justify my poor performance before it happens) and with the injuries it was very hard to get training in.  There were a few weeks that I only ran the long run. 

So, while I still want to get that same time eventually, this year I have set three other goals, that if I meet any of them, I will be very happy.

1.  Beat last years time of 1:59:23. (ave pace 9:07)
2. Run at an average pace of 8:45, time of 1:54:37.
3. Run at an average pace of 8:30, time of 1:51:21.

All three are very worthy accomplishments, and I'd be proud to report any of them.  I'd better be able to report at least one of them.

We're taking off around 4:30 and hoping to ride the motorcycle up.  Get the hotel room, pick up packet and go to dinner.  Then back for early bed, around 8.  I'll probably need some melatonin with my nerves going crazy.  Up about 4:30 for a breakfast of toast with pb and banana.  Then off to the buses to wait with 2299 other crazy people.

I'm wearing a cute pink nike shirt, pink and green camo headband and wishing I had a white running skirt. But I have black and that's what I'll be cruising down the hill in.  And of course I'll be wearing my new, wonderful mint green and silver saucony's!  I love them!  I also really love my green superfeet in them!

So farewell friends, I will let you know tomorrow which goal I hit.  If you don't hear from me, I've gone into hiding feeding my frustration with Chunky Monkey ice cream.

NEED HELP!!!!

Dear Bloggy friends,

As is usually true, I get myself involved in lots and lots and lots of volunteer activities.  I love all of them and am so very grateful for the opportunity to help people I love.  But I need some help myself. 

3 things are happening.

1.  Daughter made the volleyball team at the high school.  The fundraiser is a  dinner/auction.  So we are putting together a basket for the auction.  My theme is fitness, so I am donating spin class passes, personal training and possibly a gym membership.  But I also want to include some sports nutrition and small equipment or gift certificates.

2.  I'm race director for a fundraiser 5k for a dear friend.  In order to make every dime possible to their medical trust fund, we need donations/sponsorships to cover some costs and also prizes for the post race drawing.

3.  Helping with a local triathlon that has been and hopes to stay free.  It's a great way for people to try tri without breaking the bank.  So also looking for stuff for swag bags, freebie coupons, and prizes for a post race drawing.

If you have any ideas for me, contacts or even things you would like to contribute I would love the support and information.

Thanks again!

I made muffins!

I'm feeling quite pleased with myself right now.  I haven't "baked" anything yummy for a while and with some plantains and bananas getting really dark, banana bread seemed to be calling my name.  But when I got started, I remembered "I LOVE MUFFINS".  So there you go, I must make banana muffins.  But of course they need to be somewhat healthy too.  So here is the recipe for the yummiest muffins!

Now lest you get carried away and think I am somewhat creative and came up with these myself, well let me just stop you there!  Like most brilliant things I do, I copy and then vary someone elses work.  So the basis for this recipe came from "The Tightwad Gazette" by Amy Dacyczyn.

Here is my super amazing adaptation for:

Banana Walnut Oatmeal Muffins
3 c flour
1/2 c brown sugar
2 T baking powder
1/2 t salt
2 c cooked oatmeal (usually leftover at our house)
2 eggs
1 c milk
6 T oil
2 c mashed banana or plantain or both
1 c chopped walnuts

Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then mix together just till lumpy.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake 20 min at 400 deg.

It makes 24 muffins.  I use silicone muffin pans that I found at Target in the bargain bins by the front of the store.  Each one has about 200 calories, 5g protein, 2g fiber, 7g sugar, 22g carb, and 7g fat.

Sometimes I have made it with honey or added craisens for a different flavor.  I'm sure there are tons of other ways to make it healthier, but this combo is pretty popular at our house

Any feedback on adjustments to try are always welcome!!!!!!!!!

And the winner is...

Yesterday was a BAD day.  Too busy and felt like crap, so as soon as I could, I crashed and completely forgot to post the winner.

So here it is, courtesy of Random.org..

The winner is Courtney of I CAN DO THIS!

Courtney, email me at onedailyrun@yahoo.com with your information and which one you want (tell me based on how many from left or right, so I don't mix it up)  and I'll get it right out to  you!  

Thanks again everyone for entering my first bloggy giveaway.  Mostly thanks for your support, feedback and sharing your experiences with me!

XOXOXO to you all

Trish

I'm a slug

I am a slug this week.  It's not entirely under my control though.  ITBS  and plantaar faciitis have decided that they like me alot and want to hang around.  So, I go back and forth.  Long runs once a week or 2-3 short speed runs.  Long is nice for the slower pace and building distance, but without the speed I won't meet my time goal.  Which one will be better for recovery and healing?  With the Top of Utah Half only 4 weeks away, I'm a little concerned.  I know I can do the distance, but how will I feel at the end?  It's a super fast course and I want to take advantage of that and get not just a pr, but a kick butt time!  

So, it's back to basics.  Exercises prescribed by the PT, ice, rest.  I really want to go to PT, but right now there isn't much time and I only have 3 visits left that will be covered by insurance.  

So, what do you guys do when you are nursing injuries and still trying to train?  I need help!  I do my foam roller and have green super feet. (love them)  but I am worried I won't get better without help or total rest.

HELP!!!! 

First Bloggy Giveaway!

Wow, I can't believe I'm really doing a blog giveaway!  I feel so powerful.  Muwahaha!  I love the Muwahaha's!  (High 5 if you get that reference)

Ok, I'm really digressing.  So anyway, some blogs I subscribe to get really cool things from companies to test, review and then giveaway.  When my friends and I met to start organizing a fundraising race (more to come on that later), I found out that new friend Sandy makes these wonderful no slip headbands.  She is just getting started, and my amazing runner friend MaryAnne was raving about how great they are. 

I kept a few to show to my clients and try one out.   Here I am rockin' my cute pink and brown headband. (and yes I am in my jammies)  Wow was she right!  Nothing stays in my hair.  Headbands of every kind slip out.  (I think I must be missing some headband holding part of my skull.)  So I wore it Friday afternoon and evening to see how it went during normal life.  I actually forgot it was even on my head!  When I changed for bed, there it was, in the same exact place I put it 8 hours before.  That may not be a big deal to most people, but to me it is amazing!  I never, ever wear headbands because they slip off my head.

Next morning came a bigger test, the long run.  Let's see how it does through 10 miles of moving, grooving and dripping wet sweat.  I got myself all ready, put my hair up in a ponytail and slid the headband up into place.  Surely there was no way it would stay put.  After all, it's one thing for it to hold with my hair down, but with my hair up there was nothing to hold it in place. 

What can I say?  10 miles, 1 hour and 44 minutes later, it hadn't moved a bit.  What's more, I wasn't able to jump in the shower right away and it stayed put for a couple more hours till I pulled it out.  That is awesome!

To top it all off, they are darling!  When my 14 year old daughter saw them, she immediately started trying them on and asking me to get her some.  Here she is modeling a cute floral style.  Fashion and function all in one, who could ask for anything more?

So here's the giveaway.  One follower will win their choice of Sandy's headbands and entering is super easy.  Do all of the following:
1.  Become a follower of  my blog and comment to let me know.
2.  Check out the photo and tell me which one you like best.
3.  Become a follower of Options Personal Training on Facebook, again comment to let me know.

4.  Repost this giveaway on your blog, facebook or twitter, and once again, comment to let me know.

Sandy doesn't have a website yet, so if you are interested in purchasing a headband for the lovely low price of $10 plus any shipping, post which one you want and I'll hook you up! (Please excuse the bad photos, they are from the phone. My camera has been packed in the teenage girls bag for girls camp)

So get your entry in and good luck!  Enter by August 3rd and I'll announce the winner on August 4th.

Fast Post

This is a super fast post to let everyone know about a super cool giveaway my bloggy friend is doing over at Racing with Babes. It's for a Nuu-Muu running dress! They are adorable and you should go check them out. I can't wait to get one!

Bursting with Pride!!!!

Today is the best day ever!!!! I had the most wonderful start to a morning that a trainer ever could.

First let me introduce you to my darling Emily. Read more about her and her journey at her blog. I met Emily because our husbands work together. Mark told Brian about my training groups, Brian told Em, and that was that. She had a long journey ahead of her. Never was skinny and through 4 babies had added a bit. So when I met her to do her first assessment, she was starting at 319.

When you start of with that much to lose, pounds can come off very quickly. But the thing is, your head and emotions tend to get in the way. Breaking habits is hard, building new ones is hard. People have expectations of you, and don't always want those to change. You validate them, they are the thin ones. They mask this with concern.... "oh don't hurt yourself, that's not enough food for you..." etc. But really, what's worse, all the problems of being overweight or some pain from exercise. Really, which one is more likely to kill you?

So Em has been going through all of these emotional changes and more. But her head and emotional eating was messing things up. But, as time goes on, growth happens and she is getting so much stronger physically and emotionally. I love to see this!! She's had some good weeks and some rough ones.

But this week has been amazing. Em lived up to her commitments to herself this week and it was awesome! Compliments and praise for her low cal desert showed her that she can still be a part of the social scene and be comfortable. Insisting on eating at Subway when out showed her that she can still eat out, and also can tell others what she needs--and get it. Em kept her calories in line and did her workouts every day.

So, results? Well during the first 7 weeks, the weight yo-yo'd and her net loss was 9 pounds. Not what either of us had hoped for.

But this week? Rock solid performance in every category--just to clarify, not extreme and she ate an adequate amount of calories. I do not believe in starving.

Drumroll please..................

299.2 lbs!!!
11 lbs lost!!!!!!
Emily is in the 200's!!!

Now, will we see that every week? No... but when you eat clean, your body naturally lets go of excess weight.

I am so excited to see where she goes from here. Sometimes there is a tendency to slack off after a good week, you know celebrate. But now is the time to stay absolutely true. Keep the momentum going and see what your body can do.

Way to go Emily!!!! I am super proud of the changes you are making in your life. Have fun in Vegas at the wedding and be true to yourself. Don't let the voices around you sway you from meeting your goal. You met wedding weight goal, now let's go for the rest!

Love you girl!