What the heck!!

We're less than a month away from the race! That's hard to believe. It has been out there for so long that all the sudden it is here. Should we be talking about legs and consider if anyone feels like they need to change? I'm not concerned about time or where we place but I don't want anyone injuring themselves running a more difficult leg when some one who is not as injured could trade legs. Just a thought. I know I am feeling a lot better than even 2 weeks ago and that could change any time in the next 3 weeks. I just thought I would toss that out there.

Me too

Our stake organized a 10k for this morning. It wasn't snowing at the time (it is now!) but it was cold enough to snow! There were only 5 of us running the 10k so it was a short list of competition. I ran it in 44:55 but pretty much had to run by myself. One of the Blackfoot HS track teams distance runners started with me but he pooped out at about 2 miles. I ran the rest of the time with Austin rollerblading ahead of me. I swear at about 2 miles from the finish line I could smell the sausage cooking for breakfast that they served afterwards!

10K in the desert

So there was a 10K today. It was a trail run and kinda difficult. I smashed all my records so far however. I ran it in 39:40. Wow, I'm amazed.

10k Fun Run

Our Stake is doing a Spring Rally at Jensen's Grove this coming Saturday (May 22). They are having a 10k fun run/walk/bike ride starting at 8 a.m. and then breakfast is at 9 a.m. If any of you locals are interested, I'm sure we would love to have some company! Besides you get breakfast out of the deal!

Running Eval

Today Chris and I had our running form evaluated by the Sports Medicine and Acceleration department of Physical Therapy. They work a lot with USU's teams. They tested our leg strength in various muscles and had us run barefoot and with shoes on while they filmed both from the back and the side. It was so crazy to run barefoot. They watched our running frame by frame and analyzed what we needed to do to improve and prevent injury. I need to work on strengthening my hips because they are too weak and flexible (go figure, child bearing does relax your hip muscles). My posture was good and my core strength was great to keep my upper body steady. I need to increase my cadence (steps per minute). I'm at about 162 with longer strides and they want you to be taking shorter, quicker strides so it's about 175-180. They had a metrinome at 180/min and made me run to that and try to get the feel of it. So on my run home today I tried it and it made me so tired. It felt like it took too much energy to take quicker, shorter steps. It slowed me down about a half a minute a mile compared to the same run last week. Hopefully I'll get the hang of it though. It was good to see how I could improve my running though. Also I did a long run of 8 miles on Saturday in Star Valley and did it in 71 minutes (8:54 min/mile)! I was just happy to be under 9 min miles for that distance. Happy training!

gearing up

So, I got all the vests and leg strap lights, and got the strap lights modified. They came with red LEDs and I pulled them out and put in yellow ones so it would be more noticable. I would like to put another strip of reflective tape on the vests, so I'll be looking for that. Otherwise, as far as this equipment we should be good to go. Provided I don't leave them here! :(

Coming along

This week proved to be pretty good for my running. I was able to do 4 miles + hills on Monday (on treadmill) rested on Tuesday, Wednesday I did 4.5 on treadmill and Thursday I was able to get outside and got another 3.5. Friday I was sick, sick, sick, so running was not an option. Saturday, after I had a good breakfast I conquered the beast that was 6.5 miles, although I did have to stop and walk frequently. I was severely dehydrated the rest of the day while I was planting the garden, but I never did get real sore or stiffen up from running so far outside. Perhaps my body is adjusting to the asphalt a little better. I'm hoping this week will be just as good for me and that I will be able to find the time to get my runs in outside. Perhaps evening runs will have to happen. You all are doing great and don't forget to email me about the shirts!