Yoga for Runners: Injury Prevention

I just did this really great, quick, yoga video.  It was the perfect length to really feel like I worked, but not too long for a busy mom!  Plus, my hips feel super great now!

I say 50, you say K!

Fifty! K!  Fifty!  K!

I've done it.  I signed up for my second 50K race this year!  The Antelope Island 50K on October 19, 2013.  It's held by the same folks as the Buffalo Run, but it's a different course.  I've been told that it's easier than the Buffalo Run, and by looking at the elevation profile I would agree.  I'm really excited to do another 50K!

Now, to get to work on a training plan!

It's National Running Day!

Now that my youngest is done with preschool I can't do those wonderful long runs and two hour gym sessions every Wednesday and Thursday.  I think summer is going to have a lot of really early morning runs and maybe a bit of creativity. Today it's not too hot, 74°, so I ran with Clarissa in the stroller. She had a dentist appointment at 10 am  so I just decided to run there. It was fine, but I don't really love road running any more and pushing 50 pounds up and down hills is hard work! Plus my butt is acting up a bit, probably from such high mileage last week, so I just took it easy with lots of walk breaks.  Run complete.

Happy National Running Day!

5.55 miles
1:09
12:29 pace

Scavenger Hunt Birthday Run

This morning when I got back from taking my daughter, Lila, to school I had quite the surprise on my front door!  A note telling me it was time for a scavenger hunt! I instantly knew Katherine was behind it. She, Meghan, and I had already planned a running play date at the park, but this was a new twist!  I was so excited!  I got Clarissa and I ready and headed to the park.  Before I got there, I received a text telling me where I might find my next clue.  I dropped Clarissa at the playground with Meghan, Katherine and their kids and ran off (literally) to go on my hunt!  Katherine had put clues all around Flat Iron Mesa park.  I ran around to find them all, ending with a gift back at the playground.  What sweet, awesome friends!

This put the biggest smile on my face!

Renee would just keep on running, Dean.

My little runner and I.

All the clues.

John McEnroe!  Katherine, you slay me!

Oops, the first two are out of order...

Playing in the park.  Clarissa sure can rock a visor!  

Run and ride time.  This worked out extremely well and I'm sure I'll be using this tactic to get more runs in this summer.

My wonderful running buddies!

Look at those beautiful smiles!  I seriously have the best friends!

A beautiful day in the park!

Katherine made me this card.  Rarr!

Thanks so much, ladies, for the wonderful scavenger run!  I loved it!

I think I ran only a total of about two miles, but the fun I had made up for the lack of mileage.  It was a great birthday run!

Weekly Mileage

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday 6
Thursday 8.7
Friday
Saturday 13
Sunday 8.67
Total: 36.37

The funny thing is, that's the most training I've had in a week since week 15 of my 50k training! I've just been running for fun, and look at what happened.  Nice.  Very nice.

Back to Back

I hadn't really intended to to a back to back this weekend, but that's just how it worked out.  Meghan and I did Ann's Trail out and back.  It was a gorgeous morning.  I was feeling the race yesterday, but not too bad. It's always great to get out on the trail, sore or not!

Meghan took this cool panoramic shot.

8.67 miles

1:53

13:02 pace

My 2nd ever trail race

Race day!  The Xterra race didn't start until 9am this morning, which seemed so late.  I woke with in a panic about three minutes before my alarm was set to go off.  This may be the first time I've ever slept all night the night before a race!  Packet pick up started at 7am and I planned to get there around 7:30am, but the drive was a lot quicker than I anticipated, so I ended up sitting in my van waiting for a long time before I got out and walked around.  I walked around for a while before it was start time and took some pictures.  

It was a small race and all three distances, 5k, 10k & 21k were on the same course, out and back, with the 5k turning around first, then 10k and finally the 21k.  There were only 40 runners in the 21k, and I counted only 13 other women.  The first mile or so consisted of some tight single track and then dilapidated asphalt.  Then it was on to double track the whole rest of the way.  It was a beautiful course with lots of loose rocks and dirt, with some areas of smooth loose sand.  It was a much more difficult course than I had anticipated with lots of steep, short climbs followed by steep, short downhills.  It was only 35 degrees at the start, but quickly heated up and was 65 degrees by the finish.  I was hot and poured lots of water on my head and back.  It was fun and challenging and I finished right on target!  I told Jeff last night that I thought I could finish in approximately two and a half hours.  And, what do ya know?

I also must mention the race director and all the volunteers.  They were just great.  Very nice people.  Plus, I won some Paul Mitchell hair care in the raffle and got a free sports massage after.  All in all, a great day!  

The drive through Parley's Canyon.

Near the starting area.

About half an hour before the start of the race.  

I couldn't help but snap a few photos on the run.  Mostly while hiking up sections of steep uphill.

The downhill section on the other side of this hill was worth the hike!  

My medal!

13 miles

2 hrs 39 min

12:13 pace

**UPDATE**

The official race results are out!  My finish time is 2:36:38.8 which makes my pace 12:03!!!  AWESOME!  I was 11th out of 14 women.  There we no age division break ups, but if there had been I would have been the first (and only) woman in the 35-39.