A conversation with my body

Running seems to cause conversations with the body. Do you have these? I swear I don't have multiple personalities or anything. But I do feel conflicted a lot of the time. It goes something like this:

legs: "We hurt. Please stop. Stop now. The burning is intolerable. We're going to collapse."

me: "I know. Hang on just a little bit longer. How about just to the next stop sign?"

legs: "Not another hill! We just did 4 of them!"

me: "One more won't be so bad. Come on, legs, keep it together! You're strong, remember?"

me: "Shoulders, relax. Quit hunching up. Just relax."

shoulders: "I can't relax until you stop! Hunching up is a defense mechanism to this long stinking run. How bout you stop and then we'll talk about relaxing!"

me: "Boobs, will you please start growing again? I know it's been 20 years or so, but just give it another try. The first go around wasn't very successful."

boobs: no response.

My body is a bit of a drama queen. I try to talk sense into it, and most times I can push through whatever is going on. But I'm sad to admit how many times I let the body win. It reminds me of my teenage daughter who wears me down by her constant, unrelenting nagging. Sometimes she wins too.

However, I have been having a different conversation with my body as of late. It's been a much happier conversation. There's not such a battle of wills going on. And it's all because I'm talking through my feet.

I think I'm starting to understand all the craze behind the barefoot running. It is simple, really. It's not in the benefits of finally running properly. It's not in the injury prevention that lured me in originally. It's not even about getting closer to nature. It's about the joy. There is something about running without shoes that is simply joyful. You smile and enjoy yourself. You feel light and free. It can't really be explained. You just have to try it. And I can pretty much guarantee that once you do, you will know exactly what I'm talking about. And you won't want to quit. I can see why exuberance for it can cause you to do too much too soon.

Saturday I had planned to run 12 miles. I thought I'd do 8 and then head home and take off the shoes and finish out 4 in my socks. But in the middle of my run, I realized I was at the high school track. I turned in and took off my shoes and socks and took off. I ran 3 miles until I just couldn't take the pain anymore. The track is not soft and plush. It was worse than asphalt. The little chips were painful. I tried to run as lightly as I could but 3 miles on tender feet takes its toll. But honestly, I had a smile on my face and my feet felt free. They were light and nimble and I was bummed that I had to quit a little earlier than I had wanted to. My footsies just aren't used to the abuse. I think since I've changed my style of running that the muscles are adapting faster than the actual skin. My calves are hardly sore anymore, now it's just some thickening of the skin that I need to work on. The worse part was putting my shoes and socks back on. Seriously it felt like they were suffocating. And it felt like my legs were carrying lead feet all the way back home. After I got home and ripped those suckers off, I inspected my feet to find that the outsides took the worst of it. They were even a little torn up. Good thing they healed quickly and I was walking normal in socks that afternoon.

The next Tuesday I ran 5 miles outside in my socks again. The furthest to date. And I didn't want to stop. My legs felt fresh and good and my feet didn't feel torn up or raw. They felt good. It was fun. It was Joyful. It was freeing. It almost feels like being a kid again. If it wasn't for getting the kids to school on time I think I would have gone farther. Since that run it has been killing me to run with shoes. I know I can't overdo it. I know that it's going to get really cold and I'm going to need some sort of protection from frostbite, but it's just so freeing and fun that my run on Wednesday with shoes was pretty much torture. O.k., so not quite torture. Maybe I have a bit of drama queen in me as well. There were no bamboo shoots under my fingernails or anything. But my feet were crying to release them. Now I really am looking forward to any barefoot runs that I can do. And while I'll continue to take it slow... my feet can't wait until they can be fee all the time.

Wednesday: 7 mile run

Thursday: 2 mile run in Newtons, full body weights

Friday: cycling class

Saturday: 11.5 mile run (3 miles barefoot-outside)

Monday: 5 mile run (2 miles barefoot-treadmill)

Tuesday: 5 mile run barefoot-outside

Wednesday: 5.5 mile run

Thursday: 4 mile run in Newtons, cycling class

Saturday: 11 mile run (5.5 barefoot-outside)

Famous people who don't want to be famous are cool.

I know I'm a little slow... but did you know that Jenn Shelton (one of the fabulous ultra runners in the book Born to Run) was in my home state and won the marathon while she was here? I didn't. Until a couple of days ago while reading through this blog. Why do I think this is so cool? I'm not one of those people who likes to get autographs nor am I generally impressed with famous people. But I really like her attitude and admire her natural abilities and her hard work. She is just funny. Check out her interview below and you'll see what I mean.

Wish list

Deanna at Miles to Run posted a while back a wish list of exercise things that she'd someday like to purchase. I had been eyeing a few things myself and although mine are just clothing, I thought I'd stick them here so that I could refer back to them. Although adding it all up in one place in dollars makes me cringe.

Someday I'm going to get me a pair of Vibrams. I still don't know which style I'd like best. But I'm kind of drawn to the Classics which seem to be the least amount of shoe. I just worry that maybe they wouldn't stay on. But I really don't want to deal with the strap of the other ones. Anyone with experience, speak right up.

This cute fleece jacket would be great on really cold days. Athleta has great clothing. But I'll only order if it's on sale. I got some turtle necks from there last year that are my very favorite and not just to run in. I wear them as often as I can. They are buttery soft and great quality. I wish they had them this year again.

And I love the idea that I might not need sunglasses with the brim on this hat. Also the ponytail cutout is a great addition.

And these cold weather pants would be nice since I only have two really good pairs and one of them is quickly wearing out. Like starting to hang by threads wearing out.

And ever since I saw this Under Armour top, I've wanted it. It's actually much cuter in person.

I really have a good selection of cold weather running gear. I got quite a bit for Christmas last year. So besides the pants and maybe the hat, the rest might be just be wants and not needs. But hey, it's more fun to go on a run if you know you look good.

What have you been eyeing that you might not be able to live without?

Period of Adjustment

I just had to stick in a couple more pictures from my favorite trail run. It has been beautiful this time of year.

These last couple of months have been a real period of experimentation for me. After reading Born to Run and after years of multiple injuries, I have decided to take the "less is more" theory and change up the way I run. It's almost been like starting all over. It felt uncomfortable and weird and every step was a big thinking process. I read Chi Running 2 1/2 years ago but couldn't really get into it. I didn't have a partner to watch me run. But I've tried to implement some of the form tips into my running since then. This time around, I've had my running partner watch me run to observe my form. I lost some speed to begin with and had sore, sore muscles (calves) for a long time. But it's getting easier. I find that I'm focussing less and less and it's coming naturally. Now when I pause to check my form, it's almost right where I think it should be.

So now shoes. I want to move to less shoes. But how much less shoes is right for me? It's almost as diverse and confusing as the normal shoe debates. I've listened to those who are real barefoot runners and from what I've heard, they will tell you that you don't need any type of shoe. You need that sensory feedback from the bare sole to know what to do. I totally and completely agree with that. In theory. But in real life when it's 9 degrees outside, I don't think it's really practical. I don't want to trade IT band problems for frostbite. (Although you might recover from frostbite quicker!) So now what about just changing my form to mimic barefoot running? Is that possible? After two months of concentrating on EVERY single run to have a forefoot or mid foot strike, I can safely say that while my form is improving and is better, it's still not the same as barefoot running. And I'm still not sure I'm ready to move to the Vibram 5 fingers.

The last time I bought shoes was around Christmas time last year. I bought the old standby of the Asics 2150's and a new pair of Asics lightweight trainers. I didn't use the trainers very much. Only on shorter faster runs and I really didn't start using them until after my April marathon. They felt lighter and just different. I was scared to use them on long runs because I didn't think they would give me the support I needed. However, I really liked them and started gradually wearing them more and more and pretty soon they were my "go to" shoe. The 2150's were retired at the end of the summer and I wear the trainers exclusively now. But they are falling apart, fraying from the inside out. It's time for something new. But what?

I started checking out the different shoes and what I wanted in a shoe. As badly as I want to do the Vibrams, I need something in between while I'm working up to the strength. I don't want to jump into something and end up with a whole new set of injuries. After watching a video and review from Runner Dude and then another review from Mark as well as listening to a podcast on running form and one on barefoot running, I decided to get the Newton shoes. With my discount from Road Runner's they weren't too expensive. I also decided to get another pair of the Asics trainers to work with while I was working into the Newton's. Too bad they changed the style of the Asics trainers and they created a hot spot on my feet. I'll be sending those back but still don't know what to get for the interim. I guess I'll just be using my old ones until I decided what to get. Or maybe I'll just keep the old ones until I can wear the Newtons more. Then I can transition down early next year to the Vibrams. On a funny note: Runner's world had some video reviews of minimalist shoes. While reviewing the Brooks Green Silence they noted how much the runners liked the feel of the shoe "from heel strike to toe off." It made me laugh. They just don't get it. That's exactly what I'm trying to get away from.

An amazing thing happened last week. I had run a couple of miles on the treadmill and had decided to take off my shoes to finish it out. After I had run another mile something happened where I suddenly realized that I was comfortable in my bare feet. I would have to say it was something of an "ah ha" moment that took me by surprise. I wasn't prepared for it. Which is why this morning marked the first outdoor barefoot run for me. All the others have been on the treadmill. But since I've been gradually working up to it, I decided that I was finally ready. It was 34 degrees and slightly wet so I wore socks. O.k., o.k., so not totally barefoot. Still, it was really different than anything else I've done. I did 4 miles and made myself go home so as not to overdo it. So far the calves are good. But my poor feet feel raw. And I even had socks on! Can you imagine what it would normally have been like? My feet are not dainty things either. I walk barefoot all the time, crossing the roads, walking down the sidewalk, around the house. However, this is an entirely new thing. I wonder how long it would really take to develop some good callouses to run without pain. There were a few little rocks that bugged me as well as some small twigs that I couldn't see under some leaves. I found that sidewalks were better than the roads that hadn't been swept. And I also did it this morning when it was still quite dark and stayed off Main Street to avoid any looks. I'm just not totally there yet, o.k. But it's coming. I'm sounding conflicting, I know. Shoes, no shoes. Am I working towards being barefoot exclusively someday and am I in transition or am I just changing my form? I really don't know the answers to those questions yet. I'm just taking it slowly and I guess I'll see where it goes. Comments are always welcome. I'm obviously in need of help and advice.

The latest stuff:

Wednesday: 4 mile run

Friday: full body weights, cycling class (13 miles)

Saturday: 10.5 mile run (4.5 miles up canyon, 3 miles trail)

Monday: 5.5 miles (1.25 barefoot)

Tuesday: full body weights

Wednesday: 4.5 miles

Thursday: 5.5 miles

Friday: cycling class (13 miles)

Saturday: 12 mile run, full body weights

Monday: 5 mile run (2 miles in Newton's, 1 mile barefoot), full body weights

Tuesday: 4.5 mile run (in Newton's)

Wednesday: 5 mile run (3 barefoot), full body weights

Thursday: 4 mile run

Monday: 6 miles run (1.25 in Newtons, 1 mile barefoot)

Tuesday: 4 mile run barefoot outside, full body weights

Last Thursday things just weren't working for me. I had missed my opportunity to run outside so I was stuck on the treadmill. I had been fighting a miserable cold since Monday and had been trying to keep up with everything still. I lasted a whole mile and a quarter. I gave myself permission to quit. I got off and did a full body weight workout to make up for it. The rest of the day was crazy. I picked apples and canned 25 quarts of apple pie filling and made 2 from scratch pies. I ordered pizza for dinner. My kitchen was a disaster. I was in a foul mood. And that's when I decided I was finally ready for a run. I got the kitchen cleaned up, mopped the sticky floor, called a friend and headed out the door with instructions to the hubs to get the last batch out in 20 minutes, the pie out in 40 minutes, and pick up the daughter from ballet at 7:00. It's amazing how a beautiful fall trail run can erase that hectic day and allow me to come home a different woman, wife, and mom. Thank goodness for running. On this particular day I don't think that a road run would have had the same effect. It had to be the trail. And it's beautiful right now. I took a few pictures with my phone the Saturday before so you can see how beautiful it is. I can't help but smile while on the trail. I need to find more. As we hit the last part and got to see the sun getting ready to set, I couldn't help but be sad that it was over. Truthfully, that trail saved the day!

Thursday: 4 mile run (2 miles barefoot)

Friday: cycling class (12 miles)

Saturday: 9 mile run (3 miles trail, 6 miles up the canyon)

Monday: 6 mile run, full body weights

Tuesday: 3 mile run

Wednesday: 5 mile run

Thursday: 4 miles (3 miles trail), full body weights

Friday: cycling class (12 miles)

Saturday: 4 mile trail run

Monday: 4 mile run (1.25 barefoot), full body weights

Tuesday: 6.5 mile run (2 miles barefoot)

Born to Run, sore calves, and upcoming plans

The week after the half was pretty uneventful. School started, I tried to find myself a new schedule and then we packed up and left on vacation. Yep, I pulled my kids out of school after 4 whole days. And I got up most mornings to work out while we were gone. It was actually fun working out somewhere different. And although I really wanted to run on the beach, I couldn't bring myself to ditch the family for a run.

On another note, I read Born to Run. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't your typical running book, it was a novel. It had a great story that had me excited to see how it ended. It was hard to put down. And it had all sorts of great running stuff in it too. I can see how the barefoot revolution happened because of this book. The way he explains the architecture of the foot just makes sense. One thing I was very disappointed in was the language. And I'm really disappointed that nobody warned me about it. I haven't been exposed to that kind of language since high school. But I was so wrapped up in the story I couldn't put it down. I won't lend it out without a warning to my friends.

So I'd really like to try barefoot running. Not exclusively. With the winters around here I don't know how it would be possible. Except on the treadmill, I guess. And I know better than to jump right into something new because I've learned that's the best way to get injured. I've thought about the Vibram 5 fingers. I just can't seem to do it. Whether it's because I'll be different and weird or be called monkey feet or because I'm not really sure it will work or not, I just haven't gotten up the guts to order them. I read Chi Running about 3 years ago and they have similar form suggestions.

The latest Runner's World issue was just perfect for me this month. It was all about trail running (which I've come to love and wish there were more trails around here) and then it had some exercises for strengthening the feet and injury prevention for common ailments. I go barefoot a lot just around the house. So I don't think I'm starting totally from scratch. Some programs I've seen start with just walking around without shoes for 15 minutes a day. So I tried running on the treadmill barefoot. It was good. I didn't push the speed at all, just tried to memorize what it felt like. I tried to see where my foot naturally landed under my body, where I landed on my foot, and how lightly I was landing. Every day since then I have put my lightest shoes on and tried to mimic the movement. After the first day I could barely walk. My calves hurt so bad. Each day has been a little bit better but they're still sore. I have been doing calf strengthening exercises as well. Hopefully I will get used to this new style of running. Because of this I have not been running long distances. It's almost like I'm starting over again. But maybe this time it will be for the better. I am just so sick of getting injured. The farthest I've run doing the new style is 5 miles. I hope to improve that a bit this weekend by doing 7-8 slower than I've been going.

I've been thinking about my plans for the fall and winter. Here is what I've come up with: October and November- long runs of 10-12 miles on the weekends. December- long runs of 14 miles. January- start speed work, long runs of 15-16 miles. February- alternate hills with speed work, long runs of 16-18 miles. March- add in some tempo runs, start 18-20 mile runs in preparation for spring marathon. I'm hoping that my body will get used to running longer so that marathon training doesn't seem so tough on my body. I'm hoping to get fueling worked out. I've been sick to my stomach the last 2 marathons and have thrown up. Something's not working and I need time to figure it out. I've tried raisins the last couple of long runs and they've worked well. Has anyone tried honey?

So now your opinions... is this plan sounding good? Is it too aggressive? Am I setting myself up for injury? Have you tried barefoot running or have you been tempted to try? Are you afraid of being called a monkey feet? Do you have good information to share with me?

The last few weeks:

Tuesday: 3 mile run

Wednesday: 3 mile run

Monday: 4 mile run, full body weights

Tuesday: 2 1/2 mile run barefoot

Wednesday: walked one million miles in Disneyland

Thursday: 4 1/2 mile run, full body weights

Saturday: 5 mile trail run (I got lost, came to a dead end and ended up hiking straight down to get back on the trail. It was eventful.)

Monday: 5 mile run

Tuesday: 4 mile run

Wednesday: 3 1/2 mile run

Thursday: 4 mile run

Friday: cycling class (12 miles)

Saturday: 4.5 mile run (1.5 miles barefoot)

Monday: 4 mile run, full body weights

Tuesday: 4 mile run

Wednesday: 5 mile run, full body weights

Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon

This is the 3rd year in a row that I have run this race. It's always the last Saturday before the kids go back to school and a great way to end the summer. Plus it's a beautiful course and each year I've run it with friends. This year was no exception. My first year I ran it with Jodi, last year with Heather, and this year with both of them and Jody S. This was Jody's first 1/2 marathon. I was so proud of her for achieving her goal. She had an injury along the way but was still able to pull it off- and do it very well.

The starting line was perfect weather and all through the canyon was great. But as soon as the sun came out it really started heating up. I kept up with Heather and Jodi until about mile 10. I had been battling a massive side stitch the whole way. It would ease up and then get worse. I really didn't talk much, I just tried to breath easy and relax so that dang side ache would go away. Finally I stopped and walked for a minute or two and it went away. The last couple of miles were long. I crossed the finish line strong though and was happy. My time was 2:07. Not too great considering that last year was 2:00. It was much warmer this year and I really didn't feel great. And the best part was that I wasn't even bummed about my time. I just had a great time with good friends. Sure, a PR would have been great. I guess they can't all be great race days. After I got some gatorade and a banana we went to stand in the shirt exchange line. (Shirts were severely undersized.) I started to not feel so great. I was dizzy and lightheaded and a little nauseous. It passed but I still didn't feel good all the way home. After I jumped out of the shower I still felt like crap so I hopped on the scale and discovered that I'd lost 5 lbs from the morning. (Yes, I weigh myself pretty much everyday.) No wonder I wasn't feeling good. After drinking lots of water and refueling myself I felt much better. All in all, a good race!

Getting ready to leave at 5:15 a.m.

Renee, Jodi, Heather, and me.

Crazy socks again- telling myself it's just for fun!

Waiting to start!

Jodi, Heather, me, Jody, and her hubby Doran after the race is over.

Here's what the last couple of weeks have looked like for me:

Friday: cycling class (12 miles)

Saturday: 18 mile run (yeah, I know. But I had NO pain so I think I'm finally healed!)

Monday: weight class, 5 mile trail run

Tuesday: 26 mile bike ride

Wednesday: weight class

Thursday: 6.5 mile run

Saturday: 15 mile run

Monday: weight class

Tuesday: 6 mile run

Thursday: 17 mile bike ride

Saturday: Top of Utah 1/2 marathon

Back at it.

Beth's post yesterday was just what I've been struggling to put into words. Being injured is hard. Not running is sometimes harder than getting out there and pounding out the miles. But being injured sure gives an appreciation and an affirmation as to the "why?" behind why we run. Everyone runs for different reasons. And sometimes the reasons may change as quickly as the days. Sometimes it's for a chance to be alone. That doesn't happen very often for us mom's and we relish alone time. Sometimes it's to clear the brain and sometimes it's to think things over. Sometimes it's to prove that I can do things that I wouldn't have imagined that I could accomplish. Sometimes it's just to be outside, to be in nature. Sometimes it's because there's a race looming in the distance and I know that I need to put in the miles to be ready. But whatever the reason is on that specific day, I run because I love it. I love the feeling I get after running and sometimes even during running.

Being injured always reminds me that I love running. Maybe it's my personality or maybe it's human nature that when we can't have something, we want it all the more. Biking has been my saving grace this go around. And even though I've been able to put in some long runs without pain and I think I'm mostly healed, I am still enjoying the bike and plan on making it a permanent part of my routine. Now if I could only get the swimming thing down, I might consider a triathlon.

In the meantime, I've discovered a great mountain biking trail that I'd NEVER ride a bike on, but it's a great place to run. You cross through a tunnel, it has bridges that cross mountain streams, hills, sheer drop offs, and some wicked downhill switch backs that make you feel like you are flying. There are wildflowers, butterflies, and to be honest, I can't believe it's so close to my home. It's almost like being in another world. Running on that trail makes me feel like I'm a kid again. Seriously, there's a smile plastered on my face the whole time. It's my new favorite place to run. It reminds me of a Runner's World Daily Kick in the Butt quote. Goes like this, "We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable. "

Sir Roger Bannister -first runner to run a sub 4 minute mile.

Running makes me feel free.

I was seriously contemplating running a fall marathon. I ran a 14 miler and survived. I planned on trying a 16 miler and then committing. But I really don't feel like my hip is totally better and I really want to be able to run through the winter. So even though I feel kind of left out, I will cheer on my friends who are running fall marathons and hopefully will be able to join them in the spring.

And now for your viewing pleasure, some sunsets I've seen while riding my bike with the husband in the evening. I haven't even mentioned how great that's been. I really look forward to riding with him in the evenings, talking about our day. It's like a bunch of little midweek mini dates. I love it.

And I know these are totally boring, but logging my exercise helps me look back and see what works and what doesn't. So you can just ignore this part!

Saturday: 4 mile run

Monday: 17 mile bike ride

Tuesday: 38 mile bike ride, 4 mile run

Wednesday: weight class, 13 mile bike ride

Thursday: 4.5 mile run

Friday: weight class, cycling class (10 miles)

Saturday: 5 mile dam race, 5 mile run home down the canyon

Monday: weight class, 23 mile bike ride

Tuesday: 29 mile bike ride

Wednesday: weight class, 5 mile run

Saturday: 14 mile run, 10 mile bike ride

Monday: 5 mile run

Tuesday: 39 mile bike ride

Wednesday: weight class, 4.5 mile run

Friday: cycling class (10 miles)

Monday: cycling class (12 miles)

Tuesday: 21 mile bike ride, 2 mile run

Wednesday: 11 mile trail run

Thursday: 11 mile bike ride

Monday: 6 mile run with 4 hills

Tuesday: 26 mile bike ride

Wednesday: weight class, 13 mile bike ride

Thursday: 5 mile trail run, 21 mile bike ride

Blue Betty

I've been really good friends with my bike lately. She's a hybrid, not a road bike and not a mountain bike. She really is a good looking bike. I got her last year but once it got cold, I was done. Riding Blue Betty doesn't hurt my hip at all and it actually feels like it's getting better. And in the process I've found that I really like riding. It's usually never too hot to go out since you have a nice breeze blowing the whole time. And the miles go by much quicker than running and it feels good to go fast. I've always been afraid of going fast, o.k. more like afraid of wrecking while going fast. But the more I ride, the more confident I'm getting. Blue Betty is the first bike I've had since I was a kid and it's the first bike I've ever had with gears. Everything about it has been a learning experience. It's surprising to see how much my once a week cycling class has done for me. It's taught me the proper positioning on a bike (bend like a Barbie at the waist and don't hunch over, that cadence is more important than speed, to shift down on the uphills and keep my cadence the same, to shift up if I'm even slightly bouncing on the seat, to move back in the saddle a little to relieve some pressure on that rear end, and work on scraping through the 3 and 9 positions on the pedals rather than just pushing down. Of course that last one's been hard to do since I've just been wearing my running shoes until yesterday.

Yesterday was the big day that I've been dreading for a while now. I've heard horror stories of people not being able to clip out of their pedals and falling down at stop signs. But since my mileage on the bike has gone up and my feet have started aching I decided it was probably time to get those clippity clop shoes give it a shot. Really, biking shoes are so much different than running. There's as stiff as can be, no flexibility at all, set you back on your heels, and are fairly tight fitting. No thumbs room in the toe there. But there's one thing they're the same in; they're both expensive. I don't want to admit how long it actually took me to figure out how to even clip in the first one. But after I did, there was the second problem of how to get the other one clipped in while now moving and balancing on the bike. I'm sure if anyone was watching me, they were getting in a good laugh. Probably pulling out their cameras for an America's Funniest Home Video moment. Once I got clipped in though, it wasn't bad. So I went for a little ride. Wow, there is a huge difference between pedaling in shoes and being clipped in. For one thing, it works your hamstrings. I know this because I was already sore there and I could feel almost every movement. However, this makes it so that you get a really even workout. It also makes for a smoother, slightly faster ride. As I rode around my usual loop, I realized that I was going to have to stop and cross main street. I had unclipped at a couple of stop signs but had plenty of time to get clipped back in across a not busy street. I unclipped about a block away just to be sure and was able to clip back in fairly easily. I turned the corner to get back to home very pleased with how well I had done. As I was congratulating myself about my good job, I pulled into the driveway, put on the brakes and realized that I wasn't unclipped as I fell to the ground. Yep, congratulations Jen, you made it clear to the driveway and then wiped out standing still. Nice. After bandaging up my knee I went out again lesson learned. Unclip before you brake and don't be cocky.

Lastly, the thing I love the most about biking is the smells. I don't know why I don't notice them running. Maybe it's a speed thing. But I can smell the best smells while out riding. Grass being freshly mowed, roses blooming, the trees, and the further away from town I get the better it gets. There's fresh hay being cut, hot dirt (I don't know why I like this smell, maybe it reminds me of my childhood), even the water in the ditches smells good. I love being outdoors and seeing some really great scenery. I'm going to take my camera next time because it's absolutely beautiful.

So this is what I've been up to the last couple of weeks: I hope to mix some more running in there as my hip is feeling better all the time. But for now I'm just really enjoying my time riding Blue Betty.

Monday- weight class, 20 mile bike ride

Tuesday- 22 mile bike ride

Wednesday- weight class, 11 mile bike ride, 3 mile hike with the Cub Scouts

Thursday- 15 mile bike ride

Friday- cycling class (12 miles), 28 mile bike ride

Saturday- 10 mile run

Monday- weight class, 29 mile bike ride

Tuesday- 20 mile bike ride

Wednesday- weight class

Thursday- 4 mile run, 17 mile bike ride

Friday- cycling class (10 miles) 22 mile bike ride

Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay 2010

Do you believe in miracles? I do. And I'm not just talking about the little everyday miracles either, although I totally believe those happen and most of the time we just don't recognize them. What I'm talking about here is a full blown miracle that you can't deny just happened. Well, I experienced both of those kinds of miracles on my Ragnar race a little over a week ago. Some of the little miracles were discovering that our cooler's plug wasn't done up and water was leaking all over our van, getting into our bags and soaking Natalie's car. The miraculous part was that we discovered it not too far from Mel's brother's house and he met us while Jennifer was running her first leg. They got it all cleaned up with a shop vac and we were on our way without Jennifer even knowing what had happened. Another small miracle was just our team. Last year was scary enough not knowing anyone on my team and having us all get along so well. This year I wasn't as worried, yet you never know what is going to happen with 6 women who are sleep deprived, hungry and tired. I'm so happy to report that we all got along so well. I feel so lucky to have been with those women for the 29 ish hours that we spent together. I feel like I have two new good friends and am so grateful for the other 3 that already were my good friends. It's hard to put into words how much I look up to these women and how much I respect and love them. It was a privilege. I also got to see Angie who was on our team last year. She's one amazing runner (she ran the Ragnar leg this year- my hero) and a good friend. I was really excited to run into her. It was a miracle because out of the 12,000 people that were there, I saw her.

Now, on to the actual race and the BIG miracle. I was really good the week before. I ran a 4 miler on that Monday, biked 16 miles on Tuesday and did nothing on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday night we all got together to decorate our car and pack it up. Since we had to be up at around 3:30 a.m., it was a good idea to get as much ready the night before.

The morning came really fast. It was hard starting out sleep deprived since I knew it was just going to get worse. But adrenaline kicked in and we started at the bright hour of 5 a.m. I was feeling pretty good. Still, just delivering water and walking around on Friday, I could feel my hip. To say I was nervous about my upcoming runs was an understatement.

We became friends with this group of runners. The kings and queens. They all had really "interesting" outfits. You'll see more of them later.

Being the 6th and final runner in our van made the nerves worse. However, as I finally got started on my first leg I was calm and ready to go. I was even excited. My first leg was a mile uphill and then 6 more down. All I could think on that uphill stretch was how uncomfortable I was and if I couldn't handle this mile of uphill, how was I going to do that 8 mile canyon run. Pretty soon I crested the top and had a gorgeous view of the valley below. The next couple of miles of downhill were more like an obstacle course than anything. It was steep, rocky, rutted out and although I was trying my best to control my speed so as not to damage my quads totally, I kind of flew down the canyon. By the bottom, I could already feel my quads. But here's the miraculous part; My hip didn't hurt. I felt it for just a moment but it went away and the downhill seemed to be the hardest on it before. Once I hit the pavement I felt really good and running into the exchange was awesome! There were so many people, I was just glad to find my crew. As we were heading back to the van, we saw Angie.

Here I come!

Up the rest of the way. It was simply gorgeous!

We headed out for some downtime to eat and relax a little before our next run. We had plenty of wheat thins, sandwich fixings and string cheese. It felt good to just lay there on the grass for a while. It was at this next exchange that our team was forced to wait at the bottom of the hill for 15 minutes until the exchange was officially open. If he would have come up the hill we would have been penalized 2 hours and would have been made to wait there. Crazy. Some teams had to wait 1/2 hour. This was the curse of being one of the first groups to start. Another curse was not being able to pass a lot of people because there just weren't a lot of runners on the road the same time we were. But the big blessing of being first was that we were the first to use the porta potties. I was the first to undo the toilet paper on several of them. If you're not a runner that doesn't seem like a big deal. But if you've been one of the unfortunate ones who's been in the porta potty when it's chuck full and totally stinky, you know what I mean. Being first had it's advantages.

Pretty soon we were off and running again and it was getting hot. I prepared myself by soaking my head with cool water. Felt so cold, but oh so good once I got going. Again, I was shocked that my hip wasn't hurting. I could feel my quads though. The first mile I felt like I had dead legs. They loosened up nicely but the tired feeling was still there. Mentally I had broken this run into parts. I was going to take the first 3 1/2 miles nice and easy. I knew there was a small dip in the elevation and I could catch my breath. Then another 1/2 mile and it would be half way over. I decided to break the last 4 into 2 mile parts, I knew I could do that. I really was proud of myself for pacing so well. I'm not generally good at that, especially on hills. I like to power through them and get it over with. However, this was an 8 mile hill and that wasn't going to be happening. I wouldn't let myself go under 10 minute miles unless it was during the small reprieves in the hill. Pretty soon I looked down at my watch and had gone 4 1/2 miles. More than halfway! Sometime in the next couple of miles I could feel my calves getting tight. I really have to give my team credit for the support they gave me. It seemed like they were just always right around the corner with drinks and water to dump on me. They brought me pretzels and raisins but the calf cramps started anyway. It was tough. I never got discouraged though. I knew I was going to make it. And I was really happy. I walked quite a bit the last couple of miles. But they were always there cheering me on.

More funny than this guy's afro wig and ladies underwear was his apologizing for passing me and having me look at his rear end. We leapfrogged with each other for a while but he ended up getting in his van for a change of outfits. It was just too hot for that wig. And the rest of him was getting sunburned as well.

There are 2 really big inclines at the end of this 8 mile uphill. One was about a mile long and steep and the last one was fairly short but very steep. At the bottom of the last hill I stopped and stretched out my calves as best I could and ran the whole way up the last hill and down the straight away to the exchange. Passing it off and knowing it was over was a great feeling. I really had a sense of accomplishment. It was possibly the hardest run of my life except a full marathon. It was also a run that taught me about the support of a team. I could not have done that run by myself. They were always right there to encourage and support me. And poor Mel had to massage my salty, sweaty calves when it locked up stepping up into the car. That's when you know who your true friends are! I made a lot of friends during that run with the people who were suffering like I was. It was fun to see some of them at the finish and get a lot of high fives. They really know what I went through. I know that someone else could have done that run better than me, but they let me do it and finish it and conquer that hill. And again NO hip pain.

Here's our kings and queens friend again. He's lost the cape and a few other important items of clothing.

We cruised over to our "sleeping" spot, a high school gym floor. We ate a spaghetti dinner that was SO good, sponge bathed ourselves and changed into nice dry clothes.

Here again, being the first had its advantages. The gym wasn't smelly, yet. It wasn't crowded, we got wrestling mats to sleep on, and the bathrooms were so clean. We laid down and even with ear plugs there was just too much noise to settle down and actually sleep. It could have had something to do with my awesome run that I just had and all the adrenaline that was still flowing. After about 2 hours it was time to get up and go again to meet the rest of our team for our last leg.

By this time everyone was pretty tired. It was funny to see how everyone was so energetic after their run and then crashed by the next runner. My final leg was 3 miles. My legs were really hurting now, both the quads and the calves. I was pretty worried about how I was even going to run on them because I was having trouble even walking like a normal person. But once I got out there at 5 a.m. and after about 1/2 mile, I started cruising. Everything loosened up and I really booked it that last mile. I sprinted to the end and passed off that baton. It was so rewarding. Again, no hip pain. However everything else hurt. Stopping was the hardest part. Everything wanted to lock up again.

We went to Mel's sister's house and all got the luxury of a shower and a hot breakfast. I even laid down and fell asleep for a minute. I finally felt human again.

We drove to Park City to wait for our team. We walked around the booths, bought a t-shirt, and laid in the grass. Again, I fell asleep. Finally our team came in, we all crossed the finish line together, got our medals and headed for home. Seriously, so much fun.

A couple of favorite moments:

*Jodi doing her hair including hairspray before her run.

*coming up with spy names for everyone along the way.

*sneaking out quietly to the car, whispering to be polite to all the sleeping runners only to have the car alarm go off and fidget around for a while to try and get it turned off.

*Jennifer's hilarious cheers during her after run glow where the words "good form" took on a whole new meaning.

*The queens and kings team that was so friendly but so inappropriately dressed.

*Getting to spend time with my good friends Heather and Jodi. They have been my rocks during my running "career". I'm one blessed girl.

The recovery has been extensive. I was sore longer than I have been for any marathon. It was 5 days before I noticed that I had no quad pain. It was about the same for my calves. The bike and I have been really good friends. I was able to do a 17 and 18 miler before my cycling class on Friday. And then Saturday I decided to run. I haven't had any hip pain and although I had already decided that it was a miraculous healing, it was confirmed when I started to run. I wasn't even a half mile into it before I felt the pain. I figured it would just loosen up so I kept going. It did ease up a little, but by the end was hurting so that I was walking and limping. So I'm right back to where I was before. All I have to say is that miracles really do happen. And for whatever reason it was granted to me, I'll take it.