Snowman Shuffle

Because of my aggressive (overenthusiastic) last week, I listened to my body (o.k., mostly just my tired feet) and took it easy. I think that switching to my minimalist shoes completely and then PRing on mileage was not the smartest thing to do in the same week. This was PRing even though I've trained for 5 marathons previous. Like I said, overenthusiastic. I could just be THE queen of stupid. But it wouldn't be the first time I've called myself that and so I decided to, for once, be good.

Monday my feet were still a little achey and so I did some yoga and stretched for a good long time after a hot bath. Felt so good. Tuesday I was ready to be back at it. I woke up, got dressed, looked at the weather, put on another jacket and headed out in the 6 degree weather.

Even the frost tried to grow on my hat!

Beautiful, but the coldest this year. Luckily the weather got back into the balmy 30's for the rest of the week.

I also ran my first ever 5K today. I did run the Santa Run last year and it was a 5K but we just did it for fun and the pictures. My goal on that run was to not sweat. We were staying for a parade afterwards and I didn't want to be cold. Being that it was my first 5K I knew it wasn't going to be fun. I hate going balls to the wall right from the start. There's no time to speed it up in the end and it's all about pacing. So I hear.... I was SO nervous. I woke up with my heart racing and feeling like it was in my throat. This was the worst case of nerves I think I've ever had. Even worse than my first marathon. I was almost to the sick point. Trying to calm myself down was feeling impossible. Deep breaths wasn't working. I couldn't sit still.

I had already decided to run the 2 1/2 miles down to the start line to warm up. I figured that would help. So I put on some nice calm music and set out. The music worked wonders. I was able to relax and get in a nice rhythm. I have been using some imagery from my barefoot running book to help me relax during runs that is a little silly but really works for me. It's a stick image of myself only my legs and arms are made of well cooked spaghetti noodles. My core and head are nice and strong but my arms flail around and my legs look like something from a cartoon where they are flailing around in a running motion. Told you it was kind of silly, but it works. I've had to use it for my shoulders in particular as they have been getting sore on long runs from carrying my water bottle. Relaxation is something I'm still working on. Still sometimes it's so real that I don't dare look down because I'm scared that one of these days I might hallucinate and see spaghetti noodles for legs and that I'll collapse on the side of the road. See it works in a cartoon image but I don't think it would work so well in real life. Anyhow, I was nice and relaxed when I got to the starting line and somehow I managed to hold onto it until we lined up for the start. We were off and I tried to be just slightly uncomfortable. The first mile and a half were all uphill. Then a nice downhill part and then another slight incline to the finish. I felt surprising pretty good. I really can't wait to do another one and see if I can improve.

More pictures of my form. I've got the husband trained to take multiple pictures of me coming in so that I can examine my form afterwards! It looks like I might be landing more to the outside than I should.

My cute little cousin Jacquie was there. It was her first race and she got 1st in her age division!

I finished in 26 minutes, 40 seconds. Good enough for 2nd place in my age division. What can I say, we're a small town.

Monday: yoga

Tuesday: 4 mile run in Evo's, full body weights, 1/2 cycling class

Wednesday: 6 mile run in Newton's

Thursday: yoga, full body weights, cycling class

Friday: 5 mile run in Evo's

Saturday: 5.5 mile run in Evo's including the Snowman Shuffle

Change in the Weather

This week was a major change in the weather. We had a blizzard warning Tuesday, something I don't ever remember having before ever. And while it wasn't anything that we don't see around here, we usually don't see it until January. The temperatures have been below 0 and the high's are in the teens. While I don't like driving in it, I love to run in these temperatures. That is I really used to love it until I discovered that I liked to run bare foot. I am a wuss when it comes to cold feet. I've done it in the 30's but it hasn't been comfortable. It just seems that I become extra sensitive to every little rock that I'm stepping on when I'm cold. So it's been pretty much shoes all week long. But I have ditched my Asics completely and have used my Newton's or have done the treadmill thing in bare feet.

It was 8 degrees on this sunny day.

But man, the cold seems to make everything look so beautiful. I love the sky on cold winter days. It seems a brighter blue. I love these mountains. I am grateful everyday that I see them.

It was super icy. The plows had come around the night before but whatever fell after that just froze. It was pretty slow going so that I wasn't going to slip and fall.

We took a trip to Idaho for Thanksgiving which was just as cold (11 degrees for this run) only they have so much more snow than we do. It was piled up on the side of the road over my head. Beautiful!

The roads here were even worse than at home. But I learned that you can not push off on the ice and so it really helped keep my form in check. Lift those feet!

Back in my town Saturday was cold. I started my run at 12 degrees and ended at 17 degrees. I loved running by this little river. The sound of the water running was great. I really worked on relaxation on this run. I kept reminding myself to not care how far or how high or how long it was, just to relax and enjoy it. And I really did.

Seriously, look how gorgeous this is! I'd never appreciate the beauties of winter if I wasn't out running in it.

I found an old house that I want to buy on my run. Too bad it's not for sale. I'm going to keep my eye on it though.

The roads weren't nearly as bad on Saturday. I ended up going about 3 miles farther than I had planned. But I guess that's what happens when you don't plan your route and just take off. My legs felt great. My shoulders did get sore. It was the farthest I've gone carrying my water bottle. My feet did start to ache towards the end of the run and felt worn out all day after. It was the farthest I've gone in my Newtons. Probably too far. But the rest of me felt great... like I could have kept going forever. My feet just need to gain more strength. I think I'm going to do a yoga day today and get back at it again tomorrow. Mileage PR week though. 43 miles.

Monday: 7 mile run in Newton's, full body weights

Tuesday: 4 mile run (barefoot-treadmill)

Wednesday: 8.5 mile run in Newton's

Thursday: 3 mile run in Evo's, full body weights

Friday: 7.5 mile run in Newton's

Saturday: 13 miles run in Newton's

What a Week!

This was a really, really great week. Maybe a even breakthrough week. I've been reading my book and trying to really practice those things in there that would help me develop good form. It takes me back to the part in Born to Run where says that most of us have it all wrong. We're all so concerned about speed. Caballo tells Christopher to think easy, light, smooth, and fast. First, start with easy. Because if that's all you get, that's not so bad. Then work on light, make it effortless, like you don't care how high the hill is or how far you have to go. When you've practiced that for so long that it doesn't feel like practicing anymore, you work on making it smooth. You won't have to worry about the last one, you get those three, and you'll be fast. Not coincidentally, the first thing to work on when attempting to run bare foot is relaxation. Forget about speed and just relax.

So the first cool thing that happened this week came when I was running bare foot and things were going well. It was still slightly dark outside and as I approached a couple of teenage girls getting ready to leave for school, I could tell that hadn't seen me. As they got closer to the curb and their car, I got closer to them until I was finally right next to them almost passing them. The girl let out a scream because I surprised her. I apologized for scaring her and moved along. But inside I was smiling because I was stepping so lightly that she didn't hear me coming. Cool.

The next thing happened the very next day. It was about 2 1/2 miles into another barefoot run. It was so cold that morning that I kept putting my socks on and off when my toes warmed up and got numb. I was running down Main Street and was checking out my form in the windows. To the observer it might look like I'm conceited and just checking myself out, but really I'm looking to see how my foot is landing, if my upper body is straight and in line and if my knees are bent. When I ran out of windows, I realized that suddenly everything felt great. I felt light and smooth and I felt like I was gliding across the ground. It only lasted for about a mile, but it was wonderful. I tried to memorize how everything felt, how my feet were touching the ground, how easy it felt. Maybe it was that elusive runner's high, but I really think it was because everything was just right. It was awesome!

I decreased my miles this week because the last few weeks have been high. And I planned on doing the Turkey Trot on Saturday. I really wanted to be able to do it barefoot, but the weather would have a lot to do with it. As it turned out, the weather decided it for me that morning by being rainy, cold, and windy. I just wasn't willing to do it. And I thought I'd probably be faster in shoes where I don't have to be so careful of rocks and little things on the road. All the while I was running I was wishing that I didn't have shoes on. I did wear my Newtons though and they are really lightweight. I also planned the lower miles so that I could cross the finish line and reach my goal of 1000 miles this year! The race was not very fun. I had a side ache almost the whole 4 miles. I was not relaxed and didn't feel really good about my performance. I finished in 36:37, just about the same as last year. I should have just done it in my socks and had fun and focused on my form. Dang pride.

Before the race: me, Heather, and Jodi

After the race with our hot chocolate! Those Newton shoes of mine are sure bright!

My form this year...

My form last year.

Now before you think that this bare foot thing comes without any pain, or that my week was perfect, it's not and it wasn't. My calves have taken 2 1/2 months to finally get mostly used to running differently. I say mostly because if I overdo it they still get sore. This week I wasn't being as vigilant as I should have been and stepped on a biggish rock right on my arch. It hurt, but truthfully it was so cold that until my foot warmed up it didn't hurt that bad. But once my foot was able to feel the full force of the pain it caused me to stop and walk for a bit. Good thing I was almost home.

This is the beautiful bruise I got from it. I had already planned to take the next day off and it doesn't hurt now, but baby, it's not pretty!

This week I also ran only 4 miles in my Asics trainers. I am looking forward to decreasing that even further!

Monday: 6 miles (2 barefoot-treadmill), full body weights

Tuesday: 4 miles in Newtons, cycling class

Wednesday: 4 miles barefoot outside 31 degrees

Thursday: 5 miles barefoot outside 35 degrees, full body weights

Saturday: 4 miles in Newtons

Doing it backwards...

After doing half of my long run barefoot last Saturday and doing probably more than I should have in my exuberance to run with naked feet, they were feeling a little sore. Not injured or anything, just a tad overworked. I upped my barefoot mileage more than 10%, a no, no. So I didn't try any bare footing until Wed. It made a difference and I will be more careful from now on out. It's hard to hold back.

Which brings me to my next topic. I took up this whole barefoot thing after seeing people in their Vibrams at last year's St. George Marathon, during the Wasatch Back Ragnar, at the Top of Utah Half, and of course, after reading Born to Run. I had heard about running more efficiently with a mid foot strike and with a faster cadence from a seminar that my doctor attended. I did a bit of research on that subject and started to change my form. It made sense to me that I should gradually step down my shoes to a flatter heel and then I would be ready to bare foot it. If I would have done better research, I would have found that I was doing it all backwards. According to the experts it's best to start barefoot, get the feedback from your bare soles, and figure out the right way to run. After you've got that down... you can wear whatever shoes you want. Of course it means completely starting over at mile one and I don't know even if I would have read that first if I would be willing to do that. Even now, I'm sure my form is not perfect.

This Saturday I didn't have enough time to do my long run so I did it on Friday on the treadmill. I still have one youngster at home during the day so it limits my time outside. 12 miles on the treadmill is a new record for me. I mentally had to break it up into 4 x 3 mile increments. I also stuck a mile on an incline of 3 in each of those groupings to break it up further. I ran the last 3 miles barefoot. I was surprised to find that I didn't have the long run feeling in my legs afterwards. It must have something to do with the treadmill or maybe I was just having a really good day. Anyway...Saturday I ran outside in 34 degrees barefoot. I did stick my socks on after about a mile and a half when my feet didn't feel like they were warming up and I was kind of numb. Then I took them off again after a few blocks and they were fine. I thought I was doing my form pretty good, I did stub my 2nd toe on a sidewalk crack that was uneven. Good thing it really didn't hurt because it was so cold. But it did later that day! And I did end up with a blister on the outside of my foot. It just felt raw during the run, I didn't feel it actually blistering. So something is not perfect with my form. I think I may not be lifting my feet as well as I should be. Something the stubbed toe would indicate as well. Last week was also a first for me as well as I ran 36 miles and am not training for anything right now. The last 3 weeks in fact, have been over 30 miles. And not one part of my body is hurting. I'm still being cautious and doing strength training and cycling. But this is very encouraging for me.

If you are interested in trying barefoot running check out the following three sites.

http://www.barefootangiebee.com/

http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/

http://therunningbarefoot.com/

Each one is very informative and something I look at them all the time to make sure I am doing it right and to get inspiration and ideas. I'm currently reading a book called The Barefoot Running Book Second Edition and hope to be able to perfect my form even further. I would love to be able to rewind time a couple of months to better weather. But for now I'm kind of stuck. It's getting pretty cold and after Saturday's run I think 34 degrees may be my limit for right now. I figure the socks is a pretty good substitute until I get some Vibrams or something like that. It lets me feel all the rocks and sticks, I'm sure it's just not as good of feedback as the real thing. Anybody have any other good ideas for me?

It's really amazing how beautiful the mornings can be. I had an awful run during this beautiful morning. I think that somehow God painted the morning gorgeous to make up for a pathetic run. It was cold and misty and magical.

Monday: 4 mile run, full body weights

Tuesday: 5.5 mile run

Wednesday: 4.5 mile run (2 miles barefoot-treadmill), full body weights

Thursday: 5.5 mile run in Newtons, cycling class

Friday: 12 mile run (3 miles barefoot-treadmill)

Saturday: 4 mile run barefoot- outside 34 degrees

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