I <3 RUNNING

a.m - I beat my fear! Last time we ran the Coral Canyon loop I made it to the top of the hill and I was done (dehydrated, tired, lack of miles from traveling)! But this time I felt so powerful and strong running up the hill and then down the hill all the way out to the 4 turn around. On the way back I was kind of nervous going up the hill but I pushed right through it and it was so easy, I just told myself I could do it. This run kind of got broken up though. I wanted to run with the girls so at the top of hill and the 4 turn around and at the top of the hill again we stopped and waited but we stuck together on the rest! 

p.m - I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK TODAY, IT'S A MIRACLE!!!! So I went to the school and ran with the team and then did some weights and watched them jump. I like lifting weights with my dad a little better I really get a tough workout and work a lot of different muscles I also lift a little heavier weights. The run with the girls was good too. We were going very slow however and it made my calves hurt and tighten up, probably because of the straight up and and down motion.

a.m - My legs were so sore and had so many knots in them I was ready to cry on the warm up. I can say I honestly believe it was because of the slow, slow afternoon run! I can go slow but we I'm doing calf raises for 3 miles. . . How is this going to work! Anyway 2 mile warm up 2x300 minute fast pace, to ease into 1000 with a 3 minute recovery. I pushed it hard but because my legs hurt I was really tense and not running smooth and just fighting it. How do you relax into pain? Ah boy! I'm glad we are easing into 1000 maybe then I can relax a little and keep madly attempting. 

Anybody know the mileage on this run?

Last day of kids club but not for me!! The girls I coached are coming to the high school Tuesdays and Thursdays . . .FOR SURE and they are ALL racing Wednesday up in Cedar! 

p.m - I didn't get to shower all day but why would I when I get to go sweat again in evening runs?! Yuck!

a.m - Today we got an easy day of just 4 miles, heavenly! I needed this break! I started off running with Cassidy and Megan but I kind of got tempted to go with Rachel. So I went with her for a minute but she always has to be a step in front of you and it was an easy day and so I back off and went back and ran with the girls. It was better for me that way! 

Today was another easy day! My legs have needed it as have we pick up afternoon runs every evening.

I had to work today. At least I got that one day off to run with the girls. That was a great day. By the time I finished work today though it wasn't even hot out. So I waited for my dad and we went and ran a mile repeat.  He wanted me to practice a 7 minute mile and to see what it felt like so I could find that pace and stick it in a race. I ended up hitting 7:20. . .but I was not disappointed. I'm glad I got out and did that mile because I noticed a few things with my form. I also couldn't see the road so I was a little hesitant to where I was stepping. Overall good evening run with that push!

My coach and my dad think a lot of like because today we did a push section in our 5 mile workout. Today we met at a park across town and ran 2.5 out from it. On the way back we picked it up for the 2 miles. 

The other evening I was watching this Ryan Hall video and besides the fact that it was inspirational it was interesting to watch him run. Lately I have also watched the NCAA women's distance track races and some other things. One thing I noticed is that I bet they feel pain but they don't let there form show it. It's totally mental. They stay so strong in there form and look so focused. I thought about it last night when I was running and it was the FIRST time I have relaxed into the pain and kept going very smoothly. Now that was only a mile and today was two but I did the exact same thing. My first split was 6:50 and my next was 6:57 (probably because of cross roads and lights) And I was running so smooth, I was not fighting it at all.

I don't know how I will handle repeats because they are short and really fast. But it takes practice. And I will keep working on it. But I'm so excited that I'm starting to get there.

My sister road the bike next to me why I ran. We started at our house and ended up at my grandparents. 

.5 mile warm up/stretch/core workout/ 2 mile warm up/3x1000's/1.5 cool down 

a.m - 3x1000's! Tough stuff. These are hard because of the pace. If I was aiming for something knew how fast they would need to be, it would be easier. Until then I just ran them all as hard as I could. We did a 2 mile warm up and 1.5 mile cool down. 

p.m - Even 3, I'm glad! Felt great to run it all out. 

a.m - Oh my goodness it's magic. I was fine yesterday and today my shins feel like they have been shattered! The whole 5 miles was painful. But the good new is this happens but all I have to do is take care of myself. IBU, Ice and massage the muscles in my legs. This was a good wake up call that I need to stretch after work outs (especially more intense workouts) and ice and roll out my legs on a regular basis. 

p.m - I know this is bad but my shins hurt so bad that I cut this run out. 

a.m - Went out to Coral Canyon for a change and tried running to the dump with Kaylee and Chandis! 

p.m - Today we had awhile till we needed to load the bus to head to Cedar so our coach talked to us and showed us some pretty cool videos. One of my favorites that I have not forgotten was the Ben Comen video. I remember watching it my freshman year.

Part II - My brother raced today in the 6-8th grade race. He is in 6th grade. As an 8th grader I ran that exact same race, first race ever. I had not really trained and had no idea what was going on other than I was dragged up there. I never finished that race. I quit. There was nobody to tell me it was okay and that it would hurt and that I would regret it forever if I gave up. Today I watched my brother, Ben,  just having a really hard time in the back. I knew I couldn't run with him because "that's against the rules" but I ended up running with him because that's what I needed to do. He stopped several times and told me he couldn't do it. But I encouraged him and told him he could. It broke my heart! He didn't give up and he finished. He took last, but he finished and he gave it his all and I'm so proud! 

Part III - I raced after him and it went well. First race of the season so it was difficult. But I look forward to more races

Last Part - After having watched those videos today, watching my brother and team mates race and having the girls jumping all around telling me how excited they were about their times . . . I realized how blessed I am to be on this team and be a part of it. The kids I run with are different. They are the best friends anybody could find. Our team believes in each other, from the from the first guy to the last girl everybody is important. We support and cheer for each other, sincerely! It's a team you can go to and always know your accepted for who you are. I can go on about this team, our team, forever! But running is different in many ways. There is honestly something magical about running and also the people that run, and especially this team.

a.m - I'm so sad that I missed the girls this morning. I set my alarm and everything and it's one of those mornings you find out your alarm clock died. I was so upset when I woke up at 7:30! SO UPSET! I still could get the run in because I don't go to school till 12 but still.

p.m - Alright that's it! To top of a bad . . .couple of days! My legs got tight and knotted up so my shin started to hurt. And I ignored it and then it got kind of bad so I had my sister rub it out and then the next morning (day of race) I iced. I got a burn on my calf from that! So I went to Mark for the burn and he ended up taping my foot. It didn't hurt at all I raced on it just fine, ran on it today just fine. I took the tape off after practice and my skin came off with the tape on the arch of my foot! OW!!!! Angry face. My shin feels better but now I have a burn and a blister as a result of "trying" to take care of myself. Maybe I just shouldn't do anything anymore! 

 I ran with  Megan today because I didn't want to run a lone so I ran 5 with her and another mile when I got back to the high school for a grand total of 6!

a.m - Ah this week is so sketchy with the double runs. It has been tough! But since I'm missing skin on my foot and I didn't have a trainer to take care of it my parents told me "NO RUNNING". BOOO! 

p.m - I got my foot taken care of! The trainer told me not to run but it didn't hurt during the 1.5 mile warm up so I went for the hard workout. I couldn't let Kaylee be the only girl out there working her butt off. The first 800 at 5K pace was really solid. The 1.5 mile at 10K pace was okay but when I went for my second 800 at 5k pace I was about cross eyed because I had to pee so bad! I was bouncing and I knew we couldn't stop during this workout but. . . On my way out to start the 1.5 at 10K pace I decided I can keep going and not do as good or I can quickly run to the restroom and be able to run just fine. So I ran to the bathroom and then ran back out and finished. I'm not going to lie this is the toughest workout I have faced. There were no brakes and it was hard to get my legs going quick again or keep myself pushing on the longer sections. I slacked off a few times. But it's a good workout I like it and next time I will try and push harder!

I ran early because then I worked all day and then I had a final party with all my friends! 

a.m - 7 with Rachel! She is going off to BYU and man am I going to miss running with her! 

p.m - 3 before we left for the funeral 

I thought the funeral would have no effect on me and that it would be short and simple and I could run and there would be no problem but. We woke up early this morning got ready for the funeral and well it was actually a emotionally tough day. There was the funeral services and then going to the grave site. After we went to a lunch and then home to change. After we changed we left to go back to some families house where we sorted through some stuff. It was an all day ordeal. I didn't want to ask my parents to leave and come follow me in a car and I didn't really want to leave my family either. So I know it's horrible but this time I just took the day off and didn't worry about it anymore. 

a.m - 3 and WE ARE TRAVELING HOME EARLY! Afternoon practice here I come! 

p.m - Due to traveling all day with no water today was difficult. We ran up into Green Springs. After we had 2 hard 200's, which I actually enjoyed! 

a.m - 3 miles 

p.m - 600, 800, 1000, 1200

a.m - 3 miles! I love running with Megan and Kaylee in the mornings. It's not just running together we are really becoming friends! Good friends and talking with them is enjoyable and something I look forward to. 

p.m - 4 with Megan and Madi

I have been so excited for this race all week! I know it's a fast course and I love it but I was nervous when they told me the course changed. Especially after looking at the map and this stretch of long road. I was so nervous that I couldn't tell if I was sick or if I had bad butterflies but it was the butterflies in the end. Our girls team warmed up and stretched out. The race was amazing. A lot of times when I just wanted to give in I wouldn't and I would push through it. It made finishing, great and I could smile! 

I heard some rumor that we took second and 5 points off of Cedar but I didn't really believe it. At the awards though they called our name as 2nd PLACE and ONLY 5 POINTS OFF CEDAR!!!! THAT IS AMAZING! Our girls team has come SO far and we are still growing. Best race of the season so far! 

a.m - 3 miles with Megan and Kaylee. It is so fun running with them. Because we have really become friends. Not just in running but aside from running too. And it talking to them in the morning is just great! =)

p.m - 7 miles with a lot of different girls. It was fun! 

a.m - 3 miles! These morning runs have really become enjoyable. It's cooler and the company is great! 

p.m - 5x3 minute push sections on the 1000 loop course. These were really great!  I wore my watch so I could pick up the last minute or so and to know the different paces I was running at.

a.m - Another really great morning run! I'm tired in the mornings but everything is just fine when I start running. It feels great to get these morning runs in and to talk to the girls and just overall lots and lots of fun! 

p.m -2x(.5 mile 5K pace 1.5 10K pace) No BREAKS!

All I can say is this was REALLY hard. I knew my legs were a little taxed going into it but I mentally prepared to do better and I kind of disappointed myself. I started off strong with Megan 3:20 or something coming off the track. Going back onto the track I was at 19:50 so still doing okay but then it just went down hill. I was running with Megan but we ended up spliting. It was nice pushing with her for a time though. I let the heat get to my head. And when I gave in it really just took me over. The problem was I gave in. I didn't stay strong. I am disappointed with myself and I don't like feeling that way after a hard workout. But I give myself credit in that I didn't quit or stop and my legs really hurt. All the same though not really an excuse.

a.m - 3 with ALL the girls this morning. I enjoy morning runs with Megan and Kaylee but I really look forward Thursday, the morning run with all the girls. Today I didn't worry about the pace it was great because I could barely move for the first mile. Rachel, Jessica and Kimi played hide and seek on the way back, which really scared me at first but ended up being just funny! 

p.m- Thank goodness today was easy. I'm still feeling the last two days! Is that normal? We ran down to the 2450 park and ran the grass loop for a couple of miles then striders (where I landed my two feet in a lovely sticker bush) and then back to the high school. It was a quite enjoyable today besides the achy breaky legs.

a.m - 3 miles with Megan and Kaylee. It was great fun. I'm still enjoying mornings. 

p.m - 4 miles. I ran with the girls up to the green springs club house and then continued on with Coach Roberts and Bags? for the rest of the 4 mile run. It was a lot of fun to have an easy day with cloud cover and good conversation. After we had 2x200's HARD! 

2008 - 25:04

2009 - 22:58

2010 - 21:12 (less than that)

I was just looking back at my past races and it is cool to see how far I have come. Sometimes I find it disappointing I'm not as quick as I had dreamed I would be from my Freshman to Senior year but still I have come a long ways and I have worked really hard for it so now I find it rewarding I am where I am. And it's still not the end I have this season to really dig it in and go after my dreams which have now become goals. 

Today was an impressive day as our girls JV placed 3rd at this bigger meet. That is our future right there! The boys did awesome taking first in JV and Varsity as both took out Mountain View which I believe is the only things standing in their way of state champs. Overall it was fabulous. It was really cool to listen to our coach and Jeff speak to us today. It's amazing to hear/see how far this team has really come and it's still in progress of becoming great! And we have become this way through our coaches who want us to succeed and achieve our goals.

Today the race was little challenging for me. My legs felt much better than they have felt the last two day but I just was not feeling that well or 100% up to anything. Last night I went home after club rush and skipped the football game because I wasn't feeling really great and I knew I needed a good night sleep to recover. My stomach was the worst but 21:12 is okay. Megan caught me at some part of the race and I was worried about losing my varsity spot so I dug in and just finished hard. Next time we will get Snow Canyon!

Goals for next week: Really dig in on those hard workout days. If we do a Michigan again. . . I'm not going to make it so pathetic and I'll stay strong.

a.m. - 3 miles with Megan and Kaylee. I usually love morning runs but not this morning. I was so sick. My stomach hurt so bad and all I wanted to do was roll up in a ball and cry. Me and Kaylee were thinking this mornings run was a repeat of the race for the both of us. The only good thing about this run was I was quite awake. I finally got some sleep!

p.m. - Oh man am I glad I'm feeling better this afternoon. We did a 1.5 warm up and I was feeling a little sick but when we got started into the repeats (5x3 min with 2 recovery) in kind of died down. Me, Megan, Kylee, Liz, and Maddi decided to try and buy into what the boys do, grouping up. Our goal was to stick together for the first two repeats. I know that trying to get everybody to run together means slowing down but that was not the case today. We pushed the pace and some girls wanted to stick it so bad that they ran the pace. It was so AMAZING! After two, coach was saying for the girls that were going 4 that 3 was most important so I said stick it again. And then the last it's only 3 minutes might as well finish with a strong workout and stick it again. After they finished I had one more. It was fun to run it by myself too. I really dug deep and pushed it. Overall it was really good for me and helped me stay consistent and run the best at the last. On the cool down all the girls talked about it being the best speed workout and how it really helped!

a.m. 3 miles this morning with LIZ and MCKAYLA and Kaylee. I thought it was just going to be me and Kaylee because Megan said she wasn't coming out. The more the better! 

p.m. 4 miles easy to Star Bucks! Oh I love easy runs. After we had striders.