Disneyland or Bust

Hole 1. Me 0.

I don't know what my deal is, but it's just hard for me to just go get new things.
So when it came to my dear running shoes nothing was different.
Some signs I have noticed recently:
- The tread on the bottom is non-existent
- No matter how many times I wash them they stay a bit dirty
- The blisters on my toenails begging for a size bigger shoe
But the red flag sign was a hole that magically appeared a few months ago.
I was so sad.




















So I will use my old old shoes sparingly for runs,
and do my DVD workouts while I wait for my new shoes.
I'm pretty bummed because I have been sticking with my goal
of running 4 times a week.
I feel so good running that much.
I love building miles up and seeing how far I can go.
It makes me feel on top of the world.

While I wait I am going to try to find another workout DVD to use.
I currently use and love Turbo Jam and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.
I would love a good pilates or another all over body one.
At least I got one last good run in my shoes today.
It felt awesome to be done by 9:00am.
It doesn't happen often but I enjoyed it today.
Gotta revel in the small things to be happy about the big picture!

Whoops

I forgot to post the past two weeks of workouts.
I have been sticking to my goals and I'm proud of myself.
You've got to recognize your accomplishments,
no matter how small they may seem.
It is what makes me happy and happiness is good.
I love that I went on a run the other day and thought it felt really hot.
Too bad it was only 80 degreees.
ha ha. You gotta love it.
Here is my run down of the past two weeks.

9/5 - Jillian
9/6 - 4 miles
9/7 - 3.5 hill run
9/8 - rest
9/9 - 4 miles
9/10 - 6 miles

9/12 - Jillian
9/13 - 4 miles
9/14 - rest
9/15 - walked a mile
9/16 - 3.5 hill run
9/17 - 8 miles

I know no one read this blog, and I'm fine with that.
So I am pretty much talking to myself right now... and always.
Which sadly I am ok with.
I enjoy keeping track of my runs and progress.
It helps me to not beat myself up over not doing anything one day.
It's ok to rest. It's ok to take it easy every so often.
But I truly enjoy running.
I love getting stronger, going further, and just running.
Life is good.

Week 1

I wanted to challenge myself for 8 weeks. This first week was awesome. The first day sucked. I haven't run in 3 weeks so it was rough, And the following days I was so sore. But after a good do lid week of working out and running Everday I feel great! Mon - Jillian & 4 mile run Tues - 4 miles Wed - Jillian Thurs - 4 miles Fri - 3.5 mile hill run Sat - Jillian

My oh My

I kept thinking I was slacking in keeping logs of my runs.

And obviously I slacked major since it's been a month.

Where does the time go?!

I am hoping to run the Provo Half Marathon on August 13.

I've heard the course is nice and shaded and downhill.

Sounds like a great course to me!

I was doing well staying on track with training for this half

with getting at least two 8 mile runs in,

but then there was this break happened where I wasn't able to run much.

But I've committed to run this race and I want to do well.

I finally bumped up my runs again and did my 10 mile run today.

I'll admit it was a bit rough.

But I did it and didn't die.

Sometimes I seriously feel like I may die during long runs.

I get bored, or my body decides to revolt against me, or like today

when I was so thirsty all I wanted was a drink of water.

I'll be more prepared next time.

So far this week here is my run down:

Mon - 4 miles

Tues - 6 miles

Wed - 45 min walk

Thurs - 10 miles

Fri - rest

Sat - hoping to do 4 -6 miles

I'm a huge fan of using 5 hour energy before long runs.

For some reason I lack in energy and Gu and other supplements

make me sick so I've finally found what works for me.

I really enjoy running and love it when a race is coming.

It makes running and training worth every minute!

June and July

I can't believe it is already July!

Holy moley!

Last week was a rough week fitting in my workouts.

Work was a bit more chaotic and with big fluxuations in weather,

hot with 90 degrees and pouring rain the next.

But I still made it work.

I was happier by the end of the week for pushing myself

to make time for my workouts.

Then I made a vow to myself to really try harder on my eating.

Not let myself think that I "deserve" to eat sweets or savory.

It's so true that it is 80% what you eat and 10% what you do.

I have also noticed when I focus more on what is going in my mouth,

I feel better. I can run further, and I'm not as hungry.

Such a crazy concept!

Week recap:

Mon - Walked quite a bit. Don't know how far, but I know there was quite a bit of walking all day long and in the evening. :)

Tues - rest

Wed - 2 mile walk uphill (30 min)

Thurs - 3.5 mile hill run

Fri - 4 miles

Sat - 3 miles + Turbo Sculpt

Happy Fourth of July!!

We are headed to the city to enjoy the American holiday.

Hot Weather

Isn't it crazy how hot weather can take a major factor in running?!

I tried running on Monday when I had no clue it was over 90 degrees.

That was a major killer!

It feels so good to know that I made the time this week to exercise.

What a difference exercise makes not only in physical, but mind and soul too.

Week recap:

Mon - 3.5 mile run/walk

Tue - Gardening {Not technically exercise but definitely activity}

Wed - 4 miles

Thur - 3.5 mile hill run

Fri - Walks

Sat - 6 miles

Week wrap up

This week was the first week of Summer.

A new schedule I need to get use to with my work outs.

I am blessed with a job that I get 4 hours every morning

in between my morning and afternoon shift to do what I want to do.

Now that it is Summer I work all day everyday.

I am trying to instill in my mind that being active is

just as good as being active and moving and groovin.

My week wrap up:

Mon - Jillian 30 Day Shred

Tues - Bike rides

Wed - 45 min walk

Thurs - Beach day

Fri - Jillian 30 Day Shred

Sat - 5 mile run

This upcoming week I am going to keep trying to keep the activity up.

And hopefully get some more running in.

The run today was a bit rough due to my lack of runs lately.

I enjoy running and when the time is taken away from being able to run whenever,

I truly crave a good hearty run.

Now it's time to rest and enjoy the weekend.

And maybe even take a bike ride to our dinner destination tonight.

Sometimes I just don't want to....

It is after 2:00pm and I am still in my running clothes.

I came home from work at 8:30am and put them right on.

I had pure intentions on doing 6 miles today.

It never happened.

Ironing. Cleaning. Washing dishes. Sweeping. Cleaning. happened.

And I am ok with that.

I want to constantly run three times a week.

To get to that point will make me really happy.

But today is about doing whatever,

well actually getting stuff done,

except running.

Then Bruno Mars pops in my head...

"Today I don't feel like doing anything"

I probably should go get ready for work now.

I wish I could stay super consistant.

I get an a good groove while training for a race,

then after a race the drive totally drops.

I am fighting myself to go running.

I have given myself a week or two of the

lazy approach to working out.

I haven't pushed myself.

I haven't ensured I get my runs in.

But I finally have the drive back.

At least I hope.

My run today went fabulous.

It felt good to get out the door and get it in.

I have learned I really like running earlier in the morning

then later on in the day.

I don't have any races set for the rest of this year yet.

There is a Nike's women's race in San Francisco

in October I feel like signing up for.

Because I do have a goal before I die to run a race

in all 50 states before I die.

A cool race I am looking forward to is a marathon in Alaska!

I hope I can reach 50, or even half.

That would be so awesome.

SLC Half Marathon

The SLC Half Marathon was almost two weeks ago now.

It was such a BLAST!

I was lucky to run it with my brother, Shane, and SIL, Tam.

At the end of my race with my finishing medal.

I realize everyone gets a medal at the end of the races,

but I still feel so special when I get that medal.

I even made the lady handing the medals out

put it over my head like I was on a podium.

I loved it. I don't think she was amused.

James' Uncle Gary runs the second aide station at mile 3ish.

He took this lovely picture of us.

See I told you this race was a blast,

we all look so freaking happy to be running.

Please notice my and Tam's nails,

I think the fact that we painted them blue gave us extra strength.

The start line with everyone crossing.

The start is always my favorite.

I get all giggly cause I am so excited/nervous for the race.

And to see all those people jammed together is always a sight.

One of the best moments was running into my dearest friend, Jen,

at the porta potty.

I think it had been at least a year or so since I had last seen her.

Nothing is a coincidence!

I didn't think I would see her because she is freaking fast,

and I would kill over after the second mile running her pace.

She is awesome. Seriously awesome.

And just because people never believe how long the lines

always are for the porta potties.

When you gotta go, you gotta go.

The three amigos before the race.

The three amigos after the race.

It was so great to run with my family.

I kept getting all sentimental saying

how proud I was that we were running this race.

How we are making ourselves better physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Setting good examples for their kids, and our future kids.

The SLC Half is such a fun race and I can't wait for the next race!

3 days

Three days until race day.

Only fitting I write three things I learned this week about running.

1. I should not run at night unless I truly concentrate on what I eat during the day.

Bad news.

2. My body enjoys running and gets more energy from doing the workouts.

3. I really enjoy long runs. As I am doing shorter runs this week I am almost sad,

I don't have the silent push of a long Saturday run.

I am stoked to run with my siblings on Saturdays race.

It will be awesome and I just can not wait!

SLC Half is one awesome race.

WOOP! WOOP!

GO RUNNERS!!!

Turbo

Seriously I love Turbo Jam.

It has those awesome workouts and you can choose what you want to do.

Like today while James was snoozing in the next room,

I was able to do 20 min cardio then 40 min weight train.

It was awesome.

I feel better and am glad to have been able to workout

and not make it super loud.

Although when I am home alone working out

the TV volume is cranked high and I'm hooting and hollering

along with the DVDs.

Hey, it makes the workouts more fun!

I haven't had a gym membership for almost two years now,

and I can proudly say I don't miss it!

I am so excited for the SLC half marathon next weekend.

It will be so fun to run with Shane and Tam.

And my cousins husband, Cameron, is doing the full marathon.

I have never been more proud of my family then when

we all focus on our health and to make ourselves better!

10 miler

The 10 miler went great yesterday.
I am amazed at our bodies and how well muscle memory works,
And how clearing it is for the mind when you run.
Only 2 weeks until the race.
I am so excited!

16 days

Whoowie!

16 day until the SLC half marathon!

Yikes!

I have been been doing pretty good keeping up on training.

I was hoping to run 12 miles at least twice before the race,

but I am sure I will be fine.

I was excited to run while we were visiting Utah.

Do some of the old routes I use to enjoy.

And it didn't happen.

I was having too much fun and never got around to running.

Since being home I have jumped back into it.

I ran my hill run yesterday,

and did a strength train DVD yesterday.

I was hoping to run 6 today,

but as I am feeling tired I decided to just do the run tomorrow.

Sometimes it's nice to just sit back and rest.

Let your body and mind take a break and push it the next day.

Eight is great!

I have been incredibly nervous to run 8 miles.

Who knows why.

But today I set out and at the end of the run all

I could keep thinking to myself was,

"Was that really 8, cause that was way too easy."

I am so proud of myself for sticking with running.

Pushing through the bad times.

Improving myself all the time.

And reaching new limits on days where all I can

think about is taking a nap.

So my new motto for mileage is Eight is Great!

My mind

Nothing is stronger than our minds.

I was SO TIRED this morning.

I did not want to get my butt out the door to run 6 miles.

I tried to keep being positive and tell myself,

I can run. I can do it.

Surprisingly I did it.

and I'm not so tired anymore.

I feel rejuvenated and stronger that I pushed through

that little block and did the run.

Sigh... I love running!

Hill running

I'm not the fastest runner.

I wish I was more faster than I am,

but I know I may not be able to be the fastest.

I'm ok with that.

But as I have been working on increasing my speed

I have noticed that with strength training

and challenging my muscles I am able to run harder.

There is the dish by where we live.

A 3.5 mile hill run that is intense.

The first hills you run you start at 150 ft

and increase to an altitude of 580 ft.

Ya, I am panting by the time I reach the top.

It's a challenging loop that I aim to do every week,

and hopefully soon will be able to run twice in a row.

But as I have done my normal runs I credit my

stamina on those runs to the hill runs.

I will forever love hill runs!

Even if I curse for most of the run. :)

Running is a love hate relationship

I secretly have always wanted to be a runner.

I never truly got into it until I ran my first half marathon

in April of 2008.

I kept getting so surprised at how much further and further

I could go every week. It's amazing what our bodies can do!

I have noticed as I train for each race I do

sometimes it's like starting over...

only because running is fun and it feels good

and my bodies responds well weight loss wise by running.

but sometimes it is daunting.

It can be boring, hard, and challenging.

As much as it is a love hate relationship

I truly love running.

I love when I get stronger and am able

to push through the barriers that could otherwise hold me back.

I started speed work yesterday.

It was hard, but I survived.

Whenever I am working out and it's really hard,

I always think of what my SIL says,

"It's only for certain amount of minutes,

out of your 24 hour day, you can do it!"

Truth. When it gets tough i think,

it's only for 10 more minutes,

one more mile,

I can do it!

Today kicked

Literally!
I did 20 min cardio with Turbo Jam,
Then did the 40 min Turbo Sculpt
Boy I felt awesome all day!!

I really want to become a faster runner.
I start next week trying to improve.
Researching the different ways will be cool.
I don't need to be speedy gonzalez,
Just faster than my pace now.

Signing out.

Week in review

I've lost my mojo.

You know, the exercise mojo.

It's awesome when you're on it and it's easy to get out

that door to do the work you want to do.

I'm happy to say I have been giving myself mental pump-ups

to keep the mojo going.

I have been able to only work out 3 times this week.

But hey, I was able to work out 3 times this week!

The re-did the sidewalk for my usual run and

how dorky is it that I can't wait for the run today

to experience the new sidewalk!

To next week... I wish myself and anyone exercise mojo happiness!

Review of last week

Last week went pretty well.

I shot for working out 6 days,

and I worked out for 4 of them.

I clocked 12 miles total for the week

and feel good about what I did.

Well to be honest I wasn't feeling good about what I did.

But I am working on being proud of the times

I do get a work out in,

and also being ok with the times I relax and have down time.

Exercise to me is a joy and something I look forward to.

I never want to do it if I hate it.

Like today,

I was feeling sick and had a headache.

I usually don't force myself to workout,

but I am glad I did today.

My mood improved, I feel better,

and now I don't have to feel guilty about

the ice cream I had for a late night snack!

The training begins

This weekend I signed up for the SLC half marathon.

It will be my third time running this race,

and I am excited for this one because I am running with my eldest brother.

The training officially begins this week.

I am so glad to be in a training program again.

As much as sometimes it is hard to stick to a schedule of exercise,

I crave the consistency.

Today I completed my 4 miles.

It felt good and I stayed within my usual time frame

I am not shooting for a personal record this race,

since my only goal is to run and finish this race with my brother.

But my goal leading up to this race is to condition myself better.

I want to become faster and stronger

and I hope that I can be diligent in doing so.

2011 is going to be one awesome running year!