San Diego awesomeness

Wow, I can't believe it's been a few months since my last post.  I'll admit it---I've been out of my blogging groove.  Packing up and moving to San Diego was a feat, but a blessing.  I could give you the 100+ reasons why it's a blessing and how we feel like God really wanted us here, but just trust me when I say that God wants us here.   We really feel at home here, things have fallen into place, and we feel really blessed.  As hard it is to admit...I do miss Idaho sometimes. 

Some things I miss:

1. friends
2. teaching Turbo Kick
3. feeling safe running outside in ANY direction
4. cheap rent
5. my washer/dryer
6. not having to think while you drive (Thank you Hwy 20)

But, there are a lot of things I love about San Diego: 

1. Running weather all year
2. Shopping at my fingertips
3. Chipotle
4. So many fun things to do
5. Hot tubs in our complex (motivation to stay fit)
6. Diversity'
7. Did I mention Chipotle?
8. Flexible hours at my job
9. My family likes to visit me

I love running here....seriously.  Usually during the week I run on my lunch break at work and then some nights on the treadmill.  But, Saturdays are bliss.  I usually go to the beach and run on the many miles of trails along the beach and around the bay.  I love it!  The weather is supposed to be cold this weekend...you know... 50 degrees cold. 

I'm loving running weather like this in February:

I'm having a hard time missing this:

Need a swift kick in the butt

Life is stressful right now with preparing to move to San Diego (finding a job & finding a home...things that are just a little bit important).  I feel like I'm handling it pretty well, other than I'm having a hard time wanting to get myself up in the morning.  I sleep really hard during the night, which is a good sign....but if anyone tries to wake me up before 7am, I am a cranky pants.   I was doing a great job a few weeks ago getting up early and getting my workout on early in the morning.  I really need to step it up and just get it done.  I think the whole getting up at 3am on Saturday really threw me off my groove.  Combine a sleepless weekend with someone who hates mornings....and you get a sleeping zombie--with messy hair--for the entire next week.
Another thing I'm going to work on this week is taking vitamins.  I think maybe my iron levels are low and maybe extra vitamins will help me feel less tired all the time.   Anyone notice a difference when you take vitamins?  My doctor has been hounding me for some time to take my vitamins.  I was doing so good for a while, and then once I ran out I didn't pick a new pack up.  That's going on my grocery list.  Along with food in general.  I don't have healthy food in the house.  Heck, I don't even have unhealthy food in the house.  It's been a long week with no food.
But, ultimately, I just need a swift kick in the butt.  I need harder workouts.  Not necessarily longer workouts, just harder ones.  And I really need to get a grip on my eating, get my vitamins in, and get some sleep!!!  I'm going to start incorporating more Insanity, P90X, and strength training into my workout schedules--since I don't have any races planned.
By the way...want to see some sweet running tan lines??? 

Utah Valley Half Marathon

I was originally supposed to be running the Utah Valley Marathon....26.2 miles.  However, about a month ago we found out that we are moving to San Diego...and "my live got twistered upside-down"  (please tell me you know where that quote is from).  Let me just point out that I am a planner---big time.  This is a big move for me, since I've been living here for 8 years.  In late April I actually got up to 18 miles in my training (this was prior to knowing we were going to move).  It felt good, but around the same time I started feeling somewhat guilty.  I was feeling like I was putting off some of the important things.  Training for a marathon takes a lot of time.  And I felt like I was neglecting some of the important things I needed to do, so I opted for the Half Marathon.  Plus, I just felt like I needed to lose some extra pounds before I got too serious with marathon training.

So, anyways.....I was excited for this race because my sister was going to be running her very first half marathon!  I always get really excited when someone decides to do the challenge....I just know how great I felt about my body after I ran my first long, daunting half marathon.  It took a lot of will-power and mental toughness, but ultimately I felt so proud of my body--excess pounds and all--for making it through the race.  I felt gratitude for what my body can do rather than focusing on what I lacked.  (or...didn't lack--aka--extra curves)

We tried to get to bed by 10pm...which didn't happen.  More like 11pm...which was late, considering we needed to get up at 3am (yes, 3am) to get ready in time to catch the first waves of buses to the starting line.  We got to the starting line area and used the rest rooms.  Then we sat on the side of this mountain while we waited for everyone to get there.  I was glad to have my sister with me so we could chat and help pass the time.  

We didn't want to run "together" because I wanted her to feel that sense of accomplishment of finishing all by herself, with no help.  My family is very competitive and we didn't want to feel like we were racing each other.  We each had different goals and the thing I love about running is you compete with yourself.  

Me and my seeestor--- pre race.  Nervous  tinkles were out of the way.

I look kind of stupid...what am I doing with my hand?  And my form is horrible...

Big ol' booty is bookin it to the finish line.  My husband says he likes my backside, which is why he takes these awful pictures.

My sister in the black to the right of the cone....such a great accomplishment!  She did awesome!

What a trooper!  She broke through the mental barriers and did a great job!

We did it!!! 

Ogden Half Marathon 2012

Ah, one of my favorite races...the Ogden Half marathon.  I did this race in 2011 and loved it.  And I loved it again this year!  The race expo seemed much more organized this year, things weren't as crammed.  The weather was perfect and I felt SO good on race day.  I knew it was just my day...and I ended up with a new PR!  1:48!  I averaged an 8 minute/mile pace, which was incredible for me.  I'm not a speedy runner, so this was a huge accomplishment.  It was a hard!  I loved the views in the canyon, and the beautiful lake, the dam, the trees, the cliffs, the rocks, the park, and the finish line stretch is quite enjoyable.  You run towards the old part of town and you can hear the cowbells for a mile.  The finish line energy is so amazing.  Plus, at the end of the race Ogden was so organized. They had water, chocolate milk, juice, fruit and other things in several different areas in the finisher's corral.  That was nice so you didn't have to stand in a big crowd of people to get what you needed. My husband also thinks this race is the best race to be a spectator.  

I didn't wear my visor this race....it was weird.

I'm not a thin person, and I although I work out a lot and eat healthy....I still have some excess weight I would like to lose.  I sometimes get really frustrated seeing post-race pictures because I don't look the way I would like to.  But, I know that it's going to take hard work to get some of this extra weight off.  My genetics are fighting against me, but  I know that if I could lose some extra pounds, then it would dramatically help make my running more enjoyable, and I'd be able to go at a faster speed without having to drag an extra 20 pounds with me.  I'm just going to keep working at it and keep running as fast as I can!  The feeling of accomplishment crossing the finish line is a great feeling and I love pushing myself!  

sports, fun & therapy running

I had a fantastic weekend with my family.  I started my weekend with an 18 mile run on Friday morning.  Surprisingly it was the best run I've had in a long time.  I finished my 18 miles in 3 hours and that includes stopping at stop lights, stretching,  and climbing hills.  I averaged a 9 min/mile.  I honestly couldn't have felt better.  I didn't even feel sore after.

We went to Utah for the rest of the weekend, because my baby sis graduated from BYU.  I feel old.  My parents came into town and the weather was beautiful.   We hiked the "Y" at BYU, we went to Bridal Veil Falls, and we went to a BYU Men's Volleyball game.   The VB game was so awesome.  My sister wanted us to really experience the game, so we got baseline seats and I'm telling you...you had to watch out otherwise you'd get smoked in the face with a ball.  Great times.  The fans were crazy and the gym was loud.   It makes me miss sporting events.  By the way....we made it on TV.  What?  We be famous now, yo!

We look confused, I know. Haha!

  
Have you ever had a workout that was therapeutic? 

I have....a lot.  But, this past week I had a first, I was literally crying.  It wasn't because of physical pain, but joy and happiness-- and I felt a strong witness of God's love for me.  As you know, my grandpa recently passed away, and my thoughts were flooded to the 3 grandpa's that I've lost.  My Grandpa Lester, Grandpa Jim, and Justin's Grandpa Elliott.  All great men with strong values, and men who cared about me.   As I ran I watched the sun rise over the mountains and watched the majesty of the earth as the sun peeked over, my mind flooded with thoughts of gratitude for all that God has given me, and grateful to know that there is life after death.  The birds started to wake up and chirp, and as I looked around I could see Spring bringing life into the trees, flowers and animals.  As I turned the corner, the temple was bright and beautiful, and reminded me of God's love for all of His children and the plan he has for each of us.   It was a great run to strengthen my testimony  that life does go on.  And happiness & warmth can be found after the bitterness of winter or death.



Not the greatest photo, but I was moving pretty fast ;) 



Running Resources #2- Garmin Forerunner

If there is one running gadget I'm obsessed with the most...it's my Garmin Forerunner.  I LOVE this thing, and it's my best bud. 

What does this thing do? It may be easier to explain what it can't do.

• This gadget will not magically transport you to the finish line.  You will still need to put in the effort to get there.

Other than that...it pretty much does everything you'd think it could.   Some of the features I like to use include:

• Uses a GPS to track your pace, distance,time and route
• You can upload your runs to the Garmin Website (using the USB chip) and look at each specific mile's pace, as well as view a map of your run. -- Crazy part is your watch will save the memory of each run you've completed until you upload it to the internet. 
• Race a virtual partner on a downloaded course
• You can buy the Heart Rate Monitor strap to track your calories burned.
• You can pair the Garmin with a foot-pod so that if you are running where you can't get a GPS signal (treadmill, indoor track, etc) you can still track your distance/pace/time/etc
• Ability to turn on backlight in the dark.

I love the sleek design!  I have this product in BLACK, but I secretly want the green color.  Right now they have a killer price on some websites...only $160!  That's 30% less than what I originally paid for mine.

The Garmin uses something similar to a touch screen to set up your watch.  During a race you can lock your touch screen so that it doesn't change if you accidentally bump it. 

If you run in humid climates, or if it's raining.... be sure to have your watch ready prior to the race/run and locked.  The humidity or wetness makes it hard to recognize the touch sensors.  It IS waterproof (to an extent...I mean don't go plunging it in your bathtub or anything).

The battery life is pretty great on this watch.    Using the GPS satellite after you're done with your run will suck out the battery life, so always remember to turn it off afterwards.  I can usually run Monday-Friday without charging it.  And then I charge it up good Friday night for my long Saturday runs.  And I charge it after my Saturday long run.  I haven't ever ran long enough for it to die in the middle of a run.

I honestly can't think of any cons......I've had ZERO problems related to the watch.  Most of my issues are with the user...derr.

Long runs & the future

I've had a crazy couple of weeks.  My grandpa passed away and we did the long drive to Minnesota (20 hours driving).  It was hard to say goodbye to him and to know that I won't see him again in this life, but I know he is in a much better place and I will be reunited with him again someday.  Despite the somber weekend, it was also a great weekend.  We spent a lot of time with family, and it was great to have my immediate family all together.  It's been almost 3 years since we were all together.  And, it's been over 8 years since we last spent Easter together.

I love my family!!!  What a great looking bunch!

As I mentioned...the driving took a lot of time.  Basically we were driving 4 out of the 7 days we were gone.  Typically we split it up 14 hours one day, 6 hours another day---and the same way on the way back.  We ate a lot of Subway sandwiches and salads from Wendy's.  We tried to hustle at each gas-up point, but yet we chose healthier alternatives.  Nothing worse than being stuck in a car for hours and feeling like crap because you've got nasty grease sloshing around in your stomach.  No thank you!


On Saturday I completed the longest distance I have yet to run....17 miles.  Afterwards I felt conflicted, it was my worst pace (11:20 average), but yet, my personal record for distance.  I decided to forget about the pace and be happy that I completed it.  This week I'm going to go for 18.5 miles.  I know it's going to be a challenge...but by golly...I'm GOING to do this.  I can do hard things!  I'm currently reading an AMAZING book by Elain S Dalton called "A Return to Virtue".  She compares her marathon training to life and her reflections and analogies on are very similar to thought's I've had.  Life is hard, and running is hard.  But, it's so worth it.  I've just started the book, so I hope to share at least a few insights as I read along.

My husband graduates with his undergrad in Accounting in July and we still aren't sure where life will be taking us.  I get a lot of questions like "Where are you going?  Are you stressed that you don't know?"  And my answer honestly, right now...is No.  I am not stressed at all!  I feel like we've done everything the Lord has asked of us and we have done all that we could, and wherever we end up, and whatever we do....will be the right thing.  We've spent a lot of nights on our knees praying for guidance as we seek for help with our future, and I have no doubt the Lord will answer our prayers.  It may not be what we thought we would do....but it will be the right thing. 

I love learning about healthy snack ideas for road trips.   So, if you have any good ideas or tips...let me know!