As Of Late

In last week's episode, our heroes were living in the beautiful mountain valley of Heber, Ut. They have now moved and are residing in the suburban neighborhood of Cottonwood Heights.


Yup. It's done. We have officially switched zip codes. A few things I miss about Heber:

• living close to my family
• Day's Market
• familiar running routes
• neighbors and friends I hope to keep in touch with
• the quiet beauty of the landscape (sigh)

But, I am finding the bright side of our new locale:

• literally 5 min away from stores I used to plan a Saturday around to shop at
• closer to Chris' side of the family (Grma Linda said: "It's my turn!")
• more time with dad since he isn't commuting an hour each way
  
• and I'll keep you posted with more...

There are a lot of stairs in our new place. So teaching the babies how to use them has been a focus and priority. (I know, gasp at the fact my 18 month olds don't know how to navigate stairs yet. We're working on it!) We do have lots of lovely trees around the place and a garden plot I've yet to tackle. We felt so fortunate to have so much help getting our little family of 5 to a new address. It was a project! So a big giant lump of gratitude goes out to everyone that helped us. Seriously.


Quick shot of the backyard via the GIANT playroom above the garage. Is that a clothes line you ask? Yes. Due to the complications of moving into a new place, we were without a dryer for 48 hours. In most households this might not be a big deal. But in ours, it is. So I asked Chris to rig up a clothes line. My romantic, read too many books about the 1930's side imagined my sun kissed face gingerly pinning up my kid's pjs and my husband's work shirts (read: t-shirts) while the wind gently blew, drying our clothes. But the first batch on the line happened to be a bunch of cleaning rags. These are true rags. Tattered, falling apart, etc. So as soon as they were up, I immediately wanted them down. It definitely didn't look like the clothes line I imagined. We looked like squatters in someone's backyard, trying to wash out some of our hobo wear. The dryer's fixed, but crib sheets gently blowing in the wind still appeals to me. So the line is still up.


I'm sure many (maybe one) of you were wondering if I ran my virtual 5k! You better believe it!

I set out all by myself on a sunny Friday morning and raced my silly heart out. I usually like to take pictures at all my races. So this one was no exception. Even if I took it myself, looking like a goon, holding up my watch so you can see my time. 28:33 in case you were wondering. I do believe it is my fastest 5K yet. (Don't worry about the stuff behind me, we were still unpacking.)



My little bear figuring out mom's giant running watch. I see this sweet expression all day. He is concentrating. You can tell because his little tongue is out.

So, that is the latest my friends! The next big thing we are all looking forward to around here is Ragnar! Woot to the double woot! 188 miles. It's a family affair this year. Can't wait.

Virtual Race

I am fan of running for something. Which is why I am telling one and all about this great race I came across! A friend I made on dailymile is hosting a virtual 5k to raise funds for autism. That's right, you don't need to meet anywhere at 7am or decide what running outfit you want everyone to see you in. It's virtual, so you can do it anywhere, anytime, by yourself, with friends, take your dog, push a stroller, whatever. Just do it by June 10th. Go here for more details and how to sign up. (It's only 5 bucks. Seriously. What more reason do you need?)

PS - there are prizes! As if the warm fuzzy of running for a good cause wasn't enough.

PPS - a 5k is only 3.1 miles and you don't even have to run. Walkers are always welcome in any race! (Except maybe, like, the 100 yard dash at the Olympics. That's probably runners only.)

PPPS - the dailymile is my new favorite place to log my runs. Lots and lots of friendly cheerleaders to keep you going. I strongly recommend it.

PPPPS - how many post scripts are you allowed in one piece of correspondence?

The end. Let me know if you race!

First Timers

Remember when I mentioned my running blog is merging with this one? Not one running post since then. I think my running-self was a little hurt it didn't get it's own space in the interweb anymore. We're trying to simplify around here.

I have been running (a lot actually) still. But I just read a story about a friend's very first 5K and I had to share it. I am a HUGE fan of first time racers. I love to hear their reasons and how they did and how they felt. Love it. (Keep that in mind if you ever have a first race story to share. Share it here!)

Without further delay, I give you Karen's first 5K. Make sure to tell her good job! First comes the 5K, then comes running a half-marathon with me. Right Karen?

***********************************************
A Goal Complete

I really like running! I used to think that was a crazy statement when I played highschool soccer and during tryouts we never even touched a soccer ball. We ran and ran and ran a whole lot more. I never even put on shin guards or cleats. Just running shoes (and shorts and shirt). I hated running and swore I would never do it again.

But then I went to ricks and the cool place to be at night was the school gym. All the buff guys were there and liked buff guys. Most of the time I never made it to any equipment but every so often I jumped on a treadmill and cranked it to 5.5 mph. And it was then that I realized I really liked running, but only on treadmills and I got up to 6.5 mph. I started running a mile and then two, then three and one time even 6 miles. But 6 miles was a one time thing.

I mostly stayed at 2, maybe 3. It might seem silly to say I really like running when I only run 2 miles but I feel good afterwards so I can say I like it. So the past couple of years I have decided I want to run a 5K. Probably an easy task for some but I have been so nervous about it. Like I said, I only like running on treadmills. Running outside hurts my lungs and I get really tired after a half mile. Plus I don't want to finish last. But I might because I run slow.

So.......last friday Weston wakes me up in the morning and says, lets run a 5k together tomorrow. My eyeballs opened up and I froze!! I can't run 5K tomorrow I thought. I haven't run in a month and I need to train for something like that. I mean 3.1 miles for me is a long ways. And outside????? So scary. But all what I said to Weston casually is, "okay. Is it going to be nice outside?" Something I've learned about Weston is that when he doesn't know the answer to something he makes an answer up. So he says, "Ya, it's going to be really nice." So we signed up that afternoon. I was so nervous all day.

That night I was watching the weather on the news. They said, it was going to be snowing in the mornning so all of those die hard runners doing the 5k tomorrow better bundle up. Oh. My. Gosh. Did he say die hard runners?? That is so not me and SNOW for my first 5K??? My lungs are really going to hurt!!!! I couldn't sleep that night. Way too nervous. We get there late of course and start the race in the very back. The boise state track team was there in short shorts and tank tops. And Yes it was Snowing!!!! I guess nobody told the track team. The horn blows and we are off.

Of course Weston promised to stay with me the whole time but he is sprinting. Not going my 6.5 speed, but I did great for 2 miles. We were passing people like crazy. And then I thought I was going to die! I think my lungs were frozen. But I couldn't stop. For goodness sakes I can run 3 miles without stopping. But I stopped. For about 5 seconds and people were passing me. And that made me mad. I am so competitive I had to beat the people who passed me. I ran the rest of the way and finished my first 5K!! 1,000 people beat me but I beat 1,500 people so I'm good with that. Plus I was on the news that evening! I didn't really like running a 5K but last night on the treadmill I ran 2.5 miles easily so I think I will stick to my treadmill and my 2 mile run. 3 is way pushing it!


Before the run, I was so nervous!



Proof that I did it! And I had to wear those big huge orange shorts. It was a boise state run!! Look at all those people behind me, whoo hoo!! I beat them.

Super Dale 5K

Although the winds blustered and blew us around, (at one point, I think I was actually running in a diagonal slant) good times were had at the Super Dale 5K! There really is nothing like running FOR someone. I only live in the same community as Dale. I've never met him. But it was sensational to come together with your family, friends, neighbors to do something fun for a purpose. It was touching to see a few athletes there with disabilities gearing up their racing chairs in support of Dale.

Often I think how thankful I am for my body and abilities after I go running. I feel so good as my lungs work at full capacity and blood pumps to my limbs, brain, heart, fueling my desire. On this day I felt especially grateful. I hope Dale and his family are finding peace with this sudden curve ball life has thrown at them.

Finishing the last (extra) 1/4 mile together! Left to right: Michael, Ben, Sheryl, me, Shauna, Jenna.

Yes, we wore matching shirts. Deal with it. Chris skeedaddled home right after to rescue our neighbors from their kind act of triplet-sitting.

Other BEST parts of the day? All the people that raced with me! Chris ran with me which was stupendous. I paced us the first half, then he decided he could go faster. I kept up with him (it was fast!) but I knew he couldn't hold it. How rude does that sound? Nothing worse than an arrogant runner. He eventually slowed down, admitted he was tired and we finished together. The race was actually .25 mile longer than a 5K. Our average pace 9:24.

Almost the entire race day crew. Back row: Dane, Michael, Mindy. Middle row: me, Jenna, Shauna, Sheryl, Amelia, Rich, Kim. Front row: Alex, Ben

My sister Shauna, her husband Rich and their 7 year old, Alex also ran. My brother Michael, his wife Mindy, Mindy's sister Kim and her husband Matt joined the racing fray. Michael did a ridiculous 6 something pace. He finished in 24 minutes and change.

My mom raced. My mom raced! Why two sentences to announce this? Because it was her first ever organized race! We were all tremendously proud of her. My mom started her current career in her nearly empty nest years. Also, at 50+ decided that she was going to take up races. (She's also a future Ragnar finisher.) She is inspiring. Most would say, "eh, maybe if I was younger..." Most think that things you have done in your life, at a certain point, are what define you. The End. No more new adventures. She inspires me to always keep hold of new dreams and go after adventures not yet experienced.

Big hoopda hoop to Jenna for watching everyone's kids in the back of Shauna's Pilot while the adults pranced around. Cute picture here. Big hoopda hoop to my great neighbors who came over to our house at the last minute to watch mine. (Did I mention there were gale force winds blowing?)

Hooray, the finish line is up ahead!

Post race we feasted on an early lunch. Lunch was much less windy since we ate indoors. It was also delicious.

They were a little bummed they missed the big race, but said the pasta salad I made for lunch helped make up for it.

Chris, some weirdo who was trying to look like a turtle for some reason and Shauna

I have another worthwhile 5K to promote! Stay tuned...

Do This 5K/10K

As promised, I have a worthwhile 5K to promote.

Dale Lawrence is a local high school student in Heber Valley. He was injured a few months ago during wrestling practice.

From the school's website:

On Tuesday, January 4, 2011, Wasatch High School senior Dale Lawrence suffered a serious neck injury in wrestling practice. "Super Dale", as he is known to Wasatch High School students, is currently rehabilitating at University of Utah Medical Center. While Dale is still unable to move his arms and legs, he has regained some sensation in his limbs. Dale is in the thoughts and prayers of the entire Wasatch community.

On Saturday, March 19, there will be a 5K/10K race with all proceeds going to his family. I'm all about running FOR something. It's super easy to sign up. Only a $10 minimum, but I'm sure we can all give a few extra bucks. Click here for the link.

Happy running! Spring is close. I can smell it. (Even though my phone says it is nine degrees outside right now, I'm looking at the sunshine and pretending it's 50.)

Run or Freeze aka SoJo 5K

I officially kicked of the 2011 racing season with a sweet little 5K in South Jordan.

Running with my friend Steph was a definite highlight. The cute Wickify shirts with a cupid on them in honor of Valentine's Day was another outstanding highlight. Not to mention the pink bag our swag stuff came in.

But the cold! Good gravy, the freezing wind. I checked the weather that morning and saw pleasant little numbers like 48. But the wind was making it closer to 12. Agghh!

Good thing we were there to run, otherwise, what a stupid day to go to the park! It was the least amount of time I've ever spent at a finish line.

After being shuttled through the line of ropes most races put you through, there was a table full of fruit and water. Then, at the very end of the table, there was a big bag full of medals. The girl in front of me got one, so silly me, I thought they were handing out participation medals. As I stood with a goofy grin on my face, hand outstretched, waiting for my medal, the guy asked to see my time card. After a quick glance at it, he reached in a bag that had no medals in it and handed me a $5 card to Village Inn. Yea. No participation medals after all. Age group winners got those. Oh well. My goal was not to win my age group.

Goals for most recent 5K: Have fun. Run with a friend.

Mission accomplished.

There is a whole lot of year left for time goals and the like.

Also, I am officially endorsing two great 5K races coming up soon. Both for meaningful causes. Stay tuned. (Because I'm such an important person, my endorsements really matter. Ha.)

The darling racers after the run, in a house, away from the cold. Sorry no pictures at the race. I couldn't think about much except for moving to keep my eyelids and lips from freezing together.

Also, PS - my ever supportive husband and three babies came! Of course they were in the car the entire time. (Did I mention it was soo cold?) But cute Chris got out of the van and cheered us on for the 10 seconds it took to run by his little parking space.

24th of July 5K

It was a perfect day to start racing again. Now when I say 'racing' I'm actually not trying to beat anyone or break any Charleston Town 5k records. But I won't deny that you run a titch faster when you come up behind someone who seems to be going your pace. Just enough to pass them and make sure they don't catch you again. I guess in that sense I was racing. Kind of. It does kind of hurt when the guy pushing the double stroller with toddlers in it passes you.

The best part was racing with my super fast sister! I think I probably would have averaged a 20 minute mile if she didn't run with me. 60 minutes to run 3.1 miles? The free pancake breakfast would have been all gone if I actually did that! So I'm glad she ran with me. Not only to make sure I got pancakes, but she is, well, amazing. For a lot of reasons. We averaged about 9 minute miles and finished just over 27 minutes.

The other best parts are the people who show up to these events. The guy in the hot pink tank top who decided to full out sprint at the starting line. Then later took a couple of minutes to sit on the side of the road and rest. Then sprinted again. Then stood under the spray of an irrigation sprinkler and tried to catch water in his mouth. Then coming in the finish line like he was going to die if he ran another yard. I'm glad he wore the hot pink tank top. Otherwise I might have missed ALL of his shenanigans.

So yippee for holiday races. Yippee for getting this part of my life back. Yippee for my husband holding the fort down all by his handsome self for two hours. Yipppee!