Done and Done

After this run I don't have the same enthusiasm for running as a did after the nine miler...I'm not sure why... maybe its because I went slower than the windy run the week before (who knew that was even possible-good thing I'm not in it for speed)? Maybe its because on mile 8 (again) my knee got all crazy and hurty (yep, I did say the word "hurty"), or maybe its because I thought I had a rock in my shoe the whole time? Nope, turns out it was a blister. It ALSO turns out that I have to get new shoes before the race. Any suggestions?

Well, this was the last long run before the half marathon. I am getting so nervous!!

Yes!

Regardless of how I look...I did it. NINE MILES!!!!
Half marathon, bring it on.

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard...is what makes it great!" -Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own

Now don't be getting any ideas...I am definitely not ready to say that I like running. However...I have been experiencing this feeling lately, that is hard to explain. I mean, I have experienced it when it comes to other things, such as...chocolate, sleep, a hoodie, homemade bread, etc... Never have I EVER experienced it when it comes to running. I think I might actually crave it. Is that even possible? Like I said, I don't LIKE it, but I guess my body needs it. What other explanation could there be? However, it definitely did not NEED the short but horrible run up 9th East yesterday, from the gym to the Temple. If you aren't familiar with that road, picture a 2 mile hill, with literally, no break. It was awful. The uphill was so horrible I coudln't even enjoy the downhill!

To date, in training for the half marathon, I have covered an approximate total of 97 MILES!! Holy cow. (If only that number was actually as impressive as it is to me...). Last weekend I ran 7.6 (career high) and tomorrow is 9-10 (depending on how tired I am at mile 9). I'm tired just thinking about it. Needless to say, I am taking today off, due to yesterday's mistake of a run, and tomorrow's run looming in the near future. My poor legs need a little rest.
Here's what the run tomorrow will look like, if you don't hear from me in a few days, maybe come drive (because who in their right mind would run) along this route and look for me? Thanks.

Oh yeah, ignore the "21 minutes." I forgot to hit the walking button. I will run 9.9 miles in 21 minutes in my next life. When I get to be a cheetah...or Sonic the Hedgehog.

1/2 Marathon Woes

I am officially doing a half marathon. Why? I'm not sure. Most people have commented, or assumed that its one of those things that has been on the bucket list...but alas that isn't the case. It's NEVER been on any sort of list, besides maybe the list that is titled: "Why in the world do people do these things?" Even so, however, I am doing one. Luckily, it will never ever ever be hanging over my head as something I should have done...because after April 7th it will be over! I am excited about the chance to get into shape though I guess. I really do like exercising and being active so at least I have that. Running has really never been my "thing" (so please explain why I did Cross Country for a few years...) but it is the cheapest and most straightforward form of exercise. Honestly, my problem isn't that I physically can't do the workouts, but mostly that I get BORED! So that is what I am here for today. What can I do to keep me from getting so BORED?! Suggestions? I sometimes watch movies at the Cardio Cinema at Gold's Gym, however I don't think that uploading movies onto my ipod for the actual race would be a very good idea... Does anyone have any great running songs/playlists, ideas for motivation, really great endurance strategies? Anything would be much appreciated!

No Words

My heart goes out to the friends and most of all the family of the Powell family.
I'm not sure how someone can be so horrible, but apparently its possible.
Check this link out, and if you're not familiar with the story, there is a good timeline along the right side, a little ways down.
Please add this family (those that are left) to your prayers today, tomorrow, etc...

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=19132089&title=josh-powell-dies-in-home-explosion&s_cid=featured-1

Girls Night Out!

Thanks Corrie Lockhart for being born, 25 years ago, so that we could party all week! Birthday Extravaganza Part II was so great! We went to Macaroni Grill (which was actually just ok - and our waiter may have been 14, ok maybe 17...) and then to THE DESERT STAR! Now playing at the Desert Star is CSI: Provo, Decaffeinated DNA. I'm not going to lie, based on the title, I was a little bit nervous about it, but it ended being amazing!!! It was so incredible funny! If you haven't been, the Desert Star does comedy musicals. Sometimes parodies of other shows, sometimes just funny parodies of Mormon/BYU/Utah culture. They are all so well done and they are so talented! I will for sure be going again.

The other part of the excitement of the night, was meeting Nick Whitaker, aka Gil Grimace (from the show), aka Joseph Smith!! (He played the young Joseph Smith from the Joseph Smith movie.)  Here are the pictures we took with him, after Jessica asked: "are you Joseph Smith?" (Sorry about the red eye, I'm just not motivated enough to fix it right now...)

We were also lucky enough to get a video of the occasion ;)

Confession: due to the crush all seven of us have on him after seeing the show, we may have done some serious Google and Facebook stalking after the show. The minute that becomes a marketable skill, I will be rich!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CORRIE!!

So I was looking at my blog today (I am 98% sure thats the only reason why there is any viewer activity listed) and I realized that this blog has just become a catalog of cute things my students say. Yes, they are very cute things...but its probably getting boring. I will try and be better about posting other things too. I mean, my students really are more exciting than MY life updates, but I will try and get a little more creative.

Stay tuned for some potentially more serious posts coming. Nothing ground breaking, just overflow from whats been on my mind... ( I know, you are on the edge of your seat! )