Monday, May 31, 2010

Daybreak Tri

I'm really glad I have a picture of me smiling with my 2 youngest on this sprint tri because it really was the most miserable tri (of the whopping 4!) that I've done! I did this tri last year and loved the location, people and experience... but maybe that was because they cancelled the open water portion last year... ;]

So, I was determined to do it again this year to try out the lake (Oquirrh Lake in West Jordan, UT). Well, I can honestly say, that this was the most miserable fffffreezing cold lake swim I've ever done! But, I am a BIG WOOSIE in the cold! (Water temp reports anywhere from 53-57 deg.) As soon as I started swimming towards the 1st of 3 buoys, I knew this would be my worst swim ever! I was immediately looking for the nearest exit from the water to "dnf" but there was none, so I kept going. I'm glad I finished but very bummed at my placing and times - it took me 1:50 to finish and I was 17th out of a whopping 19 in my age and 70th of 88 total women in the sprint. So, here ya go, all..... I'm posting this to make everyone else feel good about their times!

One thing I learned, though, was that even a poor time was OK when I finished something that was soooo very hard for me. But, it was really fun to see Melissa there who was a trooper to do the Olympic but unfortunately wasn't able to finish the swim on account of dry heaving because of the ccccold. (Breathing during the swim is always nice, right Mel?) I DO love being able to see those from the team at these things! (And, I believe Ammie Black (from the club?) did this, too? I don't know you, Ammie, but it looks like you did great! ...4th outta 7 in her age in the Olympic! Anyone else on club or team do this one?) Needless to say, I WILL be more careful in choosing my "spring" tri's and look for warmer waters.... or just stick with pools til July or later?... All in all, though, I still had fun, which I think is what matters.... so I'm still at it til it's no longer fun. ;]

My fav. part? When I was running in to the finish with my girls, and my youngest, trying to keep up, kept saying, "Mom! My pants are falling down!" Hee, hee, ha, ha, ha... :D

Monday, May 24, 2010

Timpanogos Trail Half Marathon


I can't speak for Deena, but training for this event was the most fun I've ever had preparing for a race. There wasn't a single time, race day included, when I ran without having deer and other creatures greet us on the trail. I looked forward to each run and a good chat with Deena. She's a stellar training partner and deserves every minute on that beach in Florida! The first round of shrimp is on me.

Race day was muddy and raining, but I still couldn't wipe the smile off my face. We bundled up and got ready for the long haul. There were about 78, that did the half and 100 or so for the full. I believe there were a few that also started at 3am to do both the half and then the marathon as well. The course changed a few days before the race, but we both agreed it was for the best. The views were spectacular, even though we were knee deep in mud it seemed at times. Talking helped to make the time pass and then we hit Dry Canyon and NOTHING made the time pass. It was steeper and longer than I remembered it being in training, but I tried to remind myself that I knew this was going to happen. Luckily, Deena came through with her thought provoking questions. I'm sure after Saturday, there is nothing left for us to talk about. A quick slug of Coke (Oooh, lovely Coke) at an aid station and we finished the climb. I caught my second wind coming down and was ready to finish up the race when I took a wrong turn adding 1.8 miles to my race. Go Jen. Luckily my trail met up with the one I was supposed to be on, no harm done, and I was still able to make it a strong finish.

Tough race, but I will definitely do it next year! Great people, great venue, perfect race!!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

all about trail running

I had the privilege of being a guest blogger for R-U-N Events. They are a new race directing company and are putting on a trail run series in Park City.

Thought you might like to read about my foray into the world of trail running. Enjoy!!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Team Pics

These pictures turned out so great you guys! I love all of them!! I hope you like them too :) I had a ton of fun editing them and I tried to get the best shots of each of you. But if there is anything you want edited just let me know. And if you like the coloring on a certain shot, I can add it to any of the pictures if you don't like the filter I chose. This was a really fun photo shoot. We have such a great team! Love you guys ;)

(click on any of the images to enlarge)

Deena and Tammy's calendar shots...grrrrr!
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