Alice is a Runner!

45 minutes on the treadmill.  It was nice to watch two football games at one time on the flat screen.  I love it! Feels good to get the goo out!

15 minutes on the exercise bike. 

It's hard to run away from things on the treadmill!

Much needed run.  It was one crazy day.  Felt good but I really wanted to stop a lot.  I am thinking of training for both a 10k and a 1/2 this spring.  Days like today on the treadmill, where I want to quit after every five minutes, make me  think that would be a crazy idea.  13.1 miles just seems like an awful lot!  Maybe it would build character or something.  Like I am not character enough already! 

Good goo burner.  I still hate the treadmill but it is better than running in the cold and falling on my face on the ice that surrounds Provo.  Seriously, what is up with this cold weather?  

You have two months exactly today to get ready for my birthday! :)

I am glad that I did not post this after running yesterday.  I actually had my first ever running dream last night.  It was about the first 5k of the season and I was so pumped up to beat my PR.  It was kinda crazy.  There were a bunch of people in my dream both from my past and my present which was kinda weird, but dreams are never normal are they?

The run was good.  I slowed it down a bunch because my right shin has been giving me some issues  lately.  I think it might be because I can't figure out how fast I am actually running on the treadmill so I run too fast.  It could be because I have also been running more than I have been lately.  Who knows which is making the little leg hurt?  I think I am getting a little better at figuring out my treadmill.  I guess it is an okay thing to have to be trapped inside and have to run on it so I will figure it out.  I am trusting it's distance even though I have a hard time with that.  Is it just me or do different treadmills seem different both at speed and distance?  I guess just trusting it is better than being frustrated by it.

 Running slower was good and I was able to run the whole thirty three minutes.  I am going to try and run more than just three times a week so on the days that would be my off days, I am going to run slow and shorter distance.  Good plan, no? 

Alice+Treadmill=Friends; Alice+Shinsplints=Foes

Good run.  I was actually excited to get to this run.  I liked watching football again while running and I have found that if I pump music while watching football, I am not as bored on the treadmill.  Good stuff.  

The first two miles, I ran at about a 12mm.  It started to hurt just before two miles, so I decided for my shin's sake, I would run slower the last mile.  It isn't my favorite to run so slow, but sometimes you must listen to what is best for your body, right?

 Overall great workout.  Feels good!  I have to mention that I have been thinking a lot about a year ago and how I couldn't even run more than 30 seconds.  Being able to run for more than 20 minutes straight is quite a feat.  I am still proud of this girl!  Cheers. 

Kept a 12mm most of the run.  I am very sore today.  Maybe too fast for now.  I feel like a slacker because I am running so slowly.  I need to get over it.  I am just trying to build up distance right now.  Still finding it amazing that I can run for forty minutes without stopping. So different than those thirty seconds from the beginning.  Actually watched some TV while running and didn't get bored.  Maybe I am getting used to this whole running inside business.  I still wish an early thaw would come.  Why is it so cold this year?  Global warming?  Yeah, right!!!

I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out!

I am counting the thirty minutes I played hockey with my Boys' PE class as my workout for today.  It was fun when I didn't know the score...frustrating when I did.  Somebody may be a little bit competitive.   I really do have one fun job.  What a lucky girl I am!

What Happens In Vegas...

Ran on treadmill in the hotel.  It was fun to look toward the pool with the palm trees above it.  I love palm trees.  The girl next to me had to go 5.5 because I was going 5.4.  It made me smile.  We really do compare ourselves to other people don't we?  The next girl who was next to me was going 7.5.  I felt slow!!! 

Watching Chuck made this run bearable.  I was very proud of myself for getting on the treadmill after getting back from vacation.  Go me!

Nice little run outside.  The sun was shining at lunch and I knew I had to take advantage of the semi-warm weather.  It was so much fun to be out and running.  Too bad the snow is expected to come later this week.  That makes me sad.  I have never ran two days in a row.  It is a good feeling.  Hopefully I won't be too sore tomorrow!  When I was passed by three girls running oh so fast, I kinda felt slow.  But I did keep my pace up today as much as I could.  One day I will be fast.

 Oh and I wore these fabulous miss matched socks on my run.  It doesn't make people see you any better, if you were wondering.  I totally got cut off twice while out.  But I am sure I brought loads of smiles and laughs into people's lives.  Almost as much as the man on the elevator in Vegas who said about my shoeless feet before the elevator door was closed after I got out, "That girl was not wearing any shoes!"  Funny.  It is weird how people have a hard time when you do abnormal things.  Running is abnormal to a lot of people.  I thought it should be even more spiced up by these sexy socks.  It totally did the trick and made me happy! :)

I Love Running Outside!!!!!!!  And I love to use exclamation points!!!!!!!

I was worried that this run would make Hammy(my injured hamstring) angry at me.  I made sure I did a good warm up and paused a few times along the way to stretch Hammy. He is not angry at me tonight, which is a great sign.  On the other hand, my side is killing me. Ultrasound tomorrow to see if there is anything amiss.  Crazy.  

I took a different route from the usual and was very happy I did.  I was reminded again how changing it up makes me have an easier time running.  I ran past the Provo Tabernacle, one of my old apartments, and one of the softball fields I have played on many times.  It was like running through one of the many slices of my life.  It was nice.  

Did a real good cool down and stretch.  Now I am just being a couch potato and watching TV and finishing my book on my nook.  That is just fun to say.  I am hoping the weather continues to be semi-warm this week so I can get out and run some more! :)

Oh...and I bought a new pair of running shoes today.  It will be my third pair.  I am thinking I need them to be able to run back to back days.  My first good pair is actually almost due to be retired.  Weird to think I have been a runner for almost a year now.  Crazy! 

"Not One Thing Can Bring Me Down"

"Felt the sun shining on my face
It became so clear to me that everything is going my way 
I feel like there's no limit to what I can see
Got rid of fears that were holding me
My endless possibilities has the whole world opened for me
That's why I'm feeling...

CHORUS: 
I'm feeling so good
I knew I would be taking care of myself
Like I should 
'Cause not one thing can bring me down
Nothing in this world gonna turn me round..."

*From Jennifer Lopez's "Feelin' So Good"

 This song was playing during part of my run today and it felt so appropriate.  Running in a little warmer weather with the sun shining on my face just made my day.  It was a good run. I felt like I was running faster and wasn't stopping as much as I sometimes do.   I am thinking of adding more days but in the past when I have, I get hurt.  I am thinking I will start adding a Saturday run.  It will be short at first and then I will add a bit each week.  I think that would be a good start.  If it is warm tomorrow, and "Hammy" is feeling okay still, I might sneak in a mile or two.  I just can't resist when the weather is nice! :) 

January Thaw is My Favorite!!!!

 Cute little run.  I wanted to get out and run in the sun again and I know I will probably skip tomorrow because I will have a friend visiting from out of town.  Gotta get in what you can right.  It felt good to run two days in a row.  I went a little bit less today to try it out.  I think I will be adding a Tuesday or a Thursday run these days.  Or I have also thought that Saturday will be an add on too.  Whenever I get the chance I guess I will be adding the fourth run.  

 It was a Paramore kind of run.  I love them.  They get me excited to run.  Music is critical to my success, if you haven't noticed on the past few posts.  I smiled a few times during the run.  Once was when I was running past the old apartment of a friend who now lives in Logan.  The song blaring in my ears was something about everything changing.  Life totally changes in five years, doesn't it.  This friend is having an awesome life right now and it made me smile to think about her and how she is finding happiness on her journey.  I also smiled when I saw a man walking with a cane, but actually not using it and kinda stumbling along.  It reminded me of the man who finished just after me on the Run for Red 5k last year.  Even with the disability he was out there racing and not quitting.  The man today seemed to have that same attitude.  A limp wasn't going to keep him from walking around and enjoying the pretty day.  I like it; it makes me smile because if people in that situation don't give up and keep moving, so will I!!!

 It is late.  I should be sleeping. 

The Long Run!

So, I have decided to add a saturday run.  I figured that because I had a day off on Friday, I could add a four miler and be okay.  During the run, I totally thought this could have been a bad idea, but I ran through the wanting to vomit feeling and stomach squishy and it actually turned out to be a great run.  Today I am feeling good and that is the true test.   

I guess eating a pie shake and sweet potato fries is really not the best choice for a pre-run meal!  Even after digesting for two hours, I felt a bit sluggish and I do believe this is why I felt horrible between miles 2 and 3.   Next time, I will plan a bit better, but I had a friend in town and wanted to show her Sammy's, a really cool diner here in Provo!

It was pretty chilly on the run.  I really wasn't bothered too much by it.  Amazing how you don't get cold as long as you are moving.  I think it was good motivation to keep me moving. I am finding that I am walking less and less and running more and more and faster.  My regular tempo is now what my fast tempo was.  If I am running slower than 12 mph, I feel like a slacker.  Progress is great!  Most of the run I was at about a 10:40 mile.  Sometimes I checked and I was in the eleven minute range(mainly during the feeling like vomiting moments).  I am excited to see what a race day will do for my speed. :)  I am hoping to blow my PR out of the water come March 5 and the Run for The Red. At the end of the run, I actually thought that I could go longer.  That 10k is looking more and more like a reality.  And who knows, maybe a 13.1 run can be done! :)  It is crazy to think that at one time a mile was something that made me go: "I don't know if I can do that."  I am starting to believe that I actually can do anything!  That could be dangerous!  Watch out world, here comes Alice and she is a runner!!! 

The Last Run in January!!!

It was cold on this run.  It was okay because it kept me running.  I even made fun of the girls who were running in shorts(only mentally of course and this is coming from a girl from Wisconsin.  Crazy!) I ran a very fast first mile.  Well, fast for me.  I kept my speed between 9:30 and 11:00 minutes per mile.  That is pretty spectacular for me.  I remember when 11:00 minutes per mile was fast for me.  Cool how that has changed.  

Was a bit worried after the run that Hammy was going to be upset again.  Seems like he is doing okay and being a good boy.  Maybe Hammy should be a girl!  Hopefully, tomorrow will still be good and the tightness will stay away.

 Weird that it will be February in a few hours.  Time is flying. 

Legs of Lead

 I think the goo from all the bad for me food I ate last night during the Superbowl weighed me down today.  It was a HARD run. I didn't want to go, and I surely didn't want to keep going.  I ran slow.  

Maybe it also had to do with the week off, too.  Dang Hammy kept me not running for a week.  Good thing I have an exercise bike!  Hammy is not bugging tonight after the run, which is a good surprise,  thanks to the new scraping routine.  It works miracles.  I also have been better about doing a good warm-up.  Good times. 

I Did It.  I Made Myself Run on The Treadmill!!!!

It was after 9:30 when I decided to get myself on the treadmill.  I really haven't been getting myself to run lately, and it was hard to do it tonight.  It is times like these when I am really proud of myself.  

It was a good little run.  I have been avoiding the treadmill lately.  I like to run outside.  It makes me happy.  Sometimes it is much to cold or slick for me to run outside.  That makes me sad!  Sometimes you just have to do what you really don't want to.  I am glad I did today! 

My Heart Loves Valentine's Day Runs!

I taught my PE kids today about the structure of the heart and why it is important to exercise in your target heart rate to build heart strength.  It was fun.

 My heart enjoyed the workout today.  It was a short run because I decided that this week I was going to try something new.  Today I will run 2 miles, Wednesday I will run 3 miles and Friday or Saturday I will run 4 miles.  The past two weeks I have been having to cut out the third run because of silly injuries.  Last week it was the knee.  I swear I should never say anything about not being injured.  One year I said: "I have never broke a leg," a month later I was on crutches with a broken leg.  Then a few weeks ago when talking with somebody who was having knee issues, I said:  "My knees haven't bothered me since I have lost so many pounds."  Yeah, then my knee started hurting.  What is up with that?

I will quit talking about injuries and then I won't be injured, right?  I am getting excited for the first race of the year that will be on March 5th.  My goal:  blow my 5k personal record out of the water!  It will be a blast.

 I lifted some weights today too.  I am trying to build up strength.  I feel week lately.  I also rode for thirty minutes on the exercise bike.  The 20 minute run just seemed too short.  Crazy that two miles is a little over 20 minutes.  I am getting faster! Yipee!  

 Hope the day of love treated you well.  I liked that it was warm today.  Too bad the cold will be back later on this week! 

Short little run.  I am experimenting this week.  I really want to run during the nice weather and so I am running back to back but am sandwiching in a short one.  Yesterday, I went a little shorter so I figured adding the mile today would be good.  It actually was.  Very enjoyable.

The Calm Before the Storm

I decided that I needed to sneak in a quick run before my Weight Watchers meeting tonight and before the big storm got in.  I hate running indoors, have I  mentioned that?  So when it is 54 degrees in the middle of February, I have to take advantage of it.  

It was nice to be out even though I did feel a bit rushed.  That is okay though, because I ran fast at times, which is something that I want to do, but am a pansy most of the time, so I don't do!

Now the snow has come and I am glad I had my thirty minutes of enjoying the spring-like weather.  

Dear Spring-Like Weather-

Come back soon. I miss you already!

 Love, Alice 

Thank you George Washington and Abraham Lincoln for being born in order for me to celebrate your birthdays by having a day off! :)  I don't think you two had anything to do with the weather but it was fantastic today! 

I ran this today in 33:33, which is actually about two minutes faster than my fastest 5k.  That is something, isn't it?  I am excited to run in The Run for the Red on March 5th here in Provo.  It is going to be a blast.  I keep telling people that it is my goal to blow my PR out of the water.  It will be cool to see how fast I run on race day!  Yipee.

The run was nice.  I loved that the sun was shining.  I was cold the first few kilometers, but I eventually was comfortable.  Imagine that, wearing shorts and warm in February. Awesome!  I do love Utah winters.  I did feel like throwing up during the third kilometer.  I guess a bacon cheeseburger and fries for lunch doesn't make for the best running fuel.   

Alice is fast!!!

 Ran my fastest mile yet.  Slowly adding milage is good.  It feels good!

It is hard to only run one mile.  My body seems to like running about three miles.  That is pretty dang cool.  I have come a long way!

Note to self:  Do not take a phone call mid-run!

This was not the best run.  I did okay the first 1/3 and then wanted to poke my eyes out the rest of the run.  It really didn't help that I answered my phone a little over half way.  It made for me not wanting to finish even more.  I actually even thought about calling a friend to come and get me.  PATHETIC.  It's alright though, because I still finished and  that is sometimes all you can ask for!

Snow on the eyelashes is not Alice's favorite!

This was a great run.  I decided to run a new route, which took me to the cemetery.  Some people find it a little bit weird that I find cemeteries calming and that sometimes I secretly go running or walking inside one!  I really liked running there today.  The snow started just before I got to the cemetery and truth be told, I actually liked the snow today.  It was light and fluffy and wasn't sticking to the pavement, which was good because I really didn't want to run on the treadmill for my longest run of the week!  Very nice! 

And You Thought It Was Hard to Walk and Chew Gum...

I have been SO hungry the past few days.  It was all I could do to shove a piece of gum into my mouth before this run, instead of eating the whole house!

It made for a hard to breath run, but I wanted the adventure.  It was a good run in good weather! 

Sucking Air the Whole Time...

For some reason, I kept huffing and puffing during this run.  I just couldn't figure out why I was having such a hard time.  Then it hit me, two days in a row, I have gotten little sleep.  I guess getting a good night's rest makes  a difference on the run.  I better get to bed! 

I am sad that the nice weather will be leaving us for a few days again.  I remember that March and the beginnings of spring is like this, but I sometimes forget when it is really nice. 

 Good run.  I almost had to call the police mid-run because there was a man yelling at a lady below one of the bridges of the trail.  I stopped and listened for a few minutes and made sure he was not going to hit her and then moved on.  I do have to say that I thought about the situation for a few minutes and decided that I am very glad that I will never be in that sort of a situation.  I will choose the man I will be with for my life wisely.  The end.

 I am getting excited for the first 5k of the season that will be on Saturday.  I am hoping to blow my PR out of the water.   

I'm Gonna Wash that PR Right Out of My Hair!

This race was proof again that I can do ANYTHING.  I really didn't want to run as fast as I did the whole time, but I did.  I really didn't want to keep going, but I did.  I really didn't want to run ahead of my running buddy at the end, but I did.  And it all was awesome.  

Marion helped pace me and keep me motivated.  She was with me every step of the way, even if it was a bit uncomfortable for her lungs(her training has been a little bit back and forth thanks to recovering from trying to take on a car!).  She also coaxed me into running ahead of her the last .5 and kept yelling at me from behind.  She is one heck of a cool lady!  We were both kick butt steam engines today!!!

I did hit the PUKE ZONE the last half of the race.  Marion says that is the zone you should be running in during a 5k.  I also liked that she said: "Whether you are running fast, or running slow, you are going to hurt."  I guess it is always better to run faster then, right?  She also kept reminding me that I wasn't going to die!  I think she needs to write some sort of book about running races.  We could call it:  $#*! My Pacer Says.  What a guru!

The best part of this little race every year is the fact that many of my students help make it happen.  The JROTC at our school hosts the event, in a way.  Many of them run in a group, some with army boots on, carrying our school flag and chanting cadences.  Others help along the route to direct the runners and offer words of encouragement.  I really love when they see me out there and get excited.  The will hoot and cheer and tell me that they love me.  Those little moments make the hard moments from work disappear and again remind me of why I do what I do everyday!

Another part that was fun about the race today was running past people who stopped running.  It felt so good to know that I never stopped.  I also enjoyed running past one man in particular, who was very miffed that I passed him(because girls can't beat guys, right?).  He then started to run faster and overtook me again.  I had more steam and got ahead of him again and shortly after, he gave up! That was a good feeling.   

This was a great race on a great day!!! 

Two short treadmill miles.  Running on the treadmill was made easier by watching Pixar shorts!

Birthday Shoes are Fun!

I bought myself a new pair of running shoes for my birthday.  They are fun!

The birthday was a great day.  I liked that the sun came out this afternoon and I was able to have a nice little run.  Happy Birthday to me!!! 

My brain is fried and I do not remember this run at all.  It must be the sometimers kicking in!

Nice morning run on a nice Saturday.  The weather has been amazing and I am loving it.  Took a different route and had new music and it made all the difference.  Quick but fun run before enjoying a nice Saturday.  Perfect!

Lifted weights.  I really need to build up my strength.  Since losing the sixty pounds, I have a hard time opening jars.  I used to be a big brut and I think some of the weight I lost was muscle.  Must build back up.  I also want to work on the legs so they get injured less often!

Ran from work to home and back (needed to pick up something I needed to give a co-worker).  Nice run.  It was pretty warm even with the cloud cover.  I am so excited for spring.

 I am thinking my milage will be pretty low this week.  Need to figure out how to get lifting in without cutting too much time from running.  What a crazy weird juggling act! 

This was my longest run ever.  It actually felt good for the most part, which is suprising seeing it was done on a treadmill.  I am away for the weekend up in Manila, Utah and even though I probably could have ran outside, I really don't like running on highways, even if in the middle of nowhere.  Glad I brought my stuff to run because I feel like I am eating everything in sight this weekend.  I have absolutely no willpower.  Yikes!  I think the whole running 5 miles was actually me feeling a bit guilty about not running much this week and eating out a little bit more than I should have.  Silly guilt!

What Goes Up, Must Come Down!

Great run!!!!  I thought it was going to be cold because it felt cold when I went outside at lunch, but I realized half way through this run that I probably overestimated the need for all the clothing I had worn!   The sun was actually out and I was quite toasty.

 I took a different route and it was a whole lot of fun.  It even had a nice little hill in the middle and I was pleasantly surprised by how it didn't suck to run up that hill.  

Running is awesome right now.  I am faster than ever and feel like I can run longer than ever.  Awesome. 

Ok run.  It is late on a Friday night and I am bushed.  I think trying to remember this run will make my head explode.  I like my head, so I won't even think about it! :)

Longest Road Run!

This was a great run.   I took one of my favorite routes through town, which leads me to the cemetery.  Some of you may see this as weird, but I love to run there.  It always seems so peaceful and quiet there.  I am loving that I am feeling better while running further.   It is fun to think that three miles actually feels little!  Great stuff.Don't worry.  I ran left!

Hilly run again.  My knees felt it a bit near the end.

The weather was gorgeous so I decided to get out there and run.  It was very nice to wear shorts and a t-shirt.  No long sleeves needed today.  My knees are feeling it today(saturday) I had planned on putting in another two, but I guess I will have to settle for a walk or some exercise bike.  Silly knees.  I am not quite sure how to keep from overuse problems with my knees....any suggestions from the pros out there?

Whimpy run.  I kept wanting to stop.  I thought it was much colder than it really was and had to take of my upper layer.  I am not complaining.  Being in the sun was nice and I took a new route and now know how long said route is.  

If only Provo had a beach.

I loved running on the beach today.  It was amazing.  It was also very nice to be running at sea level.  I am sure I will pay for it when I go running back in Utah next week.  I felt like I could run very fast and never have to stop.  That is quite a feeling. The sun was shining and the ocean was gently touching the sandy beach beside me.  I think this is what running in heaven will be like.  There will be running in heaven, right?  If not, I am not sure I want to go there.  LOL!!!! 

The rain did not deter me from running today.  You can't skip running when there is a beach to run on!  Another good run.  I actually was brave and took some steps up the cliff half way through the run.  I was glad I did because the view of the ocean and beach from up there was even more amazing than below.  It is hard to run on vacation, but the way I have been eating, it is a necessity!

Excellent run.  I felt like I could run and run.  I think I finally can understand what people have been telling me about a wall and how you get past it and you feel like you could go forever.  Pretty amazing.  It was a wonderful and warm day and the beach was gorgeous.  So glad I have been able to enjoy such a pretty place.  This was my longest run ever! GO me!

Short little run.  Knew felt like it might lock up half way through and really hurt.  I think Brutus is mad that he has to leave California, or he is having overuse issues.  Not sure which it is.  It was a wonderful last beach run.  I sure will miss this place.  Wish I could stay here forever, too bad I have to be a responsible adult for six more weeks and get back to teaching on Monday!

Brutus is Acting Up Again! :(

My knee is numb thanks to some post running ice.  Brutus was very nice all the way through the run on the dreadmill until I hit exactly 2.5 miles.  I decided to stop even though I had not yet reached my 30 minutes goal.  I felt like I would be okay after a week break but maybe I will have to let Brutus go on sabbatical for a little longer.  SIGH.  It felt good to run but I will not like the pain if this continues tomorrow.

Been seeing a chiropractor about my chronic knee pain.  Seems that I have collapsed arches and I have been walking and running on the outsides of my feet.  This puts the knee in a weird position while striking which causes pain.  I am glad that I am finding this out about my body, but I am sad that it is taking a long time to get back to running.  

I will also, besides getting orthotics, be buying new running shoes in the next few weeks.  This is an expensive adventure, but I think being able to run again is worth it!

Good little run.  I have been cleared to run twice a week up to two miles each run.  I like that idea.  I was surprised that I did not get winded.  I guess that is the fear when you don't run for a month.  

 It was hard not to concentrate on how my feet were hitting the ground.  Teaching yourself how to run in a different way is completely weird and abnormal.  I hope that I can retrain myself though because I am pretty sure the knee pain will be kept away!

 It is great to be back!

Nice run in the sun.  The knee started out a bit tight but by the end of the run had calmed.  Doesn't hurt the day after so that is good.

It is hard to not run more than two miles.  I have missed running but sometimes you have to listen to doctor's orders! 

Good run.  Still wanting to run longer and can't seem to rattle the whole listening to my feet clop and trying to run right.  I am thinking that I am just going to turn up the music and just enjoy.  At least until the orthotic inserts get here.  I like to run.  Not being able to run as much as I want to a week is kinda depressing.  I guess I need to just focus on doing what is best for the body instead of what is best for my mind.  That is a very hard thing.  Silly self-mastery!

Note to Self...Listen to the Doctor!!!

Well, I thought I would sneak in three miles, because that is my favorite distance lately and really I haven't been able to run three miles in a very long time.  

 My chiropractor had told me that the limit is two miles.  I thought, meh, what is one mile more anyway?  Yeah.  Always....always....always listen to doctor's orders.  

 The run was nice, except for the stomach wanting to explode about 1.5 in, oh and the whole my knee hurt and buckling around 2.7.  Hence, the whole run being stopped then.  Today I am off to run 2.  Yep that is right....2 miles-no more, no less.  I learned my little sweet lesson! :)

I was going to log this run right after, but must have gotten distracted by something.  I am easily distracted in the summer.  Okay, I am easily distracted all year long.  

 And all I remember now is that it was a run.  Must have been pretty exciting. 

I figured I would write this down BEFORE heading off to shower and get ready for the day.  That way I won't get distracted with the rest of the day and completely forget this run.  Gotta relish in the run in order to appreciate it when the inevitable next running break happens.  

Have I mentioned that I got a new GPS watch?(I am asking my one lonely reader or myself(who may actually be the one lonely reader of this blog), who knows?)  My dad likes to mock me every time he sees me playing with it before I am heading out for a run.  He said to me today: "Man, we had it so much easier when I was younger.  We would just run.  Didn't need to set our watch or put on fancy shoes."  I then asked him if he actually planned a run ever, to which he said "No, we only ran in our "poop"(censor added by me) kickers after the cows."  It really was a lot more simple back when your exercise was just part of your typical working day!  

The run was nice.  I really want to run to the courthouse here in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  It is my favorite building in this 11 stop light town.  (Eleven seems like a lot, but they all go blinking red at ten o'clock.  Just like my dad who stops functioning at precisely ten every night.) The courthouse is copper topped and has greened over the years.  So pretty.  Anyway, if I were to run there from my parent's house, it would be 2.7 miles  and I really am trying to be a good, listen to the doctor, kind of a girl.  (In my head, I imagined that the courthouse was my turn-around point!)

I really like Wisconsin.  Even the smell of the woods as I run through them(via blacktop road) brings back memories of childhood and life.  I never took much thought into how many shades of green there truly are until I moved out to Utah and come back here every summer.  It is SO green and lovely here.  I also liked to notice the deer paths within the woods as I ran by them. Very pretty morning, even if the sun has not shined in a week!

Oh, and I used the virtual partner on my watch and that was very good motivation for me to keep at a good pace.  I usually want to stop running during the last half of my run, and I actually still wanted to today, but I did not stop. I knew I had "somebody" at my heals the whole run.  I also was almost done and saw a young girl in a yellow shirt running.  I then felt old for a minute.  I thought about her young legs and how she probably can run very fast and not get tired.  It is hard getting old(I have experienced this as I have been playing softball two nights a week this summer, too.  I have to warm up lots more than I ever had to in the past and I am still pulling muscles here and there.  It was my right groin this past Thursday and hammy on Tuesday. Any tips on not having these little pulls? They aren't serious but they bug for the night.)  

While stretching, after the run, I was thinking about how I want to be an old lady and still be running.  I then thought about how my body might just get old and I won't be able to be that lady running the 5k still at 65.  I guess I need to cherish the moments now where I can put on those special shoes, geeky watch, and enjoy the green beauty of being a runner now! 

Alice Unplugged:

I wanted to run, but put it off a little bit because that is what I do with my life in the summer.  I take a bit to get moving because I have a weird sleeping schedule(up late with movies, and then sleep in.).  Anyway, this did not work in my favor with the run because when I was finally mentally prepared to go, I heard thunder.  It has been raining here for what feels like weeks.  I don't think I even remember what the sun looks like. (Not that I stare into it because that is not safe for eyesight!)  So, I had to wait for about 45 minutes until I could run and not get wet and still there was the chance that I'd have a wet run, but I was able to fit this one it before the next storm rolled through.  

 Because of the threat of rain, I decided to go "unplugged," meaning without the iPhone blaring in my ears and without my GPS watch.  I didn't want them getting water damaged.  It was very interesting to listen to the clop, clop of my feet.  I guess it is a good way to see if I am striking properly.  Again, my chiropractor is king!  It was also nice to have a little talk with God along my path.  It was very calming!  Maybe I will have to have a weekly "unplugged" run!

I was very proud to run the whole way.  I also was motivated at the end of the run to keep pace because I saw my friend's husband leaving his work and we have been talking about meeting for lunch, seeing he is working up here(an hour away from where they live).  I did get home quickly, but was unable to find him.  I guess my stalking skills need work.

 Well, off to weigh in.  Wish me luck! 

Great run.  It was motivating to have a 10k go past our house this morning.  I thought about running the 5k but then thought about being good and I am not quite up for a 5 right now.  I am planning on one on the 9th of July though.  I may have to sneak in a few more miles a week to be ready!

 The sun is actually shining today.  I know that doesn't seem big but when you haven't seen it in about two weeks, it seems miraculous.  I was actually feeling hot on my run.  I like that.  Let's hope summer has finally landed to stay here in Northern Wisconsin. 

A run.  Can't remember details.

I am so glad I ran this run, even if my knees have been giving me issues the past few days.  I think Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred kills my knees...too many squats.

 Anyway, this was a beautiful race and the night couldn't have been better.  Not hot and very low humidity(a great thing here!).  The race looped around Eagle River, Wisconsin and actually went past three lakes.  So pretty!

My GPS actually died just before the race.  Wish I would have listened to my thought earlier today that said to check the battery.  Oh well.  I totally did okay without it, in fact, this is a new Personal Record(which I was very surprised that I got seeing I have only been running twice a week and having knee issues).  I actually shaved a minute off my last best! :)  Yipee.

It was very special to have my mom waiting for me at the finish line.  She is such a good support. This will prove to be one of my favorite race memories.  She has always cheered for me in life and this is a great reminder of that! I think the whole running at midnight is a cool concept and she was impressed by the turnout and culture of the race.  She may not get racing, but she did have a good time tonight. 

I kept ping ponging back and forth with two younger girls.  I wish I could have kept my steam at the end and beat them but I just didn't have enough in me.  I did want to puke the whole last mile and I guess that is how you are supposed to feel during a 5k.  I was a steam engine again even if I did walk a few times.  I can only imagine what my time would have been had I not walked.  I think the next goal is to break the thirty minute mark.  I totally can do it.  

It is nice to beat younger people.  I was surprised that only ten 30-39 year-olds raced.   I was excited to be in the single digits for my age group.  Too bad there were only ten of us!  

 Great race and good memories.  My stomach is still upset so that means I better get to bed.  Church is going to come very early in the morning! :) 

Nice run around the neighborhood.  Even stopped and looked at some flowers.  No GPS(still dead from last week's race) and that was kinda nice.  No deadline; just running.  Very nice.

It is going to be hot in Wisconsin the next few days.  Those of us with think-pale white skin don't really like it hot, hot, hot.  I knew I had to get out today and run because it would probably be Friday before I could again.  

The run started out with a few raindrops and the air was like soup.  I actually enjoyed the little bit of muggyness because that moist feeling means I am home!  

I was at my sister's in Madison and it was nice to run around a different neighborhood.

Glad I ran, even if I didn't keep the pace I wanted.  I like that my GPS watch doesn't tell me I am a loser when this happens, but when I do beat it, it calls me a winner.  

Good run! 

Run in the rain.  Unplugged.  Great time to reflect and think and pray.  Good stuff.  

The first run of August was good.  I am feeling like I can add more runs each week.  I am going to start adding more to my runs and not quite running three times yet, but I need to get back to three.  Take that doctor.  Just kidding.  Still no orthotics and it is buggin'! Oh well.

Good run.  Feet felt like bricks only once.  Not too bad!

Great run.  It was filled with a feeling of how wonderful home is.  My roots run deep in this area of the world and I will soon be leaving again.  Oh how I will miss Wisconsin.  The smells, the trees, the gentle breezes on a cooler summer day.  All things that I am hoping are seared into my memory to carry me forth back into my reality in Utah and can carry me until the next time I am here; home!  

I also had some great thoughts for my writing(alice is a writer as well!).  I had to get to paper and pen quickly when getting home because this run was filled with thought and joy and I didn't want to lose any of those thoughts.  

I love this kind of run.  It makes the ones where I feel like I have concrete shoes worthwhile.  

Today I was Alice the runner.  I kept chest high and legs pumping the whole time and it felt real and it felt like home.  

Wonderful! 

Dreadmill, Best Western, Rapid City, South Dakota

Traveling back to Utah from Wisconsin. Didn't sleep last night. Still wanted to get a run in, because I have been eating CRAP(not literally of course, but snack food from gas stations is not very healthy!)

Good little run on the treadmill. It is nice to have nice hotels that have nice treadmills. Keeps me on track.

I wonder how bad my first run back at altitude will be. I may be dreading it already!

It is nice to be back in Utah.  No, really, I mean it!  I really have missed the mountains.  I was very glad that I was not winded with the altitude and all.  Running seems to be a place where my creative brain comes out these days.  Alice is getting some good ideas to be the writer she has always dreamed about.  Memories flooded as I ran through this town that I have lived for the past ten years.  As much as I hate coming back after summer break, this is where I currently hang my hats and that is where home is!

Nice cool morning.  Day off runs are always good.  Remind me that ripe bananas before a run are not a great idea.  Kinda burped it up most of the run.  

 I always have good ideas while running.  An article about one of my student's success stories will be in the works soon.

 Knee didn't hurt during run.  Maybe the orthotics are working.  A little tinge in the opposite kneed during mile two.  Let's hope these knees will be fixed soon so I can start training for longer distances. 

Thought of The Onion Days run I ran last year.  Missed it this year.  Silly knee.  Better sign up for another race soon! 

Clip-Clop, Clip-Clop

I am learning to run all over again.  The chiropractor is helping me run right so I don't hurt my knee.  It is hard to erase 34 years of running motor memory.  Clip-Clop is the sound of my left foot following my right hitting the ground over and over.   It is hard to get my running to be silent but for about a block I got it and was thrilled.  Maybe next run it will be two blocks.  Baby steps for sure.  

SNOW? REALLY?

The first part of this run had big flakes of snow coming down.  It was weird.  I personally love to run in the rain, but snow isn't my favorite.  I really don't like the snowflakes on my eyelashes, and it is cold.  

 I was glad I got warm with about five blocks left in the run.  Too bad the knee won't handle more at this moment, because when I was warm I wanted to run more! :)

I need to log on here more.  So that is a new goal.  Happy end of fall! :( 

I haven't been blogging my runs, but I have been running.  And hello, I was out running in shorts today and wasn't even cold.  That is pretty weird for Dec. 12th, no?  It doesn't quite seem like Christmas is right around the corner.  

Felt good to run.  The knee is still a bit hit and miss.  Not sure I will ever be a long distance runner.