Remarkable achievements require remarkable efforts

I ran 4 miles!!! And it only took me 33 mins and 45 seconds. I hit 3

miles at 26 minutes and I was feeling pretty good so I just kept going!

I tried to run and I mean tried!!! I ate a cafe rio salad about an hour

before and I had side cramps the whole time. I ran 1.75 miles in 17

mins and 50 seconds and finally threw in the towel. I then did some

lunges and lifted some weights.

I ran 3.1 miles (a 5k) in 25 minutes!

Today I officially started my training program! I was a slacker last weekend...AGAIN! So I got my neighbor Tammy to run with me! I woke up at 6, we were at the gym by 6:30 and home at 7:30 so Wes could go to work. I ran 3 miles in 27 minutes (9 minute mile, I need to shave 2 minutes off of each mile). Tammy ran it in 30 minutes. Then we did about 10 minutes of stretching a little weight lifting with the dumb bells.

It was hard at first to get going, but I am glad I went. I already feel like I have tons more energy. I actually did the dishes, got Kamrie her breakfast & showered and it's only 8:30. I am usually rolling out of bed at 8:30. :)

Today I did 6 x 400 Mile Pace. I also did Yoga this morning with my

neighbor Tammy. And I had a volleyball game. Unfortunately I made no

bake cookies today as well. All that exercise for a few no bakes!!!

Today Tammy and I again ran 3 miles. I ran it in 24 minutes and 30

seconds, Tammy ran it in 27 minutes and 30 seconds. We surprise

ourselves!!!

Today was a 4 miler! I actually felt really good the whole time I ran.

I did it in 34 minutes and 30 seconds. I didn't get Tammy's time so

she'll have to tell me! But alas tomorrow is a 6 mile run and Tammy

will be gone to Arizona! We'll see how I do on my own. :(

Saturday I ran 6 miles in 53 minutes and 45 seconds!

Today was another 3 miler. I ran it in 23 minutes and 30 seconds.

today was supposed to be a 35 minute tempo run, but I just didn't have

the energy or motivation. So I ran for 15 minutes and I did some leg,

arm and stomach exercises. TAMMY COME HOME FROM ARIZONA SO I WILL DO

BETTER! :) No motivation w/ out my neighbor there!

Today I ran 3 miles in 24:30, but the first 15 minutes was doing Fartleks.

Today was our 5k Test. I ran 3.1 miles in 23:13. Tammy ran it in 25

minutes. The bad news is that my ipod shuffle fell out of my pocket in

the way to the gym and someone ran over it! :( Tammy found it as we

walked back to my car!

We ran for 30 minutes. I ran 3.65 miles in 30 minutes.

I was soooo tired this morning! I didn't get to bed until after

midnight and I woke up at 5:30! When Tammy and I got to the gym EVERY

SINGLE treadmill was taken! So we lifted first then biked for 15

minutes then ran for a little bit. I think I ran a little over a mile.

I'm going to take a nap today and go to bed early so I can have more

energy.

Today we ran 4 miles. I ran it in 32:17. I think Tammy was 34 even, I

can't remember though. It's too early, too many number to keep in my

head :).

Today we ran 6 miles. It was a rough day for me though! First my knee

hurt, then my shoe insoles were causing a blister, and finally I had to

go to the bathroom. However even w/ all of the interruptions I ran 6

miles in 48:30. Tammy ran it in 55 minutes, 5 minutes faster than her

hubby Chad. ha ha I had to throw that in there!

I ran 4 miles today in 29:30. I hit my 3 mile mark at 23 minutes.

Today the schedule said to run for 40 minutes and we were sweaty

mongrels when we were done! Tammy ran 4.48 miles and I ran 4.9 miles.

Our neighbor Keri is now coming with us and she did 2.6 miles. I hope

she doesn't mind riding w/ me and Tammy when we're all sweaty and

stinky! ;)

I ran 3 miles today in 24:40 and then I ran an extra .1 to see how long and it was 25:25 for 3.1.

Today we ran 5 miles. I ran it in 39:23

Today I was going to run 7 miles, but I didn't. Instead I ran 4. I ran a 5k in 23:30 and then an extra mile in 10 minutes.

I'm in a hurry to get things done, oh I rush and rush

We ran 3 miles today and we took it nice and easy! I think my time was

28 minutes-ish. I didn't catch Tammy's time, I know she was done before

me though. And Golds got new treadmills with a program called speed

interval, it's going to be awesome when we run our fartleks!!!

Today we did Yoga at my house b/c Wes had to go into work early. Tomorrow we are running in the Run for Red in Provo.

Today I ran 2 miles in 14:30. On track for my 21:30 3.1 mile run this

SATURDAY...can you feel the excitement? And I did make it to the gym on

Saturday, and I ran 6.5 miles in 57:30.

Today Tammy and I ran for 30 minutes. We hit 3.1 miles at 26 and 26:30 then cooled down for the rest. So total I ran 3.5 miles. Keri also ran and we'd like to welcome KAREN to the crazy club coming to the gym at 5:45!!!

Today we ran 2 miles. I did it in 13:53 and Tammy was 15 minutes...I think.

Hey hey hey today was the day!!! So I woke up at 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep!!!!! Anyway We got there and it was SOOO cold! I am not sure on my time b/c of the 10k and they lost the sheet and it's not posted online! I think it was in between 22-23 minutes! Tammy was 24:20 I think.

Since the race was on Saturday, Merri and I were feeling a little

lethargic and tired this morning. We did 4.5 miles in 41:10ish. Not

bad, but Merri almost puked. I didn't really feel sick, but I had

side-stitches AGAIN almost the entire time. I need to research what my

problem is because I run all the time and still get them. I don't get

it. But we hopefully will be recovered by tomorrow! Next time we'll

plan on Monday being an easier day after the next race!

Today we ran 3 miles. :)

HA Today we ran 4.5 miles. I did it in 36:50 and Tammy was 38:30. It

was a good run today! Karen ran 3.5 miles today too I think!

Today was our 50 minutes of cross training. It was good not running, b/c tomorrow is our 8 miler!!!

Me and Tammy kicked some major butt today! We ran 8 miles while watching Transformers! It was WAY easy today!

Today I ran 5 miles in 39:50. I am excited for this weekend, I'll

either run a 10k in Provo or a 5k in Orem. I don't know Tammy's time so

she'll have to post it. :)

Today I ran for 5 minutes, biked for 10 and lifted the rest of the time. It was good to work on strength training I think!

Today I ran 5 miles and I was ticked b/c on 4 miles I reached over to

grab my water bottle and hit the STOP button!!! Nothing sucks worse

than that! So I ran my last mile in 6:15 which was sweet, but I don't

know my overall time. It was probably around 37 or 38.

Today I didn't run in the 5k or 10k in Provo & Orem. :( But the good news is that I went to the gym and ran 6.25 miles in 50:45. Next Saturday Tammy & I are running in a 1/2 Marathon relay and we're going to kick some trash.

Oh and I ran by an old friend today! Jerrica you need to come every morning! Be there at 6am!

Today I was a sweaty beast, but I ran 5 miles in 39:20!!!!

Today was an easy run. I did 3 miles in 26:20 and then I did some lunges, leg machines and some arms.

So I heard this song today on my iPod and I just thought it was funny. When I was born my dad wanted to name me Betty, and I think we're all glad he didn't.

On to business I was supposed to run 5 miles today and well I didn't. My knee felt like it was out of socket or something. I ran 3.75 in 33 minutes.

And WELCOME BACK TAMMY!!!!

Today was an easy day. I did 1.75 miles and Tammy d id 1.5. Then we did

some legs, arms & abs. Today we are hydrating and carb loading and

then we'll do the same thing tomorrow.

Tammy and I ran a relay style half marathon today in Provo. She ran the first half and I ran the 2nd. Although once we switched and I'd been running a while I realized the place where we switched was way to early! Tammy never had a chance to kick it at the end and I ran way more than I was planning, but that's ok! Our final time was 1 hour and 43 minutes and we took 2nd in the women's realy :(. Next time we're going to prepare better. I got messed up at the ending a couple times, it's like you think you're done and then they trick you and you're not. Oh well, it felt good to run and we had fun!


Here's Chad coming in!

Today was an easy 3 mile recovery run.

Today we ran 5 miles in 44:30.

Today we ran a 10 minute mile and biked for 30 minutes. I am running in

a race tomorrow and possible Tammy is too. We are going to probably do

a triathalon sometime this summer so we threw the biking in today.

OK I know you're all sick of hearing about my running, but that's too bad b/c I have more running news!!! Today Tammy & I ran the 5k in the 1st Annual Utah Valley Marathon. It was freezing cold, but we did AWESOME!!! Tammy got 22:29 (I think and she cut just almost 2 minutes off her previous time) and I met 2 goals today! 1st goal was to get a 21:30 time, and today I did it in 21:20! 2nd goal was to take 1st place in my age group and luckily for me I did that too! So I took 3rd overall and 1st in my age group. Ok I am done bragging. Luv Merri

Today Tammy & I ran 5.5 miles. She did it in 49:30 and I did it 50:30. This Saturday we're going to run the 1/2 marathon in SLC. Should be good times.

Tammy's Note: First time EVER beating Merri! Probably the last. I usually don't work that hard, but with the bathroom break in the middle I didn't realize I was going faster than Merri.

Today was a 3 mile run, and I broke out my spandeys! :) I ran it in 23:30 and Tammy Bammy was 25 mins about. She had to take another bathroom break in the middle.

Leandra Lynn you SLEEP too much, it's sooo overrated.

So today I ran 2 miles in 13:24...by myself. Tammy where were you??? I need you! :) And today I met my new favorite person! :) ha ha His name is Andy and he said I look like a natural runner. I just had to throw that in there. He's a big triathlon guy and he's running in the 1/2 marathon this Saturday as well.

Chad Bennett is also a natural runner and my 2nd favorite person.

Well I think we were supposed to do p90x today, but I slept in!!! Sorry

girls if you came over and the lights were off. :) So at 7:30 I put in

a new pilates dvd I bought. I have never done pilates before and I

couldn't believe how crazy it is! I could feel the muscles working

instantly!

WHAT A RACE!! Merri and I have now run our longest run EVER! And man did it hurt! All smiles after, but...youch! We had a big crowd up at 4:45am this morning to hit the streets headed for Salt Lake. After riding on the Trax to our start line, having to pee in the grass because I just couldn't wait, then still be standing in line for the real bathrooms when the race started, we finally got started. It was a BEAUTIFUL day other than a little bit of wind. We were dressed for the occasion and we tried to wear our "staches" but they all fell off or got nasty.

Chad and I tried to keep up with Merri, but she left us at about mile 1.5 or 2. I never saw her again. Chad and Merri saw each other again at mile 5 or 6, but it was over after that. Merri went flying off to the finish line finishing with a time of 1:41:49. She accomplished her goal of BEATING Chad! Ok, Chad really isn't crazy fast so she didn't seem like she was too tired. Chad came in second of our group at 1:50:49 followed by me at 1:52:24.

Chad's Family, Dave, Karyn and Keith all ran the 5k. Dave wasn't feeling good but still finished with a good time and Karyn(Chad's Mom) came in 30 seconds under her goal, WOOHOO! Keith(Chad's Dad) did great and beat his previous time it seemed like they all had fun.

Great Race! Great Time! Great Day! Even though it hurt like crazy, I am really sleepy and just BEAT, I loved it. I guess it's that runners high. I think I still had a little left in the tank though so next time I will try to go faster. I'm ready for a few days off.

We didn't get any action shots because all of our fans were running the 5k, so we only got before and after! Enjoy

Today was our first day back since the race and man did it "HURT SO

GOOD"! The run we took nice and easy. Merri did 2.8 miles and I did 2.3

miles. Didn't feel great since we are both still sore from the race,

but it was nice to get the muscles moving again. We are ready for St.

GEORGE! Ok, we talked to our buddy Andy about doing the St. George

Marathon and I think he convinced us so...here we go!

Today I ran 1.5 miles, then biked for 6 miles, did some abs & arms.

then I came home and did some Pilates. I am taking tomorrow off and I

should be able to pick up my running miles again.

I did 4 miles today in 31:30.

Tammy's Note: I only did three miles in 29:30. Merri ran an extra mile on me in about the same amount of time! Good thing it was an easy day for me! I don't feel bad at all. :)

I ran 3.1 miles in 22 minutes even and then biked for 10 minutes.

I ran 4.33 miles in 40 minutes today.

Today we did Pump and I think it should be called LUNGE your life away.

Anyway when that was done Tammy & I ran 2 miles. We didn't over do

it because we have a race on Saturday.

Today we ran 1 mile and then we stretched it out. Tomorrow we're going to soak in the hot tub!

2nd Place overall

Today we ran 3 miles. I did it in 24 minutes and stayed on for and extra .1 and ended at 24:32.

Today we were supposed to run 10-200 meters. I opted for 5-400's instead. :) I ran 3-400's, then an 800 and then a full mile on 9.2 (6:30 mile pace). So with a mile warm up and the slow down in between sprints the total miles ran for me today was 4.25! Tammy I need to compare my mileage w/ you and have you help me w/ the formulas. :)

Ok it doesn't suck, but I do! If I can't figure out how to swim

(correctly that is) after 1 month of training I am QUITTING!!! :) Love

Merri

Today was a 40 minute tempo run. I ran 4 miles in 30:10. Then ran the last mile in 10 minutes.

Today I ran 6 miles and I ran the first 3 on 7.0 and the last 3 on 7.5 mph.

I ran 10 miles today during my 85 minute run.

Today merri and I did 3.1 miles. I did it in 24:54. I was really trying hard at the end to be under 25 minutes! I did make it too. Merri was 23 something. We also did the Runner's World runner's workout for some weight lifting. Man are we weak! Time to work on our lifting.

ALSO just as a side note to all those interested. Merri and I were in the lottery for the St. George Marathon and we DID NOT get in! SAD!!! So we are going to be changing our running schedules and our race schedule to be able to get faster on the short stuff. Good thing because I don't know if my knees would make it through the marathon training schedule.

So I think Tammy is on the injured list. I let her fill you in on the

details there. All I know was that she was cursing and swearing and

punching the treadmill. :) Today we were supposed to do 6-400's. I did

2 400's, an 800 and then a mile. And I ran my last mile in 5:40. Pretty

darn impressive if you ask me. :)

Today we hit the Orem pool again to swim. We did 16 lengths on a 25 m pool. Go us! Merri was smoking through that water. The water did not know what hit it. Triathlon here we come. I'll let Merri fill you in on how she really felt. After we did 2 miles on the bike in 7:30. We were sweating out our Cucumber Melon lotion, dang we smell good! Lovin it.

Merri's Note: Ok I'll be the first to admit it...I am COMPETITIVE! So when I am not good at something right off the bat I don't like it. But I am going to work on this. I had goggles today and that made things SO much better. I now need to focus on my breathing.

Today was a 45 minute tempo run. Tammy is having issues w/ her IT band so she biked. And I ran 4.5 miles in 35 minutes and then slowed down and hit 5 miles at 39 minutes and called it quits. I have a running class tonight in Orem, so I thought I'd save some energy. ;)

Today again was SUPPOSED to be 6 miles fast, but since when I have I

followed the schedule? I warmed up for about .4 miles. Then I ran 4

miles in 38:55. Changed my shoes went to the bathroom and ran a 6:15

mile. Then i ran a slow .6 mile. Total miles 6, just not all of it was

FAST!!!

So the Wasatch Back relay team emailed us saying we were having a group

run on Saturday in Provo canyon, and only one other person besides

Tammy and I were there. But it was fun to run outside and not on a

treadmill. The wind was cold and Tammy's knee was hurting so those were

the 2 problems. I think we ran 1 hr and 15 minutes, but we didn't

actually ran that whole time. We stopped for water and for a break so I

am not even sure on our mileage. I would guess maybe 7 or so miles?

What do you think Tammy????

So last night I saw that the Sojourners running club runs at 5:30 on Monday mornings in Orem. I decided to join them, got there and no Sojourners, but another running club. They are called CrackODawn and they were nice enough to let me run with them. We ran on some trails behind the Orem cemetery. I think we did 6 miles. It was FUN!!!

So today we got up nice and early to make it to the spin class at 5:45am. We were hoping Karen would come, but we didn't discuss time well enough. So Merri and I worked our butts off cycling away in a dark and loud room with about 20 other people. Man we were sweating and that gets hard. My legs are definitely tired today. Good workout. Afterwards Merri ran a mile while I stretched and lifted. Merri then joined the stretching and lifting routine. It was a good workout!

Merri also ran last night with Wes and the kids. Not sure how far or how long, but Merri will have to add that. We are so excited for Wes to join our running club. Go SPANISH FIELDS!

Merrill's Note: MY LEGS ARE SORE!!! And I am excited for Wes to run w/ us too! I think we probably ran 2 miles or so last night.

So today we made the ever-so-early trek to the gym, leaving at 5:15am! I know, we're crazy. But we went to the pump class and Wooh! It was tiring. My arms and legs are beat. After Merri ran 1.5 miles and I ran 1.0. My legs were beat! Tomorrow we will probably have to take it easy because of being sore, but it will be worth it. We are going to try to make a point of lifting to reduce injury and strengthen our run. I am so excited for Monday! I just turned in my forms yesterday.

And as a side-note I hit 200 miles! Very exciting!

Friday Tammy & I did a practice run for the 5k tomorrow. And

Saturday Wes & the kids joined me as we walked about 2 miles of the

race. I'm getting excited!

Bailey (tammy's girly) Merri, Broc (tammy's boy), Chad (tammy's husb) & Karen.
Brandon, Chad, Tammy, Merri, Karen G. & Karen M. & Bailey & Broc
Merri's report:  This was a race I had high hopes for and had set some high goals.  I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to finally win a 5k overall.  I thought I was prepared, but alas I was wrong.  I had run the course a time or two previous so I was somewhat familiar with it.  At the starting line I overheard some folks talking to tall blond girl w/ a pink shirt on.  She was currently running for SUU and had her wisdom teeth pulled out a few days prior.  I knew she was going to be one to keep up with.  We started and I tried to stay with her...probably a little too fast of a start for me.  She just kept going faster and faster and then I was starting to realize I was a little too winded.  1st mile is down hill and the 2nd mile is uphill and the 3rd mile is an even amount of uphill and downhill.  1st I was passed my Kristen (teaches at golds...you name it she teaches it).  So I am now in 3rd.  Kept trying to push the pace and about .5 or so of a mile left I got passed by Alli (on the blog, but she doesn't blog anymore).  Now I'm in 4th.  UGH!!  This was supposed to be MY race. :)  Finally getting close to the finish line and I hear breathing and see it's a girl closing in on me.  Couldn't be passed again so I kicked with all I had and finished 4th overall.  5th place was a girl I would later meet named Ashley.  She works at Maceys and her dad is one of the big/main runners on the SF running club.  At least he was always at every run I joined them on.  Overall i was extremely impressed with my time considering what I think is a hard course and that it was a rainy day.  I wasn't impressed with getting passed twice.  I hate that.  But Wes & the kids were there cheering at the finish line so the day wasn't all bad. :)  I told myself after that race that 5ks weren't for me and I wasn't going to run another one for a long long long time. I think after this race was when I really decided to run a marathon.

Tammy's report:  After waking up to a rainy and cold morning, no one was really in the mood to run. But we all came together and went to the Jr. High for the Memorial Day 5k. This was a tough course and after sizing up the competition we felt fairly confident in almost everyone being able to get a medal or place pretty high. Even though everyone didn't get their desired goal time we all did well. Merri came in first for our group at 20:39 (4th girl overall, 2nd in our age group), then Chad at 21:55 (2nd in his age group by passing his guy at the end!). I came in third at 22:26 (officially 22:11, 4th in my age group, probably 7th girl overall). Then came Brandon Carter about 22:40? getting 3rd in his age group. Next was Karen Grant at 29:00 (7th in our age group) and Karyn McDonald at 29:52 (2nd in her age group). It was a great race even though it was drizzling the entire time and the course was very hilly with a big uphill at the end.

After the 5k was over they had a one mile fun run that Broc, Bailey and Kamrie decided to run in. Broc finished his mile in 10:19. Now remember this is the first time EVER that Broc has run one continuous non-stop mile and he is only FOUR years old! Bailey and Kamrie ran about 1/4 mile and then were carried the rest of the way by their mothers. We didn't realize we had asked for a second workout! We are so proud of Broc for pushing so hard! He did GREAT and got a sweet finishers medal!

Today I ran alone :( I just did 3.1 miles in 30 minutes.

We ran for 60 minutes today...7 miles-ish. We ran to the jr high then re-ran the 5k race we did on Monday and ran home.

Today we biked for 20 minutes and swam for 30. I did 10 laps and Tammy did a ton more than me, but I can't remember what she ended at. :)

We ran outside today for 30 minutes. It's so much better running outside than on a treadmill!

I think the title best describes how I felt the entire run today. We

originally had put 120 minute run on the schedule due to preparing for

the Wasatch Back Relay. Then i realized the most we have done since

April Salt lake Race was 7 miles...so I knew that many miles would be

too much. So after finding a 10 mile route, Merri and we decided to do

10 miles, probably in 85-90 minutes. As we headed out though we noticed

the street markings for the Speedy Spaniard and thought, "Why don't we

check the course out since Larry is here and he knows it." So off we

went, not really thinking about how many miles we were charging into.

So after enduring the crazy wind of the canyon, we headed home for a

total of 12 MILES! I am so wasted and my knee hurt the ENTIRE time. I

think it is getting better though, the pain is changing and lessening.

Not as much shooting pain. Let's cross our fingers that I can get it to

go away.

Today we did 50 minutes w/ some hills on 300 S & Center st. Total mileage 6.27 miles.

Tammy's Note: I think I am giving up! I have had it. I hate my IT band. Hate it. I really want to give up, but I won't. I am going to keep trying this week with everything that I am doing, and some new things. I going to still run the mileage, but not as fast. I am going to try to just coast and pace. But I am just so ticked! My total mileage was about 1.5 miles today.

Today we were supposed to do 25 minutes swimming and 25 minutes on the

bike. Well I got to the pool and realized my goggles were broken! so I

swam 3 laps. Tammy did 10 and we biked for 25 minutes.

Today Larry & I went to the track at the high school and ran some sprints. We did 1 mile where we jogged the curves and sprinted the straight parts. Then we ran a 400 sprint, but since it was raining we came home and drove to the gym and lifted some weights.

Tammy's Note: Well I didn't get to run today because Chad wanted to go swim with the Masters swim team. So I tried to run after dinner and that was a bad idea. I felt like I was going to puke the entire time. So I only did 1.25 miles and then lifted for about 15 more minutes.

Today Tammy & Merri swam for 25 and biked for 25. Tammy did 14 laps and I did 10. And we biked 7 miles.

Tammy's Note: Ok Merri kicked my butt on the bike. She is being nice and said she only did 7, but she did like 7.4 in 25 minutes. I was trying to keep up, but she kept raising the intensity and my legs couldn't handle it. I think it's because I have been dehydrated lately. Gotta drink more water!

So today we were going to do a 30 minute run. Merri was on a mission

and left all of us in the dust. Karen took the shorter route and I

thought I might catch her, but no chance. Merri did though. So the

total mileage was 3.8 miles. Nice day for a run, a little chilly

though. It's an hour later and I am still chilled.

To practice for Ragnar, the SFRR are running three different times today. I ran 25 minutes this morning (about 3.1) and Merri ran about 35 minutes (about 4.3 miles). Our neighbor, Larry, kept up with Merri this morning.

Then before eating lunch we went for another run. Merri, Wes and Larry ran again together (well, first time for Wes). They ran about 3.8 miles. Then I went out after we swapped kiddos and ran about 4.3 miles for 34 minutes. Man did that feel good!!! I was so excited. No knee/IT band pain, just my hip flexor and cramping in my calf. I was soooo excited. I spent about 10-15 minutes before the run just rubbing/rolling or massaging my leg on the side and front and Vwalah! All better. I am going to invest in a foam roller. Come Monday I am heading to the store. We'll see how I feel for the third run of the day.

Just as a side note. We are SOO excited to join our new members of the ragnar relay team. Chad, Merri and I had decided to race on a 12 man relay through the mountains for 180 miles with some other people, that we don't know. Well a couple days ago they e-mailed the entire group to say that we were three runners short because of dropouts. So we recruited our neighbors, Wes, Larry, and Brandon to come and run with us. Now we have one full van of just us locals! I am so excited! It is going to really be a blast.

Merri's Note: Wes and I also did a short 15 minute run at about 8:45ish. I had nothing left!!!

Today we ran the hills on center and 300 south. Tammy had to cut it a

little bit shorter b/c of Chad-leena. But Lerri & my time was 50

minutes.

So I swam 8 laps today and almost died. Tammy did 12 I think and she said her arms were wasted. Then we biked for 20 minutes.

I went to the gym w/ Karen and lifted weights. And last night I went to

the track and did 4 - 400s. Each was about 1:25. And I ran some stairs

and I think I pulled a muscle. :(

I pulled something last night in my leg, so I only ran like 2.5 miles and walked the rest. Tammy ran 5.25-5.5

We swam yesterday. I did 10 laps. Tammy probably did 14 or so. And then we biked 20 minutes.

So today Lerri & I went to BYU to run in the Break the Silence 5k. We started at the very back of the pack, b/c we were more just interested in running than winning. So I cruised along, but lot like a minute or so on my time at the start b/c we were at the back of the pack. It felt so much better to pass people than to be passed. I crossed the finish like at 21:35 and they said I took 3rd. Which I was way excited about. I think if I had started at the front of the pack I would have broken 20 minutes. 1st place girl was 19:19 and I would have loved to try to run w/ her. 2nd place was 20:45 and I have already proved that I can beat that. And I won a $5 gift card to maglebees!

Oh and Lerri and I got some air time and were interviewed for the BYU paper.

today we lifted and ran a 3.1 mile route by Golds.

Wasatch Back Relay

Wasatch Back Relay

3.5 (25 mins), 6.2 (46:30 mins), 3.6(45 mins)

Here's the mileage report from the wasatch back:
Wes: 4.0, 3.9 & 4.1
Larry: 3.4, 7.0, 6.1
Merri: 3.5 (25 mins), 6.2 (46:30 mins), 3.6(45 mins)
Chad:3.5, 6.4, 4.0
Tammy: 3.8 (uphill in 34 minutes), 4.6 (35.23), and 6.9 (54 min)
Brandon: 3.1, 5.2, 5

Tammy & I went to run the MTC Mile w/ Hawk and what a good time it was! I ran it in 5:35 and Tammy was 5:46!

Tammy's Note: Just for clarication as to what is the MTC mile. It is a mile run starting at the farthest north corner of the MTC on 900 East. There are 4 triangles in a line to indicate the start and then there are triangles each 100 m after that. The first will have one triangle meaning 100 m and the 2nd has 2 meaning 200 m. You keep going until you hit 1 mile or 1600m passing 16 different sets of triangles on the sidewalk/street. You never have to really cross a road at all, just head from the MTC all the way down, take a right on University Parkway and end at the BYU stadium. Usually Hawk will do mile repeats with three different finishes, the other two turn into the parking lot of the stadium. We didn't have time for more than one! But who wants to get beat by a bunch of 12 year-olds anyway! So we smoked them and then left!

5k Results
Merri: 21:31 3rd overall in women & 2nd in age group
Chad: 22:56 6th in age group
Tammy: 23:12 3rd in age group
Brandon: 23:52 5th in age group
Keri: 35 minutes I think is that right

Today I went to the gym and ran 3 miles in 25 minutes. Then I stretched and lifted a little w/ my legs.

Merri: 44:16
Tammy: 48:01
Chad: 48:48
Larry: 50:00?
Leandra: 59:41
Karyn 1:07:06

I mapped my route and did 7.9 so we'll just call it 8 miles in 62 minutes! :)

Today Tammy & I ran to the gym, lifted with Larry, then we ran home.

Today I ran 9 miles in 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Avg pace: 7:53
Avg speed: 7.6 mph
Max speed: 9.3 mph
total calories: 893
Avg HR: 176
Max HR: 188

And how do I know this??? Well only because Wes bought me a SWEET Garmin 305!!! I love it! Thanks Wes!

Top 10 Runners got directed in the wrong direction.  My Garmin showed 21.26 at mile 3.1.

4 Miles in 29 minutes Best Buddies Race

I was supposed to run 12 miles today so I have 8 more to go :) ha ha. I might try to squeeze some run in somewhere today.  So Chad and I went to Orem today to run in the Best Buddy 5k race. I was feeling good when we showed up and there was like 5 people there. When the race started there was probably 100. And of course Mary Ann showed up (a really really fast runner). So I already knew 1st was out of the question. I was going to be good with 2nd I told myself. So we start and go bolting off of the starting line. And about .5 or .75 of the first mile I was passed by another girl. So now I am thinking 3rd place is good, but I think I can catch up to 2nd place girl by mile 2-3. So I'm feeling good running and then we turn right....BAD IDEA!!! I guess we were supposed to go straight? I still dont know. Anyway the cop told the top runners that's where to go. So we turn down towards the roundabout at the top of UVSC by the turn to Honey Baked Ham & circuit City. When we turned there I was still feeling good, I had a good pace and I still thought I could catch the #2 girl. Then here is where my story takes a sad turn...thanks to Garmin. I start looking at my watch and noticing that we are already at like 1.8 miles or so and I know we are way more than a mile away from Mountain Views track. I'm starting to hurt and I only really have enough energy for a 3.1. So I start to get down and turn the corner on the round about and see only a few other people behind me and it hits me...WE ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY!!! And I am ticked, luckily there's like 10 of us on this stupid detour. I start to get mad and I am slowing down and I know it b/c i know I don't have enough energy to make it all the way back at this pace. So I slow down and hit 3.1 miles at 21:26. I seriously stopped and sat down. I caught my breath and my composure and started again. I finished the race at 4.08 miles. Here's the info from my friend Garmin:
Mile 1: 6.28
Mile 2: 6.46
Mile 3: 7.25 (this is where I was starting to lose my cool :))
Mile 4: 7.39

29.01 minutes for 4.09 miles. We get to the finish line and I tell them my time on my watch at 3.1 was 21.26 and I see this girl Chelsea who was not in the 10 that got lost and her time was 21.16. So I probably technically took 4th overall, but I am going to just say 3rd overall because of the mishap! sorry i had to share my sad story and this was the only place I could think of to post it.

Today I ran 10 miles in 1 hr 30 minutes. I need to run 5 more sometime today...

Today I ran to the gym and met up with Tammy & Larry to lift. Then ran home for a total of 5 miles.

Today Larry & I ran 7.2 miles. My time was

56.44. Avg pace was a 7.52/mile. My fastest mile was mile #5 at 7.10.

Avg HR was 177 max HR was 196. If I drop the first mile (our warm up

and my slowest mile) it gives me a 10k in 48.16.

What a blast! That was a fun run today! I met up with the Crackodawn

runners and the Sojourners. I only ran 12.6 miles, but it is actually

an 17 or 18 mile loop. Maybe next time I'll be woman enough to handle

the whole thing. I did it in 2:14:07 and was about to die towards the

end. My legs and feet felt like jello! And my shoes are covered in

dirt! Avg pace was 10:38 and my avg HB was 158.

Yesterday I ran 4 miles on the treadmill in 28 minutes.

Today I ran 8 miles in 1:06.

I am excited for the SPEEDY SPANIARD on Thursday!!!

Today we ran 1.2 miles (the end of the 10k we're running tomorrow).

7.18

6.34

6.32

6.38

6.53

6.43

1.15

Next year I am starting at the front of the pack.  Mile one killed me :) 

Merri: 41:37 4th overall and 1st in my age group
Tammy: 45:51 4th in her age group
Karyn: 1:01 (I think)
Chad: Broke his stroller and tried to take out all 3 kids. I am glad all of the kids were ok...somewhat!
Broc: 1 mile in 10:41 4th in his age group! Way to go Broc!

Here's my break down:
mile
1: 7:18
2: 6:34
3: 6:32
4: 6:38
5: 6:53
6: 6:43
avg hr 185

Next time I'll start at the first of the pack rather than the middle. It's too hard to fight your way through to the front.

today I ran 16.5 miles with the Spanish fork running club. It was a really good run! I'm glad I met Josse at the Speedy Spaniard.

Total time was 2:20
avg pace: 8:27
Fastest mile: mile 11 at 7:37
Avg hr: 163 bpm

Next time I am doing one of my bottles for water and the other Gatorade. And I need to remember to bring a gu shot. The running club had also placed water along the route in like 4 places I think, which was way nice.

My legs were getting tired, but my feet seemed to bother me the most. I am icing them now so hopefully they will get better. I am going to be stretching a lot today. And we'll probably go swimming so I'll soak in the pool as well.

I ran 5 miles tonight in 37:41. My avg pace was 7:32, avg hr 176 and fastest mile was # 5 at 7:03. I love Garmin!

today Larry & I ran 8 miles in 1:04.

Today Tammy and I ran to the gym, then we lifted and ran home for a

total of 5 miles. It took us just under 45 minutes, so we were

averaging a 9 minute mile.

Today I ran with Michelle in Payson Canyon. We ran 5.5 up and turned

around and came back. It took about 1:30. I think time up was 47.07 (i

don't know for sure b/c I didn't start my garmin until about 1.5 miles

in. I need to remember to turn that bad boy on).

What a GREAT day for a run! Except we had to wake up at 4:30AM!!! We

met up with a super fast runner, Michelle and carpooled up to the

canyon. At 5:30am we were off down the canyon trail and it was so nice

running even though it was dark. Good thing we had a big group or it

might have been a little scary. I ended doing around 12 miles in one

hour 33 minutes, Merri did 18 miles and the rest of the group did 20

miles. I finished long before everyone else so I sat around for like an

hour before everyone else finished. That wasn't so bad except the

canyon wind was blowing and I was FREEZING! Once they got back one of

the guys had a blanket in his car that I could borrow so that we could

all go sit in the freezing cold river to ice our legs. It was really,

really, painfully cold. I almost got out and then I started to go numb

so I survived. I feel good today so it must have worked! I was totally

wasted after the run so I am glad I didn't go anymore. I was supposed

to do one hour and 45 minutes. All in all it was a good run and I can't

wait to go again.

Tuesday: 4 Miles

Wednesday: 6 Miles

Last Saturday I jogged/hiked/walked to the top of Mount Timpanogos!!! It took me 2 hrs and 20 minutes to get up and 1 hour and 45 minutes to get down. I went with a group of Sojourners. And boy was I sore yesterday and I am still feeling it today!

Today I ran 10.3 miles with Michelle with an avg pace of 8.17 minute mile.  We did some strides and I felt ok on the first few, by the 6th one I wasn't keeping up that well and the 8th one I didn't have much left.  It was a good run though!

Today my neighbors and I ran a 6 mile loop by our houses.  I was only wanting to do 5, but had to do an extra mile to make it home.  8.06 was my average mile pace.

My Garmin only had 12.92 miles on it when I finished, so here's the breakdown from my watch. My time of 1:28:50.3 gave me a  6:47 pace per mile.

Mile 1 - 6.56

2 - 6.44

3 - 6.50

4 - 6.46

5 - 6.55

6 - 6.44

7 - 6.53

8 - 6.44

9 - 6.56

10 - 6.57

11 - 7.02

12 - 6.59

13 - 6.54

I would like to have more consistency on my next race, but overall I felt good during the race.  I wish I would have had a little more at the end to pass one more girl, but it didn't happen so she beat me by 14 seconds.  :( 

5 miles in 38 minutes

5 miles in 42 minutes

It was too dark and cold again this morning to go running outside alone so I went to the gym again. I ran 5 miles in 42 minutes today. Tomorrow is my last chance to run 20 miles before my marathon. Josse said she would run it with me and help me finish...I think I can I think I can...

I did it I did it! My first 20 mile run. And a big thank you to Amber & Josse for running with me. there's no way I could do it alone! :) Yeah Top of Utah here I come!

today I did 4 miles in 34 minutes.  I was taking it easy for the SF 1/2 marathon tomorrow.  I am not going to race the whole thing.  I think I will run a nice slow 1st half and then just finish like I was racing a 10k.  I am winding down and getting ready for Top of Utah...only 2 more Saturdays and then it's marathon time!!!  I'm glad it's finally here, training for this has been the longest thing ever! :) 

I thought this race was great!  Going into the race I told myself to just take a nice easy pace in the beginning (b/c I have the Top of Utah Marathon in 2 weeks) and to run the last 10k at a race pace.  I felt good through out the whole race and ended up taking 2nd in my age division!

Mile:

1 - 7.52

2 - 7.48

3 - 7.46

4 - 8

5 - 7.48

6 - 7.50

 7 - 7.59

8 - 7.01

9 - 7.13

10 - 7.05

11 - 7.09

12 - 7.04

13 - 7.00

I am feeling confident and ready for my first marathon!

I was supposed to do 4 today, but Wes had to leave by 6:20 for work so I got in 3.75 and will be going to the gym tonight to run another .23 and to lift some weights.

Today I ran 5.5 on the treadmill in 44.30.  I normally don't like running on the treadmill, but today was a good run...I never got bored! 

Today we ran 4 very slow miles and then did some lunges and did some good stretching.

I ran 3.1 miles today on the treadmill in 23 minutes.

My neighbor and I ran a slow 8 miles today.  And next saturday is my marathon. 

Tapering down and excited for Saturday.

4 miles today at a 8:20 min/mile pace.

The weather for Logan on Saturday is not looking good.  :(

I ran 2 miles today. And the marathon is tomorrow. the weather looks like it will be breezy, chance of rain and lightening.  Should be fun! :)

Mile:

1 - 7.30 - too fast and I did try to slow down, but it's down hill and hard to slow down.

2 - 7.27

3 - 7.30

4 - 7.27 - HAD to go to the bathroom.  Didn't have enough time before the start...lines too long.

5 - 7.32

6 - 7.34

7 - 7.48 - went to the bathroom AGAIN this time it was just a mind game I think.

8 - 7.38

9 - 7.46

10 - 7.59

11 - 7.52

12 - 7.47

13 - 7.44

14 - 7.25

15 - 7.11 Bathroom AGAIN at this point I was like beepity beep beep beep and promised I was not going to stop again!

16 - 7.25

17 - 7.26

18 - 7.44

19 - 8.02

20 - 8.11

21 - 7.42

22 - 7.55

23 - 8.39 - Dead tired

24 - 8.25 - even more tired

25 - 8.31 - harder

26 - 8.03 and so close to finishing

More info to come...

Oh the moment you have all been waiting for is finally here! I ran in the Top of Utah Marathon today in Logan! I'm so glad to have it over with! And I have to say it was pretty dang hard! My legs are so sore right now it's not even funny! We went to Logan Friday night so be looking forward to another post from me detailing our "Hackett Happenings". I know 2 posts in one day?!? It's crazy! So here's the low down...

First I have to say I have the best husband ever! He seriously has been so supportive of my running and especially this marathon! I couldn't not have done it without him. You really are the best and I love you!

So 4 am Carson wakes up crying and kicking his legs all over in his pack and play...I'd like to compare it to weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. I decide to just get up and get dressed. Carson yells my name repeatedly Mommy...Mommy....Mommy...Mommy.

Kamrie wakes up...why is carson yelling? Mom what are you eating?

A power bar.

Can I have it?

Sure Kamrie eat all of mom's only nutrition just before she embarks on 26.2 mile adventure.

4:30 am get on a shuttle to the park. We get dropped off and wait 10 minutes for another bus to take us to the top of the canyon.

6 am we get to the start line. I "powder my nose" 3 times and needed to a 4th time, but had no time left.

7am - Race starts!

Mile 1-15 such a blur

Mile 15 - 21 feeling good and loving it!
Mile 22 - 26 I want to die...whose idea was was this? Why didn't someone talk me out of this?

10:30 am - I finish and want to never walk again...I can barely feel my legs. My time was 3:26:15 and I'm in some pain. I need to throw up, I need to sit down, I need to get out of this park full of marathoners all at once.

We live happily ever after.
Kamrie says mom will you carry me to the car?

Yeah Kam hop on so we can crumble to the ground.

But I carry her on my back anyway because I am a push over and I put her down and her outfit is really really wet from my sweat. Gross I know! So she asks for a change of clothing.

The End

P.S. Thanks again to all of my friends and family who have supported and encouraged and ran with me along the way! It's like I always say no man is an island...or something like that. :)

today I did 2 miles of gentle jogging.  feels good to be running again!

today I biked for 7 miles

today I ran a 3.1 mile loop by my house.  It was a crappy run and I didn't feel all that great through the whole thing.  oh well.

6 mile hike to lake blanche

I ran 1 mile and did an awesome kick boxing class and I am sooo sore today!

1 mile and 45 minutes of tae bo

3.1 miles in 24:45 and worked arms

3 miles today in 26 minutes.  A lot of stretching and some ab work.

with Shauna kicks my butt and I love it. 1 hour today at the gymbo and

I take after my little sister leandra and ate peanut m&m's and

cookies all day oh yeah and chips and dip and the list goes on and on.

some people started singing it not knowing what it was and they'll

continue singing it forever jsut because.

I ran 6.2 miles today in 46:50. It felt good and my legs were begging

for some more speed! It's funny how your legs start to miss running and

running fast. :-) not that I am a speed demon by any means!

Tuesday Tae Bo w/ 1 mile run

Thursday - 4 miles

Friday 3.1 miles

Saturday 3.1 miles

Miles today w/ Tammy

again w/ Shauna. She knows how to work it. I was so tired today though,

when I got home I crawled in bed and tried to go back to sleep, but my

sports bra was cold from my sweat and I never could get warm enough. :(

today I ran 4 miles at an average of 9 minute mile. And I am running the 10k in St George on Saturday!

of running and I walked like a half mile. Then I did some abs &

arms. Tomorrow is the big race that I have not trained for. Goal is

anything under 45. :0)

I can't believe it!!!  Today I took 1st place in the Save a Sister 10k in St George!  I was so happy I have never taken 1st before.  Here are my splits...

 1 - 6.59

2 - 7.11 (quite a bit up hill)

3 - 6.56

4 - 7.04

5 - 6.52

6 - 6.33 - really kicked it and finally passed the 1st place girl.

 Perfect weather and loved running in St George!

1 hour of tae bo

Today Tammy and I ran 3 miles. I did it in exactly 24.

Today I ran 5 miles in 42 minutes.

Happy Birthday to Keri today!!!

For your birthday I ran 7 miles in 56 minutes. :)

Today I did an easy 3 miles then stretched and lifted a tiny bit :)

Thursday - Tae Bo (it's Sunday and I am still sore)

Friday - Lifted Arms and walked 10 minutes

1 hour of tae bo and 1 mile

1 mile & 1 hour of tae bo

Today I ran 7 miles with my neighbors Tammy and Chad.  We did it in 1 hour.

4 miles today.  1st mile a warm up last 3 miles ran in 21.25.

1 hour of tae bo

So I'm on a city league volleyball team and last night our team

seriously rocked it! It was such a good work out! I am sore

today...could be a combo of tae bo & volleyball but still I'm sore.

I loved the old volleyball last night.

3 Miles

1 hour of pump w/ Kristen. I'm sure I'll be crazy sore tomorrow! When I

was done I wasn't sweaty enough so I ran 3.1 miles in 23:43