My most memorable run.

Hiya, It's Danna. If you are my mom reading this, warning, you are about to hate this.

This past Saturday was the Salt Lake City marathon and half marathon. As you all know, we have been helping my mom and Ksenia to train (or hindering their training is probably more accurate!)



Post run stretch!



Training run on the Parkway.


Runners World has been publishing a series of articles every month about "my most memorable run". They often say how difficult it is to narrow down your runs. I imagine that may be because of sheer quantitiy we runners tend to do, and also because of those endorphins- they make ya happy. Almost every run is a good run!

Saturday was a specail day for me. Running with my mom in her first race was the opportunity of a lifetime. She is amazing. To train and run your first race in your 60's is admirable. To train and place 7th in your age category is astounding. But it isn't her pace that is most special about my mom. I watched her work to finish training runs, and when it was hard, she would walk- for only a few seconds, then run again. She did this over and over until she reached her distance. One time we were all about half a mile from home when we reached distance. We all said, "Phew!" and began walking. Oh no, not my mom. She ran the rest of the way and waited for us on the porch at home. She never, ever gives up. I learned to just keep going when it's hard, from her. When we crossed the finish line, I was so proud of her. I will forever remember that smile on her face. It was perfection.

I got a real kick of watching my dad rush to several aide stations to cheer her on. I was proud of him too. They are who I hope to turn out to be.

And so Saturday, was my most memorable run.... I think it will be for a very long time.

There is something that bonds running partners together forever. How blessed am I to have it all wrapped up in one person- one of my best friends, my training partner, and of course, my mom.

I'm so proud of you mom. Thanks for running with me. I literally loved every minute.
Way to go 'she runs like a girl' team!!!!

New girl, big run, little secret

PS: Check out our recent giveaway!

So there's a new girl who joined our little running group recently.  Allow me to introduce cute little Hayley.  She and I ran 8 miles together today ( I did a total of 14).  Always nice to break up the run with friends.  Hayley and I gabbed about running plans, life story-type stuff...and then we confessed.  Sometimes running makes us feel...bloated.  Do you guys relate?  I mean, could it be the sugar?  The agitation of bouncing along?  The metabolizing?  Or maybe it's not running related at all?  We need advice, runners.  Or at the very least, I'm wanting a little validation and reassurance. 

Hayley:

This was my longest long run since the Marathon back in October!  I'm so proud- my foot really held up well!  I've been trying to run more on my mid-foot lately which seems to help.  Eat it, PF!!  During the run I tried the GU Chomps for the first time and loved themmmm!  Much easier, cleaner, and yummier!  I thought they tasted like a really great fruit snack.  I'm a fan-- goodbye gels!  I also ran a couple miles with a random gentleman on the trail.  He gave me some great advice.  One of those veteran runners who's done every race out there and loved all my questions.  We're tight now.  I also found it interesting that he too runs with pepper spray.  Keeps it right in his hand, finger on the trigger!  He says he's used it several times on charging dogs.  Hmm.  Hayley and I later ran into him and he convinced us to look into the Hobble Creek half marathon- apparently the best in UT.  Anyone done it?

Well, after the run I'm just feeling great!  I felt well prepared for it, the air was clean and refreshing, Hayley and I commented that the wildlife sounds in the air were great!  And the ducks are so funny to watch as they waddle around the grass.  The book I just finished- Committed- described ducks as "walking around, muttering to each other about the latest duck scandal."  That's exactly what it seems like- I love it.  I did get cold on the run.  My bum was so numb I didn't even realize my red Gatorade had dripped all down my shirt and pants (I've washed my white stuff twice today...with both sports wash and stain sprays and can't get it out!)

Today I also watched General Conference and it was fabulous!  Matt and I hung out and lounged around the house.  Conference weekends are my favorite!  We also ate tons of Easter candy and have decided Milky Way eggs are the best.

Happy Easter!
~K

Running rules (there's a double meaning here)!

It's Kristin here.

So, I have a question for you runners.  How many times do you wear your running clothes between washes?  And if you do more than one wearing, where do you put them in-between runs?  Just curious.  I wear some things 2-3 times, and I hang them all over the banister while they "dry out."  Ew, gross- sorry!  But, it looks so sloppy and I want to know a better system.  And I want to know just how dirty my fellow runners are.  It will make me feel more normal.  :)

Well, I thought it would be fun to name some of the rules we run by.  Over the course of running with Danna and Suzy so regularly, we have realized some unspoken rules (and some spoken ones too) that we follow.  Here they are.  And I want to know your running rules too!

1. No apologizing.  (This applies to anything, but mostly saying sorry for a story you overshared, or for needing to slow down or walk.)  We say, when you need to walk, you walk!  We all have our rough runs.
2. No missing runs.  We have never talked about this, but the thing is- none of us ever bail unless we have a DANG good reason (like being truly sick).
3. Move to the right for bikers, pass other runners on the left.
4. Plan the run for as late as possible.  Although, it still tends to be waaaay to early in the morning for comfort.  We are so not morning people!
5. Don't be offended about correction.  We feel free to tell eachother stuff like, "Hey, you are swinging your arms in front of your body a lot today," or, "Stand up straigher."  We like it!
6. Whoever asks for the walk break, ends it.  If you want to walk for a sec, no one will ask to run again- they're waiting for you to feel ready!  (But anyone can say, "Actually, give me 10 more seconds...")
7. Someone bring a cell phone.  Danna usually fills this role- sorry girl!  We lazy!
8. If we spot a cool wild animal- we stop and check it out until it disappears.  The exception on this are the pelicans.  We see them a ton in the spring.
9. Cheerfully greet every other runner/biker.  It's usually, "Good morning!" but sometimes we get crazy and throw out a, "You go girl!" or a "Good job guys."  We like to make extra comments to the regulars.  Usually the cute old men.  "Haven't seen you for a while!  Nice hat!"
10. If Larry, Stan, Jeff, or Rod approaches, no walking!  Look alive ladies!  We can have the super runners catch us taking it easy.  In fact, run extra fast and don't reveal any gasping.
11. Whining is permitted, and sometimes encouraged.
12. If you see a dog owner with is dog off-leash, or with poop being abandoned, and you have the guts- say something.  (E.g., "Hey sorry to be annoying, but we really appreciate it when people follow the leash law on the trail.  Thanks!")  We gained this "rule" when Danna got attacked by a scary boxer once.  Well, growled and lunged at but never bitten.  Suzy, we're still waiting for your initiation on this one.  Hee hee!  Just kidding Suz.

So, those are a few of our rules.  What about yours?  PS:  I am loving everyone's comments and input on our posts- keep it coming!

XOXO,
~K