Every Race is an Adventure!

I ran the water tank hills with Larry and Kent this morning. The weather was pretty good but it seemed a little sticky (humid) to me, as have several other mornings recently. I still think we've had some pretty great running days, and the wet spring has made for a beautiful world to run in.

I pushed the five hills again this week. Last week was 16:40, this week 16:30...right direction. I was planning to push the last mile home again like last week, but I was so engrossed in conversation with Larry and Kent that I missed the starting point. I ended up pushing the last 1/2 mile from 400 E down to Main. Last week I ran the last mile in 6:40; this week I ran the last 1/2 mile at 5:43/mi pace. I haven't had my legs moving that quickly for a while...it felt good.

I got up at 3:45am to go secure a spot for my family at the parade. Tiffany and her friends came a little after 5:00am which freed me up to run the Freedom Run, which I've wanted to do for years but have always been left watching it while saving a parade spot. I hurried to Kiwanis Park to get registered but forgot I didn't have enough cash so I had to go find an ATM. I got registered befor the 6:00am deadline then hurried home to get my running clothes on. I thought I would make it in plenty of time but then I hit parade traffic on 900 E. I ended up parking and running the last mile or so to the park. It served as a good warm up.

I saw Vern Henshaw and his daughter, Mike Jasper, and Jason Hodson at the start. Mike was planning to run at about my pace, but he was looking for some extended family members, and Jason was planning to run sub-40:00...way too fast for me at this point on this course.

I didn't have time to study the course (more about that later) and had not really given much thought as to how fast to go. I quickly decided that 7:00/mi pace would be a stretch goal, but I wouldn't kill myself and would just take what the day gave me and enjoy the run.

The day was beautiful, if a little warm and humid, and I did enjoy the run very much. I smiled and people watched the crowd as I ran the parade route, slapping hands with some of the spectators along the way. I was a little disappointed that Tiffany and her friends were sleeping instead of cheering when I ran by, but I shouted to them and Tiffany and one of her friends got a quick glimpse of me as I passed.

I stopped for a quick drink of water at the turn from Center St. to 900 E. The only problem was I was surrounded by a lot of the 5K runners I had caught up to at this point. I followed the correct path at the first 5K/10K split, but I hadn't studied the course and wasn't aware of the 5K/10K split at Center and 900 E. I should have run the 3/4 mile loop towards Seven Peaks and back to 900 E, but alas I didn't see the 10K pointers and followed all the 5K runners up 900 E. Jason passed me going up 900 E. I asked him why he was behind me. He said his quad was a little sore but that we should still make sub-40:00. At this point I suspected I had missed a turn somewhere. This was confirmed when my watch showed only 5.4 miles when I finished...in 39:46. What a bummer!

My first concern was that I not be given an award that I hadn't earned. I tracked down the official timekeeper and told him what happened and asked him to pull me from the race results. He calculated my pace and how much of the course I skipped and said he would just penalize me 5 minutes and took my bib number. At the time they were busy correcting 150 or so runners who had run the wrong race.

I decided to drive down and run the section I had skipped. This meant first running back up to my car. I had averaged about 7:21/mi for the part I ran. I ran the missing section at about a 7:00/mi pace. Combining the two times had me finishing in about 45:00 (7:15/mi).

I went back to check the official results to make sure they had fixed or eliminated my time. They had not, but listed me in 3rd place in my division at 39:46. A 45:00 time would have placed me in 4th, with the 5th place time (my buddy Mike Jasper) at 46:53. I found the official timekeeper again and reminded him of my situation. He remembered and went to talk to the director who was about to hand out awards. I decided to change clothes and finally head to the parade to be with my family.

I checked the official results online today only to see that they still had not corrected or eliminated my time. Oh well, I tried. I know I should have studied the course, but my last minute decision to run didn't really leave time for that. However, since the fact that hundreds of runners ran the wrong course at one point or another, I don't think it was entirely my fault.

Despite the troubles, I still really enjoyed the run...and it makes a good learning lesson (study the course) and, like most unexpected turns, an interesting experience and memory.

I went with Larry and Kent to the track again this morning. Again I did mile repeats while they did 1/4 mile repeats. My legs felt pretty sluggish this morning. Actually, I've felt tired pretty much since last Thursday when I took the day off to start cutting down the big dead tree in front of my house, which took me most of Thursday and Friday. Saturday was the parade, the 10K, then Stadium of Fire late into the evening. Sunday was hours of church meetings and clerking, then playing games with my family until late in the evening. It will be nice to get back to work so I can get a rest.

Anyway, this morning I did three one mile repeats at 7:07, 7:14, and 6:59, then 1/2 mile @ 6:59/mi, the 1/4 mile @ 6:11/mi, the 1/8 mile @ 5:44/mi., with about 1/4 mile jog between each repeat. I'm not at the top of my game, but as awful as my legs felt this morning, and as little speed work and tempo runs as I've done this year, I'm satisfied. It felt good to push harder than normal. It helped to work out some of the frustration I'm still feeling from the mess up at the 10K Saturday.

I ran the 2000 N hill route with Larry and Wayne this morning. I think I'm getting spoiled by all these beautiful running mornings, but I'm sure enjoying them.

The pace was really slow this morning, but it didn't feel very easy. Maybe I'll feel some zip for the water tank hills tomorrow.

Water tank hills with Wayne and Kent. We're hoping Larry not showing means his daughter Stacia finally had her baby...or maybe the mattress just got him again.

We ran easy warmup pace to the bottom of the hills as usual. Sometimes I'm eager to start the push up the hills, but I wasn't so eager today. With Wayne's encouragement I started the push anyway. I ran the hills in about 16:42, just slightly slower than last week. I didn't push hard again until the 1/2 mile from 400 E down to Main. I felt really good on that section and ran it at 5:58/mi pace.

I was really tired yesterday. I think I dozed off about 4 times at work and twice after work. Even when I was awake I had a hard time concentrating. I even forgot the Tuesday night meetings I had. They called to remind me about the second one so I showed up late, but I completely missed the first one. I got better sleep last night so I hope I do better today.

Wayne and I were the only ones to show up this morning. We ran the Thursday route toward the canyon. At 800 E we saw Mike Jasper turn onto 1200 N just ahead of us. We picked it up a little to try to catch him but it wasn't happening. Just averaging 8:45/mi for the run felt hard. Neither of us really wanted to get up this morning, but we both did and now with the run behind us we're glad we did.

We had a good turnout for our 5:45am run: Larry, Kevin, Wayne, Tom, Nathan, Michael, Collin, and me. The weather was cool and overcast...perfect for a long run.

We ran the first couple of miles together (9:27, 9:24) then Nathan, Tom, Collin, and Michael started pulling away. I stayed back with Wayne, Kevin, and Larry. I figured since Tom, Nathan and I were the only ones going 20 miles, that I would have plenty of time with them later in the run...but the gap kept getting bigger and bigger (9:34). Wayne, who had run 9 miles pretty hard last night, was only going 9 again this morning. He went with me and we closed the gap, passing Collin and Michael (8:43, 8:24). He turned back at 4.5 miles and I pushed on and closed the gap a little more on Tom and Nathan (8:20). After a brief stop for a drink at Vivian we started up South Fork. The uphill felt a lot like...well, uphill (10:08, 9:17, 10:05, 10:06).

The four miles or so back down to Vivian were faster, but not as fast as usual (8:36, 8:26, 8:38, 8:16). I think my legs were feeling the effects of pushing earlier to catch up. After Vivian, Nathan said he wanted to go sub-8:00 the rest of the way down so we bid farewell. Tom and I stayed together the rest of the run, both of us content to just keep moving and finish (8:53, 9:10, 8:47, 8:57, 9:11, 8:49). We averaged 9:04/mi for the 20.15 miles.

This 20 miler felt a lot like...well, a 20 miler. It was great getting to run with Tom and Nathan again, and it was great to have the run done.

Larry, Kent and I went to the THS track this morning. I tried to do some faster mile repeats while they did their 1/4 mile repeats, but my "fast" miles were pretty slow: 7:04, 7:13, 7:13. I was obviously still feeling some effects from Saturday's 20-miler.

Injury report:

1. The Achilles and PF trouble in my left foot that bothered me months ago seem to have faded into the background.

2. The chronic "feels like I'm recovering from a minor ankle sprain" pain in my left ankle comes and goes but hasn't really affected my running too much.

3. The chronic arthritis-like pain in my right hip comes and goes, but has been coming more than going lately. It seems to bother me less when I run at a faster pace, probably because my form is smoother and more efficient when running faster.

4. The chronic high hamstring pain in my right buttocks is minor and doesn't affect my running.

5. The pain I get in my right knee sometimes when walking up stairs still comes and goes. It doesn't affect my running at all.

6. The pain I occasionally get in my left "weather" knee hasn't bothered me much lately. It's usually related to pressure changes in weather patterns.

7. I haven't had too much trouble with blisters and chafing, but a little. Saturday's 20-miler left me with a few minor blisters.

My old crippled body is showing its years, but its hanging in there. I just need to keep a close eye on it, take care of it, and listen when it tells me to back off a little. While I would like to continue to get faster and stronger, I'm just grateful for all I am able to do. The human body is amazing, even mine.

Six hard "easy" miles with Larry, Wayne and Kevin on the 2000N route. I ran the miles at what is normally a very easy pace for me, but they sure didn't feel easy. I had some gastrointestinal difficulties. After stopping at the restroom at a park around mile 5 I felt quite a bit better and managed some 7:00-ish pace for half a mile or so as Kevin and I caught back up to Larry and Wayne.

I really enjoyed this morning's run. The weather was perfect, and my legs actually felt a little zippy this morning.

Larry, Wayne, Kent and I started by running the water tank hills as we normally do on Wednesday. I had decided I wanted to run the five hills in under 16:30 this morning so was mentally ready to start working when we reached the bottom of the first hill. I pushed at an effort level I hoped to be able to hold steady all the way to the top, and then I just held it all the way to the top. I felt pretty strong the whole way and finished in 15:54. Wayne and I added a little distance at the top and then joined Kent and Larry for the easy paced descent.

I pushed the last half mile again from 400 E down to Main Street on 1600 North. My legs felt fresh and I felt fast. As I passed Carol Clegg and another lady walking up the sidewalk I asked them if the mountain lion was still chasing me. I averaged 5:41/mi pace for the 1/2 mile. Wayne wasn't far behind at about 6:10/mi pace.

As we were cooling down Wayne suggested, joking I think, that we ought to go another four miles. I had time and I've been wanting to get in more mileage so I asked if he was serious. We ended up running another four miles on the Lindon loop at about 8:40/mi average pace. Larry grabbed his bicycle and came along with us.

It felt good to run strong this morning, especially after having tired legs the past couple of days. I feel sorry for the people that slept through this awesome part of the day when they could have been out running or walking or bike riding or in some other way enjoying the amazing bodies and beautiful world our Heavenly Father has given us. I feel very grateful this morning.

Normal Thursday run with the guys.

Wayne and I decided to go early and run 10 miles up Provo Canyon. We

took it somewhat easy going up into the strong headwind (9:00+ pace). I

didn't feel like we were pushing all that hard coming back down, still

conversational, and averaged around 7:30/mi. After stopping at the

fountain Wayne's belly was bothering him a bit so he told me to go

ahead and push hard to the end, so I did. It felt good and I felt fast.

I was surprised and pleased to see I averaged 5:54/mi for the last 0.56

miles. I wish I could always feel that good when I run.

Provo Canyon with Larry, Kevin and Kent. We went up slow (about 10:00/mi) in a strong headwind. Larry and Kent turned back at 5 miles and Kevin and I went on to Vivian. We ran a little faster on the way down, but I was beat. It felt a little like the last six miles of a marathon. This was the end of my first 50+ mile week in a long long time and it felt like it. Kevin drug me to a few faster miles at 7:38, 7:18, and 7:34 but I slowed about 8:30/mi for the last couple of miles. It was also getting pretty warm by end at about 70' or more I think.

I didn't run today. I was up early loading vehicles and beginning our trip to Lake Tahoe for the week.

This was my first morning running at Lake Tahoe. We were on the west side of the lake just south of Tahoe City in an area aptly named Pineland. We stayed in a very comfortable two story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath cabin on Ward Creek with a balcony, large deck and hot tub surrounded by giant pine trees. It was beautiful.

The weather was nearly perfect every day (a ltitle hot one day), and never more perfect than in the mornings for my runs. On this first run I ran the 3/4 mile down to the bike path along the lake and headed north to downtown Tahoe City. I was only planning on 6 miles but it was so beautiful I wandered farther than planned and ended up with 8 miles. I stopped at the marina to ask about boat rentals (we went out on the lake for a fun couple of hours later in the day), stopped on a pier to look at the gorgeous lake, and wandered some dirt paths through a camping area.

I ran at "tour" pace and averaged 8:59/mi for the run. I felt pretty good about that considering I was starting at 6500 ft instead of my normal 4800 ft. This run also had lots of rolling hills, with about 2000 ft of ascent and descent mixed in, a lot of it at the beginning and end. Our cabin was at about 6500 ft with the lake at about 6200 ft. I had to push hard the last 3/4 mile uphill to keep the average under 9:00/mi.

This was my second morning run at Lake Tahoe. Today I ran east down to the bike path and then south along the lake. One of my goals was to find a good rocky beach area for rock skipping. I did, and we went there later and had a great time. Morning runs on vacations are great times for getting acquainted with the area.

Again I was planning on a 6 mile run and ended up running farther, this time 8.25 miles. I maintained my tradition of trying to cheerfully greet every runner/biker/walker/person I passed during my run. I found the locals and the tourists very friendly. I even received cheerful greetings when I ran past a few different groups of construction workers. I can't imagine much better running than along beautiful Lake Tahoe on a beautiful morning. I thoroughly enjoyed it and even took my hat off once while running and prayed to thank Heavenly Father for the great blessing.

I ran at "touring" pace (about 9:00/mi) again. It was comfortable but not easy. I was winded and pushing, not coasting. I'm not sure if it was the elevation, the rolling hills, or my imagination, but it felt just a tiny bit harder to run at Tahoe than in Orem. I tried to stay under 9:00/mi for this run like yesterday, pushing hard up the last 3/4 mile, but I didn't quite make it, averaging 9:01/mi.

This was my third and final run at Lake Tahoe. Today I decided to head west up Ward Valley. I immediately questioned my decision as I steadily climbed from the start for a total of a little over 3 miles to just over 7000 ft. The total ascent was about 1800 ft. I almost made it above the tree line, but today I stuck to about 6 miles instead of pushing to 8 like the two previous mornings. I think my average pace up of about 11:20/mi had something to do with that decision.

I managed mile splits of 7:25, 7:12, and 7:50 on the way back down, averaging 9:21/mi overall for 6.4 miles. I ended up not regretting my decision to run up the valley. In my three days of running in Tahoe I explored north, south, and west of our cabin (the lake was east) and it was all absolutely beautiful.

We had an awesome trip to Lake Tahoe. All nine of us (parents, 6 kids, 1 fiance) got along well, we all enjoyed most everything we did, and everything went smoothly...most of the time. It's odd, but a line from Ursula's song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" in the Little Mermaid (one of many songs listened to on the very long drive home) sums up the trip for me, "Yes, I've had the odd complaint. But on the whole I've been a saint". We had a couple of car issues, some tired and hungry kids now and then, and some annoying sunburn (thankfully not me) but overall it was a nearly perfect trip. I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity.

No run today. Up early to pack, clean and load for the return trip from Tahoe.

We drove through Carson City and stopped in Virginia City on our way home. We really enjoyed Virginia City and stayed there longer than planned. We ended up not getting home until about 1:30am this morning. I did get to sleep for an hour or so just before SLC. My 17 year old daughter Brittany took a turn at the wheel as Karen and I were both pretty sleepy. All of our other drivers were in the other car. I woke up to Brittany merging from I80 to I15 in a pouring rain. She couldn't see the lines on the road and was just following our other car up ahead. She was nervous but did great, especially considering she's never driven on the Salt Lake freeways before.

After unloading the vehicles, checking on the dog, etc. I didn't get to bed until about 3:00am. I set my alarm for 5:00am and told myself I'd decide then whether or not I would get up to run with the guys at 5:30am. To my great surprise, and Karen's, and Larry, too I think, I did get up and ran 12 miles up Provo Canyon with Larry and Kent, from the mouth to Vivian and back.

It was overcast and seemed very humid to me. My shirt got very wet and felt heavy. I was content to just run easy, and averaged 9:04/mi for the 12.1 miles. I did push the two miles from Nunns to Timpanogos on the way back down. I ran the first mile in 7:11. My Garmin told me I ran 6:27/mi for the second mile, but I'm not sure I trust it. I sure didn't feel like I was running that much faster than the first mile.

After the run I showered then went back to bed about 8:30am and slept until after noon. I still feel a little tired, but I think I've managed to repair our recliner (fingers crossed). My goal for the rest of the day is simply to get unpacked and get rested and ready for tomorrow, Sunday, the day of rest, which is normally busy for me from early morning until mid-afternoon. I'm not complaining. Our wonderful trip to Tahoe is already abundant payment from God for whatever small service I can give back to Him. He's a very generous partner.

I went to the track with Larry and Kent this morning. Once again, they ran their 1/2 mile repeats while I did 1 mile repeats. Yesterday I told Larry that after a week of pleasure running at Lake Tahoe I was ready for a tough workout and was going to run 4 x 1 mile repeats at sub-7:00. When it came time to do it this morning I felt like maybe I'd bitten off more than I could chew. I decided to give it a go anyway. I remembered a couple of quotes from President Hinckley that I heard yesterday about just doing the best you can, and doing a little better today than yesterday.

It actually felt good pushing hard, in a "push your limits and find out what you can do" kind of way. As it turns out, I could chew what I bit off and ran the 4 x 1 mile splits in 6:48, 6:56, 6:55, and 6:50. Including the run to and from the track and the 1/4 mile rest laps I ran a total of 6.8 miles at 8:03/mi. I recovered pretty quickly and my body and spirit both feel good. I hope the rest of the day and week go as well.

Larry, Wayne and I started running the 2000 N route this morning. Coming back down the hill a couple of us decided that a stop back home for a bathroom visit might be a good idea. After the pit stop we went back out for the second half of the run, basically following the neighborhood 5K course in reverse direction. This was definitely just a conversational easy run, and that was fine with me.

Water tank hills with Larry, Wayne, Kent and eventually Kevin. Beautiful morning. I felt slow today, and my arthritic hip was a little sore, but I still pushed the hills in 16:35 and the last mile in 6:33...pretty good for me. I enjoy this run because I get to push uphill for about 1.5 miles, push downhill 1 mile, and just enjoy conversational pace the remainder of the run.

Wayne and I ran up to Provo Canyon and back. Although we both had tired legs, we decided to go 10 miles instead of the normal 6. We only averaged 9:07/mi, and the end felt like a 20-miler instead of a 12-miler, but it was still an enjoyable run, but one we were glad to have done.

Lindon loop with Larry, Wayne and Kevin. Easy pace. No zip in the legs. A little pain in left knee and right hip. Beautiful morning. Good friends.

I was thinking this morning that so far this year I've done quite a bit of running, but not a lot of training. I've always been kind of a "zen" runner, without a firm training plan or schedule. I think I kind of like it that way and don't plan to change. For me, running isn't something I do, it's more a part of who I am. I'm not as dedicated or zealous as many runners, but pretty steady and consistent. I don't just run, I'm a runner. It's a lifestyle. It brings me great happiness and satisfaction. Many of my closest friends are runners. I apply much of what I've learned from running to life, sort of a lens through which I see life. One of my favorite "happy places" is being out on a run, whether alone or with my buddies or in a race. I'm grateful to be able to run. I think if everyone started their day with an early morning run, the world would be a better place...but the running trails would probably get too crowded, and it would be harder to place in my age division. You know what, that would be okay. I wish everyone could taste the joy of running.