Aubree's Running Blog

I woke up after a night of coughing and congestion-- just getting over the flu.  Despite that, I was happy and excited to RUN!  Mom, Sheryl, Jim, and I had a yummy breakfast of bagel, sausage, and oatmeal in the Diamond room.  I briefly saw Mary- my friend, motivator, training partner, and travel companion-- who was running with her sisters. 

We left the hotel and walked to the bus loading at Boston Commons.   Anticipation was in the air!  We met a nice guy named Dave from Grand Rapids on the bus- great guy!  He came to finish what he couldn’t last year.

When we got to Athletes Village, it was almost time for my wave to start.  We hit the port-a-pots and grabbed a bagel and some water.  I told my mom I would stay with her, but she wanted me to start ahead. I tried to argue, but mom always wins, so I was off on my own.  I wish I had taken the time to write my name/state on my arm.  People around me got lots of cheers—which I tried to claim as my own J.  People still shouted my bib # or called me “orange” because of my shirt.

I had no real time goal,(especially after being sick) and being unsure whether I was going to run with my mom, but I wanted to run my best and have fun, fully enjoying the experience.  In fact, as never done before-- I didn’t even wear a watch or keep track of my time in any way.  I simply ran with my thoughts and reveled in feeling like a celebrity for a few hours.

There was no 3,2,1, blastoff at the start, just a lady shouting in a megaphone that we were on TV and to wave at the camera, and I stepped over the start line.  I tried to Facetime Craig, but it didn’t work.  So I called and we talked for the first 2 miles.  Those 2 miles were dedicated to my love and greatest support, Craig.

I then decided to dedicate mile 3 to Addy.  I thought of her birth, her sweetness, and helpfulness and the joy she is.

Mile 4 was for Mitchell.  When I recognize the sun is shining on me as I run, I always think of Mitch.  The sun shone on me the whole way.  I have a sun burn to prove it.  I thought of the lessons we’ve learned from that trial.

Mile 5 was for Hope and the symbolism of her name.  I thought of the potential her personality has, of what I envision her future like.

Mile 6 was for Hayden.  I thought of all the things I love about him- his leadership qualities, his ingenuity, and his smile.

Mile 7 was for Miles.  Part of the reason we named him Miles was because of its connection to distance, the miles that have been run paving the way for his birth, his life.  I thought of his happy smile, of how his arrival into this earth was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

After that I thought of my parents, grandparents, friends and family.  During all of this introspection, I had many distractions of scenery and thousands of fans cheering for ME!  I took some pictures, posted on instagram,  and slapped hundreds of hands.

Around mile 8 or 9 I felt a little sad I was running alone, but soon after thought, “you are running with 30,000 of your best friends!”  I talked to Craig again at mile 12ish.  I realized it was too much effort to talk, so I had him just talk to me.  He told me about his day at the farm with the boys.  It kept me going.

One of my favorite memories of the spectators on the course was a rap singer  chanting, “Boston Strong” in a microphone to an awesome beat.  Some Nuns on the other side of the street starting chanting in and got really into it! 

At about mi 14 I had to dig deep.  I had decided to do my regular warm up for 13, race for 13, so I was picking it up a notch.  It became hotter and the hills seemed steeper and more numerous.  But I was still occasionally slapping hands and mouthing “thank you” to cheering fans.  I punched a “power up” sign someone was holding.

I walked several steps through every water stop and tried to listen to my body as to weather I needed water or Gatorade… and when how/much gu I should swallow.  From fans I took a twizzler, and otter pop, a couple of oranges, and a BEER (accidentally).  When the guy said, “atta girl,” I realized it wasn’t water…

I saw team Hoyt !!!  It was so inspirational.  I walked with them for a bit, asked how he was doing and held Rick’s hand.  I shed a few tears, snapped a picture, and posted it on instagram J

I saw 2 women with prosthetic legs, a blind person being led by a guide, and several very old people…running my pace.  Amazing.

I smiled all through Wellesly laughing at all the “Kiss me, I’m…” signs.  Boston College had several extremely handsome young men cheering wildly.  This gave me a boostJ

From 18 on, especially up the hills, I had to put my head down and just zone in on my feet against the ground.  I wondered about the thoughts feelings, and pains the runners around me were going through.  I realized that Christ knew.  I thought o the Atonement and of my mom on these last few miles.  I prayed and hoped my mom was doing okay.  I was out of energy to take out my phone for anymore pics.  I dropped my albuterol and hoped I could breathe when crossing the finish line.

I felt gratitude for no injuries.  I thought of the bombing victims and all of the runners in 2013 who were unable to finish.

I trudged ahead.  I turned on my music for an extra push.  Onward and forward I went.  I was mentally prepping for heartbreak hill at mile 22.  When I got to mile 21 and a sign read something about having made it up heartbrake hill, I was astonished! (I thought I was on a warm-up hill) and I got another boost knowing that it was mostly downhill after that.  I felt like my pace was under 8s at this point and I predicted my time to be between 3:30-3:40.  The crowds became more intense and stronger in numbers the closer I got to the finish.  I vacillated between a “runners high,” and near “hitting the wall.”  I pushed through.  I was listening to “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger-“ Kelly Clarkston and I repeated it. As I turned onto Boylston street, I’m not sure why, but I had images and expected to see people plugging their ears and dropping to the ground.  I wondered if I should run in the middle.  Then I realized I was thinking crazy.  I was finishing the Boston marathon.  Everything was fine.  I was safe.  I got a little kick 300 feet from the finish and pushed it in signing, “I love you” to the fans.  I bent over and began to wheeze--  more from emotion than exhaustion.  It was incredible.  I got my medal and was congratulated by amazing volunteers.  I had to call Craig who was tracking me to get my time: 3:35:49.  I guess my internal GPS was working.

Did the neighborhood loop near my house. 1st time out running since marathon.  Felt wonderful to be back out!  First 2 slow and easy, second 2 pushed the pace.  

Ran 5 on Mary's TM.  1 mi warm up, one mile progressive hill, 1 mi recovery, 1 mi progressive hill, i mi cool down.

AP 8:17

morning run around the block before the kids got up.  Did 5 strides around the loop at the end.  Felt good

Lahser out and back.  Faster back than out. Lots of school traffic--stopped at all the lights. AP 8:32 with the stops.  Trying to get in the habbit of running 5-6 days a week. 

Ran the Masefield out and back with Mary.  Productive and sad conversation about moving.  AP 8:50.  Feeling a bit tired with lack of sleep.  Good sleep is my new goal. Even on the weekends:) 

Short term plan: start 12 week training for Des News Marathon July 24th.

Ran the neighborhood out and back.  AP 7:45.  Did three strides at the end (0.1 dist).  Happy Monday & Cinco de Mayo:) 

4X800 repeats with Mark and Mary at track

3:07, 3:04, 3:02, 3:01

Felt ok.  Felt like I was going to throw up on last lap

I heard the rain and went back to sleep :/

Did Fartleks with Mark, Mary and Kimberly.  It was fun! Neighborhood loop and over the train tracks and back again.  AP 8:43

Ran 1 mile with Addy in AM. She's starting her training for the mile run at school next week:)

pace 10:10

Ran 8 with Mary in her neighborhood.  To echo out and back.  Franklin loop. AP 8:36.  Felt dizzy and lightheaded first half.  Drank a lot after 3.6 miles and felt much better.  We are not used to hot humid weather! What a contrast from the winter. Leaves are budding on trees.  The world here has transformed into a bright, green, warm, colorful place!  

Thanks Mark and Steven for watching 3 little boyzzz!

Beautiful Spring long run.  My house to Mary's- Franklin loop- back home.  Felt good!

Ran Hickory Grove all the way to Target.  Crossed Woodward and Telegraph.  Almost got hit by a guy turninig right on Telegraph, got my adrenaline going.  I don't think I'll do that course at same time of day again.  

Love my new Garmin!  I accdentally ended the run at .73 mi (ap 9:10).  The last 3.47 was ap 7:55.  Beautiful humid day:)

Speed work around Mary's neighborhood.  Found a .5 course with our new Mothers Day Garmins:) I skipped the last one because I was short on time.  

3:16

3:15

3:13

3:06

Ran 2 mile neighborhood loop twice.  Feeling rather tired today.  Will be energized for tomorrow's long run:)

AP 8:06

Mary did the long run with me today since I'll be out of town on the weekend.  It started out pouring rain.  We were soaked, sloshing, and squeaking in our running shoes.  Took a little break after 7.9, then the last 4 pretty speedy--under 8s.  

AP 8:30

Debating between the Des News 1/2 and full.....

Arrived in Orlando at 10 am, checked in hotel and changed for a run.  Ran along the resort brick path--not the best terrain, but the scenery was lovely.  So happy to be on vacation!

Ran back and forth on the JW Marriott path with Craig.  Gorgeous day in paradise.  Read the entire Hansons half marathon method yesterday.  I really like the philosophy and will try to implement. Tried to make this run truly easy. AP 9:26

Took another recovery day after vacation. Ran 5 easy neighborhood loop.  Still loving my new green Garmin:)   Will do speed work tomorrow.  

AP 8:42

I call todays run the 'double-bob-dandilion-hop-overgrown-grassy-field-hill-repeat-playground-obstacle' workout.

Running with 2 wild boys makes things interesting.  Im actually shocked that I got 6 miles in!

I did a warm up pushing the bob around my old neighborhood.  I did 12 repeats of the Hickory Grove field/hill--having to do high knees over the dandilion field then tried to sprint up the hill.  The distance per repeat was about .08.  I didn't really track my time. Then I did a recovery loop around the playground, down the hill and back across the field.  

Cooled down playing tag with the boys on the playground :)

Did the tempo/pace run today.  Neighbor hood loop/Walther out and back. Set my virtual pacer to 7:15 and it kept me on track--I averaged 7:17 for the 5 miles.  Felt awesome today.  Running at that pace with some good music creates a perfect storm, aka runners high.  :) 

Ran to Mary's and back.  Beautiful, beautiful day.  Great company with @marymary and @khumba.  Both our Garmins died halfway through the run. Guessing our pace was low-mid 9's.

Ran 4.5 with Craig, then did the last 2.5 solo.  Another beautiful day in paradise.  AP 9:17

Speed work ladders with marymary and khumba @ Lahser track 

1 mile warm up, then 400-600-800-600-400 X2 with 1/2 lap recovery in between

400 splits 1:30, 1:26, 1:25, 1:31

600 splits 2:19, 2:19, 2:15, 2:19

800 splits 3:03, 3:14

Felt nauseaus on the 2nd set.   I felt like I slowed down considerably, but my second set splits aren't as slow as I thought

New motto for speed work from @wecanallbehealthy: sweat, SMILE, and repeat.

It's going to be a great Tuesday!

Out and back neighborhood route.  Calves and achilles are tight and a little sore from yesterday. I finished the run just before the rain started coming down.  Listened to my old nano ipod with music that hasn't been changed since 07.  Trip down memory lane. Sure going to miss this green scenery.

AP 8:47 

Ran to the park and back chasing kids on bikes.  

To Walthers and back making up some distance around our little loop.  Did a few sluggish fartleks.  Tired body and mind today... Happy to get out and run though:)

AP 8:19

Ran with Marymary and khumba today.  We ran from my house to theirs and back again.  Tired legs and body, but felt a little better than yesterday.  Beautiful weather!  AP 9:43

marymary and khumba kindly came to run with me today.  We looped the neighborhood twice.  AP 9:04. Legs felt good.  I'm just tired...zzzzz.....

I think I'll start tracking my sleep.  I know I'm not getting enough.  I've got to figure out a way to fit it in.

Happy Monday!

Jogged/pushed/walked to bus stop today with 7 wheels, 4 kids, 2 backpacks.  Added additional 2.4 miles:)

7X800s today at Lahser track.  Beautiful morning.  Thanks marymary for motivationg me to do the speed work today:)

3:13

3:04

3:01

3:06

3:03

3:02

2:55

Did Franklin loop with extra mile added on.  Ran with marymary and khumba.  Beautiful day!  AP 9:05

Great converstaion about planners/goals/lists/post-its and organizing life! Thanks again marymary for your motivation:)

Started later than I planned on.  Did an easy out and back to nature center.  I wanted to run around the lake but it was closed:( Listened to conference. Forgot to start my watch after crossing telegraph, so unsure on exact distance/pace. AP 9:30ish

Left the house to run 3 times this morning!  The 1st time I made it .18, Addy called me back--cant remember what she needed.  Then I left and went .05, turned around because I just felt like I should go back.  So alas, I got to run with my 2 little buddies in the double bob after the girls left for school.  This time I made it 4.04 miles with only a couple of readjustment stops.  I averaged 10:07 on my last outing.

The workout today was 8X800s.  We did 3X1 mile and 2X800 

800: 3:10

recovery: 1:41

mile: 6:19

recovery: 2:51

mile: 6:17

recovery: 2:28 

mile 6:16

recovery 2:05

800: 3:00

Refreshing run in the rain:) Neighborhood loop out and back.  Everything is so greeeeeeeeen! Tried to keep these miles easy.  My easy range is 8:30-9:30.  Closer to 9:30 after SOS runs. AP 9:14.  They progressively got faster.  My right knee and ankle were a little sore to begin with, but felt fine by the end.

1 mi WU- 8:54

6 mi @ pace

7:33

7:14

7:21

7:14

7:22

7:14

CD .59 mi 9:27 (ap)

Never got in a very good groove on this run.  Right ankle sore to begin with, but fine by mid run."Thank you for the Music"-ABBA kept me going :) Altered the lyrics..."thank you for the running, the steps I'm steppin..." 

ran to park and back with kids in evening 1 mile

Franklin loop with Mary in afternoon while Mark watched kids at beach.  Thanks, Mark!

AP 9:12 

Kirkway loop with Mary.  Shaded the whole run. Beautiuful day!

AP 8:39

Lahser out and back, 4M. Body felt ok. Heart felt weak. Sad to be moving. AP 9:16

Jogged/walked to Mimi's park 1M in evening w/kids and Farol

Echo Rd out and back with Mary.  Had a hard time holding it together on this last run on my favorite rd with my dear friend.  AP 8:26. Moving today

Ran with my mom, liisa, kay, and new friend abby today.  It was hard to get up after completeing 31 hour drive late last night. The run felt good

Ran with Cass and Tyler this am.  Up to baseball fields and back. Fun to catch up and run with them.  Ran into President Pulsipher, so fun to see him!

Nostolgic run with Cass and Jordan this morning.  New Swiss Days loop and old Swiss Days loop.  AP 9:40 ish.  It was a HOT one.  Starting speed work back up next week.  Saw Pres Pulsifer again!!

Ran snow canyon-west canyon trail with mom, Cheryl, Kay, and Abby. Took off by myself on the way up. At turn around point I felt sharp pain in my right knee. I could feel the pain all the way up to my hip. IT band...dang. Had to baby it all the way back down. Will take a few days off while we are up at the cabin. 

Ran with large group this am. Finished up with Cheryl and peg. Fun chatting with these fun ladies! AP 9:30. Did a lot of walking. Most running was 8-8:30

Decided against speed work becasue my IT band is still giving me trouble.  I'm afraid this run made it worse...It is really painful now after the run.  Did some stretchs and excercises and took a clelbrex.  I plan to get a gym membership and do some yoga and spin.  Hopefully this is enough to recoup before the 24th 1/2 marathon!  

Ran with Cass and Abby.  Conversation made the run go fast:)

Ran with mom and Liisa Dutchmans/Sunbrook and back.  Still taking it easy on IT band.  Ran/Walked.  IT was ok until last mile it stiffened up

It was an inspiring day!  Amber invited me to go watch her friend do a time trial to try to get a sub-14 minute 5K.  So amazing to be in the presence of these elite runners.  SO COOL!  He did not quite make his time, but I was so incredibly impressed by the speed and focus of this runner (he runs for SUU).

Then Amber and  I ran together after.  So nice of her to slow down and run with me!  She is taking a break for a month before she starts training for another Olympic trial.  It was fun to catch up.  I was breathing hard at our pace of 8:03 avg.  We ran from Dixie High to the trail out and back.  So fun! We decided we will both do Boston 2017. YAY!

East canyon trail.  A big group came, but I ran mostly with Cass.  Knee was bothering me most of the way back. Had to walk a lot!  Nice to run in shade most of the way.  A lot of hypnobirthing/ natural birth talk:) 

dad injected my knee.  Hoping it works!

Rested to let knee heal

and another rest day

Ran in the south hills trails with dad and shadow today.  Beautiful morning.  knee felt great.  psychologically i couldn't go all out down the hills, still took it easy on my knee.  nice slow 10:30 pace

Ran in the hills again near the green valley loop.  The hills felt good.  Tried out the hydration belt.  Craig would make fun of me if he were here.  It's a good fit.  It was nice to not get dehydrated!

Probably should have waited a little longer post knee injection to run again as it really started to tighten up at the end of today's run.

AP 10ish forgot to stop the watch while walking/drinking

Long run today from Dutchmans.  Softball field loop (8 miles) and Sunbrook loop (7.15). Knee tightened up last couple of miles.  Will do a 6 day taper til race day.  Have not done speed or tempo workouts for the last month... IT not fully healed.  Still hoping for a great/fun race day!:)

AP 8:04.  Intended on doing a 5 mile run from Braden and Kaely's in Orem.  Got lost, ended up on Geneva industrial road.  Thank goodness i had my phone!

Beautiful country in northern UT, a very enjoyable place to run:)  

I could feel the IT band tighten, but nothing too bad

Fun patriotic outfits to run the race with Mary.  Beautiful overcast day.  Love starting a race in the mountains.  Got decent sleep (5hrs).  Ready to run!  Started off with mom, Mark and Mary.  Nice to chit chat for a few miles:) Mom slowed up a bit at mile 2,  sped up at about 3.5 and was on my own.  Started music at mile 8 ish.  Took gu at 6, and a chomp around 9.  Drank at every stop.  Felt a runners high around 6 that kept me going until 9 or 10.  Then I had to just zone into my pace.  Tried some of the imagery from 'Running Within' and repeated the word 'Zoom' in my head to keep in rhythm.  Started to really feel my IT band stiffen up at around mile 10. Running past the parade spectators was not that motivating.  They didn't even cheer.  But seeing the finish line was! All in all a great day, a great run.  A fantastic reminder of why I run:) Why don't I run halfs more often!?  

AP 7:07

Splits

1- 8:00

2- 7:33

3- 7:45

4- 7:16

5- 6:54

6- 6:55

7- 7:03

8- 7:01

9- 6:32

10- 6:50

11- 6:52

12- 6:47

13- 7:15

.1- 1:03

So not sure on the distance, but we kayaked to sand hill and repeated the hill 7X.  HARD! Fun though:)

Ran out and back to softball fields with dad this AM.  Nice muggy run.  Taking it slow.  Knee is tender.  AP 9:40 (inc some walking)

Mom and gals did a long run this am, I need a race and a schedule.  Planning to sign up for a half or full in India soon after we arrive.  just to make our adventure a little more crazy.  Then I'll have something to work towards.  May do Cedar half on Sept 13...

ivterval workout with Lauren and Addy.

Ran to cemetery and back 7:46 avg

Felt good to push the pace.  Knee didn't hurt! It seems to consistently hurt at mile 6 ish

Ran to cemetery and back again.  Felt sluggish

Slept in. Rain