St. Geezy Ain't Easy

Disappointing news: I've decided not to run the St. George marathon. I'm ashamed and embarrassed, as I've never bailed on a big race like this before. Sure, I've complained constantly and threatened to quit at every turn--and every incline--but that's just always been my process. I complain and whine my way through training then complete the race and boast about my epic achievement for the following 6 months. (BTW, have you heard? I JUST had a baby.)

This time has been different. From the beginning, I was never too keen on running this race. I was all but coerced into it by my friend Stuffanie. (Name changed to protect her identity.) The day of the lottery, I about threw up when I saw I had gotten in. But I put on my big girl panties, slathered on the Body Glide, and hit the pavement.

The first couple months of training went pretty smoothly and were--dare I say--enjoyable. I was already in relatively good shape as I had already been busting my butt to shed the pregnancy weight. I had a running partner, too, which made my long runs bearable. But as I started creeping up into higher mileage, things began to fall apart.

Not only was the training getting more difficult but finding the time to do it was becoming increasingly hard to come by. Since Boyfriend works like 32 hours a day, I didn't have anyone to watch the girls while I ran. I don't have a jogging stroller, Lalea isn't steady enough on her bike yet, so bringing them along wasn't an option. I tried running on the treadmill at our clubhouse gym. If I was lucky, I'd get about 3-4 miles in before the fish started screaming her head off and annoying the crap out of all the other residents. Even if she had cooperated, there's no way I'd attempt an 18 miler on a treadmill. I'd probably burn out the belt before I even finished.

When Ry was home, I'd sacrifice our family time to go out and run away the day, complaining the entire time...complaining when I got home...complaining at church the next morning. Lots of complaining. It just wasn't fun. Training wasn't empowering like it had been in the past. I was not the least bit excited about the race. I'd never not wanted to do something so much in my life!

So when I got the text from Stuffanie that she had to drop out due to some very unfortunate and legitimate reasons, I jumped all over the opportunity to throw in the towel, as well. One of the best decisions of my life.

I'm still disappointed, though, because I had already invested so much time into it. I had gotten up to like 14 miles, I think. Halfway there. And had a half-marathon been an option, I would have totally done that.

Additionally, the race fee was non-refundable and non-transferable. So there went $100. Not to mention I forfeited bragging rights. That's the biggest letdown of all.

Though, I've already run 3 full marathons making me 3x better than most people by default.

Winning.

Resurrecting the Champ

After a nearly 2 year hiatus, Mama is back in business.

Gird your loins. We about to run this!!!

A ton has happened since I took a break from blogging--more than I care to write about and more than you care to read, I'm sure. So, let's not dwell on the past. Besides, if you're reading this, you're either related to me or a friend and I'm sure you've already been stalking me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, trying to stay up-to-date on what's been going on with the Schoeny tribe. (You know, cuz the world revolves around me and who wouldn't be interested in this?! What?? You're surprised by my narcissism? Hmm, we must not be family or friends after all.)

But in case you've been living under a rock, here are the most important things that happened to Los Schoenys since we last spoke...

 Ryan is CEO of Goldman Sachs and a competitive body builder. He splits his time between our penthouse in SLC and condo in Zurich.

 

Claire earned her trophy wife status after combing out her dreads and going back to pretty hair. She is currently a professional volleyball player, both beach and indoor, and is favored to win this year's St. George marathon.

Lalea is a child prodigy. When she's not conducting chemistry experiments and balancing equations, she's reading her way through the entire Norton Anthology of American Literature. She's also an aspiring photographer and independent film maker. 

Anuhea joined the team earlier this year. At only 5 months, she's already showing signs of extraordinary musical talent with a proclivity to vocal performance. And since there's a strong correlation between musical aptitude and literacy, it's only a matter of time before Anu asks to borrow Lalea's copy of The Grapes of Wrath.

Like I said, this is probably old news to you all. I'm sure you've kept up with us via Forbes magazine and TMZ.

But I'm so glad to welcome you all back to my blog. I'm excited to start writing again and of course, I never pass up a chance or opportunity to talk about myself.

You're welcome.

Future Mrs. Murofushi

Oh heeeeeyyyyy Koji! 

I just saw you win the bronze medal in hammer throw at this year's Olympic games. 

And I know the only reason you didn't win gold this year is because you were so selflessly allowing the others a chance to bask in the golden glow since you already dominated Athens.

You're so kind.

And I just wanted to say that I know I just met you, and this this is crazy, but here's my number, so call me maybe?

Yeah?!?

Let's hug!

USA! USA!

You guys,

I.

LOVE.

THE SUMMER OLYMPICS!!!

I mean, I freakin' LOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE the summer Olympics. Like, I would marry it if I could.

Right now on my DVR, I have nearly 50 hours recorded of Olympic coverage...and that's after I've already watched and erased about another 40 hours of it. If they gave medals for Olympics spectating, I'd have the gold.

It doesn't even matter what sports are being broadcasted. I love watching it all. Volleyball? Of course. Track and field? Duh. Swimming and water polo?? Umm, guys in speedos, hello!! But Badminton, handball, and shooting? I WATCH IT ALL.

No matter what event I'm watching, during the broadcast I become a professional commentator and an expert on the sport. I've never cared about archery and fencing so much in my life!!!

But of course, my all time favorite Olympic event to follow is gymnastics. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Wayne Young is my uncle.

Who's Wayne Young????



Oh, only the captain of the 1976  U.S. Olympic gymnastic team in Montreal and inductee to the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

Still don't know who he is? Well, how about his son Guard Young?



Yup. He helped the U.S. men's team win the silver medal at the 2004 Athens games. No big deal.

So you see? My love for the Olympics was predestined. One of these years, I WILL attend the games. Perhaps not as a competing athlete as being incredibly good-looking and incredibly obnoxious have yet to be events included in the games. But dang it! As soon as they are, you'd better believe I'll be standing on that podium, saluting our flag and singing along with our national anthem!!!

USA! USA!

I've fallen and I can't get up!

About two and a half years ago, I was bending down to load Lollers into her car seat when all of a sudden, I felt my entire spine snap, crackle, and pop from the base of my neck all the way down to my butt. I thought I was paralyzed and would never walk again. Turns out, I simply threw out my back. But dang if it didn't hurt like hell!!!

I had hoped that occurrence was an isolated incident since I had started running and working out furiously  that same fall. For a long time, that was the case...until about 6 months ago.

About last summer, I was playing some outdoor volleyball, went to pass a ball and I felt the sickening snap again in my back, this time not all the way up and down like the first time but more centralized in my lower back. Fast forward another month, and I do it again. I actually do it about 3 more times all while playing volleyball but never actually doing anything that strenuous or intense. I was literally just standing there, the ball coming straight to me, and passing. I wasn't jumping, I wasn't diving, I wasn't even side stepping!

This brings us to last night. Only about 5 minutes into my first game, I extend my arms to receive the serve and I feel the all too familiar snap in my lower back. In the past when it's happened, I've been able to keep playing for a while. As long as I keep my muscles warm, I'm actually fine. It's when I rest or lie down right after play that the pain really starts to kick in.

So after I eel the snap, I take a second to stretch my back off the court, just to make sure I'm okay to keep playing for the rest of the night before resigning myself to the pain I knew was inevitable once I stopped moving. 

I play for about another 30 minutes, doing my best not to over exert myself too much. But then a ball comes shooting over the net and I know I can get it if I dive. So I do. I get the ball up and hit the floor. The second I do, my spine snaps again, all the way up and down from top to bottom. 

I can't get up. Literally...for like a minute. I finally hobble off the court and have to sit for about 5 minutes before being able to drag myself to my car and get home. 

This morning, I was supposed to accompany Lollers on her first field trip. It was all I could do to get out of bed, get her ready, and deliver her to school, let alone join her on the trip. By the time I got home, I was crying it was so painful.

I think this is the worst yet. Usually I can get comfortable if I'm sitting or lying down. Not this time. I ache and radiate pain in any position. And I don't get it! I'm active, healthy for the most part. Why do I keep throwing out my back so easily and frequently??? 

I feel so helpless. I've got my madre over here, taking care of me and my child. She'll be taking me to the doctor here shortly. I feel like I'm 12 years old again...though if I were 12 and prepubescent, I wouldn't be having these back problems. Damnit. I hate to admit it. I ain't no spring chicken. Mama is getting old!!!!

Get on your bikes and ride!!!

A couple weeks ago, I attended a spin class for the first time. Though I've done a fair share of cycling, I had never actually been to a spin class, so I didn't really know what to expect.

It was SO HARD!!! Seriously! You think, "Oh, I'm just riding a bike." No, no, no. You're doing all kinds of tricks and shiz, working every single muscle from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. There were a few sets that I honestly thought were gonna make me puke.

Needless to say, I absolutely LOVED it!!!! I just wish that the Gold's Gym up here wasn't so sucky and offered classes. How am I supposed to train for the next World Indoor Cycle Gymnastic championships? Or be on the next season of Korea's Got Talent?!?

Curvy Girls Do It Better

Coming in to the new year, I swore 2012 was gonna be my year. I still have high hopes but already a month in, I've revised my "goals" a bit.

At first I was like, "I'm gonna get skinny, have a rockin' bod and stuff..."

But now I'm like, "Why?!"

Seriously. Why???? Why do I need to be skinny in order to have a rockin' bod?? My husband married me, jelly rolls and all, because he loved me the way I was. And guess what! Nearly 6 years and one pregnancy later, he still loves my shapely bod!

I realized in all my efforts to lose weight and drop dress sizes that I was unhappy in doing so. On the inside I felt healthy and strong, but the image in the mirror didn't reflect that. Who says that size 2 is the only acceptable body type? The media???? WHO CARES?!?!?!?!?!

I've recently been following a lot of curvy girl/plus size fashion blogs and Tumblr accounts. On

one of these blogs, The Curvy Fashionista, I read a guest post written by Brazilian plus size model Fluvia Lacerda.Girl is GORGEOUS!!! And why is she so fabulous?? Because of her curves and confidence.

Fluvia writes:

I have pretty much come to the conclusion at an early stage in my life that it is far easier to endure the stares at my big, fat butt and belly at the beach while wearing my bikinis than to work so hard, waste so much energy and my valuable time trying to be something that I’m not. Because even if you try, you will still endure the negative criticism as the bar is set higher and higher and anything you do is never good enough. And not to state the obvious, but yeah, we will never ALL fit the same mold.

Preach, girl. Preach!!!

The way I see it, I'm Polynesian. I'm gonna be a big girl no matter what. And the thing is, I don't want to be skinny. I want to be healthy. And I am.

I still workout 5 days a week. I play volleyball. I dance. I'm active. I feel healthy and strong. Do I love to stuff my face with brownie batter and Nutella??? YUP! Am I gonna deprive myself of that goodness just to save myself from the calories??? NOPE!

My husband loves me. My daughter loves me. My family loves me. And whether I'm a size 2 or a size 14, that's not gonna change.

So 2012 is still gonna be the year for a smokin' hot bod, but it's going to be learning to love the smokin' hot bod that I already have.

No more caring what other people think. Haterz gonna hate. If you're offended by my weight, size, cellulite, whatever...DON'T LOOK AT IT!!! Cuz this 200 pounds of woman runs marathons, throws it down at the gym, and continues to dominate the dance floor and volleyball court on the daily!

Besides, we all know you're just jealous. Curvy girls do it better.

Lo Siento

I've been so bad about blogging lately and about getting to my friends' blogs. So so sorry! I promise to get back to it all soon!

I don't have any big vacations, races, or life changing events planned for the next few months, so I should be able to get back into things this week.

Along with jumping back into the blogosphere, I also start running and working out again this week. After last Saturday, it's been WONDERFUL to take the whole week off and not worry about running, lifting weights, or doing a single sit-up. But in place of all the exercise, I've taken up sugar and soda again :( Big Uh-Oh.

It's been lovely overindulging, but I can definitely feel it now. I feel disgusting, gross, and out of shape. So tomorrow, along with the running and exercising, I go back to my no-soda-and-no-sugar diet. Gonna be hard to ween myself off again. Last time I just quit cold turkey. We'll see if that works this time, too. Be prepared for a very grumpy lady. Though, I'm hoping the endorphins from the exercise will help me through the sugar cravings. I'll keep my fingers crossed...and my fridge stocked with lots of fresh fruit!

Anyways, I miss you all and look forward to catching up on all your lovely blogs. Thanks for your patience as I try and get my life back together!!!!!

Ramblings

1) A few weeks ago, I bought a month's membership for Sweaty Chix Fitness on Groupon. Sweaty Chix is AWESOME! They offer lots of different fitness classes like Cardio Drench, Yoga, and Zumba. But my all time favorite classes are Hip Hop Hustle and Hot Hula. Of course, I love hip hop cuz you know I like to pop my booty. But have you seen the booty shakin' require for hula??!? Well, Tahitian really. But you knew I'd love me some hula...since I am Hawaiian and all. Lalea even comes to dance with me sometimes.

2) Our Eurotrip is less than a month away. I'm stressing BIG time! I'm just so nervous about our travel arrangements. I'm sure something is gonna get messed up of miscommunicated and one of us is gonna get stranded somewhere. Maybe I should have gone with a travel agent after all. But when I met with one, he seemed like and idiot and hadn't even been to Europe. He had no insider information and was only reiterating things I had already researched for myself. I actually found myself better deals than the agent was offering. Though, I guess the beauty in an agent is not having to do the research for myself anyways. It's a trade-off.

3) My family is obsessed with playing Settlers of Catan. We are now a true Utah County Mormon family. How cheesy.

4) Last month, my mom's dog got super sick and we had to put her down. So sad. We've had Pili for nearly 8 years. After Mom put her down, she was going through puppy withdrawls. So, last week she picked up another. This is Rella. She's a Morkie, half Maltese half Yorkie. One of the cutest things you've ever seen!

5) I'm lacking some serious motivation. After training for almost 2 years straight, I'm starting to get burnt out on running. Running has turned into more of an obligation. I'm always proud and feel accomplished after completing a long run on Saturdays, but Friday night leading up to it, I'm so angry. I have such a bad attitude going into it because I just don't want to HAVE to do it anymore. I haven't taken my training as seriously this time around. I think I'm going to take a break after Ogden. Switch to cycling for a while. I'll still run. Maybe do some half marathons and some 10ks, but I don't think I'll do a full marathon again until after we have another baby. But with that all said, I'm still very appreciative of everyone's support, encouragement, and generosity. I truly wouldn't have gotten this far without your help. Thanks a million!

1 Year Anniversary

Exactly 1 year and 3 weeks ago, I met Tanaya for the first time. Our relationship peaked back in November when we spent 4 hours and 20 miles together.

And this past weekend marked our 1 year anniversary. So how did we celebrate? By pounding out another 14 miles, of course.

That Tanaya can really be a bitch sometimes. We truly have a love/hate relationship. The first half of the run, I was feeling good, feeling invigorated really. I get down to the end of Tanaya and find this adorable park. A few laps around and I'm ready to head back.

Well, the way back wasn't nearly as invigorating. For one, Tanaya led me straight into the wind. It took a lot more effort on the return flight, plus I was getting blisters since I forgot to Body Glide my feet. (Not to worry about chaffing anywhere else, though. You'd better believe I doused the rest of my bod in "The Glide.")

The last mile was uphill over a bridge across the freeway. At the beginning of the ascent, I looked up, dreading the next few meters. It was gonna hurt. But instead of giving in to the pain, I hammered down and opened up full throttle. I ran that last mile in about 9 minutes. That may sound slow to some of you speedsters but on average I run about an 11:30 minute mile. So to whip out a 8:57 for mile 14 after I've already huffed it for 2 hours? I'm gonna brag about it, mmkay?

The best part of our anniversary run, though, was of course the finish. Not because I was finally done running and could kick off my shoes, drink some water, and relax, but because the route ended at a breakfast buffet.

I ran up and over the freeway bridge, across a parking lot, through a parking garage, and straight into the Santa Fe casino where I promptly got in line for the $7.99 breakfast buffet. That's just how we roll in Vegas.

Here's to you, Tanaya. It's been a wonderful year. I look forward to a bright future and many more buffets to come!

Lovey Dovey

February is a busy month for us. We've got Ry's birthday on the 13th, Valentine's Day on the 14th, and our wedding anniversary on the 16th.

With all these lovey dovey events within a week of each other, we usually have one big celebration to honor Birthdavalenersary. This year, however, we opted out of doing anything since, ya know, the whole Euro trip has kinda sucked our funds dry. We figure we'll party enough on that vacay to honor the next 3 Birthdavalenersaries to come.

So in lieu of any fancy dinners, boxes of chocolates, and romantic couples massages, I've simply compiled a rather hackneyed list of some of the reasons why I love, appreciate, am attracted to, and generally like my husband.

In no particular order:

-He knew I was high maintenance and still willingly married me

-He rocks a mohawk

-He buys me anything I want at Victoria's Secret (Though I'm pretty sure this is a selfish gesture on his part)

-He buys me makeup

-He buys me anything I want

-He is an amazing father

-He took me to the temple

-He puts up with my loud and obnoxious family

-He hates cats

-He appreciates fashion and looks amazing in a pinstripe suit

-He lets me wear his hoodies

-He thinks I'm beautiful

-He tells me he loves me every day

-He has supported me through 2 marathons and many more to come

-He ran Redrock with me and looks forward to doing another relay

-He sacrifices snowboarding on Saturdays so that I can attend my team runs

-He's still an awesome snowboarder

-He played rugby in college

-He's educated and motivated

-He has a strong work ethic and continuously strives to provide for his family

-He's a worthy priesthood holder

-He's mine

As unromantic as the two of us are, I think this list has just enough sap in it to appease even the corniest of cheese balls.

So to my husband, thanks for all you do. I love you, and stuff.

Hood to Coast

One of my besties, Stephanie, bought me tickets to this movie.



The showing was last night, so to prepare for the motivational event, we began our evening by shopping at Runner's Corner. I finally got a much needed new pair of running shoes; good ol' Asics Fortitude, 4E width! (Yes, I have HUGE flat, wide feet to go along with my monstorous calves.)

Then with a quick stop at Five Guys for a real runner's meal, we headed to the theater where Wasatch Running Co. was hosting the live event. I got a free water bottle and a glowie!

The film was great and brought back a lot of memories of Redrock.

I can't WAIT to do another relay...but this time, not as the team captain. Who's in??? Anyone?!?!?

Auld Lang Syne

As another year comes to an end, it's time to revisit the bests and worsts of 2010.

Favorite Moments
Becoming a marathoner
Meeting Bart Yasso
Running the RRR with my Ryan
Attending the UFC Fan Expo
Stalking Kody Brown
House boating on Lake Powell
Becoming a SAHM

Not-So-Hot Moments
Potty training
Ryan getting the shaft from Sunroc
Moving out of the Camelot community
Deciding to be the RRR captain
The earthquake in Haiti
Wikileaks

Disappointments
BP
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Kim Kardashian's DWTS debut
Jesse James
California voting no on Prop 19

Favorite Songs
Airplanes - B.O.B feat. Hayley Williams and Eminem
F!*# You - Cee Lo Green
My Chick Bad - Ludacris feat. Nicki Minaj
Tight Rope - Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi



Best Movies - I didn't really go to very many movies this year. I'm not too keen on paying $74 for a ticket at the theaters. Plus, my life is now consumed with all things toddler so it's no surprise my favorite movies this year are kids/family movies. My life is so glamorous.
Inception
Hot Tub Time Machine (That crap is funny. Don't judge me.)
Toy Story 3
Despicable Me

Best Reads - I always have to clarify that these book picks aren't books that were necessarily published in 2010. Rather, they're simply books that I read this year.
My Life on the Run - Bart Yasso
Heft on Wheels - Mike Magnuson
Escape - Carolyn Jessop
In the Forest - Edna O'Brien
The Rookie - Scott Sigler

Enjoy your final hours of 2010. I must admit, it was a good year. Let's see what 2011 has to offer.

Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon 2010

I did it, son! It super sucked, but I did it.

The whole thing didn't suck. Actually, the first half was awesome. I was running at a pace of about a 10:45 minute mile until the half and full split. The first half was also awesome because runners owned the strip. We got to run right down Las Vegas Blvd in the shadow of all the huge hotels and casinos. And as we ran by, we could see the Bellagio fountains and Mirage volcano spouting off. (An honor since those performances are generally reserved for the evenings.)

As soon as the half and full split, however, things automatically became a bit sketchy. First, we're met by a long-ass hill. I guess it wasn't too bad, it was just an overpass. Still, when you've already nearly sprinted 13.1 miles in an attempt to make the cut-off, a big hill isn't really something you're eager to climb up. Needless to say, many runners accompanied me in walking up that crap.

I think somewhere back at mile 10, I started to get a hot spot on my right foot. By about mile 15, it was a full blow blister that hurt like a mofo. But soon, the blister became the least of my problems.

By about mile 19, my entire left foot was jacked. My toes were cramping, my arch was aching, and even my ankle felt like it was about to just break in half. And since I suppenate pretty severely, just right of the ball of my foot started throbbing.

I made it to my family at mile 21 but couldn't stop. Not because I was determined to get it done but because if I had stopped, I wouldn't have been able to start again. So I said my hellos and jogged on by. Of course, I was no longer running a 10:45 at this point. It was more like a 12:30 minute mile...when I wasn't walking.

Miles 21-25 were some of the lonliest. It super sucks not having a team to run with. There were tons of peeps out there in the TNT purple jerseys, and I did chat them up a bit. But for the most part, I was all by my onesies. It was hard hard HARD to will myself to keep going. Every muscle in my body ached and it wouldn't have surprised me if my entire right foot just fell off mid stride.

I finally make it to mile 26 back along the strip and there's tons of people cheering. I suck it up and quicken my pace to about 11 minutes. I get into the chute and dig deep for a 9 minute pace.

VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5:38:30 and a shiny new medal!!!! Oh, and a picture with Elvis.

Shortly after, I hobbled to grab my bag outta gear check and promptly collapsed atop my mylar blanket spread out onto the asphalt. Don't worry, I didn't pass out or anything. I was just so exhausted and I could barely walk.

That evening, I replenished all the calories I burned during the race with chili cheese fries, a baked potato smothered in butter and sour cream, and a 10oz prime rib. Yup, it was all worth it!

Viva Las Vegas

Well, there's no turning back now. I'm in Vegas and gearing up for my race on Sunday. About to head to the race expo to pick up my packet and get my corral assignment.

I'm actually pretty nervous. I don't feel nearly as prepared for this marathon as I was for Ogden. Probably because I did this one on my own and wasn't obligated to a team and slacked off :(

Hope my calves hold up, and hope I don't die.

If I make it though, I'll be setting a personal record. Woo hoo! So, please send me good vibes on Sunday. Prayers are also welcomed and appreciated!

Let's do work!!!!!

My cup runneth over

2010 has been a big year for me and I have a lot for which to be thankful.

• The Ogden Marathon
• Living rent free...again
• Ward choir
• Tuesday nights
• YouTube makeup tutorials
• The Budos
• Audiobooks and podcasts
• The potty watch
• Lake Powell
• Pittsburgh
• Zumanity
• 10 mile runs with Stephanie
• Carinessa II garments
• Extended calf boots
• Centaurs
• Red Rock Relay
• The BYU math department
• My Taralyn
• Donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Sparrows
• Worthy priesthood holders

As always, I have to add a disclaimer that this is not a comprehensive list. I'm grateful for so many things but most of all my family, the gospel, and the love of my Father in heaven.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Tenaya Way

The first time I met Tenaya was a little less than a year ago. Ry and I were down in Vegas to celebrate Birthdavalenersary. After a long night of partying and dancing - (Yeah right. We're an old married couple now. Partying for us means we stay up until 1am playing Words With Friends. And as far as dancing goes, my husband is white. Need I say more?) - I roused myself at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, leaving the comfort of my warm bed, and spent my morning sweating and heaving with Tenaya.

Well, this most recent trip to Vegas, I once again crawled out of my warm bed in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday and geared up to spend the next 4 hours with Tenaya.

As intimately connected as Tenaya and I have become, especially after this last trip, I can honestly say I'm not too fond of her. It will be all too soon if I have to spend one more minute with her. Running 20 miles down Tenaya Way is not something I plan to make a habit of when visiting Vegas. As far as I'm concerned, my relationship with Tenaya is over. Nice knowing ya!

Though, I must admit, she was kind to me during those first 10 miles back in February, helping me run the farthest distance I had ever run up until that point. And this time around, she even helped me set a personal record for the 20 miles I just ran, 03:55:34! On top of that, Tenaya provided me with a nice flat course, wide shoulders, and lots of sidewalks. She even supplied many gas stations and available bathroom/water stops along the way. How very considerate of her!

Still, I'm not ready for another visit. This past run took it out of me. Until the marathon....

Ramblings

1) Twice this weekend I attempted to run 18 miles. Twice this weekend I have failed. Made it 13.5 today. Not even close! Next weekend I'll try again. But I have to wonder, why do I even bother? I mean, really. Why run marathons? I hate running! It's hard. It's sweaty. It sucks! In all honesty, the only real reason why I won't let myself stop is for bragging rights. I'm pretty vain.

2) I'm so glad my friend Shauna is in town. As much as she hates being in Utah and misses L.A., I'm secretly ecstatic that her week-long trip here has extended into a 3-week trip. I love hanging out with Shauna. She makes me feel normal again. Plus, she sings Broadway duets with me. Best friend ever, right?

PS
You should really check out Shauna's blog. She gets it.

3) Sister Wives is the most disgusting, most revolting, and most barfiest show of all time. I can't stop watching it.

4) My birthday is this week. Only 4 more days. (I know you've been counting down.) I can't wait! I love love LOVE presents 'cause not only am I vain, but I'm also superficial.

5) I've been in a crazy reading mode lately. I want to read anything I can get my hands on. I generally have at least 2 books going at a time plus I'm listening to an audiobook on my iPod while I run. I finally cracked open The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to see what all the fuss was about. So far, I'm not impressed. Rather, I'm bored as hell. Nothing gets me to sleep faster than lame financial talk. Boring. When is this gonna start getting good?

6) Just like my birthday, I can not wait for Christmas. I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet and it's like illegal or something to get into the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving, but I've already started shopping for gifts. As much as I like receiving gifts, I like giving them, too. And of course, I go overboard buying for Lalea. But I think I'm actually just about done buying her gifts and so far I think I've only spent like $25 on her. Not bad! Ryan will be another story. For one, I don't have my own money this year to buy his gift so I'll just be using his credit card to buy his own presents. Not really a present then, is it?

7) I signed up with some friends to play volleyball in Spanish Fork. SF is know to be pretty competitive city league. We've signed up for the A division. We're all awesome volleyball players and we won stake regionals last year, but I really dont' see us winning too many games in the SF league. I'm telling you, this league is legit, especially the A division. We're talking collegiate level play. I'm so excited, though. But I guess this means I'll actually have to start trying in games instead of half-assing it like a usually do. Damn. I like being lazy.

Rock 'n' Roll

It's official. I have decided to take on another marathon. Call me crazy. I know I am. I really have no idea why I'm doing this to myself. I LOVE being lazy, eating junk food, and not sweating. Therefore, training for and running a marathon is completely counter intuitive. But alas, I press forward.

Following Red Rock, I took a nice week-long break from running. But with the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon only about 11 weeks away, it's time to get serious about training.

The Vegas Rock 'n' Roll sounds like it'll be amazing. With bands and live entertainment at every water stop and the finish line located on the strip, this race is sure to be a blast. Shoot, they even have a minister running the race who will be marrying race participants along the course. Coolest wedding ever, right?!?

And if music, running Elvi, and free beer at the end isn't enough motivation to run this race, dear Ryan has decided that he will be taking on the half marathon. I couldn't be more proud!!!! Actually I could. If he ran the full marathon I'd be ecstatic, still, I'll take what I can get!

With all the extravagance the LV Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is sure to deliver, I'm very very VERY nervous about running it. There is a time limit of 5 1/2 hours.

If you may recall, I barely pulled myself across the finish line in Ogden within 6 hours. In order to meet the cut-off in Vegas, I'll have to shave 45 seconds off of each mile. That's no small feat.

Can I really drop 30 minutes from my marathon time? I really don't know. That's a lot of time to shave off.

In my defense, I have gotten faster since Ogden. I've also decided on a better game plan and will not be stopping so long at each of the aid stations. Neither will stop and frolic with my family and friends along the course for too long. And most importantly, I will be running at a much lower altitude.

When I ran my first 10 miler in Vegas, I ran it in about 1 hour. Subsequent 10 milers back home in the Wasatch mountains, it's taken me about twice as long to run that same distance. Therefore, I'm hoping that training at higher altitude then racing at sea level will greatly increase my speed.

But just to make sure, I think Ry and I will be heading down to Vegas in November to run my 20 miler. If I can run my 20 down in Vegas in a reasonable amount of time, then I won't stress over the 5 1/2 time limit. But until then, you'd better believe I'll be training my butt off and integrated lots of quality speed work into my training schedule. And of course, prayers, good vibes, and well wishes are sure to help and most definitely welcomed!!!

Here we go again...

186 Miles

Our 186 mile sun to snow journey is complete!!!

This was probably one of the best and worst weekends of my life. I had an awesome time down at Red Rock. I couldn't have asked for a better team.

The Snow Team is one of the most hilarious groups of people I've ever had the pleasure of being stuck inside a truck with for nearly 30 hours.

And the Sun Team is probably the most badass group of runners on the planet!!! How the hell do you run sub 7 minute miles let alone in 90+ degree weather?!? You guys are INSANE!!!!

I am more tired, exhausted, and sore than I was after my marathon. This weekend completely drained me and yet, all I can think about is doing it again next year!

Moab anyone??!!!??