the r house runs

Photo Book

2011-05-16T22:43:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Racing for a Cause We All Care About

2011-05-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies! I have a race that I wanted to share with you all, since it hits close to home for so many of us. My good friends just told us that they were being sponsored by Pound the Pavement for Parenthood in their upcoming 5K Run/Walk and I wanted to help spread the word. Pound the Pavement for Parenthood does 5K events to help couples raise money for IVF or adoption costs. That is definitely something I feel good about supporting, and I'm hoping you do too! So here are the deets.

Race Date : Saturday, May 14 2011

Race Time: 11:00 a.m.

Race Location: Harvest Hills Regional Park, 2100 N. Providence Dr. Saratoga Springs, UT

To register, go to: http://www.poundthepavementforparenthood.com/

Following the race there will be a raffle with great prizes for all pre-registered (meaning you register by May 11th) participants as well as a BAKE SALE. (Oh how I love nummy carbs. It's the perfect way to end a run after all.)

Hope to see lots of people there!

I Must Be Crazy...

2010-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for the Ogden 1/2 marathon in May. I haven't ran in forever so I'm a little freaked out. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I ran a 1/2 two years ago and ended up walking most of the way. I will NOT do that this time. Would you recommend I get decent (expensive) running shoes now as I start training or wait until I am in a groove? I paid my money so there is no backing out now. Wish me luck!!

Diggin' and Pushin'

2010-08-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

One foot then another. That is how you do it.

Today was the first day of what I had/have in my mind as the most challenging of the training. W3D1 of the C25K. It is hard but it is doable. Today got up 4:52 searched for the right bra....you must have the right bra or you will want to die. I only know because of experience, BELIEVE ME!! Got the girls all situated, made sure my mp3 was juiced and had the training playlist on it and off I went. I was so apprehensive.

I have never looked at a treadmill machine with so much dislike like this morning. I was so slow to even get on it and getting it programmed for what I was about to allow it to do to my body. But then the playlist started and off I went.

I had already looked at what I was going to be doing and it looked hard. The first minute and a half of running was fine, I had accomplished that last week and really liked it. Then came the first 3 minute run. It too was fun for the first 90 seconds. The second half was a challenge, but I made it through, thanks to Avril Lavigne. She kept me at a good cadence. The second 3 minutes.....1st minute great, couldn't make it through the second, so I took a breather and then ran the last minute.

Now this may look like a failure to some, but to me I won.

I WON!!!

I completed the training and I am going back to get that 1 minute. I will do it.

You never know what you can do until you do it. I never thought I could get this big body to push past the hurt it feels. The tiredness that has trapped me here. But I am digging and pushing and making it. I am not a runner, but I am also not a quitter.

Keep giving your support. Leave me comments of encouragement. I appreciate them.

OH YEAH...I found a great site with a awesome (in my opinion) playlist that tells you when to start and stop with music I am familiar with....I not so much a techno girl I like real music.

http://gonicoleyourself.blogspot.com/2008/06/couch-to-5k-podcast-page.html

another race to look forward to

2010-06-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

alrighty runners,

i may be in the mood for another race. anyone up for this bad boy? http://www.sojomarathon.com/

and nakia ...i TOTALLY want to do that one. i just need to make sure i will be in town that weekend.

It's been a WHILE!!

2010-06-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

... but I'm back.

Roller coaster rides and all, ya know. But I saw this in my Home Values coupon booklet. And I think I am going to do it.

click the link to go to the page
http://www.wasatchwoman.com/

It is going to happen down at Thanksgiving Point on October 9, 2010

Does anyone want to join me?

There is a 5K run/walk and a 10K run

I am leaning towards the 5K, but if I start training now that gives me 18 weeks to get ready for the 10K.

The cost I saw was $20 registration for the 5
and $25 for the 10

P.S. It is a GIRLS ONLY run.

Had to Drop

2010-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am so bummed, my husband and I had to sell our spots to the half marathon and I was so looking forward to it. I had gotten pregnant but started bleeding so the doctor said no running. So we sold our spots, thinking it was just a little bleeding and we would finally get what we'd been hoping for. Nope, lost it again. Now we have no baby and no half marathon. Could life get any more depressing?

life is a like a marathon

2010-05-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

i was thinking about bailing on the half marathon coming up in just a few weeks. but after watching this video, i am even more motivated.

A New PR

2010-05-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

I never really liked running growing up. I played soccer and could handle the running I needed to do in order to practice and play, but just running for the sake of running? No thanks.

Somehow that changed.

I started running about 5 years ago. To make a long story short, I got peer pressured into participating in a race. I was only supposed to run 5 miles. Somehow my bff and trainer convinced me to just keep adding the miles. Soon we were doing 10, and the next thing I knew she had convinced me to do a half marathon. A half marathon??? That was never on my bucket list! But at that half, something changed in me. I got hooked.

I loved the adrenaline, the atmosphere, the sense of accomplishing something. Plus my hubby was all sorts of proud of me. It made me want to keep going.

I have run a number of races since that time of varrying lengths including 2 marathons, and I have decided that the half is really my race. It's just the perfect length. I can run it in a couple of hours in the morning, feel great, and still go home and function that day. I love half's.

So this year when my bff and running partner moved 2,000 miles away I was totally bummed. I didn't know if I wanted to still run. Every time I went alone I was reminded of how much I missed her. But I needed to run, especially as we were starting the approval process again. It had become my therapy time; the time I came to center and used to stay sane. I started begging people to come with me, but I kept getting turned down. So I started praying for someone. That's when these 2 lovelys came into my life. These girls are proof that God answers prayers.

(I'm in the center. Best part of this picture? We didn't even all mean to dress in pink. We just did 'cause we're cool like that.)

Not only have these girls become my running partners and great friends, but they have pushed me in my running unlike ever before. They have motivated me and pushed me to become a better runner, and really a better person all around. They seriously rock. I'm so very blessed. Which brings me to my point, because of them I attained a PR at the Ogden Half this weekend. We set a goal of 1:50, and my husband upped the anty by offering to let me have a shopping spree if I completed the race in 1:45. Previous to this my best time was 1:55 (which was fast for me), but this weekend I finished in 1:45:56. Woot, woot!

I don't really ever want to run one that fast ever again. I much prefer my slower pace and just enjoying the run instead of being worried about my time, but I did it. Proving to myself that I can indeed do hard things.

It's probably because I have the best support crew around.

Running for Foster Care

2010-04-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

"Running for those Who Wait"

May 29, 2010

7:15AM - 10:15AM

Murray City Park, Murray Utah

Family Walk/Run 5k

Click Here for more information

SHALL WE????

Adoption: Its about LOVE

2010-04-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

My Dear Running Shoes...

2010-04-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

My Dear Running Shoes,

Oh how I have missed you! There is something you need to know and I need you to hear it from me. I have been seeing somebody else. The temptation was too great and I couldn't resist. For the past while, I have been seeing my comfy, cozy, wonderful slippers. We have had some good times together. We have watched plenty of Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds. Numerous bags of junk food has been consumed during these times. Our favorite place to hang out is in my comfy recliner with my Snuggie. The farthest we have ventured together is into the kitchen to get another Diet Coke. It's been a wild ride, but my guilt is taking over.

You have been nothing but good to me, my dear running shoes. You helped me finish the Ogden 1/2 marathon in 2008. It took us forever and I didn't think we would ever finish, but we did it together. We did the Roy Days 5K that same year as well. After those two great races, we started to grow apart. You expected too much from me and I wasn't willing to commit to a relationship. When we did get together, it felt good and it felt right. I hope those feelings are still there. My dear running shoes, please don't tell me it's too late. Can we start spending more time together and see where things take us? I hope we can get back to where we once were.

Thank you for understanding, my dear running shoes. I promise I will do better.

Love,
Me

I need MoTiVaTiOn!!! I used to be a faithful runner and REALLy enjoyed. It was a nice break from reality for me. For some reason, I stopped running. Too busy, not enough time, too lazy...whatever the reason, I stopped. I want to run the Logan 1/2 this fall, and in order to do that, I have to start NOW!! What motivates you to run? When you would rather poke yourself in your eye, what gets you out hitting the pavement? How did you start training for your races? Help me R House Runners...you are my only hope!!!

First 1/2 Marathon

2010-03-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I decided to train for a marathon to lose weight. I wasn't losing any weight and made it to 9 miles and gave up. I had a spot in the St. George marathon and I just dropped it. Man, I beat myself up for that sometimes. The only good thing I can see about what I did was that it enabled me to do a program that did allow me to lose weight.

Two years later, I have gained the weight again due to a diagnosis of PCOS and a recent ectopic pregnancy. I want to get in better shape and prove to myself that I can meet my goals that I have had and hopefully improve the symptoms of my PCOS, including infertility. I'm just not going to do the marathon route quite yet. I am over 200 pounds but I exercise regularly and am doing weight watchers as well. So, I saw the post for the half marathon and thought what the heck. We have 2 months before we are allowed to start trying again for a baby so I am going to do something for myself.

So here goes. I also can't think of a better group to run with. I have friends who have recently adopted and that will be the route we choose as well if we keep having problems with our fertility. Wish us luck. I'm thankful for all you on here who I know are training as well and thankful for my husband who has so kindly agreed to go along with this as well!

it begins again

2010-03-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

training has begun again for me ...and this time, i am really going to train! LOL!

i am feeling good, eating better and my husband fixed my running stroller because he is the man! holla!

i was reading the booklet for the Canyonlands Half Marathon this afternoon and found this quote that made me think of us:

Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy for running.
~Julie Ipshording, Olympic Marathon Runner

are you running other races? send me the photos and i will add them to the sidebar. i know lacey has 1 billion of them!

Only 125 Spots Left!

2010-03-27T11:05:00.001-07:00

I had to email the Utah Valley Marathon because I had a question and when they responded back they said as of today there were only 125 spots left!! If you haven't registered yet, do it before it's too late!!

on to the next!

2010-03-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

here is something that i re-learned:
slow and steady does not win the race.
but it does mean you will finish.
and finish, i did.

hoping to finish again on june 12th.
i just signed up for the utah valley half.

there is still time. join me.
and email me if you need a training schedule. i just made a new one.

Nike Running Help for Haiti

2010-03-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

check this out.

You're Never Alone.

2010-02-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

sale time

2010-02-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

hey runners!

just wanted to let you know that r running shirts are going on a HUGE sale--like 50% off!

check it out on etsy in the next day or so!

Well, I did it!

2010-01-24T21:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the St. George 1/2 Marathon and I actually finished! That was my goal, to finish the race. I didn't really have a goal set for myself, but I knew that I wanted to be done by 2:45. My official race time was 2:27:11 and I was so excited! My husband ended up running with me the entire way and was a great support. Like I've said before, what would we do without them?

after the race with our dinky little metals! come on people, I just ran 13.1 miles and all you give me is pretty much a quarter tied to a ribbon??

for the few people that I did pass or that were behind me, this is what they read on the back of my shirt and I wore it with pride!! Oh, and I really didn't think my face was in this pic and would have done something a little less awkward if I would have known :)

It was also fun to hook up with Lacey, who is also a contributor to this blog and is running the Canyonlands 1/2. We met on this blog actually and decided to go to dinner since I would be in St. George! She ran the race too and totally killed my time! Watch out for her ladies, she's a running machine ;) Dinner was a lot of fun and it was nice to meet in person. I love how adoption brings people and new friends together! Anyway, now I just need to wait until my legs aren't too sore to run again, then I'll jump on the training schedule for our Canyonlands 1/2! I can't wait, it'll be awesome to run with all of you :)

Lacey and me after dinner :)

Training?Lodging for Moab

2010-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hey girls! Is anyone out there still training for the Moab half? Did everyone get into the lottery?

What are every ones plans for Moab? I am looking to get a hotel or something for there pretty soon. Does anyone know of a good place to stay? I would like to meet up for dinner or something if anyone else wants to. I am bringing my family and husband. We are going to make a mini vacation out of it. I can't wait. It sounds fun and looks like a beautiful course.

I was also going to add a song that I love. But It look like it won't let me. It is a song that I love by Melissa Etheride called "I run for life" Look it up you will like it.

just curious & t.g.f.h. (thank goodness for husbands)

2009-12-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

Who all made it into the Canyonlands 1/2 Marathon?? I did!
You may (or may not) remember me posting about my friends talking me into running the St. George 1/2 Marathon with them in January. I'm the type of person who, once I say I'm going to do something, I do it. I started training right away and registered for the 1/2 as soon as I could! Well, we had our annual Friend's Christmas Party last night and I asked everyone how their training was going. Well... I am the ONLY one who actually registered and is training!!! Everyone else is trying to either get pregnant and they don't want to mess up their chances or they are nursing their babies still and don't want running to cause their milk to dry up. I can respect that, sure, but when you are in a room full of 14 girls and you are the only infertile one, those reasons don't sit too well. I even had one friend say "there's a time and a season for everything. It's not our time to focus on ourselves. It's our time to have kids and take care of the ones we already have. We can focus on ourselves when our kids grow up." All I had to say to that was- this is the best thing I have ever done for myself. For once I am in control of my body and it's not letting me down. I am doing something and accomplishing something that I never thought I'd be able to do. So, thank goodness for husbands! Mine registered for the St. George 1/2 with me and is going to run it too. So, I won't be all by my lonesome in St. George running 13.1 miles.

does YOUR house run for adoption too?

2009-12-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

when the person behind you (for several hours) reads "R HOUSE RUNS FOR ADOPTION" on race day, what they are really hearing is this "that person's house runs for adoption."

it's not just the r house.
it's your house too.

i just giggle when i think of us at the starting line in matching shirts. talk about some good adoption outreach!

i decided to add me blog to it because:

1. i own the rights to that url.
2. so many couples hoping to adopt are listed there.
3. most of your blogs are linked in one way or another.

i hope that's not offensive to you.

these running shirts are 100% microfiber, oXymesh, sleeveless, V-neck, moisture wicking, anti-microbial, low shrinkage, wrinkle resistant, breathable and lightweight.

to purchase a small click here.
to purchase a medium click here.
to purchase a large click here.
to purchase an XL click here.

this shirt is 100% microfiber, oXymesh, sleeveless, crew-neck, moisture wicking, anti-microbial, low shrinkage, wrinkle resistant, breathable and lightweight.

it is only available in medium.

to purchase one of these red, crew neck shirts click here.

I did it!

2009-12-05T22:22:00.001-08:00

So I entered the Moab 10k in hopes of getting one of those guarantee entries to the Canyonlands Half. . . didn't get the auto entry to the race, but did have an AWESOME time running the 10k today (despite the 25 degree weather). I'll admit it was HARD, especially the hill after mile 2, but it was seriously one of the most EXHILARATING things I've ever done! Though this is hard it's SO SO worth it! Keep training for that half ladies. . . we can DO this! This is truly one of the most therapeutic things in dealing with my infertility struggles. . . it's so great to set a goal of something I didn't think I'd ever be able to do, and do it. :) Hip hip hooray!

Painters St. George 1/2 Marathon

2009-12-01T14:44:00.001-08:00

I wanted to know if anyone was interested in running the Painters half marathon in St. George on January 23rd. I live in St. George and have access to a few beautiful homes that are furnished retreat homes. It would be way fun to get together and get to know every one. If you are interested please leave a comment. This is not a lottery half marathon but they do cap it off at 2000 runners. So you would need to sign up as soon as you can.

I also wanted to know if any of you want to join the 12 half marathons in 12 months challenge with me. I ran my first 1/2 marathon in August. I ran the Provo half. I loved every second of it and I have been hooked since. I have a goal of running 12 half marathons in 12 months. Does anyone want to join the goal with me? I know it sounds really hard. Once you have trained for one you are good to go. If you just stay on the running schedule then you will have no problem. I usually run 4- 5 miles about 3 times a week. Then on Saturday I run about 7 or 8 with one long run a month a 10-12 miler. It's really not too bad.

Please pass a HUGE helping of ACCOMPLISHMENT

2009-11-26T01:51:00.001-08:00

I am not a runner....barely a walker, but I wanted to do this for me.

When I showed up to the start line, I will admit I was overwhelmed by the number of people who were already there.

I secretly hoped that Brandi and me

would be the only two people there.

But of course that was only empty hopes.

I looked around me and saw A LOT of little people.

(skinny, little people in skimpy shorts and tiny little shirts....

IN 30 DEGREE TEMPS)

All I could think was, "Bless their hearts."

I showed up in thermal underwear, two bras, a longsleeve underarmour top, a snug t-shirt over that and a winter vest....

( Froze my butt off)

I kept repeating "Why am I doing this?" over and over.

I was intimidated.

I was admittedly embarrassed, by my body type, thinking how I would stack up to the other runners.

But I was there, NOW!!

They gave me my packet and I went back to my van to see what was all in it. But the first thing I noticed was...

"What the flip?"

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!

I did NOT want to be associated with that number in anyway. It screamed at me, "LOSER" and everyone would know it. My fear was happening right before my eyes.

Ever hear...

"The first shall be last and the last shall be first."

That was all I could hear and see in my head.

I hurried back to the table and timidly asked if there was way for me to get another number. NOPE!

I was stuck.

So I zipped up my vest and that number was never seen again until the end of the trot.

The race started and I siked myself out of keeping on with my friend. She was good and I am not one to hold someone else back from their own personal accomplishment so I stopped running and told her to go on. I know she would have stopped with me if I asked her to.

I think...no, I know I needed to do this BY MYSELF to really know that I could do this.

I didn't have my IPOD, which would have been awesome, but I found my own cadence.

That worked for me.

I will admit, I did walk some the course, but that didn't matter to me.

I met a neat girl who was walking the course and we talked and got to know each other. It was awesome to share this expierence with someone who was like me, a novice.

But we were there!! & Doing it!!

We both realized that it wasn't where we finished in the race, but that we finished.

This had nothing to do with who we beat or anything like that.

This was about, us (ME) finishing and owning this earned accomplishment.

As we turned the corner heading for the finish, I convinced her that we had to run it in. She didn't want to do, but I told her we could and would do it together.

It was awesome coming in!!!

Having all those people cheering was just AWESOME!!

I beat my own time!!! and....

I WAS NOT LAST!!!

The funny part of it all was, although I had hidden my number from the world....

The world knew I was

#1.

I am such a beloved daugther of Heavenly Father.

I am so thankful for this

HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT.

Today is Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for everything and the specific following:

my David
my Alex
my Aiden
my life
my testimony
my faith
my health
my friends
my family
YOU & most importantly
my relationship with my Father in Heaven.

let the race to the race begin

2009-11-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

there are a few things i know about the canyonlands half marathon.

1) i will not be wearing ugly shorts like these poor little lambs have to wear.

2) we will look a lot cuter in our matching running shirts than these guys.

3) yes, matching running shirts. photos coming soon.

4) boys do not look cute in running apparel. (unless you are jacob black. forgive me ...i just saw new moon. holla!)

5) registration opened today. you can register as a group, but only 6 people can be in each group. r little group is full. r group is "r house runs for adoption." if someone wants to create an additional group called "r house runs for adoption 2" when they register, let me know and i will tell people to jump into your group too. does that makes sense?

email me if you have any questions or problems.

click HERE to register.

Dates are posted!

2009-11-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

Ever since November 1st I have been checking the Canyonlands Half Marathon Web Site. The dates are finally posted...

Registration for the 2010 Canyonlands Half Marathon will open November 25 and close December 10, 2009.

How do we want to do this ladies??

Pushed Through

2009-10-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

I had been running on the treadmill. But I really needed to GO OUTSIDE. After all, that is where there race will be taking place, right?

I have been really focusing on being able to run the half, but

I needed to take little bites.

...I signed up for the West Valley Family Fitness Center Turkey Trot (5k)

Nov. 21st.

I AM FREAKING SCARED!!!!

So with that in mind I decided to check out the course.

It is really nice....THANK GOODNESS.

I walk/ran it today and
I am very happy and proud.

I did it in under an hour. For some of you that's no big whoop, but for me I wanted to give up and just hop the fence and cut across the field back to my van, but I stayed the course, willing myself all the way through. It was hard.

Harder than running on a treadmill...

but worth it.

I won't give up.

i did it

2009-10-21T06:24:00.001-07:00

ladies!

i did it.
i got up off the couch and went on my first run ...in the rain, no less.

praise me, people. it was a big deal! lol.

the lottery...

2009-10-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or is the fact that the Canyonland's 1/2 is a lottery making anyone else nervous?? I know the registration date is creeping, so before it happens I just wanted to know if we were going to organize ourselves into groups somehow. I've heard you are more likely to get in if you are in a group. I also was curious about lodging. I guess Moab's lodging is limited, so do we want to book rooms now?? With the intentions of getting in obviously, but we'd need to find a motel with a forgiving cancellation policy.
Just a few thoughts...

this is SO therapeutic for me

2009-10-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

So my hubby and I are using one of those Clear Blue easy fertility monitors until we are done with the adoption process and qualified (we start in January and are expecting to be done May-ish?). With that of course comes all of the PMS symptoms that are IDENTICAL to pregnancy symptoms. So, of course this past week I'm thinking, "oh, I"m tired, I must be pregnant! oh, i'm ravenously hungry and moody. . .i MUST be pregnant! Of course, my dear friend Aunt "Flo" started today. BUT, this is the first time in a LONG time that it's okay because Saturday, as I was doing my 3.5 mile run outside, I kept thinking to myself that even if I'm not pregnant it's okay because that means I get to do my 10k in December and half marathon in March with you guys! It's a win win situation. . . either I get pregnant by May, or I get to do the marathons which I"m THRILLED to do! Hooray! Thanks again for this Lindsey. . .it's the best therapy ever!

Good Read...Great Motivation

2009-10-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Ok folks. I am so moved by this little book that I really wanted to share it with all of you.

It is very inspirational...
My story was there, so I'm pretty sure yours is too.

If you have a chance to read anything that will give you a little push...this should be on your short list.
It's only 136 pages.

You can probably get through it in a day.

"Sole Sisters" stories of women and running
by
Jennifer Lin and Susan Warner

I should feel flattered but...

2009-10-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

I really don't know what I got myself into!! I had a GNO with my High School girlfriends a few weeks ago and I was telling them about the 1/2 marathon I am planning on running with you girls. They all were very interested and felt so inspired that they immediately whipped out a lap top, googled upcoming 1/2 marathons, and found one in St. George on January 23rd. We just so happen to be going to St. George for our annual girl's trip around that time, so yah, I am running with my friends in January. That means I have to start training for that on Nov. 1st and when I am finished, jump right into our training schedule 4 weeks into it. I am really not a runner, so I hope my body can handle it OK! 2 half marathons within 2 months of each other?? Yah, I know, I'm crazy! I did happen to run my all time furthest distance today, which was 5 miles and did so under an hour, so I am pretty stoked about that! Around 4.6 miles I did start to feel tired, but it was because of my lungs, not my legs, so as long as my lungs can hold up I hope my legs can take me across that 1st finish line in January!

I did it. . .

2009-10-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

I signed up for the Moab 10k in Dec. . . while the thought of running for an hour seems daunting, the thought of running for over 2 hours seems even more daunting for the half. . .but as Lindsey says, I can do hard things. It's SO empowering training for this. . . I've put off training for a marathon for YEARS now due to wanting to make sure I didn't harm any potential baby in a pregnancy unknowingly for the first few weeks before I found out I was pregnant. . . it's so nice to stop putting my life on hold for something I've been hoping for for over 3.5 years now. . . tomorrow I'm going to try to do 4 miles. . . wish me luck!

Encouragement to the masses

2009-09-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

GREETINGS RUNNERS!

Registration for the 27th Annual Winter Sun 10K will open October 1 at 11:00 AM MST!

Come join us for this fun, festive and fast 10K!

The first 100 entrants will receive a guarantee entry for the 2010 Canyonlands Half Marathon! (fees not included) Winners will be notified via email prior to Canyonlands lottery registration.

For more information visit http://www.moabhalfmarathon.org/winter/winter.html

Entry fee of $30 for this fast PR race includes a long sleeve technical race shirt, reusable non woven race bag, shuttle to race start, delicious post race refreshments, and abundant raffle prizes including Canyonlands Half Marathon Guarantee Entries and other really cool stuff from the following local merchants:

Canyon Voyages Chile Pepper Bike Shop Rave’n Image

Arches Book Co Wake and Bake Cafe Rim Tours

Eddie McStiffs Pagan Mountaineering Arches Trading Post

Zax Pizza City Market Sgt. Pepper’s Music and Video

Keep running,

Ranna Bieschke
Moab Half Marathon, Inc.

the longest 30 minutes of my life

2009-09-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Was spent this morning at 5:15 am this morning on the treadmill. . .I hadn't run since last Wednesday. I ran at 5.8 speed for 30 minutes and was constantly looking at the time. Only 30 seconds have passed? That can't be I kept saying to myself. I much prefer running outside, but don't think it's really safe at 5 in the morning, which is when I need to go to get to work on time.

But, I endured and survived. And am alive to tell about it. Next time I'll do it at 5.9, and soon enough I'll be getting those 3 miles down in exactly 30 minutes. . . :)

Ran 1.5 Today

2009-09-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Couldn't wait for Hubbs anymore.

I went running at 10 this morning.
(Left baby in her bed napping...I hope.)

I have forgotten how therapeutic this running thing is.

Free therapy.

My mind wouldn't shut off.

I went through everything that has been on my mind.

Hopefully left it in my dust.

Also, there is this scale that I don't want to step on.

I know what it said last time.

183 lbs

I think I will give it a few weeks before I do that to myself again.

Frustration+Anger=Running

2009-09-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Today I was FRUSTRATED.

Today I felt ANGRY.

Today I ran.

I ran for the first time in many moons.

I realized I am weak.

"I will make weak things become strong."

I can't wait.

pumped

2009-09-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today I just witnessed my husband crossing the finish line at the Top of Utah Marathon. Being around all of the energy up in Logan today really got me pumped and excited for our half marathon! I am finally up to 4 miles on the treadmill and it took me 47 minutes to finish! That is the furthest I have ever ran in my whole life! After seeing my husband run 26.2 today I almost (keyword) felt silly that I just ran 4. But, 4 is good for me. It's a stepping stone to the next mile. I am so excited that we are all in this together! Now let's just pray we all make it in!! Happy Training!!

which couch to 5k do i want?

2009-09-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

i asked mr. r to put the couch to 5k program on my ipod for me and he told me there were more than one.

here's a quick screen shot from my itunes.

which program do i want?

Introduction

2009-09-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hey All!
First of all I just wanted to say thanks SO much Lindsey for putting this invite out. Here's my story in a nutshell. . .

2.5 years ago, the day before mother's day, I had a miscarriage. I was only 7 weeks along but was still devastated as I'd planned my life around the new little baby that was supposed to be my Christmas baby. About 8 months after that I did a 6 month fertility study at the University of Utah and still, no pregnancy. A few months after that my hubby and I started fertility testing. A year later here we are, and still not pregnant. Ironically enough, we were a month away of testing (and another $700) from getting to actual TREATMENT (IUI which would have been $650/pop) but after much prayer we felt that if it was God's will we get pregnant on our own it'd happen regardless if we were going to a doctor. We have spent over $3000 on testing alone and knowing we were going to start the adoption process felt it best we save our $ for adoption (they never did find anything wrong with us--oh so aggravating, I just want answers). I'm a 5th grade teacher and my hubby's in law school so we're very poor to say the least. We'll be starting the adoption process this January.

As far as the marathon goes I"ve never run more than a 5k, but have always wanted to run a marathon. . . it's been a lifelong goal for awhile now but I've always held back for fear that'd I'd get pregnant and unknowingly harm the baby for the brief time I would be pregnant without knowing. Well, thanks to you Lindsey, I'm moving forward past the "can't train for the marathon and must put my life on hold in case by some miracle I get pregnant" mentality and movign onward and upward with my life and training for this half marathon. So THANK YOU! I look forward to "training" with all of you!

The "other" Amanda in Sandy :)

He runs with me!

2009-09-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard day for some reason.
.

I ~~tried~~ doing the podcast at home on the treadmill.
.

But for some strange reason I could only go for 13 minutes. I had completed this same podcast on Monday and it was GREAT!!
.

BIG blow to the motivation and belief in myself, that I can do this. {TEARS}
.

My head was filling with doubt. I decided that I would try it again at the outdoor track at the fitness center.
.

I was so leary at the prospect that someone-anyone would see "all" of me running.
.

Shame was taking over.

.
I started the warm-up walk with so much trepidation. I know I looked scared to everyone else on the track, but I kept moving.
.

Just before I was to do the minute run piece, I saw a man in a scooter with a knee brace and a firefighters T-shirt on. I was being shamefully judegmental and thought, "I know this man, does not think, he's exercising, come on."
.

That was wrong of me. He stopped me and asked me a question, but more importantly, as he was taking off to wherever, he said,
.
"Thanks. You're doing a good job, GOOD LUCK." and smiled.

.
I have never met this man. I put my earbud back in my ear and walked on.

.
I turned around to see him, he was gone.

I thanked God, that very moment, because I needed to hear that and he was the messenger I needed to hear it from. I needed to see him as he was doing what he could, and I realized that my Heavenly Father is asking only that of me. 5k-half marathon, it doesn't matter. I am only required to do my very best and that is good enough.
.

I continued with my training. As I ran I came across another runner. He wasn't dressed according to my preception of how a runner should dress, but he was running. He and I ran in opposite directions passing by each other 3 times.
.

Each pass something about him changed...NO LIE!! Every pass. The first he did not look my way. No hello, nothing. The second time, he just smiled. By the time he approached me the 3rd time he was giving me thumbs up and a smile that just wrapped me in a warm confidence that I was "going somewhere."

.
That is when I realized, HE was running with me.

HE was running with ME!

.
"I" could never do this alone.

.
This is one of the hardest things I have ever done. And not for reasons people think. Running.

It is hard because I have to/want to allow HIM to make me better.

.
Better wife.

Better mom.

Better friend.

Better sister.

Better neighbor.

Better daughter.

Better missionary.

.
I made it to the end of the podcast. It was hard. It was worth it. I learned a lot and I know God sends me angels of all kinds to keep me motivated and I thank HIM for them.

milestone

2009-09-16T11:42:00.001-07:00

I hit 2.0 miles today on my run! And it didn't seem hard at all. Also lost 2 more pounds! Hooray! I am really enjoying this!

confession

2009-09-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

i still haven't gotten my lazy-a off the couch ...errr, the office chair.

but i did get a new ipod (gracias a mi hermano!)

i think i might do the "couch to 5k" app that everyone is talking about.

just thought i would let you know that i am not working out at all.
in fact, i have been running TWICE since we got gavin.

i feel better now.
it's all about the honesty.

I Need New Motivation

2009-09-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies. My name is Amanda. I live in Ogden, Utah and have been running for the past 4 years. When I started running I could barely run a mile without dying! My friend and I were originally training for a 5K, which turned into a 10K, which turned into a half marathon, which turned into a marathon. So apparently I fell in love a bit. I think even more than running we fell in love with spending that much time together in the wee hours of the morning. They became our therapy sessions. We talked, and talked and talked while we ran. When we first started running my husband and I were in the midst of our infertility journey. We knew we weren't getting pregnant, but didn't know why. My friend listened patiently as I vented frequently about my struggles with infertility and all that brings, and then the pain of finding out that we will never have children. A short time later we had the opportunity presented to us to adopt privately, and we were so excited! Pretty sure the morning I told my running partner about that we skipped instead of running. A few months later that adoption opportunity fell through and my running partner was there again to listen to me and help scrape me out of bed every morning to keep me moving. About 6 months later we were chosen by another birthmother who was only 12 weeks along, and our morning runs included many discussions of the joy and excitement that I felt, as well as the fear of having another failed adoption. When our son Max joined our lives through the miracle of adoption, my running partner was one of the first people to come and see him. Running for me has become a very important part of my life. It has gotten me through some of the darkest times as well as the most incandescently happy times of my life. Here's the rub though. My running partner just moved...to Georgia...sooo I'm out a running partner. It's hard to motivate yourself to get up and run on your own. I can always think of a million excuses not to. So I need new motivation and I think this may be just what I'm looking for. The Moab half was actually the very first half marathon that I ever ran. I have run 10 half’s since that time and it is still hands down my favorite.

The thing I love about running is that any one can do it; people from all walks of life, shape, size and color. It doesn't matter. All you need is a desire, and a reason to get out of bed. Tee hee. So if any of you live in the Ogden area and want a running partner, I'm totally up for it. Or if you just need some advice or training plans, I'm good there too! I'm excited to have something new to train for again, and to have a new group of runners for support!

My Introduction

2009-09-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Christine, I live in Idaho, and I have two kiddos.

Our first daughter we adopted as a newborn almost 3.5 years ago! We felt so so blessed by the miracle of adoption after being married for over 6 years and wanting a family so bad.

Then last year we were blessed again to find out I was pregnant! Our second daughter was born in February and is almost 7 months old.

We consider both of them our miracle babies, and can't wait to see where our next miracle comes from!

Last summer I ran my 4th 5k race. By the end of the race I seriously thought I was going to pass out, and felt so sick. We found out a week later I was pregnant. :) I didn't run again until this last May, and only on and off until now.

I was inspired and motivated by this blog, all you other runners, and setting goals to really get into it again, and strive for bigger and better things!

So, I have two goals: to run a 10k next spring here in Idaho, and to lose 30 pounds by the end of this year. If I keep up with my training, maybe I'll be able to run more than a 10k! And, I've been training for a week now and have already lost 5 pounds!

Thank you, Mrs. R, and everyone else, for being that extra little push I need to do this. I really want my body back the way it was when I got married 10 years ago, and I really want to stay active and healthy as the years go on.

Keep up the good work everyone! It's fun doing this "together" :)

The toll I'm paying for all this running....It's a good thing :-)

2009-09-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Right now I am in the heart of Week 3!!of my training for the half down in Moab in March. It feels really good! But there are some things I have notice....Running takes a toll on the body and I have learned a few things that really should be considered or better yet I should have considered:

This is HARD!!!!!
Having the right shoe is a MUST.
Having the right sportsbra is even a bigger MUST.
Running with a purpose helps.
Postive comments from others are so NEEDED...seriously, this is really hard and to have people send encourging words is so wanted, appreciated and motivating. So please send them.
Have a group you can depend on and know they will push you when you need it. Not to mention, there to hold you up when you want to stop...thanks to my girls.

This has been so good for me. My body has been enjoying the new found energy. 14.5 lbs got lost somewhere. Things are getting tighter and firmer. Dave is...well ya know.... I am loving this running thing...

Lottery?

2009-09-02T21:45:00.001-07:00

So I heard there's a lottery to get in the race. . .is that right? I started running yesterday. . .did 2.5 miles on the treadmill. . .and it felt GREAT! Thanks for the inspiration Mrs. R.!

I want to be a runner, again

2009-09-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed running through various times in my life. I have ran a gazillion 5k races. My longest run was 8 miles a few years ago. Last year I was training for the Canyonlands Half Marathon and got totally freaked out. I got up to my seven mile training run and just knew that I couldn't do it. My body was heavier and my confidence was shaken. My last run was February 3rd, 2009 where I ran 3 miles in 29 minutes (yes, a long long time ago). I want to say "Yes, I will run the Canyonlands Half Marathon with you wonderful women!" but I'm a little scared to commit. I don't want to fail. Again. I know that I can start now to improve my health and my life. I have been having dreams lately that I have been naked in public (which is a little unsettling) and I figure that has to do with me being unhappy in all of my fatness. I swear I'm a cute girl but I've just not been very cute lately. Thanks, ladies, for giving me a reason to start up again. I don't know if I will for sure commit to the half yet (although I do want to run with you in adoption shorts) but I am committing to starting anew. I have had many wonderful runs in my life and know the joy running brings. I also know how hard it is to start again. I would love to run for ME and for ADOPTION so I better get going. Last year I made me a calendar to track my runs and for every month I have written "I Can Do Hard Things" (not sure exactly where that wonderful sentence entered my life) and I also have inspirational images or quotes. My current favorite is an older ad for Pearl Izumi. I hope you like it too.

IF YOU RAN WITHOUT SACRIFICE,

CONGRATULATIONS.

YOU JUST JOGGED.

Running hurts. It always has. Woolly mammoths didn't just roll over onto a plate and serve themselves up to prehistoric man with fries and a shake. They had to be caught - and running

down woolly mammoths was a bitch. Guess what? Running is still a bitch. But one with a purpose. It teaches us that good things do not come easy. It teaches us that we are capable of more than we think. It teaches us that hard work will be rewarded and laziness will be punished. Don't expect to learn those life lessons from running's shiftless stepchild, jogging. Next time you suffer on the roads or the trails, suffer proudly. It means you run like an animal.

let's make a mix tape

2009-08-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

ahh, tapes.
i kind of miss them.
i wanted to get gavin these cute jammies at target with tapes on them, but was like, "my children will have no clue what tapes are." so passed. foolish. i may go back and get them--just for vintage sake.

the reality is that unless i can find my ipod soon, i may be getting myself a walkman at DI since a new ipod is not really in the budget. gah.

until then, i will continue to work on my pre-training playlist. i am working up to 20 miles a week to prepare for the first day of training in late december.

PLEASE login and add to this list--and include your name so we know it's your song.

here are some of my running faves:
what are yours???

"Fat Bottom Girls" by The Rolling Stones (mrs. r)
"The Way I Are" by Timbaland (mrs. r)
"Boom Boom Pow" by The Black Eyed Peas (mrs. r)

My purpose is ME

2009-08-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Before, you read. I'd like to say, that I had written this on my personal family blog and Micaela asked that I bring this over to this one. I hope you all understand, but love me still.
.

I have been training for this HUGE undertaking I have agreed to and during my training sessions I have a lot of time to have a "conversation with me."
.
Many of these conversations I have found have really been with my Father in Heaven. Which has been so nice. My friends have their reason for running. Adoption. I am very happy they have their purpose. I want to share that same purpose, because, obviously, I love adoption also, but something is telling me that is not my reason/purpose.

.
I told my support group to help me make this happen, the run. One of them plainly asked, Why are YOU doing this? That really haulted me for some reason...In the past, I have been quick to say, "My friend asked." or "Adoption." While inside my heart, I was struggling to have my own reason, my own purpose.
.
So the conversation with myself continued, until today.

I have for as long as I remember has been what people call, "the good girl." I never really got in trouble or honestly never got caught doing the wrong things...I did some WRONG things, especially in my youth. I pretty much did what I was told to do. I was pushed into a lot of things I did and some I didn't want to do. I had given my power to others...I guess I didn't trust what I could do with it.
.
Why am I doing this run? Why?
.
I need to do this for me. I need to do this because I want to do it. Not because someone asked me to. Not because I am being pressured or pushed by someone else's reason or purpose. My purpose is ME. I can't run for anyone, until I run for me first.
.
So when the T-shirts come out, and my friends are with their adoption ones, I will probably be the lone one in our group who has a shirt that I will design to say I am running for Nakia Syree Armstrong.
.
I appreciate all of your support, friends. I am so grateful for the many emails and comments of encourgement. Even from complete strangers and anonymous bloggers. You have no idea how much I cherish them and keep them in my memory when I hit stages in this where I want to quit. Thank you. Please keep sending them.
.
The half marathon is a whole lot to swallow, so I am taking it in little bites. I am working on the 5K and we will see where I'm going from there. So when March gets here I hope that I am prepared to do the half marathon. Regardless, I will be in Moab running it or walking it or both. So again, please don't quit sending those words of encouragement. I read them daily to give me that little extra boost.
.
If you are so inspired, please come and run, walk or both with me. Find your purpose and use the time to talk with your God and learn more about yourself. I am.
.
Now the pictures I have chosen for this post inspire me. From the top.
.
"I know I am never alone and Chirst walks hand in hand with me, and I will gladly follow Him willingly."
.
"I have made mistakes in my life, but I have been forgiven and I am forgivable. I can no longer allow others to take advantange of my gifts. I can't not allow others to push me in directions that are not honorable. I have a purpose that I don't completely understand how it will be a blessing to my life and the lives of others, but nonetheless it is my purpose.
.
"I will be humble for blessings that will be placed upon me. Because with those blessings comes responsibility.

The two top pictures above are by artist Greg Olsen. You can see more of his amazing work at:

http://www.gregolsenart.com/

By the way, what are some of your suggestions for running songs? I am in the process of building my running playlist and am looking for some really great music to keep me moving. I already have a few, but could use some more. Thanks.

Hey from Memphis!!

2009-08-26T19:27:00.001-07:00

My name is Micaela and I am a recent 25 year old. This now means that when I sign up for my race I will not be in the 18-24 year old category. Sometimes I still wonder how I feel about that.

Today I am ok with it.

October 2007 I began training for the Country Music 1/2 Marathon in Nashville. The Lord decided to bless us with a bonus child and so those plans were quickly put on the back burner. After having my son I was not ready to start running (at all) and so I started taking a ZUMBA class. I LOVED it. I decided that the most cost effective thing to do (my husband is a student so that is how I think) is to get PAID to do ZUMBA. I got certified and now teach my class 3 days a week and sub all over the city. Have I mentioned that I LOVE IT?!

Anyway, I have wanted to finally complete the goal of the Country Music 1/2 because it has been my goal for so long. Mrs. R has given me the extra push that I needed and it is official that I am working toward it!

Anyone going to be in Nashville the end of April???

Introducing Nakia

2009-08-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

I am not a runner by any means, but I ~~inted~~ AM doing this.

I have been siking myself up for this I found this on youtube

I know we all can do this. Just get out there and GO!! even if it is just to the end of the driveway...we gotta start somewhere.

running for a miracle

2009-08-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

it all started with this post which inspired me to write the following:

in december of 2006, mr. r and i were struggling with childlessness, infertility ...and as most of us in this situation, low self-esteem.

we were in the process of being approved to adopt.
i was hopeful, but felt helpless.

i could imagine being a mother and was sure i would be, but at the same time, it seemed like too much of a miracle to be chosen by a young women who would say, "i will have this baby and i will place him in your family. i will do that for you."

even after going through it twice, it still seems like too much of a miracle.

we were visiting mr. r's family in california for christmas that year. i was in the downstairs bathroom trying to tame my hair. (i have a lot of hair.) my mother-in-law was on the computer. i could see her through a myriad of open doors. she yells to me, "do you want to run the canyonlands half marathon in march?"

"totally!" i yell back.

"great! i am registering you, me and bree right now." ...and then the butterflies hit. 13.1 miles is a long way to run. i would need to seriously train for this.

luckily, one of my dearest friends, carrie, was also training and she taught me of her distance running ways. and because she ran way faster than i did, she pushed me and pushed me.
(care, you should seriously look into a career as a personal trainer. you are incredible!)

working towards a goal that had a clear beginning and end with a certain amount to run 6 days a week was something that i needed in this time of wondering about becoming a mother. it distracted me and gave me confidence.

nicole chose us 3 days before the half marathon.

on the course, i was floating thinking of nicole. people lined the trail cheering for me ...and i wept at their encouragement, which only made them cheer for me even harder.

bless them.

as i crossed the finish line minutes ahead of the pace goal i set for myself, i had never been more proud of myself.

i did it.
i can do hard things.
(my mom's favorite of our family themes.)

in march of 2008, myra was at my house. she was laying on the love sac in my office. i was at the computer. i was reading about the top of utah half marathon and jokingly asked her if she wanted to run it with me in august. she did! we registered, she bought running shoes, i made a new running playlist and we started training the next week.

soon sensei was registered and training with us. the saturday runs were long, but the weekday runs with the stroller seemed even harder! pushing a stroller for 10 miles is hard work.

joniece chose us in april.

gavin was born a couple weeks after the race.

do you see the pattern?
every time i train for a race, we experience an incredible miracle.

it is time for another one.

join sensei, muse and i as we train and run the canyonlands half marathon in march.
all 13 miles, 192 yards and 18 inches of it.
(it's the 18 inches that kills you!)

we can wear adoption running shirts.
stop rationalizing and just say yes.
you can do hard things.

let me know if you need a beginners' training schedule. i have one already made for you. if you can run 20 miles in a week, then you are ready to start training. if you can't, get there by november and you will be oh-so ready.

on your mark...
get set...
go!