Category: Running

RSD #1,779 The streak is not a burden

The motivation to run is different for everyone and the motivation to run every day is also unique to the runner. I started for very different reasons than why I continue now. I started as a way to become consistent with my training and originally intended to do a 66 day run challenge. I enjoyed it and just kept going.

Now I run for many reasons. My biggest motivation is how good I feel. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. I am proud of my ability to push myself and maintain a healthy lifestyle. My 30 minute runs give me my time to listen to the books I want to listen too and just be in my own head with my own thoughts. I get grounded and centered which has served me well this last year in particular.

I also run because I know it is such a privilege and I do not take it for granted. I have so many friends and family members who just physically are not able to run. That’s why when people ask if I ever get tired or want a day off I am honest and say some days I am more tired than others, however, I just take it slow and listen to my body. Learning to do something when you are tired takes discipline and it is in the discipline where growth occurs.

So no, having a run streak is not a burden. I run because I want to and it fills me with the fuel I need to keep improving in all areas of my life.

Run happy!

RSD #1,777 & #1,778 Lucky 7’s

The day 1,777 has to be a lucky day, right? Turns out it was really an average day. Early run to start out the Monday work week. Still feeling heavy and like I am never going to recover from the bachelorette, wedding, and vacation binges.

Today was a little better and I will take any improvement right now. The days are warming up and allergy season has hit hard this year. Morning temperatures are in the upper 50’s and still feel amazing!

Run happy!

RSD #1,776 Trail run/hike & Rattlesnake encounter

Sundays are great for the soul in so many ways. It’s great to have a day just to recover and not be in a rush. Today I slept in and decided it was too beautiful out for just a regular three mile run.

I threw on the trail running shoes and headed to South Mountain and went on the Pyramid Peak trail. The first mile is pretty easy terrain and then you hit the mountain trail. Here is where my pace takes a big hit and it wasn’t long until I was hiking up the hill.

Luckily there was a hiker in front of me on the hill to point out the rattlesnake just off the path!! He passed and then snake continued up the mountain toward the path. I was frozen as the little head peaked over about to enter the trail heading my direction. I was looking for my escape path up the mountain when the snake veered left and decided to go back down the hill. Another hiker coming down the hill thought it was cool, said not to worry it wasn’t rattling, took out his phone and started snapping pictures.

No pictures necessary for me as I quickly passed and continued on my journey. The rest of the trip up and down the mountain was uneventful and that was just file for me.

Total round trip was four miles and it was a beautiful morning.

Run happy!

RSD #1,770 & #1,771 Home runs

Fitting title for the week of the season opener for the Diamondbacks!

We returned home from our hiking adventure yesterday. I did a late run as the temps have soared here in Phoenix. It was about 85 degrees when I went for a run at 8:00pm.

Felt good to sleep in my our bed and I did wake up a little soar. Nice light run this morning in beautiful 65 degree weather. It is supposed to be in the upper 90’s this afternoon.

I reflected yesterday on how grateful I am for this run streak. I know the day will come that it will end and I want to enjoy each day to the fullest.

Off to another incredible day. Run happy!!

RSD #1,769 Emerald Pools on Easter

One definition of Zion is: (in Christian thought) the heavenly city or kingdom of heaven. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day in this little slice of heaven. It was an early morning to get to the shuttle and it was a very brisk 45 degrees to start the day.

We started the day with a loop to Upper Emerald Pool then down to Lower Emerald. The water falls and streams surrounded by the red cliffs was stunning. The highlight of Emerald was Garrett stripping down to his boxers and wading into the water!

We looped back to the Zion Lodge and then hopped the shuttle to the last stop where we walked along the Virgin River as far as we could go. It ended at where The Narrows hike begins. This hike was closed because the river was flowing too fast with all the snow melting.

The last stop was Weeping Rock waterfall which was very busy with tourists because it is such a short distance to the lookout.

We will definitely be back to Zion and learned a lot to help us plan for next time. Including purchasing passes for Angel’s Landing. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try that hike after looking at all the pictures. Now I think I do.

When we got back to our room I headed out for a run while the boys ran to the store and grilled up some hamburgers. We relaxed the rest of the evening and it was an wonderful day!

Run happy!

RSD #1,768 Zion hike then run

We left Bryce Canyon this morning and ventured over to Zion where we found the Taylor Creek trailhead. This is an amazing trail that meanders back and forth across the creek. Garrett did the entire hike in either his flip flops or bare foot.

The map at the trailhead said it was a 2.5 mile hike to the Double Arches. My Garmin put us closer to three miles. The last quarter mile was in a mushy snow. The weather was perfect. I am not sure what the temperature was when we started but as we warmed up and traversed upward the temperature dropped. We didn’t get cold and truly enjoyed the magnificent scenery all around.

On the way down it was around 2:30 in the afternoon and warmed up so we all decided to take our shoes and socks off for the last quarter mile. The cool water in the creek felt so good! The snow is melting and the clear water was refreshing!

Once done with the hike we pulled out the grill and made brats. Perfect way to end the day!

Made it to our hotel and rested for a bit before heading out for a three mile run. Lots of hills so super slow. My body is feeling the wear from the trails. No complaints…enjoying every minute.

Run happy!

RSD #1,767 Bryce Canyon

Day one of the hiking starting with a 17 degree run. A little colder and the higher elevation made for a slow roll. Ran with my middle son, Garrett, who made the adventure fun. After about a mile he decided to try to do a snow angel off the side of the road. Snow angle fail! The snow was too hard but he tried and we had fun. We warmed up and the brisk air was exilarating!

Run happy!

RSD #1,764 Unpredictable weather still

Today I was surprised when I went out the front door and faced a much cooler breeze than I expected. I ran into the wind most of the way out which meant the wind at my back on the way home. It also meant cooler starting out.

The interesting thing was my pace did pick up today. I really don’t like the cold so probably was faster just to get out of the wind. The average pace today was 10:09 so still a long way to go to get back to my race pace.

Run happy!

RSD #1,760-1,763 My best friend’s wedding

The wedding weekend took a toll on the daily blog and writing.

Friday started with a run then sprint the rest of the day. Picked up my youngest from the airport at 8:30am. So happy he is home after being working out of town for a month and a half. Then work, Chamber luncheon on I10 widening, then to set up and attend the rehearsal dinner.

Saturday was an early start to transform her backyard into her dream wedding experience. Didn’t get to break away and run until the middle of the day. Then rushed back for makeup and hair. All three of my boys were the valets for the event. The entire evening was so beautiful and many memories were formed.

Sunday came quick and the run is getting slower! Still the most amazing spring weather so thoroughly enjoying the sun and morning run. Then off to the wedding brunch where we got to enjoy the family in from out of town a little longer and clean up a little. After brunch was a few hours at home to catch up on the usual weekend laundry and chores until we had a small birthday dinner for Cullen.

And today is Monday so back to business. Today the run was slow again and I can feel my body recovering from a little too much celebratory drinking. Time to get back into routine and back to work until I leave on Thursday for Zion. So excited and counting down the days!

Run happy!