Durango 5-Mile Turkey Trot

Jonny (35:38), Melody (43:18)

I am actually writing this in 2011. After running a speedy 36 something 5-mile race in Mantua, I was curious as to how fast my last 5-miler was. I noticed I had neglected to record it. So here it is, and the time quite a bit slower than Mantua, actually! But let's understand that I had given birth to Gabe only 6 months previous to this difficult, mostly up-hill race. And as we can see from the picture of me after the race, it was quite exhausting! So I must have run a decent one. After researching the results online, I see that I came in 22 out of about 200 women, and Jonny 15th out of nearly 150. Again, not too bad for this hard winter race. It is a beautiful course and we look forward to running it this year. We'll see if I can shave a couple of minutes off of my current PR for this race...

Logan First Dam 5k

Anything you'd like to say, Jonny? Wish I could've been there. Gabe and I were visiting the new triplets in Maryland. Jonny and Julia made an early morning of driving to Logan, running this race with my family and Grandma, then driving back home.

Mike's Mad Dash 5k

Jonny pushing Julia and Gabe (20:48), Melody (23:29), Cami, friend Mike Baird

I love to run for a cause. The proceeds of this race went to the cancer center at AF Hospital. There's something powerful and inspiring about running with 250 other people, who, whether they actually like running or not, are helping to support a greater cause, rather than simply running just to run. I'm all about it.

Rudi rode her bike along the route and cheered us on. Julia was thrilled about that. ("Ru-ee and bike!") Gabe was a gem, not fussy at all even though it was his nap-time. What awesome little friends we have.

It was a beautiful day, unlike the freezing day we ran this race two years ago. Jonny and the kids came in seventh overall! (How would you like to be beat by a guy pushing two kids in a big stroller. It happens to me every time!) I came in 16th overall: first place in my division, and third place overall in women. Julia loved my medal and I was surprised to be awarded a $20 gift card to Texas Road House, a steak place we really like. But that's not all we brought home with us. Besides the long-sleeve wicking shirts, bags of awesome coupons, and fancy water bottles for beating Mike (the hospital director), my raffle number won a $25 gift card to a fancy lady's clothes store and Jonny's number was called out for another cool water bottle! Must have been our lucky day. (Sorry you didn't win anything, Cami! Maybe next year...)

As it turns out, this has been quite the award-winning summer for us. At least one of us has placed in nearly every race we've run. This race marks my third time placing first in my age group this summer. While we don't run races to win, it is invigorating to place once in a while!

Beat Beethoven 5k

Jonny (19:08), Melody (23:19), Cami, Drew, Julie, friend Allison Ludlow

When I went in to the rec. center to pick up our numbers, I was so surprised to see Allison, Todd, and Abby Mitton! We talked and talked before and after the race. I have been meaning to visit them for the past month, so I was thrilled to run into one of my favorite families. I'll have to visit their home soon because Alex and Mckay didn't wake up in time to cheer them on at the finish line. I love those Mittons. And what's more, we had triplets to talk about - Em had the babies this morning at 3:00!

As you can see, Jonny and I ran a great race. Rudi opted out of running and kindly volunteered to come anyway and watch the kids for us. Thanks, Rudi! It was pretty fun to run without the stroller, especially since I've been feeling heavy all week. I missed seeing their little faces as I ran, but they greeted me with smiles at the finish line.

There were about 250 runners, so Jonny and I had a good chance of placing at this small race. Jonny was third place overall and first in his division. I was second place overall for women and first in my division. Not bad, I say! (The girl who came in about 20 seconds before me was only 13 years old. Wow!) When the announcer called Jonny up after I had already been up there (you don't forget a last name like ours...) he said we were "A Running Family." I'll take it.

So, we all "beat Beethoven" by crossing the line before the last note of his Fifth Symphony (a little over 32 min.) Great job, everyone. It's really quite fun to run the last stretch with the beautiful classical music blaring. See you next year, Beethoven.

I'll never do this again?

Last Friday night I drove up to Logan to meet up with Cortnie and Grandma Julia to run the Top of Utah (TOU) Half Marathon. Cortnie and I both decided just two weeks previous that we would indeed run this race. I had been running 3 miles every day or two and luckily I was in some shape. However, I have never had to learn to pace myself. I started running 6 miles and learned not to run my hardest and to start out slowly. I ran a 10 miler the Saturday before the race and knew I was in a bit over my head.

We woke up early Saturday morning and headed to the finishline where buses were shuttling folks up to the start near the hydro-electric plant up Blacksmith Fork Canyon. This race was really well organized, however, with over 2200 runners, it did take a little longer than anticipated to start the race.

My game plan was to start slow, and then taper off. Well, actually, it was to start slow and then try for a negative split. But when the race started I soon fo

und that riding the downhill slope with the wind behind me encouraged a quick pace. I was flying down the canyon and felt pretty darn good. The only thing I really had to judge the race on was the 5Ks that I run during the summers. As the mile markers kept coming I kept trying to put in perspective how much longer I had to run. “Let’s see I’m just over 3 miles into this, can I run what I just did 3 more times? Yeah, I think so. Ok, now I’m 4 miles into it, can I do that 2 more times? No, I better slow down.” Etc.

Matt, Dad, and Jack came up to support and they were there cheering I think around the 8 mile marker. Jack gave me a high-five and I busted it. After mile 8 I really started to hurt. My legs were solid, my back was tight, and I tried to loosen up. I kept pushing it, though, because I have never been able to take it easy in a race. I don’t even know how to take it easy in training. Anyway, Miles 1 – 7 were down out of the canyon and quite easy, miles 8-11 were fairly flat to downhill and meandered through nice, quiet neighborhoods. Mile 12 was uphill… ouch. Cortnie said she enjoyed the change, but man, I wanted to walk. I even thought, “I will never do this again. It hurts this bad and this is an easy route?”

The last mile+ was a gentle downhill to the finish. I started my “kick” a little early, but was able to hold on. I was quite surprised and excited to see the clock at 1:29:56 as I crossed. Knowing it was an easy course, my goal was 1:45. The chip time was actually a bit slower at 1:30:27, but hey that is still sub 7min miles and I am stoked.

Cortnie flew in, in the 1:40s and Grandma beat her goal of 3hrs. Grandma also won her age group of 70+ and received the trophy to huge applause. I won a Gerber tool in the raffle and made back my entry fee. Grandma & I hit up Macey’s for a nice twist icecream cone to get back some calories J

I met the Coopers from Durango up there. It was very nice to catch up a bit with them. I cannot believe how awesome they are. Jim, Chris, Jen, Hubby, & Shannon all ran, and they all + Shaun will be running the St. George Marathon. They rock.

My soreness has worn off for the most part and I’m back into running those quick little 5Ks and am ready to beat Beethoven here in a week. I did enjoy running a little bit further and may incorporate a 6 miler in my weekly training.

Thanks Grandma, for inviting me to run in my 2^nd half, and 1^st in 10 years. It was a blast, and it was fun hanging out before and after the race. Despite my doubts, I think I will run another half next summer, hopefully with the lovely Melody.

Alpine Days 5k

Jonny (20:04), Melody pushing Julia and Gabe (26:36), Mom, Cami, Drew, Julie, Rudi

We had to wake Julia up to make it in time for this 7 am race. This time we didn't tell her about it the night before, as last race day she woke up at 4:30 in anticipation! But when we woke her and told her we were heading to a race, she was thrilled. Ha.

It was actually a chilly morning and we were all anxious to get running so we could warm up. Jonny ran an excellent race, coming in second in his division. The kids and I made it under 27 minutes, my goal, so I was happy. But I was feeling quite heavy and slow during the race. There seemed to be more uphill than I remember. (Or perhaps a double stroller makes the previously unnoticed incline seem much more apparent?!) Gabe was awake and happy through the entire event. Julia, on the other hand, fussed a mile into the race. (We later found out she has another UTI, so she must have been uncomfortable during the race. Poor girl.)

It was an early start to a big day for Drew and Julie. After the race we threw a shower for Julie and Mom's then they all went to the temple for Julie in the afternoon. Only one more week until their big day!

Mom was second place in her division, I believe. And Rudi placed third in our age division! (And I was fourth, behind her, out of 26 girls.) She left for work before she could receive her trophy so Julia and Jonny delivered it to her at Great Harvest.

Later this week: Julia has been carrying around Jonny's trophy and talking about the race for days. She always mentions how they took one to Rudi at work. She recounts, "Race, he he he (heavy breathing!). Ru-ee, work!(as she holds up the trophy)" Hilarious.

Pioneer Day Classic 5k

Jonny pushing Julia and Gabe (21:46), Melody (24:07), Grandma, Mom, Cami, Drew, Julie, friends Mike Baird and Troy Wilde

I believe this is our first time running two races within one week. We did okay! Well, actually we both ran quite well. Jonny pushed both kids for his first time and still came in THIRD in his division. And I was really surprised when I saw the clock at the finish line and I was making it under 25 minutes! (That is my usual goal, but as this was my first solo post-Gabe run, I had set a goal for under 27.) I was even more surprised when Dad called me from the awards ceremony with news that I had won first place in my division. Not bad, out of 26 20-24 year olds! Mom won third in her division, and Grandma was first in hers. (As usual! She is generally the only 78-year-old at the race. Incredible.) Although Drew was running bandit, he came in just a few seconds before Jonny and the kids. So Jonny rightfully handed over his third place medal to Drew. Way to go, Chino. Don't worry, Julia still has my medal to play with. Oh, and Cami ran an awesome race as well, cutting off 4 mintues from Saturday's time. Click here to link the full results.

Mike and Troy, two of Jonny's buddies from work, decided to run this one last minute. Way to represent, MarketSplash.

This race was a festive way to start Utah's holiday. Beginning and ending at Timpview High School, it was uphill most of the race. I didn't notice it too much, maybe because I wasn't pushing the kids! Jonny said the gradual incline and hill were not so fun. But Gabe was an angel again and slept the entire race. (After a week of fussy running. Wow.) Julia was SO excited for this race. (I guess last week's Logan race made a big impression on her.) She had been talking about it all day Thursday. She woke up at 4:30 this morning, perhaps in anticipation?! She loves to recall who was there and what she ate and how she went really fast. She's a funny girl.

I guess Gabe isn't too thrilled about getting these pictures taken. Actually, Jonny and Julia don't look too excited either!

"This is the Race" Hyde Park 5k

Jonny (20:25), Melody pushing Julia and Gabe (29:18), Grandma, Clark, Brenda, Jacob, Mom, Cami, Drew, Julie

We stayed overnight in Logan to run this race early in the morning. It's not easy to get two kids up, fed, and ready to cross the starting line at 7 am! Grandma was sweet to go early and get us all registered.

Weeks ago when I mentioned to Grandma that we'd like to run this race, she warned me about "the hill." I wasn't too worried - I run a couple hills with these kids every day. Oops, or "Boops," as Julia says. It was QUITE a hill that lasted nearly a mile and grew steeper toward the top. I shuffled along as I pushed my two heavy kids (Julia: 28 lbs, Gabe: 14 lbs!) and was grateful for the Rocky music playing at the top. (Naturally, I did a Rocky cheer when we finally reached it.) Phew! The hill took everyone by surprise, except the locals. I was happy to see that despite the hill, we three made it under 30 minutes. Next 5k we hope to shave a few minutes off of that time. We'll see...

Jonny ran another great 5k. The hill didn't slow him down too much and he came in first in his division and fourth overall. Good work, Honey! Grandma was first in her division, and Mom third in hers. Also a notable fact, this was Cami's first 5k race. She did awesome and we're thrilled to have her as "part of our elite racing club," as Grandma put it.

They gave out so many prizes after the race. No, none of us won the treadmill, but both Jonny and I won other prizes! His number was called for a free Ipod and mine for $50 to the local aquatic center. Ha! (Any who visit Logan are free to use the pool gift certificate, which Grandma has on her mantle. It is so hot this summer, I wish we could've taken a dip while we were there.)

Oh, and thanks for Dad for riding his bike to the top of the hill and cheering us on. Julia thought that was very exciting.

One more excellent thing about this race: Gabe slept the entire run. I was so relieved. Sometimes he has a hard time falling asleep for the first mile or so and he fusses. No tears during this run! Great job on your first 5k run, my little man.

PG Strawberry Days 5k

Jonny (19:40), Melody walking with Gabe, Grandma, Mom, Drew, Julie, Rudi. Met up with friends Kevin & Talyn Wong, Marianne McAllister & Dad

I thought Jonny was speedy in the Eagle Mountain race, but today he shaved 10 seconds of that record time! Pretty fast for a sleepy father of two.

Dad and Julia hung out while Gabe and I strolled this one. (Yes, a replay of this race with Julia just two years ago!) Gabe was a little fussy and I was pretty bored with walking after the first mile and a half. So we called it good, hid my number, and turned around! That way, we were able to cheer on our family and friends at the finish line. Walking three miles when you are yearning to run can be quite a downer. I even jogged down the first hill - just to feel the sensation for a few minutes. Can't wait to be full-on running soon. I ordered a double jogging stroller online this week. It's been 5 weeks since Gabe's birth and I am feeling ready to run again. We'll see how the two kids like it?!

Rudi, Julie, and the Wongs were newcomers to this, one of our favorite races. It's so fun to have a big group of friends to race with. I was so glad Grandma ran this traditional race. We've loved spending so much time with her this past week. I really miss Grandpa at times like this. In the past we'd visit with him after this and other races. But no doubt he is still cheering amazing Grandma on as she runs. Love you, Grandpa.

Come on, Gabe, races aren't that bad.

P.S. While quite simple, the t-shirt is much improved compared to past years. Gabe's turtle outfit is still more awesome, though.