R.I.P. Rosario!

Rosario Iglesias started running at 80 years old and held 5 world records! She passed away Saturday at the age of 98. I am not allowed any more excuses when it comes to running! This lady is an inspiration!

For the full story click on this link: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/01/news/LT-Mexico-Obit-Iglesias.php

Marathon Training Week 16!

Saturday was our 16 mile run and we decided to mix it up a bit and run up and down Emigration Canyon. I loved the idea because the scenery up there is breathtaking and the run always ends with a awesome breakfast at Ruth's Diner. The only two issues I had were:

1) The first 61/2 miles would be up hill (AAAGGGG!); and

2) My IT band has not fully recovered and I risk re-injuring it with to much up and downhill running at this stage.

The morning was super cold, about 18 degrees when we got there. I heard the weather man say it would be 40 degrees, so I dressed for 40 degrees! Thank goodness I had my 80's legwarmers on! It was FREEZING!!!!

We started up the canyon and it really took forever to warm up. Once in the groove it was tough, but I felt pretty good, that is until about mile 5.5. The uphill running and slant of the road was causing some discomfort in my knee. I continued to mile 6.5 and turned around and headed down the hill. The funnest thing to do is run downhill, but it is the worst thing for your knees. I ran another mile and my knee was really hurting. I tried to walk it off, but I started to get really cold when I wasn't running. I got to about 10 miles and called it quits. I called another runner in our group who was only running 8 miles that day to drive up and pick me up (thanks Jen!)

I still rewarded myself with a great breakfast for running 6.5 miles uphill and 3.5 downhill! I will stick to flat courses for awhile until my IT band heals!

This Is The Greatest Thing I Have Ever Seen!!!

More 1/2 Marathon Photos!

The Start!

I was so happy to see the finish line!!

Me crossing the finish line! My actual time was 2:20:58. The timer above my head shows the time when the gun went off. It took me about 15 minutes to just get to the start line after the gun went off!

Whoo Hoo! Bling!

Marathon Training- Week 15

Well recovering from my first half marathon went better than expected. I was ready and motivated to get back to my normal training. I went to physical therapy for my knee on Wednesday and everything went well, so I started upping my weekly mileage again.

It's funny, since I finished the 1/2, the 10 mile run we did on Saturday felt easy (I think a big part of that was my knee was feeling better). We are doing a 16 mile run at Emigration Canyon next week (the first 6 miles is up hill). Let's see how I feel after that!

This Photo Says It All!

My 1st 1/2 Marathon!!!

On January 18th 35,000 runners were in Phoenix, AZ to run in the 6th Annual Rock & Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon and I was one of them! I ran my first 1/2 Marathon and what a blast I had! I was worried about my knee holding up, but with a little warming up and a lot of praying, I ran 13 miles fairly pain free!

This was the start from where I was. I couldn't see where the people stopped and there were thousands of people in front of me!

This photo was taken a few miles into the race.

You can't have a Rock & Roll Marathon without the King (or two)!

There were over 40 cheer squads along the course to keep us motivated!

The crowd support was GREAT! I loved this guy's sign! Notice the band rocking out in the background. There was a live band every mile! I didn't even bother taking my ipod.

My goal was to finish in 2:30. I finished in 2:20.58! I was so happy!

This is the awesome bling I got! this thing is 1/4 thick!

I am hooked! I pray I stay healthy enough to do this again next year! Next up, the Salt Lake City Marathon!