a day to ride

Some days I just need to get out of the apartment and go for an invigorating bike ride on the trails. Camera bag in tow, of course. Man, I was panting a little harder than I should have been, but I loved it! Nothing better than verbally encouraging your legs(aloud I may say) to push you up the hill.

Landscaper/Runner

1. I've been employed by my family to do some work. Part of that is landscaping. And that is not an easy job... On the side of my parent's house was this massive hill. I believe it was back filled so it's just a bunch of rock and clay which makes it a work out when digging in it! My mom wanted more function for that space so... we began cutting into it, creating paths and areas for a small garden. It's a work and progress but it's getting there! There's definitely a sense of satisfaction when it's your own sweat going into the project.

 Below is what is left. There were "steps" originally but I began to dig out the top planter box and dumped all the dirt on the side, making it, once again, a hill. I'll post more when I finish :)

2. This past weekend, I ran in a Ragnar race. What is Ragnar you say? It's a relay race, with a team of 12 runners running a combined distance of about 200 miles. Let me give you one piece of advice:

TRAIN.

That was my biggest downfall when I got to my last leg. I tanked big time. It didn't help that I was wearing black, thick spandex pants, nor that I ran in the sun the entire 7.95 miles, nor that it was a NO VAN SUPPORT leg, nor that the Ragnar team even provided water stations until the last mile... No, No, No. 

It. Was. Brutal.

I was a bit stumbly when I came in for the hand-off, but so, so relieved that it was over. My hip and right foot were in pain but I didn't care at that point. I just wanted to sit down in the shade. And I did.

OTHER THAN THAT, it was a great experience. Our van had the most milage out of the 2 vans for our team. We also had the most inconvenient times to run! Which, in my opinion, I'd rather have it that way if I'm going to do a race of this caliber. And what I mean by the most inconvenient times, I mean the hot, afternoon times and the middle of the night times (you know, the times no one typically goes out and runs in anyway). 

The midnight runs were a little sketch for some people. Getting hit on, or creepers following you... I luckily had no such thing happen to me. And I felt fairly safe since I could always see the little blinky lights from the runners ahead of me. 

Cool story. One of our girls was driving the van to go to the next exchange in the middle of the night and she started to turn the car around. We asked what was up and she said it looked like there was a lost runner. We found her and that girl was definitely lost! You could tell she was so grateful that we stopped to get her and help her get back on the right track. The thing is, none of us in the van would have even noticed. I like to say it was the Holy Ghost guiding her to that runner who, I'm sure, was praying she could find her way back.

"Worst Pace Scenario" Van 2

Representing! There were a ton of teams who played off of the wine scheme since we WERE in wine country...

The medals were huge. And I liked it.

I conked out big time when I got home. My body is still sore and my foot still tender, but it kinda feels good to know I pushed my body to the max ;) ha. Thanks, E for sponsoring me!

I'm an athlete. Period.

Good news. I got my butt out of the house to go running yesterday! And, today, I did it again. Yay! I'm hoping this will be more consistent. And yes, it is only day 2 but if I talk about how great and awesome and easy it is, maybe I'll keep doing it. Bad news. I still eat all the carbs, chocolates, and ice cream I indulged myself with prior to running.

Our soccer team, Tuff-E-Nuff, has lost the past 2 games which can be a little bit of a downer, however I am getting better. A lot better if you compare it to my first game I played. And plus, it's fun to socialize with fellow teammates. If you haven't caught on, Max and I have a limited amount of "friends" we see (or lack thereof), so ACTUALLY seeing everyone on Wednesday nights is refreshing.

Lastly, karate is getting better. I'm remembering more and more every class. Aiming for June to test. Will it happen? There's a chance it won't, but there's also a chance it will. I keep telling myself that it's happening this year whether it's at the beginning, middle, or end. IT'S HAPPENING. Earning my black belt has been on my list of "to-do's" for years. Y E A R S.

Happy exercising!

Karate workout last night left my knees shaking.

Short 1, both sides
Long 1
Short 2, both sides
Long 2
Short 3, both sides
Long 3
Long 4.... the longest kata ever, especially when it's the last one you do after 6 other katas...

No breaks. Straight through. Bam, Bam, Bam.
This post means nothing to you unless you know Kenpo Karate, which is only a little handful of you..
Just had to put it out there.

I didn't run yesterday, but I did today.

YESTERDAY

I went to the Temple yesterday. A much needed visit. The best was when I was in the celestial room by myself. It was so peaceful, I didn't want to leave.

A TON of new kids for art class. New session just started and classes are full to the brim at Gold Ridge. We are actually going to get a third class started! I still love my job.

Karate class was just great. Learning more and more every week which means I'm getting closer and closer to my black belt!

TODAY

Slow day. I don't even get to teach art class today since it's "vacation day" for Silva Valley Elementary. Luckily, my mom had some "business" for me to take care of for her..

And yes, according to the title of this post, I ran today. Not yesterday like I planned. 3 miles. Not a bad start (at least I keep telling myself that). And I didn't run it comfortably. WAKE UP CALL. I fear that after I run this marathon, I'll feel like I HAVE to run another one to make up for how terrible my training is going. I was hoping this would be my first and last marathon. I'm not one for the grueling weekend runs alone.

TOMORROW

Art Class.

Karate Class.

Run another 3 miler. I better run.

Today is the day.

I'm going to start running again.
I had that same plan...exact plan, yesterday.
The results? Nada.

But today is the day.

Remember, I can only do 3 miles max. Perhaps not even that with my foot condition.

If it's so short, why could I not just get out and do it yesterday... Less than 2 months until the marathon. I decided it wouldn't be fair of me to place a time goal on it seeing I lost an entire month worth of training. And we all know what can happen in a month...more like the "what we don't do and what we do eat" scenario. As in, little exercise, and a lot of snacking, drinking shakes, and being a little bit lazy.

But no. Today is the day. 2 months exactly. December 5th, 2010. Goal: just cross the finish line. I can do this! I-know-it,-I-know-it!-And-if-I-keep-telling-myself-that,-I'll-probably-start-believing-it-and-my-body-will-miraculously-get-strong-again-and-I-won't-kick-myself-in-the-rear-for-going-through-this-torture-and-all-will-be-well! phew...

dragging my feet

I've gone a couple weeks without running. And that translated into me indulging in sleeping in and doing nothing. There were dust particles on my Garmin watch, people! Getting out this morning just to do a 3 miler was sort of...difficult. Imagine if I wasn't committed to the CIM race...I'd probably never go out and run. Well, maybe I would. The point is, I'm craving some motivation!

I be soccer woman

Well, I'm training to be a super star soccer player.

My coach? Max D. Getz. And he LOVES it. I can tell in the way he gives me pointers, sets up little drills we can do, and the praise he gives when I do something right, ha. Not to mention, he finally has hooked me into the sport itself. In fact, we went out and got me cleats, socks, and shin guards... "the works." We are even going as far as putting me in the soccer league with his team.

I really think its the new cleats that are getting me in the "yeah, lets go play soccer" mood. Before... well, lets just say that whenever he would ask if I wanted to go play soccer, I'd reply "nope." Maybe its because I had no real goal. I didn't need to perfect my "skills," I wasn't on a team, and I'd never really shown an interest in the sport my entire life.

Looking the part definitely helps. It will be a fun couples activity for us. Max loves when I'm involved in things he likes to do. Soccer being one of them.

We watched Ashlyn play her soccer game today. SO CUTE. The little 5 year-old girls run in a clump around the ball, the goalies always drop to their knees and clasp the ball while turning and waiting for screams from the parents cheering them on, and those girlies on defense? Oh they just chat away and practice high-fives until the ball comes towards their end of the field. Max and I couldn't help but think how fun it will be to watch our own kiddos play sports (I add music and art, of course!).

Hopefully I'll post some sweet pictures of us in our practically matching get-up... that is if I can discipline myself enough to bring the camera and actually take a snapshot. ;)

I HATE IT

Last night was sparring in Karate Class. I cannot begin to tell you how much I hate sparring. (Ok, well, I sorta am beginning to tell you)... I seriously try to avoid it at all costs and it has made me (a brown belt) like a white belt fighter. I kid you not, I am elementary in sparring when I should be advanced.

I truly cringe inside at the announcement from my dad:

"EVERY TUESDAY/THURSDAY BRING YOUR SPARRING GEAR. WE'RE SPARRING!"

 In the past, I've tried being late, or forgetting my gear. Somehow he always has a spare set laying around and somehow I'm never late enough... Oh the agony.

You know what else I hate about sparring? That I'm a cry baby. Ever since I first put on those sparring gloves, I have been a crier because I got hit hard (I have pictures to prove it if my memory doesn't do it for you). Like last night, I got hit in the face and my reaction is to burst out the water works. Max got hit too and he ended up with a bloody nose! The difference is he actually likes sparring and it's probably his favorite part of class.

And look at Josh Costa from the demonstration we did a couple weekends ago. He got hit in the face with a stick, cracked his glasses, and he didn't even flinch. Blood is dripping down his face and not one tear. AMAZING. But no, not me, I cry if I get whacked in the face with a padded glove.

I can't help it either. It's like a reflex.

Hit Ashley=Cry Reflex.

I know I'm fine. But this instant reaction to cry just sucks. Which leads me to my other point. I hate it when the opponent starts feeling bad because he sees my eyes glistening with tears and my eyes getting red. The worst is when they try to be all sympathetic and ask "Are you alright? Are you ok?" YES, I'M OK! Stop asking. It only makes it worse when people try to do that. It's a freaking reflex; I can't help it. Just forget it ever happened.

I hate sparring. It's almost enough to make me quit...thats how much I hate it.

Official

Well, its true. I am now registered for the CIM in December. 26.2 miles. And I'm scared. I waited the last second to register before the price went up $20...otherwise I wouldn't have done it. 


So, it's official. No refunds. No looking back. It will be something to cross off my list. 


I worry about putting a time goal in case my body doesn't feel just right on race day or I'm just much slower in general. My goal (kind of generic and usually my goal for any race) is just to finish. No pressure. No need to worry or get anxious over it.  Just finish.


I'm excited. It will motivate me to keep up with my runs and keep me healthy during the holidays! And I love my Garmin watch. It saves me from quitting. :)

Karate, Running

The only two things I'm really working on at this point. I ran about 9 miles total Saturday night. I was surprised at how "in shape" I really am. And I felt good. It only got hard towards the end because I knew I was closing in on the finish and mentally...you just sorta give in at that point. I should probably work on that since word on the block is the second half of a marathon is all mental and its more than just a "second half" its like 4 times as hard. Great.

Karate. I've probably started Black Belt Prep a dozen times and have never really gotten far either due to moving back to school or down right laziness. Well, the projected test date is set for December. Man, I'd be the happiest girl in the world if I ran my marathon AND earned my black belt all before celebrating my 1 year anniversary with Max and Christmas. I kid you not, I'd be in Heaven with those 3 accomplishments under my belt.

The karate demonstration went fantastic! Karate is the only type of performing that does not make me nervous or want to throw up. I'd hope so since I've been doing it my whole life. If you have a Facebook, go to this link here. And if you don't, go here. Many, many years of preparation, teaching, and practicing went into this organization and being a recipient of all that hard work is a blessing.

On top of everything, I'm getting a bit of a sore throat. My body is aching and I slept in pretty late this morning, missing the chance to get in an early morning run to beat the heat. I'm hoping my body can get it together so that I won't have to skip out on any runs or karate classes..I hate falling behind.

Must Read!

My brother, Brent, tells his story of running the Utah Valley Marathon...

On Saturday June 12, 2010 I ran the Utah Valley Marathon in Provo Utah.  The race starts in Wallsburg UT at 6000 feet. It winds through Provo 

canyon and ends at the Provo Town Center Mall at 4500 feet. My sisters Erin and Kara also ran the marathon. Their husbands Marcus and Tyson 

and my mother ran the half.  

On marathon day, we arrived at Provo Town Center at 3:45AM to board the bus. My sisters chatted with their friends while I dozed during the 

ride to the top - I hadn’t slept much in the previous three days. We disembarked in the 46 degree pre-dawn morning and were greeted by a 

light rain. At times it threatened to turn into a downpour. I wore a black garbage bag until 60 seconds before the start. The rain would continue 

to fall intermittently through the race. 

The race started at 5:44AM. I ran with the 3:10 pace group. It took us 14 minutes and 10 seconds to cover the first two miles. By that time I had 

jettisoned my long sleeve shirt, hat, arm warmers, gloves and had nothing left to throw overboard. I was breathing hard, my pace felt labored. I 

knew I was in trouble.  

At mile 6 we started a two mile long hill that rises along the side of Deer Creek Reservoir. We averaged 7:22 up the hill. As we reached the top I 

was gasping for breath. I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to hang with the pace group. I switched to plan B and started running a lot 

faster.  

As the incline gave way to the first major descent, I let the hill carry me as fast as gravity would pull. I looked at my watch to see I was running 

6:18. At some point I hit 5:35. I pulled way ahead of the pace group. When the slope rose, I conserved energy, when it fell I ran as fast as I 

could. I crossed the half-marathon line at 1:33:57. By mile 17 I was averaging 7:07. The bottom of the canyon drew near. The scenery was 

beautiful. The wind picked up and blew at my back. I clocked my fastest mile at 6:46.   

At mile 18 I began to pay the price for plan B. Every 8-10 strides my calf muscles fired of their own accord, threatening to lock up. I slowed to 

7:22. The course flattened out and I slowed to 7:39. I was again struggling to breathe. Now the suffering began in earnest. At mile 19 I took a 

mental inventory - I was hurting, I had to maintain my pace to make a 3:15 qualification time for Boston, and I still had an hour to go. I felt close 

to panic.  

At mile 21 the 3:10 pace group caught me. I was on the side of the road trying to stretch my calfs that had gone from protesting to rioting. The 

group leader made every effort to keep me with the group. I ran 7:22 for half a mile, but fell behind.  

I entered a whole new reality at mile 22.5. 

This would be the defining period of the marathon. When I ran at an 8:30 pace, the pain was horrible. When I ran 8:15, black curtains 

progressively closed on my vision. I tried to run faster to see if I could push through it. The lights went out and I staggered diagonally across the 

road. For the last 4.5 miles I averaged 8:20 – right on the edge of loosing consciousness.   

I couldn’t hold my head up. It rolled back on my neck. I thought I might fall over backwards. When I tried to pull it forward, the lights went out. 

Once again I stumbled across the road.   

At mile 25, I came to the 75 foot hill where the road bridges over a railroad track. I slowed to an 11 minute pace fighting to get over the top. I 

could see the finish. I had a mile to go. If I could do it in 9 minutes and 30 seconds I would qualify for the Boston Marathon. I wasn’t sure I could 

do it in 15. 

I ran with every last ounce of energy – right to the razors edge of passing out. I had music playing – I couldn’t hear it. Spectators were waving 

and cheering – I didn’t even register that they were there. I crossed the finish line with 3:14:59.6 on the race clock. Marcus and my mom caught 

me at the finish. I could barely walk. Marcus had been gripped in anxiety as he measured my slow progress against the 3:15 Boston qualification 

time. He was elated that I had just qualified by 0.4 seconds. It turns out that Boston gives a 59 second cushion. Between the qualification time 

of 3:15:59 and my chip time of 3:14:51. I had 68 seconds to spare.  

I was a wreck in the finish area – barely able to stand. I collapsed on a cot in the medical tent. The doctors were worried about my hydration. I 

was worried about my Boston qualifier race shirt. Marcus picked it up for me. He helped me put it on and I immediately felt much better.  

= ) 

Isn't he a great writer? Something to look forward to in December! Or maybe not... :)

Congratulations, Runners!

June 12th was a big day for thousands of runners. My family in particular. My mom, and two brother-in-laws ran the half marathon. My brother, and two sisters ran the full marathon!

(All the while, Max and I babysat Kama-lama and had a ball with that sweet-natured baby girl.)

I would like to congratulate these runners on such an

 accomplishment! 

For one, this was my mom's first half-marathon and she did great! I'm proud of her for completing the race with high spirits! 

For two, Brent qualified for Boston! Waiting to see him come up over the bridge made me so anxious. I wanted him to make it so bad because he worked so hard, and after that last "marathon," he deserved to do well. I asked Max to check his watch every minute when we thought there was only 5 minutes left for him to make it past the Finish Line in order to qualify. Time came and went and no Brent. So, we patiently waited to cheer him on to the finish when all of the sudden we see the 3:10 pacer!!! (And if you don't know, Brent needed a 3:15:59 in order to qualify for Boston). There was hope. I got excited. Max got excited. It was not over yet!!! We waited and waited, checking the clock often. Time went by so slow as we watched runner after runner go by. Where's B? Then, from a distance we see him running down the road! Max started running along on the sidewalk cheering him on and taking photos (what a multi-tasker!). I had Kamryn in the Baby-Bjorn, but do not doubt that I ran over to a different part of the course to continue cheering him on. He made it with just about 1 minute to go. PHEW!

For three, this was Kara's first marathon! She was great and finished strong. As she came down from the bridge, she caught a glimpse of Max, Kama-lama and me. Max said Kamryn's hands went crazy when she saw her Mama running towards us! Kara was thrilled to see us, especially her baby girl so happy to see her.

When all was done, there was a mix of problems experienced by the family runners, ranging from bloody blisters, raging bowels, dehydration, shivering, tears, aching body parts, and sheer exhaustion. DESPITE all of these, I had a sense of "I could run a marathon; it's totally do-able." I was not phased or scared by the "side-effects" of running a marathon (or a half-marathon at that). I've ran a couple half-marathons before, but it's time to do the marathon. I've always talked about it, but now I'm going to make it happen. The best part? I'm getting a SWEET watch to motivate me and keep me on track. After the analysis of "The Watch", presented by Brent, I was sold. I have to have one! Look HERE.

And now that I've publicly announced that I'm GOING to run a marathon, it's necessary that I do what I say I'll do. Which marathon? The California International Marathon in December.