December Runs

I had a bad chest cold so I took awhile off.  It was a mistake.  I have really suffered from that.  I feel like I am starting from square one again.  I finally got off my butt and drug myself out the door today.  I was glad.  It was a nice day to run.  About 35 degrees.  Saw my friend "The Hawk" in his usual perch high up in the cottonwood tree near the alfalfa fields north of Enoch.  Seeing him made the day.  Took it easy and felt OK at the end of the 3 miles.

wpjammdta

Recovery

Well....I had the knee surgery on October 22.  It was a successful surgery and my knee felt better immediately.  I was back to work in two weeks.  I started running again that same day November 8th...slowly but surely.  I had missed nearly 6 weeks of running just because it hurt too much to run and my knee would "lock up" and I was unable to straighten it without causing more pain.

Today I ran my favorite Enoch 5K route.  It was the first time since I got back in the saddle that I felt good the whole way!  I finished in 32 minutes.  Cardio is coming back and the soreness is abating!  My weight stayed pretty good considering I really didn't do much while waiting for the surgery.  Right now I am at 213.  My goal is to get under 200 by April.  (That's when I have to pass the department PT test and we have our assessment for the Apple Wellness Program the city makes us do each year!)  I don't ever want to be back up around the 250 mark which is where I started in March of 2008 when I began running.

Cedar Canyon Half Marathon

Wow...what a day.  I ran the first ever Cedar Canyon Half Marathon.  The route started at Woods Ranch and went down Hwy 14 to the Main Street Park.  It was fun but hard.  I was still sore from the Red Rock Relay the weekend before and was only able to run one day this week.  I felt great the first 8 miles then got hit with a case of "the trots."  I had to run hastily up a few side canyons to relieve the cramps but I was able to finish.  I made it in 2:08:00 which I felt was good considering the intestinal problems. Today I am real sore.  The mostly downhill route took it's toll on my knees and back.  I am glad it's over but already look forward to another race soon.  I'm going to have my left knee scoped soon so I will be out of commission for a few weeks after. 

Red Rock Relay

Well...it's only been a few months since I posted here.  I am truly embarrassed.  In my last post, I mentioned I was training for two events, both in September.  Well...the first one is in the books! 


RED ROCK RELAY
I ran with a ream called the Fit, the Fat and the Elderly.  We completed the 2nd annual Red Rock Relay.  It was a 186 mile race that went from Brian Head to Zion National Park.  We finished 97 out of 179 teams.  Not bad for a bunch of housewives, and couch potatoes!

What a riot we had!  It was honestly one of the most physically, emotionally and mentally challenging things I have ever done in my life.  I ran a total of 22 miles in three different legs over a 24 hour period.  No sleep, hardly any food and not nearly enough water.  Wow... 

Next up...this weekend I will run the first Cedar Mountain Half Marathon.

I haven't been very diligent in keeping up my BLOG.  I am training for two events now, both in September.  The first is the Cedar Canyon Half Marathon and the second is the Red Rock Relay.  (See their link at..... http://www.redrockrelay.com)  I have been putting in some good, quality runs and I feel great.  It's been very warm so I am especially thankful I am on a shift at work that allows me the time to run in the early morning.

Early Morning Run

Got out early this morning.  Had some training at 8:00 so I headed out before the sun was up.  Ran a six mile loop (Enoch 10K Route.)  It was nice and cool.  The sun was just coming up as I was finishing.  I felt awesome.  The ankle is feeling much better.  I still have the dull pain in my left "glute" but it doesn't hurt while I run....just after.  Looking forward to this shift change so I can do more early morning runs...love 'em!

A Break in the Rain

There was a little break in the rain today.  Just enough to let me sneak in a run between work  at 13:00 and a mandatory training at 14:00.  Went a little over 4 miles and felt great.  Right after I finished, it started raining again...almost like it was waiting for me to finish!  I thought it was cool.  Getting ready for the RAGNAR (RedRockRelay) in September and the Cedar Canyon Half Marathon two weeks after that. Gotta have these goals or I don't have the motivation to keep going.

Windy Run

Ran today despite the wind.  I felt pretty good for not running as much in the past few weeks as I liked.  Went about 5 miles but took an hour to do it.  It was rough but worth it.  I let a co-worker talk me into participating on a team for a RAGNAR 24 hour race in September.  It is called the RED ROCK RELAY.  182 miles from Brian Head Ski Resort to Santa Clara Utah, near Saint George.  Nervous but looking forward to it at the same time.

It's been awhile

I've had a rough few months.  Injured and unable to run without severe pain.  Busy with life, kids, church and work responsibilities.  I am now committed to train for a pikermi in Sept.  I think the lay-off helped with my injury recovery.  Building up mileage now.  Yesterday, I ran a 5 mile route in the early morning then off to Saint George for one of my girl's soccer games.  Ran smack dab in the middle of the bicycle portion of the Saint George Ironman race.  It was fascinating to see 1000s of devoted athletes "putting it all out there."  I admire those athletes.  Committed to keeping the BLOG updated and track my progress.

I'm Back

I haven't had the energy to get on and post the last little bit.  Graveyard shift has sucked the life out of me and the only thing I want to do is sleep.  I finished my last Graveyard shift last night.  I have 4 months before I rotate back to that dreaded shift!!!

I was also injured...still am...but I am feeling much better.  In place of running, I rode my mountain bike for the past week.  I really enjoyed that but still missed running.  Today was the first day I have ran since my last post on March 15.

About the "injury."  I don't really know what I did.    The muscle in my left "glute" started hurting.  I tried running through the pain and it just made matters worse.  So much so, that I was running awkwardly and I knew that wasn't good.    Stretching seemed to help a little, but I felt like it wasn't getting better.

Bike riding used a different set of muscles, so I didn't notice the pain too bad.  When I ran today, I took a long time stretching and warming up.  I started off feeling good, but by the end of the run, it was hurting badly again.  As I limped home, I noticed my left hip felt like it was popping in and out of joint.  I am calling the Chiropractor as I type.  Hope he can get me adjusted so I don't hurt when I run.

Any ideas on why the pain in my "glute?"

The Snow Is Melting II

The snow started melting...again!  Went for a run in town today.  Didn't feel so good today.  Didn't eat great last night on graves, then tried to run this afternoon about 13:00.  Just felt weak and had no energy.  Struggled for the 3.2 mile out and back loop.  Hope tomorrow will be better after  a good night's sleep and good meals.

Temporary Warm Up

It warmed up today and melted most of the snow. Had a great run out in Enoch.  Actually broke into hard sweat today...it was soooo warm.  But...the forecasters are calling for more snow tomorrow and Sunday.  Oh well...we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Gonna break out the mountain bike Monday, dust it off and start riding again.  Hoping like heck that the "cross training"  will help me avoid being so sore when I run.  Will keep you posted on my progress.

More Snow!

It snowed hard the past two days.  I ran in the snow yesterday and got really cold and wet, even though I was dressed for the weather.  The trail wasn't clear so I was pushing about 7 inches of snow.  Today, I ran on my treadmill.  I didn't want to risk getting a cold.  It's supposed to warm back up towards the end of the week so I hope the forecast is correct.

Good run...for a monday!

Went into town today for a run.  Ran the Coal Creek Trail.  Still sore in the left buttocks!  Don't know if I pulled a muscle or what?  Took Saturday and Sunday off.  Seemed to help a little but still very tender.  A trip to the Chiropractor may be in order.

A Little Sore

I ran sprints on Thursday and took yesterday off to travel for meetings in Salt Lake City.  Today when I went out, I was so sore.  Don't know if it was from the sprints or being stuck in the car for 7 hours yesterday!  At any rate, I made it my 3 miles but it was a struggle the whole time. 

The Snow Is Melting!

Finally...a nice, warm, spring-like day!  I worked "graveyard shift" last night, but it was my Friday so I got up about 11:00 AM.  When I went outside to check the weather, it was sooooo nice, sunny and warm.  I couldn't wait to lace my shoes up and get outside. I had a great run too.  Managed a 4.5 mile run on the "trail system" around Enoch.  Still too muddy out on the dirt roads but this "new loop" I started recently is good too.  Starts from my house with a steady uphill grade of about a mile.  A flat section is next for a little bit then I am rewarded with a downhill grade of about .5 miles.  Another steady uphill to a flat section and then another downhill.  The last mile is a steady grade, uphill back to my house.  Not too bad but enough to keep my heart pumping.  I sure enjoy my running hours.  It gives me the time to sort things out and really ponder life.  It makes me appreciate where I live too.  I love this little community of Enoch, Utah.

Glad to be home!

Yesterday I managed about 2.5 miles before I got sick to my stomach...again.  I know it was because I ate too much rich food and too much of it!  Today, I finally managed a decent run.  It was a little over 4 miles and I felt pretty good at the end.  A true testament of  "you are what you eat!"  I'm back to work and my regular eating, sleeping, running, schedule so I know things will look up from here. Glad to be home from Sin City.

Back from training

I had the had to attend some training in Las Vegas the last few days.  The only  running I got in was on a treadmill in the hotel fitness center.  (I didn't dare run outside.)  First day was 3.5 miles in under 30 minutes.  Yesterday I didn't feel real great (too much rich food I'm sure) and only managed 2 miles before I hung it up.  Didn't run today because I was still sick to my stomach.  I'm home now, so I hope I will feel better tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

Rough Day

I worked all night thursday night and part of the day friday.  No time after family stuff to run on friday, plus...I was going on zero sleep!!!  so I didn't get a run in yesterday.  Worked all night last night and was really ready for bed this morning.  Slept until noon thirty today and felt like crap when I woke up. 

Finally about three, I made myself get dressed for a run.  It had snowed a bunch last night but had mostly cleared off the streets.  My usual route was too muddy on the dirt road portions, so I modified it to stay on paved roads.  I was sure glad I made myself get out!  I had a good run, about 4 miles.  Felt good after the first mile and enjoyed the rest of the run.  Sunny and cool but not too bad.  My hands and ears got cold.  Shoulda planned a little better but glad I went even when I didn't feel like it.

Weight Loss Thoughts

I thought I would share my weight loss experience here so others who may read this can see it can happen.
In 2008 I was working as a Detective for our local Police Department.  I was actually supervising three other Detectives and a Crime Scene Tech.  I had been working a "desk job" since about 1997.  My weight had ballooned to 250lbs and I was having trouble sleeping, suffered from chronic heartburn and couldn't walk more than a few blocks without huffing and puffing.  I am only 5'9" so I was severely "short for my weight."  I was a wrestler in High School and had always prided myself for keeping myself physically fit.  I was very embarrassed by my appearance.

During this time, I had one of my friends from my High School who died at an early age.  We also had to pass a physical test for work.  This was a one and a half mile run, push-ups, sit-ups and a vertical jump.  I passed, but it nearly killed me.

In March, 2008, one of our secretaries suggested we do an office "Biggest Loser" program, modeled after the successful television program.  Several of us pitched in a few bucks into a pot as an incentive.  We agreed that this would go for 6 weeks and the winner would get the money.

When I started, I couldn't walk without pain and shortness of breath.  But I was determined this time.  I had made many attempts but they were all failures.  I started by walking every morning for at least 30 minutes.  I also changed my eating habits, giving up fast food every day and trying  to replace candy bars with fruit and vegetables.  I also gave up soda pop (up to six 20 ounce bottles of Mountain Dew daily.!)  Portion control was the key for me.  I always ate way more than I needed and I loved deep fried food.

After the first few weeks, I had already seen a difference and started losing weight. I was also able to begin running.  I set a goal to run in a 5K in June at the Utah Summer Games.  I did that, although it took me 35 minutes.  I was proud of myself though, because prior to this, I hated running.

At the end of the six weeks, I was the winner and had lost 25 pounds.  We decided to continue the pool for another six weeks.  At the end of that six weeks, I had lost another 25 pounds for a total of 50 pounds!  I won again!!!  I reached 195 pounds, the first time I had been under 200 in many, many years.

Since then, I have competed in and finished two half marathons, countless 10Ks and many, many 5Ks.  I feel so much better and I sleep better, no longer have heartburn and have so much more energy.  I recently went to my grandfather's funeral.  One of my cousins, whom I hadn't seen in some time, told me I looked many years younger than my 49 years.  I turn 50 in March and I intend to keep up my work out regimen.

This has been a total lifestyle change for me.  Never in my life did I think I would enjoy running.  Now it is my passion.  I am always looking forward to the next race.  I have had some set-backs.  I hurt my right ankle badly at work back in June and was unable to run for about 3 months.  I took up swimming and riding my mountain bike instead.   I gained a little weight back but I still weigh about 200 pounds and I am keeping it off!  

To you doubters...don't give up. You can do it.  Find something that works for you and do it.  And if it  doesn't work the first time, keep trying.

It's Warming Up!!!

The last two days have been so warm!  I know it's just spring teasing us.  I realize I am in the mountains and we will have snow and cold weather for at least another month...but....my tulips are breaking through along with my crocuses (spelling?)  The last two days have also been good running days.  Shorts and t-shirt weather...I think I even feel a little sun burned today.  I love living here and enjoy the beauty of my surroundings.  Running here makes me appreciate it  more.

Whatta Day!

Man what a beautiful day it was for a run today!  It was warm and sunny.  I didn't even wear a long sleeve shirt today.  I ran my 6.5 mile "Enoch Farm Loop."  Out in the Lebaron Subdivision, I saw two bald eagles perched in a cottonwood tree...What a sight!  At the end of my run, I heard geese honking and saw a huge flock of Canadian Geese flying north....a sure sign that spring is right around the corner!  I love where I live!  I would never see these things if I lived anywhere else! What a beautiful area to live and play!

Sunny Day

It was such a beautiful, warm sunny day today.  I ran from my office in Cedar City, east on the Coal Creek Trail System.  It was warm, the sun was shining and there were many people out using the trail.  It was nearly a 4 mile out and back route.  I love these Southern Utah, early spring days.  It seems like spring will tease us for a while, then it will get cold again...but I can see the warm light at the end of the tunnel..  I am so looking forward to Spring and Summer.  It has been a long cold winter and I have really noticed it more since I work out in it a lot more.

FOGGY RUN

I have been pretty good this week.  Monday I had to take my car in for service.  I ran from the maintenance shed east, up the canyon, and back to my office, about a 4.5 mile run.  It was almost spring-like today.  I even ran in shorts and a t-shirt!!  My car needed more work than I expected, so I borrowed one of the fleet vehicles and went home.  

Yesterday (Tuesday) I went back into town and ran the Coal Creek Trail.  It was cooler this day and I was glad I brought along my wind-breaker.  I didn't notice the breeze on the way out, but it was very cool on the way back.  This was a 3.2 mile out and back run.  It began snowing later in the day.  Didn't amount to much, but it was cold.

Today (Wednesday) when I got up, it was cold and foggy.  I really thought twice about going out and had almost decided to stay inside on the treadmill.  I decided to brave it anyway and  I ran my 5 mile "Enoch Farms Loop."  The frost covered trees were beautiful.  The sun started coming out just as I was finishing and made the frost sparkle.  I was so thankful I went and it really wasn't all that cold.  In fact, I took my beanie hat off before I was a mile out.

Not many miles this week.

This week sucked.  I had meetings in Saint George that I couldn't get away from.  Up early and home very late.  Hopefully Monday will be my "catch up day."  I don't have much going on this week to stop it so....wish me luck!  I am so crabby when I don't get to run.  Weird huh?

Amazing Run!

Today I decided change things up a little.  The weather is warming up a little and I am bored with my little loops around Enoch so I decided to run the Coal Creek Trail in town (Cedar City, UT).

I love this little trail because it follows the route of it's name sake, Coal Creek.  There is something so peaceful about running alongside the creek and hearing the water gurggling next to me.  Right now it's mostly ice, but it's melting and beautiful.  The trail I took begins at the Bicentennial Softball/Soccer complex in town and runs east, up into the mouth of Cedar Canyon.  You get a really good look at the red rocks of Southern Utah.

I also enjoy seeing other people who use the  trail.  Dogs are welcome and there are places along the way with "accessories" to clean up after them.  I especially enjoy seeing families taking walks along the trail.  In the Summer, it is really beautiful and there's lots of shade as you get closer to the top of the trail if you need to cool down. 

There are also benches along the way to sit and relax, visit or rest.  I think the total mileage out and back are about 6 miles but I might be over estimating.  Anyway...it was a nice, relaxing beautiful run today and I made it in under an hour!

Graveyard Shift

Working graveyard shift wrecks my workout schedule.  When I was running during the summer, it was too hot to run when I got up and family stuff got in the way during the evenings.   I found myself just taking my running stuff and sneaking in runs here and there when I could.  It worked out.  I started back on "graves" Saturday night.  Being winter, It is nice in the afternoons and so far hasn't been too bad (of course I'm only two days in.)    My run today was absolutely beautiful.  It was warm enough, I didn't have to bundle up.  I ran in shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt.  A little muddy and gooey on the dirt road portions of the road, but that will dry up soon.  Felt great although I feel a lot slower than I did before I hurt my ankle in June.  It still hurts every day when I finish, whether it's a short run or long. Ibruprofen is my friend.  I don't know what changed as far as speed but it's something I will have to work on.  Went 4.8 miles.  Saw my friend "the hawk" sitting in the same old cottonwood tree.  She must hunt successfully from there.  Makes it worth every minute of pounding my old knees and ankles take!

Cold Weather Run

Today was a great run.  Ran my 5K route, pushing myself for a better time.  It was cold and wet.  The snow was beginning to melt but there was no sunshine and I got wet splashing through puddles.  It was a good run.  I felt great and made it in 25:00 or so.  Polar Plunge at noon tomorrow, fund raiser for Special Olympics.  Not sure if I will run tomorrow before plunging.

Good run this morning.  A little over 5 miles.  Cold, clear and sunny!  It's amazing how much enjoyment I can get from the beauty of my surroundings.  I run these same routes day after day but see something unique each time.  This morning a really big hawk or falcon was sitting in a tree.  As I ran by, the bird flew off towards the north.  It was just a beautiful sight.  I enjoy these runs through the farm lands because of the absence of traffic.  I see an occasional farm or ranch truck, but that's it.  I finish on a gradual up-hill grade east on Midvalley Road that can be busy but I stay on the city trails and feel safer.

Back from Logan

We got back from the funeral in Logan, Utah yesterday.  It was a long trip home.  Seemed like it took forever.
Got up this morning committed to a run.  The sun was shining brightly, it was cold and there was lots of ice from the storm that fell while we were away.  I had a nice run.  I took it easy since I hadn't run since Thursday of last week.  I felt good.  My back is feeling good and I had no problems.  The run was my 5K route which I really enjoy. 

Haven't ran since my last post.  Too many distractions and commitments.   The funeral of my grandfather in Logan was the last one.  Monday, I am back "on the wagon" and will start back with a vengance.  Just to throw another wrench in the works, I switch to the graveyard shift next week.  I will be running after I wake up.  During the summer I would run immediately after work but it is too dark, cold and icy in the winter at 06:00.  Wish me luck.  I am now training for a 10K at the Snow Canyon "Spectrum 10K."

First run since tweaking my back.  It had been a full seven days.  It was a beautiful day to run.  It had snowed a little last night but the sun was shining brightly.  It was cold and the wind was blowing....but...I had a brand new pair of shoes to break in!  The run was shorter than what I like, about a 5k.  I felt better than I expected but my back is a still a little sore.  I will take it easy and ease back into the longer runs.  My grandfather passed away and the funeral is Saturday.  I was supposed to run a race in Saint George that day but I know I need to be with my family.  There will be other races.  I arranged with a friend to pick up my packet...after all...I'm all about the T-Shirts!

Hurt my back moving my treadmill from the family room downstairs, to an empty bedroom upstairs.  Ended up going to the "quacka-a-practor" yesterday.  Feel a little better day.  Don't have to work until Monday so I hope another day or two of rest does the trick.  I'm signed up for a 5-K in Saint George next Saturday.  I was really looking forward to that race since I haven't raced since the Utah Summer Games in June.  Rolled my ankle badly at work chasing a bad guy the week after the games and it took me this long to rehab.

Another nice run under my belt.  6 miles in just under an hour.  I am working the swing shift so it's tough to get up and run before work.  Today is one of my three days off so I waited until my wife went to work to go.  (I don't get to spend much time with them on this shift) so  I left at about 11:00 am.  It was cold and snowing lightly.  So far the weather has not been an issue.  I just bundle up in layers.  I found that I can't over dress or I get over heated quickly.  I found that if I start out a little cool, then by the end of the run, I am perfect.

I run a route that covers quite a few dirt roads.  I found out that my feet stay warm, no matter what the conditions are.  I found these "Smart Wool" running socks at Ace Hardware.  They keep my feet warm in winter and cool in summer.  They are expensive, about $15.00 a pair but worth it.  I have yet to replace a pair because they have worn out.

I wear Asics 2140 shoes.  I am on my second pair now.  I have just ordered my third pair.  I got a $50.00 gift coupon through Sports Authority on-line.  This is the first pair of shoes I have ordered on-line.  I should be OK because they are the same shoes I have already been using.

If I had some advice for new runners, it would be to go to a place where they can evaluate  your "gait."  I did this at the Saint George Running Center in Utah.  They were a great help in choosing the right shoes for me.  They took the time, let me try on and actually run in different shoes before deciding on a pair I was comfortable in....and...it didn't cost me a penny more.  They were actually very reasonably priced.  I would recommend Saint George Running Center to any one as a "one stop" shopping place for all your running needs.

In Salt Lake today. Had to come for some meetings and to see my grandfather who's health is failing. Went for a good run this morning. a AT 08:00, temperature was somewhere near 15 degrees. I went about 5 miles. When I got done, I had frost all over my beanie! Beautiful time of the morning to run though.

Went for a good run this morning. It was cool, down in the 20's, but it didn't take me long to warm up. I had a companion most of the way. A boarder collie/blue healer mix dog joined me about a mile into the run. Still don't know who she belonged to. She followed me the entire 6 miles, then looked me as I walked into my driveway as if to say..."see ya tomorrow!"

I felt good and kept a good pace. My good stop watch/heart rate monitor died on me so I don't know for sure, but I finished the six miles in under an hour by my watch. Felt good at the end...now it's off to work catching bad guys!

I just wanted to start this blog as a way to unite other "heavy runners." I began running in 2008. At the time I weighed 250lbs. Over the next year, I made it down to 195. I now hover between 200 and 215. (The holidays were rough on me.) I am planning to use this blog to track my progress as I struggle to keep the weight off and put mileage on my shoes.

Along the way, I will document my feelings, failures and successes. I will post my race times and just hope to connect with other runners who are in the "heavy runner" category. Honesty...when I run I feel like a cow among gazelles! Wish me luck!