It was too much for a status on FB so I thought... why not use my blog?! I really should be blogging more often, and maybe this move to Cedar is the perfect excuse.
For those who don't know and those who care or not, this summer and sporadically since last fall I have slowly been getting into running. I really started getting into it when Nate got me a pair of running shoes for Mother's day. My initial goal was to be able to run a 5 k w/o stopping. When I completed that goal I made a goal at the end of july to be able to do 4.5 mile w/o stopping. I actually completed my goal! (unlike juicing, but I don't want to go into that right now).
I stopped running at the end of July because with moving I felt I had too much on my plate. But as school has started for Nate and we get a bit more settled each day I feel the desire and need to start again. So after a 4 week hiatus I started on Monday and have been going strong! I realized that while I didn't think of it much in the last 4 weeks I really have missed it.
My first run Monday kicked my butt! Not only have I given myself too long of a break but I cannot believe the difference elevation makes. The elevation in Murray, UT is 4350 feet. The elevation of Cedar City, UT is 5834 feet. That is a difference of 1484 feet. Big difference it turns out! On top o the elevation difference I'm now battling hills - whether they be dramatic and short or the gradual, unrelenting increase, I didn't have too much of that in Murray. The 3 issues have made running hard, and I can't lie~ I really wish I could just pick up where I left off so I can start a new goal instead of repeat my last one.
Yesterday as I was running and passing the south side of the school I noticed people on the track. I've been wanting to time my mile for a while now so I thought I would give it a try. (We won't talk about my mile time... but to be fair I had just run a mile+ with a chunk of that being up hill.)
And as Nate and I were having our pillow talk last night I talked to him about my running and such. I realized that if I ran on the track everyday I wouldn't have to fight hills and elevation at the same time. Today I gave it a try and I really liked it. Sure, it's not as scenic as some of the streets and neighborhoods, but I really like seeing how far I need to go till I hit that next mile mark. It's going to help a lot. When I feel like I've kicked elevation's butt I will challenge myself with the hills.
Usually when I run it's first thing in the morning before the kids are out of bed and before Nate's left for work. Today I just wasn't ready to get out of bed. I didn't want to. BUT In preparation for our move up here Nate and I bought a couple second hand road bikes so he could ride to school and I could have another exercise outlet for days I didn't feel like running. We also purchased a bike trailer/jogging stroller for the kids so riding can be a family activity. This is my first time having a jogging stroller and I love it! So back to not wanting to get out of bed... The upside was that if I didn't want to I wasn't missing my opportunity. I could take the kids! So after Nate left for work I packed the kids up, walked to the track and let them run around while I did my run. It was fantastic!!!!
It wasn't a perfect, uninterrupted mom time run, but it was still exercise and it was a lot of fun to involve the kids. Not only did they get to run around w/out being restricted a ton, but they got involved in the exercise too. Bud ran almost a full half mile without stopping. I can't believe it. He's not even 4! He only stopped towards the end. I think this will be good for our family. Champ toddled around a bit and I walked a lap carrying him and when it became apparent that he needed closer supervision because he'd discovered the groundsman's John Deer lawn truck I stuck him in the stroller and ran with him. I love having a double stroller!
I'm going to like it here a lot. I love knowing that I can have my exercise to myself or involve my kids on days that I don't want to wake up early enough for that. I love living right next to the track so if I do have my kids with me I can keep a close eye on them while I exercise. I just need to remember not to put Champ in colors that blend in with the grass. Must remember: BRIGHT colors = easy to see children.
I also love having a bike (first bike in 15+ years!). For days I don't feel like running I can switch it up and ride!
My next running goals are to be able to run a 10k then a half. Eventually I want to do a tri-sprint with my sister... and now that I have a bike I can actually train for one!
