Running, Running as Fast as I Can

So, in 9 days I will be running my second half marathon, with Blakers. If you clicked on the link you'll notice that it's called the Moonlight Half Marathon. It's just down the road in Mapleton, Utah and I'm getting really nervous. This time around my training hasn't been as effective. I think it's because running is so hard in the heat. And, my knees have been aching a lot when I run. I thought it was because my shoes were worn down and old, so I got some new running shoes. I tried them out yesterday but my knees still hurt, but maybe it takes some time. If not, then I have a fabulous new pair of running shoes anyway. 

These are them: Mizuno Wave Precision 11

Aren't they cute? My least favorite part is the neon green spider web looking parts on the teal, but I still think they're great. The other great thing is that I originally bought them for $93 at 26.2 here in Provo, UT, but then they were too small. So I did some research online and found that I could get the same exact ones for cheaper. Long story short, the final price paid for the shoes was $63. So, if you know what kind of shoes you need, check out Running Center and look for a good deal.

So, the cool thing about this half marathon is that it's at night! The goal is to cross the finish line as close to midnight as you can, which means that everyone starts at different times, depending on how fast you think you'll finish. Anyway, that's what I've been up to. Running, school, and work. Come cheer me on next Friday. And enjoy this cute picture of Buddy Bo that I got from my fabulous sister-in-law today:

I knew it'd make you smile =) Have a great summer day!

The Best Halloween Ever

When I was a senior in high school I decided to run cross country to stay in shape for soccer. I've never LOVED running, but I do LOVE the feeling that I get after I do run. My sister, Ie Li, was never a runner, but has recently taken it up in the last few years. And my sister, Ie Mei, trained for and completed her first triathlon. How cool are my sisters?! So, I would say that they've been a great inspiration to me and because of their examples, I decided that I wanted to set a similar goal and accomplish it. So, this summer when I was in Virginia, I researched some half-marathons in Utah and found one that gave me sufficient time for training. 

I remember I was supposed to start training on August 9. Why do I remember that? Because that was the day I got my wisdom teeth pulled. I wasn't feeling that bad and even attempted to go, but then my mom scolded me and said that if my body was trying to heal from running that my mouth wouldn't heal. So, because I decided to take my mom's advice and rest that week, I was already a week behind. 

I started training in September in Provo, but hesitated to sign up for the race because I wasn't sure I could really do it. I decided that if I made it through my 8-mile run, I'd sign up. So one Saturday, I woke up and ran 8 miles. When I got home, I signed up for the Halloween Half-Marathon. 

Well, this past weekend, I completed my first half-marathon. I'm not sure I have the words to really express how amazing it was. Friday night I filled up on pasta and was in bed by 10:30. Saturday morning I was up at 5:50 and put on all my running gear and made my way to University Mall to catch the bus up to Aspen Grove. I talked with a girl my age and her two twin cousins that were running. The two cousins were 13. I was so impressed with them. I can't even imagine running 4 miles at that age. 

It was pretty chilly up at the start, but they had a heated tent to keep us warm. We all lined up at the start and then the gun shot went off. I thought to myself, "this is it, i'm really doing this." I put my headphones in and started my run with my awesome "run, girl" playlist and clutched my hand warmers tight as I started my way down the hill. 

It was perfect weather for running and the scenery was beautiful. Most of the time we ran along the Provo River with beautiful autumn trees covering us. I was grateful for the water stations along the way. I think most of all I was grateful for people along the route cheering everyone on. Even though we didn't know each other, it gave me the happiest feeling and kept my legs moving. I am grateful for the little kids who gave me high-fives. It's amazing what the slap of the hand can do when you're running. 

I remember when I passed the Mile 7 sign. I wasn't sure if that meant that I was beginning my seventh mile or I had just finished the seventh mile, so somehow I just decided that it meant that I was starting my seventh mile. I got to Mile 12 thinking I had two more miles to go and was then pleasantly surprised when I got to Mile 13 and realized that I could easily sprint to the end. 

So, with the finish line in sight, I kicked up my legs and crossed the finish line. It was the most amazing feeling. But even greater than the feeling of completing the race, was that of seeing my wonderful friends at the finish line. I'm not sure why, but as soon as I saw them, I started crying. Happy tears, of course. I'm so grateful for wonderful friends who support me in what I do. Thank you, Kylie, Cassie, Jordan, Ben, and Britton. You're the best!

(I was interviewed for and quoted in the Monday, November 1, 2010, edition of the Daily Universe)

My final time was around 2:04 and it was a great day. I was prepared for the race, but definitely not prepared for the soreness after. I'm pretty sure I walked like a grandma for the two days following, but it was all worth it. And a little shoutout to my mom. Thank you for all the lessons you've taught me my whole life, especially:

If there's a will, there's a way.

You can do anything you set your mind to. 

They're true. 

Virginia is for Lovers: Day Nine

HOT and STICKY. Those are about the only words to describe Wednesday. I believe the high was 101 degrees. That combined with the Virginia humidity did not make for the best weather. Luckily we were able to cool off at the pool early in the morning and then stay in the air conditioned house the rest of the day.

Jonathan and I hit the outlets that night and found some good finds at the nike store and the GAP. We came home and decided to go on a little run. Thank goodness it had cooled down to a whopping 88 degrees by 10:30 PM or else we might have sweat a lot or something.