Color Run

Yesterday was a super busy day with football season starting for three of the boys, but we managed to squeeze in a colorful and fun 5k before the madness began!  Our family has participated in the Color Run several times, and we've loved it every time. Only Will, Brigham and I were able to participate in yesterday's fun race. Here are some highlights...

Race for the Cure

This year we had over 25 family members participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Run in downtown Salt Lake City. We gathered together to remember Debbie Dickson, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mom, a friend and my cousin. Debbie was freed from cancer last year and lives in Heaven with her mom and many other relatives who love her. We miss her very much but realize she is in a far better place.

The night before I made pink tu-tu's for Angie, Bubbles and myself to wear. A BIG thanks to Greg for helping me finish them off!!

Scott wore one of the extra tu-tu's on his head and had several people stop him to take his picture! AWESOME!!!

Here we are near the end where several cheerleaders high-fived us as we ran past. Scott, Tyler and I ran the entire race, which was awesome. Afterwards, we walked back to finish the race again with our other cousins who walked it.

There were thousands and thousands of people there to show respect, love and support for this great cause! I felt honored to be a part of it.

Color Run

Last weekend we headed to Arizona to visit lots of fun friends and different places we enjoyed while we lived there. We also ran in the 5K Color Run. Will and I were suppose to run it but he woke up with a fever and decided to stay in bed. Jackson took his place but Tyler and Gavin joined us for the adventure. It was raining the entire time. Sometimes it was pouring, sometimes it was sprinkling. All the time we were having a blast! 

 Tyler and I ran together the entire time, and he was a great running partner. Gavin started far ahead of us but then fell a little behind and finished running with Jackson. 

 We were totally covered in different colors, it was awesome!!!

 After the run, there were tons of booths with free samples. There was also live music and dancing. Everyone was still full of energy and excitement. 

Before we made the drive back to the hotel, Scott had searched when the next Color Run would be. It's coming to Salt Lake City in September 2013! And we're all doing it! It's a very fun, family friendly activity.

Last Cross Country Meet

Will was on the cross country team at Evergreen Jr High and had a great, short, season. Every morning he'd wake up super early and go running. They would either run 1.5 miles or 2 miles. Here he is at his last meet of the season. He improved every time and did fantastic! At every meet they run 1.5 miles. His best time was at his last meet. 12:41!!!

Great job Will!!

"Born to Run"

A few of my friends and I headed down to Orem to take this running class that teaches you different techniques. (My cousin went there and I already wrote about her experience here) The class was great and we had a fun time.

Here are the main points I learned:

• Stride length does not mean speed. Light, soft, quick. (relax!)
• Run with your chest lifted just a bit, being proud.
• Thumbs up hands relaxed and don't let your elbows go in front of your waist. No twisting.
• Run barefoot, that is almost a perfect form. Try to incorporate that style with shoes on.
• Time yourself. In 20 seconds your right foot should take 30 steps. Go to Motiontracks.com and download your music to be 180 beats and run to that.

 

The next morning I started "Born to Run". WOWZA!! The first part of the book is great, the middle goes off on a few tangents, but then the end is awesome. My running class talked about the same things as the book. But the book gave more examples and was so helpful.

Here are the main parts of the book that jumped out to me:

(pg. 203)

• Tie a rope around your waist while someone holds on and you take off, then he let's go. That helps your chest stay lifted (pride posture)
• Keep your feet under your body, your hips driving straight ahead, and your heels out of the picture.
• Everyone is built for running. (We run when we're excited. We run towards something. We run when were afraid. We run away from things.)
• Should you cut some weight before you run...? No your diet will change all by yourself after you run.

(pg. 204)

• Watch kids at a playground running around. Their feet land right underneath and they push back. perfect form.
• 180 beats in a minute (30 steps in 20 seconds)
• Easy, light, smooth.

(pg. 207)

• Train your body to burn fat instead of sugar. The longer your limited sugar tank is going to last.
• The way to activate your fat-burning furnace is by staying below your aerobic threshold-your hard breathing point.
• Occasionally breath with your mouth closed.

(pg. 208)

• The faster you can run comfortably the less energy you'll need.
• Speed means less time on your feet.
• Get strong while getting lean.

(pg.210-211)

• Salad for breakfast. (I know it sounds totally weird! BUT, it seems spot-on as you learn why!!)
• If you get leafy greens in your body first thing in the morning (it fills you up but you can still run right after. It also has a lot of water to help hydrate your body) you'll lose a lot of weight.
• Back straight (pride), knees bent and driving forward.

 

I injured my knee a few weeks ago and could hardly walk, seriously so painful. It was right when I started in to this running thing. I wanted to start running, but I couldn't. I went to Education Week at BYU and wobbled around the campus in so much pain. A week after that was the running class. We had to run around the building 3 times and they video taped up. Oh man I thought I was going to faint with pain.

Then, I finished the book, "Born to Run" and was excited to get out there on the road and RUN! So last night Scott and mapped out a 2 mile loop and off we went. I ran down my street, remembering all the little techniques, over to the other street and then I stopped running. My knee was hurting pretty bad, again. BOO!  I was so mad! All I want to do is RUN and I can't! Scott kept running and I finally caught up to him at the top of the next street. (Way to go Scott!!) We changed our route to just a mile (A stupid little mile!!!) On the way back down our street, Scott was almost home, and I decided to take my shoes off. I ran all the way home. Without stopping. Without pain. In the correct form, (well, as correct as I could holding my shoes!) WOW! I felt great. I wanted to keep running all night. I use to HATE running!! After the class (Runnerscorner.com in Orem. $5 bucks for 2 hours of great info!!!) and after reading "Born to Run" and after what happened last night, I AM A RUNNER! I LOVE RUNNING! I will LOVE WHAT IT DOES TO MY BODY!

If you're experienced or a beginner, read "Born to Run"! So much great information!