I'm not crazy...I'm just bored!!

Cottonwood Heights 5K

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Location:

Herriman,UT,USA

Member Since:

Jan 01, 2009

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

St George Marathon: 3:23:54 (10/6/12)

Half IM: 5:44:03 (8/25/12 - course was long!)

25K trail - Buffalo Run (16.5) 2:34:50

Half Marathon: American Fork - 1:30:44  6/23/12

Spectrum 10K 43:42   3/17/2012

Best 5K: Spanish Fork 21:55 05/30/09

Short-Term Running Goals:

Okay, so for 2013 I am going to have FUN! Not that running isn't always fun, but I had a wonderful breakthrough year last year and I want to play this year :) AND get faster! So, my first goal I'm going to put out there is my yearly mileage goal.
It is 2,186 miles from my driveway to my sister (QP's) driveway! I want to spend this year on a virtual trek cross country running those miles. So, that is how far I will run in 2013...from my house to QPs. It will take all year and yes, this is measured on Hwys so it isn't really exactly how I COULD run it, but good enough. 43 miles/week...totally doable, and a fun goal to track how far I've traveled as I go along. Who knows...maybe I'll even run PAST her house :)

I will do more trail runs, Boston, Pacing duties, another Half IM and some other tris. I'm excited for this next year and look forward to having fun with all of you out on the roads, and trails! Maybe bag a few peaks this year too!!

Long-Term Running Goals:


Big Dreams: 5K in 20:2X; 10K in 39:XX; Half in 1:29:XX; Full in 3:15:XX; complete the Rim2Rim2Rim run and not die; Comrades; Iron(wo)Man.

Run for the rest of my life!

Personal:

4 children: twelve, eight, five and baby Fartlek - 2 1/2. Wonderful supportive husband that lets me drag him and the family all over for race after race!

Finished 13 marathons and LOVE running that distance! I'm definitely hooked to the marathon monster and hope to constantly improve my endurance, speed and stay injury free!

I've also found a love of trail running! I hope to keep improving on this front.

After being injured with a broken foot at the first of 2012 I found a tri group and started training with them and am now loving tris! The half IM was harder than I'd ever imagined...and am ready to do it again. I'll earn my bike butt and someday have enough time to train for a full IM.

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
BIKE MILES Lifetime Miles: 1168.40
LUCY MILES Lifetime Miles: 25.25
Adidas Lifetime Miles: 319.66
Orange II Lifetime Miles: 390.41
Boston Mizuno Lifetime Miles: 568.97
Fargo Nikes Lifetime Miles: 500.03
BEANS Lifetime Miles: 755.00
Orange Bostons Lifetime Miles: 527.59
Solomon Trail Lifetime Miles: 363.98
PI Tri Shoes Lifetime Miles: 4.00
Boston Mizuno 10s Lifetime Miles: 140.75
New Orange Lifetime Miles: 157.05
Race: Cottonwood Heights 5K (3.1 Miles) 00:23:06, Place overall: 14, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
3.30

Since I had QP and JT in town for the holiday I drug them to the Turkey Trot. When my daughter saw me signing up she said she wanted to come - perfect! and it was :)

We parked at Leslie's house and got to walk over with her while she started her early walking of the course. She is SO wonderful and I love that lady so much! It was nice to visit with her for a bit and catch up. We picked up our packets and had enough time to take them back to the car and still make a potty stop before start time. Like I said - perfect!

 Me, JT, Lauren and QP in the warm gym waiting for the start.

As we walked out to line up what did I see?!? ALLIE!! Standing at the front of the mat looking all focused and ready to win. So, I ran up to her and gave her an unexpected (and possibly unwanted) hug and threatened to hang out with her at the front and try to win :) But, seeing as that wasn't a possibility, I just threatened her if she didn't win and went back with QP, JT and Lauren to the back of the crowd. We did lose Lauren for a few minutes, but I stood on a light pole and she found us. whew.

They started some fun music and we were just about ready. So, what do I do? I start dancing and prancing - and fall off a 2 inch curb and twist my ankle. Fell down on my butt to hopefully not continue to cause damage and felt a nice little pop in my ankle. Crap. Nice. Really?!? Whatever. I tried to walk it off as the race was starting and I could barely put weight on it. At this point we are moving with the 2000 other people toward the start line and I'm just cussing myself. By the time we get there, I decide to just go for it. I cross the mat and take off. I felt the ankle for the first few steps, but then adrenaline took over and it was out of my mind completely for the next 3 miles.

What wasn't out of my mind was that there were WAY too many people to try and run fast at the back of the crowd. Couldn't get through and looking at my garmin there was over 1:30 that I was running slower than an 8mm (closer to a 10) as I tried to weave/push/elbow/cuss my way through the crowd. That is the bad thing about starting at the back. There was one big mess to get through and I got on the sidewalk and just went for it. Then we all funneled into the finish line (which is about 1/4 mile away from the start, but on the course) and I nearly came to a dead stop here and I could NOT move. Then I see JT to my right getting through. What the heck? Out of my way people! I got through the mess and got back on the sidewalk and just weaved around the others there until it looked clear enough to hop back on the road. Hardly noticed the first hard hill thanks to the crowd - good thing about starting at the back.

I was pushing myself and trying to remember it was just 1.5 miles of uphill and then just one short uphill on the home stretch. C'mon girl, you can do this! I wanted a 22:XX min time, this is a rough course with 432 ft elevation gain (as per Cottonwood Heights) over the course on an out and back, so definitely not PR course, but one to really show your guts. The last steep uphill turning onto a neighborhood street I started losing it, then pulled myself back in and passed a few more people. This was the only other time in the race (other than the beginning crowd malfunction) that I hit over an 8mm pace.

When we hit the turn that finally revealed the downhill I was relieved, but tried to keep pushing myself. I don't think I do push myself on the downhill as much as I should, this is something I think I could work on: Keeping my downhill effort consistent with my uphill effort and not thinking "yay! I get a break." and fall into an easier stride.

There was one turn on the finishing mile that put you right into a head wind and then your last uphill climb, and it is a doozy. But, I powered through it. I knew the downhill stretch to the finish was on the other side. I only got passed once the entire race, and it was just before that turn - by a guy with a jogging stroller, crap. Oh well, that is another good thing about starting in the back - lots of people to pass! :)

The downhill I tried to just let go, but I still wasn't equal effort to the uphill, but maybe I shouldn't be. I felt like I was done - 5K's make me crazy I don't like running so fast and then being done so fast. I'm definitely more suited to endurance. I tried to stay strong and pass the last couple people on my radar, but it is hard when you know that chip time you are really in front of all the people a good minute in front of you - bad thing about starting at the back.

I saw that clock at 24:xx when I finished and was mad at myself. I really wanted that 22:xx; I knew we were behind on the clock, but I knew it wasn't 2 minutes worth. Then when I saw I was just over at 23:06 I was bummed. If it wasn't for the traffic jam at the start I could've hit the 22:xx. Oh well, there is always next year :)

JT finished close behind me and as I was walking back to get Lauren I saw QP finishing. Perfect! So, we waited for her then all 3 went back for Lauren. There are SO many little kids. She is 10, so in the 11 and under category and there were 70 girls!! Crazy! We only went back .2 until we saw her then ran her in. She saw me and said "no. go away." but with a smile on her face. I told her we were all here to run her in and she was a good sport about letting us embarrass her.  Later she told me she doesn't like that when I run with her I always talk to her and say how proud I am of her and that she is awesome and doing a good job. So, I can run with her, I just have to shut up next time :) How old is she again?!?

We walked back and waited for the raffle and results. The more I walked the tighter my ankle got and the more swollen it became. It is nice and swollen and I'll have a good bruise to show for it in the morning. Good thing I've got a roll of athletic tape and know how to tape up and ankle for tomorrow's run! No one won anything at the raffle :( not even an entry to the SLC half, which is what I wanted. I love it, but that race is SO expensive. Lauren finished 14th in her AG at 34:45. She looked at my placing before they announced it and I couldn't believe I'd taken 3rd in my AG! Wow, there are so many fast people at this race I've never placed before and didn't think it would happen with my slow time this year, but hey - I'll take it!! They give ribbons 5 deep and I was SO excited when they called QP as 5th in her AG and so we both got our ribbons!! No turkeys or pies at this race, not even medals - just ribbons, but I'm proud of it :)

Sorry the pic is blurry, but you can't be picky when asking strangers to take your picture with a camera phone! Sister winners with their ribbons!

 

A wonderful morning with great company, and as always a proud mama to watch my girl that won't run with me finish a race and feel good about herself. I love that girl! I couldn't even run 1/4 mile to the school without stopping when I was her age and she is already kickin' it in 5K's and a great swimmer! I guess I should shut up about it now, so I don't embarrass her.

AP: 7:22 (7:26 according to the race time, my garmin has it at 3.14, but I did SO much weaving this doesn't surprise me). Splits: 7:43, 7:25, 7:11, 5:58 (last .14) I love the progressive run and the fast finish! I'm still kicking myself about that first mile and all the stopping. whatever, I'm over it.


OEOHFPPE Miles: 3.30
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Chad on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 02:33:18 from 71.199.13.143

Wow! Nice job. Just a few seconds of 23 on a hilly course, in traffic, and with a bum ankle. Supper impressive. Even your report is impressive. If I would have run this race there is no doubt that you would have beat me. And second place? Sweet.

From RAD on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 02:40:53 from 98.202.23.178

Chad, 3rd place - 2nd loser :) But being 14th out of 803 women overall is pretty darn cool if you ask me. I really can't blame my ankle for anything. It didn't hurt at all during the race. Honestly forgot about it. Until I started walking afterward.

From Nancy on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 19:34:08 from 76.23.21.118

Nice race. I wonder how fast you could have gone if you had not sprained your ankle first? Keep up the good work.

From Terri on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 20:42:02 from 72.66.72.85

Congrats on the speed and the ribbons! Fantastic!

From Smooth on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 21:02:19 from 174.27.205.151

WOW!!!! Rachel! VERY IMPRESSIVE speed! EXCELLENT race on a hilly course, sprained ankle, in a crowded and deep field. Your time and placement is AWESOME!!! You have speed and talent and just don't know it! :)

CONGRATZ to you and QP and little Lauren! Three beautiful, fast and fantastic running girls! :) LOVE YOU!

THANKS for organizing the run this morning! I LOVED it!!! You are the BEST!

From Brent on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 22:32:48 from 66.7.127.67

Devine Miss M - you gave me the answer, still the same tough course, not bragging, ran 19 and change on that course several years ago, tough course, good work. Still the same issue, be up front. 100 commando points for the 3rd place and good time. Also, tough to get around people running 2 and 3 wide.

Lastly, it stinks how kids are age grouped, same issue for old farts, 15 and younger or 55 and older, age bias. it is more important to reward kids, we need to keep the next generation after it.

Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out

From DaleG on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 22:44:32 from 152.216.11.5

Nice job, to you and everyone else. I hope your ankle is ok. You are getting way too fast!!!

From Bec on Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 00:00:42 from 68.206.133.141

3rd place is awesome and I am very proud of you. Those splits times look great, if I say so myself. This is a HUGE race and you should be very proud of your time. QP did an outstanding job as well. As for Lauren, she just kicks trash. What kid OR teenager does that?

From allie on Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 01:20:04 from 76.23.55.215

i was so happy to see you there yesterday -- a hello and a hug from RAD is never unwanted! thanks for the threat. threats scare me so i did my best to take it seriously. :)

thanks for organizing the run this morning and for sharing your delicious, delicious juice. i had a lot of fun. i hope you ankle is okay -- i feel bad i never asked you about it after but i hope the swelling has gone down and that it isn't too painful.

From Tom Slick on Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 11:46:44 from 69.171.160.172

Congrats on bringing home the hardware and a super overall! I see that you have about 800 miles more on your yearly total over last year. Congrats! What are you and the gang doing in December?

From RAD on Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 16:30:44 from 98.202.23.178

Nancy, unfortunately, I can't blame any speed on the ankle - wish I could, but it didn't really bother me until afterward.

Terri, it was a great race! I'm glad I got to have family around this year.

Smooth, thanks. I'm glad you were able to come!

Brent, yes it is a crazy hilly course and a 19 and change IS something to brag about on that course!!! Lauren's age group was 11 and under and looking through the results 90% of the kids were 9-11, so it was a pretty good field for her, but there have been other races it is 10-14 and I don't think it is fair to have her competing against 14 year olds! In the tri we did it was 0-19!! Needless to say, I think that was VERY unfair! Cottonwood Heights doesn't group older ages together either, another reason to love this race!

Dale, ankle is doing fine, wish it were better, but I can run on it so I'm not going to complain.

Becca, thanks. you'd love this race and all the hills :) When you come for t-day we should hit it some year!!

Allie, good thing it isn't unwanted, because you're gettin' 'em either way!! :) I hope I didn't mess up any pre-race mojo. I was just really excited to see you. I'm SO glad you were able to come to the run. You are just a fun person to have around! So humble and willing to hang slow with the general runners :)

Slick, the goal this year is 2011 miles for 2011. Averaging about 38/week I should make it - I'm shooting for 40/week minimum just in case of last minute snafus. No real plans for December, just the same ol' same ol'.

From Rachelle on Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 17:42:53 from 66.7.127.115

Nice job Rachel! You ran great, especially considering the crazy crowd and the twisted ankle. Big crowds at the beginning of races are always the worst. Congrats on a great race and I hope your ankle is feeling better. :D

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