Patience, the NEW Endurance Sport!

Welcome to the blog, keep it up and you will see your times drop before no time.

Great job on the accomplishments, losing weight is no small task.

thanks! Kind words mean SO much!

Hi, Is this Melting Marion? I'm so glad you joined! If you ever want to come into SF and join in with the running club, let me know and I'll give you the info! WELCOME!

Yes! Kim it's me! I have got to get faster and you inspire me :) HELP me!

If you blog and run consistently and listen to Sasha's advise, you WILL see improvements! I hope we can get together for some runs once in a while! We will help each other out! I'm glad you joined in on the fun!

Goooo Marion! Welcome to the blog! I'm sure you will do nothing but improve. Keep up the good work.

I was heartened to read about your crappy 10 miler. I had a crappy run yesterday--it's nice to know I am not alone. But we just keep plugging along! Keep up the great work!

This is SO great! I love to hear that others have bad days and still keep running. I have had people look at me like I am nuts for keeping going when things a just plain HARD! We runners must be a strange breed :)

Welcome to the blog! 6 kids, wow! I don't live in Payson, but I run through it at least a couple times a week. I'll be at the 10 miler too so be sure to say hi if you see me in my St. G Running Center singlet.

I will say hi for sure! I am the "runner" who looks like I might need a little O2.

Welcome to the blog!!! Are you Melting Marion? If so, I feel like I know you well, I get all your emails and worship the ground you walk on! I actually found this blog from your blog and checked out Kim- your running hero. Anyway, this blog is WONDERFUL, it is really helping me by journaling and knowing people are checking up on me and then there is all the encouraging words, it is fabulous! I will enjoy following your progress. And...if this is Melting Marion, I have some questions for you! Welcome to the Blog! Happy Running!

Hi Leslie!

I am so glad you like the MM blog. It has been supe fun to do. I love working for WW. Thank you so much for the kink words! We all need those bravo stickers!

Your running is so amazing! WOW!!

I am so glad it is you!!! I went to your class twice in Nov. and was sooo impressed with you! You were so upbeat and cute and so inspiring! I ended up going to class in SLC because my friend down there stopped going. Marion, I am so stuck. I came to class trying to lose ten pounds in Nov. and here it is June and I am only down 5, I am so close I can taste it, but it just isn't happening. I shouldn't bother you with this stuff on your running blog, I will behave myself from now on, but any way I guess I really know the problem...I cheat, I am a dirty rotten cheater, I always rationalize and say I need to carbo load, or I need a reward after running 31 freaking miles! Oh, well, I will read your two blogs and eventually get there. You have big goals for running, I am excited for you and I will check up on you every day! Go Girl!!

Oh, and yes, let's think of a word for the first mile that is clean enough to print!!!

-5 lbs ROCKS! Never be little that!

I am a dirty rotton cheat too! I am the biggest liar in the WHOLE world when it comes to food and what is going in my mouth! Have you ever tried e-tools? it really helps me. It is worth every penny! Also- are you a lifetime member or if not, are you within your weight range?

As for the name of the first few miles- the white trash name could be "the butt crack of the run". ;) We need a more dignified term... oh lets face it- it's just the butt crack of the run :) Waht do you have by way of a less "white trash" term?

I am not a life time member but I am within the weight range.

Butt crack of the run is putting it nicely! It works for me!!!

I loved Hobblecreek! You will too.

If you are a within your weight range and have lost alteast five lbs, you are able to reach your goal weight, whatever it is and you can becoem a life time member (after 6 weeks of maintanance) You can change your goal anytime you want (so long as you ahve lost at least 5 lbs and are within your range.) You have been working on it for so long, it may be a good time for you to set your current weight as your goal, becoem a life time member and then maybe in a little bit- go for those last five pounds.

Now you need to be happy with your goal. So don't change your goal if you will feel defeated. But in some cases it is a good idea, especially if those last five a really kicking your hiney to set goal where you are and cut yourself soem slack. You are within the healthy weight range and your are active like nobody's business!

What do youu think?

Thanks so much for your response, I have actually thought of doing it, but I am thinking I will feel defeated, and so I think I am going to keep on plugging away. I just need to focus hard for a couple of weeks and get there. I have this magic number in my head, and Marion it is not that low. I will never be a skinny minnie and look like a real runner, but I am healthy and feel great so I will try and be happy with that. Thanks, I am committing to you right now, that I will have these last 5 pounds off by the end of the month! Dang, I am sick of giving WW my play money! Thanks again!!

Leslie won't listen to me. When she is not busy cheating - I think she needs to up her points a little bit. When we are doing long runs the WW points are too low for endurance athletes. At least - that is what my WW leader says. Besides, she is just jealous that I've lost almost 30 pounds.

I hate the first two miles of every run. I just call them torture. After that, I start loosening up and enjoy it.

You are right Maurine- if you earn a ton of activity points, you really need to consider eating some of them. I always eat atleast half of them on my long run days. ( I always have my long run the morning of "date night" More fudge room ;)

Thanks girls, I just need to fine tune things, I will eventually get there, thanks for the tips and encouragement!

Way to go again Marion! I know exactly what you mean about the adult kudos! That is one reason the blog is so fun! Have fun at work! The people you serve are lucky to have you!

Thanks! They are lucky to have you too! Did you know that leslie is a WW too. She got her by my link to your running blog on Meltingmarion. We are pretty cool running fools! Have a great day!

Good Job Marion! Sounds like you had a great run! I am anxious to see what you do tomorrow. I am doing my long run with my running group tomorrow because they are all doing Heart of Holladay.

Hi Kim!!!

Hey Leslie! Have a great long run! I am going to be short and sweet again tomorrow! It sounds like all of the cool people will be at Heart of Holladay this weeked :) But in Provo we are getting pancakes! How cool is that?

No - all the cool people are not running Heart of Holladay. One of the coolest ones is stuck throwing a bridal shower for her niece.

What a happy run! If you get your morning run in the whole day goes better.

Make sure to go to a running store and get a good fit, you should be getting a whole size bigger than your normal size.

Yes, it was happy!

I wear a womens 10, and in running shoes I have been fitted at running Corner for a mens 9.5 double E width. They have been great and wonderful, just this last pair it feels like magically my feet have grown. I am guessing that maybe they have "spread out a bit" during my last pair or two and I didn't notice because as the shoe wore, it spread a little. I made the mistake of just buying the same as last time, in a rush without trying them on! My STUPID! I have neuroms and I should know better than to think I know best ;)

Good run Marion! The Riverwoods 10 miler sounds like a great run. Is this your first time to run that far? I have done the Provo River half several times and it is so nice running down the canyon, beautiful and shady. Hey, pancakes at the finish, it doesn't get any better than that! Good luck and enjoy yoga tomorrow.

You will be great tomorrow! Don't listen to that nasty devil in your head, he's nothing but trouble. I will be anxiously waiting to get a loooong detailed report on your race. GOOD LUCK!! Enjoy the carbo loading and the pancakes!!!!!!!!! I have to go to ww tomorrow and I am NOT excited. Maybe an enema tomorrow???? Just kidding!

Great job today, it was really nice meeting you and talking. Keep up the good work and I want to see you kill it at Hobblecreek!

Good job Marion! You smashed your goal, I think sub-2 Hobble will be a piece of cake for you.

(I'm Kim's husband BTW just in case you hadn't figured that out already)

Congratulations on the progress. Note that a half-marathon is 3.1 miles longer than a 10 miler. To go sub-2:00 in Hobblecreek you need to be in shape to run around 1:30-1:33 in the Provo River 10 miler. This would be quite an improvement over a couple of months, but not entirely impossible. It will depend on where your limits are. As a first step, I would recommend that you continue training consistently 6 days a week as you have been and race a properly measured 5 K in a couple of weeks to see where your speed is at. Or you can join us sometime for our run, and we will pace you at 9:00 pace until you can't.

Excellent job, Marion! So sorry that your feet were that painful--it says something about your determination that you were able to get through it. Congrats on a great race!

Sasha- thanks for the congrats- considering we improved by 21 miniutes from 2 weeks ago, I am pretty excited. OK- about pacing at 9:00- do you recommend that maybe once a week-ish (i'd love to join you, when do you run? I have a hard time getting together with others because of my babies, they really limmit my away time, I gotta go when I can) I'll post my 5k in 2 weeks to see how I am doing pace wise. Woo Hoo- I am feeling mighty fine!! I won't be heart broken if I cant beat 2 hours on Hobble creek- I just want to be the fastest it can be without injuring myself ;)

We run at 6:00 AM most days at 339 N 1120 W in Provo. Usually 5:30 on Tuesdays. Sometimes it changes, check in advance. I also do a second run with my kids in the evenings as well, time varies, same place. How old are your kids? Maybe they can play with ours. We have boys ages 9, 3, and almost 2, and girls ages 7 and 5.

Hey Marion-no fair that you said hi to Josse and not to me!

I can pace you through a 9 minute tempo run too, which I think would be much easier on you than going into Provo. And I live close to you. So let me know when you are up for it. The days that would work best for me are MWF.

My boys are 2,4,7 and my girls are 11,14,& 16. I bet I could make the tuesday 0'dark hundred run. I have to be back by 6:50 as the girls have swim team or bagpipes at 7am every day- The parties start early around here :) My boys would love to play with your kids. They love it when I run at the track. They think the long jump pit is heaven. (so far no long jumpers have beaten them up)

I really want to vary my runs, and boy do I find myself plodding along the same path all too often.

Hey Michelle-

WOw all of these super cool runners are volunteering kill me, opps, I mean make me faster :) How did I ever get so popular ;) I feel so special! You guys are so AWESOME!!! (my family hasn't even asked how the race went today- I need the special attention. They will know the error of their ways when they get oatmeal for dinner and I boycot the laundry ;)

Down here would be really great! EArly mon or medium-early Wednesdays are the very best days for me. I have to be nice to myself on fridays because of "long run saturday"

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You all have made my day- probably even two days!

Great job Marion! My day has been crazy, this has been the first I've been able to see how everyone else has done. You've got a lot of good support here, you can't help but improve!

you are a rock star! Looks like the whole Utah County is going to support your efforts! Great job on your fast run!!!! I bet you are still on cloud nine!

THANKS so much for all of the kind workd or encouragement! I am on cloud NINE! (although, I really am pooped and want to go to bed... I bet I sleep a ton better tonight than I did last night :)

Marion - awesome job on the run. Be careful on the half marathon because there will be lot of downhills. Make sure you train on them - otherwise you will set yourself up for injury or quad overload when running the race.

You ought to run up and down the Hobble Creek Canyon paths a few times - if you haven't yet!

Any training pointers for me? I run on a ton of hills everyday, but not like the canyon. I am planing to start doing my long runs up and down Payson Canyon to get in shape for it. I'd love some guidance!

I would say just be consistant, run 6 days a week even if it is just alittle bit:)

Six days a week is in the plan (I have the year planned out- nuts I know, but it helps me to see where I am headed- very motivational for me)

OH wow already a differant picture. I have a genral plan for the next 3-4 months but only get detail with the next 3 week because to much can change. But I think it is good to plan ahead and set goals.

I looked a little posessed in the last one so I though this one would be less scary ;)

Yeah, a ton can change, and i am flexable (because of the yoga ;) I tend to push too hard and if I can make a slow and steady plan, I can see that eventually I will be where I want to be :)

I bet your legs are sore!! Kind of a good sore though I bet, like you really worked them and you are toughing it out and getting stronger and better! Good idea to take it easy for a bit. Thanks for all the comments on my blog, they are SOOOO helpful and upbeat! I don't know how you do all this with 6 kids, you are truely are a supermom!

Best thing to work out that soreness is to get them moving. Great job on getting out there and pushing through the soreness.

"just keep running, just keep running" You know like Dori. Its my mantra with kids! I am just kicking my self that I didn't walk Sat night and Sunday too. The moving helps SO much!

Thanks so much for your encouragement!!!

Do you have a bike? If yes, ride it hard every day until you can run normally. The soreness should go away in 3-4 days or so.

I do have a bike! I'll hop on it and ride like the mad woman that I am! Thanks for the idea! I need all of the good ones I can get!!!

Nothing strange about it. When your body does what it is supposed to, it also asks for what is supposed to go in it.

I figured as much, so I went for it. My family wondered where it all went and I just smiled and shrugged my shoulders!

Our bodies are SO cool!!

Your body is recovering from the race. Just deep pluggin away and you might want to get in some more vitiams and minerals esp. Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium. I take this stuff called Mama calm by Peter Cillham's Natural Vitality when my legs are cramping alot. It calms them right down and I feel better.

Good advice. I went on a fruit and veggie binge yesterday- that was probably my bodies way of getting all that good stuff. Do you get Mama Calm at the Good Earth?

Yes it is in power form. Just ask if you can't find it.

Hey, you got out there! You showed up! You get points for that! Good job! Keep it up, you are moving and that is what counts! I have tried recovering from a race on the couch with bon-bons and it is way overrated! You go girl! oh and Marion, I have to tell you I was down 3 1/2 pounds today!! Yahoo!!!

Yeah!!! You are so fantastic! 3.5 #'s that is so great! **** Bravo stars for you!!! ******* I need some of your ju-ju. You ROCK!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I need a cheerleader! I am going to have another good day, I got a watermelon on your request and it has been a lifesaver! Now off to the pool!

Waltermelon is the fruit of the Gods! Watermelon, chocolate, and bacon are the trifecta of eating delights!

You might be low on electrolytes, plus recovering from the run (congrats - by the way).

Hang in there and keep training.

I think I saw Josse mention to you somewhere to just make sure you stay consistent...run 6 days a week! Seriously! Even if it's only two miles, add bike if you want, but get out and run. I know that being consistent is the biggest key to any improvement I have seen! And remember that running doesn't have to be at your highest speed all the time. Tom always tells me it's good to have a group of faster people to run with and a group of slower people.

Have you been to the work meeting yet? I feel like I will be the only one there on the 27th. Everyone else seems to have already been to it. I hope I'm not alone there.

I have been to the meeting. The new stuff is FANTASTIC. I am very excited about it.

I have been pretty consistent. I will keep it up. Thanks so much for the help and the blog! I LOVE it!

Cute picture!!!

Great picture! It's always fun to see the face behind all this running!

Thanks :) Hopefully someday I'll have a running one.

Did I run up Payson Canyon with you today? If I did, it was really easy...I don't remember a thing about it! OK, so I guess I'm not the only Kim in your life! Great job to you...I will be doing that canyon here soon too. Maybe we really will run it together sometime.

Yes, it was you! Don't you remember? We were so fast it hardly registered. Ok, it wasn't you, it was Kim R. I have so many friends named Kim that my kids call them all, Kim R or Kim E etc.

Yes- we have to run it together. I'm slow, but boy am I entertaining- no crime experience though :( wait, or is that a :)

Glad your legs are healed! It makes you feel so good to know you can bounce back so well. Tough chic! And a canyon run!

You are racking up the points girl! I think you have turned the corner! When you say 6 miles is no big deal, you have become real live long distance runner! 6 mile is a walk in the park!

Do you do that Yoga today on the computer at home, or go somewhere as well? I checked that out and looked real interesting, do you put your lap top in the family room and do it?

Gotta, go, I have bleach on someones hair!!! I am so naughty to sneak away!

Yes, I do yoga at home. Just be sure to change your screen saver time on your desk top. I love that there are three different instructors who all teach different styles of yoga. It's my favorite treat!

I love being a long distance runner. It is an odd and strange feeling, but immensely empowering :)

I have been enjoying your blog. I too have lost 30 pounds in the past 3 years and kept them off (I had a 300 lb grandma, which is scary). I have many friends who have lost weight, found running, one of whom is running 7:30 minute miles right now. She was never active in high school, has 4 kids and is 38. It is empowering to run! Slow, fast, long or short. It's awesome. Thanks for sharing your runs!

Congrats on the weight loss! It can be a bugger to lose, but ever so worth it! Running is ROCK on awesome!!!

Great job with all those points! I'm pretty sure Brent will be issuing some commando points for you as well. About 50, I should say.

So you are a barefooter?! How often to you run barefoot? I am so happy to find someone else. I feel so all alone! I just barely started. So far I've had a lot less complaints from my knees and hips. But I have broken a couple of toes too. Hmmm. Time will tell if I'm ahead on the injury tally.

No no no.. I haven't run barefooted, I have never heard of that before your blog. I just never wear shoes unless I am running ;) How do you do it? I know that sounds like a stupid question, but I'd like to try it.

great job on getting up and out. That is the most important part. And it's so nice to hear other people are swamps too sometimes. Have a nice weekend.

I agree with Laurie, you got out there, so good for you, I hope the veggies and fruit get you back on track. You are doing great Marion!!!!

Grandmothers teach us good things! :)

However, I'll bet if you stop and think about it you have some good things to find here!

1. You got up on a Saturday morning and ran 6.7 miles! That right there is HUGE!

2. You ran with a good friend...again...HUGE! (not your friend, but being with your friend. eeek, careful how I say things.)

3. You ran up the canyon...AGAIN!

You go girl! You should be all smiles, no matter how awful you feel it might have been at the moment!

This was the start of your downhill training, right? I hope your legs aren't too trashed. Good job getting in a long run.

You are right Kim- and that is my favorite part about running. Even when it STINKS it still is so awesome that we do it at all! Thanks for you Merry Sunshine! I needed it this morning.

Michelle- yep, we ran the canyon wednesday too. Today we went SO SLOW that I don't think I could hurt anything. My legs were molasses.

Hi girl! Kim is a wise lady! Ditto! You did it! I was so happy that after my 10 miler Friday, I had no pain, todays trail run felt great, and Marion....speaking of food....I am dedicating this WEEKEND to having a healthy eating plan, I am always cheating on the weekend, and here it is Sat. after 4:00 and I am STILL being good. That is huge for me. I agree with you, if we are going to run, we have to eat right. Have a great weekend.

Thanks so much for your encouragement! I am doing good for eating too this wekend. I an very bad on weekends and I really want to not do that anymore. It does not serve me! (my yoga instructor is always saying, "let go of that which does not serve you." O wamt tp be "served" by my actions, not hindered! (how's that for a sermon)

Congratulations on the run. It was not what you wanted it to be - but it sounds like it was a success.

I too have been eating junky since I had to start buying junk food again to keep and 18 year old full (he is working heavy construction 10 hours a day and training for marathons and weight lifting on top of it all). I vow that starting tomorrow I will get back to counting my calories on www.fitday.com and eating healthier. If I break that vow - all the pounds I recently lost can go to Les.

You are such a good friend to give them to Leslie! I vow too- good fuel for me. I have been much better this weekend than I have been in the past. It is so hard to find the right balance. I just have to chill and put one foot in front of the other and do the best I can :)

I LOVE this blog! You guys are the BEST!!!

Okay girls, we are going to do this!!! Here's to a great week of running, healthy eating and happiness! Sounds kinda corny, but oh well!!! Here's to us and all the bloggers!!!!

Great goals! I like that you put it out there for the world to see! I think I might have to steal your idea. Good luck on reaching your goals!! I have to brag and say I had a great "food weekend", if I can keep it up this week I should have a decent weigh in on Sat. Your #5 goal is tough, but I did tht this morning, it helps having faster people to run with!!!

Ya--I'm crying! Marion's trying to kill me! Can I edit Marion's weekly goals?

Yeah **** bravo stars for you! I did pretty good too, considering DAvid'd parents were in town for 4 days. I am very pleased actually.

Yeah- gotta have goals and this way ya'll can see if I am fudging, keep me honest! I am such a liar and a cheet ;)

*NO* Kim R- You cannot edit my goals! You MUST do MY goals- wheather you like it or not! Ha HA HA -evil laugh (I just spent the weekend with my German mother-in-law)

The OCD is good for running!!! I need to post more stats, a great way to measure our improvement. Way to go on the weekend. BRAVO for us!!! That's pretty good when you had your mother-in-law over too! Double Bravo!!!

Thank you, thank you very much! I am glad to see my OCD is good for something ;) I am so glad we all had great weekends! I was down 5# from last monday. (BUT (and this is a BIG butt) last mon was HORRIBLE- I way over did the whole "I ran 10 miles, I must reward myself with food" thing)

Oh do I UNDERSTAND!! The longer my run is the more I feel I deserve a reward, I am really trying to figure out the balance, it is tough, we do have to treat ourselves right after a big run, but I haven't figured out how to do it and not gain weight. Anyway, good for you, a good weekend and down 5!!!!! I am down 4 from Monday and HOLDING!! (so far)

In my world that is a great run too!!! You are smokin'!!!! Is Kim R on the blog? This is too much fun checking out all my new friends on the blog and comparing notes and inspiration. It really helps you keep going! Have a great day speedy! Oh, a note on the food issue, I went to bed hungry, thinking it was a good thing, tossed and turned and woke up only .2 down, what are your thoughts on going to bed hungry,some people think it is a good thing...

Thanks for the kudos! Kim is on the blog :) She is listed in my fav's "Kim Robison". She is probably sleeping now after I dragged her out of bed this morning.

As for going to bed hungry- I (marion speaking- not ww) absolutely, unequivocally, believe we should NEVER be hungry. It makes me panic and then I binge. If I am genuinely hungry at bedtime- no points left, I will still have a 1/2 a sandwich or a few crackers. I have noticed, that if I eat when I am genuinely hungry, I never gain weight because of it. Now, please note that I am almost NEVER hungry. I have meals and snacks regularly (about every 2 hours or so). Maybe I would be thinner if I quit doing that, but I probably just need to change my food choices when I do eat. (a few less points couldn't hurt either :)

Everyone is SO different and what works for one is not the greatest for another. How's that for a Switzerland answer? ;)

Okay, thanks for your thoughts, it makes me crazy to go hungry, but sometimes I feel like I need to sacrifice, but I know you are right, it is all about making the right choices when hunger strikes. Good, I will sleep better tonight!!! THank you!!!

Way to go!! Great pace!! If you can do 10:55 on race day, I bet it won't be long before you are doing it on training runs, and then watch out Hobblecreek! Great effort!! Looks like you are doing super on the food too! I think you are smart to post your weight accomplishments, I think I might try that. It helps to put it out there!!!! Go go Marion!!

Tom was actually wearing a Hobble Creek 1/2 marathon shirt, but it is similar to the SG FRB look. It's always hard to recognize people when we are out running, so I'm glad we recognized each other! Way to get out there even when Kim R couldn't make it! Have a tiggerific day!

I look forward to reading your blog every morning. You are hilarious! (I'm sure I'll be chuckling about the "affirmative action for running blogs" comment all day.) You're doing awesome. Keep up the good work and your great attitude.

Marion you were running well this morning. Great job getting out!

Hey don't worry about your pace at this point, consistency and getting in some miles ideally 6 days a week is the key! Once you develop/perfect that habit over weeks, months and years, you'll be amazed how much faster and fitter you'll find you've become.

There are so many really, REALLY fast runners on this blog it's easy to feel like a turtle among hares. When I first joined the blog I felt the same way, heck I STILL feel that way anytime I read Sasha's or Clyde's or any other dozens of blogs of all the super speedsters.

BTW there are plenty of other folks on the blog (both men and women) who are at a very similar point as you so you certainly aren't the only "token"!! Keep up the great work!

Thanks Tom!

I really do feel good about my progress. 2 years ago I couldn't run more than a minute at a time. About a year ago I could finally run for 30 min straight. Now I can run for 2+ hours straight :) I'm also not getting injured as frequently anymore. This blog has just opened up a whole new world to me. It is SO wonderful to see so many runners at so many different levels of training. I am truly in awe most of the time. For the most part, I find it all very inspirational and for those times when I find it discouraging, I just remind myself where I started; fitness level 0, 82 lbs heavier and I couldn't even walk my easy 2.5 mi loop.

I am SUPER glad I found this blog, I really feel it is the tool I need to move to the next level and beyond!

Thanks again for your encouraging words- ALL of you who are so kind and supportive of me!!!

Marion, You have been so consistant! I think you are doing great, I agree with Tom, just keep getting up every morning and running! I am hoping to go out again today, my milage for the week is super low. Don't you feel like one of the popular girls running into all these people? You are such a social butterfly!

I am doing my long run tomorrow, my group will still be at Girls camp, so I am doing it alone, I am scheduled to do 8. How long is your run tomorrow? A canyon run sounds GREAT!!!

We are going 9 mi, not very long for "ultra" you. You are welcome to come with us. We'd love to have you. You could join the "payson canyon FOX club" (see Tom's blog) We are going at 6ish.

Thanks for the invite! I would love to try running with you guys some day! I have appts. starting at 8:30 tomorrow, so I have to be up and out early and back. Have a great long run and I will think of you guys running down the canyon while I am hitting the city streets.

We will miss you! have fun dodging cars! We will too along with some deer and foxes!

Good job foxy ladies! Did you stop to put the fire out? Only you can prevent forest fires! (like smokey...not robinson)

Wait...you just added that last paragraph...Congratulations! 3.6 is awesome!

Yes- we did put out the fire as best we could. We put the smoldering logs in a cemented fire pit where they should be ok- I hope. I meant to call the forest guys, but I forgot. Oh no, I should have called them.

Glad to hear the run went well. Good job!

Hey Foxy lady, way to go on your long canyon run! Good you noticed the fire, some people!#$%, and you were nice enough to break your stride and be a good citizen!! AND 3.6 since last Friday!! I am soooo jealous, I have been pretty good for almost two weeks, I will be down some but not as much as I would like. I am going to WW tomorrow and then I am going to post the pounds I have left until I reach goal and then try and chip away at it, I am hoping that by putting it on the blog it will help keep me more accountable. Good job Marion!!!!

Thanks! Last friday was a pretty ugly weigh-in, but DOWN IS DOWN! in my book! You will do great tommorrow, and who knows with your speedy workouts, maybe your few "extra's" will scream and fall off too, just like I am hoping mine to do!!! I mostly want to get lower into my range for my marathon next year. I think it will help tremendously!

I agree, I am sure if I had a sleek runners body, it would really help...hey, maybe next year at St. George we will be!!!! It is completely possible!!!

Marion

Are you planning on running the Speedy Spaniard on the 24th? Online registration is at runnercard.com Early registration ends July 15th.

Sounds like a good run.

You could have eliminated a stop if you used the potty break to put out the fire. (Just an idea).

Keep up the good work.

I actually had thought of that. If only we were guys it would have been a most excellent plan ;)

Congratulations on finishing another successful week of training.

4 lbs down. Quite an accomplishment. Keep it up.

6 hours in the pool!!! holy moly! Glad to hear you are not sore, I am sore enough for the both of us!!! I feel like wrapping pillows around my feet!!! Ouch! I will be chilling major at Snowbird this weekend, so hopefully I will feel like running monday. Have a great weekend yourself.

I think you already have #7 in the bag:)

Thanks Josse- I have to tell you I was cracking myself up pretty good over that one. I needed a good laugh this morning while trying ranting around getting my family ready for church :)

I like this way of keeping the motivation level up. However, I have to say I take issue with #4. Isn't that the whole reason for running :)

Yes :) but I want to LOSE a bit more weight :( Girls, girls, I know, all we do is whine about weight!

You got out and did it! Mondays are tough, so draggng yourself out of bed and doing it is a great start to the week. I am hiking this morning, so it is an easy way to break myself in for the week. I liked your goals! I made some too, I hoping I can make my milage, we are heading for Huntsville on Thur. and I may not make it. Don't forget to be cute and friendly!!! That was my favorite!!!!!

Cute and friendly may be out today! But... I'll have to swing it- I am on my way to work! They pay me for cute and friendly ;)

When you say work, do you mean WW? Or do you do something else as well?

Ya Marion, you better be careful when you say you get paid to be cute and friendly! :)

Leslie- Yes, I mean WW- aside from being the primary slave to my darling children, ww is my only job. (the kids don't pay enough for the "cute" part)

Kim- true, I definately could get in trouble with that comment ;) I guess I should put an *** in. Although, I think Gina might get a good laugh at it. It's funny on SO many levels!

Oh, it is nice to know I can blame my slow run on reading your blog!! It's all your fault!!! I am feeling pretty slow and pudgy these last few days! I am going to try a gel heel thing and see if that works, I feel like an old old woman too!

What is a Gel heel thing? lIke a shoe insert thing or where you eat tons of running gel and are healed?

hahahaha!!! I have never worn inserts, but my feet are so tender, I am going to try some heel inserts. Maybe I should just go back to plodding at my comfortable 12 min mile pace and be pain free.... ahhhh, those were the good old days!!!

DO you have yellow patches in the lawn? If so you probably have bugs, I just treated mine. These slow run are absolutly ok. I think we get to hard on ourselves when we don't see faster splits (I know I do). I started not wearing my garmin onw my slower runs so I don't get all cought up in pace. The recovery run is just as important as the faster runs. They all can't be fast or our bodies will just break down and not want to do it at all.

Enjoy the slow runs! It really does bring improvement also! If you keep trying to just go fast you are going to get injured or burned out and both of those options are no fun at all! Keep enjoying the healthy habit you have and live to run another day!

And just for you, I am going to run slow tomorrow and the next day! :)

thanks Josse and Kim, we need to feel good about are slow runs!!!

Ok- I will enjoy them ;) Next week is recovery week (low miles) This week will be my highest miles yet, and probably my slowest week ever. I'm good with that. MUST LIVE TO RUN ANOTHER DAY/WEEK/YEAR/DECADE!

Hey Josee- no dry patches, just dry-ish all over because it has been so hot, the poor thing!

Kim- Enjoy your slow runs! It seems Tom kicked your hiney this morning :)

I like the warning. Slow runs are good for you. A slow run or two (or three or four) a week will keep the injuries away. Kind of like the old saying about an apple a day...

Thanks- I was reading about all of the sympathy injuries and I was worried about sympathy slowness (is that a word?) I am growing into loving my slow runs as I start to have faster runs that make my slow runs slow. How's that for a very long confusing sentence?

Makes total sense to me! I don't even have to have fast runs to make me appreciate slow runs. Slow runs RULE!!! I may never do a fast run again!( Oh, wait, I have never done a fast one yet, but if I did I bet I would appreciate them even more!)

I feel like I just read my on mind on your blog! I feel the same. Good luck with getting out tonight and have a great day:)

Don't break your knees, your achy breaky knees! Knee injury, (and a pregnancy), are the things that have taken me out of running in the past. I like to really take care of my knees so it won't happen again!

Smart girl! A walk with the hubby sounds nice. You deserve a nice easy day, I am glad you are taking care of your knees!

Tom and I were getting a little crazy with the step in time this morning too! We were talking about how I can drive the people running near me at the marathon crazy!

I love running without music in my ears! I never take my mp3 with me anymore. I plan to run the whole marathon without being plugged into anything but my own thoughts.

When our house was burglarized a month ago, I had to run without my iPod. I found that I really didn't miss it. Today was the first time with my new iPod. It's good to have during speedwork, because it can pump me up. When I used to do shorter repeats, I would pick a song that was as long as my repeat was supposed to be, and try to beat the song for every repeat, over and over. But I NEVER race with music. After running a few weeks without it, I'm going to try to not use it as much, except, of course, if I have to run on the treadmill!

Don't worry about your pace varying week by week. It happens to all of us. You are being consistent with your running, and that is what is most important.

That is funny you should mention songs. I was telling Ardath on our hike this morning, that if I am in the mountains running trails without my ipod I sing that song " Little Red Riding Hood, you sure are lookin' good you're everything a big bad wolf could want", and then I howl!! I have the red hair, I just need a really cute little red cape and basket( to keep my gu and shot blocs) and I will be set!

And yeah, this blog can make us crazy trying to get fast times like so many runners have here, but I think we need to remember to go at our own pace and not get caught up in the time too much, a little push is good , but not so that we are feeling pain. I am pushing more than usual with my Running Chics, and it will be a good test for me to see if it has made me do better for ST. George or not. My real goal is to complete marathons feeling good, and not so much on time. But maybe if I push thru the pain, I will be faster and enjoy it just as much...not sure this is just a test....

To tell the truth, I haven't used my ipod in so long, that is why I think it was dead.

I want to invent a cd with music all at certian tempos. So if you want to be paced at 10mm then here is your cd, etc. We could call it Pace Music. That's lame, but it would be SO awesome!

Les- I do try really hard to to compare myself to ANYONE, I just an so surprised how much I vary all on my own ;) Maybe it's the quality X in me ;) I am pretty sure I am not at all what Sasha means by quality X :)

Thanks Shauna for your kind encouragement!

Marion: Bob Seager and Silver Bullet Band, "Running Against the Wind" also, Accross the Universe version of the Beatles song "Let it Be" These two songs always get me in the right frame of mind for the task ahead.

by the way, the speed will come naturally as you increase mileage, be careful pushing too early. Coach Tom will keep you on track.

Stay Kool, Keep the Running Faith, B of BS Rools out

Thanks for the music info. Music really helps on dreary Eeyore days :)

I am a pretty good rule follower and am so PARANOID about injury that I will follow the wise counsel of Coach Tom.

THIS BLOG ROCKS!!!

Wow - did you make a new PR today?

Congratulations - you should be very proud of yourself. Glad you had a good race.

This is good progress. Shows you could run 2:05 in Hobblecreek. Very encouraging is that the "death" mile was still 9:10, only 25 seconds slower than the "miracle" 8:45 mile, and only 5 seconds slower than the "all right" second mile. This shows you have the ability to push even when you do not feel good. Will come handy in the half marathon.

Go Marion!!! Congratulations. What a way to celebrate the 4th!

Thank you guys! I am really glad we did it. I really had no idea I had it in me at all. Thanks again for celebrating!

Sasha- a 2:05 would be HUGE! :) a 2:0_ would be HUGE! Thanks so much for your help. This blog is a blessing!

WOW!!! Nice job Marion! So much for that 10:30 5K pace eh?

Now remind me if this was all downhill, partly downhill or flat? Was this the last 3.1 miles coming out of Payson Canyon?

Way to go Marion!

Thanks guys-

Yes Tom, we started at Beercan Flats and ran down 3.11 to just before Petetneet. The last mile is mostly flatish. If I'd stuck to the 10:30, I probably would have had a bit more fun, BUT checking out our splits was so cool that I can go ahead and suffer a bit :) i also really wanted to see what I could do :)

Tomorrow we are doing a VERY EASY 7 miles down from Maple Dell. We are gonna take it really easy and probably walk a fair bit too. KimR and I have become addicted to the canyon in this summer heat :) The PCFC lives on!!

Great job I am so proud of you. So I guess the next thing to work on is two miles in a row in the 8's:) And I know you can do that as well.

OK Josse- if you say I can, I will believe you. I'll do my next "5K" with you going down at Hobble creek in a few weeks and we'll see if the magic 8 can reappear :) Hey or maybe we can convince you and Michelle to join the PAyson Canyon Fox Club? Are you foxy enough? Are ya? (today it was mostly cows, lots of cows :) No way are we changing it to the PAyson Canyon COW club!

When my husband finishs this job in a couple of weeks he is going to take a few weeks off and I will have more time in the morning and I will come do Payson with you. Just to say I am foxy!

I was tickled pink with my race, you look a little more red and blue.......I think that's good too. If you mix it together it's purple:) "look at you, look at you, hands in the air like it's good to be....alive-----cause you can run your race like a supergirl, yeah a supergirl" (from that rapper song-ride my bike with no handlebars....)

GREAT job on a huge PR! Smashing your expectations is the best feeling! Your consistency is paying off big-time!

HOLY MOLLY!!! Your time rocks!!!! An 8 minute mile is CRAZY FAST! You are out of control!!!! Now was that a real live 5K or did you go out with friends and run your own 5k?? I am so impressed!!!! I could only dream of running that fast!!! You Rock!!

Josse- I will be waiting for the next "5k" in the next little bit :)

Laurie- Thanks for the song! I now can get "step in time" out of my head :)

Shauna- Yes it does feel SO good. I feel like the little train that probably could ;)

Les- yes- we made up the race at Sasha's suggestion. We didn't want to drive to Provo, pay money, and run in the heat and crouds, so we faked a race. It was very cool and SMOKIN' hot :) My hubby drove us up the canyon and we warmed up and took off!

What a great idea!!!! How many of you ran? I think I am going to have to get something like that going on here. You are a very clever girl! Not to mention friendly and cute and extremely FAST!!! Yahooo!

As part of my training, Sasha recommended that I run a 5k every other week, and if I didn't run an official one, to run a well mapped out onofficial one. So... hence the FBR Payson Canyon Fox Club 5K :) It was just me and KimR. But who knows in the future. Maybe the news of our fame and glory will draw others :)

That is a fabulous idea!!!! Maybe one day Maurine and I should come down and join the Foxes!!!!

A big congrats Marion! Soon you'll be able to do that time on a flat 5k. Just keep on getting out there each day.

Glad you had a nice downhill run. Try some extra gatorade on some of those runs to see if the extra electrolytes help when the quads are trashed.

Ok- seriously- I am having major electrolyte problems. Will gatorade help? Is there anything else?

I would first try gatorade or powerade - starting about one hour in. I actually like gatorade endurance formula - you can usually find it in powder formula at running stores.

Another thing to try are S Caps or E Caps - with electrolytes and salt in them. There are several brands and you can take them with water.

YAHOO! I love running down the canyon too!!!! Please tell me when the Foxes are having another down hill 5k, I will rearrange me life and sign up, I will make you and Kim look good! I would be happy with 3rd place, if there were just the 3 of us, if Maurine came, I would be happy with 4th place!!! I could brag to all my non running friends that I placed 4th over all and 1st place in my age group!!!!

I am waiting for you to post your goals and see what your focus is this week. I am addicted to reading your blog and following your progress, you go!!!!

Hey, you did great on your goals, you had a nice long run post feast and still lost 2.4!!! That is awesome! How much more are you trying to lose? I thought you made it to lifetime.

Enjoy your cut back week and your yoga!

Oh yes, I am lifetime. I just want to drop some more for the 1/2 marathon and for the full marathon next year. I also had gained some after a hamstring injury in Jan. I have only been back up to my pre-injury miles for about a month.

Well good luck on going even further!! I know once I meet my lifetime goal, I would like to take it a step further too, but, I need to get to lifetime first and it is a huge struggle for me. WE WILL DO IT!!!

You really can do this Leslie! You have accomplished SO many other difficult things in your life. You ROCK! and I LOVE chatting with you on this wonderful blog!

At first when I saw them all crossed off I thought he had hit them all. Then I noticed the grades. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Nice report card. Keep focussing on the positive!

Cute! Goooo Marion!

I would suggest a supplement called Mama calm by Peter Gllham's Natural Vitality for the cramping. As for the shins ice them after you run and run the back of your calves.

Thanks! How do I "run the back of my calves?" I have been telling them to "relax" as I run and that helps somewhat. I am a very visual and somewhat dense person. Feel free to describe in great detail :)

The way I do it is stand with your the front of your shin on the bed or a chair (so the belly of the mucsle is exposed). Then with your fist work from top to bottom, using some lotion if you would like. Or you can cross your legs, man style. And grab and pull and knead the belly of the muscle.

Thanks Josse! I am off the rub the tar out of them. I have been putting my lower legs in the creek a few times a day and that helps a ton with any stiffness or aches!

That is a bummer about the calves, I wish I had a suggestion, I have not had to deal with that issue, so I don't have any ideas for you. It looks like afew bloggers out there might be able to help you. Good luck and I hope tomorrow is better for you!

P.S. Good job on forgoing the diet pepsi or soda of any kind. I really pride myself on being a middle of the road kind of person, but I am at war against soda. You will lose 3-5 pounds just getting off that stuff, and after the initial withdral (which will make you feel like you have the flu), you will never have felt better. Soda is pure evil-- it robs your bones of calcium and your blood of oxygen. You won't be sorry leaving it behind. If you have to have caffine, replace it with green tea. I know that gets me into lots of "conversations"--but I would sooner pour strychnine down my throat before soda.

Wow- I had no idea! Hey- if it will make me faster I'll go off anything :D I am not much of a caffine addict- or even oa soda addict, I just like it as a treat ;) I have to find a new 0 calorie treat.

When you find one,let me know! When I 'gotta have' something, I usually stick with a few pieces of dark choclate--Lindt Lindor dark choclate truffles are my favorite. In fact, I love them so much I might start my own blog called fatrunningblob.com :) I try to keep it to two a day and run a few extra laps. Seriously though, let me know about any other 0 cal treats.

That ROCKS!!! I LOVE that! The chocolate donsn't work well for me because I SNARF it all down in one fail swoop! Is crystal light poison too? (please say no, please say no, please say no)

Some people probably feel the same way and have more knowledge about artificial sweeteners (in the same way I feel about carbonation) but on a limited basis, but I think fake sweetener the lessor of the two evils (at least where running performance is concerned). I drink non-carbonated 'fake' sweet at least once a day. But I have heard bad things too....Which again, is why Choclate doesn't seem all that bad now does it?

Glad the calves aren't cramping! Too bad you live so far away, I am a massage therapist too, I have a studio at home and then work at Snowbird in the winter. I think massages are mandatory for us runners. I haven't been to yoga in 2 weeks, I really miss it, it seems to really help. There is so much to think of and do with this running, I don't know how you keep it all together with 6 kids at home. I think you are Wonderwoman!!!! Actually I bet it is a great outlet for you to do something for yourself, it really helps boost your spirits and keeps you looking and feeling great! Keep it up Marion!

Running really is an all natural Prozac for me-

I wish you were closer too! The poor massage therapist who gets me is gonna be in big trouble- I am getting my legs waxed this weekend and boy are they frightening!

Your time ROCKS! Glad the calves are doing better. I would be down there in a heart beat for a nice 10 miler, but have to go to Fillmore for a family reunion. I am doing a 9 miler friday with the Running Chics. We will have to compare notes!! Have a great day!

I need to try the Yoga on line, I always seems to miss my class, it is nice that we can always fit running in before the world wakes up and starts calling!!!

What kind of terrain was 9:07 on, and how hard did it feel?

so true! Good luck with you Chickie run! FUN Fillmore runion ;) Lucky you :D

Sasha- The 9:07 was 1/4 gentle down hill, 1/4 down hill and 1/2 TOTALLY flat (on the road) The last half was flat and it was hard. I was OK for .75 of it, but the last .25, I was ready to stop. I was in the "ok- just make it to that corner and it will be alright" zone. I was only doing the steam train breathing for the last 1/4, though.

A nice walk with hubby!!! I am getting excited about my Half Marathon too, I am so hoping to do under an under 11 min. mile, but any improvement will be good. My last half was acouple of years ago and I did it in 2:40 so I should be able to do alot better than that. Good luck to us both!!! It will be fun to compare notes!!!!

Yea! Good luck at Hobble Creek! Is this your very first half marathon? I've only done one, and I was mightily impressed at how long 13 miles is! It was a great experience, though, and I'm sure you'll be triumphant. :)

You are a WW leader? I am a fan of WW and lifetime member. That's how I loose my baby pounds. Bet you are a great leader--you are so enthusiastic!

Thanks for the well wishes! The 10 miler a few weeks ago wasn't too bad ;) so I am hoping for a little luck with the 1/2. It is my first and I am trying not to psych myself out! Train hard and smart and what will be will be.

Yes, I am a WW leader. I really love WW :D Hey- if you are ever up here, you'll have to hit one of my meetings. Thanks so much for the kind words!!

Good job on getting out and taking hubby with you! 5 weeks until my half marathon!

Hey Tarzan- Which 1/2 are you doing?

Why are you Tarzan? Isn't he a 90% naked guy (super tan and buff) who swings in trees? Is there something we don't know about you? Were you raised by gorillas?

Marion - I am doing the Provo Trail Half.

I have been a tomboy since I was little. I used to have every Tarzan book ever written and wanted to be Tarzan when I grew up.

Yes, I was raised by gorillas. We liked to monkey around in our spare time.

ah HA! I wasn't much of a girl either- I can dress up like one pretty good these days, but I still am more tom-boy too. Hey- I never read the tarzan books, I was more into the Hardy Boys :D

Lybi, Marion is an awesome leader! I am lucky enough to get to work with her once in a while! How cool is that!?

Tarzan, I'm so glad to hear the story behind your name. It's always fun to learn a bit more about people! I love that you were raised by gorillas!

Leslie and Marion, Good, good luck on your upcoming halfs! You are both doing so good! You will have a great experience! I will be running Hobble Creek too! We'll have to get some pictures after, (or before when we can do the glamor shots!)

Marion, I had to get out my magnifying glasses, did you say you had a DIET PEPSI???

I wish I was doing Hobblecreek, it is a super course, but I am doing Bryce Canyon July 19.

So Kim are you a WW leader too?

Way to go on Yoga today! Two in a row for you! I did laps two in a row. We are such good girls!!!! Yeah for us!!!!

Bravo stickers for us ALL!!!

Great job, Marion! That's also encouraging to hear that yoga is helping you so much. I did it last week, and it was HARD!!!

I think a lot of people think it is going to be easy and are very surprised by how hard it is. I love it because I feel so POWERFUL and strong. It makes pretty arms too! ;)

Hey, Have you tried shot blocs? I prefer them over gels and gu. Good girl to keep the miles down in preparation for your 10 miler. I know it is hard to hold back when you feel like flying!! Good luck tomorrow!! ARe you trying to beat your Riverwoods time, or just a enjoy a leisurely run? I am into leisure runs and leisure anything...... love leisure..... I am so good at it!! Have a great weekend!!!

No I haven't tried Shot Blocs. What are they like and where do I get them?

No beating riverwoods time. Just a leisurely run as slow as we can stand! :D

Good luck on your 10 miler. I used gels,t then switched to shot bloks, then I switched back to gels (vanilla gu for me to be exact). I think the key is to find a flavor and consistency that works for your stomach. I wouldn't try one gel and then give up on them if you throw up. I personally like the GU brand much more than powergel, and there are definite flavors that make me gag. My favorite shot bloks were orange (no caffeine), pina colada (1/2 caffeine) and black cherry (full caffeine).

I like the green apple powergels, and jelly belly sport beans. Chocolate gu's are okay but I have to immediatly chase all of this with water to get down.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I will hit the running store and buy an assortment for trying. Are the shock blocs, like jigglers? we need to invent Jolly rancher ones or gummy bear ones. I did try the jelly belly's at the riverwoods 10 miler and those were ok.

They are a Clif bar product, so they are easy to find, try the gel too, but I find the shot blocs go down a lot easier, sometimes the gel and gu are too sweet. I agree with Laure that Chocolate gu is good, but you do need alot of water to chase it down. You are on the right track, try a bunch of stuff. Good for you for doing a nice slow long run!! Have a great one!

They are thicker than jigglers, but close. Runners corner has a good assortment.

Ice as much as you can, and massage it as well. It will kill like the dickens but it will help in the long run. Hope it is not to serious. I can always work on it for you if you would like:)

I don't think it is ruptured, but it hurts. I have been kneading it and it is VERY tender. Do you work on Monday? I'll be in Provo at noonish :)

Hey- really stupid questions, can I run again when it does not hurt anymore? Yoga until I am healed? Nothing until I am healed? I don't want to do anything stupid ;) Well, stupider (do you like that conjegation) than I have already done :D

Have a GREAT saturday!!! I am back to the freezer for another ice pack!)

I always tell people to go with what your gut tells you. You would be fine to do yoga, just make sure you are good and warm before you go to any deep stretching. I will run through some discomfort but I can tell a differance between a potential injury and just sore tired muscles. But when in doubt take it very easy it is far better to take a couple days off and crosstrain then have to take a whole summer off like I had to last summer.

I just do massage out of my house. So you could stop by on monday. I should be home by that time. My cell # is 8303598. Call me and let me know for sure.

Thanks so much! If you have time, I'd love to come by. My massage therapist moved to Vernal :( I am finished by noon :) I can call you. What are you times and rates :)

THANKS!!! :D

I should be home my then, I play the flute with Sarah that morning but should be home. If I am not call me. If you come to me and you are super cool I charge 40 bucks an hour.

YEAH!!!! I will come to you FORSURE, and I will work on the "super cool" this weekend with the ice packs ;) Having children, pretty much sucked all of the "cool" out of me, but I can live with it. Not having to be "cool" anymore really takes the pressure off :D

Bummer! I hope the icing and massage help... I'm sending good thoughts from back East!

A Scottish festival sounds so fun, I hope you can make it at least for a little bit!

Nice work on your mileage!

Thanks so much Lucia! I am having a hard time with steps, so I missed all the fun, but I got a nap and the pip band virtually lives in my family room :D

I was excited to read your blog tonight when I got back from Fillmore, and was so bummed to hear about your calf! It sounds like to are doing all the right things, I really hope you are feeling better soon!!! Take care of yourself and I will be thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery!!!!!

Thanks les! Your support means so much! :D

Marion - so sorry you hurt your calf. Have you wrapped it at all to see if that helps. Take it easy - you don't want to damage anything too much. I spend three summers in a row in casts and that stunk!

Thanks Maurine! I have wrapped it (with an ice pack wrapped in there too) It really helped! Bummer about th three summers lost! :( How is your knee?

Great goals! The best one is being kind to your calf! I am so glad it is feeling better!!! Nice Report card!! Here's to a great week!

You are right with spelling eeyore. (Thanks for noticing me) I am sorry for the calves but hurray for you for not giving up and "Just keep moving forward"

I used to live in Fox hall at byu so can I be a foxy lady too? Have a great week.

Good to see you out this morning. I hope Josse can work some majic on you! Good luck! Soon you will be back to your bouncy Tigger self instead of feeling like Eeyore!

Keep up the good work being kind to your calf. Better to take it easy than the repent in leisure.

Laurie- Of course you may be in the "fox" club!

Kim- Josse worked the Eeyore out of me in my massage today. Tigger is starting to bounce again :)

Maurine- I HATE repenting! I will be VERY good!

Glad you are feeling better!!!!! Take it easy Tigger and don't get TOO bouncy!

My calves have been really tight too lately, but they feel swollen and tight (not necessarily sor). Give a Report on how the massage/scrapping feels tommorrow! Thanks, keep up the good work!

I don't have any wisdom to share, only sympathy!!! I will let the experts on the blog give advice. But oh, oh,oh, I am sending you all my positive energy, I think you are right to walk and bike and swim until it is feeling better, running thru the pain sounds dangerous to me,but I am not a pro. I wish you could join us tomorrow, but we will think of you on the trail and all send some group love your way!!!! TAke care of that nasty calf!!!!

I like to error on the side of caution when I feel pain because I had a knee injury a few years ago that stopped my first big attempt at running. It took me out for about a year and a half. The injury didn't last that long, but it took that long to get the habit and motivation back. Good luck!

Be careful about running through pain. It can lead to much more serious problems. If it doesn't hurt, hit the bike or elliptical trainer to maintain your fitness until you can run pain-free again. Hang in there!

Do elliptical if you can. If you cannot, next best thing is bike, and make sure to bike hard and for a long time. Walking is very ineffective unless you speed-walk (best speed walkers in the world can sustain 6:20 pace for 12 miles). My training partner back in 1994 went on a mission to Argentina. There he ate a lot of meat, walked lots every day, but did not run. When he came back, he was so fat I did not recognize him at first when I saw him. Prior to leaving he ran the Payson Onion Days 10 K in 35:57, which back then was a hilly loop course. When he first started running again, it was a struggle for him to run 3 miles at 8:00 pace. It took him a year before he could somewhat approach his pre-mission times. So all the walking he did for two years was probably only marginally better than sitting.

Thanks so much! for the great advice!Hey- the hilly loop old course is where I run everyday :) Ok- I will hit the bike hard (no elliptical) How many miles of biking for approx miles run? or can they be compared at all?

For you, probably 12 minutes of hard biking = 1 running mile.

Thank you!

You are so dedicated!!!!! Good luck with the biking, maybe you should try a tri since you already have the swimming down and now you will have the biking down. This could open up a whole new world..... I feel like singing " a whole new world...." Happy peddling!! I hope by monday, the calfs are good as new!

Hey, maybe this is a good thing that you are liking the biking! I bet down your way traffic is not a big issue, it makes me nervous in SLC. Way to crosstrain! You get an A+ for turning lemons into lemonade!! Glad to hear the calves are feeling a little better, it looks like your training is still going STRONG!!! Keep it up!!

Good to see you find something else you enjoy:) I use biking as a form of crosstraining when needed, I love it as well. Good improvising on a Gua Sha tool. What ever works, I like spoons.

Do you use the flat back side or do you use the edge of really big ones?

it really doesn't matter, what works the best for you.

I just had to wish you a great weekend! Take care of that bum calf and happy biking!!! Be so careful! Hobblecreek is just around the corner!!!

Wow Wee! Lots of miles! I couldn't walk after riding that many! My backside kills me when riding a bike--even with a gel seat! I don't get it--I have plenty of padding!

You could do a triathlon sprint pretty easy I bet even now! We should think about it! Your a great swimmer, you only have to go 13 miles or so biking (I think), and then run a 5K! It would be fun!

P.S. Check out my splits for today! I think something is wrong with me!

Your doing good Marion. Keep doing what you've been doing and you'll be back to runsville real soon.

Thanks Tom! If everything stays pain free through the weekend, I will try a very slow, flat, jog on monday. Here's hoping :) Are you and Kim racing this weekend or are you guys saving it for the Speedy Spaniard next week?

No races for us before Speedy Spaniard. We'll be doing 15-20 mile long runs tomorrow.

HELLOOOO from beautiful Bryce Canyon!!! I am sitting here in my hotel room getting all antsy about tomorrow! The course is beautiful and mostly down hill, it should be amazing! I am praying for 2:20!!!!

Glad to hear the nasty calf is starting to behave itself, I am hoping you are back to runsville monday too!!!

Way to get out on the bike!

Have fun changing the world and watching the Police!

I hope your jog on Monday turns out perfect and pain free!

Glad to hear your calf is feeling better! You've done a lot of biking this week--that's awesome! Are you walking funny yet? :)

There were lots of cows and big trucks on the road today! You would have loved it. . .HeHeHe

Have a fabulous time at the concert! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Glad to hear you are recovering and found a way to get some exercise. I bought a bike myself this week and am slowly breaking in my butt.

Hey Maurine- I can finally sit down today with out my poor bum KILLING me :)

Here's to monday!!!!

Oh have fun at Usana!!! That will be a great concert!!! I hope you are sitting on the grass, it is so fun!!!

Glad the calves are better!!!!

Glad you had a good time. It shoulds like you are using common sense in your training.

WOW that sounds like so much fun!

Best of luck with your goals for this week, you can do it!

I hope so. This afternoon, my calf started to hurt again and I was limping again. I don't get it. All I did was go to church. That's it, NO MORE CHURCH!!! ;)

Do you have any suggestions. I am having a MAJOR anxiety attack about Hobble Creek. I don't like training snafoos! I alos do not want to set back my training any further than it already is. If I have to bike another week I will, but I DON'T WANT TO!!!!

Please help me!!!

Hehehe

Sorry you're hurting! Don't panic; that's the worse you can do! I had IT band issues before my marathon two years ago and freaked out, thinking I wouldn't be able to finish - but, you talk to people everywhere and everyone gives you a different stretch or another tip and somehow in the end it all works out!

I've never had calf issues like that, have you tried posting something on the discussion board? Are you stretching your calf lots, both against a wall, holding the down-dog Yoga pose, and standing on a step flexing your heel down the end of the step and moving it so it stretches all the different calf muscles? That's all that comes to mind now...

Maybe try running tomorrow and see if it gets better? Sometimes those pains go away just like that. And sometimes ibuprofen helps too!

All you did was go to church.... AND ROCK THE WORLD AND DANCE FOR THREE HOURS STRAIGHT!!! :D

Hahahahahaha! She gotcha there! :)

All right- you guys. I know, the rocker in me got the best of me last night. I wasn't too much of a dancer, my husband would have DIED- he's a bit shy, to put it mildly :)

OK- but seriously, would the pain delay for 14 hours? AHHHHHHHHHHHrg......

...Cute humming bird out my window, sipping nectar from my pink hollyhocks!...

Ok- I'm back and as whiny as ever. MAKE MY STUPID CALF GET BETTER! Sisters of the fast running blog, UNITE!!! Send me all of your womanly healing powers! (yes- I am officially LOSING my mind)

did I spell all my words right?

Yes Lucia- I have been really good at my calf stretches :D Brownie points for me... or how about reall brownies! I am making some for the band concert in the park. I promise not to dance :) Although my hubby is in meetings and he cant be too embarrased by me ;D

hahahahaha! You just made me laugh out loud. I really needed that today!

Yes, I will send you all the good vibes I can from all the way over here, but YOU, missy, have to do your work as well! Stretch, ice, massage, ibuprofen, yoga, bike, strengthening exercises, wall squats, lunges, do it all and do it well! You can do it!

Good, that's very good, keep that up!

I just made some oatmeal raisin cookies, want some? :)

Dance like nobody is watching! Your hubby can handle it! Just tell him it's going to help your calf get better :)

Yes please- send the cookies ASAP. :D I LOVE cookies! Have a great day and I will be sure to catch all the good vibes coming my way :D THANK YOU!!!!

Are you aware that our little ole Spanish Fork has a 1/2 on Sept. 6th? I hear it's a pretty good one. I'm planning on it as a training run for SGM.

How ya feeling today?

There is one in St. George on November 8th called the Snow Canyon half. I did it last year and loved it. I will probably do it this year. You can check it out at www.acivityreg.com

I don't know of any others in October. Like Kim said there is the SF 1/2 in September and also one in SLC on the same day.

ALso last year in November (first weekend?) there was the Snow Canyon 1/2 so I'm assuming they'll do that again this year.

Man you gotta be quick on here, looks like Josse beat me to the punch!

THanks so much!!!

OK- I have spent the most of the morning crying my eyes out. Yes,I am a baby, I know. I couldn't ride my bike cause I couldn't see through the tears :) Enough crying in my soup. Yesterday afternoon the pain came back quite suddenly and was still here this morning. Dumb me, tried to jog a bit. About a 1/2 mile was ok- no pain whatsoever, beautiful slow run, I actually cried because I could run again:) and then it was back :( I limped home crying. (this is really a sad tale).

One of the most frustrating things is that I can't be ready for Hobble Creek like I had planned. So for plan B, to make myself feel less stressed and frustrated, I was hoping that in mid october or early Nov, one (or more) of you fabulous runners would join me in a "Hobble Creek Sympathy Run for the Lame and Impaired." This way I can quit stressing that I have ruined my life and entire running career (as short and pitiful as it is) and know that even if Hobble Creek is a total disaster, I can have a pretend race later that will be better, stronger, faster that before (bionic noises, bionic man theme music)

Anyone game??? It could be a FBR pity pace party. Hey- one of you speed demons could pace me so I finished at 2:0? :)

Marion I had to make this same decision last year with SG marathon. You have to look at the big picture. There will be another hobble creek. Just focus on getting better. I can help if you need. And I would love to run down the canyon with you.

Hey Dr. Josse- Could you write me a rehab perscription? Ice __x's per day for ___min. Scrape ___x's per day for ___min. Calf stretches ___x's a day. Keep biking my weekly mileage (converted of corse)? Scrape and ice after biking & yoga? Massage, scrape, ice? Scrape, massage, Ice? I really appreciate your help. As you all can tell, I am pretty much a idiot :D

THANKS!!!!!

I would do Ice 5-7 mins then heat for 5-7 mins and repeat twice do this 2-3x a day. Scrape once a day if you can handle it. Stretch 2-3x a day. Massage when ever you are borde. And crosstrain like a mad women. Alway follow exercise with icing. Is that enough for ya? You can also order your own scraping tools if you want. www.guashaorthopedic.com

These are PERFECT!!! I will follow these instructions with precision :D As for the scraping, it does not kill me at all. I kinda jump in the tender spot, but seem to handle it well, I think :) Do I need to puch harder. I feel like I am useing the same pressure you did, but maybe not. I will order a tool tonight. I have been using a wooden spoon handle and it seems to work well. Do I always go in a downward motion or can I go up too?

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I am going on a bike ride as soon as the boys are in bed.

You can scrape in what ever direction works best. It is always going to be more affective having someone else do it. But I think you can take care of it as well. I will show you how to use the tool when you get it, just let me know.

I would probably be willing to do a fall run with you - as long as it doesn't impact my 50 miler the last Saturday in October!

Hang in there and rest.

I had to pull out of my first St George a month before because I couldn't even walk with an IT Band injury. The next year I ran it, but pulled a muscle at mile 3 and ended up taking an hour more than I planned to finish because I had to adjust my stride. Life happens.

Ok- Maruine & Josee- I'll count you in for the "Hobble Creek Sympathy Run for the Lame and Impaired" Some time this fall ;D

I am just now catching up with my blog reading, I have been out of touch since all my energy has been going to Paul, and I have such a pea brain, I can only focus on one thing at a time. I would LOVE to come down and do a fake Hobblecreek Half!! It sounds like a party, if I can I will, looks like Maurine is up for it too. Just let me know when, and I am SOOOO sorry for the dang gimpy calf! Hang in there Marion and follow Dr. Josee! You will be fine, no more tears runner girl!!! I have faith in you!

Have fun at girl's camp! (I know that sounds like an oxymoron!) Good job on the bike! Just getting out to do something is the important part!

Nice ride. My bum just can't take it even though I have more than enough padding there. And the bats ate all your bugs....aren't bats the greatest. I think I am going to go build a bat box today :)

What is it with the sleeping lately? I love the bikeing in the middle of the night thing, sounds like something I'd do. Although, I'd like sleeping more than biking at 4:00 a.m. Good luck with all those funny, cute girls at camp!

Hope you have a good time and can get some hiking in!

I'm back from Girls Camp. WOW it was beautiful. I'll post the details :)

Hey, Teasdale! That is next door to Torrey where my folks have a place, it is so beautiful there. That is where we went after Bryce Canyon. I am glad you had such a nice time, but I missed your daily notes!!!!!!! I am glad you are back!!!

Way to stay strong and pass on the things that didn't feel right for your recovery! Girl's Camp can be a lot of fun. I hope you had a nice Pioneer Day as well!

Glad to hear the calf is doing better. I think your plan to try a very slow run on Monday if good. Just make sure if the calf or anywhere else starts feeling painful or not quite right to cut the run short. Good luck!

Thanks Tom. I'll be sure to pull the plug if anything is off :( ... but my fingers are crossed for really good luck.

Hey, we miss you on the blog!!! I hope you had a nice Sat. running or not!!

Thanks Les- I have been madly remodeling my kitchen and trying not to think about not running :( I am going to try a run in the morning and hopefully it will go well. Wish me luck. How's Paul doing?

I like the beans a lot better than the gel. The beans are a little chewy but not too bad. They have different flavors and not like the gel, you do not have to drink water after taking them. I think you should give them a try and i think you will like them a lot.

Barry

Thanks Barry- I will have my hubby pick me up some at runners corner in the morning. I have been using jolly ranchers, but they aren't going to be enough, I fear, and I want to try them on a few runs before Hobble Creek. Thanks so much for the help!

pewter frogs and dragonflys sound cute, sounds very Marion, fun and whimsical! I wish you well tomorrow, I think slow is the ticket!!! I will be anxious to read your report

Our house is a little gingerbread house built in the 1930's by David's grandparents, so we get to be a bit Mary Englebreit and whimsical because it's so cute and small. We love it :D

It sounds so cute, I hope I can see it someday!! Hey, if you can, we are doing the Wasatch Crest this Sat., it would be great if you could join us!! It is the best trail run ever!!!!

That makes me so sad for you!!!!!!! When your heart and soul wants to run and your stinkin' calf rebels, it just isn't fair, I have no clue, I wish I had an answer for you. I guess the doc is the way to go, maybe a sports doc, that will be more sensitive to your running plans. DANG IT ALL TO HECK!!! Please keep us posted and hopefully a blogger may have some tips for you!!!!!

Marion, I think it's a good idea to get to the doctor soon and, preferably, a doctor who RUNS. The sooner you go, the sooner you'll know what's wrong and can do something about it.

That being said, I am really sorry. It is really tough being injured. Keep blogging, though. It will keep you motivated and encouraged!

Thanks ladies for your encouragement! It helps a ton!

Shauna- Do you know any good Doc's in the Provo area?

Marion, no, I don't know of doctors up there. I've never even been to Provo! I would post a question on the discussion forum. Then everyone will see your question, and someone will probably be able to give you an answer. Thanks for your comment-yes, it is HOT here. I'm really looking forward to October!!

Thanks Shauna- I went to your blog and was reminded that you are an AZ girl :) Sorry for the silly question! I will post it. Thanks! I may call Josse.

Is there a knot where your calf hurts? Is it a general area or pinpoint pain? Close to the bone? My hubby gets calf problems a lot, and usually I get to try to massage them and get them back in working order. I hope you find someone good who'll know how to help you. Have you met Josse? Do you live close enough to go see her?

No knots :( or is that a :D Josse worked on it last week- or was it the week before? It is in the muscle. If you picture a 1 by 2 running from your calf to your heel, the pain is 1/2 way up/down and it is on the sides of the 1x2. I can pinch it and it hurts. The pain is about from mid point and 2.5 inches up. It also hurts if I push deep and directly in the center. It is deeper vs. surface. How's that for a description :D I have been massaging & scraping it. The somewhat strange thing (or maybe not) is that it doesnt really hurt to run on it, I just cannot walk if I stop- or start running again for that matter.

I did go longer today that last week. I only made it about a half of a mile last mon and 2 miles today. My chiropractor is fishing in Alaska, so I may go see MichelleL's tomorrow if I can get in.

When I came back from my calf injury last year I did the same thing. We tend to get alittle over excited coming back. What I would recommend is biking before you run. This tires your legs out and makes it seem like you have ran farther than you have. I would do your regular bike thing and then just run a mile. Then when it is feeling good lessen the amount of biking and add more running. Hope this is only a minor set back.

Hey JOsse- so for my plan back. Next week I had planned to walk- but you are saying, bike for next week- then the following week, bike and run one mile, daily. then over the next several weeks increase running slowly while decreasing biking?

Yes of course it is all by feel. If you would have only ran the mile and biked you probably woundn't have had the reacurrance. So build back slowly and go by feel. If you feel any disconfort than stop running and walk.

Thanks Josee- I had that realization later on monday :( Live and learn. THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your help!!! I guess the stubborness that keeps us running also keeps us injured at times ;)

I am SURE you will get in your half marathon by your birthday!! If you haven't done it by April 28th we will all come down and walk you thru it!!! No.... you will get better and do it in style!

Lucky you! Wicked tickets!!! So are you season ticket holders????

We aren't season holders, but our friends are and I am SO excited!

Marion - maybe you should take a whole week off and just rest and wrap that calf and then start back walking for a couple of weeks and then running.

yES mAURINE Sounds like the perfect plan :) I am for sure staying down ALL week (I may go see Dark Knight, though ;) How is your knee? Is it 100%

Make sure you've healed and then be careful in re-building your strenth, or else the problem will go on and on. If you do it right, and take care not to re-injure, you will hit your goals. Even if not by the time frame you originally set up. Just remember, running is something you want to do for a long, long time. You don't need to hurry. You just need to keep going. Get that calf back into order! Have a great day!

Marion - the knee still bothers me after 6+ miles. Starting to ice it each night and take vitamin I 3x per day for anti-inflammatories.

I also ordered a workout tape on healing the knees that was recommended in Runner's World. BodyWorksMD – Physician Guided Physical Therapy. It should be here any day now.

Did you make a dr. appointment? Often an injury needs more than just rest, it needs a work-over or two or three. Also a solid diagnosis can help you know how to treat it and how to prevent it in the future.

Michelle- no appointment yet- I really hate going to the doc :( My chiro is in Alaska fishing until sunday. I am trying to muster the courage to call yours- silly as it seems, i'm a bit shy and cautious.

Maurine- That great you can make it up to six miles! Yeah- hope the video helps!

My new plan is to (hopefully, after a week of ice and rest.. and a visit to the doc :) to walk for a week. Then the next week a little running and progressing from there as it seems prudent. I will continue with ice, yoga and massage daily.

Hobble creek is toast. Moab is the new hope in the spring if I can get in :D

I think I'd rather do the Provo City 1/2 April 4th-ish. Is that a good one?

Sasha and I did the Provo 1/2 in April. It is a flat honest course. Lybi also came up from AZ and raced it. I can't remember who else did it.

I still say you should call my doctor. He is super nice, very good at what he does, and rest won't always solve the underlying issue. Especially where you have already been through the cycle of resting it until it felt better, then running on it and the pain came back, IMO the doctor is the next step.

ok- what's his # again. I'll call right now!

375-2420, you'll be glad you go :)

There's two drs. there, you want Dr. Brady.

Glad you are calling the doctor. If you sign up for the Grand Slam you can get into ST. George, but that is doing 3 other marathons in the same season, which may be tough for your first year. I think if you join Locomotion running club in SLC you can get in St. George, Laurie would know about that. Those are the only two options I have heard about. Maurine has done the Grand Slam and can give you details. St. George is amazing, but I hear TOU is great too. I am doing that in Sept. and I will give you a report, I hear it is cooler and most people get a better time than at ST. George. There are lots of options, you WILL get your marathon in for your 40th Birthday!!! Can I come to your party??? A marathon Birthday run sounds fun!

Marion I hope things work out for you good luck with recovery and thank you for all your wonderful comments. I know St George has a series of 10k's and half marathons that if you register with them and then do all the races you get a marathon spot but it requires I think about 4 trips to st george. Call me if you want to talk about locomotion.

Les- NO grand slam for me ;D No way! TOU sounds great too. I love to have options! Is TOU hard to get into like St George? I am not dead set on any marathon- I just want to do ONE and I want to live to blog about it! As for the birthday- of corse you can come! It will be a Marathon Party! We can have Gu and barf and everything. I'[ll have my hubby bring a big 'ol cake for us to eat for post race carbs! Where is TOU? It sounds closer than St George. I'm all about not having to travel!

Laurie- What is Locomotion?

Thansk to all for the well wishes! When I am better I am coming up to run with ya'll! I'll drag Kim and Kim :D

TOU is Top of Utah, up in Logan. You start at Hardware Ranch and run down the canyon, I hear it is great. I will give it a test run for you. I am a big ST. George snob, but people say TOU is pretty dang nice, no it is not hard to get into. It could be a nice option. Yum, gu and barf bags! You know how to party girl!!!!!

I highly reccommend Dr. Brady, he is one of the best sports doc around. As for the runner series for SG you have to sign up for it. It opens right after the marathon and you have to sign up quick because it fills fast, just like the marathon.

Josse- if I am not really very particular ;), would TOU be a perfectly fine marathon to run? I have family I could stay with up that way :D

TOU is a fine marathon.

Is it shin splints? If so i have a workout that will help get rid of them.

Barry

Hi Barry- I don't think it is shin splints, because the muscle is the thing that is hurting. I can grab it and rub the sore spot/spots. Thanks, I'll remember your the man to go to if I ever get shin splints! Thanks so much!

It sounds good to me, but I will be anxious to hear what the doc says!! I know this is a huge exersize of patience! Good luck!!!!!!

perfect!

Thanks guys- I a hoping for a great Doc visit tomorrow too.

Good luck at the doc! I hope he will be the answer you are looking for! I feel bad that you got injured AFTER joining the blog! I hope all the hype of the blog didn't help you on your road to an injury!

No, I know what injurs me for the most part and I wasn't cautious enough. Also I am a BIG believer that there are major lessons to be learned from EVERY crappy experience- more so than the good ones. I have come away from this with a greater appreciation for being able to be active and it has increased my love for running- which is really important to remember you have when the runs are a bit rough ;D I think I will be a much better runner for this experience. A lot smarter anyway!! (which wasn't to hard ;)

I agree with you Marion! Dang those crappy experiences we have to face! But they are the things that make us stronger! They also make you appreciate things more! Here's to stronger and more appreciative! You go girl! You are an inspiration to all of us!

Way to be brave, Marion! Sounds like a great doctor, geez, you guys have all the best stuff out there!

Enjoy the time off and giddy up for when you get back to RUNNING!

I am glad you had a good experience with Dr. Brady. (Less diplomatic post = I told you so! I told you so!) I am a heel striker myself. Together we make a balanced runner.

It is very normal to be sore after getting worked on. Glad you had a great experience today.

Lucia- thanks I will be brave.. I will! I am also LOVING sleeping in.. a little too much I fear! :D

Michelle- Yes, you did tell me and I gave you full credit at Dr Bradys office- I told them you MADE me come and that you think he is the BEST! Couple questions- I am is SERIOUS pain from the beating he gave my calf ;) Do you ice afterwards? It seems to be helping. I forgot to ask him and was not in any discomfort until we go to the temple and couldn't walk in :D My husband in making serious fun of me. Secondly- when I start running next week (yippee and YAHOO) would you mind looking at my strike to make sure I am doing it "right." He had me running in the office and the strike he liked felt really weird and I don't know if I can recreate it without him telling me what to do. I'm going to bring my running shoes with me next tuesday and see if he will go outside with me. I feel so weird running indoors.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!!

Thanks Josse- his scraping tool was like a little metal bike handle bar. The acupuncture was cool and freaky. I am glad it was on the back of my legs so I couldn't see the needles go in. My hubby was super impressed by it.

I find that alternating ice (5 mins) and heat (5 mins) works the best for soreness relief. Maybe take some IB as well.

There is nothing wrong with being a toe runner or a heel runner. You find both kinds among elite runners. What makes you fast is not where you strike, but rather with how much force relative to your body weight. Everything else is secondary to that goal, do whatever it takes to make your body power safely and with maximum force. For some people this means striking with the toe, for others with the heel. The proper form comes naturally with training, the less you worry about it, the better it is going to become.

Sounds like you got a royal work over, that will be interesting trying to change your running style. You are so determined, it is contagious!! Way to go and take care of business and carry on!!! After you get back in the groove again, you need to come up and do a run with us!!

Dr. Brady tells me I can alternate IB, but to not do it the day I am worked on. To wait a day then I can do 2-3 days on IB but then go off again for several days.

The problem with our natural form is that we are comfortable there and it isn't always conducive to being injury free. We have all heard of people who are injury prone, and perhaps this is because the natural form they have isn't safe. Sasha is naturally injury free so however he wants to strike his foot is fine. Sasha did mention you can "power safely" is the right way to run (agreed), and Dr. Brady is imparting his knowledge of what strikes tend to be unsafe and to stress muscles/tendons and all the other "whats-its" in the body.

BTW the first time he put the needles in me I said, "What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to ask permission before sticking those in me?" He said "No." and just poked away.

Thanks guys- I am quite sure that I cannot have tremendous success with totally changing my strike, but I am sure I can make some changes that will help me keep from repeating this injury again, and again and again. This is my second calf pull :( Knowing what the problem is, is more than half of the battle.

THANKS YOU GUYS SO MUCH! This blog ROCKS!! Seriously, a blessing from heaven!!

Sasha- in thinking about what you said, how would you suggest I proceed as to not have recurrent calf strain injuries?

What about you, Michelle?

Marion - I have noted that your calf injury correlated with frequent and prolonged downhill running. Which makes sense - when running downhill you will tend to use your calves a lot more. I wonder if you just lay the downhill running aside for a year until you drop some weight, strengthen your calves from flat training, and have developed some adaptations in the form (this will happen naturally from consistent running), if that would make you immune to calf problems.

Hey, new to all of this, but good luck with your injury!!

I went to your BLOG, and WOW!!! You look amazing! I am a WW lifetimer myself so i find your site GREAT!!! I am going to go through EVERY post and write down all of your great recipes. Do you work at WW??

And, way to go PAYSON! That is where my Dad grew up. There house was right across the street from the Taco Time (well, more diagnol, there is a gas station or service station right across the street). The house is still there, but both grandparents have passed on to better things!

Excuse my typos and grammar errors, I did not proofread. I hate it when I do that---especially the fact that I wrote THERE instead of THEIR. I am not an idiot, rest assured.

Thanks for commenting on my blog today. I checked out your blogspot and I gotta say...wow! Congratulations on your transformation, you're awesome! Good job! I hope your calf heals up soon so you can get out running again!

Thanks Sasha :) I have been scouting out flatter routes on my bike and have been planning to run more out in the fields of West Mountain (newest Onion Days 10k route area) also the canal trails from Santaquin to Mapleton appear pretty flat. I'm working on the weight :) Thanks so much- I am hoping to be ready for Provo City 1/2 next spring. Your advice helps a lot! Thanks again!

HI Kelli- don't EVER worry about the typo's with me- I get typing and type half of everything wrong. Yes, I work for WW as a leader in Provo and Payson. I'm glad you enjoyed my blog. As for Payson- we actually live in my husbands Grandparents home that they built over by the fire dept. We ended up here on accident and just love it.

Thanks JD- it really has been a transformation. A work in progress really!

It was fun to hear about your little fishies!!!! I think that is great all your kids swim, I feel sorry for adults that can't and are uncomfortable in water. I had all my kids on swim teams and they are still enjoying it as adults.

I am glad that your calf is cooperating! You need to get it better and join us on a run in fall on the Crest, it was such a fabulous day. It is so cool to look at the mountain range and see that we ran from one canyon to the next!! It makes you feel like super woman!!!!!!

Hey, this fire!!!! I need to watch the news, stay safe and I will be watching your blog for updates, that is SO SCAREY!!! Be CAREFUL!!!

I'm really glad to hear the calf is healing. I hope the stride adjustment works. Just be slow picking up mileage again because you will be using your muscles differently.

Thanks you two! I will be very careful. The doc said he would go trough the return to running with me thoroughly on tues. I really can't believe how good it feels. I told my husband that it felt great and he immediately said, "Don't you dare run on it!" He is usually very reserved and "whatever" and it cracked me up that he would think that I would even consider running on it. I guess he knows me pretty well and could see the "I wanna run on it" look in my eyes!

Your run this morning sounded beautiful! Wow- you girls are lucky ducks!!!

I was wondering if those fires were close to you. Are they under control yet (I have not watched the news)??

GREAT JOB to your kids! That is awesome that they swim like that! I have 4 little fish of my own, but they just like to splash me and dunk each other.

Since I am new (or just returning) to this blog, I just read through all of your July. WOW, what a ride for you. I hope this ankle thing is over soon!! Anyway, you CRACK me up, I am really going to have to come to one of your meetings!!! It might be the motivation that I need.

AND, since I just read through your blog, I would love to do your fake Hobble Creek (I can no longer remember the name you gave it) if you decide to. I hear it is a great run!

Yeah- more fake hobblers !!!

Yes the fires were very close and still not out. If you go to my meltingmarion.blogspot.com I have posted pictures. The link is on my profile to the right. Those pics were taken about a mile from my house. VERY scary! Our firefighters ROCK!!!

Fishy children are so fun! I love swim team. THey go at 7 am every day (they walk or ride their bikes) then they are home by 8:15 am. THey all compete sat mornings and we are ususally home by 11am. Swimming is the best sport ever! The ball fields just KILL me. (mainly the fries :) I am so glad they have fallen in love with swimming and not soft/baseball :D

I do not think I will run that extra mile for you, but good luck Wednesday. It is nice to read your excitement and compare it to my dread!!!

Have a GREAT week!!

Marion, I love your enthusiasm! :-) I hope your leg holds up and that you are able to run this week.

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the support. The legs are gonna be GREAT!!! All my excitement will negate any whiny leg syndrome! ;)

LUCKY!!!!!! I haven't done yoga in weeks! You are being so good about holding off running until Wed. Good Girl!! I hope all your patience will pay off!!

it had better pay off or you'll be getting soaked for wednesdays blog by my cyber tears! ;D

We definitely don't want any cyber tears on Wednesday! Here's to a great recovery and an easy and painfree start up on Wednesday!

2 more days!!! Counting down for you.

I still can not believe you are excited about it...WAIT!!! I forget what blog I am on!!

Hey Marion,

Are the roads down Payson canyon all open now? We are planning a run down on Wednesday.

they werent yesterday (I swear I wasn't running ;) but we are headed out for dinner and we will drive up and check for you :)

I am crossing my fingers for you- I hope the doc gives you the go ahead for a run tomorrow!!! Have fun with your sister in law!!!

Great news from the Doc! We'll be in your parts tomorrow for a downhill Payson Canyon. (Is it open?) Maybe we'll see you. (although I know you WON'T be going down the canyon!) Take it easy girl! I know you are a bit excitable and I don't want you to over do it! :D (that "excitable" comment was made out of love!)

Good luck, and take it slow!

Glad to hear the good news. I would try icing before and after the run and do a good warmup and cooldown. Let us know how it goes (like you already don't)

Hey Maurine- are you saying I talk too much? :) I am going to go for a jog tonight. I just can't help it. I will ice afterwards. He gave me some stretches to do too. Sort of a one legged down dog-ish. He has ordered me shoe inserts too. My right arch has fallen. My right foot is more than a 1/2 inch longer than my left. As if my feet weren't already ugly enough!

Oh- I am going to stretch, then walk a 1/2 mile then jog SLOWLY for a mile then walk a 1/2 mile home, stretch and Ice :D And sleep like a baby! with a grin a million miles wide! (no nay sayers- everyone say " that sounds great Marion- have fun! Wow!!"

That sounds great Marion-have fun! Wow!

Hey Kim- THE CANYON IS OPEN!!! Yeah!! What time are you going. My sis in law is in town from CA (she's a 8 to 8:20 mm girl) It will probably be too early, she's still on CA time, but I said I'd check.

Me excitable?

Yeah for the open canyon! We meet at Pateetneet and leave promptly at 5:00 a.m. We aren't sure how many people will show up. We are hoping there will be 2 vehicles to get people to the top but we aren't sure at the moment. We run down 11 miles. Let me know if we should watch for her. We all pitch in a buck or two to the driver for gas.

And you excitable...what was I thinking? :)

Thanks for the info Kim. She's not going to come, although if it was later she'd come. We are partying a bit too late to get up that early! Have fun and i want to hear about the wild life!!

Welcome back to the running world!! YAHOO!!! Be OH SOO careful!!!

Welcome back! Glad you are healing well!

Yayyy for Marion being cleared to run!

If I were you, I'd count 2 miles of hiking as 1 mile of running or something like that... Especially if you hike fast, or in a difficult/hilly terrain. Have fun!

Thanks Lucia. Our hike pace was set by my 2 year old, so... I probably should not count any of it :) Have you found out any new info from the docs (or online) about your injury? Hang in there!

We should create a new template of "fun miles" for those :)

I'm seeing my orthopedic doctor tomorrow morning... lots of questions that need answers! Wish me luck, thanks for your support!!!

GOOD LUCK!!! I'll be waiting to read all about it. Lots of details, please :D

It is so hot and muggy today---hiking with kids does not sound fun!! At least not my kids, they whine too much!!

I am glad to see your run last night went okay. Take it slow and keep up with the Yoga! Every time I visit the sports Dr, he prescribes Yoga---it helps!

Speaking of Yoga, do you just watch it on your computer?? How does that work? My screen is not big enough!

Yes I do watch it onthe screen. THere is a "make it bigger" button below the image on the right center ish.

Way to go!!!! I bet you are so happy to be running even if it is every other day. Make sure that you take it slow and do as the doctors tell you so you can get back to 100%

Lori

Thanks Lori! I get to run in the morning and I am SO extcited! :D

Congrats on your first post-injury pain-free run! Great to hear your calf gave you no trouble at all. Looks like you're doing all the right things so I would expect you'll be right back where you left off (running-wise, not injury-wise!) in no time at all.

Sounds like you had a good run. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself.

Excellent work my melted friend! I'm also glad you didn't break your neck :)

Thanks guys :)

WELCOME BACK!!!!! I am so happy for you!!! That was an awesome pace for starting back!!!! Stick to your schedule and don't get overly anxious! You go Marion!!!!

Yeah! Watch out, world-Marion's back!

YEAH!!! I am glad it was a successful, pain-free run.

Those tramps are dangerous---you be careful!

I do have to day i have never seen a dead bat before. Good job on the running...

REally BArry- I hear seeing the dead bat is a good omen for FBR's. It brings you 20 years injury free running.

Now we will all be looking for dead bats as we are running in the morning LOL I know I will, I can use all the help I can get. Congrats on the great run, I'm so happy to that you are back in the running zone.

Lori

Yay for no more zero miles days!!! I'll be posting the same in less than 8 weeks!!!

Glad to hear your legs feel good. No dead bats around here... do rats count??? Bats are sort-of rats with wings....

Rat's are a good omen, but they are a "you won't DIE of boredom cross training" omen. If you don't find a dead bat soon, I'll email you a picture of one. It's only 5 years injury free running, but hey, thats 5 years!

Way to go! 7 weeks and 5 days left? YEAH!!!!! :D

It's awesome that you have great legs that feel good too! Have fun tomorrow!

On your order, I would amend it to: walk, stretch, walk (just a minute or two), run, stretch (no need to walk at the end unless you like to, MonaFlash-James on the blog likes the walk after the run though, we don't agree on that), stretch, ice bath (eat/drink something during ice bath, you need calories asap, I usually mix up a recovery drink while my ice bath runs, weigh myself then down my drink then hop in the tub), hot bath.

Thanks so much! I was wondering about the food part. I will bump that up. I eat a banana orange smoothie and down my mama calm. I have always walked about .2 mile home since forever, I don't know why. Probably to give myself a chance to breath again ;D

What do you drink for a recovery drink?

That's a pretty crummy deal to have a headache!!! I think you are crazy, it is a wonderful thing to be!!! I actually iced my heels for the first time, and it seemed to help for the moment, but they are already talking to me! I have decided that pavement really really sucks and after I finish this running season, I will get back on the trails!!!!

I am soory about the heels! I found this website with a bunch of stretches for PF (which I KNOW you don't have) but maybe they will help you poor heels! http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/529/main.html

So, do you heels not hurt at all with trail running?

I personally would have eaten between each item. Sounds like a lot more fun.

Anyone want to take bets on when Les admits she 'might' have PF? (It still hurts her sometimes after trails)

Maybe we should have an intervention.

That's dedication to run through a migraine! At least the calves are cooperating! Enjoy being nuts!

Wow, good run! I am so happy that you are able to be back and running again, and that you LOVE it---pain and all. I need to take lessons on that...

I told my husband this morning, as we were walking up to the neighbor's at 3:45 AM to catch a ride, that runners are CRAZY! It is a totally unglamorous sport! The side effects are killer---but runners are a dedicated people, for sure (I am not counting me in this elite group I call "runners"). And to take an ice bath---seriously. That would have given me a migraine!!

YOU GO GIRL!!

Marion, I think you deserve the Miss Congeniality (spelling???)blogger award!! We love your positive attitude!! Happy running to you and all the bloggers this week!!

With the news of my PF, I had a ww melt down.... I am going to be paying for it for a week now I bet. The self control went down the toliet!!!!

I can SO relate to melting down! I wasn't kidding about crying a few weeks ago. We work so hard and have come so far. Injury is a slap in the face, or so it feels. The one thing I have learned from it though, is that I really love to run. I really want to! I also learned countless other tid bits! You are going to be fine.

We are ALL entitled to a meltdown every once in a while. You have fun with yours! Go with it. You'll come out of it soon enough. It's not like your WHOLE world has been through the ringer this last month, oh wait, it has! I am cutting your a TON of slack. You have a free pass to do whatever you want! (do all the PF stuff, give your heels a break this week- swim, bike whatever you want, ice those mothers :)

I LOVE knowing you! :)

There's a song in the soundtrack of the movie Garden State that says "there's beauty in the breakdown" that I listen to whenever I have a meltdown... so we have to remind ourselves that it's OK to feel down, while at the same time remember we have so many blessings!

sorry you can't run the 1/2 you wanted to, but I'm sure that you can find a fun race to run instead! Just be careful and don't let your enthusiasm get you in trouble!

I completely understand the "meltdown." I missed two of my key races this spring due to injury but felt very strongly that I would rather miss a couple of races then risk permanent injury. It is so hard, but stay focused on the bigger goal and know that you will be stronger in the end.

Thanks Jodi and Lucia :) I know I can't run Hobble creek. What if you guys push me in a wheelchair?

It's all good, and more importantly, FOR my good :)

It's my 18th anniversary today, so I am off to eat some super duper chocolate cake ;D I really can't believe we've been married for 18 years. Our first date was 23 years ago. Boy time flies!

LOL - do you really want someone to push you down a hill in a wheelchair? You probably wouldn't survive.

I know its hard to drop out of race, but I had to drop out of St. George in 2004 with ITB problems and Ogden this year (stupid surgery) - and its worth living to run another day.

Ok- so the wheelchair is a bad idea.. you can't blame a girl for trying ;D

Nice way to start off the week!

An ice bath in an iron tub?? BRRRR!

I am glad you had a good run and could still appreciate the beautiful day (I have a hard time putting the two together!)

Stay well!!

Yeah!!! Strong legs! Keep it up. So do you put cold water in the tub and ice and SIT in it????? I have never done an ice bath....not sure I REALLY want to know....but tell me anyway. Have a great day!

I actually dump ice in the tub. Then I sit myself down IN THE ICE and then add cold water. It seems less shocking than ploping down into ice water. I is REALLY amazing what it does to the legs. I mainly am doing it because my hamstrings were a little too whiny on friday, and I needed to ice my calves so I thought, what the heck, I'll be Michelle and ice it all. I am truly amazed at how much it kept the legs from complaining during the day. They feel fresh and springy ;D

The ice bath method that works best for me is to sit in the tub and start filling it with cool water, then cold. My body can handle it creeping up slowly that way. Then, once I have the level where I want it to be, I dump in a bag of ice and scream.

Brillian Maurine! I will go do it. I just got home ;D

Hades

You look MAREVELOUS!!! We can not all be female volleyball players, the world need some variety! I do wish I could find my abs...I work them enough to make them hurt (but not too much), so I know they are there!!

Great running! And where were you that it was hot? It was FREEZING in Herriman (and still is--all of the windows are open and we have cooled the house down to 67. My kids are all wrapped up in blankets crying that it is too cold!)

I was actaully cold when I started and then got really hot. All sun the whole way home. I also did not wear my tank top today. I looked at my back side and decided I needed more clothes. My back is fat and it makes me MAD!!! As you can probably tell, I am having body image problems today :O

Thanks for the "hades"

Hey! NO negative self talk allowed!!! You look awesome! You are a role model for so many people!!! Stand tall and strut your stuff!!! Great run!!

Ok Les/Mom :) I am tall, that is good:) My feet a big, though.

Sorry, my Polly Anna is hold up in the closet. I locked her in last night. She was bugging me ;)

We turned the lock around on my kids door so if we really needed to they can't open their door and escape. We are always right there with them though.

And at least you have the height to go with your feet, I should be 6" taller with my size 10 d width feet :) You think I would be better coordinated but I'm not......

Hey Laurie! We can share shoes! My running shoes are MENS 10.5 double E. My girly shoes are 10W.

When I was a kid, my mom would say, "who shot your Polly Anna?" when we had turned into pessimists. I say it to my kids, but they have no idea who Polly ANna is. I need to get that movie.

You guys crack me up.... my feet are dainty and petite, a mere 9 1/2 exta wide!!!! I think I need to see Polly Anna, is she super sugary sweet and positive all the time?

I'm so glad you had an unbelievable morning! You deserve it!

Marion, Glad that you are running and feeling good!! I think at times we all suffer from body envy, I know that I do, and it's a tough habit to break... but it never helps. I have to try real hard to have positive self talk. SO YOU DO TO :) You have accomplished so much!!! you are your own olymipic champion!

Lori

Thanks Kim!

Yes Les, Polly Anna pretty much needs to be SLAPPED!! :P

Thanks Lori! I have come a long way, baby! Today I am just being a stinker :) I WANT IT ALL!!!! (evil laugh)

I watched polly anna as a kid. She even got the grumpiest hermit to be happy and kind and share and help.....and then when she got hurt the WHOLE town pulled together for her, even the grumpy old hag who was planning for her own funeral.

Polly Anna ROCKS!!

Your back can not be fatter than mine...it is a very ugly, stupid genetic trait that I feel I have no control over. I try...but it does not go away. No tank tops for me EVER!!!!

Are you going to be our FRB cheerleader? Awesome!

I am! I may even make t-shirts for the FRB's. I have been a tye dieing fool lately! What do you think?

Great run, I think your pace is looking pretty dang good!! I think you are back in the groove once again!! You will be a great cheerleader Sat!!!!

The ice bath sounds dreadful! You are dedicated that's for sure!

Hey Les- I hope you don't mind :)... I was reading a post of Bonnies about PF and asked her to pop over to your blog. For me, all the info I can get really helps.

Subliminal message coming you way... *** come down to Hobble creek...come down to Hobble creek***

Don't you just love this blog!!! I agree, the more info the better, I was happy to hear that the PF didn't stop her from running, I will definately follow her advice and that of the website and your sister-in-law, it is all so helpful.

I wish I could come down and cheer with you, it sounds like so much fun! I am doing a practice swim up at Jordanelle and see if I can actually do the whole swim. It will be be torture.

Thanks for asking, we need to get a bunch of us together soon! I am still thinking a fake 5K for Paul would be fun, we are working on the tee shirt design now! They will be pretty darn snazzy!!!

Good luck at Jordanelle! WOW that is gonna be intense! I am asuming that you have some good spotters going with you?

Yeah! 5k for Paul!!!

I am so happy that I am not the only one who has a hard time getting up some days (okay, most days)! I hate that I have to run at night now---I can not wait for cooler weather so I can sleep in until 7, get the kids off to school, and then just go pushing the "baby" in the stroller on my own.

How many ice baths are you gonna endure?? WOW, you are crazy (or really smart!)

Glad you like my 'recipe' for an ice bath. The first time I tried climbing into a tub of cold water was also my last time. I think I lasted 30 seconds tops!

I may ice bath forever ;D I am planning on ice bathing for long runs and races FOREVER! But in the short term, I am icing for the next three weeks every day while I am still in the rebuilding after my injury. :)

I am going to be running while the boys are in pre school at 11 am this winter :) I HATE waking up! ALWAYS and forever ;D

Keep up the good work!

The Olympics are messing up my sleep and training schedule. I must have turned it off before all the falling (I only saw all the falls off the pommel horse).

Finally bought my boss her own lacrosse ball. She keeps stealing mine. We use them at work for deep massages.

Thanks Maurine! I have been using wooden spoons, and my knees. a ball might be nice :)

Tennis balls are good because they are a little soft. Lacrosse balls are hardcore and can really dig in deep.

Another neat tool to try is called a Theracane (aka tool of torture). People always steal mine off my desk.

So are they stealing the stuff to torture themselves or others? Sounds like a fun office ;D

That is way too late. Were you in the canyon at all? It is a little cooler up there isn't it? But way to keep at it. I quit altogether in the heat!

I miss Payson Canyon. I can not remember if I told you this, but my grandparents had an apple orchard right at the bottom of the canyon (it is all houses now). I need to come visit and reminisce...

Able to do 20 miles a week already! Great job! I hope it continues to improve! I know hte FRB will have the most exuberant cheerleader ever at Hobble Creek! :D

I hate when I do the 'hte' thing!

Kelli- No canyon today :( We were sweating it pretty bad :( You'll have to come down and do a long run with us down the canyon some time. It IS much cooler and really beautiful. Lot;s of foxes, right Kim? :)

Kim- Yeah, Dr brady said I should be back up to 28-30 by three weeks. I am going to do more like, 10, 20, 25, 30 ish thing. and of course, go by feel. I will pull back if they get stiff again, and get into see him. :)

Thanks guys!!!

I hope you checked your hot water first before you took the ice bath.. :)

I didn't BArry- boy I was a lucky girl today :)

Marion,

You are rockin' too :) I have never been brave enough to try the ice bath, but I think I might soon.

Lori

Ahhh Lori- you dont know what you are missing ;D

Man! I am suffering from the late night Olympics-watching too! I am exhausted. But it's only once every 4 years.

Hey, you are doing fabulous with your running and taking good care of yourself. Keep it up, you are going places, chica!

Better two than a goose egg.

I totally get it! It is fine line! Good girl, 2 miles will make you feel good about yourself!!! Dang those Olympics, they are addicting.

Yay for beating lazy thoughts!!! See, the olympics are supposed to inspire us to be MORE athletic, not less!!!

I'm back :) Nice slow easy run. Ave pace 11:12. Boy it sure feels good to run. I am glad I went :D Lots of smiles today.

I am going to make raspberry jam today. YUMM! The humming birds are buzzing my window! David has the day off. Life is GOOD!!! We are going to the Bombay House for dinner tonight! LIFE ROCKS!! I love indian food. We are going to the temple tonight after dinner to do a bunch of Family File sealings :) Wow, life is great today! Hey, I may even get some more cupboard painted :D OH and yesterday we found 42 ccents! I am RICH to boot! Oh and speaking of rich, our gasoline bill was only $300 this month! I am blessed!

Have a great day! Be safe and swift!!!

Yay for running! Hooray for life!!! :)

Indian food rocks! Yuppeee!

Glad you got out and ran! Good job. (Send some jam my way)

WOW! You are chipper today! I am munching on a slice of bread---could you send some jam my way? They would go great together!

Good for you for getting out. I will take lessons from you on not being lazy! At what point do you just hop and RUN, just like hopping up and taking a shower, or brushing your teeth??

Ok- whoever comes down and runs WITH me (slow as I am) gets a thing of homemade fresh freezer jam! The Payson Canyon Fox Club foxes LOVE jam :)

Running on some days is like ripping off a bandage. You just gotta do it fast before you chicken out ;D I also wanted the extra activity points for dinner tonight! My favorite dish, Coconut Chicken Kourma, is 15 points per cup! Ouch!! I can eat about 5 cups of it, along with the Naan and rice, I am looking at about 300 points for dinner tonight. The secret is out, I am not some great motivated runner, but a great monstrous eater! Oh, the shame ;)

I will be first to say that running makes people ravenous!! Or at least my people. But that is funny, because I sometimes will run or go to the gym and do a class so that I can enjoy a night out.

You enjoy your dinner---point free on me!

Thanks- I'll take that point free dinner ;) I wonder if the scale will go along with that?

YAHHOOOO!!! Got to love days like that!!

Lori

FREAKY WEIRD!!! As long as you are feeling good, I think you are okay! Any breaks, I think, make the cardiovascular part hard to "feel good" again, but you are doing AWESOME!!!

How was dinner last night? I hope you enjoyed it!

Dinner was DIVINE!! I love indian food and Bombay House is the BEST!!! I was pretty darn good, as far a food choices. I had bubble gum Ice cream at 31 flavors, and boy that was YUMM! I have never gotten over my love for that flavor.

Of all the flavors of ice cream (and I love most), that is one I can not stand!!! I am glad you enjoyed it and that you were pretty darn good but not perfect! THAT is what life is about.

Nice consistency over the last three, Marion! How is the biking coming along?

The biking is BAD!!! Not that biking is bad, but MY biking is. The doc made me lay off for the last bit of my recovery and I have not ridden (that looks weird) since. I need to get gloves. I have frankly been so excited to run again that I have totaly spaced my poor bike. I have been making my kids ride everywhere- to save $$$$. :D

Hey Kelli- I have learned that bubble gum ice cream is either a love or hate. I am happy to eat ALL the bubble gum ice cream IN THE WORLD!!!!

Hey I was up Hobble Creek! When did you start? Did you see us? Dang, I have yet to meet the vivacious Marion in person again!

No No- sorry- we were up Payson canyon and there were a ton of runners up that way. Sorry for the confusion :) I think I am going to mark all of my shirts with a huge FRB on the back. Only we will know who we are anyway! ;)

Marion,

You need to get a FRB singlet. If you call steve at the running store in SG and pay for it and I could pick it up and bring it to you at the start of Hobblecreek.

Hey Marcie- Thanks I'll call down ther and let you know if I need you to get it. What day are you leaving?

Hey Marcie- I ordered the siglet and Steve said he'd talk to you and tell you when it will be ready. THANKS so much!!!

Sweet, I will keep in touch with him. I am coming friday. Private message me your number and maybe I could get it to you on friday so you would have it before the race.

You see runners? How great is that! When I go out for a run (small rural area) the people in cars (and/or tractors) drive by looking as if they're trying to figure out if I'm being chased or if my car broke down.

Glad your running is feeling good. Keep up the positive attitude :)

Good Marion! Were you carrying anything odd on your run? Check out Maurine's blog and see if you can read her post without laughing out load. I want a singlet too!!! Then maybe I would be a real live runner!

You got to love those simple clear goals! Very attainable! Have a perfect week!!!

I think that is a good running goal for the week. It almost sounds like you were in a WWE wrestling match more than being in church. :) I would have lost it if that happened to me. Good job with keeping your patience.

Barry

Great running goal. Running keeps you sane ?? ;). You should write a book about your family adventures. Very entertaining.

HILARIOUS!!! A regular three ring circus. Wish I coulda seen it...

My 3 year old sat with 2 of my YW, so I had a rather peaceful Sacrament (they didn't!!) My 15 year old was 45 minutes late because she swears I never woke her up (although I went in her room twice!!) She sounds just like your teenager---the trouble maker at church. I have more problems with her than I do the rest!

Anyway, I just wanted to say that the little 2 year old sitting in front of us threw a hard plastic doll two rows up and hit another child in the head, who immediately started screaming---while the rest of us busted out laughing.

It must have been one of those Sundays all around! As a former teacher, this was when we would begin to wonder if there was a full moon coming!

My book would be entitled "how a very normal person went nuts and landed herself in jail one sunday" :) It would be s sort of feel good story! A date night movie- or birth control for the teenagers of the world!

Oh, that brings back memories..... and you try and keep some type of order with a smile on your face, kind of like... silly kids, I wonder what got into them, they are never like this at home. FUNNY!!!

ophs! I did it again, those were my comments above, not Marion's! I am not so great on the computer.

Gosh - it was hard enough taking 2 kids to church on my own. I think the wrestling out to count as a workout.

Hahahahaha I am laughing out loud right now, Marion! You are hilarious!

My cat is snoozing next to me, there are a few ants crawling in the kitchen, and... and that's about it! Funny thing that we feel like kindred spirits even though our day-to-day lives couldn't be more different, except for the running part... well, when I could run, that is... good night Marion!!!

Ps. You didn't mean 16, did you? How old is that photo then???

The pic on face book? Which photo? The one on frb was taken a few months ago at my grandmothers funeral. I'm 39, my hubby is 40, Anna is 16, Ashley 14, Kate 11, Ford 7, Mac 4 and Will is 2. The pic's of my kids in my face book photo album are pretty current.

Speaking of cats- we came home from the concert in the park and a baby kitten followed us home. Mac and Will SCREAMED on the front porch like sissy girly babies. Mac is seriously allergic to cats... but man- they were totally acting like a mountain lion was after them. My husband was trying not to fall off of the porch laughing as his sons were fearing death by fluffy 2 month old kitten :)

Marion, you kill me, seriously! That's so funny that your kids were screaming because of a cat! I love your kid's names by the way, good job!

I was talking about your photo on this blog, you do not look nearly old enough to have a 16-year old daughter! Do people ask if you guys are sisters as you walk down the street together? ;)

You are TOO kind and I am quite sure you should get your eyes checked ;) No one has asked that yet- but maybe they will with another 20#'s lost :)

Oh and by the way- I looked over some of your COOL travel pic's all over the worlds- SO SO COOL! WOW. You have been to SO many amazing places!!!

You make me smile every day! Thanks.

And it does not matter how or who you chick---just that you do it!

Today I met a Kim Robinson, I said..."Hey, are you Kim R?" She said, "yes". I said, "Marion's Kim R.?" She said "no". So I thought I had met THE Kim R, but it was a different Kim R who now thinks I am stalking her or something....:)

I am so glad you are able to get out and enjoy a run! It doesn't matter how fast or slow, it's just great to be able to do it!

Kim- that probably totally freaked her out :) How funny :D "MY" kim is Kim Robison (no "n"). She is a nurse at uvrmc. She runs a bit with a woman named Tricia who lives in Spanish Fork. Tricia just got remarried and moved there a few weeks ago. She is a speedy racer.

I can run 16 min mile pace and still call it running. I think as long as you are airborne and your lifting your knees it is running. ...or at least wogging.

Thank you Sarah- I needed that :)

Just remember an easy run is essential to training, and many people get in trouble by not taking the easy days easy......slower than marathon pace I believe is a good rule of thumb for easy:) Glad to see you moving Marion!

It's great to see you movin' and smilin' :) that is all that really matters.

Lori

Any pace is a good pace...especially when you're recovering.

Congratulations Marion! You're doing amazing! Love the Halloween costume idea, that would be soooo funny!

Sounds like we could get together for a good 'wog' (walk-jog) and comsiserate about our achy-breaky eveything! Thanks for the info on the sports doc and for blogging your progress. Congrats on the 5lbs! Let's just keep on keeping on shall we? Thanks again for the encouragement....

5 pounds gone---that is awesome! WOW.

Hey, just keep running at whatever pace is working for you! You listen to your body, so your body will last!

And those were big words---my head hurt reading them.

Down 5 pounds -- that's pretty incredible!!! It's gotta make you feel good.

Consistancy is the key, you're doing great making sure you're getting out there everyday.

Patience grasshopper. With wisdom and endurance you will reach your goal.

Thanks guys! Hey Maruine, you sound like a fortune cookie... they are my FAVORITE cookie :)

-20 more lbs to be a dead ringer for Kerri Walsh! (oh...and +4 more inches :) Oh and maybe some plastic surjury on my tummy ;D After six babies, it ain't pretty sister!

I was supposed to sound like the master from Kung Fu. You must be too young to remember that!

I know Kung Fu- We watched it every day. I remember as a kid wondering why they had a white guy as an asian dude. DAvid Kerodine(sp?) was SO not asian!!! I loved that show!!

Congratulations! I love reading your blog. You are amazing and an inspiration to all of us who hope that we can dress up like Kerri Walsh for Halloween this year instead of Manny Yarbrough. Love your blog!

Well, see we are very opposite here! I WANT my kids in school NOW! My HSer starts next week, but my 3 elementary age do not start until Sept. 2nd. I CAN NOT WAIT!!! They are driving me nuts (2 are screaming as we speak.) I am looking forward to some alone time with the 3 year old!

Great run! I have to listen to fast music or my legs stop moving---I totally run to the beat. I dunno how you can run to that mellow stuff that makes you cry! But, heck, I cry just because I am running and it hurts, so who am I to say!!!

Keep up the awesome work.

I agree with you Marion, I always get a bit sad when it's time for the kids to be back in school. I have one at collage and one starting high school this year. :( they grow up so fast.

Great time today!!! your cardio is improving fast! I'm with Kelli on the music though... need a faster beat.

Lori

I agree with you. My one and only is a senior in high school. The night before her 1st day she says to me, just think mom this is the last year that you get to wake me up for the first day of school. I told her nope, because dad and I are going to sleep in her dorm at college, so it'll be no different. :) Then went to my room with tears in my eyes.

Great Run indeed! I have to listen to fast music.

Marion, I just checked out your personal blog. Its so cute! I'm really impressed with the life transformation you have made. I think change is the hardest thing we humans are asked to do- and YOU DID IT in a big way! You're an inspiration!

Thanks Christi! :D

I am sure your neighbors will love you running around in an extra small bikini for halloween. I'll be Misty May (her body's more like mine anyway, only she's in olympic shape) :D

you're on Michelle!! My neighbors will LOVE it! They'll all call the stake president on me.

Awwww Marion is in-loooove :) with her hubby, her sprinklers, her friends, the weather, the summer... everything!

That is a scary episode though... maybe running with a migraine is not such a good idea...

Yeah, Lucia- My "Polly Anna" has escaped from the closet and is infesting the world with LOVE and positive thoughts!!! Watch out! She breeds sunshine!

Great job again today! My husband got to stay home a bit today, so I totally hear ya on the slow, easy paced morning!

Never ever run with a headache again! That is scary!!

I love your new highlighted quite over there. Very nice.

I do love the days I can be out as long as I like, what a great morning. But you still have to start early to beat the sun. I get migranes a couple of times a year and they do blind you. But I'll bet it was dehydration too. I had an 'episode' in RI when I did not drink enough the day before, and ran 12 miles into the sun (even in early morning sun). But I was so nauseated and sick, I about passed out when I stopped. Then I was nauseated the whole rest of the day. Sprinklers are good, but the water is more helpful from the inside :) It is hard though to let go of the fear of the stuff that you think 'trigger' migranes (I have a kind of aversion to flurescent lighting because of that). Hope the rest of the day is as relaxed as your morining!

Nice to have a good run... be sure to not run with headaches any more. Migraines SUCK! I have not had one in a while. Do you know what the trigger is for you? Sometimes it's food, sometimes it's stress.

You should run the Moab 1/2 I think it's in March, I ran it last year and it's beautiful. I don't know when they open it up, but you should check into it.

Lori

Do any of you run with visors? I run with really good glasses. but today I was thinking that a visor might me nice.

I actually woke up with the migraine that morning, and usually running helps but not that day :( No sleep is a big trigger for me, but I think in this case, since I have been running, I hardly ever get them anymore and I had not been running for 3 1/2 weeks. So lack of sleep, no running and dehydration really killed me that day. But alteast it was not a stroke or a heart attack ;) Not funny, I know.

I have tried visors in the morning and to me its too heavy for a long run and for the benefit. I do wear a visor during afternoon runs (when I remember to wear it) because to me then the benefit outweighs the awkwardness. My afternoon runs are also my shorter runs so I don't get a chance to be irritated as much.

visors and hats really bug me, maybe I'll try them and see if, like you say, the benefit will out weigh the awkwardness :) Thank Michelle! They are SO hot!!!!

Hmmmm... I think *someone* wants to wear a visor only because some girly volleyball players are wearing them in the Olympics, am I right? :)

I do wear a hat sometimes, but it bugs me too... glasses is just about all I can handle...

Ok- you got me Lucia :D It's part of my plan to morph in to Kerri Walsh ;) But seriously, I was watching them play, well CRUSH the Chinese, last night and wondering how that visor does not make her want to KILL herself. My running buddie always runs with a hat and I run with my hand shading my eyes when the sun is at the right angle. So... the truth is out. If I can run and LOOK more like Kerri, than the PAIN and heat of the hat or visor will ALL be worth it :) Beauty is pain!!!

What's for dinner everybody- I'm thinking rice beans and salsa, per LuzyLew's blog discussion today. No cheese or chocolate!! (forget that, if Michael Phelps can have hashbrowns, I am having chocolate!!!)

I almost always wear a hat and sunglasses. I hate my hair getting in my face and a pony tail doesn't hold all of it good enough. Sometimes a pony tail and a head band work though. But if I'm outside I have to have sunglasses!

Dinner??? right now I'm eating goldfish crackers.

Lori

Hmmm, dinner. Do I really have to feed my kids? My husband is working late, my teenager fed herself while we were at school testing, and I am content to eat Swedish Fish and Diet coke. I think they can feed themselves...

And, to the hat discussion. I wear one sometimes. It does get hot, but it keeps the sweat out of my eyes and does do a better job keeping my crazy hair out of the way. They make "special" hats for runners that are not supposed to be as hot. You should try it though, you might like it! (Just what we tell our kids!)

I got home from the Family History Libraary and had dinner all ready, tomato sandwiches and homemade bakes fries and got a call from work that the leader never showed up and could I come in right away. So I hurry, got dressed and flew into Provo STARVED TO DEATH and saved the day :D I just LOVE my homemade fries! They are so tasty! Oh well, I'm home now and I warmed some up and ate them with about a cup of ketchup and for dessert I had a 1/2 of a Peanut butter Utah Truffle.. YUMMMM! I LOVE chocolate :D

I leave the blog one day, and miss out on all this stuff. I had to google Kari Walsh, that is a fun idea for a Halloween costume! How tall are you Marion?

Hey the singlet should be ready today. If its not ready before I head up then Bill (wildbull) will pick it up and bring it to the start. I will be with Michelle and Josse at the start. We will be in Blue FRB jackets and matching black shorts, you should be able to spot us.

Marcie

MARCIE- I will not be at the start- I cannot race per a claf injury. I will be at the finish to cheer you all on! Maybe leave the singlett in the car? Pls call me 465-2798 or my cell 367-4174, I'll have my cell at the race :) THanks so much!!!

Les- I am 5' 9.5" Too short and TOO fat to be a good Kerri :(

The other day Tom and I rode up Hobble Creek so I could get a feel of what the roads are like and a LIVE snake slithered across the road right in front of us! I have to run that road tomorrow! I would MUCH rather see TWO or TWENTY SEVEN DEAD SNAKES rather than ONE LIVE ONE going across MY TOES! There will be no snakes, there will be no snakes, there will be no snakes!

Great job on 6 miles today! (I mean 6.01 miles! :))

Thanks Kim! I am sending you the "no snakes good JuJu! You will not see any live snakes on your run tomorrow! Good luck! YOu are going to do SO great!@!!

Hehehe... I take it you didn't respond to your husband's giggles with a "well you don't look like Phelps either" :)

Nice mileage Marion! I'll be there in spirit cheering on the runners with you!

No- I didn't, cause I was laughing pretty hard too :) He's so irritating, he REALLY does not care what my body looks like (or his for that matter) He is perfectly happy in his own skin and cannot even immagine why I would ever want to look any different. It's a VERY good trait, for sure, but I SO don't get how he can be so content. I am ALWAYS wanting to change something. Men... I suppose I will never get them. Although, it would drive me CRAZY if he was like me. The poor guy can't win!!! :D

You are doing so great coming off of your injury!! Good work, I so wish i had your determination (and spunk, and funny bone, and happy attitude).

I like hats, so you let me know about the visor. I have never tried one, but maybe it would be less sweaty.

I hope so- I really hate washing my hair everyday :(

Nice run this morning... you will be back to the big miles soon :) Hobble Creek sounds like it was a great race!! MMMM pancakes maybe I'll make the trip:)

Lori

oooo.. they are good! It will be fun :)

Thanks for the great cheering this morning. You ROCK!!!!

It was nice to meet you.

I forgot to ask if you are going to make St G? I sure hope you can shake the pulled muscle thing.

Thanks for coming to the race and cheering everyone on! That is very nice of you!

Onion days? I'm in.

No SGM for me this year- it is my goal for my 40th year of life- how weird does that sound... so next year!! Are you going?

I've got you down for Onion Days breakfast!

Marion, I didn't draw out for SG, turns out to be a good thing, I have had a rough year for training.

I'm looking up the race for Onions!

Thanks for coming and doing some awesome cheerleading! I know you had really wanted to run the race but it was great for all us coming to hear our names being shouted with words of encouragement! Next year I'll try and return the favor!

Runnercard.com has it (Payson City Onion Days). It's only a 5k and a 10k, but it's small and FLAT!!! OK there is a bit of a slant here and there, but for the most part it is as flat as my pancakes...but less chocolate chips!

No Marion the Librarian here! We have Marion the best cheerleader out there! Thanks for your support! And tell your family thanks too! It was nice of them to let you leave for the morning!

Kim- I snuck out and they had no clue :) It is the only way they will let me get out :D jk- I woke up my 16 year old as I headed out the door and told her to change the stinky 2 year old ;) My children are voting me off the island!!!

If they vote you off the island they will have to do all the work all the time. I'll bet they decide to keep you around.

Glad your running is going good. I could have used a cheerleader at my race - no fair you picked Hobble Creek!

All I have to say Maurine is... location, location, location! :) Come and run Onion days :)

Darn - I am traveling to Michigan on business all next week and have to work Labor Day since I leave for Italy the next Friday.

Want to cheer my next 10K? It will be in Naples on 9/11....

Alright- Napoli is my husbands favorite city in the WHOLE world. He spent most of his mission there. I could actually get him to go there :) WOW how fantastic! Besure to go to Capri if you can. How long will you ge gone?

I need to come visit Payson. I am in! We used to always go to my grandmas for Onion Days!! Don't they have a parade and stuff? I have never done a 5k or 10k, ever!

You are awesome for cheering us on! I was so excited to meet you! And my hair looks much better when it is not in a hat and all sweaty!

Cool, bring the family. The Grand Parade is at 10. The races are at 7. I live about 4-5 blocks away from the start-finish. The parade is 2 blocks away. The park, where the super white trash carnival is- which we all LOVE, is about 1 block away. Gotta love the small town festivites!!! Growing up in CA, we never had anything quite like Onion Days, and we really do have fun!

That would be exactly how we would describe the carnival!! We have not been in years. So, my grandma seriously lived just down the street (west) of the park, if it is still at the same park (right by the Taco Time---if it is still there---that we NEVER got to eat at!)

My mom would NEVER let us eat at any county fair or other "odd" place either- we totally let our kids eat at the carnival now. You have to embrace the "carnie" life style. You have to breath in the hick-red neck-white trash air and GO FOR IT!!! BEsides I LOVE carnival corn dogs and cotton candy is the best food ever invented!!!! We do keep all of our car & house doors locked tight for about a week. The carnies are a bit "off" ;) Beautiful children of God, but a bit on the strange side.

(oh, I just got that you were talking about Taco time food :)

That is okay, we did not get to eat carnival food either! We ate before hand at my grandmas house---big family party (all one aunt and uncle and their 4 kids).

We used to spend 2 weeks with my grandparents every summer and i so just wanted to be able to walk across the street and have Taco Time. But, they would not let us. I would beg my parents to send us with money, but they wouldn't.

I am coming to Payson just to go to Taco Time!

You got it, sister!! Taco time here we come!!

Marion - I fly out on the 5th and back on the 20th! I am getting so excited to see my daughter.

your daughter lives in Napoli?

I signed up for the 10k! Not too many runners, though, huh?? Maybe I can win (kidding!)

Yeah Kelli! We are going to have SO much fun!!!

Great week, great plan, and hilarious tatoo story! Your kids sure know how to keep you busy and fun!

Awesome job on reaching your mileage goal last week! Keep up the great work. :)

I am glad you are having a better Sunday! You should take pictures of the kids with the tattoos and post them on your blogspot next to the dead bat! ;) I was thinking about the Valium and i decided to let you have the first one free and from then on out the rest will cost ya. Just kidding. Great job on running your mileage last week, so keep up the good work. Next thing you know you will be running 60 miles a week like me.

Hi Marion!

Thanks for the super positive comment:) Sounds like you had a fun Sunday! Good luck with your 25 miles this week!

Barry- Are you trying to KILL me? 60 miles? I can never be as cool as you!! I first have to get back to 30 then at 40, we'll see how this 39 year old, six children later, body can handle all the miles! I appreciate the confidence and maybe next year I will look back at 40 miles an throw back my head an LAUGH!!! "Fourty miles is for WIMPS!!!" hahahhahahahhahah!!! (can i at least get a volume discount on the Valium as i am very mentally disabled?) I should have taken a photo of the tattoos in their glory! Now they just look like...week old faded tattoos :D

Megan- thanks for visiting my blog. I have been injured and am SO glad to be running again :D

Thanks Lucia and Jodi! Life is NEVER dull around here. These little boys are like a herd of puppies!

Hey, its monday, slow is okay! You are better than me, I slept in, Harold came in to kiss me goodbye and said the chicks just ran by, I feel so lazy. So I am impressed with you, you got up and got 4+ nice miles in. Hope your teaching goes well!

You are not lazy!!! YOU ROCK the free world!! The meeting went well :) Now I need lunch!!1 :D

Good job, Marion! How are the legs feeling?

Thanks Maurine- the legs are good. My IT band is causing some greif, but I am working it through with the end of my tv remote and it is starting to get over its whiny-ness! :D

HAVE THE BEST TRIP ever!!!!!

Slow miles is better than no miles ;) I didnt make it out today.

I want to order one of your shirts!! I love it! I agree on the pace thing, if I keep a nice easy pace I can go forever (unless I have freaking HEEL issues) I am definitly not focusing on speed at this point either. I think your pace sounds great, especially since we want to keep that calf in good working order! We are in this for the long haul so we have to be wise about our pace!!! Way to go Marion! Great run today! PERFECT PACE!!!

I soooo hope to meet you one of these days Marion! Any trips to DC planned? :)

Loved the t-shirt ideas - how about "I'll chick you later" or "Chick me out"?

... or "I'm just chicking you out"

Marion the everyday runner! Yeah! Just remember when you run into others and they say "your pace or mine?" keep it at your pace! Don't let anyone bring you down!

Leslie,

How come when my 14 year old says "freaking heels" I get bugged, but when you say it it makes me smile? :) Not that the heals are hurting you, by all means, that makes me frown! :(

Perfect Lucia! I'll add those to the list! and I have always wanted to got DC.

Thanks Les and kim! :) (happy birthday again kim!)

HEAL THE HEELS!!!

Great shirt ideas! They need to be in nice BIG, BOLD print so all men can read it as we run by. We wouldn't want them to have to squint!

Every day!!! It feels so good to be back! Keep your pace easy and pretty soon you will be flying!

Lori

LOL - I told my son I had chicked several people in Park City and he didn't know what I meant. Then he had to pass me up and tell me he wouldn't be chicked by me that day! (Of course, same son also told other people that he had run the Park City Marathon the day before and was hiking Timp).

How about a ChickStrong t-shirt?

Your breakfast sounds so fun!!! Can you register for the race in the morning? I would love to come down, I will have to see if I can make it work! Maybe I could get my chicks to come down!

Nice Run Marion!

You have got me curious about the Smiths, I will have to check that out!

My heels are feeling MUCH Better, I think it is the Vitamin I!!!

Yes, my dear- you can register the day of the race or at runnercard.com until tomorrow night. It would be so great to see you!!!

The Smiths are an old group from the 80's. Obscure and wonderful, if your nuts like me ;)

Ok- whats Vitamin I? Oh- Ice :) yes?

Vitamin I is Ibuprofen! Hey, I will check with my chicks and the hubby and see if I can make it happen! It sounds like a such a fun morning!

I think Vitamin I should be ICE CREAM---it makes me feel better.

Can I bring something??? Juice or...I dunno. I never do breakfast. I think we will leave my kids at home because I know for sure my 15 year old would lose someone while we are running, but the two of us will be there! Too bad my grandparents are not still alive and kickin'---I could leave my kids with them!

This sounds so fun. I don't know anything about onion days, but it reminds me of Garlic Week in Gilroy CA. They even sell Garlic Ice Cream at the festival. I see the link about where to sign up for the race. Is there somewhere I can learn more about onion days? I'll ask Sarah when I see her.

luzylew--go to www.payson.org

It is just Payson's Labor Day weekend thing, they have done it forever. I am sure there is a reason...beats me! I grew up going to it every year with my family---nostalgia!

I grew up about 20 min away from Gilroy and loved the Garlic Festival. I LOVE garlic! The mushrooms were always my favorite. My old boss used to organize it. Anyway, good times. Onion Days is the largest Labor Day celebration is Utah. It is very small town and a bit white trash and redneck, but we have come to love and embrace it :D The races are small and the routes are through the fields and pretty much flat. There are a few swells, hills to some, but really just swells. Talk to Sarah and come if you can. You'll be home pretty early if you need to be. I'd love to meet you :D

Kelli- I missed your entry- I am losing my mind. Yes- beverages would be great :) Please bring whatever you like. We always have tons of milk, but no juice- the kids guzzle it like they just never get it, because they don't, because they just drink it all GONE! :D

Same here---it is a TREAT to have juice!

DONE! 19 pints of plum jam from plums I grew myself! HA!!! I am woman hear me ROAR!!!! This is right up there with my pace this morning. now i have to clean up :( WHAT A MESS!!!!!!

Marion,

Thanks to you and your griddle lovin' hubby for taking on the FRB! Tom and I are not going to be running the Onion Days race. We have family that will be with us and we may run into some of you at the parade or other festivities, but we will be a no show for the breakfast. :( Have lots of fun though and be sure to tell all about it!

We will miss you and say Hi when we see you at the park. Our girls are in the Pipe band- so be sure to cheer! :D

Our son will be wearing the Icelandic costume on the Icelandic float. So shout out a hardy hello to Jansen when you see him! (He thinks he looks kind of like an elf when he wears this outfit, but we tell him it's a very manly elf! :))