RagMag Picture Nominations

The Wasatch Back is a relay race put on by Ragnar that I've run a few times and it has become HUGE!!! It starts in Logan, Utah and runs 188 miles to Park City. Last year while hanging out at the finish line I ran into the guy (Mike) who takes pictures for the "RagMag" which is the Ragnar Magazine handed out to all the runners as the relay guide. Mike recently put out a request for pictures for this year's magazine so I sent him a handful. What a cool momento that would be to have a picture in this year's Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay!

These are my nominations...

Our team name ~ "Victorious Secret" Thus the shirts. Thought I should explain why we are dressed in fake lingerie. Here we are by the Ragnar Tent. I'm second from the left.

Showing off our finisher bling...and some leg. Now I'm all the way to the left.

Approaching an exchange point. Look close and you see me getting my Ragnar slap bracelet ready.

and my personal favorite...

Taking some personal time on a "bumper dumper". I made sure to grimace for full effect. Hahaha!

I'm not sure if I'll hear anything back before I actually see the magazine on race day (June 17-18) but you'll be the first to know. I'm sure the suspense is just killin' ya. Okay...okay...atleast just fake it for my sake.

"No pain, no gain"?...

...Then I'd better be gaining cause I've gone through the pain part.


I've been reminded these past few weeks at how sore a person can get when they start running again or are picking it up for the first time. You may have previously read how I took a little, okay a lot of time off of the running circuit (5 mo's) while we got this house built and so it really feels like I'm starting over. My back has been cranky, my abs are achin', my lungs are burning, and my thighs...oh my thighs - oucha! It can be discouraging. It's easy to see why someone would give up after a few tries. But alas I'm finally feeling strong. Just like when you hit the gym for the first time and lift weights, your gonna be sore the next day. It has taken about 3 weeks to strengthen my running muscles so that they are firing up again.

I've also had to remind myself to GO SLOW. I'm not even close to where I was at the end of last year. Even when my body wants to fall into a faster pace I hold myself back because I know I won't make it far. But if I'm a 1/2 mile away from home and I've got anything left in the tank I let it rip. So for a few blocks I feel like my old running self but not ANY sooner or I'll be my "new" self barfing in a ditch.

Moral of the story...

If you are giving this running thing a try, STICK WITH IT! It only gets better. Once your muscles get used to running and you build up some endurance then you'll feel much better. Personally I think this happens once you've conquered 4 miles. You just have to bear with it for a little while (and start SLOW) then you'll start to get the runner's high and maybe even find a new hobby that leaves you feeling great about yourself.

Also, it might help to make Ibuprofen (or another inflammation/pain reliever) your friend during the first few hard weeks...a couple hours AFTER you run. We've gotten pretty close. ;)

Ima Green Monster Too

I gave the Green Monster a go the other day and now I'm hooked. I don't even throw anything fancy in the mix, I just chug it straight up. I have, however, learned to not put too much spinach in the blender or the drink turns out a too bitter for my buds. If you haven't tried one you really should give it a go. Even my 2 year old boy likes to have his own little cup of monster.

For lunch I paired a Monster with some sweet potato fries and it was delish. I just sliced the potatoes, brushed them with olive oil, then sprinkled them with a BBQ seasoning. Then I broiled them for 10-15 min. YUM!

If you have slid a monster down your pipe I wanna hear what things you mix in. I'm ready to give it a try but don't want to waste my time throwing things in the blender that are gross.

Ever seen this before?

I've finally got my mojo (a.k.a. fat butt) moving again now that we've finished building and are moved into our new home...and it ain't pretty. My back is sore, my abs are cryin', and my thighs are screaming. Not to mention that I'm having to push myself just to keep a pace around 8:30. 5 months ago my 5k pace was 6:45 and my 10k pace 7:20. Wow, doesn't seem fair how fast I get out of shape vs. how long it takes to get in shape.

Maybe these will help...

My kiddo's/hubby got me these for Mother's Day. A new pair of ASICS Gel Nimbus 12. I like 'em. Plus, have you ever seen this before?

The laces are set on the inside to follow the shape of the foot. It's quite comfy. Anyone had a shoe with this placement of the laces? Personally I hope it catches on like the mesh. Here's to Happy Feet!