Lesley's Running Blog

3.22 miles in Barmoya, Norway. Very cautious these past few days. Cam got a virus that hit him hard, and it has left me on edge. I don't want to get sick...because I am so excited for my half marathon on Saturday! So drinking lots, getting lots of sleep, and hoping the sickness doesn't spread. 25:55 overall time, 8:03 pace. 284 feet elevation gain, 415 calories.

2.0 miles in Logan, UT. 14:30 overall time, 7:15 pace. 9 feet elevation gain, 238 calories.

Acadia National Park. 5.00 miles at 7:41 pace. 38:30 overall time. 195 feet elevation gain. 621 calories.

Fondamenta Vin Castello, Venice. 30:40 overall time, 7:37 pace. 210 feet elevation gain, 503 calories.

Happy National Running Day Run (a day late). 23:10 overall time, 7:34 pace. 203 feet elevation gain, 386 feet elevation gain.

Just a couple miles to shake out for the race tomorrow. It will be nice to do a run outside. I don't think I have gone longer than 3 miles outside for months. Franklin Roosevelt Monument, 18:25 overall time, 8:35 pace. 51 feet elevation gain, 265 calories.

I was so excited to race again. Glad I was able to stay healthy and escape the bug that seems to be floating around. And I couldn't have asked for better weather for this race in sunny California. Got to the bus around 5:20 am and hopped on. I had heard that this course was downhill...so I was expecting a bus ride up a canyon similiar to the Ogden Half Marathon. By the time we got to the start I wondered if the race was even really downhill, because the ride seemed pretty flat to me. Chatted with a few people until I started warming up about half hour before the race. The porta pottie lines were awful, so I started the warmup. And it paid to warm up. Literally a quarter mile up the road was a huge campsite filled with open bathrooms, and no lines! So I was able to use the bathroom as often as I needed to, and felt very ready to start the race.

I headed to the start. The gun went off and the first 3-4 miles I was doing my best to hold back. The first 5 miles are pretty downhill, and then the course flattens out so I didn't want to die at the end. I felt like I was jogging. Miles 3-6 my legs were aching, I think they were used to a cushioned treadmill vs the hard concrete. I thought for sure my goal of 1:35 was in jeopardy.

I kept plugging along and around mile 7 I noticed a lady tuck in behind me. Clouds rolled in and there was a light breeze. After having her trail me for a few miles, she let me know she was taking the lead and I tucked behind her. This definitely was a pick me up. I felt like I was back in my college days running with a group and hanging on.

I was able to keep switching back and forth until about mile 10 when I mentally started to lose focus. I was able to hang on through mile 11, and then I ran out of steam and hit the wall-mentally and physically. I was glad it didn't happen sooner, but I was on pace to run about a 1:28. I tried to hang on and break 1:30, but I didn't quite make it.

Overall, I feel really good about this race. I feel really good about how far I have come in the past 4.5 months that I have been running. Penny will be 6 months old tomorrow and I wasn't in the shape I am now until my other girls were at least 1. Thank you treadmill. The only thing that is bugging me is that I was close to breaking that even 1:30. I am hoping to come back next year and be in contention for the win- it is always hard to get beaten by people that you know you are faster than, but I had to put my pride to the side and be happy with the progress I have made and the blessing that is it to have a little family.

Not sure what is next for me...I am going to sign up for a marathon mid November, so that might be the next time I get to really race. Think I can train for a marathon on a treadmill? Guess we will see.

Split times:

6:37, 6:42, 6:54, 6:46, 6:48, 6:46, 6:38, 6:33, 6:36, 6:53, 6:59, 7:40 ugh..., 7:26 ugh...6:42 for the last .15

Average of 6:52 pace as my watch clocked it in 13.15. 1354 calories.

Was going to start up again today but caught a summer cold, so giving it a few more days. No rush, but I will be back soon.

Valle, Norway. 23:45 overall time, 7:49 pace. 384 calories, 191 feet elevation gain.

15 minutes Nike Training Club ab workout with the girls.

Granvin, Norway. 25:35 overall time. 8:22 pace. 143 feet elevation gain, 383 calories.

Rockells Bay, New Zealand. 24:25 overall time, 8:05 pace. 320 feet elevation gain, 395 calories.

2.37 miles in Waihau Bay, New Zealand. 18:20 overall time, 7:42 pace. 99 feet elevation gain, 294 calories.

2.00 miles on Haast River, New Zealand. 15:35 overall time, 7:48 pace. 175 feet elevation gain, 257 calories.

2.25 miles hike with family at Big Bear Lake. Castle Rock.

Penny woke up early, so pushed her in the stroller for 4 miles. No watch. Been fighting a cold ever since I ran the half marathon. It has wiped me out. Still coughing through the runs, but trying to take it easy as well as not lose too much fitness. Hoping to get back to 30-35 miles weeks starting next week.

3.78 miles in Midsund, Norway. 28:45 overall time, 7:35 pace. 336 elevation gain, 487 calories.

2.22 miles in Portland, Oregon. 16:45 overall time, 7:32 pace. 0 feet elevation gain, 267 calories.

5.03 miles in Tjorhom, Norway. 38:35 overall time, 7:39 pace. 431 feet elevation gain, 648 calories.

World Cup Tour: Germany. 2.38 miles in 18:20. 7:41 pace. 221 feet elevation gain, 308 calories.

3.08 miles on Tower Bridge. 23:10 overall time, 7:31 pace. 388 calories, 193 feet elevation gain.

1.49 miles on Sydney Harbor Bridge. 10:45 overall time. 7:13 pace. 183 calories, 50 feet elevation gain.

No run today. Got up early to shower and head to Dana Point to play with Grandma & Grandpa Harvey.

7.5 miles starting in Dana Point and headed out on the San Juan Creek Trail. Made it about 3.5 miles out and the tire on the stroller went completely flat. Pumped it up, but it kept going flat every couple min. So slow jog back to the hotel to play with the Harveys. Beach Day!

Sauda, Norway. 33:30 overall time, 7:32 pace. Did it while all my kids were awake and without the tv on! 553 calories. 202 feet elevation gain.

3 miles easy jog with Cameron. I think it has been over 6 months since we jogged together. He hasn't been running much so we just took it slow and enjoyed the morning together.

5.00 miles run over to Ford Street, down to Lugonia, and back home. First 2 miles basically downhill, mile 3 was flat, and miles 4-5 slightly uphill. Last two miles were HOT! Started the run at 9 am and the high for the day was 99.  37:35 overall time, 7:31 pace. 500 calories.

Splits: 7:24, 7:03, 7:30, 7:38, 7:59.