Santa Run = Long Run

This week our training schedule had us back off the mileage and called for a short 2.5 miler. Perfect timing because when I saw an advertisement for the Ogden Santa Run I knew I had to throw on a suit and have a jolly ole time running as a Santa. Good times.

OK It was bitterly cold, until we started running, but it was so fun. We weren't really prepared with the outfits though. We wore what they provided, which was nothing more than a few pieces of red felt thrown together. I soon discovered my suit was not going to be fun to run in, not with the holes and all. They were so stretched out that I had to run holding them up the entire time. Not to mention that I carried a sack full of candy to throw at the kids watching the run. So I basically ran with no arm movement. My dad had one heck of a time with his suit too. His jacket kept falling off. It was so funny. We were running down the street and all of a sudden he yells at me, "Did my jacket just fall off?" It didn't but needless to say we were both distracted with all the costume malfunctions that running was more of a workout than it should have been. But having said that, we are already planning on next year's run. We already know what we will change in our big red suits to make it a more festive -and comfortable- run. :)

**STATS**
Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: 27:37.2
Pace: 8:54/min/mile
Temperature: 27 degrees
Time of day: 4:30 p.m.

The running crew included me, mom, dad, cousin Cari, and Aunt Jodi

My dad made me put on the dreaded beard that kept getting in my mouth and eyes

My mom ran in with Ava, Gage & Landen

6 Miles at Ogden Airport

This morning we hit the Ogden Airport pavement for our 6-mile long run. We were seriously lucky because it was snowing before our run, quit snowing long enough for us to run, and then started up again for the rest of the day. The temperature was cold but perfect for this long run. I ended up regretting wearing my track suit over my running pants and stuffed my gloves in my pockets.

Our run was good. We both said we felt good afterwards. I think my dad felt better than I did because I wasn't telling him to remember to breath as much as I usually do, but I also wasn't my usual chatty self. I just hate the beginning of a run. During the first mile or so your body, or at least my body, is so stiff and achy and my breathing seems so fast and hard. My dad said it felt like he was pulling anchors. Once my body gets past all this I finally find a rhythm and my breathing slows down and it actually feels good to run. Today was no different but I don't think I could have ran much farther than the 6 miles. My body didn't hurt or anything but it just felt tired. This past week I didn't do much training. OK OK I didn't run at all. I lost my voice at the beginning of the week and then I have a nasty cough. I did do a workout video though. Jillian Michaels kicked my butt. Does that count? My dad only ran once this past week but he seemed to be fine. I am going to blame my cough for my blah mood.

**STATS**
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 1:01:50
Pace: 10:18/min/mile

Temperature: 37 degrees

Time of day: 10:00 a.m.

I look like I am going to die because I couldn't stop coughing after our run

Drinkin' his water and vinegar mix to "rejuvenate"

Daddy Daughter Team

Ogden Marathon Sells Out in a Hurry

by: Chris J. Miller of the Standard Examiner

You snooze you lose.

Can you believe it's been 11 years since the Ogden Marathon began taking registration for its first race? Now, the popular Top of Utah race is overflowing with praise for its course, its volunteers and its entries.

Wednesday, the GOAL Foundation announced the 2011 Zion's Bank Ogden Marathon was officially closed. The half marathon sold out in just five days, while the full marathon following in only 14 days.

Registration opened Oct. 1 and reached its 5,700-runner capacity 14 days later.

Organizers say there are spots still available for team registration, the Kimberly-Clark 5K and the KidsK. For information, visit www.ogdenmarathon.com

5-Miler in the rain

Nothing like a little rain to keep you cold and wet! We ran around the Ogden Airport today. There was the perfect balance of flat and hills and not too many cars to worry about. And actually the weather wasn't that bad. I know it is going to get A LOT colder. I had my ear warmers on (what are those things called anyways? they aren't still called earmuffs are they?) along with some nice, plush gloves. We were warm during the run and didn't start freezing until we got out of the car to get our picture taken! That is when the sweat met the cold air and sent us both into the shivers. brrr. I ran straight for the fireplace. We both ran pretty well. I think I was feeling better than my dad. This week I didn't stuff my face full of m&ms the night before like I did last week. This time it was my dad regretting his meal from the night before....hot chicken wings and 2 pitures of beer! Hopefully we will learn sooner rather than later that it doesn't pay to have a stomach full of crap.

**STATS**

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 49:37.1

Pace: 9:55/min/mile

My dad insists on doing the "2 & 6" with our fingers

2nd Long Run

Today we ran around the streets of West Point City. Mostly flat. It wasn't too cold. Actually it was perfect running weather. My mom did awesome and was only a short distance behind us. It was a good run and we all felt great afterwards. I should mention it was a heavy start for me. Those dang m&ms I ate the night before were laughing at me as I tried to shake off the heavy stomach feeling. Seriously. When will I learn!

**STATS**

Distance: 4.3 miles

Time: 41:48

Pace: 9:43/min/mile

We got our 26 right this time