Recovery

Happy New Year everybody! Today I went on a run with Amanda, Susannah, Natalie, RJ, and Taylor. We started at the house, ran up to 17th east, over to 9th south, up to 19th east, over to Sunnyside, around and down Foothill by the VA, and to the cemetary on 5th south. Everybody else was aiming at doing 6 today, so they went in for a lap and Susannah and I went down to 13th east, over to 9th south, up to Military drive, over on 17th east, and back to Harvard.

Did some dumb workout for a starters. Tony doesn't know how to coach. 4 strides on the A floor, up to the B floor, 4 strides there, up to the C floor, 4 strides, and up to the D floor for 4 strides. Back down to the C floor for 2 strides, down to the B floor 2 strides, and down to the A floor for 2 more. I'm counting it as a mile and a half, because the halls are definately over 100 meters long, and we did 22 strides.

Then we did our Bill workout, now he knows how to coach! We ran down to Liberty Park and ran 2 laps, I fell behind and ended up running alone. Oh well, wasn't really my day. We ran back up and I ran around the back of the school forever until my garmin said 5. (I hadn't measured the strides, there was no signal in the school.) Then I went to do my crunches and pushups.

Got my orthodics yesterday, my plantarfacia should gradually be getting better now. Today we went to the oval to do speed. We did our regular 4 laps of warm up then stretching in the "FUNdamental skills zone" hahaha. Then we proceeded to do 4 more laps warm up and 4 laps speed changes. Then we changed into our other shoes. We started with a 1200, I forgot to start my garmin for a time. After that one we did 2 laps recovery and over to the 1200 start. We did another one, I remembered to time and I got a 5:31. Bleh. It didn't feel so great, my stomach started hurting, so much for eating oreos and sleeping in health class today. I ran another 2 laps recovery and to the start. The others had already started, good thing I have a garmin now. I let them all pass before starting. It felt easier than the other two, knowing it was my last one. I got a 5:20. If I want to break 6 minutes in the mile this season, I've got to step it up. I ran a 5 lap cooldown with Amanda and Dakota for a grand total of 9 miles. Blehh.

So after doing our core with Bill in the weight room, we went on an 8 mile run. We ran from the school to Sugarhouse park. I fell behind by alot because it wasn't my day today. When I got to the park, I ran over to our 400 hill spot. I did 4 hills on that and ran over to the other hill by Highlame's track to do that 4 times. Bill said that when I was done with that, I could do a lap and go back to the school along 15th east. Well, by 1 lap, I thought he meant on the grass, not the road. So I ran in the snow a 2 mile loop instead of 1. When that was done, I went back along 15th east. I was freezing! When I finally got to 9th south and started going down, Natalie, Susannah, and Delaney pulled over and asked me what I was at. I checked my garmin, 7.8. I ran down to what's going to become the Yogurt stop soon, to where the girls had driven and were waiting. It was a cold day!

Just ran for half hour with Patrick inside the school. I'm going to try running outside tomorrow.

As I was hoping, I ran outside today. I ran over to the cemetary by Rice Eccles Stadium with Sarah, and ran 1 lap. After that lap, I did 2 laps of fartlek with Amanda and Dakota. My foot was starting to hurt again; I haven't worn my orthodics at all today. I ran up 5th south with Amanda, and I ran alone back to the school along Guardsmin. I really don't like getting sick.

Workout at the Oval today. I was really hyper in the car, but my workout was terrible. We did 4 laps warm up and then stretching. I had fallen behind so bad! Then we did 4 laps warm up again and 4 laps speed changes. I fell behind REALLY badly too. They started the 1000s without me, since I was so far back. When I was done with speed changes, I changed my shoes into my flats and started. I did 4 1000s, each with 1 full lap and to the starting line recovery. The 1000s my tummy felt better, but it still really hurt. I was afraid of losing all I had eaten. Luckily I didn't. After my 4th one, I did 1 lap recovery, changed shoes, and did 1 more lap. The others had earlier told me I would either go home in the other car or be duct taped shut for the ride home, but as soon as we got to the car, I died. The End.

Well I freaked out after lunch when I discovered I didn't have my blue bag with me, which contained my new shoes, new running tights, tank top, sports bra, shorts, and a running jacket. And we all know how pricey those get. After school thank goodness, Patrick and Suzette had found my bag in my Language Arts classroom. So yeah, freak out moment.

For workout, we only had 2 coaches, the ones that know how to coach. Susannah and I led the stretching. We did 3 sets of step ups for a minute each set, then we all headed to the hall. We did 3 flannagan circuits, popcorn, stride, jumping jacks, stride, squats, stride, mountain climbers, stride. They really aren't that hard anymore... Then we did 3 sets of wall sits for 1 minute each. Finally we did sardines drills. Everyone lays down and we do high knees without stepping on our teammates. I was between Natalie and Ben, and I was worried that Fatalie and Fatrick would squish me. Just kidding. When I was running across everyone, Tomy squished himself right next to Dakota as I was getting to them, so it's his own dang fault I stepped on him. Finally to finish the workout, the distance people went on a 5 mile run. We ran over to Presidents Circle, and I ran with Amanda and Sarah the whole way. We weren't very far when we got to the bookstore, so we kept going up through the U campus until we got to the VA hospital. We ran down past that roundabout we all love, and crossed by Rice Eccles Stadium and went up to Guardsmin way. We ran to 9th south, where we turned up, since we were only barely to 3 miles. I ran up a little bit with Amanda and Sarah, but my stomach hates me these days, so I turned around and ran back down to the school very, very slowly. Ugh. I need more iron... Costa Vida first!

Tomorrow is BYU Indoor Invite, so we took it easy. We didn't do any track drills, as there were only 10 of us distance runners there, so we were able to get out and go. I managed to keep up, I felt sick, but not as bad as other days. So I blame it on the track drills. Anyhoo, we ran along 13th east to 21st south, where the Highland kids called us terrorists. We went down to Millies, over to 13th south, up to 11th east, and over to 9th south. We walked up the big hill, and I saw a FedEx truck!! Yes!

Today was the BYU Indoor Invitational. When we got out there, I ran a warm up with Natalie and Susannah. We did 2 miles on the track, as our event was first and the track was open to warm up. I was feeling pretty good and hoping to break 5 minutes in the mile. I got a 6:03. Not. My. Day.

The people in my race started out way too fast, so that was an advantage to me. I know I was 8th in the 3rd heat, but I have no idea about overall. I had spoken to a girl from Lehi before the race, and both of us were hoping to break 6 minutes today, so we pushed each other.

I went on a cool down with Susannah, Natalie, Taylor, and Tomy, then we went to Jamba Juice and headed home. Good job everyone!

SAVE SCOTTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today since there was no school, we went to ZoBell's for a run. We ran up Harvard to 19th east, up 13th south and to Wasatch Blvd. The hill from Foothill to Wasatch made me get really far behind everyone, and my calves were REALLY tight. When I reached 2 miles on my Garmin, I turned around and came back the same way. I was glad I did, because my plantarfacitis was hurting really badly. I ran back on the grass and snow, which made it hurt less.

Today we all piled up in Ben's car and went to the Olympic Oval. When we

got there, we had a quick POTTY break before beginning, and did 4 laps

of warm up. After the warm up, instead of going to the fundamental

skills zone to stretch, we stretched on the blue mats. After that, we

did 4 laps warm up and 4 laps speed changes. I managed to keep up with

Amanda the whole warm up, usually I feel queasy after a little while. We

changed our shoes and did a timed mile, I got a 6:42 I think. We did 2

laps recovery and went to the start of the 200. We would do 2 sets of 5

200s, each with about 100 of recovery. In between each set, we did a lap

and a half. Then we changed our shoes and did 8 laps of cool down. I

hate it when a ton of people start using the track, because then there's

usually a  crowd walking in lane one, speed skating coaches standing in

lane one, kids running the opposite direction in lane one, and people

crowding the other lanes so there's barely not enough room to squeeze

between people.

Woke up at 4:30 this morning because my quads were really numb. They've been doing that a lot lately, and I'm wondering if I should be worried. Well, I had a nice nap in health today, last A day of the semester anyway, we really didn't do much.

Today was easy day, since tomorrow most of us are going up to Weber Invite. We did the same run as last week, along 13th east to 21st south, down to Millies, over around the roundabout a full time, up to 11th east, and over to 9th south. I stayed with the group pretty well up until the roundabout, where shortl after that I fell behind everyone. When I hit 4, I stopped to walk, but remembered I was a quarter short from yesterday, so I ran to the hill, stopped my garmin, walked up the big hill, and started the garmin again until I made up that quarter.

Today was the Weber State University Indoor Invitational. I was placed in the 2nd heat of the girls' 3200 meter run with Amanda. I warmed up with Susannah, Natalie, and Amanda during the 55M Hurdles, and when Natalie and Susannah went to race in the seeded heat, Amanda and I kept doing drills to stay warmed up. My time had previously been a 13:40 from freshman year, and my goal today was to keep up with Amanda and PR with her. When the race started, we were in a pack of 5 for the first lap, and on the second lap I felt like I could go faster, so I pushed ahead of the crowd and led the rest of the race. Each time I completed a lap, I would stick a finger out to keep counting, until I noticed a lap counter that was accurate, seeing as I was the leader. I could tell that someone was pretty close behind me, because I could hear people cheering, 'Go get her, now!' So I threw in a speed change to create some distance between us. On the final kick, I started coughing and knew that I was going to puke. I kicked in, finishing in 1st (My sister had gotten first in heat 1!!!!!!!) and got down on all fours to crawl through the chute, puking along. :) I didn't do my cool down, but if I feel better later today, I'll probably want to go run a mile or 2.

Today Susannah and I started at 2:45 so we could be on time to the dentist. We went from the teacher parking lot to Sugarhouse park and did a big loop until we were at 3 miles, then we turned around and went back the exact same way. I was with Susie up until we got to the park, and she waited for me at the turnaround point, but I fell back pretty soon. I got stuck at the light on 13th east and 9th south, and was standing by someone I hadn't seen for 2 years! Ele!! I chatted with her, and when the light changed, I ran back to the softball field to do 10 strides and head off to the dentist.

Today was speed out at the Olympic oval. We did 8 laps of warm up, 4 laps of speed changes, and 6 800s, each with a lap of recovery. We were each given time goals, and if we ran any slower, we would have to do the mile and the 2 mile on Friday. I was supposed to be getting between 3:05 and 3:15. I got a 3:06, 3:07, 2:57, 3:14, 3:09, and 3:06. I actually felt pretty great. I'm pretty sure Tuesday is my good day. We changed shoes and did 5 laps of cool down and headed out.

So I'm pretty sure I didn't actually do 6, but Bill said I was out long enough so whatever... We went over to Presidents circle and up through the U campus. I lost the group, so I lost the route (I had never done it before, and I don't know the U campus at all!!) I came out on a street by the VA, and ended up on Foothill and Sunnyside. I ran down Sunnyside to 12th east, over to 9th south, and up to the teacher parking lot. My foot hurt so bad the whole time!! Every time I have stepped on my ankle today, whether it be walking around the school or running around the city, it hurts!!!!!!!!!!! :'(

Just the regular 4 mile day before race run. My foot was hurting really, really badly, so Sarah ran with me. I love that girl!! Along 13th east we found a couch in a trash pile, so of course I had to jump on it...

Today we went out to the Olympic Oval for a meet. I'm not exactly sure what to call it, because the Oval Distance Challenge is next week, so this can't be it... Anyway, I ran a warm up with Susannah, Natalie, and Amanda. We did 4 laps warm up, and during speed changes I took a POTTY break, so I got 5 laps of speed changes total. Susannah and Natalie were in the first heat, good job ladies!! Amanda did awesome in the 3rd heat, good one! :) I was in the second heat. I started in the front row at the start, and the girl to my left cut right in front of me. Jerk. So I went around. Everybody of course was sprinting at the beginning, so that was bad. But I didn't let the girl behind me pass me, and I kept up the pick-one pass-one throughout the race. When I had 400 meters left to go, I heard Bill yell, "Abbie, if you really push this last 400, you can break 6!" So of course I went for it and passed more people. When I crossed the line, my foot was in agonizing pain! And I was crying forever. Oh well. :/ I BROKE 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was the Saltair 5K out at the Great Salt Lake. I warmed up with Susannah, Natalie, Ben, and Bill. We ran out to the turnaround point and came back, changed shoes and did our strides. We started on the front line, and a little into the race I checked my pace. 5:24? I would not be able to hold that, so I backed off to a 6:35. By the first mile, there was a lady trying to pass me. She started trying to trip me and spit on me, so I decided I would just let her go. Poor sport. Anyway. On the way back, a couple of guys were passing me, and one of them said "Try and run with us." So I tried. After a little bit, I lost them. Oh well. At the end, someone with a stroller started to pass me, but there's no way I will ever be slower than a stroller, so I kicked it in. :) I did my cool down alone, because I don't want to go over on miles this week by a whole lot, especially if my foot can't take it. :/ Congrats to Susannah, 1st female! Congrats to Natalie, 1st in our age group! Congrats to Ben and Jamal, I'm not sure how well they did, but they did good! :)

Today we went out to the Oval for speed. We did the regular 4 laps of warm up and went to the fundamental skills zone for stretching. My calves were really, really tight, so I massaged and stretched them. Then we did 4 laps warm up and 4 laps speed changes. I did that with Sarah and then jogged a lap. We all changed shoes and headed over to the 400 starting line. We did 8 400s, and I was supposed to get between 1:28 and 1:30. There was some lady jogging in lane one, and I had been screaming 'LANE 1!!" Yet she still didn't get the message even after the big herd of us passed... She was finally in a different lane by the 6th or 7th 400. So yeah, anyways, between each 400 we would walk from where we had just finished over to the 400 starting line. Sarah and I had less recovery than everyone else, which affected our times after the 5th one. I'm just glad it's all over. When we finished number 8, we jogged 2 laps, changed back into our trainers, and did 4 more laps for the grand total of *Drumroll* 8 miles for the day.

So today I was supposed to do 8... but everyone else was finished and I felt bad making them all wait. After doing all our stuff in the weight room at the school, Bill told us just to go to a dreadmill for 8 miles. No way can I do that! So when we got to Steiner, Natalie and I did 10 laps around the ice rink upstairs, which is 1 mile, then we went to the dreadmills. I survived 1 mile, then went back out to the ice rink area to do 10 laps in the other direction. Then when I got back to the other room, all the dreadmills were taken, so I hopped on an elliptical and did 3 miles. The elliptical actually felt really good for my plantarfacitis, since I didn't have to do foot toe foot toe lopsided running. Maybe my left calve won't feel so tight tomorrow...

Ugh. 2nd day at the Oval this week, and we have a meet Friday and Saturday. I hate that place now. We did the usual 4 laps warm up and stretching. Then 4 laps warm up and 4 laps speed changes. My plantarfacia hurts like heck! I can't step on it without the excruciating pain, and I'm scared. I did 5 300s, and counted my laps. I was at 20 laps, so I got on the bike while everybody else finished the workout. If it keeps hurting really bad to run, then it's probably going to be pool running, elliptical, and bike until I find out whats wrong. And I don't know when my mother will schedule an appointment, I would do it myself, but I just don't know how... Darn.

Today was easy, considering we have a track meet at the dumb oval tomorrow and Saturday. We ran from the school to the U flagpole along 13th east, then back along 13th east over to the flagpole at Westminster and back. Now we're going to go recruit at the freshman fair.

Day 1 of the Oval Distance Challenge. By the time I got there, paid, and checked in, I had little time to warm up. I managed to get just over 3 laps in for warm up and headed to the Bull Pen with Susannah, Amanda, Sarah, and Natalie. We were sitting there forever, and the people weren't really doing anything, so Bill saved our spots and we went to do some drills and warm up more. None of us were in the 1st heat, so we had plenty of time. Sarah did excellent in the 2nd heat!! We still had warm up time because nobody we knew was in the 3rd heat. Amanda, Montana, and I were in the 4th heat, and we were all wearing out Sojourners uniforms because we're just that awesome. I was boxed in at first, because Amanda and I started on the back line, three in a row with the purple giraffe spikes, score! I kept to the inner lanes, because on the straights there was plenty of room for me to pass on the inside easily. I PR'd by 1 second!! :D Happy day! My foot hurt too much to do a full cool down, so I walked around a bunch and then did some yoga with Natalie, Taylor, Susannah, and Amanda. Then took a nap with Delaney and Sarah. I'm doing the 800 tomorrow...

Did the 800 today. I was in the 3rd heat out of 5. My hip number was 4, so I had a good spot on the starting line. My plan was to get out hard and hold a good spot, then outkick in the next 400. I got boxed in, but people were leaving adequate room between the track and the mats dividing it from the ice, so I had plenty of room without stepping over the line. Once I crossed the 400 line, I was in about 4th place, and I figured I could at least get 2nd. But when I passed the other 2 girls I was with, I had to hold them off and I caught up to the 1st place girl. And in the last 100 meters, I got her. With about 15 meters to go, she started passing me again, but I moved my arms and finished in 1st, with a 14 second PR!!!!!!

Did I mention that I hate Mondays? Today we did the usual track warm up of 2 verticle laps, stretching, and drills. We also did the sardine one, and that's my favorite one. Then we had a relay, Bill's team against Gustavo's team. I was selected to be on Gustavo's team, and at first I wanted to be stubborn but I realized what we were doing and noticed I was on a team with Josephine, Sophie, Vohn, Tomy, Mickey, Noel, and all those other good sprinters. We conquered. Then the distance runners went out for a 10 miler. It was starting to snow when we started. We ran out the teacher parking lot up 9th south to 15th east, up Sunnyside to Wasatch Blvd. Going up Sunnyside I was with RJ and Sarah, but once above Foothill I was alone in shorts, in a hoodie, in a blizzard. On Wasatch Blvd, I went all the way to Thunderbird to the drinking fountain. I guessed it would be off, considering the blizzarding circumstances and all, and I was right. So I turned around and ran along Foothill to 13th south, and down to 19th east. Going down there, some idiots honked at me and were doing stupid hand signals. I hate it when people do that, pet peeves right there, getting yelled or honked at jokingly whilst running. I'd like to see them go do a 10 miler in a blizzard when it's getting dark. I turned on 19th east and went to Sunnyside, down to 14th east, over to 9th south, and ran all the way in the teacher parking lot to the back doors of the school commons. My hoodie strings were frozen ice, and since I couldn't move my fingers, Natalie had to let me out of my hood. They had all ran around the block for a ful 10 miles, but I didn't know that so I'm .75 behind... Oh well. If they're all hitting 50 this week... Thats jumping it huge for me. I'll go up 5 or 7 or something. Not 20.

Speed at the Oval. Have I mentioned yet how much I despise the Oval? We started at the school with the usual track warm up, stretching, and drills, then drove out to torture. We did 4 laps warm up, stretching, 4 laps warm up, 4 laps speed changes, and 1 lap recovery. I kept up with the group until speed changes, and Amanda and I ran together. We changed shoes and did a 1000. I was supposed to be between 3:55 and 4:00, and got a 3:58. Then we did recovery laps then 2 800s, each with good recovery. I got a 3:13 and a 3:11, which was good because I had to hit 3:12s. Then we did recovery laps and then 4 400s. I was supposed to be getting 1:30s, and I got 1:30, 1:29, 1:30, and 1:26. We recovered a lap, then changed shoes and did an 8 lap cool down for a total of 10 miles. Then we hurried on home for rice krispies and brown cow from Papa John!!

Today Sarah and I led the sprinters on a 6 mile run. We ran along 13th east to the Shriners drinking fountain, and going up the big hill at a nice, easy pace, the sprinters all turned around and ran down, but Sarah and I didn't notice until we were at the top and looked down to see them going back. Losers. Anyway, we went and got a drink and went back to East the usual way we do the Shriners run, and going down our big hill, we saw our fellow distance runners. It was a good run. And later I went ice skating... does that count as miles? Just kidding :)

I. Hate. The. Freaking. Olympic. Oval.

 Susannah, Amanda, and I did 5 laps of warm up. Then we all as a big group did 4 more laps warm up. And then I did 4 laps speed changes, losing the group. My tummy was hurting, but hey, I had just eaten the muddy buddies Ashley had given me, so it's all good... We changed into our flats and did 8 300s, each with about 100 meters recovery in between. Amanda and I were supposed to be hitting between 64 and 66, and we did great! Amanda had her watch, so I stayed with her. We got a 64, 64, 65, and 64. Then jogged a lap for our second set. We got a 65, 64, 64, and 65. Amanda is excellent at keeping pace! I only needed 6 today, so I did 2 laps cool down in my flats. I really don't think I'll be doing the 10K on Saturday...

Played the penny game for 4 miles. I was too lazy to even check where we were going. "This is like real life. The person with the money decides where everybody goes. And everybody is chasing the person with the money." -Bill

BLAHHHHHH! Warmed up with Bill, Susannah, Natalie, Ben, and Taylor. We went 1 mile out and 1 mile back. I was planning on jogging the race, so I took my ipod along for the 10K. I did pretty good staying even. Delaney, Frisch, Patti, Sam, Dakota, and Kim were all doing the water station. The first time I passed it, I got a cup from Delaney and accidentally snorted it up my nose. So I blamed it on Chuck Norris...Erm...Delaney. I cheered for Jamal, Ben, Susannah, Bill, Mel, Natalie, Taylor, and Jeffy. I kept an even pace as I listened to my ipod, running in the middle of nowhere to more middle of nowhere from middle of nowhere. I didn't do a cool down, as I've upped my miles pretty badly this week. I stepped on my foot really wierdly at about 3.5 miles into the race, and my hip has been hurting since. Ouch? I didn't do a cool down, instead I ate the delicious MUDDY BUDDIES Nanna and I made. Then, when we were ready to go, Susannah, Natalie, Delaney, Ben, Taylor, Jeffy, and Bill did our High School Musical jumps off the stairs. I love my team!

We did workout on our own track today instead of the stupid oval because it was nice out. :) We did 2 laps of warm up as a whole track team, and did our stretching as a whole track team. Then we split into our events workouts. I of course went with distance and did 8 laps warm up, 4 laps speed changes, 1 lap recovery, and changed into my flats. Then I did 12 200s, each with 200 recovery and back to everyone else, which made it 100 one way, 100 the other way, aka 400 of cool down every other one, because on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th one, I did 200 recovery total each one. I changed back into my trainers and we did 7 laps for a cool down.

Susannah and I ran from our house to the track, did 1 mile, 2 miles speed changes, 1 mile, and ran home.

Just an easy 5 since Simplot is tomorrow. We ran up Sunnyside to Amanda Ave, up 9th south, along 15th east to 21st south. It was really windy. I was just jogging because my side hurt, and as I was going down 21st south to 13th east, I almost tripped. Along 13th east in front of Westminster college, Natalie sneaked up on me and jumped me with 10 fingers. I picked it up and stayed with her for the remainder of the run. When we got to 9th south, we went up to 14th east, crossed the street into the stadium, did a lap on the track then ran around the soccer field until her garmin said 5. 

I warmed up with my Sarah by doing laps outside of the Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho. We did that for about a mile and a half before going inside by the check in to do some drills. I would be in heat 3, while Sarah was in the 8th heat. I checked in and more drills and stretching along the straightaway of the track when they set us loose there. I was hip number 8. I got  a good start, not too fast but fast enough to stay in the back of the crowd. Once their beginning sprint wore off, I went for it and passed the back crowd and worked up to the front crowd. I really wanted to break a 5:50, and that 1 second really upset me. I tied for 51st overall. After my race, I just walked around for a good 20 minutes to just think about my race and what I could have done better.

Easy 4 today. I ran with Sarah and Patrick to the cemetery, 2 laps, and back to the school.

My cough still hurts, and it made me feel ultra sick today. Sarah and I ran to the flagpole at the U, and on the way back we went through the campus and had an adventure... It was actually rather exciting and we got alot of wierd looks, but who cares when you're jumping like Buddy the Elf in the crosswalk, or running like an airplane with sound effects? Honestly, some people don't know how to have fun. We continued over to 13th south and realized we were at about 4, because we were having so much fun on our detour, so we ran back to East for a total of 5. My stomach hurt really badly the whole run...

16 cupcakes tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today we did the usual track warm up and stretching. Susannah put me in the center of the circle to lead the stretches for my birthday... I can't even count. Just kidding. After that, we did the dynamics in the hall then went outside for a relay with the batons. When someone hands me one of those, you may want to watch out because I always have the urge to hit something or someone, like the Highlame girl who cut me off in the medley at a trimeet last year.

After all that, distance runners went on a run. We ran from the school to Sugarhouse, big loop around the park to Highlame  High until we hit 3 miles, and turned around and came back the same direction. I was feeling really sick and it was really hard to run. Sarah was such a sweetie to stay back and run with me and listen to my complaints. I love that girl!

When we got back to the school, I got cupcakes :)

Just a run to the fire station on 11th ave and back with Sarah and Dakota. We took it easy because we're lame.

Today I didn't want to go to school because of the field trip for everyone but the juniors (suckers!) for the ACT. At 1, we met at the track as a distance group and I was able to get some good stuff for the track commercial while we waited for everyone. We did the usual 4 laps warm up, stretching, 4 laps warm up, 4 laps speed changes, then changed shoes. The plan was to do 5 1000s, and I was supposed to be getting 3:50s. Well, I fell behind everyone else and ended up only doing 3, plus I was hurting really badly and was ready to cry. For a cool down, we ran up Sunnyside Ave until we reached .75, then as the group went on, I turned around and came back to set up for a hurdle video.

Today we met as a small distance group at Sunnyside. We did 1 lap warm up, 10 strides, and another lap. The others were going on a longer run for 10 miles today, but I really had to go potty and the park bathrooms are closed, so I ran .25 down to the track to use the honey bucket. When I got back up to the park, Taylor told me where they had gone. I didn't have my garmin, so I decided to go to the gulley for a few laps. But when I went in and looked around at how creepy it is I thought about how I was alone. So I backed out and went along 17th east to Natalie's house and back to Sunnyside. I felt soooo sick!!!

Started in the snow, which gradually turned to rain, and then ended in sunshine, although it was still rather wet. I had my garmin today, and while everyone else was planning on 10 miles, I was only planning on 6. So I decided to make up my own adventure run! I ran from the teacher lot along 13th east to 13th south, up to 17th east, over to 9th south, up to 20th east, over to Sunnyside, up to Foothill, and down to Guardsmin. I still had a ways to go, so I went over to Sunnyside park, ran a lap, and came down Sunnyside Avenue to the teacher lot, where I did a few laps around the softball field and teacher parking lot to make it a total of 6 miles. It felt great, considering how cold and wet it was, I guess I wasn't pushing as much as I should be... :(

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!! We met at Sugarhouse park today in the spot where we meet for our summer workouts. We did a 2.5 mile warm up around the perimeter of the park, and I fell behind quickly. My throat and sinuses were burning!!! I blame it on the fact that I don't have a humidifier in my room anymore. After that, I got to the highlame track and did 1 mile of speed changes, which hurt really badly. When we were done with those, we cleared all the ice and slush from lane one in the shady corner of the track so we could use it for speed. I was feeling the burning pain still, so I just did 1.5 mile of speed changes to finish off. Then while Taylor, Dakota, and I waited for the healthy, uninjured people to finish speed workout, I decided to practice hurdles. The highlame hurdles suck because they're all broken!! Impossible to do drills there...

Did 1 lap around Liberty Park. I was hoping to do 2 laps, maybe 3, but I was starting to have an attack. I hate having blah blah blah something influenza. :(

Speed at the U track today. I did 3 miles of warm up then 2 400s, a 300, and 2 200s and a barefoot cool down on the astro turf. After the 300 I could not breathe and there was a lot of pain in my lungs. I'm pretty sure that I started too fast.

Did 5 miles on the bike with Rissa, we biked alongside Susannah on her run. We started at Rissa's house and went around back to the parkway trail, and we went as a group of three so as to avoid creepy pedofiles. We went 2.5 out and 2.5 back.

I hate Mondays. I just went on a small adventure run with Sarah, Patrick, and the new guy. We ran from the teacher lot along 13th east to 8th south, up to Amanda Ave, over on 15th east to the Bonneville Glen Gulley. We did 2 and a half laps in there and exited at the top of the gulley to go to Sunnyside park. When we pressed the pedestrian button and multiple cars stopped to let us cross, some idiot speeding in a Subaru with a California license plate almost hit us. We ran down to the light and the others went right and I went straight down. They were going to do 5, but I haven't had my inhaler at all today and I didn't get enough sleep. I ran down 8th south to the pyramid staircase and over to the teacher parking lot, where I did a lap and a half around the cars. When I was done, I took a needed nap in Choncho.

Today was nice enough outside that we got to go up to our own track!! We did a 2 lap track warm up with everyone, and I didn't have time to put my shoes on, so I did it barefoot. I put my trainers on during stretches. Then I did a mile warm up with Tania, Stephie, Bill, Becca, and Sarah. After brief stretching, we went on to do 1 mile warm up and 1 mile speed changes. I was ahead so I didn't have a running buddy... For the speed I changed into my flats and did 2 400s, 1:22 and 1:23, and 2 sets of 4 200s with Tania, Stephie, Becca, and Sarah. My times varied, but mostly it was 36 or 37. On the second to last one, I got a 29. Wowsies. I did half a mile cool down to make it 6 miles total. There is no way I'm going to be able to go much more than 12 miles this week. My goal is 20.

Bahh!!! Barely 5 hours of sleep and I was ready to break down. After the track warm up and stretching and meeting and uniforms and setting up the bars around the track, Sarah and I ran up to Sunnyside park for a big loop and back. It was raining, so we left a note in Natalie's car and Sarah begged Papa J to come get us and take us to warmth and chicken roll ups. We went really slow and I was ready to faint, cry, scream, etc.

Did the usual track warm up of 2 laps on the track, stretching, regular drills, and 10 strides on the football field. Then us distance runners brought out the hurdles for the practice meet tomorrow against Judge and Murray... aka no competition.

I went on a 6 mile run with Becca and Sarah. We went up on Sunnyside to 15th east, over to 21st south, a big grass loop in Sugarhouse park, and back along 15th east. On the way back on 15th as we passed Einsteins, I had been jumping on all sorts of things along the run, (rocks, curbs, trees, etc...) And then I just ran faster and got way ahead... I think it was the Access bar Bill gave me before the run. When I got to 9th south and went up, I ran into Susannah, Natalie, and Tay-Tay, so I kept up with them as we ran down Sunnyside and back to the school. First practice meet of the season tomorrow, and first high school dance!

Practice meet against Murray and Judge at East. I did the mile and the 800, but I don't know how to blog multiple races in one day, so I'll usually post whatever one I remember better...

Anyways, I did half a mile warm up with the whole track team, then we all stretched, counting loudly to show how good we are. I then did another half mile of warm up, 1 mile of speed changes, and changed into my spikes. I did some drills with Becca on the football field before we lined up for the race. My first 400 was 1:23, my next one was a 2:57, the next one was a 4:29, and the last one a 6:02. Susannah and Natalie were 1st and 2nd obviously, and I almost got to the Murray girl in front of me... Oh well next time I'll kick pocket.

After the mile I did a half a mile of jogging around so as to recover from the mile while still getting ready for the 800. Susannah once again was 1st, Natalie 3rd, me 4th, Amanda 5th, and close behind her, Sarah, Noami, Angela, Becca, and Noella. Good job team!! Afterwards, I did a half mile cool down with Becca and then all the distance runners cleaned up the hurdles and such so we could hurry up and get ready for Sadie Hawkins. The 2 mile had alot of people in it... Jogging... All from Murray. What a great practice meet!

I was supposed to do 6 today, but I didn't have my orthodics with me and I was feeling really grumpy. It was cold, slightly rainy, and it even snowed for a few minutes. At 3.25 I couldn't take my laps around the track anymore so I went and talked and stretched with Sarah in the locker room for warmth so we don't get sick. Then when we went back outside to do core with everyone else, it was finally sunny. I hope the sunshine stays!!

The bus ride was very bouncy so I felt very shaken when we got to the meet. Also, considering it was a bus going to a track meet it was very, very quiet...Because it was girls only! Ha.

When we got there, I ran a 2 mile warm up. Susannah, Natalie, Amanda, and I found a 1 mile loop around Davis High School, so we just did that twice before putting on our spikes and going to wait by the starting line. I was placed in the first heat, which was people 6 minutes and under with Susannah, Natalie, and Amanda. They didn't do individual seeds, which I thought was dumb because Susannah obviously should always be the first seed, not the middle. The first lap I did my best to stay up with the group, and I wasn't last!

Then I calmed down a bit and jogged a bit to stay warmed up for the 800. I was placed in the first heat, but when it started I knew that it was too fast of a heat for me, but I held on and wasn't last! :)

Then I thought I was done, so 2 bites into my bagel my coach came up to me and told me that I was going to to be the third leg in the 4 by 800 with Amanda, Natalie, and Susannah, so after watching the three of them in the 2 mile (My sister kicks pockets!) I went to the infield with them to practice handing the baton off, because we had never done the 4 by 800 before. Amanda was our starting leg, and she got us into third. She passed the baton to Natalie, and she brought us closer to the 2nd place Davis team, and at the beginning of my leg I was ahead of the Davis girl but then she passed me, so I stuck right onto her. I passed the baton to Susannah and she instantly got away from her. There was still a ways to go to the first place team, but she was pretty close. We ended up getting 2nd.

For my mile cool down, Michaela came over from her Davis Lacrosse practice to run a mile with me. I just did the same loop as the warm up, and Michaela was barefoot. It was a great meet and I'm already impatient for regions...

After the usual 2 lap track warm up and stretching, we did 5 laps of 50 meters of drills (butt kicks, high knees, powerskips, karokes east, and karokes west) with zigzag steps on the bleachers each lap. Then for a distance workout, we did 10 sets of fartleks around the stinkin track, until I was at 4 miles for the day. Then I went on a 2 mile adventure cool down run with Suzette and Dakota, up to Sunnyside, a big loop, back down to the stadium, and random places until we were at exact 6. It felt great but my lower hip has been hurting lately and I'm pretty sure it's been hurting ever since I fell down on the school dance floor...Maybe I'm just whining.

2 miles warm up, 2 miles speed changes, and 2 miles cool down. I was feeling good today, so I was able to keep up with Amanda for the whole workout. Then we spent forever setting up cones and flags for Running of the Leopards tomorrow :)

Running of the Leopards this morning!!! When we got to the start, I ran up to Wasatch Blvd for a 2 mile warm up with Susannah and Whatshisbucket. Then I did some drills and ran into Natalie, Amanda, Gavin, Bre, Kiley, and all those fun people. For the first mile, I ran with Bryson and we were at 6:02 at the mile. Shortly after that, he gained distance on me for one of the steeper downhills. I decided to try and catch up to Kiley, who was just ahead of me. I guess she knew I was coming, so I did my best to stay close to her. I PR'd my 2 mile time at the 2 mile mark, a 12:20, which is a PR by about 25 seconds for me! :) My goal today was to break 19 minutes, and I got a 19:08. I was a little upset about the 8 seconds, but happy that I had PR'd by 17 seconds. :) Congratulations to everybody who ran today! It was a good race!

Half mile track warm up and stretching and drills. Then 1 mile on track, then ran to Sugarhouse along 15th east alone-ish and with Sarah and Dakota. We did 1 road lap, and at our usual 2 hill workout hills, we did each 5 times. Then we did a backwards road lap and back to the track along 15th east.

1 mile warm up, bathroom break, 1 mile warm up, 1 mile speed changes all with Sarah. Then as a team we did a timed mile, and I don't know what my time was because I had my watch on timer mode but when I pushed 'start/stop' it went back to normal time, so after my 1st lap and I didn't have a split, I chucked it off to the side in anger, and I almost hit Patrick...sorry. Then we did 2 laps recovery and 10 200s, in a 5 lap part. For a cool down, I didn't want to put my trainers back on because I didn't have socks today and I don't want blisters. So I did 5 laps around the football field perimeter to finish off at 6.

Highlame VS East. We smoked them! Anyhoo, when I got there, I was very upset, so I did my own warm up, 2 laps, sweats off, and 2 more laps, change shoes. They combined the boys and girls mile, so the start felt pretty fast. For the girls, we smoked them. Susannah took first, then Natalie, Amanda, then me, and then Sarah, top 5! I ran behind Amanda for most of the race, which really helped me stay on pace. The first half was 3:00 flat, and I ended with a 6:03. Then us distance runners who didn't have a later event went to Sugarhouse park and did 400s, I did 6, and the whole time my leg was hurting like heck! Urgh. It's probably something that was hurting today, so I'm not too worried about it. After those, I went and chilled in the tent with Scotty until it was time to go.

2 laps track warm up, stretching, core work, and dynamics. Then the cool peoples (DISTANCE!!) went on a run to Fairmont park, 10 strides, and back to the school. On the 2.5 mile adventure there, I ran with Tania and Sarah, feeling a little sick. After strides, I felt better, so I was able to keep up with the big group for a long time before falling behind, but not by much. I helped Susannah with some hurdle drills because our team is in need of hurdlers, so I guess I'm back in the hurdle business... Anyways. Now my tummy really hurts and I'm debating to run or not to run tomorrow. To go to school or not to go to school. To be or not to be?

Half mile warm up on the track and then dynamics on the football field. Distance runners did 1 mile warm up, 2 miles speed changes, and a mile and a half cool down. I ran by myself because I've been so upset lately because dumb reality people are so exclusive. I don't want to do the 2 mile tomorrow, I just wanna do the mile and go home. But no, I have no freedom.

UVU Invitational today! When we got there, I warmed up for a few miles, and then changed into my spikes for the 1 mile. Susannah and Natalie were in the 1st heat, Sarah in the 3rd, and I was in the 2nd. The whole race I thought I was last, because the pack was ahead of me and I guess there was some distance between the last 2 girls and myself. I got a 6:08 in the mile, and I was pretty upset about it but I only let it hold me down for a little while. I ran a small cool down and went to hang out with my team for the next couple hours while we waited for the 2 mile. After a few hours of Scrabble, pillow fights, long walks, and listening to General Conference, I warmed up for the 2 mile. Susannah was seed 1 in the first heat, and Natalie was 3rd seed in the first heat. Amanda was seed one and I was seed 2 for the second heat, which was way cool. My first 2 laps, I was boxed in and I was trying to go around because the pace was really slow. Finally at the start of my 3rd lap, there was a small gap and I was able to get out and around the crowd and move into 3rd. I had almost caught the girl in 2nd, but then another girl passed me and the 2nd girl pushed to gap her. Then the girl in 1st who held first for about 5 or 6 laps died down and I easily passed her. For the last bit, I was scared someone would outkick me, so I booked it and ended in 4th overall.

Half mile track warm up. For speed workout we did 2 miles warm up and 1 mile of speed changes. My calves are really tight and my breathing is very dry, I need to drink more water and eat less junk food. I put on my Saucony flats and did 6 400s with the awesome distance runners. Then as the others continued to do 6 more 400s, I did a mile cool down to be at an even 6 today. I really need to take an ice bath...

Today we were being filmed by the news, featuring East High Track and Field. It'll be on KUTV at 6:00 tonight. We did our 2 laps warm up, stretching, and dynamics before breaking into groups. Distance then ran to Liberty park for 1 lap of firemen, and Bill split it Girls and Boys, and we got back to the drinking fountain at about the same time, although had the boys not been sprinting at the very end we would've beaten them by far. Then we ran back up to the track for 2 progressive 300s and practicing with batons. The first 300 I was supposed to lead, and the wind in that first hundred was TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! For the next one, I got to call out "GO" when the person reached the yellow arrows, so I got to start last and draft. Then we practiced for our Medley Relay tomorrow at the practice meet, and I'm doing a 200. 4 Distance runners in a Medley...

When we got to the meet, we did half a mile warm up as a whole team and some stretching. Then I did another half mile when it got close to the 300M Hurdles, and then I did some hurdle drills with the other girls. I did alright, considering I didn't want to do them again this year. But I guess I'm still doing them... The event right after the 300 Hurdles was the 800, so I didn't bother to put my trainers back on, I just did some strides with the other 800 runners and started. My first lap felt great, so my second lap I really pushed. My goal was to be one of the top 800 runners, so being the 5th across the line felt great. :)

The event immediately after the 800 was the Medley. 3 events in a row? Yep, that's me. I'm not a sprinter, yet somehow I was one of the 200 runners... Amanda's hand off to me was the best one we've ever done! Yeah! My 200 felt awful, but I pushed hard through it, and my hand off to Natalie...Well I just felt like I hadn't done it too great, but she got the baton, so it's all good. Natalie brought us up from 3rd to 2nd, and Susannah was getting us from 2nd to 1st, but she says that her kick isn't too great...So we were 2nd, which is really good considering that I AM NOT A SPRINTER.

Thinking we were done, Amanda and I opened a box of doughnuts. Good thing Bill caught us at bite number 2, because he wanted us to do the 4x4 relay. So Amanda, Sarah, Angela, and I formed a team and practiced hand offs. I was our starting leg, and I had us in an okay spot when I passed the baton to Angela. She helped us keep that good spot, and handed it to Sarah, who also stayed strong. Then she gave it to Amanda, who finished us off excellently! :) Good job girls!

Finally, I declared this, "I have done 4 events today, now I am going to go eat food!" It was a good meet, better than last year, when the meet was over spring break and nobody knew about it so Susannah, Bre, and I were the only athletes there...Yes, the only three.

Rainy day, so we met in the commons for track. Matheson never said anything about running 2 vertical laps, he just told RJ, Sarah, and I to lead the stretches. After that we went to the hallway for dynamic drills and such. Then Tolbert told everybody to go to the weight room, except for the ones who had received a text from Bill for a workout, so Tolbert got rid of us. I ran with Sarah, RJ, Taylor, and Chester up to Sunnyside park, where we met up with Amanda. We did a mile there for a warm up, then a ladder run around the field, 4 minutes on, 2 minutes off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 1 off, 1 on, 1 off, then a mile lap around the park, then Taylor and I took the freshmen back down to the school to finish off at 5 miles. It was wet, rainy, and now there is snow all around the neighborhood. Oh joy.

Usual track warm up of 2 laps then stretching and dynamics. After that, I did the fire station run on 11th avenue, and I was on a roll. I had so much energy, I stayed ahead of Bill, Susannah, and Natalie until the fire station, then I turned around and they had farther to go, so I guess staying ahead wasn't that big of an accomplishment, I think it was a bigger accomplishment when I stayed with Susannah and Natalie for the first 7 mile uphill on a 10 mile run. Anyways, as I was coming back along 11th ave, I was dying, and when I stopped at the drinking fountain for a minute, I really had to go potty. For the rest of the run, I was dead tired, but I really needed to get to the bathroom, so I was pretty much booking it the last mile. I'm sure I did that 6 mile run faster than I did the Saltair 10K both years.

Today was crazy fun track day. I did the 4 people tied together 400, and our team white was 2nd place. Then it was the tube race, where people put on the inflatable pool tubes, sprint, put on another, sprint, until they had 4 tubes. Our team won that one easily. Then it was the 4 by 100 scooter relay, I was the  second leg for the girls team white. I think we were 2nd for that one, I'm not sure though. After 3 events, team white was tied for 3rd (there were 4 teams) And everyone had been instructed by Scotty to gain up against green. Then it was the 4 by 400 scooter relay, our girls did alright, and our boys won it easily. After that we did the shoe run, where we all put our shoes on a tarp and the coaches dragged it across the field and said go. The first team to have everyone back wearing both shoes tied wins, and we got 2nd. I picked up one of Natalie's shoes by 'mistake' so she was beating me up, haha. Then was the obstacle course, 4 boys and 4 girls per team. It was go over 4 hurdles, zig zag some cones, jump over a high jump mat wall (I jumped up, fell down, backed up, and jumped up again and managed to tumble over) then under a low hurdle, over a low hurdle, and under over again, then high jump, then sprint back to the beginning to tag a teammate. After the whole entire relay, we got results. Green got 4th, blue was 3rd, we were 2nd, and pink was 1st. Our reward was some of those USATF medals...funny. Then since Amanda, Sarah, and I all had to leave by 5:45, we did shorter runs. Sarah and I had time to go up Sunnyside, over to 9th south, into the gulley, one lap, and out again and back to the stadium, where we did a few laps around the track to make it a total for the day and head off to piano lessons and babysitting. Tomorrow we'll be having a speed workout then a practice meet, so I'm ready to fake an illness.

Practice meet against Stansbury, Bountiful, and Woods Cross. Before the meet, I did a workout of 1 mile warm up, 1 mile speed changes, a timed 1000 (4:11) and 3 800s. I didn't do the mile today as planned because of this speed workout, but I did do the 300 hurdles and the 800 run. I was hoping to win it, but I started out too fast and the Woods Cross girls created distance. Darn them, I need to kick their pockets at Regions. Anyways, I had been doing the hip bumps with the tubes from yesterday, which was probably the highlight of my day haha. I did a short cool down to finish off at 5 miles today and now I'm off to lacrosse!

Today we did 2 laps warm up, stretching, dynamics, and groups. Us distance runners went to Sugarhouse park along 15th east and did a lap and a half of fartleks, then turned around and came back along 15th east, with a lap on the track to even out our miles. Then we ate otter pops! Taylorsville Invitational is on Saturday, so tomorrow should probably be lighter. And next week is spring break! Huzzah! And then dead week because of AP tests for the next 3 weeks, whoop.

Tomorrow is the Taylorsville Invite so we just did our regular track warm up which is 2 laps, then distance broke off to do 1 mile warm up, then 2 miles speed changes, and half mile cool down. Then we had otter pops! It's Friday and next week is spring break! Yay!

Taylorsville Invitational was today. I did a 2 mile warm up with Natalie and Susannah for the 1 mile, which I was in the 2nd out of 5 heats. I easily won my heat with a time of 5:45, which is a 6 second PR for me! I tend to run a lot faster at invitationals and if I'm leading my race. I got out fast because I didn't want to get boxed in, and since there was a girl in my race that I don't ever want to beat me (Because she outkicked me BYU XC Invite, I didn't medal cause of it) so I was determined to stay up there. I took the lead because I could tell the girl that went way out was tired, and another girl came with me. Normally I would've stayed closest into lane 1 as possible, but there was a girl trying to pass me on the curves so I decided to be fat and hoggy. Muahaha. I heard Tolbert and Matheson tell me that she was 10 meters behind me in the last 200, so I picked up my kick because there is no way I'm gonna bust my butt and then be outkicked. After that I ran a little cool down, about half a mile. Later, for the 800, I did about half a mile of warm up and drills. I was in the 3rd heat, and the bull pen I had heard I was number 10, but when I got to the line there was another number 10 and a 12, but no 11. We then found out that I was that number 11, so we tore part of my number to make a demented 11. I got out fast to avoid being boxed in, which worked for me. I battled with someone for 4th pretty much the whole race, and I ended up in 5th. I did a small cool down with an iceberg rice crispy shake:) And out girls were 2nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring break! We met at the track today and it was just distance runners, so we went on a run. Gavin and I were supposed to do the fire station run, but since it's really close to his grandparents house we ran up to Shriners and up to their house to get candy from the happy candy jar :) However, they weren't there to let us in, so we jumped on the tramp instead for .17 (Does that count? It takes energy...heehee) And then we ran back down to East. Then I went puddle jumping with Natalie and Susannah for an hour :)Later I went to Steiner with Susannah and Scotty to bike. I did 5 miles so I counted it as 2; I would have gotten 6, but I didn't realize how slow I was going because I was preoccupied with Scotty's ipod.

I hate speed workouts with a fiery passion. We did the normal 1 mile warm up, stretching, 1 mile warm up, 1 mile speed changes, and changed shoes. We were going to start with 2 800s, and I was supposed to be hitting 2:50-2:55. Zuzana paced me, and she really helped me with hitting my times and drafting the wind. I hit a 2:50 and a 2:49. Then we did 4 400s, I was supposed to be hitting 78s, and this time I wouldn't have a pacer. I got a 78, 82, 83, and 76. We were then supposed to do a 4 mile cool down, but I didn't get the full instructions, so I ran up on Sunnyside to Foothill, down, and 2 grass loops, which took me to 8.5 miles for the day. My legs are dead!

I was dragged out of bed 5 minutes prior to practice, and when we got there I was really grumpy. We did 1 mile warm up, then 1 mile warm up and 1 mile speed changes. Right after the speed changes, I felt like I was going to puke. Bill told me to sit out on the first of 2 sets of intervals, so my stomach could calm down a bit. After the other girls finished their first set, I jogged 2 laps with them and we did a second set. We were working on our kicks and speed today, so our last 200s had to be certain times. We did a 600, a 400, a 300, and a 200 for a set. After the first set, my tummy felt a little better, so I jogged 2 laps before starting my second set, this time I would be doing them alone. Turns out I do speed work faster alone than with people, because I improved a lot, or maybe it was the fact I was feeling a little better. After that set, I jogged 2 laps with Bill and Patrick, then changed back into my trainers for another mile and a half, which I did 2 grass loops and a lap around the track. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling tomorrow!! Yeah!

I miss spring break and hate Mondays. Today I missed the warm up laps with the whole team because my running clothes got there late. I jumped in at the stretching and dynamics, so it's all good. For a distance warm up, we did 1 mile warm up and 1 mile speed changes and went on to do intervals. We were doing 2 sets of an 800 and 6 200s. For the last 500 of the 800s, we had the sprinters pacing us, but it didn't help me at all because they all started with the first person doing the 800 instead of staggered, so I didn't get a pacer. They also did 4 200s with us, both sets. They were supposed to try to stay ahead of us, and we were supposed to try to beat them, so it was a pushing workout for all of us. In between sets we jogged 1 lap. After the 2nd set, we stretched out a bit. I did another lap on the track with my ipod to get to 5 miles exactly, and then we did 5 stadium laps for a 2 mile cool down. During my 2nd lap, all hail broke loose, and I was like, "Hail no."

Today  we did the usual half mile warm up and stretching. During the stretches, all hail broke loose, so in the middle of calves, we all stood up and booked it to the shed to finish stretches and have a short meeting about tomorrow. For a distance run, we went down to Liberty Park and did a lap of firemen, and I was in a group with Sarah, Amanda, Chester, and Dorkota. After that, it started hailing again, (Gotta love Utah bipolar weather, we got sun, rain, snow, and hail all in one day!) so we ran back up the hill to the track to end at 5.5. Then I went up to the running company for new trainers, because my blue Mizuno's are really starting to hurt my legs.

Today I went to the North Summit Invite with Susannah, Natalie, Amanda, and Sarah. Susannah did well in the 2 mile, and later all 5 of us did the 1600, Sus the 1 mile. We did a mile and a half warm up, and then I did speed changes for half a mile. Then the others told me we had warmed up too soon, so we'd have to do it again. Darn. When it was time to warm up, we took a POTTY break and went on a mile warm up. Then we did some drills until we had to go to the starting line. We had a start, and I was in a really good spot when everyone suddenly stopped and went back to the start. I never heard a second gun but okay. Then we started again, and this time I got elbowed, but I pushed through it and got a good spot close to the front. Unfortunately, that was also a false start. Lining up for the 3rd time, all of us racers said that if they fired a second gun, we would not come back, that they would have to suck it up. This time we finally got into the race. I moved up in the pack and was holding off Park City girls pretty much the entire race, and of the 1600 people, I was 3rd overall, 2nd from East, which I thought was alright. I hope I PRd, but I don't know my time yet so that's why I just put 6, I'll fix it later. We did a 1 mile cool down because Mama Shields had to get back home. When we were almost home, Bill called. We discovered that we were supposed to have done the 800...But we didn't know that, which is why we left so soon. Oh well. :) I love my new trainers!!

Today I found out I would be racing in the Davis Invite on Saturday, and we did a good workout. We did the usual half mile warm up and stretching. Then during the dynamics, one of the lines didn't do one of the drills the way back, so everybody else had to do a 400. After that, we broke off into groups. Distance went to the bleachers, where we did 3 sets of 1 minute of step ups. After that, we did smaller step ups, 5 rounds of one step, 5 rounds of skip step, and those two sets again. Then we went to the fence to stretch our calves, and after that we went to the walls to do wall sits, where we also did the Macarina because it makes the whole minute doing the sets of 3 seem so much faster and efficient. Then we jogged over to the soccer field, where we were supposed to do 10 hills. On the 7th one, Bill declared that the first 6 back would be done with the hills, and I was the 8th. I then discovered it was a good thing, because the others had to do leg lifts. After the 8th one, we were in the soccer teams way, so we had to jog away. Dumb boys. We did a 300 in groups, and I was with Amanda, Sarah, and Suzette. Amanda led our pack, which is really going to help me push her and her pull me. After that, we did a set of circuits: Popcorn, stride, jumping jacks, stride, squats, stride, mountain climbers, stride. Then we went back over to the 300 start, again to do it in groups. This time I was with Amanda, Sarah, and Chester. Amanda led our group again, and in the last 100, Chester outkicked me, so I've really got to work on my last 100 because that's probably my weakest. Finally, we did 10 100M strides, we did the strides with our backs to the wind, so we could jog towards the wind. After that, we talked about Davis and then went home.

We just did a pool workout today because we have a race tomorrow. Susannah, Natalie, RJ, and I all went up to Steiner to pool run. 10 minute warm up, 10 minutes of fartleks, and 10 minutes of cool down. It sucked because we had to be in the shallow end of the pool because our water polo team was there. After the pool, we went down to the stadium to get out track sweats :)

Today was the Davis Invitational. I was doing the 1600, 3200 (Grr.) And the 4x4 relay. I did a half mile loosen up with Patrick and then stretched for a bit. Then I did 2 laps around the block, which was 2 miles. I then went and did some strides with Amanda and we raced. My first 2 laps were alright, but I wish that I could have pushed harder. I advanced on my 3rd lap, and finished strong my 4th. Unfortunately my goal was to make it to BYU Invite next week, but my time wasn't fast enough :(

I did another loop around the block for a loosen up mile, then ran around inside of Davis because it was snowing outside. They procrastinated the meet for a few minutes to see if it would clear up, so we moved our stuff inside and camped.

Then I did a warm up for the 3200 meter, asking anyone if they're willing to kill me. I absolutely HATE the 3200 with a burning passion! I was doing okay physically, but I got a 6:25 for my first mile. Then it really started to hurt. I couldn't help it, I was in so much pain and feeling so much hatred that I cried it out. A Park City girl was nice, she encouraged me to go on and that I would make it, but at the time I couldn't take it. When I finished, I cried more and got really moody and snappy at everyone. Then I did a couple more drills to get ready for the 4x4.

Amanda was our starting leg, and she passed it off to me. I got a 75 for my lap, and passed it to Maggie. Sarah finished us off for a time of 4:57, which was our goal, to break 5. After, I went on a cool down to be at 8 miles today and then Michaela took me to her house to have some lunch, which made me feel a lot better and I stopped getting mad at everyone. But I still don't like it when people tell me I did amazing when I straggled and died, because that's just lying.

After a day full of haircut admirers (It's just bangs but okay) we had the normal. We did half a mile warm up and our stretching circle, then dynamics. For a varsity distance workout, we did a mile of warm up and a mile of speed changes. We changed shoes to do a ladder. I would be doing 5 minutes on, 5 off, 4 on, 4 off, 3 on, 3 off, 2 on, 2 off, 1 on, 1 off, 1 on, 1 off. In the first 5 minutes on, I got exactly 1200, and I didn't feel like I was going that hard, so I'm starting to beleive I'll do well on Saturday at BYU. After the 3 minute on, I felt really sick, but I pushed through it and I felt better. By the end of the last minute off, I had done 4.75 miles of it. We did 5 100 meter strides, so I did about 5 miles total in my spikes. I took off my spikes, and did everything else barefoot. That included stepping over hurdles, high knees over the little white bars, step ups, calf raisers, lunges, and squats with weights, then some crunches, planks, and headstands. It was an alright workout, a little tiring though.

Practice meet at Stansbury. I did the 400 and 800 for running events, so before each one, I did some serious striding and drills to get ready. For the 400, I was heat one lane one, so I felt stronger, which helped me push. A few events later, I did the 800. I don't know what my time was, but I was about 8th overall, and 4th from East. After the 800, I hurried over to the high jump area to jump for fun. I had missed it because of the 800, but the girl there was really nice and let Amanda and I jump. Neither of us ever cleared the bar, but it was fun to do. Although I'm pretty sure I bruised my pelvis and left shin pretty badly, but I'll be fine. I was planning on doing shotput, but because of the running events I did, I got scratched and didn't make it over there until final throws. Oh well. Actually this entry is supposed to be tomorrow, I mixed them up by accident, and I'm too lazy to go change it.

I just realized... I mixed up my calendar entries, so this is Tuesday, yesterday's entry is actually today. Oops. Anyway. Half mile warm up and stretches and dynamics, the usual you know. Then a mile warm up and a mile of speed changes, then shoe change. Bill set it up so everyone would eventually do 2 400s and 1 800. I did a 400, pacing Susannah for her first lap of her 800, Sarah for her 2nd lap. My next 400 I paced Amanda for her 2nd lap of her 800, and then I did my 800, and I totally don't remember who paced me. We did some strides for cool down because we're taking it easy yet hard because Regions is soon.

Before practice, we had a short meeting about BYU Tomorrow, and then to get us pumped, we begged the coaches to let Caroline read us a story. 'All My Friends Are Dead' is probably the best book ever written.

We did the normal half mile warm up and stretches and dynamics before breaking into groups. Distance ran up Sunnyside over to 15th, over to the gulley, and in. It was nice and shady in there, which felt nice considering it's a hot day. We did a lap and a half in there, exiting at the top, and running over to Sunnyside Park. There, we did a minute and a half of arms, then 4 long strides for form. We did another set of arms and 4 more strides, then a final set of arms and 4 more strides. Then we ran straight down to the stadium and sat in the shady grass talking forever.

Today was the first day of the BYU Invitational. I'm doing the 1600 tomorrow, but I still went down today to support my team. After watching Susannah run and Caroline jump, I went on a 2 mile run. I went out the spectator entrance and then south for about a quarter of a mile. I went up a fun looking street for half a mile, then came back down it to a big patch of grass, where I did 10 long strides, concentrating on my form. Then I ran back to the stadium and to my team tent. It was a great run, I'm hoping to do well tomorrow!

I did a 2 mile warm up with Amanda around the field by the track. We had POTTY break then did our drills and strides. In the bullpen, I was expecting to be seed 6 of heat 2. I was actually seed 1. Since it wasn't a waterfall start, the 6 of us on the main line had plenty of space, which helped me get out fast. I thought I had gotten out too fast, but when I was able to maintain that pace the whole race, with the speed changes to get around people, I knew I was going to PR by a lot. Since the group was a pack for most of the race, I spent a lot of time in the outer lanes. I wish I would've pushed ahead of the group, because my time probably would've been faster. Oh well. I liked that there was a clock at the 200 mark. When I passed it I was at about 5:07. I started sprinting, I made a goal on the spot to be in the 5:30s. However, I'm not a very fast sprinter, and I couldn't really hold my kick. I still came in fast, my PR was only by 3 seconds but I guess I'm okay with that... After my race I felt like I was going to pass out, but after laying down in the shade for a couple of minutes, I took my spikes off and walked around either barefoot or in flip flops all day. I walked around the meet for the most part, but I also made it to Panda Express which was just over a quarter of a mile away, and the BYU Creamery, which was about a quarter of a mile walk... My legs aren't sore :)

Speed workout today. We did the normal half mile warm up, and it was raining outside, so we gathered in the shed for stretching. We didn't do dynamic drills today, so everyone split into our groups. Our coaches were talking, so it took distance forever to start. We finally did a 2 mile warm up and 1 mile of speed changes. I'm getting better at keeping up with the faster people on the team, and I really feel that it is helping me become faster. We did an 800, and our last 300 was also timed so we would work on our kicks. I was supposed to be getting 2:40, but I got a 2:57. My last 25 meters were not fast at all, I was dying. My jaw, esophagus, and collarbone were BURNING! I decided it was probably just in my head, so I did one recovery lap with everyone. Then we jogged over to the 300 line for 4 300s. After each one, we ran over to the small bleachers and back to the 300 line because it's about 200 meters of recovery. I was on the verge of tears in between all of them, but I toughed it out. After the last one, I immediately changed my shoes and did 1 mile of cool down. Regions is on Wednesday and Thursday, Wednesday I'm doing the 1600 and the 300 hurdles trials, and Thursday it's the 3200(hatred) and the 800. I'm thinking tomorrow will be light...

Regions is tomorrow! So we had a lighter workout. We did the regular 2 lap warm up and the stretching circle then dynamics. For a distance workout, we did a mile of warm up and 8 100 meter strides, jogging back to the start each time so we would have our backs to the wind. The first 2 we worked on acceleration, the next 2 arms, the next 2 toes, and the last 2 everything. We did 2 laps of cool down for a total of 3 miles today. I'm so excited for tomorrow! Once Thursday is over, life will be good. Why? Because I'll know whether I make it to state or not, plus my AP World History test will be over.

Regions! Today, when we got to Stansbury High School for regions, we did a lap as a whole team and our streches, loud and proud. Then we girls had a quick pep talk, how we are going to claim our title back from Tooley. After that, I did about a mile of warm up with Susannah out on the road, and then we came back to the track to do some speed changes because the 100 meter stuff doesn't need the whole 400 meters of the track. Anyhoo, after that I put on my spikes and the other girls and I did our cheer at the top of our lungs. We did our drills, then Susannah, Natalie, Amanda, and I cheered on Sarah in her race. For our race, I think I got too fast of a start, and I was at the back of the pack and dead last in our heat. It's a race that I want to forget about nor talk about. Afterwards, I went right to the food. I'm going to stretch our tonight, go to bed early, wake up early, do a small shake out run to 1) Loosen me up for the 3200 and the 800 tomorrow, and 2) Wake me up a little so I'll do well on my AP World History test. I'm very bummed that I'll spend 4 hours tomorrow sitting in a testing room...

I just got back from a short run to loosen me up for Regions and wake me up for the AP World History test. I went from my house along 14th east to 17th south and back at a steady pace.

REGION CHAMPS 2011!

When we got to Stansbury, I did a mile of warm up with the other distance girls. We  did 2 laps around the high school and then got our spikes, took a POTTY break, and went to the infield for drills. Sarah kicked pockets in her 3200, which she had never raced before, good job, way to push it! Susannah, Natalie, Amanda, and I were all in the next heat. For the first mile, we stayed as a pack, setting the pace. The first mile for the whole pack was a 6:35. When we had 1000 left, us East girls made our move. Nanna and Natty went to win, I managed to get 7th to score 2 points, and Amanda was 10th. Awesome job girls! We sat in the shade and stretched until it was time to warm up for the 800. We did the same 1 mile warm up, 2 laps around Stansbury High School. We did our drills and such before starting. I was in the 2nd heat with Amanda and Sarah, and we all did great! The first lap was alright, a 1:20. I was hoping to be in the 2:30s today because the only time I've ever been in the 2:30s was in indoor season with a 2:39. Today I got a 2:41, and it's okay I guess...

I am a little upset I didn't make it to state. But I guess I'll do fine at JV Regions next week. I don't know, it's just starting to hit me. Anyway, East High Girls won with... I can't remember how many points, 160? Before they announced it all, Bill pulled out his bag, which had a bunch of white tee shirts in it with our track logo this year, which said 'Region Champs' They just knew we would be winning. :) We put on our shirts, went to our trophy, took turns kissing it, took pictures, did our victory lap while singing the school song, took more pictures, and sung some more. :) It was an amazing day!!

After the usual 2 laps warm up, stretching, and drills, we did some core work. We did over under with hurdles, over over, then we did arm swings, wall sits, step ups, and 6 strides, 2 for arms, 2 for toes, 2 for all. We had 2 running options, and everyone else picked the one with Shoreline trail, which really upset me. I begged Bill to let me go on my own run, and he let me. I went down to 13th east, over to Presidents Circle, up to Legacy Bridge, and up to the Red Butte drinking fountain. There was a lot of construction I had to go around and find detours, which made me go farther than needed. The drinking fountain was fenced off because of the construction, which really made me hate running. I hated the heat today! Mr Sunshine, go away! I ran up past the yellow gate to the fence we usually stretch on. I stretched in the shade, then came back pretty much the same way I came, but when I got to Legacy Bridge, I went down by the VA Hospital to Guardsmin Way, where I found some sprinklers and some shade. I couldn't resist running through the sprinklers, and there was a light breeze as soon as I left the sprinklers, which felt really good. I ran along Guardsmin Way to Sunnyside and back down to the stadium.

Today since I slept in through morning workout, I did a later workout with Amanda. We even had our matching shorts! The weather was nice, not sunny, not hot, but not cold or wet. It was nice. We went to the track and did a mile of warm up and a mile of speed changes. We jogged over to the starting line by the soccer field, then did a 600 at our mile time pace, and since our mile times are 2 seconds apart, we both went with 5:45 pace, so our 600 should be a 2:10. We got 2:12. Oops. We then jogged a lap recovery before doing our 8 200s, each at a full on sprint. We didn't time them, but we took turns being on the inner part of the lane and saying 'Runners set, go!' After our 8 200s, we figured if we did 5 laps cool down, we would be at 5 miles for the day, so we did just that. :)

JV Regions is tomorrow, so we did half mile warm up, stretching, 1 mile warm up, 1 mile speed changes, 6 strides, and half a mile cool down. For the strides it was 2 for arms, 2 for toes, and 2 for all. Then I went and worked on high jump with Caroline because my ride home wasn't ready to leave. Tomorrow I plan on having fun, so I'm high jumping, long jumping, shot put, and either javelin or 300 hurdles, it really depends on how the layout at Bountiful is.

Wussy Bountiful canceled JV Regions today because of the light drizzle. Wussies. So we did the regular 2 lap warm up and Susannah and I led stretches and drills. For a distance run, we did our VA Hospital loop, up Sunnyside, down Foothille, and over on Guardsmin and down to the track. As I was running into the circle, Frisch pulled in, and I seriously thought I could document the 1 day of track that he came. I did 2 300s with Patrick and Chester, hitting a 55 for both of them. I did a big grass loop for a cool down and then Tolbert taught me some things about high jump and long jump, since we have a week for Bountiful to host JV Regions again. If we had hosted it like we were supposed to, I would be done with track. They'll probably be sneaking their good athletes in the races just because we kicked their pockets at Regions. Anyways. So yeah, I did some high jumping and long jumping. Now my trainers are full of sand, I think I'll bring my spikes for the sand, because I'll probably be getting a new pair for XC...

Today we distance runners met in the commons for a workout. We did 2 vertical laps, then some step ups, wall sits, and arm swings. For running, we played foxes and hounds. RJ was it for the first round. I had been running for a while before I went down to the A floor and saw him. He saw me run into the red hall, and I knew I was screwed. I sprinted around the corner and he got me, so I screamed. The red hall is tiny and haunted, so my scream will probably still be there for 50 years. Anyways. I went and caught Caden on the D floor, then we cornered Sarah and I tagged her on the B floor. I got Taylor on the A floor, and then the round was over because everyone got caught. For the second round, I was the hound, which I didn't want to be considering I was already in a really bad mood. After running around for a bit, seeing Caden and Sarah every now and then peeking around the corners at me, then I saw them and chased them down the south C wing hall, and at the end of it they ran down the stairs and I tumbled on after, which really hurt. I just wanted to cry there. I got up and ran around the corner and saw Dakota open the locked theater door for them, which really ticked me off. I went down and around to the bottom of the theater stairs to get them, and saw them standing at the top of the stairwell, which standing around is NOT allowed. Stupid Freshmen. They ran up to the C floor, and I went after them. I tagged Dakota, and Caden and Sarah got away, but I found Amanda, Taylor, RJ, Bill, and Ben, and I managed to tag Amanda. A few minutes later, I ran into Caden on the C floor, and started sprinting after him. The baseball team was standing around there, and they parted like the red sea (Because they were wearing red, duh) Then Caden slipped where the janitor had just mopped, and RJ ran by and I narrowly missed him. I stopped by Caden to make sure he was okay, then went down to the B floor. I went to the north wing hallway where our trophy case is, and I saw Sarah. I chased after her and when we were by the doors by the sports mural on the wall, I tagged her. I got the 3 freshmeats that I was super ticked at! I ran around some more, and checked the commons, where everybody was. I told Bill about the freshmeats standing around, so they had to do strides. Serves those little kids right.

Brand new neon yellow running shirt and sports bra with a matching skort! Yes! Today we met in the commons for a small meeting, and skipping the the 2 laps and stretches, we got right onto our run. We went to the cemetery along 13th east and did 2 laps in there and came back. On the way there, I ran with Patrick, Tomy, and Dorkota, but I fell behind on the 2nd lap in the cemetery and at the end of the run RJ, Taylor, and Amanda caught me. It started lightly drizzling when we got back, which gave us time to go home for corn bread and honey butter without getting wet! Yes! Tomorrow I'll be going down to Provo to watch my sister kick pockets at state! Woo!

Today for speed we did a mile of warm up, stretching, another mile of warm up, and a mile of speed changes. Everyone else was doing a timed mile, while Sarah and I had an 800, to be hit 2:55 to 3 flat. I got a 2:58. Then we did a lap of recovery with everyone once they caught their breath from their mile, and then 4 400s. We were supposed to be hitting 85s, and Bill said he would be going for 80s today, so I made sure to stay close to him. I managed to get an 81, a 79, an 81, and a 78. I did 5 laps of cool down nice and slow.

Later today, I went on a hike up Grandeur Peak up Millcreek canyon with the 'family' for our 'forced family fun' Haha. It was about half a mile walk up to the trailhead and to the sign that said 'Grandeur Peak 3 miles' because we couldn't drive in there. Then the next 3 miles were uphill and very rocky and dirty. I wore my old blue Mizuinos that I am still in love with. We had a snowball fight (In May) and ate our food at the top of the peak, then hiked back down. Going up took about an hour and a half, coming down was only about half an hour or maybe 45 minutes. But it was an adventure! :) We just went home and relaxed and watched Tangled, I should be getting snow cones with Natalie later...:)

Today for practice we did the usual 2 laps of warm up on the track, then skipped stretches and went right to drills. After drills we broke off to workout. We did 2 more laps of warm up, then 2 miles of speed changes on the track and then 2 grass loops for a mile cool down. Bill had taken Nat, Nan, and Ben on a 10 mile run, so I spent a lot of time working on long jump, then high jump, then shot put, javelin, and more shot put. It was pretty long, but I'm glad I was able to practice a little on the things I'm doing tomorrow for our rescheduled JV Regions because Bountifulofcrap canceled it last week due to some clouds and a light drizzle with a peek of sunlight.

Today at JV regions I did about a mile of warm up, a lap around the parking lot. I did some strides and drills and went to line up for the 1600, where only 7 girls were participating. I should have been the top seed, but I had to get a sticker so I was on the very end. But I ignored that and was glad I had some starting space, so I went out fast and led the whole race for 3 and a half laps, fighting off a Woods Cross girl the whole time. Eventually she fell off, and in the last 200, Amanda started to pass me. I would have held on, but I was already dying and ready to collapse. I worked the best kick I could and crossed the line with a 5:45 or 46, I don't remember. For awards we got candy bars, Amanda a Butterfingers for gold, me a 3 Muskateers for silver, and the other girl a Whatchamacallit for bronze. Amanda and I traded of course. :) I then did long jump the rest of the day, and had a contest with Savannah to see who could make the best jump noise. One of the Bountiful girls who was long jumping for fun joined in our competition, which made it really fun. :) I was so mad at Woods Cross today for putting their state athletes in some events, when they should know that's not allowed. Buttheads. Also, their girls were wearing region champs shirts, even though we won. I really hate them.

Today we went on an 8 mile run. We went up the Running of the Leopards course backwards, then up Wasatch Blvd, past the golf course, and to the church where multistake dances are usually held. I kept up with the group pretty well until we got to This is the Place Heritage Park, but I had been going too hard and died down. I came back the exact same way, and when I got back it was right as my mom was pulling into the circle to pick me up and take me to the dance recital. I'm glad it's over with, and I even got a Fufu Berry Jones Soda from my sister!

Today we went from the track to Fairmont, I did 10 barefoot strides, and ran back to the school. I think it was about 4 miles...

Today we started with 2 laps warm up (I thought track was over! Its supposed to be XC...) we stretched and went over to the soccer field and did 6 hills. We then did the Shriners drinking fountain run and back and then a lap around the track.

We ran from the teacher parking lot to the cemetery, 2 laps, and back.

Flagpole to flagpole run.

Yearbook day, yeah! To Sugarhouse park until we were at 2.5, then turn around and come back. Then we printed out fliers for our team next year and got the middle school walking home routes right after their school ended. Several people were interested, woo!!

We met at Liberty Park today. We met at the drinking fountain and went half a mile out on the woodchips and back then stretched. Then we did 2 full laps. After the 2nd lap I stuck my head in the fountain because it felt so good and I was SWEATY! Then we ran back out half a mile and back.

I can officially change the name of my blog again! It used to be 'Cross Country Freshman Year' to 'Cross Country Sophomore Year' and now it shall be 'Cross Country Junior Year' Smileyface.

We met at Liberty Park today at 10, and I was up until 1:30 this morning because I had been swimming and tramping at my friends grandparents house. Hehe. So we did a full lap around the park for a warm up, then 10 100meter strides, and another lap cool down. The Fox 13 Live Van was there, and when it pulled up we thought it was Big Buddah haha. It was tempting to go run behind the camera and have the guys all flash...

I did a warm up with Susannah which was about a mile and a half, then we did some strides and drills.

For the race, I got a 6:15 my first mile, and I was the 3rd girl at that point, with only Emily and Susannah ahead of me. But shortly after that, my plantarfacitis or however you spell it started hurting really bad. 2 girls passed me, and I was running the rest of the race really slow because it hurt so bad. Nearing the end, another girl tried to pass me, but I really didn't want another person to pass me, and 2 little boys were gaining on me, so I kicked it. I beat those 3 people, which made me happy, but I was hurting really badly. I then raced Susannah, Dakota, Zach, and Luke up the rock wall several times, and Susannah and I dominated the wall! I got a movie pass in the raffle and a Subway gift card(gross!) plus a gold medal for age :)

Today was the first official day of summer workouts, yay! We met the freshmen at Sugarhouse Park today, and we did a lap on the road for a warm up, then a stretching circle. After the stretching circle, we did 6 strides with the new kids, and then the first state hill 3 times. After that we ran around the pond and back to one of the drinking fountains for a cool down and were at 3 miles. Then all the freshmen left, so the advanced group did some big grass loops, and I did one with Suzette and Dorkota. It was a good workout, although by the end of my grass loop I was feeling kinda sick...Oh well :)

Today we met up at Sunnyside park at 8. We ran down Sunnyside Avenue to 15th east, then into the gulley. The advanced group did 2 and a half laps, the newbies 1 and a half. When I got back to the park, we were at 3 miles. We went over to our tree, circled up, and did arms, and when our third set was done, Susannah, Natalie, Delaney, and I tried to start playing ride that pony, but nobody else played, so we looked like total idiots. We did a lap around the big field, then Bill broke the 24 of us into 3 groups of 8 for stride relays. The first time, our team got a full stride behind from the other 2 groups, we were slow. My tummy hurt really bad, but I pushed through it. After the first relay, everyone had done 4 strides. For the second one, Bill switched around a couple of people, and my team creamed! Yeah! For a cool down we split into advanced group and newbies, so for our cool down we did a full lap around the whole park, then a lap on the field for 5 miles.

The earlier group met by the zoo today and we went along Wasatch Blvd to the flagpole by Thunderbird and back. That whole thing was 5.5 miles, and then our buddy run was 3 miles. Natalie and I led a group of freshmen girls up Shoreline trail to the first fence, then we turned around and came back. That was the highest I've ran since the beginning of track season...I love XC.

For workout today we met at Liberty Park. We all did a lap around the park for a warm up, stretched, then broke into our fireman groups. I was in a group with Natalie, Susannah, and a bunch of freshman girls, I think Sarah, Virginia, and Jesse. After our 1 lap of firemen, we did a full lap of cool down around the park with some others and then a quarter mile out and back so we could be at 5 miles. We did our core, then I went to Great Harvest, yummy!

Today the advanced group met at Sugarhouse Park at 7:15 for a 6 mile run. We did the cemetery run, and I started out with the group, but ended up running with Sarah and Scotty instead. Sarah and I declared that we are going to be famous one day with our books. We finished the run, and when we got back the freshmen and everyone else was ready for the group run. We ran down 21st south to 9th east and over to Fairmont Park. We did 8 strides there, and after the 6th stride, I felt really sick and everything turned black for about 10 seconds, and slowly faded back. I felt rather faint-ish? Anyway, I finished my last 2 strides, then we jogged back up to Sugarhouse the same way. When we got back, we did 1 set of circuits, each thing for 45 seconds. Whenever Emily said something, Cole repeated it, it was really funny. After circuits, I went a little more to be at 10 total for today. Now I have bad blisters...Icky.

Today we met at Sunnyside park for a fartlek workout. We warmed up by going down Sunnyside Ave to 15th east and into the gulley. The advanced group did 2.5 laps, and exited at the top by the park. We stretched, then since Jesse had to leave in 10 minutes and had to do the fartleks, I went with her. I went hard on the on, and on the offs I would go very slow and relaxed so she could get close enough to hear me without pushing too hard on the off. After our fartlek, I did 3 sets of arm swings, 1 minute each, and then I did a big lap around the park for a cool down while everyone else started their fartleks. When they were all on cool down, I did my crunches and pushups. I'm getting better at man push ups. :)

We met at Liberty Park this morning for practice. 4 of the other girls were wearing hot pink shirts that say "I run like a girl try to keep up' and I totally matched them! Except my shirt didn't say the run like a girl. Anyways. We did a full lap around the park for a warm up, and I pushed hard to keep up with Natalie. After that lap, we got water and stretched, then jogged over to the hill. We had to do 6 of those up the hill, across the hill, down to the flagpole, around the flagpole, up the hill, across it again, and down, and they had to be continuous. I pushed hard and stuck with Natalie for the first 3 loops. On the fourth one, I passed her going up the first hill, and I led until the end of that loop, then I pushed really hard the 5th one, and the 6th one I wanted to really go hard, but I was dying and drenched in my own sweat. Still, I feel like I accomplished something really amazing just by staying with her :) We were at 3.05 miles at that point. I started my cool down with Natalie, but she had already beaten me up today (haha) So I was dead. So I did a lap cool down around the park with Amanda to be at 4.5. Then I got a drink of water and did another lap with Patrick and Sarah to be at 6.

I left my house and ran along 14th east to 17th south and up to 17th east and over to 21st south. Then I went up Parleys Way? Idk, that one street by Highland Seminary. I went up that and I turned around at 2.5. I went back down to 17th east, to 17th south, down to 16th east, to Harrison Ave, to 17th east again, to 13th south, then to 15th east, to Kensington Avenue, and back home along 14th east. Now I'm dripping sweat and it feels awful...It was hot and I was determined to finish in under an hour, I finished in 58 minutes and 58 seconds.

Today I went to Sugarhouse park for the advanced group run, but I was 3 minutes late. Travis was there, so I asked him where they went, and he pointed to someone running in a white shirt and said Natalie was chasing them, so I chased her in hopes that I could catch up. However, she went up the hill and the trees prevented me from seeing where she went, so by the time I got to the top of the hill, she was gone. So I did 2 big grass loops around the park for 5 miles. When I got back more people were there, and when the advanced group came back I explained that my sister should wake me up 10 minutes earlier (hint hint). For a simple run, we did a big loop around Sugarhouse park, and then we did some pocket kicks, high knees, powerskips, reach ups, and lunges. After that we did 1 circuit, each thingy for 45 seconds. During the mountain climbers I kept slipping, and there are big mud marks where we did them. We did a lap on the road for a cool down, then sat in the shade by a tree and did core.

Today we met at the Peace Gardens to run on Jordan River Parkway. When I got to the flooded part of the trail, I turned around and went to the big bridge. I had been instructed to go left after the bridge and run by the golf courses for about a mile before turning around and going back, but as I was turning left, a guy on a lawnmower stopped me. "You can't run along here." "But the rest of my team went that way and I have to follow." "Well you can't run on here." "Why not?" "Because you'll get hit by a golf ball." Wierd story, I know, but that guy was a jerk. I ran back along the trail, thinking about how I would only be at 5 by the time I got back, and I was supposed to go to 8. I turned around on the trail and went back again for a bit then turned around and came back, and I was just under 6, but then I decided I'll just do 2 miles later today. Oh how I hated that guy...

Today I thought it was just an 8:00 start with everyone, but it turns out it was a 7:15 advanced before. Well, I slept in...Anyways, it was our scavenger hunt today. I was in a group with Natalie, Suzette, Sarah, Camille, Sage, Michelle, Olivia, and Travis. Our first clue was to find a broken tee at the golf course, then to go to the small bakery and get a small doughnut thingy. Then we went up to the oldest cotton tree in Salt Lake for a picture, then to some pink flowers outside of this garden shop, and then a picture of some windmill. Our next 3 clues required pictures by the stone sugar beets in the area. Our first one was at the Sprague Library, then the one by Petco, and finally the one in Hidden Hollow. Then we had to go to Barnes and Noble and get a picture of Beedle the Bard, and copy down the last line of page one. Then we had to find a specific cookbook, take a picture, and copy down a recipe for some custard Lorraine Quiche. Then we took the list of ingredients down to Smiths and had to put them all in a shopping cart and take a picture, so I climbed in the cart and held up some stuff. The worker lady just laughed at us! Next we had to go to some old tennis courts, which is now a community garden, and go to the message board for the next clue. We had to take a picture by the garden flamingo, then write our names with chalk on the ground. After, we went up to the Youth City thingy and found the tree with a hole in it. There was a paper in there that instructed us to take a picture of the hole, then have everyone find a pinecone and throw it in the river for a race, and time it. We all stood on the bridge and threw our pinecones in, then ran down the stream by the pinecone until it got to a handicapped parking sign in the Boys and Girls Club parking lot. It finished in 7:24. Then we went over to a slide and posed for a picture there, then ran through the sprinklers back to our starting spot. I did another quarter mile to get my Garmin up to 4 miles for the day. Maybe I'll stop being such a lazy bum and go for another run later...

We met at the park and ride today and carpooled up to Pipeline Trail. The Brighton team got there at the same time as us, so there was a TON of people. I started out running with Natalie, Gavin, Sam, and Sarah, but then Bill wanted Nat to pick it up, so I went with them. One of the Brighton boys was running behind us for quite a while, then I think he turned around. At 3.5 miles in, I fell back from Natalie and Bill. As I was turning around at the 4.7 mark, Vuong had caught up to me and passed me. For the rest of the run I stayed up where I could at least see someone, and there were still some others behind me, so if I got eaten by a wild animal, it wouldn't take that long for people to find me. When I got to the end, I needed .75 to be at 10, so I ran up the road to the stone bridge to the wooden wall and back along the boardwalk. The Brighton people gave us yummy bagels. I'm going horseback riding later today!

It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday...

Today we met at Liberty Park for our workout. We started with a full lap around the park for a warm up, then we jogged over to the starting line for our timed miles and such. We did an 800, and I got a 2:57. Then we jogged another half mile before doing our second one. I hit a 2:57 again. We finished that lap around the park, then went out from the drinking fountain about a quarter out, and then a quarter back. Then we did crunches, pushups, leg lifts, and arm swings.

Today was the Murray Fun Days 5K. I did a 2.5 mile warm up with Amanda, Sarah, and Emily around Murray Park, then a POTTY break. After POTTY break with the ginormous toilets, I changed shoes and went to the starting line for drills and strides. A few minutes later we weren't allowed to do strides anymore, and I was upset. I started out way too fast, and at about mile 2 was when my foot started hurting really badly, which slowed me down a TON. I could have at least ran under 20, but no, my stupid foot decided to be a jerk. I went on a cool down with the team, and we found ourselves running in the parade, heeheehee. After Natalie and I had our medals, we went on more of a cool down around the park to be at 8.

Today we met at Sunnyside Park for our run. The advanced group went up Sunnyside Avenue to Foothill, down to Guardsmin, and up to Shriners. I was able to keep up with the main group, and when we got to the drinking fountain we gathered, then ran up to 11th avenue and to a little bit past the fire station. I ran the rest of the run with Amanda and Gio, and we were at about an 8:40 pace. We turned around at mile 4 and came back the same way. For the last mile, I don't know what got into me, but suddenly I was at a 7:15 pace, and at one point a 6:30. I don't even know... I did 3 sets of 10 pushups and 15 crunches. I can do an almost man push up now! I just need to work on getting lower.

We met at Cottonwood Complex for our workout today. We started with a lap around the softball diamond, and there was this crazy drunk guy yelling at us, something about sea turtles being white, and he never knew that they were sea turtles. We then continued our warm up by going to 13th east, to 39th south, down to 11th east, over to 45th south, and back into the complex. As we ran along 11th I yelled "Happy Birthday Emily!" at my friend's house, because she's 16 today, woot!! After the warm up, we introduced the freshmen to Big Bessie, the hill of all the hills at Cottonwood Complex. We went over to the field and did 8 strides, then returned to Bessie to do 4 finishing loops from the region course. After Bessie, we got water and then jogged the entire course for a cool down. We were going to play ultimate frisbee...But we were dead.

Today was at Pipeline trail. I ran in a group with Amanda, Sarah, Patrick, Kevin, and Chris. I almost tripped several times because of all the rocks, and at the turnaround point we stopped to stretch and look at the city, because the view is really pretty. (Rhyming!) When we got back, we ran up the road to the boardwalk, across the cement bridge up the road to a wooden wall thingy, then back the same way to be at 10. Later, I did my core yoga style in Natalie's basement with Natalie and Jesse, it was probably the most fun I've ever had while doing core. Hehehe.

Today we met at Liberty Park for a workout. We did a lap around the park warm up, then split into groups for firemen. I was with Bill, Amanda, Natalie, Jesse, Becca, and Maggie. A little white dog started barking at us, and Bill was like, "I'm gonna make a taco out of you!" in a really funny accent, just thought I'd share that... After firemen we did a lap around the park cool down, then to the silver box thing and back. We did our arm swings and core then went home. I'm gonna be walking around Lagoon all afternoon so yeah.

It was too hot out by the time I woke up, and I was NOT feeling it today. I meant to go 4 miles to bring my mileage up from last week by 10, but no, now it's just an 8 mile jump. I'm so mad! I just ran around the neighborhood because it's shady, and I was still breaking a sweat, and I was just going a 9:30 pace. I hate this heat!

Today was our annual slurpee run. We met at Sunnyside park and got our slips of paper with all the addresses of the 7/11s we were going to go to. The first one was on 2nd south and 13th east, so I ran there with Patrick, Sarah, Fat Sam, Sam, Jesse, Annie, and others. I got a wild cherry and it tasted alright, and when we got running again I didn't really feel it. The next one was on 7th east and 3rd avenue, and Patrick and I really wanted to run by Rachel's house. Patrick, Sarah, and I gapped from the group and got ahead a bit, but as we were chugging our slurpees they caught up and they can chug faster so yeah. That one was banana flavored, it went down easy, but as we ran to the one on 3rd east and 1st south, it made my tummy hurt really bad. At the 3rd east and 1st south one, I got a watermelon lime, which went down easy and didn't make me feel too sick. The next one was on 3rd east and 4th south, and at that one I got the alienade blue powerade one, which was really sour, didn't go down easy, but made my tummy feel tons better. The next one was on... 2nd east and 8th south I think, and I got pina colada, and that kindof made me feel sick, but not really. The next one was on 8th south and West Temple, right by Taffy Town, or as Patrick says, the drug factory. I got a blue raspberry and it was not fun trying to down that one, because I went over the rim like, 2 inches. The last one was on 5th east and 13th south, right by Liberty Park. The only flavor they had there that I hadn't tried yet was Coca-Cola, so I went with it and it tasted NASTY! The funny thing about that 7/11 was that was where my Garmin read 7.11 miles...Hehe. We ran up 13th south to the crosswalk at the southern park entrance and Fat Sam and I raced each other to the drinking fountain, it was fun. I sat down for a minute, then I went and ran a lap with Natalie, Amanda, Sarah, Bill, Tomy, and others. I was at 8.82, and after a long drink we ran back up to Sunnyside. 11 miles, good job everyone!!

Today we met at Wheeler Farm for our workout, and Bill brought a watermelon and put it in the river to keep it cold. We did 2 big laps around the farm for a 3 mile warm up, then we went over to our fartlek loop for fartlek. I ran with Suzette for the whole 20 minutes, but near the end, Bill was passing us and told me to go with them. It was really hard and I couldn't keep up for much longer. After that we got water then split into 3 teams for a stride relay. I was on a team with Tomy, Emily, Camille, Olivia, Becca, Aubrey, and Sarah. For a cool down we ran around the farm for a couple of miles. I ran with Suzette, Sarah, Fat, and Jesse for a while, then just with Fat and Jesse for the rest of it. The watermelon had disappeared, probably taken down the rushing flooded river, so while we did our leg lifts, arms, crunches, pushups, and other core stuff, Bill went and bought another one. We saw so many 7-11 stores on the way there and back...GAH!

Ran at 5:30 this morning with Susannah and Jesse because we had to go to girls camp and be at the stake center by 7. We ran down Jesse's street to 16th east, to 17th south, to 15th east, to 21st south, up to 21st east, over to 13th south, over to foothill, down Sunnyside, over on 17th east to 13th south, up to 19th east, over to Harrison Ave, down to Harrison Ave, over to Browning, and a lap in the circle for 6 exact miles.

Woke up early at camp and it was really cold and I didn't want to leave my sleeping bag. But I managed to suck it up and get out of bed and go running with Susannah, Natalie, Sarah B, and Sarah T. Sarah, Sarah, and I ran 3 miles out on the road by our stake property and back. Sarah T had to turn around before us so she could go wake up the other campers, so Sarah B and I continued. We wore our bear safety bell necklaces so we jingled the whole run. Our camp directors were freaking out about bears the whole time, so we had all sorts of precautions.

We met at Sugarhouse park for our run today. We had the advanced group, the group that has their base miles, and the still kinda new group. The advanced group did the cemetery run with 2 laps in the cemetery. This is my 3rd summer running with East Cross Country, and that was the first time I've ever ran in that cemetery. On the way to the cemetery, I tried to keep up with my sister, but I hadn't had time to eat before practice, so I fell back right as we turned the corner onto 33rd south. Then Patrick caught up to me and ran the cemetery loops and the rest of the run with me, and I was able to complain about the world to him without being questioned or argued with. When we got back I did my sets of crunches and pushups, and I have some very good news: I CAN FINALLY DO A MAN PUSHUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't that great? :)

Today we met at Sunnyside park for our workout. For the advanced run, we went up Sunnyside avenue to Wasatch Blvd. We went along Wasatch Blvd until we got to Thunderbird, and at the drinking fountain we found a deer carcass. Gross. We ran to 13th south along Foothill and then down to 19th east, where we went to Sunnyside avenue and down to the park. We did a lap in the park to be at exactly 8 and then our core. I felt very sick during the run, but after I felt very accomplished. Why? Because I managed to keep up with my sister. How cool is that? :)

Today we met at Cottonwood Complex for our workout. We did our usual warm up, a lap around the softball diamonds, then along 13th east to the hospital, down to 11th east, and back over into the complex. I felt very good on the warm up, and rather accomplished that I kept up with the boys. After warm up, we got water and stretched, then we did 6 strides. We then did a ladder run on our region course, 1 minute on, 1 off, 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 2 off, 1 on, and 1 off. I pushed with Amanda for the whole thing, I would get a little ahead on downhills, and she would get ahead on the uphills, and that helped me mentally know that I need to work on hills because that is my weakness. It was great! When our last minute off ended, we had made it to the bottom of Big Bessie for the finish, and we ran for 3 more recovery minutes to the finish for exact miles, so it's good to know that 10 minutes hard and 13 minutes of slow can get me through that course, so at a race pace I could probably finally break 19 at pre-region, which is my goal. After everyone had finished, we took our shoes off and did a barefoot cooldown on the grass, which felt AMAZING! We did our crunches and pushups and went home.

For workout today we met at the park and ride and carpooled up to Pipeline trail. We were only going to go out about 20 minutes and back instead of the full 10. I felt really good today, and I didn't eat breakfast, and I went to bed at midnight and woke up just after 6. I went from various paces, from as fast as 7 minutes to 8:20s, and my average pace was 8:03. I was running pretty close to Ben and Taylor, not where I could see them, but I knew I was close. I ran out and when my garmin said 2.52, I turned around and came back and added a little teeny bit for 5.1. It felt great!

Today we met at Liberty for a really short workout. We did one lap around the park on the woodchips for our warmup, then did 6 strides by the drinking fountain, and a backwards lap on the woodchips around the park. Simple as that. Then we went to the Park Cafe for breakfast and I had some yummy French toast and hot cocoa! :)

Susannah and I met up with Taylor at Sunnyside park this morning. We planned to go up Sunnyside Avenue to Foothill, down 5th south and to Shriners, but when we got to Foothill I was breathing really heavy and I couldn't keep up anymore and fell behind. When I got to the crossing by Guardsmin and 5th south, I stretched then turned around and came back, and finished with a lap in the park. I did my core and waited for the others to get back.

Today was the Deseret News 10K. When I got to Research Park by the start, I ran about 2 miles with various people from my team and then did strides. The start was very crowded, and we did a countdown from 10 for the start. I got out too fast, because my first mile was under 6 minutes, maybe a PR, I don't know for sure. At mile 2, I got a really bad sideache and started crying. A lady passing by told me the best way to help it was to put my tongue on the roof of my mouth and breath deeply with my nose. It really helped for the next few miles. Going down South Temple was really long, I thought it would never end! At the mile 5 marker, I decided that I was just going to suck it up and push the last mile, but then I got another sideache, this one was a lot worse, as if someone was jabbing needles into my kidney. I started crying again, but when I saw the finish, I widened my stride. I wasn't too happy with my overall time. Sure my goal was to be in the 40-50 minute range, but now that I really think about it, it was SLOW. I also wish I hadn't accidentally put my chip on my trainers, because it would've been better for my legs if I had worn my racers. Ugh today was just a terrible race for me.

Today for a workout we met at Fairmont park for 4 miles. We did 2 big laps as a team around the whole park, which includes around the field, over to the roundabout, around the duck pond, and down by the skate park area. That put us at 2.75. We sat down in a stretching circle and talked about our races yesterday, and Bill gave everyone advice for our different circumstances, what to do in situation A or situation B and so on and so forth. We sat there talking for an hour and a half, then got back up to do 2 more big laps around the park and a lap around the field to be at 4 miles, and getting up was HARD! There was a giant duck quacking at us, and some guy with his bike sleeping under a tree.

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SUSANNAH!

We met at Sunnyside park for our workout today. We went down to 15th east to the lower entrance to the gulley, advanced group did 2 and a half laps, exiting at the top. We met back at the park and stretched for a bit, then went to one of the soccer fields to do drills. Pocket kicks, high knees, powerskips, B-skips, arms up, and lunges. Then we did a karaoke (it's pronounced charokea, says my daddy. And he is a very wise man.) relay, and we had an all girl team plus Bill, and Bill and Susannah were the sorest people there so that slowed us down but it was really funny haha. After the karaoke relay, we did a duck walk relay. It was the funniest thing ever, we were just rolling around on the grass because it was so funny! We did squats and then went on a cool down to be at 4 miles, then had some GIANT otter pops and sang happy birthday.

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SUSANNAH! YOU CAN CUT OUT COLORING PAGES NOW!

I hate the JCC. We ran up the first hill, grabbed our rocks, and ran up. I was trying to keep up with Susannah and Natalie for the first mile, but it was really hard and I was breathing heavy and my legs weigh 100 pounds each this week. When I dropped my rocks off at our pile, it was flatter so I was able to go faster. I felt like I was going really fast at that part, but when I checked my garmin I was only going about 10:15 pace. When I got to the hill at 2.5 miles I slowed down a ton and ran out of breath again. When I turned around and was at the top of the hill, I almost tripped and fell down, but I stopped it and my ponytail came around and whipped me in the eye so it looked like I was crying from one eye. I think I have some kind of infection in my right eye because it burns and I can always feel my contact in that eye and I'm positive it's not inside-out. Anyway, back to running. I was booking it down the giant hill, and it was about a 5:40 pace, which made me laugh. I pushed myself all the way to the end, stepping in the stream and getting my feet soaked but oh well. After, we went inside the JCC building to get water, then went over to the grass to do core.

Today at Liberty was a speed workout. We did a full lap around the park on the woodchips for a warmup, then over to the starting line. We did 4 strides on the grass and lined up. We did 4 800s with equal recovery, I got a 2:50, 2:55, 3:01, and 2:56. We finished the lap we were on, got some water, and went for a little over a mile for the rest of our cooldown. Tomorrow is LSD run, long slow distance. I need 15 miles tomorrow if I'm going to make the 10 mile jump this week...

Today we drove all the way out to Magna for our LSD run. Long slow distance. I'm still supposed to hit 5 more miles this week, but I probably won't get my lazy self around to it... Anyway. We met at an abandoned chevron and ran straight along the road. We saw a free cat in the gutter, it was gross. Then we passed by my grandparents old house, or their street, but the memories still came flooding in:) At mile 2 is when we started to spread out a little more from our group. Then we saw a squished raccoon, icky. At the 5 mile mark, I stopped and stretched. I was feeling really sick to the stomach, but I really wanted to be done. There was also an unknown dead creature bigger than the cat or raccoon. At first I thought it was a deer, but I saw it's teeth and it looked more like a fox. I was in pain the whole way and I think I'll start running in my new trainers on Monday because my New Balances are starting to hurt my knees. When I got back, I was so glad to be done! Sarah and I started talking about the fox, she thought it was a coyote, so we decided that it was a foxyote. It was a very painful and very long run.

Today we met at Sugarhouse park for our cemetery run. I planned on doing 2 laps in the cemetery, but just before I ran into the cemetery I didn't feel too great. I was running with Maggie the whole time, and on our way back to the park as Natalie was passing us, we pushed to stay up with her until the finish. It started pouring rain, now I'm not happy but I want to go puddle jumping.

I wore my purple new balance shoes today because we met at Wheeler Farm for our workout and it's really muddy/crappy (Literally, crap everywhere!) and my new shoes are too new for that. We did a 2 mile warm up, a big lap around the farm and then we went to our spot. The Cottonwood team was over there doing 300s, and we were doing Fartlek ladder. We did 1 minutes off, 1 on, 1 off, 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, and repeat 3 times. However I missed the instruction 'Repeat 3 times' so I was very confused. Fortunately Amanda was running close to me, and she knows everything so she explained it. So I did 4.25 miles in circles around and around and around our little loop. After that, we ran to the drinking fountain for water, then did a backwards lap around the farm and then gathered by the broken sprinkler and jumped in puddles!!

Today was the Shoreline run. We met at the trailhead and went up the usual way. I forgot to turn my garmin on, so oh well. I also got stuck behind a lot of people, and we had to run in single file because the trail is really narrow. Finally when the trail widened up, I was able to get ahead and by the time I got to the drinking fountain by the amphitheater I had caught up to Natalie, Ben, Tomy, and that faster group. I kept up with them up the road to the fence and we ran up that trail by it for a quarter mile, and it was really rocky, steep, and muddy. We turned around and came back the same way, and when I finished, I was very happy. In all my years of running cross country at East high, that was the first time I have done that full Shoreline trail run without getting lost. We went over to the drinking fountain across the street, then we did step ups, arm swings, wall sits, crunches, and pushups. Now I'm all sweaty and gross...

Today was our annual bike and run relay out at Jeremy Ranch in Park City. This year we were doing it with the Brighton team, so there were a lot of people there, which made it really fun! I was teamed up with Teeples on my sister's bike, and I started on the bike. The first mile felt really fast, because we were all trying to get ahead of each other. As soon as I got off to run my legs felt like jelly and I was going to collapse, but I pushed through and that mile felt great! At about half a mile the bikers started passing the runners. When we got to the 5 mile mark, we were able to stop for a minute and get water at my mom's car before turning around. I was starting to slow down, and for the last 2 times I had to drop the bike off at the cone, Teeples was already waiting. We finished 4th from East, 5th overall. It was a fun workout, and Brighton made breakfast after. It was a lot of fun!

It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday... Happy Birthday Gavin. Today we went to Liberty Park for a simple workout. 1 lap warm up, 1 lap firemen, 1 lap cool down, add extra, do core, done. For the firemen I was with Natalie, Bill, Patrick, RJ, Amanda, Sarah, Anders, and Gavin. Tomorrow is Minuteman, so tonight is pasta night! :)

Today was the Minuteman 5K out at Rio Tinto Stadium. When I got there, I picked up my race packet with Annie, Jesse, and Sam, then we went on a warm up with Natalie, Amanda, Sarah, Bill, Gavin, RJ, Patrick, Vuong, Dakota, and Ben. We ran to the top of the first downhill and turned around then went to the top of the last uphill so Bill could show everyone the course. Then we changed our shoes and did some drills and strides and lined up for the race. The cannon was really loud, and even though I was expecting it, it still scared me to death! I didn't start to fast or too slow, which was great! Going down the hill for the first mile I passed Kiley and Patrick, and as Patrick and I hit the first mile it was a 6:23. I pushed ahead because there was a girl passing me who looked my age, but then as I caught up to another crowd I lost her. Just before mile 2 was a water station, but I accidentally choked on the water. My mile 2 time was 13:40, and as I worked up the hill I paced with the people around me. I got ahead of the little crowd I was with at the base of the big hill, then as I was almost there I was dying, so they started gaining on me. I managed to stick with them and when there was the downhill drop right before the final kick I kicked it and beat a lot of them. My final time was a 21:37, and it was okay, I could have done better though. For a cool down I ran out to the mile mark with everyone, and while they all ran the full course for cool down, I went back with Dakota and Jesse, and we got there right as they were announcing my name in the awards.

Dear hell weak: bring it. Today we started at Sugarhouse with a lap of warm up around the park, which was a little over 2 miles. Then we went over to the bottom of the big hill and stretched for a bit, then went over the hill. We had a zigzag loop where you go up, over, down, over, up, over, up, around, and down the hill and get 2 minutes recovery. I did alright I guess, it's just that my weakness and strength are in the same category, hills. If you wanna lose me on a run, just go up a hill, but if I want to lose you, I'll go downhill. Anyways, after these hills we went over to a small "hill" by the pond and ran it twice just because we're crazy people. Then we went on a cool down. I was originally going to run 2 laps around the park and make it to 10 miles, but at the end of my first lap I felt so sick I wanted to puke. When we got back to the spot, I still needed half mile, so I jogged very slowly to the drinking fountain, then jogged along the river for a bit and back. Tomorrow is probably going to be worse... Blah! Oh well, tomorrow is the hardest day, so I'll just suck it up and do it!

Tear, tear. Today was HORRIBLE! It was our JCC run and hills. I ran with Maggie and Jesse to the 3.8 mile mark and turned around. On the way there I tripped and fell and when I rolled over to let Jesse by, she asked if I was okay and tripped on the same rock, it was kinda funny how we both fell... When we got back to 'The HILLLLLL' we had to do 10 of them. It's so hard because the hill is so long and so steep and just plain horrible! The first 3 I was crying I thought I was going to hyperventilate, and my sister told me I needed to calm down. I felt a little better on the 4th or 5th, but then I lost it again on the 6th and 7th. I toughed it for the 8th and 9th, and tried to go all out on the 10th. Finally when the torture was done, Jesse and I ran back down. I was ahead a little bit but I was scared of the animals moving around in the bushes because I don't know what it is or what it's going to do. Jesse and I stopped at every little stream that was in the path and splashed ourselves and I could cool my hand off in the cold water and I was able to get my knee cold. And we were really thirsty so we just had a sip...

Today was our team hike!! I'm not putting miles on any shoes because I wore my old blue mizunos I don't track anymore. We gathered at the park and ride at the bottom of Little Cottonwood canyon and carpooled up to the trailhead. The trail going up was nice and cool, but after a while it got harder and harder. When we got to the lake we sat down and ate lunch, then went to play by the lake and skip rocks. Bill was standing in the water for an ice bath, so Tomy and I joined and then Maclean, Nelson, Maggie, Annie, Mike, Patrick, and Taylor all came in. It felt nice and when I got out my legs felt so fresh! Then we all hiked around the lake to go to the 2nd part of the lake, and it involved rock climbing down, crossing the river by the waterfall, climbing up, and around the other part of the lake. Then some of us went bushwhacking and we planned on going to the snow to build a snowman. Several people decided to turn around and go back, but several of us refused to wuss out on such an adventure, so we climbed up the slick rocks to the snow. When we got there, it was Annie, Olivia, RJ, Jeremy, Dakota, Chris, Bennion, Sam, and Bill, and we had a snowball fight and built our snowman. It had snickers for ears, mentos for a mouth, and a carrot nose, with rock buttons, fir branch arms, and a very fuzzy red hat. We took pictures then had to go back to get our bags from the lake, if we had brought them with we could have gotten down to the bottom an hour before everyone else. Instead of going back the way we came, we went on a forest adventure with no path and a lot of rocks to climb, so we went around the whole lake. When we got to the marsh and were jumping over the small streams, I landed in the mud and my left foot slipped in and was all muddy. When we got back everyone was mad at us for taking forever, but whatever it was fun! We hiked back down and sang fun songs, like Princess Pat and The Ants Go Marching By. When we got to the asphalt, Annie and I started booking it because we wanted to be done! It was a really fun day :)

Today we met at the usual park and ride to go up to Guardsmin pass to run puke hill. We piled into cars and drove up the canyon, and it took FOREVER! Plus the gas light came on, not good... When we got there it was a little cold but once we got started it was alright. I hit my head on a branch and apparently I have a big scratch on my head from it. I ran with Gavin and Sam for most of the run, and when we saw Mike we turned around. With just over a mile to go I felt like speeding up, so that last part I ran alone. We even saw my 7th grade P.E. teacher and she recognized Gavin and Sam... Scary...Hehe

Last night Susannah and I had a sleepover with Michaela and Carissa so we just went to their team workout. Today was their girls run, and we were doing 5 miles. We ran along a road behind Davis High until we got to Happy Hollow. We stopped and stretched and then continued, then we had to cross several little streams and we all got wet and muddy. Then we bushwhacked through the rest of the hollow and got poison oak, so we ran to someone's house to rinse it off. Then we ran back to the school, where all the guys were SHIRTLESS! Hehe just kiddin'. Rissa just wanted me to write that...

Today I left my house and ran along 14th east to 17th south, up to 15th east to 21st south, up to 19th east to 9th south, into the gulley, out by the Bonneville church, up to 17th east, over to Harrison Ave, down to 15th east, over to my street, and then some laps in my tiny backyard. I had my ipod, which is why I survived.

Today we met at Sugarhouse in the usual spot at the usual time. We ran the state course for a warm up, then we did 10 hill loops on our little hill and 2 sets of circuits on the soccer field. We cooled down on the state course backwards, then I got stuck in a park bathroom stall. Thank you Annie for saving me.

Today we met at Liberty park for our workout and dutch oven breakfast. We did a lap warm up around the park then stretching before running over to the starting line. We did 6 strides on the grass and then did an 800, I hit a 2:50 or something close to that. We did equal recovery and then did a timed mile, and I hit a 6:27. We did half mile recovery and did one more 800 and I got a 3:01. We did a cool down by turning around and finishing the lap we were on, then I did another lap with Annie, Jesse, Olivia, and Dakota then we added some to be at 8. Then we had a delicious mountain man breakfast in huge dutch ovens, I wish we had those big dutch ovens at girls camp.

It was our last day at Pipeline for a long time. We met at the park and ride and then carpooled up to the trailhead. I started out too fast, because at mile 2 I started slowing down and my legs became really heavy. I tried to maintain a pushing pace for the rest of the run, but it hurt really badly. I guess that's the point of cross country, to be in constant pain. Teehee.

Today we met at Sunnyside park for a basic workout. We went down to the gulley entrance on 15th east and did 2 and a half laps in the gulley, while talking with Scotty about airsofting *cough cough* and then when we exited the gulley at the top and went to the white tree in the park for 10 little hill strides. We ran 2 laps around the park for a cool down and voted on captains. Our alumni BBQ and fun run and varsity trial is tonight, so I'll be back on the blog later.

I ran a warm up at the bbq, then the team race. I ran the 2.6 miles in 18:05, so add another half mile and you have my 5K time. Eek I need to get back to where I was (19:06) if I plan on breaking 19 this season. I made 2nd on varsity, congrats to Natalie, Sarah B, Jesse, Annie, Maggie, and Olivia, Saturday is going to be awesome. I ran about a mile cooldown to be at 10 for the day. Then we announced team captains, congrats to Tomy, Scotty, Dylan, Natalie, and Annie, we're going to be great! Good job everyone!

This morning we met at Liberty for a simple workout because of our race tomorrow. We did a lap of warm up then stretching and split into groups of firemen. I was with Annie, Jesse Sarah S, Amanda, Sarah B, Bill, Gavin, Sam, Anders, and Olivia. After that we did 6 strides then a lap of cool down then added a little bit to be at 5, then went up to Browning circle for a delicious breakfast. It was great!

Today was the premire invitational up Settlement canyon. When we got up there, varsity girls had 2 and a half hours until our race, so Natalie and I went on a mile shake out run up the road and back and we talked about this upcoming season. When we got back to the cars, Nat, Annie, and I took the JV girls on a 1 mile warm up, and we went backwards on the course to show them where to kick it and let them get familiar with the terrian. After they started their race, we went and relaxed in the smiletruck for a bit and did more warm up and strides. Our cheer really got us pumped up and we were all excited because it's our first meet of the season! When we we started I got blocked between a Hillcrest and Murray girl, but then I used my elbows and got through them and made my way up to at least the top 10. I knew that the top 7 get medals and t shirts, so I focused on getting up to the top 7. I even passed that Woods Cross girl I've wanted to beat eversince Regions sophomore year, WOOT! I worked in 7th for a bit, and I didn't want to get outkicked into 8th so I worked up to 6th and passed the Timpanogus girl near me and gapped on her, but she stayed close enough for me to hear her teammates tell her to try and pass me. When in doubt, pinkies out, and I seriously doubted that she would pass me, so of course I pinkied her teammates as I ran by. Teehee. When I was off the trail and coming up to the river I suddenly felt really sick, and when Bill told me to kick it I started whining. What the heck was wrong with me? Oh well, Timpanogus was NOT going to pass me after all my hard work, so before the finish line, I puked all over myself and I didn't even stop to do it. So basically I puked across the line, it was great! I was a slobbery and stinky mess, but once I got cleaned up and got the nasty flavor out of my throat, I went on a team cooldown on the course backwards. I turned around after half mile because I was feeling pukey again, but I slowed down enough so it didn't come up. Congrats to Tomy and Natalie my fellow medalers, and Scott and Annie, my fellow pukers. Way to work today!!

Today we met at Cottonwood complex at 3 to get used to running in the afternoon since school starts Wednesday. We did the usual warm up around the softball fields then up to 13th east, over to St Marks, down to 11th east, and back into the complex. I kept up with Tomy and we talked about what classes we're taking, and about my honors chemistry teacher. After the warm up we stretched while Bill marked the half miles on the course, and we also did 8 strides and stretched more. By the time we actually started we had been there forever. My first 800 was a 3:26, the next was a 3:21, then 3:26, 3:28, and 3:50. On the 6th one I was feeling very sick and about halfway through it I completely crashed and my stomach hurt really badly, and I hit about a 4:40, terrible! I could barely walk and I just felt so sick I lied down in the grass and cried it hurt so bad! :'(

Today we met at Sunnyside park in the afternoon to do a run. Varsity and others ran up Sunnyside avenue and down Foothill to 5th south and Guardsmin way. It was really sunny and hot and I was already really sweaty the first little bit. I made it to the drinking fountain, recovered in the shade for a bit, then ran up to 11th ave and past the fire station to M street, where I recovered in the shade for a few seconds before heading back the same way. I took another drink before continuing back down through the neighborhood and to the U campus, and as soon as I started running up 5th south to Foothill I got really sore and started to feel sick. I kept running and when I finally got to Sunnyside avenue, I had to run on the sunny side (ha. ha. Because the shade was on the other side, get it? Heehee. Urgh.) I got back to the park and did my core and drank my water. When I got home I took a cold shower and had a glass of brown cow, now I'm off to Snowbird! First day of school tomorrow!

Today was the first day of school, and I got a lovely nap in yoga. We met at the track as we always do after school and assigned lockers and got ready to run. Once again I have locker 81, the locker I've had since freshman year :) We did a mile of warm up and stretched for a minute then did 5 laps of drills, BLAST, and bleacher runs. The drills were high knees, pocket kicks, power skips, karaoke west, karaoke east, and finish. We then went to the soccer field and did 6 hills, fast up, walk backwards down. Then we ran to the gulley and entered at 15th east and then did 2 laps in there and came back the same way. Now it's chocolate milk and dinner time!

Today after school was our try outs, so we had a couple of new people, which was great! We started out with a quick meeting and then did a mile warm up and a mile speed changes. After the warm up we got water and a few people changed shoes, and we stretched. We then proceeded to do 3 sets of 3 minutes on, 3 minutes standing recovery. I did almost a full 2 laps on my first one, then Bill told me just to go the full 800. My next times were 3:04 and 3:03 for the full 800. After we did that we did grass loops for a cool down, newbies 2 laps, oldies 3 laps. It was pretty hot today.

Today we ran down to Liberty park and went to the drinking fountain the long way. When we got there we reassembled and stretched, then jogged over to the hill, where we formed into 3 relay teams. Everyone did 4 hills. Then we jogged over to another drinking fountain, got a drink, and split into relay teams. Everyone did 3 strides each and then we had a quick team meeting about morning practices next week. We ran back up to the stadium and went searching for our ice tub, which we found by the soccer lockers, and we filled it up with ice and water and captains got to go first. We also let Dominique in with us because of her leg, so it was Tomy, Natalie, Dominique, Scotty, and I in the ice tub for 15 minutes. When we got out we did the dinosaur walk to the sunny track and laid out for a few minutes.

Later that night Natalie and Jesse had to run 4 more miles, so Olivia and I hopped on our bikes and biked behind them up Harrison ave, across 19th east to Sheridan road, across 20th east to Sunnyside ave, down Foothill and 5th south, across Guardsmin, over to 9th south, up to 17th east, and back to the circle. Nat and Jesse finished their 4 a few blocks before so Liv and I biked the rest of the way while they walked. It was quite the adventure.

Only 3 miles and I'm dying...why do I sweat so much? Seriously, it's warm for me in a blizzard with my shorts and tee. Ugh I can't wait until winter. I started at my house and went along 14th east to Blaine Ave, up to 15th east, over to 21st south, up to 17th east, turned around, went over on 16th east to Blaine Ave, down to 15th east, over to Sherman and home. I've still got sweat dripping off my face... This is so gross! Maybe I'll just go running again at midnight, whose in?

Today after a great day of school, we went to the track for workout. While waiting for Bill I managed to do all my honors chemistry so I only have to do APHUG tonight. We did a big grass loop for our warm up and then took up the southwest corner of the football field to lead everyone in stretches. After stretches we went on a run, there were 3 run options and I did the biggest one. We ran up Sunnyside to Foothill, down to Guardsmin, down to the Cemetery on 5th south, one loop in the cemetery, down to 13th east, over to 8th south, and back up to the track. Bill made us do surprise progressive 300s. The first one I did was to catch Vuong and not let Avvy catch me, I didn't catch him and she didn't catch me. On the next one I was to catch Becca and not let ... I forgot (sorry!) catch me. After 300s I went home and took a 15 minute ice bath whilst eating Ramen Noodles, yummy.

For morning workout we met at the track at 6:00 to do a run. We ran along 15th east to Sugarhouse, big 2 mile loop, and back the same way. I ran along 15th east alone to the park, but at the light I caught up to Patrick so I pushed with him for the rest of the run. The sailboat shower was open so I instantly got in, woo! We had a delicious French toast breakfast by Papa Jawn.

For yoga we learned all the poses and it was nice to stretch out and relax.

For our afternoon workout we ran 2 grass loops for a warm up then did a mile of speed changes on the track. Once again I pushed with Patrick and after the warm up we did a little bit of stretching, drank some water, and all lined up. We did a 2 200s with equal recovery, then varsity did 2 400s with equal recovery, then 2 more 200s with equal recovery. I didn't feel like wearing my shoes anymore, so for a cool down of 2 grass loops I ran barefoot and it was amazing! And good job to our soccer team, it was fun to watch the game while cooling down. We pulled out the paper gatorade ice cups from the freezer and rubbed our legs with the ice for a few minutes, then we filled the ice tub and Annie, Maggie, and I kneeled to ice up to our hips as Tomy and Maclean stood up. After 15 minutes we had a captains meeting in Bills office and I'm pretty sure my skort left a nice little wet spot from the ice tub...ha ha. We had a team dinner and later Natalie, Annie, and I made the treats for tomorrow. Time for bed!

Today was pre regions at Cottonwood Complex. When we got there the girls all ran a 1 mile warm up and when we got to the line we did some strides to get us ready. When the race started I pushed myself up to 2nd and held that throughout the race. About halfway through the race there was a Woods Cross girl close behind me, so I really worked it to create a gap on her and she worked to try to close it. I was feeling really sick and I was really thirsty, but I really wanted to get 2nd so I sucked it up and dealt with it. Coming around the last downhill turn I could see her out of the corner of my eye and I heard her coach tell her she could get me. But I was not going to allow that, so I sprinted to the finish and she was only a few seconds behind me. I need to work hard to stay ahead, because I know I can beat everyone in our region besides Nat, and I know that I can keep up with her. I did a mile and a half cool down and picked up flags with Olivia for the last half mile. Our girls team won by 2 points, good job today girls, keep working hard, what matters most is our real regions. Way to work today! Good job to our boys who placed 4th, just keep working your way up and I know that you can go to state this year! Good job to everyone individually, it was a tough race and I'm proud of you all for pushing your hardest and giving it everything. I love my team!

Today for our morning workout we ran up to Sunnyside Park, did a big lap, and met up at our tree. We did a couple of strides on the flat part, then we did random fartlek for 20 minutes. At first I tried to stay up with Natalie, but after about 8 minutes my recoveries became slower. For the last 2 minutes, Bill caught up to me, so I just worked with him for the rest of the fartlek. We did a lap cooldown, going straight down Sunnyside to the track and I got the first sailboat shower, I love being upperclassman and captain, especially when it comes to ice baths... Thank you Tiffany for breakfast, the muffins were AMAZING!

For yoga today I stretched my calves really well, and it felt nice to just relax and do some core work. For an afternoon workout we met at the track and ran down to Liberty and went around the park the long way to get to the drinking fountain. We stretched and did some strides, and during strides we saw MY SISTER!!!!!!!!!! So of course we had to play chicken and her teammates told her to be serious. We did a 2 mile tempo run around the park and I ran with the mid-varsity boys for our 7 and a half minute mile tempo. Cool down we ran back up to the school. Gotta go babysit

Today was the Timpanogus Invite. We went down to Orem, and the bus was late plus it was rush hour, so our freshmen and sophomore girls were rushed for a warm up. I did about a mile of shake out run with Natalie and Tomy, then Natalie, Maggie, and I warmed up for about a mile, and at the line we did several strides with Becca and Avvy. I felt like I had an okay start, it could have been better though. I worked my way up through the pack and always had my eyes on the next group or person. At about the halfway point I could see a shadow getting closer, so I pushed away. This happened several times, and as I passed one of the girls teammates, I heard the girl that had been trying to pass me for the last half mile tell her teammate to go after me because I was "worthless". Wow, thanks for showing sportsmanship, and I'm totally deaf. I worked up to the next group, and I was going to show that I was the faster person out of the people behind me. At the last 300 I started up a kick, and kept getting faster and faster. With about 25 meters left, the girl who had called me worthless passed me and I was really mad. Just because you have a strong kick doesn't mean you're worth something, and it doesn't mean I'm worthless... Jerk. I got the last caribeaner for the top finishers, so sweetness tnere! My sports bra on my uniform is too tight or something, because my lungs felt like they were being squeezed and it hurt really bad. After I changed shoes I did a short cool down and went to the bus to drop off my stuff, then we went to cheer on Natalie for her award. Good job today everyone! I'm blogging late because I went to the football game after to see the last ten minutes of our football boys cream West, 27 to 6, excellent work today everyone! On East High School, on East High School...

This morning Mom took Sarah and I up to Logan to watch Susannah's first college race. I ran around the field (strides, they soooo count!) to watch my sister kick pockets and take 2nd, and since I was wearing ballet flats it goes to my barefoot miles. On the way back we stopped at Maddox for deliciousness, and as soon as we got home Susannah made Sarah and I run a few miles with her. We were going to do 4.5, but I ended up doing only 3.75 because I felt sick and didn't do the whole loop with them. We went up our street to 15th east, over to Sunnyside avenue, up to Foothill, and down 5th south. Going down 5th south I could feel my Maddox deliciousness churning in my tummy, and I didn't like it at all! When we got to Guardsmin, Susannah and Sarah kept running down but I turned left and went home along 15th east. They came in the door about 30 seconds after me.

No  school today! I ran from my house up to 15th east, over to 9th south, down to Amanda Ave, over to Sunnyside Ave, up to 17th east, over to Emerson Ave, down to 16th east, over to Harrison Ave, down to 15th east, to Browning Ave, to 14th east, and home. I stopped going up Sunnyside Ave to stretch because my calves were really, really tight. I need an ice bath. On 16th east a bug flew into my eye and made me really mad. If my mood miraculously goes back up I'll try to go for another run today, but right now I'm so mad at that stupid little bug! >:(

Today for early morning workout we did 2 grass laps for warm up and a mile of speed changes on the track. It was our 200 400 chase workout today, so I got put in a group with Maggie, Bischoff, Sargent, Jesse, and Olivia. Maggie, Olivia and I started with a 400, and when we were at about 210 meters is when Bischoff, Sargent, and Jesse started their 200 and their goal was to try and catch us but we didn't want them to catch us. Then after our 400, Maggie, Livi, and I jogged over to the 200 and when Bischoff, Sargent, and Jesse reached the 210 mark on their 400 is when we began to chase them. I caught everyone in that first 200, barely catching Bischoff at the line. We did the 400 200 sets 4 times, me never getting caught and catching Sargent and Jesse and being really close to Bischoff for the last 3 sets. After we did 2 big grass loops for cool down and I got first sailboat shower as usual. I love being a junior. Thank you Camille's mom Rhonda for the delicious breakfast!! It was delicious!

For our afternoon workout, we were to go over what our course for tomorrow is. Jv ran straight up Sunnyside to This is the Place park, while varsity ran the Running of the Leopards course backwards. And yes, that is all uphill. When we got to the pink pioneer house we sat in the shade and stretched for a bit, and when Bill came we went over to the gravel trail. We can't do the same course as last year because I guess the people in the village don't want us running through there. Fine then, we'll just have issues making a new course. We ran around the gravel, and then onto a weird hilly area in the grass. We couldn't figure out a good course, so we'll make one up tomorrow and call it good. We ran back down to the school straight down Sunnyside to be at 6.5 for that run, and since the morning was 5 miles so that's 11.5 for the day. When I got home I sat in the ice bath for 15 minutes and ate my ramen noodles and drank my chocolate milk. Now I'm really, really cold and watching Anna play video games. Ugh my calves better not be so tight tomorrow...

Today we went against Bountiful at This is the Place. I did a 2 mile warm up with the team while Tomy, Natalie, and I put down cones to mark the course. Every time we put a cone down we would scream "CONE!" And when it was a curve that needed lots of cones we would race each other to the curve to put down our cones the fastest. It was great. I changed into my flats with the girls and we went out to the parking lot to pray and cheer with the girls. We went up to the starting line and got pumped, and when Bill said "Go" I went out hard with Natalie and a girl from Bountiful. The three of us went really hard with each other for the start of the parking lot lap, but then the Bountiful girl fell back and I took her crash as an opportunity to get away from the pack. I chased Natalie, and I would make the gap smaller but then I would have a mini crash or she would have a surge in speed, so pretty soon I lost sight of her. The gravel was tough because it was really loose and I didn't get quick turnover at all and it took extra effort to run through it. When we got to the rollies in the grass area, I used the down as my advantage against the Bountiful girl chasing me. We were playing tag and she was it. I pushed through the first lap of the grass, and when I was almost done with my second lap I crashed. Not enough to let the Bountiful girl close to me, because she was crashing too, so I was able to stay strong and get back on the gravel and finish strong 2nd place. I won this game of tag, muahaha. I am a tag master. Good job to all our girls and boys, today was a toughie in the heat but it's Saturday that matters! Good luck then! For a cool down I went over to the grass to watch the boys run and cheer them on and make sure they didn't go the wrong way (Because apparently only the first three girls went the right way and everyone else did some other weird loop...)When I was done watching the guys run I ran along the gravel and picked up cones. I ran into my fellow captains and piled the cones onto the cone rack and we went to pick up flags and bigger cones. It was a pretty good race for me, and I'm excited for Saturday.

This morning we met at the usual time in the usual place, aka 6 am at the track. It was really windy, but luckily the locker rooms were unlocked so us girls went down into our locker room, made a circle out of our chairs, and just sat there in the warm locker room and listened to the wind outside. For a run we ran to the gulley, ran 3 laps, came back, and did 10 barefoot grass strides. In the gulley I ran with Patrick, and Dakota failed at scaring us, but won the scare Natalie game. Our 10 barefoot strides were the full football field, and it felt nice to be barefoot. As soon as we were done I hopped right in the sailboat shower. Thank you Livi's mom for the delicious crepes for breakfast!

After school we met at the track again and while we were waiting for our coaches Lexi came over and opened the locker rooms for us so we could change and be ready to run asap. We had a quick meeting about BYU on Saturday and then went for a relaxing run. We ran up Sunnyside to Gardsmin, over to 5th south, down to the cemetery, 1 lap in the cemetery, and back to the track along 13th east. We did 2 progressive 300s, my first one I was chasing Caden and running away from Javier, and I didn't pass or get passed. The next one I was chasing Jesse and running away from Dakota, and I didn't pass or get passed. Now it's naptime because I finished my homework in 4th period! Huzzah!

Today was sweet and simple. We ran up to Sunnyside park, did a big lap, and met at our tree for 8 barefoot strides. After strides none of us really wanted to put our shoes back on, so we just ran back down to the stadium barefoot. Tomorrow is BYU Invite, so I'm really hoping to do well.

Today was the BYU Autumn Classic. When we got there we set up our spot and went to go cheer for our freshmen and sophomore boys in their race. I also went and talked to my cousins. When it was time to warm up for my race, I ran around cheering for the freshmen and sophomore girls, good job ladies! When the JV boys started I cheered for them for a while and when they were almost done I went to the line and claimed box 20 for our team. Avvy, Maggie, Delaney, and I said our prayer and cheer and did some strides at the line, then I told my cousin "May the force be with you" and we started. I got out fast, but not too fast. By the time we got up to the baseball field, people's start-of-the-race adrenaline had calmed down, so I moved up to 1st/2nd. I ran with a girl from wherever and I let her do all the work. I probably had the biggest smile on my face, because in the freshman sophomore race I had noticed the girl who had outkicked me last year had been smiling the whole race, so I felt like I should smile. It really helped because I wasn't in that much pain, and the girl running with me was doing all the work and I was just using up her energy for her. We gapped away from the chase pack, and at about a mile and a half is when she started to crash, so I started to push harder and challenge myself. I kept gaining distance on her and the others were catching up to her, and on my 2nd lap on the track I heard Emily tell me that Ogden was starting to move, so I pushed really hard my last mile and used my arms to get up the little hills. When I entered the track for the 3rd time, I was able to see how far back the pack was. I had about a 20 second lead on the girl in 2nd, but I wasn't going to take it easy just because I was far ahead. I kicked it at the 300, and in the last 100 as I was lapping someone else she started to sprint with me but then realized that I was finishing and she wasn't. When I crossed the line I was really happy, I had smiled the whole race and it helped me get through it without crashing. I puked in the chute, but I'm getting used to the puking after every race thing, so yeah. We stood there for about 20 minutes waiting for the last girl to finish because the BYU people don't do awards until everyone in that race is done. I had my glory moment today, and even though they had the podium out but didn't use it, it was still one of the greatest moments of my life. I ran around cheering for the seniors for a cool down, and then we hopped on the bus and went home. I feel great right now, I'm happy with my race and I'm going to keep working hard for the rest of the season.

Today was the workout of the devil. We did 2 grass laps for warm up and a mile of speed changes, and my lungs felt really tight and pushing against my ribs. Then we began the torture, 8 800s. I was in the group for the 3 minutes flat with Patrick, Sarah, Kevin, and Vuong. The first 2 were alright, we were right on, but our first 400 of each one was a few seconds too slow so the 2nd 400 of each one was really fast and painful. My lungs and esophagus started burning and I really needed water. For the next 5 800s I was dying and crying, I really needed to use my recovery to calm down and just breathe. On the last one I just wanted to go all out and finish the workout, but in the last 200 it hit me really hard and I couldn't breathe very well. Have you ever felt the saliva in your mouth just gather at the back of your throat? It's one of the worst running conditions! When we were finally done I had to sit down for a bit before doing my cool down. Thank you Jeremiah, Becca, and Sarah for water, it really helped. I'm glad it's over with, hopefully that was the hardest workout of the season, 4 miles of speed. Ughhh.

For morning workout we met at the track as usual. We ran up to 15th east to Sugarhouse park, a big grass loop, and back. I ran on 15th on the way to the park with Patrick, Annie, and Sam, and for the grass loops I ran with Annie, Dakota, and Jesse. Back along 15th Annie and I ran ahead. Happy sweet 16 Annie! I love you! Thank you to Tiffany for the delicious breakfast burritos!

For an afternoon run we ran from the track up Sunnyside ave to Shoreline trail, and we ran hard up the trail in groups to the steep short hill with the wooden side rail thingy 4 times. On the first one my group accidentally ran up the short and steep, but for the rest of them we were smarter. I was in a group with Patrick, Sarah B, Julian, and Teeps. The first one my quads were burning from yesterdays inhuman workout, the 2nd one was just plain hard, the 3rd was the worst, and the 4th one was the best even though I could feel myself crash. We ran back down to the school and I tried to keep up with Nat best I could. Then I kneeled in the ice tub for 15 minutes with Annie, Natalie, Tomy, and Sam, all of us kneeling and Tomy creating tidal waves and tsunamis. Then we had Swedish birthday cake. Happy Birthday Annie!

Today for a workout we ran down to Liberty and did a big lap until we got all the way around to the drinking fountain. We split into groups based on our times from BYU, and I was in a group with Gavin, Sam, Annie, and others. Turns out Sam and I both ran a 20:04.00 haha. We did a 2 mile tempo, and our group was supposed to hit 15:30. When we got to the 1st mile we were at about 7:20, 20 seconds faster than what we were supposed to be hitting. Near the end everybody kept speeding up, but I kept in mind that it was a tempo and we didn't have to pick it up because we were a little ahead of pace. We finished at a 14:30. As soon as it was over we ran back up to the school, and I had to go slow because this whole week my tummy has been really tight and hurting. I really need to remember to take my water bottle to school because this whole week I've been dehydrated at practice and it's been HORRIBLE!

For morning workout we ran straight up Sunnyside to Foothill, down 5th south to 13th east, and up 8th south back to the track. I kept up with Natalie the whole time, and running up Sunnyside, Tomy, Natalie, Scotty, Annie and I went ahead for a short meeting. The group spread out more going down 5th south, and just as we were passing the cemetery, Nat and I screamed because there was an almost dead deer laying in the gutter twitching it's ear. It was so gross! When we got back to the stadium I did a track lap and a lap around the soccer field and track to be at an exact 4. Thank you to Caden's parents for the bagels and oatmeal!

For an afternoon workout we kept it easy because of Murray Invitational tomorrow. We did a backwards mile on the track for warm up, turned around for a mile to do speed changes, and turned around again for a mile cool down. I ran the whole thing with Patrick, only slipping back a little bit on the speed changes. It was better than the last few days worth of workouts because I remembered to bring a water bottle to school. Now it's time to go clean the backyard for team dinner tonight!

Today was Murray Invitational. When we got there, Sarah, Maggie, and I in our neon green IRUNLIKEAGIRL jackets we ran to the bathroom by the Indian Head which was half mile away. After quoting Elf, we ran back to our team spot and went on a team run around to get to know the course. We introduced our rookies to the snake. When it was time to start, Natalie, Sarah, Becca, Maggie, and I did our prayer and cheer and strides. When we started, there were some girls coming into the finish so they started us again. That sucked because I felt like I had gotten out alright. For the second start, Ali was finishing and the stupid officials didn't care, so we basically all trampled her, sad day. I got boxed in really badly, there was a bunch of slowies that kept cutting in front of me so I started playing elbows and I got out and went to the side where I wouldn't get boxed in. When coming to the softball field, I ran up on the cement with a few others and passed several people. I spent a lot of the race trying to get out of the pack, and if I had gotten a better start and people weren't such idiots, I could have broken 20, because I haven't broken it yet this season and I'm so mad about it! I died on the snake, but got right back up for the ampitheater and then as we were going down the hill towards  the Indian Head I ran with Kiley until I broke off. When I had turned around the Indian Head I noticed there were lots of people behind me that aren't allowed to beat me (because I said so) that were getting really close, so I pushed really hard up until the end and outkicked several people. I was a little upset about my race, but later it was okay. I did a mile cool down cheering for people and then my jacket was wet so I got really really cold. We went to watch Natalie and Chris get awards, then we had some pizza and hopped on the bus to go home and get ready for the football game. Good job today East High XC! And East High Football for CREAMING Woods Cross! And yesterday East High Womens Soccer for KILLING Highland! Gotta love high school sports.

Today we ran 6 miles with hills. We ran along 13th to T street and did hill strides in groups. I forgot who all was in my group, but on the 6th hill I felt like I was too far ahead and should have gone with the faster group. We would run a stride up the hill to the first street on the left, then jog over to the first street on the right, and do another stride. We did this until we got to 11th avenue, and then we turned around and went back the same way.

For our morning workout we did a mile warm up and a mile speed changes. Then we did a ladder speed workout, 200, 200, 400, 600, 800, 600, 400, 200, 200, each with equal recovery. We did half mile cool down and had a delicious muffin breakfast.

Yoga today we just stretched and did some ab work and napped, which was amazing.

For an afternoon run it was simple. Run along 15th east to Sugarhouse, do a grass loop, and come back the same way. We started out as a group, but we got very spread out, so I could barely see Caden and when I did a turn I could see Sargent. For the last mile, Tomy had caught up in the workout for being late, so I pushed to stay with him for the last mile, which I felt great about. I kneeled in the ice tub with Maggie and Tomy for 15 minutes while Gavin, Teeps, and Annie all stood. When I got out I lied in the sunshine and then changed pants and wrapped up in my blankie!

Just a tri-meet, so we used it as a tempo run and our average mile pace was supposed to be a 7:30. We did about a mile and a half warm up as a team, took a POTTY break, had a quick team meeting, then the girls lined up and did our prayer and cheer. The start was weird because normally I would be going out hard and getting in the front pack chasing Nat, but instead we jumped right into our 7:30 pace. Natalie, Sarah Sa, Sarah B, Maggie, and I all managed to stay as a pretty good group for the first mile. Just after the first mile I started "The Princess Pat!" And we made it to about 4 lines when Natalie said no more girls camp songs. Then we became airplanes and just had fun, making funny noises, sticking our arms out, laughing with each other, and passing people who gave us weird looks. It was pretty much the best race ever. For the final kick we went all out and finished. I don't know my final overall place or time, but it was probably something funny. Because the whole race was funny. Teehee. Best ever. I did a cool down until I was at 7 for the day then we hopped on the bus and went home. It was a good day.

For early morning workout we did the Shriners run. I kept up with Patrick and Sam for the most part and Sargent stayed up with us. On the way back, Sarah and I caught Patrick and Sam and we ran with them for a bit but then they got ahead so we just ran and passed the people who had to turn early to make it in time. Thank you Patrick's parents for bringing the delicious bagels, fruit, and yogurt for breakfast!

For an afternoon workout we ran to Sunnyside park and did a big lap around the park and met at our white tree. We were going to do 10 1 minute on 1 minute off fartlek. I pushed myself really hard, and I didn't really have anyone to run with so it made it a little harder but I still pushed myself so far from my comfort zone, I forgot I even had one. (Wow, this is what I'm like after a workout, wait until you see me after a race!) We sat by our white tree and had a quick discussion and then ran through the soccer field and went back down to East. My Garmin died just as we exited the park, so I'm going to need to charge that before going to Boise tomorrow. Ah I'm so excited!!! Except for the fact that I'll be missing most of APHUG and all of Chemistry... Blah.

Mom, Aunt Lois, Rissa, and I were driving all afternoon, and by the time we got to Boise the first thing we did was go to Spaghetti Factory for a team dinner with Davis, so by the time we got to the hotel my stomach was really full. Rissa and I waited a few minutes before heading down to the exercise room, where she biked and I ran on the dreadmill, then we both did a few minutes of elliptical. This dreadmill wasn't as bad as a lot, since it had a movie screen and I was able to watch AFV. Heehee. Then we went swimming for a bit but the pool was really cold and there were a lot of little kids, so we just went back up to our room.

Today was the Bob Firman Invitational! (Explains the all day drive) When I got there I found my team spot and gathered with my team. We all got our race numbers, our bibs, chips, and hip stickers, and then Natalie, Becca, Sarah B, Annie, Maggie, and I all ran a mile and a half warm up. We ran out on the dirt road for half a mile then turned around and came back. Annie and I took a POTTY break and then the 6 of us went out another quarter mile and back. When we got back we changed into our spikes, did a jewelery check, and went over to the start for check in. We had been assigned box 30, and since the start is divided by a flag line, we were far out. But it was nice because it was us, Ogden, and 2 other schools who were in the boxes far out, so we had space. We did our prayer and cheer and then several strides. I don't know how many we did, but they were long strides and we did a lot. Last year our girls team got boxed in at the back at the really tight start, so it was nice to have some space and it was really easy to merge onto the dirt, except it was really dusty. Going along the dirt road passing people like I always do, there was a sharp turn around a little pole thingy, and a Park City girl put her hand on my arm and tried to shove me into it. I used my elbow and *BAM*. She deserved it. I worked my way away from her, and when I ran on the beach I used the packed sand as an advantage against others and really pushed through it. This year there were big yellow pipes on the beach that we had to jump over, which I thought was really dumb. People were cutting me off at the hill, but a space opened up at the top so I pushed through and gained a lot of distance on those cutters on the downhill. My 2nd lap was just me battling a Davis girl and 2 Park City girls. When I passed another Davis girl, I did a speed change to get away from her, because I could tell she was going to stick to me. My speed change lasted long enough so she fell away, and that speed change had also gotten me away from the people I was battling with earlier. When I exited the sand for the 2nd time, my plantarfacia started to kill me! I suddenly started to whimper, good thing there were no other girls close enough to hear that I was hurting. I quickly stopped whimpering, sucked it up, and dealt with it. In the final kick, a Davis girl started to outkick me. I went with her, we passed a Park City girl, then as I was about to cross the line first she surged ahead and I'm pretty sure we had one of the closest times. In the finish where they take our chips off my foot stopped hurting, but that last half mile on it really hurt. At mile one I had read a 6:04, which I thought was good, but then I realized how badly I had slowed down, about 7:12 each for my last 2 miles, but the third was probably a lot slower and the 2nd probably a lot faster. After my race I changed into my flip flops and wandered around for a bit and laid down for a bit. Then I went on a mile and a half cool down with Sarah B, the same route we had done for a warm up, since we had previously measured it and neither of us had a Garmin, since I couldn't find mine in my bag. I'm pretty sure I packed it, but it was probably the one thing I forgot. I always forget something and never remember until it's too late. However if I go to my room now and it's not in the charger where I supposedly left it... then it's really buried in my bag. I was glad to have had one of the first races, because then I got the rest of the day to hang out, cheer for teammates, and eat. Good job everybody! Today was a tough race, it was hot, but we all made it! When we got on the bus it was really hot and we were all dripping sweat. The pizza place was cold, and it felt really nice. We walked over to a gas station to get back on and since it was fueling, we went into the gas station for a few minutes and got a ton of sugary food, because the bus is a no sleep allowed zone! Hehe. The bus was indeed a party. I love making blanket forts with Sarah Sa, eating skittles, Milanos, pink wafers, gatorade, etc...

It's just been a rough day for me today, and I guess it affected my workout. We went to Cottonwood Complex and ran the region course for a warm up. On the warm up it killed to stay up with everyone, I was breathing really hard and short and it felt like I was trying to run through a wall with million pound weights on my legs. I finished the warm up though, so that was something to be proud of. We did the Bessie finish loop 6 times, and even though I felt like I was pushing, my times showed me that I wasn't. I tried, but the invisible wall and stress of today were just holding me back. The trauma of losing my camera, someone stealing my orthodic in yoga (Who the heck does that??) and all sorts of other things. On the cool down I thought it would be easier to keep up with the team, but I had difficulties and fell behind quickly, which really sucked. We stopped at mile 2 and called it good at 7.5 miles for the day and went back to the stadium.

For our morning workout (LAST ONE! YEAH!) we did 2 laps warm up and 3 laps speed changes due to time. We then did a timed mile, I got a 6:08, which is pretty good for a workout, about my race pace for the first mile of my 5ks. We did 2 laps recovery, then 6 400s with standing recovery. I got 1:23s on all of them but the 2nd, a 1:24, so very consistent. We did 2 laps of cool down and got ready for school and had a delicious waffle breakfast, thank you Sheffields!

Afternoon workout was simple. We were all in uniforms so we could do team pictures, and right after pictures we ran to the gulley along 15th east, ran 2 laps, came back the same way, and did 300s. I ran with Sam, Gavin, and Annie the whole run and when we got back to do progressive 300s I was in a group with Sargent and Annie for the first one, then I was paired up with Annie for the second one. I hopped in the ice bath for 15 minutes, kneeling with Sargent while some of the guys stood, and I played action figures with Cole. After my ice bath I laid on the grass to warm up again and Bill massaged my plantarfacia and calves, which really hurt but now my legs feel a lot better than they have been recently.

Today it was East, Highland, and Bountiful at Highland. When we got there the girls all took POTTY break then got started on our warm up. We met at the line, then Natalie explained the first mile which is exactly like the state course. Since the second mile is right by the starting line, we started at the 2nd mile which was also same as the state course and ran until the finish. The course is exactly like the state course up until the 2nd mile, where it goes left instead of right. We did our prayer and cheer and lined up in the middle. I got an excellent start, I kept up with Natalie for the whole first mile, it was the hill near the end of the mile where she made a huge gap, and on the next  down I tried to catch her but she took it faster so I tried for the next mile to catch back up to her but I could feel myself crashing. Since the last mile was flat though, I pushed and focused on keeping my place. My stomach started sloshing really uncomfortably with half a mile to go, but I pushed through it and finished strong. Cedar City is on Friday, and since it's flat it'll be easier for me to maintain a good pace and keep up with people and place high, I'm hoping for a medal. We had a team meeting and then did a one mile cool down.

Simple half mile warm up, mile and a half speed changes, and half mile cool down while listening to music and watching JV football and soccer kick pockets in their games.

Cedar City Invitational! We had the long 4 hour bus ride down there on a school bus, which was a party until the last ten minutes when I hit my head on the seat. When we set up our spot my head really hurt, but someone gave me ibuprofen and I went on a warm up with the girls. My head felt better when we changed shoes and went to the line. We did several strides while we waited for the official. This year at the start I decided to pay attention and start on time instead of being turned around and talking because the official doesn't talk loud enough. At the gun, I went out hard with Natalie, and there was a pack of 5 that went out ahead, 2 Salem Hills girls went the wrong way and when they came back on the course one of them was way ahead of everyone, but we all caught her. I decided I would stay close to Nat since it's a flat course. When we exited the track for the first lap, a girl in dark green in front of me grabbed the gate and tried to close it behind her but a spectator grabbed it from her. So I put it in my head that I would be beating her, which I did. The rest of the race I don't really remember, because I was really focused on being close to Natalie. I PR'd by about 20 seconds, I finished in 10th place with a time of 18:44. I felt really happy, and after I changed my shoes I did 1 mile cool down and we headed out for pizza then Maggie, Scotty, Patrick, and I all headed down to St. George to volunteer for the marathon tomorrow.

Today we ran 2 laps warm up and a mile of speed changes. Then we did an 800, and I stuck to Natalie up until the last 200, where the wind picked up and it was really hard to fight it. I hit a 2:51 then we did 4 minutes of standing recovery. Then we did 2 sets of 400, 300, 200 with standing recovery. My first 400 was 1:23, then we walked to the 300 line and I hit a 57. For the 200 I hit a 38 and then we walked to the 400 start. My next set was faster, 1:20, 56, and 37. We did a mile cool down and I took my shoes off. Then we did an ice bath, and instead of the usual 2 buckets of ice we did 3, so it was really, really, REALLY cold!!! Luckily my quads felt great and it was only my calves that needed it, so I stood for 10 minutes with Tomy and Sargent. The whole time I screamed and clung onto people, which probably annoyed everybody but it got me through it so whatever teehee. It was the coldest thing ever.

Simple volunteer work at This is the Place moving branches and such in yards and cleaning, then we ran a mile around the park and did 6 very muddy strides then headed to Bill's for team dinner.

Regions today. When we got there we put our stuff under our tree to stay dry, and since the varsity races weren't for another 2 hours, we were forced to stay under the tree and huddle up to keep warm. When it was getting closer to our race, we warmed up by going around the complex and cheering on our JV Boys, who did a great job! And congrats to our JV Girls! After warming up for about a mile and a half, we changed our shoes then one of the officials or timers or whoever came over and told us the race was waiting on us, so we strode over to the line really fast and then didn't have time to do our prayer and cheer, which really bummed us out. The start was great, because there aren't very many people in our region so it wasn't crowded. I was able to go out hard with Natalie. A couple of Woods Cross girls stuck with us for the first half mile, but we broke off. At the mile one of them tried to pass us, but she fell away and all that was on my mind was "Go with Natalie, gap with Natalie." so I did. When we turned the final corner going down to the final kick, I saw Sarah was in third and there was a pack of Woods Cross behind her, so I screamed "Go Sarah!" and kicked it in. I finished in 19:20 right behind Natalie. After getting out of the chute and giving hugs, we went to see our final team score of 35, and to our disappointment, we didn't get our third year in a row streak as planned. :'( After putting up with all the congrats, I had to walk away and let it all out. I put my sweats back on and walked around to cheer on our Varsity Boys, who we really needed to make it to state instead of sitting out for three years in a row. When our fifth boy crossed the line we all looked at his card, and indeed our boys had made it, so good job boys! We went to the awards, congratulations to Natalie, Sarah, Scotty, and Tomy, medalists! Congratulations to everybody, we're going to do awesome at state in two weeks! After awards, we went to clean up the course, so Maggie, Patrick and I put on our orange cone hats and I went on a quick cool down to get to 5 miles for the day and make it onto the bus in time to go. After I went to The Pie with Scotty, Nelson, Maclean, Blake, and Becca to celebrate. Good job everybody!

Today we had to go on our own runs, so I was able to go shopping right after school. By the time I got home it was about 5:30, so at about 6:15 is when I started my run. I ran from my house along 14th east to 13th south, up to 18th east, over to Sunnyside Ave, up to Foothill, over on 5th south down to 13th east, and in front of the school. I was going to go on 13th until I got to 9th south, and I still needed 2 more miles, so I spontaneously decided to go up 9th south to 17th east, over to Emerson, back to 13th south, and down 13th south to my house. Now I'm off to eat.

Today we met in the commons because of the coldness. We ran down to Liberty Park for Fartlek, and we went straight to the drinking fountain without the extra lap today. We all got some water and quick stretching before jogging over to the bottom of our ridge hill. We were going to do a ladder, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 2 off, 1 on, and 1 off, and we were going to do that set 3 times. I started out strong and tried to stay as close to Natalie and Bill as possible. At the start of the second set is where I started to really feel the pain. I stayed strong through it and pushed. On the last 1 on, Tomy caught me and told me to go with him, so I pushed really hard to just be done. We finished our last 1 off right at the tree we had started at and the team regrouped for cooldown. We ran up 9th south until we got to the bottom of the very steep hill, then we were allowed to walk up it. Then Natalie drove Livi and I home and we had a pink party because the three of us had on long sleeved pinks. Heehee.

Later at halftime in our homecoming game against Bountiful, we met at the equipment room to build a torch. We ran up Sunnyside a bit to light it, and Scotty carried into the stadium. We were going to do another lap so Scotty, Natalie, and Blake could all carry it, but then the Skyline shirt we had used to light fell off and was dangling by one wire, and Scotty sprinted to the E to light it. But then the clump of burning t-shirt fell on the grass just below the E, and we all watched Scotty put it back on and light his portion of the torch. It was really fun!

This morning I met up with Natalie and Amanda to go running. We were going to meet Ben and Tomy at the circle at the track, but when neither of them showed up we assumed they weren't coming so we just started. We ran down to 13th east, where we ran to South Temple, and down to the Temple. We ran around the block and admired it, then came back up South Temple, I didn't really think about the uphill when I suggested we run to the temple. Instead of going back on 13th east, we ran up another block. As we ran by President's circle talking about the Jon Schmidt concert, we decided to run up through the campus behind Rice Eccles Stadium so we could go back along Guardsmin. There were Utes everywhere because of the football game against Arizona State. When we got back we had to do another lap around the track, where Eliza was setting her world record for longest wheelie in a wheelchair, you can check that out on guinnes world records or however it's spelled. It was a great run and we kept a pretty even pace the whole time, going a little slower and easier coming up South Temple. Good job to the football team last night for beating Bountiful!

Today was speed. We met up at the track and did a mile warm up and a mile speed changes. After that we did a timed mile, 800, another mile, and another 800. My first mile was a 5:54, I had stayed close to Natalie and Bill, behind them so I could get wind to my back along one stretch and draft on the other side of the track. We ran a lap recovery and stood for a minute before doing the first 800. I hit a 2:57. We did standing recovery, then the second mile. I hit a 6:15 this time, I started out too fast and the wind really got to me and it was tough. I decided that since the last 800 was the last one I could do it. After the second mile we ran a lap and stood for a minute recovering before the final 800. The first lap I kept up with Natalie and Bill, and our split was 1:23, which was really fast. I died out on the last 300, but I stayed strong as I could and finished with a 2:54. We did a mile and a half cool down to be at 7 for the day, so 3 grass laps. It was a tough workout, great weather but terrible wind.

Today was just a long run. We did our Thunderbird run. We went up Sunnyside to Wasatch Blvd, and over on Wasatch Drive to Thunderbird. At the drinking fountain I was so excited to finally get water, but to my disappointment it was turned off. I ran back along Foothill to 13th south, down to 19th east, over to Sunnyside, and back down to the track. I started out great with Natalie, Gavin, and Sam, but on Wasatch Drive is when I fell back from Natalie and started to feel sick. I don't think I had enough lunch today, and I know I didn't have enough water throughout the day. Coming back along Foothill, Gavin, Sam, and Caden caught me and passed me, then while they cut through the Dans parking lot I stayed on the sidewalk. Then they got lost going down 13th south, haha suckers. I just focused on getting back to the track for the rest of the run. When I got there I did 10 100 meter strides on the track and was finally able to go home.

Today wasn't hard or anything, but I was just having a tough time. We ran up Sunnyside to Guardsmin, over to 5th south, down to the cemetery, and in to the long hill. We then did that 10 times, and I don't know why it was so hard, because it wasn't. It felt like someone had stabbed my right kidney with a billion needles then squished it into a knot. It hurt really bad. When I was finally done I ran back to the school along 13th east with Olivia and Maggie. I'm just so glad to be done...
Happy Birthday Maggie and Dakota!

Today for workout was speed. The soccer team was playing Hillcrest for the quarter finals, and the JV Football team was playing Highland. Go leopards! For our workout we started with a mile warm up and a mile speed changes. After that we ran a lap as a team and Bill talked about state a little bit. After that we did 6 800s. I stayed pretty consistent on my times, all of my splits were 85, and my fastest 800 was a 2:50 and the slowest 2:54. We took a 4 minute standing recovery for each one. We did 2 grass laps for cool down to finish at 6 for the day. Now I'm off to Salt Lake Running Co. to see if they have my new shoes :)

Today we just did the fire station run but the 3 mile mark came a lot sooner than the fire station so we just turned around there. The only thing I don't like about that run is the first 2.5 miles are uphill, then it's flat for a mile so I was worn out from the hills, and then the way back hurts because it just does. Tonight football plays Highland, go EAST HIGH LEOPARDS!

Today after helping my ward wash cars I went to a speed workout. We were a small group, just Natalie, Sargent, Annie, Livi, Maggie, and I. We did a mile warm up, a mile speed changes then stretched for a minute or so. We then did 6 400s and 6 200s with standing recovery. The first 400 I went all out with Natalie and Annie, and we hit a 76. After that Bill mentioned to us that we were supposed to be hitting other times, me between an 83 and 85. Ha. Ha. Ha. Then on the next 5 400s I hit 82, 83, 83, 84, 84. Then for 200s we were just supposed to open up our stride a little, I opened mine up a little too much. I got 37s and 38s. We did 2 grass laps cool down.

Today was easy. State is in 2 days! Crazy! We ran up Sunnyside to Guardsmin, over to 5th south, down for a lap in the cemetery, and back along 13th east. Then we had a short sweats discussion.

Today was nice and easy. Mile warm up, mile speed changes, half mile cool down. It was great. Later we all went down to SpagFac for team dinner because STATE IS TOMORROW! We're all really excited. Good luck to everyone running! It's going to be really exciting, run your heart out and give your best!

State today. When we got there the girls took a POTTY break and our own roll of toilet paper. We then did a warm up and we went along the road on the grass up to the Sego Lily Pavilion and then turned around and went back to change our shoes and have our Pixi Stix. Then we went to the line for check in to box 11. We did several strides and then said our prayer and cheer and did more strides. I think that was the most energetic our cheer has ever been, Natalie, Annie, Maggie, Becca, Olivia, and Sarah Sa. When we started I had been hoping to go out hard with Natalie, but then I got boxed in and people kept cutting me off and elbowing me. Especially the Skyline girls, so I started to use my elbows to get back. When we were up top by the road at 21st south, I got shoved into one of the dirt piles, so when I came back on course I sped up to get away from the freaks that wouldn't stop touching me. I spend the next half mile getting away from the over-competitive jerks who were slow and unsportsmanlike, ugh it was so annoying! Once I got up our hill we do 400s on for practice, I felt like dying. My stomach felt like it was just squeezing itself in, not my abs, my stomach, the little thing inside of me that digests food. I kept myself strong and in position, passing a few people. Once I got to the point where I only had half a mile left, speed change. I wanted to pass the pack of 20 girls in front of me. I passed between 5-10 people and only had about 300 left to go when I felt the true pain. I couldn't breathe, my stomach felt really tight, and my legs weighed a ton. I tried to work up my kick once I got to the track, but instead 5 girls passed me and everyone got away from me. It was horrifying. After I got away from people I changed back into my trainers and jogged around cheering on the boys and socializing with my friends from other teams. It wasn't quite a mile, but the strides before the awful race took the mileage up a bit, so I'm just going to count it as a mile cooldown and strides. Now I really need to charge my Garmin...

I went running with Susannah. We ran from our house up to 15th east over to Harvard up to 17th and over to 9th south. I was really hurting and just so sore, we ran back the same way which was exactly 2 miles total. I hopped on Susannah's bike and we went up to her locker room at the U and back home. It was 5 miles on the bike so I'm putting it as 1 more mile running, but barefoot. I am so sore... End of season... Why do you hurt me so much?

Today we met in the commons and had a meeting about training for Footlocker. The only downside of XC after state is how few people actually come train for Footlocker :( I miss everyone! Y'alls should come to practice! We split the run into 3 parts, a short run, a medium run, and the longest run. I did the longest run with Annie, Sam, Bill, Chris, Sarah Sa, and Dakota. We ran a lap around the block which was about half mile then went along 13th east to 21st south, down to 9th east, over to 9th south, up to the school, another block around the school, and a lap around the grass and parking lot in the back. We stayed as a group for the first 2.5 miles, then we all sort of chained off. I stayed with Sam and Bill, and right after we passed Sam's house Sam got ahead and Annie caught up. When we got to the hill after 9th and 9th, Bill encouraged Annie and I to go hard up the hill. I did ok until about 75% of the way up, then I couldn't do it anymore. Finally at the top, I went up to 13th east and over to 8th south down to 12th east and up into the teacher lot. I stopped by Bill's car but we still had just over a quarter mile to add so we ran over to the softball field and came back to the parking lot, did a lap in the parking lot, and went back to the car.

Today we met in the commons again. We went to the weight room and did 3 sets of leg lifts, wall sits, planks, balance (aka push one another over), arm swings, squats with the bars, and lunges in the hall. Then we ran along 13th east to Sugarhouse to our loop hill, did 6 of those, a grass lap, 6 more loop hills, and back along 13th east. I felt pretty good on the way there and kept up with the group, and my first set of 6 loops was alright, but on the grass loop I lost it and when I got to the bottom of the hill I was surprised people waited for me. We did 6 more, I was still behind but I gave it the rest of my energy and saw Caden practicing on XC Skis. Running back I tried to keep up, but instead Dakota, Sarah Sa and I fell back and got stuck at every light. I did a lap in the teacher parking lot to finish up my miles for the day and went home. MYLO XYLOTO COLDPLAY <3

Today was just a long run. We ran up 9th south to Foothill, over to Sunnyside, up to the Shoreline trailhead, and ran along there to Red Butte. We ran up the road to the fence, back down the road, through the housing area at the U to Legacy Bridge, down through West Hyper by the Huntsman center, past the institute building, down 5th south to Guardsmin, over to 8th south, across Amanda Ave, and down 9th south to the teacher parking lot. We stayed as a group up until we got to the trailhead, where I became weak and the soreness kicked in. I ran up the trail and when I reached the part where there were no more bad uphills, Sarah Sa caught up to me and we ran together. The construction is finally finished, so we didn't have to run down to the road and back up around the construction, we could just run threw the new path and we saw a brand new drinking fountain and it was nice because the water was freezing cold. When we started running up the road behind the Red Butte amphitheater, we saw Natalie and our chemistry student teacher, I can't remember his name. Just before the yellow gate we saw Bill, and shortly after we saw the rest of the boys. We stretched at the fence for a minute before turning around. It was downhill from there so I felt like an 8 minute pace would be good. I just didn't want Sarah to get lost. We ran through the housing area, but I'm not exactly sure what wrong way we went, but somehow we came out on the road above the frisbee golf course and the bridge was to our left quite a ways, plus we had to run around construction. We ran across the bridge and down, then the construction made me upset. We had to go up by the trax station and then down through the West Hyper parking lot just east of the Huntsman center. I started to pick up my pace because I was to the point where I felt really sick and worn out that I just wanted to be done. We got down to Guardsmin and then down 8th south on Amanda Ave, down 9th south to the light. I barely made it and Sarah barely missed it. It was a good run to get over with, I'm not sure why it had to hurt so bad but now that I'm all curled up in my sweats with my Halloween Lofthouse cookies I feel better. Naptime!

Happy Halloween! Today we ran along 13th east to 21st south, through the adventure way and to Fairmont Park. We ran as a group the whole way there, and Savannah's little 8th grade sister Emma came to run and she's gonna be good if she sticks with it. We did 10 strides at the park, then ran to along 9th east to 13th south, up to 11th east, over to 9th south, and up the hill. It was a pretty good workout for me considering I haven't ran in 4 days...

Today we started by going to the weight room. Kiley came to work out with us, and that was great because we're about the same speed. We did our usual leg lifts, wall sits, balance, squats, calve raisers, arm swings, and lunges. For a run we ran down to Liberty Park and met at the drinking fountain. We then went over to do fartlek around the pond, 3 minutes on and 2 minutes off, 5 sets. I stayed with Bill and Kiley the whole time, and once we finally reached the cooldown, I felt really sick. When we got to 9th south, Sargent and I stopped at the little chocolate shop to use the bathroom. After a POTTY break, we ran up 9th south and once we got to 11th east we walked up the hill, and as soon as we reached the top we ran again to the cars. I need to cut down on the Halloween candy...Hehehe...

Went to the gym with Susie. Ran 2 miles on the dreadmill getting progressively faster every quarter mile. Biked for about 10 minutes, really fast 3 miles on the bike. So stressed out on the play...

We met in the commons for practice but it turns out we were supposed to go up to the track, so Kiley drove me up there and it was my first time in a slugbug ever! :D

Anyway, today was a bad day to come back to xc after the play. We did a mile warm up and a mile speed changes, and I felt pretty ready to do the three one mile repeats at 6:10 pace. However after my first lap, I felt the horribleness of having only ran twice in the past 2 weeks, so I pushed as hard as I could until the mile was over. The burning hurt so bad, I stood still for a few minutes before running a really slow cool down just to be at 4 miles for the day. Hopefully I'll be back up to where I should be by Friday.

We met in the commons and ran up to the track. There, we did 8 of our drill laps on the bleachers. We did pocketkicks, highknees, Bskips, Powerskips, Grapevines both ways, lunges, and toes. After the 8 laps we went over to Kernodle hill and did half a soccer field stride and up to touch the fence, walk backwards down, and jog back to the middle of the field. We did that 10 times. Then we ran up to Sunnyside park, 2 laps, and back down to the school. So excited for tomorrow, it's a late start, then the STATE FOOTBALL GAME, and then our XC banquet! :) Go East High Football!!!!!!!

Went out to the Olympic Oval with Natalie, Sarah, Sarah, and Olivia today. Bill met us there and we did a mile warm up and a mile speed changes, then a lap recovery. (Just for fun Livi, just for fun:)Then we did 6 800s, and I was supposed to be hitting no slower than a 3:15. We did a lap after each one for recovery. I hit a 2:59, 3:13, 3:09, 3:16, 2:59, and a 3:03. I really need to put myself together. They were okay, minus the fact that my lungs felt like they were just burning up, and that I had to yell "lane one!" at the same person three times before they moved more into the lane. Not helping mister slow walker. After we finished our last recovery lap, we did 9 laps cool down to be at 10 for the day. Then we all went for a lovely gelato from Emigration :)

Today was a track workout. We did our 2 vertical D floor laps and then Natalie and Jasmine led our stretches because they're seniors and we love seniors. After that we did some dynamic stretching and leg swings. Then 2 sets of 30 quick squats, 2 A floor hall strides, walk out side to sides, and 4 stair laps. After the second set we did jump lunges, then wall kicks, then we went to the weight room to do pull ups. I actually kindof did some :) Then we distance people went on a run. I was supposed to go on a 40 minute run, just anywhere. I ran with Annie and Nate the whole way because everyone else fell behind. We went up 9th south to 18th east, over a block, up to 19th east, over to Harrison ave, down to 17th, and a loop in Browning circle. After that we went down Browning Avenue to 15th east, over to Sherman down to 14th east by my house, over to 13th south, down to 13th east, over to 17th south, then turned around and went back to East along 13th east. It was pretty cold but it wasn't too bad, so it was basically the perfect weather for running. I felt a little sick throughout the run but I was mostly alright.

We did speed at the track today. After giving the Box Elder girls basketball team a short tour of the commons to Sharpay's locker and Ms Darbus's classroom all from High School Musical (They were excited it was hilarious!) we ran from the commons to the track and did a mile warm up and a mile speed changes. Then we did 8 400s each with a lap recovery. It was okay mentally, but physically it was challenging. All of my workout today was really me telling myself to keep going. After our last one, we did a mile cool down and back down to the school.

Ran a 2 mile warm up with Susannah. At the start of the race I went out hard with her but then fell back because of the gradual uphill. Once I hit the turnaround I picked it up. And I saw a bowhunter guy, he was legit. I wasn't going to let any other girls who looked like my age group beat me because I've done this race 4 times now and I wanted a medal. In the last kick a girl who looked my age tried to outkick me but I beat her, clearly. She tried to pass me in the chute but I wouldn't let her. But then when they did awards they announced 1st 2nd and then 3rd, and she was 3rd? Screw sports am. I went and talked to the people and told them that I beat her that I had battled that final kick with her thinking about beating her and burning my lungs up just to be told she beat me yet I was in front? No, I wanted my medal. So I got it. Stupid sports am, I'm never doing any of their races ever again because of their cheap chip timing and outdated computer.

Today for track we met in the commons and ran up to the track. We did 2 laps so we would all be at a mile warm up. Then we did our dynamic drills with Tim and then broke into boys and girls (ugly and pretty) for circuits with box squats, hill lunches, football field strides, burpies, walk out and in with roatations, and hills. We broke into groups for our runs, I went for a 20 minute adventure run with Patrick, Kevin, Sarah B, and Sarah Sa. We ran over to 9th south, up to 17th east, over to Harvard, and down to ZoBells. I looked through the window and stared at RJ for about a full minute before he looked up. It was funny. Then we ran down to 15th east, over to Yale, down to 14th, over to Gilmer, down to 13th, and back to the school. We finished at exactly 4 miles for the day. We then did wall sits as the 5 of us then I went back up to the track to give Bill the rest of my Footlocker stuff and get my sweats from Savannah.

Today was speed and we had a bigger group than we normally do. We ran up to the track and did a mile warm up and a mile speed changes. Then we stretched and did 4 sets of 400 200, with 2:30 and 1:30 standing recovery. I ran a 1:17, 37, 1:20, 39, 1:26, 38, 1:22, 37. My legs felt really heavy for the first 2 sets, but then on the last 2 sets my whole upper body felt really heavy and I almost tripped over my legs because it felt like I had no control. It was wierd. We did 2 grass loops cool down then took down out discus net, which I'm not sure why it was even up... Then we ran back down to the school and went home. We're scheduled to leave for Footlocker at 6 AM on Thursday, and from the second I post this we're scheduled to leave in 36 hours 44 minutes and 30 seconds.

Today for track we did 2 vertical laps warm up and then went right onto dynamic stretching. We then did 3 of our circuits with the basic A skips, strides, burpies, down dog walk outs, box squats and box lunges with 5 second holds, and more. After all this we went on our run along 13th east to the cemetery, 1 lap, and back the same way. We went to the weight room and did some stretches for our legs and arms and then went home. I'm excited, 6 AM tomorrow we leave for FOOTLOCKER! 12 HOURS 39 MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS!!!

All day bus ride to Footlocker. :) Stopped in St George at the usual place to run on the trailway to the golf courses 2 miles out and back.

Went with the team for packet pick up and course walk through. After course walk through I took my shoe off and we did 8 strides by the start then headed to the beach. As soon as we got to the beach Sarah Sa and I sprinted barefoot in the wet sand and back for funsies.

When we got to the course, I ran a mile warm up with Maggie because we're the only junior girls. When we checked into the start we did some strides. I did some high knees and butt kicks and the second I got back to the line from my butt kicks everyone else was in starting stance, heehee. As soon as the gun fired both girls on either side of be elbowed, so I fought back and ran harder than them. The corral was alright, I worked on getting into position for the first mile. For the second mile I worked up the switchbacks and they made my legs hurt really bad, but as soon as it curved into a downhill I leaned forward and passed as many people as possible. Going up poop out hill I focused on myself and not the others around me. It helped to have Taylor screaming at me to go because I hadn't heard anybody cheering for me. I went down the rest of the reservoir hard and worked up reservoir hill. I used the last downhill to give me the kick I needed to medal. Once I got onto the track I kicked it. But at the last 10 meters I got outkicked by a shorty (Not as if that's every happened before. eyeroll) And yeah. I ran a 1 mile cool down actually cheering for my teammates instead of messing around. Then we went to Disneyland! :)

Went to the gym and biked 3 miles while doing my chemistry homework. Earlier today I walked to and from Smiths with my financial lit class to do some grocery budgeting heehee.

We did our track stuff and then us distance runners played 3 rounds of foxes and hounds. I survived the first round running around with Tomy. I almost survived the 2nd round but got caught last minute. I was out pretty close to the end of the last round. And the whole workout I was in my jeans.

Went to the gym and did 2 miles on the elliptical. It was really boring because I forgot my ipod.

Did the usual core, A Skips, hip swings, and break out. Distance did our step ups, wall sits, lunges, balances, leg lifts, and more. Then we went on 13th east to the cemetery, 1 lap, and back. Then it was only 2 and a half so we did 1 grass and parking lot lap behind the school and another grass lap. Omnomnom Christmas treats!

Olympic Oval team workout. 4 laps warm up, 4 speed changes, 1 recovery. Changed shoes. 2 sets of circuts then 10 laps of Js. I did these all by myself, along with a lot of other things lately. I did my mile cool down alone and then went home and have been sitting here pretty much all day.

Ow. Out at the Oval I did 1 mile warm up, and after a half mile of speed changes my hips were really hurting. I changed shoes and did drills laps then a 40 minute tempo. My hips were hurting really bad, and my plantarfacitis  was really hurting as always. I did 29 laps total today. I'm ready to go take a nap.

Went on a 4 mile bike ride while Susannah ran and we delivered Christmas presents to Natalie and McKensie. We then went to the grocery store to get presents for more people. Then we went home. My toes are freeeeeezing. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas everyone! :)

I went to my cousins house in Kaysville today for some Christmas fun, and Michaela and I still needed to run so we put on our new Christmas running clothes and went out for 2.25 and back. The route is secret and the conversation is secret, but my garmin measured 4.5 and that's all that mattered. Our average pace was 9 minutes.