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Now what are we supposed to do?

Races so far this year = ONE
3rd annual Keith Young Memorial 5k came and went. I lost, Nathan beat me by like 1 second or something. Missed Ragnar this year, there hasn't been any talk of the diry dash again. I have thought about maybe doing the Bryce Canyon Rim run at the end of August. 5 miler along the top rim of Bryce canyon. Should be a good view, its also a trail run, mostly dirt I think.
I've been running twice since the first of January, how sad is that? I tell myself its the heat, but its not. I just need to start going at night, when its cooler and the baby is asleep or something. Maybe its cuz I'm addicted to soda again? Maybe cuz I eat too many donuts? "Maybe I am not meant for these duties" -Nacho Libre

Edge Of Glory

We are a week away from the 3rd annual Keith Young Memorial 5k race. Would I like another month to prepare? Sure I would. Would I like to be 12-15 pounds lighter? You betchya. Would I like to be meaner, leaner, faster? Without a doubt.
I'm not these things this year. Not sure what happened. Thought I could figure it out, haven't yet.
"It's not about winning a game, it's about fixing whats broken". You see that on the wall in almost every episode of "The Biggest Loser". I'm trying to figure it out. I can tell myself all the motivational crap there is. But its just not working.



I've been on a couple decent runs where I think I've got it figured out. where I've made it and thought to myself, "This is it. I've pushed through that threshold. It gets easier from here on out." Next time I go out, I come up short, slow, weak and depressed. I haven't had the time and opportunity to run as much as I'd like, but even then I find myself thinking if I would have used those opportunities anyways if I had?
Right now I believe I can make it the 3.1 miles needed, but I'm at between 27-30 minutes. Far cry from last years best of 21:30 mins 5k and 13 mile half marathon at seasons end.
Won't be doing Ragnar this year either. Was hoping too, hoping it would motivate me or maybe I would suprise myself by doing well or something. Not sure whats next. Alot going on this summer with kids and new baby. Plus races are expensive. Maybe save up and get on a team for the Red Rock Relay in September or something. The RRR is like Ragnar (long relay race) except for down south in the Cedar City/St.George Area.
I'm hoping for 3 practice runs this week, get stronger/faster without wearing myself out. On kind of an edge it seems. Push it and win or push it and fail. Take it easy and win with rest, or lose with being too rested or something.
Either way, one good thing to look forward to is seeing family n friends, but most importanlty - race day Mohawk!!!!!

If the shoe fits......

I was thinking of some sort of prophetic,prolific or higher message to convey about getting new shoes. Instead I got sucked into the Marvel marathon on the FX channel.
Maybe something about an upgrade, out with the old in with the new, the lease on life, new motivation, some crap like that. But I got nothing.
When I first started running in the spring of '09 I had some "tennis shoes" that I used. Everything hurt when I ran. I thought it was because I was overweight and really hadn't ran before. That was true. But also had to do with my shoes. When playing basketball you use basketball shoes, football-football shoes, made sense.
So I got some "running" shoes. That made a huge difference. Right tool for the job. Nothing spectacular, just some basic Asics shoes. They had some gel and good foam for cushioning. Basic shoe for a basic runner.
Well this year has been a struggle so far, with everything, losing weight, running, ect. Feet,legs and back have been hurting. Thought it was because I was chubby again and out of shape. That was true. But maybe it was my shoes too? They say depending on how much you run you should change your shoes accordingly. If you can they say you should change shoes after every run. So when training use one pair of shoes for a run, then your next run use that different pair, and so on. Shoes, like your body need resting periods. A chance to fluff up the cushioning after being impacted from a run.
Well 2 years was my limit I guess. I was saving to get a really good shoe, but needed one now. so again I got a basic shoe. Maybe a little better than basic. Nike outlet store on sale, so not too bad. Nike air Max Moto 6.

I've been on a couple runs so far with them and its a good shoe. It's helped with foot pain already. I've been on a 3 miler and a 5 miler. Feet feel fine, my legs still need to get stronger for farther distance. But I'll rotate with old shoes to keep the new ones still fresh. Maybe that will help?
Just over a month before the running season starts. Starts late this year for me. Probably wont do as many races this year, who knows? Hope the shoes help, hope it gets easier, and hope I can put up decent times this year.
New song this year to get movin' too, "awake & alive" by Skillet.

We have a Piper Down

So anyways...since last blog we've had some things change around here. 1st off I haven't been running :( I have just started this last week. Was asked if I wanted to do Ragnar again so I'm using that as my kick off point. Hopefully I can stick to it and get better. Right now the pace and distance is miserable. I can run 3 miles but I'm at like at a 35-40 min pace, poop. The really bad news is that this winter I've put back on 12 or so pounds, poopity poop!
Our little GIRL joined us almost a month ago! She is adorable. Pretty much how I' thought she'd look ( just like all the others ) except a girl. Our house is full of pink stuff. Liz asks me to go get that pink shirt with the stuff on it, I come back and say, "Which one"?
It won't be long before she's smiling, when that day comes it will be a bigger fight over her than it already is. I'm sure Liz has wanted a girl since like 4 kids ago. She's not out numbered 5 to 1 anymore! We were sure it was never going to happen. We were actually done planning on having more kids after #3 (Owen). Someone else had plans of their own I guess.
I wouldn't trade her for the world. Having girls is a whole different world. Right now in the baby stage its not too much different, but just thinking about whats to come. Before she was born I was always asking Liz questions like:
What do you feed a girl? Am I gonna have to go see all the fairy princess movies now? Do you think she'll like Wonder Woman and Batgirl?
I like to tease Piper when she's screaming or has a big 'ol load in her pants by saying, "Thats not very lady like."
Here is just a short video clip of a couple pictures. I put it to some music from Keith Urban's new song "without you", ahhhhh.

Newton's 1st Law

Here is a little more hypocritical gargin I’ll try to dispense, make myself feel better or lousy attempt at motivation.
I was asked to help with scouts this week. They worked on Scientist belt loop or badge. They did some experiments and talked about Newton’s 1st law:
An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force; An object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. That statement kinda hit me on Saturday. I’ve had a cold for a couple days, and I’m nervous about taking “night time” medication. Since it was Friday night I decided to take some. But it seemed to stick with me for a good portion of the day. Just felt blah and lazy I guess.
Went running with Nathan on Thursday at the end of the work day. 1st excersize and run of the year. Haven’t been since Halloween. It felt good. I was surprised I was able to go farther than a mile. Thought to myself, “Hey I can do this again, that wasn’t so tuff. It was easier to start than in previous years”
So Saturday I had big plans to go running again, start some sort of routine or something. But just couldn’t get the “umph” to go do it.
Thought about Newton’s law for some reason and how it totally pertained to me. An object at rest tends to stay at rest. I was sitting there, and was going to stay sitting. I wouldn’t have gone running unless Nathan (unbalanced force) got me moving.
Last year when I said, “I don’t feel like running”. That was when I went. “When I don’t feel like it is when I need to go the most”, I’d tell myself. Its been hard to say that lately. I’ve been content to “stay at rest”.
Last year when I was “in motion” is was easier to “stay in motion” The unbalanced force hat stopped me was the season, or was it? I guess I need to figure that out, or do I?
I’m not a “goal oriented” person. Last year I did set some goals and achieved them. It was pretty cool. Maybe that’s what I need this year? Just feel so overwhelmed when I think about all the things going on this summer/year. I want to do all the runs I did last year, but not sure I will be able to, do to money and scheduling. I want to do better too, but I pushed last year, and it wasn’t very fun. The end result was great, but training for it wasn’t.
Well I woke up today and told myself, “Just go, start the motion. Who knows, maybe you’ll tend to stay in motion”. So I went today for a run. It was nice outside. Sidewalks and paths were mostly clear. I wore shorts in January! Went 3 miles. It was tuff. I had to stop a few times, catch my breath. Don’t know what from, I was totally going slow. I thought maybe it was the season, there isn’t any air during the winter, even though it didn’t feel like winter. My legs were mostly willing to move. At about the 2 mile mark though they were ready to be done. My lungs on the other hand were done at 1 mile. After I got home I had to take Oliver for a walk in the stroller, we walked for another 2 miles. Helped cool down and get some sun, even thought I hate the sun, it was good to see it. Maybe I’ll keep it going. Even if I don’t run, I need to stay in motion. I have a basement that needs finishing and it ain’t gonna do it by its self. I’ve got some more materials and need to put them in place. Don’t get overwhelmed by the whole project, just do little by little.
Anyways, there it is. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. An object at rest tends to stay at rest, unless acted upon an unbalanced force. Find your force and get in motion.

Made a little mix of last year's 5k playlist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHSC1NoOhnk

Chunky Still

You know the episodes of the Biggest Loser when they visit past contestants, and some of them have gained the weight back? And people look at them like, “how could you do this, again?”
Those people already feel bad at themselves, then have others look at what they accomplished and what they at failed again in disgust. Makes for some good late night binging, curled up in the fetal position in the shower crying moments. Sure its good for TV and entertainment, but not for real life.
I haven’t exercised in 2 months! Haven’t ran, walked or sweated since the Halloween half. Why not? Dunno?
Because of the seasonal light and lack there of I told myself I would run on Saturdays when I had time. Just too keep the muscle memory going and legs in somewhat shape. So when it comes time to start running again it wouldn’t hurt and stink so bad like it has the last 2 years in the spring.
Well I haven’t went a single time. Too busy? Don’t care anymore? Too cold? No idea really. No motivation mostly. The Halloween half took its toll physically and spiritually too I guess.
Spiritually it was great, a good high from an accomplishment I never thought I’d reach. But physically it took a week to walk normally. Maybe I was just tired. It was a long summer. Ran a lot of miles. Then just got used to doing nothing again. My biggest mistake I think was rewarding myself with a “soda”. Instead of 1 I got a 12 pack, instead of just having that I stared off having 1-2 a day thing again, then having 2 liters in the house. Why not throw in ice cream everynight again right?. Why your at it, “hey remember how good fries and onion rings were?” Yep back in the mix.
So far 10lbs back on. I’ve packed back on half of what I lost. It took a year to lose 20lbs, 2 months to gain back half back. At this rate with more holiday cheer coming up I could be back to fat Bruce weight by February, easily.
The sad thing is I kinda don’t care. I don’t know why that is? This last summer I think because I always had something coming up, a race or event that it kept me going. Nothing is going on in the winter, and with new baby and projects I’m not seeing anything on the horizon.
Not sure how many will make it to 3rd annual memorial race ( lots of graduations around that time). Same with Dirty Dash 5k in June. Pony express days might be around that time also. It would be nice to be in good enuff shape to try at a personal best at the PE again, but not sure about it. The kids would love to do the Dirty Dash 5k. But man its gonna be expensive. I got a lot of kids!
Will the Pork Chop Express do the dirty dash in September again, dunno?
I’ve thought a lot about not blogging about getting big again cuz don’t want people to look down on me or something. Or if people didn’t see me when I lost the weight then see me now and say, “Liar, you’re still chunky.”
Then also thought I would blog so people could see how hard it is. Some might think, “Sure its easy for you to change your habits and go for a run.” No its NOT. It never was. Running did get a little easier towards the end when I was able to go 6-7 miles. 3 miles was easy. That was AWESOME!!! But now I’m sure I couldn’t make it 1.
So if anyone is thinking, this year I’m gonna start! I’ll try and do it with ya I guess. I’ll be starting over too,again. I think that’s what I’m not looking forward to the most. It will hurt, I will get frustrated, I will crave those sugar bubbles, those salty starches and that cold creamy goodness.
But hey, lets wait until the new year, cuz I know I’m gonna stuff it every chance I get and there will be plenty of chances! So instead of getting down about it, lets just take it and do what we can to lose it come February sometime!
I am getting a little sick of having to tell myself the same things over and over. I will probably always be one of those people too, dang it.
“Rise and rise again”.
Don't let what you can't do stop you from doing what you can do.
Right now I can’t run 3 miles. But maybe I can run at least 1
People say, “Don’t worry about what you eat between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Worry about what you eat between Christmas and Thanksgiving.” I like that!
I just don’t know what to do to get started again? What’s my motivation this year?
1st summer was “Hey,don’t be fat” 2nd summer was “I am going to beat you!”
Whats this year? “Have fun?” Running isn’t fun tho. Doing the actual races is, but the preparing is not. I don’t know, anyone have any ideas?

Kinda tired

...and I'm spent!
The running season is officially over for the year. I ran alot of miles this year.
4-5k races, 2-10k races, half marathon and a 24 hour relay race.
Redeemed myself at the 2nd annual Keith Young 5k. Set a personal best at the Pony express 5k and achieved a goal on the halloween half.
Here is a little bit I'll look back and be happy about it. Right now I'm banged up! Running for 2 hours/13 miles then started working on our basement has crippled me. I can barely walk. I got beat up alot this year. And maybe thats what I'm not happy about.
The rib injury at the begining of the season, re-injury at Ragnar, the wieght gain after Dirty Dash,the wounded duck after Halloween.
I guess I did fight back after each one. But man it was tough. I'm looking back at the first year I started this, it was tuff, but at the end it was kinda fun. It was something to look forward to. I had motivation to better myself for this year. I did that. Now looking onto next year I'm thinking, "Really, do I want to do this again?"
What about setting a goal for a FULL marathon? Don't think I'll take that challenge just yet. Not sure if I will actually. That would be 4 hours of non-stop running. I have thought about it tho. Seen a couple in Southern California that would be alot easier than here in Utah. My body is just not built for it. I don't have the correct form, too old to learn it. My vertabrae are too short, my veins too thick, my heart too slow and my lungs soo small.
I think I'll do the races I did this year again if it comes up. Will I strive to beat this years time next year, who knows?
One thing that will keep me doing this, and I think what has, is that I'm running with family. This year I did 4 races with Shiree, Jamie was there on 4, Nathan 3, Chad 2, Matt 2 and most of us at the Memorial run.
Thanks to family and a supportive wife. I'm sure Liz and the boys are ready for me to be done also.
Oliver-"Ah, why do you always have to go running?"
Me- "So I don't die."
Oliver- "Ah,Why do you always have to die?"
Me - "Cuz I'm fat and slow."
Oliver - "Ah,why are you fat and slow?"
Me- "Cuz I eat too much donuts & drink too much soda."
Oliver - Ah, why....ect
Maybe next year I'll put more emphasis on having fun instead of competition? Its just staying in shape part, the actual running preparing for races isn't fun. Trail runs are cool, need to do more of them.
Not sure what else to blog about. Might do some when the basement gets a makeover, or when the little one arrives.

Dirty, Rotten, Filthy, Stinkin'.....

Well the summer is gone, hopefully. First weekend of October and its in the 90's still, crazy. On the other hand there is no light left in the evenings. Usually I would welcome this. Me and the sun don't get along very well. But the evenings is the only time I can run. But with kids in school,PK tired of babysitting and all that jazz it gets too late and too dark. Which usually wouldn't matter since last year's running season ended at the begining of September. This year it ends on Halloween. I have nothing until then either, which is bad cuz I'm not motivated. Doing Provo's Halloween Half Marathon. I guess so is over a thousand or more other people. I haven't really ran since The Dirty Dash (Sept 25th).
The Dirty Dash took place at Soldier Hollow in Midway (by Heber). The funnest race by far. Which it really wasn't a race. We didn't go for time. We went for fun. There was a Dash in Boise ID a week prior and had alot of complaints and looked like alot of lines. The UT dash had more people sign up by far. But turned out spectacular! Alot of mud, water, and good running trails. I was worried about the rolling hills. I'm not good at inclines. They are my kryponite. but I did well on them, no problem. Our whole team did great. It was 6.2 miles with some obsticles every mile or so. Very nice. Here is a little video with pictures and vids taken.

Also a link from the Deseret News:
Masquerade Ball Mud Wrestling
After the "Running with the horses" 10k in Wyo I was looking forward to the half marathon. I actually believed I could do it. After the dash I felt great too. For some reason now though I don't. I think its just cuz is still 25 days out. Or preparing for it is gonna stink. I thought preparing for a 5k was tuff, thats easy now. 5k is nothing. 13.1 miles, thats a beast for me. Couple weeks ago I did run 10 miles (my farthest) but it was tuff. While I stopped to stretch and get a drink with about 3 miles left I looked around (for coyotes) and thought, "Wow, cool night air under the moonlight. Too bad I'm running."
The Halloween half should be fairly easy (as runners go). There is 5 miles of good downhill then the other 8 mostly flat. "The other 8", whats up with that, who talks like that? So hopefully on each of the next 3 saturdays I can run 10-12 miles then on the 4th run the full 13 for the race. But in between, like on mondays & wednesdays I've got to run like 7-8 miles. Running 3 miles on monday, wed & saturday were tuff enough. Only at the end of the summer did they feel easyish.
I like the actuall race days and running with family, nothing beats that. Its the training part that stinks. I stink at that stuff. Maybe its cuz I'm sluggish right now. I'm kinda back on my old diet (soda, cake, cookies, chips,burgers, fries, onion rings, shakes, ect...) its a killer! Funny thing is I'll probably be laying in bed tonight eating ice cream, crying and watching the biggest loser.
I just have this feeling I'm gonna put back 20lbs this winter. And have to start all over next spring. I hate starting over. Maybe next year will be more laid back. Last year was seeing if I could do it, this year seeing if I could do better, next year maybe just the fun ones or something. I am gonna miss one thing - race day mohawk!

Not afraid to lose my breath while climbing chocolate

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
Thats the 1st verse from one of my favorite songs of this year. Too bad its sung by an annoying messed up teenager. It might have been more mainstream and heard if done by a different artist. Anways, prejudice aside the lyrics are a great analogy on life. I could put the whole thing on hear but, whatever too lazy, take too much space. I embeded the song at the begining. Give it a listen, you get the jist.
It rings home especially for this summer. Alot of ups and downs. Actually made some goals and accomplished them. Made some goals and not sure if I'll finish them or not. Tried something epic and fell short. Thought alot about plans for the future and now those plans will have to change or be re-arranged. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going get." Life hands you suprises and you do your best.
Along the same lines of "The Climb" is a new song by George Strait-The Breath You Take...
"Life’s not the breaths you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
Ya just might miss the point
Try’n to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
Thats so true, and can be used many different ways. For example its not the "day to day " things you have to overcom, its the big punch in the stomach stuff.
Its not about sweating all day in the sun so you can provide a roof for your child. Its about watching your son make sounds effects with his toys as he plays.
Like the 45 minute hike straight up to Delicate Arch in Moab. But sitting there at the top gazing at God's handy work.
Its not about tearing your body down, making it scream and whine while you run. Its that glimps of hope that says, "I can do this". And seeing it come true. Its about being taught a lesson. Being knocked off your high horse.
With this new suprise I got very scared. Still am. But we are gonna take it. It wasn't in our plans, but it is now. And we'll be happy. Been married 15 years as of today. Average a child every 3 years. Crazy! Looking forward to the next 15!!!
"I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road"
Referenced 2 country artists had to reference a rapper!
Lifes not about the destination or where your headed. Its the journey and and how you get there!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb