Saturday's Hike

I have not been hiking since girls camp in June because I was concentrating on training for the half marathon race last week. But it's over and I just bummed around during the week using "recovery" as my excuse, so on Saturday I decided I would go on a long hike in one of my favorite spots, the Tortolita Mountains. This hike starts out at the new Ritz Carleton Resort and goes up into the mountains behind the resort then heads north up the canyon for about an 8+mile round trip trek. The day could not have been nicer, weather wise. The mountainsides were green with ocotillo, wild flowers, and fruit bearing yucca plants. I had never seen these before.

Yucca Fruit

Beautiful View of the Tortolitas

This hike is on the Wild Mustang trail via Upper Javelina via the Wild Burro Trail. And it is remote. I did not see one other person the four hours I was hiking, so if you want to get away and be alone this is a good place. Yeah, I know it might not be a good idea to go hiking by myself, but I did leave a note with Nick telling him where I was going. Often I love the solitude of a hike way out yonder to be one with nature and commune with God. I believe the spirit likes to go hiking, too, because I certainly feel peace out there.

I DID IT-- Park City Marathon!!!

Last Saturday, August 21, I ran the Park City Half Marathon with Jorgen and Amy. Keira decided she just was too tired so her Grandma Holker took care of her.

I wish I could say my time improved from two years ago, but I can't, in fact I was 18 minutes slower! I felt good until about mile 9, then I started running like an old lady! My legs kept cramping so I walked about 1/2 mile into mile 11. But I recovered enough to begin running again and finish at a decent pace for me. Considering I hadn't trained well (no long runs) this summer I'm not too terribly disappointed. And I can say or shout THIRTEEN.ONE MILES IS A LONG WAYS!!! But my feet didn't hurt. So there!

The week before the race was powerful. During the day I was in classes soaking up as much spiritual information as I could at BYU Education Week and at night I played grandma to Keira. I loved doing both!

At Ed Week the spirit taught me that I need to make my prayers much more meaningful and truly commune with my Father in heaven. I was taught the scriptures are full of wonderful insights that I'm not tapping into. I had a confirmation that sharing my testimony via my blog, facebook, and other social networks is a mighty force for good. I learned that many of the signs for the second coming have happened and are happening, and that we do not need to fear if we are following Jesus Christ. Sometimes we may have to bite the bullet or grit our teeth to fight the natural man, but it's worth it. You, me, all of us have been saved for these exciting, although trying times so we can influence others to find joy and happiness. I know I have.

IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!!

Last Thursday I decided I would run my one and only long training run (trying for 11 miles) for the half-marathon I'm running on August 21st, Park City, Utah. This summer has been so difficult to train effectively, too hot, been out of town a lot, didn't feel like it, etc., etc. But it's crunch time and I have to get a long run in so I won't die towards the end of the race.

I woke up a little late (6:30) but it seemed like a cooler day since it had rained the night before so I piddled around until 7:30 to get out the door. I put on running shorts instead of the knee length shorts I usually wear and I wore my newer shoes, same brand, but a little different style. One mile into the run I noticed my inner thighs began to burn. Uh, oh, where's the vaseline? Then 3 1/2 miles into the run my FEET WERE KILLING ME! And oh yeah, it was hot outside along with the nasty humidity!

I was at Overton and La Cholla with that long 2 mile hill. My run became a walk up the hill until Lambert, then I ran for another mile to Shannon. Then I had to stop and walk so I could concentrate on how much my feet hurt because I couldn't concentrate on breathing, hips, knees, and boiling brains as well as feet all at the same time.

I made it home limping, screaming, and worried. How am I ever going to run 13.1 miles?

I relaxed and rested for the rest of the day by going to the movies and shopping! (I still like the dog best.) Today I felt recovered enough to go out again, shorter run (5 miles), earlier (5:10), knee length shorts, and MY OLD FAITHFUL, TRUSTY SHOES! (New ones on the right, old ones on the left) I actually enjoyed myself. Now, as for the half marathon--I will just do my best and if I need to walk, I'll walk, but I am going to put my best friends on my feet.