So You Want To Run a Marathon?

My sister in-law recently asked me for some race tips because she is thinking of running a half marathon.  As I started to put my “tips” together I realized it was actually quite of bit of information and I decided I would put it out there for anyone who is in her same shoes and might need some candid information.  

Note:  I am not a fantastic runner, especially not by most runners’ standards.  My fastest marathon was at a steady 11 minute mile pace.  Which is not fast.  And I by no means look like a marathon runner.  But I am. I have run 8 marathons with another in the works this October and I have several half marathons and other races under my feet as well. 

And with that experience comes my recommendations for those who are thinking of trying their feet hand at a race.  These may not be "official" tips, but they are things I have learned in my 10 years of running.  And boy have I learned it. 

1 - Buy a good pair of running shoes.  Running shoes should be replaced every 300 miles and if they are not, they can easily cause injury.  Buy a new pair! I recommend getting ½ size larger than you usually wear to avoid your toes rubbing on your shoes, which could lead to lost toe nails. Try on several pair.  Do a little jog in the store, on the tile.  It makes a difference.  You don’t want to buy uncomfortable shoes, especially when you will be wearing them for many, many miles.

2 - Know what you are getting yourself into.  Start with a shorter race and work your way up. A 5k and a 10k are great starters. I did start with a half marathon as I was not at all into running when I started and I allowed my sister to convince me to do one, against my better judgment (at the time).   

I definitely stick by this sentiment for anyone thinking of running a full marathon.  I really recommend that you run a half marathon first, and if you can’t imagine yourself running another 13.1 miles after the 13.1 you just completed, stick with half marathons.  But if you feel like you could do that all over again, you are a glutton for punishment you can run a full marathon. 

3 - Run a fun/good race.  Some races are much better than others.  There are a lot of factors: organization, entertainment, course difficulty, etc.   These factors make a HUGE difference.  If your race is boring or extra hard because it is all uphill  or you really don’t know when the next water table/restroom will be you just might finish the race and never want to do it again because of the lack of awesome you could have experienced…or maybe they didn’t give out finishers medals.  Seriously.  Do not run a race that doesn’t give out finishers medals.  They are lame.  

I love Disney races, they are well planned and just fun (pricy, but worth it).  The Rock n’ Roll series is pretty great as well, they have some great entertainment during the race. The St. George Marathon was voted the most organized marathon by Runner’s World in 2010, and it is a pretty great race (and beautiful to boot!).  Ask people who have run the race if they recommend it and decide from there.

4 - Plan your training.  I will look at the date of the race and work backwards on my training schedule. You should be running short runs 3-5 days a week and a long run once a week.  The short run’s mileage should add up to the distance of the long run.  For example, if your long run is 8 miles, you should run four 2 mile short runs.  Also add in some cross training/strength training on the days you aren’t running, or in addition to your short run.  Each long run day you will want to increase your mileage by 1-2 miles depending on the time you have before your race.  Don’t run the full race distance as the long run the week before your race, do half the distance, but be sure to run at least 11 miles prior to your half marathon, and at least 18 (but please try to get in about 22) before a full marathon.  And it may go without saying, but please train.  It is easy to put off long runs, or even short runs, but this will make a huge difference.  If you don’t train, your body will not be prepared and you can get injured and/or have a horrible experience. I’ve had my fair share of well/not well trained-for races.  I will take the well trained races any day.

Here are a couple of great plans to follow for half marathon training: http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program http://www.fitsugar.com/Half-Marathon-Training-Schedule-Beginners-2845222

 

5 - Train your stomach. Your body needs to know what you will take in before/ during your runs.  If you eat something your body isn’t used to, especially on a long run, you will find your body will get angry, and you will need to find a restroom fast.  Not to mention you’ll be uncomfortable which makes for a miserable run.  I usually try different foods before/during my short runs.  My classic go-to is a banana and a piece of wheat bread with peanut butter or oatmeal with a banana and then I stick to that before most/all runs so when I do my long run, my body handles it well.  If you are doing long, long runs, pack some items with you to help re-fuel during the miles.  Most races have things like orange wedges or half bananas for the runners, so get your body ready for them just in case you want them during the race.

6 - Make sure to fuel your body.  Water and Powerade are important, but make sure you include more fuel, like Gu or Gu Chomps (the chomps are much more easy for me to stomach because the texture is much better) or Clif-type bars.  These help you to maintain the energy you need to run.   You need this.  Train with this.  Don’t try Gu or Clif bar for the first time during the race, see #5.  Also, a new flavor may not bode well and you might gag/puke as some are not good if you don’t know what to expect.  No lies.

7 - Don’t do anything new before a long run.  Don’t buy a new sports bra or clothes in general.  Don’t wear socks you haven’t worn running before.  Don’t eat something different.  Nothing new (I don’t even recommend you trimming your toe nails right before.  Do it a day or two before your long run).  New things could cause a myriad of unpleasant consequences you don’t want to have to deal with when running 10 miles plus.  Better to try the new thing out on a 2 -4 mile run so you know if you should kick it or keep it for your next long run/race.

8 - Pain killers.  After a while you start to feel the burn of tired/sore muscles.  To avoid this, I take a pain killer with my pre-race meal.  I like Excedrin because it has acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine.  But I am also a huge fan of ibuprofen as it has an anti-inflammatory.

9 - Plan to avoid bowel distress.  On a too-much-information note, when running many miles, you will get some bowel distress (usually regardless of your prep from number 5).  It happens to all of us.  I take an anti-diarrheal with my pre-run meal as well to help avoid bowel distress.  Trying to find a usable bathroom while in distress is awful and uncomfortable.  And I have seen waaay too many marathoners who haven’t, uh, made it to the toilet, and you can see/smell the results their entire run.  Awful. 

I’ve had many people tell me that this is the best tip I have given them…and has helped them with their running the most as they could focus on running and not on what else their body was doing.  Just don’t take too much anti-diarrheal, being constipated during a race is also unpleasant.

10 - Miscellaneous. 

·         Lubricate your feet or any place that might rub: your thighs, where your bra touches under your armpit, etc.  This will help against chaffing, which makes for an uncomfortable race.  I love the Chamois Butt’r.  It is pricy up front, but will last a long time. 

·         Get a running belt to carry chapstick, gum, tissues (your nose will run too).  Don’t have it be too bulky or it will bounce and just be super annoying. 

·         Check the race course and other details before the race.  You want to be prepared for hills (do some decent hill training), where the water stops are and other expectations like cut off times etc. We usually train to only have water every 2-3 miles during our long runs as that is the general distance between water stops/restrooms on a race. 

11 - Focus on the accomplishment ahead of you.  This is what got me through training and some of my hardest races (The Goofy Race and a Half Challenge). And it is for this reason that I have signed up for all of my races following the first one I ran in 2003.  There truly is a runner’s high, and it is at its peak for me when I cross that finish line and know what I just accomplished.  I cry every time.  Every time.

I need this to keep me going during the race sometimes too.  During the aforementioned Goofy Race and a Half Challenge, I was struggling big-time. And I saw a man standing on the side of the race with his three medals around his neck and I started bawling.  BAWLING. Because THAT was what I was doing this for - to know that I accomplished what I set out to do.  I was NOT going to quit.  I’m getting emotional just typing this because I love that feeling so much.  It makes it all worth it to me. 

12 - You will be sore. The morning after a race is death.  Your legs and muscles you-didn’t-think-had-anything-to-do-with-running will ache. Going downstairs, stepping off curbs or picking up anything that falls to the floor will be a chore.  Lowering yourself into a sitting position will be miserable.  I personally love Tiger Balm on sore muscles, I feel like they aren’t as sore, or that they feel better faster when I rub it on my muscles.  I also advise that even though you have sore muscles, don’t just sit.  Move around a little so your muscles don’t stay stiff.  After my longest race I walked all day around Disney World, and although getting on and off rides was a nightmare, ultimately all the walking helped my muscles recover faster because they didn’t stay stiff and stationary.

I hope these tips help.  I definitely have a love-hate relationship with running.  But the love always seems to out-do the hate, that is why I keep running.

Upcoming Marathon?

I’m going to give you another marathon comparison – I’m a runner, so it is just habit.  If you don’t want to hear it, you may stop reading now.

On Monday night I was thinking about the fact that Tuesday – November 27^th - would be my due date.  I can’t believe the 40 weeks have flown that quickly.  It felt slow for a while there during the summer, but the last two months especially have really sped by.  And these thoughts got me thinking about the actual labor and delivery.  And then I started to feel it.  It’s a feeling I am very familiar with.  It’s not an awful feeling, but it very distinct. 

I felt the Night-before-a-marathon-dread. 

For those of you who have completed a race or many races, I know you know what feeling I’m talking about.

The night before a marathon I will always get everything ready for a quick prep in the morning.  And it hits me.  I know I have everything ready, I’ve trained for the race and I’m ready for it, and I know that the end of the race will bring great emotions of accomplishment, satisfaction and joy – I will be so glad I did it when it’s over.  But one thing looms over me: I have to run 26.2 miles tomorrow.  UGH!  This seemed like a great idea when I signed up for the race – but do I really want to do this? 

This feeling also hits me as I’m being bussed to the beginning of the race - especially if the bus route takes you on the race route.  Because you begin to realize how long 26.2 miles is. 

So this is how I’m feeling.  I’m ready for the labor and delivery, I’ve “trained” for it.  I know that completing it will yield a beautiful baby and a lifetime of joy…but there is still the fact that I have to go through the labor and delivery in order to see the end results.  And that is where the dread sets in. 

To combat this I’m just focusing on the sweet, beautiful little lady that will be arriving and that pushes the gloom aside and I get excited and happy about the “marathon” I have ahead of me.  I know it will be just fine, and I'll rock it.  

Wish me luck!

The Final Countdown

This is it.  The final 4 weeks.  I feel like I've been running a marathon, I'm on mile 23 and I only have 3.2 miles to go.   It is still a decent distance, but considering how far I've come, the finish line is so close I am anxious for it.  

I could compare pregnancy (and I'm sure the upcoming labor and delivery) to running a marathon all day.  And because I've tackled a full marathon 8 times already, I'm pretty sure I can handle what's looming down the road in less than 4 weeks.  

Overall I feel great.  I have some of the typical complaints, such as my back hurts, or I don't sleep particularly comfortably at night...but compared to many, I am fairing pretty well on the pregnancy home front.  In fact when people hear how far along I am and they say, "Oh, you are at the really uncomfortable stage" and I say, "Actually, I feel great."  I always get a weird look from them like I'm not normal.  

I'm sure as I get closer to the finish line I'll feel more miserable and can't wait to be done (there is another comparison for you) but I'm enjoying still feeling great for the time being.  

We're Having A....

Husband and I are welcoming a little lady into our home this fall.

Hooray for a girl!

The Joys of Pregnancy

Being pregnant brings on a whole new world of experiences.
I've done plenty of things in my life that brought on quite the adventurous experiences, here are a few examples:

• Going on a mission to a foreign country.  Try hand washing your clothes for 18 months or walking everywhere you needed to go...not to mention trying to express yourself in a language you just learned and are trying to understand...slang is your enemy in this situation my friend.
• Running a marathon.  If you have never run long distances before you are in for a treat!  Not only do your muscles (including the ones you never thought had anything to do with running) protest significantly when you get to, say mile 15, but just wait until the day after you run.  Your muscles go on strike completely.  If your exhausted muscles weren't enough to make it an experience, your bowels go bizurk causing pain, cramping, gas and other unpleasantness that requires a bathroom 5 minutes ago.  And this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Though, I do admit, you begin to get used to it and know how to be prepared for/combat it after you've completed 2+ marathons and are addicted to the sense of accomplishment and runner's high from the 26.2 mile races.
• Getting married.  Yes, this is an experience.  Not only do you get to marry your best friend (which is awesome), but you get to take two lives which are two complete different cultures and bring them together.  Marriage is wonderful...but not without its adventures I can promise you that.  
• Changing jobs.  I worked for the same company for almost 6 years and decided I needed to make a change.  I went from a place where I was the all-knowing Oz to being, well, not.  The people I work with are awesome and supportive, but it took quite the adjustment.  I hated not knowing everything and having to rely on others to help me with pretty much everything for the first couple of months.  Now that I've been at the new place of employment for over a year I am pretty comfortable with what I am doing, but as it is part of the medical field, I will always be thrown new curve balls that I have to learn how to swing at.  

I went in for my 23 weeks baby appointment (that means I'm starting my 6th month of pregnancy) yesterday.  It was a normal appointment.  My doctor listened to the baby's heartbeat, measured my belly (which was the first time she did that) asked if there was anything I had questions about or that was bothering me.  I've already talked to her about the majority of my ailments, and she listened gave advice and told me what I get to expect next time (the dreaded glucose test and a wonderful RhoGAM shot because my blood type is A-).

I'm sure your mommies out there are reading this saying, "yep" "yes" "uh huh"...and I'm sure I'll do that when I read back on this after I have a houseful of children, but for the time being, this is all new...and sometimes not that great.

Do you know what else is new (and not that great)?  The horrific heartburn.  The shooting back pains when you get up to walk and can't because you might fall over or have a leg go out on you.  Being uncomfortable at night and missing sleeping on your back...but not, because it also is uncomfortable.  The gas.  The weight gain (which I know is good for baby, but admit it, it is depressing for mommy). The exhaustion.  The swelling of the ankles making it so you can only fit into one or two pairs of shoes.  Buying new clothes (I know this can be joyous, but not when you have to plan to get bigger and make sure what you are buying will work for your growing body and knowing these expensive clothes will only be useful for a few months).  The tummy touchers...oh the tummy touchers!!! It is one thing to have your close family and friends touch your baby belly, but it is a complete other thing to have strangers or people you barely know - let alone tolerate - touch your tummy.  I have half a mind to reach over and touch their tummy.  We'll see how they like that!  The hideous stretch marks. The morning sickness and not being able to eat anything and just the thought of certain things make you want to gag.  The hunger - which is really only eating about half of what you could before at a sitting because baby is taking up all the space.  The need to pee because your bladder is being squished by baby.  The hip pain when you try to jog or even walk, making you feel pathetic and unable to complete an easy two miles.  The many things you can't eat, like sushi and deli meats.  The scary things you read on the internet about the delivery and the awful things that happen to your body  which you have to recover from for weeks after.

And it is all just going to get worse (I still have 17 weeks to go).  Oh!  And that is another thing...the lingo!  For all you non mommies out there, when you are pregnant they track it in weeks or trimesters, not months.  I hated it before I was prego and someone told me they were 30 weeks along, I thought "well how many months is that!?!"  So I try to specify because I hated feeling out of the loop, so I'm trying to not make you feel that way too.

I will admit that there are some fun things about this experience.  Feeling a baby move around inside you.  At first you think it is just gas in your bowels or "butterflies" but then you can feel distinct moving and bumping and it kind of really hits you that you are having a baby.  (Though I hear the moving can become uncomfortable and wake you up at night so, that will soon be going on my "what else is new (and not that great)" list.  The ultrasounds and seeing the baby on the monitor and realize that it isn't just some TV show baby, it is YOUR baby.
Another cool thing...around 22 weeks you can hear your baby through a stethoscope, so I raided my husband's medical bag and I used it to hear the baby's heartbeat at home.  It was super cool.

Overall, truthfully, this experience is like the other ones I've had.  Having a baby takes the endurance (and pain) of running a marathon and the responsibility and need to acquire new knowledge like you need to when you start a new job.  It will be a new culture of bringing someone else to my family and the joys (and pains) that come with it.

It certainly will not be easy...but anything that is worthwhile probably shouldn't be easy.  This is just a new adventure, one that I am excited and terrified about for at the same moment.  But just like with my other experiences, I know my life with never be the same after.  And I welcome it.

New Mom To Be

It's official.  I'm going to have a baby!

Much to my surprise, on March 26th, I was informed that I was pregnant.  It was a surprise, as Husband and I had decided to put the actual baby making on hold for a couple of months while I had a couple of foot surgeries.  But I guess when the Lord wants you to have a baby, you will have one.

I was actually at a follow up after my second foot surgery when the nurse practitioner said, "Did you know you are pregnant?"

Wait.  What?

Yep.  Apparently the test 4 days before the surgery and the day of the surgery missed the fact that I was expecting.  It wasn't until after the surgery that my condition became apparent.

It's alright though as I needed the surgery and come to find out from my doctor, that the painkillers I took at that time were not harmful for my baby.

So we are having a baby!  Hooray!  Our little bundle of joy is due on November 27th.  Fingers crossed the baby will come in November!  I don't wish a December birthday on any of my babies.  =)

We told our families and friends about the baby on Sunday, May 13th (Mother's Day) and have been enjoying the well wishes, doctors appointments and new baby excitement since.

This is all so new to me.  And a little scary.  It has been fun because I feel like I'm being welcomed into a new club that I was forbidden to join until I became pregnant or a mom.  It will be such a new experience and life changing event, I am excited but terrified at the same time.  There are so many successful parents out there that I know everything will be okay.  It's like when I was graduating from high school.  What came next was exciting and new, but my whole life was about to change so I was scared of the uncertainty and newness of it all.  And having a baby is even more anxiety ridden.  I will have a little person that I am completely responsible for, not just myself.

Don't get me wrong.  I know this will be a great blessing and will teach me so much that I don't know.  I know that we have to step into the unknown to truly understand faith and trust in the Lord.  And only in becoming a parent can I truly understand the full extent of unconditional love and selflessness.

This will be a difficult but wonderful journey.  And I am so excited to embark upon it with Husband.  He is a great man and will be a wonderful support.  I cannot wait to share this with him.  He will be a great father!

Wish me luck!

Blessing in Disguise

In my last post I told everyone how I sadly deleted my boards on Pinterest. Since that time Pinterest's terms and conditions have been updated. Here is a brief overview as to what has been changed:
"- Original Terms stated that by posting content to Pinterest you grant Pinterest the right for to sell your content. Selling content was never our intention and we removed this from our updated Terms.
- We updated our Acceptable Use Policy and we will not allow pins that explicitly encourage self-harm or self-abuse.
- We released simpler tools for anyone to report alleged copyright or trademark infringements.
- Finally, we added language that will pave the way for new features such as a Pinterest API and Private Pinboards."

Note: To read the terms in their entirety go here.

I believe these changes now protect pinners so that we won't be sued if Pinterest uses our pins, so it is probably safe to go back to pinning (though this is my very non legal advice and just a personal opinion).

However, since deleting my boards, I probably only peruse Pinterest one time a week, if that. And while Pinterest does have some great ideas that I value greatly, I am thankful to have broken away from that addictive website.

And although I am not a mother yet, this article helped me realize it is better for me, and my future family, to stay not-addicted to that website.

Deleted

Tonight I deleted all of my boards on Pinterest.

It makes my heart hurt.

If you read my previous post, you will see that I am technically not addicted to Pinterest, but I do love it.

One day I came across an image linked to this site. It talks about the shady terms Pinterest has you agree to when you sign up. These terms make you responsible if anyone attempts to sue Pinterest for their work being pinned on Pinterest. Yes, Pinterest would then pass that suit onto you.

I wondered if this was real so I checked with two lawyers I know. I passed this article onto them which also elaborates about Pinterest's terms (and a link to their terms themselves).

Both lawyers advised that Pinterest created those terms to protect themselves, and they can (and will) allow you to be the guilty party in a lawsuit. And they pretty much advised me to delete my boards - anything I pinned - on Pinterest.

So I did.

And I suggest you do too.

Not Addicted...Maybe

I am not addicted to Pinterest.

Maybe.

Let's see. I peruse Pinterest at least once a day. And whilst perusing I pretty much just see what has been pinned by those I'm following then I'm done. So not addicted.

But maybe on the days that I look deeper into the sea of pins are the days I'm addicted. Those days are few and far between as I do not have the time to spend doing so every day, I'm a busy woman for crying out loud!

But if I am addicted. It will be my secret vice. Shhh! Keep my secret, will you?

The New Niece!

The phone rang around 4:00 am on Saturday, December 17th. "This is your wake up call!" Wha!?! Oh! Tami was in labor! My new niece was arriving! And I was going to be able to be there for her entrance into this world!

My mom and I quickly got dressed and headed out the door to the Riverton Hospital.

After conquering a few obstacles - not having the correct security code and getting past the controlling "labor and delivery" access nurse - we made it to the delivery room. The epidural was taking effect, the contractions were coming on strong and the doctor had arrived!

I'll spare you the bir-thing details - but I will say that it is amazing!

I cried.

During the birth and as they whisked my niece to the exam table, I took in all of what I had just experienced.

"Does it make you more excited to have babies?" Tami asked.

YES! It definitely does.

Contrary to everything I have seen on television or in movies, the birth is not loud or full of screaming, blaming or contention - much better than the distorted view the media has given me.

Back to the baby.


They cleaned the little girl off, weighed and measured her, then handed her to her beaming father, my brother, Tom. He then took her to Tami and they announced her name:

Sophie Adair.

She is beautiful!

She looks like her brother with lots of blonde hair and just beautiful!

Barefoot and I were talking yesterday and we decided that being present at the birth bonds you even greater to the niece or nephew than you would otherwise. I hadn't really thought about it until our conversation, but its so true. I feel very close to Sophie already.

I am the very proud Auntie. I couldn't wait to hold her and talk to her.
And I can't wait to do so again.

Another One Completed

Oh hooray! Yet another semester completed! I love the satisfaction of taking your last test or turning in your last assignment for the semester. Now I just have to wait for my grades.

I just can't wait until I take the last test or write my last paper for my bachelor's degree...HA! THAT is going to be awhile.

I was thinking I only had three classes left at SLCC before I could move on up to the University of Utah to take my final teaching courses...and I got excited because it looked as though the end was in sight...
But then I reviewed my course requirements. Bad idea. Now I'm depressed - err - discouraged as I found that I still have, are you ready for this?, TWELVE classes to take before I'm done with SLCC. TWELVE! At the rate I'm going of 2 classes per semester (because I am also working full time) - that will take me six more semesters! SIX! That is THREE LONG YEARS (or two if I take summer classes). Something has got to change. I could take the same classes at the U, but then they will be more expensive and probably harder, so I might as well take them at SLCC.

My advice for all of you just starting college, high school and younger folks out there - Take as many classes per semester as you can! Don't stop (unless its for something good like a mission). Going to school for many years beyond the normal time frame is ridiculous and discouraging! Don't put yourself in my same situation!

Okay, deep breaths...I'm okay now.

I will say that I do recognize that it has taken me this long to complete school due to the following factors: 1) I didn't want to go into debt for school so I started off taking only the classes I could pay for myself 2) I've worked full time the entire time I have been in school, averaging 2-3 classes a semester 3) I served a mission to Brazil for 18 months: from June 2004 - December 2005 (so easily missed 4 semesters of school there) 4) I took a much deserved semester break after completing my Associate of Science degree 5) That one semester break turned into 3 as I got engaged and married (taking up 2 more semesters).

Regardless of how frustrating my discover today can be, I will continue to go to school (its good for me, right?). I want to complete at least a Bachelor degree, if not Masters (aargh). And maybe eventually (like when I'm 50) go on to get a PhD. That would be cool. Ahh, wishful thinking.

Firecat

Me. The Firecat.

Are Mormons Christians?

The question "Are Mormons Christians?" is a question that is seemingly endless in the media. 

Right now there has been some extra talk in the news due to comments made by Robert Jeffress: 
"Texas evangelical leader Robert Jeffress, the Baptist megachurch pastor who introduced Rick Perry at the Values Voter Summit, said Friday afternoon he does not believe Mitt Romney is a Christian.  Jeffress described Romney's Mormon faith as a 'cult,' ... [When]asked by POLITICO if he believed Romney is a Christian, Jeffress answered: 'No.' "
(http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65445.html)

I was listening to someone on talk radio today in reference to this statement, and they also ignorantly stated that Jeffress is right, that Mormons aren't Christians. 

Let's talk about this.

First of all, let's visit our good friends Webster and Wikipedia. That way we can get an official term, and a term that comes from our fellow Internet users. 
Their definitions of a Christian are:
Webster says:
1a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ Wikipedia says:
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament. "Christian" derives from the Koine Greek word Christ, a translation of the Biblical Hebrew term Messiah.[1]  Central to the Christian faith is love or Agape. Christians also believe Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, the Son of God, and the savior of mankind from their sins.[2] Most Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity ("tri-unity"), a description of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which retains the monotheistic belief of Christianity's Abrahamic heritage through an ineffable confluence. This includes the vast majority of the churches in Christianity. The term "Christian" is also used adjectivally to describe anything associated with Christianity, or in a proverbial sense "all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like."[3] It is also used as a label to identify people who associate with the cultural aspects of Christianity, irrespective of personal religious beliefs or practices.[4]

Does this give you a good understanding of what a Christian is? 

How would you define a "Christian"?

Secondly, let's see what the Mormons, or rather the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (as that is the real name of the religion) believe in relation to Jesus Christ.

"Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is our Redeemer. The Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ's mother was Mary, His father on earth was Joseph, that He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, and labored with Joseph as a carpenter. When he turned 30, He began a three-year ministry of teaching, blessing, and healing the people of the Holy Land. He also organized His Church and gave His apostles "power and authority" (Luke 9:1) to assist in His work.
"But what do we mean when we say He is the Savior of the world? The Redeemer? Each of these titles point to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer. In the future Jesus Christ will return to reign on earth in peace for a thousand years. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever."

Now remove any biases or previous prejudices that you may have surrounding this church. 

Does the information given from Webster and Wikipedia coincide with the beliefs of the Mormons? Yes.

I firmly state that Mormons are Christians. 

The title of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, states that they believe in Christ, and that it is His church.  The "of Latter-day Saints" portion states that they are members of Christ's church in the latter or last days.

The members of this church are given the nickname of Mormons because of the Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.  "It is Holy Scripture, with form and content similar to that of the Bible. Both books contain God's guidance as revealed to prophets as well as religious histories of different civilizations." (http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon/)

Part of being a Christian, means being Christ-like, or trying to be like the Savior Jesus Christ.  And that means being kind and respectful of others and their beliefs. 

Before we jump to conclusions, or negatively place someone in a category, we should do some valid research.  Go to the source of this Christian belief, find out for yourself what Mormons really believe.  Go to http://www.mormon.org/.  You will get the facts from the members of this church, not someone else's interpretation of what they believe. 

If you really want to find out for yourself what this church is all about, take a challenge and read The Book of Mormon (or re-read it for that matter).  Get it free here.

Again, I firmly state that Mormons are Christian. 

I am a Mormon.  And I am a Christian.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the only Begotten of the Father.  I know he came to this earth, lived a perfect life, taught and followed God's commandments.  He taught how to love and serve each other.  He was the ultimate example of how we should live our lives.  Before Jesus was crucified, he knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane, and prayed to the Father on our behalf.  He suffered the pain of our sins, for us.  All of us.  Jesus Christ did this so that we could be made clean and return to live in with our Heavenly Father.

I know that Jesus is the Christ.  I strive to live my life as he lived his.  And that makes me a Christian.

I Can't Walk

On Saturday, October 1st, I ran the St. George Marathon.  It was my 4th time running that marathon, my 4th marathon this year and my 8th marathon overall. 

I rocked the marathon - my time, my pace etc....until mile 16.  And with about 10 miles left to go, I hit my wall.  I couldn't get over it.  So I didn't finish in as good of time and I had hoped.

But I finished.

I think my legs stopped working because they decided that 104.8+ miles was plenty for the year.  I've been tallying all the miles I've run this year and it is well over 400 - if you count all the training and race miles.

And today, two days after the race, my legs still don't want to function.

I'd be walking down the hall at work and my leg would give out on me and I'd nearly come crashing down.  The slight slope in the parking lot to my car was grueling.  And then the stairs up to my condo.  Death.

Not to mention my ankles are swollen.  You'd think I was 8 months pregnant, not that I'd just run a marathon! 

I think I will definitely be taking a break from racing for the remainder of the year. 

But in the meantime I will enjoy my 5 medals and my award from coming in third place for my division in the Utah Grand Slam. 

Poor feet.

Go me.

More Running - Top of Utah Marathon

For the 3rd of my 4 planned marathons this year, my brother, Tom and my sister, Teresa, and I headed north to Logan, UT to participate in the Top of Utah Marathon.  I was looking forward to this race.  The course drops 1045 feet over the 26.2 miles but is only a 1% to 2% grade.  And my last long and short run before this race were really good, so I felt more prepared for this one than for the others. 

However, when we arose at 4:00am the streets were wet from rain with more possibilities coming our way.  I was prepared with my jackets and big black garbage bag (which keeps you not only dry but quite warm - I've used them even when there was no threat of rain, just cold temps).  We got to the starting line, got in line to use the port-a-potties one last time and then it came.  Loads of rain started falling.  So we stuffed what we didn't need for the run in one drop bag, while we kept our jackets and garbage bags on and another drop bag with us so we could ditch our warm clothes when it stopped raining - because we were convinced that it would stop before long.  Which it did.  About mile 5 the rain had stopped and it was starting to warm up a bit.  Tom and I put our jackets in the drop bag and held onto the garbage bags for a bit longer - just in case.  But by mile 7 it was still fine so we ditched those as well. 

Big mistake.

It started raining around mile 9.  Scratch that.  It starting downpouring around mile 9.  It appeared as though we should be searching for an ark with the extent of the rain.  We were soaked through in a matter of minutes - if not seconds.  And it was COLD.  It then proceeded to hail on us - as if the rain wasn't dreadful enough.

It continued to rain.

And rain.

And rain.

Around mile 18(?) It started to clear up.  But I was still soaking wet and freezing cold.

And then I saw an angel.  Well, really it was an older gentleman standing outside his house with a box of garbage bags.  He was cutting holes in them for the head and giving them to the runners.  He was my hero!  I admit that I hesitated a bit because I didn't think it was going to continue to rain, but then I decided I wanted it to help warm me up. 

And boy am I glad I took it.  Not a mile later it started to down pour on us AGAIN.

Tom's iPod stopped working.  Mine stopped shortly after.  And then his GPS watch also stopped.  Misery.  Pure misery. 

I nearly missed enjoying the beautiful scenary or the ease of the course...the rain tried hard to ruin it for me.  But it didn't completely.

Around mile 22 the sun came out and it started to get warm!  Oh glorious day!  The rest of the race was pretty awesome, and we came in under 6 hours which is what I was really hoping for (I do think the rain slowed us down a bit as we were hoping for about 5-5:30 on the time - dang). 

And now I have another medal added to my collection, and only 1 more marathon to run this year.

The Great Park City Marathon Injustice of 2011

On Saturday, August 20th, I arose at 3:30 am to prepare for and travel with my brother, Tom, and my sister, Teresa, to Park City for the marathon that would begin at 6:30 am. This was my second of four marathons that I planned to run (and complete) this year.  Why would I run four marathons in a year?  Two of which are just two weeks apart?  Because I am a little crazy, ha ha!  Also because my sister, brother and I signed up to participate in the Utah Grand Slam this year. 

The Utah Grand Slam is organized by Wasatch Running Company, and it is a program in which if you run 4 qualifying Utah Marathons during the calendar year, you will receive an extra medal.
I'm a sucker for extra medals.  So I signed up for it.

We arrived in Park City that morning with plenty of time to make sure we were in the right place, know where the start was located and use the restrooms one last time. 
With about 10 minutes to spare, we went to find the restroom, which was located right off the start in a local hotel lobby, so we waited in the fairly short line...we came out with many runners still around, so we stopped for a "Kodak Moment" then went to start the race.  When we got to the start...there was no big group of runners about to start the race...only the random runners standing around like they had a ton of time to kill.  Not a good sign.

One race volunteer noticed that our number bib showed "Marathon" and they told us the marathoners had started about 10 minutes ago!  Oh no!  So we took off running to try to catch up to the rest of the group.  We ran, and finally mostly caught up to them by the end of the first mile.  At that point, my sister decided to run on ahead.  Tom and I wanted to take our time during this race and the next as to not push ourselves too much before our final race in which we planned to run our hearts out. 

We were averaging about 13 minute miles, as I was struggling a little because of the altitude (crazy!) , the many MANY hills and the wretched runners trots as it is called.  =(  We had passed two runners, and according to Tom's GPS watch, were right on track to finish the race in a little over 6 hours. 
We also had a race volunteer who was the "race cleanup" that would ride pass us, come back, then ride ahead.  He never said much to us, but to tell us who he was and to ask about the runners we had passed.

Now for the injustice. 

A little after mile 15 there was a water stop right before a hill and a 2 mile loop.  As we arrived, being anxious for the upcoming downhill that we knew was coming, the "race cleanup" man was there and said, "hey guys, sorry to tell you, but I have to take your numbers."

WHA!?!?!

Tom and I were perplexed.  What was he talking about? 

He continued to tell us that the race had a cutoff at that water station that if you weren't there by 10:00 am that you had to turn in your number and either 1) finish the race with no number and no finishers time 2) ride back to the start in the "suburban of shame" (as I have titled it).

This is where the ridiculousness is.  They told us we had until 1:30 pm to finish the race, which was in a little more than 2 1/2 hours.  And we had just about 11 miles left to complete the race.  One can EASILY do that in 2 1/2 hours by WALKING.  And the rest of the race was down hill (pretty much).

If we did not finish this race we would not qualify for the Grand Slam, and not get an extra medal (which was the reason for me to do all this running!)

We tried to talk to the two guys there about letting us go.  One was more sympathetic, the other that was not (the race clean up guy - RCUG).  He even pretended to ask his boss about if we could finish the race.  His conversation was as follows:
RCUG: Hello. Uh huh.  Uh huh.  Yeah.  Okay.  Thanks.  Bye.

No question to his boss about us finishing the race.

At this point we were losing time.  I asked them to let Tom go as he is super fast and was just running slower with me.  They conceded to this request and let him go.  The RCUG then rode off and the other guy asked me, "do you really think you can do it?" "YES!!"  I responded.  So he let me go.  So I started running my little heart out because I wanted to finish. 

Not 5 minutes later the RCUG came riding up to me on his bicycle and said, "um, you need to give me your number.  If you want to keep running you can, but I need your number".  I asked if I finished in time without my number if they would give me a qualifying time and he said that because we didn't make it to that table in time, I would not. 

LAME!!! 

So I let them take me back to the start in the "suburban of shame".

This is something that I have never heard of at another marathon.  Even my mother was allowed to finish the St. George Marathon in over 7 hours - and she still received a medal.  Ridiculous!

The guy that was going to let me go, took myself and a couple of other runners to the finish line and took our numbers. 
I called Husband and bawled my eyes out.  The guy returned my number to me as I was sitting there crying.  I could tell he felt horrible about it.

After I composed myself I went to wait at the finish for my sister as I knew she would be finishing fairly soon.

She came in at 5:20:30.  I went by the finish line to cheer her on, then stepped back while she received her medal.  I then called her name and she came over to me, perplexed.  She thought we'd passed her.
I told her what happened and we sat there upset together.  We then went and waited for Tom.  I so wanted to go around the corner and wait for Tom and run in with him (it is not unheard of for family members/friends to finish the race with the runner).  And as I had my number, I was hoping to get a medal that was super cool, and I had paid for and earned it (well, would have, had they let me).  But I kept worrying that some alarm would sound when I went across the finish line or that RCUG would appear and tell everyone I didn't deserve it. 

So I didn't. 

But when Tom came in to the finish, I cheered him on,  then went to hug him in congratulations as he came in at 5:45:19.

We hugged and cried together. 

We then allowed Tom some rest time, then we gathered our stuff and left.

The rest of the day was an emotional one.  One of major injustice.  One that the Park City Marathon will be hearing about.

The next day my sister sent me a text and told me something I did not expect.

I had a finishing time of 5:20:48.

Wha!??!

How I got a finisher's time is beyond me.  I was expecting the horrid.  DNF next to my name. 
Whether my bib registered as I went to congratulate my sister, or the nice race volunteer had compassion on me and gave me a random time, I'll never know.

At this point, although timely feedback is most impactful, I have decided to let my feedback wait.
I'm going to take my finisher's time to the Top of Utah Marathon and the St. George.  And hope that I will get my extra Utah Grand Slam medal.  Once I receive it, then they will be getting my feedback.

But I will not be running another Park City Marathon in the future.  And I ask you to do the same.

New!

Friday marked my last day at the employment I've had for the past 5+ years.  And tomorrow is my first day at the employment I hope to have for years to come.

Goodbye Harland Clarke.
Hello University of Utah Healthcare.

Wish me luck!

I'm A Runner

In January I participated in a 5K in St. George, UT. Today I finished the Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon in Lehi, UT. In June I will run the Utah Valley, Marathon. In August, the Park City Marathon. In September, the Top of Utah Marathon in Logan, UT and in October I will run the St. George, UT Marathon for the fourth time.

Yes, running has officially commenced for the year.

I'm sore, I'm exhausted...but I'm excited. Its that adrenaline that shoots throw the veins that make all the many, many miles worth it. People say I'm crazy, and some days I agree with them and I dread the next long run, but there is something indescribable about how you feel when you cross that finish line. It's incredible.

With my races alone this year I will run 121 miles. I've decided to track ALL the miles I run this year, training and races. Every one. I'm excited to see what I accomplish!

Let's see how far I go!

I Heart Podcasts

I am crazy into podcasts right now.  They are fascinating!  Err...at least the ones I've been listening to.  My brother, Eric, and his wife, Carlee, introduced them to me on our trip to Vegas in February and I have been a faithful listener ever since!

The podcasts I've become glued to are two from howstuffworks.com.  One is titled "Stuff Mom Never Told You" and the other is "Stuff You Missed in History Class" and the topics are interesting.  The people doing the podcasts do their research, and, for the most part, remain non-biased. I've learned about "How Typhoid Mary Worked", where the term "Peeping Tom" comes from, about the most two famous female pirates, about Barbie's secret past, what the deal is with pink and blue and about the ever intriguing Winchester Mystery Mansion.  

I highly suggest you check these out.  And the best part!?!?....they are FREE.  Just go to itunes or to the howstuffworks.com website and you can download them to your iphone at no cost. 

I'm off to learn about Lizzie Borden and her axe!

Woohoo!

I just took my last test for the semester.

Thank goodness.

A celebration is now in order.