New Years Resolutions

In the 2013 year I focused on trying to complete some of my bucket list goals, and it turned out being such a great year I think I'll do the same this year. In 2013 I...

1. Graduated from BYU with my Bachelor's in Exercise Science
2. Stayed at Nordstrom for just a year and then had to move on to a more challenging job
3. Got pregnant
4. Became a mother
5. Bought a house
6. We bought a new bed (Tempur Pedic-will never sleep on anything else!)
7. Made a new quilt
8. Got a short haircut for the first time since Jr. high

In 2014 I want to accomplish at least some of these and I've added eight more goals to my list to keep it going...

1. Put a new fence in our backyard
2. Make a new quilt for me
3. Make my own salsa from my own garden that I will grow
4. Go on a monthly date night with just Jared
5. Take Hilton to Yellowstone summer 2014
6. Run Ragnar Wasatch Back 2014
7. Take monthly hikes with the dogs, Jared, and Hilton
8. Do a 365 photo challenge this year

Most of these are big goals, which I think are things that I can all accomplish. Here to 2014!

Our first family photo and we hope for many more to come in 2014!

My second dose of Ragnar

I just couldn't get enough, although you'd think by my last experience I talked about here that I'd never want to do it again. It was a lot of fun and I was very impressed by my physical endurance for this second Ragnar compared to my first.

Supporting a runner on his last leg with all the necessaries: water, gatorade and pictures

However, it will take A LOT for me to want to do another out of state Ragnar. It would honestly need to be somewhere that I'd fly to. The driving down to Vegas to drive around in a van for 36 hours to then drive back home was just way too much in one weekend.

But it was a blast with lots of new friends made, and I have some awesome medals on my wall now. If you haven't done a Ragnar and are looking into running in organized races I highly suggest running at least one for the experience. It's so much fun, and it's all about doing your best and getting encouragement from everyone-even people who aren't on your team.

My awesome van for Ragnar LV

Ragnar Las Vegas 2012: consider yourself conquered. But as for the dirty details, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

p.s. this is how awesome my van was...in between legs 1 and 2 we went to see the newly released James Bond Skyfall movie instead of sleeping. Yes, we were slightly insane.

Am I c[ragnar]zy?

When I finished my previous (and first ever) Ragnar back in June I was definitely on a high. Elated, relieved, and so impressed with my physical abilities that I wasn't sure I could actually do. After a month of no running because of tendonitis in my feet I couldn't see myself ever subjecting my body to that again.

But my medal hung on our bedroom mirror and I looked at it everyday I got ready and realized after a while, I actually wanted to do it again! Next thing I know I'm signed up on a team with two of my friends recruited as well. Can't wait for November 9th-10th. Bring on the training! And the crazy awesome trip in close quarters with lots of stinky people.

Wasatch Back Ragnar 2012

I apologize for it being so long since I posted about this, I just was still so emotionally raw from the experience I needed some time to gather my thoughts. Overall: I've never had so much fun running!!! It made all the months of training worth it, getting back into shape for the first time since High School. I honestly enjoyed myself so much, I've already signed up for Wasatch Back next year, and the Las Vegas Ragnar this year.

                 My first Ragnar Leg, 7.3 miles and as you can see it was a beast of an uphill run. Below was my afterward picture, and boy I look worn out!

 Which left me with this lovely present. Thank goodness it didn't hurt too bad on the other legs.

 Running my final leg of 7 miles straight downhill into Deer Valley.

My sweet wonderful husband brought my babies up to watch my cross the finish line at the end of my last leg completely my 20 something miles in 24 hr. period. And yes, I bawled when I crossed the line.

 So happy to be done!!! I can't believe I accomplished that mileage without DYING! And I can't wait for next Ragnar!!!

p.s. thanks so much to such a wonderful team and fun van! It wouldn't have been such a great experience without you guys to cheer me on!

Megan, Me, Kenzi, Breanne
missing Nick and Steve.

Raising the bar: Ragnar

I previously told you all about my goals to run a 5K in May and a 10K in July. Well I recently (last night) signed up for a beast of a race that is sure to be a blast! Although I'll have to juggle making an appearance at my friends wedding, and my own 2nd anniversary it will all be worth it. I'm looking forward to this two day twelve person relay race, of which I'm runner three.

If I'm going to make a goal, I might as well go for the gold right? Here's to training my heart out!

P.S. Workout wednesday training tip (WWTT): eat protein right after you work out, making sure that you don't eat anything right before your workout.  This will ensure that your body recovers quickly vs. overloading your blood-sugar levels and then crashing later if you eat carbohydrates post workout.