Can I get a lift?

To all of you who are running in the double-digits: "You rock!" I am working my way up to a double digit run, 10 miles, before the 1/2 marathon. The first half of the race is apparently run on a steep trail, so once a week I run up a canyon with my kids in the double jogger. The two miles up are brutal, but well worth it because the views are beautiful. On the way back down it is obviously much easier except for the killer hill at the 3 mile mark. I have dubbed it "big bertha" due to the fact that my legs are aching and my chest is burning when I finally reach the top. My oldest daughter chants, "I think I can, I think I can" the whole way up. She is a great cheerleader. The only annoying thing about my run in the canyon are the comments from other people. I don't mind hearing "You go girl!" or "I am impressed!", because it actually gives me a little "lift" and helps me feel better about my run. The comments I find annoying are: "You're getting your workout" (you think so?), "They have the best seats" (referring to my daughters), and my all time favorite, "Can I get a lift?" I usually respond with a complimentary smile and nod, because it is the best I can give while I am huffing and puffing away. I should not really be annoyed by these comments, but I can only hear them so many times. Those of you with kids know what I am talking about. It is the same as when you take your kid(s) to the store and someone asks, "What aisle did you find him/her on?" How do you respond to that? I don't want to be rude, but I would like to have a response that makes people wonder if it was rude or not. Any suggestions?
Keep up the good work!

A Big Thanks

Thanks Brent for the good advice about the side aches. I ran a 6 mile route today (in the rain no less) and stretching my arms out seemed to do the trick. I have also tried to stay well hydrated and I haven't got a headache today!

I am amazed at how much you can push yourself if you really want to accomplish something!

12 Miles, Baby!

I had so much anxiety about running 12 whole miles that I did it on Friday so I could get it over with. It was actually so great to be outside running past the Temple, where I saw some brides out getting their pictures taken- I couldn't help but think of my wedding day. I ran past Lone Peak High School where of course I thought of my high school days. I ran to this corner home in Highland and back. I actually really enjoyed it and when I got home I really couldn't believe I'd run in the double digits!! Before this I'd never even attempt that.
So I have a few questions for you guys- After my long runs the outsides of my hips, knees and ankles kind of ache- it hurts to kneel on my knees and they feel swollen. It helps when I ice them but I'm just wondering if you all have experienced this too. Does anyone have any tips on how to prevent this? I'm wondering if it's because my hips keep going out since I had Sawyer, or if it just because it's a long distance. Anyway, any input would be great. I haven't done my workout for today yet-- just trying to get motivated by visiting the blog. You guys are all awesome! Thanks for all the comments and advice. Happy running!

Hello

I am a new contributor to the marathon blog as well. Thank you Lacy for inviting me. I really enjoy reading everyone's comments. My name is Erin Gorby. I live in Arizona and Lacy and I were college roommates.

I am running a 1/2 marathon on May 3rd in Prescott, Arizona. It is called the "Whiskey Row Marathon". This will be my very first race. I have never even run a 5K, but I have been running for exercise for at least 7 years. Due to the fact that this is my first race, I do not have any tips, but I will keep you all posted on my progress and new revelations as they occur. Good luck to everyone!

Friction

Minor repetitive motions can have major consequences if you're not careful. That's why I wear spandex and synthetic material on my long runs. Your thighs, armpits and nipples can all end up as casualties of friction without some foresight.

I'll be using Body Glide on race day, just to make sure all my bases are covered.

A New Face

Hello to everyone! Thank you to Lacy for inviting me to join the marathon blog. While we made great efforts to run as missionaries in SD, we usually only made a few laps around the tiny field behind our apartment. It was probably only 1/2 mile or something.

But now that my sister somehow convinced me to do the SLC half marathon (and I have never even ran a 5K) I have a lot of questions.

Side aches: Is it really breathing that causes these and if so, what can I do to train myself to breath in my nose and out my mouth when I am ready to die?

Headaches: Did any of you get headaches when you first started running? I seem to get one every time.

Music: Any suggestions for music I can add to an ipod play list. I need some motivating stuff to get me through tomorrow on my long run.

Thanks!

2 gyms 1 workout and the 9 miler

so you'll have to excuse my lack of capitals- sawyer is on my lap so i'm typing with one finger- anyway, two saturdays ago i had my 9-10 mile challenge. mark had mapped out a route on google earth for me- but as i was running it became to complicated to remember. i don;t know if you guys are like this but i kinda turn into my inner animal and thinking becomes extremely laborious- so i simplified the route honestly thinking it would make my run longer than the mapped out 10 miles- but when i got home- we google earthed it and found out it was only 9. i must say i was a bit disappointed- i had it in my head that i was running 10 miles that day- anyway, i'm still pleased with myself. i was gone for two hours and only walked about 15 minutes of it so it was good- i never would've pushed myself this far without the end goal of a marathon and all of you runners keeping me motivated so thanks.
my last saturday run i had to go to two different gold's gyms to complete. my sleeping is pretty messed up so i actually went to bed with sawyer around 6 pm but woke up around 8 and realized i needed to get going. i've missed quite a few week-day workouts but never a long run so i had to go. i got there with about 40 minutes till closing, so i really started to book it so i could get it all in. with my short legs i usually jog at a 5, so i picked it up to a 6 or 7- quite a feat- okay, Mark just got home and so yeah! Punctuation and capitals! Yeah! Anyway, it was quite the challenge and I ended up having to go to another 24 hour gym to complete it, but it was really good for me. It is getting easier, Lacy! Hooray! This morning's 55 minute workout I did all at a 5 on the treadmill, and realized that that didn't really push me- so I think 6 is my new 5... I'm getting stronger and stronger. I have a question for all of you.. do you have a hard time stretching afterward? Being a dancer, I've always stretched out a lot, but with this running, I really don't feel like it. What's up with that? Any tips? I can't wait to read what everyone else has been up to! Happy running this week!