I RUN . . . Why???

I always say that I run so I can eat. There are a few other reasons that I have chosen running as my "sport." They are:

1. I run because it is the only thing I know how to do.

2. I run because any idiot can put one foot in front of the other.

3. I run because it is mindless and automatic so I can pass the time pondering other things.

Yesterday I ran my first trail run - and, with one race, all of the reasons why I run changed.

The Buffalo Run is held on Antelope Island. It includes a 25K (15.5 mls), a 50 K (31 mls), a 50 mile, and a 100 mile race. The 25K route makes a figure 8 across a small section of the island that includes a five mile loop of steep downhill and treacherous switchbacks uphill. I registered for the race with no knowledge of the course. In fact, the day of the race I had no idea what was in store for me.

I always figured that running was running, regardless of where you did it. I run everyday. I can run long distances without ever feeling it in my legs. I am not fast but I can keep going. 15.5 miles is not out of my range- i will sometimes run that distance without even pre-planning. I can run it without water (at this time of the year) and I don't need any additional nourishment.

I always get pre-race jitters. I don't sleep well the night before I run. I wake up every hour worrying that I might not wake up on time or that I might forget something. This race day was no different. I was awake before the alarm went off at 5;30. Kari was (as always) my knowledgeable running companion.

She wasn't sure if she was going to run the whole race, but she went anyway. She is great to drive, get us to the starting line and ease my anxiety.

The scenery on the island is beautiful I have spent my entire life in Utah and have never even been to Antelope Island.

We saw buffalo and antelope (hmmm, weird, maybe that is how it got it's name!). The larks were singing loudly as we got out of the car.

The trail was rocky, steep in places and muddy in others. There were places that were what I would consider "impossible" to run - not so, however if you are a trail runner! The whole experience was challenging. I ran alone - except for the two life-savers I met on the way. I met Cameron on the switchback section and the good conversation and great positive attitude that he had just kept me going.

Not long after we parted ways, I met Mark who ran with me for the last 6 miles. He literally had to pick me up off the trail twice. In the last couple of miles I tripped and fell flat down two times - gotta love eating dirt! On the last fall i completely blew my Nike running watch to pieces! My legs felt like Jello from the strain of climbing up rocks and stepping over uneven ground. I was feeling pretty spent, but Mark just kept reminding me to drink. The last 3/4 mile we picked up the pace and finished at a pretty respectable speed.

Now, I have some new reasons for wanting to "TRAIL" run. They are:

1. There is nothing automatic about concentrating on the placement of every step.

2. There is no chance of boredom when staying upright alone is a challenge.

3. You see places that you would never otherwise experience.

4. I really never knew that I had "quads."

5. Today I am stiff and sore - but I have a sense of accomplishment. I remember now that I can do hard things and that I am pretty tough!

She's BAAAAACK!!

I am not nor will I ever be a true sports fan. I have learned to appreciate athletic ability and disciplined training. I can tolerate most athletic events, but prefer collegiate sports to professional ones. I have acquired the ability to tune out the constant sound of ESPN television while at home. But truthfully, I never quite understood how much a sport can become part of you until I watched Kalinee (not-so-patiently) recover from her recent broken foot.

Kalinee has always been motivated by social opportunities. She thrives while in the company of others, and has unlimited options for friends.

I always figured her "love" of soccer stemmed from the countless hours of practice spent with fun girls. Her uncanny ability to form close and open relationships has extended from players to coaches to opposing teams. So, when she injured her foot during the fall season of High School soccer, I watched with increased interest to see how intently she would work to return to the field.

The months passed. She was not allowed to work-out in any way. She sported an air-filled boot everyday and sat on the sidelines of every practice. I quietly kept waiting for her to say she wasn't going to go back to playing. We had numerous conversations about the hard work it would take to come back at the level that was required to play with her team. She was nervous. She watched them practice and often remarked at how good they really were.

Their first touch was nearly flawless and their strategy was calculated. Their passes were quick and accurate.

The day Kalinee received clearance to return to the field, she celebrated. She was anxious to go to practice. She believed that her close observation of the team had helped her to understand what she would need to make her body do! I was prepared for the tears of frustration that I knew were inevitable. They never came.

There were some practices that were tough. The first tournament she attended with the team proved to be a huge disappointment.

Games were rained out, and canceled. Her ex-coach showed his true colors by being condescending and manipulative. She faced old teammates on the sidelines that were less than friendly. Still, through it all she kept a positive attitude.

The second tournament rolled around and she consciously set goals to work on achieving a starting position. The extra pounds that she had put on while sitting on the sidelines began to come off. The ankle was unstable and the foot sore after heavy running, but her determination persisted.

The happy, fun-loving and pleasant teen that we had always known returned. I was amazed at how much that silly sport was a part of who Kalinee had become. She loved it. It made her happy. It made her better and it made her complete!

I haven't had the chance to see her play with her new team yet. She has been traveling alone to the tournaments, but I am happy to say that our girl is back!

Cancun 2011

I think I have the greatest kids in the world!!

I can recall two times in the nearly 25 years of my marriage when Al and I have left our kids to vacation alone. In the past, there has been the problem of shuffling kids, games, lessons, schedules, etc.

Each time I have always found myself thinking,

"It would be much easier just to stay home!"

Last night Al and I returned from 6 days in Cancun, Mexico.

Getting out the door was still tough. The kids are now old enough to take care of themselves and each other, but the mother hasn't quite fully accepted that reality. There were still lists of instructions and food to make, but in the end, the kids were capable, responsible and fairly competent at handling things at home.

Truthfully,

I don't think there is anything better than sitting on the beach

in the sun watching the waves roll in.

I love the sand, sun and sea.

I love to be warm. . . no, make that HOT!

I like the temperature to be well above "comfortable" because that is when I am finally "comfortable!"

We spent hours at the beach reading, sleeping, dipping in the ocean, sipping on pineapple juice, and watching the people.

The second day of our trip we went to the ruins at Coba.

We rode a zip line across the river,

repelled into a large cenote where we swam,

and experienced a Mayan purification ceremony.

We ate lunch with the Mayans, canoed in the lake,

and hiked the ruins.

Our guide was Miguel, and he was absolutely the best!

It was the kind of day I love.

The kind where you are always busy and return home tired at night!

Our next adventure was a snorkeling trip out into the ocean.

We chartered a boat with two other couples and went to three of the coolest snorkeling spots ever. We first went to a place where there were several sea turtles - so amazing! Then we went out by the reef where we saw stingrays and MUCHO fishies!

Then we went to a beautiful, calm cove

where the water was crystal clear light turquoise blue and only about 3-4 feet deep.

The fish were all around the edge of the rocks,

and the best part was that we were the only people there!

We stayed at a resort called Iberostar Ketzel.

There, we went on a bike ride through the city,

ate chips and salsa (and the best guacamole) for every meal (including breakfast),

and spent endless hours by the water (beach and pool).

I managed to get in my daily run most of the days, and Al did some archery shooting.

The night shows were marginal but enjoyable.

Everything about the trip was fabulous. But the thing that made it so pleasant was the fact that the kids were so great to take care of each other.

We returned home to an orderly home, happy children and well-stocked fridge.

Only one sad realization came as a result of the trip -

I really have almost worked myself out of a job at home!!