When's the Next Challenge?

I heard some of you talking about half marathons. OR I just found out that Wasatch Back Relay is June 20-21, 2008. I will have just had my baby, but I think I will be ready.

Who is the team captain?

Trifecta!

Well, it is official! I am now a Triathlete!

The Catalina Triathlon was today, and I was lucky enough to be counted among the finishers! It was a great experience and totally different from any other race event I have been in. Very cool.

My store, Del Sol, was one of the local sponsors for the event and I had been toying around with the idea of competing for a few weeks but never really committed to it. (Sue had started talking about wanting to do a Triathlon after we did the Carlsbad Marathon and got the initial spark planted in my mind.) Anyway, about 9:00 last night, we were coming home from the supermarket and Sue said "Hey, what if you ran the triathlon tomorrow?" I waffled a little bit and decided that "What the heck, I will give it a try." So, without any training or preparation, less than 12 hours later I found myself at the starting line for the Catalina Triathlon! To make a long story short, the swim was tough, the bike ride went smoothly, and the run started hard but ended great. I didn't push myself super hard because I didn't want to bonk and my main goal was just to finish and have fun doing it. My time ended up being 1:53 and change, but my ego and permagrin are beyond compare! I can't wait to do another one!

-Pics coming soon!

2008 Came and Went

So I guess the Incredible Holt's will have to postpone their next relay race until the year 2009. The registration date was October 17th, and I am sure they have already filled up. So let's get ready to enter again next year. I keep thinking I might be captain again, but Jordan won't let me. So who is going to step it up?

Go INCREDIBLE HOLT's HTC 2009!

P.S. There is still Wasatch Back June 2008. I think we could register up to the day of. It might be good practice for HTC the next year!!

running with wolves or more like cheetahs

Dear 2007 Holt team, Anne and Wayne Sackley came back to Portland this weekend from running the St. George marathon and Anne qualified to run the Boston Marathon!!! She ran the St. George marathon in 3 hours and 44 minutes (averaging under 9 minute miles) and her time is six minutes under the time women must achieve to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Pretty amazing and cool. I told her that I hope she remembers us little people and that she remembers to credit the Hood to Coast Holt team that gave her her start!!! (Hee, hee) Wayne finished in 4 hours and 15 minutes but the standard is quite a bit higher for men to qualify but he and all of us our very proud of Anne. Anyway, I thought you guys would think that is cool. Talk to you soon, Jeanne Holt

Vote for Cathy as this year's captain!

Go Cathy. Go Cathy. Go Cathy.

H2C 2008

Has anyone read the email from H2C about registering for next year's race? Who's in? I am.
I've even started training - I know what you're thinking. That guy doesn't train at all and then brings down the whole group. Not true.

So, who wants to do this thing?

Sorry for Cold Showers

I wanted to apologize to all those who stayed at the Holt house and took cold showers during HTC. I seems my hot water heater had a defective part that was causing the cold water to mix with the hot such that hot showers were luke warm after the first shower of the day.

The issue is the dip tube for water heaters that the builder installed when the house was built (1996) is defective. It is made of a type of PVC that breaks down after 10 years of exposure to hot water. This puts PVC particles into your pluming and causes a mix of cold water into hot. Every house in my neighborhood has had this problem as they were all build in the 90's.

The kids have been complaining about it for about a year but I just assumed they were just whiners on the second shower because my first shower was always fine. Although, I have had to crank it all they way up to get hot water.

Since I replaced the dip tupe ($10) and flushed the water heater showers are now scalding hot - even on the third shower.

The 13th Runner

Well, It is official! And, dang it, Cathy beat us to the punch on putting it on the blog!

Right after we got home, Sue made me go out at 1:00 in the morning to buy a pregnancy test. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a pregnancy test at 1:00 in the morning? Just to be sure, we used all three of the tests, and it was a definitive YES. Holy cow.

Sue says that looking back, she can now see why her running times had slowed so much in the two weeks leading up to the race and why that extra umph was so hard to find. We should have known when we saw the rabbit while waiting for Sue's first leg that something was up. Anne says that a rabbit coming around means someone is pregnant.



We had SO MUCH FUN doing this run. Truly an experience not to be forgotten. We expect all of you to join us in the Catalina Marathon next March (Sue will be 8 months then. D'ya think she might do it???)

And for those of you who don't already know what paradise looks like, here is a pic of our new hometown:



Be sure to click on the photo to see the FULL SIZE image! And after that, zip on over to The Catalina Crew blog to hear about our new life as islanders.

Back to Working Out???

The first week home - no way. No running!! I actually tried and my legs said.....
"No way! Not this again!!!"

Second week - eating crappy, running 3 times, lifting weights once.

Third week - Back to it. 2 1/2 miles 3 x per week, lifting weights on the off-cardio days and healthy eating. I like this runner body. I want it to stay for awhile. I also like feeling great without as many "ailments" when I'm exercising!! There will definitely be pigging out and chillin' on Sunday though!

WHO KNEW THAT WE HAD 13 RUNNERS ON OUR TEAM AT HOOD TO COAST??? Congrats Sue & Jared and their "soon to be" marathon runner!! I am in total awe of Sue's ability with this new bit of information we're learning. I would have been so tired!!

Love,
Cath

Heart and Sole Lady Speaks

Here is an article from KGW TV that aired last night about the Heart and Sole lady who was hurt on HTC.

I just remembered!

Hey - I remembered another of my favorite moments on the race. . .

Marie was running her first Leg and we stopped near a stop light to give her water when she came along. The runners were having to wait at the light until they could cross. So I put an orange reflecter vest on and when Marie came, I took "The Stick" and pretended it was my wand and stopped traffic at the light so she could cross! It was pretty cool how well it worked! I am anxious to see the video! Anyway - thought I would share another fun memory!

ame

Yeah Becks!

I saw this somewhere on the Oregonian newspaper website. Anne told me about it and I looked it up. It was cool. There was a little comment with it about our family. The title was funny too. I haven't read all my emails, so I am not sure if you have all already seen it or not. Anyway, I don't know what the link is for the Oregonian, but I found it through Google. Anyway, it was such a great experience. I wrote more stuff in my comment on Marie's last post. Love you all. Thanks.

Ame

Overall Team Ranking

If you are interested in team race results, I pulled them from here and put them through a spreadsheet and got our overall ranking. Drum roll: 1028 /1034.

We were 289 / 292 in the Mixed Open division.

I don't know when the individual race results come out.

If you want a copy of the spreadsheet, email me.

We Were Runnin' Fools!!

Yeah we did it! It's done! or should I be saying "it's done?" I had such a great time with everyone, quite an experience.

On my last run I was thinking about everyone and I have a little thought about each of you!!

#1 Cathy - The one who took the leg that no one else wanted and rocked it hard. You have such a compassionate spirit for others.

#2 Brian - I loved hearing about your 3rd leg. It is so like you to make best friends with someone where ever you go.

#3 Bryan - You are named the Stop Watch Nazi! I am so glad you pushed through that hurt toe and finished the race!

#4 Jeanne - Thank you for getting this all started. You were my Co-Captain forsure, thanks for the volunteers and a yummy pasta night!

#5 Devin - Our little Gazelle. I love that you came and conquered, Dev. You are awesome. I am sure it was fun to run with your Dad.

#6 Becky - Our van loved watching you run in every time. You are too sweet and were willing to switch vans, but I think leg 6 did you well.

#7 Anne - Named, Van 2's Gazelle! You go girl. She never complained or seemed nervous, like most of us. She just went out there and did her thing, a long time veteran.

#8 Wayne - We were so privilaged to have your expertise with us. Really, we would have been so lost. Thanks for running with our team this year.

#9 Amy - You are a powerhouse too. I loved looking for your bandana, and everytime we would drive by, we got Amy dancing away.

#10 Jared - Our shirtless hairy running beast. My favorite was in the second leg and we drive by to hear him yell, "I love this run". It was very inspiring for my next leg.

#11 Sue - We loved the drawing of Hulk. You were awesome, even through the rain. It was so fun to see you push it to the end and hand off the bracelet to me.

#12 Marie - I just still can't believe that this even happened. I need to see more pictures so I know that it was real and not just a dream. Post them if you got 'um.

Driver Rame - You always got them where they needed you to go, even if you spaced it a few times. I am sure Jeanne loved having you with her. Thanks for driving!

Driver Jordan - I love you! Thank you for supporting me and being there to get us to the race on time. I know you are dying to run this yourself next year.

I love you all, and thanks to all the other family members who supported us in this. We were all in this together!! Go Incredible Holts!!

Marie

LET'S DO THIS THANG!!!!

Hi All!!! I am so excited to see you all and bond in ways I never imagined. We are going to look gross, feel gross, and stink for two days together. But the best part is that we are going to ROCK this race!!! We will have so much fun!! Good luck everyone!

-Amy

Hulk pics

If you want to get your face on a hulk, there are two ways to do it.

1) If you know how to edit photos, I can send you the raw images.

2) If you send me a digital photo of your face, I will put your face on a hulk and send it back to you.

Everyone here should have my email address. If you don't have it, post a reply to this message but do it quick. There are only a couple of days to go!

-Jared

Help - I am ready to focus now!

Hi all! I need to get updated. I am finally home from the mtns. Help! I am nervous and out of it. I will study the blog and see what I have missed.
Hey I liked the pictures below. Although, toe nails may fall off when running, so no need to worry about them anyway. ;0

Well, I will get the scoop. I am excited to finally get in the mix. Hey, how do I get a picture of my face on the hulk pic?

One More Week. It's Time To .....

• Cut your toe nails now so they don't turn purple after the race. Even you, Rame!
  
  

• Shave your legs. Maybe that has been my problem being so slow. I need to shave so I can cut minutes off my time! But that can wait until Thursday.

• Try waking up in the middle of the night and putting your running clothes on. Just see if you could run at 3:00am, then you can go back to sleep, this time.

What else is it Time for?

She Hulk

J-Hulk

Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush! Checklist from HTC

Some of you are HTC/PTC veterans. Some of you are rookies. However, we are willing to bet that all of youat some point relay weekend will utter these words: “Ohhh, I wish I had (fill in the blank) right now.” To help eliminate some packing omissions, we asked Gold Sponsor, Fred Meyer, to put together a checklist of items to get you thinking about what to pack, and what you might need to stock up on before HTC gets here!!!

Entertainment:􀀀 Games (Mad Libs, deck ofcards, etc)􀀀 Mp3 & charger􀀀 Extra batteries􀀀 Camera - Good for both memories, and blackmail!􀀀 Magazines and a book􀀀 Hit the craft aisle for van décor!!!!

Toiletries􀀀 Towel, washcloth, soap - assuming you do plan to shower.􀀀 Deodorant - Important for van morale!􀀀 Toothbrush & toothpaste􀀀 Women - ponytail holders

Sleeping:􀀀 Ear plugs􀀀 Extra blanket􀀀 Sleeping bags􀀀 Sleeping bag cushion

Health, First Aid, & Safety:􀀀 Blister Pads or moleskin􀀀 Bandaids􀀀 Analgesic Balm (i.e. Icy Hot)􀀀 Pain Reliever􀀀 Antacids􀀀 Instant Ice Packs􀀀 Ace bandage􀀀 Hand Wipes or Bacterial hand gel􀀀 Sunscreen􀀀 Reflective Vest􀀀 Flashlight and/or headlamp

Clothes - We are only listing the little things that get forgotten.􀀀 Hat or visor􀀀 Underwear􀀀 Extra socks􀀀 Sunglasses􀀀 A set of clothes for each of your legs -You’ll feel a lot better putting on a fresh set each time.􀀀 Spare running/walking shoes􀀀 Sandals for the beach party!􀀀 Warm jacket, stocking cap - it’s cold at night out there!

Misc:􀀀 Box of big ziplocks (sounds random, but great for misc items and stinky clothes!)􀀀 Spare shoe laces􀀀 Cell phone charger􀀀 Roll of packing tape (to tape things to your van, etc)􀀀 Permanent marker - Why? To log your roadkill of course!􀀀 Bandana - for gravel legs

GREAT HTC NEWSLETTER

Probably you've already checked out the HTC newsletter on your email. If not, link to this website...... http://www.hoodtocoast.com/documents/2007Newsletter4_000.pdf


It's great! Contains a really good "what to bring" list.

cath

Where are all the bloggers??

Where is everyone!! Let's pump this thing up!! We're on the home stretch!! Thanks to Marie, we're ready to go!!

I've been working hard!! Consistently running 5 miles three times this week and lifting weights on the other days!! I'm so excited! Yay! This is totally the first "team thing" I've done since playing softball and co-ed volleyball many years ago! It's going to be a blast!!!

We're gonna rock this thing!!

Go Incredible Holts!!

p.s. I've lined up a great tattoo artist that can tattoo the incredible holt figure on all of our butts. If you would prefer it on your calf, it's totally do-able and we promise not to call you a "whimp"!!!

New Runnin' Shoes

I spent the morning at a running store. It was fun. I finally broke down and took the time to get the right shoe. I'll test them out tomorrow morning on my 5 mile run.

Should be fun. I'm focusing on saving the other 8 toenails.

Adidas.

cath

Nothing Like the Smell of .... on a Run!!

What does your palate come across when you run?

Warm wet weeds
Horse manure
If you were behind me, last night's dinner!! YUM

Let's Welcome Anne!

We have yet another member on our team, Anne Sackley. Thanks Anne, for joining us and giving us more experience to the team.

Jordan is out of the race with a tweaked knee, but he has happily offered to free me from agony and help drive our Van #2 Yeah!

Let's keep up the good banter with blogging. Let's here how everyone's training is going or not going as we head to the finish!

Hello! Hello!

I just wanted to say hi! and that I am super psyched to be running with all of you. I just read all of the posts and am realizing that this is pretty big! I am getting back in shape. I just ran two and a half miles and I averaged about 9.6 minute miles. This was a shorter run and since it is a holiday, I am going to go to the gym in a couple hours and try to run 2.5-3 miles just to sort of mimick the whole relay thing and see how I feel. I feel confident and am excited to have a goal to work toward! Love you all and it was so fun to see everyone last weekend!

Beck

Reservations

I know some of you are getting hotel rooms but we still have some unoccupied beds available for those who aren't.

Bry and Cath have reserved the guest room. We still have available the futon fold out in the bonus room and two twins in Virginia's room (she will be at school). If we had the demand, I have some camping air mattresses I could setup as well.

Let me know.

Words of Wisdom from Wayne

Up front, I am very excited to participate. I am thinking of changing my last name to Holt for the month of August. For the record, I was a driver with 60 additional pounds on me back in 2002. The entire time training leading up to the event I told my wife Anne there was no way she could do this type of event. Of course she did awesome and after driving it, I thought, give me a year of serious training and I think I could run it. A little inspiration for Ramon. So, I have only run it 4 years. I have run Legs 4, 6, 7, and 12. The last three years I have been a team captain and I feel pretty confident in knowing each of the Legs so if anyone has specific questions, fire away.

A key tidbit I will give everyone is that your sleep on Wednesday night is critial. Thursday night you will be geared up, and will try to sleep and it is also important, but if you can log in a couple of extra zzz's on Wednesday night, you won't regret it.

Also, you find yourself eating the whole way through the event. We just did Mt. Rainier to the Pacific (a low key Washington version of H2C) and one van had a ton of bagels, suger coated dried apricots, nuts, beef jerky, trail mix, ate at Quizno's, etc, and had a great time. The other van had carrots and apples and were dying. Eat whatever you normally would eat, timing is the only decision about food.

Okay, okay enough. Let me know what I can do to help. I have access to enough reflective running vests for the team and first aid kits. Let me know if you need them. H2C is very strict about the flashlight/vest policy so be prepared for that. Like I said, however I can support, I am there for you.

Later,
Wayne

2 More Fabulous Team Members

We are happy to announce that Bryan Holt will be running the race. He has decided that his knee will have to behave so that he can get through this relay. Noah has been seizure free for a while, so Bri and Cath can do this together. Yeah for them and Yeah for Noah.

We are also excited to announce the arrival of Wayne Sackley, a HTC veteran of about 4 times over (maybe more)! He knows his way around this race, so we might be seeing a race medal in our HTC future. Take us there, Wayne!!

Also, little side note: Jordan has re-injured his bad knee and we will find out in 2 weeks if it heals well enough so he can run the race. Many of you are probably thinking that he did this on purpose, but it has turned out that he really does want to do this. Hopefully he won't need surgery. If he is out, Wayne's lovely wife, Ann, will hopefully be taking his place. We will keep you posted.

The Breeze of 2 Miles

I was getting tired of feeling like I have to run 4-5 miles everytime. So I decided to run 2 miles, but run it good and fast (or as fast as I can go). I LOVED it. I did my best at a 10:45 minute mile. We will see if I can push myself for 6 miles at that pace for the race. At the beginning of this training, 2 miles was hard for me. So to know that 2 miles is now a piece of cake is great.

I really tried to push it, knowing I didn't have to go very far. When I finished, I wasn't wiped out like I am after 5 miles. So it was very refreshing. I think I will do this atleast once a week to get the feel of speed and ease!! I suggest you try it.

P.S. We only have 5 week to go. I know what you are thinking, "Let's get this over with!!".

Outfitting in traditional Hulk Wear

Hey, don't we need to start getting our official Hulk Wear going? Here's a shirt I found at Target online for 16.99. It's made for running and could look good. Who knows, maybe the Stitching Barn could add some embellishments for us.

List of Names and Legs

I know this information is out there somewhere, but can we post who is running what legs?

Also, can we start planning what is going to go inside each van? I'm thinking my van will be full of ice cold Coca Cola and dozens of Snicker bars.

Losin' Toenails

Today was AWESOME!! I committed a few days ago to running the 1st Leg of the race. So, to get ready I ran from the top of Mt. Diablo down 5.5 miles. It was a 2000 mile descent which is the same as in the HTC. YAY!!! Only problem - I completely spaced clipping my two big pretty painted toenails. Actually they weren't very long but I still should have clipped them!! Most likely losin' the two big toenails now. Fun for me. Might as well get it over with. Right??

Here is the great news. I averaged 7.45 minute mile!! I had no idea. It felt comfortable! But, I love the help of gravity!! Knees are still great too!

Fun!! I'm so excited!!

Bryan is in Argentina. He's working out and running daily to try to figure out before Monday if he can run with us! Pray for him please. He REALLY wants to do this with everyone!

Cathy

3 Spots with New Runners

We are happy to announce that Becky Glauser is running HTC with us!!! She thought she may have knee problems, but is much improved. So happy to have her with us. Vans have been switched around a little to accommodate the Glauser sisters to be together. So Cathy is now in Van #1.

We are sad to announce that Steph is officially out of the running. We will have you in our thoughts as we are running, saying, I wish I was home with Steph too with shin splints instead of running this crazy race! Please cheer us on from back home, Steph.

Now with 2 spots left, we are going to ask a couple from Rame and Jeanne's ward who have run this race 5-6 times before. They will be our Cheetahs. I hope they will join us and help us in our race.

So we are almost complete. This has been quite a process. I hope it all smooths out now.

What's The Plan

Marie - I am sad to even ask this question? Do we have a plan for extra runners now that we need 3 more?

cathy

Back on Track

For the past couple of weeks I have been so lazy about my runs. I would go for a couple miles every other day. But yesterday I decided to start up again, for real. I ran up two hills, one was short and the other was really long and steap. So I just wanted to blog about the start of my real training!

-Devin
p.s. tonight I'm going for a run with my team up in the canyon-yikes!

I"M STILL A RUNNER!

Wow! This is really hard. But, I am officially and permanently resigning from the race. I never like to give up and I always think things will work out somehow or that I can figure out a way, but I guess not this time. As you know, I have suffered from Plantar Faciitis for about 3 years now, and have a tried a million things to get better. Pretty much the worst thing you can do for it, is run on your feet, but I figured since nothing has worked and my feet still hurt, I would run anyway. Well, the problem is that because of the pain in the feet, my body overcompensates in other areas and I have severe pain in my calves and also in my shins. Then just lately I have this pain, that Sue tells me is called a nueroma, where a pinched nerve goes from your toes up to your hip. I get this about an hour after I run for about 3 days, sometimes mild to severe in pain. So, I have just been trying to gut through it all and eventually my feet would get better. Yesterday I went on a 3 miler and after pretty much couldn't walk or bend down. Sorry to give the gorry details or seem complaining, but it's just really hard for me to give up. I really wanted to do this with you all. I have imagined it all many times. But I think I need to give someone else the time to get ready for the race. I hope you all can support me in my decision. I hope to let my feet and legs heal and then get back to running. Don't forget, I AM A RUNNER!
-Steph

Driver, Please Take Me to the Coast!

Here is a SHOUT OUT to our 2 amazing drivers. Even though they won't be running, they will be sweating right there with us!!

Thanks to Ramon Holt and Jeff Holt for using their mad steering wheel skills for the Relay Race.

Does Everyone Have One of These Little Suckers?

Okay. This kind of sucks, but everyone of us should have a running watch. You can buy one at Target for $10. Also, check in with a website that Jordie introduced to us called, www.mapmyrun.com Once you know where the milage markers are on your route, use your watch to see how you are progressing.

We are gonna be one fast team this August!

-Brian

Dealing with the ups and downs of hills.

Let's face it. Hills suck. Both up and down.

But everyone needs hill strategy. Up hill burns you out. Downhill kills your legs. People who are good with hills work the uphill properly and get speed and a rest on the downhill side.

Here are the basics:

• Uphill takes more arm work, but not excessive. You've got to concentrate and push forward more - both from your thighs and the lift as you push off from your big toe.

• Downhill should be a shuffle. Your feet should barely clear the ground. This keeps the landing softer and saves your knees. As you run, let your legs fall out in front of you. Keep your arm motion really minimal. Art Hansen calls it, "keeping a quiet upper body." Art Mr. Quiet Upper Body would know.

• Downhill is where you let your cardio catch up and rest.

Hope this helps.

Funny Name. Great Results.

For those of you who are trying to increase your milage times - me included - there's a sure way to make it happen. A lot of years ago, speed workouts were developed and introduced to drastically cut milage times. The same principles still work today. You can read up on it if you do a Google search for the term "Fartlek."

That's right. Fartlek. It's a funny name with great results.

Here's the easy way to do Fartlek training.

• While on your normal training run, pick a marker out in the distance. It can be a tree or a house or a fence post. It doesn't matter. Once you pick it out, try really increasing your speed until you get to that point.

• Once you hit that marker, don't stop, just resume your normal speed.

• A little while later, do it over again.

• On a 4 mile run, do about 6 of these mini speed workouts.

• The speed workout should only be between 100 - 250 yards, no more.

• Also, introduce more hills into your routes. You can even try some slower Fartleks on the hills.

Once you begin doing this, you'll find that your milage times will really drop. A family friend just sent me the "official" BYU Cross Country team (she's a member) summer workout. It's no surprise that it includes lots of speed workouts.


-Brian

Incredible Holt's Blog Gets "Hulkified"

Enjoy the new layout to the blog. I hope that mean green machine gets you pumped up to run!! I know I don't want him after me if I haven't been training!

Portland - Here I come!!

I DID IT!! Plane ticket purchased! I'm so excited!! Running, Sweating, Bonding!!!

Love it! Thanks for including me!!

My calves are sore from my run this morning and it's great!

cth

Off Topic... Slightly

OK, So you just finished that oh so very LOOONNNG run and you get this indescribable tingling feeling rising up from deep within your tummy. That feeling that can only be assuaged with things such as can be found HERE! Go ahead, click it! I DARE YOU!!!

I was ruuuuuunnnnnnnniiiiiing!

I did check the blogs for the first time since I wrote a blog, the day before our conference call, and started to write a blog, then got sidetracked.

I've been running consistently. My last week...I ran a 3m a week ago thurs., plus another 3m that same night, a 3m on Fri, a 5m on Sat, a 3m on Mon., a 7m on Tues, (vaca wed&thurs) a 4m Fri, today. I plan to run a 5m in the morning, and a 3m in the afternoon.

I have been averaging 13.3 min. for 3m, 14 min. for 5m, and 15 min. for 7m. I have been going in hotter times, and a lot up Millcreek canyon. But I am used to training for the marathon, and you gotta save up for longer miles, so I go slower, so I can go longer. Today, since our convo last night, I pushed myself hard the whole time, and I did a 12:40 min for my 4m, today. I usually do a 11min. mile the first mile, and it usually adds a minute each mile I do. I don't really understand why I am so slow. It just seems to be, it's depressing at times. I feel that I push myself everytime, the whole time, or do I? I am really going to push my time all the time. It is hard, mentally to do that. And physically, too. But, my legs are 4.4, 4.2, and 7.3. I am worried about the last leg. I think if I keep pushing myself every run, I can get better times. I will keep you updated.

Today, I used my MP3 player. I don't really like it. I just love running with me, and nature. I am more focused on my run, and how I am doing, and more in tune with my body, time, and my surroundings. I definitely feel more grounded without the tunes. Once in a while, I really like the tunes, though.

I wore a different pair of shorts the other day, cause my long biker shorts were in the wash. Chafe! I was so desperate to run I ran like I was running to the toilet about to diarrhea. I was running in the parking lot at the the church up the street, so no onlookers. Except, maybe one visitor. Haha!

Today, I was thinking on my last mile, I just love this. I really love to run. What a gift for me.

Dat Boy's a Runnin Fooool

OK, So I am just enjoying myself laying tile in a shower, wondering why the walls keep getting bigger and the ceiling taller, when I feel a tug at my arm... I look over and see nobody there. Huh?? Strange. I turn back to my work, and I feel the tug again. This time much harder and more sudden. What the....?? I wake up to find Sue hauling my lazy butt out of bed.

DARN!!! I wanted to be the one to wake us up today! Ah well. At least I AM getting up to go running. I suppose that today is a good a day as any, and the earlier the better. After all, yesterday it was well over 104 degrees and there is no way I am going to be able to pull this off unless I do it before sun breaks the ridge on Olympus.

Next thing I know, I am chasing Sue down the road as she leads on a blistering pace along Wasatch Blvd. ( I love running behind Sue! Any of you married men will agree that the best view is had when you are following your wife. Just to prove it, I took out my camera phone and snapped this picture:



Anyhow... To make an overly loquacious posting somewhat more succinct, we had a good run! I admit that I did not do as well as I had hoped this morning, but I can honestly blame it on the tile setting endeavor that inspired the previously mentioned nightmare. Legs + Hips + Knees + Back + Pain = Slow times. Tomorrow I will wake up early enough to get some ibuprofen for breakfast .

So, there you have my first blog entry. And I will leave you with this delightful image of the HTC course I found somewhere out in cyber space...



Ciao.

I am Inspired

Hi everyone,

After talking with everyone last night, the fire was re-lit, after being snuffed out , and i'm back in race mode again. On Monday night, Brian and I ran a 3.5 mile course WITHOUT STOPPING! First time ever to be able to do that. and I mean EVER! and then of course the depressing letter from the HTC people, and the great convo with the fam. I was so inspired that devin and I went out on a 3 mile run up the Canyon late last night. Here's the deal though. I need to plan when i'm running for the day because each time I have run, i have eaten too much for dinner and i feel it in my chest the whole time i'm running. not good. Anyway, I'm going to plan from now on when to eat and run. This is very important.

Steph

Bloggin' while I'm Runnin'

I went running the other day and I didn't take my head phones for the first time. I like it. My head was free to think. Then I got really thirsty and couldn't get that out of my head. Then I could hear my breathing, then I could hear my shoes hitting the ground. So I may only do that every once in a while. I haven't decided if I will iPod for the race.

Anyway, I was totally thinking up things to blog about while I was thinking and running. Things happen while I am running and I think "that would be a great blog post". So I wanted to share my thoughts with all of you.

Here are the titles to Blogs I wanted to write when I was running:

• Hold In Tight, It's More Than a Fart
• I Got Desperate For a Sprinkler - I really squatted down to get a drink from someone's sprinkler last time!
• It's Time For Biker Shorts, I'm Gettin' Chafe
• My Baby's Daddy Has Some Nice Running Legs - this one would be a country song.
• Truly Mind Over Matter

So what are all of your blog titles that get thought about as you run? Let's share.

Up at 6:15 am

Today was really hard to wake up after playing Tues - Thurs. morning at Randall's. But, I did it and I'm sooooo glad! To the gym for an upper-body weight training morning!! Tomorrow I'm trying to run a 4.2 mile run again. Probably you have all run further than me but, this is my longest so far and I ran it last week for the first time!! I remember a long long time ago, running a 5 k with Sue and Bryan. It was tons of fun! I'm really looking forward to being with you all and enjoying the support and supporting everyone through this run!!

We can do this!! Have a great day!!

cth

We Have a New Member

We have lost one of our members, but gained a new one. Michael LeBaron has officially left the race. He is going to be supporting his wife in a run that her family is doing the same weekend. We will miss you Mikey, keep up the running for life.

So, we are happy to announce the newest member of our team: Cathy Holt!!!! Yeah! We are so excited to be running with you and I can't wait to sweat alongside of you in my van!

Everyone give a big comment hug to Cathy, joining our relay!!

I'm Here & Runnin'

Hi Everyone -
So fun to read your progress. Bryan and I run based on intensity (see Body for Life program). However, I will start lengthening my runs from approx. 2 miles - 3 x per week to 3 miles - 3 x per week. I guess I need to run at least a 6 mile run before our trip to Utah in July. Will this get me ready in case you all need a substitute runner? If not - help me out.

I would love to run in Utah with you all. I'm a little worried about the transition to a higher elevation but I'll do my best. We'll be there from 7/20-7/28 and maybe a little longer.

Please post your mile/minute times so that I know if I'm even in the ball park. I'm usually running around 10 - 10 1/2 min. mile. That's at sea level though and I anticipate slower in the Rocky Mountain State.

A comment on Steph's -"I'm not a runner." I always thought the purpose of learning to be a runner should be so that you can actually "run away" from something. Now I run because it's good exercise - I'm not lovin' it quite yet but I do enjoy the time with my headphones, nature, my dog, and me.


cath

Map your Mileage Website

I found this great website where you can map out your mileage for your runs. It's a pretty clever web app that runs on top of Google Maps. Check it out: http://www.mapmyrun.com

Here's a 5 mile run that I mapped out from our house and back:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ut/american-fork/524166120

Wasatch Back Relays

Hey everyone, this is devin!

I just did a relay race that is based off of Hood to Coast, it's called Wasatch Back Relays. I did the race with my high school cross country team. And it's hard to explain the different feelings and emotions that happen in such a race. The motto for Wasatch Back is "run. drive.sleep.repeat." Except that sleep isn't really a major part of the whole experience. This race made me realize how much harder I need to be training. I thought this wasn't going to be very difficult and I was definatley proven wrong. Since I was with a high school team we only did two legs instead of three, but still I'm wasted. Last night I slept for 2.5 hours and ran a little over eight miles. The cool thing about the race was running at two in the morning. It's kind of cold, and you're excited/nervous to get going, and everyone has flashlights or headlamps. Some things that we and other vans did was decorate our with our team name. One van was the "estrogen overload" and they had bras on their van. Another team was the "Victourious Secret" and they had a blow up doll on the front of their van. Anyway that was fun to see the different creativity of each team.

Oh, something else that was really helpful to the runners was music. My van blasted music for the runner as we drove along side them. I have one more suggestion, and that would be for our "cores/endurance." My legs were rated moderate and hard, but they were both pretty short compared to others. They didn't seem hard on paper, but when running three miles on a steep decline you start to loose willpower and your inner core feels really weak. Anyway that was my experience and it got me pumped for Hood to Coast!

p.s. it was really fun to pick some teams we thought we could beat and then all work to pass them up! It just created a little push and fun competition.

Another thing . . .

Hey another thing about the post below - about the Mountair Mile: It is not hosted, or started by The Sharing Place - It was started by a guy in the neighborhood that felt his kids did not know many kids in the area, so he set up a plan to do this race and researched places that he could have donations for the race go to. So he chose The Sharing Place, which is neat. He also has a bunch of sponsors that give money to pay for T-shirts and stuff. Anyways, I thought I'd give a little background on it. SO - if we want to do that, it might be fun.

P.S. I made a blog for my family if anyone wants to check it out . . . mackpack.blogspot.com . . . I will be telling about our adventures through the summer at Scout Camp and throw in some stuff about the Glauser fam too.

New Idea for June 30th

Hey - there is a FUN kids race June 30th called the Mountair Mile. It is a multi-sport race for ALL ages, mostly kids. It is a 1 mile race where they race with skateboards, bikes, running, parents w/strollers. Anybody want to do that with our kids? Then we can run after. It is in the Millcreek/Holladay area. Each participant is given a T-shirt and asked to donate $10. Now there is also another cool thing - it benefits The Sharing Place - the grief support program for kids, where I work. Now that is really not why I am telling you about it, it would just be fun for all of us and cute to see the kids.
The race starts and finishes at the East end of Wolcott's eye shop, parking lot. The address is 3145 S. Highland Dr. I have the race route and details. So I think it sounds fun - or we could run. Let me know what y'all think.

Steph Neff says:

hi everyone,

it's me, no caps. after running 3 days in a row last week and having some issues with my feet i took breather, BUT NOW I"M BACK BABY! I just got back from the park and it's still not a good idea to run in 90 degree heat. Mile 1- 13:20, walk a 1/2 mile, Mile 2- 12:40 , walk a 1/2 mile. I think the heat slowed me down, but whateves. Since i'm on the 'sharing network', i'll share my inspirational moment of the day. So mile 2 was kicking my butt in the heat, and i thought to myself, it's okay, i'm doing pretty good, since i am not runner. ------Schreech!!!!! did i just say that? I' ve always thought of myself as a non-runner. so, since i believe in positive affirmations, i decided i better come up with something better than, i'm not a runner. okay, this is where there the bare your soul comes into play. no making fun. and i guess whatever works for me is what matters. so, i said to myself, I am a runner. i AM a runner. i am a RUNNER! it's nothing too profound, but it feels good. gotta go, happy running. thanks for letting me SHARE!

Okay- Where is everyone's mileage at?

I am curious as to where everyone is with miles. Now be honest :)
What is your usual mileage you run (i.e. 3m/day, 5m/day, etc)?
And what is the longest run you have done?

My usual I run is 31/2 - 4 miles/day - but I only run once or twice a week, lately. I need to step it up.

My longest run in the last 6 months is 4 1/2 miles. I am pathetic.

Please, I need to know I am not the only one that needs a lot of work, but also -- I want to cheer for those who are really working hard -- I know Marie is working WAY HARD! We ran in St. George together, last weekend! She is definitely a focused runner - it was so fun running with her!

(Hey, I have some pointers about speed training I will post later.)


So post your comments - I am curious!!! and Good Luck running!

logged in, I made it

Hello, I am here. I've heard about this for days now. Was not quite sure how to do it. heehee. But I somehow did it. Crazy.

Injured toe, neuroma on new foot(left) acted up bad, but hopefully will "bring it on down". Gave it a week. Went walking today. A tiny sore, but really nothing.

Are we going on our 5 mile run, June 30th? Obviously the 23rd has not been talked about. So, I am making a plan for June 30th. Jared and I are taking the locals on a 5 mile run. Grandparents will tend with other siblings, if available. Make it a date. Put it in your schedule. 9am at Granny's.

I think we should plan a running event with Bry and Cath in August, whenever they are in town. I know they said they may not be doing the run, I would love it, if one of you could keep running. I know both of you probably wouldn't be able to do it. I just feel, that we might need you.

I am a bit disgusted by the spitting of Jordan. I am sorry that you have to do it, and are doing it, but feel pleased to know about it. haha. I went running at Sugarhouse park, and the 2 men in front of me, one of them spat every 15 min. I was never so disgusted and so bugged. Later, after they left. I thought, "why did I not let him know how unsanitary and disgusting that is?" But hearing from you, gave me a softer heart for the guy. Is there anyway not to spit in the trail path, that's what is the killer? Just wondering.

Jared has not run since April 14th. He is still planning on running, and very excited. And thinks he will do well. This is what happens to someone who has run a marathon, and feels, "oh, a relay, easy". But, let's all just let him know he is going to be hating it,come the 3rd leg.

I would love to hear from Jeanne and Mike, to know how hating it we are going to be, if we don't get it together. Please!!!!

Love ya, Sue

p.s. Did I correctly Blog, or was I supposed to keep it to one paragraph, and short and sweet. Because, I can never do that. Have you ever heard a voicemail of mine?

Chariots of Fire

Jordan and I rented the movie Chariots of Fire. It was mega Snooze, but the running was very inspiring. It is neat that it is a true story of the Olympics.

Sue just reminded me of another great running movie: Prefontaine. It is on our Netflix list to rent. Check it out!

June 13th. Been on the road yet?

Sign in and let us know what you've been doing today.

It's June 12th. Where are you running today?

Okay folks. Spill the beans. Where are you running today. And what is the milage?

Let's see if everyone can start checking in and telling the group what they are doing today.

The Art of the Loogey

This might be too much information, but I feel the need to share.

I don't know about all of you but I have a hard time swallowing when I run. However, I also find it very difficult to spit when I run. So I have two choices (a conundrum if you will): I can try to swallow and hope I don't start gagging on the side of the road OR I can choose to spit and pray that it doesn't catch on my cheek and slobber down the side of my face (I hope you all visualized that very clearly).

I've found that spitting is the option for me. A forceful shot down and away works best. Feel free to share your own challenges.

Please Note: An important variable to always remember is wind speed and direction.

Not Runnin'

Good luck to everyone runnin' the Hood to Coast. We're working out here in Cali but not runnin' in the Hood with you all. Maybe we could run a little in July when we're visiting. I really think the elevation will be a killer for me. I'm not sure.

Good luck!!!

"Running" out of ...

You know I am running too much when I am running out of underwear! Sorry is that TMI (too much info)? I need to go buy some more since I am running close to everyday now. Just kidding, but I should be. I don't think any of us, minus Mike and Jeanne, know what we are in for.

I did run today, but only 3 little miles. I am sooo slow. Help me know how to pick up the pace, or maybe I am just a slow runner no matter what.

HELLLOOOOO Holt Family!

Here is the new Incredible Holt's Blog!

This is the place to let us all in on the happenings of your Hood to Coast training, or lack thereof.

So, let's all share and share alike. Please post or comment on anything (keep it clean). This is a closed blog, so only those invited will be allowed to post or view and comment.

Have fun running, or watching us run!