Keep Calm and Run On

Yeah for cross country season! Today was our first summer morning practice at Sugarhouse Park. There were some freshmen and new people who came. We ran a road lap for a warm-up, then did 6 strides, 3 hills, a cooldown and core work. This season will be amazing!

We met at Sugarhouse again for a team workout. We had the 'more experienced' runners come earlier, and we ran before everyone else came. I ran 7 miles on the first run. Then, we got to do a buddy run! The experienced runners were put in a group of new runners and we ran together. I ran 5 more miles on the buddy run, and am feeling sore after both runs.

Today we met at Sunnyside for workout. We ran to the Bonneville Glen as our warm-up. Then, we did strides as a relay (my team dominated.) We ran a cooldown to get 5 miles. It wasn't too hard of a workout, but my legs feel really sore.

The first group met earlier again this morning. We ran to the flagpole along Wasatch Dr. and back to the trailhead across from the zoo. We ran 6 miles before starting with everyone else. We did buddy runs again, Abigail and I were with a group of freshmen girls. We ran along Shoreline Trail to the first gate, then back and added some to get three miles. It was fun to run with the new girls and talk to them. When we got back, we did three sets of step-ups and core.

Today's run was at Liberty Park. We ran a lap warm up, then split into groups for Firemen. I ran one lap with a group of new girls. Then, the second lap, Susannah and I got to run with the boys (and of course they were sprinting at the end) We ran a lap cool down, then did our core work. The arches of my feet are still sore, but don't hurt as bad as yesterday.

I ran on my own today. For the first 2.5 miles, I pushed my niece and nephew in the stroller as I ran (it was a lot harder than I thought it would be). Then I ran the last half stroller free. I did my core work after running. Finishing the week with 40 miles.

Today the advanced group met earlier again for a run. We met at Sugarhouse and ran the cemetary run to get 6 miles. Then we ran in a group with everyone down to Fairmont. We stretched, and ran 8 strides on the soccer field. We ran back to Sugarhouse and did one circuit then core work. It wasn't too hard today, but my legs are sore. As usual.

Today was a workout at Sunnyside. We ran in the Bonneville Glen for a warm up like last week. After we got back to the white tree though, a few of us went back to the glen to get the rest of the runners. Then we did arm swings, and ran a 10 minute fartlek workout (5 on and 5 off) It hurt, but felt good to push. Luckily I had Mike and Ricky running with me so I pushed myself hard. We did a big park lap for a cool down, and I added more to get an even 8. I did core when I got home.

Today I only ran 5 because I had to leave practice early. We ran at Liberty Park and did hills. We ran a lap warm up, then did 6 continuous hills on the North side of the pond, back and forth between the flagpole and the other side. I was able to push myself because Abigail was right with me (good job Abigail!!). I ran a lap cooldown to get 5 then did my core at home.

Today, I ran with Sarah, RJ, and Taylor. We met later in the day so it was a really hot run. We ran to Shriners, then along 11th Ave a bit to get seven miles by the end of the run. I was sore from hills, but mostly was dying from the heat. I think I will get back in the old routine- wake up early to run then nap for a few hours after because it was way too hot today. I did my crunches and push ups when I got home.

Today was another hot run. I ran the 6 mile loop I used to run with my sister, then added on another mile for 7. My pace was faster than yesterday but after the run I felt more sore. I did crunches and push ups when I got home.

I ran with Amanda, Taylor, and Scott. We met at Sunnyside Park and ran to Legacy Bridge and then to the JCC. We didn't want to go through the construction coming back, so instead we ran by the bookstore and across the U campus back to the park. We needed 3 more miles so we ran along 15th E. to 17th S. and back to finish with 8. I did my core later in the day.

Apparently today was the day Bill decided the advanced run would start at exactly 7:15. My first mile of the run was chasing the group around the park and along 17th E. by Highland because I had no idea where we were going. We ran up 27th S. and to Tanner Park and back. We met up with the rest of the team and ran a grass lap for a warm up. Then we did a lot of dynamic stretching, one circuit, and a road lap for a cooldown. By the end of the workout, my legs had tightened up and are now pretty sore.

After today's workout, I think it is time to start at 7:15. It was way too hot to be running past 9. We met at the Peace Gardens and ran along the Jordan River trail. We ran a 10 minute warm up, then did two sets of fartlek-3 minutes on and 2 minutes recovery. Then part of the group had to finish with 8 for the day. The trail was flooded at 2.5 miles so we had to loop around the trail several times to finish with 8. When we got back, we did 3 sets of step-ups and arm swings and finished with crunches and push ups. I was sore from yesterday's workout, and waterskiing yesterday. My quads and hip flexers are really sore and so today was a hard workout for me.

Advanced group at 7:15 again (and I was on time) at Fairmont. We ran North on 9th E. for 1.5 miles, then ran back to the park and South for 1.5 miles to get 6. Then we had our scavenger hunt. I was in a group with all the girls (and Travis). It took a long time to complete, but we got another 4 miles in. I wasn't as sore today, but my quads are still really tight and hurt. I did my crunches and push ups when I got home.

Today for XC we went up Millcreek to Pipeline, my favorite trail. It was not too hot and there aren't too many hills (unlike Puke Hill run last year...) We ran to the point and back, which was 9.3. So we ran up the road a bit to get an even 10. I started the run slow, but then Bill was behind me so I had to pick up the pace. We caught a lot of the other boys and ran an average of 8:09 for the whole run. I didn't feel as sore as yesterday luckily. Except, 2 miles into the run I tripped and cut my knee. It didn't bleed too much, but is kind of swollen and hurts a lot. So running tomorrow should be fun...