Endurance Certification

I gave up a trip to Disneyland with my girls for this! I paid an arm and a leg for this! I have to spend 2 full days away from my family for this!
But, i know it will be worth it in the end.
This weekend i will be getting my CrossFit Endurance Certification!!!!
I have so many ideas about how i could use this cert. But my 2 main reasons are true and pure to my heart. I want to be a better runner & i want to help others begin to run.
I can't tell you how many people ask me about how to start running, how to get better, how to PR, but i don't know exactly what to say.
All i know is CrossFit Endurance combined with CrossFit and the Paeleo diet WORKS and it works BIG!
I am so excited to share my knowledge and begin something big.

What is thou in a name?

Right before the "bricks" hit

Ever wonder why things are called what they are? I think of silly things like this all the time. This morning, while swimming my 500 meter time trial (13:38), i made up my grocery list in my head, thought about eating a fat cheesburger once (FINE!!..twice), and thought about how i would feel when i'm finally in the locker room, taking a hot shower.

What is thou in a name:

Tabata running workout: It's named after Izumi Tabata in Japan. He conducted tests on two groups of athletes; comparing moderate versus high intesity.

Guess who won? The short spurts of high intesity training gave by far more benifits than longer moderate training. Hence why CrossFit kicks your butt and you see faster results. For example, my workouts this whole week have been under 20 minutes and I feel in better shape than when I was running 30 miles a week. I like Izumi.. he was a smart guy and he helps me spend more time with my family. GO JAPAN!

Bricking workout: Bricking is combining 2 activities in a single workout. The bike to run is the hardest transtition for triathletes, as I found out this weekend. I ran 1 mile (8:07) then ran through the house like a mad woman (my daughter's playdate just gawked at me with an open mouth), changed shoes and rode on the bike trainer for 8 minutes. Hopped off and ran another mile (7:31).

Ooh, that hurt!! The second mile i looked down and i could not feel my legs -no joke. They felt like "bricks"; hence bricking. BRICKS ARE HEAVY!

LSD: Couldn't you just picture a runner asking another runner if they got their LSD in this week? Hilarious! LSD is an abbreviation for "Long, Slow Distance, which refers to the practice of runniing longer distances at an "easy" pace rather than shorter ones to exhaustion. It allows the runner to go longer and, therefore, gain more fitness (i don't know about that last part?!?!) JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS?

Any other names you find odd?

Spilling The Beans

I have no plan and only 10 weeks away from my first tri. My endurance trainer tells me 10 weeks is an eternity in the tri-world. Then why does it feel just around the corner. Here's me spilling the beans about training for 5 -yes 5 upcoming triathlons.

Here is what IS working:
- x5 day a week CrossFit (this makes me feel like a goddess.. if i can deadlift 195 pounds -or- do 100 pull ups in a row -or- run a mile after throwing a 16 pound ball 50 times in the air...  well sir, i can do just about anything!)
- i bumped up swiming to x2 times a week
- sticking to a strict muscle building Paleo diet (2 cheat meals a week)
- "i got this" attitude (you freakin' ran a marathon last year.. you CAN do this Farrah!)


Here is what's NOT working:
- the big mac i just scarfed down today
- i've never bricked before in my life
- i almost never ride my bike (4 times since december!!) Ouch!
- i am still breaking in my new zero drop shoes.. double ouch!
- i don't have charts, schedules or any organization involved in my training
- "i don't got this" attitude (what if you fail, fall, drown, drop out??)

Any advice??

My New Eve's

 I am cheap. Beyond cheap. So when I buy a new pair of running shoes, I research, study, compare, and evaluate. The night before i punched in my visa number, i was tossing and turning, contemplating all sides of each shoe. I finally found "thee" pair.

The Fed Ex truck pulled up early this morning and I ran out in the frosty winter air, snatched the box from the driver's hands and took off into the house. The poor guy didn't know what hit him.

I tried them on and giggled. They fit like a glove! I didn't waste any time. I hit the pavement on a 3 mile quickie run and felt as if i were running in the clouds.

Do you also feel like a giddy school girl when you get a new pair of running shoes?

Valentine's Tea Party x14



Valentine's Tea Party

 The things you do for your kids. Here were some of the choice quotes from that afternoon. Which was pleasant, but by no means relaxing.

1. "I'd rather be running."

2. "Really?? All 14 girls can come? What a surpriiiise! Wonderful Livi's."

3. "Red soda will eventually come out.. really sweetheart, stop crying."

                                                                       4. "Did we really say 12:00-3:00!?! Oh,
                                                                       my gosh, it's only 12:45!"

                   5. "I'd rather be running."
                      (whoops, did i write that twice?)

Am i a bad mom or what?... or maybe i'm just normal and no one else reveals these truths?
Just sayin.

Moonlight Snowshoeing

MINUS:
1. Felt like BIGFOOT half the time (fiiine..all the time!).
2. You can't run!!!!! (Enough said!)
3. You have to slow down for the elder folk in the group. (I really do love old people).

PLUS:
1. Moonlight makes everything seem like a "snow white dream". (FYI: There was no alcohol involved... maybe a little hot chocolate.)
2. You can't run!!! (You actually slow down and enjoy nature.)
3. Fellowship (Definition: In Christianity, a term (translated from the Greek koinonia) referring to individual Christians who are in Christian communion with each other.)

Go snowshoe in the moonlight for goodness sakes!!

Altra Eve Minimal Running Shoes

My new toy..or should i say my new "toys" since they come in two's.
I just bought my first pair of minimal running shoes. I've bought minimal before but never with zero drop. I'm kinda' excited to try them out.

I have been wanting to buy minimals for some time now. My research dug up my top favorites.
1. Newton. These are amazing, but mostly for triathlon's and they are not built for running longer than a 10K.
2. Inov-8. These are used by CrossFitters with a gummy sole.
3. Merrell-glove. Love these, but everyone at my gym has them...snooze/boring!

When i get them in the mail, i will be sure to send out a review.
PS: Free shipping at Born To Run

What do you run in?? Have you ever ran in a zero drop shoe?

CrossFit Warning: You might just change into the person you've always wanted to be

It can't be said enough.. it really changes everything. You come out a different person. Things that seemed impossible are not only possible, but done with a mental and physical clarity that is astonishing! It's not pretty, easy or a walk in the park. But if you've ever wanted to transform yourself into someone else.. a better version of yourself- this is the place to do it.

Friday Breakfast.. caveman style



My breakfast this morning: Paleo Eggs Benedict

 It's been a little over a year since i started training for my first marathon. 10 months since i started CrossFit and 4 months since i began to eat Paleo (aka: Caveman diet).

All my CrossFit buddies pushed, nagged and pulled me into their Paleo ways, but to no avail, I would not bow down. In a nut shell, i thought it was stupid -i mean, how smart were caveman anyway?

But slowly i started seeing the light -or the darkness first... muscle fatigue, no energy, achy knees, and low times on my running and CrossFit workouts. So, i thoght it'd give it a try. I started out slowly (this would mean 2 straight Paleo days and 5 cheat days). Then i bumped it up and now i am on 6 strict Paleo days and 1 cheat day.

I feel amazing!! An apple tastes as sweet as a big ol' slice of chocolate cake. No more belly bloating and feeling sluggish. And the best of all, my times have gone down and i am starting to PR again. And i must brag a little.. my muscle's are looking lean and ripped.

Could this be the next diet craze. Nope! It's the next "life style" craze. And I'm on the band wagon! Yee Haaaw!!

Missing In Action

I know, i know -i've been MIA for a few months. Triathlon training is not all that it's cracked up to be. As my husband so endearingly put it, "You mean you have to do 3 sports in one race? Why would anyone want to do that?"
Yes darling, you have to do 3 sports in one race. But, if you are a CrossFitter, then it incorporates 5 time consuming sports.

Here's the break down:
1. Running
2. Bicycling
3. Swimming
4. CrossFitting
5. CrossFit Endurance

Could my life be anymore hectic?? Throw a running blog on top of that and you have a recipe for disaster.. or a MIA.

But can I tell you a secret? Out of all the sports and all the tedious hours i spend trying to tame these 5 beasts -running is still and always be my passion. I have such a love for running, it feels as though, it is inbeded in me like thousands of years of running-DNA.

Here are some of my favorite pictures since i've been Missing In Action. Oh, there's been plenty of action!



Myself and my sister.




Dancing around the Christmas tree.. danish style.



Bel getting Thriller on dvd for Christmas.



Getting use to my new bicycle trainer.




Liv starting ski school.




Our first snow.




New Years Eve with myself, sister and mom.



Running and training for a triathlon is time consuming. Let's here it for ya' all that STILL stick to the training when it's Christmas time. Let's all agree and just sum it up in one simple text: IT SUCKS!

When i didn't run, swim and bike, I had no idea how to compact all that glorious Christmas fun into 25 days. Now that i am actually deep into training, i am 100% sure that i don't know what i'm doing.

I'm just sticking to the basics....

1. Tree up (i didn't say decorated)
2. Gifts bought (i never said wrapped)
3. Christmas Eve Dinner served (probably from Honey Baked Ham)
4. Buy a "naughty" outfit for my husband (oh, yes girls!!)
4. Smile (smile & laugh... ALOT... takes away all my cares!)


Life is simple.. that's all I need to survive the holidays. How bout you??

First (magical) Winter Run

The endurance team decided to do inerval hills on squaw peak road on Saturday. A storm blew in late Friday and left Provo with a few inches.

One minute at 100% up squaw peak and then one minute rest -or in my case gasping for dear life. The elevation always seems to sneak up on me and give me a less than perfect performance. Six strong runners, fresh powder beneath our saucony's, and rosey cheeks in the morning sun. After 15 intervals, we called it a day and headed down the mountain.

Then my magical running moment came.

You know the one that you never predict, but the one that makes your whole week.

...

I take off running down the mountain alone, every pore in my body soothed by runners high, looking at the glorious first fallen snow piled thick on the trees. Out of all the hundreds of songs i have on my ipod, "Winter Song" comes on. Thee perfect song for my first winter run. I breath in the freezing mountain air through my stinging lungs, feel my feet pounding underneath the hard snow, and look out at the gaping magestic mountains. I shed a tear. How do you get any closer to god than that moment?

For those of you who do not know "Winter Song", here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67xr_KKPTHE

Transitioning into a TRI

Yep, it looks like i've finally made the decision to transition itnto a triathlon.

Heck i can't bike and the good lord above knows i can't swim. The only swimming i've done is in a pool with my girls because one of them was pooping and i had to get them out of the water. Other than that, i'm as close to a triathlon as..  the girl next door.

It all started when my CrossFit buddies decided to nudge me in. But i couldn't say no. The words literally could not come out of my mouth. Only because in my deepest of deepest hearts i really have always invisioned me training and finishing a triathlon.

I find this kind of ironic because almost 12 months ago i had the same vision of me finishing a marathon. And look how that turned out.

Trained for it.. did it.

.... now want something MORE.

Halloween Half Marathon, Provo Utah

The Halloween Half was spooktacular!

How often do you get to run next to a shower at 7000 ft. elevation at 9am?? I rocked it as a baseball player.. hopeing i could go for the "A league of their own" vibe.

Bel dressed up as a pirate to support my crazy running cause. What was the actual cause.. HAVING FUN ofcourse!!! Isn't that why we all started running in the first place?

Oh yeah, finished in 1:52 and didn't even care about my time. Okiiii, maybe a little bit. :)

Have a safe Halloween everyone!!!!!!!!

Moab, Utah

My birthday was on Friday and I am so lucky to have a husband that realized 35 years was a big deal. He swept me and our girls away to Moab, Utah. A place that i have always wanted to conquer. Conquer we did. We ended our 3 day vacation with smiles, a $75 national park ticket for off-roading (much to be explained) and a family bond that will never be forgotten. Thank you husband.... i love you.

Livi and I went crazy in the pool.



Running the mile up the canyon



I dared the girls to jump off the rock.. they did!

My favorite picture of Belle and I.



CrossFit Box Jump that turned into CrossFit "rock" jump.

My Own Calcutta: Taking a weekend to realize family is REALLY everthing.

Oh, so dirty!

If you've NEVER tried a mud run, then there's no time to waste. Start surfing the web and sign up for one now! It's yucky, muddy, slippery and oh' so much fun! Our CrossFit Endurance team tackled the Dirty Dash in September and just rocked it!




CrossFit Endurance

 


Me, on the famous mudslide

 

The world of "normal"

I've been through some crazy things in my life, but nothing ever really prepares you for the REALY crazy stuff that life throws at you.

I am so happy to report that things are back to normal, and normal IS good. Very good. The normalsy of life has kicked in and the wondering of "what could have been's" are gone and now i am just enjoying time with my husband and 2 girls.

Running and Crossfitting are apart of my everyday life now and probably the only thing that is currently keeping me out of the looney bin these days.

I ran The Dirty Dash with the Crossfitt Endurance team 2 weeks ago and it rocked!!! I will post pictures as soon as i find my camera. It was so absolutely dirty, gross and loads of fun! Can't wait to do the 5k in June.

Right now i'm thinking about all of you... i can't wait to carve out some time and find out how your blogging/running lives have been. I feel like i missed so much. I know I Have Run ran St. George and i can't wait to hear all about it.

Lot's of love from "normal". It's good to be back.

Morten, Farrah & Livi in the ICU (day 5)

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support! We can't believe the overwhelming comments on this site. You are amazing!

Morten is home now and we are starting to get back to "normal" everyday life. Whatever "normal" was anyway. Last Thursday i had my first run (5 miles). After 3 weeks of not running, it hurt -bad!

BUT.. if you have ever been through something like this, you don't care if it hurt's, you start out too fast, you puke, you get injuried... you just want to feel your heart beat, the sweat on your brow, those legs pump, and that magical feeling of "I'M ALIVE!"

Never have i needed that feeling so much in my life, as i do right now. Sometimes in my quiete moments i think i started running years ago to prepare for this very situation. When i run, i feel sane.. in the midst of all this chaos and insanity.

One moment...

One moment... changes your life forever.

On Wednesday i got a call from my husbands co-worker. "Your husband has been in an accident. He got caught in a machine at work and an ambulance is taking him to the emergency room. He is in alot of pain", they warned.

That was the moment everything changed.

I had a marathon planned for today. Instead i am sunken away in the intesive care unit making sure my husbands kidneys don't shut down.

Crushed pelvis/hip and internal bleeding.

Pray and... take a run for me.

There will be no more running for a while.

Lots of love.

My first non-race

Okay, i'm just going to get it out there. I pulled out of the South Valley Half Marathon.

Do i feel guilty?
No.

Do i wish i ran it this morning?
Yes.

Is the world going to end if i pull out of a race and spend the day cleaning my house and going school shopping with my girls?
No.

Will i ever pull out of a race again.
Probably.

Do i need to sneak in a 10 miler this evening anyway.
You bet!