I'm a Girl on the Run

For the past couple of months, I had the awesome opportunity to co-coach a team for Girls on the Run Salt Lake.  Girls on the Run is a program to empower young girls with lessons and get them ready to run a 5K when the program is over (December 1st-Reindeer Romp).  Our team consisted of about 8 girls, each of whom had a different personality and a uniqueness about them.

Running activity where we had them write
something on the poster each lap they completed.

At first I had a hard time.  I had another coach thank goodness, but we were both new to the experience.  After a few weeks though, it didn't seem so hard.  And luckily we bonded with the girls very quickly.  I loved every moment with those girls.

One of the activities where we had outlined each girl and
everyone wrote down positive things about each other.

The hardest part was sometimes getting the girls to pay attention and focus.  We were working with 3rd-5th graders and I'm sure the last thing they want to do is sit and listen to someone talk.  But we made the lessons fun and found that the girls did listen and did participate.  Some were more shy than others, but once the program ended I could tell the girls had changed, even if just a little.

I wanted to get the girls to love running.  At that age, running 3 miles is quite the distance.  We started with little running activities and eventually built them up to longer distances.  They were amazing!  The first time they ran a 5K I was SO proud.  They all made it.

When the actually race day came I was happy to see the girls ready to go and excited!  Our team was the Pink Panthers.  We made panther ears and my mom kindly made paw print gloves for each girl.  They were adorable.  

Pink Panther Coach!

Neither of the coaches ran in the race, but we cheered when we saw the girls running.  Then at the finish line I was able to hand out the medals and give each girl a hug.  Another moment where I was super proud of each girl.

Race day.  Go Pink Panthers!

Coaching for this program is an experience I will never remember.  It made me realize how much I love/miss coaching and how talented the younger generations are.  I feel like I made at least a bit of an impact on these girls and hope they enjoyed the whole experience and learned something new about themselves.

I'm not sure if I will coach for the Spring program, but I might consider being a running buddy instead.  I would love to be able to run with a girl and motivate her throughout the race.  I definitely recommend coaching or volunteering another way to anyone who might be interested.  It was worth every moment.  :)

Running is something anyone can do if they put their heart into it.

Runaway Girl

51 Seconds

On October 27th, 2012, I ran the Provo Halloween Half Marathon.  This was also my very first half marathon!  I finally did it.  I've been wanting to run a half for a long time, I just never knew if I could get myself to actually do one.  I love running, but racing for 13.1 miles?!  That's crazy.

That's what I thought until I signed up, started training, and finished.  I felt amazing.  I didn't really have a specific goal for the race, except that I would prefer to get under 2 hours.

Since it was a Halloween run, I dressed up.  My costume: A Scuba Diver.  And I must say.....it was creative and awesome.  I ran with the foam flipper for about the first couple miles.  then I trashed them (they got a bit annoying).

Super early morning waiting for the shuttle buses

The morning of the race my sister Tierney drove me to the University mall where we had to wait for our shuttle buses.  The sun hadn't risen yet, that's how early it was.  I waited in the cold line with a blanket around me for what felt like forever.  I made a friend though.  She was also running her first half marathon.  Unfortunately I forgot her name. :(  But we rode on the bus together and talked and then stuck together until the start of the race.  I was in the wave before her and went on my way to start.  I was nervous and excited.

GO!

I ran.  The first three miles were pretty much downhill so I was quite speedy.  I think I ran the fastest three miles I have ever ran.  But the downhill wasn't so nice the whole way.  Around mile 7 my knee started to feel the pain.  I was unhappy and kept telling myself, I don't care if my knee blows out after the race, but it better not do so now!  I had to run through the pain.

Not only that, but I was worried about my time.  I was scared that I was even slower than I thought.  I saw the 2:10 pacer which was way behind me, but I didn't see the 2:05, so I was starting to worry.  I knew this was my first half, but I expected more of myself.  Especially after training for 13 weeks.

I crossed the finish line sprinting and just hoping to finish with a decent time. I FINISHED!  My friend Ashley was nice enough to come find me when I finished.  It was nice to see a friendly face when I was done.  My sister met up with us a little later.  I was really happy to have them both there.  :)  

My super supportive sister!

I felt great and didn't bother to think about my time.  I was thinking between 2:05 and 2:10 though.  Oh well.  I finally checked that item off my bucket list.  And it was a fun race.  The course ran down provo canyon, which was beautiful.  I wish I had a camera while I was running.  The leaves and the colors.  I was reminded of how much I love running outside in the beauty of nature.

The infamous herse and the dead scuba diver

When I finally checked my time a little while after the race I was nervous.  I scrolled down the list of people and realized I was faster than I thought.  Then I came upon my name.

Tiegan Hatch 2:00.51

51 Seconds over the two hour mark.

Honestly I was a little angry at first, but I soon laughed about it.  51 seconds could have been made up anywhere!  And I can blame my knee all I want, but that doesn't change the time.  So that's that.  And I'm still proud of myself.  Because I ran.  And I didn't stop running.

Until after the race, when I let my body take a rest from running and training strictly.  I think I finally ran again about 4 weeks later.  A good four mile run which felt amazing.

Now, about two months later, I have signed up for another half marathon.

2013 Canyonlands Half Marathon.

This time I have a goal.  I WILL get under the two hour mark.

Let's run.

Runaway Girl

The Color Run: Salt Lake City

I can't believe I forgot to write about this run!  On September 15th my friend Katherine and I ran the Salt Lake City Color Run 5K!  Normally Saturdays are my long run days for training, but I figured this is a race I did not want to miss, plus it was a nice break.





We arrived at Southe Towne Mall clean and in white, but this wouldn't last very long. Throughout the run there were color stations where volunteers blasted us with color!

Just about to start!

At the end of the race we gathered by the stage with our personal color packets in hand. At a specific time all the runners were told to throw their color.  

My personal color packet (It ended up being red not green).

Throw some color!

This was one of the coolest moments and wasn't like what I expected.  It was better!  I couldn't even see my friend in the cloud of multiple colors.  As she described it, 'it was like a blackout of color'.  Couldn't have said it better myself.

The ground was covered in specks of color.

The aftermath

After the many rounds of color throws, we finally made our way back to the car and brushed off whatever we could.  Then we decided to hit up Nitro Freeze where I got raspberry ice cream with kiwi.  Delicious!  And we looked quite odd entering all dirty with color.

If you ever get the chance, sign up for this race.  It's non-timed and family friendly.  It's a fun race and really is as their slogan says, "The Happiest 5K on the planet".

Me and my best friend Katherine!

 Runaway Girl

5 Weeks and a Trail Run

On Saturday August 15th I had the amazing opportunity of running in the Hidden Peak Hustle 10K Trail Run!  I didn't know what I was getting myself into.  I had NEVER done a trail run and yet I signed up to race 6.2 miles?  AM I INSANE?!  Well, for those of you who are reading, I can be insane.  I looked at my training schedule and I was supposed to run 8 miles.  My friend messaged me the day before asking if I wanted to do this race.  I thought, why not?  It's 2 miles less than my training, but at least it's something.  AND it's a trail run, making the difficulty higher.  So I signed up and got myself into a crazy race.

The next day I woke up bright an early so I could get to snowbird around 8AM.  Oh and the night before, I didn't sleep.  I didn't go to bed until about 3AM and couldn't really sleep once I was in bed.  Oh well!  I guess my body was just too excited.  

The race was amazing.  The race started at an elevation of 8000 feet and changed about 1000 feet more or less than that at times.  Trail running is a thrilling experience that I think everyone should try at least once.  The unfortunate part is that I wore my old Nike's.  BUT I FINISHED!  And I think I finished pretty strong.  The beginning was rough and I kept thinking, 'what was I thinking signing up for a 10K?  I could have just done the 5K!", but I am glad that I chose the longer distance.  During the middle-ish section of the race I was cruisin'.  I felt strong and really awesome.  Until I hit the end-ish of the race (I had no idea when I hit whatever miles) and there were some hills.  I had to walk parts of the rest due to the new experience to my body, but overall, I was running.  Although the last large hill I walked all the way up.  I tried to walk fast, but I was feeling the pain.  Finally there was one short and steep hill, but I got past it and then it was alright from there.  The ending was a downhill fast paced sprint.  I WAS DONE!  I didn't care too much about my time or place just then.  I just felt accomplished and happy.  Another reason trail running is sweet.  Not a lot of people do it, but those who do have to have endurance, desire, and heart.  Maybe now I'll get some legit trail running shoes and get into this new sport.  Who wouldn't want to run in nature with some fresh mountain air?  :)

I won third place in my age group!

They had a raffle at the end, and this is what I won.  :)

My other update (since it's been awhile) is about my half marathon training.  I just finished week 5!  Only 8 more weeks to go!  I am a little scared still, but just yesterday I ran 9.19 miles!  Not only did I run a long distance, I felt good.  My stomach felt good, my body felt good, and my mind was ready.  I am still not super fast, but I am strong.  I can already tell that this training is working!  I've slacked off some of my days, but for the most part I am strict and get in my miles or cross training.  I am loving it.

I'll post more about my training as it goes.  I've got more fun runs ahead!

Tiegan Hatch #352
Black Diamond Store Hidden Peak Hustle 10K (First Annual)
Elevation: varied 7000-9000 ft. (estimated)
Time: 1:13:50.1
Overal: 30/55
Age Group (20-29): 3/5
Women: 7/21




Runaway Girl

I'm running to change my life for the better.

First Day of Training

While I was waiting for a light to change I saw this

As you may have read in my last post, I have signed up for my very first Half Marathon!  I am running the Provo Halloween Half.  It's perfect because I have 13 weeks to train and I get to combine two things I love: Running and Dressing up for Holidays.  This race gives me the opportunity to run AND dress up!  Like this sticker says, my future is unwritten and it's up to me to write it.  It's up to me whether or not to go to bed early so I can run early in the morning.  It's up to me if I am going to work for it everyday and not slack off.  I don't know what's in store, but I do know that I can prepare myself physically and mentally.



Today was my first official day of training.  I made a schedule for myself last night to make sure I am on track and motivated.

The first seven weeks

Today's goal was 5 miles.  I had a hard time waking up so I ended up running around 9:30AM in about 80 degree weather.  I got through the 5 miles though.  I was determined and I wanted to start my training off the right way.

On the sidewalk right before I got home

After my run I made sure to drink water and made myself a healthy breakfast.  During these weeks of training I want to make sure I establish healthy eating habits.  I want to perform my best when race day comes.  

Spinach, tomato, and egg sandwich
Odwalla Superfood drink

 13 weeks.  I can definitely do this.


Runaway Girl

Pioneer Day and a BIG STEP!

On Pioneer day I had the opportunity to run the Deseret News 10K!  I had run it two years prior in 47min 25.5secs.  This time around I was slower, but I felt strong and I felt good.  No stomach problems, I was hydrated.  I prepared myself fairly well.  Of course I could have trained a lot more.  I was happy that I got under 50 minutes, which isn't too bad.  Of course now I am motivated to get faster, much faster.

The route went down South Temple, and passed right by where I live.  My parents were outside by the street to cheer for me.  I couldn't help but smile when I saw them.  I really think that having them there for me gave me more strength.

But.....this was only a 10K, and a preparation for something more.  :)

Me in the crowd passing my house around mile 3

After I finished my run, I went back home, made some posters, and sat outside to wait for my friend Ashley to run by.  She ran her very first marathon!  I only ran about 6 miles, she ran 26.2!  That's insane.

By the time she passed us on South Temple, she had run 23 miles!  I was impressed and she looked great.  Hopefully having us cheer for her helped push her for those last 3 miles.  

Motivating posters

I decided to bike over to the finish line and cheer for her right at the end.  I was so proud to see her finish, let me say it again, her FIRST marathon!  It truly takes a strong individual to run such a distance.  I was certainly inspired.

Ashley looking AMAZING after her finish!

It was a day of running and inspiration.  I didn't have someone running the race with me, but I did have people supporting me.  Although I only ran about a fourth of what Ashley ran, it was a good start for me to get myself moving in the right direction.  And watching one of my friends run her very first marathon has motivated me to take a chance and sign up for something bigger.  

So.....I signed up for my FIRST half marathon!!!!!  I am gradually getting to the marathon point, and this is a big step for me.  I have a little less than 90 days to train and I am so excited to get running and training.

Sometimes you just have to sign up for a race for motivation.  Now I have a goal to reach.  I have something to work for and I am going to put my heart into this.  Signing up for this half is my way of running for something.  I am running for a more fit lifestyle, and to accomplish something I've been wanting to do for a long time.  I got this!

Let the training begin!

Runaway Girl

   

Ready for the 6AM start time.

   Tuesday July 24th, 2012

   Tiegan Hatch #1500 Age 22

   Salt Lake City, UT

   19/96 Age group 19-24 Female

   592/1945 Overall

   Gun Time: 50:06.4

   Chip Time: 49:40.4

   Pace: 8:00/M

NEW post

NEW location!
I have graduated from college in Boston and now I am in Utah.  I've been here a little over a month now and of course I've been getting back into running in the lovely mountain air!  I miss running in Boston, but Utah has it's beauty.  I ran a good 7 miles when I first got home and it was brutal.  The altitude and heat were a great combination.  After that I took it easy.  3 miles was about a normal distance for me.


NEW mountain bike!
I went mountain biking for the FIRST time and well.....I biffed it pretty hard and was left with some zombie bite looking bruises.  Running after that didn't feel too fantastic.  I took it easy.

My beautiful mountain bike

This was the worst of it.

NEW shoes!  

I was deciding between Nikes and Asics.  I went with the Nikes because that's what I had before and well, they look freakin' awesome.  I call them my pink ninja turtle shoes.  They are Nike Free Runs and they are AMAZING. I love running in them.  

Pink Ninja Turtle

NEW race!
I signed up for a 10K on the 24th of July.  I have done this race before so it's not technically new, but that was 2 years ago.  So we'll see how well I can do this time around.


NEW attitude!
I woke up around 6AM (I was laying in bed for awhile, so probably awake around 5:30AM or earlier) because I wanted to go running.  My mom and I drove to Liberty Park and ran. I ran four laps around the park.  It felt good.  I feel stronger and well.....I've been a lot better about running and keeping my attitude higher for running.  I want to wake up before the sun as much as I can.  I can do this. :)


So as you can see, there are a lot of new things in my life and I am sure there are more to come.  I really want to keep running for something.  I am running now for: training for the 10K, health/getting fit, and enjoyment.  I love to run and always will love to run.


Runaway Girl

Spectacle Island

Today I woke up at about 6:30am to go run a 5K.  My roommate Michaela ran it as well, and this was her FIRST 5K.  We took the T to get to the Harbor, then took the Ferry to Spectacle Island.  The weather was insane.  Windy, cold, and pouring rain.  But it certainly didn't stop up.  We were the crazy people wearing shorts not pants.  Luckily I decided to put on my long sleeve under armor top under my tank top.  

The time finally came and we started the race.  It was brutal.  We were soaked and running in mud puddles.  But despite all of this, the race was enjoyable.  There were some unexpected hills, but you have to push forward no matter what.  

I finished at about 25:20 on the clock they had at the finish line.  Not bad considering I haven't been running like I used to run.  I waited at the end so I could see and cheer on Michaela.  She finished strong and didn't walk the whole race!  I was so proud.  And even though the race was exhausting, it was an experience neither of us will ever forget.

I had fun today.  I really miss racing.  I am so grateful I got to run in Boston one last time, and on an island!  How cool is that. 

If you put your mind to it, you can run.  To those of you who haven't run a 5K, make a goal for yourself it's worth it.  And sign up for a really cool 5K.  I definitely recommend the Spectacle Island 5K.  I absolutely loved it.  It's one of my favorites now.

Keep Running.

Runaway Girl

Always Running FOR Something

Today I took my last undergraduate college final!  In celebration I went for a long run of course.  :)  I ran on the cambridge side of the Charles River and then looped back around to the Boston side of the river on the Esplanade.  I thought about something very important on that run.


Today is the day I start always running FOR something instead of FROM something. :)


Love it.  Live it.  Run it.


Runaway Girl

Girls on the Run

Michaela and I before the race began!

On Saturday May 5th, I had the awesome opportunity of volunteering with my roommate Michaela at the Esplanade for the Girls on the Run 5K!  We were given the task of being course marshals, which meant we directed the runners as well as cheered them on.  I had a blast! It was wonderful to see such young girls run their very first 5K. 

Start of the race across from where I was standing.  Look at them go!

Map of the run

This program is in many states and I hope that I can get more involved with it in the future.  I know Salt Lake City has one, so maybe when I get home I can become one of the volunteers who runs with a girl.  I'm really glad I got to learn more about the program and volunteer here in Boston before I leave!  I think it's an inspiring program.  :)

Girls on the Run 5K May 5th 2012

The Amazing Wonder Woman who ran behind all the girls

To learn more about the program check it out here:http://www.girlsontherun.org/.




Runaway Girl

The Harbor

On Monday I was determined to go running since we had the day off of classes (Patriot's Day!) and it was a beautiful day! Unfortunately I went running in the middle of the day and it was about 80 degrees or so. But I don't like to make excuses and I had the day off! I was not going to waste that opportunity. And I am glad I ran because I needed to clear my mind from the recent events.

I decided that I wanted to run to the Harbor, which is one of my favorite places in Boston. It's where I go to find peace and feel the Spirit. Usually I go to the Harbor at night, but since I was running there, it was daytime. I walked around and then say by the water. I only stayed for a few minutes because there were too many people and I couldn't feel that same peace I wanted. There's a reason I go at night. I walked back towards home and then started running again.

I ran along the esplanade on my way home. I got there by crossing a bridge I had never used before. That was pretty cool. I ran all the way until I got to the bridge I usually cross to get over to BU campus and walked home from there. At this point I could tell my body wasn't quite conditioned like it used to be (I hadn't run in awhile because I was sick-ish) and the heat got to me and I was definitely dehydrated. I knew it because I had the salt on my face. So gross, I know.

I was happy though. I am back into running and Monday was a good way to get back on track with longer distance. I think I ran about 8ish miles. Tuesday I ran again, but I took a shorter 3ish mile route. My goal is to run about a half marathon before I leave Boston. Not necessarily in an actual race, but just on my own. Plus I want to run all over Boston to soak in the wonders one last time.

I'll be running back to Utah soon and I want to take advantage of where I live. I am not running away from Boston just yet. I really do love it here.

Runaway Girl

(Boston Harbor-a place of peace, a place of happiness, a place of beauty, a place of memories)

Caught in the Rain

I was going to go to the gym after class today, but decided that I was going to run instead. It's a bit colder today and had the chance of raining, but it seemed just a light sprinkle if anything. So I ran and let my mind clear for awhile. I stopped for a moment and stretched/walked because my stomach started hurting. Then.....I got caught in the rain. It started pouring. I started running again after walking in this "downpour" and I couldn't help but smile. This is exactly what I needed. Running in the rain is amazing.

Although I wasn't listening to this song it came up in my mind while I ran in the rain: "Caught in the Rain"-October Fall. I've posted a youtube link so you can listen to it.

Don't let the weather or anything else stop you. No matter what.....never stop running.

Runaway Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc5wVsqB_dM

Oh and apparently I have impeccable timing, because once I got home, it became nice and sunny. :) So glad I ran when I did.

Clear Night

My first update is about Monday night, when I was lucky enough to go to a Family Home Evening where Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came and spoke to us. It was absolutely amazing and I almost cried because of how effective this was in my life at the time. It was exactly what I needed. I almost skipped FHE too, but I am so grateful that I was led to go. He said a lot of things that related to exactly how I felt and I needed to hear those words, there is no doubt that the Lord wanted me there and that I needed to be there. One thing that really stuck out to be was when Elder Holland said, "Don't run". We all know that's very difficult for me. But his words were too powerful. He continued and these are the quotations I wrote down:

"Never give up, never give in"

"Fight the good fight"

"Don't flee.....battle forward"

"Hang in and hang on"

Basically I need to stop running away from my battles and face them head on. I need to fight, and 'fight the good fight'.

My next update is from Tuesday night when my friend Ben asked me if I wanted to go running. I decided to run with him despite my hurt heel and my slowness (guys are always faster than me). It was good though because I told myself that I didn't want to be slow and didn't want to make a fool of myself. I wasn't going to stop or slow down unless he did. This was a good way to push myself. I tried to keep a fairly good pace that he wouldn't mind. We ran about 3.58 miles, and I felt like we did that pretty quickly. So I learned that it's good to run with guys because they make me a little faster (mostly so I don't embarrass myself). But I also learned that maybe I really can run faster, I just don't push myself as much as I thought.

I haven't been running away from anything in particular. Just the usual life anxieties I guess. There's something big coming up in my life I feel. Graduation yes, but there's something else. I need to make sure that I focus. And when I have to battle, I need to make sure not to flee. Be strong and right. Run toward it, not away from it.

Runaway Girl

Spring Break

I had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for Spring Break. I walked around downtown a lot, but on Tuesday of my break I stayed at my Aunt and Uncle's place for the day in Fairfax, VA. My body sort of shut down that day and was exhausted from the previous days, but I finally got up and went for a run around the neighborhood. This was a change from my usual city runs in Boston.

Today I went for my first run back from break (after waking up at 4AM to catch a flight and not resting before I ran). I ran to my roommate's work and back. It was interesting being back to running alongside roads and traffic. I sure did miss the quiet neighborhood of Fairfax.

I had mapped out a short run, and I didn't see/find the pathway that led to the rocky trail I wanted, so I continued on and found Greenbriar park where I stopped awhile to sit on the bleachers by a baseball field and enjoy the moment to think. Then I went back the way I came and found the pathway! I ran on the rocky trail and found beauty all around me.

During my run I wasn't going super fast and I would stop to enjoy the scenery and take photos. I found an area where you could do different workouts, so I made sure to hit each one. There were wooden items for push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, a walking plank thing, and two long bars where you get yourself across using only your arms. I had fun. Then I found a cool bridge where underneath there was some grafitti. The trail was mostly rocky and I even had to cross some water. At one point my shoes got wet, but I didn't mind at all. I actually smiled about it.

I didn't have my actual running shoes over the break, but I had some Nike's that did the job. It was nice to reunite with my running shoes today. I logged about 6 miles. Over break I am not sure how many miles I ran (probably around 3 on the trail run), but I definitely logged a lot of miles walking around D.C.

Today's run as well as the one over break were both well needed. I guess I was running away from what's going on in my life right now. I only have about two more months left in Boston. We'll see where I run off to next.

Runaway Girl

(Here are several photos of where I ran in Fairfax, VA)