Running is a Journey

Saturday means long run day.  

I knew I wanted to run more than 11 miles (which is where I've been so far on my long runs).  I wanted to get at least a half marathon, and if I could get more than 14 miles even better (because 14 is the longest distance I've ever done).

I did a reverse run of my usual long route and added an extra lap at sugarhouse park.  I was feeling pretty good and got the thought to end my run at the temple.  I knew I could do it.  

It was a rainy day, but the beginning of my run was clear.  There was a little sprinkle for a bit.  Then it was clear again.  As I was running to the temple though it was raining a little more.  I loved it.  The raindrops were getting in my eyes and I was getting so wet, but I was too happy to let it get to me.  I enjoyed every moment of it.  I even got a thumbs up from a greeter who was standing outside one of the buildings.

I got to the temple and took a moment to enjoy the beauty of it.  I had a guy take a picture for me.  Then I looked at the temple and almost cried.  There is such peace and wonder that comes with LDS temples.  

My original plan was to stop my run at the temple and then do a cool down walk home.  Because it was raining and because I felt really good, I decided I would just run back home (plus I was a little shy of 15 miles so I want to make sure I got there).

I got to the last stretch home, sprinted, and ended feeling accomplished.

My finally mileage was 16.5!  That's my new farthest.  And I did it with an average 9:32min/mile pace.

I thought to myself.....I'll definitely be able to run a marathon.

Running definitely brings me a sense of peace and happiness that nothing else does.  It's the perfect time to talk to God, feel the Spirit, and clear my mind of the worries I have.

Today I stepped out the door knowing I was going on a journey.  Not just one of distance or running, but of something more.

The more I run, the more I learn.

Runaway Girl

Eff It

The other day I had the opportunity to talk to my former cross country coach.  He gave me some great advice about life.

Tell yourself "F*** It".

I'm not one to say the actual word out loud (even to myself), but I'll say "Eff It" for sure.  It's a little less harsh haha.

I really have tried to apply that to my life and let go of a lot of things.  Just eff it and move on.

Today I needed that.  I was going to go on a long run, but I was tired and decided to nap because I just wasn't feeling it and knew I still had time to run later.  I stayed in bed longer though and started losing motivation.

EFF IT.

I got out of my bed and went for a run, even if it was going to be shorter.  I was going at a pretty good pace but wasn't feeling my healthiest.

EFF IT.

I need to enjoy my run and just let go.  I kept going and decided that I was going to run up the 900 South hill so I would run more than 3 miles.  The hill wasn't super easy, but.....

EFF IT.

I wasn't going to let a stupid hill stop me!  So I didn't.  I turned the corner and kept a good pace all the way down 1300 east.

I ran down a hill and then had one last mini incline before I turned the corner to my final stretch.  Incline? 

EFF IT.

I kept my pace strong, turned the corner and started running down hill towards my house.  I had a smile on my face as I saw the sunset and I remembered that God is always with me.  That running is a spiritual experience.

EFF IT.

God gave me this gift.
I wasn't going to slow down and I was going to get faster.  I was almost done anyway.

I got to my house and was at 3.9 miles. 

EFF IT.

I was going to make sure I hit 4.0 miles.  So I kept running around my street in circles until I got it.

That was my run.  And I'm SO happy that I got outside today.  There's no reason to not run.  I've got the time. I've got the strength.  And I've got the health.

So EFF IT.

Runaway Girl 

Sun Run

The weather today screamed "GO FOR A RUN!".

I was already planning on running far since I didn't have anything else planned today and the weather helped my motivation.  I wore shorts and a t-shirt.  And it's December!

As usual.  My run made me happy.  

Today was 11.5 miles at a 8:51min/mile pace.

Not too bad.  I'm not going to stop running.  And I'm not going to stop improving. 

Runaway Girl

Healing

Today was the day I needed.  My original plan was to take a nap after work, but the air quality wasn't bad, and those are the days when I need to take advantage of being able to run outside.

That was a much better plan.

Today's run was particularly important to me.  I finally decided on what route to take, but ended up switching it up a bit so I would run even longer.   

As I was running I was reminded of why I run and why it's so important in my life.  Lately, life hasn't exactly been the best.  I've made mistakes and I'm certainly not perfect.  I have a lot of things, both big and small, that I want and need to change.  I didn't want to be weak. 

So today.....I was strong.  There's something about putting on running clothes, tying your running shoes, and just getting outside.  Especially when you are stressed, sad, or frustrated.  I was able to clear my mind and just enjoy the run.  It's my sort of meditation.  

I ran 7.4 miles today at a 8:14min/mile pace. :)

I could feel that I was healing from whatever 'darkness' had entered my life.  I could feel the happiness that comes from knowing what is true and right.  I knew this is where God wanted me to be.  He had something to teach me. 

When I run, I am always reminded that life is amazing.

Today I ran for healing.  

Runaway Girl

Crap

So I forgot to write about my awesome run over Thanksgiving Break.  

It wasn't that awesome.  Haha.

My family decided to be active on Saturday.  My brother-in-law and I were going to run, while everyone else walked/jogged.  

Well I kept up with my brother-in-law at first, but as we turned to go up a brutal hill I knew my stomach was going to kill.  I made it up the hill, but I had to walk.  I wasn't happy about it.  I was in a lot of pain.  I felt like passing out, throwing up, and I couldn't really breathe all that well.  It lasted way longer than I expected.  Gah.

I finally got to a point where I wasn't so weak and started running again.  I still didn't feel too well.  Eventually I saw my brother-in-law, but I ran a little longer so I could at least get 3 miles in.

This wasn't an ideal run obviously, but it's a bit humbling I guess.  It just means I need to make sure I don't let myself get down. I can't let this be a reflection of who I am.  I had one day of weakness and that's okay. 

So I run to be faster and not let one moment bring me down. :)

Runaway Girl

All Smiles

It was a beautiful day to run.  The snow in the mountains created an amazing visual as I ran.  And it really wasn't that cold (I think it was around 45 degrees).

The best part: I felt so strong.

I knew that I was going to be able to handle a longer run, and as I ran I knew I was going to run more than 10 miles.

I ran my usual long route, but I added almost a full loop around sugarhouse park.  The view was awesome so I did stop for a moment to pull my phone out of my armband and take a few pictures.  I was so happy.

For the rest of the run I pretty much smiled.  This was important for many reasons.

1. It's weird to smile that much while running.  But I couldn't help it.

2. I was sort of angry at myself prior to my run and wasn't doing so well.  But I was overcome by happiness as I ran.

3. I knew that the Lord was looking after me.

4. I was so grateful that I have the ability to run.

5. My run was just solid.  And my stomach didn't hurt.

So today's run was all around good.  And my pace was slightly slower than my other runs, but I ran 11.6 miles and felt strong.....so I can't complain.

I'm definitely on the right track.  It can be hard to find motivation, but every time I run I feel better about my life and things become more clear.

I am running for happiness.

Runaway Girl

I Love To See The Temple

Today has been a great day.  I went to a volleyball tournament with my ward.  We did pretty well and it made me remember how much I love volleyball.

Anyway, the really great part of my day came after.  I was feeling a little confused and such so I knew that I needed to go for a run.  I planned on going on a short run.
Once I got running I knew it was the right idea.  I had the perfect starting song (Free and Lonely-X Ambassadors).  It was also a little rainy which was the perfect weather.  I felt strong.  As I was running towards downtown, I knew that I should run to the Salt Lake City Temple and take some time to walk around and just look at the temple.
Another right idea.

I sat down looking up at the Angel Moroni and basked in the glory of the temple beauty.  I was happy.  I was at peace.  And most of all I knew that God was watching over me.

I didn't want to leave.

After awhile I was getting a little cold though.  So I got up and continued forward. :)

Originally I was going to take 2nd ave until I hit the cross street with my house.  But as I was running, I decided to go a little longer because I just wanted to run.  

Yet another right idea.

I finished my run and my dad happened to be at the house with our dog Arrow, and I was greeted by her running to me.  Such a happy feeling.

Today's run was really important to me.  I had a little more perspective about the things I want to change in my life.  I was able to focus on the importance of the temple and how the Spirit surrounds it.  If there is that much power on the outside, you can only imagine how much power is inside.

I'm running for change, for perspective, for God, and for someone. Not just myself.

Runaway Girl

Remember to Run FOR Something

Today I wanted to get in at least 3 miles.  My running app said I went 2.9 miles.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that today's run was to run away from something for sure, and I told myself that I would stop that and run FOR something (May 11, 2012).

I thought about about that as I ran though.  I'm running to get better.  Not just with my running and my time, but for so much more in my life.

That's today's post.  

7:48/mile pace time.  I'll take it.

Runaway Girl

Breaking In the New Shoes

I was SO thrilled to get two packages yesterday from City Sport (one of my favorite sports stores).  I ordered a rain jacket and a new pair of RUNNING SHOES!  

New shoes, means motivation to run.  I wanted to test the bad boys out and show them off.  Technically I broke them in a little by playing some pick up basketball, but I don't count that.

Today I knew I was going to go on a long run, and this was the official breaking in of the shoes.  And now that the weather is getting colder, it's getting harder to have motivation, so the shoes came at a good time.  Today was a little warmer though so I had to take advantage of that.

The start of my run was good.  I felt fine.  I did have to walk at a point because of my stomach.  I'm glad I walked when I did because I caught it early enough that it didn't last long and I was back to running in no time. :)  That made me happier.

I felt like I had a really good pace.  As I was running I noticed a group of kids in front of me who were also running.  I crossed to the other side so I wouldn't have to deal with them, but once I crossed over, my goal was to make sure I was faster than them.

I passed them.

I was lucky with the traffic lights too.  I had to stop at points, but it wasn't very long.  And sometimes I would hit the light right when it changed to green.  It meant that I couldn't take a break even if I wanted one at times.  My endurance is definitely getting better.

I sprinted the last stretch and just felt awesome.  When I looked at my time and distance, I was satisfied.

I thought that I would have had a slower average mile pace time because of the stretch where I had to walk, but I was actually at a good pace!  About 8:46/mile.

I also ran 10.4 miles, so I'm definitely happy about that.

Overall, today's run was amazing.  And I love my new shoes.  I'm not sure they're too good for long distance though so I might stick to the shorter runs for them.

Keep Running. 

Runaway Girl 

LOVE

Nike Free 5.0

BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!

First off, Happy Veterans' Day.  I hope we all remember those who serve us and our country.  They fought for our freedom and deserve many thanks.

Today is also a special day because.....I turned 25!  Yes, I am now a quarter of a century.
And what did I do to celebrate?  I went for a 7.5 mile run.  It was amazing. Cold, but amazing.

Today though is the day I made a bold move.  I gave myself a birthday present.....

I signed up for a MARATHON! SURPRISE!

My old cross country coach advised that I shouldn't run a marathon until I was 25, and I was fine with that.  Haha.  Well, since I am now 25, I decided it was time to check another item off my bucket list.  I am so excited.  I woke up this morning and couldn't wait to register.  

I will be running my first ever marathon in Salt Lake City on April 18th, 2015.  :)

I decided to register for this marathon because 1) I kept getting emails about it and 2) it's where I live and where most of my friends and family could come support.  Two years ago I ran the Salt Lake half marathon and that's the race when I got my best time.  Let's see if I can get a decent time for the marathon now.  Training isn't going to be easy.  The farthest I've ever run is about 14 miles.  But I'm excited for all the running adventures I'm going to go on.  

25 is going to be such an awesome year.  I've made a lot of changes in my life already and I can feel that it's just getting better.  So many good things are coming.  

And I'm finally going to run a marathon.  :)

Runaway Girl

Kill the Hill

Tonight I went on a night run.  I absolutely love night runs.  There's something about it that just makes me smile.

Do you ever smile when you run?  I do it all the time.  

Anyway, tonight's run was going to be my 3 mile route, but as I was running I was thinking that maybe I should add the hill on 900S and go four miles.  I told myself I would see how I felt once I got to 900S.  I think I had already made the decision though to 'Kill the Hill'.

I was feeling pretty good and the hill wasn't so bad.  I sort of enjoyed it.  I turned the corner and felt strong, not super tired.  The rest of the run on 1300E was so good. 

Something that I noticed on my run was when a street lamp light would turn on when I ran by it.  It only happened twice or so, but it was cool.  I also liked the little bits of light on the sidewalk.  Makes you think about how important it is to have light in our lives.

I love running and tonight sparked even more motivation to get back to consistency. 

In this moment in my life, I am running for myself and away from negativity.  I am running to reach goals I've always wanted to reach.  And I've been happier because of it.

Runaway Girl

St. George Marathon

First off, I did not run this race, but I was there to support a runner.

This was the marathon Chase signed up for and I was able to go down to St. George (October 4th, 2014) and watch him race.  He was always a supporter for my races and now I got to support him.

Day before the race!

This was a cool experience.  I love seeing runners and to watch them cross the finish line is amazing.  We saw the first male finisher (holy crap he was FAST!) and the first female finisher (she was so strong).  I don't care that I don't know these people personally.  They are inspiring and even though I know I will never be that fast, it was a motivation for me to improve my running.

I tried to get a photo of him while running on the sidewalk

Chase was doing pretty well for awhile.  But at one point called me and I talked to him for awhile trying to find motivating and encouraging words.  Then I passed the phone to his mom and his sister.  We walked and talked on the phone and told him we would meet him to run with him for a little while.  I didn't know what to say, but I tried to tell him what I thought would help.  He hung up and we finally saw him and started cheering and running on the sidewalk to keep cheering him on as he was getting closer to the finish line. 

Chase finished the Marathon.

So exhausted

I was so proud and so amazed that he did this.  It definitely made me want to run a marathon (even though it looked painful).  He just ran 26.2 miles.  That's far.

A marathon has always been on my bucket list and I'm thinking soon, I'll be checking it off.  

Chase supported by his sister and mom :)

There's just something special about running a race and having friends and family there to cheer you on.  Even if it's just at the end.  It's just like life.  Sometimes you won't have people there the whole time you're struggling, but you can call and feel their love.  And in the end, they will always be there.  And they will be cheering so loudly for you to finish your task.

It's pretty awesome and one of the best feelings.

One day.  One day I'll be the runner and I can only hope that I'll have that same feeling of love and support.

Runaway Girl

Park City Trail Series Part 4

HALF MARATHON TIME! 

The entire series led up to this moment.  And I was terrified.  I always get nervous before a race starts, but sometimes that's part of the fun. Shout out to Chase who came to support!

Alright.  So I had already run three races on this course.  I knew the terrain for the most part.  I knew that I needed to not start off too fast.  I got this.

My stomach yet again acted up and I had to walk.  I hate walking in races, but when I'm in so much pain, I have to.  I thought that I could run through it and I tried just that.  But in the end it didn't go away.  I was a little mad.  I just wanted to run!  Time kept passing and I was getting impatient.  Finally the pain went away and I was able to run again.

I ran and enjoyed the rest of the run.  Park City is seriously beautiful.  Especially during the fall season.  

The best part of the run was when a girl moved over so I could pass her and then I biffed it to the ground.  I got right back up and she asked if I was okay. I was fine.  I just laughed to myself and was a little happy that happened.  It made the run a lot more fun.  Weird, I know.

(Apparently I wasn't the only one who fell.  A lot of people did.  At the end they announced that one guy tore off his shirt to help a girl who had fallen and was bleeding.  Nice).

Half Marathons are long.  Especially on a trail.  I kept wondering when the next mile marker would be.  Once I got to the point where there were 1-2 miles left, I was struggling a bit. I knew I could finish and I wanted to just finish already.

I got to the straightway portion where you pass some horses and then when I turned the corner to the finish line I was thrilled!  I could see the finish and I wanted to get there so badly.

Run. Run. Run. SPRINT.

And that was it.  I finished the Half Marathon.  I finished the series!!!!!

Honestly, this was a coolest race series.  I do not consider myself a trail runner.  But I can tell you that I love it.  I recommend this series to anyone who is looking for something different and fun.

I definitely needed a break after that.  From June-September I had a race every month!  It was a blast and I always had something to look forward to.

Now I just need to sign up for more races. I'm on a break right now, but stay tuned.  I might make a big move in November. ;)

Runaway Girl  

P.S. I also reached my goal to stay in the top ten of my age group in every race!  Yay!

Like A Boss

Tiegan Hatch

Bib #87

Time: 2:25.53.3

Age Group F20-29: 8/18

Overall Female: 41/119

Overall: 89/188

Park City Trail Series Part 3

15K Course Map

For the third race I ran a 15K and this time, Chase ran it with me.  We both got to Park City nice and early ready to run.

Chase was training for a Marathon, so he decided to sign up for this race.  I knew he'd be faster than me and I only saw him for a little while at the beginning.

I actually really liked this distance.  Trail running really is a blast.  Unfortunately my stomach did start hurting and I had to walk longer than I wanted.  It was really bad.  So of course, just as the other times this has happened, I tried to run faster once the pain ended in order to make up some time.

It was a gorgeous day and every time I saw a mile marker I was so happy.  

The end of the race is always the same.  I knew I was coming up to the end and tried to remind myself of where to start really pushing it.

I sprinted to the end and I finished!

Fierce Runners

I was really happy that there was at least someone cheering for me at the end. :)

I'm so happy Chase ran this race with me.  Even though I knew he was WAY ahead of me, it's fun to know that a friend is there to support you and enjoy the activity with you.

He's the better runner

In the end, Chase did REALLY well. In fact he killed it!  He got second in his age group.  I was so proud.  

I did alright.  Haha.

Next up: HALF MARATHON!!!!!

Runaway Girl

Tiegan Hatch

Bib #112

Time: 1:33.07.7

Age Group F20-29: 5/19

Overall Female: 31/125

Overall: 96/227

Chase Paxman

Bib #184

Time: 1:12.40.5

Age Group M20-29: 2/14

Overall Male: 8/101

Overall: 9/227

Park City Trail Series Part 2

The next part of the series was a 10K.  This was the distance I was used to for a trail run so I wasn't too worried.  

I got to the race a little later than I had anticipated.  After I got my bib # and such I made sure to go get in the bathroom line so I'd have enough time before the run actually started. I was getting antsy as the time kept going by and the line felt like it was barely moving.  By the time I got through the line and out of the bathroom there was little time left.  I also noticed that one of the covers on my earbuds had fallen off and I had no clue where it went (maybe down the toilet, maybe just on the road, or maybe it was never there when I left the house).  Not only that, but I didn't have time to really think and the race started.

Because I was at the back of the pack, it took me some time to work my way through the crowd.  The trail isn't that wide and I didn't want to trip anyone, including myself.  Sometimes I was in the brush just so I could pass people.

Once I got into a fairly good rhythm, I was feeling pretty good.  I felt strong and was enjoying it.  I don't know what mile it was, but my stomach was acting up and I knew I would have to start walking. I felt as if all that work was for nothing.  I'm glad I walked though because I was in quite a bit of pain.  Luckily there was a water station and I made sure to get water.  I walked a little bit further and finally started running once I felt more comfortable.

When I started running again all I could think was "I have to make up a lot of time".  I had goals set. I really wanted to place well in my age group and I wanted to get an hour or under with my time.  So I ran and pushed through. 

I knew I was coming to the end so I tried to speed up a pace little by little.  Once I turned the corner and saw the big finish balloon I pushed myself however I could and eventually started sprinting at a point where I knew I wouldn't burn out.

I finished.

The race itself was awesome.  And they actually announced from the beginning that the course was longer than a 10K.  It ended up being 6.7 miles.  I ran 0.5 more than I was expecting when I woke up this morning.  And I can't complain because I love running.  

Despite all the craziness that happened before and during the race, I was happy.  My friend Chase had come to support me which was awesome and definitely motivated me more.

Chase!

I also won some skull candy headphones in the raffle!  I guess that seems appropriate considering what happened with my other earbuds.

Skully Candy

Next up I have the 15K and I'm pumped.  I'm way nervous because I've never raced this distance before, but that's part of the excitement.  I'm doing something new and that's exciting.

Wish me luck!

Runaway Girl

Tiegan Hatch
Bib #113
10K (6.7 miles)
Time: 1:05.56.3
Age Group F 20-29: 9/32
Overall Female: 53/183
Overall: 110/285

Park City Trail Series Part 1

On Saturday June 21st, I ran the first race of the Park City Trail Series, which was a 5K.

I drove by myself in the early morning and sang to my running playlist.  Once I got to Park City, I saw some hot air balloons and I was so happy.  What a great start to my morning already.  

The race started at 8:00am.  I gathered with all the runners and got to the start line.  I'll admit I was a bit nervous.  I hadn't run a race since March, and I don't remember the last time I ran a 5K competitively.  Plus, I'm not a trail runner.  I've only raced twice in a trail run and that was a 10K in Snowbird.  

The start was a little rough.  I had to get used to my pace for a shorter race and I had to get used to the trail.  It wasn't too hard of a course.  There were some hills, but they were very doable and I never felt the need to walk.  I kept a pretty steady race the whole time.  Once I hit the first mile I was happy.  Once I hit the second mile I was thrilled.  I picked up my pace a little bit more.  

I knew I had to be in a pretty good place (not amazing, but good) because I saw a lot of runners who were behind me.  I was also calculating in my head to determine where I was in my age group.  I was thinking I had a chance at getting third place.

When I turned the last corner I could hear a guy say "go get him".  I am assuming he was referring to the runner who was ahead of me.  So I ran.  I tried to catch up to that runner, but ultimately he still beat me.  That's okay.  I still finished strong.

First Trail Run Race for my Solomons

I had a blast.  I felt good and my body felt great.  This was a great start to the series.  As timed passed, I finally took a look at my time and placement.  I was pretty happy, but I didn't quite reach the goals I had sort of set prior.  From looking at last years times I was thinking I had to get under a 25:00min to place in the top three.  I was slower than that and in the end I placed fourth in my age group.  That's still pretty good.

I'll say, this is a race definitely worth checking out.  Even if you don't do the whole series. Trail running is a lot more fun because you are away from the city and around such beauty.  I'm pretty sure I smiled and maybe even chuckled a bit when I was running.  It was less like a race and more like a run.

Stay tuned.  Next up is the 10K in July.  :)

Runaway Girl







Tiegan Hatch
Bib #118
Time: 26:30.0
Age Group (F 20-29): 4/34
Overall Female: 18/179

Overall: 55/281

Softball and Deer

For today's run I decided to run to our softball game over by the Sunnyside Chapel.  I was okay at the beginning, but around the mile point I wanted to walk because my stomach felt a little off.  It's not that I wanted to give up, it's that I've learned if I don't catch the feeling early enough then I'll be running in a lot of pain and feel like passing out.  I've been better about understanding my body and it's limits at times.

After walking for a bit though I could run again and was fine the rest of the time.  I got to the softball game (I was late) and I didn't play too much.  I was able to play catcher for one inning and only got to hit once.  But it's alway fun to be a part of the team and even cheer.  Oh and we won giving us a 4-0 record. :)

I ran home and this time it was mostly downhill.  I pretty much ran the same route, but this time as I was running down 500 East I saw some deer in the cemetery.  I would have stopped to take a picture, but I thought it best to keep my body moving.  

Once I got home I knew I needed hydration and stretching.  I can definitely feel my muscles tightening and I was definitely dehydrated.  I need to make sure I'm drinking A LOT of water during the day so my runs aren't as tough.

In total I ran about 5 miles.  I had the break of softball in the middle, but I'm glad I was able to get more miles in today.  

I'll probably won't run tomorrow, but I might be going on a short hike.  It'll be a good break without just sitting around.  

I feel back in the game.  Still a little slow, but I have to start somewhere.  :)

Runaway Girl

A Simple Inspiration

I signed up for the Park City Trail Series to keep me motivated throughout the Summer to stay in shape and run.  I haven't been running very consistently though.

Tonight is what's going to make that all change.

I've been running here and there and I stay fairly active.  But I haven't been as intense with my running like I was last year, and that made me really sad.  Tonight at my Family Home Evening with my church, my friend LeAnne mentioned how she has been getting back into running.  She told me she was going to run after the activity that night.  Just from her saying that, I decided, I'm going running tonight.  

The weather was perfect and the sun was setting.  It was beautiful.  I decided to go for a short run to one of my favorite places in Salt Lake.  I couldn't help but smile throughout my run.  Originally I was worried that my stomach was going to act up again, but it didn't! I actually felt fairly strong, which was a nice feeling.

Memory Grove

It's funny how one simple thing someone says can motivate you.  I got into a running slump (which is VERY unlike me), but I feel like I'm finally back.  I'm not going to waste my time and make excuses.  

So if you feel like you aren't motivated enough to run, first sign up for a race.  That gives you something to work towards. Then have your friends help you out, whether that be to run with a friend or tell them about your race so they'll ask you how your training is going.  After that, be an example to other people.  We all have that slump, so be the person that says or does something to motivate another to run (or really for anything in life).

People inspire me.  Even with just the simplest of things.

Runaway Girl

P.S. I've had a hiatus with blogging lately.  Yet another friend has inspired me to get back to it.  It's the summer of running and blogging!

Disappointment and a Wake Up Call

I ran the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab for the second time.  The unfortunate part is that I did not train as well as I had in the past.  I don't know what was going on in my mind.  

March 15th, 2014

It was one of the most fun weekends though.  A lot of my friends and my parents came to enjoy the weekend and watch me finish the race.  Originally my dad and my friend Katherine were going to run the race, but both got injured and were not able to have the proper training in time.  So I ran alone.

When I started, I was fine.  How can you be sad running in one of the most beautiful places.  I struggled after a little while though.  It would get hot at times and the wind was intense during some of the race.  I had to put my head down so it wouldn't be hitting my face.  

Once I got out of the Canyon I'll admit, I was not happy.  I had two more miles to go and those two miles were brutal.  I also saw the 2:00 pacer pass by me and I almost cried.  I hate being slow and I hate when I don't reach my personal goals.  One thing I told myself is that I would never let my time get over 2 hours.  I set that when I ran my first half marathon and was 51 seconds over.  When I saw that pacer though, my motivation was shot.

I just wanted to finish.

I did finish.  And I was not happy.  I knew all my friends were there.  And I knew I had disappointed myself. I was embarrassed.  I could hear my friend say "oh she's pissed" as I ran through the finish.  It's true though.  I didn't really want to look at any of them and just kept moving.

Not so happy haha

My time? 2:01

I hated seeing that on the clock.  My chip time wasn't much faster.

I was disappointed, but this race taught me a lot.

1. Make sure that you eat well and that you actually eat.

I didn't have the best diet while training and often that was due to not eating balanced meals.

2. Don't make excuses

I used to never do this.  But I think during training I would not go for a run, but justify that I was okay because I did some sort of other activity that day.

3. You're never too busy to be active

This goes along with no excuses.  Sure I was tired some days and needed a nap, but really I needed a run. 

4. You are how you train

If you push yourself, you'll get better.  If you take it easy, you'll hit a plateau.  

5. You're going to fail once in awhile

And that's okay.  

My amazing support group

So the race wasn't a complete failure.  You can always learn something from every experience.  

To make up for my slow time though, my friends and I hiked through Arches National Park.  It was actually the best thing to do.  I ended up being less sore the next day.  And I felt a little more bad A because I didn't stop after the half marathon.  Haha.  But there were other runners also hiking that day.  Apparently we all just couldn't stop.

Not the best race of my life, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up.  That's not my style.  This race is in the past.  And it's time to run some more. 

3 Nephi 12:47

I need to remember why I run.  Once I get that back, I'll be back in the game.  Trust me.  I'll be back soon.

Runaway Girl

 

 Tiegan Hatch
Bib # 1701
Age Group: Femail 20-24
Final Time: 2:02.57
Chip Time: 2:01.43
Overall Rank: 1150/2926
Class Rank: 45/127
Sex Rank: 471/1728