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