October Life

Life is crazy!  I keep getting behind on blogging.  Here's an update:

1. Both potential jobs we were hoping for fell through, so we are back to square one.  I don't want to talk about it.  But these comfort me:

2.  Salem is still treating us well.  I can't get over how grateful I am that we have a place to live right now!  We were hoping it would be VERY short-term, but for some reason, this is where God wants us to be right now.

3. It's that time of year!  Pumpkin patches abound.  Claire is at such a fun age where she can keep up and understands things better.  I'm loving the kids' ages right now!

4. Running!!  We did AF Canyon again last weekend.  Nate came with me, and we ran the whole 8 miles with Wan.  It was such a treat getting to know him better.

Then on Tuesday, I went up to Yellow Fork Canyon and did a HIKE....it was supposed to be a run, but Wan took us straight UP the mountain!  I biffed it on the way down, but still, it was a blast, and I was happy to push my body and get stronger. It was such a fun group though!

 I love MY Janet!

AF Canyon Run

On Saturday, I met up with Cathy, Hilary and Robert Merriman for a run down American Fork canyon.  It ended up being one of the best runs I've ever done!  So fun, and best of all, I felt strong and fast (ish).  :)

We drove in Hilary's car to the top.  It was a GORGEOUS view.  I couldn't believe I'd never been up there before.  I'm so in love with Utah.  And watch, we'll probably leave now....

We averaged a 9;15 pace for 8 miles.  Wow!  That's SO NOT normal for me.  And I felt good!  Granted, it was all downhill, but I remember when I couldn't hold a 10:00 pace downhill.  Progress!  Robert and Hilary were good running partners for Cathy and me.  They are a tad faster than us, so it was a good push for us.  It was a really fun group.  I hope we can run together again soon!

When we got back to the mouth of the canyon, we had left a batch of cinnamon rolls that Cathy had made in Robert's car.  They were divine!  Hit the spot perfectly!  And we had no utensils or napkins, so we were somewhat barbaric as we dug in.  Even using RM's knife to cut them, ha!

I'm so grateful for my running family.  These people have been a big part of my life for the past year, and I love each one of them so much!  Hilary and Cathy are like sisters to me, and well, you all know how I adore Mr. Robert Merriman.

Trail run in the DARK

We move next week!  Crazy.  Been packing up and selling things.  I am excited to live with less stuff and clutter, for as long as that lasts anyway!

Allie went to a birthday party this week, and it was a Frozen party, so they made snow out of cornstarch and shaving cream.  That's one brave parent!  Well, she brought some home, and Claire ended up playing with it for over two hours!  Easy entertainment right there!  Luckily it's a cinch to clean up!

So I decided to hire a fitness consultant for the next 12 weeks to help me lose a few lb and tone up.  I signed up on Saturday and have already lost 2 lb!  He just holds me accountable to my plan of eating less and moving more.  I love it.  I am learning how to control portions, and I can't believe what a difference that makes!  Feeling good!  We start FaceTime workouts next week.

Last night I took Missy and Megan on their first trail run up Pipeline Trail in Millcreek Canyon.  Janet came with us, which of course made me happy!  I was SO excited to show Missy and Megan one of my favorite trails!  BUT....I'm kind of stupid and we started too late in the evening and had to walk back in the DARK!  Luckily we had our phones to help us see!  But before it got dark, we had amazing views and the fall colors were so gorgeous!  And of course, great company!

Proof of how DARK it was!  I was holding my phone over us while Janet took the picture.  I felt so bad!  I'll have to take them on another trail run where we plan a little better!  

My Favorite BoSho Run

If you read my blog, you probably know that the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is my favorite run.  I have done this run a few times a month for about two years now.  I cannot get enough of it!  

I finally decided to document these 4.7 miles so I can remember it.  Here we go!

I start off with a slow run from my parking lot up to the Bakery.  It's a slight incline, so I use it as a warm-up to get my legs going.  

Heading down the other side of the complex towards Sunnyside.  I have run around this circle countless times, and I will miss it!!

I ALWAYS have to stand here and wait at the intersection of Sunnyside and Foothill and stare at that hill looming ahead!

I've made it up to the zoo.  It's a long, gradual hill that kills me!  Almost to the trailhead!

Made it!

What a beautiful morning for a trail run!  This is when the fun begins!

THIS HILL.  It's only a tenth of a mile long, but it's STEEP, and I always run up it, but I usually have to stop at the top to recover.  Feel the burn!

View from the top.

And....we keep going UP!

And up and UP!  This beast of a hill used to scare me, but now I SPRINT up it!

Phew!  Made it.  The trail still has some rolling hills, but overall, the worst is behind me.

How can I NOT smile when I'm spending time in nature like this?  I am so blessed. And so sweaty.

After another mile of trails, we reach the Museum.....and the WATER!

The trail then heads to Red Butte Gardens, and this is where I usually exit to head home.

Tired!  And looking stunning, no?  Meh.

Thanks for a great morning, BoSho!  I'll see you SOON!

I head through campus to get home.

Oh Utah.  You are beautiful.

I turn onto Wakara Way, which is an awesome DOWNhill road that takes me home.

I always try my best to run this last half mile as FAST as I can.  I'm starting to see progress!!

Home Sweet Home.  For two more weeks, anyway.

Thanks for joining me!  If you ever want to ACTUALLY join me, I'd LOVE the company!  :)