Amy's Intro

I believe that there is only one other person on Mommies Got Back that knows me, so allow me to make a proper introduction. My name is Amy Hardy. Here is a picture:




I am a 33 year old mother of four children. I was born in raised in Southern California. I made the move to Utah in 1997 to attend the U. I met my husband who was born and raised in Utah and the rest is history.

It would be easier to list the sports I haven't been in rather than list the ones I have been involved with. My love for movement started when I was very young. However, it wasn't until I was about 16 that I found the joy in just running. I picked up running three miles on my own and I kept running those three miles (give or take a few) until I decided that I could do more. That decision to do more came last year.



Of course I haven't just been running the past 17 years. I have many different athletic interests. But always, those interests are intermingled with running. Its the sport I always come back to. The one that makes me smile.



Here are some things I've learned about myself in the last 17 years of running:
-No matter how much I run, or don't run, my weight NEVER fluctuates (a blessing and a curse).
-Life isn't all about running, but life isn't as fulfilling without running and movement in general.
-If I try really hard I can run without brushing my teeth. But my legs absolutely refuse to turn for me if my hair isn't pulled back or if I don't have Vaseline on my lips.
-My best thinking is done when my feet are hitting the pavement.
-My best miles are 7-9. In those miles I am in heaven, full of peace and euphoria.
-I can't help but smile or laugh when my run becomes ridiculously hard.
-Almost always I get choked up during the last stretch of a long run. My mind goes to my favorite marathon running uncle who lost his fight to Cancer. His memory inspires me to no end.
-Monotony is my nemesis. My angst against sameness directs the routes I choose and the path I take.
-Training kills my cravings for sweets.
-Races are worth the money. They're incredible motivators for training and goal setting.
-Without running I have insomnia, back aches, and therapy. $100 for a pair of running shoes every few months is cheaper than fixing the above.

Here's another picture of my first race last year. I decided to do a half marathon for my first running race. I'm the second from the right in the blue long sleeve shirt.








It helps to have people surrounding me that are inspiring. The Mommies Got Back blog has been one of many sources of that inspiration. I am so looking forward to meeting you all! I'm proud to be a member of your team.


Here is another major source of my inspiration:



See you in June!

Hi. I'm JP. And I'm a Wasatch Back Runner

It feels so odd to say this (after all these years of blogging) but I’m finding it really hard to come up with words (that make sense) to introduce myself and explain why I run!

I’m known around ‘these parts’ as JP, but I really do have a name (Jill). I have a husband. I have two daughters (ages 11 and 6). I have a blue stripe in my hair.

I’ve lived in Northern California (Sacramento area) all of my life. I am a weather wimp and reading about several of you running in snow makes me question your sanity. (Kidding!) Not to mention the fact that all of my training is done at about 25 feet above sea level (Hello, Wasatch Mountains!) so I guess that means I’m an altitude wimp also. (I do believe I’ve just found my “call-sign” for this relay. Exciting!) You also might notice that this is an introduction to my sarcasm as well. And, well…I am sorry for that. (I know. I should come with a warning.)

I am, relatively, new to running. I believed for many years that I hated running…that I was terrible at running. Then, a couple of years ago, I made it bigger than me. I trained for a cause very near and dear to my heart thinking that I would be one of the walkers. Partway through my training I tried a little running…just to see how I liked it. To push myself a little. Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles: I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. Crossing the finish line of my first half marathon (my first event of any kind) was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I was blown away by a feeling that can’t really be put into words.

Running is not easy for me. I struggle. But I think its because of these struggles that I’ve learned more about myself than I ever though possible. Like many of you, running is my therapy – my form of meditation. I am a better person when I run. A better person with more confidence and discipline and a sense of accomplishment.

This year, I have quite the running agenda: A couple ½ marathons, Wasatch Relay…all leading up to my very first (full) marathon in October 2009! (I feel slightly faint every time I type that.) I am so excited and scared and, well, excited. But I love that I can be an example for my daughters. It is my hope that they will see that they are capable, strong and amazing. I want them to experience this feeling of empowerment that comes from accomplishing the big goals…and all the little goals that lead up to it.

I am counting down the days to Wasatch. I can’t wait to be stuck in a van with all of you amazing Marathon Mommies. It’s gonna be awesome.

My Name Is...

Melanie G.

Can I just start off by saying I am so stinkin' excited for Wasatch Back! I am mom to 3 boys ages 11, 9, and almost 5! My running days started exactly 20 years ago during High School. Aaagh, I'm old! I ran track for 4 years. I was totally NOT a long distance runner. I mainly ran the 400 meter and I was FAST . Ha ha. Not anymore.

Twenty years and many pounds later I decided I better start doing something about my fitness. Actually, I have ran a few scattered 5K's throughout the last 8 years. Last summer the true running bug hit me. After I finished my first 5 mile race I was stoked. The next Saturday I stepped it up for the long run and trained to run my first (and only) Half Marathon a month later. I ran the Half and loved every minute of it!

My boys bring me great joy and an equal amount of stress. Don't they all! My youngest has spastic quadriplegia (Cerebral Palsy), seizures and a Severe hearing loss. He uses a walker to ambulate and ASL to communicate. His days are filled with therapy. I find running to be my own "therapy". It clears my mind, makes me stronger physically (which is needed when packing 35 lbs around all day), and most importantly gives me a sense of accomplishment. Running longer distances teaches me so much about myself and I want to share it with my children.

My two oldest have both ran 5K's. This year I will be running the SLC Half with my 11 year old. I am really excited! We live in Perry, Utah. I can't wait to meet all of you:)

Hi! My name is...

Erin Bailey  :)  And you are?  

Lets get some introductions going!  Since most of us don't really know each other this might be helpful.  I'll go first and then I hope you will post to.  I have just sent out invitations to be contributors to everyone who wasn't on here before.  So if you didn't get it or need it again let me know and I can re-send it.  

Again my name is Erin.  I can be introduced many different ways:

1.  I am the wife of Bart who is very tolerant of my crazy ideas and my insane drive to out-do myself in every project I take on {which is pretty much everything cause I have a hard time saying no to people}

2.  I am the mom of 1 little boy - Hunter who is 8 almost 9- and 1 little girl - Jorden who is 6 almost 7.  They keep me on my toes and in the drivers seat carpooling them from one activity to another.

3.  I am the oldest sibling of 7.  We lost my little brother 2 months ago, but out of this tragedy we try to find inspiration, and for me that is in my running.  He loved to run with me when I was home and always made it fun.  This spring we (as in everyone who wants to join us) will be running (and riding) in the events at the Salt Lake City Marathon in his honor.  You can join us to - it would be great training for Wasatch Back {look the training schedule says 12 miles - what is one more?}  :)  Come check us out www.RunningForMichael.com

4.  I am a friend.  I have amazing friends that I run with in the very wee hours of the morning - as in when the sun is not even close to being up!    Some of my most important and dear friendships have come through running.

Ok your turn!