Week 52: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:51am) = 4.3 miles, time = 45:44, pace @ 10:38

I didn't run yesterday morning because it was raining and I think I was starting to get sick (someone passed it on to me from the day before). I didn't want to make my cold worse. I went running this morning, and luckily, my cold wasn't as bad as I thought. There is no karate training today, but I won't be able to go anyway if there is because I have to work this evening.

Week 52: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:45am) = 3.2 miles, time = 34:09, pace @ 10:40

I haven't ran in two weeks. I think I needed a break, whether I wanted it or not because I think I was bored of it. The only work out I did last week was karate training (Thursday) and a two mile walk (Saturday).

I ran this morning. I wanted to quit and go home already at mile 2. I couldn't get into the run anymore at that point. I think it was between not sleeping that well last night and not running for two weeks.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Day 50: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:30am) = 4.45 miles; time = 46:13, pace @ 10:23

Best morning weather for running today. Too bad, I can't have this kind of weather every morning that I run.

I didn't go to karate training because I wanted to do some volunteer work (crocheting/making scarves or hats for the homeless)....but it turned out that the volunteer meet up was cancelled at the last minute and I didn't know about it until I saw the message (of it being cancelled) AFTER I showed up. What a waste of a trip that I made and I missed karate for nothing.

Week 50: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:30am) = 3.66 miles, time = 37:30, pace @ 10:15

I blame my laziness for my lack of runs/updates last week. It also didn't help that some mornings were overcast and/or foggy which made me want to stay in bed and sleep in. I haven't checked the weather for this week, but I hope that the mornings are at least ideal (ideally for me, SUNNY and cold).

Week 49: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:30am) = 4.31 miles, time = 47:27, pace @ 11:01

Sunny and cool/cold this morning. I can deal with this weather so much better everyday...makes me more motivated to run!

Week 49: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:35am) = 3.2 miles, time = 34:00, pace @ 10:38

Between rain and laziness, I didn't do a whole lot of any work outs. I also didn't feel like updating when I went to karate training last Thursday and Saturday. I could have done a short run during the last few days when it was just sprinkling. Sprinkling would have meant that I would get soaked or too wet by the end of the run. It was overcast this morning, but I was actually in the mood for a run. I hope to feel like that tomorrow and the rest of the week!

Week 48: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:20am) = 3.25 miles, time = 34:32, pace @ 10:38

Now that I'm not working so early in the morning like I had been all weekend, I can do a run now. While the daytime weather is sunny and nice, and the morning is cool/cold, the mornings have also been cloudy lately. This makes me want to sleep in and it's harder for me to find the motivation to go out for a run. I like it sunny and really cold when I run.

Week 47: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 3.25 miles; time = 34:35; pace @ 10:38

I did my run yesterday morning even though I didn't feel motivated to do it. I felt better running this morning.

Week 47: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 2.12 miles, time = 23:12; pace @ 10:58
• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour

I didn't feel motivated to run. At least, I got my morning work out/run done.

Week 46: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:10am) = 3.7 miles, time = 39:12, pace @ 10:36

So I don't have a good reason why I'm not consistent with my runs during this last week and a half. I've been lazy and I know that shouldn't stop me from running.

Week 45: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• road/trail run (@ 6am) = 3.6 miles, time = 37:27, pace @ 10:27

Total Weekly Mileage: 6.79
Total Monthly Mileage: 9.30
Total Yearly Mileage: 562.31
Total Shoe Mileage: 231.34

Whoops, I forgot to update yesterday after I went to karate training. Also, I didn't do any work out on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday although I could have done one on Friday morning with the perfect (to me) running weather. Now that the weather is so much nicer in the morning (for me anyway), I'm more motivated to go out and running, so hopefully, I will take advantage of it with the running. On the other hand, it's also great sleeping weather, hopefully, I'll sleep better at night because it's cooler, but I hope that this is the case so I can actually run in the morning instead of sleeping in.

Week 45: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:55am) = 3.19 miles, time = 32:11, pace @ 10:17

I was feeling a little sick (head cold) this morning because of this crazy weather change, but I went running anyway. I actually felt better than I thought and I didn't feel tired or have a foggy mind. I also didn't sleep all that well last night either (woke up at 4am for no reason). I think I'm getting better because my nose isn't as stuffy or runny as yesterday. I think I sweated out some of my cold which may be why I'm feeling a little better. Hope I have a good run tomorrow too!

Week 44: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 2.51 miles, time = 25:44, pace @ 10:15

Total Weekly Mileage: 4.66
Total November Mileage: 2.51
Total October Mileage: 67.51
Total Yearly Mileage:559.52
Total Shoe Mileage: 228.55

So I've just been lazy at updating my blog. I did do karate last Saturday, during the week (this past Thursday), and yesterday. I also did bike ride on Monday and a short run on Tuesday. I haven't been very consistent with running since the 10K race two weekends ago. I think I needed a break from running, but I think I'm ready to run again and I'm not lazy with updating now.

Week 43: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:45am) = 3.24 miles, time = 34:52, pace @ 10:46

The mornings are finally getting cooler. I'm waiting for the days when the mornings are really cold because that's when I enjoy running even more.

Week 43: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• road run (@ 6:45am) = 2.19 miles, time = 23:22, pace @ 10:40

Post race recovery week run. I seem to run so much faster when I'm with other people. It would be nice if I could find someone whose running schedule is similar to mine and run with that person once in awhile. It also sure gets lonely out there running alone!

Week 42: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• Halloween 10K (6.21 mile) race = 1:04:13, pace @ 10:20

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.08
Total Monthly Mileage: 62.08
Total Yearly Mileage: 546.43
Total Shoe Mileage: 215.46

My official race time was 1:04:13 (h:m:s). I did better than I thought despite getting home from work so late and not sleeping all that well. I was running on three hours of sleep and those three hours weren't that great either. During this following week, I think I'll just do some post race recovery runs at short distances and easy pace.

Now my next race is the Downtown LA-Chinatown 10K race in February 2013. I haven't decided if I want to do a turkey trot (Thanksgiving theme) 10k race next month...basically because I got bored training for today's race during the last two or so weeks, and I feel like I need a break from running.

Week 42: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 1pm) = 1 hour

I was finally able to go to karate training on a Saturday, however, only for one hour because of work later on. I'm also finally done training and will be doing the 10K race tomorrow morning! It may also rain tomorrow. I hope it doesn't until after I finish my race!

10K Race Week 6 RECAP:

Mon, Oct. 15: 3 mile easy bike ride
Tues, Oct. 16: 3.28 mile hilly run
Wed, Oct. 17: 4.45 mile easy run
Thur, Oct. 18: REST
Fri, Oct. 19: 5.32 mile easy run
Sat, Oct. 20: karate

Total Weekly Mileage: 13.87
Total Training Mileage: 113.07
10K Race Website

Week 42: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:40am) = 5.32 miles, time = 57:16, pace @ 10:46

My ipod shuffle died during my run. Luckily, I was almost done with my run so I wasn't bored from start to end. UNluckily, I think my ipod is dead forever because the battery can't recharge at all. Is this normal for an ipod shuffle to reach the end of its life after two and a half years? This means I have to do my race on Sunday without music unless I get a new ipod shuffle before then. I'm so sad by this because I worked so hard with my music collection that I filled up 1 GB worth of music on my ipod and it's so much of a hassle doing the same thing on a new one. I have (or had?) the first generation ipod shuffle and I've been avoiding getting a newer generation, although it would be nice to have 2 GB worth of music.

Week 42: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:35am) = 4.45 miles, time = 48:45, pace @ 10:57 minute per mile

Since I can't go to karate training tomorrow evening because I have to work, I can't decide if I want to just take a rest day, do a short hill run or do a bike ride. I guess I'll figure that out tomorrow morning.

Week 42: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:40am) = 3.28 miles, time = 35:39, pace @ 10:52
• warm up = 0.57 mile
• cool down = 0.25 mile

Is it Sunday yet? And why is it so warm/hot during the daytime in the middle of October??? I thought Autumn was here already!

Week 42: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 10:10am) = 3 miles
• to do errands

I was finally in the mood to ride the bike today. It was also nice outside.

Week 41: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:35am) = 6.08 miles, time = 1:06:59 (h:m:s)

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.15
Total Monthly Mileage: 42.00
Total Yearly Mileage: 526.35
Total Shoe Mileage: 185.38

Finally did my last "long" training run with three more shorter training runs during the week. The 10K race is next Sunday and I'm so ready for it to be here! I don't think it'll be super cold like I want it to be on race day morning (it'll be nice though), but I just hope that it won't rain on me.


Training Week Five RECAP:

* Mon, Oct. 08: REST
* Tues, Oct. 09: 3.2 mile hilly trail run
* Wed, Oct. 10: REST
* Thur, Oct. 11: 4.88 mile easy run
* Fri, Oct. 12: 5.17 mile easy run
* Sat, Oct. 13: REST
* Sun, Oct 14 (today): 6.08 mile long/easy run

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.15
Total Overall Training Mileage: 99.20

10K race website

Week 41: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:35am) = 5.17 miles, time = 55:44, pace @ 10:47 (m:s)

It was nice and sunny this morning, although I would have loved it with cold, crispy air. For now, I don't feel bored and unmotivated, but I'm so ready to do the race and get it over with.

Week 41: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:35am) = 4.88 miles, time = 51:42, pace @ 10:36
• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour

Satisfaction for the day: finishing my morning run right when it started to sprinkle...an hour later, it started pouring rain.

I didn't run yesterday morning like I wanted to because I didn't sleep that well the night before (late night work).

I didn't walk to karate class or afterwards because it continued to rain on and off throughout the day. I didn't want to walk in the rain...I didn't know if it would rain during my walk, but I didn't want to take the chance. If I walk in the rain, I have to overdress and wear many layers of clothes, but I would get very hot from walking the one mile to class. If I didn't overdress and wear many layers of clothes, I will get sick for being in the rain longer than one minute. I hope it doesn't rain on the Halloween 10K race day.

Week 41: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 7:35am) = 3.20 miles, time = 36:43, pace @ 11:15
• warm up = 0.57 miles
• cool down = 0.25 miles

I think I'm bored and unmotivated of training/running, and I'm ready to run the 10K race now. Sleep wasn't the problem because I slept fine last night. I had a hard time, getting myself out the door to do my run. I told myself that I'd feel better if I got out and I eventually did. I also put in a half ass effort into my run because I wasn't motivated enough to run. I don't think I'm overtrained...I think I'm just bored.

Week 40: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:35am) = 7.17 miles; time = 1:17:27 (h:m:s), pace @ 10:48

Total Weekly Mileage: 21.95
Total Monthly (October) Mileage: 21.95
Total Yearly Mileage: 506.30
Total Shoe Mileage: 165.23

Two more weeks left until race day and I'm ready for it! Fall is finally here and the weather is starting to feel cooler. I hope it continues to get cooler so it'll feel really good to me on race day morning.




10K Race Training Week 4 RECAP:
* Mon, Oct. 1: REST
* Tues, Oct. 2: 3.03 mile hilly trail run
* Wed, Oct. 3: 5.1 mile run
* Thurs, Oct. 4: karate + 2 mile WALK
* Fri, Oct. 5: 5.83 mile run
* Sat, Oct. 6: REST
* Sun, Oct. 7 (today): 7.17 mile run

Total Weekly Mileage: 21.95
Total Overall Training Mileage: 79.05
https://racewire.com/register.php?id=2604

Week 40: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:45am) = 5.83 miles, time = 59:30, pace @ 10:12

I think I finally had one "bad" run during this training and that was on Wednesday. My leg feels much better this morning, and I never figured out what caused the discomfort on Wednesday morning. I also generally felt better this morning than my last run. Hopefully, this good motivation lasts for the next two weeks until race day.

Week 40: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour
• one mile WALK to class
• one mile WALK after

The weather is finally starting to feel cooler during the daytime. I still can't wait for it to be super cold in the morning, so I can enjoy my runs better.

Week 40: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@6:45am) = 5.1 miles, time = 56:50, pace @ 11:09

I think I'm so ready for the race that I'm bored/unmotivated now and I want the race to be here already. I have to start playing mind games for the next two and a half weeks so I don't stop training/running for it. Also, it didn't help that my right hamstring was somewhat bothering me. I'm not sure what happened or what I did yesterday, but at least, it is just discomfort and not pain.

Week 40: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:35am) = 3.03 miles, time = 34:27, pace @ 11:22
• warm up = .57 mile
• cool down = .25 mile

What the heck is with the weather? The weather was ok (could have been better) this morning, but it's 95+ degrees during the daytime and it's already October! Summer is over now! I hope the weather is much cooler on race day because the 10K race starts at 8am and I don't want/like to run when it's warm!

Week 39: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:25am) = 6.7 miles; time = 1:12:47; pace @ 10:52

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.75
Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 65.08
Total Yearly Mileage: 485.35
Total Shoe Mileage: 143.28

My long run this morning was better than last Sunday. While I was still stressed out with work yesterday, I wasn't as stressed out like last Saturday. I ate and slept like I was suppose to. Hopefully, my endurance will be better on race day than it is now.


10k Race Training 3 RECAP:

Mon, Sept. 24: REST
Tues, Sept. 25: 1.1 hilly run
Wed, Sept. 26: REST
Thurs, Sept 27: 4.88 mile run
Fri, Sept. 28: 5.87 mile run
Sat, Sept. 29: REST
Sun, Sept. 30: 6.7 mile run

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.75
Total Overall Mileage (for training): 57.10
https://racewire.com/register.php?id=2604

Week 39: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:40am) = 5.87 miles, time = 1:02:10 (h:m:s), pace @ 10:35

Started my run a little later than I wanted, but I wanted to take a photo of the sunrise first before I started. Glad that I did that before I started running and didn't have to bring a camera during my run because the view got boring almost immediately after I took some photos.

Anyway, I felt somewhat slow in the beginning of my run, but felt good during the second half.

Week 39: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 4.88 miles, time = 53:55, pace @ 11:03

I didn't do my run yesterday because I wasn't mentally up for it. I think I need to just go straight to sleep when I get home from work rather than watching tv for 30 minutes. I probably would been ok if I did run yesterday, but I actually felt better this morning. I did work last night, but not as late as Tuesday night.

I had to miss out on karate training this evening because I had other things to do.

Week 39: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:35am) = 1.1 miles, pace @ 13:35, pace @ 12:21
• warm up = 1.1 miles
• cool down = 1.1 miles

Ok, I lied about the bike riding thing. The bike needs a new inner tube thing for the back tire, and I don't care to get a new one because it's not my bike even though I'm the one riding it all the time. It's a bit of an inconvenience and I'm unmotivated to change it. Plus, I have no idea how to change it anyway even if I did get a new inner tube thing for it.

I almost didn't want to run this morning. I had to work late last night and so I didn't sleep all that well after coming home. I wasn't mentally into it when I was doing a warm up this morning, but actually felt totally ok and normal when I finally got to the actual hill running part after the warm up. I think it had something to do with the weather. While it wasn't SUPER cold like I wanted, it felt cool and really nice. I also wasn't motivated enough to get in the car to drive to the three mile hill trail where I ran last week. Besides, the trail I went on this morning had a more challenging incline than the three mile hill trail.

Week 38: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:20am) = 6 miles, time = 1:08:48 (h:m:s), pace @ 11:28

Total Weekly Mileage: 18.99
Total Monthly Mileage: 44.33
Total Yearly Mileage: 464.60
Total Shoe Mileage: 122.53

I think I can run six miles if it is on all flat land. I didn't have that choice this morning and had some easy/moderate hills. I'm guessing from the lack of proper eating, especially yesterday (from being very stressed out and overworked from work) that I didn't have the endurance to run six miles on easy hills. I also think I forgot how to breathe properly because I had some side stitches from running this morning. This was the first time in a long time that I had this problem and I don't know why I got this problem now. I hope I will do ok on my next long run (next Sunday).

10K RACE Training Week 2 RECAP:
* Mon, Sept 17: 3 mile bike ride
* Tues, Sept 18: 3 mile hilly trail run
* Wed, Sept 19: 4.45 mile run
* Thurs, Sept 20: karate + 2 mile WALK
* Fri, Sept 21: 5 mile run
* Sat, Sept 22: Rest
* Sun, Sept 23 (today): 6 mile run

Week 38: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:20am) = 5 miles; time = 53:27; pace @ 10:41

Sleep is good for you. I felt better and more rested this morning than Wednesday morning. I'm working late tonight, but luckily, I don't plan on running tomorrow morning, so I can sleep in and I can use tomorrow as a rest day! If I wasn't working tomorrow afternoon, I would go to karate training, but I do have to work. At least, I don't have to work late tomorrow night, so I can go to bed at a normal hour and feel ok running on Sunday morning.

Week 38: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour
• walk to class = 1 mile
• walk after class = 1 mile

I noticed that blogger decided to change its layout for blogspot...not the public view, but for when you're typing your blog post or viewing your blog(s). I knew many, many months ago that this change would make its way eventually, but I had been avoiding it all that time because I don't really like the new layout. But what can I do now? I have to suck it up and get used to it.

Week 38: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 4.45 miles, time = 49:52, pace @ 11:12

Since I came home from work late last night, I woke up feeling tired and I was sorta mentally out of it during my run. Not grumpy or unmotivated, but more sleep would have been nice. Friday morning's run will be better.

Week 38: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:15am) = 2.97 miles, time = 32:21, pace @ 10:54
• warm up = 0.57 mile
• cool down = 0.25 mile

While it's still pretty warm during the daytime, I'm glad that it feels cool in the morning. I still can't wait when it's really cold so I can enjoy the weather and running better.

Week 38: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 9:20am) = 3 miles (to run errands)

It has finally cooled off and it isn't a billion degrees anymore. I'm more willing to go out for a bike ride when it's not so hot! Plus, I need to do some non-running work out while I'm training.

Week 37: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 5.09 miles, time = 54:12, pace @ 10:39

Total Weekly Mileage: 17.26
Total Monthly Mileage: 25.34
Total Yearly Mileage: 445.61
Total Shoe Mileage: 103.54

10K Training Week one is complete. Five more weeks to go! The City of La Puente finally made their race website (<-- click link if you want to participate) better and easier for participants (walkers and runners) to register. Originally, we were suppose to register/sign up through the city website which deemed extremely useless or go to the City Hall. I don't know why it took them so long to figure that out and I think they figured it out after I went to the City Hall on Thursday (a few days ago) to ask about signing up for the race and almost immediately another person asked after me.

Week 37: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:10am) = 4.71 miles, time = 50:51, pace @ 10:48

So happy that I've signed up for a 10K race. I don't feel bored and unmotivated to run anymore....for now anyway.

Week 37: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour
• one mile walk to class
• one mile walk after class

I almost forgot to update!

I've finally signed up and paid for the La Puente Halloween 10K race. I still have to figure out my running/training schedule, so I'm not under/overtraining. At least, I know that I'm good to go on running for a few weeks because I have a goal to go for. I think I will be ok and motivated to run for awhile after the 10K so I probably won't do the Turkey Trot in November. 10K races aren't that expensive compared to half marathons, but they do really add up when you do a lot of them.

Week 37: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:10am) = 4.16 miles, time = 44:24, pace @ 10:40

Totally last minute and unexpected, I went to karate training last night. I was scheduled to work, but my manager let have the night off, so off to class I went.

Anyway, I finally found a local Halloween 10K race that I can do and I don't have to drive far (ten miles at most) to get to it! It'll be next month on Sunday, October 21, in La Puente (CA). For the life of me, I can't figure out how to register on the city's website so I have to register/sign up for it in person and I have to start training this week since it's in six weeks. I don't feel bored with running anymore now that I found a local 10K race that I want to do and I don't have to wait many months for it!

Week 37: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:10am) = 1.1 miles, time = 13:41, pace @ 12:26
• warm up = 1.1 miles
• cool down = 1.1 miles
• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour

I can't wait for the weather to start feeling cold. While it does feel cooler during the daytime compared to the past few weeks, the morning tempeture doesn't feel any different.

I'm also still looking online for a Halloween or Turkey Trot 10K race that I can do so I'm motivated to run again. I'm still bored even though I didn't run since Friday.

Edited @ 9pm: This was totally last minute and unexpected. I ended up going to karate training tonight. I was scheduled to work tonight, but the manager let me have the night and so I went to class instead. I didn't walk to class because my manager called me at 6:15pm and I didn't want to show up to class halfway through.

Week 36: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:10am) = 3.73 miles, time = 41:31, pace @ 11:08

I wanted to run this morning so that way if I didn't run this weekend/Sunday, at least, I didn't end the week with 0 miles. I'd like to end the week with a few miles. I felt better running this morning than the last two runs. although I still think I should find a 10K race that I can do before the end of this year, just to keep me motivated with running.

Week 36: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour
• walk to class = 1 mile
• walk after class = 1 mile

I didn't run or anything yesterday because I just didn't feel like it. I've finally decided to sign up for the Chinatown-Los Angeles Firecracker 10K race. It will be on Sunday, February 24, 2013 so I don't technically have to start training for it until mid-January. Chinese New Year's is on February 10, 2013 and we will be celebrating the Snake year. Why do I care about the animal year? Because I was born in the Snake year. :) Anyway, since I don't have to train for the race until mid-January, I need to find other 10K races to sign up before the end of this year so I'd have a reason to run because I'm bored of running for the sake of running.

We had a second karate class this evening, and I sorta worked out, but it wasn't really much.

Week 36: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 6:15pm) = 1 hour
• one mile walk beforehand
• one mile walk afterwards

I didn't work today, but I also didn't feel like running this morning. Just couldn't get into it.

This evening was our first day at a new address. I was also the only person who didn't go there by car because I live close enough to walk. A nice warm up for class even though it was still pretty warm and I got to class sweaty. At least, karate is an exercise class that involves getting sweaty! I could ride a bike, but it would be dark after class. Riding on the sidewalk would be unsafe for the pedestrians and there were a lot of them out walking/running when I finished class. I didn't/don't have any night time safety things to put on to help motorists see me better, so I didn't feel safe/comfortable enough to use the bike lane or ride in the street. Our next class is on Thursday and I plan to walk to and after class!

Week 35: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:10am) = 4.35 miles, time = 48:53, pace @ 11:14

Total Weekly Mileage: 10.86
Total August Mileage: 69.51
Total September Mileage: 4.35
Total Yearly Mileage: 424.62
Total Shoe Mileage: 82.55

I didn't run on Friday because I thought that I would run yesterday since there was no karate training (holiday weekend). I didn't run yesterday because I didn't feel like it. While it felt nice and cool this morning, I got my run done even though I didn't feel like running. I haven't found any local Halloween 10K races that I'd like to sign up for, but in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the cooler weather and I look forward to the winter cold.

Week 35: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 3.21 miles, time = 35:47, pace @ 11:09

I started looking for a local Halloween 10K race that's within 15 miles from where I live. I don't feel like driving farther and I need some kind of specific goal/reason to run. Running for the sake of running is getting boring and I'm feeling unmotivated. Sure, I can sign up for a Turkey Trot that I know will be held in the city that I live in, but that won't happen until Thanksgiving Day (morning) and I want to do something sooner than that. There are other local 10K races that I can sign up for that are before Halloween, but I like those fun themed 10K races. I haven't found any local Halloween 10K race, so I may have to wait until the Turkey Trot.

Week 35: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

Starting next week, we're starting Karate classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (@ 6:15pm) and Saturday afternoons (@ 1pm) at a new location. Our current place sold the building to a church group, so we had to move out.

I usually run on Tuesday mornings most of the time. I'm not sure if I can handle a morning run, work for a few hours and then have karate classes in the evening. It seems a bit ambitious. I'll try both the running and karate, and I'll see how I feel. I don't really want to change my running schedule to Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday because I like having a non-running day in between the running days during the week. I've ran three days in a row for a few weeks before, but I was training for a half marathon at that time. So I'll see how I feel on Tuesday.

Week 35: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:00am) = 1.1 miles, time = 14:37, pace @ 13:17
• warm up = 1.1 miles
• cool down = 1.1

I think I should start bringing my point & shoot/compact camera during my run. I saw a nice sunrise this morning while I was running. I didn't think it would be nice because there was nothing to see at the beginning of my run.

So anyway....I haven't ran on any challenging hills for a few weeks (out of laziness/lack of motivation), but I did better than I thought where I didn't stop to rest/walk. Since I took a semi-break from running last week, I feel a little better about running.

Week 35: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I just go lazy updating yesterday. I didn't run or anything yesterday morning because I was wired on caffeine from the night before, and I didn't sleep that well.

Week 4: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• walk/run (@ 6am) = 1.65 miles

I wanted to do a hill run this morning, but I kept losing motivation as I went on. I rarely walked during a warm up. It was overcast this morning which would have been great for running because the air feels cleaner, but the clouds seemed to trap in all the warm air like a stuffy room with no open windows or running ac. I wasn't grumpy, but I was somewhat already unmotivated to begin with and the trapped warmth in the air made me lose motivation even more. I hope I feel better to run tomorrow morning.

Week 34: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I almost didn't go to karate training tonight. After walking my dog really early this morning, I went back to sleep. I somehow slept wrong and woke up with a stiff neck. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't turn my head at all, but it still hurt and I had to turn slowly. I took a nap this afternoon and while it still bothered me a little bit, it was mostly gone.

We did have a second class for karate and I did a little bit, but I guess it wasn't enough to count as exericse.

Week 34: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6am) = 3.19 miles, time @ 35:16, pace @ 11:03

Oh, I meant to update last night after going to karate training, but I forgot.

I didn't feel like running a longer distance this morning, but it was better than nothing. It's just still too uncomfortable (weather-wise) for me, even at 6am.

Week 33: Day 7 - 2012

Total Weekly Mileage: 4.45
Total Monthly Mileage: 58.16
Total Yearly Mileage: 408.92
Total Shoe Mileage: 66.85

I was too tired to run this morning, but I'm updating this so I can keep track of the total mileage. I get to go to karate training tomorrow evening since I'm working during the daytime instead of in the evening.

Week 33: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first class = 12pm to 1pm
• second class = 1pm to 2pm

I didn't go to karate training on Wednesday evening because I had a photography related thing to take care of. I didn't run on Thursday morning because I was donating blood that same morning. I got lazy and didn't feel like running yesterday morning. Is summer over yet?

Week 33: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:45am) = 4.45 miles, time = 48:54, pace @ 10:59

I didn't sleep that much better last night than Saturday night and this morning temperature/weather wasn't any different than Sunday morning, but I felt better running this morning than Sunday morning. Why can't I feel like this everytime I go out for a run??!!

Week 32: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:45am) = 3.19 miles; time = 37:22, pace @ 11:43 min per mile

Total Weekly Mileage: 17.69
Total Monthly Mileage: 53.71
Total Yearly Mileage: 404.47
Total Shoe Mileage: 62.40

I decided to go run this morning. I gave myself permission that I could go back to sleep if I just ran three miles because I didn't have to go to work in the middle of the day (usually starting at 12pm) even though I was running on two hours of sleep. I'm still mentally tired, but I don't feel sleepy anymore that I can go back to sleep. I thought about running a little longer, but I wasn't mentally into it. My running pace was so much slower this morning mainly due to not being mentally/fully awake (running on two hours of sleep) and this morning felt so uncomfortably warm. I'm not sure if this will happen, but I'm going to make sure that I go back to sleep so I can be ready for work tonight.

Week 32: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 1pm) = 1 hour

Tomorrow, I don't have to work in the afternoon, so I'm going to make sure that I get into the swimming pool. I'm not sure if I will run in the morning. If I do, I can go back to sleep afterwards. During the last few Sundays, I didn't run in the mornings because I came home pretty late from work on Saturday night and then back to work at 12pm on Sunday.

Week 32: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:45am) = 5.8 miles; time = 1:05:35; pace @ 11:18

I finally had a warm morning that made me feel uncomfortable (but not grumpy) this summer to the point that I almost didn't want to run at all or want to cut it short. But it wasn't so bad that it made me cut the run shorter than I planned. I did stop once or twice in the beginning of the run (not including the stop lights), but managed to keep going after that. I thought about cutting it short, but decided that if I truly didn't want to run longer, then it wasn't meant to be.

Week 32: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:45am) = 5.4 miles; time = 60:08; pace @ 11:08

While I didn't drown in my own sweat from running and I didn't feel uncomfortable/grumpy, I think the morning temperature affected me to some extend this morning. Is summer over yet? I think the only time that I actually enjoy this ridiculously crazy heat is when I'm in a swimming pool or the ocean water when the cold water feels soooo good.

I'm glad that the humidity and smog level aren't bad in the mornings when I run. But I still can't wait for winter when the morning temperature is ridiculously cold.

Week 32: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I'm going to start making an effort to just sit in my swimming pool when it get ridiculously/crazy hot. Cold pool water feels really good when it is.

Week 32: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 5:45am) = 1.1 miles; time = 14:17; pace @ 12:59

So hot today! Luckily, I didn't feel so uncomfortable with the weather/temperature this morning during my run even though I was drenched in sweat at the end. It'll be hot all week...I hope I don't feel uncomfortable during my next run on Thursday!

Week 32: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

So this was the first time in two months or so that I had actually done some sort of exercise on a Monday. I have been lazy and/or busy with work (depending on the time of day). Our karate schedule will be changing starting the first week of next month (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday instead of Monday, Wednesday and Saturday), so I'll be able to attend two or all three classes now after this month. Today will probably be the only Monday this month that I'll go to karate training because of work.

Week 31: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 12pm) = 1 hour

Didn't get a work out/run in yesterday. I was so tired. I'm not sure what I was tired from! I did have a second karate class, but I did a lot of nothing in it.

I'm 50/50 about getting a run in tomorrow morning, depending on what time I get off work and how well I sleep tonight.

Week 31: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 5.16 miles, time = 58:26, pace @ 11:19

I didn't feel so unmotivated that I felt grumpy and unhappy to run, but I'm bored and unmotivated enough that I'm running slower than I normally do. And it's only because I'm bored of running. I'm not running enough to be overtrained, so at least I'm good on that part. I want and should be signing up for a race of some kind, but I don't want to at the same time. I want to do a half marathon, but the race fees are so expensive. Maybe I should just sign up for a 10K race and it'll take care of my "fix" for the time being.

Week 31: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

The weather/summer is starting to feel cooler during the daytime, which is usual for us at this time of year, but too bad it doesn't feel cooler (or preferably COLD) at the butt crack of dawn like at 6am. I'm actually enjoying the daytime weather though now that it's not crazy hot and so uncomfortable.

Week 31: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 5:40am) = 1.1 miles, time = 13:32, pace @ 12:18
• warm up = 1.1 miles
•  cool down = 1.1 miles

I don't know what to write about. All I can say is that at least I got a run/work out done this morning and now I can do whatever I want for the rest of the day. Pehaps, I should go swimming rather than complain about summer and its heat.

Week 30: Day 7 - 2012

Total Weekly Mileage: 9.24
Total Monthly Mileage: 27.56
Total Yearly Mileage: 373.93
Total Shoe Mileage: 31.86

Didn't get to run this morning. Got home from work super late last night and I was too tired to run at all this morning. I couldn't do it on two or three hours of sleep, so I'm just updating my total mileage.

Week 30: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 12pm) = 1 hour

First time in a few weeks that I went to karate training on a Saturday. I've missed out before because of work. I did have a second class, and I did work out a little, but I did a lot of nothing.

Week 30: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• road/trail run (@ 5:45am) = 4.87 miles, time = 52:24, pace @ 10:46

I'm enjoying the fact that it's overcast in the morning in the middle of July! I usually don't like or care for overcast/cloudy mornings because they make me want to sleep in, but it's great for July/summer! It makes me enjoy my runs more because I'm not uncomfortable with the summer weather/heat and drowning in my own sweat.

Week 30: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 4.37 miles, time = 46:26, pace @ 10:38 mpm

I've been feeling unmotivated/lazy about actually going out for a run, but I also enjoy my runs once I get started. Getting out of the house and start running seems like the hard part. I don't think I necessarily have to sign up for a race since I'm actually enjoy the run once I start it...I just have to tell myself to just get out and just do it.

Week 30: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• swimming (12:30pm) = 20 minutes

With the heat that we've been getting, I should be taking advantage of my swimming pool instead of complaining about the heat. Today wasn't that hot, but I went into the pool anyway. I didn't do actual swimming unless "doggie paddling" is considered swimming. I didn't doggie paddle the whole time either...alternated between doggie paddle (deep end) and walking (shallow end), but at least, I was moving the entire time and that's good, right?

Week 29: Day 7 - 2012

Total Weekly Mileage: 9.07
Total Monthly Mileage: 18.32
Total Yearly Mileage: 346.37
Total Shoe Mileage: 22.62

I didn't feel like running today, but just wanted to update this thing and keep track of the total mileages.

Week 29: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• road/trail run (@ 5:40am) = 4.79 miles, time = 51:38, pace @ 10:47

I had planned to run yesterday, but my feet were weird yesterday. I walked my dog right before I headed out for my run and my feet were fine. As soon as I started my run, my right foot had a sharp pain that came out of nowhere! I had no idea where that came from because I didn't walk funny/wrong. The pain did go away after a few hours yesterday though.

So I ran this morning instead. I hadn't ran on Saturdays in a long while...maybe since last December? Mainly from having karate class in the afternoon (I don't like running within a few hours from class...too much exertion for me) or being lazy/unmotivated.

Week 29: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 4.28 miles, time = 45:48, pace @ 10:42

Whoops, I forgot to update last night after karate training (one hour). On Monday and Tuesday, I didn't work out...I was lazy and bored/unmotivated. I think I really do need to sign up for some sort of race so I'm not just running for the sake of running/health. I'll have to go through the website on local races to figure out what I feel like doing. Maybe I'll just do a 10K race for now?

Week 28: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 3.24 miles, time = 36:00, pace @ 11:07

Total Weekly Mileage: 5.95
Total Monthly Mileage: 9.25
Total Yearly Mileage: 337.30
Total Shoe Mileage: 12.55

Felt nice to run this morning without feeling unmotivated or bored. I hope I can feel like that again for my next run. It was overcast and cool this morning, but somehow, it still felt somewhat warm/humid that I was drenched in sweat by the time I finished my run.

I thinking about signing up for the Surf City Half Marathon that will be next February in Huntington Beach, CA because I just need some type of goal to stay motivated about running. The only downfall is that it's really expensive....but I also need to get a new karate uniform very soon (it's starting to make holes all in the wrong places) and that's also expensive. Why does everything have to be so expensive?!

Week 28: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 2.71 miles, time = 29:14, pace @ 10:47 mpm

I finally found some motivation to get a run done this morning. I forgot that there would be a thunderstorm today, but luckily, the clouds were in the distance and travelled slowly enough for me to get a run in. While I think we do need the rain and it's a relief with the crazy heat that we're getting, I don't look forward to the rain this afternoon when I have to walk my dog because I get sick really easily for being in it. I think it's also suppose to rain tomorrow, but I hope it doesn't rain in the morning!

Week 28: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

So I haven't been working out much which is why I haven't really been updating. I've been lazy partially because it has been hot or I'm working. I also think that I'm bored and I need a goal to aim for like a half marathon. The last work out that I actually did was last Wednesday and I did a 5.2 mile (roundtrip) hike at Echo Mountain in Altadena, CA. I went with a hiking group and it was for the 4th of July event to watch the fireworks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The drive to the hike area was worth it for the hike/exercise part. It wasn't worth the drive for the fireworks because it got overcast halfway through the firework display and then there was absolutely nothing to see by the finale. I even left and started hiking back to my car before the finale because I couldn't see anything. At least, the harvest moon was nice to look at. I also learned that I didn't like hiking at night because it's just harder to see even with flashlights.

Anyway, who knows if I'm going to run tomorrow or Friday. We'll see.

Week 27: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 5:40am) = 1.1 miles, time = 13:32, pace @ 12:18 mpm
• warm up = 1.1 miles
• cool down = 1.1 miles

I almost didn't want to run this morning. I didn't really feel better during the run...in fact, I sorta felt worse and more unmotivated during the run, not to the point of feeling grumpy and mad/unhappy, but I told myself that I'd feel better afterwards for running. I do feel better now that I got it out of the way.

It was also overcast this morning, which was why I had myself go out for a run, because there wouldn't be any smog to burn my lungs/throat.

Week 26: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 4.45 miles, time = 48:57, pace @ 11:00 mpm

Total Weekly Mileage: 11.96
Total June Mileage: 27.10
Total July Mileage: 4.21
Total Yearly Mileage: 332.50
Total Shoe Mileage: 7.51

There was no karate training yesterday because everyone went to San Diego for a tournament. I also had to work in the afternoon, so I wasn't able to attend the class (if there was one anyway) or request the time off from work for the tournament. I didn't do any work out before heading to work, so I guess I can call it a rest day.

Is summer over yet? No? Darn! It's getting warmer in the mornings now, even at 5:40am. I suppose this is a good thing because I'll really enjoy the cooler/cold weather in the fall when we finally get it.

Week 26: day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run = 1.1 miles, time = 13:18, pace @ 12:05
• warm up = 1.1 miles
• cool down = 1.1 miles

So I didn't get a run in yesterday because laziness kicked in. Boo.

I finally got a pair of new running shoes. I seriously needed new pair because it was really that time. My old pair was more than six months old and racked up over 400 miles. An average pair of shoes should be changed out at six months or between 300 to 500 miles...whichever comes first.

Anyway, I didn't really feel particularly interested in running this morning even though I got new shoes, but I made myself go since I didn't run yesterday. The hill run seemed more difficult this morning even though I ran on the same hill last week. The weather condition was the same as last week, but it seemed smoggier though. I didn't feel like I ran faster compared to other times that I did the same run, but since I just started taking a B vitamin complex, I think that helped me run faster.

Week 26: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first class = 7pm to 8pm
• second class = 8pm to 9pm

I almost didn't want to go to karate...I was feeling lazy, but I made myself go because it will be a week and a half or so before I can make it to class again. No class this Saturday because we have a tournament in San Diego (I'm not going because I can't request the time off work). Can't make it on Monday for awhile because of work and no class next Wednesday because of the 4th of July holiday.

Week 26: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:45am) = 4.21, time = 43:40, pace @ 10:22 mile/minute

Since I can't go to karate training on Mondays for awhile because of work and with summer basically here, I have a hard time getting out just for a short bike ride. It's not even that hot and uncomfortable out. It's pretty warm, but it's still nice and comfortable. I have a hard time finding the motivation to getting out for a bike ride to enjoy the nice weather before it's gets really uncomfortable and super hot.

I actually enjoyed my run this morning. I don't know what it was, if I had an epiphany or because I ended my work shift yesterday on a good note that just carried over into this morning. But what a difference it was between Sunday's run and this morning! Too bad, I'm not sure if my next run will be the same as this morning.

I also meant to do a hilly run this morning, but didn't realize it until I started doing a different run in a different direction. It's ok...sometimes, changing my routines around is better to avoid boredom, right?

Week 25: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:45am) = 3.66 miles, time = 40:24, pace @ 11:02

Total Weekly Mileage: 10.59
Total Monthly Mileage: 19.64
Total Yearly Mileage: 320.54
Total Shoe Mileage: 510.79

I didn't run/exercise on Friday because laziness kicked in. I wanted to run yesterday morning because I wasn't able to make it to karate training, but I had trouble sleeping the night before, so I had to skip the running.

I did run this morning, but I had a hard time getting into/interested in it. I was going to do a shorter run, but thought that I would feel better if I kept the original plan of running 3.6 miles. I didn't really feel better running longer. I'm sure it was a combination of reasons. I thought that I slept ok, but maybe I really didn't sleep that ok. I felt somewhat lazy/bored/unmotivated. If that's the case, maybe it's time that I sign up for a 10k/half marathon race. The weather was warmer than I'd like for it to be. My feet muscles were feeling a bit tight (from not being massaged regularly). Maybe there were some other reasons/factors that made me not want to run this morning. I don't know. I'm sure I'll just get over it soon.

Week 25: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:50am) = 3.23 miles, time = 36:07, pace @ 11:11 mpm

I almost didn't want to run this morning because I was feeling unmotivated/lazy. Luckily, doing a five minute warm up took care of that.

week 25: Day 25 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@7pm) = 1 hours

I was in karate training for two hours, but I only spent one hour actually exercising.

That's all I have to say now. So....this post has an awkward ending because I don't know what else to say.

Week 25: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 5:50am) = 1.1 miles, time = 13:41, pace @ 12:26 min/mile
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down 1.5 mile

I'm not looking forward to the morning weather after this month. While the current afternoon weather is somewhat uncomfortable and warm (and not humid), I'm enjoying the fact that the current morning weather is overcast and not too uncomfortable. I hope we still get overcast, somewhat cool mornings until the end of this month.

Week 24: Day 7 - 2012

Total Weekly Mileage: 6.54
Total Monthly Mileage: 9.05
Total Yearly Mileage: 309.95
Total Shoe Mileage: 500.20

I didn't run on Friday morning or this morning. I just didn't feel like it...I think not enough sleep is finally catching up with me. I did do karate training yesterday, I just didn't feel like updating. Although I didn't work out today, I still want to update my total running miles.

Week 24: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 3.24 miles, time = 34:39, pace @ 10:42

Except for track runs and challenging hill runs, I don't normally do warm ups before a run, just because I've been lazy. I know that I need to get in the habit of doing warm ups for ALL of my runs. So, I did a five minute warm up this morning before my regular run and I think it helped.

Week 24: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I got sore (somewhat) from yesterday's run. Must be from not running on challenging hills for awhile. I'm ready to run tomorrow!

Week 24: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 5:35am) = 1.1 miles, pace @ 13:25, pace @ 12:12
• warm up = 1.1 miles
• cool down = 1.1 miles

Since my running had been pretty sporadic during the last two months because of my leg/hip joint issues, I think I lost some of my endurance for running on challenging hills. I also think that I should start using the golf ball to massage my feet again. It helped before, making my feet/calf muscles less uptight during runs.

Week 23: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 2.51 miles, time = 26:41, pace @ 10:38

Total Weekly Mileage: 2.51
Total Monthly Mileage: 2.51
Total Yearly Mileage: 300.90
Total Shoe Mileage: 491.15

I finally went running this morning! My run could have been better this morning had I slept better last night. I was "running" on three hours of sleep because I had mild food poisoning, but I'm better now and felt ok running this morning. Other than that, my right leg/hip joint feels better than before! I know I should really do a warm up before doing my runs (but I don't) because that would take care of the stiffness in my joint. It's still a bit stiff, but definitely no discomfort or pain like before. I think I'm back to running on a regular schedule now!

Week 23: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

I went nine days without running to let my right leg/hip joint recover. I think I'm ready to run again and I hope I don't have a soreness anymore when I run tomorrow morning.

Week 23: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

While I was looking for something to write about because I didn't want to have a short blog post, I found this article on the Active.com facebook fan page and I thought it was interesting. The article is about the "six foods to fuel your runs" and I think it's something that I should start doing especially when I'm training for a half marathon and run more than seven miles because I end up getting hungry and lose energy during the last one mile or so.

Week 23: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 9:45am) = 5.2 miles

It was overcast and cool this morning when I went out for a bike ride. Towards the end, the sun was starting to come out. I still enjoyed the ride anyway.

Week 22: Day 7 - 2012

Total Weekly Mileage: 2.2
Total Monthly (May) Mileage: 43.33
Total Monthly (June) Mileage: 0
Total Yearly Mileage: 298.39
Total Shoe Mileage: 488.64

I didn't run or do a work out today, but I want to update this to keep track of my running mileage since I did run earlier this week on Thursday.

Week 22: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

I didn't run yesterday. I've decided that I'll take a week off from running in hopes that it will make my right legt/hip joint feel better. It's starting to feel better in the morning when I walk my dog. It seems that my leg/hip joint is more stiff in the morning because I don't move or exercise while I sleep for many hours. And then it feels ok later on the day after I've moved around a bit. We'll see if this one week break from running helps my leg/hip joint.

Week 22: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 2.2 miles, time 24:45, pace @ 11:15

It took 1/2 mile before my right leg/hip joint to finally feel ok during my run. It was pretty uncomfortable during that 1/2 mile, but even after that, I just couldn't get into running because my leg/hip joint didn't really help make me feel better about running in the first place. I don't know what to do with my leg/hip joint and make it feel 100% so I can run like I used to. I don't want to stop running because then, I'll feel lazy from not exercising and I don't do a whole lot of other exercises. I only ride the bike once or twice a week and I can only go to karate training twice a week. Karate used to be three times a week, but I have to work on one of those nights. Work comes first because that pays me and karate doesn't.

Week 22: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I'm going to attempt running tomorrow morning because my right leg/hip joint feels better, though still slightly sore. I hope it doesn't get worse after one run.

Week 22: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 10am) = 3 miles

I didn't feel like running today, so I went on a bike ride instead. It was a nice day for a bike ride anyway.

Week 22: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride to do errands (@ 9am) = 5.75 miles

Such a nice day for a bike ride. Sunny, low 70s, slightly windy...I even saw a group of 10+ gophers, including some babies, running around while I was out riding and doing errands!

Week 21: Day 7 - 2012

Total Weekly Mileage: 7.52
Total Monthly Mileage: 41.13
Total Yearly Mileage: 296.19
Total Shoe Mileage: 486.44

I did do a work out (karate) yesterday, but I forgot to update before heading out to work.

I didn't do a work out today, but thought that I should update so that I could keep track of my running miles. The main reason why I didn't run this morning was that my right leg/hip joint was bothering me. I walked around a bit this morning before running and it felt fine, so I thought I was fine for running. I didn't run on Friday morning (and thus, I didn't update that day either) because I had the same problem. After thinking about it this mornng, I've come to a conclusion that I've somehow developed this leg/hip joint problem shortly after I stopped taking glucosamine tablets. Glucosamine is something that helps joint movements...to help with the structure and functions in the joints. I didn't have any joint problems before, but I took these tablets because I thought that they would improve my joints even more especially since I was/am a runner. I stopped taking them because I thought that I didn't need to rely on them or use them anymore. I think I shouldn't have started taking them in the first place because I'm now not sure if my joints/body is feeling the side effects of not taking these tablets anymore and it's like my body is failing. I'm sad because I don't want to feel like I should rely on "medicine", but I can't figure out how to "fix" it except to continue taking glucosamine tablets.

Week 21: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 4.22 miles, time = 44:51, pace @ 10:38

I felt like I didn't enjoy my run this morning. I can't possibly be motivated because I had a few non-running days last week, but I'm probably bored of the same scenery and need to run in a different area that I don't normally "visit". Except I'm not really motivated enough to get in the car and drive to a different city to run in.

Week 21: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

Since I don't have anything to say, I've decided to look up some fitness/health articles. Here was something I found because I know that almost everyone reading this blog likes to hike, no matter what their level was. Who doesn't like to walk in a scenic area?

http://www.active.com/women/Articles/5-Reasons-to-Take-a-Hike.htm

Week 21: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 5:40am) = 1.1 mile, time = 13:35, pace @ 12:21

I decided to run a shorter hilly run today because I felt like it.

While my right leg/hip joint is still sore and uncomfortable while running, it's better than before. But I don't know why it's still bothering me if I've only done one run and took a break from running during the rest of last week. I can't figure out what caused this problem or specifically why I'm having this problem.

Week 21: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 10am) = 5.25 miles

I won't be going to karate training this evening because I have to work, but at least, I got a work out done today.

Week 20: Day 7 - 2012

I didn't get a work out done today. Too hot for a bike ride and I didn't sleep well enough to get a nice run in this morning. But I'm updating this to keep track of my running miles.

Total Weekly Mileage: 4.48
Total Monthly Mileage: 33.61
Total Yearly Mileage: 288.67
Total Shoe Mileage: 398.92

Week 20: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

I didn't do a work out yesterday because I didn't feel like doing on. I think I'm ready to get back into running again.

Week 20: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:40am) = 4.48 miles, time = 47:31, pace @ 10:36

While my left leg/hip joint is still sore and uncomfortable during a run, it's not as bad as my last run from last Sunday. I'm not sure why I'm still sore there and I haven't figured out why or how I've become sore. I'm also generally feeling a bit better than my last run, but I'm still debating if I want to run tomorrow morning just because I'd like the soreness in my left left/hip to go away faster which can only happen from rest/no running.

Week 20: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I'm going to attempt running tomorrow and hope that I actually enjoy it a little bit.

week 20: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 10:30am) = 5.25 miles

I didn't feel like running this morning, so I went on a bike ride to enjoy the nice weather.

Week 20: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I think I will take a rest day from running tomorrow. I didn't feel great/motivated on my last run (yesterday). My left leg/hip joint also could use the extra rest day.

Week 19: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6am) = 3.88 miles

Total Weekly Mileage: 11.53
Total Monthly Mileage: 29.13
Total Yearly Mileage: 284.19
Total Shoe Mileage: 394.44


I forgot to update this yesterday. I was able to go to karate class. I didn't do a work out on Friday because I just couldn't get into it.

I'm not going to bother recording my time for this morning's run. By the time I realized that my stopwatch wasn't running, I had already ran a mile and I usually have my stopwatch running from start to end.

My soreness felt slightly better today, but still bothers me when I run. I'm still finding a hard time getting into the mood to run. As much as I don't want to because I took a one week break from running at the end of last month, I think I need another unplanned break. There is just something not right going on with me and I'm probably losing motivation again.

Week 19: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:50am) = 4.65 miles, time = 51:28, pace @ 11:04

I still have a random soreness in the joint where my right leg meets my hip. While I was running this morning, I started to think that this was my body's way of telling me that it needed a break/rest from running even though I just took a one week break from running near the end of last month. I can't figure out why else for this random soreness. While I woke up and got ready for my run just fine and I slept ok last night, I couldn't get in the spirit of running this morning. I don't know if this mental/emotional block had something to do with the soreness or if I truly "ran" out of motivation. How is it that I need another break from running again so soon? What have I done or what have I not done? I'll probably still do a run tomorrow morning. Running on Sunday morning is up in the air. Partially because of random soreness and possibly lack of motivation, but also because I have to work very late (until 3:30am) on Saturday night, so I'll probably be very tired and mentally out of it to run on Sunday morning (I don't like the idea of running past 8am, now that the weather is getting warm).

Week 19: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 11:30am) = 5.54 miles (with a short break/rest halfway)
• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

So hot today! I thought that it wouldn't be that bad, so I went on a bike ride mid-day to do some errands. 11:30am was the worst time of day to exercise outside! Going uphill during the first half of the ride made it feel hotter than it really did and the hill felt pretty challenging too. I did the same route before in December and while I was a little sick and had a bit of a respiratory issue at that time, it didn't seem as bad and the weather was so much cooler too. I think I should ride this route more often so I can get used to the hills.

Week 19: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:15am) = 3 miles, time = 34:33, pace @ 10:46

Oops, I forgot to update my blog last night. I did get in some exercise for the day. A three mile bike ride and an hour in karate were what I did yesterday.

This morning, I did my three mile run on a hilly trail area. It was cold (not as cold as I'd like), cloudy and a little foggy. It's starting the clear up and become sunny now, but it was nice to run with that kind of weather this morning.

Week 18: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:50am) = 5.33 miles, time = 58:06, pace @ 10:54

Total Weekly Mileage: 17.60
Total Monthly Mileage: 17.60
Total Yearly Mileage: 272.66
Total Shoe Mileage: 382.91

Because I had to work yesterday afternoon, I couldn't make it to karate training. But luckily, I didn't have to work at night since I finished early in the evening so I could go to sleep at a reasonable hour like a normal person and my mind would be off "work mode" by then.

But for whatever reason and I'm not sure if it's because I have a job that makes me tired from working hard (probably because I'm not used to that), I couldn't get into my run. I just wasn't in the spirit of it. I was also feeling sore on one side of my hips. I hate to blame my age for any random soreness because I don't consider myself old (not until I'm 50 years old and I'm not there yet), but I can't figure out how, where or why I got this random soreness from. I did the same things last weekend (and two weekends prior) as I did this weekend, and I didn't get any random soreness while running during all these last few weekends.

Week 18: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6am) = 4.86 miles, time = 53:50, pace @ 11:05

I thought I slept ok last night, but I don't think I really did because I woke up feeling tired this morning. It was difficult for me to get into my run and enjoy it. I'm pretty sure I'm not unmotivated or bored because I took a break from running all of last week. I thought about just doing a super short run this morning and just run for two miles. I took a break at mile one to stretch, but I decided to continue my planned distance/route. I felt a tiny bit better at mile 2.5 and slowly/progressively felt better as I kept running after that. I was slightly mentally tiredsleepy at the end of the run, but so much better compared to the beginning of the run. I'm glad that I didn't feel worse when I kept running longer than one mile.

Week 18: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6am) = 4.43 miles, time = 48:09, pace @ 10:52

My run was fine this morning. It was cloudy/overcast, but no mist. Since I don't have much else to say, I'm going to share this article with everyone. I think it can apply to everyone for general health/exercise and not just athletes.
---------------------------------------------

Five Best Carbs For Athletes
By Erin Connelly
http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/5-Best-Carbs-for-Athletes.htm


Carbohydrates yield the quickest energy production in the body. However, choosing the best food sources can be a challenge. Athletes need to consume more carbs than the average person to properly fuel and recover.
In addition, active individuals look for foods that help promote overall health and well-being, to keep them feeling good enough to enjoy their sport. When it comes to comparing foods, it’s important to look at the total nutrient composition. For example:

• What does this food have to offer?
• What does it contain besides its carbohydrate content?

Here is a list of minimally or unprocessed foods that you are able to find in the perimeter of your local grocery store:

1. Sweet Potatoes

The bright orange color of these root vegetables is a visual cue that they are an abundant source of the high-powered antioxidant, vitamin A. They also are a great source of potassium to help soothe sore muscles and maintain the right amount of fluids in the body. One cup provides 27g of carbs, 4g of which are fiber.

2. Oats

This breakfast staple has been promoted as a “heart-healthy” food due to its high soluble fiber and low saturated fat content, both of which have been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.
Besides keeping your ticker kicking, the magnesium found in oats helps to maintain nerve and muscle function and is involved in over 300 metabolic reactions in the body. One 1/2 cup of dry oats provides 27g of carbs.

3. Wild Rice

Going a little wild on your rice gives you an edge over the commonly hyped brown rice. Wild rice has the added bang for your calorie buck by providing 6g of protein and double the amount of fiber (3g) for 35 less calories than brown rice per 1 cup serving.

4. Banana

This finger-shaped fruit is widely recognized as a source of potassium. While this is true, bananas are also a source of vitamin C and support your immune system. They also contain prebiotics and help maintain healthy bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics help improve the absorption of other nutrients (i.e. calcium) for added bone health benefits.

5. Chickpeas

 

 

The legume that is used to make hummus is often forgotten as a quality source of carbohydrates. Chickpeas not only provide a generous 22g of carbs in one ½ cup, but also a whopping 6g of fiber and 7g of protein. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full, maintains steady blood sugar levels, and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Week 18: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 10:15am) = 3 miles
• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

Last week when I was watching the weather forecast on tv, it said that it would be sunny this week. I think I'm glad that it's wrong because even though it's not winter anymore and I can't get SUPER cold temperatures until November or so, I prefer overcast/cloudy weather over sunny, semi warm mornings for my runs! I haven't checked the weather forecast for tomorrow, but I hope it will be overcast and slightly misty in the morning!

Week 18: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:30am) = 2.98 miles, time = 32:17, pace @ 10:50
• basketball (@ 6pm) = 2 to 3 hours

It was misty this morning when I started my run. At some point during my run, it stopped. I was too hot and sweaty to notice that it had stopped.

I'll be playing some basketball with some people this evening. I don't feel like updating this after playing, but I'm guessing that we'll be playing for two to three hours (with some breaks/rest). I heard that playing basketball is a good crosstraining/alternate exercise for long distance runners..so playing, I will do!

Week 18: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 1pm) = 2.75 miles
• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

June Gloom in May? Tomorrow will be overcast. I think I will enjoy it while I run on some challenging hills tomorrow morning.

Week 17: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 5:50am) = 4.2 miles, time 44:54, pace @ 10:41

Total Weekly Mileage: 4.2
Total Monthly Mileage: 65.46
Total Yearly Mileage: 265.06
Total Shoe Mileage: 375.31

Felt good and happy to run this morning, even though I wanted to keep sleeping. I'm still feeling happy now after my run. Today is going to be a good day!

I think I need to start taking sleeping aid like Tylenol PM or something like that. When I work late (until 9pm or later), I have a hard time going to sleep. It takes me three to four hours to settle down and finally fall asleep because my mind is still in work mode. I always wake up, feeling tired because even if I can't sleep past a certain time or if I want to run in the morning, and it affects how I feel for the rest of my day.

Week 17: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 9:45am) = 3 miles
• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

I'll get back into running tomorrow! I think I was just mostly lazy this past week.

I'm glad that this morning's weather was nice and cooler than this afternoon! It's so hot now!

Week 17: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I've been so lazy this week! I'm not sure if I'm just lazy or if I really need to take a break from running! I don't feel unmotivated, but I've been feeling sleepy in the morning. Tomorrow morning is suppose to rain. I'm not sure if I'll run in the morning if it doesn't rain.

Week 17: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

It had been misty/drizzly on and off all day. I didn't run this morning, but it would have been nice if I had this weather for my run yesterday!

Week 16: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6am) = 6.64 miles, time = 1:14:05 (h:m:s), pace @ 11:18

Total Weekly Mileage: 16.39
Total Monthly Mileage: 61.26
Total Yearly Mileage: 260.86
Total Shoe Mileage: 371.11

Yay for an overcast/cloudy mornings. Today won't be as warm or hot as yesterday, but it will still be pretty warm AND sunny this afternoon. A cloudy morning in the middle of Spring or Summer is probably the only time that I'm ok with overcast/cloudy mornings. While I usually don't like to run when it's mid-50 degrees and overcast because the clouds seem to trap in warm air, I rather have that than sunny, 60-something degree weather. The air has been so smoggy as of late because it has been pretty warm with more people driving vehicles and using the ac in buildings/homes. The air is just so much cleaner when it's overcast.

Week 16: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

It felt so nice and cool early this morning, but so hot during the daytime! I hope tomorrow morning will be nice and cool so I can enjoy my run.

Week 16: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 5.84 miles, time = 59:51, pace @ 10:15

I didn't run yesterday because I just didn't feel like it. I was just being lazy which wasn't the right attitude to start my day, but it felt really nice to sleep in.
Lately, I've been using a golf ball to massage my feet muscles. It started in hopes to help relax my feet during runs, especially in the beginning. My feet were always tight and uncomfortable during the first mile of the run. While I'm not quite in the habit of using a golf ball or general feet massage on a regular basis, I think it's working. My feet felt better running this morning than before. Now only if I can figure out how to use a golf ball on my calf muscles........

Week 16: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 9:15am) = 3 miles
• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

It was a nice day to be outside and I made sure I took advantage of it! I hope the morning tempature for tomorrow and Friday is ok, but it's suppose to be really warm this weekend! I don't look forward to Sunday morning's run!

Week 16: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:20am) = 3.10 miles, time = 33:40, pace @ 10:52
• warm up = 0.54 mile
• cool down = 0.27 mile

The weather/temperature wasn't that bad this morning, but I think the blistery cold air is over now that Spring is finally here. I don't really look forward to Summer when it's humid and hot at 5:40AM!

Week 16: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

Let's hope I can get into a routine with work and exercise so that I'm not tired all the time.

I think I'm going to start putting up fitness/health articles when I have nothing else to say. I'd probably have something to say if I start doing that?

Week 15: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:10am) = 6.25 miles; time = 1:06:45 (h:m:s); pace @ 10:41

Total Weekly Mileage: 19.04
Total Monthly Mileage: 44.87
Total Yearly Mileage: 244.47
Total Shoe Mileage: 354.72

I didn't go to karate training yesterday. With this new job, it has gotten me more tired! Hopefully, I'll be less tired during the daytime when I get settled into my new routine/job.

Despite having a hard time getting to sleep early last night, I felt good during the run this morning.

I think I have to get new shoes soon. My current pair is getting up there with the miles and it's getting pretty worn out from all the running that I've been doing.

Week 15: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 5.61 miles, time = 58:47, pace @ 10:29

I completely missed out on the rain! The sky was mostly clear this morning when I was out for my run. There were clouds in the distance, but they stayed away long enough so I could run! An hour after I finished my run, it's now pouring rain! So happy with that!

Week 15: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:15am) = 4.61 miles, time = 49:27, pace @ 10:44

I ended up going to karate training last night. I recently got a new job and I was unexpectedly put to work last night. Depending on how I feel, I hope to make to karate training on Saturday!

I got to run with a clear, sunny sky this morning. That was nice to see because I thought it would be cloudy/overcast.

Week 15: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:40am) = 2.97 miles
• warm up = 0.54
• cool down = 0.15

This morning was cooler/colder than Sunday morning. That was great! Tomorrow may rain, but it's ok because I don't have to run.

Week 15: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 1:30pm) = 3 miles
• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

Tomorrow may be cooler than today and yesterday. I hope so, so I can enjoy running. It has been low to mid-80 degrees yesterday and today. It feels nice during the daytime and I'm glad that it's not humid and sticky.

Week 14: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:10am) = 6.7 miles; time = 1:11:07 (h:m:s); pace @ 10:37

Total Weekly Mileage: 19.75
Total Monthly Mileage: 25.83
Total Yearly Mileage: 225.43
Total Shoe Mileage: 345.68

The weather this morning wasn't as bad as I thought because I knew that today would be warm.

During the last mile of my run, my feet started to feel numb. It wasn't so bad that it bothered me and I don't know why I got numbness in my feet from running. I did a 6.6 mile run (different route which also included a semi-challenging hill) a few weeks ago, and I did just fine with the run with no numbness. I didn't do anything different for that run either. I hope that was just today.

Week 14: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

So hot today! It's suppose to be pretty hot tomorrow also. I hope the morning temperature is bareable enough so I can run.

Week 14: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:20am) = 5.14 miles, time = 55:19, pace = 10:46

I almost didn't run this morning. At first, it was laziness and I just didn't feel like running. I decided that it would go away and I'd feel better if I just went. Within 1/2 mile into the run, I wanted to turn around because I started feeling unmotivated (not just laziness), like I was forcing myself to do something that I didn't enjoy. It wasn't SUPER cold, but it was cold enough that I wanted to keep running so I could enjoy it. I also believed that I was just having one of those runs where I would actually feel better and enjoy it after two miles. If I was truly unmotivated and bored, I would suffer through the entire run, no matter where I was or how far I ran. So glad that my mood changed by mile two.

Week 14: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:25am) = 4.87 miles, time = 51:54, pace @ 10:39

I think I can start running at 6:10am. It's slightly dark with enough light that I can still see anyone that's hiding behind things or see the ground where I'm stepping (I have a tendency to trip on the ground). Perhaps, I'll start running at that time tomorrow!

Week 14: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:30am) = 3.04 miles, time = 32:24, pace @ 10:39
• warm up = 0.54 mile
• cool down = 0.16 mile
• karate(@ 7pm) =  1 hour

Since I didn't run yesterday, I felt like running this morning. It was nice and I'm glad that I did. While this wasn't the first time that I ran on the same day as the evening karate class, I'm not sure if I will run again next Wednesday morning, just because I want to keep my running on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. We'll see next week.

Week 14: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road WALK (@ 4:30pm) = 3 miles, time = 1 hour (give or take)

I didn't run this morning and with flat tires on two bikes, I didn't have a choice to go for a walk if I was going to enjoy the nice weather. I went to the post office which was three miles round trip. I usually don't like to walk for exercise, but it also would have been a waste to sit at home and not go outside to enjoy the nice weather.

Week 14: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

It was a nice day today and I didn't do anything outside except walk my dog. I don't have anything else to say, so that is all!

Week 13: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:35am) = 6.08 miles, time = 1:06:04 (h:m:s), pace @ 10:52

Total Weekly Mileage: 15.92
Total March (monthly) Mileage: 53.34
Total April (monthly) Mileage: 6.08
Total Yearly Mileage: 205.68
Total Shoe Mileage: 325.93

Woke up and ran with a clear, sunny sky this morning. I don't know if it's going to rain at all later today, but if it does, it's all ok for me because I don't have to run in it! The weather could very well have a dramatic change between now and this afternoon. Who knows?

During my run this morning, there was an uphill from mile 0.7 and mile 2. It was challenging enough that I could get a work out on it, but not so challenging that made me want to run the other way. For some reason, I had a hard time breathing running up the hill. I don't know why because I ran up this hill many times before and the last time was a month and a half ago, let alone I did run on other challenging hills between that time and now. I had to stop at mile 2 for a minute or two to gain control of my breathing. My heartbeat was unusually racing too. After that, I felt fine running the rest of the way.

Week 13: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

Tomorrow may rain. I may run tomorrow morning, depending if it's happening or not and how the clouds appear when I wake up. If it rains in the morning, I'll use tomorrow as a rest day.

Week 13: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:45am) = 5.38 miles, time = 57.21, pace @ 10:40

I keep telling myself that if I want to run early in the morning, I shouldn't stay up so late, especially when I have a choice of going to bed early. So because I didn't sleep long enough, I woke up feeling tired and I didn't enjoy my run. I would have enjoyed it better had I just went to bed on time.

Week 13: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:40am) = 4.46 miles, time = 47:37, pace @ 10:41

So since I didn't run on Tuesday, I'm going to skip my hill run this week because I can. Maybe I can do it tomorrow and it won't affect me on Sunday's run. I'd like to do a six mile run on Sunday, but I'm somewhat afraid that I'll get shin splints if I don't do a five mile run, although at the same time, I think I'll do ok if I do a shorter, yet very hilly run instead.

Week 13: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I didn't run yesterday because I didn't feel like it.

My sister has two bikes. They both have a flat tire and I'm pretty sure that the inner tube just needs to replaced. Dang, I don't want to put money into a bike that isn't mine, even though I'm technically borrowing the bike(s) and riding them. Maybe I should enjoy a three mile walk (roundtrip) to the post office? I'll have a longer time to enjoy the sunny, nice weather while looking at birds, squirrels, trees and grass.

Week 13: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 11:15am) = 2.9 miles
• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

With all the rain that we had yesterday and into the wee hours of this morning (until 6am), it was still a nice day for a bike ride. It was warm and mostly sunny, and I enjoyed looking at the clouds during my ride.

Week 12: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:50am) = 5.84 miles, time = 62:00, pace @ 10:37

Total Weekly Mileage: 19.31
Total Monthly Mileage: 42.50
Total Yearly Mileage: 189.76
Total Shoe Mileage: 310.01

Sometimes, I like how the weather forecast can be wrong about the weather and rain. It wasn't as cold as I would have liked, but I enjoyed my run this morning because it didn't rain and there were no signs of it! I don't doubt that it will rain much later today though IF it does rain, but at this point I don't care if it does because I've gotten my run out of the way this morning! And it can rain tomorrow if mother nature wants it that way because I'm not running!

Week 12: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

It may rain tomorrow. If it holds out long enough, I'll run in the morning. I hope it doesn't rain in the morning, so I can go run!

Week 12: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:50am) = 2.88 miles, time = 30:14, pace @ 10:30
• warm up = 0.54 mile
• cool down = 0.27 mile

Finally decided to doing a different hill run. This course isn't new to me, but I haven't done it in almost two years and I finally found the motivation to drive to it! This hill course is still local to me (didn't have to leave the city), but I wasn't willing to make a two mile warm up and two mile cool down for this course. Took a few breaks during this run because my breathing wasn't all that great for some reason and it felt more challenging than what I was used to. Let's hope I find the motivation to do this run again next week!

Week 12: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:50am) = 4.99 miles, time = 52:59, pace @ 10:37

I forgot my phone during my run and I felt weird/naked without it. Normally, I would have my phone with me in case a motorist was dumb enough to run me over. Luckily, nothing happened on the one time I forgot my phone.

Week 12: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

Today was so warm! I hope tomorrow morning is cool enough so I can enjoy my run!

Week 12: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:50am) = 4.84 miles, time = 51:35, pace @ 10:39

Felt nice and cold this morning. I felt ok during the first mile of the run, but surprisingly had a runner's high during the second half of the run. I didn't know where that came from, but it was nice.

Week 12: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

Has spring arrived yet? As much as I enjoy 60 and 70-something degrees weather during the daytime, that means that the overnight/morning temperatures won't as cold as I'd like it to be when I run. But at the same time, I get to enjoy my bike rides and dog walks better in the 60 and 70-something degrees weather.

Week 11: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• road run (@ 6:50am) = 3.85 miles, time = 41:05, pace @ 10:40

Total Weekly Mileage: 15.14
Total Monthly Mileage: 23.19
Total Yearly Mileage: 170.45
Total Shoe Mileage: 290.70

So happy that the sky cleared up and the sun came out this morning right before my run! Great weather for running!

Week 11: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

I'm most likely will not run tomorrow because of the expected rain that we will get. Most likely not, tiny chance that I will, but I'm scared if I do because I don't want to get catch in torrential rain and get sick from it.

Week 11: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• hilly trail run (@ 6:50am) = 1.1 miles, time = 13:42, pace @ 12:28
• bike ride (@ 10am) = 3 miles

It's a little drizzle-y/sprinkly this morning. I think that's considered "rain" to the weather forecast. If that's the case, then I'm ok with that kind of rain.

Didn't have a horrible run, but it wasn't good either. I felt blah. I didn't sleep horribly, but I didn't sleep all that great which probably had something to do with feeling blah during the run. Perhaps, I need to change my route and run in a different area. I guess I can start running on my other hill trail run which a bit longer.

I decided to go on a bike ride (to the post office) this morning after the run. Tomorrow is suppose to rain and I don't want to be caught in it. I also felt blah during the bike ride. I think it was because I felt blah during my run this morning mostly and partly because my quads are getting too much work out between the two. Running on challenging hills and riding a bike both uses the quad muscles.

Week 11: Day 4 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:50am) = 4.22 miles, time = 44:05, pace @ 10:27

Supposedly, it will rain tomorrow. I'm not sure when it will rain (morning, afternoon, or evening?) or if it's actually going to rain at all. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow morning to decide if I can/will run or not. While I usually don't mind running in the rain, it seems that my immune system isn't as good as it used to be and I get sick for being in it. I also don't trust motorists enough to feel safe alongside the roads or crossing the streets. I have enough problems with them during dry weather.

Week 11: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 2 hours

While I didn't get the chance to ride my bike today, I still got to be outside and enjoy the nice weather that we had.

Week 11: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:50am) = 3.77 miles, time = 37:48, pace @ 10:02
• bike ride (@ 9:20am) = 3 miles

Getting sleep really does matter! Although I'm not so sure if my running speed/pace is really that fast because I felt generally slow!

Since I didn't feel that my run was challenging enough to make me feel tired or lazy afterwards, I went on a bike ride.

Week 11: Day 1 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) = 1 hour

I think I'll sleep ok tonight, enough so that I can be normal when I run in the morning.

Week 10: Day 7 - 2012

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 6:45am) = 2.12 miles, time = 23:35, pace @ 11:07

Total Weekly Mileage: 2.12
Total Monthly Mileage: 8.05
Total Yearly Mileage: 155.31
Total Shoe Mileage: 275.56

I didn't get ANY sleep last night, no thanks to drinking/consuming caffeine at the wrong time and so late yesterday! I debated whether I should have slept in and not run today or just doing a short run and then going back to sleep afterwards. I opted for the run and sleep afterwards. I was also going to do a three mile run, but decided to do a shorter run which I'm glad that I made that decision because I didn't enjoy my run! I'm guessing and hoping that the lack of enjoyment came from lack of sleep rather than lack of motivation. I hope to sleep better and have a better time for my next run!

Week 10: Day 6 - 2012

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate) class = 1pm to 2pm

Six days without running. I think that's a long enough break and I think I'm ready to start running again tomorrow morning! I sorta got bored without it, but I really needed that break.

Week 10: Day 5 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 10:10am) = 3 miles,

What a nice day for a bike ride!

Week 10: Day 3 - 2012

cardio:

• karate (@ 7pm) - 1 hour

I'm sorta missing running, but I know that I need a short break from it.

Week 10: Day 2 - 2012

cardio:

• bike ride (@ 9:30am) = 3 miles

I'm taking a break from running, but I still have to do sort of exercise anyway....something more than just walk my dog.