Week 41: Day 3 - 2015

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I debated if I was going to take a break for a whole week until Sunday or run a few (four) times this week. I had also planned to run yesterday if I did decide to run. I didn't do a run yesterday because laziness kicked in. I wasn't going to run today, but I did anyway. It felt nice and surprisingly I wasn't unmotivated. I haven't decided if I am going to run tomorrow morning or take a rest day, but I think I'll decide that in the morning.

Week 40: Day 7 - 2015

• Halloween Run = 6.22 miles, time = 1:12:00, pace @ 11:35
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

Total Running Weekly Mileage: 20.74 miles

Total Running Monthly Mileage: 59.59

Total Running Yearly Mileage: 348.43

Total Running Shoe Mileage: 50.34

It wasn't exactly my ideal weather, but it was cooler this morning compared to yesterday. Yesterday's run was on a relatively flat course, but the weather definitely affected me because my overall finish time was roughly about 30 seconds faster than today's finish time. Today's course had a challenging hill (challenging enough, but not a "mountain" compared to what I train on). My disappointment from today was that no one got a finisher's medal. At the finish line, I looked around to see if other runners got one because I thought I missed the volunteers who would have passed them out. I saw no medals anywhere. When I did the race in 2012, I got a finisher's medal. I don't know what happened to that. Also, I'm not sure if I will do the same Halloween Run in La Puente again in the future. I didn't like the idea that I had to pay $5 to pick up my race packet on the day of the event. I might do the Race For The Rescues event again.

Week 40: Day 6 - 2015

• Race For The Rescues RUN with one dog = 10k (6.2 miles); time = 1:11:23; pace @ 11:19
• easy WALK with two dogs = 1 mile

I knew that I wouldn't enjoy the weather when the race started at 8:30am. It was so warm! I don't know why they couldn't start at 8am instead although it wasn't exactly that much better by that time either. It was so nice and cool at 7am! I think it was harder on my dog, Jubee, because she was panting a lot. Especially in the car on the way home. I'm sorry, Jubee! You can have a rest day tomorrow and Monday!

Anyway, the course from today's race was relatively flat with some slow, gentle inclines. Also, I did better on my overall time and overall pace. I think I could have been a little better if my dog didn't stop for a bathroom break? I also think that I could have done better if it was cooler.

Tomorrow, I do a Halloween 10k Run. I will update tomorrow.

Week 40: Day 5 - 2015

• trail RUN (solo) = 5 miles
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.3 miles

My last training run for awhile! My races are tomorrow morning and Sunday morning, and I feel ready! I went for a run at the Chino Hills State Park this morning, but I didn't bring my dog with me because I didn't know if dogs were allowed since they told me that dogs weren't when I came here for a run last year...even though it was technically closed. Anyway, the state (or city?) "remodeled" the park and added a paved road for vehicle traffic. There was a dirt road that I was used to seeing off to the side of the paved road, but I decided to try out the paved road first to see how it was. I think I like the trail/dirt road better. It seemed shorter and easier. However, when I asked the park ranger if dogs were allowed, he recommended that dogs stayed on the main paved road. Going "off road" with a dog would attract coyotes, cougars and bobcats...even though that would happen rarely. Also, there would be a lot thorns and things that could hurt dogs' feet.

Week 40: Day 2 - 2015

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 miles
• warm up = 1.1 miles
• cool down = 1.1 miles
• easy WALK with two dogs = 1.9 miles

I'm debating if I want to do one more training run (preferably tomorrow morning if I do get a run in). I'm not 100% sure yet...or just take the rest of the week off from running and wait for my two 10K runs for the weekend. I'll have a better idea in the morning if I want to run or not.

Week 39: Day 7 - 2015

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 6.7
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.3 miles

Total Running Weekly Mileage: 15.7

Total Running Monthly Mileage: 38.85

Total Running Yearly Mileage: 327.69

Total Running Shoe Mileage: 29.6

It was overcast this morning when I went out for a run. While it wasn't exactly my ideal running weather, it was better than hot/humid and sunny. I almost didn't make it out of bed because I wanted to sleep in, being that it was overcast, but I made it out. During the last two miles of my run, I mentally checked out. I didn't want to run anymore. Of course, I could have called someone at home to pick me up, but I didn't want to do that. So I had no other choice but to finish my run even though I didn't want to. I am ready for a mental break from running!

Week 39: Day 4 - 2015

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 5.7 miles
• easy WALK with two dogs = 2.2 miles

I think I'm basically ready for my two 10k races. I have a week and a half left of training. Maybe I'm just tired and need more sleep which is why I'm feeling the need for training to be over (I really do need more sleep, but I can't get more when I need it!). Maybe the heat is driving me crazy too.

Week 39: Day 2 - 2015

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 miles
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with two dogs = 2.1 miles

Running in warm temperatures make it hard for me to find enough motivation for a run. I wasn't really interested in running this morning because it was so warm. Why does it feel like summer in October when summer has been officially over last month? I don't like summer and I hate hot/warm weather.

Week 38: Day 7 - 2015

• easy WALK with MY dogs (home) = 2 miles
• easy WALK with rescue/shelter dog (Priceless Pets Rescue) = 3.1 miles

Total Running Weekly Mileage: 13.9

Total Running Monthly Mileage: 23.15

Total Running Yearly Mileage: 311.99

Total Running Shoe Mileage:  13.9

Today was the Long Beach Marathon. I do the half marathon once in awhile. I am glad that I didn't sign up for it this year because it had been awfully warm/hot this weekend. The weather also had been ridiculous during these last few months with rain. 

I did a "hike" with the animal rescue group this morning and I had one of the rescue dogs. I was worried that it would get very warm during the walk and warmer when we finished at 10:30am. It was pretty warm, but not intolerable. Maybe intolerable for the dogs since they are the ones wearing "coats and sweaters", but they did well for the weather. After the walk, I participated in the dog handling socialization class with the same rescue group...I had a rescue dog (different one) for that as well. I was concerned about the heat, but it was tolerable enough (maybe not for the dogs).

Week 38: Day 6 - 2015

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 6 miles
• easy WALK with two dogs = 2 miles

Did you know that you could use a tennis ball or golf ball to massage the bottoms of your feet? It really works. This also applies for people who have plantar fasciitis. I don't have plantar fasciitis, but I do need a foot massage. I have paid someone to give me a foot massage, but it doesn't seem to work or help.

Week 38: Day 5 - 2015

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 4.6 miles
• easy WALK with two dogs = 2.5 miles

I think I'm fine, motivation-wise, but laziness is definitely kicking in. I know that it's laziness because once I get out and start running, I feel fine. It's getting started that's the hardest part.

Week 38: Day 2 - 2015

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with two dogs = 2.5 miles

I started running in a new pair of shoes today. It had to be done, but my feet felt good in them. I think I will do just fine wearing them for the rest of my training.

Week 37: Day 6 - 2015

• easy RUN with one dog = 5.15 miles
• easy WALK with two dogs = 2 miles

I have a shoe dilemma now. My feet aches when I run in my current pair of shoes and I know that wearing a new pair of shoes will simply fix this problem. They have not reached 300 miles yet, however, they are seven months old, going on eight months. I had a similar problem before, but that pair did reach 500 miles.

While I know that just wearing new running shoes will help my feet feel better, I'm in the middle of training for two 10k runs (both are on the same weekend) and they are in three weeks. I'm not sure if it is wise to start wearing new shoes when I'm in the middle of training, however, I'm not putting in that many miles in per week.

Week 37: Day 5 - 2015

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 4.1 miles
• easy WALK with two dogs = 2.6 miles

I'm so ready for this summer-like weather to be over with. It's fall, why does is it still hot and why does it feel like summer?