Week 52: Day 4 - December 29, 2016

• semi-hilly trail run (solo) = 3.51 miles; time = 39:17; average pace @ 11:12
• @ local jr college trails
• trail run (solo) - shorter, but feels more hilly = 1.1 mile; time = 13:38; average pace @ 12:29
• off campus, but nearby
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

I went for a run at a local junior college. The trails on campus are/were opened to the public, however, I wasn't sure if there would be any cattle that had free range to roam around on the trails. My dog is really scared of cattle and tries to run away. While the cattle will not do anything to me or my dog or run away at the sight of a dog, they glare at my dog and they look horrified. The last time that I ran on the trails on campus was during the summer and there were no cattle there as they were moo-ved to a nearby area. There weren't any cattle today, but I am hoping that the school don't moo-ve their cattle back to these trails for another month and a half...after February 12, so I can run on these trails with my dog without both of us being so afraid of cattle.

While I could have just done my 3.5 mile super hilly trail run with the 1.4 mile long uphill (that I like to train on for half marathon training), I just wanted to change up my scenery. The trail conditions on that run is also not really ideal for my dog's feet. These two trail runs (that I plan to do every week until 10k race week) will still give me the challenging work out that I need while my dog still gets her run in with me. I plan to do my next 10k with my dog.

The 1.1 mile hilly trail that I did...I did the trail faster than I thought even though my legs felt tired from doing the other run right before.

Week 52: Day 2 - December 27, 2016

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 3.25 miles; time = 37:57; average pace @ 11:41
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

I have a 10K race in less than six weeks. I guess I can start training for it this week...as of today, although it'll be an easy training week.

I forgot to mention that I started writing down my runs in a paper notebook. It's mainly to record any routes (including time and distance) that I do, so I can make comparisons. While I do use logmyrun.com to record my time and pace, I'm just too lazy to record a lot of my routes on there.

Week 51: Day 7 - December 25, 2016

• trail/road RUN with one dog = 6.31 miles; time = 1:12:20; average pace @ 11:28
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 19.47

Total Monthly Mileage: 73.95

Total Yearly Mileage: 959.13

Total Shoe Mileage: 19.47

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 0

Total Monthly Mileage: 60.9

Total Yearly Mileage: 1701.98

Happy holidays to everyone! If you don't celebrate any holidays this month, happy day and happy weekend!

I have decided not to sign up for the The Great Chocolate Race 10 mile run after all. Timing is bad and I have too many things that need to be paid off first....besides, I saw a discount code (roughly $20 off) on their facebook page a few days ago, and I can't find it anymore. Maybe they deleted it already? It expires tonight at 11:59pm.

I am also not going to ride my bike to work. Since most people are on vacation and there will be less traffic, I don't want to take a chance of getting hit by a motorist who won't do the right thing like stopping and calling 911 for help...leaving me to die. And who knows how long someone pulls over to finally help me. I'm not afraid of rush hour traffic and I like it a little busy in the morning. Because if someone wants to hit me and run, there will be too many witnesses...and I will get the help that I need immediately. I thought about driving to the mall and then ride to work from there, but my bike rack is broken. I didn't realize it until around 7pm. I can probably fix it, but I'm too tired to try.

Week 51: Day 4 - December 22, 2016

• road/trail RUN (solo) = 5.34 miles; time = 1:00:47; average pace @ 11:23
• easy WALK with dogs = 1.5 miles

I was hoping that the rain would stop long enough this morning for me to do my run and do a decent walk with my dogs. It had been raining since 8pm last night and it never stopped. I did my run in the rain, but I didn't take my running buddy (dog) with me. It drizzled the during my run, but it wasn't as bad as it seemed. It also seemed windier at home than any other time of my run (mind you, I started and ended my run at home) and I even had to stop for two red lights to cross the street, but it didn't seem windy at all during those stops.

I would have done my run tomorrow morning instead, but I'm working in the morning. Tomorrow would have been a bit better as far as the rain holding out long enough in the morning. I thought about going to work by bike, but the rain is/was questionable on the way home and I didn't want to ride in the rain. It doesn't matter anyway, because I have to be at work by 7am. That means that I have to wake up at 3:45am (to eat, get dressed, set up my bike, and walk my dogs) and then leave home by 4:45am. I also had to work this afternoon and got off at 7pm. Riding to work on Monday mornings is a little easier (even though I start at 7:30am) because I don't have to work on Sunday afternoon/evening, so I get to rest up a little more/better.

Week 51: Day 3 - December 21, 2016

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 4.52 miles; time = 53:09; average pace @ 11:46
• easy WALK with dogs = 1.5 miles

I managed to do my run in dry conditions this morning. I had no idea that it would rain this afternoon until mid-morning, so I didn't do a lot of walking with my dogs. I saw the weather forecast two days ago and it mentioned that the next call for rain was on Friday night/Saturday morning with no mention about rain for today. I was confused and a little disappointed. Supposedly there will be rain tomorrow morning, but I hope it happens during some ungodly hours of the morning and stops before 6am, so I can do my run.

Week 51: Day 2 - December 20, 2016

• super hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile; time = 14:06; average pace @ 12:49
• warm up (jog) = 1.1 mile
• cool down (jog/walk) = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

Instead of riding my bike, I went to work by car yesterday (Monday). It was very windy. I wasn't worried about motorists running me over because of strong winds. I was worried that I would get knocked down by the winds because my feet would have no contact with the ground. You can actually have both feet off the ground at the same time when you're running, but your feet are much closer to the ground.

Week 50: Day 7 - December 18, 2016

easy trail RUN with one dog = 4.16 miles; time = 48:17; average pace @ 11:36

easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 9.95

Total Monthly Mileage: 54.48

Total Yearly Mileage: 939.66

Total Shoe Mileage: 351.41

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 0 

Total Monthly Mileage: 60.9

Total Yearly Mileage: 1701.98

I want to sign up for this The Great Chocolate Race and do the 10 mile run (there is a 5K option, but I don't like doing races less than a 10k...). I have not signed up yet, but training (for me if I want to do it) starts this coming week. I have to wait until my next paycheck (this coming Friday) first and figure out my budget. In the meantime, I'm going to start training like I've already signed up. The race is on Sunday, January 29. Even though I just finished a half marathon last week, I'm itching to do another long-ish race. On the other hand, I can and should just take it easy for the rest of the year and then start training at the first week of January for my Firecracker 10k race/run....this race is on Sunday, February 12.

Week 50: Day 4 - December 15, 2016

• easy trail run with one dog = 3.63 miles; time = 42:13; average pace @ 11:38
• easy walk with three dogs = 2.3 miles

I recently bought new shoes. I haven't worn them for a run yet, but I will starting next week. I'm finishing off my current pair with some easy runs for an easy recovery week before I "retire" them. I could probably continue running in the current pair until the end of the year, but I wanted to put some miles on the new shoes before the new year starts.

Week 50: Day 3 - December 14, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 2.16 miles; time = 26:07; average pace @ 12:05
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

All of my previous half marathons, I took a one week break from running to rest up my legs. I didn't do that this time around. I got bored and did a short, easy two mile run. It's amazing how I missed a run last week because my motivation crashed and then I am bored and can't wait to do a run within a few days after the race. I don't think I will do a run on Friday morning because the weather calls for lots of rain on Friday morning, but I will do one tomorrow morning.

Week 49: Day 7 - December 11, 2016

• Holiday Half Marathon = 13.1 miles; time = 2:13:00 (official finish time); pace @ 10:09
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 24.16

Total Monthly Mileage: 44.53

Total Yearly Mileage: 929.71

Total Shoe Mileage: 341.46

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 60.9

Total Monthly Mileage: 60.9

Total Yearly Mileage: 1701.98

I can take a rest day tomorrow. I do not plan to ride/bike to work. My legs are not that bad right now, but I will probably become very sore if I do ride to work tomorrow. I am working on Tuesday morning to fill in someone else's shift, and going to work by bike is questionable. Most likely, I am. Even though I want to do some easy, recovery runs later in the week, I also want to catch up on sleep. I need to sleep and I can finally catch up on it!

I also think it's time to get new shoes...although the current pair will do okay for a few more miles

Week 49: Day 5 - December 09, 2016

• trail/road run (solo) = 6.28 miles; time = 1:12:50; average pace @ 11:36
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles
• bike commute to mall (free birthday meal @ red robin) = 22.88 miles total; 1:52:44; average pace @ 12.2 mph

Last training run before the race! I am so ready for the race on Sunday! I was going to do a run yesterday, but I really struggled mentally to get started and a run never happened. I felt better to run this morning. I almost didn't want to do a bike ride out of laziness, but I felt much better once I got started.

Week 49: Day 2 - December 06, 2016

• trail/road run (solo) = 4.78 miles; time = 57:27; average pace @ 12:01
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

Yesterday morning felt way colder than this morning. I wish the weather/temperature switched places, so I could run in colder temperatures. After I walk my dogs tomorrow morning, I plan to go back to sleep until it is time to walk my dogs again and get ready for work. I need sleep!

Week 49: Day 1 - December 05, 2016

• bike commute to work - 38.04 miles total; time = 2:58:08; average pace @ 12.8 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

I forgot to wear gloves while commuting to work this morning. Normally, I can handle 45 F degrees weather when I'm running because running makes me hot and it doesn't take much for me to get hot, but it's different on a bike. My hands were so stiff frozen when I got to work that I had to put my hands in running hot (to the point of tolerable) until they felt better. Going home was different and much better.

Week 48: Day 7 - December 04, 2016

• long road run (solo) = 10.19 miles; time = 1:58:54; average pace @ 11:40
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles

Running:
Total Weekly Mileage: 25.22
Total Monthly (November) Mileage: 116.23
Total Monthly (December) Mileage: 20.37
Total Yearly Mileage: 905.55
Total Shoe Mileage: 317.30

Cycling:
Total Weekly Mileage: 36.7
Total Monthly (November) Mileage: 163.24
Total Monthly (December) Mileage: 0
Total Yearly Mileage: 1641.08

Final long run today. I have three training runs left and then the race next weekend. After next weekend, I will do a few easy, recovery runs and get lots of sleep. I need to catch up on sleep! I'm always tired!

Week 48: Day 5 - December 02, 2016

• road/trail run (solo) = 6.65 miles; time = 1:13:44; average pace @ 11:05
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles

I had plans to do a bike ride today, but I was on the bike for all of two feet when I realized that my patched up tire was flat. Because I had no idea how to patch up a tiny hole in a bike tube. So I changed out the "bad" tube for a new tube. I lost motivation to ride my bike when I was done. On the bright side, it took me ten to fifteen minutes for the whole process of changing a flat on a bike. I feel like a pro with that now. I'm good to go for riding to work on Monday morning, but I should probably buy a new tube this weekend in case I somehow managed to get another flat on Monday to work or after work. I don't want to be stuck somewhere because I don't have a ride (someone with a car) or a spare tube. I should also pack a small flashlight in case I get a flat on the morning commute to work. Part of my ride is in the dark, so I need to be able to see what I am doing.

Week 48: Day 4 - December 01, 2016

• challenging hilly trail run (solo) = 3.53 miles; time = 42:45; average pace @ 12:06
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

When I did this same run/route last week, I was able to run 1.3 miles (of the 1.4 mile) up the hill before stopping for a rest break. I took another rest break during that last 1/10 mile before reaching the top of the hill. I was able to run 1.35 mile before taking a break and I only took one break this morning. I think if I had kept trying to run through the burn no matter how much it hurt, I would have been able to make it to the top without taking any rest breaks by now. Next week is the last week of training because the race is next weekend, December 01. I usually do this run (that I did this morning) when I am training for a half marathon, so it may be a long time before I do this run again. I may just try it one more time during the week after the race.

Week 48: Day 2 - November 30, 2016

• easy road/trail run (solo) = 4.85 miles; time = 57:07; average pace @ 11:47
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

I'm feeling a little better this morning, although I still need to figure out how to catch up on sleep (or feel like I'm caught up on sleep). And I'm loving the cold mornings that I'm getting.

Week 48: Day 1 - November 28, 2016

• bike commute to work = 36.7 miles round trip; 3:05:31 (?)
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

I felt fine going to work by bike...it was really cold, but I was prepared for that by wearing gloves and extra clothing. I struggled getting home. I was tired and a little grumpy (from feeling tired). I thought about catching the bus during part of the commute home, but decided that I should commute the whole way....mainly for my garmin watch. At 1.3 miles away from home, I got a flat tire! Good thing it was on the way home during daylight hours and I was close to home. (Getting a flat tire on the way to work would have been okay, but I would have to be closer to work when there was more daylight where I could actually see what I was doing. I'm sorta afraid that I will get a flat tire in the dark or soft light (not dark, but the sun isn't high enough).) I don't know why I just didn't use the spare tube, but I attempted to put air in the "problem" tube ignoring the fact that it had a hole and attempted to ride home on it. Air kept getting out and I kept getting a flat. I got so frustrated and grumpier that I just gave up and walked home. This is flat tire #8 (or #9?). I was already grumpy from being tired. I got grumpier from getting a flat tire. I felt a little better after walking my dogs. Upon checking my tube, I found a very tiny hole in a really random, weird spot. I have a lining that goes between the tube and tire, and whatever poked a hole in my tube (I didn't see anything from the outside, so I don't know what poked a hole) missed the lining and went into the tube slightly off to the side. I patched it up and I hope it holds up. I guess I'll find out sooner or later, but I hope I don't get a flat tire on the way to work!

Week 47: Day 7 - November 27, 2016

• long run (solo) = 12.15 miles; time = 2:23:36; average pace @ 11:49
• easy walk with dogs = 2.7 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 27.78

Total Monthly Mileage: 111.38

Total Yearly Mileage: 880.33

Total Shoe Mileage: 292.08

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 40.31

Total Monthly Mileage: 126.54

Total Yearly Mileage: 1604.38

Two weeks and seven training runs left before the race. I am really ready for it and I'm slightly mentally struggling to keep up with my motivation. I may sign up for a local 15k race next weekend. (I'm still thinking about it.)

I've lucked out with running in the rain and I'm really glad for this. So far none of my training runs had been in the run. I've had to cut short on my walks with my dogs and missed a few bike rides to work or locally because of rain, but never had to miss a run because of rain or do a run in the rain. I hope none of my training runs include race day is in the rain. It rained last Sunday as well, but it stayed dry long enough in the morning for me to do my eleven (11) mile run. I checked the weather forecast on Friday and noticed rain for yesterday and today. I was fine with the rain yesterday since I didn't need to do a work out, although I didn't luck out when it came time to walk my dogs. I lucked out this morning and did the entire twelve (12) mile run without getting rained on (there was a little drizzle here and there, but not enough to make anything wet). I also did a decent walk with my dogs (immediately after my run) without getting rained on.

Week 47: Day 5 - November 25, 2016

• trail run (solo) @ Chino Hills State Park = 6.17 miles; time = 1:13:28; average pace @ 11:53
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles
• bike commute to local bike store = 25.14 miles round trip; time = 2:02:37; average pace @ 12.4 mph

It felt so nice and cold for my run this morning. It was mid-50 degrees F yesterday, but it didn't feel cold at all, so I don't know what happened there. It was nice and warm for my ride when I went out at midday today. I feel really accomplished now. My tiredness/sleepiness is finally starting to kick in (at 7:20pm). I should sleep well tonight.

Week 47: Day 4 - November 23, 2016

• very hilly trail run (solo) = 3.53 miles; time = 42:57; average pace @ 12:09
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles

Happy Thanksgiving if this is something that you are celebrating. I will not be able to post this later because I will be busy working...then I'm going straight to my aunt's house afterwards, so I'm posting this now.

And yes, I did a run this morning and walked my dogs. I have already did most of the walking with my dogs this morning and I just need to do another 1/2 mile walk with my dogs after work before heading to my aunt's house. This morning didn't feel as cold like it was during the last few days, but it was also windy. I do NOT like wind for any reason!

It's a good thing that I'm working out a lot this weekend. I plan to do a 6.5 mile run and a 20+ mile bike ride tomorrow and then a 12 mile run on Sunday. I am working today, but I'm heading in a little early because my boss has set up a Thanksgiving meal (lunch) for the employees. Then I'm heading to my aunt's house afterwards, so there is more eating.

Week 47: Day 3 - November 23, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles
• bike ride (local) = 15.17 miles; time = 1:22:00; average pace @ 11.1 mph

I debated whether I should ride/cycle today or not...feeling lazy or motivated enough. I am glad that I did it. It felt nice feeling motivated and accomplished. It was pretty cold and I usually like to ride in warmer weather, but it wasn't as bad as I thought.

Week 47: Day 2 - November 22, 2016

• easy trail/road run (solo) = 5.93 miles; time = 1:07:53; average pace @ 11:27
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

Yay for cold mornings! I love cold mornings! Now I wish for this all the time, but let's be realistic. At least until race day....or until end of February.

Week 46: Day 7 - November 20, 2016

• long trail run (solo) = 11.05 miles; time = 2:16:59; average pace @ 12:24
• at Chino Hills State Park
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 31.30

Total Monthly Mileage: 83.60

Total Yearly Mileage: 852.33

Total Shoe Mileage:264.30

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 48.25

Total Monthly Mileage: 86.23

Total Yearly Mileage: 1564.07

I underestimated how hilly doing a long run was at the Chino Hills State Park. Normally, I would take some Excedrin right before a long run so I wouldn't feel sore during or after the run. I forgot to take some this morning before the run and I feel a little sore now. There is rain in tomorrow's weather forecast, so I will take a rest day instead of going to work on a bike.

Speaking of the weather, while I did recently see the weather forecast, I didn't believe that there would be rain today. It drizzle a little bit on my way to Chino Hills for my run, but it stopped when I got to the location. It was half sunny and half cloudy during the whole entire run to which I was glad for. More rain came this afternoon, so I was glad that the rain held off long enough for me to do my long run.

Week 46: Day 5 - November 18, 2016

• road run (solo) = 6.72 miles; time = 1:15:00; average pace @ 11:10
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles
• bike ride (local) = 10.2 miles; time = 48:08; average pace @ 12.7 mph

I decided to run "at home" this morning because I planned to do an 11 mile run at the Chino Hills State Park on Sunday. I've never done anything longer than 6.6 miles there because I'm a little afraid of getting lost for making a wrong turn. I usually pick trails that have a dead end or have a landmark that I can easily find and use a turnaround point. I've used the satellite imaging on mapmyrun.com, and I've found a landmark that I can use as a turnaround point. I should be okay, but I really hope that I don't get lost!

Week 46: Day 4 - November 17, 2016

• hilly trail run (solo) = 3.53 miles; time = 41:44; average pace @ 11:48
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

I managed to run 1.3 miles up the hill (the hill is 1.4 miles to the top) without stopping or walking. Success! I have three more weeks or tries to run up that hill to the top, all of 1.4 miles, without stopping or walking...if I don't, it's okay because I still managed to run most of the way without stopping which is already an accomplishment. When I tried to train on this hill/trail for my last half marathon, I wasn't as successful (I walked/stopped a lot).

Week 46: Day 2 - November 15, 2016

• easy road RUN (solo) = 5 miles; time = 58:03; average pace @ 11:37
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles

My legs were a little sore and felt like heavy lead during my almost mostly flat easy run this morning. The soreness and heaviness were tolerable, so that was okay. Tomorrow is a rest day (dog walking only). I think my legs can definitely use this day to rest.

Week 46: Day 1 - November 14, 2016

• bike commute to work = 38.05 miles total; time = 2:59:22; average pace @ 12.7 mph 
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

I don't know why my bike computer is showing a different distance when I ride round trip for work. The first few times that I've gone to work (full distance) on my bike, the distance showed up as 37.8 miles round trip. I am doing the same route every time. Oh well...anyway. I don't feel sore at all right now like I thought would after doing an eleven mile run (yesterday) and a 38 mile bike ride (today). I plan to do a five mile run tomorrow and I hope that doesn't make me sore...even though I plan to take a rest day on Wednesday.

Week 45: Day 7 - November 13, 2016

• long training RUN (solo) = 11.08 miles; time = 2:07:58; average pace @ 11:33
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 26.18

Total Monthly Mileage: 52.30

Total Yearly Mileage: 821.03

Total Shoe Mileage: 233.00

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 37.83

Total Monthly Mileage: 37.83

Total Yearly Mileage: 1515.67

It was so warm, but tolerable this morning. Where is the cold weather at?

Week 45: Day 5 - November 11, 2016

• trail RUN (solo) = 6.57 miles; time = 1:16:26; average pace @ 11:38
• @ Chino Hills State Park
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

I was going to go for a bike ride, but got lazy and wanted to do something patriotic for Veteran's Day. I did go for a run at the Chino Hills State Park and I picked some trails that were familiar to me because I knew that I wouldn't get lost. After running this morning, I realized that the trails that I did made for a good training run. So, I will do this run every week until race week. I also need a change of scenery for my runs once a week anyway.

Week 45: Day 4 - November 10, 2016

• challenging hilly trail RUN (solo) = 3.53 miles; time = 43:30; average pace @ 12:19
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles

My garmin watch did a really random thing during my run this morning. One mile into my run, my watch restarted and reset itself, clearing my run. I don't know why my watch did that for. I had a regular watch on to time my run, so I still knew how long it took me to do the run. I wished my watch had randomly restarted and reset itself after my run was complete and saved.

Week 45: Day 3 - November 09, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN (solo) = 5 miles; time = 58:24; average pace @ 11:41
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles

At the beginning of my run, I thought that I felt a little sore and still recovering from the ten mile run and 38 mile bike ride, but I think that was just all in my head. I'm really not sore at all. But it was warm this morning. It's already November. Why is it so warm in the morning in November?

Week 45: Day 1 - November 07, 2016

• bike commute to work = 37.83 miles total; time = 2:58:52; average pace @ 12.7 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles

I did a 10 mile run yesterday and a 38-ish mile bike ride today. With the time change and the clocks being one hour "slower", the sun is up one hour earlier (the sun sets one hour earlier as well), so I felt motivated. I feel very accomplished. I'm a little sore now, but the soreness is tolerable. Because I did so much cycling/riding this year, I know that I had become a better/stronger runner. Perhaps not faster, but I noticed that my endurance/strength in general has great improvements especially when there are hills involved. I knew that I would feel okay riding to work/home today after doing a 10 mile run yesterday. I think the last time that I did a bike ride on a day after a 10 mile training run (for a different half marathon), I did a 7 mile bike ride. I felt sore and somewhat gave up on cycling as a crosstraining.

Tomorrow is an active rest day (dog walking only), but mainly because I have a doctor's appointment in the morning. I have planned to do an 11 mile run on Sunday. I also planned to go to work on a bike on Monday morning, followed by a "short, easy" run on Tuesday (with Wednesday being an active rest day (dog walking only)). How will I feel after my run on Tuesday morning? I'm a little nervous, but excited to know!

Week 44: Day 7 - November 05, 2016

• long training RUN (solo) = 10.4 miles; time = 2:01:07; average pace @ 11:39
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 26.12

Total Monthly (November) Mileage: 26.12

Total Yearly Mileage: 794.85

Total Shoe Mileage: 206.82

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 0

Total Monthly (November) Mileage: 0

Total Yearly Mileage: 1485.06

I never got in a bike ride on Friday after all, but I got some much needed extra sleep though.

While I put in my run at 6am this morning because it was light out at that time, I still managed to get thrown off by the time change (one hour ahead or behind) today and I almost messed up some of my plans this afternoon. Good thing I was only a little behind schedule and my plans were more mostly (99%) okay. What is the point of Daylight Saving Time? It is a stupid concept.

Week 44: Day 4 - November 03, 2016

• road/trail RUN (solo) = 6.7 miles; time = 1:12:54; average pace @ 10:53
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

The weather/temperature wasn't consistent. It was 51 degrees F and cool yesterday morning. It was 61 degrees F and a little warmer/humid this morning. I struggled with the run this morning...until I got to the halfway (turn around) point where I got to run down a big reward. I felt better about running at that point. I don't know why I was feeling unmotivated. Was it the weather? Because I have five more weeks left of training and I want to take a mental break from running? 

I get to rest and sleep in tomorrow...finally. After five weeks working six days a week..I was either at work (three days) or running (four days) in the morning. I think I will do a bike ride tomorrow as well, but after I catch up on some sleep.

Week 44: Day 3 - November 02, 2016

• trail/road RUN (solo) = 5.49 miles; time = 1:02:57; average pace @ 11:28
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

So nice and cold this morning! I am enjoying the weather for running!

Self to note: When the sky is very clear, my garmin watch gps can find a satellite in ten seconds. If the sky is cloudy (partly or completely) or if I'm standing under a tree, the gps will take three minutes to find a satellite. Must not stand under a tree....

Week 44: Day 2 - November 01, 2016

• hilly trail RUN (solo) = 3.53 miles; time = 41:28; average pace @ 11:45
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

So I checked the weather forecast. No rain for awhile and that is good. Also good is that it will be nice, clear/sunny and cold in the morning. While I would have preferred 37 to 39 degrees F to run in, 50-something degrees F will do just fine. I like clear skies and sunshine too. Overcast makes me sleepy and more tired.

Week 43: Day 7 - October 30, 2016

• long training RUN (solo) = 10.19 miles; time = 1:57:11; average pace @ 11:30
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 25.73

Total Monthly Mileage: 105.33

Total Yearly Mileage: 768.30

Total Shoe Mileage: 180.70

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 0

Total Monthly Mileage: 170.90

Total Yearly Mileage: 1477.84

While I did have my garmin watch with me during my run, I also had my regular watch used for the timer. I like to compare timers even though I know my garmin watch is a little faster. However, I thought I pressed the start button on my regular watch and I didn't realize it until I was at 5.6 miles when I finally had to stop (for a red light to wait and cross a street). Whoops. So I don't have two finish times to compare, but my garmin watch is only a few seconds off anyway. It's a good thing I have a record of my run on my garmin watch and it was downloaded to my garmin account.

Week 43: Day 4 - October 27, 2016

• trail/road RUN (solo) = 6.71 miles; time = 1:15:45; average pace @ 11:17
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

I did my run this morning without my dog. While my dog could run the distance just fine, part of the run was near a junior college. Because there was school traffic from students (driving in cars) trying to get to their first morning class, I just felt that my dog should stay home. I did this run last week and I was a little horrified for my dog for some reason. I feel fine and safe with college student drivers and college traffic when I'm running alone. The traffic wasn't better or worse between last week and this morning, but I didn't feel safe for my dog for some reason. I guess my dog doesn't need to run with me during the rest of my half marathon training anyway. The next 10k run/race that she will be doing with me is in February and we don't need to start training for that until after the holidays (Christmas/New Year's).  I will be doing some of my half marathon training runs (once a week) at the Chino Hills State Park, starting after next week and I don't plan to bring my dog with me when I go run there.

Week 43: Day 3 - October 26, 2016

• hilly trail RUN (solo) = 3.5 miles; time = 42:08; pace @ 11:45
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

I went for a run on a hilly trail this morning. Last week, I took a few breaks because I didn't have the endurance/strength to run up the hill (1.4 miles) continuously. I took some breaks from this morning's run, but I did much better today.

I also need to do a better job at tying my shoes. I don't know what was wrong with me today, but I had to tie my shoes four times (twice on each shoe). I never had to tie my shoes so often. I guess I should start double knotting my shoes....

Week 43: Day 2 - October 25, 2016

• trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.3 miles; time = 1:03:08; average pace @ 11:55
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I need to make myself go to bed early like at 10 pm. I'm always complain that I'm tired all the time.

Okay, I don't know what to say so I'm just rambling.....

Week 42: Day 7 - October 23, 2016

• Santa Monica Beach "FUN" Race = 15 K (9.32 miles; solo); time = 1:33:47; average pace @ 10:04
• easy walk with friend's dog = 1.5 miles
• easy walk with my dogs = 2.1 miles

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 25.13

Total Monthly Mileage: 79.60

Total Yearly Mileage: 742.57

Total Shoe Mileage: 154.97

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 0

Total Monthly Mileage: 170.90

Total Yearly Mileage: 1485.06

I did a "beach fun race" 15k run this morning. There were other distances that other people could do like 5k, 10k or half marathon. I got second place for female in the 15k distance, but too bad it was by default. There were seven people (four men, three men) who signed up for that distance and I also got 6th place. Meanwhile, the 5k had 50 participants, the 10k had 39 participants and the half marathon had 27 participants. Does no one like doing 15k distances??? Since the race was at the beach on the walk path, the course was pretty flat, but I need to be better at turning on my gps from my garmin watch if I want an elevation profile and for the course to show up on my garmin account. Because I wait too late to turn on the gps and the race announcer sends us off to run before my gps can locate a "satellite".

Week 42: Day 4 - October 20, 2016

• road/trail RUN with one dog = 6.76 miles; time = 1:19:04; average pace @ 11:42
• easy WALK with four dogs = 2.5 miles

I can't wait for this week to be over. It has been warm all week! Sunday will be cooler. Looks like the weather starting Sunday will look nice with some chances of rain...the rain won't affect my running, so I think I'll be fine, although I think I will be okay with a little mist or drizzle during a run.

Week 42: Day 3 - October 19, 2016

• hilly trail RUN (solo) = 3.53 miles; time = 41:29; average pace @ 11:45
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

I did a run on a hilly trail that I hadn't been on in a few months. Since I hadn't been doing my bike work out on my route with the challenging hill on a regular/weekly basis, I lost quite a bit of endurance/strength on the run. The last time that I did this run, I was able to continuously run 95% of the way in the first 1.4 mile which was all uphill and pretty challenging. I had to stop for some breaks a few times during that 1.4 mile uphill battle. My run from yesterday wasn't that challenging, so I don't think that run affected today's run. This means that I need to do this challenging run and my "challenging" bike ride regularly/weekly, so I can get some of my strength back.

Week 42: Day 2 - October 18, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.52 miles; time = 1:05:18; average pace @ 11:50
• easy WALK with four dogs = 2.5 miles

While today was nice, this week will be pretty warm. I hope it is only for this week and it will start to get/feel cooler next week..for the next few months. I can't wait for cooler/cold weather!

Week 41: Day 7 - October 16, 2016

• long road/trail run (solo) = 9.13 miles; time = 1:49:28; average pace @ 11:59
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• local bike ride = 15.12 miles; time = 1:20:00; average pace @ 11.3 mph

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 23.38

Total Monthly Mileage: 54.47

Total Yearly Mileage: 717.44

Total Shoe Mileage: 129.84

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 30.87

Total Monthly Mileage: 170.90

Total Yearly Mileage: 1485.06

My legs felt a little heavy this morning, but I did not feel sore at anytime though and that was a good thing. I'm guessing that it was because I did a run yesterday and I don't normally do a run on Saturday mornings (it has been awhile since I've done a Saturday morning run) because I'm at work (my boss knew that I was doing a 10K run in the morning).

I've signed up for a Beach Fun event, 15K run. It will be next Sunday morning because it works/fits well into my training schedule and I need/want to do another 9-ish mile training run. Even though I had just done a race yesterday, I somewhat want to make sure that I get another race in as training for motivation and to avoid getting bored. After all, I have another eight weeks of training left until half marathon race day. It is the only way I will run with other people. The half marathon is on Sunday, December 11. I found another 15k race event on Sunday, December 04. I did not sign up for that yet as it is questionable if I will do it (most likely, I will) because that one fits into my training schedule and that is when I start tapering.

Week 41: Day 6 - October 15, 2016

• Race For The Rescues 10K run with one dog = 6.21 miles; time = 1:06:16; pace @ 10:40
• easy walk with three dogs = 2 miles

I did my pet charity 10k run/race this morning. I did the same last year and it was warmer last year. Although I would have preferred blistering cold this morning, the weather was nicer and more tolerable than last year. I don't think I will do this race again though. I paid an extra $15 to have my dog run with me in the race. On the website, it says that "registered" dogs (people who paid extra to bring their dogs) get something as well. I didn't get anything for my dog last year or this morning. So I feel like I'm being cheated or robbed. If I do this race again, I will still bring my dog, but I am not paying the extra $15. But at the same time, I'm probably being greedy and selfish because it was a charity event for animals in need.

I told my boss yesterday that I was running the 10k with my dog (who is little) in the morning with her longest run being 7.2 miles. Then she said "As she croaks" ("she" being my dog). This really bugged me because I spent three years training with my dog so she could do these 10K runs with me. She has already done four 10k races (including today) with me. The longest run that my dog has done is 7.2 miles and she has 6.6 miles many times with me. I am not making my dog run at full speed. I do not know how fast she can run at full speed, but I will never find out (or am willing to find out) because I do not like speed work (sprinting, tempo run, etc). She is running at a casual easy pace with me even though I don't feel like I'm running that easy. My average pace is 6 mph and I know she can run way faster than that at full speed. I told all of this to my boss. My boss automatically assumed that I was making my dog sprint the whole way and just because she (my dog) is small and has shorter legs than big dogs, she can't run. Dogs, regardless of size and breed, are like people. They need to train and learn how to run so they can reach a certain distance. It really bugged me when my boss thought that my dog would die from running six miles or seven miles after she has done four 10k runs, a 7.2 mile run, and many 6.6 mile runs in three years.

Week 41: Day 3 - October 12, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 4.74 miles; time = 56:46; pace @ 11:59
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I feel so much better today and woke up much rested. While I had only six hours of sleep, it was a quality sleep. It was overcast/cloudy this morning and normally, this would make me feel lazy and sleepy, I was happy to go for a run. Tomorrow is a rest day because I have a 10k on Saturday. I will probably not be riding part way or the whole way to work on Friday because the weather calls for cloudy/overcast. I'm weird when it comes to bicycle weather vs weather for other reasons, especially for running. I like sunny (or clear skies) and a little warmth.

Week 41: Day 2 - October 11, 2016

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 miles; time = 14:32; pace @ 13:15
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

Yesterday, I felt tired and mentally struggled during my bike ride. I've finally figured out why I don't feel rested even though I've actually feel normal during my last few runs. My bedroom is being remodeled (it is done now). Believe it or not, I purposely do not have a bed or a mattress. I sleep on the floor and I have actually been sleeping well like this. So while my room was being remodeled for a few days, I had been sleeping on the couch with a futon which was made with springs and that was uncomfortable. I felt more rested on the floor! Except instead of carpet that used to be in my room, I have hardwood floors now. I may have to stop by Bed Bath & Beyond soon to pick something up to make it feel like I'm still sleeping on carpet. I can finally catch up on sleep! I felt fine during my run this morning, but my lack of sleep and rest is finally catching up with me.

Week 41: Day 1 - October 10, 2016

• bike commute to work = 15.75 miles total; time = 1:22:04; pace @ 11.5 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles

I was going to start from my house for my ride to work, but I wasn't feeling it. I decided to drive to the mall, park my car there and go to work by bike from there. I felt better just for simply doing some sort of exercise, but I still mentally struggled with the ride. My average bike speed was slower than normal. I really think that I need to catch up on sleep.

Week 40: Day 7 - October 09, 2016

• long run (solo) = 8.28 miles; time = 1:36:30; pace @ 11:39
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 22.99

Total Monthly Mileage: 31.09

Total Yearly Mileage: 694.06

Total Shoe Mileage: 106.46

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 75.86

Total Monthly Mileage: 140.03

Total Yearly Mileage: 1454.19

I've checked the weather forecast just for the upcoming week, mainly for next Saturday because I have the Race For The Rescues 10K run in the morning. The whole week looks pretty good. When I did the Race For The Rescues 10K last year, it was pretty warm and uncomfortable for my dog and I, although I think my dog struggled with the weather more than I did because you know, she has/had a fur coat on. I really appreciate the cooler weather these days now. It is still not exactly where I want it to be, but it is better than hot, humid and uncomfortable like last year. I've been running one minute per mile faster now because it has been feeling cooler.

Week 40: Day 5 - October 07, 2016

• bike commute to work = 37.96 miles total/round trip; time = 3:02:40; pace @ 12.5 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.4 miles

I need to catch up on sleep. Even though I went to work this morning and came home in the afternoon, I wasn't able to take a nap when I came back. It's hard to get a decent amount of sleep if I'm working in the morning because I want to ride to work. I have to be awake by 4:15am to eat something, get dressed, walk my dogs for a few minutes, and pack my stuff onto my bike, so I could leave by 5:20am. Fridays are not my normal work day (I covered someone's shift this morning and I have to do this again next Friday morning), so it is a little harder to fit in sleep because I work on Thursday evenings until 7pm. I need to figure out a way to make myself be in bed by 10pm (or earlier) on Sunday night because I don't work on Sundays or go to bed early on Saturday nights.

Week 40: Day 4 - October 06, 2016

• trail/road RUN with one dog = 6.15 miles; time = 1:12:58; pace @ 11:52
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I don't want to jinx this, but I'm really enjoying the cooler morning temperature/weather these days. Last October, it was uncomfortable and not fun. I didn't do any races during that month, but it was really uncomfortable and ridiculous on Sunday, October 10 with a daytime high of 100 degrees F. There was a local half/full marathon and 5K that day. The full marathon originally started at 6am and the half marathon originally started at 7:30am, but the half marathon changed the start time to 6am or 6:30am for the safety of the participants. The same local race is this weekend and everyone participating will have nice weather to start with, even though I am not doing the race.

Week 40: Day 3 - October 05, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.26 miles; time = 1:01:22; pace @ 11:40
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I had my vivosmart watch for two days and used it on two runs. I already have some complaints about it. One I can just deal with and made some minor changes to it even though I don't like the change. The other one, I hope it was just a glitch and I hope it was just a one time thing. Otherwise, the watch is good and I like it so far.

Week 40: Day 2 - October 04, 2016

• 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 recently purchased a Garmin Vivosmart+HR. It has a built-in heart rate monitor and GPS. It also can detect cycling movements/motion. These features were what sold me on getting this watch. I am still going to map out and plan all of my runs ahead of time because this is what I like to do. I like to know where I am going and how far to run before doing a run. The gps comes in handy for some of my runs because there are lots of trees that cover up the trails/path and I can't see in satellite imaging on mapmyrun. The gps is not that far off (about .05) compared to my runs/routes, so that is good. I had it shipped to my PO Box. Too bad, I didn't have it shipped to my house because I would have gotten it on Saturday (I had to wait until yesterday afternoon to pick it up because I was working all day on Saturday and I had to pick it up at the counter at the post office). I would have tried it out on two runs (Sunday and today) and a bike ride (yesterday). I'll have a better review in a week or so after a few runs and a bike ride or two.

Week 40: Day 1 - October 03, 2016

• bike commute to work = 37.9 miles; time = 3:02:38; pace @ 12.5 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles

My commute to work on bike in the morning wasn't as scary as I thought even though I was riding in the dark for the first hour. It was kinda fun, but I bet some of the drivers thought I was crazy for riding in the dark. I also had to hope that I didn't get a flat tire somewhere. Some parts of my ride didn't have any street lights for a long time and I didn't want to change a flat where I couldn't see what I was doing. I had enough lights from passing cars to light my way on the street.

Week 39: Day 7 - October 02, 2016

• long RUN (solo) = 8.1 miles; time = 1:35:34; pace @ 11:48
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

Running:
Total Weekly Mileage: 22.25
Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 89.02
Total Monthly (October) Mileage: 8.1
Total Yearly Mileage: 671.07
Total Shoe Mileage: 83.47

Cycling: 
Total Weekly Mileage: 12.7
Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 64.17
Total Yearly Mileage: 1378.33

I felt pretty good during the run this morning. I think it helped that it was on the cooler side. I hope that the weather will start to get cooler now and for the rest of my training...or ideally until next March.

Week 39: Day 5 - September 30, 2016

• easy road/trail RUN with one dog = 6 miles; time = 1:11:48; pace @ 11:58
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike ride = 12.7 miles; time = 1:11:11; pace @ 10.7 mph

I almost did not go for a bike ride today out of laziness. I told myself that I would feel better if I did, so I went. Then near the end of the ride, I crashed because I went over a bump in the street that I didn't see. It was very sunny out and the bump was in the shade, so of course, I didn't go around it. But I should have because I knew to be careful since I had been on this route a few times before....but I was going much slower during previous rides.

Week 39: Day 3 - September 28, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 4.85 miles; time = 57:51; pace @ 11:56
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

Is summer officially over yet?

Week 39: Day 2 - September 27, 2016

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile; time = 14:15; pace @ 12:57
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

This heat wave is finally over...for now anyway, but I hope it doesn't come back until next year! I want to finish training in cooler temperatures now.

Week 38: Day 7 - September 25, 2016

• long road RUN with one dog = 7.25 miles; time = 1:27:14; pace @ 12:02
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.3 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 21.46

Total Monthly Mileage: 74.87

Total Yearly Mileage: 648.82

Total Shoe Mileage: 61.22

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 22.8

Total Monthly Mileage: 51.47

Total Yearly Mileage: 1378.63

Longest run for my dog was 7.25 miles as of today. However, this will be the last "long" run that my dog will be doing with me. The next long-ish run that my dog will be doing from here on out will be 6.7 miles now as I have to the rest of my long runs (eight or more miles) alone because I don't think she needs to do those longer runs with me. After all, the half marathon course, as any half marathon race course anywhere, is not dog-friendly.

Week 38: Day 5 - September 23, 2016

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile; time = 15:20; pace @ 13:56
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to mall (lunch @ Red Robin) = 22.79 miles total; time = 1:46:54; pace @ 12.8 mph

I decided to ride my bike to the mall to have lunch at Red Robin...yum! This was during midday (9:30am to 1:30pm) when Edison decided to turn off the power in my neighborhood. I could have stayed home and did something else that was also productive like cleaning (because certain general cleaning and general re-organizing doesn't require electricity), but I decided to ride first and then I can clean when I come back. I really do need to do some cleaning sooner than later. The route that I took to the mall and back home was part of my bike route to work if I choose to commute the entire distance. I hadn't done this part of the commute in a long time because I had been parking my car at the mall and then going to work on my bike from there for my own safety when it started to get darker earlier. I felt a little faster compared to when I did the whole commute, however, this was the first time that I rode to the mall and then home, so I have nothing (finish time and pace) to compare. So I am not sure if I was really faster. I just felt faster and I think this had to do with my alternate bike route (that takes me nowhere but around town) with a challenging hill. Since we are on this subject, I really need to stop being lazy about my bike training and start riding again weekly/regularly.

Week 38: Day 3 - September 21, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.81 miles; time = 1:09:14; pace @ 11:55
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I saw the weather forecast on tv this morning. I will not like the weather next week. It will be HOT and I will melt! It was a little warm and humid this morning, but it was tolerable.

Week 38: Day 2 - September 20, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.1 miles; time = 1:01:36; pace @ 12:05
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

The weather was a bit warm this morning, but I felt good during the run. Let's keep this up for the next 12 weeks!

Week 37: Day 7 - September 18, 2016

• "long" *training* RUN with one dog = 6.7 miles; time = 1:24:09; pace @ 12:34
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.67

Total Monthly Mileage: 53.41

Total Yearly Mileage: 627.36

Total Shoe Mileage: 39.76

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 0

Total Monthly Mileage: 28.67

Total Yearly Mileage: 1355.83

Two weeks of training down. Four more weeks to go for the 10k race and ten more to go for the holiday half marathon. I felt okay running this morning. I hope I don't mentally crash and get bored before the 10k race.

Week 37: Day 4 - September 15, 2016

• easy road/trail RUN with one dog = 5.86 miles; time = 1:12:05; pace @ 12:18
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I am finally enjoying my runs now that the weather has gotten cooler.

Week 37: Day 3 - September 14, 2016

• easy road RUN with one dog = 4.83 miles; time = 57:38; pace @ 11:57
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles

I may very well jinx it by saying that the weather has been nice during the last few days. It has gotten cold at nighttime that I have to close my windows now and I wake up to a wonderfully cold 54 F degrees (I really prefer 37 to 39 F degrees though) in the morning. I enjoyed my run this morning because it was nice running weather.

Week 37: Day 2 - September 13, 2016

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile; time = 15:45, pace @ 14:19
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

After I did my run and a 1.5 mile walk (with my dogs) this morning, it started to drizzle lightly immediately after I came back from walking my dogs. While I would have preferred more rain (like a lot) and have it in the afternoon at work, I was glad that my dogs and I did all of our morning exercise before the drizzle came. I think we only got a little bit for the whole day, so I'm a little disappointed.

Week 36: Day 7 - September 11, 2016

• trail/road RUN with one dog = 6 miles; time = 1:16:29; pace @ 12:45
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 19.09

Total Monthly Mileage: 32.74

Total Yearly Mileage: 606.69

Total Shoe Mileage: 19.09

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 12.78

Total Monthly Mileage: 28.67

Total Yearly Mileage: 1355.83

I'm going to have two and a half very long months if my mind wants to play games and go on a mental roller coaster. On my last run, I struggled during the first two miles and then finally felt better for the remainder of the run. This morning, I felt pretty good during the entire run.

Week 36: Day 5 - September 09, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.29 miles; time = 1:04:59; pace @ 12:17
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I don't know why, but I felt a little unmotivated to run this morning. I felt better after two miles into my run though. It was overcast this morning and while I prefer sunny and COLD, I appreciated it because overcast is better than sunny and hot/humid.

Week 36: Day 3 - September 07, 2016

• hilly trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile; time = 15:54; pace @ 14:27
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I forgot to mention last week that I meant to do this hill trail run (pre-training) regularly/weekly for a month before I started training for my half. Oh well, it's okay. I am able to run this hilly trail continuously anyway, so I just have to improve on my endurance/speed by running it every week until mid-October. Then I will do a longer hilly trail as my long runs get longer/farther.

Week 36: Day 2 - September 06, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 4.5 miles; time = 55:53; pace @ 12:26
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I think the nap that I took after Sunday's run really helped out a lot. I felt so much better running this morning.

Week 36: Day 1 - September 05, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike training ride (local) = 12.78 miles; time = 1:09:48; pace @ 11 mph

I told myself to do local (at home) bike rides more regularly especially the one route in mind with a challenging hill. My hill running is okay in general, but my bike training on hills has gotten slower. I tell myself that I want to do my own riding/cycling on Monday mornings, but I don't know what I'm going to when my long runs on Sundays become ten miles or longer. Sunday is the only weekend day that I can do my long runs because I'm at work from 8am to 5pm every Saturday. In 2013, I tried to do bike rides on Monday mornings while training for a half marathon, but I quit doing that when my Sunday long runs got to ten miles because my legs were getting sore between the long runs and the easy bike rides (which were an easy 7.4 mile).

Week 35: Day 7 - September 04, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.49 miles; time = 1:15:46; pace @ 13:49
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 17.8

Total Monthly (August) Mileage: 54.56

Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 13.65

Total Yearly Mileage: 586.6

Total Shoe Mileage: 352.23

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 47.59

Total Monthly (August) Mileage: 256.28

Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 15.89

Total Yearly Mileage: 1343.05

I think I'm in trouble. I feel like my motivation has crashed and boredom has kicked in. I haven't even started training for my half marathon yet (first training run is on Tuesday, September 06) and the race is in three weeks from now. I signed up for a 10K race, but that is six weeks from now (mid-October). I know that I will be ok once I do the 10k run, but I am really going to struggle between now and then. However, I took a nap after my run and walking my dogs this morning. I hope that this will help me feel better about doing my morning cycling tomorrow and for my next run.

My foot/calf problem didn't exactly go away, but Friday's massage helped. My foot hurt a little bit after running this morning, but it wasn't that bad and it felt better at other times. It would hurt while standing or sitting.

Week 35: Day 5 - September 02, 2016

• easy road RUN with one dog = 4.86 miles, time = 1:02:57, pace @ 12:57
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I was going to do a bike ride after my run, but my right foot got randomly sore really bad. I knew that this problem was more related to how tight my right calf muscle was and I needed to get it massaged. There was a massage place pretty close to home, but I went there by car. I would have walked, but my foot was hurting. Both of my calves were sore, so I guess both were pretty tight. My right foot feels better now, but we'll see how goes it on Sunday when I do my next run.

I don't think I would be going back to this same massage place again. They are under new management and have all completely new staff members. They also increased the prices which is kinda stupid because I don't think they are that much better than the previous management/staff. If I do go back to this place, it will probably be in a year from now when I'm training for another half marathon. Otherwise, I think I will be going elsewhere. It was just more convenient for me to go here because I could easily just walk the 1/2 mile from my house.

Week 35: Day 4 - September 01, 2016

• hill trail RUN with one dog = 1.1 mile; time = 15:38; pace @ 14:13
• warm up = 1.1 mile
• cool down = 1.1 mile
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.89 miles total; time = 1:17:44; pace @ 12.3mph

I felt better about running this morning. I didn't feel better about cycling, so I guess it's a good thing that today was the last day going to work on a bike for a few months.

Week 35: Day 3 - August 31, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.88 miles total; time = 1:16:34; pace @ 12.4 mph

I think I'm getting bored with cycling. I'm not riding as fast as I used to. Maybe I'm just tired of riding the same route? I didn't do my morning ride before work like I had planned/wanted because I was tired and wanted to sleep in. I couldn't get my mind into riding to work. I was okay once I got to work and riding back to my car. I don't know what I'm going to do. I have a bike route that I want to use while I am training for my half marathon because I know it will help with my endurance/stamina. Maybe I will ride with a group from meetup, but not the one that I don't wish to be with though. A different one that I haven't been with in awhile. I just have to get them to agree with a day (preferably Friday) and time (preferably midday).

Week 35: Day 2 - August 30, 2016

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 4.15 miles; time = 53:20; pace @ 12:51
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I start training for my 10k and half marathon next week. September and October will be two very long months with warm weather, and I am not looking forward to that. I will be happy and surprised if October is actually cooler or cold, but I won't hold my breath. I really am looking forward to the cooler/cold weather.

Week 35: Day 1 - August 29, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.82 miles total; time = 1:16:58; pace @ 12.3 mph

Instead of doing my planned morning ride before work, I slept in today until it was time to get ready for work. I felt like I needed to catch up on sleep. Perhaps on days that I don't have to work, I should take a nap using melatonin and 5-htp.

Week 34: Day 7 - August 28, 2016

• trail RUN (solo) = 5.46 miles; time = 1:08:56; pace @ 12:38
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.4 miles

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 18.14

Total Monthly Mileage: 50.41

Total Yearly Mileage: 568.80

Total Shoe Mileage: 334.43

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 62.87

Total Monthly Mileage: 224.58

Total Yearly Mileage: 1295.46

So I did not do a bike ride on neither Friday or today after my run. Laziness kicked in. At least, I got a run in this morning. I think it helped that I got in the car and went to a completely different area in a different city for a run. Apparently running at home is getting to me, mentally. I guess I will have to do this (run in a different city once a week) while I'm training for my half marathon. It is a good thing I signed up for a 10k run in October, so that will help a little bit.

In the meantime, I am doing a little experiment. I have a lavender scented candle for my room. Supposedly it is a mosquito repellent and a stress reliever. (My windows don't have screens, so when my windows are open, mosquitoes feel they are welcome to come in and eat me alive.) I also read that lavender oil/scent helps with insomnia. I am hoping that it helps put me in the mood for bed/sleep so I can feel better for my morning runs because I'm always tired! So far, I think it is helping because while it is not lit, the scent is making me tired.

Week 34: Day 5 - August 26, 2016

• trail RUN with one dog = 3.91 miles; time = 52:04; pace @ 13:19
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

It was cloudy/overcast this morning. While I do appreciate that kind of weather, that kind of weather makes me tired and sleepy. It doesn't help that I was already feeling like I needed to catch up on sleep. It also felt like I was in a stuffy room with no AC or opened windows because the clouds basically trapped in the warmth. Oh well. At least, I got a run in.

Week 34: Day 4 - August 25, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.98 miles total; time = 1:21:15; pace @ 11.8 mph

I didn't do my morning bike ride before heading to work. I was tired and slept in a little longer. I was still feeling tired going to work and I had a hard time feeling ok going to work on a bike. I felt better once I got to work though. I hope I feel ok to run tomorrow morning. I may do a bike ride after my run tomorrow. I also think that next week will be my last week going to work on a bike. It's getting darker earlier and I don't want to ride in the dark, even if it is during the second half of the ride.

Week 34: Day 3 - August 24, 2016

• trail/road RUN (solo) = 4.27 miles; time = 59:06; pace @ 13:50
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.88 miles round trip; time = 1:15:55; pace @ 12.6 mph

The temperature this morning was the same as yesterday morning, however, it felt a little more humid this morning. Or maybe it was my imagination. Because I was struggling with my run this morning and I felt totally normal during yesterday's run. I really can't wait for the cooler seasons to be here!

Week 34: Day 2 - August 23, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 4.5 miles; time = 58:07; pace @ 12:55
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

My legs felt a little achy and sore. Must have been from the morning bike ride yesterday. But I think I felt better after about ten minutes into my run because I forgot that my legs felt achy and sore.

Week 34: Day 1 - August 22, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike ride (local/training) = 15.03 miles; time = 1:19:25; pace @ 11.4 mph
• bike commute to work = 15.98 miles; time =1:14:24; pace @ 12.9 mph

I didn't ride with a group this morning. I chose to do my own riding instead and went on a route that I didn't do last week. Because it included a challenging hill and I didn't do this ride last week, I could tell that I lost a little bit of strength. I've decided that I need to do this ride as part of my half marathon training because I know that it will help my endurance and strength when I do hill runs. And I know that when I regularly do hill training/running, I can run faster and I will do pretty good at the event.

Week 33: Day 7 - August 21, 2016

• trail/road RUN with one dog = 5.52 miles; time = 1:10:14; pace @ 12:43
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.3 miles

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 13.86

Total Monthly Mileage: 32.27

Total Yearly Mileage: 550.66

Total Shoe Mileage: 317.29

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 70.67

Total Monthly Mileage: 161.71

Total Yearly Mileage: 1232.59

During my run this morning, I went on a trail that passed by two backyards. One had an aggressive dog and it was between medium and small in size (it was shiba inu, so it wasn't tiny like chihuahuas, but big enough to cause concern if it was actually out and running loose). Even though it didn't bother me because it was in the backyard and it wouldn't ever figure out how to get out of it, I used my stun gun (for the noise only) to see if it worked and made the dog stop barking and snarling at me and my dog. I even put my stun gun really close to the fence. The dog did not back off or run away! Now I'm worried that my stun gun won't work on a really big, really aggressive dog that is out running loose! I think if I actually have to use it on a dog (zapping electricity into it), it is too late and the dog will most likely bite me or my dog because stun guns are meant for very close range...within arm's reach. I have to find pepperspray and hope that the wind doesn't use it against me! I think I'm more afraid of an aggressive dog than an aggressive coyote because I have almost been chased down by a very big, very aggressive dog (stray/homeless) before. I just got lucky that two city workers in separate trucks were randomly driving around at the right time and saw me trying to get away.

Week 33: Day 4 - August 18, 2016

• easy trail/road RUN with one dog = 4.79 miles; time = 58:51; pace @ 12:17
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.89 miles round trip; time = 1:14:01; pace @ 12.9 mph

Normally, I would do some sort of work out (bike or run) on Fridays, but I am donating blood tomorrow morning, so I have to take a rest day and I will only be walking my dogs.

Week 33: Day 3 - August 17, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.81 miles round trip; time = 1:15:20; pace @ 12:6 mph

Today felt a little cooler than yesterday. I plan to run tomorrow morning and since it will be a little cooler tomorrow (compared to today), I may go to work on a bike part of the way.

Week 33: Day 2 - August 16, 2016

• hilly trail RUN (solo) = 3.55 miles; time = 47:36; pace @ 13:25
• easy WALK with threw dogs = 2.5 miles

I didn't want to run this morning. Boredom, laziness, and lack of motivation were all kicking in. I got a little worried because I hadn't started training for my half marathon yet and it's in December! I felt better once I started running and I didn't need any walk/rest breaks...except towards the end of the top of a very long hill. It was only a short walk break and I took one break. I hope boredom and lack of motivation doesn't kick in until after the race.

Week 33: Day 1 - August 15, 2016

• group bike ride = 23.15 miles; time = 1:39:47; pace @ 13.9 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.82 miles round trip; time = 1:13:00; pace @ 13 mph

I did a bike ride with a meetup group this morning. I don't think I am going to ride with this group anymore...or for awhile. Call me overly sensitive with a bruised ego...I don't care. Awhile ago, I had my one gallon of water jug in a bag that I thought would be helpful during a bike ride. I used this bag one time because I didn't like it. Someone mentioned to me that my bag that I was using for my one gallon water jug thing for today's ride was not good and I shouldn't use it anymore. I also should not carry so much water. My bag and the amount of water compromised my balance. My bag from today? It was used many, many times before and I carried one gallon of water in it many times before. I never had a problem before. I don't like people who think they know what they are talking about and know better than I do. I don't like being told that something is bad when it hasn't caused any problems before. What do they know?

Week 32: Day 7 - August 14, 2016

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 4.51 miles; time = 56:53; pace @ 12:37
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles
• walk to Panera Bread (for knitting friends) = 3.2 miles round trip

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 8.26

Total Monthly Mileage: 18.41

Total Yearly Mileage: 536.8

Total Shoe Mileage: 303.43

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.73

Total Monthly Mileage: 91.04

Total Yearly Mileage: 1161.92

I think the massage that I got on Friday really helped my heel/foot soreness. My foot wasn't actually worked on, but my calf was. My calf was the main problem for my foot/heel soreness because my calf muscle was super tight even though I thought that it was mostly ok. My foot/heel didn't feel sore or hurt at all during the run this morning. I'm still getting a dull soreness, but it's tolerable. The only time that it feels really sore is when I'm sitting for a long time. Weird, but I can now start my 10k and half marathon training, feeling more confident.

Right when I left my house to start my run with my dog this morning (I had just barely stepped out of the door), I saw a coyote quickly pass by. I had my stun gun in hand and out of curiosity, I used it just for the popping sound. The coyote was really spooked by the sound and sprinted off. It was kinda hilarious and I was also relieved at the same time...not that I didn't believe it wouldn't work.

Week 32: Day 5 - August 12, 2016

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 3.75 miles; time = 49:28; pace @ 13:11
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles

I went for a run this morning. I had wrapped up my right heel so I could run. That helped as my heel didn't feel sore during or after the run, but I don't think I can do this for every run, especially for the next four months when my half marathon race is over! Anyway, I didn't feel very motivated to run and felt out of shape, like I hadn't ran in a long time (my last run was last weekend). I also had a full body massage by a local massage place. They didn't do much on the bottoms of my feet, which made me a little sad and disappointed, but they did work on my legs. My "bad" heel/foot felt really sore after the massage, but it feels totally fine now. I hope that my heel/foot problem was more of a problem that came from my calf. It felt a little sore from trying to walk on my heel when my heel felt really sore like I was walking with my heel up.

I finally fixed up the flat on my bike and got a spare tube just in case for my front tire (knock on wood, I hadn't had a flat tire in the front yet). I also purchased "tuffy", which is a tire lining suggested by my boss, to prevent future flats. At the rate that I'm going (one flat each month or every other month), I had to get it because I'm tired of getting flats. I hope it can prevent a flat from a nail. If it doesn't, my boss won't hear the end of it.

Week 32: Day 1 - August 08, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• group bike ride = 20.73 miles; time = 1:35:34; pace @ 13 mph

So much for doing any cycling for the rest of the week. I went on a ride with a meetup group. After a few miles into the ride, I crashed into another ride. It wasn't that bad as we both got away with minor injuries. She got mostly bruises, I think, while I have a scraped elbow, a scraped area on the back of my knee and some bruises. She landed in the grass while I landed in the street which was why she only got away with bruising only and I have a few scraps. It could have been worse like getting broken bones from the same crash or getting hit by a car. And then just my luck, I got three flat tires. On the last flat, one of the other riders just picked me up in his car...the ride is normally 23 miles. My bike still has a flat tire. Since my bike group was the one who changed the flat, I think it was put on wrong. I can fix it by taking it apart and putting it back on correctly, but I don't have a spare and I've already learned my lesson not to ride without a spare. I have already gotten so many flats from just this year alone that I can't risk getting a flat somewhere, especially between work and my car/home and being completely stranded because I can't go anywhere. So I won't be riding for a few days until I get a new inner tube as a spare. My legs are also pretty banged up so I probably shouldn't be riding anyway. The good thing is that my legs still work because I need my legs to do a 10k in October and a half marathon in December and training starts at the end of August!

Week 31: Day 7 - August 07, 2016

• trail/road RUN (solo) = 6 miles; time = 1:16:19; pace @ 12:43
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike ride (local) = 15.21 miles; time = 1:18:41; pace @ 11.6 mph

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 10.15

Total Monthly Mileage: 10.15

Total Yearly Mileage: 528.54

Total Shoe Mileage: 295.17

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 70.31

Total Monthly Mileage: 70.31

Total Yearly Mileage: 1141.19

I've decided to sign up for a pet charity 10k run and a holiday half marathon. The 10K run is for The Race For The Rescues which will be held in Pasadena, CA on Saturday, October 15. I did this run last year with my dog, Jubee. We (Jubee and I) will be doing it again this year. I also created a charity page to collect donations that will go towards helping animals from local pet rescue shelters. The funds will save them from euthanasia, providing the community with important programs like shelter intervention, free and low cost spay/neuter and assistance with vet bills to low income families. Please consider making a donation towards my race. Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.

http://www.racefortherescues.org/participant/jubee

I will be doing a holiday half marathon in Pomona, CA on December 11. This will also be the day before my birthday. This will be the first race that is ten miles from home! That means that I get one extra hour of sleep! All of my other half marathons are located 30 or more miles away! Anyway, this event will have a few charities for runners/walkers to choose from, however, the selection is very limited and poor right now. There are only two current charities listed as of now to which I don't exactly want to raise funds for. I'm sure there will be more charities that will be listed soon, but I don't like to raise money for a charity when there is less than three months before an event. I like to have lots of time, regardless of my goal amount, to collect donations. I start training for my half at the end of August with my 10K run as part of training. Most likely, I will not create a charity page while I'm training for my half. However, if anyone is feeling generous and wants to make a donation on my behalf, please visit my pet charity page.

http://www.runholidayhalf.com

I signed up for a 10k run and a half marathon because I am getting bored of running. I need a goal to work towards, so I can keep running. However, I'm not sure what happened, but my right heel is sore and sensitive right now. This problem started during my run this morning. I had this problem during some of my runs before, but it didn't feel too bad and it went away after my runs were over. My heel is still sore many hours later after I finished my run from this morning. As much as I don't want to, this calls for rest (no running) in the next few days. It's a good thing I can afford to rest now and miss a few running days. I am still going to ride my bike so that I don't feel completely lazy and useless.

Week 31: Day 4 - August 04, 2016

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.89 miles; time = 1:18:42; pace @ 12.1 mph

I didn't do a work out (except walk my dogs) yesterday because I thought that I would do a BIG work out today by commuting to work, starting from my house...and not from the mall which meant a 39 mile commute round trip. I tried to get in some extra sleep yesterday morning before going to work because I didn't do a run in the morning and I had an extra hour of sleep (by not going to work on a bike from the mall). I had a hard time getting some extra sleep yesterday morning. I felt tired like I needed more sleep this morning. I probably would have felt okay or better if I did the whole commute starting from home, but I parked my car at the mall and went to work from there instead. I felt better once I got to work. I felt a little better during the ride, but not that great and I was slower than usual.

I try keep track of all of my bike rides - distance, time (how long it takes me from start to end) and average pace. The only time that I didn't was on a few rides from this year because the battery died on my pedometer/speedometer and I didn't get a new battery for awhile like a month or so. When I do keep track of the distance, time and average speed, I log them to LogYourRun (it's like MapMyRun) so I can compare and keep track of my progress. During a group ride recently, someone told me that I was carrying too much extra weight (I had a 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water jug because I am a camel who drinks lots of water and can put it away) and it was unnecessary because it was hold me back and the reason why I was as slow as I was (she was a faster rider than I was). So I checked my account on logyourrun to compare my rides. All of my rides are consistently the same with the same average speed/pace, whether I am carrying extra weight or nothing at all. When I'm going to work on a bike, I have my 1/2 gallon of water on my back in a small backpack, and a bag with my work clothes, cleaning stuff, and a small camera bag. THAT bag is FIVE (5) POUNDS! Even with all of that extra weight while I'm going to work, my pace/speed is actually the same or slightly better than my rides where I carried less or no extra weight. I don't like people telling me that I'm doing something wrong when I'm really doing just fine.

Week 31: Day 2 - August 02, 2016

• trail RUN (solo) = 4.15 miles; time = 52:12; pace @ 12:35
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.5 miles
• bike commute to work = 15.89 miles total; time = 1:15:34; pace @ 12.6 mph

This morning, I did a run in an area where I didn't want to bring my dog to because a coyote followed us three different occasions. During the run, I remembered that I had (still have) a stun gun and I recently got a new battery for it. I need to start bringing it with me for my own self-defense against another person. I also know that the popping sounds scare dogs and I don't have to be near them. I think and I hope that the popping sounds will also work on coyotes.