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.