Week 39: Day 6 - September 30, 2017

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 3.9 miles; time = 52:23; average pace @ 13:23
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total

I suppose I should start planning out my half marathon training. I start training on Tuesday, October 31 (Halloween Day...I don't run on Mondays). Also, I need to get a new pair of shoes within the next few weeks before I start training. My current shoes won't last the entire training.... at least the first month of training....maybe the first and a half month. I'm pretty sure that by alternating between my current shoes and new shoes for the first few weeks, my new shoes will last long enough until I do the 10k race at the end of February.

Week 39: Day 5 - September 29, 2017

• hilly trail run (solo) part 1 = 3.54 miles; time = 47:46; average pace @ 13:30
• hilly trail run (solo) part 2 = 1.1 miles; time = 15:13; average pace @ 13:50
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I did the first hilly trail run at a local junior college. I had already known that cattle would be out with free range to roam around. Last time that I did the run there, they were on the hillside and none on the trail. They were on the trail or very close to the trail this morning. I'm glad that I didn't bring my dog with me. I actually got chased by a cow for a few seconds this morning. It was actually funny and a little scary at the same time (two minutes later, the same cow tried to chase after runner...silly cow). I don't think the cow wanted to try to hurt me, but I don't think I would have liked it one bit at all if my dog was with me. My dog is already scared of cows.

Week 39: Day 4 - September 28, 2017

• trail run (solo) = 5.5 miles; time = 1:14:34; average pace @ 13:33
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling = 18.69 miles; time = 1:39:48; average speed @ 11.2 mph

I was going to do a slightly longer and slightly hillier bike ride today, but I wasn't feeling too motivated. So, I went on a different route for a slightly shorter route with slightly easier hills. My slow speed from my ride was from the lack of motivation and because I went on a trail run at Chino Hills State Park before the ride. I didn't bring my dog with me to run there for safety reasons (coyotes)....not for me, but for her. I also needed to run in a different area for "mental" reasons, so I wouldn't get bored of running the same streets. Between the trail run and bike, I'm slightly sore now, but I hope I feel okay for tomorrow's run.

Week 39: Day 3 - September 27, 2017

• cycling ("easy" ride) = 22.63 miles; time = 1:47:31; average speed @ 12.6 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I want to sign up for this event call "Get Fit Festival" and do the 30 mile bike ride (there is an option to do a 5k walk/run and 36 mile team relay (walk or run)). It is on Saturday, November 04. I want to do it, but I have to wait for my work schedule to post for that week first. It'll be 100% for fun and I probably won't seriously be training for it. According to the website, the bike ride is beginner friendly, so I think I will do fine with a little training.

Week 39: Day 2 - September 26, 2017

• easy RUN (solo) = 4.24 miles; time = 49:18; average pace @ 11:38
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I had extra energy this morning. I wish I had extra energy for every run, regardless if I'm on a time limit or not.

Week 39: Day 1 - September 25, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) = 11.27 miles; time = 54:37; average speed @ 12.4 mph

Yay, I'm not sore! I woke up mildly sore and I could feel it when I was walking my dogs this morning. I had originally planned not to ride this morning, but I guess I did enough standing and walking around for many hours at work that it went away. At the last minute, I decided to go for a ride after I got home from work.

Week 38: Day 7 - September 24, 2017

• cycling (long ride) = 30.02 miles; time = 2:28:03; average speed @ 12.2 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 3 miles total

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 18.24

Total Monthly Mileage: 67.91

Total Yearly Mileage: 722.32

Total Shoe Mileage: 53.74

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 52.95

Total Monthly Mileage: 152.1

Total Yearly Mileage: 1098.35

I did better than I expected on my 30 mile bike ride. I am not sure if I am sore at all or just a very tiny bit, very mildly sore that doesn't feel like soreness, but maybe just a bit tired. I guess I'll find out tomorrow morning. I won't be surprised if I wake up sore. I will be surprised and happy if I don't wake up sore. I'd like to do the 30 mile ride for "Finish The Ride" event (info isn't up yet, but I'm guessing that it is next May). So, I'll be doing today's ride again a few more times.

Week 38: Day 6 - September 23, 2017

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 4.83 miles; time = 1:02:46; average pace @ 13:00
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total

I originally had planned to ride this morning, but I took my bike into a bike shop yesterday for a minor mechanical issue that my bike friends noticed two weeks ago. I got it back today, but it's a little too late for a ride...I have to head out to work very soon (less than two hours), otherwise I would have gone for a ride this afternoon. I plan to ride tomorrow and I want to attempt a 30 mile ride just for the sake of it, to see where my fitness level is. It can go really good or I'll regret it and be very sore. I attempted a 30 mile ride (30 miles in the same ride) a few years ago, but I had no business riding that far. The longest ride before that was 22 miles. I also made a wrong turn at some point, so technically the ride was 35 miles! I was really sore. I think I will do okay? My longest ride as of recent was 27 miles. I guess I'll find out tomorrow what 30 miles can do.

Week 38: Day 5 - September 22, 2017

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 3.42 miles; time = 44:25; average pace @ 12:59
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total

This morning wasn't awfully cold like I wanted (my preferred temperature would be between 37 to 41 F degrees) and it didn't make me run faster, but it made me happy to run.

Week 38: Day 4 - September 21, 2017

• road run (solo) = 5.89 miles; time = 1:19:46; average pace @ 13:33
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I had thought about going for a ride this afternoon when the sun finally came out, but I waited too late and I lost motivation. It did rain a bit later in the morning after my run, but it was very short/briefly. I also just chose not to run with my dog, just because.

Week 38: Day 3 - September 20, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) = 12 miles; time = 58:57; average speed @ 12.2 mph

Since there was a slight change in my work schedule this week and I had to work today (this morning/afternoon), I decided not to run. I originally didn't plan to ride after work, but there is a "call" for rain in the weather tomorrow. I am okay running in the rain, but I don't feel comfortable with riding in it. I feel that there will be enough rain (40%) that I don't feel comfortable. If it was 10 % or 20% chance, I would be okay with that. Although running isn't any better or worse than riding a bike in the same rain. Drivers will still find a way to hit a pedestrian on a sidewalk or in the crosswalk, dry or wet conditions. I guess it is being one step closer (riding in the street) that probably scares me a little more? If it is on the drier side, I will brave it and go for a ride.

Week 38: Day 2 - September 19, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 4.1 miles; time = 54:02; average pace @ 13:11
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I didn't take my dog out with me during my run. It was cloudy/overcast and a little dark. I was afraid that my dog was get attacked by a coyote for not paying attention.

I have to enjoy the weather this week. low 80s all week, then next week will be 90-something degrees. Although next week probably won't be that bad and won't be so humid.

Week 38: Day 1 - September 18, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) = 10.93 miles; time = 53:20; average speed @ 12.3 mph

Since I didn't ride yesterday, I had enough motivation to ride after work today. I had the motivation and I had to "run" with it before I lost it. I don't know why, but I was scared to ride alone between 4:30pm to 6pm...this is like prime rush hour. I guess it depends on what streets I ride on and as long as I don't ride near freeway on/off ramps. I don't know if I will ride tomorrow, but I will be running though.

Week 37: Day 7 - September 17, 2017

• hilly trail run (solo) part 1 = 3.93 miles; time = 52:57; average pace @ 13:28
• hilly trail run (solo) part 2 = 1.1 miles; time = 16:34; average pace @ 15:04
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Running:
Total Weekly Mileage: 17.74
Total Monthly Mileage: 49.67
Total Yearly Mileage: 704.08
Total Shoe Mileage: 35.5

Cycling:
Total Weekly Mileage: 40.48
Total Monthly Mileage: 99.15
Total Yearly Mileage: 1045.4

I wasn't expecting there to be a little mist this morning for my runs. I should start braiding my hair no matter the weather condition. I didn't like that my hair was sticking to my arms. At first, I thought I was being insanely sweaty even though it wasn't humid or stuffy. My arms were wet from mist, although my hair will stick to my arms when I am sweaty in humid/hot weather. I went running on some trails at a local junior college and there were cattle that had free range to roam around. Although they mainly stayed on the hillside and didn't come near the trails, I didn't know where they would be. I don't like that they are near trails when I run with my dog (I was afraid that they would get spooked and start running), so I didn't bring my dog with me. The other trail was off campus, but nearby. My dog would have been okay to run with me on that trail.

I had originally planned to do a bike ride today, but the weather made me tired and sleepy. Misty/overcast makes for great exercise weather, but it also makes for great sleeping weather and I find it a little harder to find motivation to run or bike in this kind of weather.

Week 37: Day 6 - September 16, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles tota
• cycling = 22.82 miles; time = 1:52:40; average speed @ 12.2 mph

It was overcast this morning, but for whatever reason, it seemed cooler, but it always seems cooler on cloudy days when I want to go for a bike ride...and like being in a stuffy room on cloudy days that I want to run. I almost didn't want to go for a ride this morning. I wanted to sleep in instead, but I told myself that I would feel better if I just went out. I did a route that I didn't do for many months and went to the mall. This would be considered a halfway point for my old job if I went the whole distance. I was a little slower, but I felt like I was a little stronger because I felt like I needed more resistance with my gears. My normal bike gears that I used in the past seemed too easy even though it wouldn't have helped with my speed anyway.

I plan to do a run tomorrow, but since I missed a bike ride on Thursday, I am also planning a ride tomorrow, just a shorter one.

Week 37: Day 5 - September 15, 2017

• "easy" RUN with one dog = 3.58 miles; time = 49:27; average pace @ 13:41
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.8 miles total

I meant to go for a bike ride yesterday, but I took some sleeping aid (zzz-quil, melatonin, and 5htp) at the wrong time. Wrong time being at "normal" bed time. I woke up very tired and I struggled to take my dogs out for a walk in the morning. Even though I was too tired to stay awake during the daytime (until it was time to get ready for work) and I tried to take a nap, it felt like I didn't sleep/nap at all. I suppose, I should take those sleeping aid on days that I'm not working and right after I do all of my morning work outs (ride, "long" walk and/or bike). Taking them at night when I have something to do in the morning like a run or bike isn't going to work.

It was also overcast this morning. While it is better than hot/humid and sunny, I struggled with running because of the overcast. It was like being in a stuffy room. I shouldn't complain about it though. After all, it is better than hot/humid and sunny.

Week 37: Day 3 - September 13, 2017

• easy RUN with one dog = 5.28 miles; time = 1:12:27; average pace @ 13:43
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling = 17.66 miles; time = 1:41:53; average speed @ 10.4 mph

I originally had wanted to go for a run in a different scenery, but I was tired and wasn't very motivated to get in the car to go somewhere, so I stayed home for a run. I had wanted go run in a different scenery yesterday, but at the last minute, my boss wanted me to work yesterday morning. With the time limit, I had to stay home to run and I had to do a short run. On the bright side, the mornings are starting to feel cooler. I can't wait for the weather to feel even cooler.

I also almost didn't want to go for a bike ride. I felt tired during my run, but felt even more tired for a bike ride. I felt better after three miles into my ride, even though it didn't help with my overall time or average speed.

Week 37: Day 2 - September 12, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 3.85 miles; time = 50:21; average pace @ 13:05
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Is it October yet? I can't wait for cooler weather!

Week 36: Day 7 - September 10, 2017

• cycling (easy group ride) = 15.86 miles; time = 1:22:01, average speed @ 11.6 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Running:
Weekly Mileage: 17.76
Monthly Mileage: 31.93
Yearly Mileage: 686.34
Shoe Mileage: 17.76

Cycling:
Weekly Mileage: 47.16
Monthly Mileage: 58.67
Yearly Mileage: 1004.92

First group ride since I got my bike back. It was nice to finally ride with a group.

I figured out the math...if I want to match my total cycling mileage from last year (1,701), I would have to ride at least an average of 186 miles a month. Maybe I can meet and match my goal (plus more) for 2017 if I ride 50 miles a week?

Week 36: Day 6 - September 09, 2017

• easy trail RUN (solo) = 5.3 miles; time = 1:10:15; average pace @ 13:15
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I originally had planned to ride (bike/solo) this morning and run tomorrow morning. Instead, I decided to run this morning because I plan to do a ride with a cycling group from meetup tomorrow morning since my bike is now fixed and back to working condition.

I don't have any good reasons why I didn't run with my dog this morning. I just felt like leaving her at home.

My next run will be at Chino Hills State Park because I have to run in a different scenery. I was going to do that tomorrow, but well you know, there was a change in plans.

Week 36: Day 5 - September 08, 2017

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 3.41 miles; time = 46:39; average pace @ 13:41
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total

Struggled with running this morning. I don't know why. It could be a combination of things. Need more sleep? Need to eat? Need a change of scenery? I got hungry during my run. I need to get into the habit of eating for a run, no matter the distance. I always think that I will do fine on short runs like three to four miles.

Week 36: Day 4 - September 07, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) = 10.94 miles; time = 56:13; average speed @ 11.7 mph

I think my legs didn't want to ride this morning because of yesterday's ride. I thought about doing a more challenging (hilly) ride this morning, but decided to an easier one at the last minute instead. I'm glad that I did this. I don't think I would have enjoyed my ride if I was on a challenging route.

Week 36: Day 3 - September 06, 2017

• easy RUN with one dog = 5.3 miles; time = 1:06:13; average pace @ 12:30
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling = 20.36 miles; time = 2:10:50; average speed @ 9.3 mph

I feel so much better with running and cycling today.

I did my ride today...the second time that I did this route. The first time was almost two weeks ago, but I made a wrong turn at some point. I corrected myself immediately when I realized that I made a wrong turn, so that ride was a little longer. That ride was also slightly faster, mainly because I ate well and ate more for the ride. I thought I ate well enough for the ride today, but I didn't. I didn't feel that I was less energetic than usual though.

Week 36: Day 2 - September 05, 2017

• easy trail run (solo) = 3.75 miles; time = 48:09; average pace @ 12:50
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I finally got to run in new shoes today! My feet felt really good. My right calf felt a bit tight, but I am hoping that this is just residual feeling from my now retired shoes. I get paid on Friday, this week. Let's get paid and do a few more runs first before I decide if I should get a massage. While I would have preferred 38 to 42 F degrees weather (perfect weather in my mind), the weather this morning was so much better than the past week.

Week 35: Day 7 - September 03, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 4.91 miles; time = 1:09:08; average pace @ 14:05
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (easy bike ride) = 11.51 miles; time = 1:06:15; average speed @ 10.5 mph

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 17.97

Total Monthly (August) Mileage: 76.32

Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 14.17

Total Yearly Mileage: 668.58

Total Shoe Mileage: 298.53

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 26.2

Total Monthly (August) Mileage: 98.26

Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 11.51

Total Yearly Mileage: 957.76

I can finally retire my shoes now and start wearing my new shoes on my next run (Tuesday)! My legs will feel better, but I don't think new shoes will help me feel better about the weather. It was so humid and warm this morning (83 degrees at 6:15am!), and it made me run awfully slow!

I attempted a bike ride today. My original plan was to ride 20 miles (or close). I decided to make it a 13 or 15 miles one mile into the ride. Then two and a half miles into it, I changed my mind and made it an 11.5 mile ride. I was feeling tired and needed sleep. My legs didn't want to ride and my mind couldn't get into it. My ride was really slow because of this. After I got home from my ride, I took my dogs on a short walk (we did a longer walk before my ride) and I tried to take a nap. I think I took a nap, but it didn't feel like it. I think I need to buy some melatonin, 5htp and zzz-quil.

I hope I feel to run and ride after tomorrow.

Week 35: Day 6 - September 02, 2017

• easy trail RUN (solo) = 4.61 miles; time = 1:01:49; average pace @ 13:25
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles total

The weather is going to start getting cooler after today, but that will only make it a little easier to walk my dogs. Running...not so much. I will still get hot no matter what unless it's below 50 F degrees. I've been ready for summer to be over...since last summer!

Week 35: Day 5 - September 01, 2017

• easy trail RUN (solo) = 4.65 miles; time = 58:56; average pace @ 12:40
• easy WALK with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Why does summer and hot weather have to exist??? I can't wait for this to be over!

I went running by a park that had sprinklers on. The sprinklers were right next to the trail that I was on. My run was an out and back, and I don't know why I didn't think of this at the beginning of the run. On the way back, I ran through the sprinklers and that felt really good. There were walkers on the trail as well and perhaps they thought I was a crazy person for running in the sprinklers or maybe not. They would run through the sprinklers too if they were hot.