Week 44: Day 2 - October 31, 2017 (Training Week 1)

• easy run = 3.32 miles; time = 43:46; average pace @ 13:11
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

So dark and gloomy this morning, but I did my run anyway. Tomorrow will be gloomy and dark. I don't plan a run tomorrow, but I plan a ride. I will struggle to get one done in dark, gloomy weather because I rather sleep in than do a work out. I haven't convinced myself that it's okay to ride in dark, gloomy weather with 10% chance of rain. Tomorrow will be a bit better for a ride than Thursday. Thursday has a 20% chance of rain. I actually don't mind running in the rain.

I've come to the conclusion that running is slightly safer than riding. When you are walking or running, your feet are closer to the ground. You can stop more easily as necessary and you can jump out of the way of a car barreling towards you. You can't stop that easily on a bike especially when you are going fast (unless you are going up a hill). It is illegal and safe to ride against traffic, but even if you can see a car barreling towards you, you can't jump out of the way that easily. You also can't ride backwards (at least on my bike, I can't).

Speaking of which, I forgot to mention this on Friday. I almost got ran over and hit by a driver who was completely oblivious to her surroundings. I saw her approach a stop sign. I could tell that she wasn't paying attention and I could also tell that she was NOT stopping for the stop sign. I took two steps back to avoid her. If I just stopped and stood where I stopped, I could have been hit by her side mirror. If I took one to two steps forward, I could have been under her car/tire. Maybe I should hit car windows if they get that close to me. I won't break the window because breaking the window would mean breaking my hand and breaking my hand is definitely not something I want to do. So hitting the window would make drivers be aware of how close they could have hit me. I yelled out "Stupid!" at her. She heard me yelling at her and she almost crashed into another car because she stopped after she made her right turn. I glared angrily at her while I passed her. She looked so confused. She finally pulled over to apologize and claimed that she didn't see me. I am not sure how she didn't see me. I was standing so close to her that she could have easily hit me with her side mirror. I was standing on her left side too. Blaming the sun wasn't an option because the sun was on her right side (mind you, I was standing on her LEFT side).

Moral of the story? If you are a pedestrian, pay attention to your surroundings for people with bad intentions and bad drivers! If you are driving, pay attention to your surroundings and obey all traffic laws! 40 mph can kill a pedestrian/cyclist. Don't be that idiot in the newspaper who killed a pedestrian/cyclist because you weren't paying attention.

Week 43: Day 7 - October 29, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 17.59

Total Monthly Mileage: 72.42

Total Yearly Mileage: 813.02

Total Shoe Mileage: 144.44

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 14.90

Total Monthly Mileage: 164.45

Total Yearly Mileage: 1315.39

I'm mainly updating for the total mileage.

I had originally planned to do a bike ride this morning, but when I looked out the window, it was cloudy and looked cold. I went back to sleep. Maybe if I had done a bike ride yesterday and then do a run today, I wouldn't have gone back to bed. Last year and in the previous years, I struggled to get out of bed for a run when it was overcast. Overcast was better than sunny, hot and humid. I finally convinced myself that it was okay to run in overcast. Now I need to convince myself that it's okay to ride in overcast.

On the other hand, I really needed the sleep. I think and I feel like I'm caught up on it, so I'm good for awhile. This is good timing because I've now officially start training.

Week 43: Day 6 - October 28, 2017

• easy run = 4.91 miles; time = 1:05:48; average pace @ 13:24
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Yay for cooler mornings! I think Summer finally got the memo that it should be Fall now.

Week 43: Day 5 - October 27, 2017

• easy run = 4.86 miles; time = 1:02:01; average pace @ 12:46
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling = 14.90 miles; time = 1:23:28; average speed @ 10.7 mph

I never got around to doing any work out yesterday. The weather is finally to feel cooler and yesterday's weather wasn't that bad. Laziness kicked in. I could have and should have taken a nap or at least attempted to, but I didn't. I feel like I need to catch up on sleep.

Week 43: Day 3 - October 25, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 4.52 miles; time =  58:04; average pace @ 12:51
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

So warm this morning! I think Summer didn't get the memo that it is suppose to be Fall! I originally had wanted to go for a bike ride after my run, but the heat made me lazy. My dogs and I were struggling with the heat at 8:30am. I plan to go for a ride tomorrow instead and I think it is suppose to be a little cooler. I really hope it is better tomorrow.

Week 43: Day 2 - October 24, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 3.3 miles; time = 40:44; average pace @ 12:21
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I did better than I thought during my run this morning even though it was 81 F degrees at 7am. Good luck to me tomorrow morning. It's 80 F degrees right now at 10:41PM and it's humid! I'm so uncomfortable right now. It will still probably be humid in the morning.

Week 42: Day 7 - October 22, 2017

• hilly trail run (solo) part 1 = 3.69 miles; time = 49:27; average pace @ 13:24
• hilly trail run (solo) part 2 = 1.1 miles; time = 16:02; average pace @ 14:35
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Running:
Total Weekly Mileage: 18.16
Total Monthly Mileage: 54.83
Total Yearly Mileage: 795.43
Total Shoe Mileage: 126.85

Cycling:
Total Weekly Mileage: 43.59
Total Monthly Mileage: 149.55
Total Yearly Mileage: 1300.49

I struggled a little bit with the humidity during my runs this morning. I don't know why we are getting summer weather near the end of October. Tomorrow will be a hot one (100 degrees) and I'm glad that tomorrow is a rest day. Hopefully the weather will be tolerable when I take my dogs out for a walk at 8am before it gets too crazy. Tuesday will be another hot one (100 degrees). I don't think I will enjoy running in the morning, but I hope it's tolerable enough for walking my dogs after my run.

There are ten weeks left for the year of 2017. I might be able to finish the year with 1,000 miles for running. I start training for my half marathon next Tuesday, October 31, so it is possible to reach 1,000 miles. Last year (2016), I got 966 miles.

Last year (2016), I put in 1701.98 miles on bike. I just need to ride an average of 40 miles a week and I can reach that. I haven't decided on a goal for next year (2018), but I've figured if I do the same distance, I just have to ride an average of 33 miles a week.

Week 42: Day 6 - October 21, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling = 17.74 miles; time = 42:54; average speed @ 10.3 mph

This morning felt so nice and cool! But why are some drivers so impatient with cyclists??? Here is a friendly reminder to everyone in a car....honking at a cyclist to get out of your way isn't going to make things better. You can afford to wait a few seconds for a cyclist to get out of your way before making your turn. It's not going to make you late to your destination. If you are already running late, it is YOUR OWN fault, not the cyclist. I'd like to think that some cyclists are jerks on the road because drivers are being jerks to them. I got honked at by some stupid driver. The irony was that I wasn't even in her lane and she had space to pass. I feel like carrying eggs with me and then throwing an egg at every bad driver who honks at me or isn't paying attention. Depending on where I throw it, it won't come off the window and it will ruin the paint. Would that still be considered vandalism? It's not like I kicked the door or broke a window....

It'll be hot tomorrow and Monday. I am going to run tomorrow morning, but I don't think I am going to enjoy running in a humid, warm morning. I think Summer missed the memo that Summer had been over for a few weeks. Why is it 100 degrees in the middle of October??!?!?!

Week 42: Day 5 - October 20, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 5.28 miles; time = 1:08:36; average pace @ 13:00
• easy walk with dogs = 2.7 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) = 11.06 miles; time = 56:56; average speed @ 11.7 mph

I originally had planned to do two hilly trail runs this morning, but it was a little drizzly right before I headed out for my run. I would have been okay running on trails in light drizzle, but it made me lazy and I didn't feel like getting into a car to these hilly trails. One was at a local junior college and one was off campus, but nearby. It stayed dry during my entire run. My legs actually felt a little achy and sore from yesterday's ride, so I am glad that I did an easier run instead.

The clouds looked dark most of the morning which got me not want to do a bike ride. I originally had planned to do a 20 mile bike ride, but between the dark looking clouds and feeling tired/lazy/unmotivated, I opted for a shorter, easier ride instead.

During my ride, I went past the local junior college where I would have done one of my hilly trail runs. I noticed a special event happening which took place on the trails. That meant that the event was a cross country race. I asked one of the people who was holding a sign directing people where to park. I asked the person about the event who told me that it was today and tomorrow. This is good to know because had I tried to run on campus tomorrow, I would have been turned away and then lose motivation to run elsewhere. I'm so glad that I didn't try to run there this morning. I'm also glad that I got a little lazy with riding and chose a short, easy ride instead. I only have one other route/ride that would have included passing by the school, but all of my other rides didn't and I wouldn't have been able to find any information about the school trails.

I was going to run tomorrow and ride on Sunday, but instead, it'll be the other way around. Ride tomorrow and run on Sunday.

Week 42: Day 4 - October 19, 2017

• cycling = 14.79 miles; time = 1:21:11; average speed @ 10.9 mph
• easy walk with dogs (@ home) = 2.6 miles total
• walk dogs (volunteering) @ priceless pet rescue shelter = distance unknown; time = 3 hours

So I decided to volunteer today at a local pet rescue shelter. I have been volunteering there on and off since November 2014 and am starting to not like the adoptions managers there. I should really go there for the animals and help care for them so they can get adopted out. I spent most of my time walking the dogs so they could have somewhere to go for their bathroom needs and not in their crates or kennel. I did spend a little time with the cats. I told the adoptions manager that I would be the one caring for the cats (cleaning their liter box, sweeping the floor in the cat room, checking the water/food bowls, etc) and dogs. She had another volunteer do cat duty even though that volunteer only cleaned the liter box and then left. Meanwhile I had no help walking the dogs. The volunteer could have helped me walk a few dogs in her short time there. I have to tell myself that I should volunteer and go there for the animals.

Week 42: Day 3 - October 18, 2017

• easy RUN with one dog = 4.79 miles; time = 1:03:46; average pace @ 13:19
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total

I woke up this morning to the smell of fire smoke. There was an apparent brush/hill fire seven miles from me during the wee hours of the morning that started at 2:15am (it was not near any homes or businesses, so no one had to evacuate). This wasn't the first time that there was a fire in this same exact area, but the last time was ten years ago. You wouldn't have known since mother nature (lots of rain) took care of it with green grass. I was a little worried that the smell and air quality would affect my breathing during my run, but surprisingly, I was fine. When I headed out for my run, the sky looked as normal as it could be because all the local area fire departments were quick and getting the fire under control. I think it was 100% contained when I woke up to get ready for my run and the smell of smoke was all that was left lingering.

I had also wanted/planned to do a bike ride today, but I waited too long and I lost motivation.

Week 42: Day 2 - October 17, 2017

• easy RUN with one dog = 3.3 miles; time = 43:36; average pace @ 13:13
• easy WALK with four dogs = 2.6 miles total

While it was 63 degrees this morning (which was okay), it felt so warm and humid! I think summer didn't get the memo that summer had been over for a few weeks. Why is it 90-something degrees (daytime high) in the middle of October??!?!? I really hope that November is not as warm as October, although I guess too warm in November would be better than too warm in December, January or February!

Week 41: Day 7 - October 15, 2017

• cycling (easy ride) = 10.03 miles; time = 52:00; average speed @ 11.6 mph
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

Running:
Total Weekly Mileage: 18.31
Total Monthly Mileage: 36.67
Total Yearly Mileage: 777.27
Total Shoe Mileage: 108.69

Cycling:
Total Weekly Mileage: 42.13
Total Monthly Mileage: 105.96
Total Yearly Mileage: 1256.90

I decided to ride this morning before heading to work. I was on a time limit, so I had to do a short, easy ride which was okay with me. It was warm and windy. The wind made my ride harder than necessary. I think it was a good thing that I didn't become angry or grumpy. I still didn't enjoy my ride though because of the wind.

Week 41: Day 6 - October 14, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 4.52 miles; time = 1:00:56; average pace @ 13:29
• easy walk with four dogs = 2.5 miles total
• cycling = 18.69 miles; time = 1:40:12; average speed @ 11.2 mph

I almost didn't go out for a bike ride because I was being lazy. After visiting an REI store and picking up some running shoes, some clothes (bike/running) and other things, I felt motivated to ride! Anyway, I feel ready for my next half marathon....even though I don't start for another two weeks.

Week 41: Day 5 - October 13, 2017

• hilly trail run (solo) part 1 = 3.95 miles; time = 50:20; average pace @ 12:45
• hilly trail run (solo) part 2 = 1.1 miles; time = 15:00; average pace @ 13:38
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

I forgot to mention that my last bike ride included a route that I hadn't done since April. It had a hill (0.9 mile, slightly less than one mile) with an 11% grade. The first 0.4 mile (slightly under 1/2 mile) was harder than the rest of the hill and I took a rest break when I got to .04 mile before heading up the rest of hill. I was able to make it to the top of the hill without stopping, although trying to make it to the top during that last .1 (1/10) mile was hard. It felt hard because my legs were "fried" after making it (last 1/2 mile) to to top without stopping. I didn't get sore after the ride. I really believe that if I keep riding on this hill, I'll make it to the top from bottom without stopping and it'll get easier.

I didn't do any work out yesterday. I had a doctor's appointment, but it was at 11:45am. I would have preferred an earlier time because it is easier to work things around a 9am (or 10am) appointment time than one that is mid-day. I just don't like to do a work out before an appointment and I get a little lazy if I have to do a bike ride in the afternoon (my bicycle friends do rides on Thursdays, but their rides are too fast and too far for my legs to handle).

Week 41: Day 3 - October 11, 2017

• easy run (solo) = 5.27 miles; time = 1:09:41; average pace @ 13:13
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (semi-challenging ride) = 13.41 miles; time = 1:14:42; average speed @ 10.8 mph

I finally got the garmin app to work on my phone, so I could transfer data from my garmin watch to garmin connect. It was really frustrating, and so much effort/work to get it to work. I don't always bring my phone with me when I walk my dogs (I don't use strava (phone app) for walking my dogs around the neighborhood), so my watch gets disconnected from my phone and doesn't always reconnect when I get back. I just saved a bunch of money by not buying a new computer and I'll suck it up with a really old computer for the time being. The battery needs to be recharged every so often, but it has to be connected to the computer by a usb cord. The recharge mode works just fine.

I have an account on LogYourRun.com and I have an account there since 2007. A few weeks ago (maybe two months ago?), LogYourRun decided to wipe out all of my runs/rides that I logged into my account. I like using it to figure out average pace/speed and compare runs or rides. All of my runs and rides with recorded times came back. I don't use it to log in where I'm going for my routes when I run or ride, but I have names for many of my routes and races because I like to compare time and average pace. LogYourRun decided to delete all of these route/race names. I've started using a notebook to jot down where I am going for my routes because I don't always remember them, especially when I'm doing long training runs for a half marathon. When I "run out" (excuse the pun!) of ideas on where to run for long runs, I get bored sometimes when I don't mix things up. So now I have to use a notebook (a new/different one) to log my runs and rides with distance, time and pace/speed so I can compare for future reference. I am still going to use LogYourRun to figure out average pace/speed though. The upcoming half marathon that I'm doing in February 2018, I've done this two other times before, but I have to refer to my blog to compare my times, although I sorta remember what my finish times were and I probably won't be as fast as those times....

Week 41: Day 2 - October 10, 2017

• easy trail RUN with one dog = 3.47 miles; time = 45:02; average pace @ 12:59
• easy WALK with four dogs = 2.6 miles total

I'm sad to say that my garmin watch no longer works on my computer because I can't upgrade to windows 8 (it is running on windows xp). This means that if I wish to continue using my watch, I have to fork over a pretty penny on a new computer. Sure, my computer is ancient, a dinosaur, and it's a little slow, but it still works. Because of this, I don't want to get a new computer. Seems like every electronics or fun gadgets that I want to own, will stop working after so many months because the new software update doesn't accept windows xp anymore (I got a gopro awhile ago, but I hadn't used it in two years because it can't run on windows xp). Stupid windows, I hate you!

Week 40: Day 7 - October 08, 2017

• hilly trail run (solo) part 1 = 3.88 miles; time = 53:25; average pace @ 13:46
• hilly trail run (solo) part 2 = 1.1 miles; time = 16:25; average pace @ 14:55
• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles total
• cycling = 29.94 miles; time = 2:46:30; average speed @ 10.8 mph

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 18.36

Total Monthly Mileage: 18.36

Total Yearly Mileage: 758.96

Total Shoe Mileage: 90.38

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 52.60

Total Monthly Mileage: 63.83

Total Yearly Mileage: 1214.77

I felt so much better running and riding today. However, I was dehydrated during my ride that I lost some energy. My legs felt fine during the ride, despite doing two hilly runs earlier. I ate really well for my ride, so I know my energy level wasn't because of that. I didn't hydrate well enough yesterday. I drank 1/2 gallon of water at work during the morning and early afternoon, but I drank very little after work. During the second half of my ride, I was so thirsty, but my stomach didn't have enough room for more water. I had plenty of water and I even had some water left at the end of my ride, but my stomach would hurt and I would feel a little sick from trying to drink any water. I didn't just sip water....I gulped it down. Gulping water meant drinking too much too fast, and that clearly didn't help me. I haven't been very good at drinking lots of water lately. My normal water intake minimum is one gallon a day. I really have to get back into the habit of drinking one gallon of water again because clearly, it is affecting me in certain areas/things.

Week 40: Day 5 - October 06, 2017

• easy RUN with one dog = 4.82 miles; time = 1:02:03; average pace @ 12:52
• easy WALK with three dogs = 2.6 miles total

My legs didn't want to run this morning, but felt better after 1.5 miles. My mind and face felt tired during the entire run though. I attempted to rest up after my run this morning. I didn't feel like I got any though. I think I may need a few rest days (no running) soon before I start training during Halloween week. Tomorrow is a rest day. Between tomorrow and my attempted rest from today, I hope I feel better on Sunday.

Week 40: Day 4 - October 05, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) = 11.68 miles; time = 1:04:45; average speed @ 10.8 mph

I originally had wanted to do a 20-ish mile ride today. Then I changed my mind to do a 15 mile ride with a challenging hill (one mile) right before I headed out. Few minutes into my ride, I changed my mind to do a shorter, easier ride. I was really unmotivated and felt grumpy and angry for every hill I had to climb even though they were really small and not that bad. I believe this was from not getting enough sleep. I did feel tired before going out. I was unmotivated during my ride on Sunday, but felt fine riding yesterday. I also felt fine running in the morning on Tuesday and yesterday. I don't know what my body or mind is thinking.

I also had wanted to go volunteer at a local pet rescue shelter this afternoon, but I didn't do that either. I didn't lay in bed and try to get some sleep though. I plan to run tomorrow morning, but I don't plan to ride. I seem fine running, but I'll make myself rest up after my run before I head out to work in the afternoon/evening.

Week 40: Day 3 - October 04, 2017

• easy RUN with one dog = 4.46 miles; time = 58:58; average pace @ 13:13
• easy walk with three dogs = 2.6 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) 10.98 miles; time = 53:27; average speed @ 12.3 mph

I almost didn't want to head out for a bike ride because I was tired. I told myself that I would feel better if I did, and I actually did feel better once I got started. I felt a lot better than Sunday. I did the same route as Sunday...except for the ending part after 9.5 miles.

I'm still feeling tired now, but I hope I feel more energetic tomorrow. I don't plan to run, but I plan to ride. I'd also like to do some volunteering tomorrow, but it's a really big maybe right now.

Week 40: Day 2 - October 03, 2017

• road run (solo) = 4.1 miles; time = 53:27; average pace @ 13:02
• easy walk with dogs = 2.6 miles total

It was overcast and a little dark when I headed out for my run, so I didn't bring my dog. The overcast made the morning seem a little darker. I shouldn't be complaining about overcast because it's better than hot and humid, but I like a little light/sun (and cold) in the morning when I run.

Week 39: Day 7 - October 01, 2017

• easy walk with dogs = 2.5 miles total
• cycling (easy ride) = 11.23 miles; time = 59:08; average speed @ 11.4 mph

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 18.28

Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 86.19

Total Monthly (October) Mileage: 0

Total Yearly Mileage: 740.6

Total Shoe Mileage: 72.02

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 63.82

Total Monthly (September) Mileage: 204.69

Total Monthly (October) Mileage: 11.23

Total Yearly Mileage: 1162.17

I forgot to mention yesterday that I did a run yesterday because it seemed easier to fit it in yesterday morning because I had a little more time than this morning. Because I did a run yesterday, I decided to do a ride today after work.

Right before I started my ride, I felt fine...a little tired, but I didn't feel like that should have stopped me. I didn't feel unmotivated, but I think I was more unmotivated than I had actually felt. My legs didn't want to ride at all. Then it got windy from miles four to mile nine. I don't know where this wind came from because I didn't feel any in the beginning of my ride and it went away towards the end of the ride. I guess it's a good thing that I don't plan a ride tomorrow (Monday) or on Tuesday. I hope I feel better for my next ride...my next ride may be on Wednesday, I think...