Week 5: Day 4 - 31 January 2019

• morning run = 5.33 miles; time = 1:10:09; average pace @ 13:09
• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total
• photo walk with photography group = 4.6 miles

I wasn't sure if I would do a run this morning and if I would be sore from all the "mountains" that I climbed yesterday. Both my ride and run from yesterday had challenging hills. I guess I kinda knew that I would be okay because I felt fine after the ride and I felt pretty good this morning. This morning, I also took a chance and did a 1.5-mile walk with my dogs. While I'm usually okay with rain during my runs, I actually didn't want to get rained on during the walk. I'm sure my dogs felt the same. It was cold and the clouds looked gloomy during the walk. As soon as we got home and were inside, it started raining. So I'm glad that the rain held out long enough for us to do a walk. I'm also doing a photo walk with a photography group later this evening. (I'm updating this now at 2pm) While it's really raining out right now, I have faith in the weather and it will stop in an hour or two. We are meeting at 7pm. It doesn't rain on me when I have actual plans and doing special events.

Week 5: Day 3 - 30 January 2019

• morning run = 3.55 miles; time = 52:38; average pace @ 14:49
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total
• bike ride = 15.26 miles; time = 1:16:19; average speed @ 12 mph

So I did a ride this afternoon. There was a .9 mile (we'll just call it one mile) long "mountain" (challenging hill) starting at mile 2 to mile 3. The first half of the hill had an 11% grade and the second half had a 10% grade - strava says that the second half of the hill has a 12 or 13% grade, but it doesn't feel that steep (the first half of the hill is harder). The first few times that I did this ride/route (in 2015), I stopped 10+ for rest breaks. After awhile, I had rest breaks less often until it was down to one rest break (usually after the first half). My ultimate goal was to make it to the top without stopping, and my secondary goal was just to make it up farther up the hill before stopping. Today was the day that I made it to the top without stopping. My average speed was a little slower because I didn't stop/rest at any point. I rewarded myself with a rest break when I got to the top. I'm ultra proud of myself for making this accomplishment.

Week 5: Day 1 - 28 January 2019

• morning run = 4.86 miles; time = 1:10:15; pace @ 14:27
• walked dogs = 2.7 miles total

I'm just updating this. That is all.

Week 4: Day 7 - 27 January 2019

• morning run = 6.09 miles; time = 1:27:32; average pace @ 14:22
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 19.52

Total Monthly Mileage: 76.67

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 71.83

Total Monthly Mileage: 117.62

I did a run at Chino Hills State Park this morning. I hadn't done a run there in a year. Mainly out of laziness (too lazy to get in the car and drive). I have to tell myself that I have to run in other areas so I'm not bored of looking at the same scenery all the time. Maybe someday I'll do a run at the beach for training or for fun (not for a race).

Week 4: Day 6 - 26 January 2019

• morning group ride = 27.64 miles; time = 2:05:30; average speed @ 13.2 mph
• walked dogs = 2.4 miles total

I haven't done a group ride in a month because of scheduling (I was working or training for a 10k run). It was nice to ride with a group. I was actually getting lazy with riding because it was getting lonely and boring. Even though my group has rides scheduled on Monday evenings and I am available to join them, but they are a tad too fast for me. Maybe I will in a few weeks after I change out some gears/equipment on my bike that will help me ride faster.

Week 4: Day 5 - 25 January 2019

• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total
• bike ride = 29.04 miles; time = 2:15:11; average speed @ 12.9 mph
• hike = 4 miles; time = 2:00:25

I think I did fine for my ride. I could have been better and faster if I ate before  my ride. I lost a little bit of energy towards the end and I was hungry.

After the ride, I went on a hike on a trail near home. I found the trail head (entrance) before from riding my bike. Things you actually see when you're on a bike. Or out for a run/walk! I tried to go on this hike last year, but there was so much "NO PARKING" signs everywhere that I didn't know exactly where I could park and I gave up looking after a few minutes. I did a satellite imaging of the area yesterday to figure out where people parked cars and found street parking in a residential area that was 1/4 mile from the trail head...even though I generally don't like to park in residential areas because sometimes people are suspicious of unknown/unfamiliar cars and people in their neighborhoods. (I'm one of those people...and I did get a weird look from someone who drove by as I was getting ready for my hike.) I wish the city would create a small parking area on the same side as the trail head though. I had to cross a busy, major street just to get to the trail head. Anyway, I also found information about this trail on alltrails.com so I knew how long the hike was (it was supposed to have bee 3.3 miles round trip, but I kept going until the trail ended by a fence/gate).

Doing a 29 mile ride and a moderate (not easy) four mile hike in the same day was probably not a good idea, but I guess it's a good thing if I'm tired/sleepy at the end of the day and it keeps me out of trouble.

Week 4: Day 4 - 24 January 2019

• morning hilly trail run = 3.55 miles; time = 50:31; average pace @ 14:13
• walked dogs = 2.7 miles total
• bike ride = 15.15 miles; time = 1:15:27; average speed @ 12.1 mph

I finally got in a bike ride. It rained a lot last week and then it was very windy on Monday, so I got really lazy with riding. It wasn't windy on Monday morning when I went running and I don't take breaks and stop running just because it's raining. I melt when it's hot and humid, and rain is better than that.

Anyway, it was really nice weather out today, so it was a very enjoyable ride.

Week 4: Day 3 - 23 January 2019

• morning run = 4.86 miles; time = 1:07:48; average pace @ 13:57
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I'm just updating this....the run went fine. Walking my dogs went fine. That is all.

Week 4: Day 1 - 21 January 2019

• morning run = 5.02 miles; time = 1:10:28; average pace @ 14:02
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I've been doing pretty good with running, rain or shine. The bike on the other hand...all the rain that we got last week made me lazy and not wanting to go out for a ride. I was going to do a ride today, but waited a little too late. When I finally got dressed in my bike clothes, it was super windy out. I have a love-hate relationship with hills. I don't like doing hills, but will do them because I know that I will get better, but I just hate doing a ride and fighting with the wind. I also feel like I would get blown off balance from my bike because my feet off the ground while my feet are closer to the ground when  I run.

I checked the weather forecast for tomorrow. It should be a good day for a ride.

Week 3: Day 7 - 20 January 2019

• morning run = 5.07 miles; time = 1:11:00; average pace @ 14:00
• walked dogs = 2.7 miles total

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.18

Total Monthly Mileage: 57.15

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 0 

Total Monthly Mileage: 45.79

Week 3: Day 6 - 19 January 2019

• morning run = 2.75 miles; time = 40:22; average pace @ 14:40
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I'm feeling a little bit sore from yesterday's hike.

Week 3: Day 5 - 18 January 2019

• walked dogs = 2.7 miles total
• Hike to Hollywood Sign - take two (2nd attempt) = 5.62 miles; moving time = 2:44:16; total/elapsed time = 2:52:02

I attempted another hike to the Hollywood Sign today. I almost did it again and got myself lost because I didn't believe in my own directions. It went better than last time though, but I think I have to go back again on a day when it isn't hazy or cloudy if I want a better picture of Downtown LA skyline. But in L.A., when is it not hazy? It's hazy 360 days of the year and the other five days are a hit and miss.

Week 3: Day 4 - 17 January 2019

• morning run = 4.1 miles; time = 59:00; average pace @ 14:23
• walked dogs = 1.5 miles

After a week of rain, I finally got rained on during a run. I almost didn't want to get out and do a run because it was raining although lightly. It wasn't that bad until the last mile when it got cold and windy.

I have a friend who does hair for a living. I used to go to her once a year (usually around May) to get my hair trimmed/cut and layered. In the summer, I really sweat a lot and my hair tends to get tangled and knotted from sweat. Then I decided to go to her twice a year. The second time would be around October because my hair would get tangled and knotted from the rain. Trying to get the knots out of my hair is really frustrating. The more knotted my hair gets, the harder it is to get them out to the point that I pull my hair out or I have to cut it out. So glad to get my trimmed/cut a few months ago. My hair doesn't get split ends anymore either.

Week 3: Day 3 - 16 January 2019

• morning run = 5.08 miles; time = 1:11:55; average pace @ 14:09
• walked dogs = 1.5 miles total

Yesterday was the first time since 2007 that I didn't do a run on a Tuesday morning. I think I've finally needed a rest day. Originally, I was going to walk my dogs and do a bike ride, but didn't do a ride either. I took my dogs out for a short walk in the morning and a short walk in the afternoon, but spent the morning sleeping because I was tired, even though I had a rest day on Friday last week, but I had to go to work early (10am) Friday morning. I'm not sick. I just needed the rest.

Anyway, I'm grateful for all the rain that we're getting and I'm glad that I didn't get any rain during my run this morning, but I'm getting a little tired of all the rain that we've been getting. We're getting more rain tomorrow, but I've had enough.

Week 3: Day 1 - 14 January 2019

• morning run = 4.18 miles; time = 1:01:02; average pace @ 14:36
• walked dogs = 1 mile

It didn't rain during my run. I was only able to do one mile with walking my dogs. The rain started right when my dogs and I were a few minutes from home, and it didn't let up for awhile even though I did let them out a few times throughout the day. I seem fine running in the rain and I can just jump into the shower after, but it's just not fun to walk in it and I don't like to walk in it for long periods of time. (Maybe I'm just too lazy to dry my dogs off and one gets cold very easy for having a very short coat/fur.)

Week 2: Day 7 - 13 January 2019

• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total
• afternoon solo ride = 15.15 miles; time = 1:18:26; average speed @ 11.6 mph

Running: 

Weekly Total Mileage: 21.17

Monthly Total Mileage: 36.97

Cycling: 

Weekly Total Mileage: 15.15

Monthly Total Mileage: 45.79

I almost didn't want to ride today, but I got it done and I can now say that I did it. I was originally going to do a ride and a hike today, but I had an obligation/other commitments this morning, so I didn't have time to do both. I had to choose between one or the other, and I chose the bike because my goal is to ride 1,800 miles this week. I'm already a little behind on my bike miles. My hiking goal is to do at a minimum of 12 hikes this year (one per month). Best case scenario is that I can get two to four hikes per month, but let's not get overambitious or ahead of myself there. Doing rides is a little easier because I can usually start and end at my house or meet some people. I have to actually get in the car and go somewhere if I want to hike and this requires motivation. I don't know anyone who has the same schedule as I do, so it's hard to find hiking buddies for motivation. Even though I got lost when I went on a hike to the Hollywood Sign, I got lost in a residential area which was okay because I found someone who was so willing to help me get unlost. I have this fear of getting lost in the wilderness.

Week 2: Day 6 - 12 January 2019

• morning run = 5.37 miles; time = 1:11:56; average pace @ 13:23
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

While I'm grateful for the rain that we are getting, I'm glad that I didn't get rained on during my run. However, part of my run was on trail and it was muddy on the trail. It was not fun because it was slippery and it was hard to hold my balance from sliding down a tiny hill. It was the kind of hill that you didn't notice until you started sliding down (luckily, I didn't fall) or had to ride a bike on it (you can feel EVERY hill, no matter the size, on a bike). The weather forecast doesn't call for rain tomorrow, but there will be lots of rain for four days next week. That will be a lot of fun. Not really. I still have to run, rain or shine. But rain is better than hot, humid weather. I don't like summer and I hate hot weather.

Week 2: Day 4 - 10 January 2019

• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total
• hike to Hollywood sign = 8.1 miles; time = 5-ish hours?

I went on a hike this morning and went to the Hollywood Sign. First of all, note to self: go in the afternoon or evening when the sun is overhead or behind me. Best case scenario is to go right after rain as long as it is mostly sunny/clear (no clouds) when the air is cleaner and not so hazy. It was pretty cloudy when I left home to head out to the hike and while it was sunny when I got to the Hollywood sign, there was still lots of cloudiness and haziness blocking the Downtown L.A. skyline. The sun being in the wrong direction made it a little hard to see as well.

I was recording my hike on strava (phone fitness app) and my garmin watch. My watch died before I got back to my car (at 7.3 miles, 0.8 mile away away from car) because I took too long to finish the hike. There was a main trail that people could take to the Hollywood sign, straight out and back, but it was three miles round trip. I wanted to hike/walk a little longer than that, so I did a loopy hike where I took a trail through a residential area and near Lake Hollywood (or the Hollywood Reservoir). I was suppose to have taken the trail to "Mulholland Highway" (street), but I saw a trail sign had "Mulholland Trail". I saw the word "Mulholland" and went on the trail ignoring the fact that I was suppose to be looking for "Mulholland HIGHWAY (or HWY). So I went through a different neighborhood where I became lost. I found a local mail carrier who was organizing his mail before his next drop off. I'm forever grateful for his help because I would have just sat in the road for a few minutes, crying out of frustration. My six mile hike turned into an eight mile hike. There was a car full of hikers who saw me walking. They were looking for a way to the Hollywood sign. I told them where to park that had a shorter distance to the Hollywood sign than where they saw me. They asked me if I wanted a ride. I wasn't afraid that they would do something bad to me, but I wanted to finish my hike. I should have gotten into their car before I grew more frustrated and stressed out because I was just tired and wanted to finally head home. While the hike wasn't complete (started/ended at my car) on my garmin watch and my garmin watch died on me during the last mile of the hike, I was able to transfer the data from my watch to my computer and I was able to check the GPS/route and what I did wrong. I'm determined to do this hike again and not make a turn at the wrong time! Let's hope that my phone doesn't do another software update at my next hike!

My phone also decided to do a software update during my hike because it couldn't wait. Basically, deleting my strava recording because strava (and any other phone apps) got deleted from my phone as well as all the photos that I took on my phone. I did take photos from my DSLR camera, so I have some proof that I went to the Hollywood sign.

Week 2: Day 3 - 09 January 2019

• morning run = 5.5 miles; time = 1:10:03; average pace @ 12:44
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I wore gloves during my run this morning. I took them off halfway through because my hands got hot and sweaty. Somehow, I lost one of my gloves on the way back home during the run. I didn't go back to look for it, but I have an idea where it is. I hope that it is still there and no one picked it up. I can't imagine why anyone would want half of a pair of gloves. If I can't find it, then I'll have to go back to REI for another pair.

Week 2: Day 2 - 08 January 2019

• morning run = 5.7 miles; time = 1:19:36; average pace @ 13:58
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I don't have anything to say, but here is an update for today's work out.

Week 2: Day 1 - 07 January 2019

• morning run = 4.6 miles; time = 1:08:12; average pace @ 14:49
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

It rained a bit last night and I was a little worried that it would still be raining/drizzling during my run. Not that I've never ran in the rain before. The rain/drizzle stopped before I started my run, so I was fine.

Week 1 - 06 January 2019

• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 19.1

Total Monthly Mileage: 15.8

Cycling: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 30.63

Total Monthly Mileage: 30.63

I'm just updating this for the total mileage.

Week 1 - 05 January 2019

• morning run = 5.53 miles; time = 1:18:35; average pace @ 14:12
• walked dogs = 1.9 miles total

Yay for rain. This morning wasn't as cold as it was this afternoon. That's too bad. I would have wanted it to be colder for my run.

Week 1 - 04 January 2019

• morning run = 5.39 miles; time = 1:17:08; average pace @ 14:18
• walk dogs = 2.6 miles total

I normally wait until the afternoon to update my blog, but I'm updating now (it's morning). I have to get ready for work soon. As soon as I'm done with work for the day, I have to head home, walk my dogs briefly, change clothes and then immediately jet off the West Hollywood for a night time photo walk with the Light Chasers group. I won't have time between work and heading out to West Hollywood, and I don't plan to update my blog post after I get home from the photo walk. We are most likely going to walk two to three miles during our photo walk.

Week 1: Day 2 (Day 1?) - 01 January 2019

• hilly trail run #1: 3.7 miles; time = 53:55 (minutes:seconds); pace @ 14:34 (minutes:seconds)
• hilly trail run #2: 1.1 mile; time = 18:17; pace @ 16:37
• cycling = 30.70 miles; moving time = 2:25:29 (elapsed/total time = 2:41:18); pace @ 12.6 mph
• walk dogs = 2.5 miles total

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you have started the new year strong and I hope last year (2018) wasn't too bad for you.

I have a 10K run/race coming up next month. I'm training now, however, not really for the distance. I can easily do a 10K distance tomorrow and be fine. The race is on a very hilly course, so I'm training (running) more on hills. I have to train (ride) on hills because that helps too.

I haven't decided yet, but I think I will do the Long Beach half marathon in October this year. It has been awhile since I've done that race. Also another possible race is "Finish The Ride" (35 miles) in May.