Week 9: Day 3 - 27 February 2019

• morning run = 4.18 miles; time = 55:24; average pace @ 13:15
• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total

How much longer until I'm less tired and used to my new job/routine? Two weeks? Okay. Just a few more days then.

Week 9: Day 2 - 26 February 2019

• morning run = 3.3 miles; time = 46:28; average pace @ 14:04
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I recently found some recipes for "oatmeal balls". They are different variations/flavors, but the main ingredient is oatmeal and they are all pretty healthy. I made some on Sunday and had some pre-run (before run) this morning. I think they would be fine before a ride or hike or after a run, hike, or ride, but definitely not before a run. My stomach didn't like them. I think I have to go back to my yogurt thing. Also, it didn't help that I still felt tired, like I need to catch up on sleep and I don't have any time for it, but I guess I'm still getting used to my new job/routine.

Week 8: Day 7 - 24 February 2019

• group kayak = 1:50:05 hours
• walked dogs = 2.7 miles total

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.3

Total Monthly Mileage: 42.63

Total Yearly Mileage: 71.39

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 0

Total Monthly Mileage: 77.59

Total Yearly Mileage: 210.47

I did some kayaking with a group on meetup this morning. I didn't do a bike ride though. I think I'm just a little more tired than usual because I recently got a new job and I'm still getting used to my new routine. It's a little harder to find the motivation to ride, especially alone, when you're tired. I'll do some group rides with some people next weekend. I'm now behind on my bike goals because of the rain and feeling more tired.

Week 8: Day 6 - 23 February 2019

• morning run = 4.46 miles; time = 1:01:21; average pace @ 13:45
• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total

I was feeling tired/unmotivated and I struggled during my run. I'm not blaming my new job, but I'm not used to working an actual normal 9-5 day job. I have to get used to this new shift. Also, I'm working way more hours than before, so it's contributing to how I'm feeling. I thought that laziness was kicking in (normally, I would start my run at 6am, but I didn't finally get out until 6:30am because I was stalling) and I thought that I would feel better once I got dressed and started running, but I didn't. I need a break/rest from running for a few days, so I hope I feel better on Tuesday. I originally had planned a bike ride today also, but I didn't bother because I still wasn't feeling it and couldn't get my mind to get dressed (bike clothes) and get on my bike. Maybe I'll feel better and do a ride tomorrow, but we'll see.

Week 8: Day 5 - 22 February 2019

• morning run = 3.84 miles; time = 48:07; average pace @ 12:31
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I found a $20 bill during my run this morning. This was the first time that I found any random money on the ground that was more than $5! It was wet, so it had been there for awhile. To think that I almost didn't find it. After my alarm clock went off, I debated if I really wanted to run, so I laid in bed for another five minutes looking at my phone (the weather app, and strava). I was also deciding where I wanted to run. If I went a different route, I wouldn't have found the money. The last time, I found any money on the ground during a run was last June and it was during the same route! But it was only $5 that time. Now time to go pay it forward? Happy weekend!

Week 8: Day 3 - 20 February 2019

• morning run = 4.69 miles; time = 58:07; average pace @ 12:23
• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total

I started a new job today. My bike rides and hikes will be limited to the weekends only now. Maybe during the summer, I will do some rides in the evenings during the week when it gets dark later in the evening. Right now, it gets dark at 6pm and I don't like to ride in the dark. Or do most of my ride in the dark. My bike meetup group does meet during the week and they do ride in the dark. I wish I could join them because you know, safety in numbers, but I get off at 5:30pm and they meet at 6pm. Because I have to fight rush hour traffic, it is impossible to meet them on time. I don't mind doing a hike in the dark if I'm with a group or if I finish a hike in the dark, but I don't want the majority of the hike in the dark. I'm clumsy and will find a way to trip on my own feet.

Anyway, I think it was a good thing that my last running event was last weekend and my next one won't be for awhile (I'm debating the "Finish The Ride" on Sunday, 19 May, but I haven't decided yet). I got home for my now old job at 10pm last night. I did a run this morning at 6am and then went to my new job at 9am. I'm going to be exhausted for the next few days.

Week 8: Day 2 - 19 February 2019

• morning run = 3.05 miles; time = 35:30; average pace @ 11:58
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

So, I decided last week to start eating for my runs and I finally figured out what my stomach could tolerate without getting sick with the help of someone else who made this suggestion...not that I got sick before from eating something for a run, but I didn't know how much I could eat. I had oatmeal or peanut butter on one slice of bread or one banana before a run, but I felt like whatever I ate, wasn't enough and I would get hungry after two miles into my run. (1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 cup granola, and a handful of two different fruits) So, I think it's helping because I'm running faster. Even though I knew that I could run faster and 13 or 14 minute per mile was really my lazy pace. After my run, I would a protein shake with protein powder, chocolate powder and peanut butter powder. I think I have to start adding water, not milk, to this because even though I can handle dairy, my dairy consumption needs to be in moderation and I pay for the consequences if I get a little carried away with my consumption. For now, I'll just deal with it, but I'm just happy, knowing what I can tolerate and eat for a run. I have a slightly different yogurt concoction for my bike ride. I have yet to try it out though, but I'm sure it will be very helpful.

Week 8: Day 1 - 18 February 2019

• morning run = 4.24 miles; time = 57:14; average pace @ 13:29
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I did an easy, recovery run this morning. I got carried away with my pace from yesterday's run, so I was feeling achy/sore this morning. I knew that I would be sore right after I was done. I purposely didn't plan to do anything else like a bike ride or hike, although I think I would have been okay doing a hike. Maybe I'll do a hike later this week. There isn't any rain in the forecast for the week, so I'll also do a ride or two in a few days.

Week 7: Day 7 - 17 February 2019

• Firecracker 10K (6.21 miles) Run; time = 1:02:52; average pace @ 10:07
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 22.33

Total Monthly Mileage: 51.09

Total Yearly Mileage: 141.5

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 52.49

Total Monthly Mileage: 77.59

Total Yearly Mileage: 210.47

I forgot to mention yesterday that I had planned to do the Firecracker 10K run and I didn't planned the Firecracker bike ride. I've done the Firecracker ride in previous years, but didn't this year because of personal reasons. I'll sign up for the ride next year. I've done better this time around. I haven't done a run at or close to 10 minutes a mile in awhile. I outran some kids who couldn't handle the hills (I eat hills for breakfast), but I think a mom with a stroller beat me. She ran downhill pretty easy because she had a stroller with a toddler pull her down the hill, making it easier for it (she struggled uphill) and I couldn't find her after I took some photos. I could have done better if I just kept going without stopping for pictures. If I can lose 30 pounds, I can run 10 minutes a mile more easily without any effort. 

Next event? I'm not sure yet. In the meantime, I can go back to running for fun and doing whatever I feel like doing.

Week 7: Day 6 - 16 February 2019

• morning ride = 22.6 miles; time = 1:48:10; average speed @ 12.5 mph
• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total

I almost didn't want to go out for a ride this morning because it was cold, but it was sunny with clear skies and I figured I would be fine (warm) once I got started. I felt better after awhile even though my legs didn't want to ride any more hills (the hills were a little bit easier this morning). I also didn't have to deal with bad drivers this time.

Week 7: Day 5 - 15 February 2019

• morning run = 2.75 miles; time = 34:54; average pace @ 12:41
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total
• bike ride = 15.35 miles; time = 1:17:12; average speed @ 12 mph

I wasn't planning on a run this morning, but I went anyway just for the heck of it. I almost didn't go out for a ride because I didn't like how the clouds looked (a little dark and gloomy), but I felt better 15 minutes into my ride when I had a better view. I wish drivers were more careful around pedestrians and bicycle people instead of acting so arrogant. I almost got hit by someone's side mirror because he was driving too close to me.

Week 7: Day 4 - 14 February 2019

• morning run = 5.3 miles; time = 1:02:12; average pace @ 11:44
• walked dogs = 1.6 miles total

Did my run in the rain. The rain finally died down and stopped during the last mile or so, but I already looked like a drowned mouse. Sometimes I wonder what people (mainly drivers) think of me when they see me running in the crazy rain as they're driving by.

Week 7: Day 3 - 13 February 2019

• morning run = 4.27 miles; time = 1:03:44; average pace @ 14:55
• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total

Missed out on the rain this morning during my run. That is all. (I'm just mainly updating this. Not much to update.)

Week 7: Day 2 - 12 February 2019

• morning run = 3.8 miles; time = 46:44; average speed @ 12:17
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

Only five more days (17 February) until the Firecracker 10K event. Then I can go back to do easy runs five miles or less on easy hills.

Week 7: Day 1 - February 11, 2019

• walked dogs = 2.7 miles total
• bike ride = 14.54 miles; time = 1:09:56; average speed @ 12.5 mph
• hike Antonovich Trail (San Dimas-Glendora) = 5.27 miles; time = 2:27:47

My legs were protesting and didn't want to ride. I couldn't say no to nice weather. I also wanted/needed to do some hill training, but my legs weren't having any of it at all. Something was better than nothing.

I also did a new hike today. I wanted to do six miles, but stopped at a stream that I wasn't willing to cross because it was a little too deep (more than ankle deep) and turned around to head back to my car. I got tired of my feet getting wet and I was getting cold (I started my hike around 3pm) anyway.

Week 6: Day 7 - 10 February 2019

• walked dogs = 2.5 miles total

Running:

Total Weekly Mileage: 22.02

Total Monthly Mileage: 28.76

Total Yearly Mileage: 119.17

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 25.1

Total Monthly Mileage: 25.1

Total Yearly Mileage: 157.98

I originally had planned to go on a group ride with some friends this morning, but due to the unpredictable weather (light rain on and off) all morning/day, we had to cancel the ride. The unpredictable/unusual amount of rain that we've been getting this year isn't affecting my running goals because I will run in the rain and I don't care if it's raining or not (even though I am getting tired of running in the rain), but the rain is killing my riding goals. I mean we do need the rain and I'm grateful for it, but it would be nice if it was a little more spread out and not all at the same time in a short time frame. But I can't tell mother nature that.

Week 6: Day 6 - 09 February 2019

• morning run = 7.27 miles; time = 1:37:39; average pace @ 13:25
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I thought it would be misty or light drizzle this morning. What happened??? It started off with light drizzle and then it got crazy during the second half of my run. So much rain. I'm not really having fun running in the rain anymore. We do need the rain, but this is a bit much in four weeks. I think in 2015, we had more or less the same amount of rain as we do this year at this same time of the year....which was a lot of rain considering we normally don't get this much rain normally. But I think I did a lot of my runs in dry conditions and then it would rain afterward or it would rain during the night.

Week 6: Day 5 - 08 February 2019

• morning ride = 25.10 miles; time = 2:05:01; average speed @ 12mph
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

I've been making up excuses to avoid doing a ride all week. It's cold. It's windy. I'm tired. It's raining. Mainly "It's windy" because it was windier than it seemed and I don't like wind. It's harder to do a ride alone because you have no one expecting you to show up when it's time to ride. I'm doing a ride with a group on Sunday morning, but it may potentially be canceled because of rain, even though it would be light.

Week 6: Day 4 - 07 February 2019

• morning run = 6.19 miles; time = 1:15:22; average pace @ 12:10
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

Normally, I don't complain about cold weather or running in it because I actually enjoy it. It's too bad that I'm still missing one glove because I dropped one during a run awhile ago and I never found it. My hands and arms are normally okay with gloves on in extremely cold weather, but they were cold and frozen this morning. I think I did something really weird with my right arm because I got a muscle cramp near my elbow. Maybe because I didn't drink enough water yesterday? This was the first time that I ever got a muscle cramp in my arm for any reason. Yesterday morning was 35 F degrees. This morning was 37 degrees and felt colder than yesterday.

Week 6: Day 3 - 06 February 2019

• morning trail run = 3.55 miles; time = 52:24; average pace @ 14:45
• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total

Ten years ago, I used to not have the tolerance to run in really cold weather. After some thinking, I've now wondered why! Since I was already a morning runner, I noticed that I wanted to watch the sunrise during my runs. This meant that I had to deal with cold weather at 7am in December and January. The sunrise was more exciting to look at and was always different every morning during the cooler/cold months while it was not really so exciting during the summer months. The sunrise was the same every morning in the summer. So I learned to tolerate cold weather. Ten years ago, I was able to tolerate 60 and 70-something degree weather. I can't tolerate runs when it's 60 or 70-something degree weather anymore. If I start a half marathon in 50-something degree weather and finish in 70 something degree weather, the temperature increase is slow and gradual so I don't notice it until I'm at the finish line when I'm hot/sweaty, sore and covered in salt crystals. I don't mind 60 and 70-something degree weather when I'm walking or not doing vigorous exercises though.

Week 6: Day 1 - 04 February 2019

• morning run = 5.01 miles; time = 1:03:22; average pace @ 12:38
• walked dogs - 2.7 miles total

I didn't get rained on during my run. I took my dogs out for a walk right after my run and it started to pour during the last few minutes. Yay for that too.

It'll be raining on and off for the next two weeks. While we do need the rain, I'm a little tired of it. Not that it will stop me from running, but it's just so dangerous to do a ride in the rain. I'm debating about doing a hike in it, although I don't have shoes meant for walking in mud. I guess the good thing is that I don't have to worry about getting static when I touch something metal like my car door. This always happens in the winter months because it's so dry here and then it's all okay when it rains.

Week 5: Day 7 - 03 February 2019

• walked dogs = 2 miles total

Running: 

Total Weekly Mileage: 20.48

Total Monthly (January) Mileage: 90.41

Total Monthly (February) Mileage: 6.74
Total Yearly Mileage: 97.15

Cycling:

Total Weekly Mileage: 15.26

Total Monthly (January) Mileage: 132.88

Total Monthly (February) Mileage: 0

Total Yearly Mileage: 132.88

Updating for the mileage. I was originally going to do a ride with a group/some friends this morning, but the ride was canceled due to rain. If I knew that it was going to rain lightly this morning, I would have done my run this morning instead of in the pouring rain of yesterday.

Week 5: Day 6 - 02 February 2019

• morning run = 6.74 miles; time = 1:25:50; average pace @ 12:44
• walked dogs = 1/2 mile

First world problems: I can't turn off the rain when I'm training for a running event (I have a 10k event in two weeks). It wasn't that bad at the beginning of my run even though I picked up my pace so I could get out of the rain sooner, but it didn't help or matter when the rain got heavier during the last three miles. So much rain today. I was only able to take my dogs out for a few minutes because it had stopped raining (light drizzle) after my run. I was originally going to do a ride with a group tomorrow, but it looks like more rain is in the forecast for the next few days. I guess it didn't matter if I did my run this morning or tomorrow. Rain either way. I won't be doing much tomorrow.

Week 5: Day 5 - 01 February 2019

• walked dogs = 2.6 miles total
• hike = 4.25 miles; time = 1:58:03

I updated my blog post from yesterday. After I posted/shared, I took my dogs out for a 1/2 mile walk. Then did the photo walk with a photography group. Normally, when we do photo walks, we typically walk two to three miles in two hours (we stop a lot to take photos of whatever interest us). It seemed like we walked a lot (4.6 miles is a lot for us) and didn't stop long enough or frequently for photos.

Anyway, did a hike close to home today. I didn't feel like actually driving somewhere for a hike. I'm going to try a new hike this month. Next week maybe? Between alltrails.com and a hiking book that I have, I found 11 hikes that I'm interested in. Since it's a new month, it's time for a new hike.