recovery

I've been home for over 3 weeks now. I think I might be recovered! I spent a week doing absolutely nothing basically. That was nice. Slugger and I didn't leave each other's sides :) Since then I have slowly tried to do some of the things on my summer to-do list. One of the issues is that most of them are outdoors and it's been way too hot to be outside! But this week I have finally been able to work in the shed and it's almost organized! That will get another post another day, when it's done. 

Slugger and I have walked a lot. Most days twice to get in enough steps but also not die of heat exhaustion. We've helped Dad clean up his house. We've cleaned up our own house, including breaking and then fixing, the bed in the process of deep cleaning the bedroom. I had a colonoscopy. A friend came over for lunch. So it's been a good summer, just quiet and relaxing and HOT. 

One. More. Week.

Winter Break Week #3

 Everything is off my list except "clean good". Well, know what? That "good" part is relative. I DID clean. Sort of. 

I finished the baby blanket and it's ready to be packed for next weekend. I also finished putting together my thank you gift montage for my Secret Santa. Hope she loves it all!

On Thursday, Slugger got into a row with a couple loose dogs. He's got some scrapes but he's okay. 

I FINALLY finished the kitchen counter project!! Now, technically, I haven't ruled out eventually putting a little white between each of the back splash tiles but I like it the way it is, I think. And the kitchen is clean and put back together!!! YAY!!!! So, see, I cleaned.

The BIG thing of the week that wasn't on the list cuz I didn't know it was a thing, is that it seems I've unclogged the drains. Last weekend when I did laundry, I think, it backed up into the bathroom sink. Or at some point. Anyway, I put baking soda and vinegar down all the drains except in the guest bathroom (cuz I didn't think about it until like an hour ago). Washing machine did weird things, but I think it was unrelated. No gurgling! No gurgling when I take a shower! AND I'm currently running the dishwasher and NO gurgling!! So maybe there'd been a clog as long as I've lived here?! I'm thinking it might be a good idea to run the mixture down the drains every month or two. Or every break :) Anyway, I think I have success. 

It snowed on Wednesday. Little over an inch. It's been cold though so it's lingering in places. I got in my NYD run but not a run on Wednesday. I burned some calories in the exercise room instead. Then today I headed up 2N02. It was sketchy in places but nothing impassable, on foot. There were vehicles but I would NOT have done that!! And it was beautiful :)

1/1/24 run

Snow!

Saturday run up 2N02

That's about it. Now a whole lot of puppy snuggles until the alarm goes off really really early on Monday morning!

Break Week 2

 Christmas! I decided months ago to not do gifts. For monetary purposes is what I told everyone. There was also the desire to not put effort into buying/creating gifts that are not appreciated. The more I think about last year, the more upset I get. It's not about being appreciated but well, at least a thank you would be nice. 

Anyway, Slugger got a new baby (new cow) and some treats. And Boo got treats. Dad came over for lasagna. It was quite yummy. We watched Bones Christmases and A Christmas Story. Then he left and I watched Christmas Vacation. Low-key but nice day. 

Decorations went back to the shed the next day. Wednesday was a run and dinner at Himalayan with D and L. That was nice of course. They gave me a Moose cookbook which was nice of them. 

Thursday I finally got the new tattoo. A week late, but that's okay. It's there now and healing okay. I am oddly unemotional and indifferent. Which tells me that I am really just moving through life and not at all happy, overall. But I know that now and will work on fixing it in 2024 - see next post. 

Slugger and I went to AV to run errands on Friday. He had two walks, a ham bone and a pup cup so I think it was a good outing in his eyes! I went to Costco, Walmart, Target and got shrimp fried rice :) So I'd say it was a good day too. 

Yesterday was Dad's 81st bday. He came over for enchiladas. I made up the "recipe" and they were actually very good. And easy :) They'll be in the rotation, I think. Not all that healthy for Dad though. 

Today I'll tackle goals, and new budget and such. While listening to an audiobook to get in book #50 of my goal of 50. At least it's pretty good. Then I'll head to a NYE party. Yes! For real! It helps that I am supposed to wear pink :) I am, of course, wearing a LOT of pink :)

Christmas Break Week 1

 It's been a good week. A lot of nothing but yet some productivity too. Nothing crossed off the list yet, except an oil change, but I've started the bigger projects - backsplash and baby blanket. I crossed some stuff off cuz it was supposed to snow but it didn't so maybe I'll get to the new lot too.

Ran a lot of errands. DTH on Monday to get the oil change, see the gyro, and get my brows waxed. 

Tuesday, Dad and Slugger and I drove to Palm Springs for lunch at Billy Reeds. So yummy! Before lunch, we had a walk at Ruth Hardy Park. So many memories. After lunch, we drove over to the wash where the PS50 was held way back when. Hasn't changed much. A few new condos but the actual path was the same. 

(There were more pics but Blogger is being weird and I gave up)

Wednesdays run was excellent until my knee started hurting about halfway. Stopped after a few minutes. Then the other knee hurt the rest of the day. Of course. Thursday involved a visit to the chiropractor and a dental cleaning. I ran again on Saturday and the knee isn't great but it's survivable. Doesn't hurt while I run, so that's good! Chiro thinks maybe a Bakers cyst. That sounds like too much trouble. I think my knee cap is off track again. Should probably go see Shiatsu Tom. We'll see. I'm stretching a lot, etc. 

Now I"m baking bread that will be garlic bread and later i'll make a pumpkin pie. Doesn't really go with lasagna but I don't care :)

Here's to week 2! Still without snow!!

Sick again?!

 I don't really feel sick, per se. But I have a cough which makes it hard to breathe at times. I went for a run today anyway. Didn't cough the whole time but the uphills were more difficult that usual. The legs and everything else felt good so yay! I really want to start building some miles but I feel like everything just keeps getting in the way. This week we're supposed to get our first real storm. So I have to figure out how to get miles in, not on trails. Probably. Oh well. 

Getting a new tattoo on Thursday. Sadly not Astros related. But much desired. The methodist cross and flame. It means so much to me. About time it was on my body. Especially since it might be a relic soon. 

It's Christmas Break, btw. Three weeks to get stuff done, and sit around a lot. Yay! 

Stupid Cyclist on PCT

Tried to ruin my run. But I think it might've actually spurred me on a little. Gave me some adrenaline. He didn't do anything to me, just laughed when I told him he wasn't allowed to be there. In my teacheriest voice, I repeated myself. :)  They have the WHOLE rest of the mountain!! Makes me so mad. Oh well. Still had a fabulous, pain free run!!

PLUS I've had a bunch of energy all day and have done a whole bunch of chores. Well, several anyway. I still have quite a list. Not necessarily all to be done this weekend. I kinda keep thinking I'm already on break. Oops. 4. more. days. (with kids)

Consistency is key

 As always and in anything, consistency is key. I need to be more consistent in many things:

-journaling

-God/prayer time

-blogging

-running

-exercising

-vitamins

But I get in a funk and all bets are off. This has been a lengthy funk. Not yet out of it but at least I'm starting to feel like I want to be. I guess. I know it's a cycle. I stop being consistent and thus get in a funk. To get out of the funk, I need to be more consistent about the items above. But the fink causes me to not wanna. 

So yeah.

Almost OK

Healthwise, almost OK. Baseball? Doing well!! 

Had a decent day at school. I finally don't feel like trash. Throat is okay unless I talk a lot or have to raise my voice too much. Which I didn't too very much. Still very little energy though. Oh well, two whole days to sleep :) Though I'm hoping to go for a run tomorrow. Or at least exercise. And give Slugger a good walk!

Back and forth, aggravating baseball. Benches cleared. Altuve hits a go-ahead HR top of the 9th. Pressley had a 2 inning "save"/win. It was amazing! Lead the series 3-2 and going home. Gotsta win one at home... People need to stop comparing it to 2019 WS. Please no. 

Gonna finish my book toboight. I've had to restrict myself to one chapter each night the last couple nights cuz of early alarms. Not tonight! But really, I don't have but about 40-50 pages left. Kinda sad to be saying goodbye to these characters and worlds. Guess that's what makes a good book!

Goodnight Blog!

Summer 2022

 On this, my last day of summer break (basically), I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on a very good summer (this will be long - I should have blogged more of this individually!). It was an excellent mix of getting stuff done and sitting around doing nothing. Productive yet relaxing. I'd like another week or two of course. But I think I'm ready.

Where I went:

Started with an EXCELLENT girls weekend with Karie in Palm Springs. We sat by the pool for endless hours, chatting, laughing, being still. It was glorious. We ate good food, drank, and laughed and laughed. It was exactly what I needed without knowing I needed it!

Couple of weeks later, Slugger and I had a nice, short road trip to San Diego. He put his feet in the water and had lots of small walks. He was VERY good in the hotel. On the drive home we went the very long way and had several good walks and snacks. 

As has kind of become tradition, I spent the 4th of July weekend in Temecula with the Whites. As always, MUCH fun was had and memories were made. We had tea, discovered a great used book store, antiqued and laughed - that was day one. On Sunday Thomas and I had a breakfast outing and then he went with me to Walmart (such a trooper, my Godson!). Then Karie and Ben and I went to a speakeasy (yes!) so I could enjoy my first professional Bees Knees - SO good! That night we all went to the Lake Elsinore Storm game. They lost but the fireworks were nice. I went home the next day. SO MUCH FUN!!

My summer ends with another trip to San Diego tomorrow for an AVID conference. Not really vacation, but going to enjoy the swanky hotel!

What I did:

I gave myself a LONG to-do list and spent ALL summer slowly making my way through it. First, I dealt with the weeds and then I cleaned the house. Like really cleaned. Then it got fun :) I ordered 8 tons of gravel and ended up having to spend a LOT more time than I expected moving it to where I wanted it. But now I can park not in mud on the lower side of the house in the winter. I also am on the schedule to get the house painted and for the whole house generator to be installed. Oh, I stained the "new" buffet. I also re-adhered the cork in the she-cave after it all fell down. That wasn't planned! Plus a bunch of little things like shredding a bunch of old documents.

I FINALLY hiked up Sugarloaf Mountain! I was alone (saw one other person the whole trip) and hiked - poles, boots and all. It was difficult but I'd do it again!

I ran. And I ran. I FINALLY figured out the toe blister thing and so I was able to up my mileage quite quickly. Maybe too quickly at the end. BUT I accomplished an actual, literal bucket list item... I ran 26.2 miles - a marathon! From my house to Little Bear Springs, with Cougar Crest in the middle. (That was a stupid idea, btw). Ultras, here I come :)

I think that's about it. Slugger and I walked almost every day - he even got up to a 1.67 neighborhood outing! We hung out with Dad. We drove to the PO a lot. We watched a LOT of TV (Alias, Blossom, Bones). It was a VERY GOOD summer!!! 

Just In: I LIKE SNOW!!!

If you know me at all, you probably know that I have always hated snow and cold and winter in general. I don't want to go out in it, on foot or by car. When I decided to move to BB, I made Dad promise he'd drive me around when it snowed and I had to get somewhere. One of the reasons that the online job seemed perfect - I would't HAVE to go out in it. It took me 25 years to move back to BB because I didn't want to deal with snow.

I don't really remember hating it in DE but I also only remember one or two snow storms. It was in DE that I learned what an ice storm is all about. But I also had a 4WD truck so I guess I just dealt with driving in it when I needed to. My memories of DC snow are getting a day or two off here and there and that people would just abandon their cars in the middle of the street. Every year they acted like it had never snowed before even though we generally got at least one decent storm each winter. And Texas snow wasn't really snow. The few times it was, we got lots of days off school so I didn't have to deal with it. Same with the ice. Lots and lots of ice days over the years!! In fact, eight years ago I was in the middle of a week off due to ice - I went nowhere!

Fast forward to 2019. I now live in BB and own a 4WD truck again. And snowshoes. I have appropriate clothing for the cold (though not like the -40 polar vortex the midwest just experienced). And guess what? I LIKE SNOW!!! I was actually bummed yesterday because it rained all day instead of snowing!! It did finally snow once it got cold enough. Just an inch or so though.

I took off on my snowshoes this morning to see how much the woods got. Maybe two inches as I got a little higher. I'm sure it was a lot more even higher because that rain would've been snow up there. Anyway, as you know, my most favorite place on earth is in the woods. Today, I mostly was on the established trail but most of the time I was the only tracks. It was AWESOME!!! I'd show you how beautiful it was but I left my phone at home on accident. But I was kinda glad that it was just me and God, roaming through the snowy woods, the sun trying to peak through the clouds and trees. Seriously just amazing.

We are supposed to get even more snow tonight and the next TWO days. Hopefully it's snow!! We might even get a snow day but I hope not. I have plans for the day we'd give up in May!! Besides, I can drive in it so might as well go to work!! I do already have plans to take Slugs with me tomorrow afternoon, snowshoeing in the woods :)

Moral of the story: people CAN change!!

Western States 100 2018

(This is last year's post which has a link to the year before which I think has links to others, in case this is your first Race report and you don't understand what is happening!)


I'm not sure where to even start! It seems like the details are always the same - we drive to Auburn on Friday, stay at the Motel 6, head to Quarry Road, etc...

This year, Dad and I had the added adventure that he was trying the Keto diet and I was trying to stay mostly Vegan. It made eating out a challenge but one we happily accepted! For dinner we tried the Black Bear Diner. It is a chain with about 20 restaurants in CA. We'd seen billboards along our drive up the 99 and always considered it in Auburn but just never tried it. Well, we sure are glad we did! Dad had the best omelette ever (he said so!) and I can't remember what I ate!! I'm sure it was breakfast - french toast maybe?! But it was so good we went back there for breakfast!! Partly because the Denny's across the street from the Motel 6 was closed. Closed! Denny's don't close! I mean, permanent, weeds growing in the parking lot kind of closed! The guy at the Motel 6 said he didn't know what happened; it was just closed one day. Interesting! We really didn't mind going to the Black Bear again!!

We, of course, had plenty of time before we needed to head out to Quarry Road so we drove through town and stopped at the Auburn Running Company. I had been pondering a new hydration pack because I wanted more pockets, and more functional pockets. I tried this one on and took a pic so I could shop for it elsewhere. Then I decided that I would rather give my money to ARC so I bought it!! It is SO comfortable - hardly know I'm wearing it! And it has the fancy soft bottles. (Now that I've used it a couple times, I'll tell you I use one bottle for my Nuun electrolyte and the other pocket for my phone, with the extra bottle getting swapped out midrun, if I ever go that far).

We checked in at Net Control and drove off to Quarry Road. We were of course early and there well before the Aid Station folks. We set up a little but luckily not everything because we ended up moving once everyone was there. We listened for runners getting to the aid stations before us. Jim Walmsley was in the lead by quite a bit (it's a Job thing, go read the last two year's posts!). Once he left ALT (the station before us), I went up the trail to where the aid station used to be, about 3/4 of a mile, so I could radio back that he was on his way. THIS time, he was smiling, chatty, and all around looked like he was having a great day. I radioed and took off running after him. I wanted to see how much longer it took me! Now, it's downhill the entire way and I ran almost all of it - likely more than I would have if just out on a run. It took Jim SIX minutes. Me? twelve. Not bad!! Jim went on to win the race in a new course record of 14 and a half hours!! 

I have no idea when or why I took this! Looks like before anyone else got there though.

I really shouldn't have waited 2+ months to write this because I'm having trouble remembering much about the night! We saw a LOT of runners. Except for the hour between Jim and the next guy, we never really had more than 5 minutes between runners. Seriously, it was a steady stream of runners and pacers for HOURS. 

The Aid Station crew chose the 70's as their theme this year. Tie-dye tablecloths and t-shirts, weed (yes, really), and decent music. It was pretty much the same group as every year, plus a few newbies. Always fun to share the night with them. 

Dad and I packed up and drove home. He actually let me drive most of the way!! We got back to my house to see very happy puppies. My buddy Jacob had taken very good care of them! 

The only non-race excitement is that I spent most of the drive up trying to lock down a 4th reference for a job at Connections Academy. See the next post...

My 1st 13.1

Now that I've run in double digits, the options are endless. Or something like that. Anyway, during Spring Break I planned to head to Big Bear for several relaxing days, and a trail run of course. I told Dad I wanted at least 11 but my brain kept saying 12. At that point, what's a few more steps, right?

Dad and I looked at maps and mileage while taking into consideration what trails would be driest since we'd had so much rain the week before, plus snow melt off. We even did a little reconnaissance by driving over to see if the gate was still closed on Van Dusen Canyon Road. It closes for the winter but it had closed so late we were hoping maybe they'd open it early. No luck. This meant I could start at the dump road, but I'd have to go most of the run without seeing Dad. Although it's way awesome for my spirits to see Dad every few miles, it is incredibly important for refueling! So I didn't like that route. We finally decided that the best idea was for me to just run up the closed road to the trail. It's not too steep of a road and more or less, that was the worst of the up. Then I'd see Dad after 5 miles, 3 miles and 4 miles. Add that up and it's about 12 miles. Perfect.

Dad dropped me off at the gate and I headed up. It really wasn't bad at all. The up was broken up with some decent flat (ish - it's all relative) and I was able to run quite a bit of it. I told myself I'd appreciate all the down more if I ran as much of the up as I could muster. It wasn't quite 2.5 miles to the trail where I turned left and headed West (or North to Canada 😜 ). This part of the trail was new to me (or at least after I'd gone a mile or two). I was excited to get to the top of Cougar Crest since I'd never been there from this direction before. I knew I was getting close because I started seeing people who were headed up to Bertha Peak (I guess). There was mostly up to that point but it wasn't that relentless steep stuff that wears on the legs and psyche. It was beautiful trail and I was happy to be there.

At Cougar Crest, I turned right and headed down toward Dad. I had done the math after seeing a trail sign, more or less, and realized that I would be doing more like 13 miles. I was kind of excited that I'd be getting so close to the half marathon distance. Wasn't sure I'd feel like tacking on whatever was necessary at the end but I knew I'd be close so that made me happy.

After I saw Dad at Polique, I headed on to a more familiar trail which I think was my issue. I knew where I was but it seemed like it was 10 times longer than it should have been. Or something. I got inside my head, as they say, and I was basically miserable. I felt fine, run wise but I just wasn't having fun. I can't really explain it any other way. I felt like I was just lumbering along struggling mightily. Turned out I was actually faster in that section than the last time I ran it! So it was all in my mind. It happens.

I was also petrified of my inevitable toe blisters. I had tried moleskin and regular (non-toe) socks for the first time. The only way to figure out a cure is trial and error. Unfortunately until I find the right solution, I know I'm going to end up with some MEAN blisters. When I saw Dad at 3N12 (8.5 miles or so), I took off the moleskin and put on the gooey gunky stuff. In hindsight I can say BAD idea! Perhaps if I'd put on toe socks at the time it might not have been SO bad. But as it was, the next 4.5 miles gave me worse blisters than ever before. It was all downhill so I ran as much as I could but I just had to be careful how my feet landed so as not to hit the toes wrong.

The good news is that the rest of me felt FINE!! I was tired of course. I had started out in earmuffs and gloves, shed them and then reddened them here in the final 4 miles or so. It all kind of depended on which side of the mountain I was one and how much the wind was whipping. Wind can be very cool in the mountains!

Anyway, I was making my way toward Dad at Little Bear Springs where I was stopping. I was pretty sure I'd get to just about 13 miles. My head told me that a half marathon was 13.2 and I didn't think I'd quite get there but who cares - close enough!! I saw Dad and we walked the last .25 to the car together. Which put me at 13.15. I told Dad that was close enough to which he replied, "a half marathon is 13.1". I did it!!!

Last summer, I registered myself for a virtual half marathon through the Stars Hollow Running Club. It was originally "run" LAST winter. So I have awarded myself my medal finally (see pic below). And I have finally stopped beating myself up about my "bad run". Cuz well, I went a long way, and other than the blisters, I felt GREAT after!! And 2 days later I ran almost 2 miles (in the heat) and 2 days after that, I ran 5 (see next post). And I could be at 20+ by the end of the summer!

the first and largest of 5 trees I would go over.  

I used that piece on the left as a step to get over it. Great fun!

Views like this make it all worthwhile!! Can't get these in TX!!

They always send a bib too. I didn't wear it because I didn't start out thinking I was running that far!

Smell of Snow Half Marathon medal :)

I RAN A WHOLE MILE

When I started running, I kept running because I learned that "running" doesn't mean you can't walk! I have increased my running segments but kept my walking segments at about 1 minute. I now regularly go 4-7 minutes without walking during a long run. I've done longer. I'm not afraid to do shorter. When on trails, it often depends on the terrain. On my last long run here in the desert, I went 11 minutes on a run segment.

Well, today, I went a whole mile! That was 14 and a half minutes!! And it felt great!! I would like to point out, this was from 2.5 to 3.5 miles in a 4.7 mile run. And after that stint, I did 2 half miles, the final one up hill.

Moral of today's run: I'm making progress!!!

Double Digits Baby!

I haven't written about every run. Just the highlights. And man is this a highlight!!

Last weekend I accomplished 9.4 miles so I decided that THIS weekend would be the very exciting TEN mile run! Except it was supposed to rain :(

Dad and I checked several weather sites several times and concluded that we'd get up Saturday morning and assess. It was not actually raining yet and for the most part, it looked like if it did rain, it would be later and not much. So, I decided I was going to start on the trail. We had a backup plan of sorts if the radar, etc was wrong.

It was cold and wet - nothing falling, but wet. I'm sure you know what I mean. And really, it wasn't THAT cold... it's all relative! I started in a long sleeve shirt and a rain jacket (it's an old one from my bike days, I think it's supposed to be for rain...) with light gloves and earmuffs. When I saw Dad the first time after 2 miles, I took off the jacket and gloves but kept them with me. I left on the earmuffs. Those were removed (and worn around my neck) somewhere before I saw dad again at just under 4 miles total.

There we also saw two women who were section hiking part of the PCT. They were finishing where I had last seen Dad. For now. They planned to start there in April for another few days. Fun, fun. I was tempted to ask them "book or movie" but they seemed like legit hiker people. (Watch the Gilmore Girls revival - that'll make more sense)

The plan was to get to 2N02 and turn around and go back almost to where I started. Each segment was about 2 miles (segments being runs between seeing Dad) so I was doing 5 - not finishing where I started. Once I got there, it was confirmed that as long as I made it back to Highway 18 as planned, I'd have my 10 miles! We were both pretty jazzed!! I was hot so there I took off the long sleeve shirt but kept the jacket tied around my waist. I also ditched the earmuffs for good.

About halfway back to seeing Dad again (mile 8 or so), I put the jacket back on, over my pack. The clouds were rolling in and there was a nippy breeze. Once I got to Dad, I took my pack off and put the jacket on proper. We also discussed the fact that at some point, I'd be running in a cloud. It looked like possibly the rest of the way. Also, we knew I would definitely make my goal. It was fun that Dad was excited as I was!!

I never did run in a cloud. When I got to where I had just been so sure I would, I looked back at where I was and THAT was in a cloud. Weird. But probably good.

I knew this section held a very steep hill before I got to the last half mile or so which was all downhill. I got to the steepest part and ran into a family out for an adventure. It was so steep there, I didn't care; I walked. Also, I had just crossed into having gone further than I ever have. I was tired. And the blisters had arisen.

I pressed forward, running when I could but not much. I kept an eye on my watch so I'd know when I was approaching 10 and so I could make sure I was running at that point. Right?! I was about 10 yards from the top of the hill when my watch beeped 10 miles. I radioed to dad. I stopped and praised God a moment at the top of the hill. Then I let it rip all the way down! Hehe. I'm never very fast.

WHAT A DAY!!! I never really got wet, just damp at the beginning. Never saw mud. My bad toe never hurt! The blisters held off until the very end. As always, I was happy to stop, but had fun while I was doing it!!

Dad took this at almost 9:

Dad is so awesome! He spent his day roaming around the mountain but mostly just waiting for me! It's great having a crew along, but it's even better when they're experienced in this madness and know what to ask, etc. If I'd been on my own, with the threat of rain and all, I might've just sat on the couch all day!! This was SOOO much better :)

I'm the pink line. Dad's the blue line. I'm not sure what the teal line is!
The green/red dot is where I finished. I started upper left. 

Long run with the runs

Yup, you read that right! You might not want to read this! I won't be graphic, though, promise.

Today I set out on what I hoped would be 7-7.5 miles. I ran to the aqueduct and then down the path (paved side). My goal was to go to the end but I wasn't sure how far that would be. I didn't want to overdo since I had to turn around and go back.

I got to the last road crossing and had gone 3.75 miles. I could see the little building at the end, but again, I didn't want to push myself. So glad I didn't!!

About half a mile later, my gut decided it didn't like me. Unfortunately I was three miles from home!!  I found that it was actually worse when I walked so I ran more than I might have otherwise. I knew there was a porta potty at a construction site about a mile from home. Could I make it 2 more miles?! Ugh!! I was on the aqueduct and couldn't exactly "step off" so I had to try. At the next road crossing I looked as far as I could see to make sure there wasn't a construction potty there somewhere. There wasn't. So I plodded on.

I made it to the porta potty just in time. After that, I was fine. I have NO idea what caused the issue. I didn't eat the second half of my Bloks on the run, just in case. I ate them later and was fine. Actually, I've been fine ever since. Last night, I ate Panera. A turkey sandwich. So, guess what? I'm not doing THAT again!! In fact, I'm going back to eating right - i.e. vegan. With occasional eggs and shrimp (SO not ready to give up my shrimp fried rice addiction). We'll see if that helps.

Now I'm recovering with the pooch. Iced my toe. It hurt most of the run. Which is interesting cuz it DIDN'T hurt until the end of my trail run last week. It's all a learning process. Still loving that process!!!

Attempted Yoga

In Texas I visited a yoga studio right down the street from the house as often as I could. The last several times I went, I went to a "restorative" yoga class. It was awesome but more about stretching and relaxing than balancing and such and what most people think of with yoga.

There aren't a lot of options for yoga here in the High Desert. There is a studio several miles from our house. Cost plus distance just doesn't seem worth it. BUT there's a gym not too far away that has yoga (and other) classes as part of membership. And it's cheap - for a gym. $20/month. So I decided to do a free-trial and try a class.

I came home and walked Slugs a little (got the mail) and watched Ellen. I wasn't sure how long signing up for the free trial would take, nor how crowded the class would be so I left earlier than I needed to - 4:30. I fed Slugger right before I left.

The class was great. I liked the instructor very much. Unfortunately, I didn't like the gym atmosphere. Even though we had soothing music on, we could still hear their obnoxiously loud music. And I jumped every time someone dropped a barbell/weight.

I did find it interesting that I was MUCH better at balance poses than I had been previously. I'm blaming the running! I could actually almost feel like I was doing tree pose instead of floundering like I used to. So YAY!

When I got home, Slugger had eaten an entire bag of potato chips. Guess he doesn't like me being gone in the evening either.

I have the exercise room all set up now so I'm going to try yoga at home for a few weeks. If that isn't working for me, I'll try the yoga studio.

Getting Motivated

For Martin Luther King Jr weekend, I decided to go to Big Bear to see Dad and go for a trail run. Since I had a 3rd day, I'd still have time to do household chores and such.

Dad got into the planning for my trail run and ended up being my crew! He dropped me at the dump road and I headed toward Canada. He would then pick me up where the PCT crosses VanDusen Canyon Road, about 6 miles later.

First, I had to run through the burn area from the Holcomb fire last June. It was stark and bare and just sad. Dad and I have hiked this section before and it's like a completely different place. I have pictures somewhere of the foliage that was so prominent and beautiful. Now I felt like I was on the moon or something. Sandy ash everywhere. I could see Baldwin Lake the entire way. Until I got to the side of the mountain that I needed to go up.

The trail went up with a couple switchbacks for about 2 more miles. It was rocky which I hate. I did a LOT of walking. I felt like I was dancing along the rocks, kinda power walking. But I did it and I knew that once I got to the top it would be worth it. And it was!!

Once I went over the top, I was able to run quite a bit. It was SO pretty and peaceful. There were quite a few snow patches. Some just a stride or two, others longer. I think the longest might have been 20 yards. And mushy snow because it was warm. My shoes got a little wet but I'd prefer that to scary icy snow.

It was mostly level or downhill at that point. It was AWESOME!!! Man, I want to live there so bad so I can run on trails all the time!!! But really, I think that running roads is good for me too. One, it makes me appreciate trails when I get to them. Two, it's different so it exercises muscles differently. Three, life isn't perfect.

I had a radio with me so I was listening to the BB Repeater the whole time. I chatted with Dad at about 3.5 miles. He was going to meet me along the trail to see how I was doing. I hadn't been on this trail though so I didn't really know where that point was. It was so much fun to be running strong down a hill and look up and there's Dad!! We walked a bit and chatted. I had a mile or so to the road. I set off running. He walked back to his car hoping to beat me to the "finish"!

This part I'd been on and recognized several portions. I finished with 6.9 miles!! I felt FANTASTIC!! I was tired and was happy to start but that "runner's high" had already settled in and I'm still feeling it!! I could almost forget about the mountain I started out going up!

It SO motivated me!! Let's DO this!!! Whatever THIS is 😉

One of the snow patches. The only pic I took cuz I was having so much fun!

Bonk!

I really don't mean to only write about running. But I'm on a mission to get better at it so it's what I do these days. Well, that and watch baseball.

Today's lesson learned: EAT DINNER! I was busy watching my boys last night and never actually ate dinner. I had the thought at one point but wasn't really hungry and couldn't decide what to eat and then it just never happened. MISTAKE!!

I didn't change up anything else that I did to prepare for this morning's "long" run so I'm pretty sure that was the difference maker. That and I didn't really have a plan of a route. But I don't think that was a factor. Where I ended up would've been just the distance I was aiming for (4ish miles).

The first mile was hard. My legs were tired. But I kept going. I was all in my head about how hot it was. I was trying a new system to deal with that. I got an extra, light-weight, collapsible water bottle that I could easily use to wet the bandana and/or my head. Turns out it wasn't all that easy. I actually stopped in order to wet the bandana. I wasn't even that hot. But I wanted to get ahead of the hot. Again, all in my head.

Anyway, I kept going. About 2 miles in, I just couldn't run anymore. I could've, I guess, but I wasn't having fun. So I walked. The entire last mile basically. And cut my route short. I think it was when I realized that I COULD cut it short that my mind won the battle. By then my legs were okay. It was just an overall, "not happening" kinda day.

Not sure any of this makes sense. But well, that's running!! Right?!

Training Update - Founders Day 5k

I actually had two nice runs while I was in SD. I was hoping that I'd be able to get back in to the habit and get inspired and all that. Worked!! This morning I set out for a "long run". But I decided to do something different. I had a goal of TIME instead of distance. I sort of had a route thought out but wasn't sure how long it take me. The plan was to run 30 minutes out, turn around and come home making an hour long run. I figured this should be 3-4 miles or so.

I started out heading toward the aqueduct on roads. Actually I basically ran as if I was going to work. Once I could see the aqueduct, I realized I'd be there before 30 minutes but not by too much. I really wanted to explore running on the path along the aqueduct but I had no idea where I'd be able to get back off the path besides WAY up at Main street which I knew was beyond my distance level. But I started that direction anyway.

This kind of led to some mental issues. I was tired and hot and had no idea if I'd end up going miles out of my way (okay a mile or two). I kept telling myself if I ended up having to go all that way, I'd just walk. I had plenty of water; I'd survive. There was a dirt path that more or less wandered parallel to the asphalt path I was on. I kept wondering if I was over there, I'd find an out. But then I wouldn't get in my whole hour cuz it'd put me closer to home. So, yeah, I was all up in my head.

I finally got to a point where I knew where I was, just on the wrong side of the fence. There are gigantic power lines inside the fence, which is why it's fenced off. Those power lines were between the aqueduct and my house, basically. I chose to transfer over to the dirt road/trail that went along the fence line in hopes of finding an opening in the fence. I passed one said opening because I couldn't see anyplace to get through the fence on the other side of the power lines. At the second opening, I took it as a sign (I could now see Main St and I REALLY didn't wanna go that far!!). I was directly across from another fence and I knew that road. I figured if I couldn't get through, I could follow THAT fence back toward home until I could get through. Sure enough, there WAS an opening. So then I ran home. I had actually walked quite a bit (3 minute intervals with a 2 minute run) trying to figure out where to go next.

Turned out I was out about 55 minutes and ran 3.7 miles. Not bad! And now I know I can get through there so the mental part won't be a factor next time.

I'm calling this my Founders Day 5k for the Stars Hollow running club. Go me :)

Forgot to wear the bib!

And I think I'm back into the running habit. I enjoy it and the feeling afterward (well, not the tired/hot but the satisfaction, etc.). My weekday runs were longer than normal cuz of being in SD and exploring there. I think that left me a little more tired today. So a little lighter week and perhaps the same long run next weekend. I don't have a new race registration yet but maybe soon. Maybe a thanksgiving 10k? or Christmas?? And finally a half by mid spring?

HTH San Diego trip

I was fortunate to be selected to attend an event at High Tech High (HTH) in San Diego. It was a 3 day workshop on Project Based Learning (PBL). HTH is entirely PBL and has grown to include schools K-12 in several locations in the San Diego area. It's an interesting concept. We were basically walked through the process of how to create a good project. We toured the campus; we met teachers and students; and we produced ideas of our own. I didn't get quite to the point of having a project to go home and implement but I at least started the idea process. It is hard to come up with good PBL in math. This was actually confirmed for me by a student. It's not impossible though!!

In addition to enjoying and learning at the conference, I had time to experience a little of San Diego! My first thought was that I wanted to run on the water. I found a park that had a nice path along San Diego Bay. I didn't even know there was a bay! So see I also learned things about SD, not just PBL! Wednesday afternoon after the conference I set out for Harbor Island for an afternoon jog. I tend to not run in the afternoon due to heat but also because when I do, I tend to get shin splints.  On this particular run, it was beautiful weather  but I did experience shin pain. I ran through it :) Here are some shots from before and during the run...

After my run, I decided to drive around a bit. I had run further than I thought I was going to (cuz math) and was pretty hot and tired but I wanted to explore. I drove toward downtown on Harbor Rd. I basically stayed on that road for several miles. I came to the USS Midway. It's a museum and has a little park. There were a lot of people but I found a parking spot and decided to walk around a bit. I had cooled off a little so I don't think I stuck out amongst the crowd. Here's what I saw...

USS Midway

statues of Bob Hope performing for military

I kept driving and eventually passed the Convention Center and Petco Park. Hope to see the Padres play there eventually.

PetCo Park, taken out my car window...

I eventually made my way to the bridge to Coronado. For some reason I remember it being a toll bridge. It's not anymore - even had signs that said that. Coronado was beautiful. I'd love to go back and spend a day exploring! 

Then I drove back via interstate. It was faster :) Also, I was pretty darn hungry and had put in an order at Native Foods Cafe. This is a vegan place I've heard about but never been to. It was good but not the best. I ordered nachos, 2 cupcakes and a peanut butter parfait thing (I actually ate that the next afternoon). I took it back to my hotel and enjoyed it in front of the TV. Cuz cable! I also figured out how I wanted to spend the next afternoon. I planned to go the other direction and explore Point Loma and Cabrillo Natl Monument and lighthouse. The only issue was that I'd have to leave the conference as quickly as possibly and dart over there cuz they close the gates at 5pm. Conference was scheduled until 3:30!

The conference actually ended the day's session by giving us time to work with the group we'd come with from our own schools (we'd been separated for the most part for the rest of the time). We all walked back to the hotel, talking about our ideas as we went, much earlier than we'd expected to be let loose. One of the group had the project idea to incorporate an Escape Room as a final product. So we chatted about that and several of us admitted to never doing one cuz we were were nervous for various reasons. As a group, we decided we should go do one together. So we did. This meant I didn't get to visit the lighthouse though. This was a HUGE escape from my comfort zone - to go against my plan, to socialize with strangers, and to do an escape room. But I did it!!! We failed to escape but I had a lot more fun than I thought I would!! I actually think it was good doing it with a group I didn't really know well. And now I want to try again so I can escape successfully!! 

After that, we went our separate ways. They were going "out" and well, I'd had enough socialization time! I still drove out to Point Loma toward the light house even though I knew it was too late to get into the park. I thought maybe I'd go back on my way home the next day. Along the road is a military cemetery. I had known this but wasn't expecting the long rows of white headstones, similar to Arlington in DC. I drove through the cemetery a little, stopped and wandered through some memorials. I hadn't heard of any of the incidents  I read about on those memorials. But said some prayers for the lost and their families. I then enjoyed the sunset from my car, within the cemetery. 

Memorial

looking back to SD bay

helicopter flew by

The sun basically just sank in to the water. It was fascinating and mesmerizing. And quick. Here's a video of it disappearing.

I drove back to the hotel via vegan fast food place (that's what they called themselves). I got a burger and chili cheese fries and cheesecake. I took them to the hotel and watched TV while devouring. Still prefer the Beyond Burger from Veggie Grill but this one was yummy. The cheesecake was okay. Didn't taste like cheesecake at all. I decided to just go home on Friday and not try to take in the lighthouse. I was worried about traffic and I missed my pooch incredibly! 

I very much enjoyed my visit to SD. I learned stuff at the conference and had fun exploring various parts of the city. I definitely want to go back and do more sightseeing!! Of course, I won't be staying at the same hotel. It was much nicer than I could afford!!