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!!!
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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.
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.
Monday, January 15, 2018
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 😉
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 😉
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| One of the snow patches. The only pic I took cuz I was having so much fun! |
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Winter Break ending
It was an interesting trail with interesting people. I'll leave it at that. We went about a mile and got to a very big water hole. Slugger REALLY wanted to go in. I chose to turn around. We even saw some horses on our way back!! Slugger did VERY well, considering.
Here are pics from the outing.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Christmas in CA!
I would not trade the many holidays I spent with just G or Slugs, or with my transplant family in Texas. But THIS year was extra special.
Dad and I were invited to my brother's for Christmas Eve but didn't really know what we were doing for Christmas day. I had planned a birthday/Christmas party for 12/30 to which I had invited some friends and my brother and SIL. Dad was in charge of seeing what was happening with the rest of the family.
On the Wednesday afternoon before Christmas (4.5 days) it was decided that my aunt and uncle and their three grown children would come to MY house for Christmas day! I was SO excited!!!! I immediately started making lists 😀 (also totally just learned how to put emojis in here!). Luckily school was out early on Thursday and we had Friday off. BUT Dad and I had plans in Big Bear on Saturday night, plus Christmas Eve (Sunday) with Dave and Loni. The decision was made that I, at least, would return to the desert after tamales at Dave's Sunday night.
Anyway, I thrive in busy-ness so it was great fun for me. I had several lists going and every minute was planned out. My favorite! No sarcasm there - I love doing nothing but I also love being busy and having a tight schedule, every once in a while. I already had the table ready (or planned) for the party on Dad's birthday so that part was easy. I have made a traditional Christmas dinner several times, so the food wasn't difficult. And I had it all scheduled out so it was a matter of just doing it.
Saturday night, Dad and I and two of his neighbors went to a fun Christmas "play" - A Christmas Carol Askew or something like that. Very very funny. Audience participation and singing and lots of laughs. Dad even got singled out in the crowd. He played along very well!! Sunday morning I went for a trail run. That evening we went off to Dave's. Yummy tamales and good company. Then we went and picked up the dogs and made our way to the desert.
Dad and I had a quiet but fun Christmas morning with the pooches while I periodically did something in the kitchen. Charlie, Patty, Steven, Tyler, and Samantha showed up right on time and the party began. The turkey was moist, the potatoes mushy, and the yams (a new dish for me) were quite yummy. I made the stuffing in the crockpot. I thought it was kinda dry but somebody (don't remember who) said it was just right. I don't like stuffing so whatever! I had made a cream cheese pie, a pumpkin pie and a pecan pie. Why all the pie?
Over the weekend, I had invited Joanna and her mom and brother to come over for pie on Christmas Day evening. With 7 people at dinner, plus 3 coming just for pie, it seemed I need a 3rd pie. Right? Eh. Could've done without the pumpkin cuz it wasn't very good. BUT I FINALLY got the cream cheese pie right!!!
Once Christmas was over, I could concentrate on the birthday party. I had decided on a Mexican fiesta. I made enchiladas, sopapillas, "refried" beans, etc. There were supposed to be 9 of us, but Dave and Loni came down sick so they didn't come. The 7 of us left enjoyed the meal and then we had a gift exchange (I ended up with a new fuzzy blanket!) and played some games. It was a good evening. I think Dad felt celebrated. Oh, there was a birthday cake (which has a story but I'll keep it to myself for now).Seventy-five never looked so good!!
All in all, it was an EXCELLENT Christmas week in California!! I was ready for a low-key first week of January, which I got 😄
Dad and I were invited to my brother's for Christmas Eve but didn't really know what we were doing for Christmas day. I had planned a birthday/Christmas party for 12/30 to which I had invited some friends and my brother and SIL. Dad was in charge of seeing what was happening with the rest of the family.
On the Wednesday afternoon before Christmas (4.5 days) it was decided that my aunt and uncle and their three grown children would come to MY house for Christmas day! I was SO excited!!!! I immediately started making lists 😀 (also totally just learned how to put emojis in here!). Luckily school was out early on Thursday and we had Friday off. BUT Dad and I had plans in Big Bear on Saturday night, plus Christmas Eve (Sunday) with Dave and Loni. The decision was made that I, at least, would return to the desert after tamales at Dave's Sunday night.
Anyway, I thrive in busy-ness so it was great fun for me. I had several lists going and every minute was planned out. My favorite! No sarcasm there - I love doing nothing but I also love being busy and having a tight schedule, every once in a while. I already had the table ready (or planned) for the party on Dad's birthday so that part was easy. I have made a traditional Christmas dinner several times, so the food wasn't difficult. And I had it all scheduled out so it was a matter of just doing it.
Saturday night, Dad and I and two of his neighbors went to a fun Christmas "play" - A Christmas Carol Askew or something like that. Very very funny. Audience participation and singing and lots of laughs. Dad even got singled out in the crowd. He played along very well!! Sunday morning I went for a trail run. That evening we went off to Dave's. Yummy tamales and good company. Then we went and picked up the dogs and made our way to the desert.
Dad and I had a quiet but fun Christmas morning with the pooches while I periodically did something in the kitchen. Charlie, Patty, Steven, Tyler, and Samantha showed up right on time and the party began. The turkey was moist, the potatoes mushy, and the yams (a new dish for me) were quite yummy. I made the stuffing in the crockpot. I thought it was kinda dry but somebody (don't remember who) said it was just right. I don't like stuffing so whatever! I had made a cream cheese pie, a pumpkin pie and a pecan pie. Why all the pie?
Over the weekend, I had invited Joanna and her mom and brother to come over for pie on Christmas Day evening. With 7 people at dinner, plus 3 coming just for pie, it seemed I need a 3rd pie. Right? Eh. Could've done without the pumpkin cuz it wasn't very good. BUT I FINALLY got the cream cheese pie right!!!
Once Christmas was over, I could concentrate on the birthday party. I had decided on a Mexican fiesta. I made enchiladas, sopapillas, "refried" beans, etc. There were supposed to be 9 of us, but Dave and Loni came down sick so they didn't come. The 7 of us left enjoyed the meal and then we had a gift exchange (I ended up with a new fuzzy blanket!) and played some games. It was a good evening. I think Dad felt celebrated. Oh, there was a birthday cake (which has a story but I'll keep it to myself for now).Seventy-five never looked so good!!
All in all, it was an EXCELLENT Christmas week in California!! I was ready for a low-key first week of January, which I got 😄
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| Opening Gifts from Santa |
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| Grandpa was trying to help with the packaging |
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| The first hiding spot |
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| Downtime between parties! |
I really should take more pics of stuff. I guess I was having too much fun!!!
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Thanksgiving 2017
I moved to CA for weeks just like this one! First, Dad and I worked Chimera. Then Slugs and I lounged at home for a couple days before heading to Big Bear for the holiday. Yay for being 75 minutes from Dad!!
One of the most exciting parts of being able to be in Big Bear for Thanksgiving is that we have a new member of our family!! My niece Alexis gave me a grand-nephew in September. They were going to BB for Thanksgiving!!
Not sure I've ever mentioned this here but my big brother and sister-n law are VERY active in the Fawnskin Moose Lodge. It is just down the street from their home. Loni is a regular bartender and Dave is some sort of officer at all times, as far as I know. He's been Governor several times I believe. Anyway, he serves Thanksgiving dinner (and Christmas apparently) to members. He cooked 5 turkeys and a turducken in addition to lots of other yummy sides. This is where Dad and I had our Thanksgiving meal :) It was so much fun! I met lots of people who I look forward to seeing more regularly now that I'm "local". And I held the baby!!
Oh and the Cowboys lost and the Redskins won. Added bonus. Overall, it was great to spend the holiday amongst family and friends eating good food and watching football. Dream come true. Here are pictures.
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| I bored him!! |
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| William Nicholas Brown |
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| Making faces |
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| The happy family |
Apparently once there's a baby, pictures of other people stop happening. Oops. Promise we were all there ;) Also it's very dark inside thus the horribly dark pictures! Sorry!
The NEXT day was almost as exciting. I had very much been looking forward to the annual Christmas tree lighting in The Village since last year when I knew I'd be there for this year. Dad got to work Search and Rescue for it but I was able to hang with him and his buddies until they had to go make room for the fire engine carrying Santa Claus to drive down the road.
There were carols being sung, people everywhere, and not a chill in the air. No really. It was warm. I wore a sweater and coat anyway cuz it's winter darn it!! They lit the tree, Santa arrived, and we all left. I was starving! It was so worth it though to ring in the Christmas season. Now we're home in the desert and will start decorating as soon as I stop writing :)
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| the crowd before it got crowded |
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| Merry Christmas from Big Bear!! |
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| Here Comes Santa Claus!! |
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Big Bear Turkey Trot 2017
(I've decided to split up the last week into several posts. Cuz a lot happened in just a few days!! YAY!!)
For some reason, I decided that running in the Big Bear Turkey Trot was a great idea. It was!! Might not have seemed so in the middle, but in hindsight, I'm so glad I participated!
The course was a 3-mile loop. I opted to do two laps to make 6 miles. It was about time to run a 10k, in my training, so this worked. The website said it was a flat course. I forgot that flat is a relevant term in Big Bear. It was just a tad hillier than my normal routes here in the desert. I am happy to say I finished both laps and had fun.
The absolute BEST part was that Dad went with me. Not on the run part, but to the event. I had my own cheering squad and "crew"! Which was nice. It was quite warm. Especially for Big Bear on Thanksgiving. I was told that last year (or maybe year before) it was 18*. Yay for 65*!! But it meant I'd be hot. So I asked Dad to have my bandana wet for me when I came in after the first lap. He did and I was so glad!
And THEN, when I came in to the finish, he was there waiting for me AND RAN IN TO THE FINISH WITH ME!!! Life came full circle and I teared up a bit. It was AWESOME! Of course, I was dead last and they'd just started the awards ceremony so no one was paying attention, let alone taking a picture of it. Oh well, I'm sure it won't be the last time :)
Instead, here's a pic of me running in with him many, many years ago!
For some reason, I decided that running in the Big Bear Turkey Trot was a great idea. It was!! Might not have seemed so in the middle, but in hindsight, I'm so glad I participated!
The course was a 3-mile loop. I opted to do two laps to make 6 miles. It was about time to run a 10k, in my training, so this worked. The website said it was a flat course. I forgot that flat is a relevant term in Big Bear. It was just a tad hillier than my normal routes here in the desert. I am happy to say I finished both laps and had fun.
The absolute BEST part was that Dad went with me. Not on the run part, but to the event. I had my own cheering squad and "crew"! Which was nice. It was quite warm. Especially for Big Bear on Thanksgiving. I was told that last year (or maybe year before) it was 18*. Yay for 65*!! But it meant I'd be hot. So I asked Dad to have my bandana wet for me when I came in after the first lap. He did and I was so glad!
And THEN, when I came in to the finish, he was there waiting for me AND RAN IN TO THE FINISH WITH ME!!! Life came full circle and I teared up a bit. It was AWESOME! Of course, I was dead last and they'd just started the awards ceremony so no one was paying attention, let alone taking a picture of it. Oh well, I'm sure it won't be the last time :)
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