Near Snowy Encounter

Distance: 1.19 miles
Time: 12:31
Location: Yucca Loma to Rio Vista School and back

All forecasts were predicting snow for the high desert (and much of Southern California) this night.  I was almost certain I'd be running in the snow, or at the least some rain.  But it didn't quite materialize, which is usually the case in these parts.  I had gone to the store earlier, and driving home I did see some flakes floating in the sky, but it was a very light dusting that didn't last long.  By the time I left on my run the flakes were gone and no rain either.  Though it was cold!  I did the same route I ran last week.  1.2 miles up to Yucca Loma and over to the school then back through my neighborhood.  Fewer houses have their Christmas lights up still.  But I was glad to see some still did.  The run itself was pretty good.  Each run continues to get a little quicker.  My pace has gone from 12:00/mile to now about 10:00/mile.  Still way too slow for where I want to be for the Encinitas Mile, but I'm getting there.  I just need to stick to my training plan and little by little I'll improve.  As for now I'm paying for all those months off. 

Below Freezing

Distance:  1.22 miles
Time:  13:27
Location:  Rio Vista School to Yucca Loma and back

Well, that record didn't last long!  Yesterday I set out on a run in 37° weather, the coldest it had ever been on one of my runs.  I figured since this is only week 1 of a 12-week training plan, I was sure I'd be encountering colder days in the weeks ahead (and I still might).  But I didn't figure the very next day would set a new record, and not just by a little.  The temperature continued to fall today and by the time I left on my run at about 8:30 p.m., it was 30° outside!  Amazingly, the cold isn't as problematic as one might assume.  I was geared up with layers and gloves and full-length leg warmers.  Not to say it wasn't noticeably freezing.  I could feel it most on my face and with each breath I took, as the literally freezing air went down my lungs.  And luckily this was a short run.  Anything longer and I'm sure the cold would have started to become a problem.  But for a little over a mile it was manageable.  And my pace continues to "quicken."  I'm still running slow, but each run this week has gotten a little better, and that's all I can hope for.  Week 1 is officially in the books.  It was a hectic week, with Christmas and dealing with a stomach bug, and somehow I managed to get in 3 runs.  It leaves me no excuse any other week!  I may be dealing with more freezing weather next week, and it might be worse, as snow is even forecast as a possibility Tuesday or Wednesday (New Year's Eve).  But rain or snow I'll be out there.  11 more weeks to go.

Run #2 Coldest Ever

Distance:  1.18 miles
Time: 13:45

Location:  Yucca Loma to Rio Vista

With Christmas officially over, I set out tonight on my second of 36 runs to prepare for the Encinitas Mile.  My last run, Tuesday, was a slow mile plagued by sickness.  Tonight I felt 100% better, though I'm still slow and out of shape.  My plan was to run 1.2 miles, so I added a little distance by running up to Yucca Loma and taking it west towards Rio Vista, then I followed the same way back from Tuesday's run.  Christmas lights were still ablaze everywhere I turned.  But the one thing that set tonight's run apart was really the weather.  Previously, the coldest weather I'd ever run in was 39°.  That run was actually earlier this year, on February 1st.  But tonight it was an even brisker 37° when I set out!  And since this training regimen will take me completely through January and February, the likelihood that that record will be broken is pretty high.  Last winter was unusually warm.  It was usually in the 40s and 50s when I set out on night runs.  Normally up here in the high desert it dips down into the 20s for a good chunk of the winter, and this winter so far looks to be back to normal.  So I better get used to it!

The Long Break and New Goals

Distance:  0.93 miles
Time:  10:35
Location:  Rio Vista School and back

A long and unexpected break.  When last I posted on here I had just run the R.O.C. Race in Del Mar, it was mid-May, I was beginning to get some maintenance runs in for the duration of the spring, and I was hoping to line up a 5K for the summer.  That last thing didn't happen.  Not even close.  Instead, this is how the last seven months went down, in a nutshell:

Only a few days after my last post on here I had to have cataract surgery.  I knew it was coming, but it was something I figured would set me back only a couple weeks.  Instead I was instructed to take a full month off from any strenuous activity, including running.  So I figured by the end of June, then I'd be good to go.  But the summer of 2014, in some ways, resembled the summer of 2013 -- completely lacking in the physical activity department.  Instead I was busy being a dad.  And it was an eventful summer on top of it all.  My sister-in-law got married in July in Las Vegas, and my brother got married in August in L.A.  Then before I knew it work had started back up, summer came to an end, and no 5K to speak of.  I thought for sure I'd get one in during the fall.  But, again, life made things pretty jam-packed.  Every weekend was booked up, especially once fall hit, with trips to the pumpkin patch, apple country, the fair, and then of course the holiday season.  This isn't meant to be a complaint of the last few months... on the contrary, I enjoyed every minute of it with my wife and our son!  But I did begin 2014 with lofty goals of running 5Ks on a regular basis, and really giving my running a boost.  And for the first five months of the year, I held true to those goals.  But the ups and downs are expected, and what matters is that I make sure to turn it back on again, which is what I am now on the verge of doing. 

Earlier this month I finally set my sights on a new race, only this time not a 5K at all.  It's the Encinitas Mile!  Yep, a single mile.  The thought of it is almost as intimidating as a marathon!  The mile is a fast race, and a brief glance at last year's times revealed that some serious speedsters take part in this race!  But after seven months of inactivity, I wanted a short distance (as well as something different) to really get my training nice and focused.  A competitive mile may be out of my league right now, but I'm throwing fear to the wind and going for it!  Plus, it would give me a pretty nice training window.  The race is on March 15, which would allow me 12 weeks to prepare.  I got my training plan squared away and this was my first week.  It's a race that I hope will keep my motivated, since I won't want to be the guy at the back of the pack posting the 10-minute mile.  But it's also a race that seems unique and memorable, as the course runs right through beachfront Encinitas' downtown. 

So this was week one, and it got off to a pretty rocky start.  On Saturday I got hit with some sort of stomach bug.  It kept me in bed all day Sunday, and even Monday I wasn't feeling 100%.  But this is the week of Christmas, and there'll be lots of running around to and fro, visiting family.  I knew getting three runs in would be challenging.  So with Monday out, Tuesday became a must-run day.  I still wasn't 100% come Tuesday evening, but I felt well enough to muster a slow mile, which was all the distance I needed.  It was a struggle for sure, but honestly not as bad as I thought it would be.  I took it slow (as the time above indicates) and stopped once to check out some Christmas lights, but overall it was a promising run, and without the sickness it would have been even better.  It was a slightly cold evening (54° when I started) and the lights on the houses kept things interesting.  It was only one mile, so a very small start.  But it's taking that first step that is usually so hard.  With one run down, I have 35 left till race day.  Let's see what running adventures 2015 might bring!

Spring Maintenance

Distance: 1.53 miles
Time: 15:07
Location: Yucca Loma to Rio Vista School

I took a relaxing week off after the R.O.C. Race on May 10.  Now it's time to settle into a period of maintenance while I figure out what my next race will be.  I may only get two or three runs in per week during this time; but I just want to make sure I don't let all my previous training go completely to waste.  I'm hoping to get my next race in during the summer.  As for now, it's nice to run and not feel the pressure of keeping up a strict training regimen.  This evening (Monday, May 19) I elected to run a short 1.5 miles and Deborah and Nathan both came along with me.  The one drawback was the wind.  It's been severely windy up here lately, and today was no exception.  I probably shouldn't have taken Nathan out.  I originally wanted to get in 2 miles, but the weather forced me to cut it short.  We headed west on Yucca Loma, directly into the wind and sun, so I sped my pace up so we could turn around quickly.  Once we reached the school we turned around and ran (or biked, in Deborah's case) back, away from the sun and wind, thankfully.  At that point Nathan was fine and he did well the rest of the way, it was just too gusty for him in the beginning.  As far as the run went, nine days off did my body well.  I felt great on the run, full of energy and strength.  My pace was faster than usual, though it was a short run and I'm sure my endurance took a hit after resting for over a week, and a longer run would have made that evident.

I had hoped to get more runs in later in the week, but things got too busy.  On Friday, May 23, I had to have cataract surgery, which will set me back.  I can't run or do anything physically strenuous for 5 days.  After that I'm going to ease back into it, to play it safe.  So things will be taking a break in the running world, for now.  But, God willing, I'll be back in full swing in a few weeks and training for my next race.

R.O.C. Race 5K

Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: ?
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds

Well that was certainly something new!  My second 5K of 2014 was the R.O.C. (Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge) Race in Del Mar, CA.  After running the Timberwolf 5K in February, a low-key, no-frills road race, I opted for something out of the ordinary for my next run.  I happened upon an ad for the R.O.C. Race back in March, and it seemed fun and something out of my element, and so I figured it would make for a nice, different sort of challenge.  I signed up for it and there was no turning back.  My training plan consisted of eight weeks, three runs per week, which I finished two days prior to the race on May 8th.  But this wasn't to be a very competitive race.  It was mainly for fun, as it consisted of silly obstacles, and it wasn't even going to be timed.

Since the race was way down in Del Mar, my wife and I decided to make a weekend trip out of it.  On Friday, May 9th, we loaded up the car and headed down to the San Diego Zoo, since we got a year pass last month.  We had fun taking Nathan around to see all the animals, and the weather was superb (as it always is in San Diego).  It had been hot and windy in the desert, so it was nice to escape to a more pleasurable climate.  After the zoo we went to Road Runner Sports Store in the north part of San Diego to pick up my packet for the race.  Then we continued on to La Jolla where we'd be spending the night.  The next day, Saturday, May 10th, was race day.  My race time wasn't until 1:30pm, so we didn't have to rush at all.  We ate breakfast at the hotel, a nice hearty breakfast (since I'd have plenty of time to burn it off), and then packed up and headed north to Del Mar.

Once we got to the site, we realized it was a much bigger production than we anticipated.  The turnout was huge, and it was way more than just a race.  In addition to the elaborate obstacles strewed about the fairgrounds and racetrack, in the middle of the facility was set up a veritable fair, with food, vendors, music, and various other forms of entertainment.  I was anxious to get going right away!  We had some time to kill at first, so we walked around for a while.  A quick look around revealed a bizarre mix of people (not your average 5K crowd, that's for sure).  A lot of people wore costumes and many people did not appear to be in it to run (which I'd soon find out was true).  Many people were just there for the atmosphere and the fun of it all.  But I guess that's the nice thing about a race like this -- no pressure, just let loose and be crazy and silly!  Finally, just after 1pm I headed for the starting line.  The race course was laid out all over the racetrack and around the fairgrounds.  The starting line was on the track itself.  It was pretty cool to be running where the horses usually run! They staggered the start to spread out the runners, so lines wouldn't form at the obstacles (a pretty smart move, as I recall many lines at the Apple Valley Mud Run I did back in 2010).  So I got moved up to a small group at the start line and a guy standing up on a platform began pumping us up as loud music played.  Then a countdown and we were off!  Before I knew it I was running along the Del Mar racetrack with a bunch of costumed people heading for I-knew-not-what!  This was a surreal 5K for sure.  But before long I came to realize that the majority of the people at this race had no interest in running at all!  Less than a minute into it I could hear people complaining that the first obstacle hadn't arrived yet.  And once we finally got to the first obstacle, a rope-walking challenge, and through it, practically everyone stopped running.  Since many people were running in teams, it was understandable, as they had to wait for all team members to finish the obstacle.  But as for me, as soon as I completed an obstacle I hit the ground running.  I didn't train for eight weeks for nothing, timed race or not!  The second obstacle was a doozy.  As we approached it we could see it was a giant slide.  They handed us inner tubes and we made our way to the top and down we went in our tubes straight into a pool of water!  And just like that I was soaked head to toe.  But I continued running anyway.  I felt heavier from the water weight, but also refreshed because of it.  After that the course took us through the stables north of the racetrack.  We began encountering more obstacles -- a wall to climb over, monkey bars, a slip-and slide with foam, etc.  For the most part, the obstacles didn't give me much trouble.  They were fairly easy and made to accommodate everyone.  The first one that I really faltered on was a ball bounce, where we had to climb up on a platform and hop along three giant rubber balls.  I had little confidence going into this one, and, sure enough, I leaped onto the first ball and was tossed aside rather quickly.  I simply had to hop along the side to exit the obstacle.  But soon enough I was running again and thinking little of my failure at the ball bounce.  I couldn't believe how many people I was passing!  Only rarely would I see another person running.  I had passed all of the people I had started with and had caught up to the 1pm group.  Running from obstacle to obstacle also allowed me to bypass lines and get ahead of a lot of people.  Some other obstacles back within the stables were another giant slide (though this time without an inner tube), a "moon bounce" (a giant inflatable mat we bounced across), and a rope swing.  But the last three obstacle were probably the best.  After the rope swing, the course veered south towards a large building where it looked like they held indoor horse-riding events.  Inside was an obstacle called "the sweeper," a large, padded beam that swung around and tried to knock people off a narrow walkway as they tried to get across.  This was a large and quite elaborate setup.  When I got there there were a lot of people waiting to get across, waiting for the rest of their team to arrive I assumed.  But as I was racing solo I simply charged towards the sweeper, waited a second for the right moment, and ran across the narrow walkway without getting touched by the swinging beam.  I had made it!  The excitement propelled me to the next obstacle.  After exiting the building I was back at the main racetrack heading towards the start line area.  I could see the next obstacle in sight, the "wrecking balls," another elaborate setup, two large padded balls, swinging from a crane, trying to knock people off a narrow beam into water below.  For this one we were given life-vests and we walked onto the raised platform.  I saw my wife and Nathan watching nearby (they unfortunately weren't able to see the majority of the obstacles).  When all was ready I darted across the beam, water on either side of me.  Avoiding the balls was fairly easy, I just had to focus on keeping my balance.  And somehow I made it across without a plunge!  I tossed aside the life-vest and ran off towards the final obstacle, a huge inflatable slide.  I climbed to the top and plummeted down towards the finish line, successfully completing what was probably the wackiest race I've ever been a part of.

At the end I was soaked and dirty but still full of energy.  The frequent stops obviously made this less of an endurance run, but my weeks of training definitely still helped out.  This race was tons of fun, and one I would definitely do again.  At the same time, though, it was pricier than the average 5K, and it was overall a bit too much of an ordeal (packet pickup the day before, race location far away, etc.).  I was also bummed that my wife wasn't able to see more of the race.  But I'm glad I did it, something completely different and not at all what I would imagine myself ever doing.  The door has been opened for other new and unusual 5Ks.  However, after the hoopla that is the R.O.C. Race, I'm feeling more like a traditional road race for my next run.  We'll see what's in store.  For now, I'll take a restful week off, then get in some casual runs as I ponder what my next race might be.  I've done a winter race and now a spring race so far this year.  Time now to plan for a summer race.

My son Nathan watching Daddy run.

Course complete!

Hanging with Nathan before the race.

The "Wrecking Balls" obstacle.

The Final Five

Well, that wraps it up for my R.O.C. Race training regimen.  Eight weeks sure went by fast!  The last week was an unexpected one -- the weather suddenly turned cold again and the wind came on fierce!  But I made sure to persevere; I didn't want to make it this far only to let it fall apart at the tail end.  So here are my final five runs leading up to Saturday's race:

Thursday, May 1, 2014
Distance: 1.47 miles
Time: 14:47
Location: Yucca Loma to first street east of gas station

This was to be my final short run on my training plan.  1.5 miles.  Those are always welcomed runs.  I had acquired some new shoes I planned on using for the R.O.C., so tonight I tried them out for the first time.  They felt great and I hardly needed to break them in at all.  In fact, tonight's run was one of my fastest in a long time.  The final time of 14:47 doesn't reflect that, but that's because I got stuck at the light at Apple Valley Road both ways.  I was probably closer to the 12-minute range.  My pace at the end had increased to 8:37/mile.  So the shoes felt great, the run felt great, and tonight's run was a clear sign of progress.  May started off well.

Sunday, May 4, 2014
Distance: 4.04 miles
Time: 40:02
Location: Apple Valley to Bear Valley

This run was a long time coming.  I had always wanted to hop on Apple Valley Road's running path and take it clear down to the main drag, Bear Valley.  I had come close a couple of times, and once Deborah and I walked it, but I had never made it all the way.  Tonight, though, I was determined to get it done once and for all!  Because of a busy weekend I wasn't able to get my third run of week 7 in.  So I had to do something unusual and run on a Sunday.  I had to because my race was in less than a week and I had run out of available days to run.  So I laced up and headed out around 8pm for a long 4-miler.  I had run 4 miles only once so far up in the desert, and it was back on April 23, a decent run.  But I was determined to make this a better one.  And it most definitely was!  The route is a pretty basic one -- straight shot down Apple Valley clear past the Lowe's and with Bear Valley in sight.  It felt weird to be running past the lights and activities of the shopping centers along Bear Valley.  I'm so used to the quiet, and often dark, areas around my neighborhood.  But I enjoyed it.  It definitely added a unique touch to this run.  And the run itself was a great one.  I felt strong throughout most of it.  The extra miles could be felt all over, my feet mostly.  But I maintained my pace and saw it through.  The weather was good (this was right before it began to turn).  And with that I completed week 7 (at the beginning of week 8).

Monday, May 5, 2014
Distance: 3.62 miles
Time: 39:21
Location: Yucca Loma to Quapaw and back

As I mentioned above, the weather was turning for the worst.  I needed to get 40 minutes in tonight, and I took my chances by taking Nathan out in the stroller.  We left at around 7:00pm, and it didn't seem too cold yet.  But as soon as we began the wind picked up and the temperature dropped.  By the time we got out about a mile I was regretting bringing Nathan.  I was warmed up from the running, but Nathan, simply sitting in the stroller, was getting blasted by the cold wind.  My plan was to take Yucca Loma east until I hit 20 minutes, then turn and head back.  The farthest previously I had run on Yucca Loma was to Cree Road back in May of 2013.  But tonight I beat that record by getting out to Quapaw Road (which is only a little farther).  At this point I checked on Nathan.  His cheeks were pretty cold, but he was in good spirits.  So we headed back (into the wind, unfortunately).  It was a smooth run back.  But it was getting dark, so I tried to pick up my pace to get my son out of the cold wind.  We made it back home and took comfort in the warm garage as we waited for my wife to get home from picking up some Mexican food (it was Cinco de Mayo).

Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Distance: 2.98 miles
Time: 33:21
Location: Yucca Loma to Kasanka to Ottawa to Apple Valley loop

I needed 3 miles tonight, and since I didn't want to repeat Monday's run along Yucca Loma, I decided to revisit April 28th's run around our neighborhood.  Last week I ran it with Nathan and Deborah, but tonight it was just me.  This run, however, wasn't much of a good one.  I was hoping, since this is my last week until the big race, that each run would be great and I would go into the race feeling supremely confident.  But I made the mistake of filling my stomach up prior to the run.  We picked up some Thai food after I got off work, and I ate around 5:30pm, thinking I'd be good by 8 or so.  But it sat heavy on me, for when I began running up our street I immediately felt a cramp set in.  I hardly ever get cramps, but this was a bad one.  It forced me to slow down, but I didn't let it stop me.  It bothered me all along Yucca Loma and Kasanka, and finally as I made my way along Ottawa it began to get better.  The run finished pretty good, but it was a reminder to not go out on a full belly anymore.  It was also extremely windy and still on the cold side.  I've even been having to wear my long-sleeve running shirt that I was training in back in February!

Thursday, May 8, 2014
Distance: 1.94 miles
Time: 19:40
Location: Yucca Loma-Apple Valley-Ottawa-Cuyamaca-Cronese

Last run before the R.O.C. Race!  I was anxious for this last run, a small 2-miler.  It had been a busy week, and fitting in all the runs was a challenge.  Even tonight, I had a million other things going on, and running would not have been on my agenda if it were not for my race being in 2 days.  After work I had to drive down to Rancho Cucamonga for a doctor appointment.  Then I met my wife at my parents' house for dinner.  We got back home after 8pm and I simply threw on my shoes and headed out the door, even though I would have rather collapsed in bed.  I came up with a new (sort of) run that took me out to Yucca Loma, down Apple Valley, back along Ottawa, then all the way up Cuyamaca before heading back down my street.  This was a much better run than yesterday's.  It gave me a renewed confidence for the big race Saturday.  I felt great and my pace was definitely faster than yesterday's.  When I finished I was able to enjoy the thought that I'd officially completed 8 weeks of training, not missing a single run.  My strength training regimen went out the window weeks ago, but my runs I stuck with, and now I can go into Saturday's race knowing I did all I could to prepare (and also know I get a nice break afterwards).  With that, I await race day.  My next post should be a fun one.

Wrapping Up April

Here are my last five runs.  I have only five left to go before the R.O.C. Race May 10!  The last week and a half has been marked by perfect weather and some great runs.  I've been able to take Nathan out more lately, and Deborah has also been joining us.  As the weather continues to warm up and the days grow longer, the feeling of wanting to get out and break a sweat is in the air.  And with the excitement of summer vacation approaching, it's probably the best time of year for running!

Saturday, April 19, 2014:
Distance: 3.56 miles
Time: 38:37
Location: Rio Vista to Apple Valley to Sitting Bull to Paraiso and back

My decreased caloric intake throughout Lent, and especially on Good Friday, caught up with me on this Holy Saturday run.  I needed 3.5 miles, so I decided to run the same route I had taken on April 16th.  That run had been stellar -- I was full of energy and excitement over breaking through an endurance barrier.  But things didn't go as well tonight.  It started out fine, but about halfway into the run I began feeling empty, like I was running out of "fuel."  As I turned to head east on Sitting Bull my pace really began slowing down, and once I turned back after reaching Paraiso I was officially out of energy.  I dragged myself along Sitting Bull, but a little ways up Apple Valley I ended up stopping to cross the street.  It turned into an extended rest, and when I started my run up again I was no better.  The rest of the way was a slow struggle.  I was just too depleted, not in terms of strength, but in terms of fuel in the tank, so to speak.  I had consumed only about 600 calories the day before, and slightly more today.  And it just wasn't enough.  So I slowly finished the run and learned a lesson (though fasting on Good Friday comes before running, so I just probably should have held off running until after Easter).

Monday, April 21, 2014:
Distance: 1.54 miles
Time: 15:13
Location: Yucca Loma towards the river (Rio Vista School) and back

This was a repeat of April 12th's run.  I love these occasional 1.5ers.  It's a welcomed relief from the longer days.  Since it was a short run, I decided to bring Nathan along.  We ran up to Yucca Loma and west towards the river, then simply turned and headed back.  It was the day after Easter, so an empty belly was no longer plaguing me as it had Saturday.  I was full of fuel and ready to go.  My pace was definitely better, too.  Now my concern is going to be keeping my eating in line.  Over the course of Lent I had dropped down to 172 lbs., which helped my running.  I don't want to put those pounds back on and end up slowing myself down.  At any rate, tonight was fun.  I went out early enough that the sun was still out and we saw other runners and cyclists on the trail.  A nice change from my typical pitch black runs.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014:
Distance: 3.97 miles
Time: 41:25
Location: Ottawa to Kasanka to Yucca Loma to Chateau to Apple Valley to Kanbridge

Tonight I finally hit the big 4.0!  I'd yet to run more than about 3.5 miles in Apple Valley (I'd obviously run much more than that during my high school running days, and a few years ago I put in 4 at Newport Beach).  So finally moving on to a new running goal was exciting.  And I felt more than ready to tackle it.  I mapped out a big loop that took me south to Ottawa then west to Kasanka up to Yucca Loma to Chateau Ct. then down Apple Valley to Kanbridge and back up to Ottawa and home.  It felt like a little piece of each of my routes put together.  As my distances increase I can see that my creativity in making routes is going to have to increase as well.  This run went well, albeit slow.  I definitely felt the added distance in terms of sore feet.  The added pounding will take some getting used to.  But overall, in terms of stamina, it was not a problem to add that extra half mile.  I actually have only one more 4-miler on my training schedule, plus one 40-minute run, which will likely be about that far as well.  If I can keep this up hopefully I'll be setting all kinds of personal distance records all over town this year!

Thursday, April 24, 2014:
Distance: 2.96 miles
Time: 33:34
Location: Yucca Loma to Rincon

My last run of week 6 was the old Rincon Route.  I needed 35 minutes, but I ended up coming up just short.  Regardless, it was a fun, enjoyable run for the fact that my family came along with me.  I've taken Nathan out with me a few times, but Deborah hasn't come out with us since the first run of this training session back on March 19!  So I was thrilled that we were going to all be out and exercising!  I decided to try for the Yucca Loma hill run to Rincon, since last time I did that run it took me almost exactly 35 minutes.  But my pace must be improving because today, even with a couple of stops to take pictures, it took me only 33:34.  Deborah rode her bike, taking on that long, gradual hill, and made it to the top.  Nathan had a blast, talking up a storm along the way.  Coming back down we saw a beautiful sunset and all of the Victor Valley below us fading in the twilight.  It was a great night, a great run, made even better by the company.  I needed to get all three of my runs in this week before the weekend hit, because it was going to be a busy one.  Saturday we drove down to Ontario to take part in the MS Walk with my family for my mom.  We walked about 2.25 miles and got to help out a good cause.  That night we chaperoned my school's prom.  And that was it for week 6.  Only two more weeks to go until my second race of 2014!

Monday, April 28, 2014:
Distance: 3.12 miles
Time: 34:35
Location: Yucca Loma to Kasanka to Ottawa to Apple Valley loop

Week 7 began with a 3-miler.  I again took Nathan out and again Deborah came along on her bike.  This was a fun run along a big loop around our neighborhood.  The weather was perfect, as it has been.  In the 70s, warm in the sun but perfect in the shade.  I worked up a good sweat!  And this will likely be the last run in April for this year.  I have to work a track meet on Wednesday, April 30, so it's probable that I won't have time to get a run in.  So I may have to wait until May 1 to run again, which is fine.  Since 2010, May has been the month I begin my running again after (unintentionally) taking a few months off for the winter (though I've occasionally gotten some April runs in).  It's crazy to think that May is here, and I've been running since January!  It may not seem like a big deal, especially to a committed runner, but for me it's a big step.  And the runs lately have just been getting better and better.  Tonight I ran at a comfortable pace and felt good and strong the whole way.  If I don't falter, I should be good to go for the R.O.C.!

Nathan and Deborah at the top of the Yucca Loma hill.

Cruising downhill on Yucca Loma - April 24th.

Deborah riding along Kasanka Trail, with the Mojave River to the right.  April 28th.

Week 4 and 5 Rundown

This will be a quick summary of the past couple of weeks.  In short, things have warmed up quite a bit up here in the desert, which means more comfortable runs.  No more putting on layers of running gear and reluctantly stepping out into a 40° night to get my run in.  Therefore, the past few runs have been pleasant.  Nighttime temps have been in the 60s or low 70s, which is perfect running weather.  Once the summer heat sets in, then I'll have to deal with the other end of the weather spectrum.  But for now, I'm enjoying these temperate spring days and nights.  There have been occasional windy days, which can sometimes be a drag to run in, but by and large weeks 4 and 5 of my training schedule have been ideal.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014:
Distance: 3.15 miles
Time: 35:13
Location: Apple Valley Rd. to power lines and back

This was my first 35 minute timed run.  I figured to get some good distance in I'd just take Apple Valley as far south as I could get until I hit around 17 or 18 minutes, then turn around and head back.  I got down to the power lines (the same run I did back on February 13, two days before the Timberwolf 5K).  I ended up picking my pace up on the run back so that I had to add some distance by continuing on Ottawa towards Ivanpah Rd., thus enabling myself to hit the 35 minute mark.

Thursday, April 10, 2014:
Distance: 3.05 miles
Time: 35:10
Location: Yucca Loma to Rincon

For this run I headed back up to Yucca Loma for a repeat of April 5th's run to Rincon.  I had been feeling pretty sore and stiff in my legs, and this run was definitely a bit tough to get through.  The whole way up and down the Yucca Loma hill I never fully loosened up.  But I've become pretty used to the occasional ache and pain, and usually with a day or two of rest it disappears.  Not a bad run, though.  My pace was quite slow, but that's been the case lately.

Saturday, April 12, 2014:
Distance: 1.54 miles
Time: 15:19
Location: Yucca Loma towards the river (Rio Vista School) and back

I was relieved to have an easy, 1.5-mile run today.  With the aches and pains I'd been feeling, an easy day was just what the doctor ordered.  Since it was Saturday I decided to take Nathan out in the stroller.  I hadn't gone on a run with him since March 22, during my first week of training!  So it was awesome to take him along with me.  It was a windy day so it was good that we would only be out a short time.  We ran up to Yucca Loma and headed west, right into the wind and sun.  He didn't like that too much, but I put the stroller cover over him.  On the way back, though, heading east, he was having a blast, laughing and talking!  We were only out 15 minutes, but even on a short run, pushing that stroller along adds an extra challenge.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014:
Distance: 3.58 miles
Time: 35:14
Location: Rio Vista to Apple Valley to Sitting Bull to Paraiso and back

My distance has officially increased to 3.5 miles.  Week 5 has begun and it's going to only get tougher from here.  That being said, tonight's run was a drastic improvement!  My pace increased and I felt great.  All the aches and pains of last week have gone (I took three straight days off).  I didn't go into work today because of a doctor appointment, so when we got back home I didn't have all the exhaustion I usually feel after a day at work.  I was renewed and ready to go.  My route took me all over the place.  I started north towards Rio Vista School, then took Yucca Loma east to Apple Valley.  Once on Apple Valley I saw the moon beginning to rise on the eastern horizon.  It was full and bright orangeish-yellow.  So I stopped to take a picture.  I continued on, running the long stretch down Apple Valley to Sitting Bull.  From there I turned east all the way to Paraiso.  I then headed back home my normal way, turning onto Ottawa.  It was a tour of Apple Valley and I felt great the entire time!  My legs felt strong, my breathing was un-labored, and I remember thinking, "so this is what running really feels like!"  When you're not concerned with injuries, or struggling to breathe, or plodding along like a hippo, it actually feels almost easy, and free, and wonderful!  And that's what tonight was.

Friday, April 18, 2014:
Distance: 3.14 miles
Time: 34:04
Location: Ottawa to Kasanka to Yucca Loma to Choco

Today is Good Friday and I had the day off from work.  I had originally wanted to run last night with Nathan, but it was really windy and I didn't think it'd be a good idea.  This morning we awoke to a beautiful day, slightly cool, and perfect for running.  So I didn't waste any time.  Around 8:30 a.m. I loaded Nathan up in the stroller and out we went to get in 35 minutes of running.  We started out going south to Ottawa then west to Kasanka Trail, which parallels the river.  We took this up to Yucca Loma then headed straight east up the hill to Choco Rd.  I wasn't sure if we'd gone far enough to get in a full 35 minutes, but by the time we reached Choco, which is halfway up the hill, I was pretty tired.  It's a tough hill to run without a stroller; add 50 lbs. and you're talking a genuine Sisyphean effort.  So we stopped halfway up, I took a picture looking down, then we headed back home, coming up just shy of 35 minutes.  One more run to go for this week, then it's the final three weeks before race day!  It's really flying by.  Normally by this time each year I haven't even started running yet after my winter hiatus; it's not even May and I've logged somewhere around 30 runs and probably between 50-60 miles.  This has the potential to be a game-changing year!

April 12th - heading west into a bright sun!

April 16th - full moon rising in the east.

April 18th - about to head down the Yucca Loma hill.

After a run - Nathan investigating his stroller.

Rincon Reunion

Distance: 3.05 miles
Time: 35:38
Location: Yucca Loma to Rincon

It's been a long time since I've made it all the way to Rincon Rd.  My training schedule now calls for 3-milers, so for tonight's run I thought right away of the very first 3-mile route I charted when we moved to our current home.  It's a simple out-and-back, up Yucca Loma to Rincon and back.  For my 3-mile runs back in February when I was training for the Timberwolf 5K, I was coming up with new routes.  But tonight I felt like an old classic.  The weather's been cool lately.  Tonight it was in the mid-50s when I set out.  And strangely my legs felt really stiff before my run.  I did have some stiffness before Thursday's run, but that was just my right leg behind my knee.  Tonight it was both legs up and down my shins.  The first mile or so of tonight's run was therefore rather difficult.  I felt like my legs were brittle, like any step they would crumble.  But I forced myself on.  I figured if I kept going they would eventually have to loosen up, and thankfully I was right.  Once I got up the Yucca Loma hill the pain wasn't too noticeable.  And by the end of the run it was all but gone.  I guess it was just a running pain that decided to show up now that I'm 3 weeks into my training.  At least I'll have a day off tomorrow.  It's been a fun spring break, but I go back to work Monday and my training will really get going at that point.  I had 5 good runs during the break... probably the most productive spring break, running-wise, I've ever had.  I can remember back to spring break 2010, when we were living in our rental house on Powhatan Rd., and I hadn't run in ages and I decided on a whim to run a mile down my street.  The results were so disastrous that that was the moment I knew I had to get myself back into shape.  The next month, May 2010, is when I started this blog.  I'd say so far it's been a success.  I've definitely had my lapses still, but by and large these last four years have been my most productive running years since high school!

One Point Five

Distance: 1.54 miles
Time: 15:10
Location: Yucca Loma-Apple Valley-Ottawa loop

Monday's run seems like an eternity ago.  Since it's my spring break, Deborah and I spent the last couple days taking Nathan to the San Diego Zoo and to visit his Auntie Jenn in L.A.  It was a lot of driving and no running (though a lot of walking), so my legs today felt very tight.  My right leg in particular, after last night's 2-hour drive home from L.A., felt knotted up and stiff.  I spent the day limping on it.  When it came time for my run tonight I wasn't feeling physically up for it.  I stretched and warmed up but my legs just didn't feel loose enough for a run.  Thankfully I went anyway.  I think because I only needed 1.5 miles I was more willing just to go for it.  So I began heading up our street and I actually felt better than I expected to.  And once I got over to Apple Valley Rd. I felt like my legs were back to normal.  Running sure does wonders!  I was able to pick my pace up and when I got to Ottawa I was beginning my gradual kick in.  I was able to muster a pretty good kick down the final stretch to end a decent run.  After tonight the mileage starts to increase, beginning with a 3 miler on Saturday.  I'm approaching the halfway point of my training regimen for the May 10 race.  It's getting to the do or die portion of my schedule.  It's DO time!

Down the Hill and Up

On Saturday we headed "down the hill" and stayed a couple nights in Rancho Cucamonga at my parents' house.  Needing to get my last run in for last week, I sneaked one in late Saturday night.  We came back home Monday and I got my first run in for this week.  I'm on spring break and we have a lot of stuff planned, so I need to get my runs in where and when I can!  Here's a rundown of my last two runs:

Saturday, 29 March 2014
Distance:  2.73 miles
Time:  30:13
Location:  Victoria Park Lane to Rochester Ave. (in Rancho Cucamonga)

I was excited at the prospect of running an old route during our stay in Rancho Cucamonga last weekend.  Years ago, beginning in high school, one of my most frequent routes was to run up to Victoria Park Lane and follow the wide, tree-lined avenue east all the way to Rochester, where I'd turn and head back.  Victoria Park Lane is a perfect road for running, filled with trees, meandering, with a sidewalk and a dirt horse trail.  I ran it countless times in younger days.  I last ran it in 2010, on July 3rd, during a similar stay at my parents' house.  That was my first summer of getting back into running and I remember that run being difficult as I was dealing with intense soreness in my legs.  So almost four years later I finally got a chance to run it again.  This time, no muscle soreness, but I ran it basically as slow as I did then.  It was an enjoyable run.  I savored the familiar surroundings and reveled in the nostalgia of it all.  I needed to get 30 minutes in, so I ran down Rochester for a bit until it had been 15 minutes, then I turned and headed back.  On the way back something unexpected occurred when I found myself up close and personal with the concrete!  It was the first time (that I can recall) that I fell on a run!  Even when I rolled my ankles, twice, two years ago, I managed to stay on my feet.  But as I was running west on Victoria Park Lane, my right foot hit an uplifted piece of sidewalk and I went down, my knees striking the ground and, luckily, my hands stopping the fall before my face met the pavement.  I got right back up and finished off the run.  It wasn't a major fall or anything; it just left me with a scratch and some soreness the next day.  Other than that little incident, Saturday's run was a great little jaunt down memory lane.

Monday, 31 March 2014
Distance:  2.58 miles
Time:  26:29
Location:  Yucca Loma-Apple Valley-Sitting Bull-Ottawa

We got back home Monday evening and I knew I needed to get a run in.  The weather, though, didn't make this an easy task.  The wind decided to come on fierce and the temperature dropped down to the low 50s.  But I donned my running garb and made myself go.  I did the same 2.5 mile route from Friday, only this time I had to fight the wind the whole way down Apple Valley Road.  It slowed my pace down a bit.  But once I finally got to Sitting Bull and could turn around, running with the wind, things got better.  The wind pushed me up Apple Valley and it invigorated me the rest of the way.  By the time I got to Cuyamaca I was able to really push and increase my pace.  And when I got to my street I kicked with more strength than I've been able to muster in years.  This run, despite the weather, was the best one of this year so far probably.  I felt strong throughout it, up to the very end.  I'm into my third week of training already and things are looking good!

First Runs of Spring

Almost done with the first two weeks of training and things are going great so far.  Here are my last three runs:

Date:  Saturday, 22 March 2014
Distance:  2.03 miles
Time:  22:00
Location:  Yucca Loma Rd.

This was a fun run.  It was another stroller run with Nathan.  It was Saturday morning and we had some time to kill, so instead of waiting till night to run, I laced up in the bright of morn, put Nay in the stroller and headed out while Deborah prepared lunch.  The weather was perfect, in the 60s, and Nathan had a blast.  We ran up Coachella to Yucca Loma and then straight across all the way to the river (where construction on a bridge is currently underway).  We retraced our steps on the way back and, though it was a slow pace, I felt pretty good the whole time.  I could definitely feel the strain in my arms pushing the stroller, especially towards the end, but it wasn't nearly as hard as the first stroller run on Wednesday.  It was awesome running in the late morning of a temperate spring day.  And I liked getting my run out of the way early on, too.

Date:  Monday, 24 March 2014
Distance:  1.53 miles
Time:  14:55
Location:  Yucca Loma just past Apple Valley Rd.

On Monday night I had a nice, easy 1.5 mile run.  Even though it was only Monday I was already feeling tired and stressed from work, so I was kind of glad it was a short run.  I ran it hard, though, keeping my pace under 10 min./mile (nothing to brag about but better than it's been).  I ran up to Yucca Loma and just a little past the gas station on Apple Valley, right before Yucca Loma starts going uphill.  I know I need to work on increasing my endurance and distances, but sometimes these short runs just feel great. 

Date:  Friday, 28 March 2014
Distance:  2.53 miles
Time:  25:34
Location:  Yucca Loma-Apple Valley-Sitting Bull-Ottawa

Tonight's run was awesome!  I hadn't run since Monday for a few reasons: work has been wearing me down and stressing me out, and the weather was kind of nasty Wednesday and Thursday.  I was actually ready to run Thursday night but the wind picked up and it was blowing like crazy across the desert, with temps dropping on top of it all.  I shouldn't be deterred by the weather, after all I ran when it was 39° back in February.  But it got the best of me this week.  However, it all worked out in the end when today ended up being picture perfect!  No wind and sunny all day.  When I set out on my run at around 7:45pm it was a comfortable 66°.  I tried a slightly new route, heading up to Yucca Loma then taking Apple Valley all the way down to Sitting Bull.  The Apple Valley running path is my favorite and it's nice to get to stay on it for long distances.  And I felt great on this whole run!  I guess four days off really helped.  I never felt overly tired and I even had enough in the tank for a good kick at the end (which hasn't happened in a long while).  My pace as usual was slow but I ran strong, with lots of bounce in my legs.  I watched twilight fade to night as I ran and smiled as I thought about my week off ahead.  Next week is spring break and I couldn't be more excited.  It was a busy week at work and I'm in much need of a break before the final stretch of the school year.  And what better way to start off spring break than with a pleasant spring run on a pleasant spring day?

Training Day 2

Distance: 2.58 miles
Time: 30:23
Location: Yucca Loma to Cronese and back

It was a busy week last week and fitting runs in was challenging.  My parents came over after I got off work to bring a piece of furniture for Nathan and we visited for a little while.  After they left, even though it was after 9pm, I forced myself to go on a run, since I knew I wouldn't be able to the following night.  The day prior had been the 2.5 mile run pushing Nathan in the stroller, and I had also done a strength workout that night, so I was sore all over.  But instantly when I began my run I noticed an increased energy.  Running without pushing 50 lbs. was noticeably easier.  It turns out that running with Nathan is going to reap many benefits.  My goal on this run was simply to keep running for 30 minutes.  I decided to head east up my typical Yucca Loma hill route.  I ran until my phone alerted me it had been 15 minutes, which just happened to occur at the top of the hill at Cronese Rd., the point I usually turn around at anyway.  I coasted down Yucca Loma back home to finish off a successful run.  The prior day's run was a struggle, but this night I felt loose and strong and much more optimistic about my upcoming race.  Two days down, twenty-two to go.

Training Day 1 and a New Running Buddy

Distance: 2.58 miles
Time: 30:14
Location: Apple Valley to Lompoc and back

On Wednesday, March 19, my new training regimen began.  It's been a month since the Timberwolf 5K and I've only run twice since then.  I definitely gave myself a nice break these last few weeks.  But the break's over!  My next challenge is going to be a fun one!  I selected the R.O.C. (Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge) Race as my next 5K.  It's going to be May 10 down in San Diego (Del Mar to be exact).  This race seems to be a nice middle-ground between a typical 5K and an intense mud run.  I prefer regular 5Ks or trail runs, but mud runs can be fun.  The first ever 5K I ran was actually a mud run and it was crazy.  The trend now is to ratchet up the intensity level.  Races like the Spartan Race and the Tough Mudder have runners leaping over fire and crawling through electrically charged wires.  A bit much if you ask me.  But the R.O.C. Race seems more on the fun side, with rope swings, slides, and water pits.  It's a 5K, but untimed.  Even so, I plan on getting myself as fit as possible for this thing.  I devised an 8-week running plan (3 weeks longer than my Timberwolf plan) as well as an 8-week strength plan.  I figure with the various obstacles requiring a lot of upper body strength, I better prepare for that as well.  So this will prove to be a much more extensive and tough period of preparation than it was back in January and February.  A bonus is that it is now spring and the weather is ideal for working out.  I'm excited and anxious to get going!

My first run was a 2.5 miler.  A few weeks ago we bought a jogging stroller so I can now go running while pushing Nathan!  I've wanted to do this since he was only a few months, so I'm really excited.  He absolutely loves being pushed in his stroller.  As soon as we got moving he began screaming excitedly!  My wife took her bike and rode alongside us for most of the run.  We ran out to Apple Valley Rd. then down to Sitting Bull and across to Lompoc.  I immediately noticed a difference in running with a stroller.  It was tougher than I thought it'd be!  It's a smooth push, but keeping it straight requires a bit of arm work.  And plus, Nathan is about 30 lbs. in addition to the stroller's 20 lbs. or so... we're talking a lot of weight!  That said, though, it wasn't detrimentally hard; just an added challenge (and a welcomed one). 

I noticed right away my lack of stamina.  I hadn't run in about 3 weeks and I felt it.  I was weak and slow.  But after the halfway point, I warmed up and finished pretty strong.  I should be able to bounce back quickly since it wasn't too long of a running break.  Nathan had a great time!  He was talking and pointing to things... it was a blast running with him, my new training buddy!  It was cool getting out earlier, too.  All during the winter I was running late, 8pm or later, in the dark of night.  But now that the hour's changed and we're taking Nathan out, we got out at about 6:30pm with a bright sun and actually got to watch it set as we got back.  It was awesome having the whole family out there with me!  I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead.

Post-run sunset on the last day of winter 2014.

Twilight Run

Distance:  2.5 miles
Time:  ?
Location:  Yucca Loma to Cronese and back

With some winter weather (finally!) heading our way, I decided to get a run in tonight, which would probably be my last this week.  Rain is forecast for the next three days, so it was now or never.  I also decided to run earlier for a change.  I was getting kind of tired of the late night runs (between 9 and 10pm).  So tonight I set out at just after 6pm.  The sun had just set and my goal was to try to run to the top of the Yucca Loma hill in time to see the last rays go down.  It was a bit too late for that, though.  By the time I got half way up Yucca Loma it was long past sundown and twilight was fading fast.  But I took my phone out in time to capture a couple of pics of the dying light and the clouds forming to the west.  My phone died after that so I wasn't able to time this run.  But it was a decent one.  I didn't feel quite as springy as Monday, and I ate too much when I got home from work, so I was running on a full stomach (never fun).  But all that aside, it went pretty well.  It was nice running with at least a tiny bit of light still, and to get home with the whole night ahead rather than getting home and going straight to bed.  Like I said in my last post, my goal right now is just to maintain.  Two or three runs per week, for the time being, will suffice.  But as soon as I figure out my next 5K, the focused training will be back.  For now, I'll enjoy these lighthearted runs.

Fresh Legs

Distance:  2.13
Time:  21:02
Location:  Apple Valley to Sitting Bull

Well, first run since the 5K and it felt great!  I took last week off.  It was nice, and it certainly helped my legs, which were beginning to feel the wear and tear of a month of consistent training.  When I ran the 5K on February 15, I was definitely not at 100%.  On top of fighting a cold, my lower calf muscles were sore and aching.  But I headed out tonight on a little 2-miler, and I instantly noticed how fresh and new my legs felt!  No soreness, no tightness.  My pace was only a little quicker than it had been, but I settled into a slower run to simply enjoy how good it felt.  I ran down to Sitting Bull and back, and fatigue didn't really start setting in until I was a quarter mile from my house.  It was just a fresh, invigorating run!  The week off was well worth it and I'll definitely be doing that now after every race I run. 

The plan now is to wait for a good 5K to sign up for.  Hopefully I'll have one selected in the next week or two.  Then, I'll construct another training regimen and shoot for my next goal.  In the meantime it's all about maintaining, which can sometimes be the hardest part.  I'm aiming for 2-3 runs per week for now.  I don't want to let what I began last month slip away, but it's also hard to stay consistent without a concrete goal to look ahead to (at least for me).  So now I wait in a sort of limbo.

One final note, still winter, still weirdly warm.  It was around 60° when I set out tonight.  Quite warm for a February.  Some rain is expected later this week, but it's looking more and more like winter won't truly be arriving this year.  I'm disappointed, because I like cold weather, but also looking forward to nice, warm nights to run in during the spring and summer.

Timberwolf 5K

Time:  29:26
Distance:  3.2 miles
Location:  Northwood High School, Irvine, CA

On Saturday, February 15th, I ran the Timberwolf 5K in Irvine and accomplished my first major running goal of 2014.  I pretty much crammed my training in over the course of a month, after having gone almost completely sedentary the previous 6 months.  Accomplishing this goal taught me that I need not hem and haw, or be daunted by a race, or use work or even weather as an excuse.  At the unlikeliest of times (the middle of winter), and in a short amount of time, I was able to get myself ready enough to run a decent race.  Granted, more time to train would have been nice, but this is only a first step.  I'm planning on this being the first of many races to come.

As far as my training went, I ran every run I planned for myself, no matter the weather (which wasn't all that bad considering the time of year).  So I felt physically ready (though I knew it wouldn't be a fast race comparable to how I was running in high school).  However, it's always the unforeseen factors that are worrying.  Nathan had been fighting a cold the past week and lo and behold I came down with it the day before the race.  I kept it at bay as best I could with vitamins and rest, but when Saturday morning came I wasn't feeling 100%.  Aside from this little setback, everything about the race was great.

We stayed Friday night at my parents' in Rancho Cucamonga, and early Saturday morning Deborah, Nathan, and I set out early for Irvine.  We arrived around 7:15am, I checked in, got my bib, and we walked around the campus.  Finally around 7:50am I headed over to the starting line.  It was a big turnout for a local race.  There were about 1800 people ready to run!  It was the biggest 5K I've been in yet.  I could tell by those around me that there were people of all skill levels, so this set me at ease a little.  The starting gun went off and everyone slowly began jogging.  I was pretty far back initially, so the first quarter mile I was simply weaving around little kids and those choosing to walk.  The course was a hilly one.  There was an initial steep hill followed by a long, gradual downhill.  When I hit the 1-mile mark I was at around 9:30, which was actually faster than I had been training at.  But then another hill followed, then a short downhill, then a long, grueling uphill.  This last hill was the toughest.  By the 2-mile mark I was at around 17:30, which means my second mile was a pretty quick one.  But the never-ending hill was getting to me, and at this point my sickness started to become apparent.  I felt congested and overall a little queasy.  But I pushed on.  I never once stopped.  I finally reached the summit of this final hill and the rest of the race was all downhill.  I wanted to really just let myself go for the last half mile or so.  But even cruising downhill I wasn't able to get any speed going.  I hadn't really been training for speed, though, so that's probably why.  I finally rounded the bend where I could see the crowds and the finish line.  At the 3-mile marker it read 28:20 and I knew I'd be under 30:00, which was kind of a secondary goal of mine.  I crossed the finish at 29:26, a terrible time objectively, but a great time considering my circumstances.  It was also the best time of my three official 5K races I've been a part of.

I was wiped out when it was over.  But I knew I gave it my all and I felt great about that.  Having Deborah and Nathan there cheering for me was beyond awesome, too.  It was a great experience and I'm so glad I saw it through and accomplished this goal.  I'm hoping it will be a preview of a renewed commitment to running.  I can't wait to see what my next goal will be!

Week 5

Week 5 of 5 is in the books!  I began my current training regimen exactly one month ago, January 13th, with a little 2-mile walk/run.  I finished it tonight with a 3-mile all-out run.  The goal of all of this, the Timberwolf 5K in Irvine, is in less than 2 days, and now I simply need to rest and wait.  I almost feel that the 5K is simply the icing on the cake, and these past few weeks have really been the accomplishment.  I never thought I'd be able to keep up a running regimen in the dead of winter like this, without missing a single workout, but somehow I did, and it feels great!  Running only 3 times a week I think was really the key.  It was nice always having a rest day after each run (with the exception of the last two runs).  I never overdid it, never had any grueling injuries (just slight pains).  Of course, the real test will be Saturday at the 5K, to see if I truly prepared myself properly.  I can certainly say, though, that over these past few weeks, each run has felt better and I have noticed a night and day difference in my performance from week 1 to now.  So here is a rundown of my final week's three runs:

Monday, February 10
Distance:  2.98
Time:  32:08
Location:  Yucca Loma to Kasanka to Ottawa to Sitting Bull loop

I made up a new route for tonight's run.  This week, all my runs needed to reach 3 miles, so that meant adding to existing routes.  One loop I used to do took me up to Yucca Loma, out to the river and down Kasanka Trail (parallel to the river), then across Ottawa and up Cuyamaca back home.  But this time I kept going along Ottawa, went down Apple Valley to Sitting Bull, then ran all the way up to Powhatan.  It was a good run, with favorable conditions (in the 50s).  The weather has been simply great these last few runs.  And Saturday, the day of the race, is supposed to be one of the warmest days of the year yet!

Wednesday, February 12
Distance:  2.96
Time:  32:01
Location:  Yucca Loma to Cronese

Wednesday is hill day.  I basically did the same run as last Wednesday, but instead of ending it up on Cronese, I ran all the way back to my house.  So I started by heading out to Rio Vista School, then straight across Yucca Loma, up the hill (which felt great tonight), turned around at Cronese and cruised all the way back to my neighborhood.  It was even warmer tonight!  And for the first time (except for some Saturday morning runs) I ran with shorts only and left my leg warmers at home.  It was in the low 60s!  And it's early February!  The warm air felt amazing to run in -- a welcome change.  One nice thing I've noticed is that the lower calf pain of last week seems to be going away.  I can only hope it stays away on race day.  Tonight's run almost didn't happen.  I was so tired upon coming home from work I crashed on the couch for almost an hour.  When I woke up it was almost 9pm, and I nearly concluded it was too late to run.  But, boy am I glad I resisted that temptation.  After shaking off the sleep, tonight's run felt great, and the little nap maybe even helped.

Thursday, February 13
Distance:  3.01
Time:  33:01
Location:  Apple Valley to power lines (just north of Carl's Jr.)

I've been trying to avoid back-to-back days of running, but I had no choice this week.  I needed Friday to be a rest day, so I had to run tonight.  Just like last night, I didn't get out till late.  This was one of my latest runs ever, actually.  I didn't begin until close to 10pm!  But the night was so warm (low 60s again) that I hardly noticed.  I ran my typical route down Apple Valley, but since I needed 3 full miles, I passed Sitting Bull for the first time and ran farther south than I'd ever run from my house.  I made it almost all the way to the Stater Bros. shopping center.  Everything was awesome on this run.  I felt great, my breathing was strong, and there was a full moon totally lighting up the trail.  I finished strong down my street and threw my arms up in victory when I reached my house, for my training (for now) is over!  After this 5K I'll begin searching for my next race, and coming up with a new training plan.  But I'm sure there'll be a few days of rest in there as well.

Four-In-One

Well, I've gotten a bit behind with my blog posts, but at least I can report that I've kept up with my runs, and I have only one week left before the Irvine 5K.  So far, so good.  We went through a little cold spell up here in the desert, and I had a couple of runs in the high 30s and low 40s, but by Saturday (2/8) it had warmed back up again.  I also started to battle my first running-related pain, a soreness in my lower right calf, but it seems to be getting better after resting Thursday and Friday.  So here is a quick rundown of my last four runs:

Week 3, Run 3 (Saturday, Feb. 1):
Distance:  2.54
Time:  28:24
Location:  Yucca Loma-Apple Valley-Ottawa Loop

This was the coldest run I've gone on, probably ever.  I had been running Saturday mornings the previous weeks, but this morning I opted to relax and run in the evening.  Little did I know the temperature would be dropping so quickly.  When I stepped out the house, around 8pm, it was 39°.  I walked briskly up the street to get my blood going.  But when I started running I felt cold and stiff all over.  The whole run was rather slow, but it was decent, given the conditions.  I warmed up eventually.  The route I ran was a new one.  I started by running over to Rio Vista School then took Yucca Loma to the river, turned around and took it east to Apple Valley, then ran down Apple Valley all the way to Ottawa, and made my way back home from there.  When I finished the temperature had actually gone up a bit, to 41°, but it was still a brisk night and I was glad I took the cold head on and still got a run in.

Week 4, Run 1 (Monday, Feb. 3):
Distance:  2.84
Time:  30:44
Location:  Apple Valley to Paraiso and up to Cronese

This was another cold night, but not quite as bad as Saturday.  My runs this week were to be 2.75 miles, so I did my normal Apple Valley to Sitting Bull route, but to get the extra distance I turned east at Sitting Bull and ran to Paraiso (the farthest I'd ever run on that road), and then when I got back to our neighborhood, instead of turning onto Nimshew, I ran straight up Cuyamaca to Cronese.  It was a good run overall, but I did begin to feel that nagging pain in my lower calf.  It would definitely be a concern heading into the final stretch of my training regimen.

Week 4, Run 2 (Wednesday, Feb. 5):
Distance:  2.89
Time:  31:34
Location:  Yucca Loma to Cronese

This was to be my weekly hill run.  So I headed out towards Yucca Loma, though this time I started farther west, by Rio Vista School, to get the added distance.  I then ran 1.3 miles straight along Yucca Loma, up the infamous hill, to Cronese and back.  My calf was a slight bother, but running downhill seemed to make it feel better.  Though I was glad to be able to rest it after this run, for it was starting to feel like that would be my one big hindrance to feeling great at the 5K.  This run was a good one.  My uphill was slow as usual, but each time I run it it feels better.  Another cold night as well, but temps would start to climb back up soon.

Week 4, Run 3 (Saturday, Feb. 8):
Distance:  2.87
Time:  29:34
Location:  Apple Valley to Lompoc

I took Thursday off and Friday, and most of Saturday, so I had nearly three days of rest.  And it was needed.  That lower calf pain I'd been having was becoming worrisome, but the time off seems to have helped.  At the same time, three days off can sometimes make it hard to get back at it.  Saturday was a day of cooking, cleaning, and having friends over, so when 8pm rolled around, I wasn't really in a running mood.  Plus I felt really full from our meal.  But I knew I had to go tonight, it was my last chance to get run #3 in this week.  So I laced up and headed out.  The first thing I noticed was how warm it felt!  The temperature read 55°, but it felt in the 60s at least.  Compared to the temps a week ago it might as well have been summer.  I made up a new route.  I took Cochise around to Powhatan and got to Apple Valley that way, then ran north to Yucca Loma, turned around and took Apple Valley 1 mile all the way down to Sitting Bull, then east to Lompoc and back.  The run started off rough.  I wasn't mentally or physically ready for it, and so I started off sloppy and clunky.  I felt heavy and my stomach was feeling upset.  But when I started up Apple Valley I amazingly started to feel better.  By the time I was cruising south on that 1 mile stretch, I had shaken the clumsy feeling and I felt my stride smooth out.  My pace for this run was actually one of my better ones of late.  And my calf didn't bother me too much.  It's not 100%, but it's an improvement.  Now I rest one day and then embark on my final week of training.  I run 3 miles Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, then the 5K is on Saturday.  I can't wait, and I hope my final week of training will work out all the kinks.  It looks like the weather will continue to warm up.  One thing's for sure, for a 5-week training regimen in the dead of winter, the weather couldn't have been better. 

Warm Winter Night

Distance:  2.61
Time:  30:01
Location:  Yucca Loma to Rincon and back

I've been getting my second run each week in on Wednesday, but this week that didn't work.  We had to drive my mother-in-law, who had been staying with us, back home, and we got back too late for a run.  So instead I ran Thursday night (1/30).  And it ended up being perfect.  When I got home from work I got busy making dinner, a shrimp etouffee.  I didn't get done until 8pm, so I ended up running first then eating after.  The unseasonably warm weather we've been having started to come to an end, as the wind picked up and the clouds gathered.  But the temperature, which is supposed to drop a lot in the next few days, stayed more or less the same.  It was about 50° when I headed out.  Though it was a bit chilly, it quickly became pleasant as I warmed up from my run.  I decided to head up towards Yucca Loma to get a good hill run in.  The run up the hill was tough, but not nearly as tough as it was last week.  I went out at a slow but steady pace.  I was pretty beat by the time I reached Rincon, but when I turned around and began descending Yucca Loma everything came together.  I got a second wind, my pace remained pretty slow but steady as ever, I wasn't huffing and puffing at all (my breathing has improved a lot this week), and best of all the light breeze in the air filled me with nostalgic thoughts of my days of running in high school.  That's because the breeze had the distinct aroma of a field of chaparral.  The same aroma I smelled on almost all my runs in high school near and around the San Gabriel foothills.  My friend Matt and I even named this lovely aroma, simply, "field."  The field smell is all over the Rancho Cucamonga area, especially up closer to the mountains where vast stretches used to be left undeveloped and covered in scrub brush.  When it would be windy or rainy this smell would overwhelm, and every time I catch a whiff of it, I'm immediately transported to those youthful days of running.  However, the "field" smell is not too common up in the desert.  So to smell it this night was a rare treat, and it invigorated me and fueled me for the rest of my run.  I descended the rest of Yucca Loma, looking out over the sea of lights that cover the Victor Valley, and ran all the way to our street.  It was a perfect run (albeit a slow one).  It felt great from beginning to end, and the distinct feeling of improvement I felt Monday night has definitely continued.  If things keep going like this, I'll feel great on this 5K.  I can't talk too soon, though, as I still have two weeks left of training and things could always turn for the worse.  I just have to train smart.

Noticeable Improvements

Distance:  2.55
Time:  28:06
Location:  Apple Valley to Sitting Bull to Paraiso and back

Tonight began as one of those 'hard to get moving' runs.  I stalled and procrastinated and didn't finally get out the door until close to 9pm.  But ironically once I got running, I had the best workout of the last two weeks by far!  I don't know what it was (maybe the mac n' cheese I had for lunch) but I seemed to have a surplus of energy.  I started off slow along Ottawa, but once I turned to run south down Apple Valley, I felt a vigor in my legs.  My legs felt strong, full of life, like they could carry me for endless miles.  This feeling lasted for most of the run, though after about a mile I definitely felt a bit of fatigue creep in.  However, the fatigue never got bad.  It was held at bay and I finished the run strong -- my first 2.5+ mile run since the end of May '13, 8 months ago.  Tonight's run was the first clear-cut sign of progress since my recent training began exactly 2 weeks ago.  My breathing even was pretty strong.  Everything just came together tonight, and I can only hope a similar thing will happen on the day of the 5K.  The weather thankfully has still been holding up.  It was around 50° when I set out, and it did feel a bit colder than that, but once I got moving it was a complete non-factor.  However the forecast seems to be saying rain and colder temps by the end of the week, so some adversity may be coming my way soon.  Week 3 has begun and it's off to a good start.  Consistency is paying off.

Week Two In The Books

My last run this week was to be a 2.25 miler.  Just as we did last Saturday, we woke up, got dressed, loaded Nathan up, and headed to the park.  This time I ran a longer loop.  There was a sign at the park with a map and distances measured out.  The longest loop said to be 3/4 of a mile, so I figured three of these would get me my 2.25.  Unfortunately the measurements weren't entirely accurate.  My total distance ended up being 2.05, which took me about 22:30 to run.  It was a slow run, and it wiped me out, but I think I felt a little better than on my other runs this week.  Hopefully it was a change I noticed and my runs will start feeling better.  Next week all I have are three 2.5 milers.  Today though was a great end to week 2.  Just three more weeks till the 5K!  Things are progressing nicely still.  It was another sunny January day today.  Temps were in the 50s, though it felt more like the 70s with the bright sun shining down.  This was my first run in 2 weeks where I ditched all my cold weather gear.  Deborah and Nathan came along again, which is always awesome.  Nathan loves the swings.  He couldn't get enough of them today!  He started crying every time we tried to take him out. 

Always a better run with this little guy around!

 

 

Bring On The Hills!

Distance:  2.69 miles
Time:  34:10
Location:  Yucca Loma to Cronese and back

Run #2 this week called for two separate miles with a quarter mile walk in between.  I decided to try a "new" route out since I've been doing the same two routes the past couple weeks.  The 5K I'll be running on Feb. 15 has a prominent hill as part of its course, so I knew that at some point I'd have to start hill training.  I decided what better time to start than now.  The Yucca Loma hill is actually an old run I've been doing since 2011, but I haven't run it in almost a year.  I knew it would be tough, but it ended up being even tougher than I anticipated.  I began my run a quarter mile up the street from my house.  From there it was a steady uphill east along Yucca Loma.  The hill starts very small, barely an incline, but about half way through it the steepness picks up and soon enough you find yourself crawling up a sharp, unrelenting ascent.  I barely made it, even thinking of stopping once.  Once at the top, when I reached Cronese Rd., I was able to turn around and walk for a quarter mile, which was a life saver.  Then the last mile was fairly easy as it was mainly downhill and I could just cruise it.  This run taught me that I still have a ways to go before I can consider myself ready for this 5K, which is in only 3 and a half weeks.  I will for sure be doing this route more now, since I see that hills right now are my weakness.  But other than the difficulty of getting up the hill, tonight's run was pretty good.  For one, it was my longest run so far this year, and I burned almost 350 calories on it, which is a good feeling.  The night was dark and cold, but when I started running I forgot the cold completely.  In fact, these past couple weeks, with daytime highs in the 70s and nighttime in the 40s, have been about as good as it gets for weather in January in the desert.  I couldn't ask for anything better.  I still have 3 weeks of training left, and more than likely I'll be dealing with some inclement weather at some point.  For now I'm enjoying this good luck.