Bike Day 1

18.5 mile bike ride along the Los Angeles River

Day 1 on the bike. I've always seen people fishing. Once in awhile I see people catch something. Usually small. Today, I would have thought the fisherman was on ESPN. The fish was about 18 inches long and probably weighed around 3.5 - 4.5 lbs. The last time a saw a fish that big was at lake mead in NV.

As for the bike ride, pushed here and there but it was a good "relaxing" cardio replacement for running. I can feel the different set of muscle groups that is in use while on a bike vs running. It feels good to have a good sweat without the pounding on the knees and feet.

Running Plan

As I'm getting back into a groove I've decided to start a new running plan. I've figured out (the hard way) the importance of rest and recovery. The new plan will allow me to do just that... rest and recover more while building up to longer runs. The current schedule lasts for 11 weeks and I'm planning on sticking to it. I don't foresee anything coming up soon like what happened the last four months. I have an idea of where the running plan will go but that won't be decided until I evaluate how my body handled the 11 weeks. Sticking to the title of this blog, it's not about how fast I can go. My goal as of now is to simply have fun and enjoy the views and challenges along the way.

Bricks

Getting back into stride isn't easy. Supposed to be an easy 6 mile run and it was. Except for the fact that it felt like I was running with a backpack full of bricks. Otherwise workout high after the run feels great. Muscles feel good and I'm not sore (yet).

Progress... but not at running.

Running wise January went well. February went well... Until my attention and efforts went elsewhere.

Life has hit me in the face and I've had some hills to climb. I've faced its challenges and have a new destination. To progress in other parts of my life, running had to take a back seat (again). My mind is happy but my body is not.

The running goals I've set for myself are still there. I haven't given up, they've just been postponed. It's now that I'll start building up again. Knowing full well that my schedule will in the near future and I won't get into a consistent workout regiment for another month or two.

I missed running. During long nights of excess brain power, early mornings to beat traffic, I thought to myself that I'd rather be running right now. But sacrifice is necessary and I truly can't wait to get back in the groove.

2010 January Summary

Monthly Total: 117.4 Miles

January went well. Only missed two days of the month due to a trip to "Las vegas." Got sore here and there but no major injuries.

Los Angeles sunset

A run with Elle doesn't happen too often and when it does....

How did one mile turn into ten?

It was only supposed to be a mile run to loosen the muscles but then I found my self thinking, I'll just go a little bit more. Then I'd get to "more" and I'd find myself thinking it wouldn't feel right if I turn around now. Then it started raining and I love running in the rain. Then I would get close to places that I have happy memories at so I had to keep going till I got there. It was just one reason after another. I wish I could have kept going but time wasn't on my side. Truly a pleasant run :)