Am I at the end of the road?

I'm so behind on posting my training, or lack thereof. I have not been very motivated to run much at all. And yesterday (Jan 9) I suffered yet another injury, this time to my left knee. I think it was due to changing back to the Mizuno Nirvanas from the Mizuno Inspires. The Inspires are lighter and less durable, thus less cushioning. I changed back to the Nirvanas since those are the top of the line. They have maximum support and cushioning so they may have misaligned my knee somewhat. After my 10.7 mile run my left knee was aching. It is still aching a day later. I will have to take some time off from running until it feels normal again. This is so frustrating. I feel like my long distance days are over.

Actually my hamstring is feeling a lot better. At least that has healed somewhat. I had PT this past week and the therapist said she felt that the scar tissue area in my left hamstring is a lot smaller and harder to find when working on it. That's a positive at least. Still, I feel discouraged.

There is a part of me that still wants to run one more marathon. I think I may be able to do it at the June Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego. I can possibly slip a decent marathon in. We'll see. Right now, it doesn't look good. Stranger things have happened though. 

Even though I am embarrassed to even be tracking such low mileage, here is what I did the last 4 weeks, starting with the week ending Dec 20.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Dec 14, 2009	45:00	6.21	7:14	Tired legs tonight. I was not very motivated.	165 (88%)	145 (78%)
Dec 17, 2009	40:10	5.66	7:05	Another run outside in the dark. I can't wait for daylight savings to end.	165 (88%)	153 (82%)
Dec 19, 2009	55:01	7.73	7:06	I did a longish run on this nice Saturday. It was in the Newport Back Bay. I didn't want to go too long. It  was dry and kind of hot today, temps in the mid-70s. A Santa Ana weather pattern. I do enjoy them but not for running. The humidity was so low. My HR got up there.	177 (95%)	157 (84%)
Dec 20, 2009	30:34	4.79	7:16	Today was my 34th bday! I ate such crap during the day that I felt intense guilt so I headed out at 7:30pm for a short run. Normally on a Sunday evening the last things I want to do is run. I was glad I went out there. It cleared my head.	160 (86%)	142 (76%)
Week ending Dec 20, 2009	---	24.39	---	A so-so week. I wasn't too impressed with myself. The holidays are here. I may not run much over the next few weeks.	166.7 (89%)	149.2 (79%)

Here is what I did week ending Dec 27.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Dec 22, 2009	31:45	4.55	6:58	This was a treadmill run. I hate the ones at the 24 Hour Fitness. My monitor malfunctioned so I had no reading.	---	---
Dec 24, 2009	45:18	6.32	7:10	I did a nice run in the daytime around Newport and Costa Mesa. I ran down to the Balboa Peninsula.	172 (91%)	151 (81%)
Dec 25, 2009	34:27	4.8	7:10	I had to run today. I have a tradition of running on Christmas Day. I like running in San Diego a lot better than in OC.	161 (87%)	149 (80%)
Dec 27, 2009	39:30	5.5	7:10	I ran to Balboa Park and then around and back to my friend's place in Hillcrest. I didn't feel like doing a long run today. My body needs rest. My knees have been aching.	162 (87%)	150 (81%)
Week ending Dec 27, 2009	---	21.17	---	I just didn't put a lot of effort into my running this week. It was the holidays and I wanted to give my body a break. I still went to the gym and did some weights and used the elliptical.  I will resume in the New Year the longer runs.	165 (88%)	150 (81%)

Here's the week ending Jan 3:

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Dec 28, 2009	32:33	4.47	7:14	Not a very memorable run. I was slow and tired. I ran around Mission Hills neighborhood since I am dog sitting here in San Diego.	159 (85%)	143 (77%)
Dec 29, 2009	23:29	3.21	7:17	A shorter run today. I didn't have much time.	165 (88%)	153 (82%)
Dec 30, 2009	55:01	1.63	7:10	I ran to and from the gym. I did elliptical at gym and weights.	---	---
Jan 1, 2010	40:01	5.62	7:07	A little better. I felt a little out of sorts today. My heart rate got really high probably due to the hill I ran up.	178 (96%)	150 (81%)
Jan 3, 2010	26.28	3.8	6:58	Just a shorter run. Nothing special.	158 (85%)	148 (80%)
Week ending Jan 3, 2009	---	18.73	---	I really cut it back this week. I just needed a rest. No long run = low mileage.	165 (88%)	148.5 (80%)

Here is the week ending Jan 10

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Jan 4, 2010	32:05	4.42	7:15	I had low energy tonight. I really dislike running at night.	159 (85%)	140 (75%)
Jan 5, 2010	35:26	5.00	7:04	I ran faster and longer tonight. I didn't think it was possible. I had an orange 90 min before running. That probably helped. I also ran in my new Mizuno Nirvanas tonight. I had a little extra spring in my step!	178 (92%)	144 (77%)
Jan 7, 2010	32:27	4.63	7:00	I'm getting faster. Not sure what has been going on. I had more energy. Still my knees were hurting a little.	159 (85%)	145 (78%)
Jan 9, 2010	1:17:12	10.7	7:12	Struggle is the only word that comes to mind on this run. I shouldn't have increased my mileage this quickly. I wanted to do 8 miles but decided to run around the entire Back Bay loop. I had zero energy near the end and it was so dry out. I had no water until AFTER the run. Mistake #1. Mistake #2 was I was running in my new Mizuno Nirvanas, which I had only run in twice before. I developed intense knee pain after the run. Not sure what is going on.	174 (94%)	155 (83%)
Week ending Jan 10, 2010	---	24.75	---	Without my long run it would have been another low, low week. Who am I kidding? It was a low week. I'll have to see how my knee heals before I make any other decisions. I may have to go to the gym this week and do elliptical with the "New Years Resolution" crowd. UGHH. Can't they just stay on their couches so I don't have to wait for a machine??	167.5 (90%)	146 (78%)

Running tally ending Dec 6 and Dec 13, 2009

The Physical Therapy is still happening and I think it's improving how my hamstring feels on the runs. I am more sore but I believe this is a good sign. We are finally getting into the scar tissue and smoothing it out. I don't have that tickling sensation as much in my hamstring. I think with a few more sessions it will be cleared up. I am focusing on stretching it out a lot BEFORE and AFTER my runs.

Still, I have not made any decisions as to what marathon I will run in 2010 (if any at all). Part of me is thinking just to wait until June to do San Diego's Rock n Roll. I know the course, have run it twice and it's the last one I ran. I will have to defend the 2:57 time I posted in 2007. It's going to be tough to do that. This will allow me to not rush through any marathons earlier in the year. I can take my time with gearing back up. It's just difficult to stay motivated right now. I have lost my competitive spirit. I am realizing that running isn't as important is it once was. It's kind of sad actually. I miss that "fire" I used to have inside of me. It's still there, but not as strong. It's more like a camp fire burning its last log. It's orange glow is slowly fading away into the night.


Here is what I did for the week ending Dec 6.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Nov 30, 2009	46:01	6.54	7:01	While still in the Boston area I ran in the cold. It was probably about 45, windy and slightly misting.	171 (91%)	158 (84%)
Dec 2, 2009	44:51	6.21	7:13	I actually ran after traveling back to California. I was so tired but I put myself through this run.	165 (88%)	146 (78%)
Dec 5, 2009	1:12:39	10.15	7:09	I did a longer run. I was attempting to do 8 miles but felt better so I went longer. I ran from my place up through the Balboa Peninsula to about the Balboa Pier, then reversed direction. It was sunny and perfect running temps in the upper 50s and low 60s.	168 (90%)	151 (81%)
Dec 6, 2009	30:34	4.28	7:08	Just a shorter recovery run around LA (Highland Park area) where I was staying since I had to fly out in the morning.	168 (90%)	146 (78%)
Week ending Dec 6, 2009	---	27.18	---	I barely ran 4 days this week. Traveling home from Mass killed some of it. It was too cold for me to even run outside one of the days so I just rested. I was happy to get a double-digit run in though.	168 (90%)	150.2 (80%)

Here is what I did week ending Dec 13.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Dec 8, 2009	29:05	4.13	7:01	Just a quick run around the neighborhood. I wasn't feeling great.	---	---
Dec 9, 2009	35:59	4.31	7:02	I ran on the treadmill at the gym while in Boston for work. It was so cold outside I just didn't want to deal.	170 (91%)	155 (83%)
Dec 12, 2009	1:21:08	11.27	7:11	I just barely got this run done in between the rain storms we were having here in SoCal. Luckily I chose the perfect time to run (12:15pm) and the skies even opened up with some sun. I ran up through the Balboa Peninsula to the end. I looked at The Wedge and then turned around. I wanted to see how far it was to the end. It was about 5-something miles.	171 (91%)	153 (82%)
Dec 13, 2009	20:03	2.82	7:06	I ran to the gym about 11 min and then ran a little over a mile after the gym	169 (91%)	153 (82%)
Week ending Dec 13, 2009	---	22.53	---	With the work travel I just didn't have enough time to run a lot this week. I was lucky to get in the 11-miler on Sat as I was not really in the mood to do anything long. My left knee hurt during and after but not too bad. These concrete streets really take a lot out of my body.	172 (92%)	153 (82%)

Am I too old for marathons? Run tally ending Nov 15, 2009

I'm finally posting last week almost a week late. I believe my long distance running days are slowly fading away due to my age (almost 34) and just overall wear and tear on my body over the last 10 years. I started running longer distances in 2000. Nathan, if you are reading this, you were totally right. He said my knees would eventually go out on me. I feel them slipping away slowly, one by one. I have developed pain in my left knee. The same leg as my hamstring issue.

I thought I was supposed get better with age in regard to long distance running. Some of the greatest marathon champions are in their 30s. Even the Women's 2008 Olympic Marathon champion Constantina Dita won her gold medal at age 38! I know many runners in their 30s, 40s and 50s even who thrive and have faster marathon times than me. Ughh. I guess I am not as resilient as I thought I was.

The more and more I fight it, the harder it is to maintain the same level of training. I've been struggling with my hamstring injury since December 2007. Yes, almost 2 years ago. I went back to physical therapy again this week. Basically the injury has healed but left scar tissue deep inside it that needs to be smoothed out. I already knew this. So I was able to get it worked on and it was painful. She dug deep in there and got to the problem area using her elbows and fingers. We also did some other stretching and strengthening exercises.

I feel this PT is so much more effective compared to the PT at Mercy Hospital last year. They never really touched/massaged my injured area. Sports medicine PT is so much better for me. I wish I had realized this in 2008 when I just picked the closest PT place near my home. I should have specified a sports medicine facility. We'll see how it goes. I will go once per week. In the mean time, I have cut down some of my mileage and won't do any long stuff (more than 8 miles in a single run) for at least another few weeks.

Below is what I did before last Sunday, Nov 15.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Nov 10, 2009	43:24	6.13	7:04	My knees were ok. I didn't run for 2 days so I had more energy on this run.	169 (90%)	150 (80%)
Nov 11, 2009	24:42	3.51	7:03	I ran to the gym, 0.64, then did 2.23 on the treadmill and then 0.64 back. I also did upper body weights. I HATE the treadmills they ys	---	---
Nov 13, 2009	58:58	8.35	7:03	I ran outside around my neighborhood. I should have run more, like 12-13 but my body wasn't feeling it. I just ache too much. I ran mostly on concrete. That's the problem. How am I going to do a marathon that is mostly on concrete? I have to adapt my body.	173 (93%)	155 (83%)
Nov 14, 2009	29:03	4.26	6:48	I ran outside at night around my neighborhood. Sometimes I smell burning rubber and other chemicals in the air. It sucks that there are some industrial factories nearby that emit this pollution! I ran faster than normal since I just wanted it over with.	165 (88%)	153 (82%)
Week ending Nov 15, 2009	---	22.25	---	I had to decrease this week a little. My body wasn't feeling great. I don't know if a marathon is even possible this winter. Next week I'll cut down again then I will decide what I will do in terms of the marathon.	169 (90%)	152.6 (82%)

Running tally ending Nov 8, 2009

I'm so late posting this. Last week was ok. I had to cut back since my knee was killing me. I ended up needing new SuperFeet inserts, so I got those over the weekend.So far this week the knee pain seems little better. I went to the orthopedic doctor for my on-going hamstring issue, but basically we took an x-ray on my knee and discovered I have a bipartite patella. That basically means that one of my knee caps is two bones. It occurs in 1% of the population. The knee pain is not caused by this, but just from upping my mileage and my body is not used to it. He said the new Superfeet inserts will help and keep my knee aligned.

Below is what I did last week, ending on Sunday.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Nov 2, 2009	31:25	4.35	7:13	I ran to and from the gym while and then did elliptical and some weights.	---	---
Nov 3, 2009	34:20	4.66	7:24	I ran on the treadmill and then ran home.	158 (84%)	141 (75%)
Nov 4, 2009	31:37	5.23	7:06	I ran outside. My knee was hurting.	166 (89%)	145 (78%)
Nov 6, 2009	39:51	5.39	7:23	I ran to the gym, did a little over 4 miles and then ran back. It's 0.6 miles each way to the gym. The treadmills at the gym read too fast since my Nike+ read about 20 second per mile slower. I felt like I was going faster. I don't know what to believe anymore.	163 (87%)	151 (81%)
Nov 7, 2009	58:04	8.28	7:000	I ran from my place down to through some dirt trail along the Santa Ana River, which has bike paths. Then I ran up little on PCH and then back the way I came. I felt ok, but my left knee was hurting. It wasn't all on dirt, I had to run concrete some.	172 (92%)	157 (84%)
Week ending Nov 8, 2009	---	27.91	---	Not a great week, but just ok. I had to cut down due to my knee pain. Got new Superfeet inserts so we will see how it goes next week.	164.8 (88%)	148.5 (79%)

Running tally ending Nov 1, 2009

I'm struggling and I don't know when I am going to get out of this funk. My body is simply not cooperating lately. I have had to really go through a lot of pain during my runs. My hamstring isn't feeling the greatest. It's also, my overall body just isn't feeling the greatest. I have questioned the logic in training for another marathon multiple times this week. Maybe my marathoning days are over. I have done 10 since 2001. Is this it? I am through? I don't want to stop it completely.

I honestly think I have a few more great marathons left in me, but my motivation is diminishing. My heart isn't as into it as it once was. I have achieved my main 2 goals with the marathon: 1.  Run a qualifying time for Boston Marathon (check, done it 6 times now) and 2. Run a marathon in under 3 hours (check, done it twice now). So now what? What should be my goal? I am too competitive with myself to run a sub-par time. I don't want to go through all the months of training only to be disappointed come race day.

The bottom line is this: I don't feel comfortable on my runs now. It all feels like such a struggle each time I hit the road. What is wrong? When will I feel better? It may have to do with diet. I am trying to consume more protein. I don't think I get enough. I also don't drink enough fluids throughout the day. Today I drank more and felt better on my 5-miler. We'll see.

Below is what I did last week, ending on Sunday.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Oct 26, 2009	15:56	2.19	7:16	I ran to and from the gym while and then did elliptical and some weights.	155 (83%)	145 (78%)
Oct 28, 2009	45:31	6.37	7:08	I ran in the Bay Bay area at night. I didn't feel too good. HR monitor didn't work since I had no water to wet the sensors.	---	---
Oct 29, 2009	31:37	4.24	7:26	I ran on the treadmill at the gym. My calves were all sore and I didn't feel great. The pace on the treadmill was off too. It wouldn't speed up to what I wanted it to do. The machines at 24 Hour suck. I have been on better treadmills than these.	164 (88%)	148 (79%)
Oct 30, 2009	32:28	4.66	6:59	I ran around my neighborhood here. I wasn't going to do more than 3 but felt like I had energy. I need to conserve for my long run tomorrow.	169 (90%)	147 (78%)
Oct 31, 2009	1:28:52	12.46	7:08	I ran from my place down to Pacific Highway all the way up a mile past the Huntington Beach Pier and then reversed direction. It was about 6.9 miles up. I started at 10:30am, which was way too late on this warm Saturday. The sun was shining hard and by the middle of the run I had run out of energy. I had my Fuel Belt and used EmergenC in two of the bottles to get extra electrolytes. It wasn't enough. I got this wave of fatigue at about 8 miles into it. I barely hung on. When I got to the bottom of the hill back to my apt (with another 1.3 to go) I just stopped.	170 (91%)	157 (84%)
Oct 31, 2009	10:04	1.33	7:33	After 5 min of walking to recover I ended up running slowly the rest of the way home. My body was trashed from the 13+ miles. Not a good feeling.	---	---
Nov 1, 2009	10:04	1.7	---	I ran to and from the gym. Body very sore.	---	---
Week ending Oct 25, 2009	---	32.95	---	Identical to last week's total. Not sure how I feel. I am tired and sore. It took several days to get over my long run.	164.5 (88%)	149.3 (80%)

I miss marathons/running totals

It's been over 2 years since my last marathon on June 3, 2007 at the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon. I really miss it now and it's very difficult to watch everyone around me run their fall marathons while I sit on the sidelines. I have struggled with injuries since December 2007 when I tore my hamstring while playing tennis. At the time I didn't think it was a major injury. I took a few days off and kept up with my running. The pain never left me.

Almost 2 years later, I am still not completely healed. The slight pain has stayed with me even after months of physical therapy. It just won't shake no matter how much stretching I do. I have a feeling that my hamstring will never be the same. The good news is that it's a lot better than it once was. I'm not in excruciating pain while running. It's just ever so slight and bothersome. It can get worse as time goes on. I will see if it gives me major problems on longer runs. I'll just have to focus on other things. It's going to be a game of tricking my mind. If I don't focus on it, maybe I won't notice the pain. I've done that before with success.

My plan is to run the Surf City Marathon on February 7, 2010 in Huntington Beach. I believe this is a realistic goal. At that race I will hopefully re-qualify for the Boston Marathon that takes place on April 19, 2010. After that, I plan to retire from marathon running once and for all. My body just doesn't seem cut out for it. I may still do half marathons. Speaking of the half, I was planning to do the Silver Strand Half Marathon, but it is sold out. I want to do some kind of race before Surf City as a warm up. I will have to search for another half sometimes in December.

Below is what I did for the past month or so. I haven't run a ton, clearly, but I am slowly getting back into it. This past week was a successful running week even while I traveled to Toronto and Indianapolis.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Sept 16, 2009	14:13	2.12	6:41	I ran on the treadmill at the gym. Didn't have a lot of time. I also did ellipitcal.	---	---
Sept 19, 2009	54:05	7.59	7:07	I ran up to Corona Del Mar from Balboa Island. It was sunny and not too hot, but it made me run slower. My HR was way up, too high.	181 (97%)	162 (87%)
week ending Sept 20, 2009	---	9.71	---	What a pathetic week. I just didn't have a lot of time to run due to traveling to DC for a conference. The time change really affected me.	---	---
Sept 22, 2009	21:16	3.03	7:00	I am in Chicago so I ran on the treadmill in the gym. I didn't have much time.	163 (87%)	154 (82%)
Sept 25, 2009	33:32	4.54	7:23	I ran slow and my legs felt like bricks. Not a good run. I didn't try to push myself simply b/c I had no energy.	160 (86%)	148 (79%)
Sept 26, 2009	41:02	5.65	7:15	I ran along Back Bay. It was ok, but I struggled and didn't feel fresh. I wanted to see how running on consecutive days would work out.	173 (93%)	155 (83%)
week ending Sept 27, 2009	---	13.22	---	I'm actually embarrassed that my weekly totals are so low. I just need to step it up. My body is not cooperating.	165 (88%)	152 (81%)
Sept 28, 2009	45:47	6.55	6:59	Back Bay. I felt good the first half but struggled the second. I know the HR monitor was off as it was not functioning for most of the run.	171 (91%)	149 (80%)
Sept 30, 2009	30:21	4.39	6:54	One last run off Balboa Island before I move.	169 (90%)	151 (81%)
Oct 1, 2009	30:13	4.36	6:54	I did this run on the treadmill at the gym.	166 (89%)	152 (81%)
Oct 2, 2009	27:20	3.87	7:03	I squeezed this run in since I have to leave for Toronto in the early morning tomorrow. I started this run at 8:30pm! I was not in the mood but wanted to run around my new neighbourhood.	167 (89%)	150 (80%)
Oct 4, 2009	28:54	4.33	6:39	I ran on the treadmill at the gym here in Toronto. It was raining outside so didn't want to get soaked. It is cold here, only in the lower 50s! Yikes!	174 (93%)	158 (84%)
week ending Oct 4, 2009	---	23.5	---	I'm a lot happier with my tally this week. I just tried to run more even if it was only a few miles. It's better than nothing. I need to get a double-digit run in next week. That's my goal.	169 (90%)	152 (81%)
Oct 5, 2009	43:40	6.33	6:53	I ran in Toronto along Lake Ontario. It was chilly, in the low 50s. On the way up I was running directly into a headwind. I was so tired and it took a lot out of me. On the way back I must have run a lot faster. I thought for sure my average was going to be slow.	162 (87%)	154 (82%)
Oct 6, 2009	27:53	4.06	6:51	I ran on the treadmill at the gym here in Indianapolis. I struggled	166 (89%)	152 (81%)
Oct 8, 2009	28:17	4.15	6:48	I ran on the treadmill at the gym here in Indianapolis. I ran faster than I thought I would.	164 (88%)	153 (82%)
Oct 10, 2009	29:47	4.18	7:06	Finally back in OC. I went from my place down Superior Ave onto the Balboa Peninsula and then back up the hill on Superior Ave. I wanted to run longer but it was too late and dark. I forgot my reflective vest.	167 (89%)	154 (812%)
Oct 11, 2009	1:14:53	10.55	7:05	I was so happy that I was able to run over an hour and at least 10 miles. I haven't run this long in over 6 months or so. I felt ok throughout. I ran down Superior onto Balboa peninsula and then ran from the Newport Pier all the way down past the Balboa Pier and reversed direction. It was nice to run along the boardwalk next to the beach. It was sunny but not too hot (around 70) with nice breezes. I struggled at the end since you have to run up Superior, which is like almost a 0.5 mile hill. My calf did not give me issues and my hamstring felt ok for the most part. I stretched a lot before and after.	171 (91%)	155 (83%)
week ending Oct 11, 2009	---	29.29	---	Not bad, considering I was traveling this week. I just barely missed 30 miles. Actually I did make 30 but didn't document a 1 mile run I did on the treadmill one night I decided to just do elliptical. Let's see if I can sustain this momentum.	166 (89%)	153.6 (82%)

Getting sick, Chicago trip, lack of running

I first got that feeling in my throat last Thursday afternoon. I knew this feeling. It's so familiar. A sore throat was approaching. It's always the same cycle when I get sick. I first get a sore throat for about a day. Then I get stuffed up. On the third day or so I then cough up a green slime substance (not pretty). Then it everything turns clear. Then I'm not sick anymore. This happens the EXACT SAME WAY each time.

I was glad the sore throat didn't last long. Thank GOD for the invention of Cepacol's Dual Relief spray. Just one spray will numb your throat for several hours. After initial discomfort, the numbing begins. You are only supposed to spray it once, but sometimes I like to live on the edge and do it twice. It comes in handy at 4AM when you wake up with the feeling that someone is stabbing your throat from the inside out. I wish you could just spray out all the bacteria at once. Maybe someday they will invent something like that - just kill it all. I did take plenty of Emergen-C as well, which I swear by. I used to promote for them for 3 years so I have tons of samples still. It's a vitamin C powder that fizzes when you mix it with water. There are also B vitamins and other minerals in it that give you energy.

I knew I would get sick since I wasn't getting enough sleep on my DC conference trip. The 3-hour time zone change killed me. I think since I never got a chance to adjust. I only got to sleep late one day and then I was up at 7AM (4AM PST) for the next two days. Not a good combination for staying healthy.

I am in Chicago for a tradeshow right now until Sept 24 (Thurs). Miraculously, today I didn't feel as sick. Stay tuned for a review an ice cream place called iCream Cafe, located in the always cool and hip Wicker Park neighborhood.


Given my sickness I only ended up running twice this week. I ran over 7 miles last Saturday even though I wasn't feeling too great. I ended up getting a fever and my head felt like it was going to explode afterwards. Below is my pitiful log:

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Sept 16, 2009	14:13	2.12	6:41	I ran briefly on the treadmill at the gym. I wanted to do 4 but only had time for 2 and I just wasn't feeling it. I am ashamed. I didn't even wear the HR monitor.	---	---
Sept 19, 2009	54:05	7.59	7:07	I ran to Corona Del Mar and back. It was sunny and not too hot. I was sick so this run didn't feel the best. I ran slower than normal. My HR was way up but I think it was a misreading.	181 (97%)	162 (87%)
week ending Sept 20, 2009	---	9.71	---	Bad week, I was sick and traveling. I was disappointed. I will have to postpone my half marathon plans to the Silver Strand down in Coronado in mid-Nov. There's no way I can run competitively at the Long Beach half marathon on Oct 11. It's ok, it gives me another month to get my ass in gear.	---	---

Moving yet again...running tally ending Sept 6

I have been searching on Craigslist for about 3 weeks now for a new place to live since I won't be able to stay in my current place on Balboa Island. I finally found a place. Click here to see my previous post about the trials and tribulations of roommate searching on Craigslist. I ended up finding a place in Costa Mesa that is right on the Newport Beach line about 1.7 miles from the coast. I will share a 3BD/2BA condo townhouse with 2 other girls in their 20s. I really wanted to be within 2-3 miles from the beach so at least I got that wish.  It was only $50 more than my current apt so I was relatively satisfied. This will be my 8th apt I have rented since 1999. The photo on the left is one I took on the Balboa Peninsula last weekend.

This Oct 1 move means my time on Balboa Island is coming to a close. It has been a nice 4+ months living on this cute little coastal island community of Newport Beach. I will miss it a lot but it's still a 10 min drive away. Actually my new place is so much more convenient to stores, restaurants, my 24 Hour Fitness gym, etc. Trader Joe's will only be a half mile away. It's in this area called Triangle Square, which has many cool shops, cafes and restaurants. Despite the negative reviews of this area on Yelp, I actually like the area.

J** and I are having a good time so far while he visits. The night he arrived we took the Balboa Island Ferry out to the peninsula to get $1 tacos at Great Mex. Then on Friday night we went down to San Diego to visit and stay with my friend Ryan. We went to Babycakes in Hillcrest to eat some of their very scrumptious and MOIST cupcakes. Since we wanted to prevent the sugar-induced comas I so frequently get after having sweets in the evening, J** and I split a pistachio one. They also have other flavors called "White Bottom" and "Black Bottom". Hmm, why would a place owned by gays name those cupcakes as such? I wonder... Anyway, the cupcakes are really, really good and they truly are moist, I'm not joking. Most have some kind of a filling inside. Ryan had a blueberry one with a blueberry jam inside. They also have other flavors like Blood Orange, Mango and Pomegranate. I'm so glad they have stayed in business for over a year. I haven't tried the actual cakes yet, but I am sure they are just as good. Babycakes also has plenty of brownies and cookies, along with a wide selection of beer and wine. This space used to be the former location of David's Coffeehouse.

On Saturday we went down to Coronado for a few hours. I always enjoy that beach with its very fine white sand. It feels so good under my feet. I didn't bring my boogie board but still managed to body surf in the 2-3 foot waves. The waves weren't too intimidating, but I did get sand and water in my ears/nose since it's hard to stay above water without a board while surfing. The beach we went to was about a half mile south of the Hotel del Coronado.

After a few hours at the beach we walked along Orange Avenue (the main drag) and stopped at Panera Bread for something to eat. Then we went to Stretch's Cafe for some soft serve vanilla yogurt. It was so good and very inexpensive. A medium cup is only $2.65 and they give you a lot. J** and I split a cup. If we had known that they also have sandwiches there we would have just gone there to eat. The last time I was at Stretch's was a few years ago. I only noticed the yogurt, but maybe I wasn't paying attention in my frozen yogurt craze.

Yesterday we went back over to the Balboa Peninsula to lay out at the beach and this time I brought my boogie board only to find out that the waves were SO SMALL. I couldn't believe that this was the same beach that featured the 20-foot waves back in July. There were a few 3 foot high waves that I did surf, but it was nothing.

Running

This week I tried running on consecutive days. I pushed the pace a few times as well. The calf still feels the same, not better, not worse. I had PT once on Tuesday before J** came into town later that night. Normally I would do it twice. I will go next week one time. I may not need it anymore.

Below is what I did last week.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
Aug 31, 2009	37:03	5.32	6:57	I did the Back Bay again. It was twilight and I ended this run in the dark. It was kind of cool to run at this time of day. The dunes and marshes glowed.	---	153 (82%)
Sept 2, 2009	41.03	6.04	6:47	I ran with J** at Back Bay again. This time I was really able to push it. My calf felt ok. It's always the first mile that feels weird. My hamstring was a little sore but I think I will always have to deal with that.	171 (91%)	157 (84%)
Sept 5, 2009	17:12	2.5	6:52	I was in San Diego and was going to do 6-7 miles today but cut it short due to running too late in the AM (11am). I decided to do a short run due to the heat and see how my calf feels running on consecutive days. No HR monitor since I forgot it in Newport.	---	---
Sept 6, 2009	41:30	6.16	6:44	I ran Back Bay again but in the direction of UC Irvine. It was mostly flat and the breeze was nice. It was very sunny though, so by the end I was getting hot. Temps were in the upper 70s, we started around 11am. It would have been better to start at 9am, but my tired ass was just getting out of bed.	174 (93%)	156 (83%)
week ending Sept 6, 2009	---	20.02	---	I'm glad I reached 20 miles for once. I think this week I really tried to push the pace on a few runs. Perhaps I should have ran slower, but I need to stay in good condition if I am going to do a half marathon in 5-6 weeks time in Long Beach.The plan next week is to run 4 days and also do 9 miles. I am traveling to DC for a conference on Saturday so maybe on Friday I will do the longer run.	172 (92%)	155 (83%)

Physical Therapy and running tally ending Aug 16, 2009

Last Tuesday (Aug 11) I had my first physical therapy session for my injured lower calf. You can read more details here about my doctor's visit on July 31. It was hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain source was since I hadn't run in a few days. We eventually found it. My physical therapist did a deep tissue massage on that leg for about 15 min. It hurt like hell. She said my calf is extremely tight and as it gets looser the pain will not be as bad. Also, I will need to do sets of stretching exercises for my calf before I run. Each stretch I have to hold for 30 seconds and do it at least 2-3 times. I will have to really focus on stretching BEFORE and AFTER each run. I have to admit that previously I would stretch, but not to the extent that she wants me to do now.

Here is my run tally but I will not total it until I am consistently running. This is what I have not posted since the last chart that was posted on my July, 20, 2009 entry.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min/ Mile	Notes	HR Max	HR Ave
July 25, 2009	32:08	4.87	6:35	Not sure my pace was accurate as I have had calibration issues with my Nike +. I have to re-calibrate I think. Also the HR watch was off. I don't think I was at 177 bpm!	177 (95%)	164 (88%)
July 29, 2009	29:03	4.07	7:07	I ran slower today. I wasn't feeling it.	159 (85%)	149 (80%)
Aug 1, 2009	31:17	4.57	6:50	Doctor said to run slower so I did slow down a little. I ran mostly on grass.	174 (93%)	162 (87%)
Aug 4, 2009	30:28	4.35	7:00	I fixed the calibration issue and re-calibrated. I think this was more accurate now.	165 (86%)	156 (83%)
Aug 6, 2009	31:19	4.39	7:08	On doctor's orders he told me to run slower. So I did. It felt ok. Ran mostly on grass.	162 (87%)	151 (81%)
Aug 8, 2009	33:05	5.0	6:36	Ran too fast. I think the watch was off still.	177 (95%)	159 (85%)
Aug 9, 2009	26:46	3.87	6:55	Ran slower but wanted to be around 7:00 pace, a tad fast. HR was not working on watch so I estimated. It was reading 213 bpm, which is an error or I would not be typing this right now. I would be dead.	170 (91%)	160 (85%)
Aug 12, 2009	45:27	6.60	6:52	After stretching extensively for 3 min each calf (per my PT) and also doing my hamstrings I ran along the Back Bay in Newport up through UC Irvine and back along the river/back bay. It was mostly on dirt. My leg felt better after a mile. It was a rough run as I have not done over 5 in a while so I was fatigued. I iced the calf after and felt ok. I thought I would be slower. I need to consciously slow down for now on.	174 (94%)	161 (86%)
Aug 15, 2009	41:36	6.09	6:49	After 2 days off from running and one day from complete exercise I felt ok on this run. I was in San Diego so I ran down through Balboa Park and back up to Hillcrest. I felt ok and stretched a lot before and after. My HR got too high but it was a bit warm and I ran at 11AM instead of a lot earlier as I had planned.	176 (94%)	160 (86%)

I have determined I won't be able to get my mileage up to complete the full marathon at Long Beach Marathon, so I will most likely do the half (13.1 miles). Then I will train to do Carlsbad Marathon on January 24, 2010. Then hopefully I can run a time to get me into Boston Marathon for April 2010 since my qualification expired this year since I didn't use it. That's the plan. I hope my body can cooperate.

San Diego Pride - Weekly Running Tally ending July 20, 2009

This past weekend I was in San Diego again for Pride and to dog/house sit. It was a great time. I thoroughly enjoyed being with my friends. I felt like I spread myself out a little too thin though. I never had a chance to truly just chill out. On Saturday morning I rushed down to the parade after searching for a parking space about a mile away. I met up with Ryan, Nima and Sakis, then eventually Alexis. We were there for 3 hours. I took a lot of great photos of the floats, etc. The photo on the left is of Ongina, who was a contestant on the Logo show Rupaul's Drag Race. I loved that show and Ongina! He was robbed of the title and should have made it further than he did.

On Sunday morning Alexis, Ryan and I went to a nice brunch at a private home in the Marston Hills area of Hillcrest. I was so envious of this small craftsman style home. It even had a separate dwelling in the back with vaulted ceilings that served as an office for the owner. I found out he actually works in Solana Beach 2 days a week since he runs a gallery. What a nice life. He can work in the comfort of his own home and just be in charge of his days. I want that so bad. That is my goal for when I get older. I want to have the flexibility to work for myself. Corporate America is very draining, but I have to pay my dues now. When I am in my 40s hopefully I'll escape this cubical way of life.

As for running I had some issues this week with a small injury to my lower inside calf area. I am not sure what it is exactly. I first got this pain in mid-May. Then I had the appendectomy and didn't run for 3 weeks. It is a ligament or tendon that runs along the inside of my right leg but not quite on the shin. It's only on one isolated spot instead of the entire ligament. I felt some moderate pain during my last run (7.1 mile run on 7/16). Then I didn't run Fri, Sat, Sun or Mon. I will skip today (Tues) so I will have 5 days of no running. I did do elliptical yesterday and upper body chest/back weights and abs. I felt good. I think I just need to rest the leg. I iced this weekend and that helped a lot. I did a lot of walking at Pride so at least I got some exercise. Below is my log for the period ending July 20.

Date	Time	Mileage	Min per Mile	Observations	HR Max	HR Ave
July 13, 2009	13:32	2.05	6:35	Barely got a run in on this Monday. Worked late.	---	---
July 14, 2009	29:14	4.26	6:51	I ran in the morning since I was going to do something after work.	178 (95%)	158 (84%)
July 14, 2009	30:11	4.54	6:38	I ran again today since I didn't go to a work function.	170 (91%)	161 (86%)
July 16, 2009	47:43	7.11	6:44	My longest run yet but I developed the pain in my lower calf/shin area. I could still run fast with this slight pain, but obviously I am worried about doing anything longer than 6-8 miles. How will it hold up on a 12- or 20-miler? Going to the doctor Aug 3.	168 (90%)	153 (82%)
Week ending July 20, 2009	---	17.96	---	Well due to skipping 3 days this period I was well below my goal of 30 miles. I will see how this injury goes after taking 5 days off from running in a row...	172.6 (92%)	157.3 (84%)

Show all

Weekly running tally - ending July 12, 2009

Below is my training log for the period ending on Sunday, July 12, 2009. I felt good overall!

Date	Time	Mileage	Min per Mile	Observations	HR Max	HR Ave
July 6, 2009	41:11	6.1	6:45	Longest run yet post-surgery. I felt good and pushed it pretty hard.	173 (93%)	158 (84%)
July 7, 2009	31:30	4.77	6:35	I ran harder tonight. It was a struggle but I averaged a great pace. I feel my body getting stronger and my legs.	170 (91%)	152 (81%)
July 8, 2009	33:09	5.06	6:32	Another fast-paced run. It didn't feel like I was going that fast.	169 (90%)	154 (82%)
July 9, 2009	26:13	4.01	6:31	I did a shorter run since I stopped and did some push ups at Irvine Terrace Park.	173 (93%)	155 (84%)
July 11, 2009	36:07	5.5	6:33	It was hotter than usual at 8:30 when I started. I ran from the shop where I got my brakes done. I was in San Diego for the weekend so I ran from University Heights to Mission Hills. It explains my higher heart rate.	177 (95%)	165 (88%)
July 12, 2009	32:53	5.05	6:30	Fastest pace run yet. I was only going to do 4 miles but felt good. I think since it was hot I ended up	174 (93%)	160 (86%)
Week ending July 12, 2009	---	30.49	---	A solid week overall. I was glad I ran 6 days. I need to really be consistent. I am going to try to do an 8-9 mile run next weekend. Building up...	172.6 (92%)	157.3 (84%)

I went to San Diego for the weekend and it was really nice to just sit by the pool at the house in Mission Hills I was staying at. I was helping my friend Justin dog sit. I always love dog sitting at this house since it is just so spacious and amazing with 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. The European kitchen is so great to cook in. There is a den in the back of the house that has French doors that open to the triangle-shaped pool. It's currently on the market for well over $2 million! Oh and there are lemon and grapefruit trees on the property.

In the front of the home it has a "great room" that features a panoramic view of Mission Valley and the golf course. On the second floor you can slightly see the ocean, which is about 5 miles away. Someday I will have a home like this. Well, I think I need to change my career if I am going to make the kind of money to be able to afford a multimillion dollar home. Or J**** needs to make a lot of money with his job. He stands a better chance than I, but I am going to start playing the lottery once a week.

Weekly Running Tally ending July 6, 2009

This week I felt more tired than usual on my runs. I ran two days less, I was aiming for 5 days but ran only 4. J*** was in town so I wanted to spend more time relaxing. I was shocked I did a run at 6:33 pace. I did have a scare on one of the runs when I felt a sharp pain in my left knee. I think I just need to not push as hard on the uphills. I found a hill on Seadrift Avenue near Irvine Terrace Park that is moderately challenging. No real pain in the abdomen. Today I ran 6.1 at 6:45 pace for my longest run yet post-surgery. I will be posting that in the log at the end of the week. Below is the latest log:

Date	Time	Mileage	Min per Mile	Observations	HR Max	HR Ave
June 29, 2009	30:38	4.49	6:49	It was a Monday run. I felt ok. Worked in some hills. Average HR was good. Trying to keep it around 80% of max.	166 (89%)	151 (81%)
July 1, 2009	31:04	4.57	6:47	Ran after a long day at work. I was tired and my HR showed it. I had to work extra hard to keep pace.	176 (94%)	156 (83%)
July 3, 2009	32:20	4.83	6:38	Wow, this was a tough run. I was breathing pretty hard. I pushed it a bit too much I think I felt a twinge in my left knee. I had to stop. It went away though.	174 (93%)	155 (83%)
July 4, 2009	29:52	4.55	6:33	Wow, my fastest pace yet. I was so in the mood to just get it over with. Happy 4th of July!	173 (93%)	155 (84%)
Week ending July 5, 2009	---	18.44	---	Trying to get at least 25 miles next week. I will try to run 6 days but pace slower. I don't want to overdo it.	172.2 (92%)	154 (83%)

J***'s visit was great. We did a lot. We went over to the Balboa Peninsula a bunch of times. The night he came in we took the Balboa ferry and ate at The Newport Landing on Thursday for their $1 tacos. We each had 4. They were good. It was super busy though and lots and lots of high school kids. I forgot what it is like to be a teenager. The kids in SoCal seem very spoiled though, much different than Boston teens.

Friday we didn't lay out on a beach but drove 2 miles over to Corona Del Mar, a section of Newport Beach. It has many cute shops and restaurants. We at at Thai Del Mar, a small place on Pacific Highway (PCH). We both had the lunch special for $6.99 but it was not enough food. I was left hungry and had to immediately eat a whole wheat bagel at Bruegger's across the street afterward.

We attempted to drive to Balboa Island and park my car, but there was not a single space left on the island. Yes, we made the grave mistake of actually driving off the island during 4th of July weekend. My roommate actually assumed we had walked to Corona Del Mar. So after 20 min of not finding a space we decided to head to Fashion Island up the road and check out some stores and walk around. We then parked in a neighborhood nearby and walked went to Corona Del Mar State beach. We took photos of The Wedge from afar. Waves can get insanly big there (up to 15 feet high). They were only 3-4 feet last weekend though.

Saturday we ended up taking the ferry again and going to the Balboa peninsula beach for a few hours. It was a perfect day with perfect sun. I didn't bring my boogie board since I don't think I am ready to do that just yet post-surgery. My abs still feel sore inside where the incisions were. We did go into the very COLD water though. The waves crash close so you can get pounded pretty easily. For lunch we initially headed to Great Mex for some great Mexican food. We were going to go on Friday, but it was way too busy and no places to sit. We then walked down the Pier and saw the over-priced menu items at the Ruby's diner. Later that night we want to Shanghai Pine Garden on the island for some great Chinese food. I had the steamed chicken and veggies with a garlic sauce on the side and J*** had shrimp with string beans and rice. The prices were $9-$11 for a lot of food. Granted, it's not the most fancy place, but it's convenient and good.

Sunday we went down to hike at El Moro Canyon at the Crystal Cove State Beach. We opted for the 3.1 mile loop since we were hungry and doing the 4-6 mile option was not going to be an option. In the future I would like to do a very long hike there. It's a nice workout with very steep inclines and declines. After grabbing some salads at Trader Joe's we headed to the Cystal Cove State Park's beach at Pelican Point, which is very nice. The $10 fee for doing the hike got us into the beach parking area too. Not a bad deal if you do both activities.

J*** left this AM and then I went into work early. I will miss him! I stayed until 6PM per usual. I become unproductive mid-day and then I get a lot done from like 3-6 so I just go with it. I should have left earlier since I came in at 7:30AM! Anyway, I am tired now and will go to bed.