The weather took a turn for the better this morning, the cool thick fog rolled in from the bay and up to the trails. I headed up to Tilden, to check out my options. I parked in the Nature Area near Little Farm and hiked in a little on the Jewel Lake trail, it runs parallel to Wildcat Canyon....except it's a hillier climb. Maybe a mile into it, the trail intersects with Wildcat and I continued for probably another 1.5 mile when I came across another marker that I suspected would get me to the Nimitz Trail.
I can't remember the name of this trail but it said canyon on the end so that told me I'd be going down and down and down...before long I felt like I was in another world. The change in scenery was drastic, the relatively flat and dusty Wildcat gave way to moist uneven terrain. I had stumbled onto one honey of a trail. On the way down I had to go through a few gates and I even had to rock hop across a little creek. Ferns lined the trail on all sides and the air felt heavy, despite the cooler temps I felt muggy. I began to noticed horse poop along the way and as the trail began to climb it's way out of the canyon the trail grew narrower and less visible.
The fog was pretty dense by the time I arrived to what appeared to be a fork in the road. Its safe to say that while I wasn't completely disoriented I wasn't sure what my next move should be. I stayed to the right, thinking I'd stay parallel to Wildcat. What I didn't realize was that I was heading torwards the middle of a cattle field....the horse poop was replaced by HUGE cow patty's and the trail was riddled with pot holes covered with downtrodden grasses.....a sprained ankle waiting to happen. I considered what such an injury would mean to me at this point...out in the middle of seemingly nowhere, I was careful to say the least.
My decision to stay to the right eventually led me to a steep hill, I considered for a moment what a bitch it would be if I had to turn around and backtrack. Throwing caution to the wind I trotted down the hill and was greeted by a dead end a few short yards later!
Arrrrg....looked like I'd be walking....semi-upright... back up that steep ass hill. Huffing and puffing my way to the top I continued to walk through the pothole ridden portion of the trail than picked up the pace once I got back to the original fork in the road. This time I veered left. Through the fog I forged ahead, crosswinds whipping around, it felt pretty good following the mugginess of the canyon....not to mention the steep climb I just did.
Off in the distance I saw another gate and a marker ....Nimitz Trail...yeah I was on the right track! From this point I knew I was 4 miles from Inspiration Point, however I was parked at Little Farm, roughly another 5 miles and would need to turn right at IP and follow another trail (all down hill) back to the Nature Area. I got to the end trail by 10 o'clock and continued running for a couple of more minutes than I walked to the where I was parked. I stretched for a good while on a nearby picnic table feeling tired but not spent.
It's safe to say I ran at least 8 miles, maybe 9 in 2 hours. My right knee felt a little wonky but other than that I felt pretty great. A few times I had to stop and remove little rocks and debris from my shoes, I really need to find me some gators! I used my hand held water bottle filled with mango gatorade on this run thinking that my palms would be less sweaty because it wasn't very hot......wrong! I wonder if there's a hand held hydration system out there that wicks the moisture away from your hand ....until I find one I'm a camelback girl all the way. Nutrition was simple, peanut butter and honey on toast and 1 cup of coffee.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
A new twist on an old favorite
This morning I wasn't particulary motivated but with my events looming on the horizon I needed to get a few things done. I rode my mountain bike over to Strawberry pool expecting to swim at 7:30 but discovered the pool didn't open until 8:30....that's typical... me not looking at the schedule ahead of time! So I ventured up the road a ways to the trailhead and went for a decent ride . I noticed a bulldozer off to the side of the trail and as I worked my way up I could see many places where the trail had been worked and lots of loose dirt. As I peddled along my thoughts drifted to a show I watched the other night on the Discovery Channel about cougar attacks....they like to grab there victims by the head and I wondered if my helmut would make a difference in the event of an attack....such lovely thoughts!! By the time I got to the foot of Big Bertha, her steepness combined with the loose dirt made it impossible for my tires to grab the road and I had to walk my bike up....that was harder than running up! I stopped at the top to catch my breath, saddled up again and proceeded upwards.
The perspective going up on the bike was a pleasant change from running. I was more relaxed and seemed to notice more things along the way compared to when I'm running. I only planned to go as far as I could until 8:15 so I could turn around and be back at the pool by 8:30. The ride down was really fun and when I got to Big Bertha I noticed a couple of hikers heading up. I dismounted and walked until they passed by and than got back on and had the descent of my life......steep and fast (pretty fast...the loose dirt put a damper on my enthusiasm) Woohooo!
Rounding the corner at the bottom of the hill I slowed down for another hiker and just cruised back down to the pool.
Now let me just say, Strawberry is one of the nicest pools in all of Berkeley and as a result is quite popular especially in the afternoons and evenings. Early birds get the bonus of less crowded lanes for sure. I was the second person in the pool today and had a lovely lane partner who wasn't huffy cuz I was slow and we'd chit chat a little every so often. Today I concentrated on my kick, staring down at the bottom of the pool to try to maintain a more horizontal position and slowing down so I'd have enough energy to keep going and not have to rest every lap....the slower I went the better my breathing went. I'd go 25 x 2 before a rest....and rest breaks are getting shorter. As usual I lost track of how many laps I did.
I swam for approx. 40 minutes and then headed home. What a difference from last nights workout.
I managed to get out of working 2 days early so vacation is officially on! Need to clean the nest and finish up laundry so I can start packing. I went to AAA the other day for maps and guide books. For the first time ever we've booked 2 rooms, so M will have her own space ( or rather so T and I will have our own space! M is less excited about this than we are, but I know we'd probably go crazy in the same room for a week!) We're staying at the Hilton one night in Universal City (T had two nights comped from a job he did for them, so we'll stay there the first night and then the second night when we head home) The rest of the stay(5 nights) will be in San Diego at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina. One detail I haven't figured out yet is how to store the bikes, since we're staying at the Hilton the first and last nights, I'm a little hesitant about schlepping our 3 mountain bikes through the hotel lobby..........T thinks it's okay to lock them up on the rack but I'm not so sure. I could pull out one of the rear seats of the Element, but that would make it less cozy for M...what to do?
The perspective going up on the bike was a pleasant change from running. I was more relaxed and seemed to notice more things along the way compared to when I'm running. I only planned to go as far as I could until 8:15 so I could turn around and be back at the pool by 8:30. The ride down was really fun and when I got to Big Bertha I noticed a couple of hikers heading up. I dismounted and walked until they passed by and than got back on and had the descent of my life......steep and fast (pretty fast...the loose dirt put a damper on my enthusiasm) Woohooo!
Rounding the corner at the bottom of the hill I slowed down for another hiker and just cruised back down to the pool.
Now let me just say, Strawberry is one of the nicest pools in all of Berkeley and as a result is quite popular especially in the afternoons and evenings. Early birds get the bonus of less crowded lanes for sure. I was the second person in the pool today and had a lovely lane partner who wasn't huffy cuz I was slow and we'd chit chat a little every so often. Today I concentrated on my kick, staring down at the bottom of the pool to try to maintain a more horizontal position and slowing down so I'd have enough energy to keep going and not have to rest every lap....the slower I went the better my breathing went. I'd go 25 x 2 before a rest....and rest breaks are getting shorter. As usual I lost track of how many laps I did.
I swam for approx. 40 minutes and then headed home. What a difference from last nights workout.
I managed to get out of working 2 days early so vacation is officially on! Need to clean the nest and finish up laundry so I can start packing. I went to AAA the other day for maps and guide books. For the first time ever we've booked 2 rooms, so M will have her own space ( or rather so T and I will have our own space! M is less excited about this than we are, but I know we'd probably go crazy in the same room for a week!) We're staying at the Hilton one night in Universal City (T had two nights comped from a job he did for them, so we'll stay there the first night and then the second night when we head home) The rest of the stay(5 nights) will be in San Diego at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina. One detail I haven't figured out yet is how to store the bikes, since we're staying at the Hilton the first and last nights, I'm a little hesitant about schlepping our 3 mountain bikes through the hotel lobby..........T thinks it's okay to lock them up on the rack but I'm not so sure. I could pull out one of the rear seats of the Element, but that would make it less cozy for M...what to do?
Monday Night Workout
Tracy and I got together for a swim lastnight....we rode our mountain bikes from my house to Strawberry Pool. The ride wore me out as the mountain bike on the asphalt hills is a wee bit harder than on the road bike...I figured it was more good cross training.
Tracy is a strong rider, commuting from El Cerrito to Emeryville everyday while pulling her 30 pound son along in a side care! In addition to the Tri4Fun coming up in Aug, she and another friend are doing the Mermaid Tri in Santa Cruz.........she's trying to convince me to enter but I'm not ready to tackle to the ocean yet! Hell, I still need to get my butt in the lake. I'll more than likely tag along as support and maybe even make a girls weekend of it.
Anyhow, the bike ride was short but challenging. Swimming after biking was harder than I expected....I understand better why the swim is the first event in triathlon, you want to be as fresh as possible when immersed in water! I was tired and sluggish plus the fact that I'm not a regular night time exerciser really challenged me. We agreed that it was an ok effort on it's own and gave ourselves extra credit on account it that was monday night afterall! We're gonna try a swim/run when I get back from vacation. As much as I prefer to workout in the morning, I'm willing to give the evenings a try. Mixing things up should make me stronger too, right?
Did I mention that at the Triclub get together last week that I won yet another prize(a pair of Yanx) during a raffle? This is the 3rd time I "won" something as result of being involved in running and triathalons...Funny thing, I'm not a "lucky" person per say...I'm never caller "9" when I try to win concert tickets on the radio, I never win anything from the school raffle despite purchasing an entire book of tickets and I have extremely bad luck with parking tickets.
Strangely though, my luck seems to improve whenever physical exertion is involved. Like the time I won a bottle of vitamins at the gym, or the $75.00 Fleet Feet gift certificate just for wearing Montrails at my first trail race. I've won a couple things since starting triathalon too, the racing belt and the now the Yanx...kinda cool, kinda like the universe is rewarding me for putting in the effort. I need to reflect more on my good fortune and how the training draws good things into my life. How about you?
Tracy is a strong rider, commuting from El Cerrito to Emeryville everyday while pulling her 30 pound son along in a side care! In addition to the Tri4Fun coming up in Aug, she and another friend are doing the Mermaid Tri in Santa Cruz.........she's trying to convince me to enter but I'm not ready to tackle to the ocean yet! Hell, I still need to get my butt in the lake. I'll more than likely tag along as support and maybe even make a girls weekend of it.
Anyhow, the bike ride was short but challenging. Swimming after biking was harder than I expected....I understand better why the swim is the first event in triathlon, you want to be as fresh as possible when immersed in water! I was tired and sluggish plus the fact that I'm not a regular night time exerciser really challenged me. We agreed that it was an ok effort on it's own and gave ourselves extra credit on account it that was monday night afterall! We're gonna try a swim/run when I get back from vacation. As much as I prefer to workout in the morning, I'm willing to give the evenings a try. Mixing things up should make me stronger too, right?
Did I mention that at the Triclub get together last week that I won yet another prize(a pair of Yanx) during a raffle? This is the 3rd time I "won" something as result of being involved in running and triathalons...Funny thing, I'm not a "lucky" person per say...I'm never caller "9" when I try to win concert tickets on the radio, I never win anything from the school raffle despite purchasing an entire book of tickets and I have extremely bad luck with parking tickets.
Strangely though, my luck seems to improve whenever physical exertion is involved. Like the time I won a bottle of vitamins at the gym, or the $75.00 Fleet Feet gift certificate just for wearing Montrails at my first trail race. I've won a couple things since starting triathalon too, the racing belt and the now the Yanx...kinda cool, kinda like the universe is rewarding me for putting in the effort. I need to reflect more on my good fortune and how the training draws good things into my life. How about you?
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Reverse Briquet
Once I settled on a running route I ended up taking the BART trail as far as Central, I then cut over to the BAY trail that runs parallel HWY 80. I then veered right over towards Golden Gate Fields behind the race track. I then noticed the Albany Waterfront Trail and remembered finding those dirt trails last year, that's when I had the idea to come back this way after the run with my mountain bike. I cut across the parking lot and up the big hill behind the track, then down and left on Gilman, the home stretch.
In my haste to get going before it got too warm, I left the house w/o any nutrition, only a few sips of water. When I got home I mixed up some GU electrolyte powder with water, jumped on the bike and rode over to the bagel shop for another thing of Gatorade. I just wasn't hungry and forgoing the sun block actually made the humid conditions more tolerable.
I basically rode the same route I ran except I goofed around a little on the single dirt tracks and went as far I could on them before hikers and really rough/narrow trail conditions forced me to dismount. I turned around and headed back up and over the big hill behind the race track and cruised home.
The bike ride following the run was sweeeeet! The cool ocean breeze and scent of salt water in the air washed over me as I rolled down the backside of Golden Gate Fields.
I feel calm and collected which is exactly where I need to be as I head out for a... huh lets just say obligatory family function.
I came home from Borders yesterday disappointed in the lack of appealing titles and ended up getting the 3rd Travelling Pants Book and a non-fiction book disguised as a present for T (the big guy turned 52!).....Stumbling On Happiness....thanks Anne..I noticed it on your sidebar....but hey, I'm still taking suggestions...luckily it doesn't bother me to read during the drive (except for when I'm driving, then it gets tricky!) and it's gonna be a long drive to San Diego this thursday.
In my haste to get going before it got too warm, I left the house w/o any nutrition, only a few sips of water. When I got home I mixed up some GU electrolyte powder with water, jumped on the bike and rode over to the bagel shop for another thing of Gatorade. I just wasn't hungry and forgoing the sun block actually made the humid conditions more tolerable.
I basically rode the same route I ran except I goofed around a little on the single dirt tracks and went as far I could on them before hikers and really rough/narrow trail conditions forced me to dismount. I turned around and headed back up and over the big hill behind the race track and cruised home.
The bike ride following the run was sweeeeet! The cool ocean breeze and scent of salt water in the air washed over me as I rolled down the backside of Golden Gate Fields.
I feel calm and collected which is exactly where I need to be as I head out for a... huh lets just say obligatory family function.
I came home from Borders yesterday disappointed in the lack of appealing titles and ended up getting the 3rd Travelling Pants Book and a non-fiction book disguised as a present for T (the big guy turned 52!).....Stumbling On Happiness....thanks Anne..I noticed it on your sidebar....but hey, I'm still taking suggestions...luckily it doesn't bother me to read during the drive (except for when I'm driving, then it gets tricky!) and it's gonna be a long drive to San Diego this thursday.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Can you recommend a good book?
I'm in vacation mode and am especially interested in fiction. I don't like romance novels, though I do enjoy relationship and coming of age stories. I like adventures, especially fond on solo voyages and the like. I haven't been able to stay interested in anything lately and I really miss getting lost in a good read.
Any recommendations?
Any recommendations?
Friday, July 21, 2006
Some Workouts Just Suck!
No way around it, sometimes they just do! This mornings run got off to another late start and 10 minutes into it I knew it was gonna be sucky. Hot and bothered I pressed on the BART TRAIL... half way out I pulled off my shirt running in my sports bras ( I wear two) I usually reserve this lack of modestty for the remote trail runs but it was too freakin hot! Got back home in time to grab my gym bag and M then off to camp.
I wanted to swim as well, so I headed over to the pool near my job. It was hotter and later by this time in and as usual I short changed my warm-up and after a few short laps I switched over to the longer lane for a few more. I wanted to get to work by 11:00 so I only swam for 30 plus minutes. I felt rushed and didn't have a handle on my breathing and well the swim sucked too! Unless I don't have to take M to camp and get to the pool near my job really early, I always feel rushed. With the weather warming up there is every reason in the world to drag my tail out of bed earlier.
Oh well, sucky or not at least I made an effort. I did REST yesterday, which was why I chose to run and swim today. Thinking about it now I should've just kept to one or the other instead of rushing both. Live and learn.
I wanted to swim as well, so I headed over to the pool near my job. It was hotter and later by this time in and as usual I short changed my warm-up and after a few short laps I switched over to the longer lane for a few more. I wanted to get to work by 11:00 so I only swam for 30 plus minutes. I felt rushed and didn't have a handle on my breathing and well the swim sucked too! Unless I don't have to take M to camp and get to the pool near my job really early, I always feel rushed. With the weather warming up there is every reason in the world to drag my tail out of bed earlier.
Oh well, sucky or not at least I made an effort. I did REST yesterday, which was why I chose to run and swim today. Thinking about it now I should've just kept to one or the other instead of rushing both. Live and learn.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Exploring Redwood
I stayed up waaaay too late lastnight watching this really weird movie "Birth" w/Nicole Kiddman....I was both riveted and creeped out and didn't get to bed until nearly 1:00 am!!
Not so conducive to the long trail run I had planned.
With my expectations lowered I went about getting M ready for camp, dropped her off a little past 9:00 am and "snaked" (the street is really named Snake Rd.) my way up towards Redwood Reg. Park
I hit the Westridge trail for a change of pace. It had been awhile since I went this way and quite alot of it looked unfamiliar. I veered right past the staging area and before long my wide fire trail became a weeded single track that meandered through more tall grass. I noticed brilliant red poison oak tangled in blackberry bushes and was careful to avoid it. I turned around and got back on the main trail then on to Redwood Grove and discovered a swimming pool, huh! who knew? Today was not only hot but humid and I looked longingly at the pool before heading back. I kept well hydrated and added a banana GU to my Mango/Fruit Punch Gatorade concoction. It sounds gross but was actually pretty good. I ran for 60 plus minutes and then hiked around the park for another 45 minutes.
It's funny that when I first started my walk/run program I was really consistent and was careful not to do too much too soon. I think I've been a little reckless lately jumping around so much distance wise. So far, no major aches or pains or set-backs of any kind...but thinking it through, seems like my running needs to get a revamp. I just figure I need 2 short and one long (ideally) often resulting in one of each because the swimming and biking need time too.
I have noticed the benefits of cross-training though. I'm sure the fact that I've managed to stay relatively injury free is a main point here.
Anyways, I was remembering how I started to build endurance through a walk/run program and thought why wouldn't that continue to work as I move towards longer distances. During the hike portion of todays workout I sprinted up a little hill- mostly to get in the shade and just that little bit of effort assured me that I'd be walking back the rest of the way! Jello legs, just like the bike to run transition...Still, it's always kinda cool to me when my body reaches it's limits, when true fatigue kicks in. More evidence that I'm getting out of my comfort zone.
So far this week
7/16 -7/22
Sun-3 hr./25 plus mile group bike ride.
Mon-Rest
Tues-Brisk 30 minute BART TRAIL run
Wed- 60 minute trail run, 45 min hike
(tentative)
Thur-REST or swim
Fri-30 min run
Sat-? /Bike
I should be swimming on most REST days now. I'm pretty sure I'll get another run in on Sunday. Not really sure but a tentative plan is better than no plan I suppose.
Not so conducive to the long trail run I had planned.
With my expectations lowered I went about getting M ready for camp, dropped her off a little past 9:00 am and "snaked" (the street is really named Snake Rd.) my way up towards Redwood Reg. Park
I hit the Westridge trail for a change of pace. It had been awhile since I went this way and quite alot of it looked unfamiliar. I veered right past the staging area and before long my wide fire trail became a weeded single track that meandered through more tall grass. I noticed brilliant red poison oak tangled in blackberry bushes and was careful to avoid it. I turned around and got back on the main trail then on to Redwood Grove and discovered a swimming pool, huh! who knew? Today was not only hot but humid and I looked longingly at the pool before heading back. I kept well hydrated and added a banana GU to my Mango/Fruit Punch Gatorade concoction. It sounds gross but was actually pretty good. I ran for 60 plus minutes and then hiked around the park for another 45 minutes.
It's funny that when I first started my walk/run program I was really consistent and was careful not to do too much too soon. I think I've been a little reckless lately jumping around so much distance wise. So far, no major aches or pains or set-backs of any kind...but thinking it through, seems like my running needs to get a revamp. I just figure I need 2 short and one long (ideally) often resulting in one of each because the swimming and biking need time too.
I have noticed the benefits of cross-training though. I'm sure the fact that I've managed to stay relatively injury free is a main point here.
Anyways, I was remembering how I started to build endurance through a walk/run program and thought why wouldn't that continue to work as I move towards longer distances. During the hike portion of todays workout I sprinted up a little hill- mostly to get in the shade and just that little bit of effort assured me that I'd be walking back the rest of the way! Jello legs, just like the bike to run transition...Still, it's always kinda cool to me when my body reaches it's limits, when true fatigue kicks in. More evidence that I'm getting out of my comfort zone.
So far this week
7/16 -7/22
Sun-3 hr./25 plus mile group bike ride.
Mon-Rest
Tues-Brisk 30 minute BART TRAIL run
Wed- 60 minute trail run, 45 min hike
(tentative)
Thur-REST or swim
Fri-30 min run
Sat-? /Bike
I should be swimming on most REST days now. I'm pretty sure I'll get another run in on Sunday. Not really sure but a tentative plan is better than no plan I suppose.
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