This Week

Our view yesterday morning

It's been a busy, busy week!  We bought a car on Sunday, but I have determined not to drive it unless the trip is over 5 miles.  That means I'm still walking to the grocery store and the zoo and the bike store and...

This is my highest mileage week this year!  Keeping track of all the walking I'm doing is really making a difference.  I've started a new game when I'm out walking.  I look ahead and find the next person on the sidewalk who is also walking, then I pick up my pace to see how long it takes to pass them.  This really helps me to focus, otherwise I just get slower and slower!  It works!

Sunday - Rested
It was pouring, plus we had scheduled to meet the seller of a 2002 Saturn at 9:00.  We ended up buying it - our second Saturn!

Monday - Ran 5.04 in 1:06:19, 13:10 pace.
I was experiencing a lot of knee pain so did quite a bit of walking.
Also walked to the bike shop - 5 miles.

Tuesday - Walked 6 miles.
Here, there, and everywhere!

Wednesday - Ran 9.10 miles in 1:39:56, 10:59 pace
I wore different shoes and my knee was much better!  I ran around Diamond Head going counterclockwise, I think this direction is much tougher.
I also did a ton of walking this day!  I dropped our car off to be detailed, then walked to Don Quijote's (groceries) and home.  Later, I walked back to pick up the car.  Total walked 5.3 miles.

Thursday - Walked 6.8 miles
A trip to the zoo and some wandering in Waikiki.  Special treat at the zoo was watching three lion cubs.  They are 3 months old and have only been on exhibit a couple of weeks.

Friday - Walked 3 miles
Met Les for lunch, then took another trip to Don Q's.

Saturday - Ran 9.02 miles in 1:37:54, 10:52 pace.
Another trip around Diamond Head, this time I went clockwise.  It's tough, just not quite as tough as counterclockwise.
Also walked to AMFM (Ala Moana Farmer's Market)  2 miles.

Totals
Running:  23.15
Walking:  28.10
Total:  51.25

Slump Buster

View from the mountain side of Diamond Head

You know the best way to get out of a running slump?  RUN!  That's what I did this morning.  I wore my iPod and listened to upbeat and uplifting tunes.  It kept my mind occupied and I think that really helped!  I did my new favorite route - around Diamond Head - with a little bonus run part way into the crater.

View from the Crater Road

There is a Strava segment called Pokapahu Climb.  It is the road into Diamond Head Crater.  It is 3/10th of a mile with an average grade of 15.2%!  I really didn't push myself on it today, I was just trying to find my way and I still captured 9th overall of women.  I'll be hitting that again to see how high up I can climb in the rankings!

When I got to this tunnel, I turned around and headed back out of the park and finished my loop.  I can't believe I caught this surfer with my iPhone!

View from the Ocean side

About halfway around the crater, I passed a couple.  As we exchanged "good mornings" the man said, "You're the best dressed runner I've ever seen."  Thanks, sir, you made my day!

9.3 miles in 1:46:08, 11:25 pace
Ave HR 147
Max HR 165
Calories burned 880

Where Have I Been?

 It's been over two weeks since I blogged here.  It's been almost that long since I've done any running.  If you don't read my other blog, you probably have no idea what's gone on since February 28th (date of my last post.)  We flew home that night, arriving in LA at 5:30 Friday morning.  By 2:00 p.m. that same day, we were in Fresno.  My Dad was extremely sick, I actually wondered if I would make it home in time to see him.  He passed away on the following Tuesday, March 5th and his funeral was last Monday, March 11th.  It has been a heartbreaking time.  I am really, really going to miss my Dad.  He was a great Dad!

We are now back in Hawaii and settling in for an extended stay.  I'm ready for lots of running and walking.  I've avoided the scale, I know my eating was out of control for a few days and exercise was non-existent.  I had actually started a post the week of February 24th, but never finished it, so I'm gonna get you all caught up!

February 24th-March 1st

Sunday - Walked 4.5 miles
I turned my Strava tracker on as I headed out this morning.  I knew I walked a lot, but was surprised by the total!

Monday - Walked 2 miles in the morning (Don Q's, of course!)
Ran 2.36 miles in 30:00, 12:43 pace.  I did this on the treadmill in the evening while Les was working out on the weight machines in our complex.  It has been YEARS since I was on a treadmill.  I was a sweat drippin' mess!  Average heart rate 149!

Tuesday -Ran 7.75 miles in 1:30:25, 11:40 pace
Got up and ran long and hard this morning.  Saw the full moon and the sunrise, while running in wind and rain!

Wednesday - Rested
I didn't even walk to Don Q's today.  My legs really needed the rest.

Thursday - Ran 8.6 miles in 1:33:53, 10:54 pace
Felt great this day!
Walked 3 miles.

Friday - Rested
Took a red eye flight home and arrived at 5:30 a.m.

Saturday -Stood at my Dad's bedside with my heart breaking in two.

March 3rd-9th
I know I should have gotten out and run during this stressful time, but it didn't happen.  After my Dad passed away, Les and I moved from his house to a hotel - it was really stressful trying to stay there.  I managed one run on the hotel treadmill on Friday afternoon.
2.45 miles in 26:12, 10:43 pace

March 10th-16th
This week was a little better once we got back home to Simi Valley. My energy level has been pretty low, with lots of emotional stuff weighing me down as well.

Tuesday - Ran 4.6 miles in 1:06:01, 14:20 pace
This really can't be called a run.  I remember starting out running, but I think it turned into a walk at some point.  Honestly, I don't remember!

Thursday - Rode 9.32 miles in 1:10:52, 9 mph
Les prodded me out the door and I'm so glad he did.  I probably would have stayed in bed and cried for a couple of hours if he hadn't.

Friday - Back in Oahu!  Walked 3.5 miles, including a trip to Don Q's, of course.

Saturday - Walked 4.58 miles in 1:09:11, 15:06 pace.
I headed out planning to run, but again had no energy.  I had to remind myself that walking is excellent cross training.
Also walked 2.7 miles in 42:35, 15:33 pace
I took a trip to the AMFM (Ala Moana Farmer's Market)  I went early this time and found some great things - corn, tomatoes, Lilikoi bread, and macadamia nut stick buns!

So that's my last three weeks in a nutshell!  I know this slump will end with time, because time is definitely the best healer.