Sunday, March 5, 2023

Greetings from California

Greetings from the high desert of California! I'm vacationing with my sister and her hubs at their winter place and I am having a great time! The weather has been perfect with sunny, blue skies and temperatures in the upper 60s. It's supposed to get a little warmer after the weekend. As you read this, we're on our way to Death Valley National Park, which we are all really excited about. 

So far, I've gotten some running and hiking in with lots of climbing. This makes me really happy because as you know, my training for April's trail race has not been optimal. The trails at home have been icy and muddy and it has been difficult to get any decent mileage on them. I'm hoping to do some quality work on these mountain trails while I'm here. We're having a lot of fun too!

Weekly Rundown
Sunday: trail run 6.25m
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: pool running
Wednesday: run 7 miles
Thursday: rest/travel to California
Friday: trail run 5 miles; trail hike 7 miles
Saturday: hike 3.7 miles

February miles: 82

Running

The sun was out and I was excited to meet up with the Trail Sisters Chicago Northwest for our weekly trail run, this time at a small local preserve. Having run 10 miles in the city the day before, I only wanted to do about 4-5 miles. Of course, I had to complete the loop, which was 6+ miles. The trails were sloppy but I ran with Kristen, another RHT member, and 2 other trail sisters. We talked the whole time and I have to admit that I am really enjoying running with other people. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!


I woke up to bright sunshine on Wednesday! After all the rain we've had lately, I knew the trails would be muddy, so I laced up my road shoes and headed to the bike path. Spring was in the air. The birds were singing and the robins were out in force! It was so nice and even though my legs were fatigued from all the work I've been doing, I pushed my distance to 7 miles. I would have gone farther but I had to go to work. I may have gotten a little giddy. I finished this run with a huge smile on my face.


I was up and out the door Friday morning to catch the sunrise over the mountains of Palm Desert! I was in a hurry and I didn't eat breakfast. I made it about halfway up the mountain when the sun peaked over the top of the mountains. What a gorgeous morning and I was there for it! I had hoped for about 6 miles on the trails but not eating before I ran really bit me in the butt, so I dragged myself home. I won't do that again, especially when I'm getting a lot of vert. I got 900 ft just on this run!


After breakfast, my sister and her hubs were planning to hike on another trail. Since I was disappointed in my output on my run, I joined them. I was so excited to see a couple bighorn sheep! I was even able to get close to one of them. Day made! This was a beautiful trail with lots of climbing, rocks, and cacti. There was even an oasis--something you have to see to believe. I posted a lot of photos on my IG. We finished with 1600 ft of vert on this hike. 


I woke up on Saturday pretty sore from the previous day's adventures! After some Yoga with Adriene, I felt better and ready to tackle our short hike to a waterfall at the Tahquitz Canyon in Palm Springs. It's pretty rare to have water flowing in this area, but they've had a lot of rain and there is still snow on the high mountain tops. This trail is located on the Agua Caliente tribal grounds, so there was a fee to hike there. But we all agreed it was well worth it. The trail was through a canyon and we were surrounded by incredible rock formations. The waterfall was the icing on the cake. It was such a fun morning! After our hike, we had lunch in Palm Springs and checked out some of the shops along the way. We also drove to see the restored mid-century modern homes, stopping at an open house to check one out. Listed for 2.3 million dollars, this house took us back to our childhood. Pretty amazing!

CrossFit

Monday's WOD was interesting. The MetCon was a coach-led 15 minute EMOM of 6-8 supermans, 6-8 turkish sit-ups, and 10-12 single leg v-ups. After that we did a 'fun' chipper workout: 27-21-15-9 of over/unders, kettlebell swings (30#), and KB waiters lunges (KB held overhead 20#). I can't describe the over/unders, so I'm sharing photos. It was up to us how we wanted to go over and under the pipe. I stepped over and squatted under. Other people crawled and some rolled. My quads got quite a workout!


Pool Running

Once again, I have to comment on this week's Fluid Running workout. I downloaded the newest class, Runners High. This was a guided workout with 'track runs' 800s, 400s, and progression run. There were 'hills' too. This was tough and when I finished, I realized that I can use it for speedwork. There is another workout called Running on Empty with a mix of track sets that I plan on alternating with this one as prep for my upcoming trail race. I may not be able to get out on the trails as much as I'd like, but living in the flatland of Illinois, these classes are going to be as good as it gets!

How was your week? Is anyone else on vacation? What is the most exciting thing that happened to you this week? For me, it was getting to see that bighorn sheep, live, and in the wild! I'm such a dork. What do you do when your race training isn't going as planned?


I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 






32 comments :

  1. I knew you'd come around... running with others does rock!

    I visited Palm Desert twice and loved those trails!!!!! Breath-taking.

    I kinda wish I had access to a pool. For now it's the stationary bike... so boring!!

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  2. Well the branch taking out the fence panel was exciting. Just not in a good way, LOL!

    That waterfall is gorgeous. Glad you're having such great weather out there & finally able to get in the climbs -- that will help so much!

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  3. I keep seeing on the news that the weather is CA is awful! I would not guess that by your pics. Looks like you and your sis are having fun and you are getting in some great outdoor fun.

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    1. It's been nice in Palm Desert. It's cool and windy up here near Death Valley, tho!

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  4. Looks like a fun getaway with beautiful scenery. The snowbird life is quite appealing! Exciting for me is February 28 was my last day with ZOOMA!

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  5. That sunrise over the mountains looks awesome! All the hiking sounds like a great break from the routine, but with equal amounts of cardio and exertion. Enjoy!

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  6. What a treat to run in sun and warmth I bet! Looks like a lovely trip with your sister. Sisters are the best :)

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  7. I would be equally thrilled at seeing the bighorn sheep. In fact, we saw many while in Zion National Park a few summers ago!

    Excitement for me this past week would have been taking a new cycling friend on a ride to show her the hills I train on; however, my excitement wasn't the good type when I hurt my calf an hour before our planned ride.

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    1. Seeing the bighorns was such a thrill for me--something I was hoping for!

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  8. GAH!!! This is literally my dream vacation. I want to go out to California (or the Southwest) and run in the mountains so badly! Too bad I don't have 2.3 million dollars, I could buy a house there and run and hike all the time.
    On all the ultrarunning podcasts I've been listening to, it seems like their training for races is rarely ideal. But they get out and do it anyway and are always surprised by what their bodies can handle. It sounds like you're doing the very best you can with what you have to work with- I think your races are going to be great.

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    1. I hope to do well--this week has definitely been a confidence builder!

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  9. Wonderful photos! My husband has seen the Pacific Ocean and various American birds but I will have to wait until tomorrow to see his photographs. What a lovely time you had.

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    1. I still have a few more days and let me say I'm going to make the most of it!

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  10. WOW look at that sheep! I've never seen anything like that. It's crazy!!! Those photos are great.

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  11. That is so cool you got to see the bighorn sheep IRL! I am still waiting to see one on my adventures. I went to Death Valley as a kid and all I remember is that it was really, really hot! Hope you are having a great time.

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    1. I think all I will remember is that this trip to the Sierra Nevada is really, really cold! We're heading to Death Valley tomorrow.

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  12. Water in a desert! Bighorn sheep!
    Amazing, Wendy!! I'm so happy you get to do this, especially that you can do snow-free trail runs. Perfect timing!
    Those over/unders look interesting! We will have KB swings this morning, along with goblet squats and single-arm push presses. I'll go for a lighter weight, though, maybe something around #20 or lighter. ;-)
    Enjoy Death Valley!

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    1. Have a great workout! I'm so excited that you are doing CrossFit!

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  13. I am so glad you are having a wonderful vacation. I think this is a break you really needed and deserved.

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  14. What an awesome week for you! Thank you for sharing some of your California vacation with us. I like to live vicariously through others since I don't really travel much these days lol

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  15. Sounds like a wonderful trip and even better to spend time with your sister, and have good weather. Enjoy it all. Looking forward to more pictures of your trip.
    Sandy's Space

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