a dog of a mountain

Last week my boyfriend and I decided to go on a hike. He'd been talking about doing some hiking on the Washington side of the Gorge. I had only ever been on the Oregon side, so I was totally up for going somewhere new. What I didn't anticipate was how difficult the hike would be. I'm not entirely sure if he truly new this was a, as some sites call it, "strenuous" hike but had I learned of it's difficulty level, I probably wouldn't have done it. Maybe he did to, hmm. So off we went on our little adventure, took I-84 up through the Gorge, crossed over the Bridge of the Gods, and then up HWY 14 until we hit milepost 53- Dog Mountain. The ride up there alone is a beautiful one, with the abundance of beautiful trees and the big mountains, some peaks still covered in snow. I would have been content with the drive alone, but we were on a mission. At this point my running has been very little since my race in March. I still have issues with my right ankle from time to time. I wasn't really concerned that this 7.1 mile roundtrip hike would cause any problems. We get parked, situated, and start our way up. My boyfriend explains to me that the first mile up is the steepest, after that it shouldn't be so bad. I'm thinking this wasn't going to be so bad. The goal of Dog Mountain is to reach the top of this particular mountain. From the ground, it didn't look too big so I figured this would be like hiking up Multnomah Falls, except a little longer. What I failed to see on our way up was this...

Needless to say, the first mile was very steep. I stopped several times and had already tapped into my water. I swear the first mile alone felt like a million miles to me, my calves were so tight that I had to keep stopping and stretch them out. Nothing like an intense hike to tell you to get your ass into the gym more often! We finally reach a point in the hike where there is a fork and we have to decide which way we will go. Both paths ultimately lead to the top, and typically one is considered easy and the other hard. In this case, my options were "More Difficult" or "Less Difficult", either way it was going to be a difficult hike up. The "more" difficult path is shorter but steeper and the "less" difficult path is longer but a gradual climb. Naturally I opted for the lesser of two evils and gave my boyfriend a look. He smiled. Not even 5 minutes into my chosen path and I felt like I was dying, well my legs were anyway. Gradual my ass, it felt just as steep as the first mile in, I didn't even want to think about how difficult the "more" path was! Just as I'm starting to feel like I want to give up and go back to the car, we reach a clearing and  I get to see this...

Could you ever imagine such a view? I mean I've hiked up Multnomah Falls and thought that was an amazing view, and I've driven up to the Vista House on Crowne Point and thought that was a spectacular view, but this... there are no words. I assure you though, this wasn't the end of the hike. I was informed that we still had more to go, this was not the summit! What?! How could it ever get any better than this?! My boyfriend proceeded to point out where the summit was...

The summit is at the very top on the mountain in back.

So onward we went. By this point, I'm really feeling my calves and am constantly having to stretch my right calf. My quads are burning a tremendous amount, my feet are feeling a bit tired but overall I'm doing alright. Not even my right ankle is bothering me, so I muster through (with a bit of complaining and whining from time to time of course). We come to a point where there is another clearing and more outrageous views of the Gorge. I'm blown away by how high we've gone, that I managed to actually make it this far (and managed to drink all of my water up). This is what I saw...

No words I tell you, no words. The summit isn't too far off, but there is also a threat of rain now. Clouds are hovering over the mountains on the Oregon side of the Gorge and could very well be on there way to us. So we push forward to the summit. I almost can not believe that we actually made it. I'm so tired by this point that all I want to do is sit and breathe. We find a spot, rather I scout one out and plop myself down and we marvel at the view ahead of us as we snack on our grub. 

Eventually we begin to feel some of the rain drifting on over from the winds. The breeze up on the summit is a bit nippy and the clouds began to cover the sun up some. So it was time to say goodbye to the view and head our way back down. Back down the wide and narrow paths. The occasional passing of dogs, small and large. The moving aside for a runner on his or her way down. The mud that I was certain I'd slip and fall in but never did. Reaching the fork to decide whether we'd take the "Most Difficult" or "Less Difficult" route, I still chose the lesser of two evils. At some points we took off running down the path, and it felt good running. It actually felt better on my knees and right ankle to run then to just harshly walk down the steep paths. We made it out of the mountain without a scratch, and just as I can see the cars in the parking lot. Just as relief that I have made and am about to sit down in the comfort of my car, the inevitable happens! I slip and fall. Would we expect anything less from me? I did however, manage to go on this trek without hitting my head- yay me! The fall wasn't a bad one and my boyfriend actually caught my elbow and broke my fall pretty well. So no damage done. We laughed and headed our way out. 

The next day the soreness was quite obvious. My ankle was a bit sore but nothing like how I'd expected it to be. It was the following day that the soreness really kicked in. I started to feel parts of my body I hadn't felt in a very long time. And my ankle swelled up pretty bad as well. This hike was definitely a brutal one on my body, but it was a wondrous one to my spirit! I absolutely have every (insanely) desire to hike Dog Mountain again this summer. This time, I will be better prepared...

easing my way back in

It's been a long while since I've posted anything, but then there hasn't been much progress to post. I have no one else to blame for this but myself. In truth, it's been a rough start to the 2011 year. I can comfortably say that the rough patch has passed and in recent days I've been all smiles. It's a good feeling to be happy, genuinely happy. But I have faltered in a few areas of my life, things I'm not necessarily proud of but things that won't break me but make me stronger, and wiser. There have been some new people that have been introduced to my life, who've opened my eyes to other possibilities and experiences. And then there have been some wonderful people that have been re-introduced into my life that have brought a world of new depths and ideas. All of this has been quite invigorating to my senses. My mind feels as if it's been flooded with ideas, new desires and goals, a whole new possible path has been lit. There has been some change in my world, and I feel more change will happen in the coming months. What my new wants will lead to is uncertain at the moment, but what I do know is that I'm excited to learn more. Do more. Be more.

One big change that is now in effect is balance. Getting back on track on what I need to do to be centered and healthy. I'm starting this by getting back into yoga at least once a week. The lack of meditation and quiet in my life is obvious to me. Next is getting back to being strict with my food journal. I have this wonderful trainer, but she can't help me if I don't do the very simple things she asks of me. The biggest thing to remember is to not become overwhelmed with it all, to ease back into it all... slowly.

And did I mention that I am happy?

apologies on my absence

I haven't posted in a while, and though there is much to say, sometimes finding the words to say (or in this case- type) is hard. Not the content of it all, but thoroughly and correctly express what it is I'm truly feeling. Much has happened to me in a very short period of time, plenty bad and plenty good. I had to sort of compartmentalize my emotions, to create some sort of sanity for myself and figure out how to deal with some of the non-happy things that have happened. I know how very lucky I am for having the sort of support that anyone could ever ask for. I'm forever indebted. But one should never ride the sorrow train for too long. You grieve, and then you pick yourself up and move forward with your life. I sometimes struggle with the balancing of staying on track, and well these were just one of those failures that I have to endure. And you know, that is ok. There is absolutely nothing stopping me from changing... there is nothing wrong with starting over, and so it is time.

Tomorrow is a brand new day, and I will gracefully take it on...

shamrock run 2011 completed

So I did it! I not only did the Shamrock Run again, but it is my first official race since hurting my ankle last July. I did far better than I anticipated I would, though I don't have the official time yet I do feel it is quite possible that I either met my time from last year or did better. In the off chance that I didn't, that's ok, I'm just happy that I was able to run the race this year. My ankle held up pretty well, only started to feel it at the end and even then it wasn't as bad as I'd expected. I am currently icing it and hoping that tomorrow I won't be limping around, fingers crossed. The biggest challenge this year was running in the rain, thankfully it wasn't coming down hard, it was Portland rain, but it was still cold out and the rain didn't help much. My running partners, two amazingly awesome friends- Krystle S. and Ashley G., and I did our best to stay warm by moving around until it was time for us to line up and go. Oddly enough, once we got going on our race the rain felt delicious on my hot sweaty face- so I suppose a thank you is in order to mother nature. I think I could get use to running in the rain, light rain that is. The downfall to this whole event however, was how cold I felt afterwards, it wasn't until I got home and into a hot shower that I warmed up. Between the wetness from the rain and my sweat, cooling off in the cold air isn't pleasant. With all that said, if I had to do this all over again, I would in a heart beat. I don't think I will ever pass up running the Shamrock Run if I can help it! To all of the wonderful people I know that ran the Shamrock Run this year, many congratulations for accomplishing it!

Shout outs...
15k runners: Liesl H., Patricia C., and Micky B.
8k runners: Julie G.
5k runners: Krystle S., Ashley G., and Arran G.

crunch

Yesterday and today I tried out my new membership to a new local gym, Crunch. I think it is safe to say that I made a good decision with this membership. I do still have a personal trainer, I haven't dumped Jennifer and have no plans in doing so. I still very much need her. But Crunch is much closer to work and easily accessible from home during the weekends. So the days I don't meet up with my trainer, I will utilize Crunch. Because it's a new gym and has only been open for 3 days, the crowd inside is small. But I do hope it stays small on the days/times I go.

Today I had a realization that all of my work with my trainer and on my own, and watching what I eat is truly paying off. I've been noticing subtle changes in my physique, in my arms and legs mostly. Granted, I'm not disillusioned, I know I have plenty of pounds to lose and I will. But actually seeing those subtle changes in myself is quite motivational. More so than what the scale says. 

I end this posting with a quote seen at Crunch, "Objects in the mirror are as fantastic as they appear!"

a week's worth of news

The past week has been an emotionally and mentally tiring one for me. Some good. Some bad. I had my weigh in/measurements done with my trainer yesterday and had positive results this past month. I managed to lose 2.5 inches from my waist, even after stress eating for the past week. My fat percentage is down, and people around me are noticing it. I should be reveling in my success, but this wonderful positive moment is clouded by a lot of frustration that is coming at me from many different directions. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of myself, and I will continue to progress.

One of my stressors is knowing that my precious dog, Ti, is ill. We had a tumor removed, and the biopsy showed that it was cancerous. If you're a pet owner, than you know that your pet is more than just an animal to you, he or she is an important member of your family. I can look at this situation in many ways, but I choose to view it in a more positive manner. I've had 7 wonderful years with him. He's not being taken away from me suddenly or in a tragic accident. I'm being given time to spend with him, to love and cherish him, to spoil him. I will have the opportunity to say "good-bye" when the time comes. He isn't in any pain, he's actually healing from his surgery very well and is full of kisses to give, if you let him. Hopefully the cancer will take it's time to come back. A few other stressors are, my car is acting funny and past due for an oil change. And my ex-employer screwed me and many others over. Though, these are things that will pass.

Ti

I finally used my last pass into the Adidas Village Store (aka employee store) and am in Adidas heaven. Purchased almost $300 worth of stuff (that is after my 50% discount was registered), I'm absolutely ready for race season to begin! Which brings me to my first race of 2011! I've officially signed up to participate in the Adidas Shamrock Run 5k on March 13th! I'm thoroughly excited about being able to do this race again. No goals in beating last years record, I'm doing at this for fun this time around. I'll be focusing on beating my Drop Top 10k record in June though.

Tonight I end this post with one piece of advice! Be sure to always tell your loved one's you love them...

obstacle training

My sessions with my trainer, Jennifer, is always a fun one. Well, as fun as one can have being pushed by a trainer to do crazy things! I wouldn't have it any other way. What I like about Jennifer is she always keeps our workouts interesting. It's never routine, and I think we have yet to recycle any of the exercises we've already done! I love it. Yesterday my session was an obstacle course, actually three of them. We usually do them 3 times and time them. The goal is to beat my previous time, which most times I feel like I can't but do. This time around I did fail one of the obstacles, but hey, we can't win them all! Here's what I did:

Warm up on TM for 15 min.

First obstacle course: 1:49/1:29/1:13

TRX Squats 10x

Speed Ladder: single leg down hops (each leg)

                       double leg hops

Lateral Stepovers 10x

Overhead Press (30lbs) 8-10x

Soldier Walk 20ft

Second obstacle course: 2:03/1:58/2:12

TRX Rotational Row 18x

Speed Ladder: Karaoke down/back

Step Jumps 10x

Bicep Curls (30lbs) 8x

Run Backwards 20ft

Third obstacle course: 2:42/2:12

Jump Rope 30 sec

Wide Stance Weighted Row (30lbs) 10x

TRX Donkey Kicks 5x 

Crunches 30x

Cool down:

Cat & Dog 15 sec

Kneeling Rollercoasters 5x

Downward Dog 15 sec

Wall Bench 30 sec

Shamrock Run 2011

In 52 days the 33rd Edition of the Shamrock Run in Portland will commence. I have every intention of doing the 5k with my friends Krystle, Ashley, and maybe Robin. This year I won't be trying for a PR, as I know I'm not ready to push myself to that level. But I think entering into this race will be enough to get me pumped up and ready for June's Drop Top 10k! I'm putting in treadmill time everyday to prepare myself for this race. This year it will be about fun and enjoying the energy around me! If you are looking for a race to do, whether it's your first or for a challenge, consider this race. They have a 5k, 8k, and a 15k...

Photo shared from the Portland Shamrock Run website.

music makes all the difference

Wherever I may be working out, whether at a gym or outdoors, I must have music. I'm always amazed when I see someone running down a road with no iPod, it seems so foreign and wrong to me. But we all have our music, for me the techno and bass beat of a good song keeps me going but for the next person the sound of the rain hitting the pavement or the chirps of the birds is song enough for them. How do you like to workout? With or without music?

For Christmas I got a new iPod, so I updated my workout tunes with some new tunes. Some fast heart pumping beats, and some mellow deep breathing tunes. Yesterday I made a discovery of my new powersong as I was on the treadmill. Just as I was running one of my intervals I began to loose steam and was ready to give up when a song came on. You know what I am talking about! That song that just sings to you the way no other song sings. I find that whenever I feel weak, or like giving up I tune into that song and it gives me the necessary drive to keep going!! I love music.

My powersong: Diddy Dirty Money's "Coming Home"...

a whirlwind of change

Ever have a moment of clarity? A moment when everything before you suddenly just made a lot of sense? I had one of those moments, a much more powerful experience than I have ever experienced. I know this blog is usually more focused on my health & fitness, but I believe every aspect of your being is always intertwined with everything the makes you who you are, and all the outer aspects of your life. I'm not perfect, nor do I aspire to be. I'm flawed in many ways, but everyday I work at being the best person that I can be. Be proud of who I am. Where I came from. And where I am going. Here I stand, 32 years old, and though I'm on a path to improved health and an overall lifestyle change, I already feel strong. I'm strong because I tell myself that I am. I'm strong because I have a support system that believes in me. I'm strong because I am loved for who I am in every way that I am.

I. Am. Strong.

I've struggled for many years with my weight. Tried many different things. Had much help from many different people, but never succeeded. Not because they failed, but because I wasn't ready. I can't tell you that this time will be different, my words will just be that- words. So instead I will show you. This time it feels right. I feel ready. I've got plenty of support, still, and many avenues of inspiration and motivation. So my plan?

It's said that it takes 28 days to form a habit. So I'm making ME a habit. A habit to love myself, respect myself, take care of myself... to keep getting stronger. My trainer, Jennifer, has me keeping a food journal on-line. I started this when I started my personal training with her. Two months later, I'm just NOW getting the hang of it. I never realized how much I love my carbs. And what a challenge it is to teach yourself to cut back on the very things that you love. I grew up where rice was an almost every dinner ritual, now for the last 2 or 3 weeks I've substituted my rice for salads or more veggies. I don't really crave the rice anymore. So, to keep on the right path, to succeed, I'm going to form a new habit. A eating healthier habit. An exercising regular habit. For the next 28 days, I'm making ME a priority. No longer will I put myself aside for convenience, for laziness, for excuses. I'm now on Day 3 on my new path and I feel great! 

I'm only 25 days away from feeling stronger...