Bold Moves October: just do it.

Back in the spring, I was eager to get out of our hiking rut.  There are so many great places to hike in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, but it can sometimes feel a little daunting to pick a new route, especially if the research you do says "its an easy hike" and afterwards you feel like you just climbed Everest.  (This happens to me more often than I would like.)  Since we live so close to Griffith Park which is filled with trails, we finally settled on a hike I read about that sounded easy.  3ish miles, "rolling hills" and being able to stand at the absolute top of the park with a 360 view of LA.

The first time we did this hike, we admittedly got a little lost as first, and we ended up doing the "easy" part - practically zero inclines, relatively short (maybe about a mile, mile and a half) - and I felt like I was dying.  It didn't help that the path had zero shade and it was 80 degrees.  We realized afterwards that this could not have been the hike we had intended to do (even though I was perfectly happy with it) and vowed to give it another shot.

The next time we tried it, I brought my MapMyFitness app along to log distance/pacing/etc.  It ended up being an almost 4 mile hike that took about an hour and a half, with an elevation of over 600 feet.  When I look at the elevation map that MapMyFitness gave me it looks like a slow incline up and a slow incline down, but let me tell you, it does NOT feel that way.  Its more like steep incline, plateau, steep incline, plateau, like whoever built this path realized that some people will need to take a breather or two.  The day we did the whole thing, it was crazy hot, and my post-hike headache came roaring on even before we made it halfway down.  I felt awful afterwards - nauseated, overheated, and about ready to chalk it up to a loss.  Yes, I did it, but instead of feeling like a conquered the world, I instead felt like I had come down with the flu.  No fun.

C has still been doing this hike pretty often, and I ended up tagging along, only to bow out of the big hike and only doing the shorter, easier one, making sure I did an out and back and paced in a few 1 min runs here and there to make it worth my while.  I hadn't been feeling well all that week and knowing how I felt the last time?  Wasn't interested.  Yet as we left the park, I sort of felt like I hadn't made enough of an effort.

This past weekend, he was up for it again, and I decided that I was going to do the whole she-bang.  I hydrated like crazy the morning of, bought a few Vitamin Waters for post-hike rehydration, and made sure I wore my Red Sox hat this time.  Even though I stopped a few times, C remarked that he felt I stopped WAY less than the last time I did this hike, and kept up a faster pace.  (Unfortunately I forgot to use my MapMyFitness app, so I have zero proof.)  Normally while hiking, I find myself seriously huffing and puffing up the steeper inclines, and taking longer to catch my breath, just to go through the cycle all over again.  This time, however, it felt like my recovery was quicker, my legs burned less, and even better, I had ZERO post-hike headache.  Say what!?

I'm not sure if there is any one thing to point to as my success - I'm finally getting back on the yoga mat tonight after an awful 2 week hiatus, I haven't done that hike in MONTHS, and the only thing different this time was the fact that I was wearing a hat - but whatever it is, I'm glad it happened.  At a time where I was really not feeling a hike, or anything active, I felt like I overcame a huge obstacle, both physically and personally.  And, not to sound cheesy, but after an epic 10 second Patriots touchdown and a Big Papi grand slam yesterday, I'm going into this week feeling a little bit more eager to take on some challenges, and, you know, make some bold moves.

I'm in love with my fitness belt.

At least, that's what I'm calling it.  C keeps reminding me, politely, that its really just a fitness-oriented fanny pack.  I don't care.  It is AWESOME.  I'm also in love with my fitness app, but more on that later.

This is how not fitness-oriented I am; when I signed up to run my first (and again, I stress, only) 10k a few years ago, I had to then go out that evening an buy a sports bra because I did not own one that fit me.  I also had to buy shirts made of wicking fabric (since I had long learned the dangers of running in straight up cotton) and shorts of reasonable length.  I mean, my Soffee shorts from high school are comfy and all, but I really don't think they're made for you to ACTUALLY work out in.  Maybe I'm wrong.

Because of this, I don't really own any of the "proper" gear for regular exercise, other than running shoes.  When I signed up for a trial period at a local yoga studio last year, I had to go out and buy a mat.  I had to buy an armband for my iPod, and a water bottle with the type of lid I could pop open easily, for hiking or (maybe) running.  I'm just not naturally inclined to own the things I'd need for these sorts of occasions.  Having unexpected guests over? I have a bottle of red and white ready to go.  Going on a 2 hour hike?  Now I need to go to Marshall's.

Until I bought this sweet, neon orange, elastic-banded wonderful thing, I was hiking with a mini-travel case to hold my phone, key and emergency Benadryl - super annoying.  I very briefly considered shorts with pockets, but didn't trust that my things wouldn't fall out.  I also wasn't in the mood to stick stuff into my sports bra (like so many fellow female hikers I see) and have my phone get all sweaty - no, thank you.  This solves so many problems, I don't even care if it looks stupid!

For his birthday, C got a FitBit, and has been wearing it ever since.  I found myself wanting one, especially to figure out how many steps I'm taking and therefore how many calories I'm burning during the day, but didn't have the money to swing it just yet.  Then I realized that MapMyRun has an entire fitness devoted app called MapMyFitness, which allows you to record and/or log pretty much any workout ever.  I downloaded it immediately and took it on our next hike, and not only did I know how far we went, how many calories I burned, what my pace was, but also how much of a gain we made (we had been wondering just how high up we were at the peak) and it was incredible.

The combination of these two things has seriously changed the way I look at any sort of workout.  Before I never really understood the want or need to keep track of how many calories your burning, or what your splits may be (unless, of course, you're trying to PR a race), but I find myself really taking all of these things into consideration.  We go for a 2 mileish evening constitutional many nights of the week, and I've noticed that each time we go, we shave a bit more time off than the previous walk.  The one night I walked the majority of it alone (as C ran the neighborhood instead) I managed to shave a whole 2 minutes off my previous time (since I wasn't as distracted, I guess) and when I used it at the park, I was a minute faster.  (I think part of what slows us down is the uneven sidewalks that we have to be aware of - at the park, you're just walking/running on flat dirt paths.)  I even use it when we go for our bike rides down the bike path.  We noticed the first time that on the way out, we're definitely heading downhill for part of it, although its just barely noticeable.  On the way back, however, you really feel that tiny, slow incline in your calves.  After using the app on Sunday, I realized that over the span of 2ish miles, the incline is about 30ish feet - pretty steady!

In fact, I'm becoming so enamored with this app, I'm considering signing up for a month unlimited at the local yoga studio... and trying to do a yoga class a day.  A lofty goal?  Maybe.  But it would be cool to track my progress!

3 worst traits for a 3 day weekend.

IT IS FINALLY FRIDAY!  This hasn't been a tough week - its actually been quiet, work wise - but for whatever reason, my brain is struggling to keep up.  I mean, I almost left the house without shoes on yesterday.  I think that says enough.

Day 24 of this challenge calls for me to list my top three worst traits.  I think there are way more than three, but I singled out the three that I'm trying my hardest to improve on and/or having the hardest time with.

via

I struggle with finding myself valuable.  Whether its work, or relationships, I have trouble confidently saying "I am valuable."  Work, especially, is the hardest.  I will find all sorts of excuses as to why I'm "just doing my job" and not necessarily recognize when I am going the extra mile, or am a positive asset to a company.

I can not take compliments.  I really can't.  Never have been able to, whether its a compliment about my outfit, or a job I did, or how I am as a person.  I mean, when we first started dating, I spent three whole days texting with C about whether or not I was beautiful.  (I'm also stubborn, but I don't necessarily consider that a bad trait. :) )  I will say thank you when getting a compliment, but then brush it off like its NBD.  This goes a little hand in hand with trait number one.

I'm easily excitable.  This comes in handy when I'm ramping up for a full day of excitement at Disneyland - it does not when I'm treading on the edge of an argument.  I've been working on trying to take deep breaths before instantly going into crazy-defense mode, which is made worse by my voice getting louder, and its been a challenge.  I have learned that sometimes I do need to close my eyes, take a deep breath, or even, briefly, walk away, just so I can gather my thoughts and try to continue the conversation in a mature fashion.

It's been challenging on working on all three, especially when they come hand-in-hand quite often, but it is nice to feel like I'm making some growth, you know?

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This weekend is getting kicked off by taking in a Dodger game tonight, where we're treated with fireworks afterwards.  Although I enjoy baseball, I will wholeheartedly admit that the major reason why I go is for the food.  Big Kid Dog, anyone?

(I realize that this comes on the heels of reports that hot dogs cause disease, but I've eaten so many hot dogs in my life, I'm already playing that hand anyway.  Plus, MAC AND CHEESE.  Helloooo.)

Tomorrow we're celebrating C's birthday at a new BBQ joint with friends.  Good BBQ is hard to come by in Los Angeles, so I'm hoping this one will win me over.  I judge my BBQ joints by their cornbread and coleslaw.

Sunday we're taking round 3 on our new hike at Griffith, and bringing some friends along.  I just found my Camelbak (buried deep in my trunk for goodness knows how long) and between that, my new fitness belt (that's right, I said it, FITNESS BELT), a bottle of water and a bottle of Vitamin Water, I'm hoping this will be the one-two-three punch to keep the headaches at bay.  The hike will be a nice challenge, but we all know I'm just in it for the post-hike meal of burgers or tacos.  I'm already itching for some solid pico de gallo.

Monday is a clean slate for now, although, after everything else, it'll probably be a day hanging by the pool, and possibly followed by a bike ride.  I'm sorry to my loved ones in New England who'll be dealing with rainrainrain, but its supposed to be in the mid-70s all weekend.

But for now, there is a Law & Order: SVU marathon that is calling my name.  Happy Friday!

Struggling with too much sun.

That's a quality problem, right?  Getting too much sun?  "Oh, poor you, you live in Southern California where it's sunny ALL THE TIME!" says everyone I know who I mention this to.  And trust me, I'm not complaining about the fact that we generally have great weather.  I'm complaining about my inability to handle the great weather in large quantities.

Before I began my one lone semester at Arizona State, I had to sit through hours and hours of orientation.  (Remember your college orientation? Remember how FUN that was? Not.)  The only thing I remember - to this day, seriously, the only thing I remember - is the discussion regarding sun exposure, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.  To summarize, ASU gets a whole lot of out of state students, and many come from areas of the country where temps don't get crazy hot, and even if they do, its only for like, a day.  Because of that, one of the things they were trying to drill into our heads was to be prepared - to keep water bottles on us at all times; wear loose fitting, light colored clothing; and, if possible, work out during the early morning or evening hours.  My mom heard this and got totally freaked, and bought me 3 cases of water from Costco (which actually was one of the best things ever) and a huge bottle of sunblock.  I can say that in the first two weeks of classes, I would have to change my clothes twice a day because I'd sweat through them (TMI?) and I got some pretty awful sunburns on my feet.  I also melted two pairs of Old Navy flip flops and instead of gaining the freshman 15, I lost it.  Despite my difficult transition into 115 degree days, there were many a day where I would walk past the student health building, and the line was out of the door, filled with kids who didn't drink enough water.  Seriously.

That being said, I think I re-acclimated myself to this kind of weather pretty quickly, but the one thing I have yet to conquer is hydrating properly while hiking.  Back during my Team In Training days, I would listen to coaches explain all sorts of strategies on how to fuel and hydrate during long runs.  I learned how beneficial a salt packet is during a marathon (yes, really) and how chocolate milk is one of the best things ever at the end.  But, admittedly, I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to how often to hydrate while exerting yourself in any situation, and I should have.  I regret it now because I'm struggling with it on our weekly hikes. 

I haven't gotten sick (yet - knock on wood) but I've come close.  This week's hike was a little longer, and definitely tougher.  Since we only had my one bottle of water, and had to share, I didn't drink as much as I normally do, and didn't prepare with a bottle of water in the car.  My post-hike feeling is normally a headache that takes an hour to kill with rehydrating and usually eating something, but this week was the first time where I felt nauseous enough that I couldn't eat (and the burger I had ordered look SO delicious, too!) and it took me much, much longer to recover.

After doing some research, it seems the general rule of thumb with running is to drink water only when you're thirsty, and with hiking, to drink one liter of water per hour.  With the one liter rule, I'm right on track, but its possible I'm not hydrating enough before hand, or, in cases where its warmer out, I should be drinking more.

My plan of attack for next weekend is to definitely drink more before we leave; bring an extra bottle to leave in the car, plus a bottle of Gatorade (need to get that salt and electrolytes back in!) and maybe even wear a hat (my face gets the hottest the fastest - hopefully this will keep me a bit cooler).  Hopefully this'll get me on the right track to finishing a hike without a headache for once.

How do you hydrate or rehydrate during your workouts?  Any tips you'd recommend?

Hike: Griffith Park, Old Zoo

I'm a big theme park fan.  Aside from Disneyland/Disney World (which I consider in a category entirely separate from the rest of the theme parks of the world) I pretty much love all theme parks, from the small park on the lake near my hometown where I rode my first rollercoaster, to Six Flags Magic Mountain (Tatsu, anyone?) right down to your run of the mill zoos and aquariums.  As much as I love theme parks, though, the idea of being in one when its closed, or worse, with the lights shut off, totally creeps me out.  It really gives me the wiggins.  I also love theme park history (especially anything Disney related) and really enjoy reading about old rides that don't exist or have changed over the years.  So, as you can imagine, I find abandoned theme parks to be fascinating and yet totally eerie and frightening all at the same time.  And yet, I have a morbid curiosity for them.  I spent a good 2 hours watching Adam the Woo explore abandoned theme parks around the country, including Disney's very own River Country (which I highly recommend watching, if you're into that kind of thing) which can almost be considered abandoned by Disney (even though the lights are still on!)

Anyway.

Because of this weird fascination I have with these sorts of things, I've always wanted to hike through Griffith Park to find the Old LA Zoo.  For those of you who have never been to Los Angeles, Griffith Park is a crowning glory in this city, which includes a whopping 53 miles of trails to hike and explore.  It's massive - it has an outdoor ampitheater, the famous observatory (where "Rebel Without a Cause" was filmed) and the Los Angeles Zoo (amongst many other attractions) and it would probably be a challenge to see and do all of the things it offers in the span of a day.  So, that being said, when you choose to "hike Griffith Park" you sort of need to choose where you're hiking, and that is usually flanked by some sort of landmark, like "oh, I'm going to hike to the Hollywood sign today!"  When we decided this weekend we wanted to hike around Griffith Park, I leapt at the chance to finally check out the Old LA Zoo.

The Old LA Zoo was built in the early 1900's and pretty much abandoned in the 60's when the new zoo (still standing) was built and all the animals were relocated.  I actually didn't do a lot of research on this before we went, but basically, the story goes like this: the zoo had a rocky start, and never quite got its footing.  There were issues with the zoo sewage draining into the local water supply (gross, right?) and during WWI, there was a meat shortage, and the animals suffered and some died.  It sounds like Los Angelenos were pretty much ready to give up on it.  Then, in the 30s, the Workers Progress Administration breathed new life into the zoo, but by the 50s, the city was talking about relocating.  So they did, and left the old zoo behind.  And its still there.  (Well, sort of.)

It's a little hard to find, but its not entirely difficult.  The Old Zoo is located near where the Merry-Go-Round (which is not abandoned and actually quite popular) stands, just above some shaded picnic areas.  You begin by walking up a paved pathway to a large grassy field, and off to your left, you see caves.  They are far too uniform to be real, so you know you've stumbled upon the beginning (or middle? or end?) of the zoo, where they probably housed the big cats or elephants or something large.

The caution tape is marking off a crime scene.  JUST KIDDING - there was a youth group camping out in the area.

The first set of caves has a set of picnic tables set in it, in case you want to eat your lunch and pretend you're a cooped up, caged in creature just waiting to be freed.  If that's your thing.

You continue around the path and you'll come across a long line of cages raised above the ground, and then further on, you'll come across a long line of larger cages.  Here is the part where I got totally creeped out.  There is a sign on the top of one of the cages describing the history of the zoo, and how amazing it is that these cages have managed to withstand the test of time, and oh, what advancements we've made when it comes to designing a zoo.  I agree that our society has made some serious advancements - these cages are SMALL - but that doesn't not eliminate the creepy feeling you get walking by them.  Some of the gates are open and you can waltz right in (again, if that's your thing) and some are chained and padlocked shut (which makes you wonder if someone forgot an animal or two?) and all of them are stacked tightly together, side by side.  They also still smell like... animal.

 Something tried to get in... or out.

You don't fool me, City of Los Angeles.

 As my wise friend Dave pointed out, the only thing acceptable in cages like this would be Sawyer and Kate from LOST.

After you pass the row of cages, the paved portion of the path continues winding towards the right, or a beaten, dirt path heads off in the other direction, past what looked like a man made dam and set of waterfalls, no longer running.  We followed the paved path, as I was determined to find the rest of this zoo, and came across a foundation for something large (that no longer exists) but nothing else.  In re-reading the hike synopsis I had found, I now realize we should have kept going on the paved path, and most likely would have seen other abandoned buildings and/or cages, but at this point, we wanted to get a real hike in, and I was starting to get the heebie-jeebies.  So, instead of sticking to the path, we climbed another, narrower, probably-not-a-real-trail pathway, until we hit a dead end close to the top of the hill.  Had we not taken this path, however, we would have missed this:

 (p.s. - see that trail to the left? That's the trail we SHOULD have taken.  Next time.)

Despite the fact that we didn't see all of the Old Zoo, it was still a great hike, and one we will definitely explore again.  If you're feeling like I totally gipped you, you can read this brief LAist article which includes far more pictures with lots of filters to ramp up the creepy factor.  If you're in LA, I highly recommend you check it out yourself.  I can't find the original hike description I used, but this one in Modern Hiker is much easier to understand and is the hike we were trying to do.

Happy trails!