New Treadmill Workout

Normally I despise doing cardio in the gym, when there are beautiful trails right outside in my backyard. But sometimes my schedule opens up just enough time to work out between clients, but not enough time to drive to a trail. I have concocted an awesome treadmill workout that simulates running/power hiking trails, and I actually look forward to them!

Today was the second time I did the workout, and I plan on doing it once a week for the next few weeks. Here's the workout:

• 5 minute intervals
• 5 minutes at 15% incline 4.0 speed (15 minute miles) - powerhiking only, no running
• 5 minutes at 1.5% incline 7.6 speed (I change this up depending on how I'm feeling...anywhere between a 7 minute and 8 minute mile is good with me)
• 60 minutes total

Seriously great workout :-)

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Getting my legs (and feet) back...

Yesterday was my first long run back since North Face 50, and although there is residue soreness (mostly in my feet/arches/ankles) I felt phenomenal. A few of us Coyotes (Caswooka's, Annie, Pedro, Chris, and a masculine unicorn) met with Keira and a crew of runners from all over So Cal at Will Rogers. Everyone was awesomely friendly, which doesn't surprise me, and kept up a quick pace. I wanted to keep my pace easy to moderate since I want to be sure I am fully recovered before picking up my Western States training. Got to wear my new compression socks, and will say I am thoroughly addicted to them now (highly recommended: CW-X, except I've already worn small holes into the front toes!! They need to make them a little thicker.) I am so thankful to have done that specific run with everyone, because my eyes were opened to Rustic Canyon and how to connect Will Rogers to Sullivan and back around through the Topanga Hub. SUPER cool route, on a brisk clear-as-heck day after a good night of rain. We even saw a walrus. Ok, just kidding, but we definitely HEARD one.

photo by: www.desktopature.com

All in all the Coyote group finished a little more than 20 miles with 3,573 feet of elevation and 512 stairs, and kicked back with some seriously good grub at Mayberry in the Palisades. YUM!

Only PART of the crew!

I am excited to pick up my training big time in January, but in the meantime, I am really just taking it easy with some fun runs and cross training. Christmas day I hiked Ocean Trails in Palos Verdes with my mom, dad, little sister, and dog. It was really fun to do some hiking over and on the ocean - much different from the terrain I'm used to in the Santa Monica Mountains. Now, I'm just looking forward to some snowboarding later this week up in Truckee, Tahoe, and some New Year's fun!!!

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