After tasting first blood with the good 10K run, I decided to continue running as had started enjoying it and outdoor running was turning out to be fun. Also the resultant impact on weight had started showing as I was already down to 170 lbs after the 10K run!
In December and Jan had to be in California for work. I used the time in California to keep up my running and other outdoor activities. Did the Mission Peak hike in Fremont 6 times on consecutive 6 sundays. B-I-L Chintamani was a permanent partner and other partners were joining on and off. Reasonably strenuous hike of about 11 km or so with a climb of 600 mtrs. Managed to do the climb in 1:10. Its a great hike but gets really windy and chilly at the top.
Did it on Christmas day as well and found a nice surprise Christmas tree at the top. :)
Had a great time overall in California. Did quite a few good runs as well. Ran about 80 km in December and Jan combined. Did a few trails nearby in Milpitas and Santa Clara in extremely cold weather. Ran a couple of 10K+ distances ... was getting comfortable with the 10K now. The speed had also increased now. The PR now was 1:12 for a 10K at 7:14 per km. In fact did a 10K an hour before I had to leave to the airport and board the plane back to India as I realized I wouldnt get such pollution free and cool weather run for a long time. Was proud of myself ... and made my sister with whom I was staying in CA, also quite proud of me for all the running/hiking I did.
Now the goal of a half marathon was well within a earshot. Still had to figure out a way to increase the pace a bit more and keep up the endurance. Overall quite excited.
Also now that I was a 'serious recreational' runner, I decided to treat myself to a better gear. Bought a few running clothes as well my first running shoes - Nike Air Max Defy.
Also the progress on weight front was great. The potbelly was more or less gone now. Weight was at 165 lb end of Jan. Down by over 13 lbs from peak!
Onwards and upwards ...
In December and Jan had to be in California for work. I used the time in California to keep up my running and other outdoor activities. Did the Mission Peak hike in Fremont 6 times on consecutive 6 sundays. B-I-L Chintamani was a permanent partner and other partners were joining on and off. Reasonably strenuous hike of about 11 km or so with a climb of 600 mtrs. Managed to do the climb in 1:10. Its a great hike but gets really windy and chilly at the top.
 |
| The top of Mission Peak made famous by the viewing pole |
 |
| Great view of the bay area from the top of Mission Peak |
Did it on Christmas day as well and found a nice surprise Christmas tree at the top. :)
Had a great time overall in California. Did quite a few good runs as well. Ran about 80 km in December and Jan combined. Did a few trails nearby in Milpitas and Santa Clara in extremely cold weather. Ran a couple of 10K+ distances ... was getting comfortable with the 10K now. The speed had also increased now. The PR now was 1:12 for a 10K at 7:14 per km. In fact did a 10K an hour before I had to leave to the airport and board the plane back to India as I realized I wouldnt get such pollution free and cool weather run for a long time. Was proud of myself ... and made my sister with whom I was staying in CA, also quite proud of me for all the running/hiking I did.
Now the goal of a half marathon was well within a earshot. Still had to figure out a way to increase the pace a bit more and keep up the endurance. Overall quite excited.
Also now that I was a 'serious recreational' runner, I decided to treat myself to a better gear. Bought a few running clothes as well my first running shoes - Nike Air Max Defy.
Also the progress on weight front was great. The potbelly was more or less gone now. Weight was at 165 lb end of Jan. Down by over 13 lbs from peak!
Onwards and upwards ...