This week was another „pull back“ week on my training schedule, which meant only easy miles and a shorter long run. This was perfect timing, because I was gone for two nights this weekend and I had to work around that. I am always looking forward to pull-back weeks because it gives your body a little more rest, but just running “easy miles” is also not quite as entertaining as when you have intervals or a tempo run on your training plan. But hey, I got to hang out with girlfriends and go hiking this weekend – that was a nice change!

Monday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W10R1 | Easy Run
  • 30 Min Outdoor Run Club – Jon (1/31/26) — PZ Challenge
  • 20 Min 90s Run – Andy (9/28/26)
  • 20 Min 80s Run – Susie (10/1/26)
• 10 Min Focus Flow: For Hips – Denis (12/10/23) — The Streak/Trick or Treat/No Tricks, All Treats

I hopped on the treadmill for a 7-mile easy run this morning. I was happy it was an easy run, but 7 miles on the tread can get long, so I broke it up into more manageable chunks by choosing three shorter Peloton run classes with different instructors and music themes. The yoga flow afterward counted for my personal yoga streak, the self-care tracker, and it was a class fellow Streaker @Miimiiphilly had taken, so I could mark it off for the Trick or Treat tracker as well. Triple-dipping rarely works out, so I was particularly thrilled this morning.

Tuesday

• 10 Min Morning Yoga – Mariana (9/22/26) — The Streak
• 20 Min Full Body Strength – Joslyn (9/29/26)
• 10 Min Full Body Stretch – Ally (4/26/26) — No Tricks, All Treats

Today was a low-key day with some morning yoga, a little strength workout and some stretching. I also high-fived a fellow Streaker, #FullSendFriend, on the Leaderboard (outside of class) during her 60-minute Sweat Steady Ride for the Trick or Treat tracker. 

Wednesday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• 10 Min Arms & Shoulders Strength – JJ (10/6/26)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W10R3 | Easy Run
  • 30 Min Intervals Run – Adrian (9/3/26) — PZ Challenge
  • Extra 10: Endurance – Alex K (5/10/26)
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Becs (8/5/26)
• 10 Min Savasana – Kristin (10/26/22) — The Streak

When I got to the gym at 6 a.m. this morning, six (!) people were there, and both treads were occupied. What to do? I contemplated going home and hopping on the Peloton instead, but then decided to do a quick upper body strength class in hopes that one of the treads would free up. And it eventually did, and I was able to get my run in. However, I had to switch my 7-mile run with the 4 miles I had planned for tomorrow, because I did not have enough time left for 7 miles. 

Thursday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W10R3 | Easy Run
  • 45 Min Marathon Race Prep – Matt (4/24/26) — PZ Challenge
  • 20 Min Intervals Run – Jess K (6/23/26) — Trick or Treat
  • Extra 10: Free Mode Run – Andy (1/22/26)
• 30 Min Outdoor Walking
• 10 Min Savasana – Denis (5/20/22) — The Streak

I was at the gym at 5:30 a.m. this morning, and there were only two women there and only one of the treads was taken. Halleluja. Then the two women left, and I was alone for almost an hour between 6 and 7 a.m. Make it make sense. 

Friday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W10R5 | Easy Run
  • 30 Min 90s Run – Jon (1/13/26)
• 10 Min Standing Yoga – Mariana (8/18/26) — Trick or Treat
• 108 Min Outdoor Hiking

I picked my friend Lindsay’s (#lindzjaw) standing yoga class for the Trick or Treat tracker.

Saturday

• 158 Min Outdoor Hiking
• 5 Min Savasana – Denis (10/25/23) — The Streak

I spent the weekend with some girlfriends at Lake Tahoe. We went hiking on the Mt Rose Trail near Lake Tahoe today. It was a beautiful, cool but sunny day and perfect hiking weather.

Sunday

• 20 Min Yin Yoga – Kristin (2/21/24) — The Streak/Serenity Sunday
• 10 Min Zen in Ten – Anna (10/30/21) — Serenity Sunday

I got home from Lake Tahoe in the early afternoon, took a nap, and joined the Streakers for Serenity Sunday.

Current Challenges + Trackers:

Streaker365 Trick or Treat Streak
Streaker365 No Tricks, All Treats Self-Care
Streaker365 October The Streak (Daily Yoga)
PZ Challenge – Chasing the Crown Challenge

This week’s stats:

Running: 21 mi
Hiking 10.7 mi
Walking: 13.8 mi
Strength: 30 min
Yoga/Pilates/Barre: 75 min
Warm up/Stretching: 35 min
Meditation: 10 min

I am linking up again for the Weekly Run Down with Kim and Deborah.

It’s October and we’re having another heat wave. Sure! It just means my workouts are sweatier. I did a lot of running and walking this week and completely neglected my bike and strength training. Oops. That happens when I don’t plan ahead accordingly. I need to change this for the upcoming week and maybe pick another program. I am still pretty happy with the way I have shown up for myself this week.

Monday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W9R1 | Progression Run
  • 30 Min Interval Run – Susie (2/28/26) — PZ Challenge
  • 45 Min 80s Run – Joslyn (9/20/26)
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Joslyn (9/9/26)
• 25 Min Outdoor Walking
• 10 Min Restorative – Nico (9/20/26) — The Streak

When I went over to the gym this morning, I expected a full house, but there was only one other woman working out at 6 a.m. (Yes, it is still a surprise every morning how many people I will encounter.) It was perfect for me because I had the treadmill at my disposal and a progression run on my training plan. A 2-mile warm up, 2 min @ M pace and 2 min @ HM pace, and 1-mile cool down. I turned on the overhead fans in the gym right when I got there, but I was still soaked after the run. I must be the sweatiest human on earth.

Tuesday

• 10 Min Daily Meditation – Anna (9/20/26)
• 20 Min Morning Yoga Flow – Anna (11/18/21)
• 10 Min Spinal Mobility – Andy (8/19/26)
• 37 Min Outdoor Walking 

Today was a “rest day,” and I spent it with meditation, a yoga flow, and some mobility work. Jon and I also went for a post-dinner walk. 

Wednesday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W9R2 | Tempo Run
  • 30 Min 90s Run – Jon (9/27/26)
  • 45 Min Rock Run – Becs (9/19/26)
• 10 Min Focus Flow: For Runners – Zacharias (4/3/26) — The Streak

I had another tempo run on schedule: 1.5 miles warm up, 4 miles @ marathon pace, and 1.5 miles cool down for a total of 7.4 miles. I must say I feel accomplished when I get this done before work. 

Thursday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W9R3 | Easy Run
  • 30 Min Endurance Run – Hannah F (9/12/26)
  • 10 Min Endurance Run – Adrian (9/18/23) — Trick or Treat Streak
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Hannah F (9/30/26)
• 10 Min Restorative – Denis (3/27/26) — The Streak

I got in a 4-mile easy run on the treadmill before work and a restorative yoga class before bedtime.

Friday

• 10 Min Jason Universe Meditation – Denis (10/27/25) — No Tricks, All Treats 
• 20 Min Focus Flow: For Hips – Aditi (8/25/26) —The Streak
• 10 Min Move for you: Lower Body Stretch – Adrian (1/9/24) — Trick or Treat Streak
• 45 Min Outdoor Walking

I did a meditation a yoga flow and a stretch before work today, and I went for an evening walk with Jon after dinner. 

Saturday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W9R4 | Long Run
  • 45 Min Endurance Run – Alex K (1/23/26) — PZ Challenge
  • 60 Min Classic Rock Run – Mariana (4/23/26)
  • 45 Min Outdoor Run Club – Matt (8/29/26)
• 10 Min Focus Flow: For Runners – Zacharias (8/4/26) — The Streak/Trick or Treat

I had a 16-mile long run on schedule today. I was hoping to make it out fairly early to beat the heat that we were expecting, but it still ended up being 86F/30C by the time I finished. Luckily, I had picked a mostly shaded route to run, and I had fuel and water/electrolytes with me, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. In fact, I was very happy with my pacing and finish. Definitely a little faster than “easy”, but still pretty comfortable.

Sunday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W9R5 | Easy Run
  • 30 Min Classic Rock Run – Susie (10/3/26)
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Becs (8/5/26)
• 20 Min Restorative – Aditi (10/22/21) — The Streak/Serenity Sunday
• 10 Min Deep Relaxation Meditation – Aditi (10/22/24) — Serenity Sunday
• 15 Min 80s Rock Walk – Jon (1/12/26)

I slept in a little bit this morning and then got dressed to go for a quick 3-mile easy run around the neighborhood. It was supposed to be “easy”, but my legs had other plans and turned it into an unplanned progression run. Oh well, sometimes you just gotta roll with it. I also participated in Serenity Sunday – yoga and meditation – in the afternoon and got a few more steps in on the walking pad before dinner.

Current Challenges + Trackers:

As I mentioned yesterday, if you complete certain trackers and post them in our Streakers 365 Facebook group, you are entered into a prize drawing. It’s not my main motivation to complete these trackers, but it’s certainly a fun bonus, and I was the lucky winner of the September drawing. Hooray! Our Streakers 365 admin team will send out a prize of my choosing (they always give you a few options: I opted for a Pilates ring).

But there is no time to waste; a new month is upon us, and with that: new trackers — and those are Halloween-themed and so cute. The Trick or Treat tracker is fun because you either take a class that the owner of each house has already taken OR you can check off a house by “collecting a treat” when you see a Streakers friend work out on the Peloton leaderboard and give them a high-five (outside of class).

Streaker365 Trick or Treat Streak
Streaker365 No Tricks, All Treats Self-Care
Streaker365 October The Streak (Daily Yoga)
PZ Challenge – Chasing the Crown Challenge

This week’s stats:

Running: 37.4 mi
Walking: 21.6. mi
Yoga/Pilates/Barre: 100 min
Warm up/Stretching: 60 min
Meditation: 30 min

I am linking up again for the Weekly Run Down with Kim and Deborah.

October

It feels crazy that it’s October, like, it can’t be! Maybe it’s because the months have just been flying by. How have we already lived 9 months in 2026? I will say that with the turn of the calendar month, I feel ready to look at fall things now and I am even contemplating some decor. Jon and I have been walking in our neighborhood and we’ve been seeing more and more Halloween decorations out the last few days. I am temporarily tempted, like every year, to invest in some Halloween decorations and then I remind myself how “short” this season is and change my mind. I tell myself that I can admire other people’s front porches. 

Also, there are a lot of October babies in my family. We have five (!) birthdays coming up, including my mom’s, Jon’s, and my niece’s. Last year around this time, I was furloughed and was enjoying a visit from my parents.

My Standing Desk

I think I have mentioned that I have an electric standing desk at work and that I’ve been using it more frequently since my little health scare in May. I have no idea if it makes a difference at all, but it can’t hurt either. I haven’t had any symptoms in 8 weeks (!) and I just realized today that I am basically standing the whole morning. I usually don’t sit down before some time after lunch time. 

Books

In anticipation of the CBBC, I checked if the book that I had voted for was available at our library (in digital form). It was! So I borrowed it. I wasn’t sure yet which book would be picked for our bookclub reading, but I thought I’d get a headstart, if it was this one. 

Well. A headstart I did get because I already finished the book over the last weekend. So now I am curious to find out which book was picked for bookclub. What do you think are the odds that the book that I read is the one that most people voted for in the poll?

Baseball Season

Baseball season is sadly coming to an end. We still have the playoffs and World Series to look forward to, but my Red Sox lost the Wildcard game to the Yankees (of all teams). Sigh. They had a bit of a rollercoaster season – weak start, strong middle, weak finish – so I can’t say that I am totally surprised by the outcome, but I was still hoping they would make it a little further. Hey, at least, I got to see them play here in Sacramento during the summer when they were riding a high!

My lucky week

If you follow my Weekly Run Down posts, you’ve seen the workout trackers that my Streakers365 team puts together for community, motivation, and fun. An extra perk is: if you complete certain trackers and post it in our Facebook group, you get entered into a prize drawing. It’s not my main motivation to complete these trackers, but it’s certainly a fun bonus. This week I was the lucky winner of the September drawing, and our Streakers 365 admin team will send out a prize of my choosing to me (they always give you a few options). I decided on a Pilates ring (because I’ve been taking Pilates classes that require a ring but I didn’t have one). I am so thrilled. This is exciting! The Red Sox might have lost, but it was still my lucky week.

TGIF, friends. How did you get lucky this week?

I haven’t done a PZ Challenge in a while, and I decided to join the current “Chasing the Crown” Challenge. Pssst, I won’t be really practicing my Power Zones, but hey, at least I am participating in a group event. I chose the “3 runs” option (because I am currently running 5 days a week anyway) and will be using the suggested classes for my training. My Streakers365 team name is “the Royal Streakers”. Oh, and I also hit my 2100th Peloton Streak Day this week – a reason to celebrate!

Monday

• 10 Min Holding Space Meditation – Mariana (1/27/26) — Total Request Self Love
• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• 10 Min Glutes & Legs Strength – Robin (1/6/26) — Streakers Request
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W8R1 | Intervals
  • 45 Min Pop Run – Jon (11/2/25)
  • 30 Min Endurance Run – Mariana (9/8/26) — PZ Challenge
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Jon (5/26/26)
• 10 Min Savasana – Ross (6/21/21) — The Streak

I started my morning with the Holding Space meditation (loved it) and then went over to our community gym to get on the treadmill. But both treadmills were taken! Dang! I don’t have time for this in the morning, especially today with a 7+ mile intervals run on the schedule. I briefly contemplated if I should postpone my run until tomorrow, but the same thing could happen, so I pivoted and did a 10-minute leg workout, hoping that one of the treads would free up in the meantime, and luckily, it did. I finished my workout a little later than I had hoped for, but at least I got my training run done! 

Tuesday

• 30 Min Upper Body Strength – Rebecca (11/10/24) — Streakers Request
• 15 Min Focus Flow: For Runners – Denis (9/13/24) — The Streak

Lindsay and I met up for a 30-minute upper body strength class this morning. I was glad she was knocking that one out with me, although the class flew by. I also enjoyed a focus flow for runners with Denis. His classes for runners are always very good. 

Wednesday

• 10 Min Reconnect Meditation – Chelsea (6/19/25) — Total Request Self Love
• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W8R5 | Easy Run
  • 30 Min Outdoor Run Club – Hannah F (8/1/26) — PZ Challenge
• 10 Min Focus Flow: Hips – Denis (12/19/23) — The Streak

I started my morning with a meditation, then went over to the gym for a quick 30-minute easy run and finished with yoga for runners.

Thursday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W8R2 | Tempo Run
  • 45 Min Walk & Run – Logan (6/30/25) — Streakers Request
  • 30 Min Pop Punk Run – JJ (9/18/26)
• 5 Min Basics: Figure Four – Chelsea (1/25/23)
• 20 Min 70s Walk – Jon (8/3/26)
• 10 Min Sleep Meditation – Anna (8/20/26) — Total Request Self Love

I hit my Streak Day #2100 today – woohoo! I did a tempo run on the treadmill in the morning (there was nobody at the gym when I got there!) and a quick 20-minute lunch time walk. I finished my evening with a sleep meditation for the self care tracker.

Friday

• 20 Min Glutes & Legs Strength – Selena (5/24/24) — Streakers Request
• 10 Min Focus Flow: For Runners – Denis (12/26/25)
• 51 Min Outdoor Running
• 15 Min Extra Steps Walk: ˜2000 steps – JJ (8/18/16)

I killed some time in the morning with a 20-minute strength class and a quick yoga flow until it was light enough to take my easy run outside. I also went for a 15-minute post-meal walk with Jon in the evening.

Saturday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W8R4 | 14 mi Long Run
  • 45 Min Endurance Run – Matt (9/10/26) — PZ Challenge
  • 30 Min Rock Run – Andy (3/29/26)
  • 45 Min Rock Run – Matt (9/24/26)
  • Extra 10: Endurance Run – Hannah F (9/6/26)
• 20 Min Power Zone Recovery Ride – Matt (2/8/26) — Streakers Request
• 10 Min Focus Flow: For Runners – Denis (12/26/25)
• 15 Min 90s Walk – Marcel D (7/20/26)

The long runs are getting longer. I had 14 miles on my training plan today. I started out a little fast and had to rein in my pace a little, but once I settled, I had a really pleasant run. Usually my mind is “done” when I reach the expected distance, but today was one of those runs where at the end, I could have kept running.

I came home and jumped on the Peloton for a 20 min PZ Recovery Ride (to pedal out my legs) and then ended with a 10-minute focus flow for runners. It was a perfect way to stretch.

Sunday

• 20 Min 90s Rock Ride – Bradley (9/18/26) — Streakers Request
• 30 Min Restorative – Kirra (9/7/26) — The Streak/Serenity Sunday
• 30 Min 90s Walk – Joslyn (9/21/26)

Today was my rest day. I pedaled for 20 minutes on the bike and joined the Streakers for some restorative yoga.

Current Challenges + Trackers:

I finished two Streakers365 trackers for September (a few days early), the only tracker left to finish is my monthly yoga streak.

Streaker365 Streakers Request
Streaker365 Total Request (Self) Love
Streaker365 September The Streak (Daily Yoga)
PZ Challenge – Chasing the Crown Challenge

This week’s stats:

Running: 37.1 mi
Cycling: 8.6 mi
Walking: 21 mi
Strength: 60 min
Yoga/Pilates/Barre: 90 min
Warm up/Stretching: 25 min
Meditation: 30 min

I am linking up again for the Weekly Run Down with Kim and Deborah.

Sweet memory

I went out to lunch with my colleague this week. It was beautiful weather and as we were enjoying a lovely Japanese Bento Box lunch on the patio of the restaurant, there was classical music playing in the background. First, it was just that – lovely background music – but then I heard a tune that was so familiar and I realized it was a piece I used to be able to play on the piano (Mozart’s Sonata No 16).
I took lessons between 11 and 25 years old. My piano teacher – already in her 80s at the time – loved all the classical composers. Hearing the piece took me right back to my hometown to the piano bench in front of her baby grand piano where I spent an hour every week for many, many years. (Remind me to dig up an old photo, which I think I might have shared here on the blog before.) What a random, lovely memory to sneak into my day. I wonder if I could still remember how to play. I haven’t really played in years and would really love to have access to a piano again. My piano sits at my parents’ house – unused.

Naps FTW

I’ve been taking naps like it‘s my job this week and I am usually not a nap person. I worked a 5-day work week and was home by 5:30 pm at the lastest in the last few days. Since it was too early to start dinner, I plopped on the couch with my book and then each time continued to doze off for a little while. I read somewhere that quick, up-to- 30 minute naps are good for you, so I am pretending that this was intentional self care. 

It’s not even October

… but the first Halloween decorations have gone up in our neighborhood. I feel it’s too early, but I also get it. I mean, the season is relatively short and who wants go out of their way decorating the whole exterior of their house if it’s only up for a week or two? I tend to opt for minimal decorating and it’s usually just “fall-themed”.
But, Halloween is coming early… just as everything else is coming earlier and earlier (at least at the stores, right? I am looking at you, Costco! Christmas decorations in September! Really??)

Feeling validated

We’re having a potluck – you guessed it, a FALL MINGLE – at work next week and someone circulated the inviation flyer via email and also posted it in the elevator. I mentioned before that AI-generated layouts are everywhere right now and that I am somehow really bothered by them. The all look the same: generic and way too busy with colors and information (to the point of overwhelm). 

Well, I had a good chuckle this morning when I entered the elevator and saw this. Looks like I am not the only one who is bothered by AI-generated content. 

What’s your schedule?

This will be of interest to nobody but me, but I’ve been switching to treadmill runs in our community gym on work days as of late and I am trying to figure out everybody’s schedule. I get up pretty early as it is (5:30 a.m. right now) and while I wish I had a more leisure morning, I usually don’t have extra time to spare if I want to get to the office by 8 a.m. Our gym has a steady crowd but time and attendance varies. Sometimes, there are already five people there working out when I get there (by 6 a.m.) and sometimes, the gym is empty when I get there. We have two treadmills at the gym and rarely are both occupied but one time this week they were and I had to pivot and seriously contemplate if I was going to skip my run or cut it short.

I am going 3-4 times during the week right now and – granted, I just started going regularly again in the last three weeks – but I am just wondering: do these people have a workout schedule? I see some of the same people, sure, but I’ve also seen a bunch of random show-ups over the last few weeks. For someone like me, who’s always on some kind of regular schedule, it’s strange to see this willy-nilly gym behavior, but I am also not judging because I am celebrating that they’re there! I just wanted to ask you: do you have a set workout schedule that you stick to, or do you randomly work out when and where you can?

TGIF! I hope you have a nice weekend ahead!

EATING | scrambled eggs with cottage cheese, spinach and tomatoes. I am usually not a big fan of eggs for breakfast, especially not every day, but lately I’ve been enjoying this combination after my long runs on the weekends. 

DRINKING | half decaf coffee. I started mixing regular and decaf coffee a few weeks ago, thinking that if caffeine had anything to do with my episodes of racing heart and dizziness, then I’d gladly try and reduce my intake. I never had any sensitivity to caffeine before, but maybe that has changed? So far, I cannot tell if it’s made a difference, but I figure it also didn’t hurt. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO | the Cool Blogger’s Walking Club in October. Elisabeth is hosting again. We’ve had people from around the world participate in previous events, and it’ll be fantastic to see again where people get their steps in! Come join us! 

WEARING | my RoadID wristband. That is nothing new, but I think I never mentioned it? Have you heard of RoadID? It’s a company that makes custom-engraved identification tags that can be worn as a wristband, shoe tag, or watch attachment. It provides critical emergency and medical information if you are hurt and unable to speak, like your name, a contact person and a phone number and any medical information that might be important. I feel safer wearing it (especially when I am out running). I currently have a wristband but would also love to get an attachment for my Garmin. 

THINKING ABOUT | NaBloPoMo, which will be coming up sooner than we all think! Are you considering joining again this year? It’s only 6 weeks away! I KNOW! I can’t believe it either.

LOVING | this month! It’s truly one of the best months (weatherwise) here in Northern California. The rain hasn’t arrived yet, it still feels like summer, but the daily high temperatures have cooled off a little bit. It’s quite pleasant. 

ENJOYING | my long runs. It feels really good to build up the mileage again. Not every run feels the same, but it’s the best feeling when you feel like you can keep going. Susie Chan, one of the Peloton instructors, often says in her classes that “nobody was born running a mile” and it’s such a good reminder of what happens when we show up for ourselves again and again. 

BUYING | the pre-cooked chicken meatballs from Trader Joe’s, because they’re tasty and great protein sources for breakfast and lunches (see above). I’ve only recently discovered them and wanted to share (because items are easy to miss with all the rotating items that Trader Joe’s has.) Anything you recently discovered and want to share? 

After last week’s pull-back week, we’re back to regular training this week and we’re adding intervals and more miles again. I’ve been feeling a little fatigued this week, but that’s to be expected. The body is getting used to the increased workout load. I am not too worried about it (and I took a couple of extra naps).

Monday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W7R1 | Intervals
  • 75 Min Long Run – Susie (12/6/25)
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Susie (7/29/26)
• 10 Min Evening Commute Meditation – Chelsea (12/9/25) — Total Request (Self) Love
• 10 Min Restorative Yoga – Nico (8/31/26) — The Streak

This morning I hopped on the treadmill for some intervals for breakfast – 3 x 0.5 mi @ half marathon pace. I wish the treadmill didn’t have an automatic cool down setting after 60 minutes. I know, 60 minutes on the treadmill is a long time, but some of us have to run… longer. Haha. I also had to hurry to get to work, so a quick stretch afterward had to do. 

I had to postpone yoga until the evening. 

Tuesday

• 20 Min 80s Ride – Denis (8/7/26) — Streakers Request
• 30 Min Advanced Beginner Pilates – Ash (8/21/26) — AB Pilates
• 15 Min Yoga Flow: Floor Poses – Anna (2/14/26) — Total Request (Self) Love/The Streak

I set my alarm a little earlier this morning, so I could do a 20-minute 80s ride for the Streakers Request tracker before meeting up with #BCBabe¹ Lindsay for the final class of Ash’s Advanced Beginners Pilates Program. It was good. Nice and slow. I finished my morning with a yoga focus flow. 

Wednesday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W7R2 | Tempo Run
  • 75 Min Classic Rock Run – Matt (2/27/25)
• 10 Min Lower Body Stretch – Adrian (9/20/23) — Total Request (Self) Love
• 10 Min Savasana – Kristin (10/26/22) — The Streak

I did not want to do the tempo run this morning. I am writing this out lest you think I jump out of bed every morning excited to run. That is not the case, although I will say that it’s always fine once I get started (and I know that by now). 

I went over to our neighborhood gym at 6 am and the lights were off. Nobody was there (side note: it was a full house on Monday morning). Anyway, I got my tempo run done. 1.5 miles warm up – striders –  4 miles @ marathon pace – 1.5 miles cool-down. The only thing that bothered me was that my treadmill pace was set higher than the prescribed pace, but my Garmin barely registered the prescribed pace. I know this is how it goes, even if you use “indoor run“ setting (always trust the treadmill over your smartwatch!), but man, it bothers me. You think they would have had that worked out by now.

Thursday

• 10 Min Barre: Core – Hannah C (3/15/26) — Streakers Request
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W7R2 | 4 mi Easy Run
  • 20 Min 90s Rock Run – Jon (8/4/26)
  • 20 Min 80s Run – Jon (12/23/25)
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Joslyn (9/9/26)
• 10 Min Restorative Yoga – Kristin (11/8/23) — The Streak

Not a super-fan of Hannah C, but her Barre core class was actually pretty nice. I also had a 4-mile easy run on deck. Strangely, our community gym was packed again this morning. Luckily, one of the treadmills was available, and I didn’t have to wait (because I was already short on time).

Friday

• 45 Min Bootcamp – Callie (5/9/23) — Streakers Request
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W7R5 | 3 mi Easy Run
  • 30 Min Usher Run – Chase (4/28/21)
• 5 Min Post-Run Stretch – Matt (7/15/26)
• 10 Min Savasana – Nico (8/31/21) — The Streak

I met up with Lindsay and Sherry this morning for a 45-minute bike bootcamp (bike + strength). It had been a while, and I really hope to do bootcamps again more often. I also had a 30-minute easy run on deck. 

Saturday

• 20 Min Soundtrack Strength Club – Callie (9/19/26)
• 10 Min Full Body Stretch – Callie (3/7/24) 
• 15 Min Chair Yoga – Aditi (5/2/24) — The Streak

Lindsay organized a Streakers365 swarm workout this morning, and I was happy to see so many familiar “faces” on the leaderboard, including #BCBabes Kristin and Sherry, and Michelle. :) I would have also done my long run today, but I had other commitments in the morning and switched it to Sunday. The only other thing I managed was a chair yoga class in the afternoon.

Sunday

• 5 Min Pre-Run Warm Up – Matt (5/14/25)
• Team Wilpers Intermediate Marathon Training W7R4 | 12 mi Long Run
  • 90 Min Long Run – Susie (7/29/25)
  • 30 Min Usher Run – Chase (4/28/21) — Streakers Request
• 10 Min Foam Rolling – Hannah C (2/24/22) — Total Request (Self) Love
  
• 20 Min Restorative – Anna (4/20/21) — The Streak/Serenity Sunday
• 10 Min Body Scan Meditation – Aditi (3/29/22) — Serenity Sunday

I had 12 miles on deck today and I had a bit of a hard time getting myself out the door, but once I got going, things were just fine. I felt good for most of my run, although I was on the struggle bus for the last two miles. My legs were just tired, but the foam rolling class that I picked instead of a stretch was really good. I also gobbled up this post-run breakfast (scrambled eggs with cottage cheese, spinach and tomato, chicken meatballs and a bagel).

I joined the Streakers for Serenity Sunday – yoga and meditation – again in the afternoon.

Current Challenges + Trackers:

Streaker365 Streakers Request
Streaker365 Total Request (Self) Love
Streaker365 September The Streak (Daily Yoga)
Advanced Beginner Pilates Program – AB Pilates

This week’s stats:

Running: 36.9 mi
Cycling: 10.7 mi
Walking: 10.4 mi
Bootcamp: 45 min
Strength: 20 min
Yoga/Pilates/Barre: 130 min
Warm up/Stretching: 60 min
Meditation: 20 min

I am linking up again for the Weekly Run Down with Kim and Deborah.

1. aka Bootcamp Babes (a small “subgroup” of Peloton Streakers who started doing Bootcamp Classes (Bike + Strength) together) ↩︎

How has it been a whole year since I used this post format, I don’t know. It’s mind-boggling, but let’s get to it.

The high of my week was that I was able to hit publish on one (of two) data release(s) that I was supposed to finish before the end of the fiscal year (which is September, 30). The publishing process can be long and tedious (multiple peer reviews and revisions), so it’s not on the most straight-forward timeline usually, but I am glad that this one is done and I am expecting the (second) review of the other data release back any day now. Hey, we have two more weeks in September!

The low of my week was another situation at work where I felt my work and contributions to a project were treated as less important than someone else’s. I am not sure how to address it because I don’t want to come off as complainy and petty, because I am San and I always say “yes” when I am asked to support other people, but I also really need to stand up for myself. Sigh. It’s a never-ending story of somehow feeling that I am taken advantage of, but also a very delicate situation to bring up because complainers don’t get ahead either. I need a new strategy.

A blog post I enjoyed was Nance’s story about her neighbor and how history comes full circle. I love her view of how interconnected we all are, even if we seemingly just live parallel lives because we end up living next to each other as neighbors, and how these connections can affect us.

An Instagram account that I think is worth your time is Emily Does Politics, veteran and PhD scientist. I enjoy her commentary on the state of the country.

I’m currently reading The Circle. As previously mentioned, it’s a dystopian novel hat explores the dark consequences of a dominant, rapidly evolving tech monopoly and a culture of surveillance, promoted as the only way for full transparency and accountability. Intriguing, yet terrifying.

The best money I spent was $3.99 on some new tiny hair ties. Look, my hair is fine and big scrunchies look ridiculous on me. Even regular hair ties are almost too bulky. It might not look as dire in pictures, but I assure you, these tiny hair ties match what they’re holding :)

My plans this weekend includea Skype Teams Chat with Ingrid, a trip to Costco, and a 12-mile long run. I am also hoping to squeeze in a nap somewhere.

What was the best money you spent this week?

photo credit: @enka80 via Unsplash

I ran another 10K race last week on Monday. The Davis Moo-nlight Run is a tradition by now, but this was the first time I participated in the Davis Labor Day Run. It’s organized by the same local organizer, A Change of Pace, who partners with Cancer Champions, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cancer survivors through custom fitness, nutrition, and mindset programming. 

If I am being honest, I only signed up because it was an opportunity to get the third medal (for 2nd place in the Sacramento Residents Division) from the Davis Moo-nlight Run, that I had forgotten to pick up after the race in July, but it was ALSO a great excuse to run another race, not least because I love running races in Davis. (As I probably have mentioned somewhere previously, I attended UC Davis for my exchange semester in College and I always like to return there. It’s such a cute university town, and the race course often follows the green belt that weaves through the neighborhoods. It’s just a great place to run.

I had to leave my house at 6:45 am and luckily there was no traffic and it only took me 20 minutes to get there. There was plenty of free parking in the downtown area close to the start line. I had ample time to pick up my bib, use the port-a-potties and warm up a little. It was a beautiful sunny morning with a light breeze and 66F/18C.

The 10k started at 8 am sharp. The start line was in Downtown Davis at Central Park, but we quickly left the downtown streets and continued onto the Putah Creek Greenbelt trail. It was nice and shady there and the crowd dispersed quickly, so I could run at my own pace. There’s nothing more annoying than a “stomping” runner next to me to mess up my rhythm. Haha. It always reminds me of Matt Wilpers’ advice to “run tall and light with a quick cadence”. Definitely something to practice in training. 

The best part of this race: I had my virtual cheer squad in my pocket again. I have mentioned before that the Adidas Running App (it’s free!) lets people track your race and, more importantly, they can send you “cheers” and encouraging voice messages along the way. It’s the next best thing to having people cheer for you from the actual sidelines, and the only way family and friends can “be there” from afar. Tanja, my mom and my cousin all sent me dozens of messages of encouragement along the way and they all carried me across the finish line. 

I had no real goal. My training plan suggested a 6-mile easy run for today – which obviously wasn’t going to happen. I wanted to have fun, first and foremost, but I was also going to push myself a little bit and see how things go… and go they did. I felt good throughout the whole race and was able to hold a pretty steady pace (as I do). 

The Moo-nlight Run had a turnout of 1300 people, the Labor Day Run was significantly smaller with 700 participants, so it’s definitely easier to win an award, but I am also pretty happy with my performance. I finished 1st place in my age group (1/22), 8th in my gender group (8/124), and 44th overall (44/242). Not too shabby, if you ask me. I got three medals.

Oh, and did I mention that the race photos were free? I am thrilled there were a couple of good shots (not always the case).  

Also, I want to be this lady when I am 80+ years old.

I feel like sharing a few random thoughts today, so get yourself a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever beverage you like) and sit with me for a minute, will you? I’d prefer we could do this in person, a quick little coffee date at the local coffee shop, but I’ll take a virtual date over none.

Too far

Today is my Dad’s birthday and I am not there to celebrate with him, which is a huge bummer. I wish they lived close enough for a weekend visit. At least, we got to “see” each other via FaceTime. Technology has come such a long way. I know we sometimes long for simpler times, but I cannot imagine anymore not to be able to (basically for free) video call with people overseas anytime I want to.
Last year at this time, we were two weeks away from my parents visiting us for three weeks and I wish we could turn back time and anticipate their visit again. I don’t know when I am going to see them next, but I hope it’ll be soon (in the spring at the latest).

A glimmer of common sense

I am sure you’ve heard that SCOTUS rejected FDTs restrictions on mail-in ballots for the midterms elections? Two of the corrupt judges sided with FDT, but thankfully lawfulness and decency prevailed with the other judges for now. I am more curious about what might happen on January, 3rd when newly elected members of Congress are supposed to be sworn in. 

Estate Update

I haven’t shared any updates recently, because there aren’t any. My mother-in-law’s estate is still not settled. I want to say more, for example that I am frustrated with the process, but also that I’ve been putting off dealing with my brother-in-law. He’s the executor and he’s… well, not executing. I already talked to a trust attorney (back in June) but she basically said that unless we want to get legal representation (which we don’t want to do), there is really no oversight over the timeline and execution of the will. I honestly had to hear this from an attorney’s mouth to believe it, because what’s a trust for, if nobody actually oversees its execution? (I thought that was what the law firm that created the trust was for).

According to standard procedure, the executor of a trust/will is supposed to keep financial aspects documented and transparent, keep the beneficiaries in the loop, and divide/distribute the assets in a reasonable amount of time, and let’s just say, none of that has been happening. Accounts outside of the trust were handled and dispersed, but the house and personal belongings, etc. are still in the trust. 

More thoughts on tech and A.I.

I recently shared the quote it’s a crime against yourself to let a machine speak for you, that it equates to the silencing of your own voice by writer, Dave Eggers. Intrigued by this statement, I checked out his books and I am currently reading his book “The Circle“. It’s a 2013 dystopian novel that explores the dark consequences of a dominant, rapidly evolving tech monopoly and a culture of surveillance, promoted as the only way for full transparency and accountability. I am only half way through but I know I already have A LOT of thoughts about it. Have you heart about or read it yet?

Time to DNF

I am sure you have heard of the HYROX poop controversy? If not, the scoop is that a female Australian athlete lost control of her bowels during a HYROX fitness competition in Beijing on September 12, but was allowed to continue the competition to win first place. Many people were outraged that she wasn’t pulled off the course, few argued that pushing through was the right thing to do.
For the people in the back: this is the time to DNF*. Nothing – no title, no medal, no matter how hard you trained – justifies staying in the competition and putting everyone around you at risk for your own selfish reasons. As many athletes likely know, shit happens. Sometimes literally (and when it happens, there’d better be a restroom nearby!). In the running world, we call it the runner’s trots. There are famous incidents of marathoners that finished races after soiling themselves and I still don’t think that’s condonable, but at least it was happening outdoors. HYROX is an indoor event with shared equipment and she should have been disqualified immediately.

* DNF = did not finish.

top photo credit: @gaellemarcel via Unsplash