During one of our hikes in Griffith Park recently, with a tiny Hollywood Sign behind me.
Last week was the first week in a while where it felt like I was finally getting back on track. I had a pretty good week of workouts, and now I feel motivated and ready to get back in shape. I ran a 10K last Sunday, and felt pretty sore on Monday and Tuesday so I didn’t do much in the way of exercise (so, not the greatest start to the week). But Wednesday morning was November Project, which brought more soreness after, but it was a great full-body workout.
On Thursday morning, I ran a little over 4 miles at a 9:40 min/mile pace, and it felt pretty good.
Found a nice trail that goes by this golf course near where I currently live and I saw lots of other runners.
Later that day, my friend Liz (the same one Jeremy and I just saw in Spain and New Orleans) was in town, so we spent the day eating tacos and ice cream.
Crazy good shrimp tacos and fish ceviche from a taco truck called Mariscos Jalisco.
Portland’s ice cream shop Salt & Straw opened in LA recently. If you’re ever in Portland or LA, you have to go.
Frog legs from a cute wine bar called Mignon downtown LA.
Liz tours with a band and Jeremy and I went to her show that night and didn’t get home till about 2am, so a 5am wake up call for November Project didn’t happen. And thanks to my high maintenance sleeping habits, when I go to bed really late I usually don’t end up getting much sleep at all, so Friday was spent recovering from a sleepless night.
On Saturday morning, I drove across the city to park in Marina Del Rey to get a long run in. I’m registered for the Santa Barbara International Half Marathon on November 8th and I really want to do it, even though I won’t be in top shape (or close to it). I set out to do eight miles and ran to the Venice Beach Boardwalk and back. I’ve been stopping to take pictures too often on my runs lately, so I wanted to cut back on that. I only ended up stopping once to use a public restroom next to Muscle Beach (not recommended, lots of crazies) and then quickly twice to take pictures (and I didn’t stop my watch). I felt pretty good until mile six where I started fading, and realized I forgot to bring any fuel with me. But I finished strong, and I hope to do nine miles this weekend, which will hopefully prepare me a bit for the half.
Crossing a pedestrian bridge over to Venice.
Venice Pier.
It was a long drive across the city to do my run by the beach, but it was totally worth it.
On Sunday, Jeremy and I went hiking, which was the second time hiking since we moved to Los Angeles. We’re really near Griffith Park, which is a HUGE park with tons of trails. The Hollywood Sign is also located in the park, and you get nice views of downtown LA and the sign. The hike was four and a half miles and provided some really great views.
All in all, it wasn’t the best week of training by any means, but you gotta start somewhere. Hopefully next week will be even better!
Lily Runs the World 
Salt & Straw is amazing! I’m so jealous of your beach runs – such a great motivator to go out and run!
It’s definitely my favorite place to run!
It feels so good to get back into a routine when you’ve been out of one. I LOVE Griffith Park, I’m jealous you live so close! And, I also have high-maintenance sleeping habits, so I can completely relate.
It really does feel good. I can’t wait till I have some really strong runs! I’m sorry you can relate, sleeping issues are the absolute worst.
Great to get back to your routine 🙂 Also that park is INCREDIBLE
It sure feels nice 🙂 It’s been wonderful having Griffith Park so close!
Like you said, you have to start somewhere! Better to take it easy and ease your way back in rather than overdo it! Those views from your hike are beautiful!
True that! I’m so paranoid of getting some kind of injury by doing too much too soon but then sometimes I think I ease into it a little too slowly… it’s a delicate balance!
That looks like an awesome trail system. And a great beach run. I admit I love sleep and never seem to get enough. There needs to be more hours in the day. 🙂
I’m so jealous of good sleepers. Never ever take it for granted!
Nice job! Looks like you’re still having fun stateside. mmmmmm, tacos.
That was my first LA taco truck experience, and I’m determined to try a new truck every week. There are so many, it’s insane. I’m in taco heaven.
The views from your run and hike look amazing!! I’m so jealous. Also, with all your European adventures I didn’t realize you are based near L.A.?! I have a sister who just started school there and of course, I have to visit her at some point. I’ll have to ask you about all the great running/hiking/food&wine spots when I do!
We just moved to LA at the beginning of October! I’m trying to find as many good running spots and restaurants and bars as possible (there are endless options), so I’ll try to have a nice list for you when the time comes!
I sometimes drive about 30 minutes to run near the water too for my long runs. I agree – worth it!
Definitely! Especially being on a pedestrian path and not having to worry about stopping at crosswalks or getting hit by cars.
Looks like a beautiful time with some great runs and hikes!
It’s been pretty great!
I love Venice Beach! Fun fact: I have one tattoo and I got it at a shop there! Gorgeous venue for a run, too 🙂
Amazing! You should come back and visit and get a second one!
Your blog is amazing! I’ve just spent wayyyy too long reading through a lot of your travel posts. What an incredible experience!
I especially loved all of your Iceland pictures. I was just looking at a Living Social travel deal earlier today trying to decide when I could fit the vacation in, now I want to do it even more!
Oh man, thank you so much! Iceland was incredible, if you get the chance, you MUST GO.