I AM ALIVE!  That's right, my lovely readers, I have resurfaced.  Many apologies for my lack of posts.  Believe it or not, completely relocating across the country, starting a brand new job, moving in with your love AND adjusting is a little time consuming.  

However, I am alive, adjusting and loving life.  California is a fun fit and I've finally had the time to explore.  Interested in what this Teeny has been occupying herself with? 

Despite the whole moving thing, I've managed to frolic to Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Valencia, Hollywood, Runyon Canyons and places between.  Don't believe me?  PHOTO ATTACK!

Overall, I love what California has to offer.  With beaches, parks and perfect company, I think this is just the place to be.  My apartment is adorable, my man is the best,  I love the job and there is SOOO much unexplored terrain.

Here is to the many adventures and explorations that fun California has to offer!  Rumor has it California has mountains, beaches AND a plethora of parks.  

Excuse me dear readers, I have an adventure I need to tend to!

Any suggestions on must see's in beautiful CALI?

Ever since I made the final decision to trek across the country to Florida's cooler cousin California, I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off!  The laundry list of things to do when moving across the country is just absurd.

From booking flights, auto movers, making appointments, sending in paperwork, scheduling dates with friends, putting down a deposit for an apartment, I've been overwhelmed!  And then it clicked: I remembered what sets me to back to one.  I remembered what calms my mind and puts my stresses at ease.  I remembered what's good for my body and mind.

Exercise.

With all the imminent changes that are swirling about my brain, it started becoming easy to forgot what I needed: exercise.   

With that notion in mind, I hopped on my bike and indulged in a wonderful 10 mile ride.  It wasn't an extreme distance or crazy workout, but it was just the thing I needed to offset the huge changes that are about to occur in my life.
This is the first time I've moved across the country away from my family, secured a brand new job and started from scratch.  No big deal, right?

As an avid exercise junkie (the only kind there is) I will strive to remember in all times of stress to exercise it away.  And if you are feeling bogged down by work, life relationships and everyday annoyances, I urge you to hop on your bike and cycle the stress away. 

Remember, working out is that happy, warm fuzzy activity that is good for your body, health and mind.  Plus, anything that helps whittle away stress, well that's just a bonus in my books.

Your homework this week: engage in a push-up or some form of exercise.  These upcoming weeks I guarantee I'll be cycling and running my way through stress.  And guess what: SO SHOULD YOU!

How do you beat stress in a healthy way?*

*Exercise should be on your list  

 

 When I first began this blog, it served as a way to track my adventures and to inspire others to embark on adventures of their own. Along the way, I've discovered to fight and keep my traveling spirit, enjoy the outdoors and engage in active exercises that were new and fun.

In my blog, I've tried to motivate myself and to keep pushing towards goals whether they were athletic, personal, professional or just good for the soul.  For years I've claimed how much I 've wanted to travel, explore and experience the world. Ever since I've put my intentions out there,  I've gone on numerous vacations, active trips and tried on different hobbies.  However, they weren't enough.

I've always wanted to run away and explore a new area with someone.   Like I always say, it's not where you are, it's who you're with.

With that sentiment in mind, I am beyond thrilled to announce to you, my  fellow trackers of Teeny that you now must track me all the way to California.  That's right!  On August 31st, I begin a new journey of life, love, nature and exploration in California.

With this new chapter in my life, there are numerous tears, happy tears for all the happy times with my biological family and the extended family I've made along the way.  I love all of my memories and times with those I love dearly.   No matter how far across the country I adventure, one thing I know for certain: I'll love them all just as much as I did before.

Though this new arena of life comes with joy and tears, I am more ready to begin this quest than ever.  With the experiences I've had, the lifelong friends I've made, and happy moments that stay within, I can't wait to take them to a new coast.

This Florida girl is ready to trek herself all the way to other coast in California!  Now don't worry, my avid readers.  You will still get the exciting adventures of Teeny as she plays in the mountains, beaches and hills that the West Coast has to offer.  She would never do you like that!

And here I am, off for another adventure.  

Run away with me!

How do you handle the bittersweet moments that life has to offer?

So, I've been trying to get back on the Running Wagon lately and I have a confession to make: I've been lazy.  Believe it or not, a Teeny can be a lazy lass. 

Getting back into running after 2 months off is hard.  Your body forgets how to get into the groove and it's much more difficult than it was prior.  And you'd thinking after completing numerous races and a Half Marathon running 3 miles would be easy.  NOPE!

Looking for some guidance, I felt lost.  And then I stumbled upon this gem from Runner's World.  AMAZING!  Are you ready for it?  Check it out here.  

After reading through it, I realized one of the biggest problems: I wasn't giving myself a break.  I tried to go from not running to right back where I started!  Wrong, oh so wrong.  

After reading the article and monitoring my body's response to what I was trying before, I devised a new running plan:

               Teeny's Running Rehab
-Do interval runs
-Start with a 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down
-Run with 2 days between all runs 
-Eat Glucosamine
-Ice knees daily

With my lovely article and superb plan, I'll be a running fool in no time!!!!!!!!

How do you prep yourself back into running?

These past few weeks have been insane.  Between working overtime at work, picking up Universal shifts and working out, I've had little to no time to myself.  Work, eat, workout, sleep, rinse and repeat.  Now someone who has always made it a personal goal to savoring every moment, I started to catch myself getting lost in all the hub bub.  (That's a technical term)

Well, not anymore!  Always swearing to myself that I would make time to breathe in the moment and make the people I love a priority, I caught myself slipping into a trap and was determined to do something about it!

Where were my relaxing days with family and friends?  Where was the Teeny quick to indulge in a late night voyage to the beach or even a staycation? 

Well, eager to get in touch with my personal priorities, I stopped myself and had a glorious date with my parents and the beach!!!  That's right the Perez's made a trek to Cocoa Beach, lounged and enjoyed a yummy meal on the water!

All in all, it was a much needed trip and time well spent.  As you may have picked up, I am a HUGE advocate of living a healthy life filled with adventure and fun. Well, one the most important parts of living a healthy life is being surrounded by those who you love.  

As much as I love a good run, climb and exercise session, sometimes good time with your loved ones is the much needed exercise for your mind and heart.  (That's right, I said  that cheesy stuff.  And what?!!?!? Tell me it isn't true.  TELL ME!)

As you embark on your active endeavors, adventures and tackle your busy schedule, remember what is just as important to your physical health: time to breathe in.  Besides, it just feels right to be with those who you love deeply.  I guarantee you, everything will seem better once you let yourself indulge.  

How do you keep your soul as healthy as your body?

Guys, it’s a miracle: I was victorious in completing 30 perfect pushups pain free.  Can I get an amen?  AMEN!!!!!!!
   
I know this  may not seem like some Olympic sized victory but for me, it is.  You see, the past few months I’ve been battling injuries.  Therefore my active adventures  have been much more careful and reserved.  No long distance running, no EXTREME climbing and limited Yoga.  Sigh.

Well, at least my lack of active adventures have finally paid off!  HUZZZZZAH!  (That just means I'm very excited)  You see, I am officially pain free!!!!!!!!!  No knee or angry shoulder!

Part of the reason for the victory?  Well, this past week I made sure to ease into running and any exercises that involved my shoulder.  Basically, even though I felt better, I was still uber cautious in my exercising this week.  Curious about my perfect workout schedule that's left me pain free?  Well, take a peak below:

                    Working Back Into Working Out
-Sunday
Ran 2.5 miles with a 2 minute warm-up,  3 minute interval and 5 minute cool down
-Monday
Walked 2 miles and did 10 minutes of core/strength ab work
-Tuesday
Cautiously climbed and down climbed 5 routes.  
-Wednesday
I did NOTHING!
-Thursday 
I cautiously ran 3 miles with a 3 minutes warm-up, 3 minute interval and 5 minute cool down.
-Friday
I did nothing
-Saturday
Abs!

I know this may not seem incredible, but it is.  And considering that I am PAIN FREE, this week is just the icing on the workout cake!

This upcoming week, I'm going to stick to this lighter workout plan and possibly increase it just a wee bit.  Who knows, maybe I can do 2 sets of 30 pushups?!?!!  Crazy.  Here's to an even better week!

How do you keep active and remain injury free?

First off, I need to apologize my dear readers for I have been a slacker!  Summer has taken over, the lazy sunk in and I've barely had any time!  Forgive my lack of posts!!!!!

Ok, now that we have gotten that out of the way, allow me to elaborate.  You see fellow friends, nursing a knee and sissy shoulder injury, my active adventures have been limited.  I have been doing some cycling, ab work, walking and a dabbling in some interval runs but nothing crazy.  Frown.  Yesterday I was able to climb and oh how good it felt. 

And then life happened!  What you ask?  It just got busy: work, fun visitors, pets, yummy meals and beach treks took over.  But I figured instead of whining and giving you excuses, I'd show you............enter...PHOTOS!

Clearly you can tell, my Summer Days have been a little busy.  In my defense, they were super fun things to busy oneself with.  I mean, let's tally the fun I found while I wasn't blogging:

-Trips to fun Howl at the Moon for birthdays
-Visits to De Leon Springs
-Beach Days
-Rescuing cute little animals
-Entertaining cute guests
-Beautiful views during my careful exercises 
-And extra work on top of my 9-5

So, forgive my alter ego Postless Teeny; Tracking Teeny is back and ready to go.  Besides, with injuries subsiding, I sense some big adventures on the horizon.

How do you get lost in Summer Nights?

I'm not where I want to be. 

This thought continues to dance about our brains in an aggressive fashion, taking away all we have accomplished and where we've come from.

Now I'm giving you fair warning...peace, love and self-help Teeny is rising slowly.

It just blows my mind sometimes.  We may not be where we wish to be at a specific moment, so we punish ourselves.

"God, I can't believe I'm here."

Now this can be in all areas of life: running, climbing, careers, socially, romantically, you name it.  In one area of our life we aren't where we think we should be and we're now a failure.

Just the other day I got to thinking about how I've been rock climbing for over a year and I'm STILL in the same scenario: creeping around 5.10's and the occasional 11. And to make things worse, I've injured my shoulder and need to take it slow.  So of course I build myself up by chastising my current status.  Wrong, wrong WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!  

Progress is progress and that's all that matters.  Do NOT despise small beginnings you silly Teeny.  (Yes I talk to myself in 3rd person....so what?)

If I'm having these ridiculous and counterproductive thoughts about my active endeavors, surely others out there are too!  And therefore a plan has been devised!  Read on to see what I did and....DO THE SAME!  PEER PRESSURE!  (I'm just kidding.  No seriously, do it!)

              Get out of Your Personal Funk
-List 3 of your recent accomplishments,  Give yourself credit
-Make a list of all the new things you tried
-Make a list of all the things you've improved upon
-Make a list of all the risks you've taken
-Make a list of the steps you've made to take yourself to a better place

After you do this..I guarantee you'll look upon yourself in a better light.  I did it myself and I feel mighty fine. 

I may only be able to climb a 5.10 but I've tried Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Ashtanga Yoga, a new career, a committed relationship, exercise regularly AND take the time to appreciate the little things!

Do you allow yourself to note all your accomplishments?  Start now!

This morning I was all jazzed to be up before the sun for a super and invigorating run.  Two steps in, my knee had something to say,

"Ouch!  I don't think so Ms. Perez.  What about easing into running?"
"Uhm Mr. Knee, I would like to run.  Can you be quiet?"
"Nope, take it easy or I won't let you run at all."
"You jerk!  Fine, I'll listen."*

So, despite my ego and mind's desire to run 3.5 miles with ease, I was left completing interval training.  In hindsight, I should have started with interval running.  Teeny, do you remember NOT being able to run for 2 months?!?!?!?!  Get it together Perez.**  After careful deliberation (and protests from my knee) I succumbed to an Interval Run.  Want in?  Take a peak: 

                     Reluctant Interval Run
-Start with 5 minute warm up walking at a brisk pace 
-Jog for 5 minutes getting heart rate up
-The next 15 minutes run 1 minute on, 1 minute walking
-5 minute brisk walk
-2 minute cool down

As riveting as this workout sounds, it actually was invigorating.  I didn't push it, got a nice workout and my knee is happy.  It also reminded me of this awesome Couch to 5k Program.  I may use it just so I can build up to a  longer run.

It the meantime, instead of trying to run my knees into the ground, I shall stick to a nice interval run!  Here's to happy knee and an active Teeny!!!!!!!!

How do you feel about interval running?

*Yes I talk to my knee.  They say listen to your body so I do
** I feel calling myself Perez adds urgency

It's the ultimate fight!!!  West Side Story style.  Start snapping, dancing and fighting because it's INTENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

"Running is gonna have it's way....tonight.....Cycling is gonna have it's way tonight!!!!"*

So, I am having a mini debate with myself on which I prefer and want to focus training on: The Sharks or The Jets....I mean Cycling or Running.  I'm torn!!!!  

With my knee injury, I purchased a new bike to supply myself with low impact cardio and adventures.  Since my knee is making it's recovery, I can run now too and I find myself flip flopping between which workout to do.  

This past week I completed 2 nice bike rides and one killer run.  AHHH!  I don't want to chose!

And then the light bulb clicked: Both are great forms of cardio with their own benefits! Weigh the benefits of both silly Teeny!

Running Pros and Cons 
-Great stress relief
-Burns calories faster than cycling
-Lovely release of endorphins
-Is a wonderful workout
-The elusive "Runners High"
-Very hard on the body, particularly joints and knees
-Harder to build up to 

Cycle Benefits and Boos
-Low impact
-Easier to build up to than running
-Great lower body workout: tones hips and legs
-Perfect for those prone to knee injury
-Less strain on the body
-Burns less calories than running
-Major pain in the rear (seriously....my ass hurts!)

As you can see, both have their perks and disadvantages but at the end of the day, both are great forms of cardio that can't help but make you smile!  Well, that is after your heart rate goes back down.  Oh, and you see your sweet can** in the mirror.

After my lovely debate I have decided.......I WANT BOTH! 

So, whether you're feeling more like a runner or cyclist, hop on it and try something!  You'll feel better and have a blast.  Can't chose between the two?  Be like me and do both!

You know what I'm doing this week: running, cycling and a little climbing.  Want to learn more?  Check out this and that. 

Which do you prefer: cycling or running?

*So...I may have a theater background and because of this I may relate every day things to song and dance.....I am sorry.  *hangs theater head in shame*  
**I am referring to ones rump, butt, ass etc.