Post Storm Hiking in Crystal Cove State Park

WARNING

This Blog/Blog Post/Melissa Adylia Gutierrez/Controlled Burn Fitness does not recommend, encourage, suggest, nor support ignoring posted signs in designated hiking areas

I love

going on adventures in the rain
but last week each time I tried to head out to
one of my favorite hikes
I kept meeting

THIS SIGN

It was so frustrating

I really needed to get my body moving after being cooped up for so many days with no sunshine, hiking, nor kayaking...well, I did go kayaking on the 18th and made a good effort to hit this trail afterwards but there was so much fog and it was so drizzly
I almost missed this sign until I bumped into it.

That day, I did turn back because I know how slippery that trail is after a day of rain
I wasn't in the mood to go slip-n-sliding while it was still raining
and I couldn't see my feet because of the fog.

Mother Nature Obviously Meant Business!

The rain didn't let up for days!

Southern Californians (always worrying about a drought) had to wonder if they should have been more careful for what they wished for
when Mother Nature brought on the rain in full force this December.

Finally a day of sunshine came.  Just in time for Christmas.

I had to try to hit the trail again and hoped to do the
11 mile Moro Ridge loop

So I put on my sexiest hiking outfit of Knee High Socks, Tevas, a little skirt, a couple of tops, my backpack full of extra clothing, and water, and grabbed my trekking poles.

Right...super sexy out fit...

(wink wink)

The sun was so welcome

I felt a little guilty passing the first sign, but I vowed to myself that I would only proceed if I was able to stay on trail, maintain my footing, and avoid causing any damage to the trail.

It was so still and so beautifully silent

There was the occasional faint breeze rustling leaves and the sweet chirping of little birds
there were so many delicious moments when all I heard was the sound of my breathing.

Then I met this sign

: (

I didn't want to turn back

I was so happy to be outside, moving, with the sun on my face.

I took a moment to ponder and take these pics

I didn't want to go home

My body craves natural movement, fresh air, sweetness.

I promised to be good to the trail and the critters that live there

I moved on

and stumbled upon this
: (

FYI

I had nothing to do with creating it

the hole was there before I almost stumbled IN to it.

Here are my trekking poles to help give you perspective

Pretty big. Very Deep

I ventured on

Happy those sink holes are behind me

and everything looks pretty good from here

Happy Trails...

Whoa!

Actually, pretty slippy, muddy trails

Staying to the center of the trail

and enjoying the stillness and the serenity

I realized I was hearing something

that I have never heard on these trails

Could it really be the beautiful sound of running water?

Where is that sound coming from?

Wow! Right along the trail...

...moving water

Yep

more than a trickle

this water was actually really moving...

...moving soil

down the hill...

...to another long stretch of moving water

...stronger, faster moving water...

...water strong enough to move mud and rocks

...and rocks as big as these!

...and more mud.

Time to take a left and take another trail.

Watch Out!

SHRUB slide!

Hmmm, wasn't expecting that

 guess I better turn around and head back.

This is looking back up the trail from which I came

Who would have expected the shrub slide to be right here

: /

hmmmm...

That sure was one slippery section

as you can tell by my super-sexy Tevas covered in mud, it was mucky!

Even though I had to turn around after only 2.65 miles

(I was wearing Andrew's Garmin)

I was happy to have gotten some exercise in the great outdoors.

I could have easily, and safely kept going along the trails.

I have hiked in much worse conditions, in unexpected storms while backpacking.

However, out of respect for the trails, I decided it would be best to turn back.

I did feel slightly guilty for having gone so far

A little ashamed that I had not given Mother Nature a little more time to heal from the intense beating of 15.5 inches of rain it had been beaten with in one week.

I used the excuse that someone else had really wanted to be out there too.

There was one other set of footprints when I got on the trail.

(except for all the big kitty prints, some wild doggie prints, and bunny prints)

The human prints had to have come from a gentleman.

Large feet. Kept to the most considerate parts of the trail. Went past where I had turned left after I came across the big rock in the road.

I felt even even more guilty  when I came upon these sink holes

They hadn't been there when I started the hike

: (

I am happy that I had made the right decision to turn back

It is important to understand

that we are responsible for protecting the beauty and serenity that we crave.

Mother Nature needs to be honored and respected

not tortured and tamed for our pleasure

If all of us decided to trample along those trails on that day,

the impact would have been devastating

with the trails left scarred, vulnerable, and unappealing.

Hiking trails always puts a smile on my face

learning a lesson about respecting the signs
makes me even happier.

Happy Trails!
Cheers!
: )

New Winter Gear/Goodies from a Great New Outdoor Company

A Warm Tush is a Happy Tush

and

Sheepleg

has made my tush very happy

I recently got some great winter goodies

from this wonderful new online outdoor gear company.

I stumbled upon Sheepleg while I was on Facebook

and saw one of those little suggestion thingies on the side of my homepage.

I thought the logo was adorable and clicked on it out of curiosity and I'm glad I did.

I checked out their website and loved what I saw.

I also love

what these guys are all about

Not only do they carry an excellent assortment of gear, they are actually active, outdoors people who get outside and use outdoor gear for real!

To top it off

they're all about giving back which can only make you feel even better when you make a purchase since you'll know that a portion of every sale will go to a charity.

Read more about where they give 

Here are a few of the goodies

that have been helping me avoid the winter chill.

The Top

(I'll post full-length pics of it in another post)

is a Smartwool "NEXT-TO-SKIN" base-layer called

The Women's Microweight Zip T

Its super soft, super warm, and pretty darned cute.

If you wanna get me one (or two or three) more, I'm a Small.

Thanks

: )

The Bottoms

are another "NEXT-TO-SKIN" base-layer

Women's Microweight Hipster

(also a small)

With the itch-factor reputation of wool,

I was a little concerend about woolen undies

no one wants to mess with itchy girlie bits!

I'm also always super concerned about sizing when ordering on line

I'm a super tactile person and I'm always concerned about getting the right size for bottoms

since I happen to pack a curvy booty for a 5'2" gal.

The gentleman I spoke with on the phone was super helpful

and decided on a small

I think he made a great choice!

: )

These left me with nothing to worry about. They were soft and absolutely not itchy. Fit very nicely and didnt ride up during the day. Understand, I have only worn them solo or with a little hiking skirt. I'm not certain about the comfort factor if I were to wear them with pants and am not exactly tempted to do so anytime soon. I will try them on a more intense hike to really put the seams around the thighs to the test and let y'all know how that goes.

In the meantime

I'll keep enjoying them for lounging, sleeping, and short-hiking-skirt-wearing

I'll take more in black.

Thanks

: )

I also got some incredibly snuggly

Smartwool Saturnsphere Ultra Comfy Socks

and a mighty fine

Snugpack Softie Premier I Sleeping Bag

that I cannot wait to take for a test ride!

Nothing beats putting your feet up

after decorating a Christmas Tree on a chilly SoCal day

: )

I kick up my heels for cozy socks

and great small businesses that actually use the gear they sell!

Check 'em out!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

: )

 



What is Your Favorite Piece of Fitness Equipment?

My Favorite Piece of Fitness Equipment

The Human Body!

Some consider the Human Body a work of art

I love

My Body

My Client's Body

Every Body

Especially when they are respected and used to their full potential!

Taking care of your body is pretty simple

and it costs nothing

Top reasons why the Human Body is my favorite piece of Fitness Equipment

Its FREE
Easy to store

Greatest return for you investment

Open 24 Hours

You always know where to find it

Doesn't get dusty or full of cobwebs (well, I hope not)

No assembly required

Portable

Likes longs walks on the beach

Enjoys a healthy meal

Loves massages

Will be willing to go for a run if you promise to treat it well before and after the run

The more you use it, the better it looks

The more you use it the better it works

The more you use it lasts longer

The options are endless

No matter what your favorite piece of Fitness Equipment choice is

Neglect it, it will not work efficiently and you may need to invest in repairs.

Try using it after a long spell of neglect, it may break.

Ignore it long enough, it will fall apart completely

This picture is worth a thousand words

Kinda funny, kinda cute, hard not to smile when looking at it.

But really, you know you don't want to look like that.

Our bodies our the best fitness equipment out there!

Take the time to invest in the most important piece of fitness equipment that you already own!

Equipment is only as good as the person using it.

If one does not take the time to understand, master, nurture, and enjoy the one piece of equipment that they already own, no matter how much you spend on the next fitness fad or gimmick,

it will be pretty much useless.

The Human Body

Just move it, wash it, feed it, hydrate it, let it rest, repeat.

: )

I would love to know about your favorite piece of fitness equipment.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Day!

-Melissa Adylia Gutierrez

Owner/Personal Trainer

Controlled Burn Fitness

 

 

 

Behind the Name of Controlled Burn Fitness

As it says

"Go for the Intensity Avoid the Injury"

Going for the intensity while avoiding injury

is what my Personal Training Style is all about.

I take all necessary steps to observe, identify, and address the needs of my clients

in order to help them reach their health and fitness goals.

I then meticulously design a plan of action that will ensure intensity while maintaining safety

In my opinion, when it comes to pushing the boundaries of intensity and safety,

"controlled burns" take the cake.

Growing up in Southern California
and living through over 35 years of "fire season", I have come to understand and respect the necessity and the intensity that comes with Controlled/Prescribed Burns.
With "controlled burns", what some may see as destruction is, in actuality,
an opportunity to protect the lives of people and animals,
and to provide the necessary means for new life to thrive.

This was the view of the hills above The Controlled Burn Fitness Studio
during the 2009 Station Fires

Many say that the destruction could have been minimized
had there been controlled/prescribed burns.

I named my fitness studio

"Controlled Burn Fitness"

because of the focus, expertise, and supervision

that is required to do no harm

while providing much needed intensity to achieve results!

Go for the Intensity!
Avoid the Injury!

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Day!
-Melissa Adylia Gutierrez
Owner/Personal Trainer
Controlled Burn Fitness

The Controlled Burn Fitness Studio

3521-A North Verdugo Road

Glendale, CA

91208

818-248-4242

www.ControlledBurnFitness.com

 

Rock n Roll Half 2010 Recap

Sunday, October 24th

I Ran
Actually, kinda scampered

The Los Angeles Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon

This Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon was a lot slower

than my San Diego Rock n Roll 1/2 in June.

I hadn't had a day of rest for at least 16 days before the run

During the 2 weeks prior to the run, I taught a ton of intense conditioning classes, a few Indoor Cycling Classes, did 2 11-mile trail run/hikes along with 2 6-milers.

I had every intention to take all of Saturday off

but couldn't pass up teaching a Contemporary Dance Class at Heartbeat House when they called at the last minute to sub the 4-5pm Class.

Even though I was beat
I intended to keep the same goals when I ran the LA Marathon in March

My LA Marathon Running Goals included
Avoid injury

Have fun

Take great pictures

Finish with dignity

Wear my 4" Jimmy Choos to Dinner

On this day, my legs were not happy with me.

But I was so happy to see the gang from A Runners Circle
that I couldn't help but kick up my heels

: )

Remember

Take great pictures!

: )

Funny thing

If you look behind me to the right,
the white tents are right in front of Heartbeat House

: )

Sadly, I was pretty bummed with this course

This course was almost the same as the "City of Angels 1/2" which I had done 2 years ago.

I had really enjoyed the course and the spectators, and couldn't wait to do it again.

I chose to do this 1/2 because I figured the "Rock n Roll" franchise would rock it even harder.

 I did the San Diego Rock n Roll 1/2 in June and it definitely ROCKED!!!

(except for the beer garden)

Unfortunately

they didn’t rock LA

: (

There were barely any spectators this time around

I have no clue why

Even the bums cheered us on during City of Angels while we ran around Echo Park Lake.

This year...nothing.

Low spectator attendance had it's benefits

I was able to spot the ever-wonderful, Mister Louis Kwan

He is responsible for pictures 1, 2, 4 and 5.

Louis posted a ton more pics from the Los Angeles Rock n Roll 1/2

here

Like what you see?

Then please donate a little something on his

Team in Training Fundraising Page

Even if it's just a dollar, no amount is too little.

The bands were place so strangely along the course

Sometimes too close to each other that you couldn’t really figure out the songs and then there would be no music for ages.

The worst
was that there was No Music at the top of hills when we needed it.

: (

What I did NOT enjoy about the course this year

Plenty of water volunteers were
Worthless
Some wanted us to high five them when all we wanted was water!

(Happened 3x!)

Water peeps were in the middle of the course!

No signs ABOVE to tell us when water stops or port-o-pottys were near.

NEVER saw a port-a-potty till I was passing it.

All the construction on Riverside to Glendale to Silverlake Reservoir sucked.

MILLER Beer needs to KICK ROCKS!!!

They suck as a concessionaire and you should get them the "you know what" out!
They screwed us at the SD RnR
and they were A**es this time around too!

OK, enough

Sorry for sounding so rude but I don't think I will do it again next year.

Not worth it.

I felt embarrassed that I had told so many friends

how fun the course was since it sucked so hard this time around

: (

On the Lighter Side

Any day we can get up and get some exercise is a good day!

I was happy with the first 1/2 of the 1/2 Marathon

but after mile 9 (about 1/2 a mile after this picture was taken), and the hill on Temple,

I just started losing steam.

After getting to the top , I started walking and just couldn't get back into the groove.

Luckily I felt fine the next day

I got up early to train my Personal Training Clients

and felt great when teaching 2 of my Group Fitness Classes.

I did decide to give myself a little break
and got someone to cover my 6pm Indoor Cycling Class.

I did love the organization at the finish

And the Medal is pretty nice.

Sadly, the shirt goes to just above my knees and is an XS

Maybe they are sized for NBA players.

: /

Some people say it was really good

Maybe they are confusing it with the SD RnR

Maybe they want to justify that they spent so much $$$.

Thank goodness I have the Malibu 1/2 in November and the Bug Sur Full next May

to look forward to and to wash the stink of this one outta my memory.

At least I know those are waaaay worth the $$$!

Did you run the Los Angeles Rock and Roll 1/2 this year?

Tell me about your experience.

: )



You Get what You Give

"Give your body tragic looking crap your body will deliver the same..."
Warning, this is more of a rant/scolding than an article, but I am certain many of you can relate

It breaks my heart when I hear about good people eating such sad looking and nutritionally flaccid excuses for meals disguised as "healthy".
What is healthy about an overly processed, ugly "thing" that is full of sodium, cholesterol, and who knows what else.

Just read the labels
Many frozen food companies use great tag words on the packaging to play into a persons desire to become "healthy", "smart", "lean" or "low fat".
BULLSH!T!

Just because it says "healthy", "smart", "lean" or "low fat" on the label it doesn't mean it is, nor does it mean you're gonna become any of those things by eating them.
All it means is the company that produced the product is smart enough to know how to play into some peoples desire to "believe" the hype.

People Want to Believe the Hype
Many of us know better, but most people are lazy and want to put their health, fitness, and happiness in someone else's hand so they have someone to blame when they don't see results.

As a fitness professional it is my desire, passion, and duty to help others sift through the smoke and mirror promises of these products by sharing information, and helping my friends and clients learn how to educate and empower themselves in order to live a happy, healthy, and balanced life.

Look at all the soft and cuddly words Lean Cuisine likes to use on their packages in order to prey on the people who are craving those things
Market Creations
Causal Cuisine
Spa Cuisine
Cafe Cuisine
Comfort Cuisine
Simple Favorites
Dinnertime Cuisine
Breakfast Classics

Just think about what each of these "cuisines" says about you in the eyes of the Manufacturer
Think about it
Would you rather look like this
Healthy Budget Meal


How about some
Ghetto Gourmet Ramen

How about this

Healthy and Savory Fall Dish

How about this

Soup

 How about this
Refreshing and Healthy Lunch


This Fresh Quiche and Salad Looks pretty good too
Don't ya think?

All of the above meals were made at home (that doesn't have a stove top) in an oven, rice cooker, or in a bowl or plate with the use of knives, cutting board, and two hands. No additives, or preservative (cuz I have know clue where I'd get them, nor am I interested in knowing where to find them) and minimal time (since I don't have much) and with little money.

or

Would you rather look like this?

Weight Watchers Salisbury Steak

Pretty sad excuse for a "meal" wouldn't you think?

: (

Check out the Ingredients

Cooked Salisbury Steak patty with caramel color added (beef, water, onions, textured vegetable protein product [soy protein concentrate, caramel color], seasonings [ corn maltodextrin, salt, hydrolyzed soy and corn protein, dry onion, garlic, natural flavor, yeast extract, spice, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, extractive of rosemary, beef extract, modified cornstarch, flavor (triacetin, butter acids, flavorings, butter esters), rendered beef fat, partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oil], soy protein concentrate, zinc oxide, niacinamide, ferrous sulfate, copper gluconate, vitamin A palmitate, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, cyanocobalamin], bread crumbs [bleached wheat flour, dextrose, yeast, partially hydrogenated soybean and/or cottonseed oil, salt], asparagus, water, mushrooms, contains 2% or less of: red bell peppers, modified food starch (corn, potato), margarine (soybean oil, water, salt, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, mono- and diglycerides, soy lecithin, sodium benzoate, natural flavor, artificial flavor, beta carotene [color], vitamin A palmitate), beef base (roasted beef and concentrated beef stock, hydrolyzed corn, soy and wheat protein autolyzed yeast extract, sugar, salt, corn maltodextrin, chicken fat, corn oil, onion powder, spice extractives), onions, burgundy wine* (burgundy wine, salt, sulfites), salt, sugar, sautéed mushrooms, flavor enhancer (hydrolyzed corn gluten, soy protein and wheat gluten, partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils), xanthan gum, chicken and beef stock flavor blend (potassium chloride, corn syrup solids, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, beef stock powder, chicken stock powder, corn maltodextrin), granulated garlic, pepper (black, white), flavor enhancer (dextrose, salt, autolyzed yeast extract, modified cornstarch), caramel color, canola oil, natural flavoring, onion powder, hydrolyzed soy and wheat proteins, spice extractives)

This post was inspired by a conversation I had with friend on his FB page this afternoon

Friend's Post

"Weight Watcher Salisbury Steak w/side of Brussels sprouts"

My response

ew    : /

Friend

Living alone...not a chef!

My response

dude, I've lived alone since I was 17 till this June, that's no excuse. I always put together meals that showed respect for my time and my body. You get what you give. Give your body tragic looking crap your body will deliver the same. Stop... it!
See This for a suggestion

 

Friend
Hey...I got the veggies in!! Guess I better learn how to shop. I actually can cook when I have the stuff and take the time. Just a new challenge! (wow...I just got really chewed out!!).
This is just my attempt at portion control...

 

My response
You wont be satisfied giving your body processed crap.
I can give you one tablespoon of butter (that sure looks like a small portion) and then I can give you a can of tuna, 3 stalks of celery, a whole cucumber, some lime, and a piece of whole grain bread...you'd be super full, feel super satisfied, be nutritionally fed, save a ton of $$$ (will cost 1/2 of that frozen crap) and will have come to just a hint over the same calories as that unsatisfying tablespoon of butter. 

Check out "Magic Tuna" on the Discipline Indulgence Blog for a quick an healthy snack.

 

Friend
Well, I guess I just got my come-uppins and will take some time to shop. This is stuff I really knew, just need to shop and think about it. Kinda tired of those frozen things, anyway. Next time I post my dinner, Melissa, I will do better. You lived alone since you were 17...I haven't for 36...just learning, so be patient with me (lol).

It is upsetting to me how many people get sucked into eating unhealthy/unhappy food because of brilliant product labeling.
My friend is trying very hard to get used to a new chapter in his life, trying to embrace a healthy way of eating and has sadly fallen prey to the great minds behind the packaging.
I encourage all my friends, who love to eat healthy, clean, convenient, and delicious food, to post any quick recipes that we can share with my friend.
Thanks
: )

Your comments are encouraged.
Thanks so much for reading.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Day!
-Melissa Adylia Gutierrez

A Breathtaking Hike in More Ways than One

You Are Here

I love looking for those words when hiking/running a trail for the first time

Looking for a great workout
Run these trails

Looking for a relaxed and beautiful day with great views and tons of wildlife
hike these trails

Enjoy the best of both worlds?
Who said you had to choose...do it all!

This is where it all begins

Plenty of info and plenty of trails to choose from

if you've got the time, the options are endless

Get ready for some Hills!

You'll find groomed fire roads and single tracks along the way

Here are some more hills

Up and Down Up and Down

You'll also see plenty of mountain bikers
99% of the mountain bikers I have encountered out here are friendly,
considerate, and pretty impressive

If you ever decide to mountain bike these trails-or any other for that matter-be nice.
Please
Just imagine your Grandma is on the trail enjoying the view and some jerk on a bike ran her down
Don't be one of "those guys".
Thanks

Did I mention there were hills?
But wait, there's more

The coyotes must be eating really well out here

because I saw tons of scat on the trail with lots of fur

 

And then I saw one of these!
it wasn't really jumping at me, but I sure thought it was going to kill me!

The fuzzy little fella cruised on outta the brush

chilled in the trail

and looked at me like I was an idiot.

Well, I sure was acting like one!

Jumping up and down growling at the top of my lungs, swinging my trekking poles, doing some lamed-a**ed Oooga-Boooga dance trying to make myself look big.

After about a hundred years (probably 25-35 seconds) the kitty just (shrugged, I swear it did) turned it's head and slowly walked away

Keep in mind that the pictures I draw are even worse than the pictures I take

The Bobcat was about 3 Subaru Outback Wagon lengths away from me when we stumbled upon each other on the trail

You can get the picture, right?

Thank goodness this is the next breathtaking view after the kitty

The beautiful Pacific Ocean overlooking Crystal Cove in Newport Beach, CA

Just about a mile down the trail and you get to the Ranger Station
You should really check it out. Lots of info, maps, and a clean restroom

Grab a map here for the Blue Route and make your way back along Moro Ridge

There are several places to stop and picnic.

Don't want to hike it alone?

Book a Controlled Burn Fitness Hike for the Solo or Group Adventurer

In case you were wondering

Elevation: 100' to 900+'

Distance: 11 miles

Other Critters I see when I'm out there

Tons of bunnies

Road Runners

Lizards

Flowers

Birds

Animal Tracks

Friendly People

Enjoy!