Wednesday, July 26, 2006

A new trail

The weather took a turn for the better this morning, the cool thick fog rolled in from the bay and up to the trails. I headed up to Tilden, to check out my options. I parked in the Nature Area near Little Farm and hiked in a little on the Jewel Lake trail, it runs parallel to Wildcat Canyon....except it's a hillier climb. Maybe a mile into it, the trail intersects with Wildcat and I continued for probably another 1.5 mile when I came across another marker that I suspected would get me to the Nimitz Trail.
I can't remember the name of this trail but it said canyon on the end so that told me I'd be going down and down and down...before long I felt like I was in another world. The change in scenery was drastic, the relatively flat and dusty Wildcat gave way to moist uneven terrain. I had stumbled onto one honey of a trail. On the way down I had to go through a few gates and I even had to rock hop across a little creek. Ferns lined the trail on all sides and the air felt heavy, despite the cooler temps I felt muggy. I began to noticed horse poop along the way and as the trail began to climb it's way out of the canyon the trail grew narrower and less visible.

The fog was pretty dense by the time I arrived to what appeared to be a fork in the road. Its safe to say that while I wasn't completely disoriented I wasn't sure what my next move should be. I stayed to the right, thinking I'd stay parallel to Wildcat. What I didn't realize was that I was heading torwards the middle of a cattle field....the horse poop was replaced by HUGE cow patty's and the trail was riddled with pot holes covered with downtrodden grasses.....a sprained ankle waiting to happen. I considered what such an injury would mean to me at this point...out in the middle of seemingly nowhere, I was careful to say the least.

My decision to stay to the right eventually led me to a steep hill, I considered for a moment what a bitch it would be if I had to turn around and backtrack. Throwing caution to the wind I trotted down the hill and was greeted by a dead end a few short yards later!

Arrrrg....looked like I'd be walking....semi-upright... back up that steep ass hill. Huffing and puffing my way to the top I continued to walk through the pothole ridden portion of the trail than picked up the pace once I got back to the original fork in the road. This time I veered left. Through the fog I forged ahead, crosswinds whipping around, it felt pretty good following the mugginess of the canyon....not to mention the steep climb I just did.

Off in the distance I saw another gate and a marker ....Nimitz Trail...yeah I was on the right track! From this point I knew I was 4 miles from Inspiration Point, however I was parked at Little Farm, roughly another 5 miles and would need to turn right at IP and follow another trail (all down hill) back to the Nature Area. I got to the end trail by 10 o'clock and continued running for a couple of more minutes than I walked to the where I was parked. I stretched for a good while on a nearby picnic table feeling tired but not spent.

It's safe to say I ran at least 8 miles, maybe 9 in 2 hours. My right knee felt a little wonky but other than that I felt pretty great. A few times I had to stop and remove little rocks and debris from my shoes, I really need to find me some gators! I used my hand held water bottle filled with mango gatorade on this run thinking that my palms would be less sweaty because it wasn't very hot......wrong! I wonder if there's a hand held hydration system out there that wicks the moisture away from your hand ....until I find one I'm a camelback girl all the way. Nutrition was simple, peanut butter and honey on toast and 1 cup of coffee.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

A new twist on an old favorite

This morning I wasn't particulary motivated but with my events looming on the horizon I needed to get a few things done. I rode my mountain bike over to Strawberry pool expecting to swim at 7:30 but discovered the pool didn't open until 8:30....that's typical... me not looking at the schedule ahead of time! So I ventured up the road a ways to the trailhead and went for a decent ride . I noticed a bulldozer off to the side of the trail and as I worked my way up I could see many places where the trail had been worked and lots of loose dirt. As I peddled along my thoughts drifted to a show I watched the other night on the Discovery Channel about cougar attacks....they like to grab there victims by the head and I wondered if my helmut would make a difference in the event of an attack....such lovely thoughts!! By the time I got to the foot of Big Bertha, her steepness combined with the loose dirt made it impossible for my tires to grab the road and I had to walk my bike up....that was harder than running up! I stopped at the top to catch my breath, saddled up again and proceeded upwards.

The perspective going up on the bike was a pleasant change from running. I was more relaxed and seemed to notice more things along the way compared to when I'm running. I only planned to go as far as I could until 8:15 so I could turn around and be back at the pool by 8:30. The ride down was really fun and when I got to Big Bertha I noticed a couple of hikers heading up. I dismounted and walked until they passed by and than got back on and had the descent of my life......steep and fast (pretty fast...the loose dirt put a damper on my enthusiasm) Woohooo!
Rounding the corner at the bottom of the hill I slowed down for another hiker and just cruised back down to the pool.

Now let me just say, Strawberry is one of the nicest pools in all of Berkeley and as a result is quite popular especially in the afternoons and evenings. Early birds get the bonus of less crowded lanes for sure. I was the second person in the pool today and had a lovely lane partner who wasn't huffy cuz I was slow and we'd chit chat a little every so often. Today I concentrated on my kick, staring down at the bottom of the pool to try to maintain a more horizontal position and slowing down so I'd have enough energy to keep going and not have to rest every lap....the slower I went the better my breathing went. I'd go 25 x 2 before a rest....and rest breaks are getting shorter. As usual I lost track of how many laps I did.
I swam for approx. 40 minutes and then headed home. What a difference from last nights workout.

I managed to get out of working 2 days early so vacation is officially on! Need to clean the nest and finish up laundry so I can start packing. I went to AAA the other day for maps and guide books. For the first time ever we've booked 2 rooms, so M will have her own space ( or rather so T and I will have our own space! M is less excited about this than we are, but I know we'd probably go crazy in the same room for a week!) We're staying at the Hilton one night in Universal City (T had two nights comped from a job he did for them, so we'll stay there the first night and then the second night when we head home) The rest of the stay(5 nights) will be in San Diego at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina. One detail I haven't figured out yet is how to store the bikes, since we're staying at the Hilton the first and last nights, I'm a little hesitant about schlepping our 3 mountain bikes through the hotel lobby..........T thinks it's okay to lock them up on the rack but I'm not so sure. I could pull out one of the rear seats of the Element, but that would make it less cozy for M...what to do?

Monday Night Workout

Tracy and I got together for a swim lastnight....we rode our mountain bikes from my house to Strawberry Pool. The ride wore me out as the mountain bike on the asphalt hills is a wee bit harder than on the road bike...I figured it was more good cross training.

Tracy is a strong rider, commuting from El Cerrito to Emeryville everyday while pulling her 30 pound son along in a side care! In addition to the Tri4Fun coming up in Aug, she and another friend are doing the Mermaid Tri in Santa Cruz.........she's trying to convince me to enter but I'm not ready to tackle to the ocean yet! Hell, I still need to get my butt in the lake. I'll more than likely tag along as support and maybe even make a girls weekend of it.

Anyhow, the bike ride was short but challenging. Swimming after biking was harder than I expected....I understand better why the swim is the first event in triathlon, you want to be as fresh as possible when immersed in water! I was tired and sluggish plus the fact that I'm not a regular night time exerciser really challenged me. We agreed that it was an ok effort on it's own and gave ourselves extra credit on account it that was monday night afterall! We're gonna try a swim/run when I get back from vacation. As much as I prefer to workout in the morning, I'm willing to give the evenings a try. Mixing things up should make me stronger too, right?

Did I mention that at the Triclub get together last week that I won yet another prize(a pair of Yanx) during a raffle? This is the 3rd time I "won" something as result of being involved in running and triathalons...Funny thing, I'm not a "lucky" person per say...I'm never caller "9" when I try to win concert tickets on the radio, I never win anything from the school raffle despite purchasing an entire book of tickets and I have extremely bad luck with parking tickets.

Strangely though, my luck seems to improve whenever physical exertion is involved. Like the time I won a bottle of vitamins at the gym, or the $75.00 Fleet Feet gift certificate just for wearing Montrails at my first trail race. I've won a couple things since starting triathalon too, the racing belt and the now the Yanx...kinda cool, kinda like the universe is rewarding me for putting in the effort. I need to reflect more on my good fortune and how the training draws good things into my life. How about you?

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Reverse Briquet

Once I settled on a running route I ended up taking the BART trail as far as Central, I then cut over to the BAY trail that runs parallel HWY 80. I then veered right over towards Golden Gate Fields behind the race track. I then noticed the Albany Waterfront Trail and remembered finding those dirt trails last year, that's when I had the idea to come back this way after the run with my mountain bike. I cut across the parking lot and up the big hill behind the track, then down and left on Gilman, the home stretch.

In my haste to get going before it got too warm, I left the house w/o any nutrition, only a few sips of water. When I got home I mixed up some GU electrolyte powder with water, jumped on the bike and rode over to the bagel shop for another thing of Gatorade. I just wasn't hungry and forgoing the sun block actually made the humid conditions more tolerable.

I basically rode the same route I ran except I goofed around a little on the single dirt tracks and went as far I could on them before hikers and really rough/narrow trail conditions forced me to dismount. I turned around and headed back up and over the big hill behind the race track and cruised home.

The bike ride following the run was sweeeeet! The cool ocean breeze and scent of salt water in the air washed over me as I rolled down the backside of Golden Gate Fields.
I feel calm and collected which is exactly where I need to be as I head out for a... huh lets just say obligatory family function.

I came home from Borders yesterday disappointed in the lack of appealing titles and ended up getting the 3rd Travelling Pants Book and a non-fiction book disguised as a present for T (the big guy turned 52!).....Stumbling On Happiness....thanks Anne..I noticed it on your sidebar....but hey, I'm still taking suggestions...luckily it doesn't bother me to read during the drive (except for when I'm driving, then it gets tricky!) and it's gonna be a long drive to San Diego this thursday.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Can you recommend a good book?

I'm in vacation mode and am especially interested in fiction. I don't like romance novels, though I do enjoy relationship and coming of age stories. I like adventures, especially fond on solo voyages and the like. I haven't been able to stay interested in anything lately and I really miss getting lost in a good read.

Any recommendations?

Friday, July 21, 2006

Some Workouts Just Suck!

No way around it, sometimes they just do! This mornings run got off to another late start and 10 minutes into it I knew it was gonna be sucky. Hot and bothered I pressed on the BART TRAIL... half way out I pulled off my shirt running in my sports bras ( I wear two) I usually reserve this lack of modestty for the remote trail runs but it was too freakin hot! Got back home in time to grab my gym bag and M then off to camp.

I wanted to swim as well, so I headed over to the pool near my job. It was hotter and later by this time in and as usual I short changed my warm-up and after a few short laps I switched over to the longer lane for a few more. I wanted to get to work by 11:00 so I only swam for 30 plus minutes. I felt rushed and didn't have a handle on my breathing and well the swim sucked too! Unless I don't have to take M to camp and get to the pool near my job really early, I always feel rushed. With the weather warming up there is every reason in the world to drag my tail out of bed earlier.

Oh well, sucky or not at least I made an effort. I did REST yesterday, which was why I chose to run and swim today. Thinking about it now I should've just kept to one or the other instead of rushing both. Live and learn.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Exploring Redwood

I stayed up waaaay too late lastnight watching this really weird movie "Birth" w/Nicole Kiddman....I was both riveted and creeped out and didn't get to bed until nearly 1:00 am!!
Not so conducive to the long trail run I had planned.

With my expectations lowered I went about getting M ready for camp, dropped her off a little past 9:00 am and "snaked" (the street is really named Snake Rd.) my way up towards Redwood Reg. Park

I hit the Westridge trail for a change of pace. It had been awhile since I went this way and quite alot of it looked unfamiliar. I veered right past the staging area and before long my wide fire trail became a weeded single track that meandered through more tall grass. I noticed brilliant red poison oak tangled in blackberry bushes and was careful to avoid it. I turned around and got back on the main trail then on to Redwood Grove and discovered a swimming pool, huh! who knew? Today was not only hot but humid and I looked longingly at the pool before heading back. I kept well hydrated and added a banana GU to my Mango/Fruit Punch Gatorade concoction. It sounds gross but was actually pretty good. I ran for 60 plus minutes and then hiked around the park for another 45 minutes.

It's funny that when I first started my walk/run program I was really consistent and was careful not to do too much too soon. I think I've been a little reckless lately jumping around so much distance wise. So far, no major aches or pains or set-backs of any kind...but thinking it through, seems like my running needs to get a revamp. I just figure I need 2 short and one long (ideally) often resulting in one of each because the swimming and biking need time too.
I have noticed the benefits of cross-training though. I'm sure the fact that I've managed to stay relatively injury free is a main point here.

Anyways, I was remembering how I started to build endurance through a walk/run program and thought why wouldn't that continue to work as I move towards longer distances. During the hike portion of todays workout I sprinted up a little hill- mostly to get in the shade and just that little bit of effort assured me that I'd be walking back the rest of the way! Jello legs, just like the bike to run transition...Still, it's always kinda cool to me when my body reaches it's limits, when true fatigue kicks in. More evidence that I'm getting out of my comfort zone.

So far this week
7/16 -7/22
Sun-3 hr./25 plus mile group bike ride.
Mon-Rest
Tues-Brisk 30 minute BART TRAIL run
Wed- 60 minute trail run, 45 min hike
(tentative)
Thur-REST or swim
Fri-30 min run
Sat-? /Bike


I should be swimming on most REST days now. I'm pretty sure I'll get another run in on Sunday. Not really sure but a tentative plan is better than no plan I suppose.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Up Early

Up early today and all things pointed to an early run. With the coffee buzz in place and Brandy reporting for duty at 07:00 We hit the BART trail for a slightly faster run. Amazing how my pace picks up in the cooler weather. I do love me some cooler temps. The 20 k in late August does remind me though, that I need to get out of my comfort zone...Man, I'm looking forward to vacation in just one more week!!!

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Good Times

M and I swam yesterday, it was such a nice day and very few people occupied the 3 swim lanes . I was able to swim for an hour with a lane all to myself! Later the 3 of us rode our mountain bikes to Cold Stone Creamery about an hour after chowing down on BBQ...delish!!!

I organized a group bike ride for today too! Deb, Emily and Arthur from triclub responded to my suggestion to hook-up for a ride. We met at 8am in front of the Y and we headed over to Redwood, the ride I had done a couple weeks back....it was a first for the rest of the group and everyone seem to be enjoying themselves. We met a rather large riding group, The Velo Raptors and they were super friendly and we all sort've merged and interacted. We gave the leader our individual e-mails and now will get the 411 on their riding schedule.

We parted ways at Grizzly Peak, our little group continued onto Redwood, then Arthur took over and led us down Pinehurst. The decent was steep and we all rode our breaks, eventually it leveled out and we found ourselves in a beautiful canopied canyon that wound it's way towards Moraga. The place felt familiar and as we rode past the Post Office....Yes, a post office in the middle of seemingly nowhere.....I remembered riding here a looooong time ago back in my early 20's from the Moraga direction when I lived in Concord.

We continued onto Moraga where signs of life became more abundant and kept going to Orinda. By this time we had already covered 20 or so miles at a leisurely pace with a few stops. After a quick water break, we headed onward towards Tilden via San Pablo Dam Rd. This was to be the toughest leg of the trip. If you've ever entered Tilden from the Orinda side, you know it's one steep ass climb and by 10:45 am it was HOT. Taking it slow we worked our way up the backside of Tilden, Deb sprinted ahead, Emily and I stayed close with me drafting off her first. I then switched to give her chance to draft, I turned around to say something and she was out of sight. Shortly afterwards, Arthur was at my side and said Emily pulled over for a break and then he was passing me, hot on Deb's tail. I held my pace and focused on riding straight vs fast. I was in the right gears and with exception of few not-so-smooth gear shifts I was having a decent no really decent ride.

We all met up at Inspiration Point and reveled in a victory lap around the parking lot! LOL!! Deb apperared to be suffering from a bit of heat exhaustion. Emily offered fluids, Arthur dumped more water on her head and I gave her a neck rub. She need abit of time to recover, poor thing she's a kick ass rider....but has no granny gear which forces her to maintain a faster speed or she falls over on the hills! Once Deb was good, Emily had to leave, so the remaining 3 of us lingered a little longer until Debs lightheadedness went away. From IP it was pretty much all downhill except for a little hill just before you get to the Brazilian Room. Arthur had us pull over there to get more water, he said it's his favorite place to crash weddings!
As we were leaving a man with what appeared to be a comatose toddler on the back of his bike, needed a tire pump....Once again Arthur to the rescue . I took Deb over to a shady spot and we waited while Arthur assisted the dad & tyke. BTW the little kid did perk up after awhile and looked ok. From this point on it was either flat or down hill, a nice reward after the hard climb.

So, I didn't get a long run in this weekend but I spent time with family and friends doing active stuff . That's major progress folks! Hmmm, maybe I have a future in event planning!

Friday, July 14, 2006

What a Dog!

Brandy and I finally got going early this week. After the long run a couple weeks back, I realized that she's a bit deconditioned since not having gone on many runs with me due to my crazy pack-the -gym-bag and see where I end up approach to training as of late. This morning at 7:45 we headed over to the BART trail. The cool air felt good on my legs and face.
If I don't take the leash and harness off her immediately after a run she will inevitably begin to naw at ....We've gone through quite few! So, with her new purple leash and harness, we set off at an easy pace for a 40 minute run. Along the way, we met up with Joel, I've been passing and chatting with him on the BART trail ever since I started to run almost 2 years ago. He's a musician and he was telling me about a recent gig in Reno, where he was accosted by a rather robust biker chick fan who planted a big wet one on him and insisted that he share his gum while forcing her tongue into his mouth.eeeeeeww!!! He's probably 50ish, boyishly handsome tall and lean and always comments on my weight loss and say's I'm sexy...gotta love that right?
I always smile when I see the mommies out there with their jog strollers, I know it takes a whole other kind of discipline to get your groove on with a kid in tow.....One I never seem to develop when M was little......Today I saw an athletic looking grandma cruising with a little tike..Awesome!
Brandy was on her best behavior too! No veering off, no tugging or getting tangled in my path. She's in need of more short runs before we hit the trails for longer ones. Plus it will get me out the door earlier!!
I recently got in touch with a couple of Tri4fun clubmates and am trying to hookup for abit of group training, I still struggle with this and it seems I can't get past the occasional get together. I really need to find a steady partner and Tracy (she's a total stud, talks while running 8 minute miles guh!) seems motivated and willing, just a matter of our schedules jibing. I need to be more flexible and give evening workouts a serious consideration at least for biking and swimming, we'll see what happens.
I'm only working half day today and tonight M will be mc'ing the talent show at dance camp....she sprained her knee a week ago and has been laying low on the dancing. With the weekend around the bend, I am looking forward to getting a good ride and run in.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Trying this training life!

It appears my new get-up-and-go time is close to 10 am these days, just can't seem to get my arse ass the door .....oh well, I'm itchin to ride today as it's been awhile so off I go. Hey btw, were heading south for vacation this month San Diego (my first visit) We're gonna do the SeaWorld, The Zoo, Legoland and maybe checkout TJ....any lodging or travel or running route suggestions from locals or other visitors would be most appreciated!

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Weekend Warrior

After a pretty much lackluster week training wise, today I pushed myself the hardest yet. First I need to mention that yesterday M and I volunteered at a trail race in Pacifica. I goofed up on the venue and thought it was Angel Island, but it turned out to be in Pacifica. Anyways, the event directors Wendell and Sarah of Pacific Coast Trail Runs totally rocked and put on probably the finest race I ever witnessed...from a volunteer perspective, though judging from the runners they would agree with me....the support/aide/nutrition were no less than amazing. Pacifica is a typical coastal town and probably experiences 2 clear days a year and yesterday was one of them. I was glad not to be running because I could already tell at 7 am that it was gonna be a hot one.

M jumped right in and got into setting up the nutrition stands and I spent most of my time checking in registered runners and manning the chili and soup station. I highly recommend volunteering at events, you can learn alot from the vets. I learned about sodium intake (the preferred method appeared to be dipping pieces of potatoe in salt) and gators to keep pesky pepples and the like out of your shoes. I watched as several runners would fold their bibs into tiny squares leaving only the number visible, hence eliminating all that flapping about. I noticed some of the 50K folks preferred to have their own aide stations and would stash their stuff and refuel whenever they loooped back into base camp.
I met some very cool people! I swear this one dude...had to be pushing 80 he was such a stud. He recently rode his bike to Salt Lake City from Ca and ran a marathon there! I learned about a 100 mile race called the Western States. I saw blisters, black toes and smiling faces at every turn! Many times throughout the day I thought "These people are freaks and I feel completely at home!" So many interesting people, stories and names to recount....but the experience was awesome and I was thoroughly inspired to push myself...I mean really push myself.

My period, normally barely noticable was a real drag this week and all I managed to do was swim ....once this week......I'm not even counting the 2nd attempt, because I only got to swim 4 lousy laps before I was informed the pool would be closed for an hour for the private lesson people! T's parents are finally settled in their new place and life should resume to some normalcy around here with T not staying away as much.
Anyways, I was feeling ambitious when I awoke...late I might add...and pondered the prospect of a double scoop of Strawberry...yep, that's right Strawberry Canyon Twice!

Unlike my ice cream metaphor, the run was neither cool or sweet. The temps were already up in the high 70's, maybe higher and the pressure I had put on myself to really push hard today took some of the pleasure away as my mindset was more serious than usual. As I mentioned I woke up late, late for a long run, but after what I witnessed yesterday...I was enticed and I wanted to see and feel what it would be like to run under less desirable conditions.

I intentionally went slow the first out and back. For the first time ever I peed in a secluded cornice at the top of the loop, part of UC Berkeley's sprawling campus, luckily I was fast about it and went undetected! I am officially a trail dawg!!
Physically I felt good but around the time I headed out for the second loop, my head started coming up with all sorts of excuses to detour me from my plan. I pretty much negotiated with myself the entire second half. Thoughts of the 10% rule, not having run since last sunday, other things like "Well, maybe I'll just walk up Big Bertha the during the 2nd loop" or "I won't go all the way to the road", and "Maybe I'll just double back on the mid section" Yeah it went on like this for pretty much the whole second half....but you know what? Every time the opportunity to shorten the run came up I thought about this post and how bad I wanted to use that dumb ass ice cream metaphor! So, I went ALL THE WAY up and back again!! The second loop was TOUGH, I was hot and the gatorade/vitamin water was just about gone and so luke warm it was barely noticeable when I took a sip. My body felt real fatigue for the first time. My legs and knees were tired and achey. Several times I rested my arms on my hips as my legs shuffled on. The final trip down Big Bertha about did me in! I was careful to smear body glide everywhere and when I arrived at the parking lot the first time I doffed my singlet and applied more sunscreen.

This was by far not only the furthest I've ever run, but the hardest I ever worked...on land that is! I could've chose an easier trail and certainly earlier time of day to pull out this kind of distance, but like I said, the people I met yesterday, the vibe, the energy, it was so inspiring! I wanted to really DO something today and hot damn I did it! I was all shakey and light headed afterwards, it was great!! I met a gal in the parking lot as I approached my car, she was a total rabbit, she had run up and back once. I noticed her on my way back the second time. She scared the shit out of me on the turn around as she whizzed by my left w/o a peep. I was irritated that she hadn't made her presence known and when I said "oh shit" she just kept going. Anyways, she was in the parking lot when I arrived and she turned out to be pretty cool, offering me a nutrition bar and asking about what I was training for. As I mentioned, she was hauling ass and it turns out she's sponsored by PowerBar and gives nutritional talks, she even gave me some gel.
I headed over to the carwash and drank a thing of chocolate milk and a bottle of Propel fruit flavored water, melon is yummy. Pacing and stretching as I waited for the car to be scrubbed and buffed. On the drive home I got all emotional as I realized I just ran 14.8 hot and hilly miles in 3 hours and 25 minutes. I have to say all in all, this was quite a weekend. Rubbing elbows with some serious talent and another milestone in the bag! Woohoo!!

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Misty Mountain

Despite my very late start this morning, the fog hadn't lifted as I wound my way up to Redwood this morning. I was on the trail by 10:15 without Brandy and heavily slathered with BodyGlide....I was ready to go long. Turns out the run I did last weekend was 8 miles. I seem to average a 10 minute mile so my timing was about right last time 8 miles in 80 mins.

Today on the turn around I veered left onto Stream Trail down a steep decent into the canyon. The scent of Eucalyptus was a welcomed change from the stinky refinery fumes from the other day. This trail was quite beautiful, canopied and well groomed. I came across a few hikers. The Redwoods towered above and about an hour into the run I was pretty much the happiest person on the planet.

The trail conditions began to change from smooth duff covered footing to rocks, roots and a steep climb back up. I maintained a steady pace as the climb got steeper. The canopy started to fade and I was out in the open again. The fog had started to lift but it was nowhere near as warm as lastweekend making the tough climb out the canyon doable....hard but doable.

I'm guessing I got close to 10 miles today, the furthest I've run to date. Total time 1hr 40 mins. I'm sure the cooler temps today didn't hurt my timing. I am curious about the numbers but haven't gotten around to setting the stride feature up on my pedometer. The math really was secondary though, it just felt good to be on the trail and to see I'm making progress with the steeper climbs.

My knees are getting abit grouchy though and I actually purchased a dietary supplement today that claims it will nourish joints for easy movement..oh also some grounded flaxseed for added fiber. I think you can sprinkle it on stuff and I thought it would be less noticeable in a smoothie too. We'll see, I will try to keep an open mind as I wade through the topic of nutrition and supplements.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Why I Blog

I was totally unfocused yesterday morning as I ventured out the door for a run. The air quality was awful, the refinery fumes were whirling around as I walked aimlessly. I was sick of the BART trail and pressed for time needing to get M off to camp in an hour. So I just ran around the neighborhood, less than 20 minutes. It then occurred to me that the short run could just be a warm-up and I could go back indoors and stretch. So that's what I did.
I had prepacked my gym bag with intentions of a swim before work. I didn't know where I'd end up but I was prepared. This is starting to become a routine for me - pack the bag and see where I end up. After dropping M off at camp I headed towards work.

I decided on the Concord community pool because they have the 50 yd. lanes and to my delight the Terrapin Swim team was there. Not that I know any of these people but I do get a kick out of watching good swimmers swim. They make it look so damn easy!!! I dream of swimming that fluidly. Really, I do!

Watching the swimmers haul ass down the lanes, drill after drill, I was thoroughly inspired to push myself abit harder. I had a lane all to myself and I slowly swam 6x50 alternating free and breast. Lots of resting with an occasional switching of strokes midway. Compared to the swim team, I was looking pretty lame, but hey it's like what Spence said in a recent post, it made me feel alive and just glad to be out there!

The euphoria sort've fizzled though in the locker room when I was changing in the presence of the enthusiastic giggly gang of girls. Their youth and energy kind've intimidated me and I quickly got myself dressed and out of there. I had nothing in common with these athletes, a mere guppy by comparison (Ha, more like an old bottom feeder!). Why did I let that happen? I suppose standing naked in a locker room full of 20 something year olds might of had something to do with it! What happen to feeling alive and being glad to be out there? Granted I was nowhere in their league I berated myself later for hustling out of there.

Seems I always get intimidated by stronger athletes. I think if I had a better handle on my swim abilities, had some proper feedback on where I stand in my progress, I'd feel more confident. Working with coach Cali right before the my sprint tri helped build me up, but I've been on my own since then and probably could use some help getting to the next phase. In my usual manner I compare myself to the BEST, which is SO NOT HELPFUL. It completely sabotages and undermines my confidence.

I'm much braver in Blogland. I suck at writing but I don't care, I just keep at it, in hopes that the words and thoughts will find eachother. I just love reading about peoples progress and how great people are feeling about their workouts. People are really doing some amazing things but I admit I do enjoy when folks share the "Darkside" too. I lurk for awhile and if I feel compelled I'll post a comment. Sometimes I'm slow to respond, but I usually get around to acknowledging the commentor sometime down the road. I'm always appreciative when people actually take the time to respond, whether to a post or a comment I've left.

My new mantra is........

"Leave No Supportive Comment Unresponded To"

It's the right thing to do. Period. Now I'm not suggesting that you leave a lengthy response to every little thing but if someones dropped by a few times and you haven't given them the time of day yet....do the right thing. I mean really, how hard can it be?

A commentor that took the time to respond was moved by you that day. They took the time to give you kudos and was interested in your efforts. Regardless of their social, professional or academic background they made a deposit in the bank of you. The kindness of strangers has made many a trip more enjoyable and none of us will get where were going alone.

Ok, most days you are on your own while training, but somewhere along the way you will be fueled by the kind words and or support of others. Sometimes by a well known compatriot and other times it will be a new blogger stepping into your world for the first time. So, even though you might not have much in common at least acknowledge the comment and be gracious. I blog to get inspired, to get knowledge and insight, to get and give support, but mostly to make contact with other athlete's as I usually train solo.

Yes, I get support from my immediate family and friends. Their interest in my day to day efforts is greatly valued, yet unless you've agonized over your shoelace coming undone right before you have a shot at a sub 1 hr during your first 10k or how your going to fit the next workout in an already impossibly busy week or blow a tire during a race, you don't fully understand. Bloggers do though. I blog mainly to connect with like minded folk.

Long before I ever got back into running or any of this tri-stuff, I had a co-worker (not the recently mentioned trichick) but another triathlete. She was training for Kona. Now this
gal was pretty full of herself....very focused and completely lacking in social graces. I think somewhere along line though, she developed a little humility and began to soften. Just about every Monday I would inquire about her training adventures. I was genuinely intrigued by this woman's tenacity and discipline. One day she turned to me and said "Chris, I want to thank you for your support. You've always been so interested in my training and I really appreciate it" Needless to say I was pretty floored, this gal by no means was "touchy feely" straight up hardcore and yet even she recognized that being gracious was the right thing to do.

Admittedly, I'm far too sensitive for my own good at times. This post might even be considered by some as a bit whiny. I realize that blogging isn't the same thing for everyone and that some bloggers are just more generous than others. I just know that when I take the time respond, I feel like I've given back a little to the community that has given me so much. Like many of you I'll ponder a post or comment I've read while I'm out their training solo and not feel alone at all.

There are some exceptional blogger/athletes out there. Your prowess surpasses the playing field and your posts are rich in detail and wit and I do appreciate a well written passage. I also appreciate the truthful and the awkward. The ones where the words aren't so slick or fluid. I'm not a blog snob. If it's kind, thoughtful or touches me in someway I'll give most anyone credit for putting it out there. Writing is not easy for me but I am drawn to it. Like the swim, bike and run, it constantly challenges me. I keep at in hopes of making a connection with others and with myself.