Big milestone today in the pool.
20 lengths in the 50 yd. lane....with hardly any breaks at all. I took nearly 30 minutes and except when I tried to practice half a lap of breast without putting my face in the water...the entire practice was freestyle.
I wasn't rushed . I took my time and had very enjoyable swim...probably the best so far. I'm talking quality vs quantity. I worked (a little) on bilateral breathing. I used the pull-buoy for 100 yards. Mostly though I just freestyled. I'm currently needing to breathe ....primarily on the right side...every third stroke.
I don't feel so wimpy about missing tonights open water swim at Crown Beach. Tracey was supposed to get back to me by miday but never did. I wasn't too disappointed!
M and T are off to Gardnerville this weekend and I will stay behind to watch the house and stay with Brandy. My mom is out of town and the girl that has house sat for us in the past moved. I don't dare ask my sister-in-law because she stays with her parents (my in-laws) just about every weekend.
I'm a little bummed about having to stay behind but I have a few projects to keep me busy. Ricki Lee Jones is going to play at the Art and Soul Festival in Oakland on Sunday.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Wildcat Gorge
It's normal that other things(running) would take a back seat to a new discipline (swimming). But running is a jealous mistress and will get quite bitchy if you try to pick up where you left off.
The mist was thick at Wildcat Gorge today. We (Brandy and I), the Nano and the new trail shoes (Adidas SuperNovas) were in for a nice slow 3 mile loop. Jill Scott cooed in my ears as I putted along the trail. My quads were still sore and my stride was stiff to say the least.
Stopped to fiddle with Nano once, I must've bumped it cuz it paused. I chose to use the handheld water bottle cuz it has a nifty little pocket for the Nano....I still don't like the handheld cuz my hand sweats almost immediately.
The legs started to loosen up before long and I pick up my pace a little. I practiced a little backwards running on a mild descent...not very steep at all...just to get used to traveling backwards. The new shoes were a bit stiff, the footbed especially, but the toebox is nice and roomy and I noticed my toes didn't jam on the steeper downhills.
I was really grooving to a song when...doink!! I wrenched my ankle but good....I yelped and hobbled for a moment. I was able to put partial then full weight on it and started to run again...slowly and before long the pain disappeared. Whew!
We were done with the loop in a little over 30 minutes and after a quick drink we headed out for a second one. This time I included a walk break, Brandy was looking tired and since I need to start incorporating more walk breaks, it seemed like as good a time as any.
The run/walk/run transitions are as challenging to get used to as any brick I ever done. Trying to run again after walking for a while feels...well...just weird....like your running through water or an invisible barrier....definitely something to work on.
As in the previous loop, Brandy found her mud hole and completely ignored me (like the first time) when I called out "NOOOOOOOOOO!" When we got back to the house she didn't even protest when I hosed her down...like me she's come to except a little discomfort in exchange for the Big Picture. I wonder if she gets endorphine rushes....she sure is happy after a run though.
Me too:)
The mist was thick at Wildcat Gorge today. We (Brandy and I), the Nano and the new trail shoes (Adidas SuperNovas) were in for a nice slow 3 mile loop. Jill Scott cooed in my ears as I putted along the trail. My quads were still sore and my stride was stiff to say the least.
Stopped to fiddle with Nano once, I must've bumped it cuz it paused. I chose to use the handheld water bottle cuz it has a nifty little pocket for the Nano....I still don't like the handheld cuz my hand sweats almost immediately.
The legs started to loosen up before long and I pick up my pace a little. I practiced a little backwards running on a mild descent...not very steep at all...just to get used to traveling backwards. The new shoes were a bit stiff, the footbed especially, but the toebox is nice and roomy and I noticed my toes didn't jam on the steeper downhills.
I was really grooving to a song when...doink!! I wrenched my ankle but good....I yelped and hobbled for a moment. I was able to put partial then full weight on it and started to run again...slowly and before long the pain disappeared. Whew!
We were done with the loop in a little over 30 minutes and after a quick drink we headed out for a second one. This time I included a walk break, Brandy was looking tired and since I need to start incorporating more walk breaks, it seemed like as good a time as any.
The run/walk/run transitions are as challenging to get used to as any brick I ever done. Trying to run again after walking for a while feels...well...just weird....like your running through water or an invisible barrier....definitely something to work on.
As in the previous loop, Brandy found her mud hole and completely ignored me (like the first time) when I called out "NOOOOOOOOOO!" When we got back to the house she didn't even protest when I hosed her down...like me she's come to except a little discomfort in exchange for the Big Picture. I wonder if she gets endorphine rushes....she sure is happy after a run though.
Me too:)
Monday, August 28, 2006
Aftermath
Heh, yeah I'm sore....quite sore actually....not exactly hobbling around but my gait is a little off.
A few things to remember for future runs would include using body glide along the sports bra line. I've got a nasty bit of a burn under the breastline and a little on top too! Ouch!
I will continue to walk more during these types of runs....and I won't let my ego get in the way. Energy conservation is muoy importante to succeed.
I will continue to chat with folks and not feel the need to catch-up or make -up for lost ground....this IS a social activity and I like the folks I'm meeting.
Despite having got swept up in the pace of others and tiring myself out prematurely, it was kinda cool keeping up with some exceptionally fit athletes....they made me push myself harder than I ever would on my own....and that's ok....sometimes.
Incorporate more walking into my training runs, get used to it, realize the benefits and stop feeling wimpy about it....these longer , harder runs will depend on my ability to pace and conserve wisely.
Chatting with Karen a bit as she came in from the first loop yesterday, she encouraged me to hike the next 10K....HA HA HA ....I was too pooped to even walk anymore (plus T had left by this time and M was waiting for me).....I'd like to do that the next time though. Walk 10K after running 20K.
The downhill portions really wreak havoc on the toes.....I need to practice more backward descents on the downhills.
A few things to remember for future runs would include using body glide along the sports bra line. I've got a nasty bit of a burn under the breastline and a little on top too! Ouch!
I will continue to walk more during these types of runs....and I won't let my ego get in the way. Energy conservation is muoy importante to succeed.
I will continue to chat with folks and not feel the need to catch-up or make -up for lost ground....this IS a social activity and I like the folks I'm meeting.
Despite having got swept up in the pace of others and tiring myself out prematurely, it was kinda cool keeping up with some exceptionally fit athletes....they made me push myself harder than I ever would on my own....and that's ok....sometimes.
Incorporate more walking into my training runs, get used to it, realize the benefits and stop feeling wimpy about it....these longer , harder runs will depend on my ability to pace and conserve wisely.
Chatting with Karen a bit as she came in from the first loop yesterday, she encouraged me to hike the next 10K....HA HA HA ....I was too pooped to even walk anymore (plus T had left by this time and M was waiting for me).....I'd like to do that the next time though. Walk 10K after running 20K.
The downhill portions really wreak havoc on the toes.....I need to practice more backward descents on the downhills.
I'm looking forward to a nice recovery swim today!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Redwood 20K Race Report
Ooooooooooooweeee! That was one kick-ass run! I mean so literally and figuratively!
I picked up Travis on the corner of Ashby and College...Upon seeing him, he matched the profile of an ultrarunner to a T. A completely sweet natured guy, a transplant from Minnesota...We chatted easily and were excited about the day.
The weather was deceiving with it's low hanging fog. Condensation drippped from the trees the higher we climbed Skyline in the Element.
Lesson #1
Know where your race is.
I thought I knew where we were going, however upon arriving in the Redwood lot, it was apparent that we were in the wrong entrance. A few inquiries later, we were back on Skyline headed toward the south entrance.
Once parked and registered Travis and I parted ways, he was doing the 50K and I the 20K. I found Karen, a gal I met and talked a lot with at Pacifica and we talked a bit as the herd took off. I was a little rushed as evidenced by my mismatched socks. I meant to switch into thicker ones and I did.... but only halfway....I grew uncomfortably aware of this around 2 hours into the race.
Both Karen and her friend Dick are veteran trail hounds and they could tell I was all amped up and cautioned me to settle down.... I tried to but I was all jiggy still from getting the entrance wrong and trying to register and change into the right socks and shoes ....while the race director was already sounding off the start!
Wendell and Sarah, the event directors, held up to there reputation for hills and almost immediately there was a ridiculous ascent. I tried running,...slowly...Karen chuckled ...saying "I'm walking faster than you can run...take it easy! So, for the first time ever in a race I walked.
I knew this was the right thing to do but I really didn't pace myself well in the beginning, I think I pushed too hard on the flats initially to make up for the walking.....That didn't last too long though.
I really mixed things up on this run. I would go really slow and easy on the flats and then push on the hills...That worked for awhile...A good while actually...It seemed that I recovered quicker on the flats vs the other way around......Weird. The fog gave way to the sun not long into the run, about 45 mins into it I was really glad that I had frozen one of my water bottles. I GU'ed at this point and was for the most part alone.
The variety of terrain was incredible. It had it all, steep up and downs, single tracks, fire trails, and poison oak galore. Fortunately they were plenty of shaded areas to combat the heat out in the open. I got off track a couple times, and was grateful for the shout outs of my fellow runners.
Lesson #2
Run More, Talk Less
I was feeling really good for the first 2 hours....Legs and breathing were all good. I'm not normally so social during races but today, I talked....A lot...This would prove to be my demise in the end. I met up with a couple of other gals ....Actually they caught up with me and got me back on track, hence helping me avoid a nasty climb back up hill! I kept up with them for awhile ( the adage "run your own race" completely forgotten at this point!)....They were HAULING ASS I tell yah....And at the same time saying "we're just taking it easy, feel free to go around anytime".....Hew ...Needless to say I wasn't in any hurry to get in front of them!
We held close for a good ways on the single track and chatted a bit about other PCT races.....These women were so fast....And they weren't even giving it there all....they still had another 30K to go!! My turn up front didn't last long. Before much longer I got out of the way and poof! They were gone.
About 2 hours and 15 minutes things started to fall apart. I was really tired! My right leg was achey and I walked some more.
Each attempt to run felt ridiculous. A woman I had passed awhile back caught up with me while I was walking...Guh!!! No biggie...I said to myself, I admitted to going out too fast and she said "yeah, that's easy to do...but it's so beautiful!" I didn't say anything back to her...she was right, it was beautiful...but for a few minutes I remained in my head about the need to walk....lame, dumb, blah, blah.
By this point I could here the chatter at the finish line even though I couldn't see it....Alas...an end to this race! I tried in vain to pick up the pace and settled for a fast shuffle. I hoped that I didn't look as tired as I felt! T was waiting for me at the finish line, with camera in hand, so we'll see soon enough.
What an amazing event. It KICKED MY ASS and I can say without a moments hesitation, this girl left it all out there on the trail! Despite how tired I was and how badly I wanted it to be over......I can't wait to do it again!!
Lesson #3
Forget the Numbers
Suffice it to say I didn't come anywhere near my "super secrete" time(2:00), nor my "yeah right" time(2:15), not even my "that's more like it"
time(2:30) close though. I finished in 2:38
I discovered some wonderful trails today and met a few cool folks. Even though talking so much cost me precious energy as did going out too hard in the beginning. I feel like I really did something today!
I picked up Travis on the corner of Ashby and College...Upon seeing him, he matched the profile of an ultrarunner to a T. A completely sweet natured guy, a transplant from Minnesota...We chatted easily and were excited about the day.
The weather was deceiving with it's low hanging fog. Condensation drippped from the trees the higher we climbed Skyline in the Element.
Lesson #1
Know where your race is.
I thought I knew where we were going, however upon arriving in the Redwood lot, it was apparent that we were in the wrong entrance. A few inquiries later, we were back on Skyline headed toward the south entrance.
Once parked and registered Travis and I parted ways, he was doing the 50K and I the 20K. I found Karen, a gal I met and talked a lot with at Pacifica and we talked a bit as the herd took off. I was a little rushed as evidenced by my mismatched socks. I meant to switch into thicker ones and I did.... but only halfway....I grew uncomfortably aware of this around 2 hours into the race.
Both Karen and her friend Dick are veteran trail hounds and they could tell I was all amped up and cautioned me to settle down.... I tried to but I was all jiggy still from getting the entrance wrong and trying to register and change into the right socks and shoes ....while the race director was already sounding off the start!
Wendell and Sarah, the event directors, held up to there reputation for hills and almost immediately there was a ridiculous ascent. I tried running,...slowly...Karen chuckled ...saying "I'm walking faster than you can run...take it easy! So, for the first time ever in a race I walked.
I knew this was the right thing to do but I really didn't pace myself well in the beginning, I think I pushed too hard on the flats initially to make up for the walking.....That didn't last too long though.
I really mixed things up on this run. I would go really slow and easy on the flats and then push on the hills...That worked for awhile...A good while actually...It seemed that I recovered quicker on the flats vs the other way around......Weird. The fog gave way to the sun not long into the run, about 45 mins into it I was really glad that I had frozen one of my water bottles. I GU'ed at this point and was for the most part alone.
The variety of terrain was incredible. It had it all, steep up and downs, single tracks, fire trails, and poison oak galore. Fortunately they were plenty of shaded areas to combat the heat out in the open. I got off track a couple times, and was grateful for the shout outs of my fellow runners.
Lesson #2
Run More, Talk Less
I was feeling really good for the first 2 hours....Legs and breathing were all good. I'm not normally so social during races but today, I talked....A lot...This would prove to be my demise in the end. I met up with a couple of other gals ....Actually they caught up with me and got me back on track, hence helping me avoid a nasty climb back up hill! I kept up with them for awhile ( the adage "run your own race" completely forgotten at this point!)....They were HAULING ASS I tell yah....And at the same time saying "we're just taking it easy, feel free to go around anytime".....Hew ...Needless to say I wasn't in any hurry to get in front of them!
We held close for a good ways on the single track and chatted a bit about other PCT races.....These women were so fast....And they weren't even giving it there all....they still had another 30K to go!! My turn up front didn't last long. Before much longer I got out of the way and poof! They were gone.
About 2 hours and 15 minutes things started to fall apart. I was really tired! My right leg was achey and I walked some more.
Each attempt to run felt ridiculous. A woman I had passed awhile back caught up with me while I was walking...Guh!!! No biggie...I said to myself, I admitted to going out too fast and she said "yeah, that's easy to do...but it's so beautiful!" I didn't say anything back to her...she was right, it was beautiful...but for a few minutes I remained in my head about the need to walk....lame, dumb, blah, blah.
By this point I could here the chatter at the finish line even though I couldn't see it....Alas...an end to this race! I tried in vain to pick up the pace and settled for a fast shuffle. I hoped that I didn't look as tired as I felt! T was waiting for me at the finish line, with camera in hand, so we'll see soon enough.
What an amazing event. It KICKED MY ASS and I can say without a moments hesitation, this girl left it all out there on the trail! Despite how tired I was and how badly I wanted it to be over......I can't wait to do it again!!
Lesson #3
Forget the Numbers
Suffice it to say I didn't come anywhere near my "super secrete" time(2:00), nor my "yeah right" time(2:15), not even my "that's more like it"
time(2:30) close though. I finished in 2:38
I discovered some wonderful trails today and met a few cool folks. Even though talking so much cost me precious energy as did going out too hard in the beginning. I feel like I really did something today!
Pre-Redwood Regional Park 20K
I don't know what's gonna happen out there today, but i'm about to find out in another hour or 2. I'm not even nervous....which is still a strange thing for me, I guess I'm getting more comfortable with the unknown and with racing in general.
The coffee buzz is starting to kick in and I'm wondering....yes wondering about ...my....time. I have a super-secrete time in mind, then a oh-yeah-right time and finally a that's-more-like-it time.....
All this wondering aside, the run will gorgeous...Redwood Regional Park is one more reason to live in the bayarea and I'm just so lucky to live here!
I responded to a message board at the race site and offered a ride to "Travis", another Berkeley resident....I couldn't tell if he was a young or old dude....his voice was hard to pin....he sounds like a happy guy nevertheless....
PCTruns are well set-up and having had a chance to volunteer for them this summer I know we will be well cared for.
This is my longest run up to date...a 20K...that's almost a half-marathon....
So, I'm just chillin....drinking coffee and getting my breakfast sorted out...the Nano may or may not go for the run, we'll see....
Ok then, I'll check-in after the race!
The coffee buzz is starting to kick in and I'm wondering....yes wondering about ...my....time. I have a super-secrete time in mind, then a oh-yeah-right time and finally a that's-more-like-it time.....
All this wondering aside, the run will gorgeous...Redwood Regional Park is one more reason to live in the bayarea and I'm just so lucky to live here!
I responded to a message board at the race site and offered a ride to "Travis", another Berkeley resident....I couldn't tell if he was a young or old dude....his voice was hard to pin....he sounds like a happy guy nevertheless....
PCTruns are well set-up and having had a chance to volunteer for them this summer I know we will be well cared for.
This is my longest run up to date...a 20K...that's almost a half-marathon....
So, I'm just chillin....drinking coffee and getting my breakfast sorted out...the Nano may or may not go for the run, we'll see....
Ok then, I'll check-in after the race!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Good Stuff
A Crown Book Outlet has replaced the lame overpriced Home Expo in Concord. All books were $5.00!!! I like adventures and jouney type stories, here are few I picked up:
Touching the Void
by Joe Simpson
Along the Inca Road -
A woman's journey into ancient empire
by Karin Mueller
My Daughter, the Mountains, and Me
Two for the Summit
by Geoffrey Norman
My Invented Country -
A Nostalgic Journey Through Chile
by Isabel Allende
M is disappointed to be in the 4/5th grade class this year.....very disappointed actually....inconsolible...not a fun day being the mom..... She's convinced that she'll be deprived of a proper 5th grade education and will be treated like baby..plus a certain horrible little boy that's been in every class since K will be in her class AGAIN.....she's having a bad day needless to say.
Feeling good about tomorrow's race. I got the nano fired up and am looking forward to a good time. I picked up a new pair of trail shoes, Supernova's by Adidas. They were on sale and I haven't run in them yet....no plans to tomorrow either...they feel a bit stiff and bulky compared to my Montrails.
The weather this morning was perfect race weather, let's hope for more of the same tomorrow!
M is rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter at the moment, my mom just called from Florida and is apparently having luck turning her mood around.....as they say "it takes a village!"
Touching the Void
by Joe Simpson
Along the Inca Road -
A woman's journey into ancient empire
by Karin Mueller
My Daughter, the Mountains, and Me
Two for the Summit
by Geoffrey Norman
My Invented Country -
A Nostalgic Journey Through Chile
by Isabel Allende
M is disappointed to be in the 4/5th grade class this year.....very disappointed actually....inconsolible...not a fun day being the mom..... She's convinced that she'll be deprived of a proper 5th grade education and will be treated like baby..plus a certain horrible little boy that's been in every class since K will be in her class AGAIN.....she's having a bad day needless to say.
Feeling good about tomorrow's race. I got the nano fired up and am looking forward to a good time. I picked up a new pair of trail shoes, Supernova's by Adidas. They were on sale and I haven't run in them yet....no plans to tomorrow either...they feel a bit stiff and bulky compared to my Montrails.
The weather this morning was perfect race weather, let's hope for more of the same tomorrow!
M is rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter at the moment, my mom just called from Florida and is apparently having luck turning her mood around.....as they say "it takes a village!"
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
I just want to be a good mom
Yesterday M and I were talking about what we were gonna do tomorrow (today) and I was saying a bike ride would be good , she agreed and I fought the temptation to "lead" where we would ride. The trick with getting her to go is to allow her to lead.
We got to talking about fall activities and what she would be interested in and I learned that's she's always been curious about golf..I love golf! How did I not know this about her? I only dabbled in it many years ago but I liked the game and while I never had a powerful swing I could hit straight. M also likes bowling and she's pretty good at it, like me me she's a straight shooter.........
So this conversation was going well and the topic of getting in shape came up. This led to needing to schedule a physical for her....I mentioned that I'd been avoiding it because the pediatrician really harped on us about M's weight. This pencil thin woman who weighed probably 80 lbs. really laid into us regarding all the risks associated with obesity.
I am well aware of the child obesity epedemic, I can appreciate the attention that it's getting, overall its a positive step...yet and I'm sure I speak for others when I say, lecturing and guilt don't work. Realistic solutions and ideas do. So, don't think your doing your job by just pointing out whats wrong, fuckhead!
It got so every time we'd go in for whatever she'd harp more that M was too heavy and honestly it was a big turn off. She said that M was way too preoccupied with food. Perhaps, but she's as interested in food preparation as she is eating....More so I'd say....She likes to bake and is quite capable of following simple recipie's with minimal supervision. M is in good health, a bit portly around the middle but otherwise she's fine. Her physical activity could improve and I've opted to be an example more so than a nag about it.
Still, I know that I need to be more assertive with her .....A very tricky thing as you all can imagine ... Ten year old girls are super self-conscious.
Anyways I made mention why I was avoiding the pediatrician and she blurted out " I want to go on a diet tomorrow!" Oh shit, I went and gave her a complex.....Great......Just what I had in mind....Guilt her into thinness......Way to go mom....
On occasion I am capable of thinking on my feet.........immediately the right words started falling from my lips. I said , " you know it's not about dieting really, it's more about making better choices and not just with food.....Would you consider doing a walk/run program with me?"
She cautiously agreed, then asked for specification's: Not everyday, right? We'll take it slow, right?.......
Later at home T mentioned that M was being extra good and that she should get her Shuffle this week, initially I thought "gee, I wish he would of discussed it with me first before saying it in front of her and putting me on the spot.".....Than duh!!!!...it hit me.... Walk/run program ....Shuffle....Hell yes !! she's getting that shuffle now......
She's a greed to to go for bike ride today and I still need to download music into the new gadgets so it's not likely to happen today. I'm so nervous about screwing this up! About handling this delicate topic positively and keeping it fun. I got my work cut out for me!
We got to talking about fall activities and what she would be interested in and I learned that's she's always been curious about golf..I love golf! How did I not know this about her? I only dabbled in it many years ago but I liked the game and while I never had a powerful swing I could hit straight. M also likes bowling and she's pretty good at it, like me me she's a straight shooter.........
So this conversation was going well and the topic of getting in shape came up. This led to needing to schedule a physical for her....I mentioned that I'd been avoiding it because the pediatrician really harped on us about M's weight. This pencil thin woman who weighed probably 80 lbs. really laid into us regarding all the risks associated with obesity.
I am well aware of the child obesity epedemic, I can appreciate the attention that it's getting, overall its a positive step...yet and I'm sure I speak for others when I say, lecturing and guilt don't work. Realistic solutions and ideas do. So, don't think your doing your job by just pointing out whats wrong, fuckhead!
It got so every time we'd go in for whatever she'd harp more that M was too heavy and honestly it was a big turn off. She said that M was way too preoccupied with food. Perhaps, but she's as interested in food preparation as she is eating....More so I'd say....She likes to bake and is quite capable of following simple recipie's with minimal supervision. M is in good health, a bit portly around the middle but otherwise she's fine. Her physical activity could improve and I've opted to be an example more so than a nag about it.
Still, I know that I need to be more assertive with her .....A very tricky thing as you all can imagine ... Ten year old girls are super self-conscious.
Anyways I made mention why I was avoiding the pediatrician and she blurted out " I want to go on a diet tomorrow!" Oh shit, I went and gave her a complex.....Great......Just what I had in mind....Guilt her into thinness......Way to go mom....
On occasion I am capable of thinking on my feet.........immediately the right words started falling from my lips. I said , " you know it's not about dieting really, it's more about making better choices and not just with food.....Would you consider doing a walk/run program with me?"
She cautiously agreed, then asked for specification's: Not everyday, right? We'll take it slow, right?.......
Later at home T mentioned that M was being extra good and that she should get her Shuffle this week, initially I thought "gee, I wish he would of discussed it with me first before saying it in front of her and putting me on the spot.".....Than duh!!!!...it hit me.... Walk/run program ....Shuffle....Hell yes !! she's getting that shuffle now......
She's a greed to to go for bike ride today and I still need to download music into the new gadgets so it's not likely to happen today. I'm so nervous about screwing this up! About handling this delicate topic positively and keeping it fun. I got my work cut out for me!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Signs of Fall
Aside from some tenderness along the tips of my toes, a little tightness in my right calf and some grouchy knees, yesterday's 10 miler left me feeling tired but mentally ready for next Sunday.
I have to admit to also feeling a litttle burned-out. I'm looking forward to returning to a few less strenuous activities this fall. This has been an awesome summer and I have no intention of letting the hard earned new skills go stale. Swimming, riding and running for the pure joy and pleasure of it will take the place of "focused" training (haha...well focused for me anyways!)
Signs of fall are emerging. I've noticed quite a few spider webs and the air at night feels a little crisper. Back to school shopping and registering M for fall activities. My thoughts these days revolve around cooking more in my new kitchen, working on M's quilt and curling up with a good book.
Triathlon has consumned me this summer. I discovered a whole new group of bloggers and have been inspired and amazed by these dedicated men and woman. While I look forward to slowing things down this fall, for many of these folks who have trained for one or more years, September brings the ultimate challenge on the ultimate of playing fields: The Iron Man
I doubt that I will ever aspire to such a feat....
I am curious though.
I am curious to see if my swimming will continue to improve and if I will ever conquer open water . I'm curious to see if I will ever figure the bike out, if I will move from a pure kinesthetic relationship with it and develope a more technical understanding of it 's parts. Finally, I'm curious to see if I will ever have the desire to run a marathon, curious to know if I have what it takes.
Fall has alway's symbolized growth and new learning. These lofty thoughts come as a bit of shock really, even as I embrace the idea of change and growth. I will proceed with caution............ and curiosity.
Curiosity never killed this cat, it only made her roar.
I have to admit to also feeling a litttle burned-out. I'm looking forward to returning to a few less strenuous activities this fall. This has been an awesome summer and I have no intention of letting the hard earned new skills go stale. Swimming, riding and running for the pure joy and pleasure of it will take the place of "focused" training (haha...well focused for me anyways!)
Signs of fall are emerging. I've noticed quite a few spider webs and the air at night feels a little crisper. Back to school shopping and registering M for fall activities. My thoughts these days revolve around cooking more in my new kitchen, working on M's quilt and curling up with a good book.
Triathlon has consumned me this summer. I discovered a whole new group of bloggers and have been inspired and amazed by these dedicated men and woman. While I look forward to slowing things down this fall, for many of these folks who have trained for one or more years, September brings the ultimate challenge on the ultimate of playing fields: The Iron Man
I doubt that I will ever aspire to such a feat....
I am curious though.
I am curious to see if my swimming will continue to improve and if I will ever conquer open water . I'm curious to see if I will ever figure the bike out, if I will move from a pure kinesthetic relationship with it and develope a more technical understanding of it 's parts. Finally, I'm curious to see if I will ever have the desire to run a marathon, curious to know if I have what it takes.
Fall has alway's symbolized growth and new learning. These lofty thoughts come as a bit of shock really, even as I embrace the idea of change and growth. I will proceed with caution............ and curiosity.
Curiosity never killed this cat, it only made her roar.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Tri4Fun #2 Race Report
Well , the fun began at 4:45 when I woke up. I slept in! I had some coffee, checked my blog and waited for Tracy to arrive and she did so, promptly at 5:30 am. We parked on the road than rode our bikes to the transition area, weaving through cars and people. The weather was cooler this morning with more overcast than when we were here last in June for Tri4Fun #1.
After racking our bikes we registered and got marked ......1079 felt like a good solid bib number.
We set up near a huge Weeping Willow and for good measure I attached a bright yellow scarf to a branch of a smaller tree next to it. All I had to do was look at the Willow tree and then I could sight the scarf directly in front of it....a few feet from our bikes. A few other folks benefitted from that bright scarf too!
The Swim
Standing on the beach, I was surprised that I didn't feel nervous, not like last time. Today I was more confident, like I wasn't myself..... I'm not generally a calm person, not a Nervous Nelly necessarily but I'm usually more amped. This morning looking out on the lake, I noticed a little tully fog off in the distance and I was completely at ease....the lazy fog seemed to have a calming affect on me. Fear was replaced with confidence and I was ready for the task at hand.
We headed out with the last wave and I settled into a nice freestyle stroke. Rounded the first buoy and got a few more yards before I started to tire. I just rolled over and backfloated for a bit, my breathing was a little out of control so I switched to breaststroke for awhile......I then alternated between free and breast the rest of the way. Because I was freestyling more and my sighting isn't so good I got off track a little and needed a little verbal cueing to get back in line. The water felt really good, not too cold at all. As I exited the water I looked at my watch and I shaved a minute off my swim! 14:00 minutes woohoo!
T1
Spotted the Willow tree, tracked the scarf and I was at my transition area instantly. I think I was there for about 2 minutes then I was off on the bike.
The Bike
Clipped in and ready to ride. The hill when you first exit the park was a mere bump in the rode! Once on the main drag I made up for lost time gradually passing folks along the way. There was alot of gravel in spots, construction and detours galore. A couple of us had to stop as the police managed the traffic. Yeah, I had to come to a COMPLETE STOP and WAIT for what felt like forever. The officer was nice and thanked us for our patience......dang this was gonna cost me..or so I thought! There were a few crashes and folks seemed to be bottlenecking quite alot due to the detours.
The gears were dropping like crazy as I sped along the flats, I picked a rabbit and followed her a good while. When we got the only real hill on the course I got up out of my seat and jammed up the hill, my rabbit was impressed, as I could hear her say to a fellow cyclist, "man, she's so strong on the hills"........Needless to say, I was grinning ear to ear like a big o' dork! It was all good cruising into.....
T2
I got to my transition area without delay and to my surprise (haha) the place was a mess! As I looked around I began to realize that my right shoe was missing! No shit! They were both there when I set up and now it wasn't. I looked around a little more than spotted a right shoe ...another similiar looking Asic...Tracy had come and gone already and I suspected she was the culprit! A woman standing near by seemed more nervous about it than me and watched me as I began to pull on the "surprise shoe" she asked me "your gonna wear it?" I abrubtly replied " If the shoe fits!" Incredibly enough it did! Can you believe my luck! Dicking around for my shoe apparently gave my legs a little rest cuz when I started to run I didn't have the usual jello legs...to be honest , I was a little worried about this because I hadn't done any real tough bricks in preparation for this race. Taking it slow it was time for ........
The Run
It's all about the run baby. I was tired (the only nutrition I had was a GO LEAN energy bar 2 hours earlier) the cooler temps this time around were a welcomed relief. I had meant to Gu in T2 but got distracted looking for my shoe! I was slow and steady and paced myself pretty well I thought, having had a better sense of the route this time around. Again I picked a rabbit and kept her within sight. I never hydrated during the run and passed her once while she did, she then caught up and passed me again. I hung back and let her enjoy her short lived victory. As we approached the last 1/4 mile or so I picked up my pace and passed her for a strong finish. Crowds love it when you finish strong, there were lots hoots and hollers. Yeah, I'm a ham!
Total Time 01:27:00.........the same as last time!
In all of the excitement I lost track of time. I'm not sure how long the ride or run took but in the end despite the delay in T2 and during the traffic copping I ended up with the same time as before! If it weren't for those delays I mighta shaved off more time!
Tracy got back before me, cuz when I got back to the transition area her stuff was there but she wasn't . I found her at the finish line still looking for me! Kinda like when Mia missed me coming in from the bike the last time. We returned to our gear and she glanced down and commented, " Hey, I've got those same shoes".....I then said, "No, we've got the same shoes.", she hadn't realized the mishap, until that point!! Cracking up ensued........After I took pictures of our mismatched shoes, we turned in our bib stubs and hung out for the raffle.....I got a Snickers Marathon Bar from a kid who didn't want his and some lip balm from the Team In Training tent.
I'm so glad I found this sport! I'm starting to make new friends and getting comfortable with my competitive side. I'm definitely making progress in the lake and I told Tracy I'd go for a swim in the bay as she prepares for the Mermaid Tri in Santa Cruz in a month.
Coming Up Next: Redwood Regional Park 20K next Sunday.
It's a wonderful life indeed!
After racking our bikes we registered and got marked ......1079 felt like a good solid bib number.
We set up near a huge Weeping Willow and for good measure I attached a bright yellow scarf to a branch of a smaller tree next to it. All I had to do was look at the Willow tree and then I could sight the scarf directly in front of it....a few feet from our bikes. A few other folks benefitted from that bright scarf too!
The Swim
Standing on the beach, I was surprised that I didn't feel nervous, not like last time. Today I was more confident, like I wasn't myself..... I'm not generally a calm person, not a Nervous Nelly necessarily but I'm usually more amped. This morning looking out on the lake, I noticed a little tully fog off in the distance and I was completely at ease....the lazy fog seemed to have a calming affect on me. Fear was replaced with confidence and I was ready for the task at hand.
We headed out with the last wave and I settled into a nice freestyle stroke. Rounded the first buoy and got a few more yards before I started to tire. I just rolled over and backfloated for a bit, my breathing was a little out of control so I switched to breaststroke for awhile......I then alternated between free and breast the rest of the way. Because I was freestyling more and my sighting isn't so good I got off track a little and needed a little verbal cueing to get back in line. The water felt really good, not too cold at all. As I exited the water I looked at my watch and I shaved a minute off my swim! 14:00 minutes woohoo!
T1
Spotted the Willow tree, tracked the scarf and I was at my transition area instantly. I think I was there for about 2 minutes then I was off on the bike.
The Bike
Clipped in and ready to ride. The hill when you first exit the park was a mere bump in the rode! Once on the main drag I made up for lost time gradually passing folks along the way. There was alot of gravel in spots, construction and detours galore. A couple of us had to stop as the police managed the traffic. Yeah, I had to come to a COMPLETE STOP and WAIT for what felt like forever. The officer was nice and thanked us for our patience......dang this was gonna cost me..or so I thought! There were a few crashes and folks seemed to be bottlenecking quite alot due to the detours.
The gears were dropping like crazy as I sped along the flats, I picked a rabbit and followed her a good while. When we got the only real hill on the course I got up out of my seat and jammed up the hill, my rabbit was impressed, as I could hear her say to a fellow cyclist, "man, she's so strong on the hills"........Needless to say, I was grinning ear to ear like a big o' dork! It was all good cruising into.....
T2
I got to my transition area without delay and to my surprise (haha) the place was a mess! As I looked around I began to realize that my right shoe was missing! No shit! They were both there when I set up and now it wasn't. I looked around a little more than spotted a right shoe ...another similiar looking Asic...Tracy had come and gone already and I suspected she was the culprit! A woman standing near by seemed more nervous about it than me and watched me as I began to pull on the "surprise shoe" she asked me "your gonna wear it?" I abrubtly replied " If the shoe fits!" Incredibly enough it did! Can you believe my luck! Dicking around for my shoe apparently gave my legs a little rest cuz when I started to run I didn't have the usual jello legs...to be honest , I was a little worried about this because I hadn't done any real tough bricks in preparation for this race. Taking it slow it was time for ........
The Run
It's all about the run baby. I was tired (the only nutrition I had was a GO LEAN energy bar 2 hours earlier) the cooler temps this time around were a welcomed relief. I had meant to Gu in T2 but got distracted looking for my shoe! I was slow and steady and paced myself pretty well I thought, having had a better sense of the route this time around. Again I picked a rabbit and kept her within sight. I never hydrated during the run and passed her once while she did, she then caught up and passed me again. I hung back and let her enjoy her short lived victory. As we approached the last 1/4 mile or so I picked up my pace and passed her for a strong finish. Crowds love it when you finish strong, there were lots hoots and hollers. Yeah, I'm a ham!
Total Time 01:27:00.........the same as last time!
In all of the excitement I lost track of time. I'm not sure how long the ride or run took but in the end despite the delay in T2 and during the traffic copping I ended up with the same time as before! If it weren't for those delays I mighta shaved off more time!
Tracy got back before me, cuz when I got back to the transition area her stuff was there but she wasn't . I found her at the finish line still looking for me! Kinda like when Mia missed me coming in from the bike the last time. We returned to our gear and she glanced down and commented, " Hey, I've got those same shoes".....I then said, "No, we've got the same shoes.", she hadn't realized the mishap, until that point!! Cracking up ensued........After I took pictures of our mismatched shoes, we turned in our bib stubs and hung out for the raffle.....I got a Snickers Marathon Bar from a kid who didn't want his and some lip balm from the Team In Training tent.
I'm so glad I found this sport! I'm starting to make new friends and getting comfortable with my competitive side. I'm definitely making progress in the lake and I told Tracy I'd go for a swim in the bay as she prepares for the Mermaid Tri in Santa Cruz in a month.
Coming Up Next: Redwood Regional Park 20K next Sunday.
It's a wonderful life indeed!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Finding My Inner Fish
This has been a VERY good week for the swim.
The mother-freakin-ass-kickin swim....
I tell ya, up until quite recently it's been All Work and No Play....
Stroke, Stroke, Stroke, Breathe...Gasp....Cough...Sputter...Repeat
.......Just get-er-done, ya know?
I think I'm starting to actually LIKE swimming.....in the pool at least....I'm so much more relaxed and the breathing isn't a struggle anymore....I'm still slow as molasses....but I'm relaxed and I take fewer/shorter breaks and I'm enjoying myself...not rushing to get it over with. I'm soooooooooo glad I didn't give up (God and anyone who's ever read this blog knows I wanted to about a hundred times!!!) This feeling of accomplishment is very satisfying.
Tonight, Tracy had to bail due to some work emergency....so I swam by myself at the El Cerritto pool, before I even got out of the locker room, my goggles broke! Snapped right at the nose bridge. (crap! but better tonight than Saturday!) I swam about 300 yards before my eyes started to burn....I then zipped over to Big 5 for another pair with thoughts of returning to pool to swim a little more...and well, you know....it was too hard to get back in for only 15 minutes before the pool closed.
Swimming without goggles wouldn't of been so bad if my eyes hadn't started to burn, visibility was a little blurry but I could see well enough. I shared a lane with 2 other guy's, both were faster than me but they just swam around me and didn't appear perturbed at all. The majority of people I meet exercising are usually pretty nice, fortunately the jerks are few and far between.
I ran for twenty minutes this morning just to stay loose. Tomorrow M and T are meeting friends in San Francisco to watch the Giants vs Dodgers.....I'm gonna stay home and get my gear ready, eat a good dinner and get to bed early as Tracy will be picking me up Saturday at 5:30 am.
The mother-freakin-ass-kickin swim....
I tell ya, up until quite recently it's been All Work and No Play....
Stroke, Stroke, Stroke, Breathe...Gasp....Cough...Sputter...Repeat
.......Just get-er-done, ya know?
I think I'm starting to actually LIKE swimming.....in the pool at least....I'm so much more relaxed and the breathing isn't a struggle anymore....I'm still slow as molasses....but I'm relaxed and I take fewer/shorter breaks and I'm enjoying myself...not rushing to get it over with. I'm soooooooooo glad I didn't give up (God and anyone who's ever read this blog knows I wanted to about a hundred times!!!) This feeling of accomplishment is very satisfying.
Tonight, Tracy had to bail due to some work emergency....so I swam by myself at the El Cerritto pool, before I even got out of the locker room, my goggles broke! Snapped right at the nose bridge. (crap! but better tonight than Saturday!) I swam about 300 yards before my eyes started to burn....I then zipped over to Big 5 for another pair with thoughts of returning to pool to swim a little more...and well, you know....it was too hard to get back in for only 15 minutes before the pool closed.
Swimming without goggles wouldn't of been so bad if my eyes hadn't started to burn, visibility was a little blurry but I could see well enough. I shared a lane with 2 other guy's, both were faster than me but they just swam around me and didn't appear perturbed at all. The majority of people I meet exercising are usually pretty nice, fortunately the jerks are few and far between.
I ran for twenty minutes this morning just to stay loose. Tomorrow M and T are meeting friends in San Francisco to watch the Giants vs Dodgers.....I'm gonna stay home and get my gear ready, eat a good dinner and get to bed early as Tracy will be picking me up Saturday at 5:30 am.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Pre Tri4Fun #2
With Tri4fun #2 a mere 4 day's away I'm feeling pretty good....and getting excited. Since getting back from vacation my routine has started to kick in and I have LOVED the past few workouts.......even the not-so-great-ones....the mental training you get out of a crappy workout is invaluable on race day.
This past week I learned that I did not forget to learn how to swim...I'm just slow to warm-up and that I prefer warmer temps. I found a Masters group that gets together 4 dyas a week at a pool near my house. I met the coach last saturday and she was quite nice and I fet at ease with her immediately.
I bit the bullet and got myself a Nano.........after chit chatin with Mia's Erik at Tommy's B-Day Party last weekend...I got the techy bug....I got to thinking that now that I'm running for longer distances and with the inescapable indoor workouts of winter looming on the not-so-distant horizon....that I finally deserved to indulge in some high tech gadgetry.
A side note....it was kinda cool being introduced at the party as Mia's running friend...a few times a mom would ask "who's mom are you?" you know, how you do at kids party's and I would say mom of M, though I know Mia from an on-line running community and that's how our kids met.....Then Mia positively gushed as she explained how I got involved with Triathlon's....that felt very cool . BTW, Mia Goddess is HOT!
I also found a cool hydration belt at See Jane Run for under $40.00. I froze the bottle's and went for a 5 miler on Sunday (after riding to Inspiration Point...... with 15-20 minute transition) I noticed the added weight from the frozen bottles and it tended to shift to the left side no matter how taught I pulled the cinches down...but I got used to it and now it's my new favorite hydration system. The belt has a nifty pouch in the middle for nutrition and I'm pretty sure the Nano will fit nicely.
On the nutrition front, I've been experimenting like crazy. Eating and Not Eating prior to work
outs....and the concensus appears to be I do better on a near empty stomach....taking in liquids as I go. A Gu and sour gummies are a good pick-me-up about 45 minutes into a workout and seem to be enough. It's weird, the peanut butter toast I usually ingest prior to running tends to cause indigestion on run's longer than a hour...weird huh? I've been 80% true to my vitamin and joint supplement use...and Never-Not-Once gave the flax seed a try....it's just sittin in my fridge no doubt rancid as hell....
So, this week will be a keep-loose-week moreso than a taper.... short run today, yoga on weds, swim or run w/Trace thurs and Go Time on Saturday!
This past week I learned that I did not forget to learn how to swim...I'm just slow to warm-up and that I prefer warmer temps. I found a Masters group that gets together 4 dyas a week at a pool near my house. I met the coach last saturday and she was quite nice and I fet at ease with her immediately.
I bit the bullet and got myself a Nano.........after chit chatin with Mia's Erik at Tommy's B-Day Party last weekend...I got the techy bug....I got to thinking that now that I'm running for longer distances and with the inescapable indoor workouts of winter looming on the not-so-distant horizon....that I finally deserved to indulge in some high tech gadgetry.
A side note....it was kinda cool being introduced at the party as Mia's running friend...a few times a mom would ask "who's mom are you?" you know, how you do at kids party's and I would say mom of M, though I know Mia from an on-line running community and that's how our kids met.....Then Mia positively gushed as she explained how I got involved with Triathlon's....that felt very cool . BTW, Mia Goddess is HOT!
I also found a cool hydration belt at See Jane Run for under $40.00. I froze the bottle's and went for a 5 miler on Sunday (after riding to Inspiration Point...... with 15-20 minute transition) I noticed the added weight from the frozen bottles and it tended to shift to the left side no matter how taught I pulled the cinches down...but I got used to it and now it's my new favorite hydration system. The belt has a nifty pouch in the middle for nutrition and I'm pretty sure the Nano will fit nicely.
On the nutrition front, I've been experimenting like crazy. Eating and Not Eating prior to work
outs....and the concensus appears to be I do better on a near empty stomach....taking in liquids as I go. A Gu and sour gummies are a good pick-me-up about 45 minutes into a workout and seem to be enough. It's weird, the peanut butter toast I usually ingest prior to running tends to cause indigestion on run's longer than a hour...weird huh? I've been 80% true to my vitamin and joint supplement use...and Never-Not-Once gave the flax seed a try....it's just sittin in my fridge no doubt rancid as hell....
So, this week will be a keep-loose-week moreso than a taper.... short run today, yoga on weds, swim or run w/Trace thurs and Go Time on Saturday!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
I failed to mention Tuesday's swim at Lake Anza...probably cuz it wasn't anything special. I just wanted to get it over with and didn't make the most of my time there. The day was lovely, the water a little chilly but fine within a few minutes, not too many tykes buzzing around. I swam out to lap area and did 4 lengths....how far is anyones guess....not nearly far enough that I can be sure. I may try to go back today and take my time....rushing through it is never very productive. I still don't like the lake so much, and the sign posted warning swimmer's about a little bug in the water that causes "swimmer's itch" did nothing to endear me to it.
I pulled off a not-so-easy 40 minute run this morning...not bad though considering yesterday's margarita fest. Feeling good about the upcoming races and looking forward to going back to the Y in the Fall once my Strawberry membership expires. I've been watching that new show "Workout" and it's got me thinking about the gym.....now that I've put a good dent in the bodyfat I'm wanting (this is a good sign as I find weight lifting incredibly boring) to focus on strengthening more.
Have a Great Day!
I pulled off a not-so-easy 40 minute run this morning...not bad though considering yesterday's margarita fest. Feeling good about the upcoming races and looking forward to going back to the Y in the Fall once my Strawberry membership expires. I've been watching that new show "Workout" and it's got me thinking about the gym.....now that I've put a good dent in the bodyfat I'm wanting (this is a good sign as I find weight lifting incredibly boring) to focus on strengthening more.
Have a Great Day!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
M and Me
The weather is warmer up again. Kept M home from camp today and we went for a bike ride.
A decent ride with NO MALFUNCTIONS!!! Seriously folks, we have the worst luck it seems with bike rides but today was perfection. She got a little hot and bothered after climbing the hill behind the race track but after a rest break we cruised . Good stuff!
We got home and pretty much loafed around the rest of the day. It felt good to just hang...no agenda no stressing over another missed workout opportunity. It occured to me that SHE'S the reason (not entirely) I'm getting in shape and getting active. I noticed that recently whenever I want her to go swimming it requires LOT's of negotiation. She used to love to go swimming before I actually knew how to swim. I finally sat her down and asked why was it such a hassle to get her to go and she said "because you never play with me anymore!" I was guilty as charged. We go to the pool, she in the general wading area and I head for a lap lane.
As hot as it is today we opted to watch Project Runway and Dog the Bounty Hunter.
We're an eclectic bunch here! Currently she's working on a designer dog collar for Brandy and I'm perfecting my Margarita skills......hey, it's hot!
A decent ride with NO MALFUNCTIONS!!! Seriously folks, we have the worst luck it seems with bike rides but today was perfection. She got a little hot and bothered after climbing the hill behind the race track but after a rest break we cruised . Good stuff!
We got home and pretty much loafed around the rest of the day. It felt good to just hang...no agenda no stressing over another missed workout opportunity. It occured to me that SHE'S the reason (not entirely) I'm getting in shape and getting active. I noticed that recently whenever I want her to go swimming it requires LOT's of negotiation. She used to love to go swimming before I actually knew how to swim. I finally sat her down and asked why was it such a hassle to get her to go and she said "because you never play with me anymore!" I was guilty as charged. We go to the pool, she in the general wading area and I head for a lap lane.
As hot as it is today we opted to watch Project Runway and Dog the Bounty Hunter.
We're an eclectic bunch here! Currently she's working on a designer dog collar for Brandy and I'm perfecting my Margarita skills......hey, it's hot!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Long Run by the Bay
I went for a pretty long run this morning....3 hours long to be exact...I'm not having any luck with gooogle maps and cannot for the life of me figure out how to map routes...ideally 10 and 12 mile loops that lead back to my house. I'm guessing I did at least 10 miles on mostly paved trails. By the time I got to El Cerritto I turned left towards the bay. A portion of the bay trail runs parallel Point Isabel, Brandy's favorite dog park....not so pleasant smelling when your running and breathing hard.
The triclub folk met here once and we ran a 3 mile loop, turning around just before the marina. Today I kept going and discovered Richmond Marina Park. The elements were all in alignment this morning, blue sunny sky, gentle breezes with mild temps in the 70s. Just a great day to be out there. The sun danced on the water and sparkled like tinsle. I was surprised that there weren't more people out and about.
The double strawberry run was 14.7 miles and that took me 3.5 hours. It was really warm and hilly that day. Today's run was flat w/perfect weather and it took me nearly three hours (2:45 mins to be exact) Maybe I went further than 10 miles? I really felt it after this run. Running on concrete paved trails really is tiring. I'd hop over to a dirt trail when it was available but most of the run was on the hard stuff.
It's good to be home.
The triclub folk met here once and we ran a 3 mile loop, turning around just before the marina. Today I kept going and discovered Richmond Marina Park. The elements were all in alignment this morning, blue sunny sky, gentle breezes with mild temps in the 70s. Just a great day to be out there. The sun danced on the water and sparkled like tinsle. I was surprised that there weren't more people out and about.
The double strawberry run was 14.7 miles and that took me 3.5 hours. It was really warm and hilly that day. Today's run was flat w/perfect weather and it took me nearly three hours (2:45 mins to be exact) Maybe I went further than 10 miles? I really felt it after this run. Running on concrete paved trails really is tiring. I'd hop over to a dirt trail when it was available but most of the run was on the hard stuff.
It's good to be home.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Guilt and Love
Being the good dog mommy that I am, I took Brandy for a WALK at Strawberry this morning. We were out for about an hour or so stopping at the bench for a short rest than we scurried back down to the parking lot. As usual she found a mud hole and had a complete spa experience.
When we pulled up to the house as if on cue T was out front with the hose and we tag teamed her into submission while M hustled around back to let her in the back gate and NOT through the house. Poor girl didn't know what hit her...but was happy and tired from the first walk she's had in 9 days...My mom house sat and fed Brandy but is afraid to walk her due to her bad knee and Brandy's pension for darting off.
The concert was good though I must admit I thought the Shaman show 2 years ago was better. Carlos introduced Anthony Hamilton as the opening act and they were really good but overall I wasn't digging the whole experimental acid/fusion like vibe he had going halfway through the show. I'm more fond of his older stuff and I do like many of the contemporary collaborations he's been apart of the past couple of years, but wasn't feeling it too much when things went psychedelic.
I awoke this morning with a headache. Lastnights Margarita and 32 oz Corona most likely to blame.........plus I was dehydrated........not to mention the latenight stop at Apple Bee's....hey I'm still on vacation what can I say!
During the hike with Brandy, I kept having to defend myself from thoughts like:
"You should've got up earlier"
"You shouldn't of had drinks"
"You should be running or doing a brick or SOMETHING!"
GEE WHIZ CAN'T A GIRL JUST GO FOR A WALK WITH HER DOG WITHOUT ALL THE GUILT???
Okay, yes it's true I have been in vacation mode for awhile now and I do have my longest race ever coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm ready ....perhaps not it top form but totally ready and capable of finishing both events, so why when I back off for awhile does the head give me shit???
It's a constant struggle trying to make peace with my fondness for mediocrity....I mean what's wrong with not always being in "push hard" mode?
Not a damn thing I tell ya!!!
This afternoon I put in a decent effort at the pool, luckily I was just about done when the jerk arrived. A few weeks back I had slipped into his lane (Med) and he said to me in a rather condescending tone:
"I don't mind sharing a lane, but you need to tow your line" Between the newly imposed parking fee and this jerk, swimming at Strawberry is becoming a pain in the ass. I was livid and jumped out of the lane obviously irritated. Whenever this guy shows up he always asks the lifeguards to put up the slow/medium/fast lane markers and bitches whenever a slower swimmer is in his vicinity. He just sucks!! Today I had the good fortune of getting in some good laps and for awhile had a lane all to myself....Then he showed up. It was time to leave anyways.
So, I didn't mention this before but while we were gone T's mom had another mini stroke and the day after we got home his dad was admitted to the hospital, he's been refusing to eat for the last couple of days and fell once at the new apartment. His mom and dad are going to need to be relocated to another place that can provide more care and supervison. We knew this current placement would be temporary (I did anyways) but I think my husband and his siblings were hoping it would last longer than a month.
All this stuff is just plain sad. These people worked hard their whole lives, well beyond retirement age . They completely bypassed the golden years, never taking that second trip to Hawaii or anywhere for that matter. Never really pursuing anything leisurely. Worked and volunteered until they just couldn't anymore and now watching them steadily deteriorate is just heartbreaking.
My mom is still pretty young herself and despite several orthopedic surgeries she gets around alright and I don't have to "worry" about her just yet. I see this sort've thing at work all the time but it's different when it your own family. I'm not particulary close to my in-laws, their kind but emotionally distant people with a knack for avoiding confrontation or unpleasantness. I know my mother-in-law wrung herself silly when T and I got pregnant long before we married and she and I have had our challenges ....still we've managed over the years and I do love my husband and it's hard to see him go through all this.
Love is such complicated thing sometimes. I have alot to learn still. I know that the more I love myself the more I can love others. I know that when I love myself I can be compassionate and more understanding. I know these things, however I don't believe I've wholeheartedly embraced the concept.
Like perhaps some of you I've struggled with loving myself, accepting myself and it shows in the most awful ways...especially when I'm stressed out. Short indifference with a confused patient, yelling at my kid, pushing my husband too hard....my monster can be a real asshole sometimes and the whole idea of unconditional love is beyond my comprehension....but then there are times when the armour and witholding give way...whether it be my own effort or a kind gesture from elsewhere and I am hopeful that I'm not a monster and that I am capable giving with my whole heart....but it's always so short lived and I fear I will always have to work at it.
Sigh.
When we pulled up to the house as if on cue T was out front with the hose and we tag teamed her into submission while M hustled around back to let her in the back gate and NOT through the house. Poor girl didn't know what hit her...but was happy and tired from the first walk she's had in 9 days...My mom house sat and fed Brandy but is afraid to walk her due to her bad knee and Brandy's pension for darting off.
The concert was good though I must admit I thought the Shaman show 2 years ago was better. Carlos introduced Anthony Hamilton as the opening act and they were really good but overall I wasn't digging the whole experimental acid/fusion like vibe he had going halfway through the show. I'm more fond of his older stuff and I do like many of the contemporary collaborations he's been apart of the past couple of years, but wasn't feeling it too much when things went psychedelic.
I awoke this morning with a headache. Lastnights Margarita and 32 oz Corona most likely to blame.........plus I was dehydrated........not to mention the latenight stop at Apple Bee's....hey I'm still on vacation what can I say!
During the hike with Brandy, I kept having to defend myself from thoughts like:
"You should've got up earlier"
"You shouldn't of had drinks"
"You should be running or doing a brick or SOMETHING!"
GEE WHIZ CAN'T A GIRL JUST GO FOR A WALK WITH HER DOG WITHOUT ALL THE GUILT???
Okay, yes it's true I have been in vacation mode for awhile now and I do have my longest race ever coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm ready ....perhaps not it top form but totally ready and capable of finishing both events, so why when I back off for awhile does the head give me shit???
It's a constant struggle trying to make peace with my fondness for mediocrity....I mean what's wrong with not always being in "push hard" mode?
Not a damn thing I tell ya!!!
This afternoon I put in a decent effort at the pool, luckily I was just about done when the jerk arrived. A few weeks back I had slipped into his lane (Med) and he said to me in a rather condescending tone:
"I don't mind sharing a lane, but you need to tow your line" Between the newly imposed parking fee and this jerk, swimming at Strawberry is becoming a pain in the ass. I was livid and jumped out of the lane obviously irritated. Whenever this guy shows up he always asks the lifeguards to put up the slow/medium/fast lane markers and bitches whenever a slower swimmer is in his vicinity. He just sucks!! Today I had the good fortune of getting in some good laps and for awhile had a lane all to myself....Then he showed up. It was time to leave anyways.
So, I didn't mention this before but while we were gone T's mom had another mini stroke and the day after we got home his dad was admitted to the hospital, he's been refusing to eat for the last couple of days and fell once at the new apartment. His mom and dad are going to need to be relocated to another place that can provide more care and supervison. We knew this current placement would be temporary (I did anyways) but I think my husband and his siblings were hoping it would last longer than a month.
All this stuff is just plain sad. These people worked hard their whole lives, well beyond retirement age . They completely bypassed the golden years, never taking that second trip to Hawaii or anywhere for that matter. Never really pursuing anything leisurely. Worked and volunteered until they just couldn't anymore and now watching them steadily deteriorate is just heartbreaking.
My mom is still pretty young herself and despite several orthopedic surgeries she gets around alright and I don't have to "worry" about her just yet. I see this sort've thing at work all the time but it's different when it your own family. I'm not particulary close to my in-laws, their kind but emotionally distant people with a knack for avoiding confrontation or unpleasantness. I know my mother-in-law wrung herself silly when T and I got pregnant long before we married and she and I have had our challenges ....still we've managed over the years and I do love my husband and it's hard to see him go through all this.
Love is such complicated thing sometimes. I have alot to learn still. I know that the more I love myself the more I can love others. I know that when I love myself I can be compassionate and more understanding. I know these things, however I don't believe I've wholeheartedly embraced the concept.
Like perhaps some of you I've struggled with loving myself, accepting myself and it shows in the most awful ways...especially when I'm stressed out. Short indifference with a confused patient, yelling at my kid, pushing my husband too hard....my monster can be a real asshole sometimes and the whole idea of unconditional love is beyond my comprehension....but then there are times when the armour and witholding give way...whether it be my own effort or a kind gesture from elsewhere and I am hopeful that I'm not a monster and that I am capable giving with my whole heart....but it's always so short lived and I fear I will always have to work at it.
Sigh.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Down South
The trip down was uneventful, we arrived at Universal City without a hitch. I'm glad we stayed because the drive from there to San Diego was hot and long.... almost three hours due in part to the traffic and our unfamiliarity of the roads. Pretty much from Universal City we were lost. I must've made every wrong turn and missed most of the required exits at least twice. I usually can get my bearings after a day or two but not on this trip.
Both T and I were hopeless. Everytime we ventured out it was sheer luck that we arrived to our desired destination. T had a better handle on things once we arrived in San Diego, I on the other hand stayed confused. The only time I felt remotely oriented was during my runs, I'm use to winging it on foot I guess.
The first 3 days in San Diego were spent at Seaworld, The Zoo and The Wild Animal Park (this was my personal favorite) In between I managed a couple decent runs despite the heat and humidity. I felt like a old dish rag!! I entered the pool twice...to be honest there wasn't a whole lot of swimming going on, just getting cooled down. We went for a decent bike ride along the Marina in the late afternoon, I needed some prodding to do this but felt energized afterwards...a good reminder on the effects physical activity. Taking the bikes on this trip seemed like a good idea but of course there was the issue of securing them and lugging them to the room.
At the last minute we decided to go to Tijuana. The weather had started to cool down a bit by this time and we shopped for awhile and then returned to our car and spent only hour getting back across the border. T assured me M would not need ID. He and his brother have been to TJ a few times and never were asked for ID (T and his bro are as fair skinned as they come...). M's birth certificate has been lost for years and I keep meaning to get a replacement. When we arrived at the border we had to show our ID's and then he asked for M's. This patrol officer took our lack of preparedness rather seriously and proceeded to lecture us on the ID options available for minor's. He asked me what country I was born in and then asked M the same. I couldn't tell how far he was going to push it but after a few more inqueries he must've felt we were sufficiently chastised and let us move along.
The weather had been considerably hotter the week before but still the grey overcast and humidity was abit oppressive. I mentioned running, HA!!! More like plodding along, a 6 and a 8 miler.... not fun at all!!! I have an even deeper respect for you Anne. The humidity really zapped my mojo. Swimming was means to keep cool. No major training was accomplished on this trip. I'm not even going to step on the scale. T (when I pressed him about it) said I maybe got a bit cushier on the backside!
Food was a bit of a challenge. We brought a cooler and stocked up on fresh fruit and simple breakfast and lunch items but the bulk of our meals were at theme parks and few restaurants ....the best meals by far were at Seaworld. On the last night in San Diego, we stumbled upon Little Italy and soon realized you needed reservations so we settled for Sushi (it was okay) and then gelato...that was yummy!
The last night was spent back at Universal City and instead of staying behind and swimming like I should've I opted to go to Universal Studios with T and M....apparently I am a glutton for theme park punishment. We later had a really nice meal complete with a private wine tasting back at the hotel.
Our hotel rooms were lovely and the view from the Sheraton was awesome. On the first and the last day in San Diego, the sky cleared a bit and the bay was filled with sailboats, dinner cruise boats and kayakers, it was fun spying on the passengers with T's astronomical binoculars.
After another short swim in the morning it was time to head out. We opted to take the scenic route home. The drive through Malibu Canyon was gorgeous and not even the grey overcast could diminish it's beauty. Strangely enough we never stepped foot onto the beach but the drive along the coast was pretty.
As far as rest & relaxation go.... there wasn't alot of that going on.... it was better than being at work and tonight we're going to a Santana concert.
Not sure to what extent the lack of training will have on my performance in my upcoming events, good thing I don't take these things too seriously!
Both T and I were hopeless. Everytime we ventured out it was sheer luck that we arrived to our desired destination. T had a better handle on things once we arrived in San Diego, I on the other hand stayed confused. The only time I felt remotely oriented was during my runs, I'm use to winging it on foot I guess.
The first 3 days in San Diego were spent at Seaworld, The Zoo and The Wild Animal Park (this was my personal favorite) In between I managed a couple decent runs despite the heat and humidity. I felt like a old dish rag!! I entered the pool twice...to be honest there wasn't a whole lot of swimming going on, just getting cooled down. We went for a decent bike ride along the Marina in the late afternoon, I needed some prodding to do this but felt energized afterwards...a good reminder on the effects physical activity. Taking the bikes on this trip seemed like a good idea but of course there was the issue of securing them and lugging them to the room.
At the last minute we decided to go to Tijuana. The weather had started to cool down a bit by this time and we shopped for awhile and then returned to our car and spent only hour getting back across the border. T assured me M would not need ID. He and his brother have been to TJ a few times and never were asked for ID (T and his bro are as fair skinned as they come...). M's birth certificate has been lost for years and I keep meaning to get a replacement. When we arrived at the border we had to show our ID's and then he asked for M's. This patrol officer took our lack of preparedness rather seriously and proceeded to lecture us on the ID options available for minor's. He asked me what country I was born in and then asked M the same. I couldn't tell how far he was going to push it but after a few more inqueries he must've felt we were sufficiently chastised and let us move along.
The weather had been considerably hotter the week before but still the grey overcast and humidity was abit oppressive. I mentioned running, HA!!! More like plodding along, a 6 and a 8 miler.... not fun at all!!! I have an even deeper respect for you Anne. The humidity really zapped my mojo. Swimming was means to keep cool. No major training was accomplished on this trip. I'm not even going to step on the scale. T (when I pressed him about it) said I maybe got a bit cushier on the backside!
Food was a bit of a challenge. We brought a cooler and stocked up on fresh fruit and simple breakfast and lunch items but the bulk of our meals were at theme parks and few restaurants ....the best meals by far were at Seaworld. On the last night in San Diego, we stumbled upon Little Italy and soon realized you needed reservations so we settled for Sushi (it was okay) and then gelato...that was yummy!
The last night was spent back at Universal City and instead of staying behind and swimming like I should've I opted to go to Universal Studios with T and M....apparently I am a glutton for theme park punishment. We later had a really nice meal complete with a private wine tasting back at the hotel.
Our hotel rooms were lovely and the view from the Sheraton was awesome. On the first and the last day in San Diego, the sky cleared a bit and the bay was filled with sailboats, dinner cruise boats and kayakers, it was fun spying on the passengers with T's astronomical binoculars.
After another short swim in the morning it was time to head out. We opted to take the scenic route home. The drive through Malibu Canyon was gorgeous and not even the grey overcast could diminish it's beauty. Strangely enough we never stepped foot onto the beach but the drive along the coast was pretty.
As far as rest & relaxation go.... there wasn't alot of that going on.... it was better than being at work and tonight we're going to a Santana concert.
Not sure to what extent the lack of training will have on my performance in my upcoming events, good thing I don't take these things too seriously!
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