Wednesdays are normaly my day off from work but I took one for the team and I worked 1/2 day. I could've squeezed some form of training in this morning before having to get M to camp by 9am, but putzed around the house instead, made M a hot breakfast for a change, fixed her lunch, combed her hair ( I often let her fend for herself) and we walked Brandy before heading off. I feel I got some brownie points at least in the mom dept.
The half day turned into a 3/4 day and I didn't get out of there until after 2:00 pm. It was a weird weather day all over the bay area, rain and hail in the morning that turned into a warmish windy afternoon. I didn't know what to expect weather wise, so I just packed everything in my gym bag....or so I thought! I wanted to do a swim/bike brick so I headed over to Cowel pool. Now that the kiddies are out of school they only have 2 lanes designated for lap swimming. The place was crawling with kids, this is normally not an issue for me but today I wasn't feeling it.
I had forgotten my sunglasses earlier but was sure I had another pair in my gym bag...god knows I have everything else in there! NOT!!! So this compelled me to scrap swimming at Cowel and head over to Heather Farms Pool where there was a RiteAid nearby so I could pick up another pair of glasses...my luck was turning and I bought one and got one free. I then noticed the car needed gas and that took another stop.
By the time I got into the pool it was 3:15. I swam a good 45 minutes, my usual free,breast, drills. I always seem to forget the # of laps I lost count after 10. By the time I showered and changed into my biking duds (T got me my first official biking jersey for my birthday, it's purple of course) it was 4:15....guh! Too late to bike in Walnut Creek and avoid rush hour traffic, so I decided to head over Tilden for some hill work.
I arrived at Inspiration Point close to 5pm and rode for 45 minutes, covering some decent hills, mostly rollers with a few times needing to get my butt off the saddle, just enough to get the legs humming. At one point on the Nimitz Trail, I noticed the cows had wandered onto the paved trail. As I slowed down I wondered if they would be skittish or knock me off the bike, they just sort've stared at me at first not appearing to know what to do and then scurried off . Riding over cow grates is rather unnerving as well. I worried about getting a flat and rode over them each time slowly.
The wind was picking up and the sun was bright but not hot, I felt good and decided to add a run, a 29 minute 3 miler to top off. The fact that I pulled all this off so late in the day is major for me. I think I'm getting stronger too cuz the bike/run transition was so smoooooth, no jello legs at all! Considering I didn't know what was gonna happen training wise today, it turned out alright. Being prepared paid off.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
A long strange trip....
Today is my 43rd birthday and it has me feeling a little introspective. I said not long ago to T my 20's were about experimenting- a brief stint as seasonal firefighter, a 6 year on and off stint as a Mormon who served a mission in Italy who eventualy settled on a less structered lifestyle...
My 30's were about recovery( from Mormonism) and getting over dogma and ideals not of my own, getting together with T, getting pregnant, becoming a mom, going back to school and getting my ass kicked by both....getting married and realizing that I never really appreciated alone time before. Struggling to be a grown up and really not knowing what I was doing half the time, new mom, school (fucking Algerbra II pretty much did me in!), tough internships, new career, wife.....it's all a blur really.
My 40's seem to be about alot of FIRSTS along with rediscovery . I started getting fat....really fat...and the weird thing was I didn't feel fat, I could still do what I wanted, I was energetic and able to hike and bike and not huff and puff after schlepping groceries up 2 flights of stairs....but the clothes got bigger and then I started working in a facility where many of the staff began to comment on my growing backside. Annoying as this was, those comments and a particulary annoying and petite triathlon chick....got me toying with the idea of running. That annoying trichick, was sooooo obnoxious, a real ball breaker and I was totally driven to get off my ass and DO something about my situation. I took my first tentative step at a walk run program. This has been followed by many firsts: first 5K, 10K, 12K and a sprint triathlon.....learning how to clip in and out of pedals and bike shoes! More firsts to come I'm sure.
That was June 'o4 and 2 years later I'm not that fat girl anymore. I learned to swim (the learning process was painful, kinda like Algerbra II....but it got better, math however did not! I'm not svelte or neccesarily petite, though short in stature. I am strong and have rediscovered my inner athlete..........the one that never really developed as a young person due to lack of direction and support, bad choices, drugs.....Now, I get to see what I can do.
In a strange way there is an advantage I think to coming into your own later in life, no aging athlete issues really, I mean no past glories to blurr current status. It's ALL GOOD, ya know what I mean? I'm just damn happy and grateful to be able to do all this stuff and feel great afterwards. My goals aren't so lofty, my training not so regimented, but I love this active life style and I can whole heartidly say only good has ever come of it. My life isn't perfect, or neat or especially inspiring but it's mine of my making, not one based on standards that don't fit or guilt (ok, I'm still working on that one), but I like myself better now and well that's just good all around.
The trip gets strange....and hard ...but mostly interesting. I'm happy to report I have much to learn and a desire to find out where this journey will take me next.
My 30's were about recovery( from Mormonism) and getting over dogma and ideals not of my own, getting together with T, getting pregnant, becoming a mom, going back to school and getting my ass kicked by both....getting married and realizing that I never really appreciated alone time before. Struggling to be a grown up and really not knowing what I was doing half the time, new mom, school (fucking Algerbra II pretty much did me in!), tough internships, new career, wife.....it's all a blur really.
My 40's seem to be about alot of FIRSTS along with rediscovery . I started getting fat....really fat...and the weird thing was I didn't feel fat, I could still do what I wanted, I was energetic and able to hike and bike and not huff and puff after schlepping groceries up 2 flights of stairs....but the clothes got bigger and then I started working in a facility where many of the staff began to comment on my growing backside. Annoying as this was, those comments and a particulary annoying and petite triathlon chick....got me toying with the idea of running. That annoying trichick, was sooooo obnoxious, a real ball breaker and I was totally driven to get off my ass and DO something about my situation. I took my first tentative step at a walk run program. This has been followed by many firsts: first 5K, 10K, 12K and a sprint triathlon.....learning how to clip in and out of pedals and bike shoes! More firsts to come I'm sure.
That was June 'o4 and 2 years later I'm not that fat girl anymore. I learned to swim (the learning process was painful, kinda like Algerbra II....but it got better, math however did not! I'm not svelte or neccesarily petite, though short in stature. I am strong and have rediscovered my inner athlete..........the one that never really developed as a young person due to lack of direction and support, bad choices, drugs.....Now, I get to see what I can do.
In a strange way there is an advantage I think to coming into your own later in life, no aging athlete issues really, I mean no past glories to blurr current status. It's ALL GOOD, ya know what I mean? I'm just damn happy and grateful to be able to do all this stuff and feel great afterwards. My goals aren't so lofty, my training not so regimented, but I love this active life style and I can whole heartidly say only good has ever come of it. My life isn't perfect, or neat or especially inspiring but it's mine of my making, not one based on standards that don't fit or guilt (ok, I'm still working on that one), but I like myself better now and well that's just good all around.
The trip gets strange....and hard ...but mostly interesting. I'm happy to report I have much to learn and a desire to find out where this journey will take me next.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Redwood Regional Park
I headed back up to Redwood this morning, the same way I rode yesterday, turns out I put 20 plus miles in the saddle roundtrip, that's 1/5 of a century!!!
So, with Brandy in tow we hit the trail @ 7:50 am, a little later than I usually like to run, but the race in August starts at 8:30 am and well I need to adjust. The $30.00 gel inserts held up fabulously(worth every penny!), as did the $16.99 sports bra from Target however the $40.00 asics shorts insisted on wedging themselves between my ample bottom...once I accepted these terms it wasn't so bad except about 50 minutes into the run I grew painfully aware that I failed to remember to use bodyglide on my delicate upper thigh area...ouch! A pity too, I could've gone longer but had to stop after an 1hr 20 minutes due to the increased chaffing, that and the fact that Brandy was whooped! It was on the warm side and she'd plop down on the trail every so often with her tongue hanging low drawing all kinds of attention from the other dog people and I felt bad for not bringing some water for her. She had a big drink once we looped back around and again plopped down and buried her nose deep into the water bowl.
M is making blueberry pancakes and we are going to IKEA to look for some kind of wall storage unit in attempt to get the dining/family room organized. You got to be creative when you live in a cottage.
I love Sundays, have a good one!
So, with Brandy in tow we hit the trail @ 7:50 am, a little later than I usually like to run, but the race in August starts at 8:30 am and well I need to adjust. The $30.00 gel inserts held up fabulously(worth every penny!), as did the $16.99 sports bra from Target however the $40.00 asics shorts insisted on wedging themselves between my ample bottom...once I accepted these terms it wasn't so bad except about 50 minutes into the run I grew painfully aware that I failed to remember to use bodyglide on my delicate upper thigh area...ouch! A pity too, I could've gone longer but had to stop after an 1hr 20 minutes due to the increased chaffing, that and the fact that Brandy was whooped! It was on the warm side and she'd plop down on the trail every so often with her tongue hanging low drawing all kinds of attention from the other dog people and I felt bad for not bringing some water for her. She had a big drink once we looped back around and again plopped down and buried her nose deep into the water bowl.
M is making blueberry pancakes and we are going to IKEA to look for some kind of wall storage unit in attempt to get the dining/family room organized. You got to be creative when you live in a cottage.
I love Sundays, have a good one!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
My Summer Lineup
So, I'm registered for 2 events in August. Another Pleasonton Tri4Fun 8/19 and my first 20K trail race in Oaklands Redwood Regional Park 8/27. I was planning to sign up for a 12K trail race at Angel Island to run, but decided to volunteer instead. I'll be working the aid station 7/8.
This morning I headed over to Tunnel Road and worked my way to the above mentioned Redwood. Now this was a perfect ride. Long gradual climbs, a comfortable ride all around. I didn't want to work too hard as I plan to hit Redwood tomorrow for a run. The Montrails are itching to get out again, especally now with the super comfy gel inserts. Pure pleasure they were on yesterdays short run, we'll see how they hold up over the long haul.
Okay, that's it for now. M and I are headed to Marine World for some serious rollercoaster riding!
This morning I headed over to Tunnel Road and worked my way to the above mentioned Redwood. Now this was a perfect ride. Long gradual climbs, a comfortable ride all around. I didn't want to work too hard as I plan to hit Redwood tomorrow for a run. The Montrails are itching to get out again, especally now with the super comfy gel inserts. Pure pleasure they were on yesterdays short run, we'll see how they hold up over the long haul.
Okay, that's it for now. M and I are headed to Marine World for some serious rollercoaster riding!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Saturday, June 17, 2006
I'm a Triathlete!
Big thanks to Mia for totally being there for me, you rock babe and I see a tri in our future!
Yep that's right, I want to do it again!
There was 1000 participants and it was a bit chaotic weaving in and around bodies and bikes. We racked our bikes and checked in. After a quick tinkle we gathered on the beach for a few instructions. My wave (5th) was the largest and I lingered long enough in the back to get cut off, which was fine by me. The water was warm like Nancy said it would be. She's a bulldog, but she's my bulldog, I just love her! Not listening too closely to what the announcer was saying I surveyed the swim route and got my stopwatch ready, remembering to hit it just before I plunged into the water.
The swim went pretty well for me. I went out with the last wave and hung back. I was able to freestyle almost all the way to the first buoy, I started to struggle so I rolled over to catch my breath and breast stroked the entire rest of the way......no dog paddle or anymore rolling over.
I finished the 1/4 mile swim in 15 minutes. I was not last.
T1 went smooth, that is once I found my stuff! I ran right past it! I had a little trouble clipping in on the bike, weaving abit. Such a rookie! I saw T out of the corner of my eye.
The ride was pretty much flat with an occasional bump compared the practice tri . I stopped looking at my watch after T1 and I'm guessing the 11 mile ride was 40 or so minutes There was a crash and I had to dodge glass at one point. I was not last.
T2 was a little confusing because I hadn't bothered to scope out where to head out for the run. Legs felt great, no cramping at all! I was slow but steady. It was starting to get pretty warm by this point and I knew I better just take it easy and save whatever kick I had for the end.
And kick I did, on the home stretch I picked up my pace and one of the volunteers shouted out
"looking strong, don't you know you just did a triathalon!!" With a big ol grin on my face I crossed the finish line according to my stop watch in 1:27:47.
It was so fun and I would like to tri again in August. For now I'll spend more time with family, but keep up with the bricks and work on the swim. During both the swim and the bike I felt so emotional. Just happy and proud. The run, a sort've crazy star-like loop was challenging especially in the heat. Seeing my family at the finish line is always the best part.
What a great event. I was sure to thank several volunteers along the way and we (triclub) took lots of pictures and plan on meeting next week for a final gathering.
What a great way to kick off the summer. I know I've been hot and cold with this tri biz. It's just too fun not to tri again. I need to keep this excitement and enthusiasm in my life, despite all the family issues.
I also want thank all you guys for your supportive comments. I means more than you know!
Yep that's right, I want to do it again!
There was 1000 participants and it was a bit chaotic weaving in and around bodies and bikes. We racked our bikes and checked in. After a quick tinkle we gathered on the beach for a few instructions. My wave (5th) was the largest and I lingered long enough in the back to get cut off, which was fine by me. The water was warm like Nancy said it would be. She's a bulldog, but she's my bulldog, I just love her! Not listening too closely to what the announcer was saying I surveyed the swim route and got my stopwatch ready, remembering to hit it just before I plunged into the water.
The swim went pretty well for me. I went out with the last wave and hung back. I was able to freestyle almost all the way to the first buoy, I started to struggle so I rolled over to catch my breath and breast stroked the entire rest of the way......no dog paddle or anymore rolling over.
I finished the 1/4 mile swim in 15 minutes. I was not last.
T1 went smooth, that is once I found my stuff! I ran right past it! I had a little trouble clipping in on the bike, weaving abit. Such a rookie! I saw T out of the corner of my eye.
The ride was pretty much flat with an occasional bump compared the practice tri . I stopped looking at my watch after T1 and I'm guessing the 11 mile ride was 40 or so minutes There was a crash and I had to dodge glass at one point. I was not last.
T2 was a little confusing because I hadn't bothered to scope out where to head out for the run. Legs felt great, no cramping at all! I was slow but steady. It was starting to get pretty warm by this point and I knew I better just take it easy and save whatever kick I had for the end.
And kick I did, on the home stretch I picked up my pace and one of the volunteers shouted out
"looking strong, don't you know you just did a triathalon!!" With a big ol grin on my face I crossed the finish line according to my stop watch in 1:27:47.
It was so fun and I would like to tri again in August. For now I'll spend more time with family, but keep up with the bricks and work on the swim. During both the swim and the bike I felt so emotional. Just happy and proud. The run, a sort've crazy star-like loop was challenging especially in the heat. Seeing my family at the finish line is always the best part.
What a great event. I was sure to thank several volunteers along the way and we (triclub) took lots of pictures and plan on meeting next week for a final gathering.
What a great way to kick off the summer. I know I've been hot and cold with this tri biz. It's just too fun not to tri again. I need to keep this excitement and enthusiasm in my life, despite all the family issues.
I also want thank all you guys for your supportive comments. I means more than you know!
Race Day Morning 6.17.06
It's 4:27 am and while I'll admit to being a little nervous about the swim ( a feeling I've grown accustomed to!) I'm not afraid. The swim is my newest discipline, one that I've given much attention to yet I'm in the early stages of still. This event today is the culmination of that effort. Freestyle hasn't really happened outside the pool much and so I approach this thing with a determined yet humble heart. I haven't given the lake it's due but not because I'm a slacker but more because I've only just started making strides in the pool. The lake will tolerate my presence today because she knows that I've worked hard. I haven't earned the right to dominate her yet but I can hold my own.
It's so cool .....yeah, this silly little sprint....that's got me schlepping my tail around at 4 freaking o'clock in the morning feeling like a true athlete, a warrior even.
Ok, let's do this thing!
It's so cool .....yeah, this silly little sprint....that's got me schlepping my tail around at 4 freaking o'clock in the morning feeling like a true athlete, a warrior even.
Ok, let's do this thing!
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