At thirteen, I had surgery to correct a nasty set of hammer toes. All four little toes. Both feet. The doc fused the joints and stuck a pin down through the bone; the pin stuck out the top of each toe at an L shape for about 6 weeks.
During that 6 weeks, I turned 14 which allowed me to go to our church youth conference--and to dance. I was supposed to be confined to orthopedic shoes and crutches, but there was no way I was going to be seen with either. I wore (I feel myself blushing in remembrance)lavender stirrup tights with a gusseted skirt and a long purple shaker sweater. I was styling! I can't recall what shoes I had picked out to wear, but I do remember dancing barefoot-- with all 8 pins sticking out the tops of 8 of my toes.
Often on my long rides, those fused joints rub together and cause all sorts of trouble. I had to stop backpacking after almost not making it out of a long trip through Wildcat Canyon and the West Rim in Zion.
Finding shoes my size is tough, but add on the restrictions caused by a couple really painful spots caused by that surgery and I have an ugly little problem.
Enter the Podiatrist...
I met with Doctor Scott today. He examined my feet, and the x-ray of my right foot and basically told me he could fix me up. I can't even tell you how excited I am. It could be sooner than later, depending on my work schedule (So far, I was asked to stay on another 8 weeks while a coworker is having some medical issues. Head down, keep working and laughing. Someday there may be something to tell). It would definitely be after the Triathlon--coming up so quick.
We ran this morning, which was really fun, hard, beautiful, cold. After we had been running for about 25 minutes, I got to a point where I was just done running. We started to walk the rest of the way to our cool down point (always at the apron of the curb) but my brain kicked in and started demanding that I finish the job. We ran the rest of the way.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 60: Extra Long Day
We awoke at 4:25 Mountain Time (3:25 Pacific time)and drove to the Salt Lake airport through a thick layer of sludgy snow on the road with snow continuing to fall. We made it through security and onto the plane as they were announcing the final boarding call. I slept a little bit. When I awoke, we were flying over my bike route. All the way up Newport to Long Beach. It gives that route an entirely new perspective to cover ground that usually take me a couple hours in just a few minutes.
We had a little turbulence during our descent. After we landed and were waiting to disembark, a boy, around 7 years old, stood in the aisle next to me waiting to exit and obviously in a lot of distress. His parents were a couple rows behind us on the other side of the plane, asking him if he was going to throw up. I grabbed the airsick bag in the seat back in front of me, opened it and handed it to him. His parents thanked me. I asked the kid about his trip, he told me this was his 7th flight and that he had never gotten sick before. I tickled the back of his neck and told him he was doing a great job. His dad stood up with his arm stretched outward, pointing at me. Oh dear, I shouldn't have touched his kid, I thought. Then the dad said, "I know you! You helped my wife with her wedding dress!"
16 years ago, I worked for a bridal dress company in Provo, Utah. That cute couple came in looking for a wedding dress. She tried on several dresses and bought one that looked so beautiful on her. It was sweet and simple and beautiful. She came back in later to pick up her dress and bawled her eyes out when she tried it on again, that she had made a huge mistake, that it was out dated and awful. What could I say? The shop had a no return, no exchange policy and I had zero leverage. All I could say was what was in my heart, that she looked amazing, that the dress was an accent to her and not vice versa as most bridal gowns are. Of all the people I assisted choosing a gown during the 3 months I worked there, they are the only two I remember.
It's a really fun experience to travel from cold, snowy, conservative, mainly white Utah to warm, sunny, multicultural southern California. We stopped in Little Saigon for breakfast and picked up lunch as well. Chinese doughnuts: a ball of glutinous rice filled with sweet yellow bean paste and coated with sesame seeds and then fried to a crisp. We also shared a pate-something, which tasted more like an Australian sausage roll than an Australian sausage roll! It was a puff pastry shell with a bit of some sort of sausage in it. All I can say is, Yum! But I'm really glad we shared it, as I am feeling my Thanksgiving belly sneaking up. For lunch: over the counter Bun, which is a Vietnamese dish of thin rice vermicelli noodles served cold with grilled meats and vegetables and a sauce.
Tonight, after work, we came home an made one batch of my traditional fruit cake/ Christmas cake. Saturday I am selling my wares at a private craft show in Fullerton. Locals, please email me if you are interested. There will be 16 vendors, so now is the time to get your shopping done!
We swam tonight--without goggles because they were still packed in my luggage. It wasn't a long swim, but at least it was a something! So cold tonight--Utah-daytime-cold kind of cold!
I have been awake for way too long to do the math. Any guesses? Good night, friends!
We had a little turbulence during our descent. After we landed and were waiting to disembark, a boy, around 7 years old, stood in the aisle next to me waiting to exit and obviously in a lot of distress. His parents were a couple rows behind us on the other side of the plane, asking him if he was going to throw up. I grabbed the airsick bag in the seat back in front of me, opened it and handed it to him. His parents thanked me. I asked the kid about his trip, he told me this was his 7th flight and that he had never gotten sick before. I tickled the back of his neck and told him he was doing a great job. His dad stood up with his arm stretched outward, pointing at me. Oh dear, I shouldn't have touched his kid, I thought. Then the dad said, "I know you! You helped my wife with her wedding dress!"
16 years ago, I worked for a bridal dress company in Provo, Utah. That cute couple came in looking for a wedding dress. She tried on several dresses and bought one that looked so beautiful on her. It was sweet and simple and beautiful. She came back in later to pick up her dress and bawled her eyes out when she tried it on again, that she had made a huge mistake, that it was out dated and awful. What could I say? The shop had a no return, no exchange policy and I had zero leverage. All I could say was what was in my heart, that she looked amazing, that the dress was an accent to her and not vice versa as most bridal gowns are. Of all the people I assisted choosing a gown during the 3 months I worked there, they are the only two I remember.
It's a really fun experience to travel from cold, snowy, conservative, mainly white Utah to warm, sunny, multicultural southern California. We stopped in Little Saigon for breakfast and picked up lunch as well. Chinese doughnuts: a ball of glutinous rice filled with sweet yellow bean paste and coated with sesame seeds and then fried to a crisp. We also shared a pate-something, which tasted more like an Australian sausage roll than an Australian sausage roll! It was a puff pastry shell with a bit of some sort of sausage in it. All I can say is, Yum! But I'm really glad we shared it, as I am feeling my Thanksgiving belly sneaking up. For lunch: over the counter Bun, which is a Vietnamese dish of thin rice vermicelli noodles served cold with grilled meats and vegetables and a sauce.
Tonight, after work, we came home an made one batch of my traditional fruit cake/ Christmas cake. Saturday I am selling my wares at a private craft show in Fullerton. Locals, please email me if you are interested. There will be 16 vendors, so now is the time to get your shopping done!
We swam tonight--without goggles because they were still packed in my luggage. It wasn't a long swim, but at least it was a something! So cold tonight--Utah-daytime-cold kind of cold!
I have been awake for way too long to do the math. Any guesses? Good night, friends!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Day 59: Snow
Above the arctic line, the winter was so cold it never snowed. Not until spring, after it had warmed to the early teens and twenties in the spring. The snow stayed packed on the roadways in neat white ribbons boardered by sometimes 6 foot walls of packed snow. Any new accumulations creaked underfoot like tennies on a gym floor.
Tatiana Ivanevna's family and I had spent an evening in Iscatily (sp?) with Natasha Ivanevna, Tatiana's sister. There had been food and dancing and far too much vodka and wine; all to help celebrate Natasha's birthday. We were headed home via bus but waited half an hour in the cold for the bus. Glittering snowflakes swirled in the air and on the snowpack. In the distance I heard a lone cricket chirping away...
It was a full five minutes before I realized that there was no way that the sound I was hearing could possibly have been a cricket. If puppies froze into hockey-pucks out there on the ice, how could a cricket possibly survive? I looked around and discovered my cricket was actually a huge snow paver, it's exhaust valve sqeaking open with a cricketlike chirp.
This morning I was awakened by Provo public works plowing the 4-5 inches of snow off the street. I love flavorful weather.
Tatiana Ivanevna's family and I had spent an evening in Iscatily (sp?) with Natasha Ivanevna, Tatiana's sister. There had been food and dancing and far too much vodka and wine; all to help celebrate Natasha's birthday. We were headed home via bus but waited half an hour in the cold for the bus. Glittering snowflakes swirled in the air and on the snowpack. In the distance I heard a lone cricket chirping away...
It was a full five minutes before I realized that there was no way that the sound I was hearing could possibly have been a cricket. If puppies froze into hockey-pucks out there on the ice, how could a cricket possibly survive? I looked around and discovered my cricket was actually a huge snow paver, it's exhaust valve sqeaking open with a cricketlike chirp.
This morning I was awakened by Provo public works plowing the 4-5 inches of snow off the street. I love flavorful weather.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Day 58: pink
Most women in Nar'yan Mar don't cover their faces in the winter. Their cheeks glow red under fur caps and scarves. They rely on each other to look into each others faces and to warn if the skin on noses or cheeks turn white with frost. Skin can freeze without much notice if it has already been damaged by frost. One morning while on my way to teach, I was about to pass a woman whose cheek was spotted with one dime size white patch. I barely speak Russian, but was able to sign to her by rubbing my own cheek, that she had a problem.
This morning we ran on the Boneville shoreline trail. It was a very cold morning and the sky and lake were brilliant pink. I think I may have frozen my lungs. Or stretched them in uncomfortable ways. Apparently, most of our lungs look like deflated bags hanging in our chests. We only use a all portion of them. When we run or exert energy (or go up several thousand feet in elevation?) which causes us to need more breath, our lungs expand. Today, my lungs stayed burning and clear for hours after. Youch.
Things I'm greatful for:
chocolate covered cinammon bears
impromptu chocolate tastings at Harmons with Matt and April
dinner with Stephanie and Tom and our amazing nieces and nephews (she is doing awesome)
family photos
the Bloch exhibit (awesome)
This morning we ran on the Boneville shoreline trail. It was a very cold morning and the sky and lake were brilliant pink. I think I may have frozen my lungs. Or stretched them in uncomfortable ways. Apparently, most of our lungs look like deflated bags hanging in our chests. We only use a all portion of them. When we run or exert energy (or go up several thousand feet in elevation?) which causes us to need more breath, our lungs expand. Today, my lungs stayed burning and clear for hours after. Youch.
Things I'm greatful for:
chocolate covered cinammon bears
impromptu chocolate tastings at Harmons with Matt and April
dinner with Stephanie and Tom and our amazing nieces and nephews (she is doing awesome)
family photos
the Bloch exhibit (awesome)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Day 57: foodie Thanksgiving
We just got home from the Dastrup's traditional quotient of their
untraditional Thanksgiving weekend. Each year the Dastrups get
together with friends Andrew and Simi, who own and operate Rooster on
University in Provo. They make food all weekend long, their families
having a giant sleepover. Both families have a passion for good food,
both eating it and making it. There is no formal sit down to dinner,
things are set out for everyone as soon as they are ready.
untraditional Thanksgiving weekend. Each year the Dastrups get
together with friends Andrew and Simi, who own and operate Rooster on
University in Provo. They make food all weekend long, their families
having a giant sleepover. Both families have a passion for good food,
both eating it and making it. There is no formal sit down to dinner,
things are set out for everyone as soon as they are ready.
Day one-Thursday- consisted of pork belly on steamed buns with
quickles--quickly pickled cucumber, braised ribs, fennel/apple/blue
cheese/pecan salad, baked French toast, quail eggs, etc...
Tonight we had a garlicky turkey, mashed potatoes with ample butter
and cream, asperagas with yummy sauce/mushrooms/pecans/and cheese, the
best mushroom rissoto I have ever eaten, the same apple fennel salad,
banana cream pie, pumpkin cheese cake, an amazing appetizer made from
mint and parsley pesto with chevre and raspberry jam, super yummy
stuffing made with mushrooms and Jimmy dean sausage. I know I'm
forgetting things, but it's late!
We swam about half a mile today in a local pool. At home we filter our
water to make it taste a little better. Utah water is fresh and clean
straight from the tap. If I swallow water in Cali, I gag, sometimes to
the point I almost throw up. The water in the pool here didn't have
that affect on me at all--not that I would want to drink it straight
from the pool... Ewww.
From Iris's iPhone
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 56: Thanksgiving
In my cycle journey journal, at the end of each day, I would write the top few things I was most thankful for that day. Today is a blessed day to say thanks. So here is my top be-gratitudes for the day:
Velor teal leisure wear in very long lengths!
Photo texts--you know who you are!!!
Food, especially Butter- so abundant and ample for days like today
The warmth of central heating
Not just overcoming but thriving
my dang cats
My cute condo hanging out in sunny Cali.
Sunrises and sunsets, stars, mountains, the ocean
Knowing how to read. And good books, of course
My health
My family--especially my sisters
My relationship with God
My amazingly supportive JE
Velor teal leisure wear in very long lengths!
Photo texts--you know who you are!!!
Food, especially Butter- so abundant and ample for days like today
The warmth of central heating
Not just overcoming but thriving
my dang cats
My cute condo hanging out in sunny Cali.
Sunrises and sunsets, stars, mountains, the ocean
Knowing how to read. And good books, of course
My health
My family--especially my sisters
My relationship with God
My amazingly supportive JE
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 55:
Today Becky Smith picked us up from the airport and took us to one of our all time favorite restaurants. Salt lake city has a gem of a restaurant called the Red Iguana. They serve Mexican with lots of warm, unexpected spices. Their layered enchilada was amazing. It was super fun to see my friend.
Burning my wick at both ends today and pretty beat. Didn't get any real physical training in today. Tomorrow is a must!
From Iris's iPhone
Day 54: packing
A friend was making fun of NYC girls who wear the girl-uniform of a velor warm-up suit. He finds them completely uninteresting and boring. I, on the other hand, would almost give up a digit to own one that was long enough not to just look silly. It arrived in the mail today, and I still have all my fingers and toes. For me, it is an uncommon luxury. Girl clothes that fit! LongTallSally.com.
As I was leaving Russia, with my two suitcases filled with a goodly portion of my earthly possession, I met a woman who checked one of my bags as if it were her own, thereby allowing me to avoid a heady service charge. She was going on a three month holiday to Georgia and had all of her necessities in a bag much smaller than most girl's purses. I have since then learned to pack small. My bike trip was a good example of what is really necessary vs the fluff. Packing more than a backpack is a tough thing for my pride.
I'm as baffled about what to pack for the next few days of freezing cold and snowy Utah, as I have been about writing this snippet all evening. Do I take the new leisure wear? What shoes? Do I take my running shoes-which are sopping wet still from our morning run (cold and MUDDY! but fun--still hard). I am taking my swim suit and goggles--I WILL find somewhere to swim. All these layers add up, and when I start thinking about changes of clothes for different activities, the fasionista in me, and being warm--nothing seems to coincide! Ack! In the end, perhaps it is, "Leave the gun, take the cannoli..."
As I was leaving Russia, with my two suitcases filled with a goodly portion of my earthly possession, I met a woman who checked one of my bags as if it were her own, thereby allowing me to avoid a heady service charge. She was going on a three month holiday to Georgia and had all of her necessities in a bag much smaller than most girl's purses. I have since then learned to pack small. My bike trip was a good example of what is really necessary vs the fluff. Packing more than a backpack is a tough thing for my pride.
I'm as baffled about what to pack for the next few days of freezing cold and snowy Utah, as I have been about writing this snippet all evening. Do I take the new leisure wear? What shoes? Do I take my running shoes-which are sopping wet still from our morning run (cold and MUDDY! but fun--still hard). I am taking my swim suit and goggles--I WILL find somewhere to swim. All these layers add up, and when I start thinking about changes of clothes for different activities, the fasionista in me, and being warm--nothing seems to coincide! Ack! In the end, perhaps it is, "Leave the gun, take the cannoli..."
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day 53: Californian, Dang!
We moved to Detroit in the winter of 2003 with high hopes and great expectations. In our car was packed everything we would need until our moving truck arrived. While Utah was cold, it could not touch that wet cold that was Detroit winter. We pulled up to our hotel and I jumped out. There was frozen sludge everywhere with water running under it, so the street was oozing with cold. As I stood looking at the gray snow in the gutter, I wondered what on earth we had done by moving there.
The following winter found us living in Southern California, swimming through October and even November in the Great Pacific, flaunting our newness in T-shirts and sandals. We laughed ourselves silly and thought so critically of the Californians walking on the beach in their giant down parkas and Uggs in 60 degree weather. This is CALIFORNIA! THIS IS AMAZING!
This October, we celebrated our 7th year here. It has been an unseasonably cool year and the past few days has only reached the mid 60s. I was shaking in my boots (not quite, but almost, Uggs) and covered with goosebumps wishing for a down parka.
Wednesday we fly to Utah, where we will be greeted with a forecast temperature of 15 degrees. I hope I remember how to layer up...
This morning's run was really cold. Ears and muscles. But we did run! Hard work on mornings were I can see my breath. I've become a Californian. Dang it!
The following winter found us living in Southern California, swimming through October and even November in the Great Pacific, flaunting our newness in T-shirts and sandals. We laughed ourselves silly and thought so critically of the Californians walking on the beach in their giant down parkas and Uggs in 60 degree weather. This is CALIFORNIA! THIS IS AMAZING!
This October, we celebrated our 7th year here. It has been an unseasonably cool year and the past few days has only reached the mid 60s. I was shaking in my boots (not quite, but almost, Uggs) and covered with goosebumps wishing for a down parka.
Wednesday we fly to Utah, where we will be greeted with a forecast temperature of 15 degrees. I hope I remember how to layer up...
This morning's run was really cold. Ears and muscles. But we did run! Hard work on mornings were I can see my breath. I've become a Californian. Dang it!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Day 52: Mom
Last January, my Mom was admitted to the hospital because she was having a hard time breathing. The following day she went down with code blue respiratory arrest. The staff revived her, but she was on life-support. I flew in to Seattle and my sweet friend took me the 120 miles to my parents town. Lisa, my older sister, drove up from Portland. We listened to the doctors tell us about mom's condition, that she was currently on life-support, and that they would monitor her. She was under a lot of sedation, because she kept trying to pull the tubes from her throat. The doctors didn't think she would live through the night. The following day, I called JE and my other sister, Tia and her sweetheart and asked them to come up.
The Doc said we, as a family, needed to decide if mom was going to have a permanent trache put in with constant life support, or if we thought she would want us to pull the plug. Tough choice. We figured no one would want to live like that, so we opted to pull the plug.
We gathered around mom when they took her tubes out. She was lucid, but weak and her throat hurt. She asked for Popsicle. As the day wore on, she got stronger and stronger. When she asked for her 13th Popsicle of the day, the nurses decided that perhaps they should take her blood sugar levels. She continued to gain strength until she was released from ICU and put into a regular hospital room. We never saw that doctor again.
She and Dad live in a little one bedroom apartment. I spoke with her tonight as JE and I walked on the beach in Laguna Beach. She is doing better, it was a great conversation.
Today in church JE walked by where I was sitting. I jumped up and started following him. Right before he went into the classroom, I grabbed his seat with both hands. He turned slowly, looked at me and smiled. "I'm just glad that was you..." he said. He thought I was someone else for a moment, and was really hoping I wasn't anyone else.
After church we came home and made a salad:
Bruschetta Salad
3 parts grape tomatoes, halved
2 parts avocado, cubed
1 part kalamata olives, halved
1 part onion, sliced thin
1 part fresh basil leaves, torn
2 parts mozzarella, cubed
2 parts Croutons
Add to taste:
garlic, crushed
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
grated parm or Romano cheese
salt and pepper
The croutons made this salad especially yummy!
This weeks plan:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Warm up/walk 10 min, Run 30 min, working in 3 sets of 1 minute sprints. Cool down 10 min)
Cycle commute when accessible
15 push-ups, 25 crunch sit ups, 15 body weight squats, and 12 lunges, each leg. Keep good form and if you feel good, do THREE sets!
Tuesday Thursday--hopefully a pool somewhere will be open, otherwise RUN!!! Or Yoga
Warm up/easy swim Freestyle 600 yards (15 laps) Cool down 100 yards (4 laps)
Yoga when Pool is unavailable
Cycle to and from work 7-10 miles each way
10-15 minutes basic flow yoga, 15 steps up, 12 reverse lunges, 20 crunch sit ups – if you feel good, do THREE sets!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Day 51: Movement vs. Calories
We walked into a local bookseller at the mall, and stopped at the first table. There, displayed on the closest corner, was a large coffee table book called; What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets. We spent the next 45 minutes completely engrossed.
It starts simply with a Masai herdsman who eats 800 calories a day. Pictured is the Masai herdsman and his daily food, placed before him. It continues on like that, through many countries and occupations, until it reaches a woman (in England, no less) who eats more than 12,000 calories a day, mostly in junk food. There were truck drivers from a couple countries, astronauts, caregivers, farmers, refugees, veterans, a model, and an iron worker. All were beautifully photographed and profiled with their days food before them.
What was especially interesting was the back to back profiles of a sumo wrestler who eats 2,500 calories a day and a muscular, well built California surfer who eats the same. The sumo was taller than the surfer and almost double his weight. This leads me to believe there is a whole lot to movement and work. That thought is especially confirmed when looking at those people in the world with 8,600 calorie diets, like the Mongolians (yah, crazy, right? But it was mostly horse milk). The Mongolian plains people are very fit humans, they work so hard.
When I was complaining about not losing the weight I was expecting with all my new activity, Melodie said to me, "Why does it have to be about weight loss? Why can't it just be that you run and swim now?" That has been milling around in my head for a couple weeks. The one thing I miss is my time: to read, sew, watch a movie, etc. I've never been much for just sitting, but now with my work schedule as well as my training schedule, I recognize the beauty of just having a day.
Perhaps that is what happened today. With sleeping in, all the rain this morning and all the things on my to-do list, I lost my whole day without a workout--except for cleaning the house. It will just have to do for today, even though there are only 97 days until I compete... yikes!
It starts simply with a Masai herdsman who eats 800 calories a day. Pictured is the Masai herdsman and his daily food, placed before him. It continues on like that, through many countries and occupations, until it reaches a woman (in England, no less) who eats more than 12,000 calories a day, mostly in junk food. There were truck drivers from a couple countries, astronauts, caregivers, farmers, refugees, veterans, a model, and an iron worker. All were beautifully photographed and profiled with their days food before them.
What was especially interesting was the back to back profiles of a sumo wrestler who eats 2,500 calories a day and a muscular, well built California surfer who eats the same. The sumo was taller than the surfer and almost double his weight. This leads me to believe there is a whole lot to movement and work. That thought is especially confirmed when looking at those people in the world with 8,600 calorie diets, like the Mongolians (yah, crazy, right? But it was mostly horse milk). The Mongolian plains people are very fit humans, they work so hard.
When I was complaining about not losing the weight I was expecting with all my new activity, Melodie said to me, "Why does it have to be about weight loss? Why can't it just be that you run and swim now?" That has been milling around in my head for a couple weeks. The one thing I miss is my time: to read, sew, watch a movie, etc. I've never been much for just sitting, but now with my work schedule as well as my training schedule, I recognize the beauty of just having a day.
Perhaps that is what happened today. With sleeping in, all the rain this morning and all the things on my to-do list, I lost my whole day without a workout--except for cleaning the house. It will just have to do for today, even though there are only 97 days until I compete... yikes!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Day 50(!!!): Nostalgia
This morning we ran under a heavy cover of gray moist air, a welcome relief from all the dry we have been having. The air was filled with the smell of eucalyptus and lemon verbena, a very nostalgic smell for me, having lived a year and a half in Australia. There, eucs dominate the landscape. The terrain in a euc grove is unique--it is almost bare except for the rolls of bark the trees shed each autumn.
While I was living there, a friend took me to hike in a pine grove. I remember so clearly talking excitedly about the pines of my native state, Washington. The smell there brought that same nostalgia for home. It rained while we were hiking, soaking us through, perfectly reminiscent of my hometown.
I wonder what my mom thought of California when she visited. My mother came from Australia when she was in her mid twenties, following my dad a year after they met, though she would never admit that. Dad was in the service and had been on R&R in Sydney. He was the only church goer on his ship and decided to see what kind of services were going on that night. He met my mom, wearing her stilettos and gored skirt and asked if she knew where the church was. She told him to follow her, and their little joke is that he has been following her ever since.
Come to think of it, she did talk about how all the trees in Cali were imported from Australia, as if that made Australia superior. A lot of things my mom said made Australia seem much more superior. I wonder if that is how it felt when I talked about the pines back home. I guess in some ways, to her, Australia was a better place. There is a lot of home-ness in whatever is familiar. However, she hasn't been back since I was born...
It was a 3 mile run this morning, followed by a great cycle commute to work where the proverbial crud is still hitting the fan. Head down, keep working, but that is so much more difficult to do these days! Only 2 more days with a weekend between!
Before I left for work, I put a huge pot of Turkey Stew in the oven to be ready when we got home. We topped it off with dumplings, so yummy. And now date-night with my sweet.
While I was living there, a friend took me to hike in a pine grove. I remember so clearly talking excitedly about the pines of my native state, Washington. The smell there brought that same nostalgia for home. It rained while we were hiking, soaking us through, perfectly reminiscent of my hometown.
I wonder what my mom thought of California when she visited. My mother came from Australia when she was in her mid twenties, following my dad a year after they met, though she would never admit that. Dad was in the service and had been on R&R in Sydney. He was the only church goer on his ship and decided to see what kind of services were going on that night. He met my mom, wearing her stilettos and gored skirt and asked if she knew where the church was. She told him to follow her, and their little joke is that he has been following her ever since.
Come to think of it, she did talk about how all the trees in Cali were imported from Australia, as if that made Australia superior. A lot of things my mom said made Australia seem much more superior. I wonder if that is how it felt when I talked about the pines back home. I guess in some ways, to her, Australia was a better place. There is a lot of home-ness in whatever is familiar. However, she hasn't been back since I was born...
It was a 3 mile run this morning, followed by a great cycle commute to work where the proverbial crud is still hitting the fan. Head down, keep working, but that is so much more difficult to do these days! Only 2 more days with a weekend between!
Before I left for work, I put a huge pot of Turkey Stew in the oven to be ready when we got home. We topped it off with dumplings, so yummy. And now date-night with my sweet.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Day 49: Marley
"He's been my friend for 7 years. I've been mourning him for the past three months," my sister Tia said to me when I called her at lunch. She was talking about her hound dog Marley Moose, who I have always called Bo-bo. Marley was a rescue from a shelter. When Tia and Matt picked him up, he had a few really big tell tale signs of abuse and neglect. Months of training and allowing Marley to trust again, led to a really wonderful relationship between dog and man.
Whenever I visited, He always remembered me and greeted me with wagging body and tail. I often played a game of chase with Marley around the center pillar of Tia's house. The living room, kitchen and dining room are all connected by doorways. I would run one way and Marley would chase me until he figured out that if he changed directions, he could often catch me and make me scream. He loved to scare me, he looked so mischievous. Sometimes, I arose early and sat on the back patio with Marley, watching birds or squirrels. He had an arch-nemesis squirrel at one point, who used to tease him crazy. One day Mr. Squirrel lost his temper with Marley and jumped down from his safe spot to scold our Marley. Marley made short work of that squirrel! Poor, stupid, dead squirrel.
Tia often called me on her runs with Marley. Her constant, "Good Boy!" or "No! Leave It!" were just part of the conversation.
In August, Marley started slowing his gait and had a hard time finishing their short walks. His shoulder seemed stiff and sore so that he didn't want to go outside or up and down the stairs. The vet said there was nothing that could be done, except to make him as comfortable as possible. Tia and Matt have been watching him decline. This afternoon Tia fed Marley four steaks and made his last day on earth as sweet as possible. Tonight, they said good-bye to Marley.
Pets are remarkable things. My family has always treated our animals as part of the family. My Didi cat has been giving me grief lately about how infrequently I sew at home these days. She rents her room out to me and allows me to sew there, as long as I feed her and give her loves. Brat.
Moncha cat has figured out a way to manipulate me so he can sleep in my armpit, even when I try to push him away.Again, Brat!
In just less than 100 days, this Triathlon will be over and I may get a chance to do something else besides run, bike, work, swim, eat and sleep--hopefully more of the latter...
We swam today. I swam for just shy of an hour. My warm up and cool down, plus: 15 straight laps, 12 laps with the figure 8 shaped floaty between my knees, and probably 20 laps with my snorkel flippers. The flippers taught me a lot about kicking, rolling and where my stroke should come from. Neat! Now I need sleep! Good night!
Day 48: Guavas and a man hunt
At work yesterday, a friend handed me a paper bag filled with guavas from her backyard tree. Large and ripe, these guavas gave off a fantastic smell, somewhere between cat pee and a bad case of body odor. I had them sitting on my table all day with the bag folded down, I had almost forgotten they were there. Toward the end of the day anyone who came near my table remarked on a terrible smell coming from the trash can. Someone offered to take the trash out. Others wondered if the sink was clogged. I was busily putting final touches on a job that needed to be done before I left and wasn't really paying attention until one of the faculty started to get really serious about the smell. I joked that it was me, and people got a little uncomfortable. That was when I remembered the guavas...
I forgot them again last night. They sat in the car after I got home and not remembered until this morning at 4 am when I woke up to go watch the Leonids and feed the cat. She was out of food, so I went down to the garage where we keep a couple emergency cans. At the bottom of the stairs the smell of something rotten greeted me and I wondered what on earth could have crawled to our doorstep and died. Then I remembered the guavas...
This morning, when I told JE about the guavas, he said he wondered if the water was rotting in the washer he had just moved downstairs. Guavas are really smelly, but tasty--like fine cheese...
This morning we ran, fueled by guavas, out in the wilderness area behind our condo. Technically this area is posted No Trespassing, however, the barbed wire fence which separates us from some amazing dirt tracks is low enough to straddle. Particularly when the people straddling it have really really long legs. A couple years ago, JE was walking in this area on his way home from work. A bunch of city employees spotted him and started to chase him. He out-smarted them and diverged onto a fenced in fire road--he climbed the fence. (He's quick. I watched him trip on a speed bump once, he magically pulled a stuntman maneuver, rolled and was on his feet again in no time flat.)
This morning as we ran, we saw several city trucks on the trail ahead of us. Rather than backtrack, we decided to press our luck and run right by the trucks. The city employees were gathered around a big hole they were working in just off the trail. We shouted a hearty Good Morning! as we ran by and in return were greeted with a slightly less enthusiastic 'Morning.' The important thing is that they didn't chase us!
We spent the day in LA at the LA auto show with BC. Really fun day! We had a few star sightings that we soon realized were actually part of the Lotus unveiling. The KIA Pop and the Infinity Essence were my favorite concept cars. Awesome! Afterward we ate at Coles--the original french dip sandwich place and then walked around the farmer's market. Awesome day, thanks JE and BC!
I forgot them again last night. They sat in the car after I got home and not remembered until this morning at 4 am when I woke up to go watch the Leonids and feed the cat. She was out of food, so I went down to the garage where we keep a couple emergency cans. At the bottom of the stairs the smell of something rotten greeted me and I wondered what on earth could have crawled to our doorstep and died. Then I remembered the guavas...
This morning, when I told JE about the guavas, he said he wondered if the water was rotting in the washer he had just moved downstairs. Guavas are really smelly, but tasty--like fine cheese...
This morning we ran, fueled by guavas, out in the wilderness area behind our condo. Technically this area is posted No Trespassing, however, the barbed wire fence which separates us from some amazing dirt tracks is low enough to straddle. Particularly when the people straddling it have really really long legs. A couple years ago, JE was walking in this area on his way home from work. A bunch of city employees spotted him and started to chase him. He out-smarted them and diverged onto a fenced in fire road--he climbed the fence. (He's quick. I watched him trip on a speed bump once, he magically pulled a stuntman maneuver, rolled and was on his feet again in no time flat.)
This morning as we ran, we saw several city trucks on the trail ahead of us. Rather than backtrack, we decided to press our luck and run right by the trucks. The city employees were gathered around a big hole they were working in just off the trail. We shouted a hearty Good Morning! as we ran by and in return were greeted with a slightly less enthusiastic 'Morning.' The important thing is that they didn't chase us!
We spent the day in LA at the LA auto show with BC. Really fun day! We had a few star sightings that we soon realized were actually part of the Lotus unveiling. The KIA Pop and the Infinity Essence were my favorite concept cars. Awesome! Afterward we ate at Coles--the original french dip sandwich place and then walked around the farmer's market. Awesome day, thanks JE and BC!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 47: Tuesday
Gram called, excited about an article she had read about the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and their costume display. She loves the arts. During the Great Depression, she went to Boston to study Dress Design and pattern making. Everyday she and her friend walked to a soda fountain and got a sandwich and a Coke. Her father owned a company and was able to keep people employed making wire.
She is doing much better since her fall and has been able to join back into her social scene. She walked down to the Lake today for an art class.
Steph on the other hand, has had some severe pain in her leg. She went in for her radiation treatment and was hospitalized to control the pain. Pray for her, pray for her sweet family. She just needs to get through this pain so she can be treated for the thing that is making the pain.
JE researched an Olympic size pool. We swam there this morning before work. It was interesting. The lanes are turned sideways, making more lap lanes. As it is, it's only about 5 yards longer than the pool I've been swimming, It was tough. Those few extra yards--I have to remember what DA said about swimming monotonously while I'm out there. It's just so dang monotonous! With Cycling and Running, there is so much outside stimulus, lots of things to see and hear and be aware of. With swimming, there is: is my stroke quick enough? is my butt floating? is my kicking effective? ooh lookie, a bandaid... my arms are on fire.
Leonid Meteor showers are tonight through Sunday. 2 hours before dawn is the best time to see them.
She is doing much better since her fall and has been able to join back into her social scene. She walked down to the Lake today for an art class.
Steph on the other hand, has had some severe pain in her leg. She went in for her radiation treatment and was hospitalized to control the pain. Pray for her, pray for her sweet family. She just needs to get through this pain so she can be treated for the thing that is making the pain.
JE researched an Olympic size pool. We swam there this morning before work. It was interesting. The lanes are turned sideways, making more lap lanes. As it is, it's only about 5 yards longer than the pool I've been swimming, It was tough. Those few extra yards--I have to remember what DA said about swimming monotonously while I'm out there. It's just so dang monotonous! With Cycling and Running, there is so much outside stimulus, lots of things to see and hear and be aware of. With swimming, there is: is my stroke quick enough? is my butt floating? is my kicking effective? ooh lookie, a bandaid... my arms are on fire.
Leonid Meteor showers are tonight through Sunday. 2 hours before dawn is the best time to see them.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Day 46: In pioneer days: a visit to Santiago Canyon sixty years ago
Around 9 this morning, I left the dentist office. It was a wide open, blue sky day with loads of possibilities. The thought of riding a century to San Diego and taking the train home crossed my mind, but soon was dispelled by the realization that I really only had 8 hours of daylight and no provisions or maps. So I headed inland and headed up the Aliso Creek trail on Little Red. Happenstance, I met a friend from church on the trail who may be running the tri with me. She pointed out how to navigate the trail.
Years ago, around the era of Theodore Roosevelt, Santiago Canyon was considered Southern California's premier big game hunting reserve. Grizzlies still ran wild here. There were few houses. I just read a great article about a man who went hunting here with some buddies and shot a grizzly for meat--totally worth reading.
In pioneer days: a visit to Santiago Canyon sixty years ago
Even now, with the fresh asphalt and reflective tags, Santiago Canyon has an air of wild that transcends time. I need to go back there. New favorite ride.
All in all, my ride was only 30 miles. I got lost a couple times in Tustin on unfamiliar bike trail, but eventually found my way to JE's work. We went to SW Seafood for lunch-Shrimp with Snow peas and Broccoli.
This morning's run was really invigorating. 3 miles-35 minutes. And tomorrow we head to an Olympic size pool to test that out.
Years ago, around the era of Theodore Roosevelt, Santiago Canyon was considered Southern California's premier big game hunting reserve. Grizzlies still ran wild here. There were few houses. I just read a great article about a man who went hunting here with some buddies and shot a grizzly for meat--totally worth reading.
In pioneer days: a visit to Santiago Canyon sixty years ago
Even now, with the fresh asphalt and reflective tags, Santiago Canyon has an air of wild that transcends time. I need to go back there. New favorite ride.
All in all, my ride was only 30 miles. I got lost a couple times in Tustin on unfamiliar bike trail, but eventually found my way to JE's work. We went to SW Seafood for lunch-Shrimp with Snow peas and Broccoli.
This morning's run was really invigorating. 3 miles-35 minutes. And tomorrow we head to an Olympic size pool to test that out.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Day 45: Rest Day
This is the little bear I made for my dad when I was quite young. He is my reminder of how far in my sewing skills I have come. I think I need a reminder for myself tonight with my training.
A month and a half ago:
Running: 2 blocks on, one block off for a mile and a half with major tendinitis of my Achilles tendon.
Swimming: A couple laps with huge gaps of frustration in not understanding the physics of swimming, also figuring out how to breath.
Cycling: long and lackadaisical.
Day 45 of training:
Running: 3 miles in 30 minutes. Usually walking only in the later part of the week and only for short distances. I have figured out how to manage my Achilles better by warming up, stretching, wearing better shoes, ice, and meds.
Swimming: Still figuring out the physics of swimming, but able to swim 480 yards solid- including flip-turns. Also 320 yards combined of warm up/cool down
Cycling: Improving my cadence, one ride at a time. Still prefer long and lackadaisical...
I think my eating habits have actually gotten worse over the past few weeks. I'm just not being responsible. Time to stick with my cardinal rules for baking and sweets in general:
1) don't bake unless I have company or someone/where to take it.
2) Don't keep it in the house--Give it away!
This weeks plan:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Warm up/walk 10 min, Run 30 min, Cool down 10 min)
Cycle commute when accessible
15 push-ups, 25 crunch sit ups, 15 body weight squats, and 12 lunges, each leg. Keep good form and if you feel good, do THREE sets!
Tuesday Thursday
Warm up/easy swim Freestyle 600 yards (15 laps) Cool down 100 yards (4 laps
Warm up/walk 10 min, Run 30 min, Cool down 10 min
Cycle to and from work 7-10 miles each way
10-15 minutes basic flow yoga, 15 steps up, 12 reverse lunges, 20 crunch sit ups – if you feel good, do THREE sets!
I think this week I am a bit frozen in time with my running. I just don't think I'm quite ready to move on. I'd also really like to start running each day. We shall see!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Day 44: Josh
Little Red was having a click problem in her crank yesterday, so I took her in to see Josh, the world's best bike mechanic. He took the time to check her out then and there while I sat and chatted. He often brings his French bulldog, Mo, into the shop. Mo loves to greet cyclists by liking their salty ankles.
Josh has a great understanding about all things bicycle. At one point, he studied to be a welder, but didn't love it. There is joy in doing things you love, and making a living from it there is even more joy in being good at it.
Last spring while I was preparing for my cycle tour, I was in the bike shop fairly regularly. There was a lot to digest in regards to that journey, and I wasn't in a great place emotionally, to boot. As I visited with Josh one day, I mentioned my fears. He replied with, "I don't think this trip is going to be as hard as you think it is." That statement changed my outlook and preparations. Suddenly, it was going to be fun. It was a life changing moment. Thanks Josh!
Today JE and I ran to Trader Joe. It was A fun run that made the world seem a whole lot smaller. Who knew I could run to my TJ's? Umm, alert to all who love candy cane Joe Joes. They're here!!! Rumor has it there is a candy cane Joe Joe ice cream on it's way too! Yikes
Josh has a great understanding about all things bicycle. At one point, he studied to be a welder, but didn't love it. There is joy in doing things you love, and making a living from it there is even more joy in being good at it.
Last spring while I was preparing for my cycle tour, I was in the bike shop fairly regularly. There was a lot to digest in regards to that journey, and I wasn't in a great place emotionally, to boot. As I visited with Josh one day, I mentioned my fears. He replied with, "I don't think this trip is going to be as hard as you think it is." That statement changed my outlook and preparations. Suddenly, it was going to be fun. It was a life changing moment. Thanks Josh!
Today JE and I ran to Trader Joe. It was A fun run that made the world seem a whole lot smaller. Who knew I could run to my TJ's? Umm, alert to all who love candy cane Joe Joes. They're here!!! Rumor has it there is a candy cane Joe Joe ice cream on it's way too! Yikes
Friday, November 12, 2010
Day 43: TALL
Lately I work with a 4'11" Vietnamese lady who prides herself on her tiny wrists. "I'd like to be tall. You know, five-two or five-three." She is the same lady who told Erik she is so small because she drinks mouse milk and then asked Erik, "What type of milk do you drink, Erik? Cow milk?"
We had been discussing my height and I was ranting about people having no scruples or manners when it comes to pointing out my height. A couple weeks ago, I was waiting outside a Trader Joe when a man approached me and told me all about how a shorter woman walked in front of me as he was driving up. He went on and on about how he thought I was on stilts or a pedestal advertising something. Really? What could I say? "nope, I really am this tall!" I used that line within the same week at a friend's party. A woman walked in and saw me and began with the "are you really that tall???!!!" and continued on. "Are you really that short?" Yup, she was.
It bugs me when women ask for a bit of my height. Seriously, what would they do with it? Pan fry it? Braise it in milk and serve it to their family? Make a smoothie and top it with frozen berries? Nope, I get to keep it all.
Being tall is amazing. Imagine being in an SUV amid smart cars and minis, being able to regularly use the cabinet above the fridge, not owning a step ladder, having a greater stride when swimming or running. I'm learning how to use that.
Today I rode the coast into a headwind and with a tailwind. It was a brilliant day for cycling. There were so many dolphins along the coast today!
We had been discussing my height and I was ranting about people having no scruples or manners when it comes to pointing out my height. A couple weeks ago, I was waiting outside a Trader Joe when a man approached me and told me all about how a shorter woman walked in front of me as he was driving up. He went on and on about how he thought I was on stilts or a pedestal advertising something. Really? What could I say? "nope, I really am this tall!" I used that line within the same week at a friend's party. A woman walked in and saw me and began with the "are you really that tall???!!!" and continued on. "Are you really that short?" Yup, she was.
It bugs me when women ask for a bit of my height. Seriously, what would they do with it? Pan fry it? Braise it in milk and serve it to their family? Make a smoothie and top it with frozen berries? Nope, I get to keep it all.
Being tall is amazing. Imagine being in an SUV amid smart cars and minis, being able to regularly use the cabinet above the fridge, not owning a step ladder, having a greater stride when swimming or running. I'm learning how to use that.
Today I rode the coast into a headwind and with a tailwind. It was a brilliant day for cycling. There were so many dolphins along the coast today!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Day 42: Brew
As a missionary in Australia in 1993, I attended a church Christmas party one evening. Someone had brought home brewed ginger beer, explaining that they had used the non alcoholic recipe. It sure didn't taste non alcoholic! The bunch of good church folk got a bit louder as the night progressed. I barely touched the stuff. I drove home with my companion and two of the male missionaries. On the way home we met with a mandatory breath check from the Melbourne police. I was laughing too hard to blow into the breathalyzer. When the cops heard my American accent they became really friendly and they asked where I was from and what I was doing in Oz. I told them that I was a missionary, and that that was why it was so funny that I was doing a breath test. I passed the test and drove home, but I never lived down that story while I lived in Australia.
JE is in the kitchen brewing kombucha. He has a fabulously disgusting SCOBY. The kombucha itself is fairly good, very vinegary, but tasty. I think I may try my hand at a non alcoholic ginger brew this season.
We have started to swim at night. It gives us a better opportunity to dry out before bed, and doesn't rush us to be finished to get to work in such a hurry. It's also really relaxing to play in the pool and sit in the hot tub for a few minutes before heading home, making for a bit of excellent relax time.
JE is in the kitchen brewing kombucha. He has a fabulously disgusting SCOBY. The kombucha itself is fairly good, very vinegary, but tasty. I think I may try my hand at a non alcoholic ginger brew this season.
We have started to swim at night. It gives us a better opportunity to dry out before bed, and doesn't rush us to be finished to get to work in such a hurry. It's also really relaxing to play in the pool and sit in the hot tub for a few minutes before heading home, making for a bit of excellent relax time.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Day 41: Judy
The other night, I was off early and began walking toward JE's work. It was after the time change, so it was fairly dark. I turned down a different road than my usual straight shot. As I approached a traffic signal, I saw a figure coming out of the park. While waiting for the signal to change, the woman engaged me in conversation. As she talked, I recognized her and told her so. She immediately recognized me as the girl with the bike, and asked me if I had done my trip.
Days before I left on my cycle tour, I was riding through Crystal Cove State Park. My toe clips were new to me and as I rounded a corner I saw a couple of women walking towards me. I hit gravel and came to a screeching halt on one knee, bloodying it. The two women came to my aid, helping to lift me (or at least my spirits) out of the dirt. They made sure I was OK and able to find a guard for some clean up and gauze. We talked for a while, about the day, my upcoming trip, the art unveiling that was happening in the park soon, and about "women warriors." They were kind and enthusiastic.
Apparently, Judy's late husband helped to establish a library for the theater department at UCI, and a very busy and talented designer and tailor. What a happy coincidence. And here she is: http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/joseph-le-conte-legacy-society
Currently awaiting a pumpkin pie to come out of the oven so we can go swim--can't wait for Thanksgiving. I canned the pumpkin last year from a huge Cinderella pumpkin I bought. SO much better than most canned pumpkin, and such a simple process. Chop a good eating pumpkin into large chunks and steam until tender. Scoop the meat from the shell and allow to drain if really watery. Use in place of canned pumpkin.
Days before I left on my cycle tour, I was riding through Crystal Cove State Park. My toe clips were new to me and as I rounded a corner I saw a couple of women walking towards me. I hit gravel and came to a screeching halt on one knee, bloodying it. The two women came to my aid, helping to lift me (or at least my spirits) out of the dirt. They made sure I was OK and able to find a guard for some clean up and gauze. We talked for a while, about the day, my upcoming trip, the art unveiling that was happening in the park soon, and about "women warriors." They were kind and enthusiastic.
Apparently, Judy's late husband helped to establish a library for the theater department at UCI, and a very busy and talented designer and tailor. What a happy coincidence. And here she is: http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/joseph-le-conte-legacy-society
Currently awaiting a pumpkin pie to come out of the oven so we can go swim--can't wait for Thanksgiving. I canned the pumpkin last year from a huge Cinderella pumpkin I bought. SO much better than most canned pumpkin, and such a simple process. Chop a good eating pumpkin into large chunks and steam until tender. Scoop the meat from the shell and allow to drain if really watery. Use in place of canned pumpkin.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Day 40: Preparations
In 1998, I was dropped off at the airport in Moscow with two fat suitcases full of warm clothes. I had no idea I wouldn't be catching my plane to Nar'yan Mar that day. Sitting at the gate with a number of other travelers, I heard the overhead speaker say something in Russian that made everyone stand up and walk down the corridor. A woman came to me and said, "Come." I had no idea what else to do, so I went. I don't speak Russian, not really, though I had prepped for my three month teaching trip by taking a beginning Russian class.
Apparently the airport in Nar'yan Mar was experiencing something akin to the beginning of The Day After Tomorrow, where the helicopters froze in mid air. The temp had dropped to below minus 80 with a wind so swift all air traffic had been stopped and school canceled. The airport put all of my fellow travelers and I into a swanky hotel for the next three days.
When I was finally able to fly into Nar'yan Mar, the hoarfrost was incredibly thick on the trees, the Pechora River was a white field, and all humans were wrapped in double thicknesses of fur and wool. It had warmed to a balmy negative 50 with only an occasional light wind.
Tatiana Ivanevna handed me a fur hood and a pair of huge thick mittens. "You will need these, yours will not work." I had brought a pair of snowmobiling gloves a friend had given me as a farewell gift and a couple woolly hats and scarves. I made light of her assumption that all of my preparations were in vain and left her contributions to my personal warmth on the bed when we went out later that day.
By the time we had walked the block to the bus stop, my fingers and head were freezing. We ducked into a shop to wait for the bus. The bus came, so loaded with passengers that Tatiana Ivanevna had to shove me in. With her hands on my rump, she said, "if I don't make it on, your stop is the last stop, just get off there." This was my first day in Nar'yan Mar, this was the first day I had met Tatiana, this was the coldest I had ever been and the thought of getting off a bus in the middle of a beyond freezing nowhere, unable to speak and barely able to read the language scared the pants off me. When Tatiana stopped shoving, I emerged head and shoulders above a sea of fur capped Russians, packed in a bus with frosted over windows. Half an hour later, the bus had partially emptied and Tatiana Ivanevna sat next to me with a huge grin saying that she had barely made in on--she rode at the base of the stairs jammed against the door.
We got off on our stop, but discovered that classes were canceled because the pipes in the school were frozen. She showed me around and then we headed home. When we arrived home that night, I vowed never to go out without that fur hood and mittens. It took ages to get warm again. Nothing could have prepared me for that bitter cold, except someone who lived in it and a bit of humility.
Saturday evening we dined with a new group of friends. When our host, Jay, discovered that I am training for a triathlon, he told me of the time he had trained for a triathlon. He and a friend found a program that claimed to prepare them for the race. He said he expected it to get progressively harder, but it never did. The week before the race, Jay had to have emergency back surgery and had to withdraw. His friend, however, did compete and said later he thought he probably came in last. This is my biggest fear about my preparations, that I am not doing enough to get in shape for this thing.
Even though I am now running over 2 miles, swimming over a quarter mile, and cycling, I don't have the speed I feel I need to have. And I have no idea how to get that speed, except to ask my friends who do these things/have done these things.
Or maybe join a club...
Apparently the airport in Nar'yan Mar was experiencing something akin to the beginning of The Day After Tomorrow, where the helicopters froze in mid air. The temp had dropped to below minus 80 with a wind so swift all air traffic had been stopped and school canceled. The airport put all of my fellow travelers and I into a swanky hotel for the next three days.
When I was finally able to fly into Nar'yan Mar, the hoarfrost was incredibly thick on the trees, the Pechora River was a white field, and all humans were wrapped in double thicknesses of fur and wool. It had warmed to a balmy negative 50 with only an occasional light wind.
Tatiana Ivanevna handed me a fur hood and a pair of huge thick mittens. "You will need these, yours will not work." I had brought a pair of snowmobiling gloves a friend had given me as a farewell gift and a couple woolly hats and scarves. I made light of her assumption that all of my preparations were in vain and left her contributions to my personal warmth on the bed when we went out later that day.
By the time we had walked the block to the bus stop, my fingers and head were freezing. We ducked into a shop to wait for the bus. The bus came, so loaded with passengers that Tatiana Ivanevna had to shove me in. With her hands on my rump, she said, "if I don't make it on, your stop is the last stop, just get off there." This was my first day in Nar'yan Mar, this was the first day I had met Tatiana, this was the coldest I had ever been and the thought of getting off a bus in the middle of a beyond freezing nowhere, unable to speak and barely able to read the language scared the pants off me. When Tatiana stopped shoving, I emerged head and shoulders above a sea of fur capped Russians, packed in a bus with frosted over windows. Half an hour later, the bus had partially emptied and Tatiana Ivanevna sat next to me with a huge grin saying that she had barely made in on--she rode at the base of the stairs jammed against the door.
We got off on our stop, but discovered that classes were canceled because the pipes in the school were frozen. She showed me around and then we headed home. When we arrived home that night, I vowed never to go out without that fur hood and mittens. It took ages to get warm again. Nothing could have prepared me for that bitter cold, except someone who lived in it and a bit of humility.
Saturday evening we dined with a new group of friends. When our host, Jay, discovered that I am training for a triathlon, he told me of the time he had trained for a triathlon. He and a friend found a program that claimed to prepare them for the race. He said he expected it to get progressively harder, but it never did. The week before the race, Jay had to have emergency back surgery and had to withdraw. His friend, however, did compete and said later he thought he probably came in last. This is my biggest fear about my preparations, that I am not doing enough to get in shape for this thing.
Even though I am now running over 2 miles, swimming over a quarter mile, and cycling, I don't have the speed I feel I need to have. And I have no idea how to get that speed, except to ask my friends who do these things/have done these things.
Or maybe join a club...
Monday, November 8, 2010
Day 39: Stars
The Christmas time JE's father was so sick with cancer, JE and I journeyed to Utah. Not knowing what we would find when we arrived and badly needing to unwind from our super busy work lives, we stopped in Zion National Park for a couple days before heading north to Provo.
Zion in December is cold and amazing. Zion is a place made from water, which stilled to ice in the short, winter days. We did a lot of night hiking on some of the shorter trails and discovered walls of rock swathed in ice from the springs that ooze even in winter. Waterfalls were changed into giant icicles and the emerald pools were dark and smooth with ice.
One night we wandered into a field with our back-pack beach chairs and a thermos of hot chocolate and sat under a star cluttered sky with a head lamp and a star chart. It was about 16 degrees outside, but we stayed a couple hours, wrapped together in wool and fleece.
We just came back from out nightly swim. I have been so tired lately, I really didn't want to go, but JE just kept gently persisting--handing me my swim suit, asking if I have the pool key, "Esta lista Chinita?" (I'm never sure why he calls me his little China girl, but I love it tenderly), wondering if my dinner is sufficiently digested so I don't get cramps... I swam hard, sucking air and drops of water by the end of my 12th lap and ready for my cool down. Afterward, we sat in the hot tub and watched the stars through the steam.
We walked home in the cold, swaddled in beach towels and a bathrobe, still dripping. So glad I have him.
(We ran for 30 minutes this morning also, but I missed my commute via bicycle--it rained last night.)
Zion in December is cold and amazing. Zion is a place made from water, which stilled to ice in the short, winter days. We did a lot of night hiking on some of the shorter trails and discovered walls of rock swathed in ice from the springs that ooze even in winter. Waterfalls were changed into giant icicles and the emerald pools were dark and smooth with ice.
One night we wandered into a field with our back-pack beach chairs and a thermos of hot chocolate and sat under a star cluttered sky with a head lamp and a star chart. It was about 16 degrees outside, but we stayed a couple hours, wrapped together in wool and fleece.
We just came back from out nightly swim. I have been so tired lately, I really didn't want to go, but JE just kept gently persisting--handing me my swim suit, asking if I have the pool key, "Esta lista Chinita?" (I'm never sure why he calls me his little China girl, but I love it tenderly), wondering if my dinner is sufficiently digested so I don't get cramps... I swam hard, sucking air and drops of water by the end of my 12th lap and ready for my cool down. Afterward, we sat in the hot tub and watched the stars through the steam.
We walked home in the cold, swaddled in beach towels and a bathrobe, still dripping. So glad I have him.
(We ran for 30 minutes this morning also, but I missed my commute via bicycle--it rained last night.)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Day 38: Rest day
Church this morning and then an awesome meal of roast pork, noodles with mushrooms and roast Brussels sprouts. The noodles were the best thing on the plate. Cooking should seldom be science, so these ingredients are approximate.
Creamy Mushroomy Noodley Goodness
Heat in a skillet or saute pan on medium heat
1 Tb butter
1 Tb olive oil
When hot fry 12 fresh sage leaves until crisp. Drain on paper towel. In a separate pot, bring 2 quarts water to boil for noodles. When water is boiling add salt and 8 oz noodles like linguine. Cook until just before al dente--they finish cooking with the mushrooms.
Toss in 8 ounces cleaned small baby portabello or cremelli mushrooms, quartered. Stir to coat in oil. Pour 1/2 cup white wine and reduce heat to low. Cover for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove lid and allow liquid to dissipate a bit. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 ounces strong cheese--I used Mahone (yum). Add noodles straight from the pot allowing pasta water to add to the volume of the liquid. Cook gently for a few minutes. Liquid will thicken. Serve immediately topped with sage leaves.
My (projected) Week Schedule
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Warm up/easy swim Freestyle 300 yards (10 laps) Cool down 100 yards (4 laps)
Cycle commute
10-15 minutes basic flow yoga, 15 steps up, 12 reverse lunges, 12 dips and 20 crunch sit ups – if you feel good, do THREE sets!
Tuesday Thursday
Warm up/walk 10 min, Run 30 min, Cool down 10 min
Cycle to and from work 7-10 miles each way
15 push-ups, 25 crunch sit ups, 15 body weight squats, and 12 lunges, each leg. Keep good form and if you feel good, do THREE sets!
Creamy Mushroomy Noodley Goodness
Heat in a skillet or saute pan on medium heat
1 Tb butter
1 Tb olive oil
When hot fry 12 fresh sage leaves until crisp. Drain on paper towel. In a separate pot, bring 2 quarts water to boil for noodles. When water is boiling add salt and 8 oz noodles like linguine. Cook until just before al dente--they finish cooking with the mushrooms.
Toss in 8 ounces cleaned small baby portabello or cremelli mushrooms, quartered. Stir to coat in oil. Pour 1/2 cup white wine and reduce heat to low. Cover for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove lid and allow liquid to dissipate a bit. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 ounces strong cheese--I used Mahone (yum). Add noodles straight from the pot allowing pasta water to add to the volume of the liquid. Cook gently for a few minutes. Liquid will thicken. Serve immediately topped with sage leaves.
My (projected) Week Schedule
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Warm up/easy swim Freestyle 300 yards (10 laps) Cool down 100 yards (4 laps)
Cycle commute
10-15 minutes basic flow yoga, 15 steps up, 12 reverse lunges, 12 dips and 20 crunch sit ups – if you feel good, do THREE sets!
Tuesday Thursday
Warm up/walk 10 min, Run 30 min, Cool down 10 min
Cycle to and from work 7-10 miles each way
15 push-ups, 25 crunch sit ups, 15 body weight squats, and 12 lunges, each leg. Keep good form and if you feel good, do THREE sets!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Day 37: Illness
In October 1347,the Army of the Khanate of the Golden Horde put an end to a year long siege of Kaffa by catapulting plague ridden corpses over the wall of the city. The disease spread like wild fire and the bodies of the dead were stacked against the city walls like firewood. Even those who tried to escape by boat to Cicily, were dead before they got there. The disease had started in China the previous year and spread across Asia via the Silk Highway. It hung around, crashing over Europe in waves and killing one quarter to two thirds the population of Europe by 1351. Plague continued its course through Europe for the next 300 years until it died out (pun intended).
It seems that a lot of people this week have been sick, and while it isn't the plague, it is every bit as contagious. I asked a friend who is an ER doc if he ever gets sick. He said, "rarely. I wash my hands a lot and don't touch my mouth or nose while I am at work. And I don't eat communal food. So if there is a bowl of potato chips someone brought in to share, I don't eat it."
Feeling really tired today. I did swim a good swim--about 18 laps in our 25 yard pool, but slept a lot of the day. Tonight was dinner at a friends house. There were 7 couples. What a great night. But once I got home, I suddenly feel a bit ill. Hope I didn't throw my plague ridden body over the city wall...
It seems that a lot of people this week have been sick, and while it isn't the plague, it is every bit as contagious. I asked a friend who is an ER doc if he ever gets sick. He said, "rarely. I wash my hands a lot and don't touch my mouth or nose while I am at work. And I don't eat communal food. So if there is a bowl of potato chips someone brought in to share, I don't eat it."
Feeling really tired today. I did swim a good swim--about 18 laps in our 25 yard pool, but slept a lot of the day. Tonight was dinner at a friends house. There were 7 couples. What a great night. But once I got home, I suddenly feel a bit ill. Hope I didn't throw my plague ridden body over the city wall...
Day 36: fear
On the last leg of cycling through Oregon, I found myself in a small town--Port Orford. I was on my own at that point and my guide book warned of narrow shoulders, winding roads, speeding log trucks and motor homes, and a nasty thousand foot climb. It also warned of no services, not even water, for the next few dozen miles. I was paralyzed by fear and choking on it. I delayed that 30 mile stretch as long as I could, but daylight only stays so long and darkness would simply have compounded my fears. As I left the library where I had been blogging, I met another cycle tourist in the parking lot who looked at me and asked if I was OK. My emotions came out in a flurry. He offered to ride with he and his friend for a while.
I was a much slower rider than they were but they would stop and wait for me on the hills both going up and coming down. With their company to waylay my fears I was able to not just get through those miles, but truly enjoy the beauty of my surroundings.
Now, I think about the fear that bound me at that time. So many other times I've not stopped for food or water on my long rides. I'd been riding long windy narrow roads with the log trucks and the motor homes. There was nothing to fear except the unknown. That fear was so real at the time, but if I had been able to just keep going and allow things to be OK, I would have had so much more peace. This lesson applies in all aspects of my life. But how grateful am I for those two gents who helped me out.
When I told my sister, Tia about the triathlon I entered, she asked when, where, how much distance. The next time we talked, she told me she was interested in training and was working out the details to come down. I was elated to have the company. It took a lot of the fear away and helped me focus my training.
Two days ago, Tia told me that she fractured her foot and isn't sure if she will be up to speed in her training for the event in 111 days. Boo to broken bones! Poor Tia!
We joined BC for a meal tonight at the Warehouse restaurant in Marina Del Rey. I had the managers special-a lobster and bacon wrapped fillet mignon. Probably one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Great atmosphere right on the marina.
I was a much slower rider than they were but they would stop and wait for me on the hills both going up and coming down. With their company to waylay my fears I was able to not just get through those miles, but truly enjoy the beauty of my surroundings.
Now, I think about the fear that bound me at that time. So many other times I've not stopped for food or water on my long rides. I'd been riding long windy narrow roads with the log trucks and the motor homes. There was nothing to fear except the unknown. That fear was so real at the time, but if I had been able to just keep going and allow things to be OK, I would have had so much more peace. This lesson applies in all aspects of my life. But how grateful am I for those two gents who helped me out.
When I told my sister, Tia about the triathlon I entered, she asked when, where, how much distance. The next time we talked, she told me she was interested in training and was working out the details to come down. I was elated to have the company. It took a lot of the fear away and helped me focus my training.
Two days ago, Tia told me that she fractured her foot and isn't sure if she will be up to speed in her training for the event in 111 days. Boo to broken bones! Poor Tia!
We joined BC for a meal tonight at the Warehouse restaurant in Marina Del Rey. I had the managers special-a lobster and bacon wrapped fillet mignon. Probably one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Great atmosphere right on the marina.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Day 35: Laundry
Traveling 1,300 miles by bike along the coast generates a lot of dirty laundry. Every week or so I would stop by a laundromat and put everything I could afford not to wear into a coin-op washer, deposit money and soap and hope thing would come out smelling better than they had gone in. The smell was key.
There was no hope of looking clean. My sassy black shorty bike shorts had been stolen on the first day out and all that was left to me were a pair of black and white shorts I had inadvertently ordered and taken to Portland to ship back to the Oregon based company. It didn't take long before those white shorts were gray. My blazing green biking jacket was sun scorched and covered with a waxy sun screen film where it had touched my arms. My legs and socks were always coated with a layer of road grease. But the worst offender of all my dirty gear was a synthetic jersey that absorbed my sweat and changed it immediately into a menacing, toxic stink.
In my daily training I go through so many clothes! I still wear those gray and black bike shorts and the offending jersey--though with the lovely convenience of owning a washer, I am able to attend to that odor before it is out of control. Today my 2 mile run generated dirty sweat pants, T-shirt, jacket, and roos. My swim, a wet swim suit and towel. So, when our washer broke last week, I was faced with a horrible dilemma. How much is too much for dirty clothes. Sink washing is OK, but really, when things start smelling that grodey, how do you take care of it?
Last night we found ourselves listlessly standing in the Sears scratch and dent outlet. JE had done some research on the washers and dryers available there and the prices on those appliances. He knew exactly what he wanted before we got there. However, when we arrived, none of the prices matched the online prices--things were significantly more expensive, and none of those washers he wanted had matching dryers (remember the shampoo and conditioner analogy). We wandered around looking for serial numbers and models. We were determined to leave with something to clean our clothes.
Finally, partially in desperation, we settled on the original washer that had drawn our attention: a red front load LG--number 1 on his wanted list. The price was greatly reduced--$529 from $900. There wasn't a matching dryer, but we had been worn down and decided that it just didn't matter anymore--we would keep our eyes peeled for a matching dryer later.
Most appliances have a digital face now--too many moving parts means I loose a sense of trust. We bought the 2 year warranty for an additional $200 and planned to come back later for the pedestal that would elevate that washer into a tall persons dream--another $200. Got the math yet? It would be over $900 for a washer that didn't have a mate and had a huge dent in the front of it. Stupid.
This morning on the way to work (JE drove me after our awesome run) I was browsing through the Costco coupon flyer and found an awesome deal on a great washer dryer duo that included pedestals, a 2 year warranty, and delivery. Easy! The heavens parted and in a week or so, we will have a new washer and dryer! And clean clothes
The old new washer goes back tomorrow! It doesn't seem to take the smell out of our clothes the way it should. HE seems to mean "Hardly Effective."
Tonight when we got home we changed hurriedly and went to the pool. I swam like I have never swam before. It was great, and I am exhausted.
Good news on our Stephanie. I received a text from her about the results for her PET scan. The cancer is mostly isolated to her knee and leg. Such good news. But if you all wouldn't mind sending up prayers for her and her family... Thanks in advance
There was no hope of looking clean. My sassy black shorty bike shorts had been stolen on the first day out and all that was left to me were a pair of black and white shorts I had inadvertently ordered and taken to Portland to ship back to the Oregon based company. It didn't take long before those white shorts were gray. My blazing green biking jacket was sun scorched and covered with a waxy sun screen film where it had touched my arms. My legs and socks were always coated with a layer of road grease. But the worst offender of all my dirty gear was a synthetic jersey that absorbed my sweat and changed it immediately into a menacing, toxic stink.
In my daily training I go through so many clothes! I still wear those gray and black bike shorts and the offending jersey--though with the lovely convenience of owning a washer, I am able to attend to that odor before it is out of control. Today my 2 mile run generated dirty sweat pants, T-shirt, jacket, and roos. My swim, a wet swim suit and towel. So, when our washer broke last week, I was faced with a horrible dilemma. How much is too much for dirty clothes. Sink washing is OK, but really, when things start smelling that grodey, how do you take care of it?
Last night we found ourselves listlessly standing in the Sears scratch and dent outlet. JE had done some research on the washers and dryers available there and the prices on those appliances. He knew exactly what he wanted before we got there. However, when we arrived, none of the prices matched the online prices--things were significantly more expensive, and none of those washers he wanted had matching dryers (remember the shampoo and conditioner analogy). We wandered around looking for serial numbers and models. We were determined to leave with something to clean our clothes.
Finally, partially in desperation, we settled on the original washer that had drawn our attention: a red front load LG--number 1 on his wanted list. The price was greatly reduced--$529 from $900. There wasn't a matching dryer, but we had been worn down and decided that it just didn't matter anymore--we would keep our eyes peeled for a matching dryer later.
Most appliances have a digital face now--too many moving parts means I loose a sense of trust. We bought the 2 year warranty for an additional $200 and planned to come back later for the pedestal that would elevate that washer into a tall persons dream--another $200. Got the math yet? It would be over $900 for a washer that didn't have a mate and had a huge dent in the front of it. Stupid.
This morning on the way to work (JE drove me after our awesome run) I was browsing through the Costco coupon flyer and found an awesome deal on a great washer dryer duo that included pedestals, a 2 year warranty, and delivery. Easy! The heavens parted and in a week or so, we will have a new washer and dryer! And clean clothes
The old new washer goes back tomorrow! It doesn't seem to take the smell out of our clothes the way it should. HE seems to mean "Hardly Effective."
Tonight when we got home we changed hurriedly and went to the pool. I swam like I have never swam before. It was great, and I am exhausted.
Good news on our Stephanie. I received a text from her about the results for her PET scan. The cancer is mostly isolated to her knee and leg. Such good news. But if you all wouldn't mind sending up prayers for her and her family... Thanks in advance
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Day 34: Phase 4
"I hate that this is happening to Steph," I said to JE as we were headed home.
"I know, me too," he said. "Life is really hard sometimes, and really beautiful, too. Some of the sweetest moments happen when there is the most difficult circumstances." We had been discussing the recent test results that show that Steph's cancer is phase 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She recently had a PET scan to find out where else in her body it is, but is waiting for the results.
Apparently this type of cancer is treatable. Three years ago, when JE's dad returned early from his mission with phase 4 cancer, his wasn't treatable. He was also 68. He had a perfect passing. He wasn't in terrible pain. His student's and loved ones got to tell him the amazing impact he had on their lives. He was surrounded by family. JE was there when his dad passed peacefully in his sleep--he has sweet memories of the two weeks he spent caring for his dad and his mom during that time.
Steph is young in body and young at heart. She has a lot to live for and a lot of people love her. Hearing 'phase 4' with such a short time after Dad passed is really frightening. But, I know her resilient spirit won't let this get her down. She is amazing.
"I know, me too," he said. "Life is really hard sometimes, and really beautiful, too. Some of the sweetest moments happen when there is the most difficult circumstances." We had been discussing the recent test results that show that Steph's cancer is phase 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She recently had a PET scan to find out where else in her body it is, but is waiting for the results.
Apparently this type of cancer is treatable. Three years ago, when JE's dad returned early from his mission with phase 4 cancer, his wasn't treatable. He was also 68. He had a perfect passing. He wasn't in terrible pain. His student's and loved ones got to tell him the amazing impact he had on their lives. He was surrounded by family. JE was there when his dad passed peacefully in his sleep--he has sweet memories of the two weeks he spent caring for his dad and his mom during that time.
Steph is young in body and young at heart. She has a lot to live for and a lot of people love her. Hearing 'phase 4' with such a short time after Dad passed is really frightening. But, I know her resilient spirit won't let this get her down. She is amazing.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Day 33: Repairs
JE is currently reassembling the washing machine after a failed attempt at repairing it. The part he bought for $50 isn't the right part, and the actual replacement part is $180 more. I am putting my foot down. We are going to get a new washing machine, and (he doesn't know it yet) probably a new dryer. JE's mom and dad passed on this washer/dryer set when they got a new set about 10 years ago. That was something like 25 years after they had initially purchased them. It's time. No guilt about chucking the old, very well used and much appreciated set to the curb.
I just told him about the new dryer. "WHAT!" Mild agitation. 'It's like shampoo and conditioner. There are things that just need to be purchased together.' He laughed, "I agree, completely."
This morning we awoke before dawn. Our usual wake up time is just before 6. While we ran, I reminisced about the past month's progress. We passed a place that had marked a resting spot and noted that we didn't even feel tired anymore. We run the entire 25 minutes--a little over 2 miles, making the last 2-4 minutes as strong as we are able by racing each other. I never expected to enjoy this so much. Tomorrow we swim! Hurray! I will be working on keeping going and not stopping to break until it is time to break.
I just told him about the new dryer. "WHAT!" Mild agitation. 'It's like shampoo and conditioner. There are things that just need to be purchased together.' He laughed, "I agree, completely."
This morning we awoke before dawn. Our usual wake up time is just before 6. While we ran, I reminisced about the past month's progress. We passed a place that had marked a resting spot and noted that we didn't even feel tired anymore. We run the entire 25 minutes--a little over 2 miles, making the last 2-4 minutes as strong as we are able by racing each other. I never expected to enjoy this so much. Tomorrow we swim! Hurray! I will be working on keeping going and not stopping to break until it is time to break.
Day 32: puzzles
My job requires a whole lot of figuring things out. Currently I am making a coat for the Big Bad Wolf. The actor portraying the wolf is fairly average in size and shape; however, the costume is padded out with a huge hunch over the shoulders and huge haunches. Getting the jacket to balance on his body so that it fits properly is an act of physics. I love a challenge like this.
It all starts with a concept and design. I am working with MB. She is a Designer with a vision. She works with the director and other artists on the concept and design for the show. She takes that vision and puts it into drawings or painting. I take those illustrations and with a lot of questions and math, turn those drawings into patterns. I then create muslin mock up and fit it on the actor. With the information I gain in the first fitting, I correct my patterns and then cut in the actual fabric. When the garment takes shape, I fit it again on the actor and again make corrections. I might do this several more times before the costume is complete and ready for dress rehearsal.
While preparing for my triathlon, I take this concept and alter my body to fit the course. An interesting puzzle, I am still working out the kinks. I feel I am missing several elements to resolve it. It will come with time, but it's frustrating to know I am lacking. I need a swim coach.
I swam today, I am getting stronger. I love being in the pool as the sun comes up
It all starts with a concept and design. I am working with MB. She is a Designer with a vision. She works with the director and other artists on the concept and design for the show. She takes that vision and puts it into drawings or painting. I take those illustrations and with a lot of questions and math, turn those drawings into patterns. I then create muslin mock up and fit it on the actor. With the information I gain in the first fitting, I correct my patterns and then cut in the actual fabric. When the garment takes shape, I fit it again on the actor and again make corrections. I might do this several more times before the costume is complete and ready for dress rehearsal.
While preparing for my triathlon, I take this concept and alter my body to fit the course. An interesting puzzle, I am still working out the kinks. I feel I am missing several elements to resolve it. It will come with time, but it's frustrating to know I am lacking. I need a swim coach.
I swam today, I am getting stronger. I love being in the pool as the sun comes up
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