Saturday and the Santa Ana winds were blowing hard. They come from the east desert and are hot dry winds that suck all the moisture in the air out to sea. Seriously. Our usual humidity here in southern California is 70-90%. Today we reached 14% humidity.
The Santa Ana winds have a huge affect on the psyche, as well. Both JE and myself have been restless and disconcerted all day. We had planned a lot of things this week, and most of them had fallen through (our trip to Orange will be postponed for a bit). We woke early, made breakfast (Eggs Florentine) and went back to bed until after noon. We would pick up things that needed to be done and wander around the house unsure how to complete the task. Finally, we decided to plan our meals for next week and go shop for it--on bike.
Riding down the road, a gust of wind came along and pushed at us from the side. We headed to the grocery store: Wholesome Choice Market, with panniers. Today was the first real day of the great social experiment: No Car for JE and Iris... (See yesterday's post to know what happened).
Thirty pounds of produce and a jar of pickles later, we headed home. How is it that some days it feels like no matter which direction you ride, the wind is in your face? We traveled the miles home, dropped the produce home and went out to a different store to collect the laundry soap, chicken, milk and a few other items we needed for the pantry.
Thousands of people live like this, I can't complain. When I go to a grocery store, there is food on the shelves. How blessed am I?
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Day 211: Motivation
We woke early and finished prepping for our little road trip. The plan was to head up to San Luis Obispo, take the train to Monterey Bay,and bike back to the car over a series of days. The plan changed when we got wind of a landslide on highway 1 just south of Gordo. This morning we set out to drive to San Luis Obispo with our bikes and gear--to do a sort of exploration of the area on bike. Just before Atlantic Ave in Long Beach, the car started making huge clunking noises and lost power. JE pulled off the highway and into a parking lot where we called AAA and I called our mechanic. The tow truck was there within minutes.
The drive to the mechanics was about 35 miles, that is a lot of time to talk. Our tow truck driver was awesome. He is a very proud father of 3 little girls who he tell us he wakes up every morning for and goes to work. Apparently it didn't use to be like that for him. He has been driving tow truck for 10 years, and before that he stood on the street corner and sold drugs. His family keeps him honest.
When we got to the auto shop, Tim of Tim's Auto Center, greeted us and attempted to start the car. It knocked and shook and sounded so terrible, he turned it off quickly. Broken piston. A whole new engine--or at least a re-manufactured one. So much for our trip. (So much for our car!) I am just so glad we got it back to Tim--one of the last remaining honest reliable auto-mechanics in the OC.
And so begins the social experiment of having no car in Southern California. I wonder how long it will take to get it back.
So, otherwise:
Lately I've been wondering why I am doing this, wondering if I should continue or give it up after my race (3 weeks away). Well, I had a big FAT reality check this morning as I was getting ready to leave. As I was looking for a book to take on our trip, tucked between a couple books on the shelf was a bunch of photos taken in 2008 of our trip to Kauai. I flipped through them and saw one of myself with JE, perched on a rock. I was working at the opera and completely submersed in my life. Every night we would come home, eat dinner and watch movies or TV then go to bed and do the same thing the next day. That was just before our TV broke and I started cycling to work regularly--doing a 21 mile loop. But the me in that photo is really pudgy and lumpy. Since that then, I have maintained a weight loss of around 30 pounds, gained far more muscle, and am more aware of what goes into my mouth (most days).
We biked home from Tim's, put on our suits and headed for the pool. It was gleaming in the beautiful sunlight, such a welcome thing. Around lap 20, I discovered a secret stash of turbo, I didn't know I had! My shoulders were burning with fatigue when I stopped at lap 24 to take 30 seconds. The rest of the pool time, I kept revisiting that place of power. Time flew by and I had so much focus. If I felt tired, I reminded myself that I am stronger than I think, and kept going.
Dinner tonight was an emergency. We hadn't eaten since breakfast with a bit of trail mix added just before our swim. There is very little fresh food in the house right now, but I did find a can of fish--smoked herring, some caper, lemon and onion. That and crackers and bread and cheese, carrots and the fruit we had taken with us on our trip. Oh, and don't forget the kohlrabi!
One hour later:
I am eating a well deserved bowl of cereal. Around 10, I convinced myself to get out for a run. It has been awhile. I've been trying to stay off my left foot and allow my tendon to heal. It seems to have worked. I ran, about 30 minutes at under 11 minute miles, with no pain in my ankle. Hurray! The true test will be upon waking tomorrow morning. I have three weeks to work toward my 10K and add all my workouts together... Yikes!
The drive to the mechanics was about 35 miles, that is a lot of time to talk. Our tow truck driver was awesome. He is a very proud father of 3 little girls who he tell us he wakes up every morning for and goes to work. Apparently it didn't use to be like that for him. He has been driving tow truck for 10 years, and before that he stood on the street corner and sold drugs. His family keeps him honest.
When we got to the auto shop, Tim of Tim's Auto Center, greeted us and attempted to start the car. It knocked and shook and sounded so terrible, he turned it off quickly. Broken piston. A whole new engine--or at least a re-manufactured one. So much for our trip. (So much for our car!) I am just so glad we got it back to Tim--one of the last remaining honest reliable auto-mechanics in the OC.
And so begins the social experiment of having no car in Southern California. I wonder how long it will take to get it back.
So, otherwise:
Lately I've been wondering why I am doing this, wondering if I should continue or give it up after my race (3 weeks away). Well, I had a big FAT reality check this morning as I was getting ready to leave. As I was looking for a book to take on our trip, tucked between a couple books on the shelf was a bunch of photos taken in 2008 of our trip to Kauai. I flipped through them and saw one of myself with JE, perched on a rock. I was working at the opera and completely submersed in my life. Every night we would come home, eat dinner and watch movies or TV then go to bed and do the same thing the next day. That was just before our TV broke and I started cycling to work regularly--doing a 21 mile loop. But the me in that photo is really pudgy and lumpy. Since that then, I have maintained a weight loss of around 30 pounds, gained far more muscle, and am more aware of what goes into my mouth (most days).
We biked home from Tim's, put on our suits and headed for the pool. It was gleaming in the beautiful sunlight, such a welcome thing. Around lap 20, I discovered a secret stash of turbo, I didn't know I had! My shoulders were burning with fatigue when I stopped at lap 24 to take 30 seconds. The rest of the pool time, I kept revisiting that place of power. Time flew by and I had so much focus. If I felt tired, I reminded myself that I am stronger than I think, and kept going.
Dinner tonight was an emergency. We hadn't eaten since breakfast with a bit of trail mix added just before our swim. There is very little fresh food in the house right now, but I did find a can of fish--smoked herring, some caper, lemon and onion. That and crackers and bread and cheese, carrots and the fruit we had taken with us on our trip. Oh, and don't forget the kohlrabi!
One hour later:
I am eating a well deserved bowl of cereal. Around 10, I convinced myself to get out for a run. It has been awhile. I've been trying to stay off my left foot and allow my tendon to heal. It seems to have worked. I ran, about 30 minutes at under 11 minute miles, with no pain in my ankle. Hurray! The true test will be upon waking tomorrow morning. I have three weeks to work toward my 10K and add all my workouts together... Yikes!
Day 210: Slacker
Yes, today was an unexpected slack day. I'm allowed--for today--not feeling so great. It seems as though the past week has been an ongoing change of plans. This weekend, we are heading out of town and I am unsure if I will get any kind of reception to be able to blog. Bicycle tour along part of the coast. So excited to show JE how the big dogs run...
I ran into a friend of mine, Hans Madsen on Facebook this morning. He was gung-ho a while back about loosing a bunch of weight and doing a Tri. He lost 100 pounds-really quick. He hid out for a while, but is coming around again. I hope he goes about this a bit more sanely and that he succeeds on a long term basis.
There is only 23 days left until the big event. I need to get my running grove on. My ankle is feeling so much better; I'm not even limping! Running in the morning before the sun is up, is one of my favorite things!
I ran into a friend of mine, Hans Madsen on Facebook this morning. He was gung-ho a while back about loosing a bunch of weight and doing a Tri. He lost 100 pounds-really quick. He hid out for a while, but is coming around again. I hope he goes about this a bit more sanely and that he succeeds on a long term basis.
There is only 23 days left until the big event. I need to get my running grove on. My ankle is feeling so much better; I'm not even limping! Running in the morning before the sun is up, is one of my favorite things!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Day 209: Swimming--in Daylight!
I rode with the wind this morning, traveling further with each revolution than I would have expected. 22 miles per hour, with little effort--until I got to the Back Bay trail. I pushed into the wind until I turned onto the PCH.
At Mesa, a woman entered the trail on her roadie. She was tallish, blondish, and about my age. I passed her just after she got on the trail. Her pedal was making a strange brushing noise, so I sped up to gain some distance. She was on me like butter on toast. No way was I going to let her pass again. I stood in the saddle and pedaled like mad to gain the hill at Back Bay Drive. She ate my dust as I discoed down the 13% grade.
I will say this for myself: I am not a jerk rider who swerves and maneuvers to gain the lead. I just pump hard.
Just as I was starting to slow a bit to enjoy the bird life on the Back Bay, I heard that crazy little swish of that woman's pedal. I picked up my cadence and added a smaller gear. She was pushing hard, but I was riding harder. If she had wanted it, she could have had it; but I remained in the lead until she turned back at the Nature Center.
I was breathing hard, my legs a bit wobbly, and my smile was huge as I continued through the neighborhoods and back through the park.
At 10 sharp, I bonked and stopped for some Jelly Bellies and nuts. I finished my ride with 34 miles at my back.
When I got home, the cat wanted food and so did I. Confession: Sunday night, JE and I made a huge thing of spareribs. This is what we have been eating for dinner all week long--and what I ate today, ravenously, after my ride.
A quick nap and I went swimming. What a beautiful day, and what lovely weather. The pool closest to my condo is unheated. Today was the first time since last summer that I braved the cold and went swimming there. It was lovely. When I first arrived there were only a few sunbathers. On my last set of laps, several families showed up with tons of kids. One woman came dressed in a thong back string bikini. She stood rubbing oil all over her body, bending down to reach her ankles--for a full 5 minutes. A mom of a couple young boys was kept busy trying to distract them by applying sunscreen to their backs--turned from the bikini. Such an odd thing to watch as I finished up my laps. It was definitely the slowest of my sets.
For dinner tonight, I made Monday's menu--Chicken Parma with polenta. Except I changed it to a sort of Chicken piccata with polenta. Start with the polenta:
Polenta
Preheat oven to 350F and butter a 2 quart casserole.
Saute 1/2 diced onion in olive oil over medium low heat. When translucent add 2 cloves garlic, minced. Stir until fragrant.
Add 2 cups milk, 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil. Turn off heat.
Slowly slowly slowly pour in 1 cup corn grits or polenta. Let sit until it begins to thicken over the residual heat. Pour into buttered casserole and top with a cup of grated cheese--cheddar works fine in a pinch. place in oven for 20-30 minutes while you make the piccata.
Piccata
Saute 1/2 onion sliced lengthwise, 1 red pepper sliced, about a cup of zucchini chopped in olive oil over medium low heat. Continue to stir until the vegetables are very fragrant and the onions translucent. Add 4 cloves sliced garlic and stir for about a minute. Remove veg from pan and turn the heat to medium high.
Cut two chicken breasts in half horizontally--to make thinner fillets. Season with salt and pepper. Heat about 1 tbl of grape seed oil in the now hot pan and add the chicken. Brown quickly on both sides, add one 14 oz can tomatoes along with 1/2 cup water (or wine). Add 2 tbl capers-chopped, 8 green olives-sliced and 2 tbl olive tapenade (or more olives and capers if that's what you've got), and a tsp of anchovy paste if you want. Cover and cook until chicken is ready, about 10 minutes. Serve with the polenta and grated Romano cheese.
At Mesa, a woman entered the trail on her roadie. She was tallish, blondish, and about my age. I passed her just after she got on the trail. Her pedal was making a strange brushing noise, so I sped up to gain some distance. She was on me like butter on toast. No way was I going to let her pass again. I stood in the saddle and pedaled like mad to gain the hill at Back Bay Drive. She ate my dust as I discoed down the 13% grade.
I will say this for myself: I am not a jerk rider who swerves and maneuvers to gain the lead. I just pump hard.
Just as I was starting to slow a bit to enjoy the bird life on the Back Bay, I heard that crazy little swish of that woman's pedal. I picked up my cadence and added a smaller gear. She was pushing hard, but I was riding harder. If she had wanted it, she could have had it; but I remained in the lead until she turned back at the Nature Center.
I was breathing hard, my legs a bit wobbly, and my smile was huge as I continued through the neighborhoods and back through the park.
At 10 sharp, I bonked and stopped for some Jelly Bellies and nuts. I finished my ride with 34 miles at my back.
When I got home, the cat wanted food and so did I. Confession: Sunday night, JE and I made a huge thing of spareribs. This is what we have been eating for dinner all week long--and what I ate today, ravenously, after my ride.
A quick nap and I went swimming. What a beautiful day, and what lovely weather. The pool closest to my condo is unheated. Today was the first time since last summer that I braved the cold and went swimming there. It was lovely. When I first arrived there were only a few sunbathers. On my last set of laps, several families showed up with tons of kids. One woman came dressed in a thong back string bikini. She stood rubbing oil all over her body, bending down to reach her ankles--for a full 5 minutes. A mom of a couple young boys was kept busy trying to distract them by applying sunscreen to their backs--turned from the bikini. Such an odd thing to watch as I finished up my laps. It was definitely the slowest of my sets.
For dinner tonight, I made Monday's menu--Chicken Parma with polenta. Except I changed it to a sort of Chicken piccata with polenta. Start with the polenta:
Polenta
Preheat oven to 350F and butter a 2 quart casserole.
Saute 1/2 diced onion in olive oil over medium low heat. When translucent add 2 cloves garlic, minced. Stir until fragrant.
Add 2 cups milk, 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil. Turn off heat.
Slowly slowly slowly pour in 1 cup corn grits or polenta. Let sit until it begins to thicken over the residual heat. Pour into buttered casserole and top with a cup of grated cheese--cheddar works fine in a pinch. place in oven for 20-30 minutes while you make the piccata.
Piccata
Saute 1/2 onion sliced lengthwise, 1 red pepper sliced, about a cup of zucchini chopped in olive oil over medium low heat. Continue to stir until the vegetables are very fragrant and the onions translucent. Add 4 cloves sliced garlic and stir for about a minute. Remove veg from pan and turn the heat to medium high.
Cut two chicken breasts in half horizontally--to make thinner fillets. Season with salt and pepper. Heat about 1 tbl of grape seed oil in the now hot pan and add the chicken. Brown quickly on both sides, add one 14 oz can tomatoes along with 1/2 cup water (or wine). Add 2 tbl capers-chopped, 8 green olives-sliced and 2 tbl olive tapenade (or more olives and capers if that's what you've got), and a tsp of anchovy paste if you want. Cover and cook until chicken is ready, about 10 minutes. Serve with the polenta and grated Romano cheese.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Day 208: Mind Games
Putting forth the effort to get the training in is only half the battle some days. Today, my swim felt long and weak. My brain was trying to tell me to go slower and and that resistance was futile. It was a struggle to complete sets without stopping. It was all in my head. I've done it all before and there is no reason why I should feel weaker today.
Running, on the other hand, is still troubling. Darned ankle.
Foodwise: breakfast was a bowl of cereal, and some dried apples later. Lunch was a bun. I was so busy, I sort of forgot to eat. Oh, snap. There I go. That was the trouble in the pool...
Running, on the other hand, is still troubling. Darned ankle.
Foodwise: breakfast was a bowl of cereal, and some dried apples later. Lunch was a bun. I was so busy, I sort of forgot to eat. Oh, snap. There I go. That was the trouble in the pool...
Monday, April 25, 2011
Day 207: Switching things up
It was my last day of work for a while. Things got loads better, after the weekend. I had a good conversation with my coworker, and resolved some things. Glad we are friends, and that what I said to him actually was helpful. We have worked on and off together for several years and have always been friends. Being put in this roll as a superior has been especially troubling for me--at times. Glad it's over, but I did enjoy being at work with that lot of people.
We got up and ran this morning, five kilometers. It was an easy run, and I stopped several times to stretch and roll my ankle. Nevertheless, afterward, I limped around all day. It is so provoking to feel fine, happy and healthy while running and then to wind up stiff and unable to walk straight all day afterward. I tried to elevate, stretch gently, and rest it some but, I forgot my brace and had no ice. What else is provoking is that after tonight's ride around the Back Bay, my ankle feels almost fine. Though that does give me hope for the race, getting to that point may only be attained by brick training, with cycling preceding running.
Tomorrow we will do our run in the morning and then swim tomorrow night. Since I have met my one mile goal, I've also decided to push myself for faster laps, rather than gain more volume. As such, I will be swimming 48 laps; not 53.
We got up and ran this morning, five kilometers. It was an easy run, and I stopped several times to stretch and roll my ankle. Nevertheless, afterward, I limped around all day. It is so provoking to feel fine, happy and healthy while running and then to wind up stiff and unable to walk straight all day afterward. I tried to elevate, stretch gently, and rest it some but, I forgot my brace and had no ice. What else is provoking is that after tonight's ride around the Back Bay, my ankle feels almost fine. Though that does give me hope for the race, getting to that point may only be attained by brick training, with cycling preceding running.
Tomorrow we will do our run in the morning and then swim tomorrow night. Since I have met my one mile goal, I've also decided to push myself for faster laps, rather than gain more volume. As such, I will be swimming 48 laps; not 53.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Day 206: Rest Day
Twelve years ago, today, I married the most amazing person. For weeks we had been rained out, it was a cold wet spring. On the morning of our wedding, we had the most beautiful clear sky. The Wasatch range was covered in a light mist, and the light filtering through was ethereal. We posed for photos, before the ceremony, with the Timpanogos Temple in the background.
After the ceremony, at our wedding luncheon, we watched as the clouds started to roll back in. By the reception, we were doused. For months, I had planned an outdoor reception, with the band and dancing on the patio. Because of the rain, not even the decorations I had worked on could be put up. As I sat on the bed deliberating about what to do, the thought came to me: I had a choice. I could sit in that bedroom all night sulking about something so completely out of my control, or I could go downstairs and put on my best face and have an amazing time. I chose the latter, and have always been grateful for that realization that happiness is a choice. When I walked down the stairs and met my sweet JE, we interlaced fingers and I knew I had made the best decision all around.
In our first year of marriage we coined the term Oodle-ee-yay which means: The Grandest that Life has to Offer. That is my JE to the tee.
We are hoping to take our anniversary trip sometime in the near future. Thinking of a mini cycle tour, somewhere beautiful and close by.
We spent the day with my amazing Grandmother and had Easter brunch at the Chateau. It was a great day, and great to see her and her latest art projects. Her figure watercolors are really coming along. Later, we went to San Onofre State Beach and enjoyed a completely deserted beach and a spectacular sky, thick with clouds. The sun shone down on the sea on the horizon. Tomorrow shall be beautiful.
As for training, I am still concerned about my ankle. Though the swelling has gone down and the pain subsided considerably, running exacerbates it. JE says I know I can run 7K, why not run 10K that day. Maybe...
Plan for the week
Monday: AM: Run 5k, sets
PM: swim 53 laps
Dinner: spinach salad, poached eggs, bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, vinegar and oil. Good bread and cheese
Tuesday: AM: cycle the back bay--Maybe Santiago as well, for me.
PM: run 4 miles and a good stretch yoga set
Dinner: chicken Parma with polenta and garlicky spinach
Wednesday: AM: club Nike (lean), cycle
PM: swimming 53 laps
Dinner: Thai curry
Thursday: AM: cycle back bay
PM: running 5 miles, sets
Dinner: haystacks
Friday AM: Yoga-core strengthening
PM: swimming 53 laps
Dinner: Tuna Melts
Movie night
Saturday: Bike ride to Old Town Orange for dinner--take train back home
Dinner: Gabbies
After the ceremony, at our wedding luncheon, we watched as the clouds started to roll back in. By the reception, we were doused. For months, I had planned an outdoor reception, with the band and dancing on the patio. Because of the rain, not even the decorations I had worked on could be put up. As I sat on the bed deliberating about what to do, the thought came to me: I had a choice. I could sit in that bedroom all night sulking about something so completely out of my control, or I could go downstairs and put on my best face and have an amazing time. I chose the latter, and have always been grateful for that realization that happiness is a choice. When I walked down the stairs and met my sweet JE, we interlaced fingers and I knew I had made the best decision all around.
In our first year of marriage we coined the term Oodle-ee-yay which means: The Grandest that Life has to Offer. That is my JE to the tee.
We are hoping to take our anniversary trip sometime in the near future. Thinking of a mini cycle tour, somewhere beautiful and close by.
We spent the day with my amazing Grandmother and had Easter brunch at the Chateau. It was a great day, and great to see her and her latest art projects. Her figure watercolors are really coming along. Later, we went to San Onofre State Beach and enjoyed a completely deserted beach and a spectacular sky, thick with clouds. The sun shone down on the sea on the horizon. Tomorrow shall be beautiful.
As for training, I am still concerned about my ankle. Though the swelling has gone down and the pain subsided considerably, running exacerbates it. JE says I know I can run 7K, why not run 10K that day. Maybe...
Plan for the week
Monday: AM: Run 5k, sets
PM: swim 53 laps
Dinner: spinach salad, poached eggs, bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, vinegar and oil. Good bread and cheese
Tuesday: AM: cycle the back bay--Maybe Santiago as well, for me.
PM: run 4 miles and a good stretch yoga set
Dinner: chicken Parma with polenta and garlicky spinach
Wednesday: AM: club Nike (lean), cycle
PM: swimming 53 laps
Dinner: Thai curry
Thursday: AM: cycle back bay
PM: running 5 miles, sets
Dinner: haystacks
Friday AM: Yoga-core strengthening
PM: swimming 53 laps
Dinner: Tuna Melts
Movie night
Saturday: Bike ride to Old Town Orange for dinner--take train back home
Dinner: Gabbies
Day 205: Donny and Marie
When I was very young, I was given a set of Donny and Marie dolls as a birthday gift. They were my first Barbie type doll, and I loved them. Marie had a purple and pink handkerchief hem dress and Donny had a purple jumpsuit with a wide belt buckle. I took them to church to show them off and accidentally dropped Marie in the toilet. I pulled her out by the feet, and unsure of what to do with her soppy self, I left her on the back of the potty, never to be seen again. The actual Donny and Marie entertained my family nearly weekly on the Donny and Marie show.
This morning, to prep for our ride, I put my new moldable shoes in the oven to heat up. While they heated, I prepped my feet, adding multiple layers of moleskin to the funky spots on my feet. When the shoes were ready, I put them on and stood eating cereal with bent legs for about 10 minutes until the shoes were cool. After I put them on again, minus the moleskin and double layer of sock, I had perhaps the best fitting pair of shoes I have owned in a long time.
We drove to the train station, planning to ride to Oceanside and take an Amtrak home again. After doing a few doughnuts in the parking lot to practice with my new shoes and clips, we took off toward the Aliso Creek trail. Everything seemed to be going well, my adjustment period for the new clip system seemed well underway by the time we reached Marina Hills Drive and Niguel. About then, is when all hell broke loose. Suddenly I understood why cyclists always take such care to clip in while crossing the street.
In my last pair of cycling shoes, a pair of Keen mountain bike shoes with a recessed cleat, I could start cycling from any position on the pedal and clip in once I had cleared the intersection. With my new Bont Tri shoes, the sole is so stiff and slick, unless I am completely clicked in, I slide off the pedal to often painful and humiliating effect. Particularly humiliating when a long line of cars is waiting to turn after I eventually got across the road after falling off my pedals many many times.
Although I felt the increased power promised by the bike shop (as in 20 percent greater effectiveness in each motion), as the day wore on, I became less and less confident in my new shoes/clips. Perhaps I just don't ride that way...
My cycling style is lackadaisical, whereas these shoes are precision. I found myself singing the part of Marie in "I'm a Little Bit Country, I'm a little bit Rock and Roll." These shoes are definitely Rock and Roll. I will find my rock and roll, just give me time!
At one point on our way back north on the PCH, JE and I locked handlebars. Terrifying! When I flung away into the concrete barrier, I had already unclicked and was able to bounce off the wall using my foot--my new shoe.
We ended up cycling to the Fisherman on San Clemente Pier for lunch. We celebrated our 12th Anniversary today. Hurray us! Coolest part? I still really really like him (He is my heart, too. But that I still like him is a major bonus). The food was great. We ordered the crab feast (as usual). They improved the vegetables from steamed summer squash and carrots, to grilled summer squash and carrots. And we replaced the rice pilaf with their amazing potato wedge fries. After the ginormous meal, they brought me a giant slice of Birthday mud pie--chocolate ice cream on a cookie crust with hot fudge and whipped cream. There is always room for ice cream. We enjoyed it, most of it, so much!
When we rolled out of there and got to our bikes, it was after 4. We decided to just retrace our tire tracks and ride back to the car. At the end of the day, we rode over 52 miles on some of the craziest hills in Orange County. But calorically, we earned our lunch!
Swimming tonight was a nice way to stretch and unwind. No laps, just play. Then the hot tub for stretching. I am so sleepy!
This morning, to prep for our ride, I put my new moldable shoes in the oven to heat up. While they heated, I prepped my feet, adding multiple layers of moleskin to the funky spots on my feet. When the shoes were ready, I put them on and stood eating cereal with bent legs for about 10 minutes until the shoes were cool. After I put them on again, minus the moleskin and double layer of sock, I had perhaps the best fitting pair of shoes I have owned in a long time.
We drove to the train station, planning to ride to Oceanside and take an Amtrak home again. After doing a few doughnuts in the parking lot to practice with my new shoes and clips, we took off toward the Aliso Creek trail. Everything seemed to be going well, my adjustment period for the new clip system seemed well underway by the time we reached Marina Hills Drive and Niguel. About then, is when all hell broke loose. Suddenly I understood why cyclists always take such care to clip in while crossing the street.
In my last pair of cycling shoes, a pair of Keen mountain bike shoes with a recessed cleat, I could start cycling from any position on the pedal and clip in once I had cleared the intersection. With my new Bont Tri shoes, the sole is so stiff and slick, unless I am completely clicked in, I slide off the pedal to often painful and humiliating effect. Particularly humiliating when a long line of cars is waiting to turn after I eventually got across the road after falling off my pedals many many times.
Although I felt the increased power promised by the bike shop (as in 20 percent greater effectiveness in each motion), as the day wore on, I became less and less confident in my new shoes/clips. Perhaps I just don't ride that way...
My cycling style is lackadaisical, whereas these shoes are precision. I found myself singing the part of Marie in "I'm a Little Bit Country, I'm a little bit Rock and Roll." These shoes are definitely Rock and Roll. I will find my rock and roll, just give me time!
At one point on our way back north on the PCH, JE and I locked handlebars. Terrifying! When I flung away into the concrete barrier, I had already unclicked and was able to bounce off the wall using my foot--my new shoe.
We ended up cycling to the Fisherman on San Clemente Pier for lunch. We celebrated our 12th Anniversary today. Hurray us! Coolest part? I still really really like him (He is my heart, too. But that I still like him is a major bonus). The food was great. We ordered the crab feast (as usual). They improved the vegetables from steamed summer squash and carrots, to grilled summer squash and carrots. And we replaced the rice pilaf with their amazing potato wedge fries. After the ginormous meal, they brought me a giant slice of Birthday mud pie--chocolate ice cream on a cookie crust with hot fudge and whipped cream. There is always room for ice cream. We enjoyed it, most of it, so much!
When we rolled out of there and got to our bikes, it was after 4. We decided to just retrace our tire tracks and ride back to the car. At the end of the day, we rode over 52 miles on some of the craziest hills in Orange County. But calorically, we earned our lunch!
Swimming tonight was a nice way to stretch and unwind. No laps, just play. Then the hot tub for stretching. I am so sleepy!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Day 204: Cat Days
Apparently when I woke this afternoon, it was after 3 hours of napping. Not what I had meant to do with my entire afternoon off, but...
Failed my workout today. Not good. Feeling old, fat and yucky. It has been a bit of a crazy week with rehearsals, birthdays, and friends. I look forward to being back in sync with a regular schedule.
Failed my workout today. Not good. Feeling old, fat and yucky. It has been a bit of a crazy week with rehearsals, birthdays, and friends. I look forward to being back in sync with a regular schedule.
Day 203: Slippers
As I mentioned earlier, I have new cycling shoes. On my ride home, I met JE and we headed to Irvine Bicycles to have them fitted with cleats and new pedals. They are always super helpful, and extremely fun to just go visit.
To be honest, getting different pedal/cleat system is a bit nerve wracking. When I first got my cleats, I dumped over sideways from a standing position because I couldn't unclip from the bike fast enough. JE was there to untangle me from my monstrous bike that I was twined up in and still attached to by the feet. Then, for the next couple week and into my cycling tour, I would literally jolt awake with nightmares about falling into traffic because I was unable to unclip fast enough. A friend helped me figure out how to adjust the pressure needed to release from the pedal and those nightmares became a thing of the past.
So excited for the weekend. Being "Interim Shop Manager" pretty much sucks. I work with my peers, and will be returning to work with my peers when/if I go back to work at this shop. I really wanted this to be a fun experience, but one of my coworkers has been complaining about unfair treatment of the past. Not realizing his coworker was doing somethings I asked him to do, the assumption was made that the coworker was taking care of his own business and slacking off. He really let fly with it yesterday, putting me in an impossible situation--on my birthday! I was so frustrated I walked away from him saying, 'I am the Interim!' I lost it today when he told me it was completely dis-empowering for me to have walked away. I don't yell or scream, but ALL of my patience was zapped out of me. I was completely frustrated with him, and let him know it, quite adamantly--for better or for worse. I cannot change the past to suit him better; nor his perception of the present, nor the future--not as the 2-week shop stopgap. Believe it or not, I am doing my damnedest to make things fair and comfortable for everyone. Grrrr!!!
And with that I will say that cycling today, and swimming tonight, was definitely good therapy. Just moving is so good for the soul! Moving more tomorrow. And only working half a day--Monday was a 12 hour day, tomorrow I split 4 hours early! Hurray for Fridays!
To be honest, getting different pedal/cleat system is a bit nerve wracking. When I first got my cleats, I dumped over sideways from a standing position because I couldn't unclip from the bike fast enough. JE was there to untangle me from my monstrous bike that I was twined up in and still attached to by the feet. Then, for the next couple week and into my cycling tour, I would literally jolt awake with nightmares about falling into traffic because I was unable to unclip fast enough. A friend helped me figure out how to adjust the pressure needed to release from the pedal and those nightmares became a thing of the past.
So excited for the weekend. Being "Interim Shop Manager" pretty much sucks. I work with my peers, and will be returning to work with my peers when/if I go back to work at this shop. I really wanted this to be a fun experience, but one of my coworkers has been complaining about unfair treatment of the past. Not realizing his coworker was doing somethings I asked him to do, the assumption was made that the coworker was taking care of his own business and slacking off. He really let fly with it yesterday, putting me in an impossible situation--on my birthday! I was so frustrated I walked away from him saying, 'I am the Interim!' I lost it today when he told me it was completely dis-empowering for me to have walked away. I don't yell or scream, but ALL of my patience was zapped out of me. I was completely frustrated with him, and let him know it, quite adamantly--for better or for worse. I cannot change the past to suit him better; nor his perception of the present, nor the future--not as the 2-week shop stopgap. Believe it or not, I am doing my damnedest to make things fair and comfortable for everyone. Grrrr!!!
And with that I will say that cycling today, and swimming tonight, was definitely good therapy. Just moving is so good for the soul! Moving more tomorrow. And only working half a day--Monday was a 12 hour day, tomorrow I split 4 hours early! Hurray for Fridays!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Day 201: Intentions
One hour left of this birth year. Not looking forward to having to say my new age, though I don't mind getting older. Go with grace and know that getting older beats the alternative--as in, being dead. All in all, it has been a big year for me. Awesome and horrible; but in the end, more awesome than horrible.
Work was interesting. The sewer exploded and I got a parking ticket. Juggling teaching a class and being shop manager on a show week... What was I thinking? What were we all thinking? Good grief. This day lasted 200 years!
Out of sorts at the moment. JE left at 8:30 to go do something for work and still isn't back. I asked him to pick up some whipping cream so I could make some pies for my coworkers. Not sure how I'm going to pull that off now. He is fine, I'm sure; probably just working no my b-day present.
We walked up to the pool as soon as we got home. It was still light out and cool. When we started swimming, the pool was filled with kids. They apologized for being in the way--great kids, I felt bad taking up a whole lane. I finished my 48 laps in groups of 12.
Just before my last set of 12, I noticed a guy who had been swimming laps next to me. He was taking a break. I asked him how many laps he was doing and where he was on those laps. His goal was 16 laps, he was on 10 and said it was killing him. He rested for a few minutes between each lap, but he completed his goal. He admitted that his whole purpose in swimming is to get back into shape so he can start surfing again.
There is something amazing about knowing the finite intentions of peoples actions, it is so revealing. Knowing how people find their joy is wondrously good.
Work was interesting. The sewer exploded and I got a parking ticket. Juggling teaching a class and being shop manager on a show week... What was I thinking? What were we all thinking? Good grief. This day lasted 200 years!
Out of sorts at the moment. JE left at 8:30 to go do something for work and still isn't back. I asked him to pick up some whipping cream so I could make some pies for my coworkers. Not sure how I'm going to pull that off now. He is fine, I'm sure; probably just working no my b-day present.
We walked up to the pool as soon as we got home. It was still light out and cool. When we started swimming, the pool was filled with kids. They apologized for being in the way--great kids, I felt bad taking up a whole lane. I finished my 48 laps in groups of 12.
Just before my last set of 12, I noticed a guy who had been swimming laps next to me. He was taking a break. I asked him how many laps he was doing and where he was on those laps. His goal was 16 laps, he was on 10 and said it was killing him. He rested for a few minutes between each lap, but he completed his goal. He admitted that his whole purpose in swimming is to get back into shape so he can start surfing again.
There is something amazing about knowing the finite intentions of peoples actions, it is so revealing. Knowing how people find their joy is wondrously good.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Day 200!!!!: Monday
How on earth could I have forgotten about first dress rehearsal tonight for our dance concert. So much for training this evening. Bummer.
Yoga was great, however. And I am resolved to include much more of this in my life. It's a funny thing to forget something so good, and then go back to it.
Foodwise: Hateful baked goods day. All I wanted was pastry and pie. Did OK, if I put it like that...
Yoga was great, however. And I am resolved to include much more of this in my life. It's a funny thing to forget something so good, and then go back to it.
Foodwise: Hateful baked goods day. All I wanted was pastry and pie. Did OK, if I put it like that...
Day 199: Rest Day
We spent the day with family at the track in Long Beach. Though there was a lot of disappointment for not qualifying, it was still really good to see family and talk about the important stuff. They are on their way to Utah tomorrow.
We were exhausted when we got home and spent some time in the giant bean bag. I love that thing! I elevated my ankle for the last several hours. It is still causing me grief and I'm wondering if I am going to make this race. 34 days and counting down. I don't think I've been bothered by tendinitis for such a lengthy period. Headed back to the doc's next week. There is some scary stuff about untreated tendinitis turning really bad and causing rupture or degeneration of the tendon. No thanks, I don't want that. Time to pay attention and heed my body's warnings. I can't tell you how difficult it is for me to sit still and be patient for things to heal--luckily swimming and cycling are valid options for exercise during all of this.
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Bike to work
PM: Bike home, yoga
Dinner: RH's birthday, dinner at our friend's house
Tuesday: AM: Club Nike, bike to work
PM: Swim 48 laps (JE 35 laps) Sets (200 crunches on the ball, 30 obliques with medicine ball, 60 walking lunges with 10 lb weights, 40 squat thrusts with 8 lb med ball)
Dinner: Giant salad--Chinese chicken?
Wednesday: AM: Yoga, bike to work
PM: Running (5 miles?), Bike home,
Dinner: My Birthday souffle at Citrus City Grill
Thursday: AM: bike around Back Bay
PM: swim 48 Laps (JE 38) Sets
Dinner: Thai green curry with peppers, onions, yam, snow peas, tofu
Friday: AM: yoga, Bike to work
PM: Running 5 miles (?)
Dinner: Hoping to catch BC for dinner and dominos
Saturday: AM: Santiago Canyon
PM: Swim leisure--have fun!,
Dinner: BBQ pork ribs, chicken, corn, veggie kabobs,
We were exhausted when we got home and spent some time in the giant bean bag. I love that thing! I elevated my ankle for the last several hours. It is still causing me grief and I'm wondering if I am going to make this race. 34 days and counting down. I don't think I've been bothered by tendinitis for such a lengthy period. Headed back to the doc's next week. There is some scary stuff about untreated tendinitis turning really bad and causing rupture or degeneration of the tendon. No thanks, I don't want that. Time to pay attention and heed my body's warnings. I can't tell you how difficult it is for me to sit still and be patient for things to heal--luckily swimming and cycling are valid options for exercise during all of this.
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Bike to work
PM: Bike home, yoga
Dinner: RH's birthday, dinner at our friend's house
Tuesday: AM: Club Nike, bike to work
PM: Swim 48 laps (JE 35 laps) Sets (200 crunches on the ball, 30 obliques with medicine ball, 60 walking lunges with 10 lb weights, 40 squat thrusts with 8 lb med ball)
Dinner: Giant salad--Chinese chicken?
Wednesday: AM: Yoga, bike to work
PM: Running (5 miles?), Bike home,
Dinner: My Birthday souffle at Citrus City Grill
Thursday: AM: bike around Back Bay
PM: swim 48 Laps (JE 38) Sets
Dinner: Thai green curry with peppers, onions, yam, snow peas, tofu
Friday: AM: yoga, Bike to work
PM: Running 5 miles (?)
Dinner: Hoping to catch BC for dinner and dominos
Saturday: AM: Santiago Canyon
PM: Swim leisure--have fun!,
Dinner: BBQ pork ribs, chicken, corn, veggie kabobs,
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Day 198: Bells, Bikes and Badges
After our swim this morning (48 laps or 1920 yards) we took off to Long Beach to visit our brothers-in-law, who are racing in the Grand Prix. JE and I parked about 5 miles from the event and we rode our bikes along the board walk to the race. We arrived late and missed our opportunity to pick up our credentials. However, RL, our brother in law, found us and gave us passes on lanyards. Actually, I was given a lanyard with nothing on it--I tucked the end of the lace into my shirt and hung close to those who actually had permissible access. This allowed us access to all areas of the race, including the paddock area, grandstand, and track. No one questioned us. Lesson: Own it and no one will question it.
We drove around in the team's golf cart, through the back alleys of the race. People were everywhere, and golf carts are silent, so I used my bicycle tactics and went Portland on them. "On your Left!" It actually worked, who knew?
For dinner we went to Roscoe's house of Chicken and Waffles. While we waited for our table we sat in the adjacent bar and enjoyed live jazz. Live music is such a blessed thing. When in company of really amazing artists, music transcends genre. I am not a big fan of recorded improvisational jazz, but love it live. It was good fun to be there.
It had been nearly 10 hours since I had eaten breakfast. When my dinner came (#23--candied yams, greens, corn bread and fried chicken) I ate and ate and vacuumed the entire table of food.
We drove around in the team's golf cart, through the back alleys of the race. People were everywhere, and golf carts are silent, so I used my bicycle tactics and went Portland on them. "On your Left!" It actually worked, who knew?
For dinner we went to Roscoe's house of Chicken and Waffles. While we waited for our table we sat in the adjacent bar and enjoyed live jazz. Live music is such a blessed thing. When in company of really amazing artists, music transcends genre. I am not a big fan of recorded improvisational jazz, but love it live. It was good fun to be there.
It had been nearly 10 hours since I had eaten breakfast. When my dinner came (#23--candied yams, greens, corn bread and fried chicken) I ate and ate and vacuumed the entire table of food.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Day 197: Lost and found
I seem to be in a period of loosing things: my cycling shoes, one of each of my favorite three pairs of earrings, a bracelet, my workout pants, my driver's license, a credit card, and today... I lost my lunch. No, really, Lost it--as in left it on top of the car before I left home and drove away with it still on the roof.
My shoes, I have replaced--sort of. The night after my great disappointment at REI and their lack of shoes to fit my crazy feet, I couldn't sleep. Friends, my warning to you: If you cannot sleep, stay off Ebay. Two AM is not a good time to shop. Josh and Roger at Irvine Bicycles had been talking Bont: a brand of shoes that can be warmed and heat set to the shape of your feet. At 2am, I found a pair of Bont shoes at a far reduced price, and put in a bid. I won that bid and have since got them in the mail. I am hesitant about them because they are really amazing shoes--carbon fiber soles, light moldable material on top, white with pretty blue racing stripes. They fit OK, but...
OK, here is the deal; My bike is a Frankenbike touring bike. Strange wonderful components that come together and create a wonderful, stable, solid ride. There is little speed and not much grace. These beautiful, swift-looking shoes are like Cinderella's glass slippers pushing the gas pedal in a battle worn tank. Somehow, I feel that I shouldn't care about that, but I do. Even when I try to convince myself that these are just one more wonderful element, I just can't convince myself to rig these new shoes with cleats. Perhaps the next time I can't sleep, I'll end up with a new bike...
All week I had been prepping my staff to work 5 hours on Saturday. But all week long, I have been in there with them sewing away. Today, around 2:30, I realized that if we kept our Saturday work date, we would have nothing to do on Monday. Hurray! No Saturday work call!
I rode to JE's work today, full speed ahead and flying. When I got to the car, my lunch (left over salmon in a Pyrex dish) was still on top of the car, with skid marks across the roof where it had shifted around a corner. It traveled about 15 miles on the roof going an average of 45 mph and through many stop lights.
Though we were scheduled to swim tonight, neither of us is up to it. I'm still limping around on my ankle with nasty tendinitis--it was killing today and is very swollen and red.
I hear that JE has started a movie, and is waiting for me. Time to go enjoy a sweet night off with my sweet man. Time to go put my feet up.
My shoes, I have replaced--sort of. The night after my great disappointment at REI and their lack of shoes to fit my crazy feet, I couldn't sleep. Friends, my warning to you: If you cannot sleep, stay off Ebay. Two AM is not a good time to shop. Josh and Roger at Irvine Bicycles had been talking Bont: a brand of shoes that can be warmed and heat set to the shape of your feet. At 2am, I found a pair of Bont shoes at a far reduced price, and put in a bid. I won that bid and have since got them in the mail. I am hesitant about them because they are really amazing shoes--carbon fiber soles, light moldable material on top, white with pretty blue racing stripes. They fit OK, but...
OK, here is the deal; My bike is a Frankenbike touring bike. Strange wonderful components that come together and create a wonderful, stable, solid ride. There is little speed and not much grace. These beautiful, swift-looking shoes are like Cinderella's glass slippers pushing the gas pedal in a battle worn tank. Somehow, I feel that I shouldn't care about that, but I do. Even when I try to convince myself that these are just one more wonderful element, I just can't convince myself to rig these new shoes with cleats. Perhaps the next time I can't sleep, I'll end up with a new bike...
All week I had been prepping my staff to work 5 hours on Saturday. But all week long, I have been in there with them sewing away. Today, around 2:30, I realized that if we kept our Saturday work date, we would have nothing to do on Monday. Hurray! No Saturday work call!
I rode to JE's work today, full speed ahead and flying. When I got to the car, my lunch (left over salmon in a Pyrex dish) was still on top of the car, with skid marks across the roof where it had shifted around a corner. It traveled about 15 miles on the roof going an average of 45 mph and through many stop lights.
Though we were scheduled to swim tonight, neither of us is up to it. I'm still limping around on my ankle with nasty tendinitis--it was killing today and is very swollen and red.
I hear that JE has started a movie, and is waiting for me. Time to go enjoy a sweet night off with my sweet man. Time to go put my feet up.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day 196: Out of the Frying Pan, Into my Mouth...
Leaving work by bike, I knew I should have eaten that yogurt and berries earlier. As it was, I didn't eat anything. I was so anxious to enjoy the remaining daylight and just ride! It feels good to go, even on empty.
I rode around the Back Bay and on to JE's work, around 20 miles total. He met me at the car where I had a Hammer energy goo pouch. We put my bike on the car rack and ran up the trail in the increasing darkness. At the end of my run, Paula Radcliffe told us (via Nike tracker) that we had our longest workout yet. 5.09 miles.
There is something lovely about running on the trails in the dark. Totally peaceful. Lots of thinking and unwinding time. Talking time, too: with my best mate.
The problem with these nighttime workouts is food. By the time I got home, I was so hungry I didn't want to prep anything. Out came the pancake mix and because we had some meat in the fridge, that went into the fry pan after the pancakes came off. So much for vegetables! I think I may need to find a time to prep some of that stuff before work or something.
I rode around the Back Bay and on to JE's work, around 20 miles total. He met me at the car where I had a Hammer energy goo pouch. We put my bike on the car rack and ran up the trail in the increasing darkness. At the end of my run, Paula Radcliffe told us (via Nike tracker) that we had our longest workout yet. 5.09 miles.
There is something lovely about running on the trails in the dark. Totally peaceful. Lots of thinking and unwinding time. Talking time, too: with my best mate.
The problem with these nighttime workouts is food. By the time I got home, I was so hungry I didn't want to prep anything. Out came the pancake mix and because we had some meat in the fridge, that went into the fry pan after the pancakes came off. So much for vegetables! I think I may need to find a time to prep some of that stuff before work or something.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Day 195: Pro Active
Somethings should not be asked, unless one is willing to listen. Today, I asked someone what his complaint was against someone else. Poor choice on my part. Though the individual had valid points, it feels as though the wound has festered and become far more than the individual could deal with.
Contention isn't a comfortable thing, and complaints are only as good as the action to resolve them. On my cycling tour, I met a woman who complained constantly about everything. She was on her own also and really looking for someone else to ride with. I couldn't stand to be with her for long.
Liken this to my workout: My cycling shoes are lost--gone, not yet replaced. I recognize that without my shoes, I am a less effective cyclist. I have a choice: Lament and complain that my shoes are gone and that I am less effective, work harder with what shoes I do have and make do, or buy new shoes that will improve my effectiveness. My choice: I am not a victim if I choose not to be influenced by my shoes being gone and take responsibility to make positive changes. It is called being proactive.
After work, the trail was so inviting and the flow off the ocean so sweet and brisk, I decided to go for a spin. Twenty four point 4 miles later, JE picked me up just as the trail was getting dark. We came home and had a bowl of cereal. I was realizing that if that bowl of cereal had remained the only dinner I had, it would have been the 4 meal of cereal in the last 48 hours--2 breakfasts, 2 dinners. As it was, we had tomorrow night's dinner--salmon and vegetables with rice.
We jumped into our swim wear and trotted up the hill in the moonlight. The lights in the pool were out, so we swam by moonlight. I started out with 12 laps. Then did another 12. When I realized I could achieve a mile with less effort than I had just put forward, I couldn't resist. One set of 11 and one set of 10 and I was at my second mile swim. I wonder what 11 year old me would think of me, a woman who can swim the distance she always coveted but thought impossible--probably that I am pretty dang cool.
Contention isn't a comfortable thing, and complaints are only as good as the action to resolve them. On my cycling tour, I met a woman who complained constantly about everything. She was on her own also and really looking for someone else to ride with. I couldn't stand to be with her for long.
Liken this to my workout: My cycling shoes are lost--gone, not yet replaced. I recognize that without my shoes, I am a less effective cyclist. I have a choice: Lament and complain that my shoes are gone and that I am less effective, work harder with what shoes I do have and make do, or buy new shoes that will improve my effectiveness. My choice: I am not a victim if I choose not to be influenced by my shoes being gone and take responsibility to make positive changes. It is called being proactive.
After work, the trail was so inviting and the flow off the ocean so sweet and brisk, I decided to go for a spin. Twenty four point 4 miles later, JE picked me up just as the trail was getting dark. We came home and had a bowl of cereal. I was realizing that if that bowl of cereal had remained the only dinner I had, it would have been the 4 meal of cereal in the last 48 hours--2 breakfasts, 2 dinners. As it was, we had tomorrow night's dinner--salmon and vegetables with rice.
We jumped into our swim wear and trotted up the hill in the moonlight. The lights in the pool were out, so we swam by moonlight. I started out with 12 laps. Then did another 12. When I realized I could achieve a mile with less effort than I had just put forward, I couldn't resist. One set of 11 and one set of 10 and I was at my second mile swim. I wonder what 11 year old me would think of me, a woman who can swim the distance she always coveted but thought impossible--probably that I am pretty dang cool.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Day 194: Crapola
There were several reasons I didn't apply for the job as Shop Manager. One of them was that I enjoy being able to sit and eat in peace, without interruption except for good company. I got to work around 8am and worked until 9. Somewhere around 5pm, I took a dinner "break," but was interrupted mid-bite by a coworker who needed an emergency alteration done. My blood sugar was so low, and I was feeling very fatigued, so I told him I would get to it after my dinner of Greek yogurt with honey and berries. It may have been intentional, but I don't think I have eaten that slow in a long, long time.
JE picked me up tonight after work. We ran down the trail in the dark. It was lovely to run on the trail on which I usually cycle. There were frogs and bunnies everywhere. Four point five miles, we returned to the car and drove home. I am exhausted from my day, but strangely edified by my run. It really is good for my soul.
JE picked me up tonight after work. We ran down the trail in the dark. It was lovely to run on the trail on which I usually cycle. There were frogs and bunnies everywhere. Four point five miles, we returned to the car and drove home. I am exhausted from my day, but strangely edified by my run. It really is good for my soul.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day 193: Making Concessions
Ramping up for a bit of a crazy week, with family in town and a bit of an unexpected work load. Not only will I be teaching, but I have also been asked to be the stopgap interim manager at one of the costume shops I work for. Tomorrow is my first day there in that position, and tomorrow night is a dress rehearsal--looking at a 14 hour day (at least). Exercise is good for my soul, so I won't be laying that aside; just working around my work. I always want my work to be what fuels my life--not the other way around--but sometimes, I have to make concessions.
Knowing that it was the last day for a little bit to be outside and free in the early daylight hours, I headed outside on my bike. It was such a beautiful day, and so nice to be outside. Twenty miles, working on my cadence--I worked really hard to keep my pace up and light. I raised my average speed up by 1.7 miles per hour. Quick, but I was on the flat, so I am not sure how that will translate into hills. Hey local riders: can someone suggest a good course for hill work?
JE's sister and her family came down to play. They are visiting Long Beach from Utah and will be racing in the LB Grand Prix World Challenge. They have 3 of their 4 kids with them, so I had no idea where to go with littles for dinner. I sent out a text to my mommy-friends and got a suggestion for Rain-forest Cafe. It was the perfect place to take them, they had a great time. Food-wise? Concessions.
Plan for the week
Monday: Ride the back bay
PM: Yoga
Dinner: Out with family
Tuesday: AM Run 7K, good stretching
Late night at work-Dress Rehearsal
Dinner: JE brings me dinner at work (JE shops)
Wednesday: AM: Sleep in until 7, ride to work
PM: Ride home and Swim 35 laps
Dinner: Chicken Fajitas
Thursday: AM: Ride to work
PM: Run from work 7.5K, Ride home
Dinner: Pasta w fish and vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, capers, onions, zucchini)
Friday: AM: Ride to work
PM: Ride home, Swim 35 laps
Dinner: Sukiyaki (rapini, black mushrooms, udon, tofu, egg)
Saturday: AM: Ride to work
PM: Depending on how long work is: Ride to Long Beach to check out the Grand Prix course and the pit. Hmmm...
Dinner: with family
Knowing that it was the last day for a little bit to be outside and free in the early daylight hours, I headed outside on my bike. It was such a beautiful day, and so nice to be outside. Twenty miles, working on my cadence--I worked really hard to keep my pace up and light. I raised my average speed up by 1.7 miles per hour. Quick, but I was on the flat, so I am not sure how that will translate into hills. Hey local riders: can someone suggest a good course for hill work?
JE's sister and her family came down to play. They are visiting Long Beach from Utah and will be racing in the LB Grand Prix World Challenge. They have 3 of their 4 kids with them, so I had no idea where to go with littles for dinner. I sent out a text to my mommy-friends and got a suggestion for Rain-forest Cafe. It was the perfect place to take them, they had a great time. Food-wise? Concessions.
Plan for the week
Monday: Ride the back bay
PM: Yoga
Dinner: Out with family
Tuesday: AM Run 7K, good stretching
Late night at work-Dress Rehearsal
Dinner: JE brings me dinner at work (JE shops)
Wednesday: AM: Sleep in until 7, ride to work
PM: Ride home and Swim 35 laps
Dinner: Chicken Fajitas
Thursday: AM: Ride to work
PM: Run from work 7.5K, Ride home
Dinner: Pasta w fish and vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, capers, onions, zucchini)
Friday: AM: Ride to work
PM: Ride home, Swim 35 laps
Dinner: Sukiyaki (rapini, black mushrooms, udon, tofu, egg)
Saturday: AM: Ride to work
PM: Depending on how long work is: Ride to Long Beach to check out the Grand Prix course and the pit. Hmmm...
Dinner: with family
Day 192: Rest Day
We spent the better part of the day, out of town visiting friend BC. Tonight he made Zabaglione with berries and ice cream. Super yum.
Usually I write my proposed plan for the week here. But it is late and my eyes are going to fall out about now. Tomorrow, when I am home bound by the repairman whose window of actually showing up tomorrow ranges from 1-5pm. Good grief!
Usually I write my proposed plan for the week here. But it is late and my eyes are going to fall out about now. Tomorrow, when I am home bound by the repairman whose window of actually showing up tomorrow ranges from 1-5pm. Good grief!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Day 191: Some like it Hot
Expecting a bunch of family in town for the Long Beach Grand Prix today, I got up early to make pie. Cocounut cream in tasty little crusts lined with dark chocolate. It wasn't until I had 2 dozen mini pies on the counter that I learned family isn't in town until next weekend. Gurg for misinformation.
Around 9, I woke JE up with a plate of pie. We sat in bed taste testing these little pieces of pastry bliss and then got up to run. It was a nice run, 7.25k (4.5 miles), my longest yet.
After our run, we went for a swim. Initially, I had a hard time focusing; I really just wanted to play in the pool. It seems a long time since I went swimming in the daylight, with the sun casting light on the bottom of the pool. So beautiful, and fun to glide through. I set my intentions and did my calculations. 45 laps is equal to one mile. I broke it down into four 320 yard sets and one 520 yard set, and then went for it, resting for about 30 seconds between each set. One mile and a pinch.
To celebrate, we set off to Santa Ana for our favorite taco truck. I doused my battleship taco with a mild looking avocado salsa and sat on the curb to eat. The first bite in, I realized my mistake. Air raid sirens should have been going off on that battleship taco. That was no mild salsa! I don't mind hot, but that was almost ridiculous! About midway through, JE traded with me. The man was crying before he finished--or at least his eyes were watering.
This evening, my friend CC was singing at Bacchus Secret Cellar, a wine bar in Irvine. She has a sweet voice and the music was great. I sat looking at the menu, found the page for dessert and recognized a terrible need that place has for some truly amazing desserts. It got me thinking. I got the card for the manager...
Around 9, I woke JE up with a plate of pie. We sat in bed taste testing these little pieces of pastry bliss and then got up to run. It was a nice run, 7.25k (4.5 miles), my longest yet.
After our run, we went for a swim. Initially, I had a hard time focusing; I really just wanted to play in the pool. It seems a long time since I went swimming in the daylight, with the sun casting light on the bottom of the pool. So beautiful, and fun to glide through. I set my intentions and did my calculations. 45 laps is equal to one mile. I broke it down into four 320 yard sets and one 520 yard set, and then went for it, resting for about 30 seconds between each set. One mile and a pinch.
To celebrate, we set off to Santa Ana for our favorite taco truck. I doused my battleship taco with a mild looking avocado salsa and sat on the curb to eat. The first bite in, I realized my mistake. Air raid sirens should have been going off on that battleship taco. That was no mild salsa! I don't mind hot, but that was almost ridiculous! About midway through, JE traded with me. The man was crying before he finished--or at least his eyes were watering.
This evening, my friend CC was singing at Bacchus Secret Cellar, a wine bar in Irvine. She has a sweet voice and the music was great. I sat looking at the menu, found the page for dessert and recognized a terrible need that place has for some truly amazing desserts. It got me thinking. I got the card for the manager...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Day 190: Fondon't
Ready to bolt out the door this morning and head to the beach before the latest series of storms hit the coast, I was delayed by the realization that all of my cycling shorts are worn out. The pair I wore down the coast, are gray with wear, and the spandex within is beginning to unravel; so, I carefully removed the chamois and made a new pair, placing the old chamois in the new short. Reality: They are far shorter than I initially planned and I need to do some finessing to remove some of the extra fabric at the front. Not bad for a rough draft.
This afternoon, I took off toward the coast, facing into the wind--seemingly every direction was into a headwind! A large storm cloud sat on the horizon with streams of downpour visible in the distance. It was moving fast, and headed right for me. Cycling as hard as I could, trying to get past it before it came ashore, I very nearly missed it at Newport Beach. Nearly missed=wet through. I tried to duck under an underpass to get out of the rain, but the wind was whizzing through and was so cold, I couldn't bear it. At Huntington Beach, I ducked under a shelter and waited for the storm to pass. Enough was enough. After that storm blew past, another was zooming in; I headed home. Total ride: 34.5 wet and wild miles.
All week, I had been looking forward to our fondue dinner, tonight. On the way home by bike, I stopped in at Boudin to pick up a loaf of good bread. Double dark, sourdough, means an amazingly good, crusty bread. Once home, we prepared our meal and sat down to eat it. Reality: I don't like fondue--I knew that, but I always forget it! I want to like it, that is the problem. Is there any other dish on the planet that sounds more appetizing than really good bread wrapped in cheesy goodness after a ride into arctic winds and rain? Perhaps steamed potatoes with toasty raclette, or really good mashed potatoes and a nice gravy? How about cioppino and good bread? Unfortunately, fondue, or at least the fondue I made, was icky. I ate the last of the tabouli and hummus--with really good bread.
This afternoon, I took off toward the coast, facing into the wind--seemingly every direction was into a headwind! A large storm cloud sat on the horizon with streams of downpour visible in the distance. It was moving fast, and headed right for me. Cycling as hard as I could, trying to get past it before it came ashore, I very nearly missed it at Newport Beach. Nearly missed=wet through. I tried to duck under an underpass to get out of the rain, but the wind was whizzing through and was so cold, I couldn't bear it. At Huntington Beach, I ducked under a shelter and waited for the storm to pass. Enough was enough. After that storm blew past, another was zooming in; I headed home. Total ride: 34.5 wet and wild miles.
All week, I had been looking forward to our fondue dinner, tonight. On the way home by bike, I stopped in at Boudin to pick up a loaf of good bread. Double dark, sourdough, means an amazingly good, crusty bread. Once home, we prepared our meal and sat down to eat it. Reality: I don't like fondue--I knew that, but I always forget it! I want to like it, that is the problem. Is there any other dish on the planet that sounds more appetizing than really good bread wrapped in cheesy goodness after a ride into arctic winds and rain? Perhaps steamed potatoes with toasty raclette, or really good mashed potatoes and a nice gravy? How about cioppino and good bread? Unfortunately, fondue, or at least the fondue I made, was icky. I ate the last of the tabouli and hummus--with really good bread.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Day 189: Forever Young
As I pulled the car into the garage this morning, a song came on the radio: Back to the Old House by the Smiths. Sort of the perfect song to reflect on past friendships and really appreciate my life as it is now.
My freshman year of college was amazing. Through a series of chance meetings, I met several people who changed my life. That is what friends are for, perhaps. Ocean, my beautiful friend and cohort in whimsical fashion. Jay, my fun loving stalwart friend. And Erik, playfully loud, and brilliantly funny; who loved Morrissey, and who I couldn't help but get so stupidly shy around. Of all the people in the world, these were whom I wanted to spend my time.
Twenty one years ago, on this date, Jay and Ocean and I went to the park. It was the first really springlike day in south eastern Idaho, and we celebrated by swinging on swings, blowing bubbles, running barefoot on the still cold grass. We were surprised to find dandelions in the yellow lawn. Ocean and I picked handfuls of them to take to Erik. He was surprised, of course, but always the gentleman. We invited him to go dancing, but he declined. He had been aloof for a while.
Later, around two in the morning, Jay knocked on my door to tell me that Erik had died. He had shot himself.
The year following Erik's death was a rough one for me. There were no easy answers and it took a long time to get through grief. I remember the day, perhaps a year and a half afterward, thinking to myself: Oh, I haven't thought about Erik today, and feeling that guilty relief that marked the passage of time.
Time travel through the years: people come and go in my life and I see into them and love them. Jay and I chat occasionally via the internet. I am god-mother to Ocean's seven sweet children. There are dozens and dozens of other people I have been inspired by, who have influenced me, and who I influence.
Perhaps my lesson from that experience with Erik: appreciate my life and share it with others. Live wide open to all possibilities and love what comes. Life is precious, as are the people in it. The difficult times make me stronger, I am stronger than I think--I have and will survive tough things. Life is about finding joy in the journey, even on the rocky roads--just don't dwell on the rocks too long.
We woke early and left, by car for a park on the trail around the back bay. It was still dark, but got lighter as we traveled. We were several miles in by bike, when JE called a halt. A spoke on his back wheel broke--brand new bike! Thanks to Josh, I knew now that, yah, you can ride on a broken spoke, just unleash the brake and ride carefully.
From JE's work, I ran along the trail-2 miles up, 2 back, with the same scenario as yesterday with my tendinitis. Perhaps it is going away and getting better as I get stronger.
Swimming tonight: We trudged up the hill to the pool as the black clouds above us gave way. We were soaked before we got into the pool, which felt so warm and nice compared to the cold windy air outside. By the time we finished swimming, the moon was peaking through the clouds. 32 laps, I think--I lost count and added a couple for good measure.
Dinner was especially good, perhaps because I was so hungry. When a runner's blood sugar drops and the runner is fatigued, it is called "hitting the wall." Same scenario with a cyclist is called "bonking." What do you call it when a swimmer crashes? There must be a term out there for that somewhere. If not, perhaps I could call it... 'drowning?' JE says--"Floundering." I think he wins.
Tia's Cesar Salad
Coddle one egg (chase it with a spoon around in boiling water for a couple of minutes)
Crack egg into a large bowl along with
5 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced finely,
3 anchovy fillets, minced (or about 1 Tb anchovy paste)
Blend with a whisk.
Add:
Juice of 1-2 lemons
2 Tb Worcestershire sauce
1.5 tsp dried mustard
Whisk like mad and slowly slowly slowly add up to 1 cup of good tasting olive oil. Stop whisking when you get an emulsion. Dressing is ready to go!
Add to bowl:
2 cups crunchy croutons
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
toss together and then add:
1-2 heads romaine lettuce
Toss well and serve immediately.
This salad serves a crowd. When I make it for JE and I, I bottle and refrigerate most of the dressing, and eat it within 3 days.
My freshman year of college was amazing. Through a series of chance meetings, I met several people who changed my life. That is what friends are for, perhaps. Ocean, my beautiful friend and cohort in whimsical fashion. Jay, my fun loving stalwart friend. And Erik, playfully loud, and brilliantly funny; who loved Morrissey, and who I couldn't help but get so stupidly shy around. Of all the people in the world, these were whom I wanted to spend my time.
Twenty one years ago, on this date, Jay and Ocean and I went to the park. It was the first really springlike day in south eastern Idaho, and we celebrated by swinging on swings, blowing bubbles, running barefoot on the still cold grass. We were surprised to find dandelions in the yellow lawn. Ocean and I picked handfuls of them to take to Erik. He was surprised, of course, but always the gentleman. We invited him to go dancing, but he declined. He had been aloof for a while.
Later, around two in the morning, Jay knocked on my door to tell me that Erik had died. He had shot himself.
The year following Erik's death was a rough one for me. There were no easy answers and it took a long time to get through grief. I remember the day, perhaps a year and a half afterward, thinking to myself: Oh, I haven't thought about Erik today, and feeling that guilty relief that marked the passage of time.
Time travel through the years: people come and go in my life and I see into them and love them. Jay and I chat occasionally via the internet. I am god-mother to Ocean's seven sweet children. There are dozens and dozens of other people I have been inspired by, who have influenced me, and who I influence.
Perhaps my lesson from that experience with Erik: appreciate my life and share it with others. Live wide open to all possibilities and love what comes. Life is precious, as are the people in it. The difficult times make me stronger, I am stronger than I think--I have and will survive tough things. Life is about finding joy in the journey, even on the rocky roads--just don't dwell on the rocks too long.
We woke early and left, by car for a park on the trail around the back bay. It was still dark, but got lighter as we traveled. We were several miles in by bike, when JE called a halt. A spoke on his back wheel broke--brand new bike! Thanks to Josh, I knew now that, yah, you can ride on a broken spoke, just unleash the brake and ride carefully.
From JE's work, I ran along the trail-2 miles up, 2 back, with the same scenario as yesterday with my tendinitis. Perhaps it is going away and getting better as I get stronger.
Swimming tonight: We trudged up the hill to the pool as the black clouds above us gave way. We were soaked before we got into the pool, which felt so warm and nice compared to the cold windy air outside. By the time we finished swimming, the moon was peaking through the clouds. 32 laps, I think--I lost count and added a couple for good measure.
Dinner was especially good, perhaps because I was so hungry. When a runner's blood sugar drops and the runner is fatigued, it is called "hitting the wall." Same scenario with a cyclist is called "bonking." What do you call it when a swimmer crashes? There must be a term out there for that somewhere. If not, perhaps I could call it... 'drowning?' JE says--"Floundering." I think he wins.
Tia's Cesar Salad
Coddle one egg (chase it with a spoon around in boiling water for a couple of minutes)
Crack egg into a large bowl along with
5 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced finely,
3 anchovy fillets, minced (or about 1 Tb anchovy paste)
Blend with a whisk.
Add:
Juice of 1-2 lemons
2 Tb Worcestershire sauce
1.5 tsp dried mustard
Whisk like mad and slowly slowly slowly add up to 1 cup of good tasting olive oil. Stop whisking when you get an emulsion. Dressing is ready to go!
Add to bowl:
2 cups crunchy croutons
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
toss together and then add:
1-2 heads romaine lettuce
Toss well and serve immediately.
This salad serves a crowd. When I make it for JE and I, I bottle and refrigerate most of the dressing, and eat it within 3 days.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day 188: Passive Resistance
At 22, I went to a concert with a friend. It was a smallish venue in Seattle, Ned's Atomic Dustbin was playing. Security was all around the place, with a 3 foot high barrier 3 feet from the stage. With the concert in motion, people dancing and singing with the songs they knew, I straddled the barrier between the crowd and the stage, mounted the stage and cast myself off into, or onto the crowd below. I drifted across the crowd, on my back, handed from one group to another and placed gently on the periphery of the crowd. Working my way back through the crowd of dancing people, I did this same thing a few more times during the 2 hour concert. At the end of the night, a security guard told me it was strictly prohibited by the venue to crowd surf.
Tuesday evening, at the pool, there was a large group of men who commandeered the hot tub. They were loud, drinking and smoking, though it is clearly marked those things were not allowed. I asked JE what he thought about that. That was the first time we spoke about passive resistance.
A friend of mine was telling me that because he has metal parts in his body, he inevitably gets stopped at security in the airport. So... He wore a heavy winter coat and was told to take it off before he went through the metal detector. Under the coat, he wore only a Speedo. Security flipped out, and tried to make him put his coat back on; which he did, once he was through the detector.
This evening, as we were cycling home, JE asked if I wanted to try out the new bike trail. Yes, indeedy, please! He led me on a path that dead ended in a six foot fence which was wired shut with a small bit of wire. He unwound the wire and slipped his bike through, explaining that the trail was scheduled for completion in November... 2010. We did the same thing through three gates, until we were walking our cycles over a stretch of gravel toward the new cycling bridge. The trail isn't complete, it seems to be missing 20 feet of asphalt. What on earth could take that long???
I seem to be having a battle of wills with my crazy Achilles tendon. We both seem to want the exact opposite of what the other wants. My ankle wants me to be immobile, non-running and frail. I want to run, to be strong, and to live boldly. My run this morning began very painfully; more like hopping along on tiptoe. Eventually the tendon stopped hurting. Running became fun, sort of a game (I was plugged in and the song "Kiss with a Fist," by Florence and the Machines was playing. It is a great running song). Four miles, pain free after the first quarter mile. And afterward, that doggone passive resistance from my ankle. Peace talks include ice, elevation and long hours in front of the computer making a business plan.
Tuesday evening, at the pool, there was a large group of men who commandeered the hot tub. They were loud, drinking and smoking, though it is clearly marked those things were not allowed. I asked JE what he thought about that. That was the first time we spoke about passive resistance.
A friend of mine was telling me that because he has metal parts in his body, he inevitably gets stopped at security in the airport. So... He wore a heavy winter coat and was told to take it off before he went through the metal detector. Under the coat, he wore only a Speedo. Security flipped out, and tried to make him put his coat back on; which he did, once he was through the detector.
This evening, as we were cycling home, JE asked if I wanted to try out the new bike trail. Yes, indeedy, please! He led me on a path that dead ended in a six foot fence which was wired shut with a small bit of wire. He unwound the wire and slipped his bike through, explaining that the trail was scheduled for completion in November... 2010. We did the same thing through three gates, until we were walking our cycles over a stretch of gravel toward the new cycling bridge. The trail isn't complete, it seems to be missing 20 feet of asphalt. What on earth could take that long???
I seem to be having a battle of wills with my crazy Achilles tendon. We both seem to want the exact opposite of what the other wants. My ankle wants me to be immobile, non-running and frail. I want to run, to be strong, and to live boldly. My run this morning began very painfully; more like hopping along on tiptoe. Eventually the tendon stopped hurting. Running became fun, sort of a game (I was plugged in and the song "Kiss with a Fist," by Florence and the Machines was playing. It is a great running song). Four miles, pain free after the first quarter mile. And afterward, that doggone passive resistance from my ankle. Peace talks include ice, elevation and long hours in front of the computer making a business plan.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Day 187: Spokes
Before I knew I shouldn't ride on broken spokes, I rode on broken spokes a lot. This practice ended up with me handing over a large chunk of change to have a new wheel built. This same wheel stayed true for 1,100 miles down the coast, only to break a spoke in a motel room in Solvang where JE met me for his birthday. This wasn't discovered until JE was about to drop me off at the train station in Santa Barbara where he had picked me up 3 days earlier. It was really early and he was trying to get back to OC for work. Using our magic little mobile technological devices, we located a bike shop. They wouldn't open their doors for another 2 hours, though the employees were arriving as we pulled in. JE was opting to stick around, but I begged him to leave me, knowing that I would get faster attention if I, a lone woman cycle-tourist, were sitting on their curb looking utterly pathetic. Within 15 minutes of JE leaving, the owner of the shop ushered me in and offered me coffee and doughnuts. They fixed my bike and I was on the road as the shop was opening in earnest. Kind strangers, thank you!
Tonight, as we made our way around the Back Bay, we were rolling down a hill when I heard a loud pop on my rear wheel. JE finished the loop back to the car and headed back to pick me up. I trotted along making the most of my time, enjoying the neighborhood I was in (the same neighborhood where my grandparents moved when they settled in California, and where John Wayne made his home), and practiced running with my bike (I am so bruised!). This is the second spoke to break in a week and some.
Swimming: I couldn't find my proper swim bottoms so I ended up dragging my voluminous swim trunks around (they are sort of way too big--what happened?). Good grief! Got an awesome upper body work out, however!
Tonight, as we made our way around the Back Bay, we were rolling down a hill when I heard a loud pop on my rear wheel. JE finished the loop back to the car and headed back to pick me up. I trotted along making the most of my time, enjoying the neighborhood I was in (the same neighborhood where my grandparents moved when they settled in California, and where John Wayne made his home), and practiced running with my bike (I am so bruised!). This is the second spoke to break in a week and some.
Swimming: I couldn't find my proper swim bottoms so I ended up dragging my voluminous swim trunks around (they are sort of way too big--what happened?). Good grief! Got an awesome upper body work out, however!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Day 186: Longing for Community
I was shocked this evening as we trotted around our neighborhood. No one was outside walking. This morning, as I zoomed around Irvine and Tustin on my bike, I saw many people out strolling. My thoughts turned to community and how being outside brings such a sense of belonging. There are so many I know out there in the broader community of cyclists and runners, but closer to home people don't seem to go out as much. Perhaps it is just a California thing, or perhaps it is a TV prime-time thing. Not sure... Any thoughts out there?
At this point, I feel like I could take a bow and play my hamstrings. They are tight as cello strings. Club Nike is kicking my butt. Not complaining, at all. Since our circuit training class ended, it is nice to have at least this.
My cycling route demanded diversification this morning. I had thought to go through Santiago canyon, but needed to do some prep work for my class tomorrow. All play and no work... I ended up in the hills above Tustin, roaming the neighborhoods, climbing and rolling out hills for 27 miles. I almost had a Maria moment... I can still feel that song sneaking out of my throat.
Running tonight felt really good. My ankle is still bunk (I am icing as we speak). It was a short run, only 3 miles and some change, but I ran different. When I observe runners who run with grace and efficiency, they are always running on the balls of their feet. I am trying to retrain myself to do this, and to open my gait, lift my heals. All of this is hard work. And it hurts. And it sucks. But just like with anything good, it is worth working for. Afterward, I felt so good! That is the point in all of this: to feel good, have fun, enjoy my life.
Tonight, the wind is coming straight off the Great Pacific. It feels cool and very fresh. As I ran, I heard a screech and watched as an owl landed in a tree. He must have found dinner, because of all the other chirping and squabbling up there.
Dinner was completely enjoyable. Falafel is so easy and fresh. I forget about making it. I also made tabouli using quioa instead of couscous--just to give it that added punch of protein. (My spell check doesn't seem to speak foodie)
JE has grown his beard again. When I asked him how long he is going to grow it, he said:
JE: Until I die. And when I get to heaven it will suddenly be twice as long
I: And God will say, 'Nice beard, John."
JE: And I will say, 'Right back at ya, Big Guy!'
I have nick-named JE, Bike-Beard
At this point, I feel like I could take a bow and play my hamstrings. They are tight as cello strings. Club Nike is kicking my butt. Not complaining, at all. Since our circuit training class ended, it is nice to have at least this.
My cycling route demanded diversification this morning. I had thought to go through Santiago canyon, but needed to do some prep work for my class tomorrow. All play and no work... I ended up in the hills above Tustin, roaming the neighborhoods, climbing and rolling out hills for 27 miles. I almost had a Maria moment... I can still feel that song sneaking out of my throat.
Running tonight felt really good. My ankle is still bunk (I am icing as we speak). It was a short run, only 3 miles and some change, but I ran different. When I observe runners who run with grace and efficiency, they are always running on the balls of their feet. I am trying to retrain myself to do this, and to open my gait, lift my heals. All of this is hard work. And it hurts. And it sucks. But just like with anything good, it is worth working for. Afterward, I felt so good! That is the point in all of this: to feel good, have fun, enjoy my life.
Tonight, the wind is coming straight off the Great Pacific. It feels cool and very fresh. As I ran, I heard a screech and watched as an owl landed in a tree. He must have found dinner, because of all the other chirping and squabbling up there.
Dinner was completely enjoyable. Falafel is so easy and fresh. I forget about making it. I also made tabouli using quioa instead of couscous--just to give it that added punch of protein. (My spell check doesn't seem to speak foodie)
JE has grown his beard again. When I asked him how long he is going to grow it, he said:
JE: Until I die. And when I get to heaven it will suddenly be twice as long
I: And God will say, 'Nice beard, John."
JE: And I will say, 'Right back at ya, Big Guy!'
I have nick-named JE, Bike-Beard
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Day 185: Rock Stacks
For the past couple days, my church has been broadcasting the general conference. It is always an uplifting and powerful experience to tune in and listen. We watched both sessions today, and all the sessions yesterday. It was beautiful.
I woke early and put a quiche in the oven to enjoy while we watched. Why is quiche so good? Because it is savory custard in pie form. It doesn't get much better.
This afternoon, we headed down to San Onofre State Beach. The location makes this beach surprisingly remote, though it is within 20 miles of millions of people. Today, we were the only people on the beach.
The tide was out, exposing all of those beautifully round, smooth stones--perfect stacking opportunity.
The trick with stacking is feeling the balance in the rock. As I start to place one rock on another, I can feel the rocks click into place. Each rock added to the stack is dependent on the balance of the rocks beneath it.
Sometimes, if a stack tumbles, it gives me an opportunity to stack afresh, find new points of balance that enable me to stack higher than the previous stack would allow.
This is an analogy for so many things in my life. But right now I am talking about training for this next triathlon. My balance in running is off kilter. I need to work on that, build it up again.
Plan for the week
Mon: AM: Club Nike (tone) and cycle to work
PM: run 5k,
Dinner:Baked falafel, Taziki, Tomatoes and cucumbers, Pita, Hummus w
beets
Tuesday: AM: cycle the back bay
PM: swim 25 laps, sets
Dinner: Vegetarian Indian curry with potatoes, garbanzos and squash
Basmati rice
Wednesday: AM: club Nike (lean) stretching, cycle to work.
PM: run 6K,
Dinner: Chinese chicken salad
Thursday: AM: cycle back bay
PM: swim 30 laps, sets
Dinner: Pasta w squash and veggies
Cesar salad
Friday AM: club Nike, cycle to work
PM run 7k
Dinner: Cheese Fondue (a special request by JE), Bread, Beet and
endive Salad
Movie night
Saturday: swim 32 laps
Garage sale (maybe)
Do something fun
Dinner: Taco salad or haystacks
I woke early and put a quiche in the oven to enjoy while we watched. Why is quiche so good? Because it is savory custard in pie form. It doesn't get much better.
This afternoon, we headed down to San Onofre State Beach. The location makes this beach surprisingly remote, though it is within 20 miles of millions of people. Today, we were the only people on the beach.
The tide was out, exposing all of those beautifully round, smooth stones--perfect stacking opportunity.
The trick with stacking is feeling the balance in the rock. As I start to place one rock on another, I can feel the rocks click into place. Each rock added to the stack is dependent on the balance of the rocks beneath it.
Sometimes, if a stack tumbles, it gives me an opportunity to stack afresh, find new points of balance that enable me to stack higher than the previous stack would allow.
This is an analogy for so many things in my life. But right now I am talking about training for this next triathlon. My balance in running is off kilter. I need to work on that, build it up again.
Plan for the week
Mon: AM: Club Nike (tone) and cycle to work
PM: run 5k,
Dinner:Baked falafel, Taziki, Tomatoes and cucumbers, Pita, Hummus w
beets
Tuesday: AM: cycle the back bay
PM: swim 25 laps, sets
Dinner: Vegetarian Indian curry with potatoes, garbanzos and squash
Basmati rice
Wednesday: AM: club Nike (lean) stretching, cycle to work.
PM: run 6K,
Dinner: Chinese chicken salad
Thursday: AM: cycle back bay
PM: swim 30 laps, sets
Dinner: Pasta w squash and veggies
Cesar salad
Friday AM: club Nike, cycle to work
PM run 7k
Dinner: Cheese Fondue (a special request by JE), Bread, Beet and
endive Salad
Movie night
Saturday: swim 32 laps
Garage sale (maybe)
Do something fun
Dinner: Taco salad or haystacks
Day 184:
Sleep is a wonderful thing. I slept enough to have dreams, last night and took 2 naps today. Lazy me. What an incredible thing.
We swam tonight. Mid way through my first short set, a fellow swimmer joined us. He was monotonous but sloppy in his technique. He was still swimming when we left.
JE was away most of the afternoon. He went to play music with a friend from work. I'm hoping he gets to do that more often, I know he loves to play and needs people to practice with.
Tally for the week:
Swimming: 2 miles (including warm up and cool down laps
Running: 2 miles (Fail!)
Cycling: 189.7 miles
We swam tonight. Mid way through my first short set, a fellow swimmer joined us. He was monotonous but sloppy in his technique. He was still swimming when we left.
JE was away most of the afternoon. He went to play music with a friend from work. I'm hoping he gets to do that more often, I know he loves to play and needs people to practice with.
Tally for the week:
Swimming: 2 miles (including warm up and cool down laps
Running: 2 miles (Fail!)
Cycling: 189.7 miles
Friday, April 1, 2011
Day 183: Flow and Cadence
"I've learned so much about swimming since my accident. I've learned that I rely on power and not on flow."
Most of my morning and early arvo, I spent with DA, my friend who also is sort of a mentor to me in the realm of triathlon. Five weeks ago he was peddling hard on a training ride, going 22 miles per hour, his arms stretched if front of him on Aero-Bars, a long way from his brakes. Six juveniles stepped out in front of him from the bushes. He called to them, and one stopped dead in his tracks, eyes connected with DA. There was no time to react, DA hit the kid full in the belly. DA was on the ground, unable to move and asking for help. One of the kids grabbed the hit kid and they all bolted, leaving DA injured on the ground begging for someone to call an ambulance. His lung was punctured, six ribs broken, fractured pelvis, and a broken collar bone. A nearby stranger came to the rescue and offered help. DA was taken to a nearby hospital and put into ICU. 3 days later, he started his training again. 10 minutes a day at first, then 20. Today was his longest ride in a while, about 25 miles. We rode to the site of the accident and chatted about how his training has changed to accommodate for his injuries. He swims 1500 yards, one armed. He was a bit gun shy as we rode into the crowd around Huntington Beach Pier. But he prevailed. He says the worst part of his injury is to his confidence. It was nice to ride with a friend.
Tuesday, while I was cycling with my French buddies, we came to the nasty little hill that leads out of the back bay. Gilles-the triathlete was instructing his coworker who spoke the least amount of English, how to best cycle this nasty little hill--instructing him in English. I was very close and listened for a bit, then cocky little me said: Race ya! And jammed up that hill so fast in my clip-less pedals and cycling shoes, my feet were flying. When I got to the top, I turned around to see where everyone was. In a fine French accent, I heard, "You spanked us!" from the other crew member whose wife is a TV producer and who lived in the US for 3 years--hence his impeccable English (it seems so funny that I should only remember Gilles name--I wouldn't have if the man who lived in the US introduced him as "Gilles, in your language that would be Giles." and then his playful, mocking laugh).
A few times during the day, Gilles gently made suggestions on ways to improve my cycling--step up my cadence ("Do you have a cadence computer?"), work on my flow, don't race on my bike. When I exclaimed that I love that bike, he said, "this is your heart-bike, but not for racing." Yes, Little Red is my heart-bike.
I've been trying to watch my flow and cadence, lighten my gear and quicken my pace. Most of the time, I ride hard, pushing with too much rather than spinning on a lighter gear. But there are times, when I feel the fluidity of my action, when my effort is completely efficient and the energy I expend reveals the maximum potential of the sum of the parts, my pedaling and the bike's components. It is so strange that achieving this requires so much mental work--focus and concentration, rather than the sloppy, all physical aspects of riding. It is all grace.
When I spoke with DA about working on my cadence, he said, "Do you have a cadence computer? Cadence is something you work for. You set a goal and work on it for 5 minutes, then begin increasing it." Same as everything--set a goal and work toward it. Today marks my half a year mark of setting this goal and working toward it.
One thing that really helps that feeling of flow, is to be literally connected to my bike--having my shoes connected to my pedals allow me to utilize the full rotation of the crank. Wednesday night after our ride around the Back Bay, JE and I drove out of the parking lot, leaving my only cycling shoes on the pavement.
Tonight we visited Josh at Irvine Bicycles and talked to him about new cycling shoes. He thinks I should get performance shoes--something with a stiffer sole, that will improve my cycling speed. I asked if it will help with my cadence. He asked if I have a cadence computer...
Today's ride: 57.4 miles, and some self induced circuit training.
Most of my morning and early arvo, I spent with DA, my friend who also is sort of a mentor to me in the realm of triathlon. Five weeks ago he was peddling hard on a training ride, going 22 miles per hour, his arms stretched if front of him on Aero-Bars, a long way from his brakes. Six juveniles stepped out in front of him from the bushes. He called to them, and one stopped dead in his tracks, eyes connected with DA. There was no time to react, DA hit the kid full in the belly. DA was on the ground, unable to move and asking for help. One of the kids grabbed the hit kid and they all bolted, leaving DA injured on the ground begging for someone to call an ambulance. His lung was punctured, six ribs broken, fractured pelvis, and a broken collar bone. A nearby stranger came to the rescue and offered help. DA was taken to a nearby hospital and put into ICU. 3 days later, he started his training again. 10 minutes a day at first, then 20. Today was his longest ride in a while, about 25 miles. We rode to the site of the accident and chatted about how his training has changed to accommodate for his injuries. He swims 1500 yards, one armed. He was a bit gun shy as we rode into the crowd around Huntington Beach Pier. But he prevailed. He says the worst part of his injury is to his confidence. It was nice to ride with a friend.
Tuesday, while I was cycling with my French buddies, we came to the nasty little hill that leads out of the back bay. Gilles-the triathlete was instructing his coworker who spoke the least amount of English, how to best cycle this nasty little hill--instructing him in English. I was very close and listened for a bit, then cocky little me said: Race ya! And jammed up that hill so fast in my clip-less pedals and cycling shoes, my feet were flying. When I got to the top, I turned around to see where everyone was. In a fine French accent, I heard, "You spanked us!" from the other crew member whose wife is a TV producer and who lived in the US for 3 years--hence his impeccable English (it seems so funny that I should only remember Gilles name--I wouldn't have if the man who lived in the US introduced him as "Gilles, in your language that would be Giles." and then his playful, mocking laugh).
A few times during the day, Gilles gently made suggestions on ways to improve my cycling--step up my cadence ("Do you have a cadence computer?"), work on my flow, don't race on my bike. When I exclaimed that I love that bike, he said, "this is your heart-bike, but not for racing." Yes, Little Red is my heart-bike.
I've been trying to watch my flow and cadence, lighten my gear and quicken my pace. Most of the time, I ride hard, pushing with too much rather than spinning on a lighter gear. But there are times, when I feel the fluidity of my action, when my effort is completely efficient and the energy I expend reveals the maximum potential of the sum of the parts, my pedaling and the bike's components. It is so strange that achieving this requires so much mental work--focus and concentration, rather than the sloppy, all physical aspects of riding. It is all grace.
When I spoke with DA about working on my cadence, he said, "Do you have a cadence computer? Cadence is something you work for. You set a goal and work on it for 5 minutes, then begin increasing it." Same as everything--set a goal and work toward it. Today marks my half a year mark of setting this goal and working toward it.
One thing that really helps that feeling of flow, is to be literally connected to my bike--having my shoes connected to my pedals allow me to utilize the full rotation of the crank. Wednesday night after our ride around the Back Bay, JE and I drove out of the parking lot, leaving my only cycling shoes on the pavement.
Tonight we visited Josh at Irvine Bicycles and talked to him about new cycling shoes. He thinks I should get performance shoes--something with a stiffer sole, that will improve my cycling speed. I asked if it will help with my cadence. He asked if I have a cadence computer...
Today's ride: 57.4 miles, and some self induced circuit training.
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