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.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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.
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