A perpetual, self-sustaining reaction of laughter!
...Sometimes you just need a good laugh!
Hee hee hee! ENJOY!
3 days ago
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Dragon, Leonitas, Pepto
Nathaniel and I had a great day, bumming around Encinitas, window "shopping", sipping coffee and the Java Hut, talking, more walking, and then enjoying some sushi at a little hole-in-the-wall spot.
Until....
This guy came along.
The Dragon Roll.
(Cue scary music).
I guess that any restaurant that feels the need to create a dragon-like head for the front, and hair-like garnish on top of the roll, should be slightly suspect. Because they certainly weren't winning us over with the taste. And besides - I thought they were going to use *fresh* sushi on the top. NOT the stuff they served us. Oh well - we ate it anyway.
Octopus eyes and all.
BIG MISTAKE.
About 90 minutes later it hit. My tummy gurgled, and then lurched...and I could feel my ears getting warm and body beginning to sweat.
A quick glance throughout the bathroom confirmed my worst fears: we were OUT of Pepto.
Now would be the appropriate time to swear. Go ahead, make my day.
I told Nathaniel I was headed here:
And that he could go with me if he wanted...
Quick as a flash, we drove to the store, Nathaniel ran in and retrieved the pepto, and was back in the car before I could turn any greener.
JUST as I wrenched off the safety seal and was about to take a drink - we saw this little guy running across the parking lot and looking a little lost.
Luckily, he was very friendly and Nathaniel and I contacted the owner. The kitty's name was Leonitas - "A King's name" - according to my Resident (Military) Historian Nathaniel. And he seemed very curious in the car.
The cat, not my husband (just in case you were wondering).
"Leonidas was a Spartan King who died at the Battle of Thermopylae. But the guy who named the cat probably named him after the 300 Movie. You never know." Nathaniel commented, after dropping Leonitas off and heading back to our place. "Although, the cat's name is spelled wrong. Yeah - I'm pretty sure the guy saw the movie. But its still a cool name. That was a good cat! NO attacking!"
I think I tuned everything else out, as I was waiting for the Pepto to kick in.
I'm still hoping it works - even after I took this photo (and downed half the bottle a la Mark Whalberg in "The Big Hit") Don't ask me how I know about that movie. I'm not proud.
Yes - my Other Half spouts off information about Greek, errr, Spartan Kings. And I'm referencing old Marky Mark movies. Classic.
Let's just hope this kicks in sooner than later.
Ug.
Concluding thoughts?
IF you're going to let your kitty/pet run free - PLEASE make sure they have tags and contact information. And whatever you do - DO NOT eat the dragon.
Until....
This guy came along.
The Dragon Roll.
(Cue scary music).
I guess that any restaurant that feels the need to create a dragon-like head for the front, and hair-like garnish on top of the roll, should be slightly suspect. Because they certainly weren't winning us over with the taste. And besides - I thought they were going to use *fresh* sushi on the top. NOT the stuff they served us. Oh well - we ate it anyway.
Octopus eyes and all.
BIG MISTAKE.
About 90 minutes later it hit. My tummy gurgled, and then lurched...and I could feel my ears getting warm and body beginning to sweat.
A quick glance throughout the bathroom confirmed my worst fears: we were OUT of Pepto.
Now would be the appropriate time to swear. Go ahead, make my day.
I told Nathaniel I was headed here:
And that he could go with me if he wanted...
Quick as a flash, we drove to the store, Nathaniel ran in and retrieved the pepto, and was back in the car before I could turn any greener.
JUST as I wrenched off the safety seal and was about to take a drink - we saw this little guy running across the parking lot and looking a little lost.
Luckily, he was very friendly and Nathaniel and I contacted the owner. The kitty's name was Leonitas - "A King's name" - according to my Resident (Military) Historian Nathaniel. And he seemed very curious in the car.
The cat, not my husband (just in case you were wondering).
"Leonidas was a Spartan King who died at the Battle of Thermopylae. But the guy who named the cat probably named him after the 300 Movie. You never know." Nathaniel commented, after dropping Leonitas off and heading back to our place. "Although, the cat's name is spelled wrong. Yeah - I'm pretty sure the guy saw the movie. But its still a cool name. That was a good cat! NO attacking!"
I think I tuned everything else out, as I was waiting for the Pepto to kick in.
I'm still hoping it works - even after I took this photo (and downed half the bottle a la Mark Whalberg in "The Big Hit") Don't ask me how I know about that movie. I'm not proud.
Yes - my Other Half spouts off information about Greek, errr, Spartan Kings. And I'm referencing old Marky Mark movies. Classic.
Let's just hope this kicks in sooner than later.
Ug.
Concluding thoughts?
IF you're going to let your kitty/pet run free - PLEASE make sure they have tags and contact information. And whatever you do - DO NOT eat the dragon.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Nathaniel: the best husband. Ever.
Without a doubt, I've got the best husband ever.
And just to give you an idea of why he's so great, I'll share a little background. Just because.
FIRST: would YOU want to go running with this? Note the expression and ignore the clothes (although its hard, I know.)
Didn't think so.
FYI (as though you couldn't tell - this was ME before my long run at Lake O'Neil today).
Not that I was dreading the run, but it would be a stretch to call me "excited". Two and a half hours is a long time to be running; hell, I don't even like sitting in the car for that period of time.
Nathaniel could sense my 'grimness' and gamely volunteered to accompany for a lap of my 4.4 mile loop. I perked up immediately and before too long we set out. Me in my car and he in his: as I would be running for a lot longer than him, he wanted a way home. Quite frankly - waiting around for me to complete another 13+ miles just didn't seem all that exciting.
For the both of us.
The problem with today (of all days) was that the weather was just beautiful, low humidity and even lower temperatures. And for someone training for Kona - and the heat and humidity that accompany All Things Ironman - this just wouldn't do.
So I dressed in layers.
And arm warmers.
And capri biking pants for days where the temperature doesn't exceed 40 degrees.
Let's just say that I more than made up for any 'cooler' temps. It was above 83 - and that's all I'm saying.
Do I look happy in the picture?
Please: don't answer that.
But Nathaniel bravely set off with me, matching my pace and making small talk. Look at the beautiful scenery! Isn't this great! I love California. And despite my string of four-letter-words, he hung gamely on.
But I gradually calmed down and got into my groove: I was grateful that he was out there - Ironman training is lonely enough. Having the support of family and friends can make all the difference - even if they're only with you for 1 (out of 4) loops.
Because in the end - the fact that they're there makes all the difference.
We made good work of the loop - eventually enjoying the trails and scenery, and before too long, we found ourselves back at the cars. I was sad to see him go, but grateful that he had been willing to endure 1) the heat 2) running inland 3) dusty trails 4) my wardrobe 5) my (initial bad) mood.
The rest of my run was (THANKFULLY) uneventful. The second and third loops got hotter, and by the forth I was working as hard as my legs would carry me. I made sure to stop after each lap and fill up with water and chomp on a gel - just because dehydration and bonking are NOT my friends. And though I saw much wildlife - lizards, snakes, bugs, and the occasional rabbit - I didn't see any Mountain Lions.
So all in all it was a good run.
When I finished, I think I yelled, "Get it OFF of me!"
Meaning - naturally - my clothes. Without thinking, I ripped off my layers, tore off the arm warmers, and tried to 'cool off' in just a sports bra. I may have collapsed on the ground under a tree - but due to the heat and my limited memory, I have no recollection of such events. Just a few odd-placed pebbles in my pants and inner-workings of the back of my sports bra.
Classic.
At this point, I was just happy to be DONE (and have survived).
And yes, I wear a blue sports bra. It is wonderful and I love it.
But coolest bit was yet to come.
Later, when I stumbled through the door - I discovered that Nathaniel had 1) made the MOST DELICIOUS peach and red onion salsa 2) Gone to the grocery store and picked up 'staples' (milk, bread, and things-I've-neglected-because-I've-been-trashed-from-training) 3) bought Corona Light for me 4) got me a peanut-butter-and-chocolate cupcake (he said it was calling his name).
I was SO HAPPY that I didn't know if I should jump him or just dig in. As it was, I opted for the shower and then food.
Later - we were able to relax on the couch together...
(You'll have to trust me when I say that I WAS sitting next to him).
Pink compression socks and all (note the kitty...)
And we can't forget about Tabbitha. I can't have a picture of One House Monster without the Other House Monster.
Yes - she's always watching, glowing eyes and all.
Today was just one of those days. And while I love the sport, am grateful that I get to participate, I also realize that not everyday will be wonderful-with-butterflies-and-good-smelling-things-where-the-effort-is-light-and-drive-is-there.
Sometimes you Just. Don't. Want. To. Do. It.
Lately, I've been feeling like I just need to hang on. That I'm almost there and that starting line is just around the corner. Through it all - good times AND bad - Nathaniel has been super supportive, doing all that he can to make my life (and training) easier.
I've come to realize, going into my second Ironman of the year (knock on wood), that Ironman really and truly IS a family affair. It takes sacrifice both for the individual doing the Ironman AND for the family (spouse, kids, friends, etc...) And for the first time ever, I can understand why finishers want their family members/friends running down the finishing chute with them. Because they totally deserve to be there...
Ironman and Ironman training has truly been special and a real eye opening for me. Yes, its kicked my butt on more than one occasion, but I've also had some truly unique and wonderful moments. Being able to share those moments with Nathaniel (and others that I love) makes it all the more special.
Weather its running together, enjoying pizza and beer, or walking through the door after a tough workout only to discover a house full of treats and hubby that loves you in spite of your bad mood and bad BO.
To Nathaniel: thanks for being there. I love you.
And just to give you an idea of why he's so great, I'll share a little background. Just because.
FIRST: would YOU want to go running with this? Note the expression and ignore the clothes (although its hard, I know.)
Didn't think so.
FYI (as though you couldn't tell - this was ME before my long run at Lake O'Neil today).
Not that I was dreading the run, but it would be a stretch to call me "excited". Two and a half hours is a long time to be running; hell, I don't even like sitting in the car for that period of time.
Nathaniel could sense my 'grimness' and gamely volunteered to accompany for a lap of my 4.4 mile loop. I perked up immediately and before too long we set out. Me in my car and he in his: as I would be running for a lot longer than him, he wanted a way home. Quite frankly - waiting around for me to complete another 13+ miles just didn't seem all that exciting.
For the both of us.
The problem with today (of all days) was that the weather was just beautiful, low humidity and even lower temperatures. And for someone training for Kona - and the heat and humidity that accompany All Things Ironman - this just wouldn't do.
So I dressed in layers.
And arm warmers.
And capri biking pants for days where the temperature doesn't exceed 40 degrees.
Let's just say that I more than made up for any 'cooler' temps. It was above 83 - and that's all I'm saying.
Do I look happy in the picture?
Please: don't answer that.
But Nathaniel bravely set off with me, matching my pace and making small talk. Look at the beautiful scenery! Isn't this great! I love California. And despite my string of four-letter-words, he hung gamely on.
But I gradually calmed down and got into my groove: I was grateful that he was out there - Ironman training is lonely enough. Having the support of family and friends can make all the difference - even if they're only with you for 1 (out of 4) loops.
Because in the end - the fact that they're there makes all the difference.
We made good work of the loop - eventually enjoying the trails and scenery, and before too long, we found ourselves back at the cars. I was sad to see him go, but grateful that he had been willing to endure 1) the heat 2) running inland 3) dusty trails 4) my wardrobe 5) my (initial bad) mood.
The rest of my run was (THANKFULLY) uneventful. The second and third loops got hotter, and by the forth I was working as hard as my legs would carry me. I made sure to stop after each lap and fill up with water and chomp on a gel - just because dehydration and bonking are NOT my friends. And though I saw much wildlife - lizards, snakes, bugs, and the occasional rabbit - I didn't see any Mountain Lions.
So all in all it was a good run.
When I finished, I think I yelled, "Get it OFF of me!"
Meaning - naturally - my clothes. Without thinking, I ripped off my layers, tore off the arm warmers, and tried to 'cool off' in just a sports bra. I may have collapsed on the ground under a tree - but due to the heat and my limited memory, I have no recollection of such events. Just a few odd-placed pebbles in my pants and inner-workings of the back of my sports bra.
Classic.
At this point, I was just happy to be DONE (and have survived).
And yes, I wear a blue sports bra. It is wonderful and I love it.
But coolest bit was yet to come.
Later, when I stumbled through the door - I discovered that Nathaniel had 1) made the MOST DELICIOUS peach and red onion salsa 2) Gone to the grocery store and picked up 'staples' (milk, bread, and things-I've-neglected-because-I've-been-trashed-from-training) 3) bought Corona Light for me 4) got me a peanut-butter-and-chocolate cupcake (he said it was calling his name).
I was SO HAPPY that I didn't know if I should jump him or just dig in. As it was, I opted for the shower and then food.
Later - we were able to relax on the couch together...
(You'll have to trust me when I say that I WAS sitting next to him).
Pink compression socks and all (note the kitty...)
And we can't forget about Tabbitha. I can't have a picture of One House Monster without the Other House Monster.
Yes - she's always watching, glowing eyes and all.
Today was just one of those days. And while I love the sport, am grateful that I get to participate, I also realize that not everyday will be wonderful-with-butterflies-and-good-smelling-things-where-the-effort-is-light-and-drive-is-there.
Sometimes you Just. Don't. Want. To. Do. It.
Lately, I've been feeling like I just need to hang on. That I'm almost there and that starting line is just around the corner. Through it all - good times AND bad - Nathaniel has been super supportive, doing all that he can to make my life (and training) easier.
I've come to realize, going into my second Ironman of the year (knock on wood), that Ironman really and truly IS a family affair. It takes sacrifice both for the individual doing the Ironman AND for the family (spouse, kids, friends, etc...) And for the first time ever, I can understand why finishers want their family members/friends running down the finishing chute with them. Because they totally deserve to be there...
Ironman and Ironman training has truly been special and a real eye opening for me. Yes, its kicked my butt on more than one occasion, but I've also had some truly unique and wonderful moments. Being able to share those moments with Nathaniel (and others that I love) makes it all the more special.
Weather its running together, enjoying pizza and beer, or walking through the door after a tough workout only to discover a house full of treats and hubby that loves you in spite of your bad mood and bad BO.
To Nathaniel: thanks for being there. I love you.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Ride recap!
I never realized I could drink two pints of beer so quickly. Then again, the first went down relatively easily, while Nathaniel and I were waiting for our pizzas. And yes, there were two - pizzas that is. The second pint...well...you can't exactly eat a BBQ Chicken pizza without a beer, right?
How did I arrive at this point Saturday late-afternoon? Glad you asked....
It really started Friday night, when Nathaniel and I went to a friend's house for dinner and drinks. Correction: I went for dinner, my Other Half went for dinner and drinks. The Ironman Training Thing hit me hard when I saw nearly everyone else pouring Rum & Coke or beer (and in some wild cases - both).
I got really excited when someone mentioned she was going hiking with her hubby and son the next day on Palomar.
"Really?" I cried, setting down my Sodawater (which got a few disapproving stares, I might add). "Where are you guys going? At the top?? Ooohhhhh - there are some great trails! And its just beautiful!" I continued.
And yes: for the record I got a few stares. I love that mountain in a twisted, weird way - but the fact that people would actually go to it to hike and not bike really got me excited. Hello Off-season! I think I know what I'll be doing!
I got even more stares when I said my good-byes at 8:30. Rising at 0430 for breakfast followed by a 120-mile ride is just not conducive to late-night partying.
Nathaniel - on the other hand - stayed and had a blast. And I didn't blame him, not one bit. But it was hard to deny the pangs of jealousy as I drove away from the Merry-making. Just think about running down Ali'i drive towards that finish line...it will all be worth it in the end...and this is something that they'll never do...you have to make sacrifices if you want something special...just focus on that finish... But it still hit hard. I sometimes wonder if what I miss - time with Nathaniel and having a "normal" weekend - is really worth it.
(statement, not question)
Then again...
1) What is normal 2) I really LOVE training and racing and would be extremely unhappy if I wasn't able to do it (as we all know from 2008). 3) Once I'm out and riding, there is no other place I would rather be on a Saturday morning than on my bike, enjoying the beautiful California scenery.
But I digress....
How did I find myself wolfing down two pints of beer and just over one pizza?
I short: I rode my bike a really really REALLY long time.
Here's a time-lime of my thoughts on Saturday morning/afternoon.
0430: Alarm beeps - God this is early. Just 20 more minutes, and I'll be okay.
0450: Second alarm
0451: Third alarm
0452: Forth alarm
045-- Okay, okay! I'm up!
0500: Breakfast. Ugh. Too early to drink two bottles of ensure. But at least the banannas go down well.
0530: Amazing how many people are on Facebook on Saturday morning!
0550: Good Lord - I must have used at least 1/4 cup of chamois cream in my shorts. Ugh. Cold, wet, messy...and let's hope that it lasts all day long.
0612: Kiss Nathaniel good bye and DO NOT look longingly at the other half of the bed. It is just too tempting to jump back in and snuggle under the covers....
0615: Out the door. Riding. Good morning to other rider along Kelley drive.
0630: Meet Darcy - ride partner extraordinare for our Henshaw Loop Ride.
0635: Make new friend - Norm, who is running the Disney Half Marathon tomorrow (Sunday) and 'only' riding 40 miles. Ignore pangs of jealousy.
0637: Wonder if those pangs of jealousy come from only riding 40 miles or only running a half marathon?
0655: Hello early morning fog! Beautiful draped over the valleys and hills...pouring out from the trees. I know you promise to make this day a humid one. Now - if you could please keep the desert thunderstorms away until after we've passed through the desert...
0715: Hello Elfin Forest! Hello the Smell of Dill! I LOVE dill! I love how dill smells! I love riding through Elfin Forest!
0740: Discover that Darcy is my Marathon-twin. We have the EXACT same marathon times in both our IM AND open marathon. Four marathons from two people run under extremely different circumstances and the exact same time down to the minute. I knew I liked this girl...
0755: Holy Cow! We pass two other bikers, and it turns out they are doing the Henshaw loop as well! Jump on the train Caroline and Vicki! This ride just got better!!!!
0805: Rest stop to pick up MORE people riding Henshaw. YES!
0820: Uh oh! New group of friends is going the wrong way! No no no no no! I think something is wrong.
0821: Darcy and I turn around and ride our own way on Henshaw loop and figure that we'll see the group coming from the opposite direction. Riding down the Ramona Pass at 1:00 pm on Saturday just didn't sound all that good....with wine tasters and all getting behind the wheel. Yikes! Oh well. Sianara draft from uber-fast bike guys!
0822: Shit! Where is my turn?
0823: Pretend that you're not lost... I think its the next light...?
0825: Oh good! There it is. Phew!!
0835: Hello Ostriches!
0845: Good morning Cows!
0850: Hello Ramona Pass! Let's hit the watts and GO!
0900: Tell Darcy that I'm GRATEFUL for the fact that she has a mirror on her helmet and can see cars coming from behind. I'll spot the glass and grates and debris up ahead as long as she warns of cars, trucks, motorcycles and everything else in between.
0912: Holy Cow it is HOT. Already!
0918: YEA! Gas station and conversation with another cyclist at gas station. Try not to cry when he says he's only riding 40 miles.
0919: What is it with people and their 40-mile rides?
0930: Smell BACON and SAUSAGE and EGGS and HASH BROWNS and COFFEE and SYRUP and PANCAKES at a restaurant in Ramona.
0933: Still salivating.
0940: Climbing up false flat.
0953: Still climbing up false flat.
1005: Getting sick of false flat.
1010: False flat is fill-in-the-blank with four-letter-fffff-words.
1012: F*cking fals flat. And now my water is HOT.
1015: Look! Lamas! At least I think they're lamas. What's the difference between lamas and camels?
1025: MORE false flat
1040: Passing the 3000 foot sign. BEAUTIFUL view!
1043: Even better view with the Julian Pie Shop Rest-stop in sight!
1050: Put quarter into the coolest gallon-of-water machine EVER. We managed to fill up 6 bottles for .25 cents. YES!
1055: Still climbing. Almost...to....the....top....
1100: Holy Cow - there is the dome of Palomar's peak. Seeing it in the distance from this vantage is always beautiful.
1103: Nice to descend... FINALLY!
1110: STILL descending! Beautiful!
1111: Hello SR-76 and Lake Henshaw!
1125: Wave to Caroline and Vicki coming up the opposite direction! YEA!
1130: East Grade Road and Hedwind.
1133: Headwind!
1140: HEADWIND!!!
1150: MORE HEADWIND. Can't turn..the..pedals...fast...enough...but...am...working..
1158: Holy Hell its HOT out here!
1204: Descending part of Palomar. Wind whipping by...not pedaling (finally)...but STILL windy and hot. YEA!
1211: Bump. Bump. Bump. Stupid. Bump. Cracks. Near. Bump. Bump. Harras. Bum. Casino. Bump. Double Check. Bump. On. Bump. Bottles. Bump Bump. In. Back.
1215: the BEST fire station rest stop and gas station EVER. I *heart* ice machines. And people who let me take as much ice as I need.
1217: My 5th gel of the day. Ugh.
1220: I have run out of Gears climbing the Valley View Hill. And I am roasting in the process.
1222: Scene from "The Wizard of Oz" enters my friend brain. "I'm melting, melting!" Except I'm not in a black cape or pointy hat. A broom would be nice, though. At least I could sweep up all the glass laying in wait on the road.
1229: Just make it to the top.
1230: The top! ALMOST there...
1233: Who am I kidding? Another few minutes to go.
1234: FINALLY - turning on towards Lake Wholford Road, and passing the 96-degree sign. Hello heat!
1250: Avoid the urge to jump into Lake Wholford. Damn that water looks beautiful!
1258: Descend! Lake!!! Wholford!!! Hiiiiilllll!!!! Weeeeeeeee!!!!!!
1304: Stupid right knee has decided to twinge with every pedal stroke. Bugger.
1310: Okay - mental pep talk! About 90 minutes left from this point! I am riding for pizza and beer! Invite Darcy and her famiy/friends for pizza and beer. The Pizza and beer date with Nate will get me through this ride..
1316: Successfully avoid flat tire while leaping over MONSTER pot hold.
1318: pzt pzt pzt pzt pzt.... hello flat tire!
1319-1322: Watch in amazement as Darcy changes my flat tire in absolute record time. It took me longer to pee at the last rest station. This girl is incredible. I stand and watch in amazement! I am humbled!
1323: We are on our way.
1330: Passing the El Pollo Loco shop - so I know that I'm on course...
1331: Pizza and beer sounds good... mmmmm....pizza and beer....mmmmm....
1351: Wow - lots of traffic. Pot holes. Busses. Ugh. Just get to San Marcos...just get to San Marcos...and its all downhill from there. And then pizza and beer date with Nate!
1400: Am somehow managing to not get lost as I make two lefts and a right...or was that a right and then left... hhhmmmm. Thank goodness for Darcy! To heads are better than one - and I've managed to entire her with promise of pizza and beer.
1412: Back on track! ON Palomar Airport Road and heading to the coast! Mountain thunderheads to our back, while catching glimpses of the deep blue ocean from the crest of hills. Beautiful!
1420: Watch Darcy push in excess of 400+ watts and do my best to stay on her wheel. He strength is incredible and I manage only because 1) I didn't have any Rum & Coke last night 2) we are ALMOST done.
1426: Almost to Kelley Drive...almost there...almost done....discuss the workout that Craig Walton does (a 120-mile ride and THEN 12 X 1 mile running reapeats ON the 6:30 interval. Oh MY GOSH!).
1427: Decide that instead of running something stupid at a stupidly fast pace, I will drink beer and have pizza instead.
1428: Pizza and beer! GETTING CLOSER!!
1430: Turning onto Kelly drive - the work is done, and now just an easy spin back home! Bid farewells to Darcy and ride up the FINAL little hill. Views of the condo, the lagoon, the ocean, the power plant - all marvelous. I never knew that fresh, sweet air, coming off the ocean could taste so good!
1438-1445: lay on the floor in a stupor of cond
1450: Shower
1456-1511: Lay in bed in post-shower stupor, wrapped in warm and damp towel - listening to Nathaniel reading a list, but not really hearing anything that he's saying.
1530: Pizza Port! YEA! Order some sort of Pint of Amber for myself..Nathaniel got a pint of "Pure Hoppiness" and we put in our pizza orders. Me - the BBQ pizza. Nathaniel - something with artichoke hearts, cheese, sausage...yum!
1545: Wating for pizza and watching football. With empty beer pints in front of us.
1546: Decide that another pint is in order for when the pizza arrives. This time I'll try an Oktoberfest brew of some sort. MMMmmm...
1550: Pizza arrives and I'm eating.
Eating
Eating
Drinking
Eating
Watching football
Eating
Driking
Eating.
Aaaahhhh. Happy.
Yes - other people are staring, and I would admit that seeing a small-medium-ish sized girl putting down 8 slices of pizza and 2 pints is a bit of a show....
I still did it.
Now - if only I could move. Legs seemed to have locked up... But tummy is happy and brain is slightly fuzzy.... MMMmmmmm....
Post-ride life is good!
Where was I?
At this point...? Who cares.
It was a long, long, LONG ride - made all the better with a great ride partner (THANK YOU DARCY). My legs cooperated and pushed the way they were supposed to, my head remained upbeat and true - even when the going got tough, and I didn't chuck my bike off a cliff or run headlong into a lake. Success!!!
Looking forward to the next ride...
How did I arrive at this point Saturday late-afternoon? Glad you asked....
It really started Friday night, when Nathaniel and I went to a friend's house for dinner and drinks. Correction: I went for dinner, my Other Half went for dinner and drinks. The Ironman Training Thing hit me hard when I saw nearly everyone else pouring Rum & Coke or beer (and in some wild cases - both).
I got really excited when someone mentioned she was going hiking with her hubby and son the next day on Palomar.
"Really?" I cried, setting down my Sodawater (which got a few disapproving stares, I might add). "Where are you guys going? At the top?? Ooohhhhh - there are some great trails! And its just beautiful!" I continued.
And yes: for the record I got a few stares. I love that mountain in a twisted, weird way - but the fact that people would actually go to it to hike and not bike really got me excited. Hello Off-season! I think I know what I'll be doing!
I got even more stares when I said my good-byes at 8:30. Rising at 0430 for breakfast followed by a 120-mile ride is just not conducive to late-night partying.
Nathaniel - on the other hand - stayed and had a blast. And I didn't blame him, not one bit. But it was hard to deny the pangs of jealousy as I drove away from the Merry-making. Just think about running down Ali'i drive towards that finish line...it will all be worth it in the end...and this is something that they'll never do...you have to make sacrifices if you want something special...just focus on that finish... But it still hit hard. I sometimes wonder if what I miss - time with Nathaniel and having a "normal" weekend - is really worth it.
(statement, not question)
Then again...
1) What is normal 2) I really LOVE training and racing and would be extremely unhappy if I wasn't able to do it (as we all know from 2008). 3) Once I'm out and riding, there is no other place I would rather be on a Saturday morning than on my bike, enjoying the beautiful California scenery.
But I digress....
How did I find myself wolfing down two pints of beer and just over one pizza?
I short: I rode my bike a really really REALLY long time.
Here's a time-lime of my thoughts on Saturday morning/afternoon.
0430: Alarm beeps - God this is early. Just 20 more minutes, and I'll be okay.
0450: Second alarm
0451: Third alarm
0452: Forth alarm
045-- Okay, okay! I'm up!
0500: Breakfast. Ugh. Too early to drink two bottles of ensure. But at least the banannas go down well.
0530: Amazing how many people are on Facebook on Saturday morning!
0550: Good Lord - I must have used at least 1/4 cup of chamois cream in my shorts. Ugh. Cold, wet, messy...and let's hope that it lasts all day long.
0612: Kiss Nathaniel good bye and DO NOT look longingly at the other half of the bed. It is just too tempting to jump back in and snuggle under the covers....
0615: Out the door. Riding. Good morning to other rider along Kelley drive.
0630: Meet Darcy - ride partner extraordinare for our Henshaw Loop Ride.
0635: Make new friend - Norm, who is running the Disney Half Marathon tomorrow (Sunday) and 'only' riding 40 miles. Ignore pangs of jealousy.
0637: Wonder if those pangs of jealousy come from only riding 40 miles or only running a half marathon?
0655: Hello early morning fog! Beautiful draped over the valleys and hills...pouring out from the trees. I know you promise to make this day a humid one. Now - if you could please keep the desert thunderstorms away until after we've passed through the desert...
0715: Hello Elfin Forest! Hello the Smell of Dill! I LOVE dill! I love how dill smells! I love riding through Elfin Forest!
0740: Discover that Darcy is my Marathon-twin. We have the EXACT same marathon times in both our IM AND open marathon. Four marathons from two people run under extremely different circumstances and the exact same time down to the minute. I knew I liked this girl...
0755: Holy Cow! We pass two other bikers, and it turns out they are doing the Henshaw loop as well! Jump on the train Caroline and Vicki! This ride just got better!!!!
0805: Rest stop to pick up MORE people riding Henshaw. YES!
0820: Uh oh! New group of friends is going the wrong way! No no no no no! I think something is wrong.
0821: Darcy and I turn around and ride our own way on Henshaw loop and figure that we'll see the group coming from the opposite direction. Riding down the Ramona Pass at 1:00 pm on Saturday just didn't sound all that good....with wine tasters and all getting behind the wheel. Yikes! Oh well. Sianara draft from uber-fast bike guys!
0822: Shit! Where is my turn?
0823: Pretend that you're not lost... I think its the next light...?
0825: Oh good! There it is. Phew!!
0835: Hello Ostriches!
0845: Good morning Cows!
0850: Hello Ramona Pass! Let's hit the watts and GO!
0900: Tell Darcy that I'm GRATEFUL for the fact that she has a mirror on her helmet and can see cars coming from behind. I'll spot the glass and grates and debris up ahead as long as she warns of cars, trucks, motorcycles and everything else in between.
0912: Holy Cow it is HOT. Already!
0918: YEA! Gas station and conversation with another cyclist at gas station. Try not to cry when he says he's only riding 40 miles.
0919: What is it with people and their 40-mile rides?
0930: Smell BACON and SAUSAGE and EGGS and HASH BROWNS and COFFEE and SYRUP and PANCAKES at a restaurant in Ramona.
0933: Still salivating.
0940: Climbing up false flat.
0953: Still climbing up false flat.
1005: Getting sick of false flat.
1010: False flat is fill-in-the-blank with four-letter-fffff-words.
1012: F*cking fals flat. And now my water is HOT.
1015: Look! Lamas! At least I think they're lamas. What's the difference between lamas and camels?
1025: MORE false flat
1040: Passing the 3000 foot sign. BEAUTIFUL view!
1043: Even better view with the Julian Pie Shop Rest-stop in sight!
1050: Put quarter into the coolest gallon-of-water machine EVER. We managed to fill up 6 bottles for .25 cents. YES!
1055: Still climbing. Almost...to....the....top....
1100: Holy Cow - there is the dome of Palomar's peak. Seeing it in the distance from this vantage is always beautiful.
1103: Nice to descend... FINALLY!
1110: STILL descending! Beautiful!
1111: Hello SR-76 and Lake Henshaw!
1125: Wave to Caroline and Vicki coming up the opposite direction! YEA!
1130: East Grade Road and Hedwind.
1133: Headwind!
1140: HEADWIND!!!
1150: MORE HEADWIND. Can't turn..the..pedals...fast...enough...but...am...working..
1158: Holy Hell its HOT out here!
1204: Descending part of Palomar. Wind whipping by...not pedaling (finally)...but STILL windy and hot. YEA!
1211: Bump. Bump. Bump. Stupid. Bump. Cracks. Near. Bump. Bump. Harras. Bum. Casino. Bump. Double Check. Bump. On. Bump. Bottles. Bump Bump. In. Back.
1215: the BEST fire station rest stop and gas station EVER. I *heart* ice machines. And people who let me take as much ice as I need.
1217: My 5th gel of the day. Ugh.
1220: I have run out of Gears climbing the Valley View Hill. And I am roasting in the process.
1222: Scene from "The Wizard of Oz" enters my friend brain. "I'm melting, melting!" Except I'm not in a black cape or pointy hat. A broom would be nice, though. At least I could sweep up all the glass laying in wait on the road.
1229: Just make it to the top.
1230: The top! ALMOST there...
1233: Who am I kidding? Another few minutes to go.
1234: FINALLY - turning on towards Lake Wholford Road, and passing the 96-degree sign. Hello heat!
1250: Avoid the urge to jump into Lake Wholford. Damn that water looks beautiful!
1258: Descend! Lake!!! Wholford!!! Hiiiiilllll!!!! Weeeeeeeee!!!!!!
1304: Stupid right knee has decided to twinge with every pedal stroke. Bugger.
1310: Okay - mental pep talk! About 90 minutes left from this point! I am riding for pizza and beer! Invite Darcy and her famiy/friends for pizza and beer. The Pizza and beer date with Nate will get me through this ride..
1316: Successfully avoid flat tire while leaping over MONSTER pot hold.
1318: pzt pzt pzt pzt pzt.... hello flat tire!
1319-1322: Watch in amazement as Darcy changes my flat tire in absolute record time. It took me longer to pee at the last rest station. This girl is incredible. I stand and watch in amazement! I am humbled!
1323: We are on our way.
1330: Passing the El Pollo Loco shop - so I know that I'm on course...
1331: Pizza and beer sounds good... mmmmm....pizza and beer....mmmmm....
1351: Wow - lots of traffic. Pot holes. Busses. Ugh. Just get to San Marcos...just get to San Marcos...and its all downhill from there. And then pizza and beer date with Nate!
1400: Am somehow managing to not get lost as I make two lefts and a right...or was that a right and then left... hhhmmmm. Thank goodness for Darcy! To heads are better than one - and I've managed to entire her with promise of pizza and beer.
1412: Back on track! ON Palomar Airport Road and heading to the coast! Mountain thunderheads to our back, while catching glimpses of the deep blue ocean from the crest of hills. Beautiful!
1420: Watch Darcy push in excess of 400+ watts and do my best to stay on her wheel. He strength is incredible and I manage only because 1) I didn't have any Rum & Coke last night 2) we are ALMOST done.
1426: Almost to Kelley Drive...almost there...almost done....discuss the workout that Craig Walton does (a 120-mile ride and THEN 12 X 1 mile running reapeats ON the 6:30 interval. Oh MY GOSH!).
1427: Decide that instead of running something stupid at a stupidly fast pace, I will drink beer and have pizza instead.
1428: Pizza and beer! GETTING CLOSER!!
1430: Turning onto Kelly drive - the work is done, and now just an easy spin back home! Bid farewells to Darcy and ride up the FINAL little hill. Views of the condo, the lagoon, the ocean, the power plant - all marvelous. I never knew that fresh, sweet air, coming off the ocean could taste so good!
1438-1445: lay on the floor in a stupor of cond
1450: Shower
1456-1511: Lay in bed in post-shower stupor, wrapped in warm and damp towel - listening to Nathaniel reading a list, but not really hearing anything that he's saying.
1530: Pizza Port! YEA! Order some sort of Pint of Amber for myself..Nathaniel got a pint of "Pure Hoppiness" and we put in our pizza orders. Me - the BBQ pizza. Nathaniel - something with artichoke hearts, cheese, sausage...yum!
1545: Wating for pizza and watching football. With empty beer pints in front of us.
1546: Decide that another pint is in order for when the pizza arrives. This time I'll try an Oktoberfest brew of some sort. MMMmmm...
1550: Pizza arrives and I'm eating.
Eating
Eating
Drinking
Eating
Watching football
Eating
Driking
Eating.
Aaaahhhh. Happy.
Yes - other people are staring, and I would admit that seeing a small-medium-ish sized girl putting down 8 slices of pizza and 2 pints is a bit of a show....
I still did it.
Now - if only I could move. Legs seemed to have locked up... But tummy is happy and brain is slightly fuzzy.... MMMmmmmm....
Post-ride life is good!
Where was I?
At this point...? Who cares.
It was a long, long, LONG ride - made all the better with a great ride partner (THANK YOU DARCY). My legs cooperated and pushed the way they were supposed to, my head remained upbeat and true - even when the going got tough, and I didn't chuck my bike off a cliff or run headlong into a lake. Success!!!
Looking forward to the next ride...
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Key Workout
KEY WORKOUT (at Lake O'Neil!)
K - Kick hard, because you've only got so many of these per week (usually two - so make 'em count).
E - Eeeewww. I think I just stepped on something really smelly and really really dead.
Y - Yikes. If I thought the four minute piece hurt, then I'm in some serious trouble for the five minute effort.
W - Want. You have to want it, believe it, feel it - in order to achieve it.
O - Ouch. No one said this would be easy.
R - Running. Running, running, running. Keep...running...running....
K - Kona. Remember it, because soon it will be here.
O - Ouch. Oops. Already taken. Ow. Ow. Ow. Hamstrings have been engaged!
U - Undeniably, I have done little running speed work this year. Something about 'strong, steady, solid' and IM... And I can feel. every. single. 'fast-ish'. step. I think I already used ouch.
T - Treasure. Treasure the workout, treasure the moment, treasure the fact that I'm able to do this. Nope - not always easy.
But the GREAT things in life rarely are.
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