Friday, February 26, 2010

Poker Face



I lived through the bad week I wrote about here.

Not surprisingly, the stress of the week allowed a little "wee-beasty" to take refuge in my nose/sinus and caused a nasty little cold.

I let the fever cook for a few days and I finally felt better yesterday. I have not worked out at all for 1 week.

Tomorrow's run is a 14 miler. I'll be running to granite bay and back again. I don't know why, but running to another town sounds so, uhm, impressive.

Sunday is a ride with the Tri group along part of the Auburn Tri course.

Yesterday Hubby wrecked bad on his bike commuting to work. I had to leave work and take him to emergency. His helmet is cracked in 3 places, but i'm grateful that he is basically ok. Broken thumb, along with a hemotoma the size of a grapefruit on his leg. His bike is pretty beat up. Karma ran over his dogma. I have pics, but I'm not sure I should post them. They are really really gross. Really. If I get enough requests, I might do it though.

I decided against doing Vineman. I was really sad when i reached that conclusion, but finances being what they are, I have to consider the bigger picture and spending $400+ for a race, hotel, food, etc simply isn't going to happen this year.

I also opted out of Wildflower in order to do the practice Auburn Tri on April 25.
Focus is on Auburn Tri May 23 and Shamrockn' half marathon on two weeks.

Oh, and I decided to grow my hair out long again.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

New Allegations in Floyd Landis Case



02.22.2010 | 11:40 am
A Note from Fatty: A big thanks to Dug for helping me “research” many of the allegations in this news piece.
PARIS (Fat Cyclist Fake News Service) - Floyd Landis, former Tour-de-France champion and longtime sporter of scruffy facial hair, has recently found himself facing a France-based arrest warrant for hacking into the French anti-doping agency AFLD.
Pierre Bordry, head of the AFLD, asserts that “Landis, under cover of the night, wearing black cycling tights and black long-sleeved cycling jersey, snuck into our lab, where — using the mad computer skills he developed in the Computer Hacking Class he took at the local Mennonite Technical College — he proceeded to download all of our most sensitive data, and uploaded all kinds of malware and trojan horses and tasteless, photoshopped images of Thomas Voeckler.”
“Quite clearly, this was Landis’ work,” continued Bordry. “As evidenced by the way he wrote “Floyd wuz here” and “Metallica ROOLZ” on a whiteboard near the computer where he was working.”
“Also, he left candy wrappers, PBR cans, and cookie crumbs all over the place,” continued the AFLD head. “Landis is — in addition to being a doper, hacker, and ninja-like break-in artist — a total slob.”
And today, additional allegations have come to light, casting a still-darker shadow on the already well-shaded cyclist.
More Seriously Illegal Doping Problems
Bordry asserts that, far from merely doping himself, “Floyd Landis also made other people dope. He was sneaking EPO into Basso’s juice, giving Iban Mayo HGH under the pretense that it was mayonnaise, and secretly sneaking all manner of noxious concoctions into Tyler Hamilton’s herbal remedies.”
“We are confident, in fact, that Floyd Landis is responsible for every single doping incident that has ever happened. And for several which have not happened yet,” continued Bordry, his voice quivering with emotion.
Concluded Bordry, “Floyd Landis is the root cause of all doping in the whole universe and must be stopped at once.”
Still More Allegations
Landis’ offenses are not limited to cycling-related activities, according to French authorities. In addition to doping, Landis is guilty of and / or wanted for questioning in France for the following offenses:
• Being the originator of the term “Freedom Fries”
• Owning several McDonald’s franchises in Paris
• Disliking very thin pancakes
• Knocking down and ridiculing a mime, simply because the mime was wearing a beret
• Being possibly descended from Henry V
• Claiming to not consider Amelie to be the best film ever made
• Wearing excessively gauche attire
• Drinking beer while eating fish, instead of going with a nice white wine
• Causing the French defeat in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu
What This Does NOT Mean
According to Bordry, none of this has anything to do with circumventing the conclusion of Landis’ suspension from ranks of professional cyclists and keeping Landis out of France — and hence, from ever making another attempt at a Tour de France win. “Of course we realize that we are investigating Landis for a crime to which another person has already confessed,” said Bordry. “But we want to be absolutely certain.”
When asked why this warrant has not been distributed outside of French territory, Bordry remarked, “That is an excellent question, and I hereby issue an arrest warrant for you, should you ever enter France.”

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Things that make you go "HMMMmmm"

This post will have quite a few bad words, explatives, and me pondering the ontological mystery that is "LIFE". This post may be considered a "bitchfest". Consider yourself warned.

The last few days have been a shitstorm of crap.
Last week went well. Did all my workouts--didn't even skip one. Was good on my paces for speed work. After what seemed like a million weekends of rainy weather, the NWS promised blue skies and sunny 70-degree weather--and it was a 3-day weekend! All should have been well.

But--oh, it was about to get bad.

I started saturday with a ride with my tri group. Ride was supposed to be 40-50 miles and cover the first 1/3 of the Auburn Triathlon course. Perfect. Just what I have been wanting to do.

I got to the starting point, unloaded the bike, got geared up and said the usual pleasantries to the other group members. All was awesome. Perhaps bulleted points might be the best way to describe the events of the next hour.


  • Realized that although I loaded myself up with tons of food, i forgot a second water bottle.
  • realized that the 40 mile group wouldn't be stopping for water.
  • Got ditched by the 40 mile group when I was stopped at a turn signal and nobody realized it but me.
  • Decided to make the best of the situation and go through Rolling hills with the group going 20 miles. Considered doing two-20 mile loops.
  • Realized I didn't have water for two-20 mile loops either.
  • Realized that the 20 mile loop was really only 16 miles.
  • Realized that although I can climb ok, my descents suck.
  • Got home and tried to whine to my husband.
  • He told me to 'man up' and that it was my own fault for getting ditched. As if I wasn't already feeling bad enough.
  • Yelled at my husband in front of everyone on my street.
  • He yelled back (as he was leaving for his bike ride), "get cancer and die."
  • I cried.


    Oh, this was just Saturday. There are two more days in the long weekend.

  • Sunday's 12 mile run went really well. 1:53 for 12 miles.
  • because my legs were so toasted from the long run, I decided to put off my swimming time trial until monday.
  • I drank a lot mostly because RR#2 was working my last nerve with her, Oh my god it's valentines day and i didn't get to see my boyfriend crap. Then she cried for 2 hours, then she yelled at us for ruining her life. Great. Pass the Boeger Barbera please. I spent sunday evening drinking margaritas and red wine. A lot of red wine.

    Monday started out really promising. I slept in and then decided to hit the pool for my timetrial. 1000 yards as fast as I can.
  • Got to the pool at noon. 4 people per lane. No joke. And not 4 graceful, people. 4 writhing and twisting and running in place and trying to learn how to swim people.
  • I watched everyone and carefully chose a lane that had 2 men it it who were going slow, but doing continuous freestyle laps. That's the ticket!
  • Got punched in the head, face, and leg by the bozos.
  • Switched lanes and commented to the guy that I needed to change lanes before I ended up like Robin Tyson.
  • Guy yelled at the two guys in my prior lane and almost started a fight.
  • Finally gave up on trying to swim after two elderly ladies entered my lane and started standing at the shallow end and talking. Not swimming, not blowing bubbles. Just blocking the end of the lane and chatting about their grandkids.
  • Got home and showered only to realize I promised hubby that I would go mtn. biking with him.
  • "OK" I said, "But it has to be an easy pace and only a couple of miles."
  • 3 miles and two big hills later I asked to turn around. He yelled at me, calling me all sorts of names and saying it was embarrasing that I was always last in my age group.
  • I walked my bike back to the car, because according to idiot, I shouldn't have a mountain bike anyway.
  • Impaled the back of my right calf on the front gear ring.
  • Calf looks infected now.

    Tuesday.
  • Fought more with hubby via email, phone, and text message.
  • Started to really question my sanity over doing the Auburn Triathlon. What the hell am I doing? Why? What am I doing here? I'll never finish. I won't even make the swim cutoff.
  • Got into an argument with my mom over my lack of attention to her because of my training.

    Wednesday
  • Continued to question my training committment.
  • Realized that the ONE day of the year that the Auburn Tri Course is OPEN for PRACTICE is the same day as the Wildflower Century.
  • When I registered for wildflower I paid registration ($55) + bought jersey ($75) + bought "SPECIAL CENTURY FINISHERS JERSEY" ($75).
  • Still questioning what I should do. Then I got this email.

    Hi Karen,
    This email is to inform you that you have been accepted off the waitlist for the 2010 Vineman Ironman 70.3. Please read the instructions below and then follow the link to sign up for the race.

    You will have 7 days to complete your registration process. After that date you will no longer be considered for the event and your name removed from the waitlist acceptance list.

    Once on the registration page you will need to select your name from the drop down box. Then you will need to put in your password.



FK me. Really?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Friday Five Ten

Friday Five Ten


  • Decided to forgo the Super Bowl run in order to ride 60 miles on my bike. Sunday was the only sunny day available to ride in more than a week so I had to RIDE. Running was optional so I blew off the race. Not a good start to the 2010 race season but the weather has been so bad, I have to take the riding days when I can.

  • Apparently I was moved from the “A group” (aka slowest) to the “B Group” in my FIT training weeks ago. I just never got the email from my trainer. I was feeling really good about “blowing away” the 76 year old man and the 55 year old woman in the A group during our intervals. B group is full of 30-something women who are ass kickers in their age group. The kind of women who yell, “Go Girl GO!” as they pass you sprinting around the track. Now, I’m scared.

  • I watched “The Soloist” last night on HBO and it made me cry. Such a good story, but also so very very sad. I tried hard to hold back the tears but it was no use. Then hubby came into the bedroom with his eyes red and teary. He was watching the same thing in another room. I don’t know what’s sadder—the movie OR the fact that we were isolated in our own house experiencing the same emotional turmoil.

  • Work is crazy. Really Crazy. People are cranky and upset all the time. I smile at everyone while I walk down the hallway for my 50th pee break of the day. I’m sure co-workers think I’m high. I don’t’ care though, cause my new-ish boss thinks I’m doing “Excellent” work. Not bad for being in the fiscal field and never even taking one econ, accounting, budgeting or business course in my whole life. Not bad at all.

  • I’m reading “THRIVE” by Brendan Brazier. Good info, but not sure that I buy everything he’s selling. Yes fruits, veggies, etc are good for all of us. But eating them a lot will send me to the bathroom a lot. And there is no way I’m eliminating coffee from my diet. No. Way. NO WAY! Step away from my coffee mug and nobody gets hurt.

  • The “pool drain walker” was doing his thing on Wednesday morning at the 24 hour fitness pool again. It was creepy.

  • This weekend is a three-day-er so I hope I find time to ride my mountain bike. Hubby insists.

  • I’ve decided I don’t like swim fartlek intervals. Yes I’m sure.

  • I rode an “easy” 1:30 yesterday on my road bike. At a certain point I had to wait for a light to change before I could continue across a crazy busy road. A car pulled up behind me but waited so far back that her car wouldn’t trigger the light. I motioned for her to move forward (I was basically waiting in the crosswalk). The twit was so busy talking on her CELL PHONE that she either (a) didn’t see me motioning to her or (b) thought I was a looney waving at her. In any case, I decided to wait for her to figure out that the light wasn’t changing –then she would figure out to move her car forward ON HER OWN. I waited through 4 light changes while the twit talked and laughed on her fkn CELL PHONE and cars behind her were honking at her. Then when she finally did trigger the light she had the nerve to BUZZ me in her massive SUV, talking on the CELL PHONE, while I was in the bike lane!!! Again TWIT!!! GRRR!

  • After she buzzed me, I flipped-off the lady (above). It made me feel better.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Seeds of Triathlon




When I was a kid, my parents would whisk the whole family off for summer vacations to their ancestral homeland—India. The culture shock of going from Northern California –McDonald’s, Datsun pickups, stoplights and lane lines to India—land of home-cooked meals, Fiats, and no discernable traffic laws boggled my mind.

Every two years my parents packed us up and we headed on the whirl-wind trip through Japan, Thailand and onto New Delhi. From New Delhi, we usually took a 13 hour drive by taxi to my grandparent’s house. We alternated between one set of grandparents and the other every couple of weeks. We went to the Bazaar by a bicycle-pulled rickshaw. The Rickshaw ‘driver’ (I don’t’ know why he was called a driver, as he was usually pulling 6 people—not driving) was often a skinny guy with tiny ankles straining to pull us up a hill toward the bazaar. We, as the landed gentry sat back and spoke haughtily about how much we spent on this-or-that, while gazing downward at all the proletariat walking or running to a job or home. But I was often intrigued and pittied the man who had to pull me, my brother, my mom, my dad, and usually at least one grandparent close to 5 miles. Somehow the idea that manual work was for—well, others—became ingrained in my psyche as a young girl. Physical labor was for those who couldn’t afford to NOT do physical labor.


As I got older, we went less and less. High school commitments kept my busy most summers. Then summer jobs thwarted my parent’s plans for “one more family vacation.” Finally, college beckoned and with it, the idea of traveling overseas, when I could be making money at home, seemed stupid.

Finally, my last trip to India was in the summer of 1993. Two of my grandparents had died. It was before my last year in college and I wanted to have some fun before I made the final push to get the elusive Bachelor of Science degree. Plus my boyfriend was going to Germany for the summer, so I’d probably be bored sitting around all summer.

But I had changed. The idea that doing something physical meant that you were ‘lower than’ no longer struck a cord with me. I tried to go for short runs in the oppressive heat only to have my Aunts and Uncles yell at me that I would surely die after a few steps (seriously—they thought I would keel over). I wanted to ride a bike to the bazaar for some shopping—but everyone said, “but people will think you are poor. Come, we can go in our new air conditioned Mercedes.” I asked about swimming opportunities in the canals nearby, but it was totally unheard of for a young lady to show anything other than her arms and face outside. So I languished. I had servants bring me breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and snacks. They folded my laundry, drew me baths, and cooked my meals. And I sat. and I ate. And yet, I wanted to be outside DOING something.

I guess it was during that last trip in 1993 that the seeds of future triathlons were planted. Everyone telling me “NO” started a fire in me that burns to this day.

Why am I writing all this? My only remaining grandparent is my maternal grandmother. She is extremely old fashioned. She doesn’t’ think girls should ride bikes because it isn’t ladylike. In any case, she has heard through the family grapevine that I started running. “Running? Really? But Karen will get darker? What does ‘hubby’ say about this?”

When she heard I swam in the lake she was concerned about my attracting “undue” attention from men and how could I swim without being fully clothed and what did my husband think about me going around half naked in water?

But the funniest thing—the thing I can’t stop laughing about—is when she was told that her oldest granddaughter (me) rode 45 miles on her bike a few weeks ago. Her response, “Why the @&$# did she do that? Did her husband lose his job? Did they wreck their car?” It never occurred to her that I enjoyed riding my bike. That all those years of “NO” have created a personality that says “YES I CAN, DAMMIT!”

Yesterday, I rode 60 miles on my bike in 3:44. It was my longest ride ever.

I can’t wait to call my grandma this evening and tell her.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Landis wins Bahamas time trial--But Rock Racing future unclear



By: Cycling NewsPublished: January 26, 10:29, Updated: January 26, 15:43
Floyd Landis tries to break away in the final kilometres




Floyd Landis won the time trial in the three-stage Tour of Bahamas this week-end. The former OUCH-Maxxis rider reportedly beat the course record set by David Zabriskie in 2008. Landis rode the race wearing Rock Racing kit, even though it is not known whether the American team will actually continue to exist this season.

"All that drinking is starting to pay off," Landis wrote in an e-mail, according to NeilBrowne.com. "I beat the course record set by Zman [David Zabriskie] two years ago and I was on somebody else's road bike with clinchers and no aero clothes. Take that f@*#ers."



Several videos of Landis at the Tour of the Bahamas show the 34-year-old wearing a Rock Racing outfit. "I told them (Rock Racing) that I wanted to do that race so they sent me a kit," Landis said.

But even Landis himself wasn't sure whether or not Rock Racing would continue to be part of the American racing scene this season after being denied a Professional Continental license by the UCI.

"I honestly don't know," continued Landis. "I don't know even if [team owner] Ball has thought about the team these last two weeks. I have no clue what's going on. After the Tour of the Bahamas I'm going back to my shack behind the car wash. Maybe I'll write a book."

The Tour of Bahamas was won by Garmin-Transitions' Caleb Fairly, with his team-mateTaylor Sheldon placing second.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Burn OUT

Sometimes I wonder WHY I'm doing all this training?

Is it for a sense of accomplishment?
To fight boredom?
Run away from problems?

Not really sure--I mean, why do anything but sit on my butt and eat fatty food and watch "Big Love" on HBO?

(Can you tell I'm cranky)?

Workout pics and Other Nonsense



It's always cool when you can run to another town.




This is a better shot of the sign. When I took this picture i was trying NOT to look like I was taking a picture. I didn't want all the cars whizzing by to see me standing in front of a sign taking a picture of myself.


On the trainer.


My Sidi TRI Shoes. These things cost so much money and I never ever wear them. Yes they are WHITE. In biking circles, apparently, that is some sort of signal that you are super super fast. I wish I had known that before I bought them cause now I'm scared to ride outside with them.




My trainer set up. Bike, Fan, Laptop loaded with Spinervals DVD.


This week is a recovery week in my training. I am quite happy about that. I was beat after the 45 mile bike on saturday and the 8 mile run / 2100 yard swim on sunday.
I need to pull my mountain bike out and hit some trails but just don't have (a) TIME or (b) ENERGY just yet. My workouts are so far are:

Monday ---Rest
Tuesday ---Bike (power intervals)
Wednesday -- Swim (a.m.)/ Run (intervals--p.m.)
Thursday-- Bike (foundation)
Friday -- Swim (a.m.)/Run (foundation--p.m.)
Saturday -- Bike long
Sunday --Run (a.m. LONG)/ Swim (p.m. LONG)

Not really sure where I could fit in a mtn bike ride a couple times a week. I suppose I could ride my road bike on Tues/Thurs mornings and then do the mtn. bike on Tues/Thurs after work but that seems like a bit much to me. I have two xterra races this year--this one and this one--so I gotta get on the MTN. BIKE.

Speaking of which, hubby who has been waiting (NOT VERY PATIENTLY) for his new mtn. bike got it last week.


Apparently, I've been replaced.

Happy week everyone!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Thursday's Three Things

Had an interesting week. Got up at 4:25 a.m. and hit the pool for laps 3X this week. Three funny things happened:

1. A guy asked me how I got to be such a good swimmer and asked ME for swimming advice.

2. Another guy asked me if I had seen him on the internet. When I cautiously answered, "Nnnooooo", he replied, "Ok Bud" and turned around and left.

3. A third guy walked around and around and around the pool careful to only step on the white drainboard while humming the theme for "Mission Impossible"

Below is an interesting graph of my workouts since May 2009. I definately need to increase my swim and bike and probably decrease my run a little. What do you think?

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Three Things Thursday

1. Running Group was AWESOME!! I hate speed/track work, but with a group it was really fun and easier. We warmed up with a 2 mile run; did some drills (i.e. butt kicks, high knees, etc); did 1 mile of strides; then 2 mile run cool down. Someone told me that with this group, they improved their marathon time from 4:50 to 4:20. Holy SH!T!

2.I have been looking into the P90X system, but there have been so many bad reviews on Amazon.com that i'm a little scared to plunk down $100+ if the darn things don't work. Anyone have good experiences purchasing from Beachbody or Amazon?

3.Running Group schedule is a lot more intense than my Matt Fitzgerald schedule. Not sure if I should bring pick a different Tri Schedule with more running or if I should only do the run workouts that correspond to my tri schedule. Hmmm... decisions decisions.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Suffer Well with Suffer-o-Rama


After work last night I rushed to the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner. I ran smack dab into RR#2 who had cut track practice in order to hang out with her ugly BF. How happy was I?

After disconnecting her cell phone and lecturing her(unsuccessfully)on the evils of teenage boys, I made dinner, quickly ate, and then jumped on the bike trainer to do my 1 hour 5 min of intervals. I was slated to do 7X20 second spinups with 2 min rest between with a warm up and cool down but I decided to warm up on my own for 10 min then pop in the Suffer-O-Rama Spinervals DVD.

Oh
MY
GOD

First off, it was a great DVD—I enjoyed it much more than “No Slackers Allowed.” There was a pool of sweat and water on the floor under my bike. The intervals are definitely hard—but the rest periods are great. I kept thinking halfway through a rest period, “there is no way I can keep going.” But by the end of the rest period, I was able to do the next interval. Coach Troy really kept me motivated and the music is much better than some other DVDs.

I finished my workout and then showered, watched the Biggest Loser and went to sleep. I was awakened by RR#2 and dad doing dishes at 10:30 pm. Really?

Then a big winter storm of rain & wind moved into the area at midnight. The rain pelting the bedroom windows, the wind slamming against the house woke me again and again. When my alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. for my swim, I wasn’t having any of it. I hit my alarm clock to shut it off and rolled over. I woke up at 6, late for work and sad that I didn’t make it to the pool. Hphrumph!Perhaps I’ll make up the swim tomorrow morning.

On the brighter side, tonight is my first group run with FleetFeet FIT program and I am really looking forward to improving my run times and staying injury free. In terms of running, I have a new favorite Power Song--Suffer Well, by Depeche Mode is out. Bad Romance by Lady Gaga is in. Yes I know you are all interested.

In any case, RR#2's ass is grass and she knows it. She tried give me the poopy face last night and was being super nice to me by offering to help with dinner and mop the kitchen floor. Ahhh, living with a teenage girl. The next 4 years are going to be fun.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Twenty Ten kick-off with a Bang!

2010 started off with a BANG--migraine. I stayed up late new years' eve ( I barely made it to midnight) and then hit the sack. At 3 a.m. migraine hit and I got up and took my scrip and hobbled back to bed. Woke up at 10 a.m. I never sleep in that late. I had the RESOLUTION Run at 1pm in Auburn so I got up and got moving.

Resolution run 5k was awesome.. 1.2 miles straight down hill. Then last 2 miles up muddy trails. I managed the downhill well. On my way uphill, I tripped on a granite rock and BAM! hit the ground hard. My left leg, left shoulder were scraped and my right hand (which I put out to brace myself) landed on a granite boulder so was sore. But most importantly, my garmin was scatched! Embarrased by the chorus of, "Oh my god are you ok??" by everyone around me, I got up and finished the run. The last 2 miles was completely up hill. Overall my resolution run time was 40 minutes for a 5k but I managed to get 6th place (out of 20) in my age group!

When I got home I took some pics of my injuries. It turned out my right hand had a big hole with pieces of missing skin. Awesome!









January 2 I rested but on Jan 3 I rode 44 miles on my bike in the freezing rain/ fog. Even with the crap weather I really enjoyed the ride. I bonked at about the 35 mile mark and had to stop and eat a Gu, but finished the ride in 166 min.

My half ironman training started on January 5. I am following Half Ironman training plan #4 in Matt Fitzgerald's book, . It has me biking, swimming, and running 3X/week. I've noticed several interesting things with this training program.

1.I find that I am a LOT hungrier now, even after one week of training.
2. I did most of my weekly biking on the trainer since it is dark when I get home from work, but the 5 a.m. swim workouts are not too bad.
3.The running is just ok. I am trying to go slow when I run, so I don't irritate my IT Band, but I haven't been doing my PT strengthening lately, so the IT is IRRITATED right now. Blah.
4. I do not have any time to watch TV any more. The working out takes time, but so does all the planning/clean up etc. Washing water bottles, washing workout clothes, hanging up workout clothes, set stuff out for the next day is a lot of time. I barely got to watch OZ last night.



Today is a rest day and I am very happy for that. I do enjoy doing my YOGA DVD so I'll pop that in tonight and do a few minutes. Unless, of course, the Season #4 BIG LOVE DVD arrives from Netflix today. Then I'll indulge in that guilty pleasure. :)

I'm onto week #2 of training plan. Only 19 more weeks until Auburn Half Ironman!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Ride, Run, Repeat

I had a really awesome xmas long weekend and I hope you did too. Family drama aside, we all ate, drank and were merry (mostly).

On Christmas eve, I worked half a day at work and then vroomed over to the grocery to pick out food for cooking the next day. Hubby took the RR to her mom's house for xmas eve. Since EXW is moving and didn't have time to buy a christmas tree, hubby bought the tree and decorations and sent them over with the RR. Say it with me.. "AWWWWW...".

Christmas morning entailed going to my mom's for indian breakfast. There I met my brother's new girlfriend. She's pretty cool. She's vegan, hippy, and apparently a pagan. Wow. Well, happy saturnalia to her.

Hubby picked up RR#1 and RR#2 from their mom's (No "thank you" from the EXW for the tree, of course)at noon and headed to our house for presents and food. I managed to snag some great stuff--Chanel #5 (mmmm); Two vegan cookbooks (30 Minute Vegan and Alicia Silverstone's new book); a new hand blender; some gourmet tea; clothes from Banana Republic; all new bedroom furniture; and Louis Garneau full shoe covers!

After ripping open gifts, we excused ourselves to the kitchen where I whipped up an almost entirely vegan dinner. The only "non-vegan" item was the ham. I made Ham, Field Roast Celebration Roast; lemon dill carrots, rolls, fried apples, garlic mashed potatoes, two pies (blackberry and apple); green salad (from mom) and sweet potato casserole with pecans (also from mom).

Oh, and wine.
lots and lots of wine.
lots and lots and lots of wine.

between the 9 of us there who would drink wine, we finished 7 bottles.

After my fourth glass, I texted my riding partner and postponed our 8 a.m. ride to 9 a.m. My text looked like this, "hI cn we neeu @ 9 not 8 2morox?"

Lucky for me, she understood and texted back, "Sure no problem see you at 9"

Next morning, I was horribly hung over and trying to eat a barely cooked egg at 7 a.m.before the ride. My husband laughed at me.

I made it to the rendezvous point and my hangover complimented friends, asthma/cold. Between us, we barely did 20 miles at average 14 mph. We were a sorry sight. :) I got to wear my new louis garneau booties though and that was awesome.

I got home, ate, and then ran 2 miles in the evening.

Sunday morning at 2 a.m. it started raining. I was scheduled to ride again, but I HATE riding in rain--especially when I am doing hills. So I postponed Sunday's morning ride to noon. By then it was clear. I did the Shirland Tract ride again, but added a couple of miles at the beginning by going down to the boat ramp and then climbing back up. The whole ride took 1:23--15 miles total. 3700 feet of climbing. My max heart rate got to 191bpm. Really. I thought my heart was going to explode out of my chest. If I do the 220-age formula, I should have a maximum of 183 obviously the formula is wrong--but I really thing 191 is about as high as I can go without passing out.

In any case, after descending at a scorching 28 mph and passing a dead deer on the road (eww), I climbed into my car, drove home, changed to run gear and did a 3 mile run in 33 minutes. I was trying to keep my HR around 165 so I had to slow down a lot to keep it at that.

Back home, shower, food, but I was GRUMPY GRUMPY GRUMPY. Even RR was telling me I was grumpy. I obviously needed to eat before the shower and I needed to eat something other than plain air popped popcorn.

I am resting today, and then running and biking tomorrow. The swim still is not on my radar. Hopefully soon.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Yoga Product Review




I have been doing the Shiva Rea Vinyasa Flow yoga DVD. I can review it in 4 words.

I.
Love.
this.
DVD.

Shiva Rea has done several other DVDs--Yoga Shakti, Core Abs, etc. But this DVD really is special. Here are some highlights:

Yoga Matrix--this allows you to customize your yoga experience. If you only want to select backbends and hip openers, simply click on those two and hit "play". If you want more meditation, click on the appropriate pranayama and you are all set.

Preprogramed routines--DVD has several preprogramed routines ranging from 41 minutes to 108 minutes. Everything to help you progress through your yoga journey. I especially like the "flow" routine that has the hip opener.. Wow!

Music--ok, the music on most fitness DVDs leaves a lot to be desired. We all know that.. but the music on this DVD was pretty cool. It was kind of indian sitar music electronica. But not abrasive. Very calming.

The "FLOW"--this is not a 'traditional yoga' DVD. Downward dog is not held for eternity, rather you do it with a wave flow. The idea of "flow" is to allow non-limber people to become limber/stretchy at their own pace. At first it was a little strange, but I quickly got used to the wave / flow sequences.

Specifically, I really enjoyed the HIP OPENER section of the DVD. It really stretched out my low back, butt, hips, and IT Band. I couldn't believe the difference in my pain level before and after. I was tight and in a lot of pain before I did the DVD and after I am always very limber, relaxed and in no pain at all. In fact, I ran yesterday 3 miles and had no pain at all in my knee or hip. I really think that the yoga (and the PT) is helping.

If you have the ability to pick up this DVD I highly recommend it. Even at twice a week I am seeing a difference in my pain/strength level.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

School Lessons

First-year students at the University of Saskatchewan Vet school were
receiving their first anatomy class, with a real dead cow. They all
gathered around the surgery table with the body covered with a white sheet.
The professor started the class by telling them, 'In Veterinary Medicine it
is necessary to have two important qualities as a doctor: !
The first is that you should not be disgusted by anything involving the
animal body.' For an example, the Professor pulled back the sheet, stuck
his finger in the butt of the dead cow, withdrew it and stuck his finger in
his mouth.

'Go ahead and do the same thing,' he told his students. The students
freaked out, hesitated for several minutes, but eventually took turns
sticking a finger in the anal opening of the dead cow and sucking on it.


When everyone finished, the Professor looked at them and said, 'The second
most important quality is observation.

I stuck in my middle finger and sucked on my index finger.'

'Now learn to pay attention. Life's tough, it's even tougher if you're stupid.'

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Quilts and other Christmas paraphernalia

Here’s what I’ve been doing the past 3 days. Yes trying to finish my brother's easy dumb Cal Quilt.


Should be completed tonight.

I have a resolution run in less than two weeks. I have not run in more than two weeks.

Unfortunately, I cannot post more until after the hohohoho holiday is over.

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Registered 4 Resolution Run - booya!

Thank you for registering for the 2010 Resolution Run. You registered in time to get a long sleeved cotton shirt. You may begin picking up your race bibs, chip timing tags and shirts at 11:30 am. See you on the 1st.
J & J Sports Productions

Monday, December 14, 2009

Stuff I like

This weekend's training was a total bust. I did zero. zilch. nada. Rain/storms and looming holiday gift procurement kept me hopping from store to store trying to find that extra special something that could later be returned for store credit by the receiver.

Part of the weekend was spent cleaning out my closet. As I went through and organized my workout gear, I realized there are some things that really work well and others, usually bought in a frenzy, that haven't worked for me at all.

Things that work well for me:

1. nike shorts. These things are the bomb. I have tons of other company pairs that i purchased over the years--but only the Nikes don't ride up my bum as I run. they are nice and loose and comfy. I have three pair now and I love each and every one.


2. skirt sports shirt. I have one skirtsport shirt that I got at a race a couple of years ago. It is by far my favorite shirt. It is not too loose, it is an awesome color -- a nice teal--ish blue--perfect for wiping my nose while I run or sopping the sweat off my neck. It also is tight enough to make me, well, look a little well endowed and sporty at the same time. Go figure! Here's a pic of me wearing the shirt. I'm on the left.

3. Balega socks. Ok, these socks are great. I actually wear them all the time, even when I am not in running shoes. I don't know why but they cling to my small feet really well, don't stink, and no matter how hard I sweat, they never get wet or icky.


4. Nike hat. I love my nike hat. I. LOVE. My. Nike. HAT. I have no explanation.

5. Nike Triax. These shoes work so well for me. I've tried every other road shoe known to woman. These work for my bunioned-yet-narrow feet.


6. Asics Trabuco Trail shoe. As far as trail shoes go, nobody can touch the Asics Trabuco. Wide enough to fit my bunion. Sturdy enough to run hills in Auburn. They are great.

7. Ultimate Water bottle holder-- Ok ok, I know. There are some devotees of the systems that have 7 little bottles on a belt around your waist. Granted, I haven't tried those yet. I am sticking with my ultimate water bottle holders. I have 10+ ultimate bottles. Small ones, large ones and ity bitty ones. I have holders for each. I like them cause I can usually carry some Gu and my cell phone in a little pouch. Someday I might change to the amphipod/fuelbelt system but only after all my Ultimate bottles melt in the dishwasher or break.


8. Gu. I love Gu. It doesn't upset my stomach and they taste pretty darn good.

9.Mittens for really cold days. I have a pair of blue/white striped mittens I bought at Target for 50 cents on clearance last year. I wear them anytime weather is below 40 degrees. Who needs stinkin' $70 gloves???


10.Headband. I must have my headband to run. No, not the kind from Napoleon Dynamite. Just something to hold my hair out of my face, and off my neck. It is a necessity. I have a pack of 10 from Target. They have silicone grippers so that my unruly hair doesn't come loose and end up in my face. That would be a problem.



See this is what I really look like when I wear the headband to run. Really.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Neither Rain, nor sleet, nor snow....



Saturday was a bust in terms of exercise. It was hubby’s birthday so I went ahead and spent the day with him. We hung out, went shopping, got dinner, watched “Angels & Demons”.. It was a lot of fun.

Sunday, I rode the infamous Shirland Tract in Auburn. This area is a part of the Auburn Half Ironman Bike course.

The part I covered yesterday has average 4.7% elevation grade.
Total climbing yesterday 3000+ feet
Mileage= 13
Time to complete=1.25 hours

OUCH!

There are sections that are 45% grade. I rode everything. I did not walk up any hills. My speed sometimes went down to 4.5 mph and I was in granny gear, but I did it!!! During the decent down Auburn-Folsom Road, it began to rain/slushy snow pelt us and the wind gusts picked up. But we finished our ride before the storm really struck. I have to say—I feel pretty darn studly for riding in that weather. Yeah me!

Riding also helped take my mind off the fact that I was missing my marathon yesterday. CIM went on without me. :( Next year????

My riding partner suggested I ride Shirland Tract and the first part of the Auburn bike course every weekend and slowly add distance so by May, I have ridden the whole bike course a few times. I think this is a good suggestion –I would also like to do a little bit of transition run after the bike—to get my legs ready for trail running after a long hilly bike ride.

Anyway, that’s it for today. It snowed in Sacramento last night and our front lawn was covered in snow/ice. Very pretty!

Friday, December 4, 2009

TableRunner pics

Tonight we're going out for dinner for my mom's birthday. I made her a gift..it's a table runner.

Here's pics. I'm getting all crafts-y in my old age.






I ran 3 miles this morning at 5 a.m. It took me 29:32 to finish. Not too bad. My right hip felt a little weird but I realized that I haven't been doing my PT exercises all week. I'm such a weenie. Back onto those tonight after dinner. Oh, and I am picking up my CIM bib/t-shirt today. I tried to sell it but nobody wants to buy it apparently. Oh well, that's ok.

I will also be riding my bike in auburn on sunday. Auburn hills are notorious for kickin' the crap out of people. My riding buddy, Judy, said she is going to 'kick my little @$$' on sunday. Great. I can't wait. I have to get some hill workouts going if I am going to be ready for the Auburn Half Ironman in May.

In any case--I hope to make it a good weekend of running and riding.

Hope yours is good too!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Yummy Recipe for Blue and Yellow Indian Cornbread

Enjoy!



Hopi Blue & Yellow Indian Cornbread
------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Meredith McCarty, www.healingcuisine.com

Makes 16 servings

The intriguing swirl of marbled color in this cornbread comes from
a combination of blue and yellow cornmeal batters. The special
qualities of this recipe are the lack of dairy products and eggs
in a main dish that is attractive, light and delicious. Soymilk
acts as a mild leavening agent in addition to the baking powder.
Baking cornbread in cast-iron pans makes for the best crust.

Blue Cornmeal Batter:

3/4 cup blue cornmeal
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons light vegetable oil (I prefer Spectrum walnut oil)
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or barley malt syrup
1 cup soymilk (I prefer Edensoy Original)

Yellow Cornmeal Batter:

3/4 cup yellow corn flour (preferred) or cornmeal
3/4 cup unbleached white pastry flour
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons light vegetable oil
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or barley malt syrup
1 cup soymilk
Kernels from one small ear of corn (optional, in season)
2 small serrano or jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded and very
thinly sliced (optional, in season)

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Brush a 2- or 2 1/2-quart baking dish or
a cast-iron skillet with oil. Heat the pan in the oven while you
make the batter (this is an optional step).

2. To make each of the batters, in two bowls mix dry ingredients.
Mix wet ingredients in separate bowls and gently whisk with dry
ingredients. Batters should be thin and pourable.

3. Pour blue cornmeal batter into baking dish. Pour yellow batter
on top. With a utensil, draw a large spiral through to the bottom
of the batter. Bake until cornbread tests done, 30 to 35 minutes.

Variation: Barbecue Beans and Cornbread Casserole: Visit Meredith's
website for this recipe that contains just 14% calories from fat.

For 16 servings, per serving:
Calories: 182 Protein: 4gm Saturated Fat: 0.4gm Fiber: 2.5gm
Carbohydrates: 27.4gm Fat: 6.4 gm Cholesterol: 0 Sodium: 178mg
Calories from Protein: 9% Calories from Fats: 31% Calories
from Carbohydrates: 60%

Chad Gurlach encounter

Hubby talked to a panhandling Chad Gurlach this afternoon in front of Target.

So very sad.. Chad was on US Postal Team with Lance but fell into drugs.
He was featured on an episode of Intervention...

Check Season 5 , #64

As of today, he's still looking for drugs and a place to sleep every night. He hasn't seen his baby daughter.

How very sad.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Biggest Loser is... me??

Last night on the Biggest Loser, the last four contestants ran a marathon.

Oh, you read correctly...

they.
ran.
a.
freakn.
marathon.


People, who barely moved except to get the remote control, just ran a marathon.

I've been trying for YEARS to run a marathon and I have not succeeded.

:(

Hubby told me to turn it off because he could see, with my PMS looming, that it was going to end up an ugly week if I continued to gape at the TV.

Really? I don't begrudge these people because they were/are overweight. More power to them and I hope they accomplish every single one of their goals. I am frustrated that I train for years and can't do something that recently sedentary people can do after 6 months of training. What is wrong with me??? Am I a big loser?


The fastest --Rudy-- completed in 5:10 I think.. The slowest two took over 7 hours.


Hmprhummmmpph.

In any case, I signed up for two short races. Both are trail runs--6 miler on December 13th and a 10K on January 1.

Is it too early to think about racing again? Probably. But I've got to put something on my short term calendar or I'm not going to run at all.

And one last query--WHY oh WHY is the biggest loser on the channel next to the food network? I think it is a consipiracy... :)

Monday, November 30, 2009

Good Eats. Good Fitness. Good Times.

Ok, I have to say several things are making me feel better about my injury.

1. It is projected that a rainy/stormy CIM. Check out http://cimweatheroutlook.blogspot.com/ for details.

2. I know other people who are having the same exact injury/issue and are just as frustrated. They also have the fun of being told in a public forum that they shouldn't run CIM. Check out Steve from Roseville's question here.

3. I ran 3 miles this morning in 29:10. I. kick. ass.

4. I have been biking like crazy. I'm getting a little faster. I look awesome in my new Ophir Milan kit. Knee warmers are on their way.

5. Life is good and shiny.

6. Thanksgiving went off without any problems. I stayed calm while I cooked a huge meal. Everyone loved it. I did a new turkey recipe and it turned out AWESOME. Even though she's a felon, Martha Stewart has some great turkey recipes.

7. I drank a lot of wine with turkey dinner.

8. I drank a lot of wine after turkey dinner.

9. RR#1 came over. We all got along fabulously. I realized, she doesn't have to agree with my viewpoint on every issue. We can be happy and ignore the differences.

10. Hubby and I getting along really really well. I mean really well. It's kind of a Romance Renaissance. After 10 years of marriage I guess things can re-bloom?

Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday Five

1. I haven't run in almost two weeks. I'm scared to run. I'm scared of knee pain. Tomorrow. I'll run tomorrow. Really. Tomorrow.

2. I have been riding my bike quite a bit. I rode both saturday and sunday--30 miles each day. I also rode on the trainer on Wednesday morning--watched Spinervals DVD on endurance but only did 30 minutes or so. It was too boring. Maybe another dvd will be better.

3. I'm still trying to work out the swimming thing for the winter. New aquatic center opened nearby. But it is opposite direction from my work and traffic is awful before work. There is a gym I want to join that is near my work but it is $134/month. A bit pricy. I'm still trying to figure this out.

4. I joined a cycling group called Ophir Milan. They are hard-core. I hope I can keep up with them when we ride.

5.I bought the OPHIR jersey and shorts. I also tried on an OPHIR tank. Hubby said it wasn't very flattering to my figure since it shoved all my back fat to the side.. uhm. Yeah. thanks.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

From Velo News

Foolish foolish man..


Landis to leave OUCH
By VeloNews.com
Published: Nov. 17, 2009
Landis has struggled through much of the 2009 season.

Photo: Graham Watson

Floyd Landis and the management company running the OUCH professional cycling team have agreed to end his contract a year early.

Landis and the Momentum Sports Group (MSG) announced Tuesday that they have mutually agreed to terminate his contract – originally slated to expire at the end of 2010 – releasing both sides from their respective obligations for the remainder of the 2009 and 2010 racing seasons.

"I wish to thank all of the sponsors for their support this year. I would also like to thank everyone at Momentum Sports Group," Landis said. "While I'm excited to pursue other opportunities, I will miss all of my teammates and everyone on staff."

Those opportunities, said Landis, include a hoped-for return to the European stage racing he’s missed since his two-year suspension for doping at the 2006 Tour de France. Landis returned to racing at the start of the 2009 season as a member of OUCH and has not enjoyed the level of success he saw before his ban.

According to a release issued by MSG on Tuesday, Landis told the team that he hopes to ride to ride “the longer, tougher stage races offered in Europe and internationally that better suit his strengths.”

The release went on to note that since the team will continue to focus on a domestic schedule, “MSG and Landis mutually agreed that it would be best for both parties to part ways at this time and allow Landis to seek a position with a team that could better accommodate his desires.”

Neither Landis nor the team mentioned if Landis is in discussions with other teams that might afford him the opportunities he hopes to pursue.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Dratsdratsdratsdratsdratsdrats

Sports Med doc says no CIM. She said that I have a significant right leg weakness and there isn't enough time before CIM to correct the imbalance with weight training. The weakness is in turn totally screwing up my gait and causing my IT Band problems--

She said if I try to run CIM I probably would cause enough damage that I wouldn't be able to run for 6 months.

Drats!!!

So I guess I'll do the strengthening exercises she prescribed and see what happens. I don't really have a choice. I did indulge in half a glass of wine last night. I've been a teetotaler for the past few weeks because of my training. I guess that's a silver lining.

Double drats!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks

So for some great news. Doc said I can run starting Thurs or Friday.
Yeah! My knee already feels better I am soooo thankful !!!

Onto other, more important business.

Thanksgiving.
IT
IS
MY
FAVORITE
HOLIDAY

Even better than Christmas. Even better than Fourth of July. I think it is because I have such good memories of being a child and having a house full of guests, yummy smells coming from the kitchen, watching “chitty chitty bang bang” on TV and stuffing myself with cranberry jelly and dressing until I thought I might throw up. And then eating pumpkin pie slathered with Cool Whip.

I <3 thanksgiving!

I start planning thanksgiving every year around August. Seriously.
I plan the guest list, plan how we’re gonna make it all happen. Plan the food.

Hmm.mmm food.

This year, even though I am trying to eat more vegan-like, thanksgiving is going to be a time that I will still indulge.

I’ve drafted the menu.

Turkey
Dressing
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Canned Cranberry jelly
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Candied Yams
Stir fried Green Bean with toasted almonds
Apples-n-onions
Brussels Sprouts cooked in bacon fat with pine nuts.
Gravy
Apple Pie (2)
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Mincemeat Pie

I am also getting the Tofurkey Supermeal . It contains a tofurkey, cranberry sauce, vegan stuffing (yes the Tofurkey is stuffed), “wishstix”, vegan gravy and some sort of potato/cranberry dumplings.

I am having 15+ guests over for Thanksgiving . It is going to be a BLAST!
All food is made entirely from scratch. I make the pies, including the crusts from scratch. Dressing is made from bread I bake at home, Gravy made from a roux, etc. Almost nothing ‘packaged’ other than the turkey and the canned cranberry jelly.

All this cooking and planning means I will take two days off from work to shop, make pies, clean house, etc. I won’t be able to do any of the local Turkey Trots because the cooking schedule is so tight, even with a double oven.

I am considering deep frying the turkey outside—this will make a yummy turkey plus it will free up one of the double ovens for all the other goodies.

I cannot wait!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Spreadn' the funk

warning--this post contains some foul language. Be advised.

Several bloggers have noted a decrease in energy, an increase in sadness (funkitude), or general illness/injury.

The funk has now spread over here.. I got the H1N1 and regular flu shots so it is not illness. I am not 'sad' per se. No peeps, I am INJURED.

During 4 bridges my right IT Band started to flare a bit. I rested it afterwards, Iced, rolled-- I even took 4 days off and cut my speed workout.

On sunday's 20 mile long run, the IT Band kicked me in the nads.

Two miles into the 20 miler it woke up and said, "uh, no. we're not going to do this today." I yelled the the ITB, "fk u. We're going to finish 20".

At 15 miles, I'd had enough. ITB won. I called hubby and asked him to pick me up on the bike trail and he did.

I am sad and depressed. Went to doc. He says, that technically, my IT Band is ok.. Good flexibility, stretch, and movement. So what's the problem? My old lingering ankle injury has screwed up the shock absorption of my right leg. The issue is really a combination of bad shock absorbers in my calf and a slight pulling of my Tensor Facia Lata. This is causing my IT Band to have to pick up the shockabsorbing slack and it is quite angry.

After doing some deep tissue/fascia work, my A.R.T. guy said I should try to run again today. I think I'm going to wait until tomorrow morning and see how a few short miles go. I was able to walk down stairs today (hurray!)and the side of my leg is extremely sore (uh, hurray???) from the work he did yesterday on it.

I did tell my A.R.T. guy that if I need to wrap my knee stiff straight and peg-leg it to the finish of California International Marathon, I will do that. I don't care. I just don't want the stabbing pain.

In any case--blah fkn blah.

So now for some good news--my MA diploma came in the mail yesterday! Honestly, I was still half expecting that I would get a letter from the Graduate office saying that they made a mistake and I was a unit short or something. But alas, the fools sent me a diploma so I can add a MA after my name..

Tri-Karen-Tri, M.A. (aka Peg-leg)

Well this just happened... Guess I should start writing again...