tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71032252139635069652024-03-13T12:58:25.867-07:00Because You Love ItRunning for FunLinzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-43608714554534238222012-10-07T15:15:00.001-07:002012-10-07T15:15:08.693-07:00To marathon, or not to marathon?Not having a race to look forward to is making me a little bit crazy. I've gone back and forth a few times in the past two weeks about training for another marathon. There is a part inside me that really wants to do it. I want to try it again because I know I can do better than my first marathon. I want to train hard and stay healthy and make it to the finish line. The other part inside me knows that it's a major commitment of time and energy, and that I don't really have the true burning desire to spend that much time running. I also am aware that winter's coming and that I dislike running in the rain and cold.<br />
<br />
I went on a super 5 mile run yesterday morning and it felt so good to run at a comfortable pace - just me and the dog. My mind was running blank, and then all of a sudden I had a realization that if I want to accomplish another marathon, now is the time. I don't have kids, I don't have a job, I don't have anything holding me back. My only plan for the next few years involves working towards living on a sailboat, but you never know what will be mixed in with that. I think the biggest thing I learned about running a marathon is that you really have to want it. The time involved in training, and the cost of shoes, massages, fuel, travel, and the actual marathon really add up to a big investment. You've got to make it count.<br />
<br />
I'm still wavering.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDVNysUnkWZAVlPLQirE1nzC8kaZixK51dWD-YMLKRlVS-GuZQyvphpZEOs4DOYifOc2nXWJ8TsOM3bEYYowjSV5ipUy_vrjeRSqJRcRuXQdi4VSVSYVkQOmK7aa-eqcaLq59saKyFA/s1600/CIMG2463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDVNysUnkWZAVlPLQirE1nzC8kaZixK51dWD-YMLKRlVS-GuZQyvphpZEOs4DOYifOc2nXWJ8TsOM3bEYYowjSV5ipUy_vrjeRSqJRcRuXQdi4VSVSYVkQOmK7aa-eqcaLq59saKyFA/s640/CIMG2463.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running a marathon takes balance. E shows us how its done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-2020327208965615852012-10-06T11:49:00.000-07:002012-10-06T11:50:32.489-07:00September Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Miles Planned/Ran:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> <span style="color: purple;">? Wasn't really counting, or planning.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Rest Days Planned/Taken</span></span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">: </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Highest Mileage Week:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">
It's no longer about the mileage. It's about sweating every. single.
day. But unfortunately, I fell of the sweat-wagon in September and never
got back on. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><strike>Long</strike> Runs Planned/Ran:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> ?</span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Book: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Finished <i>Eat & Run</i>, finally. Started in on <i>Home Below Hell's Canyon</i>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">
Birthday kiteboarding trip to Oregon that involved a glutinous italian
dinner and lots of beer every night. Also, watching TV when I should be
working out or working on the house. And popcorn with tons of salt.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Obsessions:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">
Making huckleberry ice cream with all the berries we picked in Oregon,
and getting a lemon cake with cream cheese frosting done for Erin's
belated birthday celebration. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Drink:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Decafe coffee. I never thought I'd say that. And smoothies.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Song:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Wish-List:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> New nike frees, and a pair of brooks pure (to inspire me).</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Need:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> For this house to feel more like a home. We've been in here a year now and it still feels like we're squatting.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Triumph:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">
Pounding out the stair treads and skirt board, and pouring a concrete
pad for our entry way. Can you believe I'm still talking construction?
Some day, all this will be boat talk.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Cur</span></span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">rent Bane of my Existence:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Unmotivated days. Hovering on the edge & having to pull myself back.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Goal:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Make it through October with a positive attitude.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Blessings:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> The time and freedom to design my days as I choose.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Excitement:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Another
totally amazing SUP surfing session, this time as Caspar. I rocked
countless waves and had such a wonderful time. Wholly grounding and
spiritually gratifying. It made up for my kiteboarding flail in Oregon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-71246001731008862402012-09-02T10:41:00.001-07:002012-09-02T10:48:40.790-07:00August Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Miles Planned/Ran:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> <span style="color: purple;">Hmmm. This one's hard to know now that I'm no longer using dailymile. I'm going to guess 21 - 3 six milers and 1 3 miler up the hill. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Rest Days Planned/Taken</span></span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">: </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">A lot were taken, but only 4 were planned. August was a tough month in terms of motivation and sticking to the plan.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Highest Mileage Week:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> It's no longer about the mileage. It's about sweating every. single. day.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><strike>Long</strike> Runs Planned/Ran:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">4/3</span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Book: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Finished <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0924486848/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0924486848&linkCode=as2&tag=mendseag-20">The Long Way</a></i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0924486848" style="border: none !important; in: 0px !important;" width="1" />, which is one of the best books I've read in a long time, and my favorite sailing book. Also read<i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618582150/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0618582150&linkCode=as2&tag=mendseag-20">The Best American Travel Writing 2006</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0618582150" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </i>for the story about sailing, but they were all interesting. Now starting<i>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812975596/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0812975596&linkCode=as2&tag=mendseag-20">The Wild Trees</a></i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0812975596" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and <i>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0939431254/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0939431254&linkCode=as2&tag=mendseag-20">Trails & Tales of Yosemite & the Central Sierra</a></i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0939431254" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.
</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> I've figured out how to bake all my favorite treats with half wheat flour and half rice flour - making sinfully delicious items previously off limits to me 50% GF! Particularly, the amazing loaf of zucchini carrot bread I made that required an entire jar of homemade apple butter to get it down the hatch. I also may have made a huge batch of calzones.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Obsessions:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Planning our backpacking trip to the Sierras.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Drink:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Interesting development on this front. I'm now 100% caffeine free due to some health reasons and am currently experimenting with Celestial Seasonings Roastaroma and Bengal Spice. Some days I love it and some days I just want a damn cup of coffee. I sense decafe Joe in my future...</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Song:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Not a lot of music in my life now - Beatles and Stones, I guess.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Wish-List:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> A humbling, centering, and grounding experience in the backcountry.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Need:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> a meaningful way to make progress towards my life goals</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Triumph:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Canning 9 jars of apple butter.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Cur</span></span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">rent Bane of my Existence:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Dog hair. Always dog hair. And living in a perpetually unfinished house.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Goal:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Recognize the patterns of discontent, and detach from them. Finish the 30 Day Abs Challenge. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Blessings:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Beautiful weather. It helps a lot.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Excitement:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Paddleboard surfing two times last month. Frustrating, but a blast. It's tough to learn a new sport, and I must remember that it takes a lot of dedicated, determined hard work to get good at something like that. Each wave is an opportunity!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
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Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-34399948613904965272012-08-21T13:31:00.001-07:002012-09-02T10:58:13.525-07:00I Have SpunI finally got my ass to a spin class.<br />
<br />
I arrived 10 minutes early to familiarize myself with the room, the bike and to talk with the 'leader' about my novice-ness. I sat on my bike for the next ten minutes, telling everyone around me that I'd never done a spin class before, and watching people adjust their bikes like pros. I fiddled with some knobs and levers and told some more people I was new. <br />
<br />
Then suddenly the lights went out. A woman jumped through the door, hopped on the bike at the front of the room and started whooping. Loudly. Then some house music started booming and blue lights turned on around her bike, and we were off (figuratively). <br />
<br />
I actually enjoyed it. Somehow I lucked out and my bike was actually quite comfortably adjusted for my size. I worked up quite a sweat and felt an excellent burn in my legs. I didn't get sore the next day from it, which was disappointing.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/onjqvZHpzfs?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The hill is a trap! Let's take the dirt road off to the side.</i></div>
<br />
So now I have joined the rest of the whole entire world and have spun. Not quite sure yet what it means for my training - I'm kind of a <strike>cheapskate</strike> low on extra cash right now so I don't want to pay for a gym membership. Or, I at least want to wait until it's cold, rainy and lame outside so I won't feel like a loser to go sit on a stationary bike in a dark room and sweat with other people while it's gorgeous and wonderful outside and I could be riding my real bike.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I'm probably going back.Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-7726572627704380592012-08-19T12:34:00.002-07:002012-08-19T12:34:48.770-07:00Weekend UpdateShasta is looking like more and more of a no-go for September. Although the mountain is climbable year round, the conditions are most favorable for novice climbers during May and June. My potential climbing partners seem less-than-enthused to hear the words harness, ice axe, crampon, and summit-before-8AM when we talk over our plan. I'm still waiting their final decision, which will ultimately determine my fate as well - I won't climb it alone (although I considered it, I decided it's a bad idea right now). Consequently, I'm researching less-technical backpacking routes in Northern California: Desolation Wilderness, Trinity Alps, Lost Coast, Kings Canyon, Lassen. My list could be potentially huge, but CA is a big state and driving times will ultimately limit our options.<br />
<br />
I'm a little bummed out that Shasta will have to wait until next spring/summer but it is probably a good decision. There will be other mini-exploits and distractions this fall that will help ease my adventurous ache.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY7T71DYuF69JSdSRYQ6H8w8HdjlOxzLtUmqkNh-05CNUWb7gfp9Vk7Be0ZmpzQX-6XWH8Ux5sfG1ULo_zlueraGEOgXTr-CIpIFYcJPMW91PIHFrKaO3-zaYQBiXOhTDF8YLI9-aZQ/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY7T71DYuF69JSdSRYQ6H8w8HdjlOxzLtUmqkNh-05CNUWb7gfp9Vk7Be0ZmpzQX-6XWH8Ux5sfG1ULo_zlueraGEOgXTr-CIpIFYcJPMW91PIHFrKaO3-zaYQBiXOhTDF8YLI9-aZQ/s640/IMG_0446.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the headlands just south of the Lost Coast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________________________ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anyone familiar with p90x knows that there are three phases of four weeks each. Week four of the first two phases involves a 'slow down' week, incorporating more core workouts, yoga and cardio - no weights. I took my 'slow down' week in stride - it was hard to slow down actually, and hard to give up the weights for a week, but I stuck to my plan. Now, 12 days out from the beginning of that slow down week, I'm still going pretty slow. My motivation is lacking and I can't seem to find the pure desire that drew me to the mat and the weights for most of last month. I definitely saw results from that first phase - I feel stronger than ever, I feel fitter than when I was running exclusively, I don't have any injuries like ITBS or plantar fasciitis, and it inspired me to really clean up my diet.<br />
<br />
Healthy living - whether it involves running, p90x, weight lifting, yoga, or clean eating - is definitely a roller coaster for me. I am often flying high, sticking to my plan, motivated by pure desire to live a healthier/more active/more fulfilling life. When that passes I find myself absolutely craving fish and chips with a delicious draft beer, nachos piled high with cheese and guacamole, sleeping in, and making excuses for not working out. My life actually <i>feels</i> different during these lows, like all of a sudden I'm way too busy or way too tired to work out. This is not actually true. My life is the same. I have the same amount of things to do, the same amount of spare time. I have not actually <i>accomplished</i> anything by my stint of 'healthy living' - it's time I stopped thinking of healthy living as an accomplishment and more of a way of life. I think I'm getting closer.<br />
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Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-24450280253873759292012-08-18T09:25:00.001-07:002012-08-18T09:25:24.510-07:00More Tea Party!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv2ssYa-wTGCQdBBXQ41SfHyr8_oz1f7jeVHwdkxVDoArKFcHr9d8zKWhtH03ewWBz7hZC8jaqK9IwG3EM29-eAaEDDajQHqhlqN4CKIzZBEPbx976_KjyQwYfruOK179v3e-5gQ67w/s1600/IMG_2216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSv2ssYa-wTGCQdBBXQ41SfHyr8_oz1f7jeVHwdkxVDoArKFcHr9d8zKWhtH03ewWBz7hZC8jaqK9IwG3EM29-eAaEDDajQHqhlqN4CKIzZBEPbx976_KjyQwYfruOK179v3e-5gQ67w/s400/IMG_2216.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice ascot, Jim.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ937wj6H8L7ynaGWu1IoFT0skCiS2gtP5PIP0MtdtgIDzMGetLCaENgnVNIP4qx4v4go0HXUdmzNBPRTROwltb9790kJ1p987b156kVq0hRfxt7H2hYat1mDV7zFyHEpox9X-kGRGJw/s1600/IMG_2217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ937wj6H8L7ynaGWu1IoFT0skCiS2gtP5PIP0MtdtgIDzMGetLCaENgnVNIP4qx4v4go0HXUdmzNBPRTROwltb9790kJ1p987b156kVq0hRfxt7H2hYat1mDV7zFyHEpox9X-kGRGJw/s400/IMG_2217.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Properly tucked pinkie finger.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5CKYqnUYr5kf1CtCEh_2qs2u-9eP50MDUHX8nYYgPGhBpBLU_6kw-yNqwjQoE5cLYzifQcfBPsHVDkodM-1EnFAsEqs5rx4HGnR86HSc85w9fn_jSM1qCwhLcwLdTqvVusjqCThyphenhyphenxw/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5CKYqnUYr5kf1CtCEh_2qs2u-9eP50MDUHX8nYYgPGhBpBLU_6kw-yNqwjQoE5cLYzifQcfBPsHVDkodM-1EnFAsEqs5rx4HGnR86HSc85w9fn_jSM1qCwhLcwLdTqvVusjqCThyphenhyphenxw/s400/IMG_2223.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Pimms Cup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkmUUFPplYXGDoVDMxgXY5AzpNuG2Fk0WS1BTG04LpMvFEJiXffzuoFSn3sI2lVNHAqFmgk0UQh2KefqUTEz5MpkIKKs0W7B0DxzF4UxrRiDsZUAWjWv9m10IsYbMQJQDZMERkoNBnA/s1600/IMG_2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkmUUFPplYXGDoVDMxgXY5AzpNuG2Fk0WS1BTG04LpMvFEJiXffzuoFSn3sI2lVNHAqFmgk0UQh2KefqUTEz5MpkIKKs0W7B0DxzF4UxrRiDsZUAWjWv9m10IsYbMQJQDZMERkoNBnA/s400/IMG_2224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can a dog get a sip?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cI0wVupWEtt9IYtTnE-VgdRDbSd_291uIcjs0CPUxQHde6bWlBYTMclJuwcW7pCMIlghGUn6RHMQjLCjwZ2q5JKWhRmpzq5X7ftd4ViBB57VlI-yxOWW89NXIAfaX4aJSR5jECGC4w/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cI0wVupWEtt9IYtTnE-VgdRDbSd_291uIcjs0CPUxQHde6bWlBYTMclJuwcW7pCMIlghGUn6RHMQjLCjwZ2q5JKWhRmpzq5X7ftd4ViBB57VlI-yxOWW89NXIAfaX4aJSR5jECGC4w/s400/IMG_2241.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mWyvsKuzRFzVi5mhQgFcf3_F7S8yqQrHyvWn6hsc0ZHu87RsNB5h18x745iBVns1ziG4Xd6-z8sbSdfjZDqiUP6LLUHchjl1WSeWN8-EAah1CwVlGNQdsXtMHkSuYoKUKew0K01YLA/s1600/IMG_2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mWyvsKuzRFzVi5mhQgFcf3_F7S8yqQrHyvWn6hsc0ZHu87RsNB5h18x745iBVns1ziG4Xd6-z8sbSdfjZDqiUP6LLUHchjl1WSeWN8-EAah1CwVlGNQdsXtMHkSuYoKUKew0K01YLA/s400/IMG_2246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's your ascot, E?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF_oLCnoAUGhOFqiFvqf3WcP4w4VopI1lQeq8kemWD-t1iTrS_tR8pc9P025tiW85VzEjtXF7xf6nvXOendEuE9bj3T_pEl1uXbW6zA2UNAJbR3Vz51KJZZyJUFqHcwZKZigYVhaIvQ/s1600/IMG_2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF_oLCnoAUGhOFqiFvqf3WcP4w4VopI1lQeq8kemWD-t1iTrS_tR8pc9P025tiW85VzEjtXF7xf6nvXOendEuE9bj3T_pEl1uXbW6zA2UNAJbR3Vz51KJZZyJUFqHcwZKZigYVhaIvQ/s400/IMG_2248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manda attended via skype.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguF3kJbshg77_WUW6Ws7oah0sS9PJt77njVvSjgzz0PAXGyJXr0Wem-LeXRwbIayUvH6xddcFsb88XUNDE5veYYUXcsEpe_zRM6EoUsTcPC5aC6WQgpDVcWxvpzBqzTDSjoCgmpV2l5g/s1600/IMG_2249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguF3kJbshg77_WUW6Ws7oah0sS9PJt77njVvSjgzz0PAXGyJXr0Wem-LeXRwbIayUvH6xddcFsb88XUNDE5veYYUXcsEpe_zRM6EoUsTcPC5aC6WQgpDVcWxvpzBqzTDSjoCgmpV2l5g/s400/IMG_2249.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoked salmon tea sandwich will be fine, thank you.</td></tr>
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Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-91107587967274692072012-08-15T12:21:00.000-07:002012-08-15T12:21:04.644-07:00Olympic Viewing PartyLast week found me in the kitchen cooking like mad. My leetlest seester and I had planned an Olympic Viewing Tea Party for Tuesday afternoon, so I made a Guinness (Beer) Gingerbread bunt cake, and three loaves of gluten free french bread and cheesy beer sauce for Welsh Rarebit. This was all totally new to me.<br />
<br />
Also at the party were currant scones with real English butter and olallieberry Jam, smoked salmon + cream cheese sandwiches and butter + cucumber sandwiches, both on gluten free bread, raspberry shortbread cookies, real Yorkshire tea, and perfect Pimms cups with fresh ginger, cucumbers and lemon. What a day!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oDL70EBZkXf55o1SrNJFy7u2ziCzJhXGobK_BNzp7DusDLvhCE7K0fzu5gOYw-zzbYpFfQK3xBZnZvx0IX0OOLPVXRqrYH82BBD4r_OQ21uHGxjNua78M3X5xVTD86S13W38_j2zzw/s1600/CIMG2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oDL70EBZkXf55o1SrNJFy7u2ziCzJhXGobK_BNzp7DusDLvhCE7K0fzu5gOYw-zzbYpFfQK3xBZnZvx0IX0OOLPVXRqrYH82BBD4r_OQ21uHGxjNua78M3X5xVTD86S13W38_j2zzw/s640/CIMG2325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LsjSsqTqbfdo357K_nlW_FaAbXnX1BhU4QkxAYotL58I1iW3kzovKegAxFWduWOcmZZkklL5C1dJf5_dZLUmrQynTVvtAjxNc-fmFYZIZqKa9rM82KAqVrKkn26TpsqXcAo-i6Yig/s1600/CIMG2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LsjSsqTqbfdo357K_nlW_FaAbXnX1BhU4QkxAYotL58I1iW3kzovKegAxFWduWOcmZZkklL5C1dJf5_dZLUmrQynTVvtAjxNc-fmFYZIZqKa9rM82KAqVrKkn26TpsqXcAo-i6Yig/s640/CIMG2324.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in my Great-Grandmother's flapper hat, and M in her butterfly fascinator</td></tr>
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Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-33642301367317159222012-08-14T12:02:00.000-07:002012-08-14T12:02:03.663-07:00Books I Want To Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583333398/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1583333398&linkCode=as2&tag=mendseag-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1583333398&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mendseag-20" /></a></div>
Last night I spent a good chunk of time reading the entire amazon preview for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583333398/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1583333398&linkCode=as2&tag=mendseag-20">The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1583333398" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1583333398" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />From the little I was able to read (actually a surprisingly large amount for a 'preview') I gather that the author believes the best way to lose weight/fat is to build muscle. He's not a big fan of cardio for weightloss's sake. Granted, I didn't read the entire book, so may be missing something. But the jist seems to be:<br />
<ul>
<li>People generally spend around an hour - some more, some less - working out. That leaves 23 other hours in a day. When we look at our bodies in this light it seems like the number of calories we burn during the 23 hours is more important than the number we burn in the 1 hour we're working out. This is why it becomes so important to have a high metabolic rate?</li>
<li>Muscle requires more calories to maintain than fat. The more muscle on a body, the more calories that body requires to maintain itself - also, the more calories that body burns through at rest.</li>
<li>Cardio is good for your heart. It's good for fat loss when done at a high intensity and is constantly being mixed up. But the body is always looking for the easy way out, and will make accommodations that prevent maximum calories from being used (I talked about this concept in <a href="http://runbecauseyouloveit.blogspot.com/2012/08/future-foray-into-spin.html" target="_blank">this post</a>). </li>
<li>When we talk about health and fitness, we should stop talking about weight loss and start focusing on fat loss.</li>
</ul>
I'd really love to read this whole book because the physiology of the body has become suddenly fascinating to me. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/library/images/Dave%20&%20bkm1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/library/images/Dave%20&%20bkm1small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and his traveling library.</td></tr>
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I'm also desperately awaiting the arrival of <i>Eat and Run</i> by Scott Jurek, who spoke at the race expo at the Half Moon Bay Marathon. Unfortunately I'm too cheap to purchase books, so I put them on my library list and wait. I rely solely on bi-weekly visits from the Bookmobile for my reading material. I am currently #5 for <i>Eat and Run</i>, which means I can realistically expect the book any month now.<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0547569653&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mendseag-20" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0547569653&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mendseag-20" /></a>Scott is a vegan ultra-marathoner with a slight build and an obviously ginormous calorie requirement. I'm hoping the book touches on how he manages to run the distances he does and stay filled and fueled. I'm mainly interested in this because E is a born-and-raised vegetarian who has blood sugar/fueling/energy problems. We eat a really healthy, well rounded, whole foods plant based diet that also includes cheese, milk, butter and eggs. Without these animal products to 'fill him up', E believes he would <strike>freak out</strike> <strike>waste away and die</strike> suffer. I'm hoping Scott Jurek has a magic vegan spell I can perform, or a magic vegan potion I can concoct that will allow us to safely eliminate animal products from our diet entirely. </div>
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Which brings us to the fact that I just finished watching <i>Forks Over Knives</i>, but this post is already too long. Just go watch it yourself. It's on Netflix (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615190457/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1615190457&linkCode=as2&tag=mendseag-20">I guess it's a book too</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1615190457" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />).
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mendseag-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547569653" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-66559778548562206102012-08-11T09:03:00.001-07:002012-08-11T09:03:40.971-07:00The Avenue of the Giants Half - flying solo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzBVtMI13XzyaQFIRbIVsQqaGd8uB8jRj_UWMmnjFue6FoWiGv4kkSCH-x2ngmSS0tJp7pjgX47FXSpzyboBrx8EHkgQeEkk4DSAv8KKKuTUv4_IanJPlWIDqD_oZSZ9PVPrntrL0eA/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzBVtMI13XzyaQFIRbIVsQqaGd8uB8jRj_UWMmnjFue6FoWiGv4kkSCH-x2ngmSS0tJp7pjgX47FXSpzyboBrx8EHkgQeEkk4DSAv8KKKuTUv4_IanJPlWIDqD_oZSZ9PVPrntrL0eA/s400/IMG_5421.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite race bling ever.
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Back in May, I ran my second Avenue of the Giants Half Marathon. In keeping with the tradition of last year, E & I planned to make the trek up north, camp the night before the race, and then relax at the Benbow Inn the following night, eating our fill of tea and scones on the deck, and gorging ourselves at the delish complimentary breakfast. Then all of a sudden, he had a disc golf tourney to go to with his homies, and I was faced with going to a run, by myself, for the first time ever. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g32419-d636050-Benbow_Inn-Garberville_California.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pictures of Benbow Inn, Garberville" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/4d/80/e3/outdoor-patio-dining.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32419-d636050-Reviews-Benbow_Inn-Garberville_California.html">Benbow Inn</a> terrace is courtesy of TripAdvisor
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I know, I'm a big girl now. But let's be clear - I have always experienced a bit of apprehension when I travel alone, whether it's a quick 1.5 hr. drive over the hill for a yoga class, maneuvering the London underground for two weeks on my first real solo trip, or solo hiking the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand. My heart beats fast, and I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings. It takes me a while to tune down the static and hear my own voice/heart inside, and then to be comfortable with it.<br />
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To be fair, E only ditched me for the first night - the critical pre-race night, mind you - and we planned to meet up at the Benbow after the race. But who would drop me off at the starting line and then go park the car a mile away? Who would catch my patagonia jacket when I shed it in the chutes right before the gun went off? Who would pass me gummy bears and my waterbottle when I passed them at the turnaround? Whose face would I look for when I crossed the finish line, sweaty and tired? Who would go get the car, parked a mile away, after the race was all done?<br />
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Basically, I have been a spoiled rotten racer, and this solo adventure afforded me the opportunity to do things a little differently. I found some throw-away clothes for the start (old painting clothes. Not sexy). I left super-early so I'd have plenty of time to park & porta-potty. I struck up conversations with other runners at the finish line and we chatted about our races. And I <strike>walked</strike> hobbled my ass all the way to the parking lot afterwards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwood Burls along the race course</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 foot diameter Redwood near the race start</td></tr>
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This run reminded my why I run: <i>Because I Love It.</i> And it was made even more special and poignant because I did it by myself. I
picked this event because it’s on a relatively flat, paved road; it’s in
a micro-climate similar to the one in which I live; it’s almost 100%
shaded with amazing gigantic old-growth redwood trees; it’s warm, but
not too warm. I purposefully attempted to craft my race-day experience to ensure I
would have a great time, and that I could control enough variables to
feel comfortable. This ended up being even more important once I was going solo. And I did have a great time. My best race yet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was constantly looking up while I ran. </td></tr>
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</div>Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-65240581146712987392012-08-10T16:57:00.001-07:002012-08-10T16:57:48.825-07:00How to Fix A MacBook Power Cordor, Me Videoing Erin Fixing My MacBook Power Cord, and how you can fix yours, too (because it will inevitably break) if you're really smart, own a soldering iron, and don't care about your warranty.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hOb-8Tutt7M?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-27379118592002672402012-08-09T19:56:00.001-07:002012-08-11T09:05:50.267-07:00July Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span style="color: black;">I just went through and re-read a lot of this blog. I didn't realize I've been at it for over two years! This is ridiculous, and exciting. I know it's not the end or beginning of the month, but for nostalgia's sake, I'm going to recap my life right now. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Miles Planned/Ran:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> <span style="color: purple;">Let's say 18.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span style="color: black;">(I'm
currently in the middle of week four of my own self-designed fitness
plan that includes lots of strength/aerobic training, 1 yoga class per
week, 1 run per week, and 1 rest day per week, so the running questions
aren't that applicable.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Rest Days Planned/Taken</span></span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">: </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">3</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Highest Mileage Week:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> It's not longer about the mileage. It's about sweating every. single. day.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><strike>Long</strike> Runs Planned/Ran:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> 3/3</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Book:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Finished <i>Wild</i>, <i>The Rugged Road, </i>& <i>Animal Farm</i> last month, and am now reading <i>The Long Way.</i></span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> A ridiculously decadent Olympic viewing tea party with non-GF treats, several Pimms cups, and far-out hats.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Obsessions:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Honestly? Fat Loss. Why? Something to do.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Drink:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Maté! New found craving for healthy food and feeling good has me alternating my morning cup of coffee with Maté. Nice!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Song:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Jack Sparrow. The SNL Michael Bolton version. Can you believe it?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Wish-List:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Well, my brand new sleeping bag just came in the mail so... wish granted!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Need:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> a meaningful way to make progress towards my life goals</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Triumph:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Sticking with my self-designed workout plan for 3+ weeks, trying a spin class yesterday, and successfully maintaining the eBay business. And my abs are getting kindof ripped...</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Cur</span></span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">rent Bane of my Existence:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Idleness, blonde dog hair on dark hardwood floors, & fruit flies.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Goal:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Climb Mt. Shasta next month</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Blessings:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> The clearheaded and patient wisdom of Erin; and this blog, that helps remind me that the patterns of my life, including my discontent, are features of the fabric of my personal story.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Current Excitement:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> Dinner!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-40029978734936453092012-08-08T08:22:00.000-07:002012-08-09T19:57:13.645-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-2033142976589958252012-08-06T12:23:00.000-07:002012-08-06T12:23:32.806-07:00San Lorenzo River Trail RunI have a very ballsy sister.<br />
<a href="http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/images/slr_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/images/slr_logo.png" width="320" /></a><br />
She was the one who decided this run would be a half marathon, not me. I like to say I didn't pressure her, that I was completely open to the 10k or the Half, and that she was the one who made the ultimate decision. When we were about four or five weeks out from race day, she made the call and we were signed up before the registration discount period ended.<br />
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I didn't do much training (at all) for this race - a few hard hikes and mountain bike rides while we were in Jackson, and then three or four runs around 6-10 miles in the 14 days leading up to the race (I think). But I was soothed by the knowledge that it would be her first half, and that there was a lot of uphills we would be walking, and that neither one of us was that well trained.<br />
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The start was a cluster-fuck as the huge mass of people standing around in the park had to funnel onto a single track trail. It was a mile or so before the trail opened up enough to allow passing. We climbed through redwood forests and up to some high open headlands. We hit a fire road that was relatively flat before merging back onto single track through redwoods. Up and down, and then down to the river.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsbeY0jYy46MuXJVjgpQHhB9izIPeEDOgyvOywHdfBbU2-nXFPkaRDkv2-_T72NW_qv84zbysSpdl9cGxPNehEW-H3JrcXk4UsCK72jrr0arEYabpyekF573LJ-PQUWMQ0j_ZCTBxbA/s1600/P1080096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsbeY0jYy46MuXJVjgpQHhB9izIPeEDOgyvOywHdfBbU2-nXFPkaRDkv2-_T72NW_qv84zbysSpdl9cGxPNehEW-H3JrcXk4UsCK72jrr0arEYabpyekF573LJ-PQUWMQ0j_ZCTBxbA/s400/P1080096.JPG" width="400" /></a>Crossing the river was a hoot. We decided at the start that we would
stop for both crossings and take off our shoes to prevent blisters. I'm
really glad we did. Since we were racing to finish, and not for time, we
weren't concerned with the lost minutes from shoe-removal. <br />
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Another big up and down, and then a long flat slog along the river to the turnaround. I could tell Manda was getting tired, and the aid station came just in time. I proceeded to stuff my face and the pocket of my handheld with m&m's, gummy bears, oreos, etc., while she just sipped her water. "Free Candy, Manda!" I exclaimed. Being a novice at trail running, and half marathons for that matter, her stomach wasn't so sure that candy and running go hand in hand. I assured her they did, and after about five minutes we started the 6.5-ish miles back to the start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QZHHGrdZcU-ftBoqWaso9DmtQpgliBMl2jEDHXpBrtJSd6WJ2H_-ZTiPc22q694UD1afLfNhVKqQz3-8BFY1dP-1xt__Cax7McBfnobaUhyphenhyphendJNHxYZ8qa7V59_Xc6PE3ycbHhVq_6A/s1600/P1080299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QZHHGrdZcU-ftBoqWaso9DmtQpgliBMl2jEDHXpBrtJSd6WJ2H_-ZTiPc22q694UD1afLfNhVKqQz3-8BFY1dP-1xt__Cax7McBfnobaUhyphenhyphendJNHxYZ8qa7V59_Xc6PE3ycbHhVq_6A/s400/P1080299.JPG" width="400" /></a>We crossed the river again, and this time the water felt AMAZING. People were just swimming across the river to cool off. Not a bad idea. I learned here that my favorite go-to brown Athleta shorts are not exactly quickdry material. Oh well - it's not like I'm a triathlete or anything.<br />
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The long flat fire road at the top of the second hill proved to be an absolute bi-atch on the way back. We were both feeling it. Normally I'm slogging through races solo, internalizing the pain and discomfort. But not Manda. She openly expressed her pain and discomfort. "F! This hurts so fucking bad! F! Frick! My legs feel like CRAP! Fuck! Where is the downhill!?" I was also in great pain, which prevented me from actually laughing outloud, but internally I was busting a nut. Hilarious.<br />
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I'm a pretty laid back runner when it comes to trail races. I easily pass and am passed tons of times during a race. Not Manda. Turns out, she's a beast, and gets quite competitive, especially when there's only a mile left to run. We passed a ton of people at the end, and crossed the finish line in 3:01:04! Holy crap - we're awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCLhyphenhyphenxvYt7x7OnLeFeE0y39yPKQEBdjJMRIJzagEe08nmoutKWMcQsqSPzGW_5kS4JTQ1I1ffNK17LAa9CxXlK1nrvLYdNH1MpTRB-_XFVGLgpZmqxLKDregp7o0-LJgMvjoiSXtrwQ/s1600/DSC_0399(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCLhyphenhyphenxvYt7x7OnLeFeE0y39yPKQEBdjJMRIJzagEe08nmoutKWMcQsqSPzGW_5kS4JTQ1I1ffNK17LAa9CxXlK1nrvLYdNH1MpTRB-_XFVGLgpZmqxLKDregp7o0-LJgMvjoiSXtrwQ/s640/DSC_0399(1).JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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We beat my worst-case scenario time by an hour, and were just one minute and four seconds away from beating my best-case scenario time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKiBcw5rPRpr1-biS6s8Tih8aqZWIxooseN4A7hPLGnCvOuEQfkwiwx5gPvtokDza9_2RlROZ0rExLN9nvNr4mJ6nxlBlW_bhmELc2sd81sh5Am1CVOlPpmaOiEXBEJJdW-v-rJMh1Q/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKiBcw5rPRpr1-biS6s8Tih8aqZWIxooseN4A7hPLGnCvOuEQfkwiwx5gPvtokDza9_2RlROZ0rExLN9nvNr4mJ6nxlBlW_bhmELc2sd81sh5Am1CVOlPpmaOiEXBEJJdW-v-rJMh1Q/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay! We're done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVlHMbYy6DB95weRNLoD2tvura_ckZxEQg-6KgTlx7KJgUlVEnLKmpYjcKFE1dcUQKx33TJc4czzGNhW72i-60VQDiKsIf5pNXuQQGC7R7Rs2YLC5_o0nFnS-wfZTNr93SOgDpQc82A/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVlHMbYy6DB95weRNLoD2tvura_ckZxEQg-6KgTlx7KJgUlVEnLKmpYjcKFE1dcUQKx33TJc4czzGNhW72i-60VQDiKsIf5pNXuQQGC7R7Rs2YLC5_o0nFnS-wfZTNr93SOgDpQc82A/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-run streeeeeeetch</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKEEvwBYfb_5RsNtHP55I2rz-8LtTyc0peLmyA3pg-_WRV1HH6w7Fq9bBlPhqGvzyexMmIoUc6E7-8H-v2lRF-kFW54_Bsec5926mq_rRHlaaZaOJwxDq_4NohgaK-XVz2gkN9uFaaA/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKEEvwBYfb_5RsNtHP55I2rz-8LtTyc0peLmyA3pg-_WRV1HH6w7Fq9bBlPhqGvzyexMmIoUc6E7-8H-v2lRF-kFW54_Bsec5926mq_rRHlaaZaOJwxDq_4NohgaK-XVz2gkN9uFaaA/s400/IMG_0016.JPG" width="400" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlaL_V2D0LBUXvwFRjdSLt0eByPlLxIBxYXfF6435B-NXuUs-iR2t6XLWmnRZy_9D4MyEYLFE0rlMTwlPUEx7d2H5Jq3fjPOliSyGwaNNcZOgwEnRcqNBr_vsTA05cc_PLK8OzWbdvA/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlaL_V2D0LBUXvwFRjdSLt0eByPlLxIBxYXfF6435B-NXuUs-iR2t6XLWmnRZy_9D4MyEYLFE0rlMTwlPUEx7d2H5Jq3fjPOliSyGwaNNcZOgwEnRcqNBr_vsTA05cc_PLK8OzWbdvA/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manda, you must refuel after all that running!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWonMjnukPpEOnKtC-6bJZCiZOs_m2hGruoc5dwH6G1YCjw-AyidcQnFwfJgl4VQ32PS4zuJvaF8rXYyqyZr-pV_-g6uOF-6oly-OsWMhUUhLcxkLAdLmt8rQQFqo0lE18dnT_E8yHw/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWonMjnukPpEOnKtC-6bJZCiZOs_m2hGruoc5dwH6G1YCjw-AyidcQnFwfJgl4VQ32PS4zuJvaF8rXYyqyZr-pV_-g6uOF-6oly-OsWMhUUhLcxkLAdLmt8rQQFqo0lE18dnT_E8yHw/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is wrong with my face?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEhffxaY4lKLogapRq5RBQ46Qa9dESUVC1HmohRKIezDdX1lMxc_QDdLzdpXABl9yK9epBNx840Wz0Ds_RFnEEiIPhHDRidLmxnPvUKSI23S-wWBermTY44G_MV1CiF7NO-E30E7X6A/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEhffxaY4lKLogapRq5RBQ46Qa9dESUVC1HmohRKIezDdX1lMxc_QDdLzdpXABl9yK9epBNx840Wz0Ds_RFnEEiIPhHDRidLmxnPvUKSI23S-wWBermTY44G_MV1CiF7NO-E30E7X6A/s400/IMG_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Congratulations to Manda for running her first half marathon! </div>
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<br /></div>Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-90950620436079279192012-08-04T09:37:00.000-07:002012-08-04T09:39:11.588-07:00Future Foray into SpinI have been intrigued with spinning for years but have never actually been to a class. I have friends that regularly attend, even teach, spin classes and I've had every intention of going... <br />
<br />
I have no idea what to expect. Except sweat. I'm actually quite scared of spinning. I'm scared it will be too hard and too loud. I'm scared of being too hot, too sweaty, and too exhausted. Also, I'm not a cyclist. I've been known to break down sobbing on long mountain bike rides with E.<br />
<br />
These fears are mostly unfounded when I take into account the <b>new</b> me. The new me is a badass who has run a marathon, done P90X (sort of), works out regularly, sweats profusely in hot yoga...<br />
<br />
... maybe my loud, sweaty hot yoga experiences will help prepare me.<br />
<br />
A quick google search revealed <a href="http://graemethomasonline.com/he-s-a-i-d-she-s-a-i-d-why-spinning-wondoesnt-make-you-slim/" target="_blank">this very interesting article</a> related to spinning and weight loss. It basically says that "<i>spin classes are among the worst fat loss tools around</i>". How can this be true? Well the author says that with repeated spin classes, because you don't have to support your own weight, as in running, stair-stepping, etc., the body quickly adapts to the easiest way to complete the exercise - which results in your legs storing more fuel and building more muscle mass. I think the idea is correct, and related to why I stopped losing weight/building muscle with my half-assed runs. I do not think the author is correct if spinning is used in combo with other cardio activities (and if you really push yourself on the bike).<br />
<br />
I was mostly drawn to spinning for its cardio/weight loss aspect. Further research is needed, but I must say I am very surprised by this initial finding.Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-59182669836134882722012-08-03T10:59:00.001-07:002012-08-03T10:59:50.236-07:00Week of Vacations!This past week I've had the opportunity to indulge in two different mini-vacations, which is why I haven't posted in a while. The first was a two-night camping extravaganza in Boonville for the Boontfling Disc Golf tournament at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company. I wish I had practiced up a bit and entered the women's division - first prize was a growler with FREE REFILLS FOR LIFE. Um, hello. My seester drove up the coast from Santa Cruz and we spent the day looking at farm sites, perusing the farmer's market, checking out the Not-So-Simple-Living fair, hiking in Hendy Woods and enjoying an ESB in the biergaarten. And it was WARM (the weather, not the beer).<br />
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Early this week I traveled again - this time down to SF for shopping, eating, enjoying our awesome hotel, and GIANTS. It was a great win for the orange and black, and the only one in a long stretch of losses that hopefully ends today. Hmmm. <br />
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And I'm not one for gyms, but every now and then I love a good machine-centered workout. I coerced my youngest sister into spending an hour with me at the hotel gym, where we elliptical-ed, treadmill-ed and stationary bik-ed to our hearts content, all the while watching the Olympics on our own personal TVs. We then lounged by the pool, splashed around and sauna-ed until it was time to check out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sfpalace.com/assets/gallery/lux373po.22654_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.sfpalace.com/assets/gallery/lux373po.22654_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.sfpalace.com/assets/gallery/lux373fc.49093_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.sfpalace.com/assets/gallery/lux373fc.49093_lg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We ate a delicious brunch at <a href="http://thegrovesf.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Grove</a>, which I highly recommend. Eggs Florentine with arugula, avocado, and Parmesan hollandaise sauce with hashed potatoes and a huge mug of coffee. Not exactly on the "<a href="http://www.runtothefinish.com/2012/07/Clean-Eating-Challenge.html" target="_blank">clean eating plan</a>". Come to think of it, neither were the gluten free crepes I just made myself for breakfast. Maybe I should sign up for the accountability roll call?Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-53574300966318527032012-07-25T11:25:00.001-07:002012-07-25T11:28:04.078-07:00Hot Yoga Sweat-iquetteI had a pretty disgusting yoga experience yesterday.<br />
<br />
One of the great things about the hot yoga studio downtown is their 11-class punch card with a one year expiration date. This allows me to show up for class every three to five weeks without worrying about classes expiring... and also allows enough time for me to forget how much I don't really like hot yoga at all.<br />
<br />
That's not entirely true. I love the feeling of hot yoga - I love being warm - I love the deep stretch that feels otherwise impossible in our cold foggy climate. I also really dig the teacher. But yesterday I was packed into the small space, 2 inches from the wall, and surrounded on three sides by sweaty men. <br />
<br />
I can't find anything on the internet about protocol or etiquette for excessive sweat in hot yoga. But the dude next to me had a <i>constant</i> dripping of sweat from five minutes into the class. His shirtless body was covered in sweat pouring out of every pore. The short towel he brought to class was soaked to the point where it needed a trip to the bathroom to be wrung out. It squished under his feet, and it sloshed like a sponge while he rolled out his spine. His sweat was flinging onto the floor around him and forming huge puddles. <b>And some of his sweat drops landed on my mat.</b><br />
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Needless to say, I was absolutely horrified and grossed out. The presence of dudes in the hot yoga room always makes for a sweatier, wetter class, and the mirrors always fog up. On the bright side, at least this dude didn't stink. </div>
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What should he have done? What could he have done? What should I have done? What would you do?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjxlwPDvGnhjg9597qb9mFpl1v1sWngncUIpf5mxEXqA8ydYW69eCBNhhCIaWVxnyExRhRilVxtng3a2Dezta19h_3U45WlVnh19_WHIMnp97vgwQNCuW-FjyZU50FmfUPOQPsPhrLw/s1600/bikram-yoga1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjxlwPDvGnhjg9597qb9mFpl1v1sWngncUIpf5mxEXqA8ydYW69eCBNhhCIaWVxnyExRhRilVxtng3a2Dezta19h_3U45WlVnh19_WHIMnp97vgwQNCuW-FjyZU50FmfUPOQPsPhrLw/s320/bikram-yoga1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you complain? Yeah, me neither. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.jamesbgolden.com/2010/12/goldens-favorite-things.html" target="_blank">Photo Credit.</a></span></td></tr>
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When I complain about the class to my fam and to E, they ask, "then why do you go?"
Good question, to which I don't really have a good answer. I think I'm
going to have to let this current teacher go, and try out some
less-sweaty, less-masculine classes and see if they fit.<br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6534767.496;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000028505128;pid=TWV1004_6953116;usg=AFHzDLuTmzAhtv09dVeRZH4Q3bGC4pdP-Q;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.wayfair.com%252FKhataland-Equanimity-Yoga-Towel-MTHF-1105-L2951-K%257ETWV1004.html%253FPiID%25255B%25255D%253D6953116;pubid=564285;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcommon1.csnimages.com%2Flf%2F49%2Fhash%2F17327%2F5277093%2F1%2F1.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000028505128&pid=JYG1007_6844998&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2FJadeYoga-Microfiber-Yoga-Towel-Microtowel-L2951-K%7EJYG1007.html%3FPiID%255B%255D%3D6844998&usg=AFHzDLs0qazyimoVzsOck2G_wM-Y8zdGxQ&pubid=564285" rel="nofollow"></a> </div>
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<br />Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-84389725732199315442012-07-24T13:56:00.000-07:002012-08-09T19:57:47.310-07:00StoriesI've been thinking a lot about stories... the stories that we build over
time without being aware that we're creating them. What if I detached myself from the personal story I've been creating for years - what that would mean?<br />
<br />
Stories are expectations. They can be current and deliberate, or they can be a product of many many
years of life. They can be residual from childhood, they can stem from a
particular experience - the only thing they have in common is that
there are no rules or parameter for the stories. They are as varied as
the people who create them. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9FaKH7Kv06-Lplk-YZ83SP5M-PdksHn4TS8W8fy7aKr6Cl_Q4UoXkZAeqjCDJov1tjK2qVouraW7KHTKKHFcpKR1e_KEAygXcr2m7iE0RhBm2rFMzIkGX1qc4toFgxenGfcnal7kjw/s1600/DSC_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9FaKH7Kv06-Lplk-YZ83SP5M-PdksHn4TS8W8fy7aKr6Cl_Q4UoXkZAeqjCDJov1tjK2qVouraW7KHTKKHFcpKR1e_KEAygXcr2m7iE0RhBm2rFMzIkGX1qc4toFgxenGfcnal7kjw/s640/DSC_1818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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How will I accomplish anything in this life if I don't live up to my own expectations - if my story doesn't come true? <br />
<br />
A better question is perhaps, How will I accomplish anything in this life if I am wallowing in self-pity and regret that my story isn't playing out how I want it to?<br />
<br />
My goal is to recognize my story for what it is: an expectation of myself that is preventing me from being happy. My story has no relevance anymore. No one is judging me, and if they are I shouldn't care.<br />
<br />
<br />
My new story isn't a story at all. It's a promise to myself that I will love myself, and that a beautiful story will unfold before me.Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-69134546064333776912012-07-23T11:39:00.000-07:002012-07-23T11:39:13.096-07:00Sunday Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm currently planning on running only
once per week. I know this isn't
very much running for a "runner", but I want to be able to really enjoy
that one run. I'm going to rekindle my love affair with being on the
trail
and covering ground. So Sunday is my running day, and I'm planning on an
hour, or if things go well after that hour, until I feel
like stopping.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY-y6MOB6ppRK-s0aBk8FgE3YoKrBQyMctG4o6hnzG2MotRQtSbRwqaXvK4JEWAXQxjsZaHKFmXMFQEe1L7hrTWXyEixlcyCfNGEmVq5hG15nLtHDwAKwbG3Cl-QcPy25I6A_Q6QxHw/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY-y6MOB6ppRK-s0aBk8FgE3YoKrBQyMctG4o6hnzG2MotRQtSbRwqaXvK4JEWAXQxjsZaHKFmXMFQEe1L7hrTWXyEixlcyCfNGEmVq5hG15nLtHDwAKwbG3Cl-QcPy25I6A_Q6QxHw/s320/IMG_1549.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only once a week?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday
was so gorgeous - warm and sunny - finally. I ran for an hour, just
like I'd planned and I didn't have any negative thoughts, headaches, or
desire to quit. When I felt like walking, which was at the half-way
point, I walked for a good five minutes. I ran over 10 wooden bridges
that spanned the creek, through redwoods and fern gullies. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayoutthere.com/images/van_damme_bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.wayoutthere.com/images/van_damme_bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayoutthere.com/images/van_damme_bridge.jpg" target="_blank">Photo credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The end of my beautiful run through Fern Canyon put me out at the beach
where I laid in the sand for another hour overwhelmed at my bliss: warm
sun, tired body, ocean waves crashing at my feet. The only thing that
got me up was the thought of enchiladas for dinner. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/LittleRiverBeach.jpg/300px-LittleRiverBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/LittleRiverBeach.jpg/300px-LittleRiverBeach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/LittleRiverBeach.jpg/300px-LittleRiverBeach.jpg" target="_blank">Photo Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-76586351750536216972012-07-22T12:17:00.000-07:002012-07-22T12:20:07.065-07:00Carrot Cake and Champagne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.freeworkoutguides.com/files/images/p90x-chest-and-back.thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.freeworkoutguides.com/files/images/p90x-chest-and-back.thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
I had a great workout yesterday that included the 45-minute P90X video, <i>Chest and Back</i>. I probably did 100 pushups from my knees, and at least 150 "pullups" with the bands. It was a beautiful day, so I did the whole workout outside, working on my tan, reveling in the finally-sunny-and-warm weather, and listening to the Giants beat the Phillies on the radio (sick!)...<br />
<br />
No, I do not strive to look like Tony Horton, but I
have always had a fairly easy time building muscle on my upper back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0jVuV-3UboJoqAoseDQRFMVkp8PwkKWaLCr_lYXmbsjhNK9_LINDzW3ZDH9J15uwebUFhPajlqiyQ3GiU-nLzSkp59sH9NToS6M1H8QcwWi7xiDLGBL5ANrgQDxGDTOGWMLCAIU1XA/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0jVuV-3UboJoqAoseDQRFMVkp8PwkKWaLCr_lYXmbsjhNK9_LINDzW3ZDH9J15uwebUFhPajlqiyQ3GiU-nLzSkp59sH9NToS6M1H8QcwWi7xiDLGBL5ANrgQDxGDTOGWMLCAIU1XA/s320/IMG_0420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
... but a Not-so-easy time losing fat around my middle and building muscle around my core - I've never seen much definition in my abs.<br />
I'm a little sick of the P90X 15-minute <i>Ab Ripper </i>video, so I turned to Fitnessblender.com for their <i><a href="http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/exercise-detail/25-Minute-Abs-and-Obliques-Workout/8a/" target="_blank">25 Minute Abs and Obliques</a> </i>video. I mixed up a few of the exercises, like the pushup hold, because my arms were shot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visitmendocinocounty/4129684984/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mendocino Music Festival by Visit Mendocino County, on Flickr"><img alt="Mendocino Music Festival" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2711/4129684984_6e3b180a4f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mendocino Music Festival: Photo from Visit Mendocino County</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And as planned, I made a ridiculously simple and delicious <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/04/03/five-minute-carrot-cake-for-one/" target="_blank">5 Minute Carrot Cake</a> from <i>Chocolate Covered Katie</i>, a new healthy dessert blog that I'm loving! We slathered it in cream cheese frosting, popped open a bottle of local sparkling wine, and claimed a picnic table down on the headlands and listened to the last night of music from the Mendocino Music Festival tent. We were fortunate enough to hear songs such as "Ballet of Chicks in Their Shells". Ummm..... yeah.Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-89842527324154766552012-07-21T10:50:00.000-07:002012-07-21T10:50:19.447-07:00Don't forget<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCBQtI49NWv20UqQeTW-V2ryZQ3qDy7aMIhyMoFqBtxio1-ede5TvrKkXzIKEeBqp28QSoTd5D2YMcsGrgKJZwsOK26ERklg4uiIldYPsp2-SlzZRuxsiJ5HTsvwrJzyC7uFkUAw1gg/s1600/100_0778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCBQtI49NWv20UqQeTW-V2ryZQ3qDy7aMIhyMoFqBtxio1-ede5TvrKkXzIKEeBqp28QSoTd5D2YMcsGrgKJZwsOK26ERklg4uiIldYPsp2-SlzZRuxsiJ5HTsvwrJzyC7uFkUAw1gg/s640/100_0778.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget how good you've got it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-65924357232991649332012-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:002012-07-21T10:37:57.843-07:00Striving for Greatness - Mt. ShastaI am happiest when I am making progress. Progress towards anything, really, whether its planning a vacation, stacking wood, working on our house, cooking a great dinner, running 10 miles, or working out for two hours till I can't walk. Making progress requires a sense of purpose, I believe. Each action that I take during the day is driven by the idea that it serves a purpose - if I vacuum the living room, I won't have to inhale dog hair when I do yoga later on - if I split and stack wood, we'll be warm this winter - if I spend a lot of time planning this vacation, we'll have a smoother time once we're traveling - if I run 10 miles, I'll feel hungrier for the gigantic plate of nachos I'm going to eat for dinner - if we work tirelessly on our house until it's done, we can rent it out
sooner and start a financially-independent lifestyle that I'm so
desperate for. You get the idea.<br />
<br />
This concept is really important to me. I feel really good about my direction, and have a great sense of self-worth, when I am making measurable progress towards a tangible goal. Anyone who makes lists can probably identify with this concept. A lack of this seems to be the source of a lot of my <a href="http://runbecauseyouloveit.blogspot.com/2012/07/goals.html">frustration</a>. <br />
<br />
Along the lines of tangible goals I've set my sights on Mt. Shasta for the end of the summer. I attempted to climb this mountain in 2006 with E and his brother. We didn't make the top, so naturally I'm jonesing to try again. Here are some photos of our adventure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRCRcNgzuuAtzbOY1E4Jy-VWn33AvYMiyezgTYGQBoZpOguYtwUHf3SAMUKZNHWf4lo85J4MDkPXBLfjhjhZuTEnktrWeZ0iYiMFy4vct3QMNxVavbQVu-mDFOoqan_WvkFiri3_FBg/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRCRcNgzuuAtzbOY1E4Jy-VWn33AvYMiyezgTYGQBoZpOguYtwUHf3SAMUKZNHWf4lo85J4MDkPXBLfjhjhZuTEnktrWeZ0iYiMFy4vct3QMNxVavbQVu-mDFOoqan_WvkFiri3_FBg/s640/IMG_1491.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Shasta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-amiq46P2OYWOuuiQXl3i_mDCK8CeVcXtz_FLZlsOjPtOQWD8x88Kwnl1ffTdqMtEwnuNC4UAxCda_fAUDhfJ6iS6pQ0_qkJasYPITlt09kHurngkR9EFJvw292265UfLlEqs5RWJw/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-amiq46P2OYWOuuiQXl3i_mDCK8CeVcXtz_FLZlsOjPtOQWD8x88Kwnl1ffTdqMtEwnuNC4UAxCda_fAUDhfJ6iS6pQ0_qkJasYPITlt09kHurngkR9EFJvw292265UfLlEqs5RWJw/s640/IMG_1492.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving to Bunny Flat Trailhead</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE5A6FHL-WQXOGRZUTrWRinwkIfm7RzH21umUgeEMr-23DWciMyN-q9LpQ61Oi1Z89uGcgsdkUnlfUjQT8YYa7mg7SOA9BacurWZj4aFD1LEPpeuE-oACa6ZOTT6fT3lGAOAKe4uK4w/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE5A6FHL-WQXOGRZUTrWRinwkIfm7RzH21umUgeEMr-23DWciMyN-q9LpQ61Oi1Z89uGcgsdkUnlfUjQT8YYa7mg7SOA9BacurWZj4aFD1LEPpeuE-oACa6ZOTT6fT3lGAOAKe4uK4w/s640/IMG_1496.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF0Ch1M-x6nvRVpjNNzDV5TnGOqh8QPw9pVLJDadqwcuIRzkBRP2f5tlWeEEB11Zu6n1mPcXFZztYpQQ2JJ61DberZCfl0xQ1PjXr6Cisjpcq_TCNns7qCbvLxFNzaUSUctC-09wg6A/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF0Ch1M-x6nvRVpjNNzDV5TnGOqh8QPw9pVLJDadqwcuIRzkBRP2f5tlWeEEB11Zu6n1mPcXFZztYpQQ2JJ61DberZCfl0xQ1PjXr6Cisjpcq_TCNns7qCbvLxFNzaUSUctC-09wg6A/s640/IMG_1500.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up to the Red Banks from Helen Lake</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKx1J6QFzZl52yVUDPpxsqL6KVyew3nacX-UNEixowzhsKRWuuf1sstF65rGrGxxBJ9LZuICRpH508q9ufzOIIgGvUgkyvdyyHXj0JgumO3b6iCre4j4E8qkbkJGpMuoR_8ClLXa4JQ/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKx1J6QFzZl52yVUDPpxsqL6KVyew3nacX-UNEixowzhsKRWuuf1sstF65rGrGxxBJ9LZuICRpH508q9ufzOIIgGvUgkyvdyyHXj0JgumO3b6iCre4j4E8qkbkJGpMuoR_8ClLXa4JQ/s640/IMG_1501.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Black Butte and the Trinity Alps </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiYkAkLzFgEZw8UGtlkqGcTJGKlK_Px11xWUR69-9UZXF7L2Fm3WnrGhK80ry6qaXAfWtHH7h0Atsrn54ZIS9z22xAsyhgq91BIXq5-6YIQ8GCA8P_pPDfZltSG_Gde6mtirhCz4zPQ/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiYkAkLzFgEZw8UGtlkqGcTJGKlK_Px11xWUR69-9UZXF7L2Fm3WnrGhK80ry6qaXAfWtHH7h0Atsrn54ZIS9z22xAsyhgq91BIXq5-6YIQ8GCA8P_pPDfZltSG_Gde6mtirhCz4zPQ/s640/IMG_1507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch break</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZX_0wzMYJkX5ZYxWMhIfDM32jLdw-NtrL9iInx36_fHY_MTWvWn2HkUhtqM8UDgEvgKRF9TwSUIxnZHtrT7ConJw_pfCutVHoeNBGhKm3zE1C5XOJQNZ4W8I4lWgh7AsTYSXEZpdFQ/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZX_0wzMYJkX5ZYxWMhIfDM32jLdw-NtrL9iInx36_fHY_MTWvWn2HkUhtqM8UDgEvgKRF9TwSUIxnZHtrT7ConJw_pfCutVHoeNBGhKm3zE1C5XOJQNZ4W8I4lWgh7AsTYSXEZpdFQ/s640/IMG_1508.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traversing from Green Butte Ridge to Helen Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSN0Zjq0I4LLXh9abfTBgGnJ3QnZqRptRxmZqQzrcDqPuTnEJCx6rjTNj0Ej7riyIiCLnVOg-EDS1jUfAgu4B8FG87pbQoY7lh04Cx0U-sBbYpk0I0r1rO4v2rb6hNIPMnEGsy-n7WQ/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSN0Zjq0I4LLXh9abfTBgGnJ3QnZqRptRxmZqQzrcDqPuTnEJCx6rjTNj0Ej7riyIiCLnVOg-EDS1jUfAgu4B8FG87pbQoY7lh04Cx0U-sBbYpk0I0r1rO4v2rb6hNIPMnEGsy-n7WQ/s640/IMG_1509.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Butte Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOoUTyX1qZKBkwHt2jFG5rwskmIcmxEQGkOOkqd01KYZf9BE8mPKwwES7jsuuDZBwB77Ed8hOieIvjB3bHddWuxH7QlwpVKqAIaFekEcNFGHT2t2HxY3CZORng6KpMZrnierriZB-9w/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOoUTyX1qZKBkwHt2jFG5rwskmIcmxEQGkOOkqd01KYZf9BE8mPKwwES7jsuuDZBwB77Ed8hOieIvjB3bHddWuxH7QlwpVKqAIaFekEcNFGHT2t2HxY3CZORng6KpMZrnierriZB-9w/s640/IMG_1514.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gazing over Casaval Ridge from Helen Lake as the sun sets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjnn2klJliavmQsDPCSRRZ2LPyfVq-mSmV-4D1_Gi1IsRBaBrwy0itxonW-V_mQvOf7vLvWXmtYD66KVyS6FVWoWekTMJPOpY5UGhtQ1lvX_YirWpzxsrRYb4WAeGkGnlXHRhUgNssA/s1600/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjnn2klJliavmQsDPCSRRZ2LPyfVq-mSmV-4D1_Gi1IsRBaBrwy0itxonW-V_mQvOf7vLvWXmtYD66KVyS6FVWoWekTMJPOpY5UGhtQ1lvX_YirWpzxsrRYb4WAeGkGnlXHRhUgNssA/s640/IMG_1516.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgASmny1_-noadoPt61Lm9p6jHb0IiX_FVmmYIyXAHoxi-K5IpVBtY6hIePlgH96megbUIOLvpw0l9IP4gYmjQwrZm-Hqxk9W8cltqnbgdvef4daO0PuJAlUtBJIxFYTqCvImK4J8s3A/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgASmny1_-noadoPt61Lm9p6jHb0IiX_FVmmYIyXAHoxi-K5IpVBtY6hIePlgH96megbUIOLvpw0l9IP4gYmjQwrZm-Hqxk9W8cltqnbgdvef4daO0PuJAlUtBJIxFYTqCvImK4J8s3A/s640/IMG_1517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shasta Mountain Guides setup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-Qp5iNW3tnh9YLiIiFso2Nh0QnTYIvCQhSi1nVhFMIhhB_cEydRM0XOsqNcmiH06hwUu4Ze3OvQW2OLGum4PdjMcyc-ekYadZEKv-gkCXNn5z49vmbBEPt7VmjMk_eYt0b-UIZN_nQ/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-Qp5iNW3tnh9YLiIiFso2Nh0QnTYIvCQhSi1nVhFMIhhB_cEydRM0XOsqNcmiH06hwUu4Ze3OvQW2OLGum4PdjMcyc-ekYadZEKv-gkCXNn5z49vmbBEPt7VmjMk_eYt0b-UIZN_nQ/s640/IMG_1520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Trinity Alps from the Red Banks </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU43-vw3G9WZFPMw4Pf2i79FnjPmCHQ5inmA8eM7bybeMjEiSoAmwAr74qnay3I8aD84fUU7U3WWLDVqBfzU4tKJwcHyx4NWSfZe1G7VpLDm9RI7Wib8OJsyHLUqCXIHuReibkUjzsQ/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU43-vw3G9WZFPMw4Pf2i79FnjPmCHQ5inmA8eM7bybeMjEiSoAmwAr74qnay3I8aD84fUU7U3WWLDVqBfzU4tKJwcHyx4NWSfZe1G7VpLDm9RI7Wib8OJsyHLUqCXIHuReibkUjzsQ/s640/IMG_1521.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoCsilC4X3yvsshFdi-_D5b68_iGS7fGTNdtT0XGKa422ld8qoQeCgUN4KzLr9yBdbq6SevT-8EdzJw5gs8kyHSTYpSwiyE9xk0MhBsgbJJlbxuWCjB41ube8rrvxBr6O_mAb1fQmyg/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoCsilC4X3yvsshFdi-_D5b68_iGS7fGTNdtT0XGKa422ld8qoQeCgUN4KzLr9yBdbq6SevT-8EdzJw5gs8kyHSTYpSwiyE9xk0MhBsgbJJlbxuWCjB41ube8rrvxBr6O_mAb1fQmyg/s640/IMG_1524.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Banks - tiny tents visible in a line near the center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb_Qk0jEO-VSBxYY2RO03aUn_cFWcurjiaDv8cce-jxbNeXh_dyDlVE0DlTLNb1pqVYGo0c4n3ksiAqaijS11IOiWbq7P-3j2GalLUDatjDX_PenghppwX_l9B1cMZG0LVNY4frHQ7g/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidb_Qk0jEO-VSBxYY2RO03aUn_cFWcurjiaDv8cce-jxbNeXh_dyDlVE0DlTLNb1pqVYGo0c4n3ksiAqaijS11IOiWbq7P-3j2GalLUDatjDX_PenghppwX_l9B1cMZG0LVNY4frHQ7g/s640/IMG_1525.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Banks - stopping point for this crew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiNa9OsI-9J2IY0gNkJfLGz8MGPziEhuuyw7JWkQRqmK_rwjKTOMu0J70HsAOm5e_hrfJLpy0255xaV7wa7U9IqiJGZUG67ucoK6rSSPN_TL0t6N-Kz9h57cMUFKHjwq792EMAK7fNg/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiNa9OsI-9J2IY0gNkJfLGz8MGPziEhuuyw7JWkQRqmK_rwjKTOMu0J70HsAOm5e_hrfJLpy0255xaV7wa7U9IqiJGZUG67ucoK6rSSPN_TL0t6N-Kz9h57cMUFKHjwq792EMAK7fNg/s640/IMG_1528.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing up for the descent</td></tr>
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<br />Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-36495673143596648042012-07-19T08:03:00.001-07:002012-07-19T08:03:51.430-07:00My Moment of Zen - The Perfect Green SmoothieIn the past month I have suffered from severely intense migraines - not the kind of migraines where I'm vomiting and unable to speak English, but bad enough where I don't want to get out of bed, can't have the lights on, have no appetite, definitely can't exercise, and don't want to think very hard. Pretty bad. I spent a lot of time doing research on nutrition, exercise and migraines and I hope to do a longer post on it later. One thing I did learn in my quest to eliminate "trigger" foods from my diet was how to finally make a decent green smoothie. <br />
<br />
The info came from <a href="http://www.nourishingmeals.com/search/label/green%20smoothies">The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen</a>: their focus on gluten intolerance makes them a very attractive resource for me. To weed out nutritional intolerance, whatever they may be, they recommend an "elimination diet" based on green smoothies. I admit, I didn't really follow any particular recipe on their site because a lot of the recommended fruits contain Tyramine, a known migraine trigger. This afternoon following my yoga practice I drank a concoction of blueberries, cherries, some mango chunks, a big handful of spinach, a spoonful of unsweetened applesauce, some chilled ginger water I made last night, chia seeds, a chunk of broccoli, and a strawberry. Bananas are out, plums and raspberries are out, all citrus is out, and avocados are definitely out.<br />
<br />
The green smoothies I make are rarely green. They are more often a sick-looking brown color, so getting the taste right is KEY. If it looks sick and tastes okay, I'm not going to drink it. If it looks okay and tastes GREAT, I'll demolish it and lick the blender clean.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGg8eW3MBalG-Ex-qNAh-RoCQge7LFOxCUXHiiwpdJV-nEjOeECZZr83CJBdcT1XjgLfvo9oMCItU3P3Bd-cWuuN8YwYWItJeSmKZayqX1Ep0fY_wwg9UP_aGah5oE9D4ZAP2sizQ8A/s1600/IMG_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGg8eW3MBalG-Ex-qNAh-RoCQge7LFOxCUXHiiwpdJV-nEjOeECZZr83CJBdcT1XjgLfvo9oMCItU3P3Bd-cWuuN8YwYWItJeSmKZayqX1Ep0fY_wwg9UP_aGah5oE9D4ZAP2sizQ8A/s320/IMG_0904.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't we all rather be eating donuts?</td></tr>
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Here is what I learned about green smoothies:<br />
<ul>
<li> Don't hold back on the blender - blend for a long, long time to eliminate chunks of leafy greens floating in your drink</li>
<li>Add cherries. Definitely add cherries.</li>
<li>Green apples add a lot of flavor - tart flavor! </li>
<li>Adding ginger water is tastier than adding plain old water. Steep some ginger in boiling water for 30 minutes then strain out the chunks.</li>
<li>Blueberries and strawberries are delicious, good for you, and help with the color, but your smoothie is still going to be a shade of reddish brown. Probably not green.</li>
<li>Kale does not break down very well in my blender. Spinach works out much better.</li>
<li>You don't need bananas. </li>
</ul>
The green smoothie mentioned above is pretty much the best part of my day now. I sit on the couch with my eyes closed and drink it very, very slowly, allowing the flavor to permeate my being. It's a relaxing but invigorating experience that makes my day.Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-7779466421748854722012-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:002012-07-20T09:25:24.417-07:00Wordless Wednesday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooMde4TAdtEelKe_8CoIjyW-n9aW0iH6oEunPGveP29sIiepcftvslfh-g4JUvNrXlG5WY2-vZ3gbaA9MAqIU2_uDsNsOzbQZEoHvOj0C-fTFiMKQtOYoJn-p91Q4gamyQtv_2G5Cgg/s1600/Reverse+Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooMde4TAdtEelKe_8CoIjyW-n9aW0iH6oEunPGveP29sIiepcftvslfh-g4JUvNrXlG5WY2-vZ3gbaA9MAqIU2_uDsNsOzbQZEoHvOj0C-fTFiMKQtOYoJn-p91Q4gamyQtv_2G5Cgg/s640/Reverse+Warrior.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transformation</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<br />Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-29520264235067895602012-07-17T11:19:00.001-07:002012-07-22T12:17:58.950-07:00Lots to Think AboutMy dog has decided she's a three year old human who gets scared shitless from bad dreams in the middle of the night and has to wake up mom and dad over and over until they loose it. The bonus of her being a dog (for us) is that we can take her out to sleep in the car, which she loves. This is not something you should do with a toddler, so I'm told. The downside is that I'm finding it really difficult to fall back asleep at 3 am, which leaves me plenty of time to think. Surprisingly, I was able to avoid negative, stressful thoughts and tried to focus on positive, proactive measures I can take to pull myself out of this funk.<br />
<br />
3+ years ago E and I did a round of P90X - his idea, not mine. I'm usually game for anything active that doesn't involve immersing myself in cold water, so we <strike>ripped</strike> purchased the whole program off the internet and got started. We were immediately beat down in submission. As the first two months went by I remember being constantly cold and having an appetite that just wouldn't quit. I think I actually gained a few pounds overall, but I looked way better. I actually had an 'ass crease', which was an exciting first for me. We completed month three halfheartedly because we were already so ripped and badass that we clearly didn't need it. Ahem.<br />
<br />
The .mpg files are collecting virtual dust in a folder on my desktop labeled "Workout" - I think I'm going to brush them off, rework the overall plan to incorporate some running, and see what happens.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMJn7m3eOG9VS-7tan-hr-eRDy7Z0CU0c7ZvBBXBUaY3VPvNCawXlRfG8gdvOLBNe0LJXPFoIH7cidzOJosQK3q4ghfNNjcZ5_qm0AIfD8p8SR7XHjOpG9nuHIdKCT-qkTT4uGzXyAw/s1600/CIMG1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMJn7m3eOG9VS-7tan-hr-eRDy7Z0CU0c7ZvBBXBUaY3VPvNCawXlRfG8gdvOLBNe0LJXPFoIH7cidzOJosQK3q4ghfNNjcZ5_qm0AIfD8p8SR7XHjOpG9nuHIdKCT-qkTT4uGzXyAw/s320/CIMG1504.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She looks so innocent</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7103225213963506965.post-82666991123407270562012-07-16T18:02:00.000-07:002012-07-19T08:05:50.019-07:00GoalsLately, I've become apprehensive about blogging. I've pulled back, reigned it in, and turned the corners in on myself. I no longer feel confident that what I want to say will come out right. I hate the idea of divulging my true self, especially to people that "know" me. I am afraid that they will judge me, and that I won't live up to their expectations.<br />
<br />
I don't write anymore, but I still devour the regular content of my favorite blogs as often as they provide new content, and I am inspired by their accomplishments, and their unwavering ability to dip into this deeply supportive well of community that exists on the internet. The fitness blogging community is full. It is deep and broad and wide, and all things that I need right now. <br />
<br />
Support and community suddenly seem important to me. I want to feel like I'm making a difference, even if it is small. I want to feel like someone cares about me, and thinks that what I'm putting together on this site is worthwhile and interesting. Blogging can be as mundane as a diary entry, as easy as a re-post, or as profound as a full-disclosure call for help. I want, and desperately need, a change in my life. Everyone has a (re)start somewhere, and this blog is where you will find mine.<br />
<br />
I've been going through a lot of changes in the past 6 months and I am feeling more and more desperate, worthless, alone and trapped. While that's a lot of baggage to unload on a blog, I'm not hoping for it to do anything more than ignite a personal healing, and a resurgence of connection to my own worth, power and dynamic self.<br />
<br />
The changes I'm talking about are numerous and varied, and cover a lot of personal ground. It sounds like a mid-life crisis, and yes, I'm only 30, but I'm sure that further research will reveal a 1/3-life crisis to be a documented event. To illustrate the finer points, here are some things I think about and get all worked up over:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Running: Should I be training? Would I be more distracted from what might be 'depression' if I had a training schedule?<br />
Money: Is eBay enough? Should I be working on an internet business that revolves around blogging?<br />
Future: Will we buy a sailboat? Will it take up too much time and money, and is it what we really should be doing?<br />
Travel: If we buy our sailboat, or spend every waking moment and every earned penny, trying to reach this goal, will I have to put off dreams of travel for 10 years? More?<br />
Job: Should I have a job if everything I want requires money?<br />
Does everything I want require money? Can I travel without it? Can I live comfortably and support our family without it?</blockquote>
There is no end to my questioning. It becomes a deep, deep hole that I tumble into until I have no way back out except to cry. This is not who I want to be, but it is who I have become. This fact - the idea that I have "failed myself" - has profound impacts on my personal relationships (it is hard for others to love us if we do not love ourselves. The inverse of this concept - loving the self so deeply that others cannot help but love us too - is what allowed me to fall deeply in love with E).<br />
<br />
I found this quote today on facebook and immediately felt like it must have been posted just for me - this is the power of the internet (and books for that matter): we are able to make connections, glean meaning, and deepen our lives without personally experiencing the "source".<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to
be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you
want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing.
We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of
it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things
you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of
view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re
not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.</i>”<br />
<br />
― F. Scott Fitzgerald </blockquote>
Basically, life is an adventure of our own making.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OVUJJHxzUw1THD7vHBeBWS8iwSHomaP_M82P1n1e0YMFrM2I-oDa8ek18A7ZmpAfyH5GXo4KN3AXpgeMVvSXhzH895jBfqhRQQH_6f18sSexBcrOe-PT-10HeGjwZ4NP7CpVEC91Yg/s1600/_jpg-252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OVUJJHxzUw1THD7vHBeBWS8iwSHomaP_M82P1n1e0YMFrM2I-oDa8ek18A7ZmpAfyH5GXo4KN3AXpgeMVvSXhzH895jBfqhRQQH_6f18sSexBcrOe-PT-10HeGjwZ4NP7CpVEC91Yg/s400/_jpg-252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Linzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15623249410229342075noreply@blogger.com0