We are lucky, the storm moving up the east coast came through here in the middle of the night and we are actually going to have yet another sunny day.
The surf is WAY TO ROUGH for me to go surfing this morning so I decided to laze around drinking a giant 7/11 coffee and reading the newspapers. I am putting off going to the gym, which is inevitable- I have signed myself up for a 5K race and I haven't done any running in weeks, so this should be very interesting.
Last night we went to the boardwalk and got a new hermit crab, one that is a bit more active than last summer's. We also played some ski-ball and took photos in one of those silly photo booths.
ok confession- i did have some caramel corn- it's a total weakness- but only some, not the whole box! We've been pretty good on this trip avoiding all the junk food, but it is hard. If health and weight issues were not a problem, I'd be eating subs and icecream every day, but this is not the case.
I will go surfing this afternoon. Hopefully the surf will be a bit more calm for these tired torn up bones of mine.
NOTE: I'm having technical troubles so I can't post any photos or links on this laptop. I will post photos from this trip next week when I am at home.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. sunny skies
2. giant coffees
3. little blonde-haired boys who like to stick band aids everywhere
4. waking up to the sound of the surf
5. vacations
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Rip Currents, bruised knees and humble pie
Surfing has been hard this week. The east coast has been plagued by really strong rip currents- it's been on the news and I' ve been getting thrown around and beat up by them. My knees are all bruised from failed attempts at getting up and my shins are all scuffed apart from wipeouts!
Even so, in a few minutes I'm going to get back out there and give it another shot. It's addictive.
We are having unbelievable weather here, but 5 miles inland all the way home there is flooding rains. We haven't had any rain. I think the wind is keeping the rains away from us. Bad weather is inevitable but there are still many things to do.
I havn't thought once about wildlife. I'm in this state of denial that there are no sharks here in this part of the Atlantic ocean-- somehow I believe this is very wrong, but it makes me less frightened. Every morning around 9:00 am, the porpoises run from South to North and then they return at about 5:00 pm every evening. So very predictable.
Ben, Jack and Tom love the beach. We all were out all day yesterday although Tom is too frightened to go swimming, which is very bothersome for a 42 yr old man. The water is a bit chilly I'll admit and most of my swimming has been with a wetsuit-- Even so, I can't wait to get out there again.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. 7/11 Coffee
2. sunny skies
3. big waves
4. knees that still kindof work
5. that whole surfing attitude- very amusing.
Even so, in a few minutes I'm going to get back out there and give it another shot. It's addictive.
We are having unbelievable weather here, but 5 miles inland all the way home there is flooding rains. We haven't had any rain. I think the wind is keeping the rains away from us. Bad weather is inevitable but there are still many things to do.
I havn't thought once about wildlife. I'm in this state of denial that there are no sharks here in this part of the Atlantic ocean-- somehow I believe this is very wrong, but it makes me less frightened. Every morning around 9:00 am, the porpoises run from South to North and then they return at about 5:00 pm every evening. So very predictable.
Ben, Jack and Tom love the beach. We all were out all day yesterday although Tom is too frightened to go swimming, which is very bothersome for a 42 yr old man. The water is a bit chilly I'll admit and most of my swimming has been with a wetsuit-- Even so, I can't wait to get out there again.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. 7/11 Coffee
2. sunny skies
3. big waves
4. knees that still kindof work
5. that whole surfing attitude- very amusing.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sound of the Waves
I don't think life could get better than this. I fell asleep early last night to the sound of the waves and that's what woke me up!
The surf is very rough today. I will get even more banged up I suppose when I finish my surfing lesson in about an hour. I've been meddling with this surfing and I rather like it. It is hard but it's very fun. I don't really have the whole attitude thing down though, that's a subject that will probably need it's own blog posting. I can tell you that pretty much surfers think everyone else is uncool-- I don't even get eye contact because a: i'm a newcomber, b: i'm using a rented board and c: i am old.
When they walk past me with their boards, they look the other way. How horrid for them, a surfing mom!
We are having a great time here at the beach. Jack is talking more and more "Mommy I go go down dere agin" he says as he runs to the edge of the water and then quickly retreats. Ben, well once we're out on the beach, we rarely talk to him-- He's out out in the water on his boogy board from morning till dusk-- We have to remind him to come out and get lunch etc. He is at home at the beach.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. waves
2. big waves
3. this coffee I'm drinking
4. sunny weather
5. little blonde-headed boys on the beach (ben and jack)
The surf is very rough today. I will get even more banged up I suppose when I finish my surfing lesson in about an hour. I've been meddling with this surfing and I rather like it. It is hard but it's very fun. I don't really have the whole attitude thing down though, that's a subject that will probably need it's own blog posting. I can tell you that pretty much surfers think everyone else is uncool-- I don't even get eye contact because a: i'm a newcomber, b: i'm using a rented board and c: i am old.
When they walk past me with their boards, they look the other way. How horrid for them, a surfing mom!
We are having a great time here at the beach. Jack is talking more and more "Mommy I go go down dere agin" he says as he runs to the edge of the water and then quickly retreats. Ben, well once we're out on the beach, we rarely talk to him-- He's out out in the water on his boogy board from morning till dusk-- We have to remind him to come out and get lunch etc. He is at home at the beach.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. waves
2. big waves
3. this coffee I'm drinking
4. sunny weather
5. little blonde-headed boys on the beach (ben and jack)
Sunday, June 25, 2006
SURFING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm totally addicted. It was really rough out there and I was using this rented board that was big enough for an entire family. As soon as I finish this posting I'm going out to get a better board! This is going to be the best week ever! I plan to surf every morning and every evening!
We are going to try and be healthy this week, dining in mostly. It's hard to find healthy food here at this beach- there are a lot fat people walking around and I can tell you it's because all you can buy is subs, ice cream and pizza.
The water is really cold, thank goodness for wetsuits! I'm going to buy a new wetsuit here this week because mine, which I left at home, is too big. I will sell it on Craigs List. I have to tell you, I wish I lived here. There is nothing better than falling asleep and then waking up to the sound of the waves. We are having a bit of a conflict here about the television, which I think should be off entirely. We will work that out.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. surf
2. no television
3. wearing a bikini for the first time in 25 years!
4. not being at home, where there is flooding from all the rain
5. kids going to sleep early and great red wine to drink after they do so.
P.S. I will post pictures when I get back. I'm having so much fun!
We are going to try and be healthy this week, dining in mostly. It's hard to find healthy food here at this beach- there are a lot fat people walking around and I can tell you it's because all you can buy is subs, ice cream and pizza.
The water is really cold, thank goodness for wetsuits! I'm going to buy a new wetsuit here this week because mine, which I left at home, is too big. I will sell it on Craigs List. I have to tell you, I wish I lived here. There is nothing better than falling asleep and then waking up to the sound of the waves. We are having a bit of a conflict here about the television, which I think should be off entirely. We will work that out.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. surf
2. no television
3. wearing a bikini for the first time in 25 years!
4. not being at home, where there is flooding from all the rain
5. kids going to sleep early and great red wine to drink after they do so.
P.S. I will post pictures when I get back. I'm having so much fun!
Friday, June 23, 2006
BIKING, SURFING, BEACHING
Well, I'm getting ready for our family's beach trip. Can't wait, we have a good many things planned and I'm going to get in a good bit of surfing all the while. My plans are to ride my bike every morning! Hey, it's flat, why not?
I will try and update this blog from my laptop, but I make no promises-- It's an old unreliable computer and one can never know if it will work.
Getting away will be quite fun and then when we get back, little Jack turns 3, so we will have a little celebration for that. Then it's only a couple of weeks before I go back to work full-time-- I have a 5K race I plan to run on the morning of July 4. I hate running, so this is my way of forcing myself to do it. I have two pretty tricky triathlons in August, one in September and one in October, so I have to keep up the work here.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. getting away
2. this coffee I'm drinking
3. ever growing tomato plants
4. surfing
5. the new bikini I plan to wear.
I will try and update this blog from my laptop, but I make no promises-- It's an old unreliable computer and one can never know if it will work.
Getting away will be quite fun and then when we get back, little Jack turns 3, so we will have a little celebration for that. Then it's only a couple of weeks before I go back to work full-time-- I have a 5K race I plan to run on the morning of July 4. I hate running, so this is my way of forcing myself to do it. I have two pretty tricky triathlons in August, one in September and one in October, so I have to keep up the work here.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. getting away
2. this coffee I'm drinking
3. ever growing tomato plants
4. surfing
5. the new bikini I plan to wear.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
CENTURY BIKE RACE
Well very sadly I do not have any pictures from the ride because my digital camera failed, so I will have to paint this great day for you with my words.
After 3.5 hours of sleep, I got up at 4:14 am, bikes in the car all packed and geared up and headed for Georgetown to pick up Mary. It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the race destination in Chesapeake City, Maryland-- along the Maryland/Delaware border.
It was intended to be a Metric Century race for us but unfortunately we are both very map challenged and managed to more than exceed the 100K/63 mile course-- by about 50 miles to be exact!!!!!!!!!!
The map they gave us was six pages long- if that gives you any idea. It was really beautiful. Our ride started out along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, lots of boats, historic homes and old towns. Mary rode my Hybrid bike, which I have affectionately called "the Tank" because it is heavy and durable. However, after yesterday's event the tank has a new name "The Egg Beater". For the first seven miles of our race, Mary was barely moving. "I can't figure this out, is it that I'm really out of shape or is it this bike," she asks as she peddles about 20 times for each one pedaling cycle I am doing on my racing bike--
"What gear are you in," I ask as we reach mile 7 and enter a corn field. "I'm in the highest gear," she answers as her legs are spinning faster than any legs would go in an aerobic spinning class.
"No, actually you are in the easiest gear," I say. "Couldn't you notice that?," I ask-- She promptely shifts gears and then begins cycling at a regular pace-- She then informs me on our 100K race that this is the first time she's been on a bike in more than THREE YEARS! And people say I am crazy! So while the computer on my bike clocked 110 miles, Mary gets credit for an additional 10 miles because of the whole egg-beater riding she did for the first 7 miles.
It was a beautiful ride, all through farms, thoroughbreds would run to the fences and look at us. We saw turtles in the road, field after field of wheat, corn and we think soy (neither of us is agricultural, although I think I might be a little more comfortable with the topic). We both sang songs from Oklahoma as we rode past corn fields-- As the waving wheat can sure smell sweet.....
"What is that huge metal thing stretching across that field?" Mary asks as we ride through a corn field. "It's an irrigation system,"I reply.
After about mile 12, we ended up deep into farm country- and funny- hmm. no other bike racers around-- were we riding that fast? surely someone must come along. Then we hear the clip clop, clip clop, clip clop of a trotting horse and look to see that it is an Amish family in a cart- four children sitting on the back with their legs hanging over the side and two very somber parents directing the Clydesdale horse as it trotted on the country road.
OKay-- I have been told that I am quite the competitive spirit. I don't always agree with this, but when a challenge comes before me I can't resist-- and frankly at this point, we were not even on our map-- we didn't even know if we were in Delaware or Maryland at this point-- we were in a field out in the middle of no where, no cell, no idea of where we were, two bikes that's it.
So as the cart passed us, I shifted into competitive Joanne mode and raced ahead and really with little effort passed the cart.-- ask Mary if you do not believe this but I can ride my bike faster than a work horse-- She claims I got some very interesting looks from the Amish family. I don't know if they were complimentary looks or not- I will not ponder this.
Finally we came to a main road and found some other lost bikers who held up the map and then moved their hands about a foot away from it and said "This is where we are right now." So at that point, we figured out how to get back on our map and find some sort of route back to the race.
Mary and I decided to backtrack and do the course backwards unbeknownst to us that this would make what was to be a 63 mile course much much longer! At mile 45 we again were lost and a very fit man on a fancy racing bike (not in the race) stopped and pointed us back to our course and parenthetically mentioned that we would pass the "Alibi Inn". Hmmm. tired, lost several times over and very hot- the word Inn and the prospects of resting seemed wonderful. A quaint historic inn, antiques and little fancy sandwiches.
We indeed found our way there. Where there's a will there's a way, especially when there's food and drink involved! The Alibi Inn, however, was a bit different than we expected. Mind you we don't know still what state we are in Delaware? or Maryland?
We came upon this shack, with a handful of rusty pickup trucks parked out front, all with patriotic stickers and flags on them, gun racks, crap traps etc. Parked our bikes and went in- time: 10:45 am. The place inhabited by retired men very red in the eyes having been sitting at the bar for several hours already. "When things get busy here you folks has got to git ur own drinks, that's just how things is," one customer slurs to us-- as we all swatted at the flies about us.-- One wise customer at the end of the bar, indeed a regular, knew to come with his own fly swatter in hand-- often used as a pointer when he needed to make some valuable comment. Very pleasant company as we sat at a grubby table with mismatched chairs in the cement-floored establishment.
Mary and I ordered haddock sandwiches and crab dip-- regretfully on that dip-- we both felt pretty sick afterward- not a good dish to have when it's hot, you're lost and you've got another 70 miles to go. Mary denies this but I do recall in the 1980s when I first met her, that she pronounced "Athur Treacher's as "Arthur Tretchers" (like stretcher...) she denies this- but it is very true. Also she is the only person I know on this planet who ate at Arthur Treacher's.
It was also discussed at length the meaning behind the name ARBYs.-- apparently I've been told and she vaguely recalls too- that this name somehow means Roast Beef-- there is apparently an entire sentence about this in this name, but I don't quite get this. It also became apparent that it was only in recent years that either of us realized that the farm hands in the Wizard of Oz were indeed also the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion. "That just shows how good a story that is doesn't it," Mary comments.-- This is at about mile 55-- we are a bit delirious at this point-- no other bikers to be found.
More about the scenery, all over the ride there were these historic homes- places where George Washington slept etc-- stuff from the 1700s -- Also big plantation like farm houses- with grand trees lining the drives-- huge fruit laden trees, cows wisely sleeping in the shade. Then we would come across a bit of red-neck stuff too- like junky houses with things in the yard like rusty refrigerators or hamster cages "4-sale"-- I can't tell you how to get there if any of this stuff appeals to you because I don't know if this was in Maryland or Delaware--
I can tell you that we crossed over that Mason-Dixon line about 12 times during our trip-- winding through all these country roads going back and forth back and forth over that line. So we crossed in and out of each state repeatedly.
We did make it back to our car- had to get directions several times over but we did make it. And I have to tell you-- it took about 5 hours to do the race and we laughed the entire time. I look forward to doing another century-- this time I'm bringing along someone who can read a map though!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. finishing the race
2. having so many things to laugh about
3. being faster than an Amish horse
4. not having to sit on a bike today
5. maps and people who can read them well!
After 3.5 hours of sleep, I got up at 4:14 am, bikes in the car all packed and geared up and headed for Georgetown to pick up Mary. It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the race destination in Chesapeake City, Maryland-- along the Maryland/Delaware border.
It was intended to be a Metric Century race for us but unfortunately we are both very map challenged and managed to more than exceed the 100K/63 mile course-- by about 50 miles to be exact!!!!!!!!!!
The map they gave us was six pages long- if that gives you any idea. It was really beautiful. Our ride started out along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, lots of boats, historic homes and old towns. Mary rode my Hybrid bike, which I have affectionately called "the Tank" because it is heavy and durable. However, after yesterday's event the tank has a new name "The Egg Beater". For the first seven miles of our race, Mary was barely moving. "I can't figure this out, is it that I'm really out of shape or is it this bike," she asks as she peddles about 20 times for each one pedaling cycle I am doing on my racing bike--
"What gear are you in," I ask as we reach mile 7 and enter a corn field. "I'm in the highest gear," she answers as her legs are spinning faster than any legs would go in an aerobic spinning class.
"No, actually you are in the easiest gear," I say. "Couldn't you notice that?," I ask-- She promptely shifts gears and then begins cycling at a regular pace-- She then informs me on our 100K race that this is the first time she's been on a bike in more than THREE YEARS! And people say I am crazy! So while the computer on my bike clocked 110 miles, Mary gets credit for an additional 10 miles because of the whole egg-beater riding she did for the first 7 miles.
It was a beautiful ride, all through farms, thoroughbreds would run to the fences and look at us. We saw turtles in the road, field after field of wheat, corn and we think soy (neither of us is agricultural, although I think I might be a little more comfortable with the topic). We both sang songs from Oklahoma as we rode past corn fields-- As the waving wheat can sure smell sweet.....
"What is that huge metal thing stretching across that field?" Mary asks as we ride through a corn field. "It's an irrigation system,"I reply.
After about mile 12, we ended up deep into farm country- and funny- hmm. no other bike racers around-- were we riding that fast? surely someone must come along. Then we hear the clip clop, clip clop, clip clop of a trotting horse and look to see that it is an Amish family in a cart- four children sitting on the back with their legs hanging over the side and two very somber parents directing the Clydesdale horse as it trotted on the country road.
OKay-- I have been told that I am quite the competitive spirit. I don't always agree with this, but when a challenge comes before me I can't resist-- and frankly at this point, we were not even on our map-- we didn't even know if we were in Delaware or Maryland at this point-- we were in a field out in the middle of no where, no cell, no idea of where we were, two bikes that's it.
So as the cart passed us, I shifted into competitive Joanne mode and raced ahead and really with little effort passed the cart.-- ask Mary if you do not believe this but I can ride my bike faster than a work horse-- She claims I got some very interesting looks from the Amish family. I don't know if they were complimentary looks or not- I will not ponder this.
Finally we came to a main road and found some other lost bikers who held up the map and then moved their hands about a foot away from it and said "This is where we are right now." So at that point, we figured out how to get back on our map and find some sort of route back to the race.
Mary and I decided to backtrack and do the course backwards unbeknownst to us that this would make what was to be a 63 mile course much much longer! At mile 45 we again were lost and a very fit man on a fancy racing bike (not in the race) stopped and pointed us back to our course and parenthetically mentioned that we would pass the "Alibi Inn". Hmmm. tired, lost several times over and very hot- the word Inn and the prospects of resting seemed wonderful. A quaint historic inn, antiques and little fancy sandwiches.
We indeed found our way there. Where there's a will there's a way, especially when there's food and drink involved! The Alibi Inn, however, was a bit different than we expected. Mind you we don't know still what state we are in Delaware? or Maryland?
We came upon this shack, with a handful of rusty pickup trucks parked out front, all with patriotic stickers and flags on them, gun racks, crap traps etc. Parked our bikes and went in- time: 10:45 am. The place inhabited by retired men very red in the eyes having been sitting at the bar for several hours already. "When things get busy here you folks has got to git ur own drinks, that's just how things is," one customer slurs to us-- as we all swatted at the flies about us.-- One wise customer at the end of the bar, indeed a regular, knew to come with his own fly swatter in hand-- often used as a pointer when he needed to make some valuable comment. Very pleasant company as we sat at a grubby table with mismatched chairs in the cement-floored establishment.
Mary and I ordered haddock sandwiches and crab dip-- regretfully on that dip-- we both felt pretty sick afterward- not a good dish to have when it's hot, you're lost and you've got another 70 miles to go. Mary denies this but I do recall in the 1980s when I first met her, that she pronounced "Athur Treacher's as "Arthur Tretchers" (like stretcher...) she denies this- but it is very true. Also she is the only person I know on this planet who ate at Arthur Treacher's.
It was also discussed at length the meaning behind the name ARBYs.-- apparently I've been told and she vaguely recalls too- that this name somehow means Roast Beef-- there is apparently an entire sentence about this in this name, but I don't quite get this. It also became apparent that it was only in recent years that either of us realized that the farm hands in the Wizard of Oz were indeed also the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion. "That just shows how good a story that is doesn't it," Mary comments.-- This is at about mile 55-- we are a bit delirious at this point-- no other bikers to be found.
More about the scenery, all over the ride there were these historic homes- places where George Washington slept etc-- stuff from the 1700s -- Also big plantation like farm houses- with grand trees lining the drives-- huge fruit laden trees, cows wisely sleeping in the shade. Then we would come across a bit of red-neck stuff too- like junky houses with things in the yard like rusty refrigerators or hamster cages "4-sale"-- I can't tell you how to get there if any of this stuff appeals to you because I don't know if this was in Maryland or Delaware--
I can tell you that we crossed over that Mason-Dixon line about 12 times during our trip-- winding through all these country roads going back and forth back and forth over that line. So we crossed in and out of each state repeatedly.
We did make it back to our car- had to get directions several times over but we did make it. And I have to tell you-- it took about 5 hours to do the race and we laughed the entire time. I look forward to doing another century-- this time I'm bringing along someone who can read a map though!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. finishing the race
2. having so many things to laugh about
3. being faster than an Amish horse
4. not having to sit on a bike today
5. maps and people who can read them well!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Old Friends
I actually tracked down an old friend of mine from college/20s Spencer. He is exactly the same- I have such good taste in friends!! This former bicycle courrier lives in Florida now doing an internet-based business with a friend that is quite successful-- I can't wait to go down and visit-
It's really important to keep in touch with old friends. Sometimes we get away from that and get busy with our own lives and find it difficult to make the effort, but at this stage in my journey I think it is absolutely important to make that effort.
The friends you make and keep know you and understand you and accept you as you are- It's hard to find this in this difficult world. At any rate, I have already checked out flight information and the first weekend I can go down and visit is at the end of July-- I invited myself- he has these two devilishly cute dogs with big heads and very short legs (my weakness when it comes to doggies).
Spencer has a profile out there too online- but he says it hasn't worked too well- I think it's because he is not the best self-promoter. But hey, who likes self promoters? I don't!
I am doing my first century this weekend and am very excited. It's on the eastern shore of Delaware and Maryland and it's supposed to be sunny and hot-- I'll be fine- I love riding. I will be getting up at 4 in the morning to set off for this ride. My friend Mary is braving it with me- I am really looking forward to it-- we will be riding through small towns and hopefully will see some beautiful farmland. Wish us luck!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. tracking down good friends
2. still being crazy about those friends
3. having some news for a change
4. the book I'm reading right now
5. only a day away from my first Century ride.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
ENDORPHINS!
There's no sad country music mood this woman has been living in that can't be undone with endorphins!
I actually got out of bed in time to get to the gym at 5:30 today and run a few miles and then kill myself on the arc trainer-- It was great to get the blood flowing early in the day. We have company coming to our house for a lengthy stay and this is a great way to start the day.
The mornings are so beautiful this time of year, I think I might actually get out and race around a bit on my lovely Red Beauty. It's so quiet and so little traffic-- It would be a great way to get in a ride and not have to worry about racing against the sunlight. Also less likely to run into people, which can sometimes be good.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. a cold glass of water
2. sunny bright mornings
3. the Dixie Chicks
4. getting out of bed right away
5. ENDORPHINS!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
I actually got out of bed in time to get to the gym at 5:30 today and run a few miles and then kill myself on the arc trainer-- It was great to get the blood flowing early in the day. We have company coming to our house for a lengthy stay and this is a great way to start the day.
The mornings are so beautiful this time of year, I think I might actually get out and race around a bit on my lovely Red Beauty. It's so quiet and so little traffic-- It would be a great way to get in a ride and not have to worry about racing against the sunlight. Also less likely to run into people, which can sometimes be good.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. a cold glass of water
2. sunny bright mornings
3. the Dixie Chicks
4. getting out of bed right away
5. ENDORPHINS!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
Monday, June 12, 2006
OUCH!
Ouch, just as I set off on a quick sprint of a bike ride something stung my right thigh! It's still burning and it's getting more swollen and red as time progresses (it's been about an hour now since it happened).
I still kept riding-- The days are getting longer for a couple more weeks, then they will gradually get shorter-- this daylight is so valuable for riding- I don't know what I will do when I can't get these evening rides in. I have to keep riding because I've committed myself to a century ride this weekend. Actually, I can't wait-- I'm going to charge up my IPod. I've got some real sad country music I' ve been listening to and I'll continue that on my ride.--
I'm ok, but still sad at times. I'm just going to keep moving, keep racing, keep on keep on-- I am finding and maybe this is just because I am so sensitive to things right now, that strangers are quite nice. I must have this "be nice to me I need it" look. Oh well, school is almost out for the summer-- 1 1/2 more days-- then it's summer-- I will take my boys berry picking, we will make jam and then we will also spend a day at the lake up in the mountains- It should be very fun and relaxing.
I will certainly take pictures of the berry picking-- but you will see pictures from my century ride first-- I'm going to be doing that on very little sleep-- I have to leave from here at about 4:30 to get over to the eastern shore for the ride. It will be well worth it though-- I am grateful to be able to ride. If the weather is rainy I'm not going to do it though because there is NO tread on my racing bike's wheels and I'm just not that brave-- sorry.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. this starbucks I'm drinking right now
2. the salad I had at lunch--
3. getting back a good pair of bike shorts (they're big but they are nice and padded)
4. a few hours from now when this bug sting won't hurt
5. longer days
I still kept riding-- The days are getting longer for a couple more weeks, then they will gradually get shorter-- this daylight is so valuable for riding- I don't know what I will do when I can't get these evening rides in. I have to keep riding because I've committed myself to a century ride this weekend. Actually, I can't wait-- I'm going to charge up my IPod. I've got some real sad country music I' ve been listening to and I'll continue that on my ride.--
I'm ok, but still sad at times. I'm just going to keep moving, keep racing, keep on keep on-- I am finding and maybe this is just because I am so sensitive to things right now, that strangers are quite nice. I must have this "be nice to me I need it" look. Oh well, school is almost out for the summer-- 1 1/2 more days-- then it's summer-- I will take my boys berry picking, we will make jam and then we will also spend a day at the lake up in the mountains- It should be very fun and relaxing.
I will certainly take pictures of the berry picking-- but you will see pictures from my century ride first-- I'm going to be doing that on very little sleep-- I have to leave from here at about 4:30 to get over to the eastern shore for the ride. It will be well worth it though-- I am grateful to be able to ride. If the weather is rainy I'm not going to do it though because there is NO tread on my racing bike's wheels and I'm just not that brave-- sorry.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. this starbucks I'm drinking right now
2. the salad I had at lunch--
3. getting back a good pair of bike shorts (they're big but they are nice and padded)
4. a few hours from now when this bug sting won't hurt
5. longer days
Sunday, June 11, 2006
CHESAPEAKE BAY SWIM!
Wow! what a day! I had a great time doing this race- We had a great time hanging out by the Bay before and after-- You can't tell from these pictures but it was a really pretty blustery day.
I know this seems vain but I'm just going to tell you that in picture #3 I am diving in the water-- I am not that chubby person in the foreground on the lower right of the picture! (You can't really tell which person is me diving in during what they call the "cuisinart chop" but that's that.
My official time was 49:46, however, that was the time I crossed the mat- we then waited in the water for a while-- you can see me dancing around in one of the pictures waving and laughing-- the goofy mom racer! According to my stopwatch, which swam with me, my time was 43:37-- not terribly fast but hey-- fast enough to qualify for the 4.4 mile race-- I'm doing that one next year-- what a hoot--
Anyway- I arrived at the race a couple of hours early- alone and I just snoozed in the sun listening to good music. There were sailboats off in the distance and these puffy clouds in the sky.The water was really choppy, which made the race more of a challenge for me. During the first 1/4 of a mile I was tempted to have one of the people in a Kayak pull me out but I didn't-- I kept going and I even managed to encourage some slower swimmers. It's all about having fun!. I am certainly no speedy swimmer, but I had a great time. I will admit that I felt a little ill out at the far buoys because I drank probably more red wine than I should have the night before and bobbing up and over the waves with your face in murky no-visibility water doesn't help the queaziness. At any rate- I loved it.
We had a fabulous time- the boys, my biggest fans as you can see in the one picture, enjoyed hot dogs afterwards. Okay, confession (and I'm sure Jason the personal trainer will lecture me about this) I had a really big fat angus burger- I deserved it-- It was good. This was a good day--
While I was swimming so many thoughts were going through my head, mostly how grateful I am to have the support network of family and friends. Many of you received calls before and/or after my race. You were all there in spirit! Thanks. And I just want to say, the more I swam, the more distance I made from the bad stuff that's been going on in my life-- It became so much smaller!
We tend to get consumed with the wrong things in life. It's so easy and I fell into that trap. Sometimes, and not to sound too much like Faulkner here, the whole world can be found a few feet from you. This is indeed important to remember. The good things don't always knock your socks off, but they are always there and those people who are most important in life will be there and be true. That is so much more important. This is a lesson I am going to pound into myself and unfortunately anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis. Sometimes it's really hard to be happy. It is indeed hard to figure out just what it is that creates happiness in our lives.
I certainly don't know all the answers to this, but I can tell you that the best happiness is the kind you can keep even when your feet are planted firmly on the ground.
This has been a great day! This journey continues for the 42-yr-old. There's many more things to see on my path and I am expecting there will be many more bumps and hurdles too. But, today was the giant vanilla soft-serve cone -- can life get any better than that?????
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. finishing
2. this smile that's making my face tired
3. distance from the bad stuff and strength to keep it that way
4. my fan club
5. this day!
I'm glowing!!!!!! I hope someone else does too after reading this! Life is good! It's hard, but it's good! Keep moving, keep loving and keep smiling. CARPE DIEM!!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
AEROBARS!
Ok, Aerobars-- I just had them put on my bike-- I have been having this problem with my hands going numb when I ride- probably some very bad form thing on my part, so I got aerobars put on. For those of you who are not familiar they are these strange extended things off of your regular handlbars and your elbows rest in these pads and you extend your grip out in front of you-- it makes you very aerodynamic because you are riding low on your bike, but with some level of comfort.
(like a professional racer)
wow-- they are great BUT I felt like I was going to wipe out with them-- instead of 60 percent of your body weight being on the seat- 60 percent is over the front wheel-- it's a whole different riding experience- but very aerodynamic-- I just rode 35 miles today through rock creek park and at times I was going about 35 mph down hill-- That might not seem fast, but it is to me, especially when I felt like I couldn't steer with those new aerobars.
Anyway-- it was so green in Rock Creek park I could taste it-- deep deep green and lots of friendly bikers out and a few 1980s throwbacks on their roller blades. It was indeed a great ride and I am very excited about doing my first century a week from today-- I need to buy a small camera that will fit in my racing jersey so I can take pictures along the way. I will also have a cell phone for emergencies and to call a few of you and gleam about my lovely riding day-- I am brave and I am okay with doing this by myself-- We can do anything we set our minds to!
Tomorrow I swim in the Chesapeake Bay Swim race- The 1-mile challenge. It is going to be a great time. I am so lucky to have my health back. Losing 100 lbs and being free again like this is so invigorating. It was hard work, but I was inspired to keep going and I thank God for that.
I know, I've said this over and over again, but this road to self-improvement has been bumpy. Very bumpy! But it's been worth it. I hope those who read this are inspired to get out there and make the changes they need in their lives. I'm certainly no fancy person and I have no gimic diets to discuss. It was hard work for this woman. I started this process a couple of years ago weighing nearly 300 lbs.
As the laziest, fattest person on the planet- If I could do it-- anyone can. Please feel free to e-mail me on this if you are interested in weight loss or encouragement of some sort.
Here are some basics: Turn off the TV, drink water, get a good orange and get out there and move! God gave us a great place to live , enjoy it!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. Not wiping out
2. sunshine- a great disinfectant
3. distance every day from the bad stuff
4. strength to keep going
5. being that person that gets up every time after being knocked down!
CARPE DIEM!
(like a professional racer)
wow-- they are great BUT I felt like I was going to wipe out with them-- instead of 60 percent of your body weight being on the seat- 60 percent is over the front wheel-- it's a whole different riding experience- but very aerodynamic-- I just rode 35 miles today through rock creek park and at times I was going about 35 mph down hill-- That might not seem fast, but it is to me, especially when I felt like I couldn't steer with those new aerobars.
Anyway-- it was so green in Rock Creek park I could taste it-- deep deep green and lots of friendly bikers out and a few 1980s throwbacks on their roller blades. It was indeed a great ride and I am very excited about doing my first century a week from today-- I need to buy a small camera that will fit in my racing jersey so I can take pictures along the way. I will also have a cell phone for emergencies and to call a few of you and gleam about my lovely riding day-- I am brave and I am okay with doing this by myself-- We can do anything we set our minds to!
Tomorrow I swim in the Chesapeake Bay Swim race- The 1-mile challenge. It is going to be a great time. I am so lucky to have my health back. Losing 100 lbs and being free again like this is so invigorating. It was hard work, but I was inspired to keep going and I thank God for that.
I know, I've said this over and over again, but this road to self-improvement has been bumpy. Very bumpy! But it's been worth it. I hope those who read this are inspired to get out there and make the changes they need in their lives. I'm certainly no fancy person and I have no gimic diets to discuss. It was hard work for this woman. I started this process a couple of years ago weighing nearly 300 lbs.
As the laziest, fattest person on the planet- If I could do it-- anyone can. Please feel free to e-mail me on this if you are interested in weight loss or encouragement of some sort.
Here are some basics: Turn off the TV, drink water, get a good orange and get out there and move! God gave us a great place to live , enjoy it!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. Not wiping out
2. sunshine- a great disinfectant
3. distance every day from the bad stuff
4. strength to keep going
5. being that person that gets up every time after being knocked down!
CARPE DIEM!
Friday, June 09, 2006
LIFE IS INDEED DIFFICULT!
When I have mentioned over the past several months that this road to self-improvement is a difficult one, I really never knew the magnitude of that until the last few weeks. But here I am, up for air-- actually more than up for air. I am strong, moving forward, making sense of things and, while a bit sad, I am all-the-while self-improving.
That being said. I have signed myself up for more races! I am going to do my first century bike race on June 17. It is the flatlands race- through eastern shore farmland in Delaware and Maryland-- (flat too!!) I will be doing this alone, (well, there will be many other bikers there) and I am happy for the solitude.-- The race starts at 8:30 am about 100 miles away from home, so I will leave out from here at 4:45 am- big 7-11 coffee in hand and my red beauty racing bike-- it will be a great day. I will have a couple of extra tubes, a pump, lots of water, some tools, a cell phone and some money-- so no worries about the dangers of it.
This Sunday my friend Mary and I will be swimming in the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim. We are doing the 1-mile challenge. I am looking forward to it and will post pictures of me in my Orca suit. The last time a photo of me was taken in that suit I LOOKED like an Orca!
Anyway-- in August I've signed up for two more triathlons. Aug. 7- Culpepper Va. and Aug. 28 in Ellicott City-- both include open water swims. Sept. 16 Dewey Beach triathlon (ocean swim!), Oct. 7 Seagull Century bike race (another great solo ride for me), Oct 14 Tinfoilman triathlon in Tucson, Ariz.
It is a busy season for me as I soon begin back at work full-time-- The guy at the bike shop is encouraging me to join the Artemis women's bike racing team www.artemisracing.org -- I will stick to road racing not that stuff in the velodrome with those bikes that have no brakes-- I am considering it-- I need sponsorship because this cycling has become an expensive habit and I have my eyes on a $7,000 bike. (don't worry I'm not going to buy it right now- I love my red beauty).
Anyway, it has been said to me over and over and over "keep your eye on the prize." That's what I'm doing. I have two lovely boys and I am blessed to be in good shape to have fun with these races, even at the ripe old age of 42. God willing, the rest of this year is going to be a good one. I have a great family, wonderful friends, and I've been given this strength to keep moving ahead- I hope I can continue.
Oh-- final note-- I just got these cool racing aerobars put on my bike so I can be aerodynmic when I race- I am really getting into this stuff!! If you have a bike, dust it off, put some air in the tires, strap on a helmet and get out there and ride- it is a freedom that is so wonderful I can't explain- you just have to experience it!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. always having a fresh new start
2. friends and family
3. a good orange
4. peace found after making tough and sad choices
5. the strength to keep walking away from the bad stuff
Well, there is it. I
That being said. I have signed myself up for more races! I am going to do my first century bike race on June 17. It is the flatlands race- through eastern shore farmland in Delaware and Maryland-- (flat too!!) I will be doing this alone, (well, there will be many other bikers there) and I am happy for the solitude.-- The race starts at 8:30 am about 100 miles away from home, so I will leave out from here at 4:45 am- big 7-11 coffee in hand and my red beauty racing bike-- it will be a great day. I will have a couple of extra tubes, a pump, lots of water, some tools, a cell phone and some money-- so no worries about the dangers of it.
This Sunday my friend Mary and I will be swimming in the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim. We are doing the 1-mile challenge. I am looking forward to it and will post pictures of me in my Orca suit. The last time a photo of me was taken in that suit I LOOKED like an Orca!
Anyway-- in August I've signed up for two more triathlons. Aug. 7- Culpepper Va. and Aug. 28 in Ellicott City-- both include open water swims. Sept. 16 Dewey Beach triathlon (ocean swim!), Oct. 7 Seagull Century bike race (another great solo ride for me), Oct 14 Tinfoilman triathlon in Tucson, Ariz.
It is a busy season for me as I soon begin back at work full-time-- The guy at the bike shop is encouraging me to join the Artemis women's bike racing team www.artemisracing.org -- I will stick to road racing not that stuff in the velodrome with those bikes that have no brakes-- I am considering it-- I need sponsorship because this cycling has become an expensive habit and I have my eyes on a $7,000 bike. (don't worry I'm not going to buy it right now- I love my red beauty).
Anyway, it has been said to me over and over and over "keep your eye on the prize." That's what I'm doing. I have two lovely boys and I am blessed to be in good shape to have fun with these races, even at the ripe old age of 42. God willing, the rest of this year is going to be a good one. I have a great family, wonderful friends, and I've been given this strength to keep moving ahead- I hope I can continue.
Oh-- final note-- I just got these cool racing aerobars put on my bike so I can be aerodynmic when I race- I am really getting into this stuff!! If you have a bike, dust it off, put some air in the tires, strap on a helmet and get out there and ride- it is a freedom that is so wonderful I can't explain- you just have to experience it!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. always having a fresh new start
2. friends and family
3. a good orange
4. peace found after making tough and sad choices
5. the strength to keep walking away from the bad stuff
Well, there is it. I
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Tomatoes!
Well, the tomatoes are planted! A month late but still planted. We will have a happy August.
I am sore ALL OVER thanks to JASON! I can't move my arms and my abs are killing me! He has this habit of letting me know when there is some other woman he is training who can lift more to push me-- it works but I'm dying today!!!
I start back at work fulltime on July 17. I am very nervous that I will not keep up on my fitness. This will truly be a challenge for me that I must face. I want to lose 20 more pounds- I realize I keep saying this, I need to just do it right? Well thing is, I am slowly losing weight and I keep raising how much I want to lose.
About five months ago Jason did this pinchy thing with these calipers to measure my body/fat makeup-- the number was 42-- astoundingly high and very unhealthy-- it's 31 with the calipers now and 28 with the digital electric charge thing-- (i'm going with that figure) I need to get it down to 25-- so onward onward onward. Lately I've been really wanting to play tennis but I just don't have anyone to play with. I think I will sign up for semi-private lessons.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. walking away
2. seeing the good through the bad
3. family visiting
4. the beach
5. swimming
Monday, June 05, 2006
IMPROMPTU RACE
Well, Sunday evening I went out for a quick 12 mile ride on Red Beauty on Sligo and happened to get into an impromptu race with two gentlemen on racing bikes (not as nice as mine of course). It was great-- I won. But I loved the competition and really pushing it, getting my heart rate up and I really want to get into bike racing on a regular basis. It is so invigorating to me.
Any way- no words or conversation between us, we just raced against each other- and then went our separate ways. I nearly killed myself on one of these gate things they put across the parkway to block off vehicles and that's a good thing I avoided wiping out, because it would have been a bad one.
I'm feeling so much better. I am confident I avoided the whole pnemonia thing because I got treated quickly. I will hear from my Doctor today and I am sure he will give me the go ahead for the Chesapeake Bay swim. My latest endeavor is to get my brother to do the Hustle up the Hancock Tower race with me in Chicago this February. My nephew will be going to college nearby and it will be a great reason to visit him and have a great Chicago weekend. Wish me luck in convincing him-- I always like to have a victim for these races and he's perfect.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. feeling so much better
2. sunny days
3. this cup of joe I'm drinking
4. personal trainers
5. moving forward
Any way- no words or conversation between us, we just raced against each other- and then went our separate ways. I nearly killed myself on one of these gate things they put across the parkway to block off vehicles and that's a good thing I avoided wiping out, because it would have been a bad one.
I'm feeling so much better. I am confident I avoided the whole pnemonia thing because I got treated quickly. I will hear from my Doctor today and I am sure he will give me the go ahead for the Chesapeake Bay swim. My latest endeavor is to get my brother to do the Hustle up the Hancock Tower race with me in Chicago this February. My nephew will be going to college nearby and it will be a great reason to visit him and have a great Chicago weekend. Wish me luck in convincing him-- I always like to have a victim for these races and he's perfect.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. feeling so much better
2. sunny days
3. this cup of joe I'm drinking
4. personal trainers
5. moving forward
Sunday, June 04, 2006
SINGING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
As simple as an aging church choir can seem, these things can be a blessing. Sometimes, week after week, people sing the same words over and over and that repetition is comforting. But when you feel like there's been some distance and you've been through some hardship, the words, the music, the spirit,, all of it are so very needed. Every word was meant for me today-- at least that is how it felt. A good thing for this woman who still has a long long path toward self-improvement.
I am still recovering from my illness, but gladly am doing much better. I may even brave a brief bike ride this evening if there is time. I don't plan on over-doing it but I think getting the blood pumping a little faster might not be such a bad thing-- I'm feeling kindof fat right now even though I've not gained any weight.
The Chesapeake Bay swim is a week away from today-- I hope we have good weather and that the water is not as rough as it was the last time I did this race. I will swim a mile and a half every day this week in training for that-- somewhat of a crash course actually.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. feeling better
2. tomatoes finally planted!!!
3. being able to wear shorts I bought when I was in highschool
4. phad thai
5. dunno.
I am still recovering from my illness, but gladly am doing much better. I may even brave a brief bike ride this evening if there is time. I don't plan on over-doing it but I think getting the blood pumping a little faster might not be such a bad thing-- I'm feeling kindof fat right now even though I've not gained any weight.
The Chesapeake Bay swim is a week away from today-- I hope we have good weather and that the water is not as rough as it was the last time I did this race. I will swim a mile and a half every day this week in training for that-- somewhat of a crash course actually.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. feeling better
2. tomatoes finally planted!!!
3. being able to wear shorts I bought when I was in highschool
4. phad thai
5. dunno.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
NO BIKING GETAWAY
Well, for every good idea, there always comes a snag. I am quite ill. I have been infected with "micoplasma" (sp?) which means I have walking Pnemonia-- It was a hard and stressful week for me and I think it just weakened my resistance. I am sad I can't go out and cycle-- my plan was to keep on my fitness schedule, but I am so weak and tired I can barely lift an arm.
I've left my bed for a little while right now to do this blog entry and then I will go back up and sleep for several more hours. I haven't been this sick in years- It is hard to breathe and I can barely even make it up the stairs. I will survive though. I come through everything.
It's gray outside anyway so I am not feeling like I'm missing anything huge. I start my new job, a big one, in July-- So I have a month to find a nanny for the kiddies and to get my act together.-- I don't even think I have work clothes to wear-- can't wear levis everyday I suppose.
Anyway, my bike awaits me. Amish country will still be there and next weekend hopefully I can tackle the Chesapeake Bay-- should be very interesting.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. the prospect of getting better
2. big cold glasses of water
3. the time periods when I'm not having either the chills or feeling clammy
4. getting a new job
5. ending battles.
I've left my bed for a little while right now to do this blog entry and then I will go back up and sleep for several more hours. I haven't been this sick in years- It is hard to breathe and I can barely even make it up the stairs. I will survive though. I come through everything.
It's gray outside anyway so I am not feeling like I'm missing anything huge. I start my new job, a big one, in July-- So I have a month to find a nanny for the kiddies and to get my act together.-- I don't even think I have work clothes to wear-- can't wear levis everyday I suppose.
Anyway, my bike awaits me. Amish country will still be there and next weekend hopefully I can tackle the Chesapeake Bay-- should be very interesting.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. the prospect of getting better
2. big cold glasses of water
3. the time periods when I'm not having either the chills or feeling clammy
4. getting a new job
5. ending battles.