Oh, what a night… May 31, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 10 commentsAnd the Adventures of Lisa continues! But first the stats for yesterday - I went running in the morning for 30 minutes, rode to work, rode to the gym after work and swam for 30 min. All of that was good. Took them easy to rest a little. When I left work, I’d felt a little queasy but swam anyway. I only did one lap of side stroke! Woo Hoo. 
My shoulder twinged a couple of times but as long as I swam with proper form, it was fine. The pool was pretty busy and I got my goggles knocked off me once! He he, I did it to myself…how sad is that. 
Well, it’s just that I was hugging the rope. Stop laughing! 
Anyway, now for the adventures…when I was done with the swim, I felt even more queasy but got on my bike and started riding home. Then FLAT! Since I was feeling so bleach, I walked a couple blocks down to the bike shop (not Foothill) and let them change it for me. But then, when he was bringing my bike back out to me, he was wheeling it out by the seat and it kept rolling and he still had my seat in his hand. Aack! He put it back on (sorta) and I finally started riding home again. Tired and just wanting the day to be over with. But then when I was a couple of miles from home, I stopped at a light and then started going again and my seat fell off again!!! And my shorts got caught on the rails!!!! So there I am in the middle of the intersection trying to make sure my shorts don’t get pulled off or I don’t rip the seat off my shorts. Did I mention that it’s a really, really busy intersection? With cameras? Finally unhooked my shorts and walked back to the corner. No holes, no flashing, thank the bike gods. Found my seat. A roadie stopped by to help me out and we both decided it was hopeless. So I walked the rest of the way home (stopped at the store for cat food) and finally made it home about 8:15. I ate something for dinner and still felt queasy so just went to bed.
This morning, I woke up around 4 stuffed up with allergies. Took some meds and couldn’t go back to sleep. I skipped my scheduled run (I’ll do it tomorrow) because my knee was aching a little and got my other road bike, Blue, ready for the ride to work. Changed the back tire, put on some bottle cages, a seat bag, tools, etc. And rode to work. Here’s Blue at the bike rack here at work.
The ride in was good, very nice actually. I think I’ll ride over to Foothill after work tonight and get some more tubes and gear for Blue and start riding her to work. What do you think? She doesn’t shift in the back, I can only shift the front ring but that’s all I really need. I’m thinking the “seat incident” might have been a blessing. Have a great day everyone!!!
Beach Ride May 30, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 7 commentsThe beach ride yesterday was such a blast! Foothill Cyclery had a good crowd there - about 30ish people. And we had wonderful weather - clear, sunny, blue skies, some wind, not hot. A perfect day for a ride.
I have to say that I was a little nervous before going over there. My stomach was actually flipping when I left my grandfather’s house in the morning. Why? Mostly because I haven’t really trusted my bike handling skills lately. But also…would I be able to keep up? I was happy to see the crowd that was there - all shapes and sizes and ages. About 10 women and the rest guys.
We left the bike shop in La Verne a little after 7. The first few miles were on rolling hills. We regrouped again at the top of the bike path and then again at the dam and then followed the river out to the beach. And then the speedy guys took off and I never saw them again til the end. I rode with Kylie a little, but dang that girl is strong and she left us in the dust too. (Were your ears buzzing cuz Dan and I were talking about you - he’s impressed with how stong a cyclist you’ve become. ) I ended up riding down with Molly, Taylor, and her husband (what was his name?!?!). Molly runs a boot camp in Rancho so I was asking her about it. I think it would be fun to take during the winter to spice things up. Anyway, we rode along at a good clip. There were a few curvy, downhill parts that made me nervous and I took them slower than the others. And there were a ton of cylcists on the bath. But there were no mishaps. I wasn’t so much worried about me as I was about bringing down another cyclist. That would be awful. Our little group finished in about 2:45 min with an average speed of 17.7 mph (maybe a little better because it includes the ride over from my grandpas). Which is pretty good considering it was windy in parts and for some parts we were just cruising due to bike/runner/walker traffic. I am happy with it. Some of the slower groups were an hour + behind us. Definitely didn’t have to worry about holding anyone back. I think I could have gone a little faster but it was fun to ride with them.
I was BAD Lisa though and didnt swim. Kylie had my back and brought an extra pair of goggles and a swim cap for me (thank you!) but my shoulder and neck were feeling crappy and I had some back spasms when we got to the beach. 
Probably because I have’t been on my bike that much. I know I needed it but I just wasn’t feeling it. Sigh.
It was very cool to see all the bikes loaded up on the truck - a rainbow of bikes in Treks, Elites, Cannondales, and many more. Mostly everyone only rode the one way and only some of the hardcore guys rode back, about 6 I think. The truck I rode back in had 7 or 8 bikes and the others had just as many if not more. There was A LOT of money in those trucks! The ride back was fun, listening to the guys talk about their tris and their plans and such, and seeing the surprise on faces when cars next to us checked out all the bikes. When we got back to the LBS, me & Kylie and some others hung out for a bit. Dan (the owner) ordered pizza for us and it was yummy and really hit the spot. I was pretty good bout drinking on the ride but I didn’t eat anything or do any gels til I reached the beach. That was bad. I also only had some OJ and a breakfast bar before the ride. I definitely need to start eating better. Once I had the pizza , I left to pick up my stuff at my grandfather’s and then ride home. Total miles for the day - 65 miles.
I got home about 3 and took a quick shower and then headed over to M&B’s for their barbecue. They have a rule that if you eat their food, you have to play in their horseshoe tournament. I played one game and was really thankful that Kyle, my partner, and I were knocked out in the first round (15-7). I almost didn’t go over there but I had to deliver the CD with the pics from Saturday’s photo shoot. I took my laptop with me so I could show Bree and the others the pictures. Bree was very happy with them and Mo and Mondi both said they wanted me to take some family portraits for them at the beach. Yeah. All in all, it was a great day. I’m tired but not overly so. I didn’t hit all my planned workouts this weekend but I am satisfied with the weekend. Very satisfied. The only bummer was that I took my little digital camera with me on the ride yesterday but forgot to check the batteries and they were dead! So no pics from the ride. I hope they post the group pic they took of our motley crue before we left. Cross your fingers.
The best laid plans and all that May 28, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 4 commentsThe plan was to go for a 4 1/2 hour ride on Saturday. I guess Mother Nature had other ideas. So it rained a bit on Friday and Saturday was supposed to be a repeat of that. I woke up, ate, got ready, looked out, and it was a little wet. It didn’t seem bad though and I headed out into the drizzle. No problem. 
But when I was almost 8 miles from home, the skies opened up and dropped buckets of water. I was soaked thru within minutes. Eww…wet socks! I was totally unprepared for this - just wearing a short and my Fox jersey. I wasn’t the only one though. All the runners and cyclist I passed had that “wha?” look on their face. Guess what? I wasn’t in the mood for a ride in the pouring rain. Especially with my luck lately. So I headed home, hoping that it would clear up as I got closer but it chased me the whole way. And everytime I thought it might okay, the skies would spit at me again. I say spit because the rain fell hard…not leisurely, big fat lazy raindrops. No, this rain was angry and it made the strangest sizzley sound as it hit the ground. When I got home (after only 15 miles and a little more than an hour), I went for a 20 minute run/brick. Legs felt good and there was no noodleness like on Wednesday. Then I hopped on my mountain bike and rode to the gym for a 45 min swim and then rode home. So I got almost 3 hours of training in. Not what I expected but better than nothing.
It cleared up in the afternoon in time for the photo shoot. I rode my bike over to Red Hill park which is only 1 1/2 miles from me. I was a little nervous about riding with my camera but since I was on the mtb bike, all went smooth. The photo shoot was a blast. Pictures to follow.
On Sunday, I woke up early. As crappy as Saturday was, Sunday was that beautiful. I went for a 2 hour run! Woo Hoo! Fought myself the whole way but ended up tricking myself into the whole 120 minutes by saying just one more set a few times. I ran in a 5/1 run/walk ration. I felt great for the first 90 minutes. The last 30 minutes was more of a shuffle than a run, but whatever works, huh? I ran mostly on the tracks but stopped by my apartment after about 75 min to get some water. It was only 60 degrees but since there’s no shade on the tracks, it felt hotter. I had a fine coating of salt on my legs when I finished. I don’t think I ever showed you all the tracks that I run on. Here is a picture looking from my starting point right above my apartment.
In the afternoon, I rode to work and then after I’m done here, I’ll ride over to my grandfather’s. I’m spending the night there so I won’t have to leave so early to get to the LBS tomorrow for the ride. While I was waiting for T&B at the park yesterday, I took some pics of the some of the locals for fun.
Do you believe in signs? May 26, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 8 commentsOr do you think there are just coincidences that people read more into? The weirdest thing happened on my run this morning. If you remember, I had a dream a couple of weeks ago about meeting up with a coyote during a run. It’s in this post here. Anyway, I saw one on this morning’s run! I was almost done, about 1/4 mile from home. I was thinking about Vineman and what my times would be and how I need to get better at refueling on the bike. Then I see a flash of fur up ahead near the lemon trees. Coyote running!
He’s running towards me and I’m running towards him. Both of us checking to see whether or not we need to worry about the other. Then in a second we’d passed each other and went on our merry ways. But how weird is that? That I would see a coyote just when I’m thinking about Vineman? Maybe it’s a little cosmic reminder from the Universe. Anyway, I’m taking it as a good sign.
So…the run was 57 minutes. I did it in a run/walk (6/1) combo and it was nice and easy. It was misty this morning. My legs felt pretty good - the left calf was a little tight and my glutes were a bit achy, but otherwise it was all good. The ride to work was cool and drizzly. I still wore shorts and a short sleeve shirt because I think we’ll get off early today for the 3 Day weekend and it should be hot by the afternoon. 3 Day Weekend. Woo Hoo!!!
Oh yeah, I went swimming last night for 35 min. It was also a combo - 5 laps freestyle/1 sidestroke. It was a good swim, but also slow. By the time I was done, I had the pool to myself and I played like a kid a little bit. Floated. Did some underwater swimming. Just to remind myself about how much I used to love swimming as a kid. I learned how to swim like a fish when I was about 4. I used to swim underwater in a dog paddle/breaststroke/mermaid kind of fashion. A few years later, my mom put my sister and I in swim lessons to learn how to swim the proper way. And every year after that we took swimming during the summer. Ah, those were the days.
Have a great weekend everyone! Mine looks like it’s going to be busy. Hopefully there will be plenty of sleep in there. I know there’s going to be a lot of training. Woo Hoo!
Muy Noodley May 25, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 12 commentsShort Brick last night after the ride home - 15 minutes, 75 degrees, legs muy noodley. I felt like walking but I didn’t. Woo Hoo! I think that might be the first time I ever ran 2 times in the same day. Should I incorporate more of those or not do it at all? Legs feel okay today. Knees are a tiny bit achy but other wise, all is well on the western front. Phew.
The ride to work was quite pleasant this morning, clear & 65. I pedaled my little legs off a couple of times to beat the lights.
Here’s another picture of my cat, Spike. In b&w. The stripey rotter didn’t let me sleep in today and I only got about 6 hours of sleep! Feed me, feed me now, he says. It’s a good thing he’s cute and is good company for naps.
The plan for tonight is to swim after work and then go to bed early! I’ve been tired this week. Not really sure why???? Anyway…further bulletins as events warrant.
Not Leaving The House Anymore May 24, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 4 commentsI went for a swim last night. Only 20 minutes and it was half sidestroke/half freestyle. Still not what I wanted but definitely felt more like a “swim” than last week. Concentrated on form and just took it slow. My shoulder was achy last night but not bad. It felt good to be in the water again. I actually miss it. I got a bit of extra riding in - about 20 minutes - because I realized at the gym that I forgot my phone at work so rode back there. Then when I left work, I was thinking how at least this time, I’d remembered my swim suit but then couldn’t remember putting my swim cap and goggles in my bag. Checked. Nope, not there. Doh! So back to the gym I go! Ah, well…I’m sure the extra bit did me some good.
This morning was a 35 min run on the tracks. No tunes, just me and my thoughts. It was a good run until…attack of the killer puppy. There is a woman who walks her dog (a springer spaniel less then 2 yrs, I think) every morning on the tracks while I’m running. Usually, he’s on a leash. Today she let him off the leash. I could tell when he spotted me - he stopped, paw went up. His owner called him, he looked back at her, then started running at me full speed. I stopped and he started running around me. His owner came panting up and tried to get him but he wanted to play with me and starts jumping on me. Scratch! Right over my right knee, but at least he didin’t draw blood. Sigh. She appologized profusely and finally got him under control and I took off again. Now, I’m used to dogs being on the tracks. It’s a magnet for them and their owners for the same reason I enjoy them: a bit of open space, soft dirt, no traffic, and a little bit of wildlife. A little bit of nature smack dab in the city. And there are many dogs on there off leash but they ARE TRAINED and never bother me. I say, if you’re not going to train your dogs, keep them on the leash! It’s safer for them and for me! But still, it was a good run.
The morning ride was pretty good for the most part. Clear and sunny again. No smog yet. And the smell of strawberries wafting off the fields was yummy. I did have a close call with a lethal lefty though - braked hard & swerved a bit. Enough that I followed her into the parking lot and gave her a piece of my mind. Hopefully she won’t do that again. But after that I was thinking maybe I shouldn’t leave the house anymore! I swear I don’t go looking for trouble!!!!
My Own Worst Enemy May 23, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 7 commentsMy brother-in-law, Jack, is always marveling at the fact that my sister and I made it to adulthood with seriously maiming ourselves. Ok, yes, we are a tad bit klutzy. It’s part of our charm, I think. My nieces are the same way. We can all be walking together and trip over the same rock! I don’t know what it is. He thinks it’s that we aren’t paying attention. Hmmmm. I think this “affliction” makes us a hardy bunch though. I have a magnet on my cubicle that says:
“Success consists of getting up once oftener than you fall down.”
My coworkers laughed when they saw it. But it’s something that I have to remind myself often, especially these past few months. Anyway, on my birthday, I dropped one of my presents and it landed on my right foot! Oh no, I thought…not again. Please, please don’t let anything be bad. I am my own worst enemy! I have a gorgeous multi-colored bruise about the size of a silver dollar on the top of my foot. But happily, it doesn’t hurt while I’m running. I ended up running this morning instead of last night. I worked late and then after picking up a new suit, just didn’t feel it. Excuses, excuses. I know! Woke up as usual feeling stiff in the neck and shoulder. But after warming up, I felt better and had a good run. The storm passed by yesterday afternoon and today was clear and cool. Everything smelled nice and clean from the rains. There were a few puddles on the tracks but it wasn’t too muddy. I WAS slower than usual this morning though. I was a little surprised when I saw my watch and realized I wasn’t as far along as I expected. But it was still good.
The ride this morning into work was awesome. Beautiful, sunny blue skies and in the upper 50’s. Perfect weather for riding. I brought my swim stuff to go to 24HR after work. Wish me luck that this time goes better!
The Not So Simple Life May 22, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 10 commentsI dropped a boat load of money this weekend. About $3,000. Aack!!! But, it was worth it I tell you!!! And no, it wasn’t for tri gear. I got a new camera and laptop.
On Saturday, I went for a 2 1/2 hour ride. By myself. I saw Kylie and the rest of th RC gang when I was in Bonelli. I thought about joining them for another loop or two but decided I should stick to my plan and just meander on home. For two reasons: 1 - I didn’t want to overdo it for the shoulder and 2 - I had plans to pick up my new camera later that morning. So with sadness, I let them ride away from me and turned home. Not without being hypnotised by some nice legs though. 
But by the last few miles, I was glad I’d stuck to the plan because my shoulder and my neck were really starting to bother me. Got home, showered, and changed and headed out to buy the Nikon D200. It was on backorder everywhere I tried but then I found this one little camera shop in Temple City that had 2 left. Yeah!!! I spent the rest of the day playing with it.
On Sunday, I woke up really stiff and sore. But I put on my running gear because I’d planned to run for an hour. When I opened the door to leave, my cat Spike darted out. Oh, crap. I had to crawl around in the bushes and drag him out - getting a few scratches in the promise, the rotter.
And by the time, I got him back inside, it was too late to go…at least to get an hour in. Darn it. I spent the morning taking my grandfather to a meeting and then to lunch. While I was there, I took some pictures in his garden. Then went shopping for a laptop. Then went home and played with the new toys for a while.
After dinner, I was feeling pretty good and I put my running gear back on and headed out. It was a pretty cool day yesterday because a storm was heading in. But it held off and I got to run on the tracks without taking a mud bath. I did a 55 min run. Not quite an hour, but it was still good. My legs felt a little tight and the shoulder was achy until I warmed up but all in all, it was a great, great run. Woo Hoo! It rained through out the night, but there was a break on the ride in this morning so I had a mostly dry ride. I only got a little wet from the water my tires spit at me. I’m going to try for a brick tonight, I think. After I buy a new bathing suit. It appears, I left mine at the gym last week. Argh. More money.
So, I know have more stuff to store in my little apartment (why I went for a laptop and not a desktop). A collection of bikes and cameras that I never thought I’d have before. I’ll probably end up getting a connection to the internet or something too. Next thing you know, I’m going to have cable or satellite! My simple life, is not so simple anymore. But that’s cool. Anyway, here a few more pictures from my grandfather’s garden…
38 Today! May 19, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 9 comments
So, I’ve tried on a few ages today and finally settled on 38. It seems about as good an age as any, huh? I KNOW 38 is going to be a good year for me. I have big plans, people. BIG plans. And by golly, I’m going to make them happen!!!
I got a little bit of an extra ride in last night. I had to go to the bookstore to get my dad a gift card for his bday next week. I also picked up a Runner’s World (for inspiration) and some books (for fun). I love the bookstore, don’t you? I could spend hours upon hours there. Ah, heaven.
This morning, I celebrated my birthday by going for a run. It was a beautiful, clear morning. A present, I’m sure. But oops, I forgot to change the battery on my mp3 player, so my tunes ran it out in the middle of it. It was still at a pretty good clip and I concentrated on form. I also celebrated by riding to work today. Oh, wait…I do that every day. How lucky am I?
Have a great weekend everyone!
Flying in the Fog May 18, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General , 8 commentsI went for a 30 min run this morning. Today, I felt almost like my old self. Woo Hoo! My legs felt great and they were rarin’ to go. My shoulder is still sore so there wasn’t full arm movement but it was a lot better than before. It was a little foggy and a little sticky. 
There were thunderstorms in the area last night and I heard rumblings thru the night. I kept praying that it wouldn’t be thundery this morning. Love running in the rain but not when nature is being all loud and rumbly and sparky. Anyway, the run was quicker than Tuesday’s run. I covered a little more ground with less effort, I think. I was a little surprised because I had a tossy turny night. Today’s run was my last run as a 37 year old. Not a bad way to end my 37th year at all. Time flies when you’re having fun, eh?