Muggy Week July 13, 2008
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures, Bike Commuting , 3 commentsIt’s been really muggy this week, but a little cooler so I’m not complaining. It was a great week. I rode to and from work every day on the new mountain bike this week (with a few rain plops on the way home on Tues) and walked Mon-Wed and Friday for 30 minutes. I had to work a little harder on the mtn bike but it also allowed me to ride offroad a little which was fun.
Yesterday, I decided to go check out Marshall Canyon with my camera so I went for a 90 min “hike” on the trail in there. Lots of mountain bikers and a herd of high school cross country-ers. Boy, did they make me feel old the way they were flying up and down the trail and the girls were so tiny. I’ve never been that small. But it was good morning. I heard lots of birds but only saw a few.
This morning, I rode for an hour on the unpaved portion of the Pacific Electric trail which is part of the Rails to Trails program and is only feet from my door. The portion that is southwest of me is still dirt, more of a fire road than a trail. But it was nice and quiet, just one walker and other than that I didn’t see anyone. I only rode for an hour because I had some errands to do today.
This is the start of the trail.
This is the view looking back north toward home.
This is looking out over the valley. There is still a lot of stuff in the air from the fires.
Looking south.
Later, still looking south. Not a bad morning. 
Getting Back into Routine June 25, 2008
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , add a commentI’ve been waking up at 5:30 lately and going to sleep earlier. I’m trying to get back into a routine with everything: sleep, exercise, eating, etc.
Yesterday was my first day back at bike commuting in a while. I missed it. I forgot how good it felt and how energizing it is. I’m not sore…much. Nor am I tired. It’s just a matter of getting used to it again. The weather has been much cooler than it was last week although we are getting some of the smoke from the fires up north so the air is a bit gucky.
I walked to the store this morning instead of my usual walk on the bike/hiking trail. I enjoy the trail more because of all the birds and the people walking their dogs. Mostly I see wrens, blue jays, mockingbirds, doves, hawks, and one little pair of Killdeers who are always scolding me.
It is awesome to hear them singing in the morning as the sun rises. This is a tower of hawks that live by me on the trail. I see them almost every morning.
Second Run July 13, 2007
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 2 commentsYesterday, I did my second run/walk of the week. Still nothing spectacular except for the fact that I went at all. I was supposed to go in the morning but didn’t get up in time so I ran after work. It was about 80 degrees so not bad. I was tired and almost bailed. But I didn’t. So I’m happy with that at least.
My legs were sore after the run on Tuesday. The knees too. They’ll have to get used to running again which is the part I was dreading. But they feel pretty good today. Part of the reason is that I stretched last night and worked on my ITB for a while. It was really, really tight.
Probably the biggest reason I haven’t been running or swimming is photography. I have been spending most of my time with my cameras and my laptop. The same thing inside me that made me go for an Ironman and train, train, train, is the same thing that drives my photography. A bit of the obsessive. Ok, a lot. 
Most days I was up til late into the night working on photo stuff. The lack of sleep has made me so tired and I’ve been dragging thru the days. This month I’ve made a concerted effort to get to bed by 10. The goal is between 9 and 9:30. A couple of weeks ago I was talking to my sister and she asked what I was doing. When I told her I was working on my photos, she said “what else is new”. That made me realize that I need to put some balance back into my life and make room for the other things I like. Sound familiar? It’s all about balance. I have to battle the part of me that says I won’t be a success unless I give what I’m doing 110%. Will I ever learn to live a balanced life?
Anyway, the plan is to run/walk tomorrow and Sunday. Wish me luck!
As an incentive… I have to get into the best shape possible because I am going to have all 3 munchkins to take care of by myself for a week in October while the girls are on fall break! That’s gonna be an endurance test for me!
My nieces and nephew…
Max is growing up so fast!
Bikes, Cars, and Running July 11, 2007
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures, Bike Commuting , 6 comments
But not necessarily mine. These are a few of the photos I’ve taken in the past month. And here’s a quick update…
First, bikes - my birthday present to myself has been great. It’s a fun, zippy ride. Not as fast as a roadbike but I’ve been conciously slowing down on my bike commutes to enjoy the scenery. It means I’m less stressed about the crazy drivers around here too.
My mom bought a new car a couple of weeks ago. She offered me her old one…free. I told her I wasn’t ready for a car yet. I thought it would be too much temptation to have it sitting in my garage. I told her next May I might think about getting one. I’m not sure. It would be nice to have a car to get places like races or the beach with all my gear and not have to stick to local races. But cars just seem like too much trouble!
Last, but not least. I finally started running again. Well, yesterday was my first run in 5 months I think. More of a run/walk really. And tomorrow morning will be my second. Nothing spectacular. They are putting in a bike/running path by my apartment but it’s not finished yet. I can’t wait.
No plans for racing this year…so far. And I’m still not swimming again. Sigh. Baby steps, right? I will be back someday.
Velonews, Pictures, Video, oh…and a Run October 6, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 9 commentsThe picture that I submitted to Velonews is up. You can see it here. It’s kind of cool to think that people will be checking it out. Also…these are a few of my favorite pictures from the Bonelli races last weekend. I like this bike picture because of the glowiness of the park behind him.
I like this run picture because the runner fills the frame, her hair is flying, her feet are off the ground and she’s smiling.
And last night when I was going thru the pictures on my little Polaroid digital camera, I found this video that I took of the Redlands Classic that Kylie and I rode out to see last March. You can hear Kylie in the background cheering for her friend. It’s a little rough but at least you can get the gist of the riverness of bikes that day and how crazy fast the race is. Jonathan races like this and he raced there that weekend (didn’t you?). I wish I had his guts and bike skills to ride like this.
Last, but not least…I ran last night! Uh huh. I did it. Got home, changed, then headed out the door for a 40 min run. There was a small debate going on in my head about going after the ride home or waiting til later. As you can see, I decided not to wait. It was a good run - slow and half dirt/half street. My foot was fine but my knee was still sore. Less so than Tuesday. I think it’s just that arthritis/bone spurs thing the doctor said I had. I think running off the bike while my legs are still warm works out better. There was no noodleness in the legs. I really think my body likes bricks.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Los Angeless Triathlon Photos September 12, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 8 commentsThe Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon was the largest tri I’ve been a spectator at so far. Even the Vineman, despite it’s distance, didn’t feel so big. Although I did see a little confusion at the corner where the oly and sprint runs split, for the most part it seemed to be going like clockwork. Even the transition area which was jam packed was flowing smoothly. Police and fire support where everywhere on the course. Every corner I passed had at least two police officers at it and sometimes a lot more and there were motorcycle & bike police riding with the athletes. I was impressed at the numbers and I’m sure the triathletes felt safer. There was a moment when a huge jet flew really low (did I mention really low?) over the Bonaventure Hotel and US Bank building. I remember hearing it and looking up in surprise at this big white plane just skimming the hotel. Everyone looked up - police, city workers, spectators, triathletes. One of the city workers commented how he’d never seen a plane fly over like that before. We all kind of looked at each other and there was a collective exhalation of breath and you knew what had been in everyone’s mind. Then the moment passed and we all got back to the business at hand.
And isn’t that what 9/11 is all about? Living life to the fullest and not being afraid? Taking every day as it comes and milking it for what it’s worth? That’s what those 3000 triathletes were doing on Sunday, September 10th, 2006. You would think with so many people, it would all be a blur of movement and color. And of course, it was. But the funny thing is that despite the number of triathletes participating, watching it still seemed incredibly personal and individual. At what other sporting event do you get to be up close and personal with so many different people - from pros to age groupers? Triathlon is an interactive spectator sport! While I was cheering and offering encouragement, I often got a Thank You or a smile (megawatt, wry, and grimaces). I even had whole conversations as I seemed to pick a spot where many people were hit with cramps.
One of the things I like to see at a tri is how the triathletes go about their race. Some people have laser focus and a competitive fire and some people are bubbly and laughing and joking. I think I’m somewhere in the middle and it’s interesting to see the extremes that are out there. I saw one man apologize to another for being an a$$ (his words). They shook hands and then continued on. And while it’s fun to watch the speed demons and dream about what could be for me, I think I like to watch the “regular” people, the middle to back of the packers out there giving everything they have. Because I am one of them.
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon
Sporadic Week July 7, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 2 commentsTraining has been sporadic this week. On Wednesday, I rode to/from work. Had a flat after work, rode to the bike shop and then to Chick’s for supplies and new running shorts. I ran yesterday morning, rode to/from work, and then worked until 7:15. I moved yesterday’s swim to tonight. The extra day will hopefully help my shoulder as it’s been bothering me since Tuesday’s beach adventures. Probably because I was carrying Madison around piggy back for a lot of it so she could go out as far as Morgan but still feel safe. Anyway, the swim tonight will be 45-60 min.
The weekend…ah, the weekend. I’m going to post my goals so I’ll feel accountable for them. Tomorrow, I plan to ride 100 miles. Then on Sunday, I plan to run 3+ hours. I may extend it with walking. Sunday will also be a 3500 swim. Wish me luck.
These are from a Calvin & Hobbes that reminds me of our beach trip. The water was so wonderful. No wetsuit needed at all.
Here’s a few more pictures of the munchkins. This is Morgan with their dog, Yogi. She wants to be a vet when she grows up. She loves animals and wants to work with farm animals, especially horses.
This is Madison with all her freckles. She gets them from her mom. Her eyes, she got from her grandpa. She either wants to be a mechanic or a race car driver. But something definitely to do with cars. She’s giving her non-car owning Tia a heart attack. There’s still time to change her mind. She’s only 6.
And this is speed demon Mad Max. He is fast! And strong. I wonder what he will be when he grows up???
Chance of Pictures with a Smattering of Training July 5, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 4 commentsI went to Arizona after all. Friday was a low day for me and I decided a break might do me some good. I definitely needed to get away. I shortened my swim on Friday to 90 minutes, threw some clothes and my running shoes in my bag, and we were off. I ran on Saturday morning and then the long run on Sunday morning. On Sunday, I had a 2 hr 45 min run to do so I left my sister’s house at 4:30 am. It was still warm out, but bearable. I ran on the streets & trails that go thru her neighborhood until it was light enough to see and then ran on the dirt road at the edge of the desert. I felt really good until 2 hrs, then not so good. I ran/walked (5/1) all the way thru 2 hrs 30 min and then walked the last 15. I took a bottle of gatorade with me and then stopped once to refill with water I’d left outside. I almost didn’t go but I walked out the door and locked it behind me knowing that I wouldn’t be able to get back in for a couple of hours until the rest of the house woke up. I actually enjoyed the run. I had my tunes, saw plenty of birds and cottontails, and lots of animal tracks. There was even a cool breeze blowing off the golf course. When I finished at 7:20, it was 91 degrees. It really didn’t feel that bad. Most of the weekend we played games - cards, Life, Operation, etc. Got some great pictures of my nieces & nephew.
On Monday, we drove back to California with my nieces and then spent the afternoon in the pool. This is Morgan with my goggles on.
On Tuesday, I got up and went for a run and then we went to Laguna Beach. It was cloudy when we got there.
But the clouds burned off quickly and it was a beutiful day.
Mostly it was just me playing with the girls in the water. We had boogie boards but Madison was too scared to really try it. I had my mom watch them for a while and swam out into the ocean for some open water swimming. I panicked a little at first, more because I was afraid of what I was going to see than anything else. (I have fish issues). But after a few minutes, I was fine and then I had my form back and my breathing down. It felt wonderful. When I finished, I forced myself to just cruise around in the water and look around. I saw one small sand shark (about 2 feet long) and some other small fish, lots of shells, but that was it. I was fine. The rest of the day was spent riding waves and splashing around in them.
On The Edge June 16, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 4 commentsI made it to the gym last night and swam for an hour. I felt like stopping after the first 30 min but pushed on by telling myself just 15 more min, then another 15 min. It was a good swim, no sets, nice and easy. The best part was that I felt okay when I got out of the water, not dizzy and not tired. The ride home was very nice as was the ride in this morning. Still no run but maybe after work tonight - a brick. Unless I go to the LBS instead. I have to do something about Blue and quick because she’s messing with my knees. And today, my left shin hurt. While riding. Isn’t that weird?
Did you read Kylie’s blog yesterday? She is giving herself a great bday present and may be going to one of my two favorite places on earth - Bryce Canyon (the other is Joshua Tree). They are a photographer’s dream. If you haven’t been to either one, I highly recommend it. This is a picture I took at Bryce Canyon. I call it On The Edge and I think it shows nature’s tenacity. And in a way, hopefully, my own. If there’s a will, nature will find a way. And I will to.
Danskin Photos June 6, 2006
Posted by vollenda in : General, Pictures , 3 commentsMonday was an Active Rest Day and all I had on the schedule was the bike commute. It was a nice day…June Gloom finally arrived so the morning was cool and it was a beautiful 75 degrees on the ride home. My knees were thankful for the break. Ok, here are some of the pictures I took at the Danskin Tri. Click on the link below and then click Play.
Danskin 2006
I had a blast taking them. Hopefully, I’ll get better with more practice and the good v. bad ration of blurry pics will improve. You’d think taking so many pictures of my nieces would have given me plenty of practice catching girls in motion. Now, to figure out how and when I can get more practice. Just like tris, photography takes time and practice, technique and dedication. And sometimes some luck.
Back to training…I ran for 30 minutes this morning. My left knee was/is bothering me so I took it easy. I tried massaging it last night. I’m going to ice it today and see if that helps. Still a nice June Gloom going this morning. Just a little bit of fogginess to keep things cool. I popped a spoke on the way to work this morning. I thought I had a flat and stopped to check it out but everything seemed fine. Then about a mile later I pulled over to check it out again and played my spokes like a guitar and found the one that had popped out. Looks like a trip to the LBS this afternoon. Hopefully it won’t take to long because I want to swim tonight too.