Wow, it's been a while since I've written. Life is indeed what happens while you are busy making other plans. That's probably one of the most overly quoted, but so true statements.
Since Barb's Race, I haven't slowed down too much. A day after it, I went to Maine for almost 2 weeks and had a really great time with my family there. Among other things, we did our first Taunton Bay Biathlon. Accompanied by my sister in law, brother, niece, dad, and cousin, I swam out to the Island. Liz, swam with me, and it was amazing! The water was pretty cold. As a kid, looking out at the island, we never thought we could just up and swim out there. It's about 2/3 of a mile or so. Then, on the way back, Nicole, my sister in law swam back with me. It was really rewarding to feel so much support, and just out and out fun!
Then, if that wasn't enough, the next event was a 20 mile run. John, my brother organized the family, so that 4 people would do 5 mile shifts with me. And they brought my meter and food to the top of the driveway (dried figs and almonds, and a water bottle). It was awesome!!!! First 5 miles with my other brother, Chris. It was pretty warm, we went out the back road, turned around and back. Then, Liz was waiting at the top with the goods. She and I went back out and back for another 5 miles. Then, Omar, her husband. This was a little harder, but still so wonderful to have company. Then, my other brother, John was there for the final 5. It was a little slower (I was estimating 9 minute conversational pace miles), but we did it! And my two nieces, sister in laws, other brother, and the whole crew was at the top of the driveway to meet us. It was really cool.
I had a wonderful time in Maine also. We did some great hikes, swam to Little Moose Island in Acadia National Park, with my friend Beth's kids, which was a lot of fun. On the island we found blueberries, cranberries, rose hips, seaweed, and crabs! Then, we swam back. It was chilly.
And, we did a 1 mile run and a 5k race. I remembered how slow I am at 5k's, but it was nice. I left that same day as the race, and headed back to California.
I'm following my training plan that Andrew set up, but really, with the exception of yesterday, I hadn't taken 1 day of a break since Barb's race. But I've been feeling really good. I finished reading Born to Run, and have been inspired to run smoother, and to remember the sheer joy of it all.
And, I've gotten really really excited and into biking. I can't believe what an amazing thing it is. From the beautiful views, to the newly discovered thrill of going down hills, and speeding thru the cool air and sunshine; I love it!
And, I bought a new bike. I totally splurged. I went last week and test rode a Cervelo S2, and started to really think about buying it. It was an amazing price, and I couldn't resist. It has all the fancy bells and whistles, and most of all, it's just a lot of fun to ride. I had a huge smile on my face when I rode it.
Since then, I've finally gotten fit and found that I need a longer stem, and a more comfortable seat, and wow, what a difference that can make. I rode on Friday a good 60 plus miles, in the seat it came with, which was pretty uncomfortable, and the handlebars were pretty close. I had to relearn and regain confidence going down hills too, especially on bumpy roads, as you feel everything with the stiffer carbon frame.
Then, today, my neighbor who I've been cycling with, and how has been so super kind in helping me out, tried putting a longer stem (it came with a 90, and he thought I should get a 110 or even a 120). He had a 130 laying around, which he knew was too long, but he put it on, and I got a better seat from the bike shop, and immediately, with the longer stem, I felt way more relaxed. It's such a good feeling to finally figure out what is wrong and correct it.
So, I'm pretty stoked on biking these days. I did the Santa Rosa 1/2 marathon today, and it felt pretty good. It was about a minute slower this year than last year, but I felt a lot better. This year I did 1:43 (7:52 minute miles). I felt really good till like mile 10, then it got a little harder. But I think that I have a lot more endurance now than I used to.
Also, we had a Santa Rosa area Dawn Phenom event on Saturday, which was small, but really nice. I met a couple of new people, and talked to a few more. I can't believe how many people are interested in the Insulindependence shirts!
Okay, more soon. It's nice to be back in touch.
Today was the Santa Rosa 1/2 marathon.
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