Passion2Ride

Blessings

2012-02-13T20:07:00.003-10:00

Beautiful morning for a swim. The water was clear, the surf was a bit strong on the back side of the island today, I had some trouble navigating through it. But I don't know how much of that was due to my back...it was quite bothersome out there today, and slowed me down. (at least I hope that's what it was...I'd hate think I'm getting slower in the water!) Swam straight in today instead of heading over to the shark's reef. Tried to catch my swim buddies to let them know, but never quite got there. They keep a good eye on me, so I knew they would figure it out. You know, I'm blessed with two very faithful, and patient swim buddies. God is good. I am so grateful.

Spent the next block of time with my new Life Coach. She's a great lady, and I am her guinea pig in training for her certification. We talked about my goals, setting two for the next three months to work on, and what the roadblocks are to reaching those goals, plus some baby steps to start out. We talked about setting the first one with family...dinner at home, unrushed, 5 nights a week. That sounds pretty daunting right now. The second one is learning the "theory of guitar"...in other words, more detail musically, not just what the chord fingerings are, but why those are the fingerings for those chords. Learning where the individual notes are on the frets, etc. But that is actually a smaller part of the larger goal of getting comfortable enough with the guitar that it becomes second nature, and gets out of the way of worship leading. Again, I am blessed with wonderful people in my life, and Nita is one of those special blessings.

After that, it was off to Dr. Zen, who worked his magic of sorts on my back. The pain isn't gone, and it has returned, but he was able to alleviate it for a couple of hours. Again..blessed! I have to ice it regularly, and he gave me exercises to do to help build up the muscles that support that area. At least I can still ride a bit, and swim as much as I want to.

Went walking with Amy over by UH this afternoon. We had a very nice time...good to get her out and exercising, and good to spend un-agenda'd time with her. Is that a word? Well, it is now! So there!

I need to work on my homework for my Life Coaching now. I have an epic fail with it today, supposed to plan the meal and go shopping for tomorrow. Didn't get there, and now Loren has informed me that he is making dinner tomorrow night, since it's Valentine's day. Guess I 'll have to move it to Wednesday, so maybe it won't be so epic fail after all. Another blessing!

Much Needed Rest

2012-02-12T17:07:00.002-10:00

Well, never used to look forward to these rest days like this. Maybe it's cuz I'm getting older, or maybe I am just learning to value down time. Either way, these are great days.

The drawback today is my lower back. Since that run on Wednesday, it just hasn't been the same. Not sure what's up with that, but I think a visit to Dr Zen is in order tomorrow. Tried the myofascial release roller of torture, but no relief. Not sure about the swim tomorrow. I swam yesterday and it didn't bother me at all. But sitting here it is really aggravated. Bummers.

Oh well, it's not going to get me down.

The Best Day in a Very Long Time!

2012-02-11T16:55:00.004-10:00

What a great day....the family hiked Kahana Valley and got some terrific views. Started off in grumpy land with the girls being tired, not happy for having to wake up at 7:30am on a Saturday. Ha....after about 15 minutes of hiking, they were both chipper and laughing and enjoying the day. Yay! (Kahana Bay pictured above)

After hiking, we embarked on a journey to Waimanalo, for a demonstration on Poi Pounding, and other wonderful ways to prepare Kalo, or Taro. Mmmmm...Dean and Michelle, and their beautiful family demonstrated steaming the korn of the taro, sautéing in olive oil with salt, or garlic, and in a curry-coconut sauce... yum!!!! It was delicious. It's going to be my new food on the bike for those long rides. Sorry Powerbar, you lose out to real food! (Picture of Taro above)

When the demonstration was pau, we headed out to Kailua Beach so I could get my training in for the day...the upper body swim workout. The water was very choppy, but quite clear once I got away from the shore. Swam out to Flat Island and back for my warmup, then grabbed the pull buoy and hand-paddles. Swam the buoys with that set up, and it was quite tough due to the surf and current. Finished up by swimming back out to Flat Island and back. Maybe about 3/4 of the way, as I was getting quite cold by that time. Saw some cool fish. (Box fish pictured is one I encountered today).

Running Away from the Bugs

2012-02-10T21:11:00.003-10:00

Well, another day with no car. Started off find enough, but when the bug guy came, and sprayed, I realized that what he was spraying (something extracted from chrysanthemums), was causing a pretty severe reaction...dizziness, headache, nausea. NOT good. So, I am stuck at home, but can't go inside my house! He stopped the treatment. And apologized...I think he felt pretty bad. Now I have to deal with the company to get at least a partial refund since they couldn't treat the whole property as promised.

Decided to go for a run to get away from the stuff. This was a key workout today, with a couple of intervals thrown in during a tempo run. It was good to speed up a bit, but I've got a long way to go to get some speed of any sort. Well, this is about base right now, so I'll try to be patient. 5.5 miles in just over an hour. Yup, that's pretty darn slow! But, better than sitting on the couch.

Riding for Fun

2012-02-09T16:56:00.002-10:00

Went for the easy recovery bike ride today. Spent most of the day procrastinating cleaning the kitchen, and doing laundry. I guess every life has to have those humdrum moments.

The back is still quite sore today, but Graeme's Rejuvenator workout helped loosen everything up. Felt good on the easy ride, but it's tightening up again. May do the Rejuvenator again shortly to see if that can help.

A Day Without the Car...again!

2012-02-08T20:22:00.003-10:00

So, the Prius had to go in today, 'cuz of the engine light issue. Once again, they were soooo busy, they couldn't even get it on the computer to diagnose it until 4pm this afternoon. Argh.

Well, I took the shuttle over to the church, and ran the Kawainui Marsh Trail, with a few side roads to make it to the full hour for the run. Hung out at the Heiau, reading more from Mark, and just hanging with the Father for a while in the sun. Great time. The big thing that came out of that time was having a healing presence...what does that look like? Jesus healed so many people. If we are to be more like Jesus, to be Christ-like, how do we allow the Spirit to heal through us? The thought to ponder for the day.

The run was good. I spent equal time working shorter, faster strides, and longer ones. The long ones were rough, and I think hard on my body. My lower back is not doing so well after this run today, so I'm thinking I'll stay away from those longer strides for awhile.

Tonight, I'll do the Rejuvenator stretching before bed. Hopefully loosen up the back!

When the Day Goes All Wrong, but Ends Up Right

2012-02-07T20:26:00.004-10:00

One of those days...planned an outdoor, 2-3 hour ride with a friend. Woke up to wind and rain, with trees blowing across the street...no outdoor ride today. Bummer.

So plan B, I'll do the Functional Threshold Testing, since I just got my new HR monitor strap. But then my friend decided she wanted to come over and do a trainer workout with me, so scrap Plan B.

Plan C, cyclospin #12. But of course, I had to download it to the computer in the training room, and that took over an hour. Then, it wouldn't play smoothly. Argh. Had it all set up to play on the larger screen for both of us. Oh well, the ipad came through once again. Gonna have to take that laptop in for service.

Missed my guitar lesson, because the car is not working properly, and the mechanic told me not to drive it over the mountain. It goes in tomorrow.

However, it was a fun workout with Deborah, and we got it done. Last week on this same workout, I couldn't finish it...I didn't even make it half way through. Progress, not perfection...I'll take it!

Getting Used to the Sea Creatures...

2012-02-06T10:26:00.004-10:00

This fish is the Hawaiian Kala, or unicorn fish. I see them around the back side of Flat Island most days we swim. They are quite large, and usually freak me out just a tad, so I never stick around to look at them closely. (That and the fact that my swim buddies are a whole lot fast than I am, and I don't want to slow them down). Then again, there's usually the surf on the back side that can be somewhat daunting at times. Somedays I get smacked pretty good! Any way, today, at least, I took my time swimming when they came past, and enjoyed seeing them. Strange looking, yet cool. Wonder what they think of us!?! ha!

Scott gave me another swim tip today. (He's like quite strong and fast in the water, and looks very efficient with his swim stroke). I'm going to try keeping my index finger tucked just slightly under my middle finger, with the thumb nestled right next to it. This will help keep just a slight curve in the hand, which will help with moving through the water, plus the largest amount of surface area to catch the water. I did try it, but as he predicted, my hands got tired after a while. If I keep working on it, they will get used to it. Scott said he thinks I am getting faster in the water since I started leaving the swim fins at home a few weeks ago. Thanks, Scott!

Sometimes these mornings, that are cold, it's so hard to get the mind and body moving towards the water...and it takes a lot of energy just to get into the water once I'm there. ALWAYS glad I do it, though. Kinda murky water today, except for behind the island. Always an incredible view of the mountains from the water, too. One of these days, I'm gonna have to take a little waterproof camera with me and get some photos. Ohoh, that means a shopping trip to the electronics store...rrrrrrats! (yeah....)

Did the upper body streamline workout this evening. I need to get some 5lb weights and maybe even something lighter for some of the shoulder exercises. 8lbs was too heavy. What a wimp am I?!

Sunday...song, a run, and time with a friend

2012-02-05T20:02:00.007-10:00

The day started a bit slow...as sleep was scarce last night. Awake at 2:30am, I fought it for awhile, and then got up and spent a bit of time with my Father, and working on my leadership stickie board. Trying to figure out the life lessons from the more painful memories of my past. Funny how some of those lessons are so clear, and others, don't seem to have much rhyme or reason beyond the fact that they happened and have helped shape me into the person I am today, and who I will become in the future.

Today's workout was a trail run...Pillboxes in Lanikai. Two pics from the web show a bit of the trail, and a bit of the view. The island is Flat Island, where I swim every Monday and Friday, pretty much rain or shine, white caps, big surf or not! How blessed am I????

It was quite steep, so "run" isn't the best description for this workout, but I hiked it as fast as I could, with a slight pause now and then to admire the view. It was tough, though, and my legs felt like wet spaghetti afterwards. It was quite hot and sunny, which was great.

Something I thought about today as I climbed...the type "A" personality traits I carry are perfect for this type training...pushing myself to my limits and beyond, being focused with a purpose, and accepting nothing but my best efforts all of the time. But this needs to be contrasted with the new personality traits of what ever type is laid back and not so exacting. That's what I am working toward when it comes to the rest of my life. Learning from our new Worship Pastor, a more relaxed approach to things. So even the term "working toward" makes no sense in this mindset. It really either is or it isn't. But even that sounds so "type A", doesn't it?! Hmph. No wonder I have trouble with that.

I realize I need to let go of some of that type A personality, but not when it comes to training. Maybe training becomes my outlet of sorts for the type A, and I learn to let up in other things. I wonder if that is even possible. Can one actually try to become less type A? Let the experiment begin!

The worship this morning was nice. While things tend to be a little too repetitive for me personally, I guess it's something some folks need, so trying not to get distracted by that. It's tough, though. Simplicity in worship can be beautiful, but I miss those songs that also have us worship God with our intellect, songs that cause us to think about what we are saying (singing) to God instead of being more of a mantra than mindful worship. There is place and call for both, to be sure.

Spent an hour and a half walking on the beach with a friend, and getting some good marriage/relationship counseling from her. What a delight to share some of life's journey with a fellow traveller, who happens to have a lot more wisdom than I. How blessed am I!

Ah, Sweet Rest...

2012-02-04T19:24:00.002-10:00

Took the rest day today, gladly. It was time well-spent, with my dear husband, at the "For This Cause" marriage workshop. Though it was mostly time spent on my backside, sitting and listening (actively) to Curt and Rhonda share with us a fresh view of Biblical marriage.

The main issue in the afternoon was learning to communicate with greater skill and care. I suppose the main point they made that resonated the most with me is that marriage is, first and foremost, an act of worship. Worship of the one true God. Marriage is a picture of the Holy Trinity. I liked that analogy. Just helps me treasure marriage more. Thanks, Father for the fresh language and pictures!

Now, on to scheduling the weeks' workouts with the calendar! On to Week 2...TriPlan4P, phase 1, week 2. Bring it on!

Swim around Flat Island

2012-02-03T09:36:00.004-10:00

Today was a swim or rest day, and I opted for the swim, as every Monday and Friday I swim with friends...it's a less of a workout/training session and more of a decompress/connect with buddies time. It is an energizing time.

The friend I swim with on these days is one of the most observant people I've ever known. He sees everything. When we swim, he usually is pointing out all sorts of fish and things I would never notice on my own. But the cool thing about swimming with him is that I am learning to notice more, too.

The water was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. out there today. So clear and so many fish. The back side of Flat Island was soooo calm, and so much to see in the reef formations. All the lava tunnels and holes, the fish swimming in and out. And the view of the Ko'olau's from the ocean was incredible. I am so blessed...I don't deserve it, but God loves me, and gave all of this to me to enjoy. Thank you, Father!

The body is ready for rest...everything hurt this morning. My neck and shoulders feel like the high "g" string on my 12 string guitar...if I get any more tense there, I'm gonna snap! Off to Dr. Zen in about 20 minutes for an adjustment.

Great morning!

In Ride workout #2

2012-02-02T17:12:00.002-10:00

It was really quite a beautiful afternoon to be out on the bike today. I am tired after this workout, though.

Not much sleep last night..up til 2am, why I'm not quite sure, but slept til 8, kindof. So not an ideal way to go into a workout, but glad I did.

So the techniques I focused on today were the "shoe scrapper" that's where you pretend you're scrapping mud off the bottom of your shoes as you pedal around the circle. Found that one gave some momentum. Also found it easier to keep the foot in a neutral position, and bring my toes up inside in my shoes.
Next was "knee thruster" where I focused on bringing the knees up towards the handlebars. Felt that one in the hamstrings mostly.
Finally was the "scissor kick" where I focused on bringing one leg up while driving the other down. I found I could only really do this by concentrating on the hip flexors, and boy are they worked over now!

All 10 intervals were done in the aero position. I have a long way to go to get comfortable in that position on the bike. it's been a while. But I am confident that Graeme's core workouts are going to get me there.

TriPlan4P, week 1 And entering a Contest

2012-02-01T09:36:00.004-10:00

I'm psyched...and maybe a bit psycho. I've entered Graeme Street's contest to help him spread the word about cyclo-core and tri-core programs, and get a bit more individualized attention from him.

I'm discovering something about myself these days...I need attention to be motivated. Now, that might not be a good thing in the long run...I used to be highly internally motivated, but for this season, I need others to help motivate me..and as long as they are there, I do really well. At least I've finally found what motivates me. That is a great start.

So, because I've entered this contest, I feel motivated by Graeme, and those who are responding to the video, (both positively and negatively). This has been a great week of training thus far, and I'm feeling tired, but energized. Funny, huh?!

So, here's to high hope that Graeme selects me as one of his 5 for the challenge, and that his pushing will be what helps me find that internal motivation once again.

2011-09-10T19:46:00.002-10:00

Rode w/ da old gang today...AK, Patrick, and a bunch of new guys I don't know. Really a great group of guys out having fun on a Saturday morning. Hadn't ridden in a pace line in I don't know how long, but it sure was fun to do it again!

Untitled by passion2ride at Garmin Connect - Details

2011-04-30T13:42:00.001-10:00

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Great ride today with M. She was so patient to wait for me, and then stay with me on the climb up Pineapple Hill. If I had been going any slower, we would have been moving backwards. But she was very encouraging. It was a good day out there!

2011-04-29T21:08:00.003-10:00

Got in one HIT (#5) session today, plus part of another (#1) until for some unknown reason, my ipad shut off all by itself. Weird.

My back is tight now, from the work on the bike, but that's good, b/c that means I worked those muscles, and they are getting stronger.

Tomorrow, a good ride in the hills with some friends, and then helping my older daughter get ready for Sr. Prom. Wow.

Life...does it really get in the way?

2011-04-29T07:27:00.003-10:00

Yesterday was to be a mountain bike day, so a high intensity kinda day. But wouldn't you know, Kathryn was home sick, so it was a no-go on the mtb ride. I was going to do one of Graeme's HIT sessions, but when I went to my workout room, it was a bloody mess...golf clubs, bikes, and dust & stuff every where. So, I took the day to clean out that room. The light didn't work, so I headed out to CityMill to get a new shop light. Got it, and then realized that it didn't come with a plug...it was meant to be hardwired in! Well, I looked at the old shop light, cut off the cord, pulled the casing off the wires, and wired it to the new light...plugged it in....and it worked!!! I feel sooo empowered! By the time I finished with all of that, I decided to just do a quick weight workout before making dinner for the troops. Just dumbbells for now. A little muscle soreness this morning, but not too bad. Kathryn is home sick again today, but I will do a HIT session this morning.

Life is what it is, and I happen to love life. So let it get in the way...better that than not having a life at all! ;-)

Another day in paradise...

2011-04-27T20:58:00.002-10:00

Wow..what a gorgeous day for a ride along the coastline today. It was amazing. I got in 40 miles again today. Felt so good to be out doing some miles finally!

I know Graeme and others talk about the no need for miles thing, but I've got to get some muscular endurance back in the legs along with the shorter, higher intensity stuff. Once my mileage is up to about 100-125 miles a week, then I'll start not thinking about mileage overall.

It's tough coming back after so long, but the time is right for this, so here I go!

Thoughts today went to a phrase I've heard a lot lately from other Christians...the term "love on" someone. For some reason, I find that almost repulsive. All I see/feel when someone says they are going to love on me, or someone else, is this urge to peel them off of me, it makes me feel smothered and slimey. Where did that phrase come from? I don't think it's all that Biblical, is it? I can see someone loving on an infant, but how about we just love each other, is that ok?

Back in the saddle, and the pool, again...

2011-04-25T21:29:00.002-10:00

I've had three really good weeks of slow building back on the bike. This past weekend marked my longest ride to day, 40 miles. Not much in the great scheme of things, but enough to keep me hungry for more.

Got in the pool today for some laps. That was wonderful. I think I have some open water swimming in my near future, once Kathryn is out of school, and I can meet up with some folks over at Kailua for a 7am start around Flat Island.

Kathryn wants to take up surfing, so sometime this week, I need to go to White Plains Beach and check out the rentals.

Got in a good mtn bike ride on Thursday, I have a long way to go for that, though. It's all good!

Act justly, but LOVE mercy.

2011-01-28T22:22:00.002-10:00

It's been a while since I've tried to write anything of substance outside of church related activities.

After reading and speaking with a few folks from my past, I realize just how important staying up to date and well-read is to understanding today's society.

So the question of the day...What does the Lord require of me? Micah says it's to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God.

ACT justly, and LOVE mercy. Interesting choice of verbage. I don't have to love justice, or even seek after it, just be sure my actions are just...and yet, I am to love mercy...my own actions are to be just. Love mercy...does that mean I am to be merciful? That when others don't act justly, I am to show them mercy...and maybe even willingly show them mercy? Hmmmm...maybe I'll spend some time with this verse this week and see where God takes me.

A Different Way of Life

2010-06-23T07:58:00.003-10:00

It's a new day...and I look back and think how much my life has changed over the last 2 years. I've gone from 200 miles/10-20 hrs/week on the bike to 0. That really sucks.

But, I've rediscovered music...the passion and life that brings to every day living. It brings so much joy to sing with the Royal Hawaiian Band, direct the choir at UCC Judd St, even the nail biting moments learning a bit part for The Sound of Music at Diamond Head Theater.

But music has taken over where the cycling left off, I still don't have time to just "be" with my family...play with Kathryn, or sit and talk with Amy.

Someday, I'll learn to balance it all..hopefully before it's too late.

More time on the Kestrel

2010-05-03T23:14:00.003-10:00

Logged another hour on the Kestrel on Saturday. It really is responsive, but it still has that "resistant" feel to it. Especially when I stand...that must be part of the kick-back phenomenon that happens when the guy in front of me stands, and suddenly his bike is shifting backwards into mine. Hopefully will get used to that soon and learn to make adjustments.

On the Road...and Loving It!

2010-04-26T06:17:00.003-10:00

I've put the Kestrel away for a week or two while preparing for the John B Kelley Haleiwa Metric Century Ride, which was yesterday, April 25.

I went in with no pressure to stay with anyone, or try to prove anything, as it is a long road to fitness once that level drops below a certain point. It couldn't have been a more perfect day.

The weather was perfect, GORGEOUS picture perfect, tourist kine, with the water sparkling and glistening as the sunlight played on the surface. The mountains were a brilliant green in contrast to the varied hues of blue and aqua of the ocean. A bit of a headwind on the way out, which translated to a nice tail wind on the way back. Perfect!

Several wonderful angels let me draft them on this ride, which really helped conserve my energy in order to finish this ride. Thank you and Aloha to all of you!

Ray was a knight in shining armor, who after completing his ride, rode back down the course to find me, and help me get back. Talk about above and beyond the call of friendship! We don't get to ride together much, so it was a real treat for me. What a guy!

Kestrel Review con't

2010-04-14T19:36:00.004-10:00

So, today was day 3 on the new bike. I'm really enjoying the new ride. However, there's a problem with the headset coming loose while I'm riding, so I had to stop twice to mess with it. Did some climbing at Auloa and Olomana with it, and it really responds well. Handles great on the turns on the descents, too. Pretty good for a TT bike. I can actually reach the barend shifters on this bike, so I can shift while in the aero position. Cool!

Still not sure about the resistance factor, though. It still seems a bit resistant when not going full power. Weird. Wonder if the loose headset contributes to that? It feels a bit like the tail wagging the dog. But not as much today.

Avg power is slowly rising for each ride...now I'm into the low 100's...104, 108, etc with Norm power in the 120-140 range. Not bad for coming back....yay!

Review of the Kestrel AirFoil Pro SL

2010-04-10T15:44:00.002-10:00

Finally got out on the new steed today. A gorgeous 2009 AirFoil Pro made by Kestrel. I'll get some pics up shortly.

Having not ridden the Cervelo P2 for sometime, it's hard to do a side-by-side comparison. But I'll try.

First of all, the Kestrel fits like a glove. I can get super low in the front, and even have some seat post coming out of the frame, unlike the P2 where I had to shove that puppy into the seat tube as far as it would go! The top tube is a bit shorter on the Kestrel, which suits me well.

My set up is as follows:

47cm Kestrel AirFoil Pro SL frame

Stock Kestrel Fork

Oval Concepts Carbon cowhorns, with OC aluminum aerobars.

Oval Concepts adjustable mount Stem, 110

Drive Train

Specialties TA Carmina Crank Arms 170

Specialties TA Carmina Chain Rings, 39/53

Campy 10sp Chain

DuraAce Derailleurs, front and rear

DuraAce friction bar end shifters

DuraAce brakes

Campy 10sp, 11-25 cassette

Wheel Set today

Rear: Power Tap SL+ Nimble Spider

Front: Velocity Deep V

These all came off the Cervelo.

What I noticed immediately with the Kestrel, was its responsiveness. It feels as though it is an extension of me...whatever I do, it does. We move together as a single entity.

The compromise of that, is that if the legs lose momentum, so does the bike. It's as though any pedaling inefficiencies I have are exacerbated on this bike. By the same token, when my pedaling is super efficient, the bike moves like no other. It doesn't like to coast...it actually slows down very quickly when I stop pedaling. The Cervelo, always just wanted to keep moving forward. I don't know how else to explain it. OR...WHAT could explain that strange sensation.

The ride is much smoother than the P2C, that's for sure. And the fit is so good, it's almost comfortable!

Interestingly enough, I rode this same route two days ago on the Merlin road bike, when I did 3x 10 minutes at Threshold. I only did a few efforts out there today...mainly 1 minute pedal technique drills, in the aero position. Just as windy both days...and I did the exact same speed with a bit less wattage today. Wonder what it would have been if I had been on the P2c??

Well, that's all the review news I have today. I plan to ride a bit tomorrow, a little shorter perhaps, but seeing how I can keep the avg speed up.

Aloha!

Dormant and Asleep? NOT!!!

2009-12-29T09:07:00.002-10:00

OK, that's only partially true....dormant with the riding, yes, asleep? No way! Glad the Christmas Concert season has come and gone for yet another year.

Once the priority of fitness slips, it sure is tough to get back on the wagon...or the bike as the case may be. Heck, I haven't even been on a golf course in almost 6 months! Yikes!

Well, I'm thinking of starting a women's only fitness cycling group...more than just talk story, but less than the competitive clubs around. Wonder if there's any interest? Hmmm.

Will get a ride or a run in today for sure. Then sit down and get the fitness calendar up and running, setting my goals for the coming year...a ride on the mainland this year???

Entering the CycleOps Recipe Contest

2009-07-02T09:41:00.002-10:00

Here is the tried and true recipe for my killer recovery smoothie.

2 Scoops Orange Dream Ultragen
1 cup water
1/2 Cup Soy Milk or non-fat cow's milk
1/2 Cup Orange Juice
1/4 - 1/2 pineapple cut into chunks
1-2 oranges, orange peel removed
1/2 Cup fresh or frozen strawberries, or blueberries (or both)
1-2 apple bananas
1 Cup spinach leaves
1 pack frozen acai pulp (optional)
ice

Mix all in a blender until smooth, serve immediately. Serves 2-4, depending on how long the ride was!

I use a VitaMix5000 blender "from hell" that is the single best kitchen gadget I have ever invested in. My kids love this, and my team LOVES when we end at my house after our 6 hour rides around the island!

Getting the Priority Back

2009-05-12T11:14:00.002-10:00

It's a slow process at times...getting back into the swing of a regular training schedule. So many things want to crowd out that sacred time. Sometimes it's the stupid little things...I forgot my ID to get into the 24hr Fitness club I just joined two weeks ago...so it was either forget the workout, or drive over to Pearl Harbor and workout at Bloch arena...oooooo sweaty Sailors...always a nice treat! HA! The past few weeks I would have just left it at that, but today, I made the 15 minute drive over the mountain and got in a good 30 minute lower body training session. yessss.

I have no voice, and still a bit of a cough...and a bit of a hack....but otherwise, I feel fine. Not even a sore throat.

Maybe I'll throw the TT bike on the rollers tonight while watching Dancing with the Stars and Lie to Me reruns. (LOVE that show!) Just spin out the legs.

Sick....

2009-05-09T21:58:00.002-10:00

Well, it's hit..the cold has finally taken hold in my chest...darn it! No riding for me for a few days...most likely no gym, either....rrrrrrats! I know, stay the course and this too shall pass. Here's to rest, rest and more rest to get better!

I LOVE the gym!

2009-05-05T21:37:00.002-10:00

Another day of being somewhat on track, even though the muscles are sore, it sure feels great. Got in for some upper body work, and then went to the chiropractor for adjustment, more for prevention of sore back tomorrow after today's workout.

Got in a short run before the lifting, to warm up the body. Total workout including post workout shower was 1 hour. That's a record for me, I think, as usually the gym just keeps getting longer and longer as I find more exercises I want to do....but I am trying to be very disciplined so that I build strength and still have energy left for cardio.

Back to indoor training

2009-05-04T22:13:00.003-10:00

Wow...a good friend and riding buddy was almost killed this weekend when he was hit from behind by a tour bus, in the bike lane! He's doing much better, but had spinal rods surgically implanted today, and they will begin working on the pelvic area now too. He's in good spirits and award of what has happened. He's young and a fighter, he'll get through this. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, as his recovery journey will be a long, hard battle.

If that's not enough to keep me off the road for a day or two, the Vog here is terrible. The air is thick, my eyes are burning and so are the lungs. Time for some indoor work until the Trades come back.

Almost didn't get to the gym today, as a morning 'crisis' kept me from my new routine. But I was able to go this afternoon. Leg press was better today...90#. Tomorrow will be some upperbody work and an indoor cyclo-spin session.

Priorities and Life

2009-05-02T09:29:00.003-10:00

Well, folks, it's time to clear the schedule and figure out what the heck is going on. I actually messed the words up on the National Anthem yesterday. I have sung that song a thousand times or more, but blanked out in the middle and found myself singing the right words in the wrong place...got back on track and finished grandly, but who forgets the words to the Anthem for crying out loud???? How stupid can I be?????

I'm told that stress can do this to a person. So I guess time for re evaluation is a good thing, eh? Gotta be sure the kids are taken care of first. Then I can get out and exercise. It's so hard to figure out how to fit it all in. Something's gotta give, but I don't know what yet.

Well, I've got a major throat/upper chest cough going on, so I think an easy ride or run is in order to clear the head and get the blood moving, but no anaerobic activity today. Darn!

2009-04-29T20:27:00.002-10:00

What a great ride! The day was GORGEOUS out today. Here's my view....back of Kualoa Ranch. Took out the TT bike and rode for just over 1.5 hours. Nice.

Felt great the rest of the day. But didn't get to the recovery spa. Perhaps some myofascial release before bed. At least the sore muscles are feeling stronger.

I Love Recovery!

2009-04-28T18:44:00.003-10:00

Well, got the upper body in and a nice run on the lower trail on Tantalus...though it's quite steep and so it was more like stair climbing...but worked up a good sweat and got the HR up for 40 minutes on the way up. I like that!

Had a bit of a crunch at work, so didn't get the time to go practice golf today. :(

I think the 24HR Fitness setup after dropping Ryn off at school is going to do wonders for my girlish figure....yay!!!!

Looking forward to Wednesday for a nice long, easy recovery style ride on the Cervelo Rocket. Gotta get used to the aero position for the 40K. Build up the neck/shoulder/arm muscle endurance in that oh so comfortable position! HA!

The legs ARE sore after yesterday's weight workout. I LOVE that feeling. Being able to feel every muscle and tendon in my legs feels so good, I feel physically more alive and well. It's just hard to move around! This too shall pass.

After my ride tomorrow, I'll do the at home spa treatment with the epsom salt bath and myofascial release. Ahhhh, that will help the legs, too.

One Day at a Time

2009-04-27T20:51:00.002-10:00

Today's workout was ok... I actually made it out on the bike instead of my second run session this evening. It was a beautiful evening, and just cruising on the single speed made it especially nice.

Legs are going to be sore from the weights...they almost cramped during the leg press (and only 70#s!) Yikes.

Run was short, as time was short, so I only got in about 15 minutes warmup for lifting.

Got my Blackberry connected, so now I can post to my blog from my phone. I'm feeling more and more high tech every day....ha!

Need to get the Time Trial bike put together this week, so I can start working towards the 40k in June. Just 2 months to build some fitness!

Stages and Phases

2009-04-26T23:25:00.002-10:00

Loving every minute of life these days...though there seems to be little time to just stop and smell the roses. Had a great time playing in the "orchestra" for my kids' choir concert this afternoon. Kinda cool to have all three of us performing in the same production. They did really well, I'm so proud of them.

Joined 24 hr fitness last week, so I don't have to waste 25 minutes each way to drive to the free military gym....and it's right on the way to work from Kathryn's school, so it should be a lot easier to get to lifting again.

First goal is to get the body ready for some strong lifting sessions. I'll take about 3 weeks for this first phase...mainly working lightish weight, and focusing strictly on form, so that I don't injure myself when the real lifting begins. I want to be able to bench press my weight, and leg press over 200lbs. Of course, the cardio will continue at least 5 days a week, to get the blood flowing and aerobic fitness on track. I will be doing more running, simply because it's easier at this point in time.

Since I won't be training for anything, really, I'll be able to focus more on the weight loss issue...and can have a calorie deficit of 1000cal/day to lose 1 lb per week.

Fat loss and training

2009-03-10T10:51:00.002-10:00

Time to do the Fatloss Bootcamp this week. Started with the z4 testing class from the Cyclo-spin series. Good workout, but short. That's ok, though.

Starting to see some improvements over time, did my third TT of the season, and set a new PR for the course/distance. I am finally over 21mph for avg speeds, now it's time to bump that up to over 22 mph. I want to learn to fly!

Lots of work ahead, but I am psyched for what's to come, and know that this will be a fun season. The best I've had in a while, I think.♠

Inspiration from Graeme

2009-03-07T11:23:00.002-10:00

It was so cool to be able to meet Graeme "up close and personal"-like. It was even better to be able to ride with him on more than one occasion while he was here. He is so motivating, so on fire, one can't help but be taken in by his charisma. Being able to introduce him to my friends at Boca Hawaii (http://bocahawaii.com/about.php), and have him with them was a treat. Everyone was truly impressed....Graeme with them, and they with Graeme. Cool.

I love the new concept Graeme is going with for existing clubs. The Club is such a great resource, and not having to have a specific bike shop sponsor a club or whatever, Graeme offers a great alternative. I"m thinking I may start a women's only Hawaii team...with the Club as a unifying factor....Input from Josh or Graeme??????? Or anyone else?????

Anyway, keeping true to the goals Graeme helped me to set, I attempted my second spinclass session...today's Cyclo0Spin 7. OUCH!!!!! Both mentally and physically...but that little lightbuld came on....6 months off, I've lost a lot of leg speed and strength. Be patient with myself...challenge myself again with this one in another 3 weeks, and see where I'm at once again.

No wonder I got dropped on the few group rides I've done since returning...I have no acceleration in my legs at all right now. This will change as I get fitter, though. Time to set my goals for the season...I can feel it.

More later when I figure that out!

First race in a year....

2009-02-22T19:38:00.002-10:00

Well, I bit the bullet, and did the Mokuleia TT this morning. Haven't been on the TT bike in a year..haven't raced in a year....and am just starting to feel like fitness may have a chance at returning to this ever changing body of mine.

Thankfully, it was a later start...one much more civil than most. I was the first rider off at 8am sharp. I was passed by the next 4 riders on the way out....but at least it took over 5 minutes for the first rider to pass me! The cool part was that as the lead rider, I had a police escort until I got passed....that was awesome! Unfortunately, the police escort didn't know where the turnaround was supposed to be, and he led all 5 of us to the end of the road, about 1.75 miles beyond the real turnaround. There were only 7 of us affected by this, but oh well....it was still fun.

This was one of the smoothest TTs I've done, even though my watts were low, the file shows a great effort....gradually increasing wattage through the entire race, with my peak 10 minutes at the end...not too bad! My avg speed was over 21mph, so I'm happy. Still comparatively slow, but for me it wasn't bad.

Time for some rest and relaxation, and then on to more riding on Tuesday!

Impressed, Humbled, and Tired

2009-02-12T21:43:00.002-10:00

Wow...I got to ride with Graeme today, and show him just a bit of my beautiful island. I was amazed by how smooth a rider he is! We rode a lot of little rollers on the route today, and he was all over those puppies! Fortunately he never complained about having to wait for me.

He was also my gallant knight, fixing my flat for me, as well as lending me a CO2 cartridge when I realized that I hadn't reloaded my seat bag properly, having forgotten to put cartridges back in. A true gentleman!

Best of all, it was just totally motivating to ride with him. To really see the results of the CycloCore program makes me want to re-infuse my workout regiment to include more of his workouts.

I'm pooped out tonight, but in a great way. What a great ride!

Busy Times

2009-02-09T19:45:00.002-10:00

Wow...got back from timing a triathlon on Kauai over the weekend. I LOVE that job...watching a bunch of very fit people running around in swimsuits has its perks! I especially like the body marking part...HA!

Did a long ride on Saturday, well, long for me right now, 60 miles. It was a great day...cool and dry. Windy, though, so it took some effort.

I've discovered that I eat a lot of high carb food after long rides, and salty foods, too. I guess that means I need to take a closer look at my on-the-bike nutrition so that doesn't happen after wards.

Tomorrow is sprint day, and Graeme arrives in Hawaii soon, too, and I am *really* looking forward to meeting him. It will be such a privilege and delight to show him all the great places to ride here. I love showing off my home turf!

I'll pick up my SS tomorrow. It ended up being a LiteSpeed tri frame that fit me like a glove. I can't wait to start riding it around. Fun fun fun!

Made 2 days in a Row!!!

2009-02-02T19:02:00.003-10:00

This weekend saw the start of a new trend...2 days riding/followed by a day of rest. Tonight will be the litmus test...if I sleep well, and feel good in the morning, then I will be able to ride another day. Slow and steady is the mantra....no pushing the fitness, just let it come...Maybe this thing is finally turning around!

Cyclo-Club power guru coach John Verhuel has given me some great guidelines to use to keep it going in the right direction. Watching the TSS scores for the week, and keeping the incremental increase more gradual on the average....plus some recommended reading on a sports psych site (can you say that 5 times fast?) : http://www.marvinz.com/sportpsychology/articles.html

Been practicing my golf more consistantly, and the swing is getting better. I'm really enjoying learning this game, even with the frustrations it can bring!

Got my single speed almost together...can't wait to take it out for a spin! yippeee!

More Rest

2009-01-21T21:47:00.002-10:00

I can't believe it....woke this morning with Amy's sore throat & fatigue and Kathryn's sniffles. Sometimes this mom-thing can be down right contagious! Oh well, a little more rest can't hurt, can it???

So, I'm stoked about riding again. Coached last night, beginning group paceline skills. Lots of fun working with folks who really want to learn, who want to improve and join in on all the fun cycling has to offer. It's all good.

Thinking maybe, in order to stave off any threat of over doing on the bike again, I'll dabble in Triathlon this season. Running is so good, and the water can be relaxing and zen-like, plus I can't even dream about being competitive in this sport, so the pressure is off and I can just have fun without worrying about whether or not I'm going to let the team down with my performance.

Time to put my money where my hands are typing and get to bed before 10pm tonight.

Sweet Dreams....

Last Day: Day 7

2009-01-19T11:14:00.002-10:00

Well, other than some major carb cravings yesterday, it went OK. Today is the final day in the program, and now I need to figure out where to go from there to continue to drop some of this excess baggage that creeped on during my 6 month lay-off.

Funny, my weight barely changed during this time, but my BF% went from under 15% all the way up to 30%. Scary and really gross!

It's another beautiful day in paradise. I can't wait to get on my bike and ride some later in the day before my carb booster meal! Woo hooooooo!

It's day 4!

2009-01-16T07:53:00.002-10:00

Well, made it through the total carb cravings yeterday without a hitch. I feel so good this morning before breakfast. Eating less makes me feel better. So why do I eat more? Who knows.

Anyway, I get to ride again today. I'm not sure if I should do some intensity or not, I have to be so careful not to overdo it.

My chiropractor talked yesterday for the first time of maybe my having to give up parts of cycling...such as mountain biking, or not riding as much overall, because of the dystonia in my hands. We don't know for sure yet if there's a correlation, so I am going to be doing some tracking for the next few weeks to see what happens. I would be very bummed if I could no longer ride my bike for hours on end. But one thing at a time, I need to find what exacerbates the problem, first.

Boot Camp, Day 3

2009-01-15T08:59:00.002-10:00

It all started off OK, but soon went south....the wind was gusting up to 60 mph, and may get up to 90 mph today. Good thing I wasn't planning on riding my bike! Anyway, lots of stuff blowing around outside, and I had to go out and batten down the hatches, which made me late for everything, and then of course, my kids were late as a result. Ugh.

Oh well, over here on the Leeward side now, the wind is breezy, but not nearly as much as on my side of the island. It is supposed to pick up tonight with rain added in for good measure. Yippeeeeee.

Boy are my muscles sore from running yesterday...it feels soooo good. I love it when the muscles are tight, and then I stretch, it makes me feel powerful in a physical way, strong, to know that I've worked my body the way it's meant to be worked.

I really want to train today, but this is a rest day, and that needs to be honored.

Fatloss Bootcamp Day 2

2009-01-14T09:19:00.004-10:00

Instead of riding today, I went for a 30 minute run/walk this morning at 4:45 am. Found my dream house for sale. If we hadn't just put a whole bunch of money into upgrades (new roof, new exterior paint and a solar water heating system), I'd consider actually trying to move. Poor timing!

Anyway, after the walk, I tried to do the cyclocore bonus abs workout...what was easily done 6 months ago, I couldn't make it through the entire thing today. But it felt good to be working the core again.

I am excited by how much there is to do, not intimidated or bummed...I know that I will get strong again, that I will be fit once again. One day at a time, just like this bootcamp. Get through now, and let tomorrow take care of itself, ya? It's the journey....the people I train with, the people in the clinics, the folks online....we all work together for the common good.

Fatloss Bootcamp Day one

2009-01-13T06:14:00.003-10:00

It's been a while since my last posting...I guess life just got in the way. My focus has been very scattered on things other than training and riding. Funny how hard it can be to get back into the regime once it's been overthrown. Now it's the challenge of taking time.

Went for a ride about 5 days ago, short and easy, with one about 3 minute hill that is boucoup steep. (did I spell that right???) But it felt soooo good to feel those muscles working again.

Afterward, I felt great. But a little later, I started sugar cravings. Two days later, my legs started to swell again, and the other symptoms of overtraining came back...not sleeping well, etc.

The caveat is that my nutrition sucked during that time...very poor choices and poor timing, and too much all the way around. AND, my sleep habits were poor, too. Staying up til midnight or beyond and then getting up at 4:30 or 5 am.

So, the question becomes, are my current OT symptoms being caused by the ride I did, or by my nutritional and sleep habits????

I have decided to do a little experiment this week. I have started the "fatloss" bootcamp from CycloClub (check it out if you're not already a member) today. I got to bed before 10pm last night, and except for Thursday, that is going to be my mantra for this entire week. Plus, I will be doing short, one hour rides perhaps 4x this week. Let's see what happens with that! I realize that I am wandering from the fatloss bootcamp protocol with this, but I've got to find out if it's nutrition or riding that's the problem here.

Finally got a frame and a hub to build up my fixie!!!!!!! Should be done by the end of the week.

Mele Kalikimaka

2008-12-25T15:49:00.002-10:00

Christmas...what a great day. I really do love this time of year, even here in Hawaii, without the snow.

Motivation is coming from various sources as of late....Texastutt with his descriptions of virtual training rides has made me long to get back on my Computrainer, but I have a lot of clean up to do in my bike room before I can even get to it, let alone ride it! Then there is the re-learning curve. But I now have a dedicated laptop for the CT, so it should be great to use it, once it's up and running.

My body is beginning to tell me it's time to exercise again. I keep thinking I should start, and plan to do so, but then my body reacts poorly. But now, I find am getting ancy, not able to sit still so much...and I feel like I NEED to exercise again. Maybe I really did need all this time off. I"m dying to do pull ups and pushups and hanging ab work again...how sick is that??? HA!

Maybe I'll try for a consult with Graeme, to get a truly beginners schedule going, where I'm riding only 3-4 days a week and strength training, too.

I'm wondering if the fatloss bootcamp would throw me backwards right now, I kinda feel like it would...but I feel like a blob!

Now that the holidays are winding down, my responsibilities at work will even out again, and I"ll be able to get back into a routine of sorts. I can't wait!

Turning the Corner?

2008-12-16T06:37:00.002-10:00

Wow, the last few days, even though I've been busy as all get-out, I've felt a hint of that "inner energy" I used to know....I don't feel that deep fatigue as much now. I'm stoked. Maybe all this time completely off is exactly what I needed. I just wonder if I will know when it's time to start again. Maybe I'll try for a ride this week and see how I feel after wards.

The motivation to ride is really starting to come back to me now. I'm stoked to get back on the bike, I don't even have to try to convince myself I want to ride....it's coming from the heart once again.

I just have to be careful not to over-do it at first. Maybe I'll use HR instead of power for my limit for a while, just to be sure. Yeah, that's a good idea.

Drowning

2008-12-05T14:46:00.003-10:00

Life has become a whirlpool....it crept up on me, all of a sudden... I;m being sucked into the vortex and can't seem to pull out of it. I have a job tonight, 2 tomorrow, with 2 kids' concerts thrown in, 4 jobs on Sunday, the house painter comes on Tuesday, another 2 jobs on Wednesday, 1 BIG job on Thursday, final dress on Friday and the BIG program on Saturday. Sunday after that is another job...oh, and my brother is coming for a one day visit on Saturday, too. I can't wait to see him, I just hope I can hold it all together through all of it!

I looked at myself in the mirror today, really looked, and realized I don't even recognize my body any more. I have great intentions to get back on the bike, to exercise, but so much else gets in the way...I've never really had this dilemma before. But I guess it all comes down to priorities. You make time for the things that are most important to you, right? Some where, as a result of the illness and fatigue,exercise slipped down that totem pole to the bottom. Now it's tough to bring it back up.

I don't know where to start to rebuild my fitness...or if I should even try during these next two weeks. Sigh.

Well, at least I get to go to the driving range at least once a week to practice. Golf is a blast!

The Sensuous Journey

2008-11-29T15:23:00.003-10:00

Finally, after literally a month, I was on the road bike today. Carved some time out while my folks are visiting to get out for about 40 minutes. The day is cool, a little damp, but nice beautiful riding weather. Chinaman's hat and Kualoa mountains as the back drop really set the tone for the ride. I love that view.

My thoughts rolled around in my head as I turned the pedals over. I thought about how much I've missed this, how much I want to be back on the road on a regular basis again. I thought about how out of shape I am, how my hipflexors are super weak.

But mostly, I thought about Graeme's words in our consult 3 months ago. He talked about the process vs the goal...and which is more important. For competitive cyclists, the goal is paramount...win or place high in the race, get a faster time, whatever. But it dawned on me that I enjoy the process. I enjoy the minute aspects of training....the gym time, the stretching, the intervals, how my body feels as I am getting stronger and leaner. That is more important to me that winning. Yes, I like to win, but what I really want is to feel strong, and be able to push myself to my limits and beyond. To be proud of my accomplishments regardless of how others do. The joy is in the journey for me, not the end product of winning.

Fitness is very sensual. The sensations of getting fit feel so good....such a high. Plus I find that as I progress, I feel more sensual. The sense of taste gets very intense, hearing is heightened, even vision becomes sharper. The feel of hard, tight muscles on my body makes me feel sensuous. When I can stretch out long and lean, I feel so in touch with who I am. The look of fitness on others is appealing...sometimes I want to reach out and touch some of those legs in my riding group!

So the journey is my goal, to experience every little dip in the road as I become fit and sensual once again.

Wishes

2008-11-25T09:08:00.003-10:00

One of my vocal groups, the teen girl group, Angels of Faith, is working on "My Grown Up Christmas List" to sing for Christmas. It got me to thinking about some of the things I wish for. Here's my not-so-grown-up, grown-up-Christmas list!

To see Floyd Landis racing against the best once again.
That Floyd will win his case to have the fine placed on him reversed.

For justice and fairness to be more prevalent in our world, tempered with forgiveness.

That we could all be just a little bit kinder and more patient with each other.

That my friend Eric, and sister-in-law Linda would go into remission with their cancer.

To find that illusive balance between family responsibilities and training on my bike.

For the rest of my family to find the same joy in exercise as I do.

A singlespeed Terry FastWoman bike!

For my energy, vitality and health to be restored.

Is It Really All Good?

2008-11-19T06:37:00.003-10:00

Wow, life has just flown by these last two weeks. With hubby gone, I was a single mom for 7 days...how people do that full time is beyond me. My hat is off to every single parent who is so faithful every day. Wow.

I have not had a single workout in TWO weeks. How sad is that? And I'm still tired. What's up with that? Will it ever end? I have another MD appt today to do some neurological testing. Maybe this will yield some answers.

I go back and read through some of my blog postings, and I sounded so confident in my declaration that I would just accept where I am and move am. That's a lot harder to do than it is to write!

Well, life goes on, and I will make the best of it. My family life is getting stronger, for which I am very grateful.

Single Speed/Fixed Gear heaven...here I come! I am going to order a specially made Terry FastWoman to build as a fixie. I can't wait. Ya hoooooo!!!!!

It's All Part of the Job/I know where I want to go now!

2008-11-10T05:46:00.002-10:00

Well, sick kid today...poor thing has been working so hard for her musical production at school and still keeping her grades up, she's exhausted and now she's paying the price. Hopefully I can nurse her back to health speedily.

Will have to do some modified workout today as I don't want to leave Amy alone too much when she's sick.

A good friend stopped by yesterday to see how I was doing, since I haven't been riding with the gang in over 3 months. He thinks that all the medical tests are negative because I'm overtrained, pure and simple. How would he know? He's been there. Said it took over 6 months to feel better physically and over 8 to get a passion back for the bike.

Looks like maybe the new year will be a new start??? Perhaps I should set a new goal...just get 45 minutes of aerobic exercise every day and be consistent in the gym. Take weight loss seriously and lose the excess baggage I'm carrying so that when I start seriously on the bike again, I'm lean and ready to go.

That's it, I know where I want to go now. My goal is to lose 10lbs by the new year, and to be consistent with my exercise, cardio and weights. Got it!

And the Beat Goes On

2008-11-07T10:07:00.002-10:00

Wow...what a whirlwind it has been lately. I hardly even got to practice golf yesterday! Today will be no different.

How do other moms and dads with kids home from school get a workout in? My youngest is out the last two days for "professional development day" or something, and she'll be off on Veteran's day. I feel like I shouldn't let her watch TV while I workout, but my workouts are pretty specific, so it's hard to incorporate the kids. I'm open to ideas!?!?

I think that it is time to start Graeme's protocol that he built for me in September (or was it August? it all seems to collide together into one big, tangled blob!) Any way, moving on.

Ride with Passion!

Test Day: Resignation or Motivation???

2008-11-06T06:23:00.004-10:00

Well, the parathyroid hormone level was actually low, so the test result is negative. Back to square one. At least one more thing is checked off the list of what's NOT wrong with me!

So, where do I go from here? You know what my nurse practioner said to me? She said that most people with Chronic Fatigue or other such things can't even get out of bed, or really struggle to get through the day. How do you explain to someone who is so used to seeing out of shape, unhealthy people that someone like me, who is meticulous with diet and exercise, and above average fitness, is losing hope? I can't even do HALF of what I was able to do even two years ago. I drag myself out of bed every morning and go through the motions to get the kids ready for school and out the door. I do what I have to do because I can't shirk my responsibilities as mom and wife. I've cut back on everything else in my life, and I still feel tired, lethargic and weak. But since I still can do more than most "normal" folks, there can't be anything wrong with me. ARGH!!!! I have actually had to hire someone to come clean my house for me, because I can't do it anymore. Where do I go? What do I do????

Well, from here, I guess for now, this is the energy level I'm going to have for a while. The feeling sick to my stomach all the time is just going to be with me, so I need to learn to live with it, stop whining, and get on with it. I want to focus on what I CAN still do, and how I can incorporate the Cyclo-Workouts into my new lower- energy level life.

My team is in need of someone to lead the "talk story" rides for women only. Maybe all of my (somewhat limited) knowlege of cycling and fitness can be put to good use with the beginning cyclists, entry level, just-starting-out-in-this-thing riders. The only problem is that right now, the rides are on Sunday mornings, and I work on Sunday mornings, that will never change, so I wonder if they would be willing to change the ride to Saturdays? I'll look into that.

Time to move forward with what I have right now, forget about what I had, and be grateful that things are not worse, for they could be much worse. In the mean time, I will continue to search for an answer, but it will no longer consume me, and take energy away from the things I love to do.

Ride with Passion!

Down again, but hopefully not out

2008-11-01T19:50:00.002-10:00

Spent yesterday pretty much in bed, sick with upper intestinal pain. I dunno about this one, it was wierd. But they say that GERD and such symptoms can also be caused by hyperparathyroidism, so maybe this is all part of that.

Felt a little better today, was able to at least practice partial swings (pitching and chipping) for golf for a short while before the cramps hit again. No cardio, though, the body just wasn't ready.

I hope to get to the gym tomorrow to do a lower body workout and then hit the practice green at the golf course with Loren for some good work.

Maybe get in a short ride tomorrow if time and health permits. I wanna ride!

The Day After the Day After.....

2008-10-30T06:23:00.000-10:00

Wow...my body is wasted today again. I think it is a delayed reaction to the mtb ride on Tuesday. We'll see how the day progresses.

Was only able to get in 15 min of upper body work, and no core work yet. Not sure if I will be able to do that today. Oh well, do what I can and move on! It will be good enough.

Taking to heart Triguru's commitment to doing pushups with the elbows in... read her story here:http://triguru.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/perfecting-the-pushup/. Discovered that I can only do about 5 of those elbow in pushups, before having to go to my knees. In fact, after just of those, I can do NO regular pushups with the arms out! Whoa...need some strength there!'

Love my push up helper thingys...."the perfect pushup". They are awesome!

Progress!

2008-10-29T10:15:00.000-10:00

At last, the day after a ride, and I am not completely wasted. I'm tired, yes, but I have energy today. Amazing. Maybe I'll be able to ride again on Friday instead of having to wait several days to recover.

The golf lesson today was a blast. The course at MCBH is gorgeous. Right on the water, the waves were pretty big due to the swell, it was truly amazing. Learned about pitching today. And that I need to keep my spine aligned/still and my head still. A lot to work on, for sure, but hopefully doing well enough to keep progressing.

Kathryn's new DS game arrives today. She's very excited to go pick it up after school. She's also going to start golf lessons next week, with a bunch of other kids at Kaneohe, with my teacher. She'll have fun.

Vog and the Mountain Bike

2008-10-28T14:01:00.000-10:00

Got to do about 1 hour 15min today on the mountain bike. Went to Royal Summit...kinda hot, but still a nice day. The ground was perfect, in spite of all the rain we've had recently. Rode more of the single track today, missed a descent, tried 3 times, and the mind just wouldn't let me keep my weight far enough back, so ended up going over the bars the first time, and Flintstoning the other two attempts. OH well, next time.

On Audrey's Trail, I rode more this time. Was able to finally convince my body to follow common sense and get my weight back behind the saddle instead of doing what comes naturally....move forward and put the foot down. It took 3 tries, but I finally got it on the third attempt. Yahoo!

Had to stop twice on the climb to let my HR drop, but some of that is due to the adrenaline of making some technical stuff I hadn't done before. Also, asthma is a problem on heavy Vog days like today. I could barely make out the skyline of Honolulu today. Even Pearl Harbor was hiding in the Vog. Ugh.

I knew it was time to head back to the car when my legs started shaking so badly I thought I was going to come out of my clips!

So many new trails... to those who cut them, my thanks and graditude!

Ended up doing the 8 minute Ab blaster from On the Go. Did great until the flutter/scissor kick thing. Had to stop twice during that sequence, but then finished the workout and held the pike for 1 min, 10sec.

It's all Good.

Rain, rain, rain....

2008-10-25T16:20:00.000-10:00

Wow, it's been raining nonstop since 10pm last night. Guess I shouldn't complain, as it is what makes this part of the island so beautiful. Still, I was hoping for a trail run, but the mud is too thick and sticky, I'd take one step and get stuck!

I did get to the gym this morning for an upper body workout. Did some overhead presses, chest press, lat pull downs, seated row, bicep curls, tricep work, pushups, and still only one pull up. Hopefully will progress with those! Finished with ab work and myofascial release. All under 30 minutes..yippeee!

Learned the full swing in golf yesterday. What a kick. She's all "just let it feel natural"...yeah, like twisting and contorting one's body while bending at the knee and keeping your head still is natural! HA! I feel like a pretzel. Still, it is a lot of fun, and I am enjoying the practice. I really suck at chipping, but once the rain stops, I'll get out and practice that some more.

Another Day After...

2008-10-24T08:25:00.000-10:00

It's hard to believe I could be so tired and wasted after just an hour ride yesterday. But I did learn a valuable lesson....I need to let Thursday be a day off...I need lots of energy for leading Handbell and choir rehearsals on Thursdays evenings...that's 4 hours non-stop on my feet, directing, feeding energy to the musicians in the groups, pulling energy out of them....it is very tiring, yet energizing at the same time. Wouldn't trade the job for anything.

Practiced chipping yesterday, I'm *really* not very good. This will take a lot of practice and patient practice at that! It was fun to be out there, though. I've got so much to learn!

The legs feel pretty good after yesterday's weights and ride. Just a tinge of soreness in the glutes. Am going to spend some time stretching and doing recovery yoga today. Plus the myofascial release. That will feel gooooooood!

Another Ride!

2008-10-23T22:11:00.000-10:00

F.I.N.A.L.L.Y. I got out on the road bike for a short spin around Hickam AFB and Pearl Harbor. Less than an hour, at my own pace, but the day was glorious and I relished every minute of it.

Also got in a good 30 minutes lower body/ab workout at the gym before heading out on the bike.

Made it to the putting green to practice chipping..I'm not very good right now. Hopefully it will improve over time. I just learned the stroke yesterday.

Tomorrow I will rest a bit, do some core work and release work, and take another golf lesson.

The Morning After

2008-10-22T06:28:00.000-10:00

My body is pretty beat up after that mtb yesterday. My hands especially are quite sore and stiff. I wonder if that's because I haven't been on the bike in a while, or if there's something inherently wrong with my grip/brake/bar set up.

Today is supposed to be lower body in the gym workout day, but I have to be near home for a specific medical test that takes 24 hours to run, so I may do an at home 30 minute lower body blast.

I'll find ♦Graeme's video with the Hindu Squats and go to town! I'll also do some dumbbell lunges and core work. Not over 30 minutes, though! Maybe I'll even get in 20 minutes easy spin on the rollers today and work on my spin technique. Just have to be careful not to overdo it.

It was interesting yesterday that I didn't feel like my legs were holding me back so much as my cardio system working too hard. I can't wait to get out there again!

Back on the Bike!

2008-10-21T21:37:00.000-10:00

Yes, at long last, I got on my mountain bike and went for a one hour spin on the trails. OH, my, I am SOOOOO out of shape! I actually had to stop on a climb to let my heart rate drop a bit. But what fun it was. I was with two great riding buddies who patiently waited for me.

We rode down Audrey's trail, a very steep, rooty descent that I ended up having to walk a bit of, since I am not real comfortable with 6 inch drops on super steep declines. Guess I'm going to have to get my courage back, but it will come with time, of that I'm sure.

I'm totally wasted afterwards. Tried to golf, but my hands are so sore from all that tight (and incorrect) gripping of my mtb bars and brakes that I wasn't hitting very well.

All I want to do is sleep now. Maybe I'll sleep through the night for once!

I love to mountain bike!

Smoothies

2008-10-20T22:01:00.001-10:00

Thought I'd share my most recent smoothie revelation. I've started adding raw spinach and a carrot to my fruit smoothies. Can't taste them, but it adds some great nutrients! Was out of spinach today, so I added a leaf of Kale. Wow....it gives it a spicy kick. Different, but good. Try adding something different to your next smoothie...you just might be surprised!

It's Getting Easier!

2008-10-20T15:20:00.001-10:00

Took yesterday off from workouts...Sundays will pretty much be my day off each week.

Made it to the gym for another 30 minutes upper body workout plus core work today. It was pretty awesome. Last week, I couldn't do a single pull up (palms facing away from my body). Today I did one! Then did a 20 second hang with arms bent at 90degrees. A few more times in the gym on upper body, and I think I'll be ready to start bench pressing again.

The muscle soreness afterward is diminishing each time, so that's good, my body is adapting well again.

I feel the urge to get on the bike at last. I feel like I won't be tiring myself out if I ride for an hour, so tomorrow is a one hour mtn bike ride with my friend, Michelle. I DO hope my body is up for it.

Think I'll get the bathtub in the kids' bathroom sanitized so that I can try Graeme's "At Home Spa" treatment. I have the epsom salts and all of that....time to give it a go!

Went in for my blood tests today, and have another test on Wednesday. I am soooo much hoping (sorry for the poor English) that this is the answer. I have hope right now that all of this feeling like doodoo is coming to an end.

Another Day, Another Work Out!

2008-10-18T18:44:00.000-10:00

Actually made it to the gym for my lower body workout today. My goal has been to go every other day and alternate body parts, but always include some ab/core work.

Lower body today included: Leg extension (seated) and leg curl (standing). I used the hip/thigh machine to work the hip flexors both lifting and pressing down. Next was the Smith Machine. I did regular squats and then one leg lunges (not alternating). Finished up with some crunches and ab curls along with flutter kicks and scissor kicks on the bench.

Good workout, less than 30 minutes!

Spent an hour at the driving range/putting green working on my stroke. This is getting to be a lot of fun!

Got the workout in today!

2008-10-16T21:47:00.000-10:00

Did good today...got in a good 30 minutes upper body with some ab work at the gym followed by 45 minutes of running. Then I headed out to the golf course to practice my half swing and putting. Never thought I'd like golf, but I'm enjoying the zen part of it tremendously.

Met a newbie cyclist today, who I may try to hook up with. She seemed really nice, and very enthusiastic. A new riding partner is always a blessing.

Could there be an Answer???

2008-10-16T06:21:00.000-10:00

Well, I honestly don't know if there's merit to this or not, but my MD called last night to find out how I am doing before she left on vacation. That in and of itself is a first. But having reviewed several years of blood tests, it seems my calcium levels are inconsistantly, but frequently too high. This is caused by a condition known as "parathyroidism". When I looked it up on the web, all the symptoms with this described me. I don't have high blood pressure, but the depression, the fatigue and tiredness, the grumpiness, the lack of motivation, the nausea, the general malaise that is hard to describe (they even said it was hard to describe!), all of these things can be contributed to this condition. AND, they said that most people live with it for about 5 years before it is discovered. AND that all the symptoms, even the personality changes are pretty much reversible.

I go in for more tests on Monday. If we have found an answer, that would be great.

The downside is that this thing causes osteoperosis, it is 100% sure that I will develop at some point in my life, if I haven't already.

Well, here's to positive test results!

Back to the gym today for an upperbody workout plus some running for cardio, and lastly, a trip to the driving range for some practice on my new hobby.

What's Stopping Me????

2008-10-15T06:30:00.000-10:00

I wrote on my Facebook page: "I am dying to go for a bike ride sometime this century".

A friend and former coach responded: "What's stopping you?"

That gave me cause to pause...just what is stopping me? In a nutshell, "fear".

I'm afraid that if I get back on the bike again, all those old feelings will come back...feeling inadequate because I can no longer keep up (only now it's worse, 'cuz I haven't been training), feeling fatigued, tired and grumpy all the time off the bike. Feeling like I will be letting other people down...my friends, my teammates, those who keep asking me to come out and ride. I'm not the same person I was even 4 months ago when I stopped riding. I'd like to think I'm more centered now, a lot of good has come out of all of this.

But it seems a main point that still needs to be settled, do I ride for my friends' and team's expectations or do I ride for my own pleasure, even though I am no longer competitive? CAn I allow myself the freedom to just enjoy the bike, can I allow myself to enjoy the bike without beating myself up because I am no longer as fast as I once was?

That answer still eludes me.

Perspectives and Motivations

2008-10-14T16:25:00.000-10:00

It has been a very long time since I've been to the gym to gain strength. I usually go to keep toned, and because it feels good to lift. You know, the "many reps, lighter weights syndrome". After over 5 years of doing that inconsistantly, if at all, I came to the conclusion that I am weak. Physically weak. I have lost a lot of strength over the last 5 years. Even a bigger percentage of that has been lost over the last 2 years where I have spent little to no time in the gym.

I first noticed the drop in strength a few years back, but my coaches seemed to think that the strength factor is not important in cycling. This is debated in the cycling world quite a bit. It all came to a head in Tahoe earlier this month as my sister and I moved a lot of furniture around....and some of it quite heavy. I really struggled to lift, while my sister, who is 5 years older than I am, barely grunted at all. I used to be the strong one, now she is.

Oddly enough, she doesn't lift. But we are different physiologically. I really believe that every individual is unique in how they build/maintain strength. She plays tennis, runs, plays golf, and lifts patients at the hospital. I just ride my bike and do body weight strength training.

All that to say, that my overall strength has decreased exponentially along side my more gradual decrease in cycling ability.

So, with the Cyclo-Core philosophies and workouts, as well as the others who are seeking to improve their performance on the bike in non-medicated manner, to be my motivation, I am embarking on a whole new format.

Day 1 is lower body in the gym...higher weights, fewer reps 30 minutes only. Ab work and 45min cardio, most likely trail running or on rollers. Recovery today includes the Cyclo-Club Myofascial Release and yoga.

Stay tuned for day 2.

As my favorite exercise physiologist says: Be your own scientific experiment.

Let's see what happens!

Fitness at 7000ft

2008-10-11T07:59:00.000-10:00

Wow, two weeks at my sister's place in Tahoe and feeling great was awesome. We ran for 45 minutes everyday. I started off not being able to keep pace, and having to walk a bit in the middle, but by the end, I was pushing my sister a bit. My fitness for running came back in about 4 days. I was amazed. It was hilly trail running, too. Plus hard work during the day doing construction clean up. I felt so wonderful most of the time. I needed that to cheer my soul!

Now that I'm home, I've come down with a monster cold that my 8yrold so generously shared. Bummer. Oh well.

I'm *almost* afraid to go back to the Club, I feel kinda like a loser after that phone consult with Graeme and having to postpone starting. I've not been back on the bike or in a routine at all, and am really struggling to figure out how to put it all back together. I just wish my body would feel like it did in Tahoe.

Well, this too shall pass, and I'll stop being a whiner.....

Priorities and Stumps

2008-09-23T09:34:00.000-10:00

Well, I have to admit, I haven't done so well thus far with my goals. Life just seems so topsy-turvy these days with my health still not good, troubles with contractors, and trying to do some upgrades, DIY style.

It's funny how quickly what once was such a huge part of my life, bicycling and fitness, fell to the wayside once I gave in to the fatigue and started to rest. Inside, I know that this is the right thing to do, but I miss being active and in shape. Yet, it seems everything else has started to crowd out the time I usually spend working out. For over 10 weeks now, I haven't ridden, except twice, while trying to get back into a routine.

I am doing some pretty heavy labor in the yard, my priority is removing shrub stumps against the house, so that the house can be painted next month. Guess that counts as stress to the body, though, right? Yet my legs still want to ride.....nice and easy is all I need.

I had to postpone starting Graeme's protocol with CYCLO-CLUB because of illness, yet again. I go in for more tests on Friday. Everything is always *almost* normal. I hope this thing either passes, or they figure out what is wrong so that I can start fighting back.

So, today is focus on nutrition and getting in the aero ab blaster after a short ride, if the weather holds. Heck, even if it's just 20 minutes on the rollers, I'm gonna do it today. Period. I've got to start somewhere....

My Workout Plan

2008-09-19T09:51:00.001-10:00

Riding:
1) Ride about 3 days a week, and most likely 2 of those days will be on the mountain bike, just having fun and going my own pace, whatever. What ever time/distance I feel like. Keep it loose, keep it casual, keep it easy.
2) The third ride will be on the road, with a little more intensity, just testing the waters or "blow out the carbon" as Graeme put it. I'll throw in 2 Chunk workouts of about 8 minutes each, any kind I want. These will be uncomfortable, but not VO2Max uncomfortable. The key is to be in the moment, and if the body just wants 4 minutes or just one chunk, then that's what I'll do. No pressure, no goal other than to be on the bike having fun.

Off the Bike:
1) 1 x per week 30 minutes Power Yoga or Kate's Recovery Yoga
2) 1-2 x per week At the gym, no more than 30 minutes total time, full body, simple machine exercises only
3) OR in place of the gym do an On the Go Circuit
4) EVERYDAY: Cyclo Breath or Lungs in 5' (this will really help get the junk out and re-energize the body)
5) EVERYDAY: Release in 5' or myofascial release, but keep it short
6) Try the at home spa treatment
I am going to add in massage, if I can find a good therapist who knows how to work out the toxins. I've found that a lot of massage therapists have no idea how to work the muscles so that the junk drains out of them. So, I have a goal to find the perfect massage therapist! (I think I'm gonna like this one!)

Nutrition:
1) Hammer MitoCaps cycling, one month on, one month off
2) Dissicated Liver, also cycled with the Mitocaps.
3) Eat lots of fruit and veggies, especially fruit. At least one apple and one orange per day.

Journal:
1) Use the 1-10 Scale to track overall feeling of well-being 1 being "ugh!" and 10 being "yeah baby!!". But track this twice a day. Once in the morning when I wake, and then after my training session.

Journeying On

2008-09-19T09:51:00.000-10:00

Today the challenge has been issued by Graeme Street over at Cyclo-CLUB.com. Set a goal, follow through and record the journey to get there.

There are so many things I want to accomplish, and since I am starting completely over from the beginning after over 8 weeks off the bike, so much is possible! I will set two mini-goals for the next thirty days and go from there.

My first goal is to get enough rest. 8 hours of sleep every night for the next 30 days. Perhaps that's a little less than inspiring to most, but for me, it is a worthwhile achievement.

Goal number two is to follow the outline given to me at the beginning of September by Graeme. You can check that out on my post titled: My Workout Plan

Aloha for now, Ride with Passion and stay strong!

100 miles of....?????

2008-04-17T21:56:00.000-10:00

It's hard to believe that the first of the NUE series is finally here. I'm soo excited to follow Floyd racing again! Great motivation for the season and training. Go Floyd!!!!

Of course, with this first 100miler comes the realization that I will be participating in one of those buggers come September. What the heck was I thinking? I can't mountain bike...I can't even bunny hop a curb, let alone some downed tree or rock on some narrow single track mountain edge trail with a drop of 300ft on one side or the other!

You know what that means, right? Tomorrow, I go back to the World Cup downhill course on Saint Louis Heights and start building my courage...and I'm not talking about the liquid kind! Though maybe that would help...any mountain bikers out there have an opinion???? Gotta get over the fear of slippery roots and drops more than 6 inches. Gotta get over that fear of trying to move back on the saddle only to have my shorts get caught on the tip of the seat, preventing me from moving my weight back, thus resulting in a spectacular endo over the bars not once, but twice....hmmm...yes that one comes from experience! Ack...who's idea was this anyway?

I think the fitness part will come...I'm also doing the Markleeville Death Ride in July of this year, so I figure that should give me a good base for 100 miles of fun on a mountain bike in Tahoe in September. 129 miles on the road with 15,000ft of climbing. Helpful, I hope.

They say visualization is an important part of success...let's see..what would success look like for the Tahoe NUE 100miler???? Finishing before the cutoff, within 6 hours of Floyd, and a celebratory beer with him, of course! I can visualize that...a beer with Floyd....yeah....then again, somebody will have to tell him that's on my list...LOL...he'll probably already be back at home in So CA before I cross the finish line! HA!

"IT"

2007-08-19T09:55:00.001-10:00

It's the hard days that make us stronger? Well, then, I should be flying up the mountain in my race next week faster than a doped up cyclist on a 'gaddamn harley'.....HA!

But even the hard days this season aren't like they were last season. There's no spark in the legs. Recovery, whether in between intervals or inbetween days, is slow and incomplete.

I sure wish I knew what "it" is. You know, that elusive element that, when you have "it", all things come relatively easily on the bike. You feel good off the bike, you have energy on the bike. Life is good, all things are inline working for the best you can give. You know you have "it".

"It" was there last season. My weight was ideal, my workouts, while tough, were completed mostly with energy to spare. My sense of humor was in tact, and hopefully not tacky! Every race was a personal best...and though very tough, I felt good whilst setting those PBs.

So what went wrong this year? Where is "it", anyway? I started both years the same, with Floyd's Power Camp in Temecula. But this year, I knew, even before the camp, that I didn't have "it". How can one know if one has "it" or not, when one doesn't even know what "it" is?

Is "it" simply a feeling of well-being? Is there a formula for "it" that can be tracked somewhere?

Loyalties

2007-07-01T17:56:00.000-10:00

Sometimes we put too much weight on something that really wasn't set up to support that which we put into it.

Sometimes we put hopes on someone who has no idea we have done just that.

Sometimes, looking for the best in folks, we end up seeing the worst. The question then becomes, how does seeing that about that person affect my attitude towards them?

I know, there's more at stake than just feelings towards people. There's the justice system, fairness, fairplay, morality, ethics. But the reality is, we are all human, and we all make stupid mistakes. We all have that dark moment when we have momentarily slipped from grace, whether it's our own perception of grace, or someone else's.

I watch with great sadness all that has happened in this year's TdF. From Moreni and Sinkwicz's admissions to doping, to Rasmussen's 5 yr old tantrum "it's not fair" when he's being punished for knowingly breaking the rules, to Vino's "I'm innocent of blood doping", to Iban Mayo's alleged EPO use and some German MD's claim of dirt on Contador. How many is that? 4, 5, 6? Out of almost 200 riders. Why is the focus on them? It's less than 5% of the competitors. Look at the wonderful game we were watching during the first week, with Robbie McEwen's crash and adrenaline powered win, Cancellara with a stellar streak in the yellow jersey, and an amazing stage win with some of the sprinters...Levi and Cadel's battle in the final Time Trial. Truly amazing feats of athletic and mental toughness.

Then there's Greg Lemond and Floyd Landis. I keep hoping, wanting for one of them to be the better man, to be the one who says, "no more". But they both keep charging down that slippery slope into the abyss of human disgrace and the worst of humanity. They keep blindly raging past opportunities to save at least themselves, if not the other, too. Which of these two men has any integrity left? Who is willing to finally turn the other cheek, put a foot down, grab hold of the branch and say "I end this now. No more will I have any comment, good bad or indifferent about the other person." That person may get kicked in the face, bloodied in the battle as the other tries to keep the downward spiral going, but eventually, the other one will either slide further down past, where no more injury can be inflicted, or they will stop the struggle and join in the saving effort.

Wouldn't that be a sight to behold? Two men, climbing and clawing their way back up from the depths, perhaps still sustaining some injuries along the way. It may be that they each climb back up alone, going different directions, but at least two great men will have made it back.

Then again, I haven't walked a mile in their shoes. I haven't been in the spotlight of sports' greatness. I haven't had my entire life pulled out from under me doing what I was good at.

I only know this, people are important. When we lose sight of the fact that our words do hurt, that the more public we are with our verbal assaults, the more we tarnish ourselves as well as the other person, when we lash out, premeditated or not, we begin to harden at the core of who we are. The battle becomes more important than the humanity. Eventually the inner man becomes so hardened, every assault begins to chip away, chiselling at the soul until nothing is left. There is no artist shaping a masterpiece, instead it is a faulty piece of stone that cracks and crumbles under the crushing blows and sharpness of the spoken word.

I've looked long and hard at how all of this has affected my perception of Floyd Landis. Not that anyone should care how I feel...but in the end, I have to say, the person is more important than the conflict. He has shown nothing but kindness to me personally. I still have no reason to disbelieve him. So even though I don't always like what I hear, my loyalty as a fan has not changed. I still believe.

I Just Don't Get It

2007-06-07T08:05:00.000-10:00

So, now that the barndoor is open, and we have all sorts of confessions coming out regarding doping, et al, what are they after? Personal emotional cleansing? Conscious clearing? A few more brief moments in the spotlight, inspired by Greg Lemond??

And we have the blame pointed at the sponsors, at the fans, at the difficulty of the races....well, how about this??? Each individual is to blame for their own decisions regarding whether or not to dope. They say it's part of the culture, who's culture? Personal integrity, that's what this is about. NOT sponsors, NOT fans, NOT course difficulty. It's about the standard one sets for oneself. Everyone has a choice. If the team isn't up to your personal standards, raise their standards. Peer pressure must be tremendous, especially at the level of some of these athletes, but c'mon, didn't you learn in grade school that even the crowd can be wrong? Would you follow them over a cliff? (seems like a lot have already done that)

ICE is part of the culture here in Hawaii. I have watched drug deals go down across the street from my house on a regular basis. I see them light up behind their darkly tinted windows as they sit in their cars. I've called the cops more times than you can imagine, only to have them tell me they are too busy to respond, or they'll send someone over to drive by later. My nieghbors closed their doors, windows and window shades in hopes that they would go away. But that doesn't mean that I have to join those that use ICE, or be like my neighbors. So you know what I do??? I open my curtains and stand where I know they can see me. I pick up my phone once I see them looking at me.. and you know what? They leave. Heck, I discovered I don't even have to make a call to scare them away. And now they don't come back as often. And when they do, they look for me first. If they see me, they are gone. Out of my neighborhood and away from my kids.

My point is this. There are ways to make change without compromising your personal standards and integrity. I'm tired of folks trying to place the blame on money or anywhere but the individual athlete's choice. There are no Nazi Frogmen holding these guys down, except in their own minds. Enter the ADAs.

The ADAs are the enablers for the doping athletes and their supposed culture. With a stacked system, where even an innocent athlete gets the shaft, not doping carries the same weight as doping. When the dopers see that even clean athletes are treated the same way they are, what good does the ADA do? Nothing, nada. If there were fair treatment of those who are clean when mistakes are made, the ADAs could become part of the solution, but as it stands, they are part of the problem.

Well, that's where Floyd Landis's case comes in. He has focused the floodlights on the ADAs. He's the one with the integrity and courage to fight with whatever he has to see this supposed culture end. Kudos to him. Every athlete who wants to compete fairly owes Floyd more than they can ever repay.

MOTIVATED! at last

2007-06-02T16:14:00.000-10:00

Ever have one of those rides? You know the one, when you're alone, it's been a stressful week with family and responsibilities, you've been a bit under the weather, no time to ride, and you finally get a moment on the bike. Slipped quietly in between "mommy, what's for breakfast" and " Mom, can you help me with my hair for the party tonight??", you etch out that 2 hour moment, and slip out the door on the bike. There are moments when you picture yourself riding one of the classics or a portion of one of the tours...transient flickers of past races briefly glimmer through your mind.

The day is glorious, the ocean on one side, the mounains on the other. The rolling hills slide by as though they had movement of their own. Which way to go? Which route to take?

Today, inspired by Floyd Landis and the TEVA games, I take the road less travelled through the Ho'omaluhia Gardens. It's better suited for a mtb or at least a 'cross set up than for my Calfee road ride, but armed w/ my Armadillo Gatorskins, I decide to go for it. It's a bit like riding the cobbles, only they're all broken up (Paris-Roubouaix any one???). Holes big enough to swallow me whole. Keeping me alert, the road winds up and down and around through some of the most lush tropical landscape you'll ever see. It's beautiful. The rollers aren't long, but a bit steep....enough to go all out for about 25 seconds to push over the top. Perfect for a day like today.

I wonder how Floyd is fairing, and decide to check out my favorite ride, the Old Pali road, a road that hasn't been used by cars for over 20 years. I have to hike-a-bike through a broken chainlink fence. The graded, mossy concrete is carpeted with leaves and branches, and a downed tree, all under cover of a treebranch canopy. The road rises up in front of me, and I remount my bike, thinking I'll just go part way today. But as I ascend, the thoughts of Floyd once again racing spur me on. The tree canopy parts and I am treated to a view overlooking Kaneohe Bay. The blues and greens of the ocean are stunning, like emeralds and precious stones shimmering against the blue velvet sky. Not a cloud to be seen. Wow...breath taking. I press onward and upward, gaining another 500 ft in altitude. The pavement comes to an end, and I push forward across the dirt, until the rocks are too big to ride over, and I get off and hike my bike over the boulders, and under the Pali Highway. The stairway is hung with some wire...I hope it's safe, and lift my bike up to the top, and climb up behind it, stairs swaying under my weight.

The trail is only about 8 inches wide, but I begin to ride it, the dirt is hardpack, so it's a smooth surface. Suddenly, the pavement reappears, at about an 18% gradient. As I clear the brush, I have to stop and pull grass from my rear der. It's too steep to try to start back on the bike at that point, so I walk it back down to a flatter section and remount. It's funny, it reminds me of riding up Plateau de Baille, with the crowds lining the course. They press in towards the riders, clearing just enough to let the cyclists pass by. But today, instead of people, it's underbrush, trees and rocks lining the course. They are cleared just enough to let me pass through. Fortunately, they don't say anything to me as I ride by!!! HA!

Suddenly, everything clears, and I am up at the summit, the Pali Look Out. The view is spectacular. But apparently, I must be a spectacle, because the tourists all pause for a moment as I come out of the bush on my bike. I ride past them with a nod and a smile, and prepare for the roller coaster descent on the highway. Oh yeah, this is what I live for....45+mph down the hill, drafting cars when can!!! The only reason to go up....is to go down. Yeah, baybee...

I finish the downhill and head for home....eager to find out how Floyd faired at his first race in close to a year. Funny, how knowing he's out there again can motivate my soul and refresh my psyche. It seems like all is right in the world of cycling knowing Floyd is riding again. Hope he had as good a day as I did!

Hard Core Fizzle....I mean Sizzle...

2007-05-27T18:48:00.000-10:00

Well, isn't it funny how you can start out so gung-ho about something, only to realize that the body isn't quite at the level your mind is?

I mean, hey, I'm not that out of shape....am I???? I've kept up the riding pretty well, but the pounds have slipped on, mysteriously. The intensity has dropped a bit, as has distance and time on the bike. And the caloric intake has increased, ever so gradually....Hmmmm... guess it's NOT quite the mystery I thought! HA!

Starting out on those hills today, I didn't think I'd make it up the first climb. These are short climbs, anywhere from 10-20 minutes, but at an avg gradient of about 9%, with sections up to 20%. Can you say 'ouch'? I felt myself fizzling ...wondering how on earth I was going to get out of leading this ride. But after that first "what the heck am I doing out here?", it began fading away, and the sizzle came on, slowly at first, but gradually reaching a nice slow burn that began feeding the fire of desire to get to the top of each climb, and finish strong.

I wonder if the pros suffer like this when they are trying to get back into shape after a season off. I wonder what kind of shape those riders who are suspended due to doping offenses will be in once they can race again. Do they have ANY idea how hard it is to regain fitness once it's gone? Or are they truly different than us mere mortals, and don't have the same struggles we do?

I wonder if Floyd Landis (I don't include him in the doping category, by the way, but he has focused energy pretty much everywhere else except the bike over the last 10 months) has ever had to think about regaining fitness, or if it's always been "there" due to talent & ability. And since he's been employed as a professional bike racer for the last, oh, what, at least 6 years, most likely more (who's counting?), has he ever taken this amount of time off??? Can he come back as strong as he was? How will he regain it? Does he know the uphill battle he has, if he is allowed to race again? (and I hope he is...soon.....because he's beautiful & inspirational to watch on the bike..not to mention HOT!!). Will the mental and emotional stress he's been under affect his abilities on the bike?? Or will he be able to channel that energy into something positive as an athlete? As someone who is so gifted, will he even have a battle???

What is the order of magnitude of fitness the pros will lose while not being able to race? This will be an interesting experiment in exercise physiology and mental toughness, I'd bet. Would it not be great to be a fly on the wall when Floyd, Allen and Robbie get together to start training again?

Back to those of us who are mere mortals, day job and all. It's just plain hard to do the work it takes to regain what has been lost, and/or go beyond where you are. But I think that's one of the beauties of bike riding.

The rewards are in direct porportion to the amount of work you put in. It's being able to conquer that hill just a little faster than last time, or beating your best buddy for the first time in that sprint to the next light pole. It's getting off the bike after a 5 hour ride and being physically exhausted and emotionally charged, knowing you have just done something 99% of the population couldn't or wouldn't do.

So to all those who think cycling is no longer credible or whatever...I say go get on your bikes and ride. Credibility starts with us. It's the work ethic, right? Strong work ethic = no dope.

While the body may fizzle and faulter once in a while on this journey to reach new speeds...the sizzle of the embers of desire burns on, flamed by the breezes of inspiration.

Hard Core Training, Here I Come!

2007-05-25T22:05:00.000-10:00

Well, it's been a rocky start thus far this year as far as cycling goes. It started off well enough in January with the Floyd Landis Power Training Camp in Temecula. That was a blast and a half, plus great riding with really cool people. But I came home sick, and never quite recovered from the down time.

Then came the stint w/ Triathlon training...dashed when I ran on uneven grass and created a stress fracture in my right foot. Couldn't even ride my bike for several days. Talk about frustrating! UGH!

Then came the Landis Hearings at Pepperdine last week, and I just couldn't seem to get myself outside to ride. Too much time wasted in front of the computer watching testimony that for the most part went way over my head, or watching circus clowns and trained monkeys dance. I finally found the power to drag myself away from all of that, and go for a ride.

The weather here has been glorious, so I've had some nice rides on the coast line and in the hills. It felt so good to be out!

So, now it's time to hunker down with my cycling goals for the season. I guess I'm in a rut...it's always Cycle to the Sun, the race up Haleakala on Maui. 10,005 feet of climbing in 36.2 miles. Starting at sea level. What a climb! Last year, with the help of Allen Lim and Richard Stern, of RST coaching, I finally broke my goal time of 4 hours, and landed at the top in 3:55. This year, I want to drop that time by 10 minutes and come in under 3:45. It's a huge goal, don't know if I can do it, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

So, hill repeats have been the workout of choice as of this last week. The muscles are complaining, but they should be...they are working to haul 10 extra pounds up those climbs!

Goal number one is to drop the extra pounds by 1 August. And increase my power at threshold by about 10 watts. I wonder which will be easier????

When Heroes (and friends) Disappoint (or my opinion on Floyd and the dancing monkeys)

2007-05-23T16:11:00.000-10:00

The Landis hearings are finally closed..at least to the public. Some extra stuff going on behind the scenes for the Panel, but for all intents and purposes, it's over. Now we wait. How long? Most likely a month. A very long 4 - 6 weeks.

For any one wanting in depth coverage of the hearing, and haven't yet found the site, please visit http://trustbut.blogspot.com/. To say that what they have done is nothing short of exceptional and worthy of merit is an understatement. They deserve many thanks and kudos for the extraordinary coverage.

The testing methods at LNDD look dubious at best to my uneducated eyes. I thought that Floyd's team did a great job of showing how the techs and those involved with the testing of samples are pretty incompetent at their jobs (and they did that without character assasinations and slights). If I had them test my samples for something....and I knew all of this about them, I would ask for a second opinion at another lab. I would give new samples, and ask that the new lab know nothing about the LNDD's findings.

Floyd never got that chance.

Then the fodder hit the fan. Unthinkable happenings being brought to light. Unthinkable deeds being done. Human beings treating each other like dung. There are no innocents here. The witness put a disturbing burden on Floyd by telling him something very personal and tragic from his past. Then goes out and slanders Floyd in public. Lies, misinterpretations, all directed at Floyd, who is already stressed beyond anything any of us can imagine. He pops...and writes a post that lets off some steam, but is mean-spirited and shows a lack of ability to control himself when verbally accosted and angered.

Does one such transgression mean a lack of integrity? I'd like to think not. How many times have I let off steam at someone else's expense and hurt? More times than I'd like to admit. It's human nature to lash out when wounded. But what keeps us from lashing out one moment, and unable to control ourselves the next? And honestly, would Floyd really have told the world something like that? I think not. The issue was forced upon him. But his response was his own.

Reenter the witness. I ask myself why would someone reveal that information about themselves to a complete stranger? In some ways, it gives the teller power. The shock factor, the "let's see how they respond to that" factor. It can elicit sympathy, it can change people's perceptions of you, and by way of pity, receive attention. Other times, it can cause people to respect you more for having made a difficult journey, putting you up higher in their opinions of you. It can make you seem courageous for living with it for so long. And maybe you are. But it can also be used to manipulate people....I tell you something about me...now you are obligated to tell me something about you. Whatever the reason, it's water under the bridge now.

So why would Floyd break that unspoken pact that when someone shares something really terrible with you, you don't pass it along??

I had to think about that one for a while. But it all comes down to the fact that this information would have been brought up at some point during the hearings after the witness took the stand. It was slated that way by the prosecution to destroy Floyd's character. The post by itself would have been enough to drag him through the mud and excrement on the floor. But at least it would have been the witness who let the world know about his tragic childhood.

So Floyd really had no choice other than to let his team know that this could be a PR bomb. Let them be prepared, just in case. It was important that the team know. It is in Floyd's favor that he kept it to himself until he absolutely had no choice. AND....it was not told to the whole world, but to a small trusted group of individuals. One of whom let him down.

And here, we get a glimpse into another side of Floyd, perhaps. A friend from way back, his business manager, may have committed a crime, but even more so, did something reprehensible and heinous. Made a phone call to the witness to tease him about his childhood past. Scum....there are no adequate derogatory words to describe the actions of this person. BUT...what did Floyd do?

To the business side of things, who can say? But to the friendship side of things, here we have loyalty, and maybe some compassion. If my friend had done something like that to me, I would no longer consider their friendship. Everything ruined...everything they had worked so hard for, that fragile PR image..gone in the time it takes to dial a phone number. But Floyd stayed by his friend's side. Didn't fire his friend until it was his last option. Stuck by him. The only kind of person who would do that is one worth being around. Not some cheating, lying doper.

It shows that to Floyd (in my opinion), it really isn't about the public image..remember his quote...I don't want you to believe me because I'm a nice guy, I want you to look at the science, and decide for yourself. His move to stay by his friend proves that in no uncertain terms.

In his closing arguments Mr. Young said:

"...This is contrast to what see saw from Respondent's business manager, who
did try to tamper with a witness. You hear Mr. Landis' response to that, and
actions he took or didn't take. You can be the judge of the relative
credibility."

(copied/pasted from Trust but Verify)

The actions Floyd did and didn't take show that he puts important things in life, like relationship and friendship, above his own PR image, or even winning this hearing. To me, that is the most credible action of all.

So I guess, in the long run, heroes and friends are human and are fallible. I'm still not convinced that Floyd Landis disappointed me in his moment of anger. Even if he has, his model of forgiveness is one to be followed....

one blog for the memory books

2007-05-12T19:56:00.000-10:00

Today, the Tour de France organizers announced that Floyd Landis no longer exists for them. He is no longer the winner of the 2006 Tour, and they will erase all memory of him from the history books. (see: http://www.worldnewsaustralia.com.au/region.php?id=136947&region=3)

Hmmm. Well, Mr. Prudhomme, here's one for you. I bought my copies of the 2006 TdF, AND I have the live coverage copied off my DVR onto DVDs.

Try as you might, you will NOT erase Floyd's fantastic victory in 2006 from my memory. Nor my children's memory. You can't erase him from our hearts. And you can't stop the stories of his triumph from being told. I wonder, can you have all the Blogs erased that proclaim Floyd champion of the Tour????

Don't worry...we won't let you forget!

Here's to the true Champion of the 2006 Tour de France, Floyd Landis!!!