Made it out Sunday morning for a 55 mile ride which was AWESOME!!! The weather looked sketchy and we even experienced warming sun breaks from time to time...but with all the clouds, the threat of rain was obvious for some point during the day. We headed out from SE Portland to Marine drive and then to Troutdale, on up to Corbett and finally to the Women's Forum which is right before Crown Point. I have always wanted to do that ride and finally found someone to go with who had done it before. I am actually quite familiar with the roads out, there as I grew up right in that area. It's more of a mental thing and a safety thing in wanting someone else to ride it with me. My friend told me that a few years back, people in Corbett were putting tacks on certain stretches of roads and cyclists would end up getting flats as the rode through. Doesn't surprise me. Last year on one of my rides along the Sandy river, some one driving a big @$$ truck thought it would be amusing to drive back and forth along side us, gunning it with exhaust. There's so much I could say about this, but I will chose to let it go and know that some where, some mental patient got off in a big @$$ truck and was havin himself a little fun. I have always wondered if I wore a skoal jersey or malboro or maybe a coors light jersey if that might back off those who are easily irritated by cyclists. Anyway, I digress back to the ride... the thing I loved about this ride was the climb up to the Forum... I don't know what the elevation gain is, will have to research that. But it's a good push. My next goal is to continue on from the Women's and head up to the top of Larch Mtn.... good hills, good times!!!! (Have to wait for the snow to melt... so maybe- AUGUST???)
In the mean time... I had my first intereview yesterday and honestly, it was good to just get out and talk with some body.... having all this time off isn't good for some of us. My perception was that the interview went really well and I thought I would be a great fit for the position... it's pretty much the same thing I did in my last job, just a different industry. After the interview, I hung out at my bro's for a bit. Had to let him know that something he made for dinner for mother's day didn't sit well with me... or my mom for that matter. The food was great! But something was not digesting well. My stomach was upset all day today... it even made sounds during the interview which made me turn a little red. Oh well, it happens to everyone from time to time... the interviewer said something about application and all I heard was flatulation. GROSS!
I then went down to Nike Town to meet up with the run club. I did the 7 miler and that totally messed my stomach up even more. I didn't stick around too long to socialize as I felt it would be best for me to hop in my little car and speed home because... well, that would be TMI.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Excuses are like... noses... every body has one.
Backtracking....
Saturday, May 10.
The weather is dreary... on the cool side, sprinkles here and there, and breezy.
This morning I had two ride options... ride with the Portland Velos at 9 or ride with a team in training for the Livestrong challenge which started at 8. It should come as no surprise that I ended up riding with the Velos. I had the best intentions for the 8 o clock ride which was a 45 miler... but seriously, some mornings my motivation is just hit or miss. If the 8 o clock ride would have been my only option, I probably would have made it, but MY EXCUSE today is that I just joined the Velos and I was going to put my memebership money to good use! ...and the ride started at 9. The funny thing however is that both rides crossed paths this morning and I ran into the ride leader for the livestrong 8 o clock ride in the women's rest room on our (the velo ride) only bathroom stop... what a coincidence! I told the her that I was infact rolling out of bed when I should have rolling over to the beginning of their ride which is sadly enough started only 10 minutes by bike from where I live. Oh well... next time. So this mornings ride was 35 miles and went between 17 and 19 mphs. I think my computer must be wrong on my bike because it felt like a slower ride ... probably because I kept ending up in the middle of the pace line. There was a hill, fortunately, that allowed me to break out of the pack and charge ahead... at the top of the hill I latched on to a group of 4 that was splitting off and sprinting ahead... that was fun! It was half way through the ride and was the first time that I felt like I was actually working my legs. I always meet nice people on the 17mph group, but I am finding I want to push myself more and not necessarily chat with people... don't get me wrong, I like being social... but on these rides, I really want to take advantage of pushing myself as much as possible. Next week is Reach the Beach and I am doing the 100 mile course... I am so excited to see how I do on that ... And I am so excited because I reached my fundraising goal AND the weather is going to be really nice for the ride! YAHOO!!!
Last week I did the ride around clarck county 65 mile ride with a good friend of mine. The weather was really on the cool/breazy side for that one. I could have used more layers on that ride. With the exception of getting a flat right before riding out of the parking lot at the beginning of the ride, it was a really good ride. We got a late start - 9:30am and gunned it... luckily we're both strong riders and ended up in the middle of the pack "Seldom early, never last" was our motto. There were a lot of great hills/rollers on that ride, through beautiful country side and farm lands. I really do love the hills and actually struggle more so on flats.. one of the things I need to work on. When we got to the 2nd rest stop at day break park, we had discovered that my back tire had lost a lot of air... hmmm, I think someone one actually let it out so I would struggle more with the ride :) nah... he didn't... it was a legitimate flat and the great hands of River City Bikes, fortunately, turned over my back tire quickly and we were on our way. Should add that during that break I got so cold that both sets of toes went numb and the digits on my right hand were frozen as well. From that point, I would end up being chilled to the core for the rest of the day. I would have thought that the hill that came up immediately after the rest stop would have had me back to a good temp... alas, my toes and fingers came back to life, but I was just damp cold for the rest of the ride... which still had a couple of good hills in store. The Felida hill was a lot of fun, but the hill that amused me the most wast the last... you take this sharp lef turn on to the hill and this SOB is steep ... I mean... granny steep. So steep in fact that I witnesses a crash because this on rider just stopped because they couldn't peddle or I don't know what and another right behind her crashed into her and there was this chain reaction. We were way off to the side passing as this was going on... you really have to be alert at that point in the ride because alot of people were tired and weaving on their bikes and they don't say anything when they are about to fall over. Anyway... a very satisfying ride... I was pleased with the pace we rode at and was done for the rest of the day. I was supposed to go to a birthday party later that evening... but i only managed to make it burgerville, rite aid and bed. The rest of the day remainded cold and it actually started raining after the ride... I was done with being out in the weather.. and a warm, cozy bed was way more appealing.
So tomorow the ride is dependent on the weather... imagine that. If it turns out to be ok weather - the ride is going to be a 60 miler out to crown point and back... should be a great ride! Fingers crossed that the weather alows it.
Saturday, May 10.
The weather is dreary... on the cool side, sprinkles here and there, and breezy.
This morning I had two ride options... ride with the Portland Velos at 9 or ride with a team in training for the Livestrong challenge which started at 8. It should come as no surprise that I ended up riding with the Velos. I had the best intentions for the 8 o clock ride which was a 45 miler... but seriously, some mornings my motivation is just hit or miss. If the 8 o clock ride would have been my only option, I probably would have made it, but MY EXCUSE today is that I just joined the Velos and I was going to put my memebership money to good use! ...and the ride started at 9. The funny thing however is that both rides crossed paths this morning and I ran into the ride leader for the livestrong 8 o clock ride in the women's rest room on our (the velo ride) only bathroom stop... what a coincidence! I told the her that I was infact rolling out of bed when I should have rolling over to the beginning of their ride which is sadly enough started only 10 minutes by bike from where I live. Oh well... next time. So this mornings ride was 35 miles and went between 17 and 19 mphs. I think my computer must be wrong on my bike because it felt like a slower ride ... probably because I kept ending up in the middle of the pace line. There was a hill, fortunately, that allowed me to break out of the pack and charge ahead... at the top of the hill I latched on to a group of 4 that was splitting off and sprinting ahead... that was fun! It was half way through the ride and was the first time that I felt like I was actually working my legs. I always meet nice people on the 17mph group, but I am finding I want to push myself more and not necessarily chat with people... don't get me wrong, I like being social... but on these rides, I really want to take advantage of pushing myself as much as possible. Next week is Reach the Beach and I am doing the 100 mile course... I am so excited to see how I do on that ... And I am so excited because I reached my fundraising goal AND the weather is going to be really nice for the ride! YAHOO!!!
Last week I did the ride around clarck county 65 mile ride with a good friend of mine. The weather was really on the cool/breazy side for that one. I could have used more layers on that ride. With the exception of getting a flat right before riding out of the parking lot at the beginning of the ride, it was a really good ride. We got a late start - 9:30am and gunned it... luckily we're both strong riders and ended up in the middle of the pack "Seldom early, never last" was our motto. There were a lot of great hills/rollers on that ride, through beautiful country side and farm lands. I really do love the hills and actually struggle more so on flats.. one of the things I need to work on. When we got to the 2nd rest stop at day break park, we had discovered that my back tire had lost a lot of air... hmmm, I think someone one actually let it out so I would struggle more with the ride :) nah... he didn't... it was a legitimate flat and the great hands of River City Bikes, fortunately, turned over my back tire quickly and we were on our way. Should add that during that break I got so cold that both sets of toes went numb and the digits on my right hand were frozen as well. From that point, I would end up being chilled to the core for the rest of the day. I would have thought that the hill that came up immediately after the rest stop would have had me back to a good temp... alas, my toes and fingers came back to life, but I was just damp cold for the rest of the ride... which still had a couple of good hills in store. The Felida hill was a lot of fun, but the hill that amused me the most wast the last... you take this sharp lef turn on to the hill and this SOB is steep ... I mean... granny steep. So steep in fact that I witnesses a crash because this on rider just stopped because they couldn't peddle or I don't know what and another right behind her crashed into her and there was this chain reaction. We were way off to the side passing as this was going on... you really have to be alert at that point in the ride because alot of people were tired and weaving on their bikes and they don't say anything when they are about to fall over. Anyway... a very satisfying ride... I was pleased with the pace we rode at and was done for the rest of the day. I was supposed to go to a birthday party later that evening... but i only managed to make it burgerville, rite aid and bed. The rest of the day remainded cold and it actually started raining after the ride... I was done with being out in the weather.. and a warm, cozy bed was way more appealing.
So tomorow the ride is dependent on the weather... imagine that. If it turns out to be ok weather - the ride is going to be a 60 miler out to crown point and back... should be a great ride! Fingers crossed that the weather alows it.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Does this mean I'm negative? I'm a cynic? or is this real?
By GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...):
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We'v e learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time wh en you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious t houghts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. George Carlin © 2007 MicrosoftPrivacyLegal Help CentralAccountFeedback _______________________
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We'v e learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time wh en you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete... Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious t houghts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. George Carlin © 2007 MicrosoftPrivacyLegal Help CentralAccountFeedback _______________________
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Italia 2007
Standing in front of the Trevi fountain in Rome
Infront of one of the many amazing fountains in Rome
Sara, Julie and I after finishing one of the most fabulous meals that we'd had so far on the trip. This was in Florence.
The cute host who was so attentive and charming.
The food was so good, that almost wanted a cigarette too... kidding!
The island of Capri
Here I am at the top of the Doria Castle, Vernaza, one of the Cinque Terre towns.
The Ponte Vechio - far left. Firenze (Florence)
Gauchos do nothing for my hips( except for make them look ginormous). Florence behind me.
The Pantheon, Rome. We walked circles around this place trying to find it. It was very well hidden, surprinsly, in one of the many nooks and crannies that Rome, and Italia in general, offer.
The beach in Levanto
Boat tour - paid full price to the Blue Grotto island boat tours co. to go around the island of Capri.With no explanation as to why, we only went half way around the island. THat sums up a lot of my time in Italy. I wish I would have had my "Sh*t Happens", italian version, t-shirt with me for this trip.
The little stallions like to surf too...how cute.
Soaked in Sorento
Deluge in Sorento
Manarola - One of the Cinque Terre towns
Countryside surrounding Asissi.
A rainy day in Rome... il Colosseo in the background.
St. Peter;s Basilica... With a live performance by the Pope that very day... we didn't stick around to catch the show. Head to the Vatican Museo instead.
Chair lift going to the top of Capri.
Sara and I on the Cinque Terre trail.
Sitting on the top of Capri
Friday, September 21, 2007
Word of the day
Word of the Day for Friday, September 21, 2007
intrepid \in-TREP-id\, adjective:
Fearless; bold; brave; undaunted; courageous; as, an intrepid soldier; intrepid spirit.
intrepid \in-TREP-id\, adjective:
Fearless; bold; brave; undaunted; courageous; as, an intrepid soldier; intrepid spirit.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Hood to Coast 2007
Timberline Lodge - Starting Line
Van 2: April, Steph, Jessica, Livia, Monika, and Lynette - getting motivated as we head off from Tek to the Sandy Fred Meyer's to meet Van 1 as they finish their first leg and we begin ours.
My 1st H2C - 2002 - notice the "to beer" on the road... sweet motivation to get me through the last leg.
Waiting for Lynette to get here so we can cross the finish line....
Van 1 - Best in Test
Jani, Julie, Brita, Libby, Brandy, and Megan
Van 1 - waiting for Van 2 to finish their 1st leg. Down town Portland underneath the Hawthorn Bridge.
Van 2: April, Steph, Jessica, Livia, Monika, and Lynette - getting motivated as we head off from Tek to the Sandy Fred Meyer's to meet Van 1 as they finish their first leg and we begin ours.
Well, it's here again... would ya look at that!!! Hood to Coast 2007!!!! Where it sounds like a great idea .... until it's 3 o frickin I'm tired a clock in the am and it's time to run leg 2 of the relay... woo hoo... where's mah gosh darn head lamp and I have to hit the honey bucket before runner 21 gets here.... though we complain - WE ALL LOVE IT!!!
My 1st H2C - 2002 - notice the "to beer" on the road... sweet motivation to get me through the last leg.This year, my 5th, I'm running on the Tektronix women's team - Best in Test (it's an oscilliscope reference). Van 1 (in leg order): Jani, Brita, Libby, Megan, Julie, and Brandi. Van 2: Jessica, April, Monika, Me, Livia, and Lynette.
I am really excited for this year because it's the first time where I haven't over trained or had some kind of unexplained physical ailment and my running has been fairly strong. Was kind of worried when we (April and I) climbed Mt St Helens on Aug 1oth and did a 75 mile bike ride on August 12 and could then barely walk the following week. So ... a week of training lost... but maybe it was a good thing in that it didn't allow for over training - which I have done in the past... over training sucks.
I am off now to get my food and drink and pack tomorrow... should have a lot more to write about Sunday!
Team BEST IN TEST
All the Tektronix running (3) and walking(2) teams
Waiting for Lynette to get here so we can cross the finish line....
As H2C 2007 came to an end... the line for the Honey Bucket still goes on.
Til next year... H2C 2008 training starts in another 5 months!
Finish at the beach - look at those shiny, happey faces! Exceellent work Ladies!!!!
Monday, August 20, 2007
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