End of the Year Musings....

Today I went to the bank and made my last deposit for 2009. As I was filling out my deposit slip, I noticed a man next to me doing the same. His check was from the State of California, Employment Development Department, so chances are good that he is unemployed. We both looked up at the same time, smiled and wished each other a Happy New Year. I silently wished him well and hoped that he will find a job in 2010. I am sure that for him and so many others, 2009 has been a very difficult year.

Reflecting on what this year has brought is an exercise in gratitude. I am grateful that:

I am employed,
I have decent health insurance,
My family members (human and canine) and I are healthy and happy,
I am able and healthy enough to train in endurance events,
I am surrounded by delightful circle of friends and supportive spiritual community, and
I will continue to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, ARF and other causes that are important to me.

If anyone is reading this blog, I wish you a very Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year!

"I Don't Even Like Driving 45 Miles....."

The title of this post was the phrase of the day during our 45 mile bike ride last Saturday. Inevitably this was a common response when I told someone I rode 45 miles on a bike. Yes, I've been guilty of responding in a similar fashion to when told of various friends' feats of athleticism i.e. "I don't even like driving 112 miles" or "I don't even like freefalling 3,000 feet before pulling my parachute".

IronPhil organized our "gang of 7" for a training ride the day after Christmas. We met at the Rudgear Park 'n Ride in Walnut Creek to commence our schlep to the Sunol Train Depot and back. It was a very chilly and cloudy morning---with rain in the forecast for later that day. My hope was to finish the ride before a downpour. To take my mind off of the cold, cars and daunting distance, I started to note my favorite haunts at certain places along the way. First major siting was the Rising Loafer, one of my favorite breakfast joints. I resisted the great temptation to stop for pancakes and a cappuccino.

When I saw the street sign for Crow Canyon Blvd., my thoughts turned to Zachery's Pizza and its "award winning" Chicago style pizza......

Shortly thereafter, we hit Bollinger Canyon and of course, what came to mind was none other than Whole Foods ---if it ever went out of business, I would starve......

By the time we neared Pleasanton, two pleasant thoughts came to mind---shopping at Stoneridge Shopping Center and delicious Chinese food at Tri Valley Seafood. Good thing Janice was with me to keep me focused, otherwise, I'd lock up the bike and stop in at Tri Valley for some dim sum and crab.

Okay, I was not entirely consumed with thoughts of food during the ride. I enjoyed the beauty of the East Bay and seeing little communities tucked away and off the beaten track--especially the segment from Pleasanton to Sunol.

Fall #2 occurred on the way back at the top of a hill near Foothill High School in Pleasanton. Similar scenario to Fall #1---fell over on the unclipped side. Re-skinned the same elbow, plus my right knee. Boo-boos in two places this time. Janice was quite the trooper and a terrific mentor---staying with me for the entire ride and being so encouraging!

Second real ride of the season and I'm thrilled I rode 45 miles!

Thank You, May I Have Another......

All of these photos were taken Saturday morning, December 19, 2009. And yes, it was truly six hours of training, beginning with run drills and a 2 mile run and followed by strength and core training. We then had a brief 30 minute respite to refuel and change into our swimming apparel for an 1.5 hour swim workout---another quick change and we are spinning on our bikes for the last 1.5 hour.

Dear readers, mind you, the last time I worked out for 6 continuous hours was running a marathon. But that was a single activity, and did not involve changing clothes, shoes or mindset. Getting out of a wet swimsuit and then trying to put on spandex bike shorts is no easy task.

As much as I moan and groan at times during training, it is truly paying off. I noticed that I am swimming more efficiently--especially after working on drills under the coaches' supervision. A far cry from being Dara Torres, but noticeably better than my first day in the pool. I can also swim several laps without getting winded.

This Christmas week at a glance: Today was the team's day off, but I had my own core/strength training this morning with Jillian, ahem, I mean Kelley. Tomorrow is a spin session at Sports Basement with the gang. Wednesday includes both swim and core. Thursday is swim/bike. I'm taking Christmas Day off! And Saturday is a 45 mile bike ride......

I'm tired just thinking about the week....I'm off to bed. 'night everyone!

Santa Barbara Marathon aka The Search for a Porta-Potty

Santa Barbara Internation Marathon, December 6, 2009...

Better late than never---here is my 26.2 race recap....Don't worry, every agonizing step is still vivid in my mind, despite the race being held over a week ago. When I signed up to do this marathon, I was only thinking about the fun and beautiful sites that Santa Barbara offers its visitors. Beaches, shopping, palm trees....Unfortunately, those enticing qualities never once entered my mind during the 6:35:13 while I was shuffling my way through "The American Riviera".

I was lucky enough to drive down Friday, whereas my teammates arrived Saturday. The team stayed at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, which is along Cabrillo Blvd--adjacent to the beach! After picking up my race packet, I devoted Saturday morning to strolling along State Street and having lunch at one of my favorite places---Jeannine's Bakery in Montecito. Challah French toast with a side of eggs and ham---the folks at the table next to me were impressed with the quantity of food that I consumed. I take my carbo loading very seriously :-) My teammates were starting to arrive by early afternoon and we all met for the Inspiration Dinner. Coach Rudy spoke movingly about his father in law who is also our team honoree.

On race day morning, we boarded our very own TNT shuttle to the starting line in Goleta (about 10 miles from Santa Barbara). It was extremely cold (mid 40s) and the race was delayed 30 minutes to 7:00 a.m. Once the race started, I ran with Alison for a few miles until we parted ways at a porta-pottie. Then I ran with Kelly, until she too left me in the dust. This need to pee portended the race until mile 22. Since it was so cold, I did not sweat as much as I usually do, so you guessed it, all the liquid must go somewhere. Unfortunately, the race organizers did not place porta potties every two miles---it was more like every 6-8 miles. The upshot is that in my vigilent search for a loo, I didn't focus too much on blisters or the endless road ahead of me.

After Kelly and I parted ways, I had a lot of alone time. Since the race had only 2,800 runners, the course was definitely not crowded. There were times when I wasn't sure if I was able to finish---so I called upon Raji and Brenda for an extra push (or kick in the pants...) Contemplating all of the people touched by cancer---I knew that finishing was my only f*ck&ing option. No wimps in the East Bay.....

Highlights of the race were---terrific volunteer at mile 17 who showed me the way to a very clean and warm church bathroom. I wanted to stay in there forever. It was like being in a cocoon. It was at this point in the race that I knew I would finish the damn thing! Also a cheerful spectator in a residential area let me use the bathroom in her also very clean and warm home. I promised her that I would not steal anything nor stay for lunch. Throughout the course, I saw Coach Rudy and my teammates who came down to Santa Barbara to cheer us on. Their presence made such a big difference when I really needed a boost! Michael (who just ran Hono), was kind enough (or crazy enough) to run with me from Mile 22 to the finish! Hearing his journey from "couch potato" to being super fit was so inspirational that at times, I forgot my own fatigue. However, at mile 24 (the 1/2 mile climb) felt like the "Bataan Death March"--I was in total automoton mode. But at the top, we were rewarded with a fabulous view of the ocean and the beach. After the wicked hill, it was a gradual downhill to the finish. As Michael was talking and I was grunting in response, we were met by Kim and Lori at mile 25. My wonderful teammates escorted me to the finish line! It was a memorable way to finish my second marathon.

I'm happy to say that I finished about 1.5 hours ahead of my first marathon and with only one blister. At this point, I say "never again", unless I get into the New York City Marathon....

In Memory of Coach Raji

Much sadness has touched our Team in Training family. Our dear Coach Raji has lost her battle with cancer. No amount of words can express the positive impact Raji has made on my life and the lives of so many others. Her dedication to her family and extended TNT family was truly inspiring. Raji, you will be missed, but never forgotten.