tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28932750086612914412023-11-16T08:15:54.326-08:00If you fall, get back on.Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-15518132134609635032008-09-10T17:03:00.000-07:002008-09-10T17:44:24.444-07:00What I've Been Up ToKick-ass Laura reminded me via a Flickr comment that I haven't blogged in forever so I figured I would do a, "What I've been up to" blog.<br /><br />My bf and I checked out an awesome concert at The Fillmore (my 1st Fillmore attendance, cool venue!)where I ended up coming out looking as if I had just done a two-hour hard core interval training ride. The band was Cavalera Conspiracy and they rocked!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhhf_q1reI/AAAAAAAAAqo/cPMrDwIhwEw/s1600-h/pic1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhhf_q1reI/AAAAAAAAAqo/cPMrDwIhwEw/s320/pic1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244548968367893986" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj4rDYVOVRWCheU7YRxCIJcvN7M6tk6W0-nn__IXaZuq0VZycut1onUUgoVYuJHRDpF29vkLUWeT0s8P9tU5sARCkOg9kcZsT1oyxyx7o9Spc6Lfr3NACwUASA92JLypCCDlVJGUF94U/s1600-h/pic2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj4rDYVOVRWCheU7YRxCIJcvN7M6tk6W0-nn__IXaZuq0VZycut1onUUgoVYuJHRDpF29vkLUWeT0s8P9tU5sARCkOg9kcZsT1oyxyx7o9Spc6Lfr3NACwUASA92JLypCCDlVJGUF94U/s320/pic2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244549071576983538" /></a><br /><br />We went to Tahoe in August and rode around the 72-mile perimeter of the lake. Talk about an awesome ride!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEPFzvnn1ka0PGtOShoktyzIiJiUvo1mmtdhXL7QtE9UjaltY-LNRpX12aRYRPVbl7PZxje91QF6k0VZRqL81cwSyfDdKHuibHgSyuSloEtqgcqWAJnVUbsJXNIer3Y6-NNc6Yc-FTCY/s1600-h/pic3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEPFzvnn1ka0PGtOShoktyzIiJiUvo1mmtdhXL7QtE9UjaltY-LNRpX12aRYRPVbl7PZxje91QF6k0VZRqL81cwSyfDdKHuibHgSyuSloEtqgcqWAJnVUbsJXNIer3Y6-NNc6Yc-FTCY/s320/pic3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244549639888431122" /></a><br /><br />We've also been doing long rides (i.e., century rides) in Marin county and the peninsula.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhjgBweCZI/AAAAAAAAArU/JMEBVWpD9QY/s1600-h/pic6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhjgBweCZI/AAAAAAAAArU/JMEBVWpD9QY/s320/pic6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244551167951636882" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhjxYKbcUI/AAAAAAAAArc/uA_sX4ke638/s1600-h/pic7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhjxYKbcUI/AAAAAAAAArc/uA_sX4ke638/s320/pic7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244551466023874882" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2zu1tOsSa4dAY4rc2SnOoEj8ee3ggpvxfO-2VKshR7I-TFFgl3pDYU34gvH8dFr47QZiIpFAfSC2RxpSp9sDlqVU0W2OUtxi6z8Zty7Iaz8OgSgOVhmhoHfO9e7lgl9ohHNanlHE3lg/s1600-h/pic4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2zu1tOsSa4dAY4rc2SnOoEj8ee3ggpvxfO-2VKshR7I-TFFgl3pDYU34gvH8dFr47QZiIpFAfSC2RxpSp9sDlqVU0W2OUtxi6z8Zty7Iaz8OgSgOVhmhoHfO9e7lgl9ohHNanlHE3lg/s320/pic4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244550810653257250" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhjQl6NtCI/AAAAAAAAArM/7MiDdskjafk/s1600-h/pic5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhjQl6NtCI/AAAAAAAAArM/7MiDdskjafk/s320/pic5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244550902778278946" /></a><br /><br />We also went down south for some REAL summer weather. We rode bikes around Catalina Island, played beach volleyball, BBQ'd, played pool at a popular hang-out, and got drunk at a house party.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhlDPkW6FI/AAAAAAAAArk/aS-ITWW2TNE/s1600-h/pic8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhlDPkW6FI/AAAAAAAAArk/aS-ITWW2TNE/s320/pic8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244552872465983570" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhlIUYQP5I/AAAAAAAAArs/zKRyCWgzd8w/s1600-h/pic9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhlIUYQP5I/AAAAAAAAArs/zKRyCWgzd8w/s320/pic9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244552959656738706" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhlOnQkAAI/AAAAAAAAAr0/hr8gZ-NTLC0/s1600-h/pic10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhlOnQkAAI/AAAAAAAAAr0/hr8gZ-NTLC0/s320/pic10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244553067803967490" /></a><br /><br />The biggest event coming up is the Capoeira Batizado in November. (You can read abou its' background here ----> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batizado). I'm curious to see what official nickname I'm given. I'm thinking about filming my batizado performance and uploading it to youtube to share with my friends. Further details to come. :-)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhnSEkMmJI/AAAAAAAAAr8/1B04prJVfvE/s1600-h/pic11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SMhnSEkMmJI/AAAAAAAAAr8/1B04prJVfvE/s320/pic11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244555326233811090" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-52210697865301244982008-07-24T12:57:00.000-07:002008-07-24T13:36:52.661-07:00How did that happen?<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SIjnpxcANMI/AAAAAAAAAqg/02nSxOSMvLg/s1600-h/DUO-N.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SIjnpxcANMI/AAAAAAAAAqg/02nSxOSMvLg/s400/DUO-N.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226682072394904770" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>“Why do birds suddenly appear<br />Every time you are near?<br />Just like me, they long to be<br />Close to you.”</strong><br /><br />Although I think this Carpenters song is one of the all-time corniest songs (sorry Sheryl) it does capture that feeling of being in love. As many of my friends know, five months ago I posted a craigs list personals ad and met my now-boyfriend, Rey. Rey is a Brazilian triathlete who loves to ride his bike (road and mountain). He’s fun, smart, athletic, nurturing and a good communicator. He is handy with tools and he’s an awesome cook! And, therein lies the problem. I’ve gained a pound for every month we’ve been together. That’s 5 lbs. people! <br /><br />Rey loves to cook and cooks for us all the time. His food is so damn good I often find myself having seconds. Perhaps not such a good idea when those seconds come in the form of rice with cashew nuts or omelets with cheese. Not to mention that I haven’t been riding consistently due to work, travel and some degree of laziness. <br /><br />Perhaps I wouldn’t be as self-conscious about my weight gain if Rey wouldn’t grab at my love-handles. Note to guys: DO NOT grab at your woman’s love handles, stomach pooch, or other fatty body part! It does not feel like an affectionate gesture. If you want to be affectionate, give us a kiss on the cheek, hold our hands or give us a warm hug. Reaching for our body fat (other than our boobs or butts) only makes us feel uncomfortable and sooo un-sexy!<br /><br />Thankfully, Rey is being understanding about my weight gain and has promised to help me lose it. Ideally, I’ll lose the weight faster than I gained it. Just in time for the holidays. ;-)Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-69163876434114794512008-07-16T02:07:00.001-07:002008-07-16T02:16:25.994-07:00If you're looking for custom-made cakes...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SH27xaxJ5LI/AAAAAAAAAqY/cw07qMS1Vrs/s1600-h/IMG_9829_duo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SH27xaxJ5LI/AAAAAAAAAqY/cw07qMS1Vrs/s400/IMG_9829_duo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223537600493118642" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SH267IiQeAI/AAAAAAAAAqI/ryLAPXiHWjI/s1600-h/IMG_9800_cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SH267IiQeAI/AAAAAAAAAqI/ryLAPXiHWjI/s400/IMG_9800_cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223536667885860866" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SH27kzrXFvI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/CFDPaZeQBYw/s1600-h/IMG_9832_cake_rey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SH27kzrXFvI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/CFDPaZeQBYw/s400/IMG_9832_cake_rey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223537383841404658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">check out http://www.sweetartbyjennifer.com/<br /><br />I ordered a birthday cake from Jennifer and I was very happy with her professionalism, cake design and flavor (chocolate with Kahlua cream filling. Yummy!! Btw, she also delivers.</span>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-2447033682999245682008-06-24T10:14:00.000-07:002008-06-24T10:57:24.900-07:00Time to check myself!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ouA88TUTu3hAFFiH1zkSNZsyrZl3JzgWuMEtiVXGxA9J_2GybIviWq4YireEmkqbSEm4g0p1YlKOVbmpgS6TYMK7vgeOPnECkkr1brwahPP-s2srpZyFg9bcIbMbVXA4gmZodQV2YdE/s1600-h/con_82.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ouA88TUTu3hAFFiH1zkSNZsyrZl3JzgWuMEtiVXGxA9J_2GybIviWq4YireEmkqbSEm4g0p1YlKOVbmpgS6TYMK7vgeOPnECkkr1brwahPP-s2srpZyFg9bcIbMbVXA4gmZodQV2YdE/s400/con_82.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215497720330270866" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Although I'm certainly not a strong bike climber, I have a special affinity to the Mt. Diablo Hill Climb Time Trial because it was the first bike race I ever did. Sad to say, my finishing time hasn't improved since '06:<br /><br />2006: My finishing time was 39:22.9 (1st place finishing time was 32:02.0 by Shawn Chapler from EMC/Vellum, 24-women field)<br /> <br />2007: My finishing time was 40:43.2 (1st place finishing time was 32:53.6 by Deb Sandercock from Left Coast, 26-women field)<br /><br />2008: My finishing time was 40:14.5 (1st place finishing time was 30:27.9 by Susan Lannoo, unattached, 17-women field)<br /><br />I'd like to think that I would have come in under 40 minutes had I not had to race to the start line (I made it to the start line about 45 seconds before my start time). Could've, should've, would've...whatever. The point is that I need to start kicking my own ass again (i.e., lose weight, train more, drink less wine (scratch that, eating less is enough of a sacrafice). <br /><br />The nice thing about the Diablo TT is that you can continue riding up the mountain after your race and mull over not having pushed harder on some of the easier sections of the road. The first trip up to the summit, I rode solo and turned around right before the 100-meter,17% grade stretch of road leading up to the summit. On my second trip, I rode with my now-triathlete-but-hopefully-soon-to-be-road-racer boyfriend Rey, Peter Armstrong from Synergy, and Peter's girlfriend, Melissa. Despite my intensifying hunger, I rode to the summit the second time around.<br /><br />My next goal? The Esparto TT on August 10th.<br />2006 results: 56:00.4<br />2007 results: 53:21.7<br />2008 results: Hopefully, 50:00.0!</strong>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-79218032616830156932008-06-18T07:28:00.000-07:002008-06-18T12:35:16.885-07:00My First DuathlonI competed in my first duathlon last Saturday (the Mermaid duathlon in Fremont). I was joined by my Team Oakland teammate, Marie, and my friends Jesse and Melissa. (I would later discover Tri Flo Velo Girl Lorri at the race as well. I don't know what the hell I was thinking by not getting a few shots with Lorri. Aargghh! Maybe I just can't multi-task between being a participant and photographer. But I digress...)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiIXFw4bCkGQVEopMTnJVNFYSpnHrfyu1eeHRq2Kyqwx_h4UF_MQeLSOuu2zrotcLOGGw2TkPI0_7Bppt78aPtO8XJ4mW0F1rYsEGwP5tYMgEZeq0sMJLI1JbvpMhj1_GD31kPfjd-mg/s1600-h/PIC_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiIXFw4bCkGQVEopMTnJVNFYSpnHrfyu1eeHRq2Kyqwx_h4UF_MQeLSOuu2zrotcLOGGw2TkPI0_7Bppt78aPtO8XJ4mW0F1rYsEGwP5tYMgEZeq0sMJLI1JbvpMhj1_GD31kPfjd-mg/s400/PIC_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213303620531002722" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsMcjXExdANzTad6JnbEiNU_gRejjlElHml1sx38bes8i0DKpL8gAJpIU309ehPO3oRCCGsM8exNLtX4yNhuKOiiiNSUDeGNhkt_-nneTBg1Sasc-GPcHX_0B4F40toOAbDZnjqpeYw4/s1600-h/PIC_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsMcjXExdANzTad6JnbEiNU_gRejjlElHml1sx38bes8i0DKpL8gAJpIU309ehPO3oRCCGsM8exNLtX4yNhuKOiiiNSUDeGNhkt_-nneTBg1Sasc-GPcHX_0B4F40toOAbDZnjqpeYw4/s400/PIC_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213303229819092146" /></a><br /><br />My race started at 7:30 a.m. and I figured a 5:15 a.m. wake-up would give me plenty of time to get to the race comfortably. Nope! I ended up running 20 minutes late and was feeling a bit stressed when Rey, Jesse and I got to the race. Although we cut it very close, Jess and I made it to the start line on time.<br /><br />Our race distances were 1.5 mile run, 11 mile bike, 2.5 mile run. Although these are short distances, I didn't know how well I was going to do (especially since I'd only run a total of 7.5 miles since registering for the event). <br /><br />I got through the 1.5 mile alright (12:55.4). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-KdpExhAagOORYwwZOOIFk5nVrq-Bk0z1VRSSGGwidGZPsvp2vkI9Rr9J0jRgSOD8kYiJ3kdgqyZShCRAaiPZ1JadiVv7Wnb5nZOXTUhnL3XxbSQtSPQLINGIwCtS4JsBytU-TQ9JPo/s1600-h/IMG_9531_MOI.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-KdpExhAagOORYwwZOOIFk5nVrq-Bk0z1VRSSGGwidGZPsvp2vkI9Rr9J0jRgSOD8kYiJ3kdgqyZShCRAaiPZ1JadiVv7Wnb5nZOXTUhnL3XxbSQtSPQLINGIwCtS4JsBytU-TQ9JPo/s400/IMG_9531_MOI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213236754111448290" /></a><br /><br />When I got to the transition area to pick up my bike, I had a little trouble finding my bike in the sea of bikes before me. When I finally found it, I moved as fast as I could (transition time: 2:25.0)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlW69kS7noE5WJ5goVsM90J4Az4HrJ8gKjDnn6cQzd1GclFhZxqnrnqduFpICR3R9VukJ57w5WHpmbJX2LZG79VXTBw4pm4tpbmhZ8G8CFLl-Zjh64adSgktpBqqNWmPJA7RDdtpVd5U/s1600-h/IMG_9525.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlW69kS7noE5WJ5goVsM90J4Az4HrJ8gKjDnn6cQzd1GclFhZxqnrnqduFpICR3R9VukJ57w5WHpmbJX2LZG79VXTBw4pm4tpbmhZ8G8CFLl-Zjh64adSgktpBqqNWmPJA7RDdtpVd5U/s400/IMG_9525.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213237059790645698" /></a><br /><br />Once on the bike, I felt I was in my element. I noticed a Tri Flo jersey (Lorri) ahead of me so I tried to stay with her or ahead of her throughout the bike leg. However, she dropped me on the second loop where she did more aggressive bike handling on the bike trail. On the 3rd corner of my last loop, my right calf started cramping BIG time!. I had to slow down significantly, drink water, and wait for the cramp to subside somewhat before picking up the speed again. Damn those cramps! Bike Time: 33:28.0.<br /><br />I found the third leg of the race to be the most challenging. I had to work very hard at keeping my breathing under control. Although I knew I had to run across sand to get to the finish line, I was so ready to finish my first duathlon and sprinted as fast as I could. Third Run: 22:00.4.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexUNBE44DQ1Uu2ty1yak74T99L7BSZtFqo1KxCspVQAhJrpx-zKFtljB1EbOugBeYGZgGuAZ2v7ZPIn4vDw5IDUtIiVJM5sd-T3IznxIQMhRjuv8M3PvMo2llwDSBRlv_0ugnB5hcnwM/s1600-h/PIC_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexUNBE44DQ1Uu2ty1yak74T99L7BSZtFqo1KxCspVQAhJrpx-zKFtljB1EbOugBeYGZgGuAZ2v7ZPIn4vDw5IDUtIiVJM5sd-T3IznxIQMhRjuv8M3PvMo2llwDSBRlv_0ugnB5hcnwM/s400/PIC_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213304117984732402" /></a><br /><br />After the race, I chatted with Marie, Lorri and the rest of my pals and enjoyed a good breakfast. When the results were posted, I learned that I placed first in my age group (12th overall in the duathlon group). Right on! Fellow Team Oakland team mate Marie placed first in her age group and 2nd overall).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYR7uYpZ-rs5fHQL7NZy2mMGgnWRD7tCBlzxtiry4xvnpJbd0hN7mFWk1PR86rrzx1GY-2NU9zddG7FvlWIDqwllfEEs4TOQGYvCQm04XQYezoZhW2HUCSbHLfcJINfzo-1mvgpSHMEY/s1600-h/PIC_4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYR7uYpZ-rs5fHQL7NZy2mMGgnWRD7tCBlzxtiry4xvnpJbd0hN7mFWk1PR86rrzx1GY-2NU9zddG7FvlWIDqwllfEEs4TOQGYvCQm04XQYezoZhW2HUCSbHLfcJINfzo-1mvgpSHMEY/s400/PIC_4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213304435422436098" /></a><br /><br />I had a lot of fun competing in this race and think there might be more duathlons in my future.<br /><br />P.S. If anyone can tell me how I can include the link to Marie's and Lorri's blog pages within my blog, I would appreciate it mucho!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsghXuOq2VU3R2ePjcXbyk2Nl3sYK5MZj83Gokqrw7yN1mngiUHbJ9aZ44Q1C7Wn-mx1ttqs35-TC7xHSYQGSIjb17QAWp79c6Dgm7Cj5tez-MfnScVywKBW5WsnYlEjKflI7KRpPUgY/s1600-h/PIC_5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsghXuOq2VU3R2ePjcXbyk2Nl3sYK5MZj83Gokqrw7yN1mngiUHbJ9aZ44Q1C7Wn-mx1ttqs35-TC7xHSYQGSIjb17QAWp79c6Dgm7Cj5tez-MfnScVywKBW5WsnYlEjKflI7KRpPUgY/s400/PIC_5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213304670496758562" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-70144670831442965762008-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:002008-06-11T00:58:25.805-07:00Latest HappeningsThese past few weeks have been pretty activity-filled.<br /><br />In May there was Laura's birthday celebration. Surprisingly enough, I was the only one not to get plastered. I guess I exercised self-restraint because I was the designated driver. Yet, I managed to: (1) get on the wrong freeway and (2) miss the last non-SF exit. Consequently, Beth and I enjoyed a tour of Yerba Buena Island as we turned back so we can head back home instead of crossing the bay bridge.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwY_gpJ6dIdYSrICjmcGO4JmLklj7p43ldU0E9whmL-Bp4hZ2bcE-wE6oxLb4nCh_fFaPsVa85prNOTw_vxXErKMD0xgl5Oz7ZlZzwwd6HhloM0zljQ2gcRhIXlQ1gKAs3bFjkZ0BXyA/s1600-h/IMG_8818_trio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwY_gpJ6dIdYSrICjmcGO4JmLklj7p43ldU0E9whmL-Bp4hZ2bcE-wE6oxLb4nCh_fFaPsVa85prNOTw_vxXErKMD0xgl5Oz7ZlZzwwd6HhloM0zljQ2gcRhIXlQ1gKAs3bFjkZ0BXyA/s400/IMG_8818_trio.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210518185819253698" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWtEVNJr3pJInwnAtwVZoydpgUcp_YF-pVcjF3rRlcq994UCr7r50iJqZ3wvpmdg2Qwfltrdy5yxMu5EwFh4YRl7ryBKjLO6ThfRvEZ0KDncgHTVKq71Eo6qK90AnNFRgesaK29Er_zY/s1600-h/IMG_8822.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWtEVNJr3pJInwnAtwVZoydpgUcp_YF-pVcjF3rRlcq994UCr7r50iJqZ3wvpmdg2Qwfltrdy5yxMu5EwFh4YRl7ryBKjLO6ThfRvEZ0KDncgHTVKq71Eo6qK90AnNFRgesaK29Er_zY/s400/IMG_8822.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210522217040070978" /></a><br /><br />There was also that hot day in May. I decided to work a half-day and hang out at Ocean Beach until late. Although the water was cold, I managed to jump into the ocean for a few minutes. I also got to enjoy watching the sunset with Rey.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE98DjpI2xI/AAAAAAAAAm4/xQvYOD2O6Sc/s1600-h/IMG_8957_duo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE98DjpI2xI/AAAAAAAAAm4/xQvYOD2O6Sc/s400/IMG_8957_duo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210519694440192786" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpV_jpWgWYw9C_IAcME82nXrJtavhQfodlAONmGtYmnTUGuQE-xFNfGbxlEOxO7llCCJEL-gEo9vzNsHZ_w5hT-QWyUY1yU4Rt3jCZMXN_MnP4h8PezJa-7sBpTv_hgUGXWseqMlDy50/s1600-h/IMG_8962_sunset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpV_jpWgWYw9C_IAcME82nXrJtavhQfodlAONmGtYmnTUGuQE-xFNfGbxlEOxO7llCCJEL-gEo9vzNsHZ_w5hT-QWyUY1yU4Rt3jCZMXN_MnP4h8PezJa-7sBpTv_hgUGXWseqMlDy50/s400/IMG_8962_sunset.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210522388041907874" /></a><br /><br />I've been on a few challenging bike rides (e.g., lower body weight training on a Friday, followed by climbing some of SF's notorious steep hills on Saturday, and completing the torture training with a ride to Mt. Tam with very little fuel in my tank on Sunday).<br /><br />There was also another May birthday celebration I got to enjoy: TO's very own Jeff Sobul looking very dapper and happy on his birthday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZseTVbJEGPW8ky3biSDPG45S8cw3CxYUhjSXnqY0D3S9ne_TZwbDK-E6LdfxYxT7mx_lRPSjaGfg0VQViwvdn9Mey8s9K4FUsQlyzLzQxWmcYTEcNTlSv-ngvCEAs7c-LdkG5GInnCQU/s1600-h/IMG_9077_duo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZseTVbJEGPW8ky3biSDPG45S8cw3CxYUhjSXnqY0D3S9ne_TZwbDK-E6LdfxYxT7mx_lRPSjaGfg0VQViwvdn9Mey8s9K4FUsQlyzLzQxWmcYTEcNTlSv-ngvCEAs7c-LdkG5GInnCQU/s400/IMG_9077_duo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210524186815815826" /></a><br /><br />I also got to watch some of my capoeirista friends in action at Union Square.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-A7JI0xrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/2la07sS8eAU/s1600-h/IMG_9251_cap12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-A7JI0xrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/2la07sS8eAU/s400/IMG_9251_cap12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210525047444522674" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpRQiAYkgfOVtq92eWAg0ERcgS4DRlyba3GIoJn57JfW-Dif5zOKja5a67aSmjKR8tOV4kWcn5qrgwOjDYsqHexXg_VQqXhLK8hJeam9lOSKgIwQ4N_UvOrV5D5XaWVFJjaldR5KKS_4/s1600-h/IMG_9227_cap23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpRQiAYkgfOVtq92eWAg0ERcgS4DRlyba3GIoJn57JfW-Dif5zOKja5a67aSmjKR8tOV4kWcn5qrgwOjDYsqHexXg_VQqXhLK8hJeam9lOSKgIwQ4N_UvOrV5D5XaWVFJjaldR5KKS_4/s400/IMG_9227_cap23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210525732125024370" /></a><br /><br />Of course, there's always time to catch a live Brazilian band. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-DFxBRRlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/kH_jKoljMmM/s1600-h/June_ElRio_Meetup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-DFxBRRlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/kH_jKoljMmM/s400/June_ElRio_Meetup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210527428972201554" /></a><br /><br /><br />This past weekend I went to Rey's triathlon in Sacramento. He and his teammates did very well. Oh, and imagine my surprise when I see a Team Oakland racer there. Yup, Scott Cole was there doing the bike leg (his attendance was part of his office's team-building endeavor.) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-CiK8WHnI/AAAAAAAAAno/YGRH4OcSlgo/s1600-h/IMG_9463.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-CiK8WHnI/AAAAAAAAAno/YGRH4OcSlgo/s400/IMG_9463.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210526817455578738" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9eBy_Z85ltnghVzF7Pq5OZk7e5BZddy7P1CQb_zUKf5kUWDefugQJcPj5LKc5UWYCWqPA7O3Jqol2inQCrcJYQ6Upktq5l-hPomeUMktvfjPfH9vgmJrWI_YgsfmuZSEzYvZoecEsQ8/s1600-h/IMG_9321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9eBy_Z85ltnghVzF7Pq5OZk7e5BZddy7P1CQb_zUKf5kUWDefugQJcPj5LKc5UWYCWqPA7O3Jqol2inQCrcJYQ6Upktq5l-hPomeUMktvfjPfH9vgmJrWI_YgsfmuZSEzYvZoecEsQ8/s400/IMG_9321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210527654254490034" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, I did kayaking for the first time this past weekend. Pretty fun stuff.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-EJ0yekiI/AAAAAAAAAoA/NlNWHGXDX6k/s1600-h/IMG_9509_duo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SE-EJ0yekiI/AAAAAAAAAoA/NlNWHGXDX6k/s400/IMG_9509_duo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210528598215004706" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInDs-pW3-v-RXEAuBkUcyq9VfHphvnizI0riS6-v6_6guFv_B5fVYaDFs5jREnhE32qso_FTO-Q3CUqA2Zz94UL3CLUPF_WmplfKw2lJ3m39NTGT_MAVlsW2wsE6N6CNYF7M27cIsFRg/s1600-h/IMG_9519_moi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInDs-pW3-v-RXEAuBkUcyq9VfHphvnizI0riS6-v6_6guFv_B5fVYaDFs5jREnhE32qso_FTO-Q3CUqA2Zz94UL3CLUPF_WmplfKw2lJ3m39NTGT_MAVlsW2wsE6N6CNYF7M27cIsFRg/s400/IMG_9519_moi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210529745530546802" /></a><br /><br />I'm looking forward to more adventures this summer!Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-6380928333947241982008-05-20T15:52:00.000-07:002008-05-20T16:27:29.480-07:00A RecapThese past few weeks have been fun and busy. <br /><br />There was that warm, sunny day in April when I got to actually enjoy a day at Ocean Beach. Rey, Thatiana, and I did cartwheels, kicked a soccer ball around, attempted acrobatic yoga, and practiced a little capoeira. I obviously have yet to perfect my Au (portuguese for cartwheel) but I had fun attempting them on the sand nonetheless.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNXZy9snJI/AAAAAAAAAlA/slMO6DRf7d8/s1600-h/AU.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNXZy9snJI/AAAAAAAAAlA/slMO6DRf7d8/s400/AU.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202598095231949970" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNYJi9snKI/AAAAAAAAAlI/NgRz_HFRwWQ/s1600-h/au3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNYJi9snKI/AAAAAAAAAlI/NgRz_HFRwWQ/s400/au3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202598915570703522" /></a><br /><br />I also did my first ride out to Santa Cruz. It was the perfect day for a 100-mile ride (there was some headwind on the return trip but thankfully that lasted for only about an hour and a half or so). <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eabRKXYqlJPynmksv1PyBHBO6fL8Hpx9yTUQIwH4Ebx52iGBDLkslOnu-thxknCclPxFT_ZS2QpK7YMgl2MzfCcHoooka96Iln12gtLEQM4qzWFRr0zXnOlsZdZtcGtQ6r0sFdJzb78/s1600-h/sc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eabRKXYqlJPynmksv1PyBHBO6fL8Hpx9yTUQIwH4Ebx52iGBDLkslOnu-thxknCclPxFT_ZS2QpK7YMgl2MzfCcHoooka96Iln12gtLEQM4qzWFRr0zXnOlsZdZtcGtQ6r0sFdJzb78/s400/sc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202599581290634418" /></a><br /><br />The pay off to doing these long rides is the amount of food you get to eat in the name of "recovery".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIqTyDovAqYbbKZIB8hJwi6GUywtdxFc3-j1JzjNVeeuxtSFIN3Xie38ZqBkx7K07h2Fyo9Kf35dtjZHqzuKA4KdoTGzrAVw0FZi7zZrwVlxU3tGBk1jtXAmuS8Sw_-jo2oxabC0eE3w/s1600-h/food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIqTyDovAqYbbKZIB8hJwi6GUywtdxFc3-j1JzjNVeeuxtSFIN3Xie38ZqBkx7K07h2Fyo9Kf35dtjZHqzuKA4KdoTGzrAVw0FZi7zZrwVlxU3tGBk1jtXAmuS8Sw_-jo2oxabC0eE3w/s400/food.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202600393039453378" /></a><br /><br />Earlier this month, I got to witness my first triathalon event. Rey does the Avia Wildflower every year and I was happy to be there for him to offer him moral support. <br /><br />Rey did the Olympic distance: <br /><strong>Swim 1.2 miles: </strong>44 minutes, 3 seconds<br /><strong>Transition No. One:</strong> 3 minutes<br /><strong>Bike 56 VERY HILLY miles:</strong> 2 hours, 50 minutes, 19 seconds<br /><strong>Transition No. Two:</strong> 2 minutes, 1 sec.<br /><strong>Run 13.1 miles:</strong> 2 hours, 6 minutes, 7 seconds<br /><strong>Finish Time:</strong> 5 hrs, 45 mins, 3 secs<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-v43pHcQhMFTcvGeTt403qpREfDixQudfEom1kPXuYzj6RuybQ8_QF4UkDnK1_EmKGQpIyZ-rhP8X96dqgPUZE4nCwTzKgezYHvJEHOK91M4wXsF9sIwpArsdmVOMQztFRWK5JQkJl4/s1600-h/chart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-v43pHcQhMFTcvGeTt403qpREfDixQudfEom1kPXuYzj6RuybQ8_QF4UkDnK1_EmKGQpIyZ-rhP8X96dqgPUZE4nCwTzKgezYHvJEHOK91M4wXsF9sIwpArsdmVOMQztFRWK5JQkJl4/s400/chart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202601857623301330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNbFi9snOI/AAAAAAAAAlo/7pGZqpgvEPQ/s1600-h/gy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNbFi9snOI/AAAAAAAAAlo/7pGZqpgvEPQ/s400/gy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202602145386110178" /></a><br /><br />I also have to say how inspired I was to watch the athletes from the Challenged Athlete's foundation work their asses off on that course. Absoultely, friggin' inspiring!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU0tVGk5C35egQD9DERYWKK_ydOWx1c1DZNgClF9TQyDirtCOttSuEiD-1MpAk5H2u2jpBqQZM7sWH41p-3cYagvyLVxLDYDO9P-5-A1e0cHcd-qLFbQE3PT9RPAyR4RXkpCIJpIyLMs/s1600-h/caf1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU0tVGk5C35egQD9DERYWKK_ydOWx1c1DZNgClF9TQyDirtCOttSuEiD-1MpAk5H2u2jpBqQZM7sWH41p-3cYagvyLVxLDYDO9P-5-A1e0cHcd-qLFbQE3PT9RPAyR4RXkpCIJpIyLMs/s400/caf1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202602725206695154" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQcYw_zcMz-OvsBgtd2GQglA2H-U-W2ZLBXwb3knWOsmY3Pzw0m3WUIf7t97P8T5Ad9pfER61cfLaQrTq2Dda4DHha41IDPhh_rfEI_IQ-Z8Y45mS3B-eLX_U8E2MJNBtlK_cBt5XG1I/s1600-h/caf2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQcYw_zcMz-OvsBgtd2GQglA2H-U-W2ZLBXwb3knWOsmY3Pzw0m3WUIf7t97P8T5Ad9pfER61cfLaQrTq2Dda4DHha41IDPhh_rfEI_IQ-Z8Y45mS3B-eLX_U8E2MJNBtlK_cBt5XG1I/s400/caf2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202602944250027266" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_T2Vztlt8iCFkZsg1wOEBnoIz0Ki12DzY6YPEXaTvm8tyny1k0wxyynARhiDtWrEhjGvDdGvVCwekhBP4ECwQdAw_dLGObgmns9Rh6UPbq3za8PEch2haZmBHuoYPk5Me3rxFFgcTMw/s1600-h/caf3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_T2Vztlt8iCFkZsg1wOEBnoIz0Ki12DzY6YPEXaTvm8tyny1k0wxyynARhiDtWrEhjGvDdGvVCwekhBP4ECwQdAw_dLGObgmns9Rh6UPbq3za8PEch2haZmBHuoYPk5Me3rxFFgcTMw/s400/caf3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202603133228588306" /></a><br /><br />Most recently, I made my first trip to Tahoe and absolutely loved it! I actually cried at one point, I was so touched by the beauty of my surroundings!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8_2EXrEqqN1ztUrUPwIWm3k_tp4vaKK4O0UshI3CLrkdryJIocwa3P9AR5p6JABAd2KGFoscmtOue-KFh9oLdgkQLxZgCOGEl9dY9BkRdWq3094ALV0xxMKrOJroCt1N1FV8d70Zl8E/s1600-h/tahoe1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8_2EXrEqqN1ztUrUPwIWm3k_tp4vaKK4O0UshI3CLrkdryJIocwa3P9AR5p6JABAd2KGFoscmtOue-KFh9oLdgkQLxZgCOGEl9dY9BkRdWq3094ALV0xxMKrOJroCt1N1FV8d70Zl8E/s400/tahoe1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202603798948519202" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY_6FKbOwxPBVCJL8d71VptFBWWATAFlSqv3a1vDleBl-3VwJAjRaAKNG8yOlzqMugTgGlb4q1209YSRJS8qwmbb6DrhLW5oWRf7tsxO-gRy0e-z46HsWgfGxJyM2-cwwIpQtGixfAzU/s1600-h/tahoe2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY_6FKbOwxPBVCJL8d71VptFBWWATAFlSqv3a1vDleBl-3VwJAjRaAKNG8yOlzqMugTgGlb4q1209YSRJS8qwmbb6DrhLW5oWRf7tsxO-gRy0e-z46HsWgfGxJyM2-cwwIpQtGixfAzU/s400/tahoe2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202604352999300402" /></a><br /><br />Rey and I plan on visiting Tahoe a lot this summer, where he will show me how to kayak and mountain bike. I can't wait!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNdjS9snUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/GjeXEXCJdvE/s1600-h/tahoe3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SDNdjS9snUI/AAAAAAAAAmY/GjeXEXCJdvE/s400/tahoe3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202604855510474050" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-89123178601181691022008-04-23T15:51:00.000-07:002008-04-23T16:35:59.036-07:00One of "Those" Endurance Rides<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE38jMRyNW6C_Wa5OVx9lVDaM5LDN-pccQ_1MblnlQ_z415KShije6RUtt3j_G-ui8gi7fFV1YcFo3DYxYz65Bm5jOrXLjAK_Z3VJm4hGyuCJatUI43jzNWOX5uPqULtHnQXLEHVHQNJk/s1600-h/bike_ride.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE38jMRyNW6C_Wa5OVx9lVDaM5LDN-pccQ_1MblnlQ_z415KShije6RUtt3j_G-ui8gi7fFV1YcFo3DYxYz65Bm5jOrXLjAK_Z3VJm4hGyuCJatUI43jzNWOX5uPqULtHnQXLEHVHQNJk/s320/bike_ride.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192577376206745346" /></a><br /><br />Last Sunday I went on a Club One group ride in Marin: Fairfax; Nicasio; Pt Reyes Station; Inverness; Tomales Point and return. 73 miles, 5100' climbing. Being the kind of person that's always looking to have a good time, I went out to dinner, played pool and danced until 1:30 a.m. the night before. When my alarm clock went off at 7 a.m. Sunday morning, I was slightly tempted to skip the ride but the little voice inside my head reminded me that I hadn't been on my bike for a week so I better drag my ass out of bed, which I did.<br /><br />When Rey and I arrived at the meeting place, the other Club One members were there and ready to roll. Thankfully, the weather forecasters were wrong about possible rain on Sunday and we rolled out into a beautiful, sunny day.<br /><br />I was very surprised to discover how much climbing there was during the first half of the ride and imagine my great joy when I discovered that there would be continuous climbing all the way to Tomales Point. I figured I would need extra nourishment to get me through the ride so I drank a cup of coffee and ate a slice of pizza and a piece of coffee cake when we arrived at the Bovine Bakery (20 miles into the ride). <br /><br />The hilly ride continued and I was excited to see the coast on the horizon. However, I was not excited to see the steep climb that awaited us up ahead. Holy Cow! Do I have the legs for this today? Despite the voice inside my head that said, "There's no shame in getting off the bike and walking up this stretch considering that you've had minimal sleep and are a bit dehydrated from last night's drinking" I pedaled my way to the crest of the hill before beginning my descent into Tomales Point. Despite my tired legs and labored breathing, I was glad that I sucked it up and stayed on my bike.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_s4vdLgQd_k&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_s4vdLgQd_k&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />During our short break, the group and I tried to soak up as much sun as possible to warm ourselves against the windy chill. Although we would have liked to just hang out under the sun, we knew we had to head back so onward we went toward the rolling hills. Of course, on the way back, I just had to stop and take a picture with a cow. The expression on its' face is: "What the deuce are these creatures looking at me?" <br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SA_GtrmIb4I/AAAAAAAAAk4/EtHrLusniew/s1600-h/group2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SA_GtrmIb4I/AAAAAAAAAk4/EtHrLusniew/s320/group2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192587383480545154" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SA_GermIb3I/AAAAAAAAAkw/xFW7aB1DDz8/s1600-h/mewithcow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/SA_GermIb3I/AAAAAAAAAkw/xFW7aB1DDz8/s320/mewithcow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192587125782507378" /></a><br /><br />As the ride back to Fairfax progressed, I found myself losing a lot of steam. I was so happy and relieved when I saw a sign that said Fairfax was just 9 miles away. Unfortunately, those last 9 miles felt like 90 miles! By the time we rolled into the parking lot, I was ready to take a nap. The lesson I learned on this ride: keep the partying to a minimum the night before a long ride. Duh!Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-33549016489378675212008-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:002008-04-09T09:43:43.044-07:00An Attitude Adjustment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYS7-QI2WKc1UxR0Ju5UZfPPKOrfpGvvZGglZxxPC1UvfcsH5j_4tGGTAPsQVCvZDI_HoVWJZkiRO5n9LzIQgFE2GAk1m1N7OH06QIEKMk3yA-pbb4WIz6XxrwRLDD08NHJrgWmbMHw0/s1600-h/attitude.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYS7-QI2WKc1UxR0Ju5UZfPPKOrfpGvvZGglZxxPC1UvfcsH5j_4tGGTAPsQVCvZDI_HoVWJZkiRO5n9LzIQgFE2GAk1m1N7OH06QIEKMk3yA-pbb4WIz6XxrwRLDD08NHJrgWmbMHw0/s320/attitude.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187276270550592450" /></a><br /><br />Have you ever taken up an activity that requires coordination, deftness, and memory retention and felt absolutely frustrated because you found yourself struggling? Well, I found myself very frustrated during my capoeira class (Brazilian martial art) last night. Granted, last night was only my sixth capoeira class and many of the people in the class have taken capoeira for years. Still, I'm the kind of person that expects to have a natural inclination towards all things athletic. Yeah, yeah, I know, things don't work that way but that's the way my mind works nonetheless.<br /><br />My frustration began to build when the instructor started throwing in complicated combinations (at least complicated to me): kick here, kick there, spin your body this way, spin your body that way, etc. In its' physical manifestation, the frustration was evidenced by my deep sighs, furrowed brows, and muttering under my breath. Mentally, I was thinking, "Why can't I get this?", "Why is she throwing in complicated combinations in a beginners class?" and "Maybe I should just leave and go do my grocery shopping." Of course, deep down inside I kned I didn't have it in me to quit the class halfway through so I was stuck trying to talk myself out of my negative attitude. <br /><br />The funny thing is, I knew I was feeling frustrated, I didn't want to feel frustrated and, yet, I got even more frustrated at myself for feeling frustrated! Talk about a vicious cycle.<br /><br />Luckily, Sarah (a very experienced capoerista) saw me standing helplessly in the back of the room and worked with me one-one-one. Working with Sarah lifted my spirits.<br /><br />Towards the end of class, we formed our roda (a roda consists of a group of people and musicians in a circle wherein they clap, sing and play musical instruments while two individuals "fight" or "play" (depends on the type of game being played). I knew from past experience that beginners were expected to get in the game but I had no intention of playing last night. I thought I would blend in with the crowd and make myself invisible until the roda ended. My plans were quickly evaporated when Luis came up to me and encouraged me to play the game. As crappy as I was feeling, I knew I would walk out feeling crappier if I turned down the opportunity to play so into the circle I went. Coincidentally, I got to play with Sarah and it turned out not to be so bad.<br /><br />Last night, I was again reminded how our attitude shapes our perceptions and our experiences. I now wish I had been more successful at talking myself out of my frustration, put in my best efforts, and been satisfied with the fact that I was at least trying. I can't take back my negative attitude from last night but I<strong> can</strong> use this experience in the future as a reminder when I catch myself spiralling into a deaftist mode while trying something new or challenging: A positive attitude will keep me motivated and get me much farther than a negative attitude. As my peeps say, <strong>"Si se puede!"</strong>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-70658287393088009402008-03-31T17:22:00.000-07:002008-03-31T17:36:42.316-07:00Training on Tunnel Road<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R_GDlOH7K7I/AAAAAAAAAjk/WEuXSroekbk/s1600-h/IMG_7418.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R_GDlOH7K7I/AAAAAAAAAjk/WEuXSroekbk/s320/IMG_7418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184069321549884338" /></a><br />Having taken Monday off for various reasons, I decided to fit in a training ride today. I thought about doing hill intervals and, thankfully, Morgan had the same idea in mind. On our way over to Tunnel Road, Morgan and I discussed the type of training we would be doing. Since Morgan had to be back home by 2:30, we decided to climb Tunnel only two times. <br /><br />I decided to ride up Tunnel the first time at a pace that would keep my heart rate in the 160's. The start point was Lookout Point and the finish point was the Observation street sign at the top. My hr started at 161 and progressed to:163, 166, 168 and 171. I finished my first ride up the hill in 17:45.<br /><br />Morgan and I decided to throw in some sprints on our second ride up the hill. Unfortunately, I only had the power to throw in three 15-second sprints. Since I didn't have the energy to fit in more sprints, I tried to keep my hr above 165 for the rest of the ride. I arrived to the top in 18:27 and with a hr of 178. <br /><br />I had fun training up Tunnel today. Hopefully, I'll be able to learn some hill intervals that will help me get stronger climbing legs and lungs. Who knows, I just may end up doing the Grizzly Peak century with the 8,000+ feet of climbing.Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-72042706238668280042008-03-31T16:26:00.000-07:002008-03-31T17:19:35.954-07:00Climbing & Sprinting 500 Meters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBdSWnBlCooig3B7O_g7gOZX6x9g6lY27YuaQ67iAuNPL7X9jbGJNgp8dZFEOVZ5rXevcscHs8DlgabvKNfxmP86ka50fxWwKbxvYXKIfaRE6i0Fo-xt1SMXsbs3nvFQXQJtIhOiBJzM/s1600-h/IMG_7399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBdSWnBlCooig3B7O_g7gOZX6x9g6lY27YuaQ67iAuNPL7X9jbGJNgp8dZFEOVZ5rXevcscHs8DlgabvKNfxmP86ka50fxWwKbxvYXKIfaRE6i0Fo-xt1SMXsbs3nvFQXQJtIhOiBJzM/s320/IMG_7399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184055281301793538" /></a><br /><br /><br />On Saturday morning, Morgan, Laura and I decided to go on a ride. Originally, our plan was to ride to Diablo's summit. Unfortunately, I woke up with a case of the runs so we postponed our ride until 11 a.m. Given our time constraints at this point, we decided to skip Diablo and do the three bears. So, off we went: Broadway Terrace, Tunnel, Grizzly Peak, Toyonal. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7W0qAnBeE7zlErEI0Nx7rva6OkPP82XRcsasVeqhCn-JSDNjV2LOKa1Cd6P4Ld490Gqniji4bgN0R9j_XjdzdjJUWB0v4ZclRddOE22iugWGTuBvpBtFbbmBz6a7CBSKNxiUlHV3s7M/s1600-h/IMG_7393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7W0qAnBeE7zlErEI0Nx7rva6OkPP82XRcsasVeqhCn-JSDNjV2LOKa1Cd6P4Ld490Gqniji4bgN0R9j_XjdzdjJUWB0v4ZclRddOE22iugWGTuBvpBtFbbmBz6a7CBSKNxiUlHV3s7M/s320/IMG_7393.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184058339318508338" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHKJDozWC8xs6JPsllxH2fK_S1tdNCLpn0qjQb43mmvyHlgFe-fQMT4yKJpXLIi1whNDRwkv0C4g3OK6TWYlNXKnXXfpwH13i8IRFEYL-bVlaMIUHKS2ErdtstRMPBUb2onptJG0UOgQ/s1600-h/IMG_7394.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHKJDozWC8xs6JPsllxH2fK_S1tdNCLpn0qjQb43mmvyHlgFe-fQMT4yKJpXLIi1whNDRwkv0C4g3OK6TWYlNXKnXXfpwH13i8IRFEYL-bVlaMIUHKS2ErdtstRMPBUb2onptJG0UOgQ/s320/IMG_7394.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184058150339947298" /></a><br /><br />When we were done descending Toyonal, Morgan informed us that she wasn't feeling well. She offered Laura and I directions to do the three bears loop but, given that Laura and I are not good with directions, we decided to skip it and climb back home via Wild Cat, Shasta, Grizzly Peak. Although this was a short ride, there was a good deal of climbing involved. And, turning left onto Shasta in the wrong gear really sucks! Nonetheless, I was glad to get some riding in before our Gold Sprints.<br /><br />Although Beth had explained to us how the Gold Sprints worked, I was still very curious to see how this event would play out. Although I could see how much suffering the riders that preceeded me had to endure, I still was unsure what kind of pain was in store for me. Well, I found out soon enough! The first 15 seconds felt bearable but, after that, it was pure hell! Seconds never felt like such an eternity!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwdiRtTBBzYiw2NFPkTsPQezzGRlc0_y7LYNz6xJuvWcLWkjPW23JeDr9ohAv66naU2LAyHE5KOKU8FZ2wQbmTBg2BGwRLV95RztGFPqeRGQvDpHdWQqTGtdKuc4cJ74TpXctB5uhiSk/s1600-h/IMG_7497_MOI.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwdiRtTBBzYiw2NFPkTsPQezzGRlc0_y7LYNz6xJuvWcLWkjPW23JeDr9ohAv66naU2LAyHE5KOKU8FZ2wQbmTBg2BGwRLV95RztGFPqeRGQvDpHdWQqTGtdKuc4cJ74TpXctB5uhiSk/s320/IMG_7497_MOI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184059833967127362" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTHuXSXSKKZjXVwMB3b5lY4KdMMiPv5Rerpmy9cNl3KnNVHdgOLGSJ150MUXsvUbKbPuBEyR34QNGme0xK9-URPM-zUxVm2GoZE9o7RvLwAw7m5HQlCels-ugAsGATWWGz7VVOoqck0I/s1600-h/IMG_7499_ME_ROLLER_RACERS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTHuXSXSKKZjXVwMB3b5lY4KdMMiPv5Rerpmy9cNl3KnNVHdgOLGSJ150MUXsvUbKbPuBEyR34QNGme0xK9-URPM-zUxVm2GoZE9o7RvLwAw7m5HQlCels-ugAsGATWWGz7VVOoqck0I/s320/IMG_7499_ME_ROLLER_RACERS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184060053010459474" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwFDvgLRgDVz3mL8sMVrCaa9xKEja0CVx2uXazVUItN1a3v0iYavA01TGV6f3qmTrtgVuFM4s7trngm6zEG5nx9PrjbAeq14C7Nmg3U5IGQtHG_APjhCsCIR9Mhi2O_1Ela-DoLJ_BvU/s1600-h/IMG_7500_ME_ROLLER_RACERS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwFDvgLRgDVz3mL8sMVrCaa9xKEja0CVx2uXazVUItN1a3v0iYavA01TGV6f3qmTrtgVuFM4s7trngm6zEG5nx9PrjbAeq14C7Nmg3U5IGQtHG_APjhCsCIR9Mhi2O_1Ela-DoLJ_BvU/s320/IMG_7500_ME_ROLLER_RACERS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184060237694053218" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3kbthwqxOq-TlSO2wtXG7Q5l-t1VMmVav0u9jW2xO5dl8gj9gr5-QtwTEjVDCX-5HCGJZzKW4ir9LHvxbZ7ERaA9f1v9-MIfL4fpKFhvVx1GewEUkp6eAe_uZdVHR1I28vPGGPx37kg/s1600-h/IMG_7503_RESULTS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3kbthwqxOq-TlSO2wtXG7Q5l-t1VMmVav0u9jW2xO5dl8gj9gr5-QtwTEjVDCX-5HCGJZzKW4ir9LHvxbZ7ERaA9f1v9-MIfL4fpKFhvVx1GewEUkp6eAe_uZdVHR1I28vPGGPx37kg/s320/IMG_7503_RESULTS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184060430967581554" /></a><br /><br />Being the numbers-oriented person, I wrote down the TO women's finishing times:<br /><br />Beth: 21:59 in the first heat and 21: 60 in the winner takes all heat<br />Me: 25:49 (two women tied for first with a time of 24:89)<br />Laura: 26:34 (winner in her heat won with 24:44)<br />Lauren: Unfortunately, this was the one time neither I nor the official time keeper wrote down but the winner in Lauren's heat won with a time of 23:82.<br /><br />This short effort shot my heart rate up to 171 and made my legs feel like friggin' rubber immediately afterwards. Still, I had a great time and I'm so proud of Beth's win. You rock, Beth!!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw9OvemW7BY75Ady0rTFnk6xew6j6DgtF0yeshCj87B-dWrucZpf3fWpKcBTOFKGsHPoQW5DczPssIbbDuzJql4N3QOWx-GZwE_MHIUzd2Mk5lEUxWIWQ0V1x_jexVT4v2Z4JkD9Km7U/s1600-h/IMG_7566_TRIO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw9OvemW7BY75Ady0rTFnk6xew6j6DgtF0yeshCj87B-dWrucZpf3fWpKcBTOFKGsHPoQW5DczPssIbbDuzJql4N3QOWx-GZwE_MHIUzd2Mk5lEUxWIWQ0V1x_jexVT4v2Z4JkD9Km7U/s320/IMG_7566_TRIO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184064253488475042" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-17522779823466698462008-03-28T08:49:00.000-07:002008-03-28T09:15:33.480-07:00Playing the numbers gameWhen I walked into my spin class today, I figured it'd be another regular class. Little did I know that I would get to ride a bike with a power meter! I did the first 45 minutes of class on a regular spin bike. Then, the spin instructor announced that the bike with the power meter had become available and invited the gym members to give it a whirl for the second half of the class. I looked around to see if anybody would take Jim up on his offer and sprinted to the other bike as soon as I could. I've taken VO2 tests and done work on a computrainer before but I'm always game for measuring my cycling strength on any computer that can give me measurement numbers. <br /><br />The class was formatted as follows: 6 minutes of "flat" riding, maintaing a minumum of 90 rpms; 6 minutes of a seated climb maintaining or slightly raising your hr from your previous effort; and 6 minutes of a stand-up climb, really pushing hard in the last two minutes of the interval. After a two-minute rest, we repeated the three six-minute intervals.<br /><br />During the flat portion of the ride, I averaged between 93-100 rpms. My wattage during these efforts were in the 150's & 160's and my hr was an avg. of 161. During the 2nd interval, I tried to maintain a minimum of 60 rpms and my wattage jumped to 170's & 180's. My hr went up to 163-166. During the 3rd interval, my rpm went down to the 50's and my wattage went up to the 190's-200's. Unfortunately, my dang hr became inconsistent during this 3rd off the saddle interval (i.e., the monitor would read 00 or 36). I decided to ignore the hr number and tried to increase my wattage during the final two minutes of my 3rd interval. I pushed myself into the 230's both times.<br /><br />I kept an eye on my avg. wattage. When I saw that I was at 155, I became determined to finish at a minimum of 160 (although, I have no friggin' idea if 160 is even a solid number.) Still, I pushed myself and my avg. wattage was 161 by the end of the class. <br /><br />I'd like to think that I might have posted better numbers were I not still dealing with this congestion in my chest. Maybe I would, maybe I wouldn't. Nonetheless, I LOVED having that monitor in front of me because it kept me motivated to maintain a certain rpm or a certain wattage.<br /><br />Perhaps a wattage expert <strong>(ahem, Mike Hardy)</strong> can enlighten me with the meaning of wattage numbers and how to know where one falls on the fitness scale when they have a set of wattage numbers.Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-15784960345393906452008-03-25T00:06:00.000-07:002008-03-25T00:47:53.358-07:00My first Marin county ride.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgdZQGyc4-ew-szpyDl38CfHl11MB9XkqzuEVwma4otMf5bWDciGwOUuf27Qump089IZBcXiNJGA5c5L9DIAirt6_c63wvAhRcdvbgfuORMWt8maYF_AhM_f_O4BbPrPgBfunr6imEM0/s1600-h/IMG_7289_MOI.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgdZQGyc4-ew-szpyDl38CfHl11MB9XkqzuEVwma4otMf5bWDciGwOUuf27Qump089IZBcXiNJGA5c5L9DIAirt6_c63wvAhRcdvbgfuORMWt8maYF_AhM_f_O4BbPrPgBfunr6imEM0/s320/IMG_7289_MOI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181576896193440434" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />After being sick for seven days, I was so looking forward to my first Marin county ride on Saturday. My friend and I met at the Embarcadero and started our ride from there. We stopped for photo shots at Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, the top of the Marin headlands and Sausalito. We had some coffee and pastry in Sausalito before continuing on with our ride.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ay1_dBuQ7PEesiR_YJYcYiy6flsNMG2dBEW202ffgQNn9WHR69LW4c3iry-2sYKwkGItKuIKEvAXbYFsqOYVKLSctZpoPlmu93vjL0VLx6rVZZKKvJE-pM9_48Vd5bjywBp_ozsnv1s/s1600-h/IMG_7284_moi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ay1_dBuQ7PEesiR_YJYcYiy6flsNMG2dBEW202ffgQNn9WHR69LW4c3iry-2sYKwkGItKuIKEvAXbYFsqOYVKLSctZpoPlmu93vjL0VLx6rVZZKKvJE-pM9_48Vd5bjywBp_ozsnv1s/s320/IMG_7284_moi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181577295625398994" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R-io9eH7KsI/AAAAAAAAAho/qgKr7uxZDG0/s1600-h/IMG_7305_DUO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R-io9eH7KsI/AAAAAAAAAho/qgKr7uxZDG0/s320/IMG_7305_DUO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181577145301543618" /></a><br />We rode through so many towns I've never been to before: Ross, San Anselmo, Olema. The temperature was just right and the sun shone brightly.<br /><br />There were times during the ride when I found myself extremely surprised to have to shift into my small chainring. Seriously, where did those hills come from??? Looking at the road ahead, it didn't seem like an ascending road but it sure as hell was!<br /><br />By the time we got to Stinson Beach, I was ready for some serious fuel! I chowed down on a vegetarian wrap, a yogurt, OJ, and a soy latte with a double shot. I was good to go again.<br /><br />Forward and onward to Mt. Tam. Although I'm 95% recovered from my flu/cold, I still have some blocked airways because I found myself coughing during the climbs. Still, listening to U2 tunes and looking at the beautiful views kept me motivated. We didn't climb to the top of Mt. Tam because it was getting late. Plus, this was only my 2nd long ride of the year and I'm slowly building up my endurance pace. Next time, though, I'm going to the top!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUfYRcc2DzeH3Pww3yzsKNOGT8vewQ97OrPhtUzxJBar1PdvPRW7cGESa36B4D7ixJIRDawJCb7nHNFp00SKI89sTikNloD8SzzlqdI2nBuWmixdNE5pYbF4wU2WybeEVnAXq4pecOQM/s1600-h/IMG_7336_MOI.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUfYRcc2DzeH3Pww3yzsKNOGT8vewQ97OrPhtUzxJBar1PdvPRW7cGESa36B4D7ixJIRDawJCb7nHNFp00SKI89sTikNloD8SzzlqdI2nBuWmixdNE5pYbF4wU2WybeEVnAXq4pecOQM/s320/IMG_7336_MOI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181577768071801570" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R-isIeH7KvI/AAAAAAAAAiA/-qNW7uaqMjc/s1600-h/IMG_7340_DUO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R-isIeH7KvI/AAAAAAAAAiA/-qNW7uaqMjc/s320/IMG_7340_DUO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181580632814988018" /></a><br />The descent from Mt. Tam is awesome! The road is smooth and the turns transition nicely.<br /><br />We were back in SF at 7 p.m. just in time to watch my friend's capoeira group perform in that little park in North Beach. Having cooled down from our ride, we got cold pretty quickly but managed to borrow some jackets while we joined the roda and watched the capoeristas.<br /><br />It was an awesome day!<br /><br />Oh yeah, measurements:<br />QUADS: 56 CM (DAMN ILLNESS!)<br />CALVES: 38 CM<br />BICEPS: 27 CMCarol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-37351474463473237112008-03-19T15:27:00.000-07:002008-03-19T16:24:04.285-07:00Let'er Rippppppppppppppp!!!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvR7AgB9IfKzjVs9iU7-dvXyKqf2JISS5hkfS8mEVReYrVIMHYVfQ0vEAU617_uBpr9yIZ7QUr4EnVUwuxwsmrlKDGL47Zsdxb40qF44wmZBCL-Dpysww7GyYmU74oTRVClSR6EUmft4/s1600-h/pinehurst.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvR7AgB9IfKzjVs9iU7-dvXyKqf2JISS5hkfS8mEVReYrVIMHYVfQ0vEAU617_uBpr9yIZ7QUr4EnVUwuxwsmrlKDGL47Zsdxb40qF44wmZBCL-Dpysww7GyYmU74oTRVClSR6EUmft4/s320/pinehurst.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179585478772075170" /></a><br /><br />I got hit with the flu BIG TIME last Friday. Although I have some residual coughing and runny nose, I've regained my appetite and energy. And thank goodness too because I was scheduled for a brazilian wax today. I would've hated to miss out on that fun! :P<br /><br />For those of you who have not had the pleasure of experiencing a brazilian wax, let me share with you the joy of getting hot wax spread on your privates before a cloth strip is applied over the wax and hair on your body is RIPPED from your body. <br /><br />First, you're escorted to the torture room, I mean, treatment room, by the beautician. She hands you a robe and instructs you to disrobe from the waist down. Once you've removed whatever lower extremity garments you had on, you lie down on a table where the beautician evaluates your, mmmmm, privates, and asks you how much you want taken off. Once you've agreed on the amount of hair removal, she proceeds to apply talcum powder over the area to be waxed (this prevents the hot wax from sticking to the skin). <br /><br />After application of the talcum powder, liberal amounts of wax are applied to individual segments of your privates. Hopefully, the beautician will have the wax temperature just right. If not, you'll be dealing with the pain of scalding hot wax on your privates before any hair is even ripped from your body. <br /><br />Assuming the wax temperature is just right, you take a moment to take a DEEP BREATH, close your eyes, and hear the sound of the strip cloth go RIPPPPPPPP, which is then followed by an audible puppy-like cry from you (although, it's not uncommon to unleash a thread of expletives instead of an audible outcry.) This process continues in painfuly small segments. Ohhh, and to add some variety to your salon experience, the beautician will take a tweezer and pluck individual stray hairs from your privates no matter how deep she has to go in to pluck them out. <br /><br />If you thought this salon experience was like a massage in that you just lay there while getting serviced, au contraire mon ami! You will be asked to lift your legs this way and that way while the beautician rips away. <br /><br />Don't be fooled when she starts to apply soothing lotion on your front privates. The experience is not quite complete. She'll then have you turn onto your stomach and ask you to spread your cheeks while she goes to work on your posterior. (However, my experience has been that the posterior hurts much less so it turns out not to be a big deal.) Once she's done with your posterior, the beautician applies lotion back there and congratulates you for getting through the experience without tears (assuming there weren't any tears).<br /><br />Some of you may ask, why, oh why, subject yourself to such torture. Different reasons for different people. However, it may interest you to know that having a brazilian wax may enhance your sex life due to the increased blood flow and sensitivity to that area (or so I've read!) <br /><br />So, if you decide to indulge in this joyful experience for yourself, don't forget to take two advils an hour before your appointment. It should minimize the pain during your session. Unless, you're into pain. Then you'll just want to skip the advils.Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-69927666634242271372008-03-05T23:44:00.000-08:002008-03-06T00:24:31.588-08:00I found another hobby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R8-o_Qm6ftI/AAAAAAAAAhA/aA8q_4a5pB4/s1600-h/back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R8-o_Qm6ftI/AAAAAAAAAhA/aA8q_4a5pB4/s320/back.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174540301615398610" /></a><br /><br />Last November I saw a capoeira perfromance for the first time and was mesmerized by it. (For those of you unfamiliar with capoeira, capeira originated in 16th century Brazil by African slaves. Capoeira is a combination of martial art, dance, and game and it is performed to music. You can see a sample of it at this youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCZ9YP06f34<br /><br />Having thought about it for a while, I decided to take my first capoeira class tonight. The instructor's (mestranda in Portuguese) name was Julianna and she was so nice (and fit! you should have seen her lean abs!) She had us do stretches for warm-up before she began the class. The first movement she taught us is called ginga and it is a basic capoeira movement that allows for an easy entrance to an either offensive or defensive action. From there, the moves became increasingly more complicated. Still, Julianna made sure to work with us individually whenever she saw one of us struggling.<br /><br />Towards the end of the class, mestranda Julianna taught us some basic beats on tambourines, had us do sit-ups, and had us get into the bridge pose. Now, this is where the miracle took place because I have tried unsuccessfully soooo many times to do the bridge pose in yoga class. Tonight, my body decided it was time I get with the program and up my body went into the bridge pose. Hot Damn!<br /><br />The class tonight was fun but challenging at times. I really liked this class and think I'll be doing it on a regular basis. Viva Brazil! (Oh yeah, measurements: Quads = 58 cm, Calves = 38 cm, Biceps = 28 cm)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R8-pVAm6fuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/BG9FASlFp9A/s1600-h/front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R8-pVAm6fuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/BG9FASlFp9A/s320/front.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174540675277553378" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-3820196523288367312008-02-28T22:55:00.000-08:002008-02-28T23:58:46.171-08:00Interval training is so much fun!Thursday nights have become nights to look forward to ever since Beth began organizing interval training rides at the port. Tonight, the plan was to do: (1) tempo/tt pace efforts (2) sprints (3) leadouts.<br /><br />The interval training participants tonight were: Beth, Alicia, Morgan, Laura and myself. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l4tgI41Mfm-4WC8oUIs1OF8AsRMy7t0u7IdphRqtuXaq7nD1tbUuTEGBUPd85wfGczCRRu_h9erNswNH7TCE3pN9KziCr_3luTcOt1ye_HOggSMDAloz6q7Am9AyVBZrjz9Dyul2t4M/s1600-h/IMG_7168_MORGAN.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l4tgI41Mfm-4WC8oUIs1OF8AsRMy7t0u7IdphRqtuXaq7nD1tbUuTEGBUPd85wfGczCRRu_h9erNswNH7TCE3pN9KziCr_3luTcOt1ye_HOggSMDAloz6q7Am9AyVBZrjz9Dyul2t4M/s320/IMG_7168_MORGAN.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172299908118817186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBNecqZDcpXSUVclXRiTRO59BQRKzhO4EGwHqqxNARfehKftPpcJfE8VHUj2x5TM8gNhVvc94PaLiz0nnaOj2hOO77yqZSFiFx1UoaMr3CFe2RzRi2hVUp7OXKhH5sBYwO_XD-w0pvQU/s1600-h/IMG_7167_LAURA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBNecqZDcpXSUVclXRiTRO59BQRKzhO4EGwHqqxNARfehKftPpcJfE8VHUj2x5TM8gNhVvc94PaLiz0nnaOj2hOO77yqZSFiFx1UoaMr3CFe2RzRi2hVUp7OXKhH5sBYwO_XD-w0pvQU/s320/IMG_7167_LAURA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172299822219471250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fCuL9yba7tdIjQd6jVRgscrl6dKQ092X2ONhiAn12F0VcuV6s5B0jJRENFqoO8n-Y7VQ04XIo7gZsU2JVALRmyWc849QZKUuaVcIAwx0Jy8zHs-g3-oMLWO8couVlT_bGCmjMiElDsA/s1600-h/IMG_7174_DUO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fCuL9yba7tdIjQd6jVRgscrl6dKQ092X2ONhiAn12F0VcuV6s5B0jJRENFqoO8n-Y7VQ04XIo7gZsU2JVALRmyWc849QZKUuaVcIAwx0Jy8zHs-g3-oMLWO8couVlT_bGCmjMiElDsA/s320/IMG_7174_DUO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172299659010713986" /></a><br /><br />The first interval felt soooo long. We did one port lap and I figured that we would end our effort somewhere before making that first right-curve turn. Nope, Beth, Laura and Morgan were still pedaling hard up ahead so I kept going. I had to start playing games with myself to distract myself from the heavy breathing I was doing (e.g., tell myself I just had 60 more seconds to go, count down from 60 and then start all over again). It wasn't until we neared the train tracks underneath the bart tracks that we went into our recovery mode. Ughhh, that felt hard!<br /><br />For the second interval set, Beth sprayed two green lines to mark the start and end points for our sprints. Unfortunately, the green paint was hard to see and we kept having to search for them. Despite our difficulty in finding our start and end lines, I really enjoyed doing the second interval set. It was cool seeing my computer monitor read 25 mph. (Nonetheless, I hope to get faster by the end of the summer.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbP1-cltn9b15XYL-XI4OybtyXq5d4k7911wPKOiFR4Isp8c7HzQGkNGelbADfAS0roqhNXkgOz7OKQmNu1X9EgPXK2rtefPGt82pMZasZDFdeb0u6eW9ecnLE5hoxMlTNXPk4y-fUMU/s1600-h/IMG_7170_BETH.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbP1-cltn9b15XYL-XI4OybtyXq5d4k7911wPKOiFR4Isp8c7HzQGkNGelbADfAS0roqhNXkgOz7OKQmNu1X9EgPXK2rtefPGt82pMZasZDFdeb0u6eW9ecnLE5hoxMlTNXPk4y-fUMU/s320/IMG_7170_BETH.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172300440694761906" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV4orJg09fdZsqkPZBvqGG_kBZ24DSs7AXpAz7llQHiO4QkINdghWcF0-1V6DcPQFdt7SFRmflflSZttnhHyW4nbm3NTrmUL2FXhuf2XyY5NANInsEGiKzpY23ZDIkfZY2cxQFEOfY0Y/s1600-h/IMG_7173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV4orJg09fdZsqkPZBvqGG_kBZ24DSs7AXpAz7llQHiO4QkINdghWcF0-1V6DcPQFdt7SFRmflflSZttnhHyW4nbm3NTrmUL2FXhuf2XyY5NANInsEGiKzpY23ZDIkfZY2cxQFEOfY0Y/s320/IMG_7173.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172300956090837442" /></a><br /><br />The third set was a little confusing at first. However, I did a leadout with Beth and it then became clearer what the objective was. I think this is something I'll need to practice a lot. <br /><br />After we were done with our intervals, Beth, Laura and I headed over to Manzanita Restaurant in Emeryville/Oakland for a vegetarian dinner. Except for the bland thing in the middle, the dinner was really good. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvQzQGVR8ebiHq9c6OADUMcPAzddUMAJnhGasR_c77CIAA6ZRba32f3z6yAtIWBg0qP9t7W0rA6gxTLwkhGzVj1pm5ta6Lurpi1xpOyq7wUV1qnkuQse4xErKNloo9FVP3AWkCByB6QA/s1600-h/IMG_7177_FOOD.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvQzQGVR8ebiHq9c6OADUMcPAzddUMAJnhGasR_c77CIAA6ZRba32f3z6yAtIWBg0qP9t7W0rA6gxTLwkhGzVj1pm5ta6Lurpi1xpOyq7wUV1qnkuQse4xErKNloo9FVP3AWkCByB6QA/s320/IMG_7177_FOOD.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172301376997632466" /></a><br /><br /><br />It was during this meal that I learned that I'm not the only one who eats two lunches at work (lunch # 1 for me is around 11 a.m. and lunch # 2 is around 1:30 p.m.) It turns out that Laura & Beth also eat two lunches while at work! Cool, now I don't feel like such a piggy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-cStKmqlNrzS3t574dn_Qto989jnT56xb_QQqXjCFoFKs62JxtINzfpAkfcd4FeiOpsGAskqBM1oxUkgviDqP8-K_L5z6XY8RNKdE5hP6u9UO9xdNilzRnH3D5Qxl8ag10XQ-DyXDUc/s1600-h/IMG_7179_BETH.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-cStKmqlNrzS3t574dn_Qto989jnT56xb_QQqXjCFoFKs62JxtINzfpAkfcd4FeiOpsGAskqBM1oxUkgviDqP8-K_L5z6XY8RNKdE5hP6u9UO9xdNilzRnH3D5Qxl8ag10XQ-DyXDUc/s320/IMG_7179_BETH.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172301613220833762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0Mrv3Yf4sO0_Cet1jG1kETSwsck8O2COqp7Yqhyphenhyphen7u-7AU0KRb5QEpVKuLBLARv2rNBbxumzJyhiOTDRpLrTtUC1nvEQ55ekXmHRXPIkp2SkdUjNyEjazJxgU8j_f8bWqXBHV8LyhUic/s1600-h/IMG_7180_LAURA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0Mrv3Yf4sO0_Cet1jG1kETSwsck8O2COqp7Yqhyphenhyphen7u-7AU0KRb5QEpVKuLBLARv2rNBbxumzJyhiOTDRpLrTtUC1nvEQ55ekXmHRXPIkp2SkdUjNyEjazJxgU8j_f8bWqXBHV8LyhUic/s320/IMG_7180_LAURA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172301939638348274" /></a><br /><br />The ride back home was chilly but at least I had a yummy meal in my tummy.<br /><br />By the way, I measured my quads when I got home and I'm now at 58 cm!!!!! If I keep doing these interval rides, I just may catch up to Beth's 59+ cm quad measurements. Yes!<br /><br />(Other pics from tonight's ride can be found at my flickr album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yinyangcarol/sets/72157604005149810/<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxGgj6SDA99aglNUbrnou6pMzf6AuUSjOC5_WXumnDnMQARqZMav1ME_kbcPpqOYYzqN6F87Pg16CeAbhwmhuXdFZAx90zIK81CfrGvvAUkC0pGdEvU_AkKqx-WKfKsD_6ULnonq_mrI/s1600-h/IMG_7183_TRIO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxGgj6SDA99aglNUbrnou6pMzf6AuUSjOC5_WXumnDnMQARqZMav1ME_kbcPpqOYYzqN6F87Pg16CeAbhwmhuXdFZAx90zIK81CfrGvvAUkC0pGdEvU_AkKqx-WKfKsD_6ULnonq_mrI/s320/IMG_7183_TRIO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172302154386713090" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-84002020376203909112008-02-26T15:16:00.000-08:002008-02-26T16:12:27.711-08:00The Joys of Online DatingI recently posted a personals ad looking to meet a specific type of guy: Brazilian, Italian or a Spaniard, single, 28-38, cute, fun, and athletic. I got a wide range of responses, some of which I thought I would post here and comment on them.<br /><br /><strong>MOST OUTRAGEOUS:</strong><br />"This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – not the Diversified States of America<br />If you love your ethnicity so much – move back to your country of ethnic origin<br />F.Y.I. My ancestors are Native American Indian and I am tired of all your illegal bull shit Join the U. S. Marine Corps like I did and earn the right to be an American<br />I am proud to be an American ... and I only speak English"<br /><br />My Thoughts? The guy's a friggin'bitter loser. I could go on with an angry rampage but I won't.<br /><br /><strong>MOST PERVERTED:</strong><br />"cute/hot/sexy/fit/clean/healthy/hung, educated/professional/witty/charming/deep, fun/adventurous/naughty 30's WM in SF is "up" for exploring a connection with you..."(This email was accompanied with a picture of a guy's exposed penis.)<br /><br />My Thoughts: Dude, I've seen better-looking penises. <br /><br /><strong>NONSENSICAL #1:</strong><br />The email starts out with all of the guy's self-proclaimed wonderful qualities. Then he follows it with: "But then there is a caveat to it :-( I am in US only for next 2weeks and leaving country forever."<br /><br />My Thoughts: Hey, bubba, why do you think I want to meet someone who's leaving the country in two weeks???<br /><br /><strong>NONSENSICAL #2</strong><br />"I want you to look into my green eyes"<br /><br />My thoughts: If you want me to look into your green eyes, why did you send me a picture of you wearing sun shades????<br /><br /><br /><strong>MOST OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY:</strong><br />"so what you say: u think I am that mr. right then what are u waiting for, get back to me. what u got to loose? you will have good time and if I am not your type, slap me and get on with your life. you have to give chance to some one, then why not me? now don't keep me waiting,get back to me,the sooner u do, the sooner u are close to happiness. have a great day."<br /><br />My Thoughts: (1) Learn how to spell, dumbass. (2) Actually, the sooner I delete this egotistical email, the sooner I will be closer to happiness.<br /><br /><br /><strong>MOST HYPERSENSITIVE</strong><br />"Hi,I dont know why you dont like indians,If i can impress you ,are u ok with indian,"<br /><br />My Thoughts: Hey, who said I don't like Indians? I just have a preference for certain type of men. Keep browsing the ads, dude. I'm sure you'll find someone who has a preference for Indians or someone who has no preference at all.<br /><br />Despite the specificity of my ad, I still got responses from guys who:(1)were from other ethnic groups but assumed that their proficiency of the Spanish language (whatever that proficiency may be) somehow would make me overlook the fact that they were neither Brazilian, Italian or Spanish. (2) <strong>much</strong> older than 38 (I'm talking guys old enough to be my dad!) and (3) Guys who didn't even come close to being athletic (unless you consider competitive eating to be an athletic sport!)<br /><br />Despite all of the above, it hasn't been all bad. I've exchanged emails and met with some folks who have been fun to chat with and who have piqued my curiosity to learn more about them. People ask me what I expect to get out of this whole online dating thing given the tons of weirdos that are out there in the virtual dating world. Very simply, I want to meet people from particular cultural groups with whom I can practice speaking other languages with and with whom I might share other common interests with. If a romantic connection happens to come out of one these encounters, great. And, if not, maybe I've made a cool friend with whom I can just chat and chill with on occasions.Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-63787146200910055822008-02-15T21:31:00.000-08:002008-02-20T00:17:13.225-08:00An awesome Valentine's Day ride with some bad-ass ladies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R7aBaFBf7AI/AAAAAAAAAfk/Cij6M49y3IE/s1600-h/IMG_6513_QUADS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R7aBaFBf7AI/AAAAAAAAAfk/Cij6M49y3IE/s320/IMG_6513_QUADS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167459907479268354" /></a><br />So, Valentines Day started out kinda crappy for me. I felt really sluggish during the day. The one thing I looked forward to was the interval ride with Beth and the other gals. If there's one thing that can distract me from a crappy mood it's a bike workout!<br /><br />Morgan met me in front of my building and we rode over to the port. We did a warm-up lap and had a nice chat. As we finished our first lap, we saw Beth heading our way. As the three of us rode alongside, Beth proceeded to explain to us what her interval plan was and Morgan and I decided to do it with her. Before we got started on our intervals, who do we see riding in the opposite direction but bad-ass racer, Karla K. Yay! <br /><br />Although Karla was doing her own tempo ride, she observed our forms on our bikes as we began our intervals. If I remember correctly, it was two 6 minute intervals at a moderate tempo (for me that was at a 165'ish hr) with a 4 minute rest, then we did 10 second sprints with 50 second rests ( can't remember how long we did that for). I'm sure there was a 3rd interval set but I can't remember what it was. In any case, we got some good work in and some great tips from Coach Karla. She suggested that, during off-the-saddle sprints, we shift into a harder gear, keep our upper body still, and maneuver the bike side to side. I practiced Karla's sprint tip a few times and felt like I had a better handle of the bike while at the same time making it go faster. Awesome!<br /><br />After our training was over, we decided to grab a post-ride dinner. Morgan already had dinner plans so Beth, Karla and I headed over to What the Pho? for some Vietnamese food. We talked about some of our favorite subjects: food, boys, and sex. It was the best Valentine's Day dinner I've had in a long time. <br /><br />Measurements:<br />BICEPS: 28 CM<br />QUADS: 57 CM<br />CALVES 37 CMCarol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-63628414816058196302008-02-10T18:47:00.000-08:002008-02-10T20:09:03.037-08:00Birthdays Rock!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R6_Hb1Bf6_I/AAAAAAAAAfc/5XiFw2aJrww/s1600-h/IMG_6490_SLOGAN.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R6_Hb1Bf6_I/AAAAAAAAAfc/5XiFw2aJrww/s320/IMG_6490_SLOGAN.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165566578521009138" /></a><br /><br /><br />This year I decided to celebrate my birthday celebrity-style and make it a multiple-day event so I made plans for Thursday through Sunday. On Thursday, I met up with some friends at a Cuban restaurant and enjoyed a few drinks with them. On Friday, my best friends took me out for Thai dinner and a movie. On Saturday, I spent the day shopping with friends before hitting the town in the evening.<br /><br />My friends and I were originally going to have dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. However, when we learned that the wait for a table was going to be an hour and forty-five minutes, we decided to skip it and look elsewhere. We didn't know where we were going to end up eating but we were confident that we would still have a good dining experience. We happened to walk by Farallon, an upscale French-inspired seafood restaurant and decided, what the hell, let's splurge and eat at Farallon's. <br /><br />Despite not having reservations, we were seated fairly quickly. We enjoyed lobster claws, scallops, striped bass, truffle soup, chocolate cake and a bottle of pinot noir. The meal was absolutely fabulous! We happened to mention to our waiter that we were celebrating my birthday and, before we knew it, he brought out three miniature sorbet dishes for us (mine had Happy Birthday written in chocolate). We were happy campers when we left Farallon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCeKFOP5Qm5HrHeiZWzeidThMAC3vZBupm8qhJUVUwBvjCPVIrsN5csNLo3VyevVtdWU5n6A-fv5ldsMAbJT9SyOgFUzCeV8VKXH2v_kiaTEq4ApyFUAoe4DvFKiUKKgPUHWQBfIf37w/s1600-h/IMG_6471_PLATE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCeKFOP5Qm5HrHeiZWzeidThMAC3vZBupm8qhJUVUwBvjCPVIrsN5csNLo3VyevVtdWU5n6A-fv5ldsMAbJT9SyOgFUzCeV8VKXH2v_kiaTEq4ApyFUAoe4DvFKiUKKgPUHWQBfIf37w/s320/IMG_6471_PLATE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165559161112488866" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiajsCu45mN1eaYJUBvuHocVFb1nrw6EICNOq4mdEdu2dg-kuykPw59xDCGsVq0_r_RWNVF6C2hB3Rr4TUFqQjZjWZUHppTwBIS1AZQyPUwMqp2huUlz8og8lhyf5_8bSETSv3Tw0sOUI/s1600-h/IMG_6470_TRIO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiajsCu45mN1eaYJUBvuHocVFb1nrw6EICNOq4mdEdu2dg-kuykPw59xDCGsVq0_r_RWNVF6C2hB3Rr4TUFqQjZjWZUHppTwBIS1AZQyPUwMqp2huUlz8og8lhyf5_8bSETSv3Tw0sOUI/s320/IMG_6470_TRIO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165561789632474034" /></a><br /><br />We decided to hit an Irish bar for lemon drop shots before heading over to the dance club. By the time we arrived at the club, we were in super-duper spirits. <br /><br />This particular club we went to was once a speakeasy and it has a slide that you can go down on to enter the club. Unfortunately, I was wearing a skirt and was not allowed to go down the slide (apparently, you go down the slide so fast you can get body burns if you're exposing too much skin.) However, my friends Jessie and Katie did get to experience going down the slide. Despite getting burned on her arm while going down the slide (she forgot to tuck in her elbows), Jessie had a blast going down the slide, as did Katie. (Next time, I'm wearing pants so I can go down the slide, damn it!)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjs1Ve9UHb-xcOYVmR0a-plQ0DlsBFiMtNJqw1Sq_C0z3WphqYrl4vdDfnlpK4ol3K03QSf1XCM7jL6XtYktUlPmAHHO6EgeqfK2sHi34bqCCXwdfykkCLtCEJ5PKdyGmQbSaRf1Vd4Q/s1600-h/IMG_6482_JESSIE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjs1Ve9UHb-xcOYVmR0a-plQ0DlsBFiMtNJqw1Sq_C0z3WphqYrl4vdDfnlpK4ol3K03QSf1XCM7jL6XtYktUlPmAHHO6EgeqfK2sHi34bqCCXwdfykkCLtCEJ5PKdyGmQbSaRf1Vd4Q/s320/IMG_6482_JESSIE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165562386632928210" /></a><br /><br />The music was pumping and the drinks began flowing. We danced, drank, and frolicked for a few hours before cabbing back to Katie's apartment. Despite having gotten blitzed, I surprisingly did not wake up with a hangover. (I guess taking two advils before drinking to oblivion does keep hangovers at bay.) I looked like shit but I at least didn't feel like it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R6_FxlBf6-I/AAAAAAAAAfU/JgBIs6EXMA4/s1600-h/IMG_6481_DUO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R6_FxlBf6-I/AAAAAAAAAfU/JgBIs6EXMA4/s320/IMG_6481_DUO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165564753159908322" /></a><br /><br />I made it home in time to shower, eat and unwind before heading back into the city for a 90-minute massage. Ahhh, what a perfect ending to an awesome birthday weekend! <br /><br />---------------------------------------------<br /><br />Before I forget, it's measurements time again:<br /><br />BICEPS: 28 CM<br />QUADS: 57 CM (up 1 cm...woo-hoo!<br />CALVES: 37 CMCarol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-27744894661997120092008-01-30T21:24:00.000-08:002008-01-30T22:49:09.696-08:00You want me to get there how???<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwEz2mJ1jE0EZJTKzZGoglgkpDyvLj6gN3GYj2NGkVBYDKusgPtXLBQKQcwkmxz-csYei6F10eYIfvHtlH8HJ2KgOPlHVbOlml2L7lEiUZOpNVIJsP5-qExuVLsY_dbY9Vw5DKrb33RI/s1600-h/rock_climbing1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwEz2mJ1jE0EZJTKzZGoglgkpDyvLj6gN3GYj2NGkVBYDKusgPtXLBQKQcwkmxz-csYei6F10eYIfvHtlH8HJ2KgOPlHVbOlml2L7lEiUZOpNVIJsP5-qExuVLsY_dbY9Vw5DKrb33RI/s320/rock_climbing1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161509416880023714" /></a><br /><br />Last Saturday, I did indoor climbing for the first time. My friend Jesse, whose been doing indoor climbing for nine months, invited me to her gym for some indoor climbing. Game for pretty much anything athletic, I accepted her invitation. <br /><br />While we waited for Jesse's friend Hannah to join us, Jesse helped me get into my harness and showed me how to make a figure eight loop with a rope. When Hannah arrived, we were ready to head for the climbing walls. My first climb was a 5.5 climb. All of the walls have various climbing routes that are marked by colored tape. (Rather than try and explain the rating system, I've copied and pasted Touchstones' explanation: "Roped routes use the Yosemite Decimal System, in which every number is preceded by a '5' to indicate technical climbing - followed by a dot - followed by a number from 1 to 14 which indicates increasing difficulty. Hence, a climb rated 5.3 is relatively easy while a 5.13 is the domain of the elite.")<br /><br />I was a bit nervous getting up the 5.5 route and noticed that my palms got sweaty relatively quickly (I attribute that to my nerves). I can't recall if I made it to the top of my first route but I do remember doing it twice.<br /><br />We then proceeded to a 5.6 climb and, though I struggled with it, I made it to the top.<br /><br />Throughout my climbs, Jesse and Hannah kept reminding me to use my legs more than my arms but my instinctive reaction was to use more arm power than leg power. There were times when I got stuck in the middle of a route because the next step seemed almost impossible to make (e.g., I had to extend my right leg far to the right and stand on that leg so I can reach for the next climbing hold above me.) There were times when Jesse and Hannah had to yell out directions toward the next climbing hold because the holds were hard to see from my vantage point. I remember looking over my left shoulder and seeing how far away the ground appeared to me. Damn, that made me nervous!<br /><br />Although I did make it to the top of most of my climbs, there was at least one wherein I just couldn't reach the top. When I got to the middle of the route, I froze! I was scared to get around the "ledge". Jesse and Hannah yelled at me to move my left leg to a particular hold above me but my leg would not budge out of fear. At one point, I slid off the wall. That's when I realized that I was going to be o.k. because I was securely fastened to my harness and I had confidence in Jesse's belaying skills. (A belayer is the person who controls the rope fed out to the climber.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj4xeQT26NcjXJdvTyblC0g1P7VhThyphenhypheniQzZu0Ls84ZW8i-moBxXytEFfbU65xtlYAKMHZhK8seSdYuARE92PDkdXBassbR_A9dpmYAr7olDoBwR3rmwoLqXjsTq_t9ptFheHfYjeyRZA/s1600-h/rockclimbing4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj4xeQT26NcjXJdvTyblC0g1P7VhThyphenhypheniQzZu0Ls84ZW8i-moBxXytEFfbU65xtlYAKMHZhK8seSdYuARE92PDkdXBassbR_A9dpmYAr7olDoBwR3rmwoLqXjsTq_t9ptFheHfYjeyRZA/s320/rockclimbing4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161516585180440754" /></a><br /><br />Towards the end of our two and a half hour workout, Jesse and Hannah and encouraged me to climb the bouldering wall. The bouldering wall is about 12-15 feet high, with routes of varying difficulties. While this wall is not as high as the other walls, you climb it sans rope. So, if you fall, there's no harness to protect you (although there is a mat immediately below the wall to cushion your fall should you fall.) I was a bit scared and failed to climb to the top on my first attempt but I did make it to the top on my second attempt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaQg7oI9N-7hjpM74Zlq8_Wgcp0wZ_pLoePgTSP_HLo1sHtO8P5bfseuqc_6_q-JwYpRyu-oGwwaD0zwe1M12tCWBnpjHXzhGMSBF_5aGKE-CZ-83Bps1CeVugz-YujIgFl0pGE-8rVc/s1600-h/rockclimbing3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaQg7oI9N-7hjpM74Zlq8_Wgcp0wZ_pLoePgTSP_HLo1sHtO8P5bfseuqc_6_q-JwYpRyu-oGwwaD0zwe1M12tCWBnpjHXzhGMSBF_5aGKE-CZ-83Bps1CeVugz-YujIgFl0pGE-8rVc/s320/rockclimbing3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161520515075516610" /></a><br /><br />At the end of my indoor climbing experience, I realized that indoor climbing is as mentally taxing as it is physically challenging. Although you have routes laid out for you, you still have to make decisions as far as what's your next best hold. Should you go for that hold to your far right or go for that hold above you on your left? <br /><br />I also learned that indoor climbing is great for working on any trust and or fear issues you may have. You have to trust the person below you who is feeding you your rope and you have to trust yourself to know that you can take that next step. As far as the fear, you have to get past it to make it to the top of your climb.<br /><br />The next time I go indoor climbing, I hope to be less nervous and more daring.<br /><br />-------------------------------------<br /><br />Oh yeah, it's measurements time:<br /><br />QUADS: 56 CM (damn, this isn't the type of consistency I want!)<br />CALVES: 37 cm<br />BICEPS: 28 cmCarol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-51112275034597217352008-01-25T22:18:00.000-08:002008-01-26T01:57:26.861-08:00My Adventures with Team Oakland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkPjQCz3yU-z8HrqED_AocQEbExV8Z0Jd0SjC66zy-1ySo5gPJMygyNXkrxytrGtH4bLISBKTSvg23MbSIDIevSdnKHQLpVKp8zhWEQ1hD-dRblxqATeLhKO1AQXqOtgx_0xxluVBxao/s1600-h/IMG_4096_TEAM2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkPjQCz3yU-z8HrqED_AocQEbExV8Z0Jd0SjC66zy-1ySo5gPJMygyNXkrxytrGtH4bLISBKTSvg23MbSIDIevSdnKHQLpVKp8zhWEQ1hD-dRblxqATeLhKO1AQXqOtgx_0xxluVBxao/s400/IMG_4096_TEAM2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159667953946830722" /></a><br /><br />I bought my first road bike in January 2006 at Cycle Sports. I remember hanging out at the shop sometime in May '06 when sales rep, Mark Munoz, introduced me to TO racer, Sean Smith. Looking at Sean's big, muscular body, he struck me more as a body builder than a cyclist. Nonetheless, Sean was extremely friendly and invited me to join TO's casual Thursday night rides and the Tuesday night port rides. I took him up on his offer and showed up for both rides where I met more TO people.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5rZiMH3p6I/AAAAAAAAAcY/CJh8WrKRtlk/s1600-h/IMG_4296_SEAN.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5rZiMH3p6I/AAAAAAAAAcY/CJh8WrKRtlk/s320/IMG_4296_SEAN.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159675504499337122" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjvVW3JBAXSoAB3Y0hKvLm9ZnGpiluyc6Wwmeeq8iqKoi3O-PDNc5IOysQWwUEtyXI3CpVa_95OgdGqaLmtCKfCe9L4VIHgV9mAr59vjJND8EVKZODZPMG0BSVT7y8FGL5bJUotlTYC4/s1600-h/IMG_3429_GROUP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjvVW3JBAXSoAB3Y0hKvLm9ZnGpiluyc6Wwmeeq8iqKoi3O-PDNc5IOysQWwUEtyXI3CpVa_95OgdGqaLmtCKfCe9L4VIHgV9mAr59vjJND8EVKZODZPMG0BSVT7y8FGL5bJUotlTYC4/s320/IMG_3429_GROUP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159710272259598386" /></a><br /><br />I remember our first non-lycra ride was the Halloween ride where we all dressed in costumes and rode around town just being goofballs. I had a blast!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRZLtFquuPE0KdfNoWDGwlPpL-O_MerNX9Ik5YJ-Q4u1rA3xcHZ5IPs12K_WAYz2MF_7g21KtxKgUP3WSRykIUWSnE8illhRGz0YIJjsJYEFyJ0U4PNvQFof0dwz37Q-Pe0XMrZdkvzU/s1600-h/halloween_team2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRZLtFquuPE0KdfNoWDGwlPpL-O_MerNX9Ik5YJ-Q4u1rA3xcHZ5IPs12K_WAYz2MF_7g21KtxKgUP3WSRykIUWSnE8illhRGz0YIJjsJYEFyJ0U4PNvQFof0dwz37Q-Pe0XMrZdkvzU/s400/halloween_team2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159675830916851634" /></a><br /><br />In January 2007, I officially joined TO and ventured out to the Early Birds. I was nervous as hell when I rode out the the Bart station for my first EB session. When I got to the 19th street station, I saw two cyclists waiting for a train. I walked over to them and asked them if they were headed out to the early birds. It turns out they were headed out there too so I asked them if I could join them, to which they said yes. This was my first introduction to Ms. Bad-Ass Quads and Racer, Beth Newell, and Mr. former racer but I-still-got-a-lot-of-fight-in-me, Fred. I almost made it through the race series crash-free. Almost. I ended up being part of a three-woman pile up in the 4th race. It shook me up and I almost didn't do the 5th race but teammate (and EB mentor) Andrew Hardardt encouraged me to set my fears aside and do the race. I did it and came in 13th out of 22 despite hanging out in the back of the pack for most of the race. (Beth was not so lucky, she was involved in two crashes, one which was pretty serious. However, she has proven to be absolutely fearless and tough as nails and is now kicking ass on the road and at the track!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNejBsny9cVIyjjemAdualmsORq5zvq6V7cvFQwjkfPJD5Je1MhzgbIk49W5Kgd27AS8QwMUm6aFExZGVr6PpDcXP9Yia5QuxggfLJDFdMCAFisPT3KHO-I26TeYHKTIBQsem_PxW4hpE/s1600-h/IMG_5852_BETH.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNejBsny9cVIyjjemAdualmsORq5zvq6V7cvFQwjkfPJD5Je1MhzgbIk49W5Kgd27AS8QwMUm6aFExZGVr6PpDcXP9Yia5QuxggfLJDFdMCAFisPT3KHO-I26TeYHKTIBQsem_PxW4hpE/s320/IMG_5852_BETH.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159718535776675954" /></a><br /><br />In February 2007, TO racer, Mel Schultz, initiated a Saturday morning women's group ride that welcomed women of all skill levels and riding experience. I've met a few good women on these rides, two of which joined TO this year (Laura Walpert and Lauren Haughey).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkxUjYZMy7zl0g9xC8GPU6j1jjav7J4JgYh_MPGBNWx43uBn9plVb_pVlHgbhX88zdCt87182ht5SdfTuL1rI41V5eGHGCklFJD4xg1Am2DABDGBmiHs8xOh51Fs7mEBkpq41P1Ac-Qs/s1600-h/IMG_3185_GROUP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkxUjYZMy7zl0g9xC8GPU6j1jjav7J4JgYh_MPGBNWx43uBn9plVb_pVlHgbhX88zdCt87182ht5SdfTuL1rI41V5eGHGCklFJD4xg1Am2DABDGBmiHs8xOh51Fs7mEBkpq41P1Ac-Qs/s320/IMG_3185_GROUP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159689256984618946" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuME31G1iK7TfefnkXWbA_pRDggyYiQPrMZUCJHlj82ZanOvVsZoOmVIxiTAPcSQj7pI6bNKI3J0gZnbiqVwQBpjLLHPl6KQmWUFE_o-ezgNnlmKgOg4uKR0SlKdQNFAxMmhajD4fGr80/s1600-h/IMG_5988_LAURA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuME31G1iK7TfefnkXWbA_pRDggyYiQPrMZUCJHlj82ZanOvVsZoOmVIxiTAPcSQj7pI6bNKI3J0gZnbiqVwQBpjLLHPl6KQmWUFE_o-ezgNnlmKgOg4uKR0SlKdQNFAxMmhajD4fGr80/s320/IMG_5988_LAURA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159721731232344194" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWGftlWMuinxMu67LX-tG73IsM4cJNWbX-9j6b9dZfytwysLkuk5TkU4wdxOZOu-KTet5bwwhvvK8HZyt2WH4RVcl_8ZdBPXxZSau76fs6m7TY1kUHtZQCfhmz5xmHCPDAZdyGmQ8d7c/s1600-h/IMG_3154_LAUREN2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWGftlWMuinxMu67LX-tG73IsM4cJNWbX-9j6b9dZfytwysLkuk5TkU4wdxOZOu-KTet5bwwhvvK8HZyt2WH4RVcl_8ZdBPXxZSau76fs6m7TY1kUHtZQCfhmz5xmHCPDAZdyGmQ8d7c/s320/IMG_3154_LAUREN2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159721739822278802" /></a><br /><br />In the months that followed, there were races, TO group rides, parties, and Tuesday night dinners at Los Cantaros.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCGLBvyqel24Ldbjt9WW8UFEiCs7N7gc3LSLs5HJ7wFS8uW5c6lj_srRlSgiq_obS5_K6xikR5SczbDTCF2yPQNEA-tY3u_DJPw-Jr0DHYFxBcHQNCE0T7fQmqGew3otvsyRLvUNe_fE/s1600-h/IMG_2777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCGLBvyqel24Ldbjt9WW8UFEiCs7N7gc3LSLs5HJ7wFS8uW5c6lj_srRlSgiq_obS5_K6xikR5SczbDTCF2yPQNEA-tY3u_DJPw-Jr0DHYFxBcHQNCE0T7fQmqGew3otvsyRLvUNe_fE/s320/IMG_2777.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159705775428839426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhyphenhyphenDE9ylwDWU-iEJKETkLco_qbDI3WAZN7OwuNgzZH2KIBq4N_yYYb5JJ5w54YPV4o-pk8B4-Sa_ApWy5M_gSUHyoESsWg5tk29wwYPztxHNn-kR-jFu7ZhhFTaReTkd1Nlz5xzW6GNU/s1600-h/IMG_1344_GROUP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhyphenhyphenDE9ylwDWU-iEJKETkLco_qbDI3WAZN7OwuNgzZH2KIBq4N_yYYb5JJ5w54YPV4o-pk8B4-Sa_ApWy5M_gSUHyoESsWg5tk29wwYPztxHNn-kR-jFu7ZhhFTaReTkd1Nlz5xzW6GNU/s320/IMG_1344_GROUP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159708919344900130" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLM1MhybWOqH-AFCwJMSnwmAMcJTi74taORXvQZmkBI1D3XdK2hwHsPip_7obH6wgcKaWPYz1LjDE2t0t_wAH0vydxOxX2ht4zxohbKgBVH6o9kJlnn2P9D4kKyDw3whyphenhyphenZTc_FvpZkzw/s1600-h/IMG_2114_PARTY.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLM1MhybWOqH-AFCwJMSnwmAMcJTi74taORXvQZmkBI1D3XdK2hwHsPip_7obH6wgcKaWPYz1LjDE2t0t_wAH0vydxOxX2ht4zxohbKgBVH6o9kJlnn2P9D4kKyDw3whyphenhyphenZTc_FvpZkzw/s320/IMG_2114_PARTY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159708223560198162" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUlwuWS25LUeTqGvABrSbfPm08QPAYzQBGdu5XCG4hQp-RkX7lhgm2TO87nOYfwnseFx6hOlYZ4tU8ODuztIa1lEKO9Hoj-GzIEyjyl_I7knlHd_GqPCj4qmYNgZCU_y80zzqmoKLmjU/s1600-h/IMG_5117_FOURSOME.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUlwuWS25LUeTqGvABrSbfPm08QPAYzQBGdu5XCG4hQp-RkX7lhgm2TO87nOYfwnseFx6hOlYZ4tU8ODuztIa1lEKO9Hoj-GzIEyjyl_I7knlHd_GqPCj4qmYNgZCU_y80zzqmoKLmjU/s320/IMG_5117_FOURSOME.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159699161179203570" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5rvC8H3p-I/AAAAAAAAAc4/thgwrvU7U_s/s1600-h/IMG_4943_GROUP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5rvC8H3p-I/AAAAAAAAAc4/thgwrvU7U_s/s320/IMG_4943_GROUP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159699156884236258" /></a><br /><br /><br />I can honestly say that Team Oakland has some of the friendliest, toughest, and funniest people I've ever met. I'm very grateful to have found a group of friends who inspire me and humor me. I love these guys. <br /><br />I'm also happy to report that Team Oakland now has a myspace page. Yay! http://www.myspace.com/teamoaklandcycling<br /><br />Here's to another great year with Team Oakland!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-pUgSUWCwrorQIuhEJQyyi2vQDDfvQz0AR9sNkbp01_7vFBddr3Kd3yKpisFfOqBsT6i-rnyQTJJyky6xhPx3JUrFemgwXXhhn8xszj8H8WZKdG11Ov8EfliCyY8rrimdoM-JRet_Dk/s1600-h/IMG_1955_TEAM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-pUgSUWCwrorQIuhEJQyyi2vQDDfvQz0AR9sNkbp01_7vFBddr3Kd3yKpisFfOqBsT6i-rnyQTJJyky6xhPx3JUrFemgwXXhhn8xszj8H8WZKdG11Ov8EfliCyY8rrimdoM-JRet_Dk/s320/IMG_1955_TEAM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159713892917028930" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ujfwS19MB2GiF78C-Ji6BtcKLqjHxZ9YWi8gbXZ6HAwhM3NWrpOS62MJLIMJkNsz7VIs2LAez85hojHrCaiA7CJCLjvyGIsHlWK1opSkJXW0ySBZZEsRIz4kdn9mubi7QS8OSD-nl0Q/s1600-h/IMG_1958_TEAM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ujfwS19MB2GiF78C-Ji6BtcKLqjHxZ9YWi8gbXZ6HAwhM3NWrpOS62MJLIMJkNsz7VIs2LAez85hojHrCaiA7CJCLjvyGIsHlWK1opSkJXW0ySBZZEsRIz4kdn9mubi7QS8OSD-nl0Q/s320/IMG_1958_TEAM.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159713901506963538" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsOVNMm-q5HEC8kjum5JeVlZVdHMGl86Za8gFCzHXRPGXlhZjdEPzTaXmLfJJzqi3HYMC3ihwg1UwQWGFaelHrftO4Ql5igC5JpZAw2m-4EhXqCuT-NZLIutx8tg8MN25k0ko5dE_iMs/s1600-h/IMG_1959_SATIE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsOVNMm-q5HEC8kjum5JeVlZVdHMGl86Za8gFCzHXRPGXlhZjdEPzTaXmLfJJzqi3HYMC3ihwg1UwQWGFaelHrftO4Ql5igC5JpZAw2m-4EhXqCuT-NZLIutx8tg8MN25k0ko5dE_iMs/s320/IMG_1959_SATIE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159713905801930850" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-67944776953413009202008-01-22T12:56:00.000-08:002008-01-22T13:11:44.413-08:00I feel like such a lame ass!Today in my kickboxing class, the instructor asked me if I would help with a punch/kick combination demonstration. I thought, "Cool, I can show off what I've learned so far." So, the instructor calls out jab, jab, cross, left roundhouse, right roundhouse." Well, it turns out that he just wanted me to hold the pads while he demonstrated a jab, jab, cross. When he called out "roundhouse", my brain computed that instruction as, "he wants you to show a roundhouse kick", so I lifted up my left leg with the intention of releasing a full force roundhouse kick (for some odd reason, my left kicks are stronger than my right kicks even though I'm right-hand dominant). Instead of unleasing a powerful roundhouse kick, both of my feet slipped from underneath me and I fell flat on my ass in front of the whole class! I heard a collective gasp and saw that some people moved towards me, perhaps they thought I had gone down so hard I would need help getting up. Thankfully, the only thing that was brusied was my ego. I jumped back up as quick as I could, put my game face on, said I was o.k. and continued with the demonstration. The pathetic part of it all was that the instructor had only wanted me to hold the pads while HE demonstrated a roundhouse kick. I have a feeling this episode is going to bug me for a long time. Aaarghhhhh!! Serenity now, godamnit!Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-77519549817789534552008-01-19T23:00:00.000-08:002008-01-19T23:38:04.173-08:00Measurements, workouts, and food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV-sHr0xq1b9eoYeGEZOnJpaFYQVPNDWib3CMDxGhnR9vP8Z1pF1O6JHuuLxq1uFlwv_B3WgVGbBDN08kno6yhWZb6GVYGQ_Vw-hKvmKQGkY0mbSG-0AesGDOKeno1m2Rc8b0tBk5Wk0/s1600-h/IMG_6021_bike_gloves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV-sHr0xq1b9eoYeGEZOnJpaFYQVPNDWib3CMDxGhnR9vP8Z1pF1O6JHuuLxq1uFlwv_B3WgVGbBDN08kno6yhWZb6GVYGQ_Vw-hKvmKQGkY0mbSG-0AesGDOKeno1m2Rc8b0tBk5Wk0/s320/IMG_6021_bike_gloves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157450990499789522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3brQfV4CbfLc6U0Gkz3eJ6PpfOIcYx_85lQpuIbQ0HbPii-lwEhP8GFDnaUbOQywBfVQXz6URRWmHCr8Jt6N7Clz5sZxOx1ri4DHITeMusHDGrS3jZfR_umpq5Wc6O-7cNC5_AKAAGo4/s1600-h/IMG_6024_bike_gloves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3brQfV4CbfLc6U0Gkz3eJ6PpfOIcYx_85lQpuIbQ0HbPii-lwEhP8GFDnaUbOQywBfVQXz6URRWmHCr8Jt6N7Clz5sZxOx1ri4DHITeMusHDGrS3jZfR_umpq5Wc6O-7cNC5_AKAAGo4/s320/IMG_6024_bike_gloves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157450994794756834" /></a><br /><br />As Michiko has pointed out, I've been remiss in posting my measurements. Not only will I post my quad & calve measurements but I will add my biceps because I'm doing muay thai training and I'm interested in seeing my arms becoming more developed.<br /><br />Quads: 56 cm (damn it, when will they get to 59 cms???)<br />Calves: 37 cm (my jump roping should keep this number from decreasing)<br />Biceps: 28 cm (hmmm, I wonder what an average size is for women)<br /><br />As much as I enjoy riding my bike, I like mixing up my workouts. I've now discovered the awesomeness of muay thai (thai boxing). Known as the art of the eight limbs, muay thai involves usage of the hands, shins, elbows, and knees. <br /><br />When I first began my muay thai training, I tired quickly during my jump rope warm ups. My trainer had me do three sets of two-minute intervals with forty second breaks in between each set. By the time I was done with each set, I was breathing and sweating profusely. As the weeks progressed, jump roping became easier. I can now do six minutes nonstop. (My next goal will be to do cool tricks with the rope. ;-) I also noticed that I was hitting harder, as evidenced by my bruised hands.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5L3ars5-vI/AAAAAAAAAb4/wb3GHGEnurU/s1600-h/face_hands.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5L3ars5-vI/AAAAAAAAAb4/wb3GHGEnurU/s320/face_hands.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157456561072372466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5L3ars5-wI/AAAAAAAAAcA/WmHvtNf4KXY/s1600-h/HANDS_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R5L3ars5-wI/AAAAAAAAAcA/WmHvtNf4KXY/s320/HANDS_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157456561072372482" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'll continue working one-on-one with my trainer until I find a martial arts school that's within my budget and my neighborhood.<br /><br />As far as my food intake, I've been reading about the raw food diet. While it makes sense to me, I don't see myself eating a 100% raw food diet. (What can I say, I love wine, coffee and dining out.) However, I am trying to eat more raw meals. Instead of eating Trader Joe's frozen organic enchiladas at lunch, I'll eat fruit, vegetables, pumpkin seeds, and/or almonds. I need to be careful, though, because a lot of these foods are high in calories (e.g., avocados, nuts, etc.) My goal is to get stronger and slimmer, we'll see how these next few weeks pan out with my diet shift.Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-4265815441750997542008-01-07T16:19:00.000-08:002008-01-07T16:21:09.489-08:00My game plan for 2008<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R4LB3bs5-sI/AAAAAAAAAbg/DyVTBOX97sw/s1600-h/IMG_5473_moiagain%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R4LB3bs5-sI/AAAAAAAAAbg/DyVTBOX97sw/s320/IMG_5473_moiagain%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152894081738341058" /></a><br /><br /><br />This year I’m keeping it simple: I’m simply going to love myself and take care of myself in the following ways:<br /><br />(1) I will do tai chi and yoga to keep my mind calm and my body flexible and keep negative thoughts and vibes at bay. <br /><br />(2) I will appreciate all things in my life, even those physical/spiritual gains that seem minor.<br /><br />(3) I will set constant goals for myself to challenge my mind and my body.<br /><br />(4) I will not beat myself up if I fail to meet a goal.<br /><br />(5) I will remember to laugh and enjoy things for what they are.<br /><br />(6) I will eat foods that give me nourishment for sustained energy and strength.<br /><br />(7) I will surround myself with positive people so that when I’m feeling down I will have positive energy and inspiration to draw from.<br /><br />These are the big-picture endeavors that I think will help me stick to a training plan with consistency and enthusiasm.Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2893275008661291441.post-34059062440355316682007-12-09T18:09:00.000-08:002007-12-09T21:42:16.176-08:00Bad Things Do Happen in 3's!!!Recently inspired with a new sense of determination and a desire to get stronger on the bike, I looked forward to today's 70-mile ride with members from Club One, Left Coast, and the Duros. Yeah, I knew the ride was going to start out chilly (Lafayette was in the 30's when I arrived at the bart station at 8:35 a.m.) but I came prepared! Two base layers, a long sleeved jersey, and a jacket provided me with enough insulation to keep me from chattering my teeth as I rode to the bart station.<br /><br />When I arrived at Lafayette, I learned that Mark and I would be the only two Club One members that would be doing this ride. Although a bit disappointed at not seeing other Club One peeps show up, I was prepared to get in a good ride. Once Mark got suited up, off we went. Riding though the residential area of Lafayette, I noticed that the chilly air was piercing through my gloves. Numbness started to enter my thumbs. What the hell?! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1ypRnyLJAI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/zvT2YgsOOJA/s1600-h/IMG_5370_GLOVES.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1ypRnyLJAI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/zvT2YgsOOJA/s200/IMG_5370_GLOVES.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142170994752562178" /></a><br /><br />I tried to think warm thoughts but to no avail. My hands were freezing. Yeah, I know you east coast readers are thinking, "Whimp!" Having been born in a tropical country and grown up in lovely L.A., I will readily admit that I don't handle cold weather very well. I started thinking about upgrading my gloves to pogies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1yrcnyLJCI/AAAAAAAAAaE/bEcOa6gyxmQ/s1600-h/pogies1small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1yrcnyLJCI/AAAAAAAAAaE/bEcOa6gyxmQ/s200/pogies1small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142173382754378786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonrg-PSRUhX_9WlIX4W43EcMp332mxFsUXl2vT1iEcOgzw3Q6-fneofCgQ-APzkM4mSa7XWRze8HgOXwteMjyyGRD833LvCF4yNoPEJ87_JiZrNQjDiDP6R9cBH_eQJs-GPGHRqVDjU0/s1600-h/pogies1small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a><br /><br />(In case you're wondering where you can find pogies, check out www.icebike.org.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">BAD INCIDENT #1</span>, albeit a minor one, happened to Mark while we were waiting for a red light. I was talking to him when all of a sudden I see him tilting over before falling on his right side. *scratching my head* "Uh, Mark, what just happened?" Apparently, Mark wanted to walk over and push the light button so we could get a green light faster. Ummm, perhaps, he should have unclipped before trying to walk over to the light? I'm just sayin'. ;-)<br /><br />Anyhoo, we eventually met up with the Duros and Left Coast Riders at a Shell station. Before we left the station, Mark warned me that these guys can ride pretty fast so I better be on my toes. Sure enough, these guys started picking up the pace and I was hanging in the back trying to keep up. Thank goodness for that red light where we had to turn left to turn into the Livermore hills. Although I didn't expect them to slow down, I at least knew their pace and did my best to stay with them. <br /><br />We eventually made it to rest stop number two where we refilled our water bottles and consumed some calories. Being the camera-happy person that I am, I whipped out my camera and started snapping pictures as I also tried to gulp down a cup of hot coffee. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWZrIR11Z43aQuvnXBaauwvgnX82Ppi3mGOuNDdZe0oPS4ffexblCRyH25uVSQfQvldBKZ4iV44nVLIlhMhuTUHyhO0OPbpsBE62s_if5XP6L1-aWPo-q_Kz3B5WmlXz7dJPiU6Td3EY/s1600-h/IMG_5330_GROUP.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWZrIR11Z43aQuvnXBaauwvgnX82Ppi3mGOuNDdZe0oPS4ffexblCRyH25uVSQfQvldBKZ4iV44nVLIlhMhuTUHyhO0OPbpsBE62s_if5XP6L1-aWPo-q_Kz3B5WmlXz7dJPiU6Td3EY/s320/IMG_5330_GROUP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142177926829778002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1yvlXyLJGI/AAAAAAAAAak/ZL3Qr1_AofQ/s1600-h/IMG_5335_GROUP.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1yvlXyLJGI/AAAAAAAAAak/ZL3Qr1_AofQ/s320/IMG_5335_GROUP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142177931124745314" /></a><br /><br />All of a sudden, I heard people getting on their bikes and rolling. Damn! I took another gulp of coffee before throwing out the remains, jammed my camera into my jersey pocket, and adjusted my other jersey pockets before I jumped on my bike and started pedaling quickly towards the group. I'm not sure if it was the sudden acceleration but all of a sudden I felt a twinge in my lower right hip/ass area. Damn again! I was a little concerned that the dull pain might develop into a sharper one as the ride progressed but I figured I'd just wait and see what happened.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1y2DnyLJHI/AAAAAAAAAas/5TzGeN2NnvA/s1600-h/IMG_5361_STINGER.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_OSaxdF58ZW0/R1y2DnyLJHI/AAAAAAAAAas/5TzGeN2NnvA/s320/IMG_5361_STINGER.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142185047885554802" /></a><br /><br />We had a fair amount of riders in the group and they were pretty good about calling out objects on the road. At one point, I heard someone yell "rock." I immediately saw a mini-crater on the ground and people splitting off to the left and right. I then saw Mark hit the rock before he lost control of his bike. I was behind him so I quickly glanced over my left shoulder to ensure there weren't any cars on the road before I split off to the center of the road. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bam!</span> Down Mark went! We all stopped and checked on Mark. Aside from some aches, Mark appeared well enough to continue riding. His bike was also in tact enough to continue the ride so on we went. That was <span style="font-weight:bold;">BAD INCIDENT #2</span>.<br /><br />As we approached the Pleasanton bart station, we learned that Bonnie had a rear flat tire so we waited for her and Deb to catch up with the group. <br /><br />The ride continued for a while before the group split off. Eventually, it was Mark, Bonnie and I riding into Lafayette together. Bonnie asked me if I was tired and I said no (although, I still felt that little twinge on my right side.) Mark asked, since I wasn't tired, would I extend my ride by skipping the bart ride and riding home instead, to which I responded, "No. Considering what's happened on this ride already, I'll end up with a flat and I'll have to wait for someone to come along and help me fix my flat." Mark retorted, "You rode home by yourself on our last ride." I replied, "Yeah, but I'm superstitious and I believe that bad things happen in 3's. So, I'll be taking bart today." <br /><br />As we neared the Lafayette bart station, Bonnie noticed that she had a front wheel flat. She figured that she could make it up the little hill and into the station before she got off her bike to fix the flat. As I turned left into the parking lot on Deer Hill Road, I heard Bonnie yell out. I looked behind me and saw Bonnie on the ground in the middle of the street. I put my bike down and ran over to her and Mark. Bonnie was in serious pain and couldn't get up. <span style="font-weight:bold;">BAD INCIDENT #3!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu7aMgKALnnVtgqpQVXZVKc43T_Ped_ZUgJkOTn6Lxm9hsisGtxSbITdHJUM4ZJgND1qN4IyPXzRkav1mSHttizW0WtO5bKU3pRt6Hfb2IPYsGrHr4prpwqdXyhjK5VMO48pRfjOco-w/s1600-h/IMG_5341_BONNIE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu7aMgKALnnVtgqpQVXZVKc43T_Ped_ZUgJkOTn6Lxm9hsisGtxSbITdHJUM4ZJgND1qN4IyPXzRkav1mSHttizW0WtO5bKU3pRt6Hfb2IPYsGrHr4prpwqdXyhjK5VMO48pRfjOco-w/s320/IMG_5341_BONNIE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142193083769365634" /></a><br /><br />The first driver that stopped to check on Bonnie happened to be an EMT. He asked her various questions and did a mini-physical exam. Although, it appeared that Bonnie might be o.k., she yelled out in pain as she tried to get up. She appeared to be experiencing severe pelvic pain when she tried to sit up. Traffic started building up as various drivers asked if they could help out or call 911. One woman even got out of her car. We let them know that, while we appreciated their offers, we had already called for an ambulance and were waiting for them to appear. <br /><br />The Lafayette police were the first to appear. They set up their two patrol cars to ensure Bonnie didn't get run over while laying on the ground. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fxJys1qMZQwtBmO4Xed1_8sBikS5OOGznVpKw1SHwB1rme80RWXeKF4kOUSfdy9_b0yo2_ANQz0GTJwja_0DXyx8-hzsusOKeA6jOYYtygstUfNAWztrRSKKJSWj4EvuChR9rDpTTKs/s1600-h/IMG_5340_COPS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fxJys1qMZQwtBmO4Xed1_8sBikS5OOGznVpKw1SHwB1rme80RWXeKF4kOUSfdy9_b0yo2_ANQz0GTJwja_0DXyx8-hzsusOKeA6jOYYtygstUfNAWztrRSKKJSWj4EvuChR9rDpTTKs/s320/IMG_5340_COPS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142196365124379794" /></a><br /><br />Eventually, the firefighters and paramedics showed up. At this point, Bonnie was freezing and she couldn't get into the ambulance fast enough. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5RnZ4VpeLz8bH21PmAskKD3P_BmFJCRUdjLLddVILUF70_w4FtgqTy_-TSqFjA0hZy6iGenlJ19eoIoDPclMjvqLA2GBUr3pHfer3u9SZo_frRKjnfvNrZ5PfH2rcgv_opIH-BkY7zU/s1600-h/IMG_5350_FD.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5RnZ4VpeLz8bH21PmAskKD3P_BmFJCRUdjLLddVILUF70_w4FtgqTy_-TSqFjA0hZy6iGenlJ19eoIoDPclMjvqLA2GBUr3pHfer3u9SZo_frRKjnfvNrZ5PfH2rcgv_opIH-BkY7zU/s320/IMG_5350_FD.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142198551262733474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZappZ-v_sFt4yuzs0aaS_HakPl15jIm1Z_z3ZRk0fhP9syRmc12BsaFFmbrqDyUgaHg77KPFi6e0Bjs3tqS7jEMco8iRzUNuPgwf8diIimNXaNA2IXRwihyphenhyphenpmmviBGhSlzsLIzIZSLXA/s1600-h/IMG_5355_EMT.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZappZ-v_sFt4yuzs0aaS_HakPl15jIm1Z_z3ZRk0fhP9syRmc12BsaFFmbrqDyUgaHg77KPFi6e0Bjs3tqS7jEMco8iRzUNuPgwf8diIimNXaNA2IXRwihyphenhyphenpmmviBGhSlzsLIzIZSLXA/s320/IMG_5355_EMT.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142198555557700786" /></a><br /><br />While waiting for the ambulance, I learned the following things:<br /><br />1. Never give a seriously injured person water or food; it might send them into shock. (Bonnie asked for water but we had to <br /> deny her request per the first EMT's recommendation.)<br /><br />2. Off-the-clock nurses, paramedics, and cops are more likely than doctors to stop and assist random injured people in <br /> public places. (This is according to the lady cop's personal experience.) What's up with this?!!<br /><br />3. When you continue to ride with a flat tire, you run the risk of going down. (Perhaps Bonnie's flat, front wheel hit a bot dot <br /> as she attempted to make a left hand turn and the tire gave in, causing her to go down? Bonnie was also tired at this point <br /> so perhaps that was also a factor?)<br /><br />4. BAD THINGS DO HAPPEN IN 3'S!!!!! (Affirmation of pre-existing knowledge.)<br /><br />Mark was going to go to the hospital to check on Bonnie. As soon as I get an update from him on Bonnie's status, I'll add it to my blog.<br /><br />As you can see from some of these pictures, Bonnie remained a trooper and let me snap pictures of the event. If you're interested in seeing the other pictures, you can find them at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7616589@N06/<br /><br />BONNIE UPDATE: I just got off the phone with Mark and he said Bonnie has a pelvic fracture but she will not require<br />surgery or rehab. She'll have to endure some pain but her fracture will heal on its' own. Although a fractured pelvis sucks, I'm happy to hear that Bonnie is now on her way to recovery.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7PDYSULQiVL1m-aaleE6M5qkC_6ifp8aahD3oi2O_lRJ6cN1m-c5xFiWsm4or10H2gyBREZrPv7CDOLOmFI21anmrrmW8LpqoMBFBZT-pPE4uiO1mV3roYig2AQi-sFZ072xTUXTEOU/s1600-h/IMG_4773_BONNIE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7PDYSULQiVL1m-aaleE6M5qkC_6ifp8aahD3oi2O_lRJ6cN1m-c5xFiWsm4or10H2gyBREZrPv7CDOLOmFI21anmrrmW8LpqoMBFBZT-pPE4uiO1mV3roYig2AQi-sFZ072xTUXTEOU/s320/IMG_4773_BONNIE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142215168491201730" /></a>Carol Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15360803697856065131noreply@blogger.com2