Wiggle

The Wiggle: A zig zagging bike route in San Francisco that will take you to the Pan Handle (which will drop you into Golden Gate Park) and it will graciously take you there sans hills.

I heart the wiggle.

It's part of my warm up. It's really popular with cyclists in the city. It's extremely popular with the hipster/hippie cyclists. I feel like such an asshole clipping in and out next to them, decked out in Pearl Izumi gear and they're just rocking back and forth, lookin' so cool on their fixie bikes.

Is that not outrageous? I actually feel self conscious because I think the fixie riders are judging me for being a jock. I suppose some things will never change ;)

Beware

Due to a stomach flu last week, I pretty much spent M-Sa of last week in my bed watching Netflix movies on my laptop. After lots of rest and a lot of movies, I went on a ride yesterday (in my fab new beer jersey). Did an easy 12 miles in the city, just to see strength wise were I was at. The ride was fun - and I decided to do my usual 20 mile city ride the next day.

The ride felt great. Loved being back out there, it felt so good to move again. But, today I came across something even more dangerous than a tourist with a rented bike: the mini van Moms. The Peninsula women who are shopping in the city and attempting to navigate San Francisco. I almost got hit several times today. One mini van was really close, and I actually screamed and cussed out the woman. Honestly, she was trying to turn the wrong way on a one way street - if anything, people should be thankful I swore at her.

I will try harder to wake up earlier and ride when no one is driving. I think that's kinda the only solution here.

Thank You Santa!

A big thanks to St. Nick for the Mike's Bikes gift card. I acquired some much needed clothing, including this amazing Anchor Steam bike jersey. Which is actually a boy's jersey. Whatever, I'm a cross dressing cyclist - but I have a long torso and the girls' stuff doesn't fit all the time. Also acquired was a highlighter green jacket - that will be great for biking trips to and from work when it starts to dark. And finally a pair of bike pants. And a new pair of argyle socks :)

Joyeux Noel!

One of my favorite things to do on Christmas Day (after opening gifts) - is to go for a run. It's sort of a tradition in my family. Running in the cold is not for everyone - but I love it. If you feel the desire to get out there this holiday, treat yourself to a three mile run if you'd like. Besides, it just means you can have extra chocolate :)

Happy Holidays to All!

Helpful Tips for Healthy Lives :)

Recently watched a documentary on the growing obesity issue within the US. I'm by no means an expert on nutrition - I have a B.A in History, and my work experience is all sales based in high tech companies. But I do feel very passionate about this subject and try to read up on it and educate myself on the basics. Whether you're trying to lose weight, maintain, or just incorporate more vegetables in your life - here are some basics that everyone can follow:

1. Keep variation in your diet

2. Pay attention to the portion size

3. Read the nutrition label

4. Exercise regularly

5. Limit saturated fats and refined sugars

Why these are important:

#1 - Variety in diet helps provide our bodies with the different vitamins/nutrients we need on a daily basis to stay healthy.

#2 - Did you know that a New York style bagel is actually 3-4 portions of grains/breads? It's the equivalent of eating almost 4 slices of bread. Don't over do it.

#3 - This will identify the portion size, caloric intake, and let you know how much protein, carbs, fiber, etc is in your food. I was surprised that Almond Milk only had 2 grams of protein per serving once I looked closely at it.

#4 - Your body was built for you to move and use it - so use it!

#5 - Your body doesn't need saturated fat. And it can become addicted to refined sugars. So use sparingly.

Hayes Valley

Nice quick run in the rain today. Still logging miles every week and focusing on strength & conditioning, but I think it's going to take me until late January - early February to start putting up big miles again. Love running Hayes valley. I want to run Bay to Breakers again in 2011, and this is great practice for it.

Spin Class

Recently took my first spin class. A tip to anyone who signs up for any new exercise class: talk to the instructor prior to the class start. Had I done this, I would have had a much better start to spinning.

At the bottom of the monitor for the bike, is a leveler that controls the gears. I was unaware of this. I was also unaware that I was in the 17th gear. The only thing I was aware of, was that I was sucking ass at spin class. Because everyone else was whizzing along meeting the 110 RPM, while I was dying at 85 RPM.

I finally threw my arm up in the air and called out "HELP" to the spinning instructor. Which was embarrassing, because everyone sort of starred at me, but at that point, I didn't care - I just wanted to be able to breathe again. Two minute tutorial later, I was spinning quite nicely. Turns out it's easier to get to 110RPM when you're in the 10th gear.

Ended up loving it! I'd like to start going more frequently, especially since it appears we're in for a very wet winter.

Pictures from My Rides

Procrastination wins again --- photos from my training rides around the city. Enjoy!

TRX!

I am hesitant to even reveal this, for fear of failure, but here it goes: I signed up to become certified as a TRX instructor. I'm super excited & super nervous. And honestly, I know it's a great work out and everything, and that being certified in it will be a huge help - but what I'm really excited about? If I teach the classes, I get to pick the music. Wish me luck!

Working Lunch

Did a nice rolling 7.5 mile run on my lunch break today. I thought it was more around 8 until I came back to my desk and checked my mileage on Map My Run. It was a nice way to break up the work day. I'm fortunate to have a locker room and shower in my building, I know for some people they don't always have that option.

I'm starting to plan out my competitions for this spring, so far it looks like: Napa Vintage Triathlon (half iron distance) in April and the Paso Robles Century Ride in May. Is it coincidence that both events are in amazing wine counties? No... that was planned :) Also would LOVE to do an Alcatraz tri in June --- they book fast though, so we'll see.

Pain is Temporary - Pride is Forver

Hats off to Tony who completed the grueling 50 mile trail run hosted by Northface in the headlands. Above is Tony and his group of pacers after crossing the finish line. We took turns getting Tony from mile 27 to the finish. Kate took the first shift and helped push Tony up the horrible Steep Ravine trail. Kevin was next and did the 16 miles from Bootjack to Tennesse Valley. It was then my turn to take Tony from 46 to 51. At that point night had set in, so I got to wear the headlamp. Very cute.

I love spectating at events! My all time favorite thing to do (besides make posters like the one above), is to pull a car up next to the race and blast Eye of the Tiger for the race participants. I like to mix it up with Gonna Fly Now (Rocky 2 song), and Born to Run.

It was very inspiring to see these athletes gut it out and fight hard to the end. You don't feel great after 26.2 miles, I can't imagine getting to 30 miles and still have 20 more to go. Especially when it was raining and cold like this weekend. There were definitely runners out there that you could tell were in pain, but they were too focused on finishing to stop. Very glad I could be a part of it and proud of everyone who was out there. Tony finished the race with a time of 12:30.