Sunny Sunday

Sunday was the type of day I dream about!

Started off with a nice run up the coast.

Then got a pedicure (Don't think I am obsessed; Do you?)

Then time for some relaxing with the fam.

And a dinner to remember.

Simply Epic... Simply Elegant

Palomar Mountain. What more can I say. I had been wanting to do this ride for a long time, but had been making excuses. When it comes down to it, I was really just scared! But Monday I see on my training schedule, "Climb Palomar." I decided it was time. Just as I was wrapping my mind around this ride, Michelle and Rachael posted a TriClub ride up Palomar. No more excuses. Up I was going to go.

I was up early to get everything ready for the LONG day. Ate a PBJ sandwich, some plain yoga yogart and coffee with milk. As usual I was late getting out the door; so many last minute details.

We met in the parking lot of Kit Carson. A bigger group than I expected. All of these people are crazy enough to ride up the toughest climb in San Diego? In the first few miles through Escondido we pretty much hung together. Better to fend off crazy drivers in a peleton. Before I knew it we were at Lake Wolford Drive. A small group broke off and charged up the hill. As much as I wanted to go, I kept it mellow, knowing that it was going to be a long day. Luckily I knew the Wolford hill from ToCa so I was able to pace myself well. Flew through Wolford area and the next thing I knew we were descending. Was super fun until I had the realization that I would have to climb that later. Able to catch-up to Beth on in Highland Valley, so I had someone to chat with to pass the time.

Headed past the casino and hung a right on the 76. Saw the Taco stand, but Rachael said we were going to stop at a gas station instead. Beth and I kept looking for that gas station, but it never came. I'm still upset that I did not get to start my watch at the bottom of the hill; think I was 15 min into it. Had to stop to rearrange my bottles and clothing. Beth took off, I would have to catch her! Before South Grade road took it a bit easy. Kept to low tempo work.

Then there it was; South Grade Road! The game was on! Off I went. Did some High Tempo work and then picked it up to Threshold. Spotting people ahead of me and picking them off. On my own with my thoughts and the beautiful view. Then caught Alex. He could hang. Chatted as we climbed. Then the phone rang... On call! Was able to answer a call, give a prescription while keeping on pace. Kept HR at 165-171. Legs felt great, and kept climbing. Every once in a while one of us had to ask "Are we there yet?" The funniest thing was thinking how unpretty I was; Snot, sweat and salt running down my face. Ironic that I was going to the Mercy Ball later in the night. Just as I was about to ask if we were there yet again, I saw the top! Gunned it up. 1:29:59! Probably could have gone faster, but was my first time and did not know what was ahead.

Cruised to the store where I found I was the second girl up. Ate a Powerbar, a bottle of water, a bottle of Gatorade and a bag of pretzels. Hung out for 30min and then we decided it was time to descend. I knew this was going to be the scary part, but decided to be a big girl and descend like Garreth taught me. It turned out to be really fun! I actually love descending. Didn't brake too much. The sad part was seeing all of the slow people in our group still climbing. Was at the casino before I knew it.

Wasn't sure how the legs were going to take the climb up to Wolford. I was pleasantly shock at the strength they still had, so I pushed it up the climb. HR 165ish. I think Alex and I were pushing each other, which works for me! Flew up and over Wolford and back to the car, pushing it the entire way.

As we got closer I realized how hot it was. Change of plans. Go West for the run. Transition runs are good, but overheating and dehydration suck. To Mission Bay I went. Had a great run out and back and out and back, and dodged about a hundred kids on bikes, scooters, rollerblades, etc. At least there were lots of water fountains and bathrooms. Had to stuff phone down my bra... On call! Now it is not working so well. Guess it doesn't like sunscreen. My left foot and lower leg went numb for about 30min. Last time that happened was Cal 70.3 in 2007. Dehydrated? Salt? Buy the last 15 min my legs had had it, but I was determined to finish. Last five went great.

Jumped in the car and straight to the gas station to buy a large bag of ice for a nice ice bath. Then consumed a ton of food (cereal, yogurt, flax, rice and eggs, spinach, kiwi, crackers and PB). Then had to hustle to get ready for the ball. Was I going to stay awake? I felt great. Ready to do it again... in a few weeks maybe!

Food for the day:

On Road:

2x 1Motor Tab and 2 scoops CarboPro

1 Gatorade

1 Bottle water

1 Powerbar

1 Gun Bar

1 Bag Sport Beans

1 Small Bag Pretzels

16 Salt Tabs

Fluid: 100oz, Cals 1210, Salt 3525mg

Run: One bag Sport Beans

Easter Challenges

I am not an Easter celebrater, but this one was definitely memorable... from many angles.

A few weeks ago I got the idea that I wanted to have Easter brunch. I was thinking some friends, but I mentioned this to my parents and the next thing I knew they were inviting G. Marty, who invited friends. So I settled for a family brunch.

The challenge began when I was informed that it is also Passover, and so no pork (not a problem) and no bread! There went my french toast casserole idea. I was able to come up with plan B.

Easter am I woke up to a beautiful morning, after the prior day had been cold and gloomy. Brunch was later, first a run. Les had a great Easter run planned for me. Since Wildflower is so close, it was hill run day. I decided to conquer Colina Dorado, a crazy hill. I have actually had a recurring "nightmare" regarding running up this hill, and now I was willing going to do it. First I did a good 30 min warm-up, which I pretty much ran in circles as to not have to go up hill any more than necessary. Then hill time it was. The first interval I pretty much just wanted to see how it felt and how high I could get. Not too bad. I was able to make it to this really pretty plant with purple flowers. After that all I focused on was "get to the flowers!" The six intervals went by pretty fast. Then on to 20min of fast flats. I did pretty well, except for having to mess around with my MP3 player.

Before i knew it I was done and in the car home. I got a crazy idea to take an ice bath, so I stopped for ice at the gas station and headed home. Spend a very cold 20 min and then time for brunch prep. By now i am starving, but of course the family can never be on time. I had to work on being calm as much as possible until they arrived an hour late!

Brunch went well. I am doing much better with being patient with my grandfather. His little old lady friends were cute and they brought awesome cookies and Matzo Ball soup. We ended up with Granola, Fruit and Yogurt as well as eggs. Dietary restrictions met!

After a nice meal the old people were packed-up and sent home and I was able to convince Mom and Dad to go for a walk in La Jolla. This reminded me how lucky I am to live in San Diego. A gorgeous Spring day!

Fun on the GWL

By mid-week I was getting the itch to head out to the Great Western Loop for a nice Saturday ride, but all of regular riding pals were otherwise occupied or sick. Just when I was starting to fret, an e-mail popped up from the Tri Club that a group was heading out. Yippee! Not only that but they were picnicing afterwards; what could be better?

We meet at Grossmont High School and rode out through El Cajon (Yuck!) to the loop. Jay and Kris were out with us, and I had forgotten what a strong rider Kris is. She says it's genetics, but I think she has got some secret she is not telling me. It was great to have another girl out there to show the boys how it is done. The rest of the crowd included Mark, Cami, Dailey, a bunch of older guys, a girl on a awesome Orbea and an annoying girl who had to get a ride home.

I was really happy and a bit surprised about how strong my legs have gotten. I was able to power up Dehesa and then keep going up Japatul. It is scary when I actually want to go out to Desacanso, but no one else was up for it, so we continued on. I am actually thinking I am now ready for the "Girls Ride" with Jen, Elizabeth and Julie. Now the question is how to get the time off of work? Call in sick?

The biggest problem was the freeezing cold weather. I luckily had enough clothing, but had no idea it was going to be that cold. I couldn't feel my fingers, toes and other assorted body parts. We did manage to avoid the rain, which was obviously falling from the wet road we travelled. It only spit a little.

Right before the store I was crusing along when I spotted a Bassett Hound up ahead. He looked innocent enough, but as I approached he tore across the street and I almost hit him. He supposedly did the same thing to a bunch of people. That would have been a sad story to tell!

Some in the group wanted to desced Skyline, but I prevailed and down Lyons Valley we went. I love that part! So pretty and fun twists and turns.

Before I knew it we were back to El Cajon and some more city riding... Ugh!

I was able to tack on a 45minute brick run after the ride. It went so well, which is good, but makes me upset that I couldn't pull that off last Saturday at Oceanside. Maybe I should become a duathlete... Nah!

Then on to the best part; The picnic. Chicken, Chips and Hummus, Fruit and Vegies. I brought Rice Krispie Treats.

My rant for today is about people who post their workouts on Facebook. I find it really annoying and have decided that those people are really just immature and insecure. I really don't care that you did a 20 mile run all up hill at a 6 min/mile pace. We are all out there on a daily basis busting our asses. It doesn't matter if you are riding the GWL or Fiesta. I swear half the time I work harder on Fiesta. Not that I want to sound unsupportive of other triathletes, but really...