The Accidental Cyclist

Signed Up For My First Olympic, Crazy, I Know

2010-10-18T13:26:00.013-05:00

Crazy. I am. I know it. But if you aren't pushing the edge of something you haven't done before... isn't it really the same experience? A settling into a new ‘comfort zone’? I could easily trot along, happily doing a couple of sprint distance events every year. However I’ve also completed about 8 full sprint distance training triathlons, starting from my local pool & 2 woman only sprint distances. Both of those were great. I made goal at one and was off of goal on the second due to mechanical issues and hesitancy in the swim. Haven't I spent way too many years numbly ‘comfortable’? Unaware of any possibilities within myself. Alive yet not living? Am I ready for an Olympic?

While working at Texas Renaissance Festival as a beer & wine wench(earning for a bike rack & HW monitor) , I was thinking and thinking about this. Do I sign up or not? Decide too late & there would be no available slots. This region isn't blessed with an overabundance of Olympic distance triathlons, nor am I over-abundantly financed to be able to travel far with a bike & gear for an event. Am I ready for an Olympic? No. Not right this second, not even next month! I can do the distances individually. Not happily and not with speed resembling any animal that ambulates at a speed between the turtle and the hare. More like a snail.

I thought back to January, when I slunk hesitantly into the TAMU pool next to Zentriathlon base camp athletes. I didn't think I could do that either. I was almost sick with nerves, hands shaking, toes cramping. The other side of the pool was a LONG ways away. I eventually made a few laps, slithered out of the pool to watch. Art in Motion. These athletes were so sure of themselves, full of technical jargon, spandex, lycra, heart-rate, cadence, low body fat, nonchalant kindness. Maybe they had never been fat, yet each of them was holding their own challenges at bay through triathlon training. I wanted to be a little more like them.

Almost a year of training and two triathlons later. I am a little more like them. An athlete. Yeah, a fat athlete, but still an athlete! An individual using triathlon to re-pattern a life more sustainable. Transitioning alone, for no one but myself, I’m making those healthy choices more and more often. A few dates have commented on my ‘weird eating habits’ and my ‘going to bed early’. I hear them and wonder how much more narrow my compatibility field of life partners is becoming. As I continue forward into my own unknown, the field will narrow until only one is in the focus. I am looking forward till then!

Meanwhile my quiet version of crazy will continue and increase. I have the goal of my 1st Olympic triathlon to train towards.Come out and cheer me on Sunday April 3, 2011 at Kenmah in Galveston Texas at Gateway to the Bay!

Adjusting Chain Limit Screws

2010-10-11T12:25:00.001-05:00

Last week, after having issues with my chain on the bike portion of the 2010 Austin Trek Triathlon, I learned about the limit screws for the bike chain. Since I couldn't get the white-board drawing into my blog... I found this awesome video. The arrows really help. Don't be intimidated! If I did this you can too. This is easy bike upkeep that any one of us can do at home. it helps if you have a bike stand.... I don't(yet). You will need you multi-tool. If you don't have one of those, get one! Don't let a loose chain drag you into the LBS... unless you need an excuse to browse their new jersey collection.

Pictures & Time Are In

2010-10-08T11:43:00.003-05:00

My triathlon photos & times are in. Click the links to check them out. My swim time wasn't as bad as I thought... The chain coming off blew my bike time away. The pictures are good evidence that my running form is TERRIBLE & needs the most improvement. All in all, I didn't feel completely blown out which means I held back & didn't go all out. This is probably true.... in the back of my mind I was worrying about not falling asleep during the long drive home...The pictures and the time are great lasting benchmarks to improve against.

Id love to find someone around my speed to occasionally train with & to enter a triathlon with. I feel like having someone around my speed to directly compete against would be beneficial for us both. Anyone want to play triathlon? I have tentatively selected my next race for Sunday April 3. Payment opens Oct 18.

Pro & Cons of Trek Triathlon (IMO)

2010-10-07T16:58:00.003-05:00

Its 4 days after my 2^nd triathlon, the Trek Womans Sprint triathlon in Austin Texas. I feel pretty darn good! Caught up on sleep & awoken by the TAMU Aggie band blasting a brassy 6AM good morning through my open window! Fall in Texas is incredible. Sneezing like crazy, but that’s simply this time of year allergies. Going to Golds spin class this afternoon & back in the pool tomorrow. Giving my toe/foot pad another week before running… it’s swollen up & still hurts.

Yesterday I had a nice after action review chat with Brett of Zen & the Art of Triathlon. My swim start has improved! Other improvements included the purchase of a race number belt, soft timing chip strap, bento box & shoe lace toggles at the Bicycle Sport Shop Expo. Laying out & packing my transition bag on Thur, then re-laying out on Sat was a great help. Since I had plenty of room in the tri-beetle, I had extra towels that came in handy since there was a T1A & a T1B. The new size 2 Enell sports bra combined with a size L supportive yoga top worked great for the swim & bike & was almost enough anti-bounce( I’m always looking for Complete anti-bounce for 36-38 F/G.. if you know of a product) for the run.

Pre and enroute nutrition also felt good even if I may have eaten more than I needed. At 6AM I ate the eggs from inside some breakfast tacos, at 7:15AM ¼ an avocado & ½ banana. On the bike I packed too much liquid. 2 waters & 1 bottle of Vega sports drink combined with Hornet Juice. I also peeled & split up a tangelo & a few strawberries into a baggie in the bento box. I drank about 1/3 of the sport drink combo and slurped 4 tangelo wedges & 2 strawberries..I’m still not great at pulling the water out form the behind the seat rack to drink so I slugged down water at T2.

Triathlon is all about you improving yourself. Improvement comes in self and external knowledge. Brett suggested that I start out even slower to avoid the asthma & hyperventilating excitement. When we were talking about the bike portion, I learned about ‘limit screws’ for the chain. My run-walk time and calf soreness both are reflective of lack of hill work training. I tested my outfit both weekends prior to the race, but at the last minute I decided to use the race shirt as my shirt over my swim set-up. My arm undersides were chaffed to bloody speckles… Always test your equipment and attires and then use the tested stuff! Something to work on for future events J And yeah.. there will be future events.

About the race environment: FABULOUS. Pace Bend Park is west of Austin Texas situated on the limestone hills above and along the lakes. Accommodations within the park included tent and RV camping or rooms at the Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center. This year the weather gods gifted Texas with a utopian vision of fall. The curvy rolling hills of the bike ride were flanked with blooming lantana, cardinal flowers, gay feathers, fall aster, wild petunias and many others. The trees were green; the grasses were plumed with seed heads, waving in a gentle wind. The lake was brown and smooth with water temps in the low 80s. The best thing about the lake was it didn’t stink! Now if only the entry hadn’t been a boulder-field! I even saw a small tarantula participating on the run portion! My room was about 40 steps from the bike rack area! The camp allowed a late checkout, so the shower was incredible after the race! I’d recommend races in this area simply for the environment(excepting the rocky swim egress!).

Maybe I was spoiled at my first race, the Skeese Greets Womans Sprint Triathlon; but there were a few things I thought could be improved. Packet pickup location was revealed last minute. There were no lights at T1A or T1B, so if you do this race next year a headlamp will help you set-up your transitions, because its dark at 6AM. Bring an older pair of tennis shoes for the T1A to T1B 1/3 mile run from swim to bike racks, so you don’t have to wear wet shoes on the rest of the run after the bike segment. It would have been nice to get a professional pre-race photo. I never really saw anyone checking bike numbers with participant numbers… I believe athletes and their support are not likely to walk off with someone else’s bike, but… My big disappointment was the finish line party… Crossing the timing mat, you received a water bottle & pretty finisher’s medal and there were bananas & snack bags of Chips Ahoy cookies. Yet massages were a $1/minute, bbq was available for purchase and that was about it. In contrast, the Skeese Greeets Tri had an after-party, loud music, New Belguim Fat Tire beer, frozen yogurt, gourmet fruit slices, hamburgers and more, along with free massages, action wipes, and assorted vendor booths were available for the athletes (& I think the supporters could purchase items) The Trek Traithlon finish was anti-climatic.

Time to focus on improvements and select another event! One thing about triathlon; the very best part is the amazing, inspiring, encouraging, every day individuals crossing the finish line to their own best personal victory!

Perseverance equals Finish!

2010-10-03T12:55:00.003-05:00

Howdy y'all,

The 2010 Austin Texas Trek Womans Sprint Triathlon is complete!!!

That's the good news. I finished the course. I crossed that last timing mat. I collected my water bottle & medal. Even now that chunk of metal, strung on UT burnt orange ribbon, rests around my neck! I earned the darned thing the hard way with aching collarbone & gasping lungs.

Here's the bad news. I still panicked in the swim.... Not as bad as before, but yeah.. Hyperventilating with breast(my worst), back & dogpaddle strokes. Had to swim on back & pry inhaler out of cleavage. Somewhere around 40 minutes for the swim :-(. Ohh & cut my foot on a rock. ROCKS! Rocks everywhere. A boulder field for your bare swim feet.

After a mini T1 into run shoes, I gamely trotted up the incline 1/3 mile to T1b. Out of run shoes into bike shoes. The exits were narrow. There was a bike jam at the mount up spot. Let the hills begin! My computer, which worked yesterday on a 4 mile test run opted out for the day. Then my chain came off. Once. Then again. Then 2 more times! In between coming off it was slipping & regrabbing. I didn't know what I could do aside from continuing to put it back on. There was no water or aid on the bike portion. Between the chain & asthma rearing it's ugly self, the race turned into an exspensive training mission.

Finally back in for T2. I slugged down water. Slipped on my Bug Clinic Cap. Wedged into soaking wet run shoes for the second time. Trotted off down the hill & up the hill. Hit the inhaler probably more times than I should(it wasn't keeping up with the constricting slimy cough in my throat). Walked. Trotted. Didn't step on the crawling tarantula I passed. Walked. Gasped. Trotted. Wondered Why I thought this sounded like a good thing to do.

Hit that spot when you are suddenly pissed off. I had trained for a Race not a mobile asthma attack. Felt tears pricking my eyes. Didn't cry. That would have made me more slimy than I already was. Huffed. Coughed. Hacked. Spit slime out of my throat.

Made it to the last downhill. Transitioned to off road again. Trotting. Supressing the coughs, I trotted through the shoot, across the last mat. I think I smiled for the camera...

Forgive the misspells, this is from my phone. I'll do a pro/con on this race setup & add pics later. 4 hour drive home....

Thanks for sending out good thoughts!!!

4 Days From Austin Trek Triathlon

2010-09-28T12:27:00.001-05:00

Good Morning,

Here I am 4 days from triathlon start. Check out video for my fun inspiration for the day.
I need to talk to my swim team coaches. Maybe we can incorporate this type of training at the pool? Make it a fund raiser for the team...people can come whack me with bumpers for a $1 a hit. We could set something like this up for triathletes on the team prior to their races!!

It’s really like this in the water. Your adrenalin is surging, you feel dizzy waiting on the starter horn for your wave. Then it's a death metal mash pit in the water. Arms and legs wind milling everywhere. Like a pack of lemmings, surging forward, you can’t really see where you are going; it only matters now that you GO. The lake water is nasty, smelly and dank. There are slimy unspeakables entangling your feet as you run in... The faster you swim, the faster you get out. I am Not fast(yet)!Try not to swallow the water. You'll only get a stomach ache.

I am as ready as I can be. I haven't been 100 % for the last 2 weeks. I think I am finally broke from my pizza craving.... I was miserable last week after eating 3 Very small slices on Monday night(wheat allergy). Bad enough, my boss & I discussed if I should go to the ER to see if it was appendicitis. Allergies are up and so is asthma with this cooler weather I crave. I know I can do it. I completed the distances for all events both days the last 2 weekends. The race is different though, it’s you and all of them. Those other triathletes. Regardless I paid my fee, I want my technical shirt. I want my time! I need the floating euphoria of achievement. I even have the names of a few local cancer survivors to write into my jersey… I'll be running for them, when I don't want to run for myself!

I don't know why it matters but it does. I won’t have anyone there on the ground supporting me. Wake up at 7:30 Sunday morning and send out good vibes. I train alone. I make my schedule; I break my schedule (I shouldn't). I will tri alone. Mostly I want the good vibes when I am finished. Stupid from exertion. Unbelieving that I DID IT! When I need to be reminded to eat, to load Ms Bianchi & double check her, when I can't fall asleep driving the 3+ hours home.

Enjoy the video. The picture is my pre-race photo from my first triathlon. The Skeese Greets. I'm a little leaner, a little more endurable. This race is a little longer, a little hillier.

Wish me well,

Simulated Self Supported Triathlon Training

2010-05-10T12:48:00.001-05:00

Here's a quick note and a link to a few pictures from my last 2 weekend endeavors. I am getting ready to learn about triathlon first hand at the Skeese Greets Womans Sprint Triathlon

I planned and completed 3 self supported sprint tris at training pace as training modules for myself. I'll be completing my first sprint triathlon this Sunday!

Last Friday I planned ahead & called TAMU Recc center to ask about lap lanes and opening. They opened at 8Am & for $10 I could get a day guest pass. Not bad when I only needed the pool for 10 minutes. I got some gear together & went to bed & couldn't sleep! I didn't want to sleep past the alarm. Finally I got up around 4AM. This allowed plenty of time to get everything together. Breakfast was steel cut oats with a scoop of protein powder, blackberries & pumpkin seeds along with a cup of Scottish Breakfast Tea sweetened with grade B Maple Syrup( tasty).

After my meal, my table transformed into T1 & T2( Transition Zones)

Running shoes, helmet with sunglasses inserted, gloves, camel-back( filled with weak green, peppermint & yerba mate tea & grated ginger) The caffeine drinks were to provide a little extra kick since I usually consume 1 cup of tea a day, while the peppermint and ginger were preventive measures for gastrointestinal distress. Next was a few first aid items, naproxen sodium, Icy-Hot, sunscreen, mosquito spray.

For foods & hydration I peeled several Cuties and halved them. These are the sweetest little oranges anywhere! Another baggie contained cubed cantaloupe. I also had a thermos of extra Vega Sports drink and a bottle full of green smoothie. I remember how good the PB & J sandwiches were from ZentriCamp so I made 2 & cubed them. Lastly I whipped a banana, cacao nibs, and blackberry smoothie to put in the fridge for the afterward treat!. All IN All I had WAY too much food! I drank 1/2 the watered down tea, 11/2 bottles of Vega Sport Drink, ate all the cantaloupe, 2 Cuties & 1 pb& j quarter throughout my trial.

When I arrived at the pool this was the one day the TAMU team was in all lanes. I had to delay the start until 11:30 and swim at the Bryan Aquatic Center. Not too bad really. I swim there during the week. The humidity was between 90 and 88%, causing me to be sweating like crazy even with the temps only being in low 80s. This would not have been an issue with an 8AM start, as the temps were in the upper 50s, but that's why its a trial. I spent more time driving to and from the pool than I did in the water.

I thought I was organized but T1 took 29 minutes, most of it driving back home. Once in the house, the eldest cat needed a quick bite, while I was setting up my pit stop on the hood of the TDI. My next mistake was measuring out a bike loop in an online map and not driving the course. Its a good thing this 'course' was a test tri for me and me alone! If there wasn't a stop light, there was a stop sign on every single block. There was also a Bud Tour softball tournament in town, increasing traffic significantly. I never even made it into the big ring on the bike. My bike computer also wasn't registering anything. The silver lining from this casual bike loop was I didn't feel too at the beginning of the run.

Off the bike, I rolled it into the house & turned right around much to the furry worries confusion, to head back out.I already had my running shoes on, I biked in them. I slurped 2 cantaloupe cubes & grabbed the packet of Luna Moons. My run route was 2 'there & back' trips on the shaded path in the park across the way. In Texas people don't look for the closest parking spot, they search for shade. Its that important. My run is a walk-run combo. I started trotting. I was surprised at how ok I felt. Running is hard for me! I'm migrating away from a fat collecting lifestyle, but this takes time. It was hot. Sweat was dripping to the pavement like a summer rain. I looped by the car and gulped down Vega Sports drink and chewed a Luna Moon, I was too hot for anything heavier. I was slow and moving slower. My last loop I was beginning to feel the goose bumps heralding heat-sickness.

I did it! Almost as slow the Colorado exposing a new epoch of rocks in the Grand Canyon. I gathered up my overabundance of pit stop goodies and went in grateful to get out of sopping wet gear. After a shower I finished digging a flowerbed and enjoyed nap.

Sunday I didn't feel any worse than after a regular workout, so I planned a new bike loop and repeated the swim, bike, run test. I did cut off time on the bike, slowed down on the swim, and speed up a little on the run-walk. The problem is, I really only have two speeds at this juncture... Forward or Not Moving... This Saturday, I repeated my test tri. The new bike loop cut a bunch of time off the event. All my times were about the same as I was keeping to a training pace. I finished in under 1 hour 45 minutes... which is my target! I'd like to speed up a little but while I am doing the event I don't physically feel like I can go any faster, yet when it is over I am recovered and ready to go again in 2-3 hours.

Swim: 300 9:27
Bike: 12.4 Mi 33:27(best)
Run: 2.2 Mi 24:32
Pictures are here
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2961625&id=8330713&l=af7c3c7b4b

Wish me Fun and Luck. I've had plenty of examples of incredible perseverance, most recently from the Epic 5 Team!Cheer Rich Roll and Jason Lester on as they raise funds for Never Stop. Click here for live coverage. I may never be as fast or as endurable... but my arms are in the water, my feet are on the path and my bum is in the bike seat.

Even Snow Flakes Are Bigger in Texas

2010-02-24T17:15:00.003-06:00

Trapped in the courthouse, I could see the promised Snow blowing in sideways, even if it was 5 hours late! It was sticking to the roofs and resettling into the lone set of shoe prints on the sidewalk below. Finally word filtered through, the county judge had closed all county functions early! In the parking lot the TDI had a covering of snow! Once home I changed into thicker wool socks, boots, jeans and 2 jackets to go out and play. Snow isn't common in this part of Texas.

Zach charged out the back door to come to a screeching halt, alternating having one foot in the air at all times for a quick bathroom break. Scottie Zach is a rescue that made his way into my heart and home from New Orleans. Initially he wasn't keen on wet cold feet. I leashed Zach and we were off, out the front door for a walk to the park. The first park didn't have much snow, but lots of mud, so we walked on to the next park. I should have dressed a little lighter! Scrapping snow together until I had enough to begin rolling it around was exercise! I got hot. I can feel the backs of my thighs today. I was determined to build a snowman, though! After the base was created I took a break to play with Zach.

Everyone needs a dog to clown and play with. I laughed so hard my face hurt. People came up and videoed him being such an exuberant loon. Before playing in the snow, Zach had always been indifferent to the idea of 'fetch'. Now he was hurling his low-slung form across the white, brown and green splotched ground with intense focus, snatching the snowball into his teeth and shaking it to bits before returning the dog-slimed iceball in his mouth to my feet. He even began jumping up to 'catch' snowballs. A group of college students from India clapped and cheered Zach on. At some point Zach noted that the flakes were falling from the sky... this lead to a fiendish dancing Scottie rushing about on hind legs snapping and jumping for flakes in the air. Once he was soaked through and his tongue was hanging almost to the ground, I went back to scrapping and rolling and squashing snow into a snowman shape.

When dark arrived, we reluctantly began walking back to the house. Along the way, Zach spotted a stunned chilled goldfinch in the road. I took off my woolen, scooped it up in a gloved hand and tucked the wee bird into my hat and hand for the rest of the walk. Once home, I fixed my frozen guest up in a small box, still inside the hat, on a heating pad, locked in the bathroom away from curious Scots & malicious Manx. I packed my swim bag, hoping there would still be snow in the morning. Imagine how surreal it would be to swim in the heated outdoor pool and see snow on the ground! Sadly, the snow was melted into ice and the pool was closed due to icy roads. I rode my bike on the rollers for an hour instead of going to the pool. Happily, the feathered guest launched himself immediately after I wired his box to a tree and released the tape.

RunTex: Getting My First Running Shoes

2010-02-21T21:22:00.006-06:00

I wouldn't say I am your typical woman, with an overwhelming penchant for shoes. My closet isn't full of 5 slightly different black heels (I do have 1 perfect pair of Taryn Rose black patent heels). But I drove a little over 2 hours to go shoe shopping. Crazy I know! My town isn’t blessed with a shoe store like this one, nor did I feel knowledgeable enough to take the quest online. I needed expert help!

My entire trip to Austin was to go to RunTex. I had been told they were the experts for running shoe fittings. Austin may be a mecca... they have Lances shop, Mellow Johnnys(very cool art bikes there), an awesome Farmers Market alliance, Whole Foods and REI among a myriad of other great places. I prepped the night before, managed a few activities before visiting the store & a few more after. Getting to RunTex was easy. The one I went to was on a main corridor. I whipped into the parking lot, opened my roof completely, rolled the windows down just above Scottie width, filled a very tired Zachs water bowl & set out his newly purchased collapsible bowl with dinner and a chewie.

The interior of the store was large and my initial gaze displayed nary a shoe in sight. To say the store was sparsely populated with merchandise would be an understatement! The was not like my first visit to Bicycle Sports Shop when I was overwhelmed by a warehouse size bike store in which each section for a bike type was larger than any of the 3 bike shops at home. Nah, I was underwhelmed (so much so, I didn't even take any pictures)! The wide open space had a counter island offset of center and little round seating modules. The sales crew was busy with a goodly selection of clients though...so there had to be merchandise. Tucked under the catwalk overhang of a second floor along the back wall were two nooks. One contained socks & running accessories such as hydration belts, the other, 2 small wall displays of shoes. My stomach was feeling a little tense. How was there going to be a shoe in this small selection for my wide, high-arched, externally-rotating-over-pronating feet (according to my Gold’s Gym trainer) in this small selection? I wasn't even sure how to begin asking.

I was feeling a little like I had felt initially at triathlon camp. What the hec was a chubby person like me doing in a running shoe store? I stood there awkwardly, not even pretending to review the small selection of shoes. I was aware I wasn’t there looking for a cool coloured shoe.An blonde woman that resembled my air-cooled VW mechanic, (whom I adore) and whose original language was possibly Germanic finished with her client and offered to assist me. I explained what I had been doing, saying I had been wearing MBTs for walk-running, and that I was there to get fitted for real running shoes. She had me remove shoes & socks, measured both feet, looked at the bottoms & edges, and then had me walk & jog bare feet. After commenting my extremely high arches, she said they had two different shoes for me to try. I tried the shoes, which included walking, running and jumping, along with her feeling my feet in them. They both felt good. Maybe my heel slipped slightly in the first pair. Whatever the reason, she selected the 2nd pair as 'perfect for my feet'. She was very kind and brisk, yet I had troubles clearing my ears of her accent, so I’m not exactly sure why these two shoes were the only ones for my foot structure and gait. Being new to this, I also didn't really have any concerns or questions aside from how many miles before I should replace them.

I left with a pair of Saucony and a pair of socks(Since yesterday, Ive used the shoes twice, give me a few more times & I’ll talk about them.). While the interior of the store didn't have the eye-candy appeal of a gazillion tennis shoes in a myriad of colours, they definitely had knowledgeable staff concerned about getting you into the perfect shoe for your specific combination of foot structure and gait. You don’t get this level of knowledgeable staff or concern at those other shoe stores! Every client was put thru the same exam and paces that I had been. Many were engaged in serious conversation with their shoe fitting expert. I left with my new shoes feeling that I had benefited from the quality caring that my RunTex staff person had served me with. RunTex is a quality instead of quantity place. I'll be back in the store in about 500 miles. Next time, who knows, maybe I’ll even be aware enough to have a few questions.

Once back to the car, I could see Zach sleeping, kibble untouched. The days driving and activities had worn him out already, and we were off the Barton Springs trails to test the new shoes next!

Routine: Or Getting Organized

2010-02-19T16:54:00.001-06:00

I made it to the pool this morning! It helps to have the bug back.

Last night after Body Flow, I packed my swim bag(clothes for work, girly stuff) & got my swimsuit out. Then I got my gym bag ready for my functional weights session during lunch. Next was kitchen work. Prepping cat, dog & my own breakfasts, & getting lunch & snacks together.Slightly before my 4 AM alarm rang, I rolled over to check my phone for time. Close enough, so I hopped out of bed. A few minutes later Scottie Zach & I were out the door to discover the dark before the day.

These predawn forays into the neighborhood are increasing my endurance and my boldness. Today we went along the creek near my house until we hit a main road then came back along the trail. Scottie Zach was in high-spirits, running backwards to encourage my speed. We both slowed down respectful of a striped skunks abilities that we couldn't outrun. That skunk was the only being we saw the entire walk run.

Back at the house to transition for a morning swim. I wriggled into my swimsuit, damped my hair down & sleeked it with conditioner then pulled it into a pony tail.(I am hoping this keeps me from getting green hair.) Next was breakfast for everyone.Teeth Brushed, 1/2 of my crock pot oatmeal(thanks to @holisiticguru recipe!)packed for after swim snack, I was ready, but first I had to get Mollie to come inside. Now running late, I pulled out of the driveway, car packed with 3 bags for the day.

At the pool I slipped into a lane, waved & said 'howdy' to the swimmer in the next lane(thought it was @ZenTriathlon) and started off with a few rounds of breast stroke. Then, I swam with my fingertips on a board practicing bubbles and breathing for most of forty-five minutes. The last 15 minutes I swam without the board. This is an improvement, believe it or not. The was less swallowed air to be burped out! In the locker room, my lack of routine was discovered.

I forgot my shampoo & comb, and lotion. OK I can do without this stuff. I had planned to wear a pony tail all day after my hair dried any way.(Needed to be comfortable for our Office Olympics!) Dry enough to wriggle into clothes.. my true lack of organization showed. Remember I packed all my stuff for the day yesterday while dinner was cooking. There I was winter boots, jeans and a Waco Outback Bicycles t-shirt.. & no skivvies. No time to go home and no place open on the way to work to pick-up a pair. Luckily, I don't think anyone from work reads my blog...

I'll either improve or need to leave a bag full of assorted spares for Anything. I could have forgotten my pants... HA!

Food and Sleep: The Days After a Night Out

2010-02-12T10:44:00.002-06:00

Food and Sleep

Yesterday, after a trip to Golds gym during lunch & a shower to fluff up.. I was off to the Houston House of Blues for a show. Even with planning for the infamous traffic, we got stuck in a jam, so ended up dining at The Hobbit Cafe rather than the Cuban place planned. With home baked whole grain breads, locally grown veggies an a host of vegetarian delights, along with a tasteful collection of deluxe micro-beers beers, I felt everyone could discover a pleasurable meal that Chrisitne Lynch might even consider a reasonable occasional indulgence.

Hobbit Cafe makes it own breads and the interior smells like your grandmas kitchen on fifteen different days all combined into one short visit. I ordered a sandwich packed with veggies and a fresh fruit side. But there was also a huge platter of sprouts, veggies, salsa & guacamole & chips. I ate some, then I ate a few more. I should have put 1/2my dinner in a to-go-box.. but I had skipped my evening snack on the ride in, not wishing to eat in front of others with ought to offer them...(was This simply an excuse?) And the beer... I enjoyed a Left Hand Milk Stout! It was the most incredible beer I've had to date.. I should have switched to only water at the show.. rather than 1 more Guinness( As I must whisper... it didn't compare being in a CAN). Really, I learned a few lessons for better utilization next time, but don't feel too badly here.

The House of Blues is situated in a nice area of downtown Houston, close the the Convention Center, with a comfortably dark cheery interior, perfectly sized for interactive, even intimate shows. A quick parking & brisk walk and I was in. I had missed the first band Architects. Frank Turner & His Band were on next. I wrangled a Guinness & enjoyed an impromptu dance with a Viking throwback, who promptly introduced me to his cohorts, including a guy with a Mohawk( I resisted the urge to ask to touch his hair!) I had buddies now, for the mosh pit! I'll definitely be adding this band to my Pandora collection and buying a cd or three. The singer had an emotional voice and incredible energy! The bass guitar was worth watching simply because he was drinking Heineken & getting knockered. I kept wondering when he was going to fall over. Ditching my jacket I headed for front & center. Celtic rock mosh isn't like metal or death metal-mosh. There's a kind of warm, fuzzy, connected feeling to all the jumping, sweat, smashing & spinning. I love it. Stage presence and energy, Flogging Molly has in excess! They gave unstintingly to to the crowd & the energy boomeranged back to the band infinitely increased. Sadly the show had to end, if only so I can anticipate another great show in my future.

Dripping sweat off my bangs, soaked completely through, I rejoined my companions for the drive back to Aggieland. Everyone wanted snacks & water, so we pulled into a gas station. I had planned ahead... but there are probably ways I could have done better(aside from not going!) I stayed in the van & asked for a water. In my bag I had a mix veggie, mango & ginger smoothie with protein powder added, & a salmon cup. Whislt everyone else is eating Hershey's, Little Debbie's(this was even a 1-time triathlete), & ice cream sandwiches, I was sporking up my salmon. I think it was good that I planned ahead & packed healthy snacks, yet I failed with food earlier in the evening, while still at dinner.

I couldn't sleep last night been wound up from all the fun & music. This morning I was a whimpering, sleepy, sullen, when I stumbled towards the shower. And Thursdays are 'work family' breakfasts here in IT... Breakfast offerings included an overabundance of breakfast tacos in assorted meaty varieties, tangelos, grapes, two kinds of doughnuts & a Mardi Gras cake. The set-up for a fall is all in place and all self-created. Holding back, I selected 2 tacos, doctored them up with salsa and added both colours of grapes to the plate, along with a stout cuppa Scottish Breakfast tea. I was holding back. I didn't get a doughnut or ... well not then anyway....

For myself, it seems that when one is sleepy, one is hungry. Does any one else experience this phenomena? Apparently so, yet the debate rages on in circular fashion. What came first? Lack of sleep, or overeating/extra hunger sensations? Regardless of which may be contributing to the cause the treatment may be the same.... Always eat healthy well planned small meals and snacks that are within your lifestyle diet needs and consistently get a goodly amount of sleep. I hadn't realized the impact of being sleepy on the next day... I was tired, knees sore from the mosh & it was extra-cold for this part of Texas... I ended up eating another breakfast taco a few more grapes & a corner off the King Cake. Planning ahead doesn't just include packing snacks for the night of an event so avaliable food/drink alternatives exist to reduce or mitigate impact from the fun activity..it also needs to extend to the next day or 2... Being sleep deprived, sore, tired, (or even hungover) all affect energy levels for planned exercise, and hunger levels(or at least perceived hunger). The two days after the event, portion control was difficult to maintain an awareness of. I ate too much and only realized it because I was uncomfortably full later. Sensations of fullness increased sleepiness leading to a choice for sleep rather than exercise. These are all primitive triggers from my cave-man ancestors that I need to be aware of and possibly mostly ignore. In this modern world, I have more to fear from over-eating than I do from under-eating. My body is an incredibly efficient energy storage system that I need to convert to a wasteful energy burning model!

I am not sure how to plan ahead to deal with the sleepy-hungries the day after an event out. Its possible that all one can do is be aware that you will be plagued by these sensations and to ignore them. Do some of you make a choice to not engage in any activities of social nature when training for an event? I am trying to approach this as a lifestyle adaptation... so my preference is for incorporating these events (how could I skip a Flogging Molly show?) into life. By incorporating social venues into the month, I remove any ideas of deprivation. I did OK picking a restaurant.. I could have made better choices within the restaurant and better choices at the show... as much as I was sweating 2 stouts wasn't even going to provide any bit of blurry. I am wondering what you do? How often?

Choices and Circumstances

2010-02-09T08:19:00.003-06:00

Saturday evening I went for a walk-run at Lick Creek Park with Scottie Zach. On the way I swerved to miss a sudden loose dog and hit a rock. Had a pretty steady walking pace, even did ok running, practicing good form. Back at the car, I loaded Zach, cranked the motor and flooded the ground with a pool of oil. The pressure from starting the car had blown the hole open. This is just one of those life issues that we all have to either accept and continue our self-improving actions or employ as an excuse.

The old me would have been bummed, worried about the financial impact, used this as an excuse to stress-eat, or skulk about in pj's.New me is no less concerned regarding financial impact(there is SO Much exercise stuff I need), and worry about if this fried the diesel motor but also is Bummed that making the pool without a car is next to impossible, so I realized I needed to revamp my exercise plans for the week. If it was summer I could ride to the pool yet realistically, I am not fit enough to pedal an 45 minutes to the pool, swim, then pedal 45 minutes, home(with wet hair in low 40* temps), then clean-up into work clothes switch bikes & pedal into work. So how to best revamp?

Hoping the temps would warm a bit, I slept in Sunday. At 11:30 as ready as I could be, I headed out the door Carlos, TX bound. 15-20 mph gusts were avaliable to provide 'hills' and cloud cover guaranteed no sunburn worries. Even at 44*, a few miles of pedaling meant I was ready to strip down a little from what I had on.Well I tried to unzip the sleeves while pedaling... someone should have secretly been videoing this performance! After pulling off into an oil derrick drive, I had to divest of the camel-back, completely take off the convertible jacket/vest to get the sleeves off. While I was stuffing the sleeves & wool mitt gloves into the the bungee on the camel-back, an older man pulled in to check if I was ok( how nice is that!). then I was off.

My bike computer was on, but not registering anything aside from time. Yet after a few minutes of fruitless messing with it, I just wanted to get going. I knew where I was going, the approximate mileage and really at my level.. its about getting out and doing the planned activity. My goal was to make it there and back, pedaling at my steady(until inclines)12 mph or so pace.Alan Watts was wedged in one ear while the traffic -side ear was open to hear humming dually tires. Pedaling was warmer than staying still, so after a divesting of sleeves I was eager to be moving.

It was a chilly ride, providing motivation for continued movement. Being alone,at first I didn't have the discipline to not stop when needing a drink of Vega Sport fuel( I love this drink! It is so much more palatable than a grocery store bought sports drink I tried! Its not super-sweet and doesn't leave a chemical flavoured aftertaste.) out of the cage, but a few times of doing that & having my knees cool down to stiffness, snuffed that bad habit. The trick for me is not only learning what refueling and re-hydration needs, but trying the find the minimum amount of foods that will meet this need. After all I am lugging an extra person along, squeezed into my skin with me.. so I am all about burning the fat up fuel. I made it to the biker(Harley) cantina & gas station/hamburger joint where I celebrated with the most incredible chocolate milk. The timing was lucky too as my tummy was upset from the soy-chorizo tacos for breakfast.

Pedaling back home the temperature went up a few degrees at the same time the humidity and wind increased, so it felt colder. Along the way, I passed a swarm of turkey-buzzards feasting on a recently hit-by-car-deer, a few cyclists pedaling the other way & a couple of guys way out, running. I also stopped once to get a picture of a baby exotic deer. I was almost home! Feeling a surge of excitement for success(or complete loss of social decorum), here's where the crazy part began.

Almost home!At a main intersection with about 5-6 miles to go, I started yelling out-loud to myself."Almost home. Go Dawn, Go! SPRINT! Pedal Faster! SPRINT!Faster!Change Light! SPRINT!" Pickup drivers weren't honking at me for taking the lane on the bridge overpass. They were trying to decide is I was off my meds! HA! No one was avaliable to cheer me on, so I had be my own cheering squad. Well my sprint may be slower than Lance Armstrong's warm-up ride on a tricycle, but I sustained as hard as I could. My breathing may have sounded similar to a sumo wrestler trying to run a mile. When I got to the house, I looped around for a mile until my breathing was back to normal.

After peeling out of cold sweaty clothes, I crawled under the electric blanket to warm up. This didn't work so I finally took a hot shower. A salmon cup for a snack, then I was out the door with an impatient Scottie for a walk. Plan for the rest of the week since I cant make the pool, 90 minutes walk-run in the mornings, my regular Golds gym days for functional weights, & bike rollers & dog walk in the evening. I will not allow the car being broke to derail me in more than I can possible help.

Zentriathlon Base Camp 2009: My View

2010-02-05T17:43:00.001-06:00

Triathlon camp was really good. I was the only girl, the only beginner, & the only chubby person to participate in the entire camp. (Let me add there were 2 accomplished female triathletes at camp, but their schedules prevented complete participation to their dismay!) I was very lucky that the athletes involved were kind & friendly towards having a none-athletic body type in their midst. It was a good way for me to see firsthand just how we all delude ourselves regarding exercise & lifestyle food choices.(I Had been walking, and eating whole-grain organics after all...) Let me say the delusion lasted until I walked in and Saw these people up close! Suddenly I was thinking, “What the hec, am I doing here, am I nuts!” I was hesitant but determined to be humble & stubborn enough to do the activity regardless but prepared to be dropped or left. Getting suited to swim in the pool with these 6-11% body fat guys was test of determination. Luckily everyone was already busy swimming when I arrived at the lanes, so someone invited me into his lane & told me about pool etiquette. A few years ago such action would have been almost impossible for me. Spiritual expansion has allowed development of patience and certainly grateful humbleness along with enough internal strength to tackle another life improvement. The road goes ever on.

Day 1: Morning discussions/lectures, vegan/raw cooking demonstration for lunch, followed by 5 hours at TAMU Recreation Center . Athletes were videoed at different intensities for run and swim then form critique & suggestions for improvement. I'd never heard of running cadence. I couldn't understand that I could go slowly, yet still have a 90 beats a minute cadence. I'll be working on this for some time. My idea of walk-run was way more walk than run & a slow run... Our vegan, organic, lunch was surprisingly fantastic thanks to @holisticguru, Chrisitn Lynch. I would say running will be the hardest sport for me, simply due to impact and the never ending search for enough support for a large chest that still allows one to breathe.

Day 2: Same format as Day 1, but adding in core strength training & bike fitting. This was pretty interesting. It was decided that I might benefit from wider handle bars. My Bianchi Dama Elle has female specific geometry, yet I have broad shoulders, and my hands are in the bar curves, thus my wrists, hands and finally arms fall asleep. Every one received a few tips and I enjoyed a chance to really look at some very nice bikes! Next we were off to TAMU Recreation Center again. After wearing ourselves out at the gym, it was back to camp for the most incredible 5 star gourmet, vegan,meal ever! This is easily my new favorite dinner! Who would have ever thought vegan could taste so GOOD?

At the gym, being a very beginner, I simply swam... swallowing air & water when-ever I took a breathe. I asked what to do so I wouldn't need to burp (voraciously!) This is such a simple issue that initially no-one had a response! One triathlete, Brian( @triboomer) showed me how to use various equipment and to develop an idea regarding swim drills. Another athlete in my lane finally discovered my issue. Bubbles! Simply blowing bubbles! Or expelling air while underwater. Proper breathing. I wasn't doing this! I was trying to blow out and suck air in during that 1 second your head is sideways in the water. Such a basic concept, yet I didn’t know it. Combining this information with Brians tips for the lap board, I am getting better!

Day 3: The 70 mile Ride of Truth. I felt that it was important for me emotionally to finish the ride with the group, so I opted out of joining them on the morning section of the course (due to the hill climbs). Instead, I tossed my bike & gear in a girlfriends CRV & we hosted a 1/2 way snack & hydration station. After riders refueled, we were off. Immediately I realized that since I had been riding without a computer, I didn't know what 15mph felt like. Right away I realized I wouldn't be able to sustain that for 3 1/2 - 4 hours. I had planned to be last, to be dropped, so while I was bummed to think this, realistically I had expected it. I was sorry to miss out on the camaraderie of the group, but there is no-way I could have pedaled and talked at 15mph for 40 miles. It takes me about 3-5 miles to settle in on the bike; to have my breathing comfortable & a pedaling rhythm that's smooth.

Rich Roll ended up riding alongside me for some miles. At first this startled me. My imagination was quick to provide flashing views of increasingly worse headlines shouting about a non-triathlete beginner, wrecking into him and shutting down his season before it even began! This alone made me almost wobble into him twice. Luckily for me, he didn't react in panic or disgust, so as my thoughts settled, so did my pedaling. He'd never ridden in central Texas before past cows or horses while I can barely imagine riding in Malibu. Rich emits solid calm strength. He is a wonderful riding companion, while we didn't speak alot, I appreciated his amicable silence. I hope I get to ride with him again.
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At a road change, the group waited for us and another rider, John(a local firefighter/Marine/rodeo peacher/ultra-runner), dropped to my slow 12 mph with a few others to give me an idea about drafting and riding in a group. This was fun and nerve racking as I worried about hitting the tire in front of mine, but a few times I could feel the benefit of being out of the wind. After the group disappeared into the horizon, I pedaled beside John. Every mile for him was a mile farther than he had ever ridden, after mile 30! His body builder frame slowed him down to my pace and we shared conversation depths, I have rarely shared with another. I have been gifted with a friend, from this ride. There is truth to the statement that one really can get to know another during a several hour base pace training ride!

I ended the ride only about 20 minutes behind the 15 mph group and dismounted my bike crazily hyper and energized! We enjoyed another good vegan meal. We were supposed to do yoga then go to the pool, yet everyone was tired. I wasn't. I was vibrating with energy! I can't pinpoint why. The vegan food, the accepting kindness of and from all the triathletes, the my vega sports drink...somehow I got everything right as far as hydration, food, speed, distance! I went home, made a grocery list off of Christine Lynchs suggestions & hit the store, then another grocery as the closer one didn't have much on the list. Came home and took Scottie Zach out for a 1 hour walk. Finally around midnight I forced myself to lie down.

Day 4: The last day of camp. The Long Run Day. After a morning chat about 'Going Long', we were off to run or run walk, or in my case walk-run for 2 hours. As empowered and incredible as I felt the day before on and after the bike ride... this day imprinted itself on me exactly the opposite. Don't misunderstand please. I am not complaining, more pointing out that Any other run-walk will be an improvement. It was a trail run. I have been walk-running in MBTS. I stumbled into a pair for free.( In another post I'll say how these have been fantastic shoes for me.) My smooth bottomed MBTs weren't built with rainy wet muddy trail conditions in mind. I kept slipping & falling, trying not to wrench any leg muscles. It was frustrating. My legs were muddy.My feet were wet. My shoes were wet and muddy.

My goal was to keep moving the entire time, complete 1 loop and concentrate on 'proper running form'. Practicing proper running form, I experienced equipment failure. The bra I had been so excited about only a few months prior was failing. It was no-longer a no-bounce sports bra for an F shaped gal. My mind got stuck in a negative loop, wondering what I was doing out in the mud, trying to run. Was I crazy?! Now I was angry, frustrated and disappointed, but still not wanting to fail the simple goal of finishing what I had said I would do. Tear stained, tired, with no sense of joy, I stumbled back into the parking lot. I had completed my 1 loop, finished what I said I would do. I just wanted to fall asleep right there. A few athletes were already there awaiting the rest. After asking how I did and receiving stormy frustrated tears in reply, they offered me much commentary to mull over.

We enjoyed one last vegan inspired meal together and an incredible stretching session, then these great companions began to filter back towards their own lives. In only 4 days, these individuals had come to be very important to me. Knowingly or not, their comments, kindness, encouragement, cajoling, tips, and very lives of leading by example of action have strongly impacted my future choices. The choice to attend camp I made, with no expectation of what it might bring to my life. I can't say if it was the choice to attend, the exercise, camaraderie, understanding of the drive for improvement, or the focus on competing against yesterdays self, yet I departed an integrally altered individual. I have much to do till death drops in for a visit, and a new awareness of role models I will hold before my mind’s eye.

One last thing. I went home, and crashed into sleep for a two hour nap. 45 minutes after I was awake, I was in the outdoor pool swimming in a lane next to @Zentriathlon and John Hirsch. I didn't swim as long, as fast, or as much distance as they did, but I swam. A triumph over the ugliness of the morning run! Am I crazy? Yes!

Endless Beginning

2010-02-04T19:24:00.006-06:00

In the year and a half since I last posted many things have changed and several more have stayed the same. While I have lost about 12 % body fat from a year ago.. I hadn’t actually lost even 1 lb! Supposedly wise folks, have stated that ‘lifestyle change last best when implemented slowly’. I have the Slow part down pat! All kidding aside I have gradually made changes in the food and exercise department. Whilst the title of my blog won’t be changing… I finally have bike commuting down and would appreciate opportunity to explore other issues. A barrier dissolved within me, as an internal experience from a recent triathlon base camp I attended. I want; no I need to employ this advantage while I am aware of it! Surely I am not alone in these experiences! I am anticipating suggestions, comments, stories, and even a few wonderful connections with amazing individuals.

As my awareness regarding ‘healthy’ foods has shifted or deepened, from once considering, Healthy Choice frozen, dinners, Campbell’s low sodium soup & low fat cheese pizza to more whole wheat, homemade alternatives, to organics, reducing, then mostly removing dairy, and most recently exposure to Paleo, Vegan and Raw via thriving athletes, I have metamorphed via osmosis into a more aware food consumer. This is an ongoing process with slips and falls off the wagon of purity. Indeed the wagon shape-shifts too. There’s so much information, much of conflicting, much of it body specific and even mental specific. How aware am I, How much fortitude do I have to withstand the siren call of an extra crunchy thin cheese & turkey pepperoni & veggie pizza, or chocolate ice-cream. Some of the struggle involves emotional eating. Other bits of the battle mean a gentle wooing of dear friends to understanding the current idea of ‘healthy foods’ and learning methods to divert politely away from a well intentioned home cooked or night out meal involving veggies drowning in butter, oodles of pasta and cheese. Still other struggles are simply the logistics. Buying, preparing and packing lunch and snacks for a full day. No matter the choice, eating ‘healthy’ is a daily challenge.

My self supported delusions aren’t just about food. I’ve been expending plenty of energy deluding myself about exercise, instead of exerting energy actually exercising! After all wasn’t I exercising more than a few girlfriends? Come on people I was riding my bike to work after all! I was walking some mornings. Heck I even began playing (and enjoying!) league volleyball. Regardless the fact remains the vivid white elephant in the room that I am fat and they aren’t. Oh sure, one can be PC and talk about being Fat & Fit, but at the end of the study, the facts still say obesity is a leading contributor to numerous health ailments. Besides that, being fat isn’t fun no matter how jolly one looks. Ask me. Achy knees, sure, slower than anyone else at the same activity, check, spending more $$ for plus-size clothes, yep, always searching for a better bra, totally. Being fat takes a lot of work.

The thing is becoming not-fat takes even more work initially. Monumental gargantuan effort is needed to get the ball rolling. Even more enormous energy is required to sustain any momentum, however small, when faced with the slightest bump in the path. I am not talking just personal physical energy, but also personal and community spiritual input. Change goes against the flow. Change is uncomfortable, even when for a good cause, can be scary. My success will be aided with sincere community support. Yet all the community effort, friendly concerned comments, or ‘diet programs’, gym plans, quick fix pills will continue to fail without spiritual awareness.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my path is all bumps and no trail. There was a time when I was reeling, feeling very alone, and cheap food offered plentiful false comfort. My granny was murdered; I survived divorce, then the death of a dating companion, then a brush with cancer. A few other pain filled moments in life and finally a little something cracked. With no place to go but up or out… I began reaching for sunshine. Slowly a spiritual expansion sprouted.

A few books opened windows to a brighter, easier way for thinking. The first time I read” You can be Happy No Matter What”, “The Three Pillars of Zen”, “The Road Less Traveled”, I growled, I grumbled, yet a line somewhere stirred a hope within me. I reread the books. I read others. I began writing a quote of the week on my bathroom mirror. It felt odd. I felt false. Enough good feeling resulted for my persistence. Over time, I forgot to pretend, I simply was. A better spiritual emotional base lends its strength to notice other personal aspects that present opportunity for change. This happened until finally a trigger-point for action is reached.

I bought the Bianchi. I really exerted effort, yet still I was stumbling. Gaining endurance, but no speed, I was eating organics including plenty of organic pizza and chocolate ice-cream. I have wallowed in this purgatory for some time. I was trying to exercise, reading or hearing podcasts (but maybe not Really Listening…)but still not making drastic enough changes. All that changed recently. The beginning of my path towards a fitter self was shared. Wisdom these kind souls gave to me continues to illuminate the trail further ahead.

Please share the journey if you wish

A Week Off Helps Even A Non-Athlete Gain Improvements

2008-06-05T08:05:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I enjoyed a week work training trip to Corpus Christi. I had been biking every day and was doing ok, feeling less tired by the end of the week! Nervous about losing my habit, I made arrangements to have Brett haul my bike down there… As things work out sometimes, we missed our connection and I arrived in beautiful Corpus, bike-less.

The hotel was right on the bay with sidewalks for miles of walking…and the ‘gym’ had both dry and steam saunas. Both classes and conference were really informative. All the varied cuisine was a heavenly treat! I savoured every unusual bite, knowing that once back home, I would be lucky to find a gyro.

Time would have been scarce for biking anyway. Two mornings I went boogie boarding on a friend’s borrowed board, A couple of evenings I walked along the bay. A warning sign said ‘no using the dry, steam sauna, alone’ kept me out the first day, but really who wants to sit in a small sauna with a perfect stranger! My home really needs a dry sauna!

Monday, incarcerated back in College Station, I hopped on The Beast and pedaled off. I was nervous it would be a hard ride. It was Beautiful! 32 minutes later I was in my office! That is 8 minutes off my average! With No extra effort!! My entire next week of pedaling was smooth and easy!

I am not even an athlete. I ride 4-5 days a week, 16 miles per day, usually averaging 40 minutes for my 8 mile commute. Yet even my performance improved after a rest week.

Moral of the story: No matter what level of ‘training’ you are doing, taking a rest week after 4-8 weeks of steady activity will gain you faster time and improved performance ease.

Back in Blogging

2008-06-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

I haven’t blogged in awhile because my bike commutes have been fairly routine.. But suddenly I have a back log of comments and need to find time to clean up my blog…( I spent some time looking at some really great blogs on Zen, poetry, organic gardening, solar, tri-ing, weight-loss.. so very many truly incredible individuals out there with a flair for dispersing their view in an informative entertaining style, that so capably wrings an empathetic response!

I have experienced exercise gain/speed gain from the ‘rest week’ participated in a large organized ride, experienced my first 30 mile ride, been humbled by the thoughtful donation of another cyclists ‘hand-me down’ gear, found a new place to live, bought a car that gets 45-52 mpg. And have survived day one of CrossFit Training!!

Check back because plenty of the things I have experienced will benefit from your feedback!

Bike Thoughts

2008-05-27T17:42:00.004-05:00

Legs working

Everything smooth

Quietly breathing

Sunrise hidden in cloudbank

Day softly illuminates

Cows watching, wondering

One horse trots the fenceline

Dogs guard their territories

Rising temperatures

Burn back clouds

Heating mesquite blossoms

Heavily into air

Sweat slicks my arms,

happy for the breeze downhill brings

Rasping , I make the top,

stopping for water and a fig bar,

smelling the briar rose climbing a cornerbar

While watching zebras whisk wiry tails patiently

in the shade of the live oak we shared.

Bees bumble, furry legs walking, while tasting my bike

25 miles.

Now I only pedal

Heat melting up from sealcoat

Blistered palms slipping on grips

Slower, yet still I pedal

Back into town,

peaceful sounds of early Texas morning surrender

to whistling trains and humming dually tires

Three miles to go

Slower, still I roll

Calcio cat, ’61 vw

Scent of lavender

Wheels roll into my driveway

A beautiful morning

To wash my bike!!

Texas Democratic Caucus

2008-03-30T13:23:00.002-05:00

I rode my bike to the caucus yesterday. After all, somehow I became a precinct delegate, and got voted to the nominations committee. I was a bit nervous to be pedaling thru this neighborhood. It almost qualified to be considered a rough area. But having reconnoitered the location ahead of time, I was aware that the less then 100 parking spots were in no way going to be enough for the expected turnout of 700-900 county level democratic delegates.

What amazes me is that our government is still around.. And sort of considered a world power (world bully, if you will)! Believe me, I am not some hyper aware, democratic rabble rouser. I’d probably be more inclined to accept labels such as libertarian, green party or anarchist. What an unaware, unorganized social gathering populated by the concerned; with awareness levels spanning the spectrum from completely unaware but wanting a change to educated by other’s opinions from late night tv; to the few possibly truly educated Phd’s who were there subliminally supporting their own agendas. Unfortunately I would count myself pretty close to the completely unaware, undereducated, concerned individual.

The only Zen of the day, was the bike ride to and from…Substitute Caucus for Circus and you have a more descriptive term for the three ring event. Prior to the county caucus, I received a 44 page booklet written completely in legalize. These were the rules. Each one of these carefully worded, politically correct sections circled around the laws and loopholes of party regulation while being as clear as obsidian. I translated what I could into laymen’s terms in the corners.

Even at this low level; who you know and money matters, LOTS! Some people Wanted to go to the state caucus. Some people Wanted their friends to go. The democratic party is ALL about Equality and Balance. Privacy is shoved aside as unimportant as they wish you to respond to questions regarding sexuality (are you straight, gay, transgendered, bi), What religion do you claim, What languages do you speak… ETC ad naseum.

If you are a protestant midget of Peruvian descent that is transgendered and speaks 3 languages with a high school education AND you are a democratic delegate… What attributes will another delegate selected need to have to provide a balance for you; aside from being ‘for’ the opposing democratic candidate. Oh and its your money, vacation day’s from work and time that you will spend, should you be elected as a state or federal level delegate. BAH HUMBUG.. But this is till better then having another primate in office.

Hours later, I slowly pedaled home. Being neither wealthy in funds, nor vacation time, I declined to be a state level delegate. These posts went to the fanatics, the monied, and the retired. Are these individuals’ true representations of the Democratic American public? You tell me. Personally I don’t think so.

The 8 mile week

2008-03-28T12:06:00.000-05:00

Out of abiding generosity, my boss shared his sickness. … You’d think with the marvel of separate offices. I wouldn’t have caught this! Sun, Mon, and Tues, I spent sleeping, cranky and whiney. Strep throat sucks. Antibiotics make my stomach queasy.

I came back to work Wed. But I got a ride. Same with today. I actually pedaled in yesterday, but not home… I am still tired, stiff and creaky.. I know at least half of that is from not riding except 8 miles all this week. Pedaling the 16 miles per day has pretty much become such routine that I feel better when I do it then when I don’t!!

I actually miss The Beast today. I looked over to be it is usually parked and there is a big empty space where is it usually leaned up against my desk. I think I will ride it to the county democratic caucus tomorrow. After all it will be a long event since I am on the nominations committee, so pedaling in will help me sit still.

In the 3 months I have been pedaling, this is the First week that I have not ridden at least 3-4 of the 5 days. I think part of my physical sickness is probably lack of my routine exercise and lack of hearing the birdies chirping their predawn songs as they begin to stir about while I am bike commuting in.

I can’t wait to be back to bike commuting next week!

Weather ad Protien Snacks

2008-03-18T11:05:00.003-05:00

Yesterdays pedal home was interesting but Not tasty!

The area was experiencing wind gusts from 22-35 mph (mostly from the direction I was coming from) SSE. I flew home with almost no effort and made it in 31 minutes!

Let’s talk about Texas weather. Two Firday’s past, I was screaming & jumping up & down like a kid. There was real Snow falling from the sky. Huge, soft, fluffy flakes. Not the ice that Texas typically gets. Last Friday, I almost melted on my way home. It was 87 degrees and the humidity was 85%. My face felt red, sweat was dripping, I got shaky. By the time I pulled into my driveway, I was shaky and so HOT I was queasy. Even coasting as much as I could, the double pronged fork of the heat index is going to be a major factor for the majority of the year for my bike commuting.

I am wondering will I develop better heat tolerance? Do you have any tips for combating the heat (it’s really a problem when the humidity is high)? Combining elevated humidity, concrete and exhaust from all the trucks is going to make for some warm commutes. Physically, I want to avoid the shakes and queasy feelings!

Texas heat index is the precursor indicating the flying bugs are once again staging a coup for world domination. I have a deviated septum, which really just means my nose is crooked… so I have one nostril noticeably smaller then the other, thus I have been breathing in from my mouth. Yesterday I ate my first CRUNCHY bug!! If anyone was standing in their yards as I passed at the moment of ingestion; I probably appeared t be enduring a grand mal seizure, as I attempted to spit and gag simultaneously! Maybe I need to keep some honey on the bike so I can dip the bugs prior to swallowing them.... create a sweeter protien snack!

!Yet Another Equipment Break-Down!

2008-03-11T14:57:00.002-05:00

At least this time it was actually the cheap Target bike, itself!

While I am thrilled to have more daylight after work… I felt like I was pedaling out into “…Night, when words fade and things come alive…( Antoine de Saint). The dark was intense with heavy grey clouds blanketing the sky, only an occasional star winking warmly with a streetlamp glow. Twice I heard large something’s nameless rustle in the bushes as I was passing. Spring break meant I did not even have the occasional ‘howdy’ from a crossing guard to cheer my passage.

Once I settled into a pedaling cadence, I noticed my left pedal felt as if it was loose, wobbling unstably against my metatarsals. I shifted my foot off and spun the pedal hoping the other side was better (stop laughing already!!). If anything it felt as if it was getting shoddier. As usual, nothing for it but to persevere.

Work arrived 32 minutes later. I stepped off The Beast and my left pedal crank arm crashed to the tile. A weird looking inverted shallow socket type bolt beside it! At least it departed company with the bike after I made it to work! I rolled the bike into my new green greenery filled office, placed the crank arm and offending nut on a paper towel then changed into my day wear.

After good naturedly enduring the ribbing from our intern and my boss (a college volleyball player and the guy y’all may know from Zen and the Art of Tri,)Brett offered to take the bike past the LBS today when he went to check on his 1973 Chicago Schwinn. We arrived at the shop just prior to opening, which was pretty cool. I got to witness on of the guy’s riding a brakeless fixey(SP?) back pedal and skid to a halt. It looked pretty cool and I was impressed!

Inside bike jockey/mechs were swarming around, changing shoes, wheeling merchandise outside, taking test spins on bikes. Similar to a specialized circus! We ooooohed the progress on Brett’s vintage Schwinn, and Rob looked over my Beast, got the right tool and tightened the crank arm back on! These bike tech guys are collecting my vast appreciation!

I think I need to ramp up the schedule for acquiring a new to me Commuter/trekker bike to handle my 80 mile weekly commute (and maybe some occasional for fun social bike rides…). I want to spend $6-800 for a complete set-up (bike, front light, helmet…etc since I am borrowing a helmet)( I have a good blinky light, and the rack & folding rear metal baskets should transfer) If you have any pro/con experiences or suggestions regarding this I am all ears!

“The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. “ ~Henry Ward Beecher

Equipment Issues Again!

2008-03-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

It’s always something new and differrent to experience. And about every two weeks, that new and different experience seems to involve a learning incident.

Saturday I had a beautiful ride into work. Usually, I don’t make the commute on this day, but we were hosting a citizens GeoCaching outing. Go here to check out a cool uber-geek thing to do with the family or friends All you may need is a GPS, a compass and a little time. We had a great time looking for the cache. I found tiny crayfish, tadpoles and snails in a pond formed below a culvert from our melted Snow!! event on Friday!

The fun over, I hopped on The Beast, pointed north and headed for home. I was appreciating the great weather and the low traffic volume. A little past 1/3 of the route completed. I was buzzing across an intersection, and suddenly heard a Loud Zzzssssssssszzssssszszz and my front tire wobbled and sank.

The Beast’s front tire was flat. The Tire that was 15 days New! My slime filled 15 day old smooth mountain bike tires were already experiencing trouble. The beast is an inexpensive Target brand bike (Pacific), thus nothing is quick release about these tires. You need wrenches and sockets to get the front tire off. Plus I had no patch kit. I started walking… I called a friend…. I called the LBS that I got that installed the tires.

The owner of the shop was there and seemed a pretty cool guy. He removed the tire and pronounced it to have a Blown SideWall. So nothing I could have done to prevent this issue or avoid repeating it in the future. No charge and a new tire later, I was looking at a bike named ‘the long haul trucker’ by Surly and in the catalog at a bike named ‘the globe’ by Specialized. Unfortunately he didn’t have any commuter types available short enough for me to try out. He kept asking me what type of handle bars, pedals, seat, etc I preferred.. And all I could say was, “How would I know. The Beast is all I have ridden.”

I ended Saturday evening curled in my bed, looking at the pictures and reading the descriptions in the various bike and Yakima catalogs I had brought home. The gear-brands and even parts names were mostly Greek to me! Wishing that there was a Google translator that would take names like Shimanio and equate them with Edlebrock Delorto, Hurst, I daydreamed about the bike that isn’t yet mine, whatever it will be.

Fears of Your Non-Cycling Acquaintances

2008-03-08T14:36:00.001-06:00

This probably needs to be posted under Bike Related Reactions of non-cyclists.

Thursday, I didn’t ride. I had a doctor’s appointment.. Per work protocol, I posted this information on an internal internet calendar, accessible by all my work-mates. The appointment was early so I wasn’t coming in to unlock my office prior to donating blood for the vampires of science.

Unaware of any issue, I made my appointment& donned the high fashion yet breezy apparel provided. Fasting over, I slipped back into my work clothes & swung past my house for a bite. Drama was 5 minutes behind.

Banging on my French doors, startled me from my foray into the fridge. My second boss up is standing outside the door, wearing both a worried and relieved expression on her bright face. During breakfast (Thurs we do a work family breakfast!!)They had missed me. My direct boss had forgotten I had a Dr. App… Because I had been a goober and forgotten my cell phone at work, they couldn’t call me. Concerns regarding my weird bike commuting habit… leached any thinking ability out of their brains. Each worried ‘what if’ story was more macabre then the last( some of the imaginative stories were pretty good! A few of my co-workers need to start churning out novels in suspense/horror drama.

Creeping along in her Suburban, my second boss up scoured the ditches for The Beast and I. If she hadn’t found me at home… they were going to start calling the hospitals and bringing out the dogs…. (Luckily I went back home after the Dr. App. to eat!!) I answered the door (thinking something terrible must have happened to my boss (recall is a tri or ultra runner)).

- If you bike commute, tell Everyone when you have a schedule alteration, so they don’t
stress themselves out imagining you splattered in the grill guard of a dually!
- Even people who drive Large SUV’s Still have Good Hearts!
- Co-workers become Family really quick! You may not be aware of it… but other people Do Care about your well being.

Day Dream Pedal

2008-03-04T09:37:00.004-06:00

This morning‘s ride made up for yesterdays! The air was a crisp clear 30 degrees! Perfect! The wind was mild and spring had the birds all tweeting. Looking like a Goodwill reject I happily pedaled out the door in my Aaron sweater, a white long sleeve underneath, with an old pair of bright multi-coloured board shorts ending in a pair of brown vans. Yep my best riding attire, would give the ‘what not to wear’ team strokes!!

I could smell the rain rising up from the grass. The majority of my ride I pretended I was pedaling in hills in Scotland. Squinting, I could make believe a mist was rising from the far off heather, blending with the scents of peat loam and early blooming lilac hedges. In my mind’s eye, it was glorious! I even had a Scottie dog hanging his feet over the front basket! I could have pedaled forever… or at least until I got hungry!

Then a pair of diesel duallies roared by. I was back in Aggieland. The good weather had people out stirring about... It’s been awhile since I have seen anyone pedaling, walking or running, aside from my morning ‘howdy’ with a crossing guard. Today I saw I guy on a recumbent, cross the road ahead of me and a jogger.

I left late and still got to work early then usual. Days like this, it makes you wonder why you were ever driving to work in the first place!

Wet Riding

2008-03-03T13:22:00.000-06:00

Stubborn. It’s not always a good trait. Nicer words describing this characteristic are persistent, determined heading down hill with terms such as strong-willed, single-minded idiot. Pick one for me, any will fit.

The weatherman was predicating a cold front to blow in tonight, bringing with it some nasty storms. Like a groundhog, I poked my nose out the door around 5 a.m. this morning. The ground was damp, the wind was whipping…But it was 70 degrees and didn’t seem like rain was imminent. I stuck with my plan, hopped in the shower. A bit later I was pedaling out the door in my 5K t-shirt shorts.

First I was simply dank. Too warm to wear the (not breathable) rain jacket, I was soon damp, wet splotches darkening the baby blue cloth. My clear glasses were spotted, then steaming. Water began dripping down the helmet in a lovely trickle into my sports bra. The tires were making a consistent srsssssssshhhh noise, like pedaling thru a shallow stream. To top this fun, wind was coming in gusts up to 30mph against me. Yanking the front tire sideways in my hands occasionally. Weirdly I wasn’t afraid of the wet pavement, as I had thought I would be. I was scared the wind would knock me and The Beast over. YUCK.

I pulled up to the back door of work affronted with the day. It didn’t feel like a good beginning to a Monday. A wonderful friendly early co-worker was outside placing recyclables away and offered up a ‘howdy’. I could barely grumble out anything remotely friendly aside from a ‘pfffstt’ I dried off fine, then had to endure the well-meant, yet seemingly pithy comments of my caring concerned coworkers… (“Why did I ride in.. did I ride in this.. How was I getting home…”)

Now I have ridden in a light mist to mild rain. ICK! I would prefer to never do this again! Ever. How do you guys out there do it? I know people in Portland, Seattle and other locations with higher precipitation annuals do it. What’s the trick?

I still have to get home and the temp has dropped to 42. It’s supposed to be raining. And the wind will flip to be against me going home between 25-30 mph. AND I didn’t bring my Arron sweater... just that non-breathable rain jacket…. You can’t say that daily bike commuting doesn’t add a taste of adventure to the day. Every time it’s a new event!

Equipment Slagging

2008-03-03T09:26:00.001-06:00

( This was suppossed to be Friday 02/29's post.. but I was experienceing resisitance from bogspot...)Yesterday was Beautiful. The wind was 14-16 mph from behind me! The Sun was out. Temperature was perfect at 64. I actually made the light at the end of my bigger hill so I was flying! The left gear was in 3, the right in 6 and the pedals were weightless, almost moving with their own centrifugal momentum. I was stoked and let out a WHOOP!

I felt a TWANG, CRUNCH vibrating somewhere under my seat… Before I could slow down a jerk preempted a horrible loud metal grinding pavement screech! I was now towing my baskets upside down up the street in 5:20 p.m.traffic with no bike lane. The %^$#%$^#metal bracket attaching the front of the rear rack to the seat post had snapped. Even if I had had bungies, or zip ties they would not have functioned for a temporary mend.

I called 3 people and after no answers, began walking. AKWARDLY. Flames erupting from the top of my head, I began trudging along; the left hand trying to steer... the right hand trying to hold the &^*&^&^% loaded baskets to the seat of the bike. A friend returned her missed call! After we wedged The Beast into her CRV, we headed over to the unsuspecting retailer of the apprehensible equipment.

Luckily the lovely companionable stroll with The Beast had given me adequate time to cool down. The door was still unlocked, so in we rolled. Initially the shop guy indicated that he thought I must be ‘overloading or misusing’ the rack & basket set-up. Mute testimony of day’s load was still tied in and offered contradiction.

End result: Cheap full suspension bike frames from Target engage in lots of vertical flexing. I purchased the wrong equipment for my bike. Neither the bike shop, nor the more knowledgeable folk around me, caught this error. New bruises and a few bloody scratches give witness that ignorance is not bliss. I owe Robert, the shop guy some serious appreciation for rigging a double metal replacement for the snapped part... and I still have to save for a new rack as this was a temporary fix. Worse, I am going to look like a 13 year old tomboy that was caught and roped into a silk dress at the wedding I will be attending this weekend!

Bike Commuting Reduces Physical BLAHS

2008-02-26T11:36:00.002-06:00

The theory: Morning pedaling invigorates the body with fresh ram air intake reducing the physical complaints incurred from daily existence within the unnatural environment created by human culture named ‘office’.

Don’t misunderstand. Having been in my current employment only 3 months I don’t know enough to distinguish anything bad. Everyone is friendly. I have my own office and the co-workers are all intelligent active eccentric geeks. It’s great!

For plausible corroboration, I offer these 2 incidents. Yesterday I rode in a car to work. I also had a sinus headache All day. Last Thursday I also drove. The entire day I was slightly peaked and droopy wishing for a nap.

What do ya think? Is there correlation between sensations of general physical malaise and lack of pedaling? Do I subconsciously feel less then 100% because I know I am planning not to pedal? Or do I unintentionally elect to drive when subliminal precursors are predicative of an encroaching minor ailment? Do you notice differences in physical/mental abilities on the days you exercise vs off days?

Maybe I should simply expand this thought to any morning exercise…

I read a intersting article here written by an individual trying to have 50 car-free days this year. Changing a habit and planning instead of blindly leaning on convenience takes work and determination. This goal is cool for various raison d'êtres!

My 5 K

2008-02-25T12:31:00.002-06:00

Perhaps I am almost a duoathete( is this even a word??) now.

Friday at lunch I pedaled over to pick-up my ‘race packet’. Good thing for me that Brett was also picking up his half mary packet, so he could tell me I actually needed 4 of those safety pins I had been wondering about. On the way back I learned how to jump off curbs on my bike! But I didn’t quiet manage the popping up onto a curb and hill (Some one could have won a funny video contest taping my attempt!)

The ‘race packet’ contained 2 coupons for buy one get one or free smoothies, information for an upcoming 5 K, information to join training group for a fee, the photo company’s website, a number, and the T.

Sat night, I got my gear ready, just as if I was pedaling to work. I had mapped my route. It was actually less miles then I pedal to work so I planned to pedal there & back. I had an apple, string cheese & water along with a spare pair of new tevas.

The sun was up already when I woke up. This was wrong! Like a goober I had set my cell alarm for p.m. !! After I finished steaming at myself, I got dressed. I had paid for my 5K and T-shirt and I was going to earn them! Otherwise I wouldn’t really have the right to wear it.

I pedaled up to the Kroger grocery, looped back, tossed the bike into the doorway, then walked over to the jr high were I have been doing my walking. I walked 3.5 miles. Then I pulled the bike back out and recreated my earlier loop to the grocery store.

My knees and feet bottoms were sore when I got home, but I didn’t feel too bad. I guzzled some water, made corned beef hash whole wheat tacos for lunch with a glass of milk, and then I took a Long nap. At least I had a quiet social life until I started using all this time to exercise a little….

I am disappointed that I missed the excitement and people watching available at the actual event! Hopefully my solitary actions simulated the event well enough that I can wear the T shirt…. Let’s hope that next time I set the alarm correctly!

The next one is April 5th for the school of rural public health on tamu campus.

Black Hole Bike, Black Hole Bike

2008-02-25T09:55:00.002-06:00

Thursday I dropped The Beast off at the LBS. I was finally putting mountain bike slicks filled with slime on it. Practically since day one I had been hearing how this would ease my daily 16 mile commute and in turn increase my speed. Luckily I found a 10 % coupon online so instead of $70 it was $63. Thus Black Hole BIKE! Am I pouring $$ in a black hole, trying to improve the Yugo, when wishing for the engineering of a BMW or the useability of a Honda Element.

I did go back in and get my mountain bike tires from them… they are now hanging up high in my closet…Now I have random spare bike parts! Ha! Hopefully this is the last modify or maintenance needed until Dec when I am ready to get either a better commuter bike, or maybe some kind of bike that can be a commuter and a road bike.(used or new). Turns out the tires weren’t the slickest... and once again the service level is less, when I go in the shop alone rather then if I go with some established bike (tri) folks.

The tires are quieter! The ease of pedaling doesn’t seem significant how there are too many variables to really state this as complete truth. My pedal home on Friday was grueling, but I am usually tired by Friday And I didn’t even leave work until 5:26. Pedaling home my feet were hurting. Near the end, so badly that I was almost ready to cry! I was wearing the same Nikes I have been wearing for the majority of my pedaling and walk/running. Any ideas of the sore feet issue? They have been sore before, but this time they were so sore they felt as if they were Burning! I do have a pair of Teva river shoes.. I am going to try those. I also noticed that they hurt less when wearing any of my Vans. Any thoughts here?

What I've Learned

2008-02-19T16:44:00.004-06:00

Participating in that social ride on Sunday gave my week some miles! Last week I pedaled a little over 80 miles. AND am still alive ready for more!

It’s been almost 2 months since I started bike commuting to work. Here’s what I have learned
- It’s not the pedaling that takes that much longer.. it’s the preparation and planning for the next day
- If I eat an oatmeal breakfast, I will burp the 8 miles to work, so I have a drink of milk.( then I have tea and fruit at work)
- Pump your bike tires at least once per week!
- Be BOLD. Know the traffic rules and hold yourself to them. No Sidewalk for me(if there was one… ha)
- There is No non-awkward method for pushing your bike & you out the office door!
- Leave a pair of skivvies (or an entire outfit) at work. There will be a day you go commando unplanned otherwise!!
- The guy slowing down to make comments really needs to get out More!
- Once the a.m. temp hits 42 degrees, it’s too warm to pedal in an Arron sweater.
- Co-Workers, Friends are going to think you are Nuts! But they already love me because of my quirky intelligence (or are waiting for my alien antennae to be exposed)! So I just tell them I Like it.. and smile into their astounded faces.
- Listen to everyone’s reasonable comments, try their advice! Settle into the combination that works for you.
- If I can pedal my lard-a** 16 miles per day. ANYONE CAN! Really! I am lugging enough extra around to basically make another one of me…. So Biking is an excellent low-impact aerobic activity, and by making the biking have a purpose (aside from reducing my lard a**) I will actually do it!

It’s important to note; when I initially began bike commuting the only ‘real’ cyclists I saw were the ones with all the fancy spandex, legs spinning madly, on a sleek skinny steed. Now I am realizing, I am simply a different breed of ‘cyclist’. Perhaps a more eco-friendly one. I am using the free 46lb bike, integrating pedaling into a lifestyle change. A Zen pedal path to work. My bike is a tool for daily simplification, contemplation and transportation.

Luckily for me, a really famous man, based a few hours away, feels commuter cycling is ‘real’ too. Lance Armstrong is opening a bike shop for urban & commuter bike gear, along with racing and mountain bikes. Check out the article here. Maybe I can buy my new bike there. in Dec(or pout it on layaway!!)

It’s Official: I am a CYCLIST

2008-02-12T16:18:00.000-06:00

Cyclist: Quirky individual that pedals a bicycle either alone or more commonly with a loosely organized group with no specific destination determined aside from the act of pedaling.

Sunday morning, I moaned my way to the edge of the bed at the same time I do for the weekly routine. After a shower & a gulp of soy(iccckk but I have to finish it!)milk I was ready. The Beast was already pointed towards the door. I pedaled off into the humid predawn murk going slow. I needed to conserve my energy the first 6 miles. 30 minutes later I was at destination 1.

At Coffee Station, I meet members of a local cycling club as they lounged about sipping gratuitous coffee preparing to pedal either the 10 mile urban route or the 40 mile county route. Aside from the ride organizer, his wife & myself… everyone was spandexed out in bike specific gear. I really admired a riders pink arm warmers! Oddly enough, I was the only one that pedaled to the ride (even the urban route folks drove their bikes to the meet-up). This was the unofficial inaugural for the BCS Worst Day Ride. Ironically the weather was perfect! I even won a door prize that no-one lese needed!. Our LBS had donated a blinky light! The 2 small groups collected their maps and people and peeled off.

With curiosity and trepidations, I hopped on my steed set to explore the alternate universe of companionable pedaling. Curious because I have never ridden with anyone else (unless you count when I was a kid with a dirt bike). Concerned that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, or would somehow make a grand fool of myself! After a brief review of urban biking we left the parking lot at a reasonable pace (for me).

So far so good. We stopped at every stop sign, we hit every red light. We streamed single file along the bike lanes. Conversation with other riders wasn’t improbable. Pedaling and speed was consistent regardless of slope. About 20 minutes into it I was beginning to breathe a little harder & my legs were aware that I was pedaling faster then usual. An individual training to be a ride marshal, laughed at my nemesis, hill #2.

We left the streets for paved bike paths thru parks. Pedaling thru the park was pretty! Even if I did almost take out a light pole that jumped in front of me!! Close to the end we encountered a steady slope and a short ugly hill. I huffed up it! Cofffee Station back in sight, we coasted down hill across my scary intersection and into the parking lot.

We averaged a speed of 9 mph (according to the ride marshal’s computer). The speed seemed consistent to me throughout the ride. I learned: that consistency makes you work harder! On my commute to and from work, my speed is Not consistent. I pedal faster/harder on level ground/downhill. I slow down going up those sneaky gradual inclines. I coast when I need to breathe. I like riding in groups for no reason at all aside from enjoying a nice day!

After a brief rest and a snack inside, everyone loaded their bikes and turned for home. I pointed The Beast north and started slowly pedaling the 6 miles home. After passing some turtles basking in the sun I pulled into my drive around 11:20. I had pedaled 22 miles!

I didn’t even feel too bad. After an hour off the bike my legs felt normal. I did have some bad coughing for about 20 minutes. It’s like my lungs get annoyed from doing all that breathing.

Thanks to Coffee Station for providing the meet-up & free coffee (for the caffeine addicts!) Thanks to Aggieland Cycling for providing door prizes. Thanks to Brett for pulling the idea from KBoo. Thanks for the cyclists I meet for not commenting on The Beast!!

So while I may not yet have all the gear…. It seems I have morphed into a cyclist. (ok, it's a lousy picture of me after the ride, but in the other one I am headless yet pedaling!)

On the ugly side I still have that 5K on the 24th… I still can’t run 3 miles but my goal is finishing and surviving.

Monday morning found me pedaling in my normal commute.
Last week I bike commuted to work 56 miles.

Dark & Bamboo

2008-02-07T14:44:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I stayed late after work to learn a little more regarding servers & reboots… Pedaling in full dark in the morning is very different from pedaling in full dark at 6:40 in the evening!

In the morning when I set out, it is dark. Quiet, peaceful cozy homes cocooned warmly in the shadows. The train whistles convivially in the distance. I can hear birds beginning to stir and chirp over the hum of my extra knobby tires. Dawn either coasts thru the steely grey clouds, or glimmers pinkly with gradually increasing luminosity.

Evening dark is scary! Filled with the sinister sound of dually trucks careening down the road while the driver is arguing on a cell phone. My familiarity with the route evaporated with the last gleam of daylight. It felt like cars were breathing right against my legs. At almost halfway, my front lights dimmed then went out! I kept pedaling as I was going thru mostly student housing apartments. Then I realized my county style road was ahead! No Shoulders. No Sidewalk. No Streetlamps. Curvy, twisty, bumpy tar & gravel (it sure doesn’t feel like sealcoat!) I chickened out. At the next streetlamp, I called a friend & asked for a ride the rest of the way home… Its a true friend that will pick you up, bike & all!

By Thursday.. I am feeling a little tired & slow on the pedal, but I made it! I have to be ready after all. I am doing the Worst Day urban ride this Sunday!

The car analogy regarding bikes must continue…
Look at this Bamboo Bike that the rider made for himself! Pretty awesome! Bamboo is sustainable thus I admire innovative uses of it. But how to add some retro or functional art to it so it might be more like an old 40-50s beautiful car. The bamboo can sub for a burl dash… With chrome brackets (lugs I think they are called) subbing for curvy chrome. Then how about metal fenders primered for paint then paint an impressionistic flowerery design or a random eclectic image on them myself (I am no artist!! or get a friend who it to paint them!!) And as I am not up to a fixey or a single speed bike yet… Somehow I will need brakes, 7-10 gears, and baskets or a system for lugging my work clothes/grocery around! And get a bike helmet to paint to match the fenders!! I wonder how difficult it would be to get the frame together??? OK I am almost finished daydreaming.

At lunch I tagged along to one of the LBS. Have you ever noticed the distinct aromas of a bike shop? It’s a nice smell. Very different then an auto shop, yet related. The scent of new rubber, grease… some other flavours that I don’t know the name of. Like an auto shop, or a feed store; it is a happy smell. I got on & pedaled the Electra Daisy Orange (the air-cooled vw of bikes!). In a skirt & low heels. The bike shop guy hopped on & spun around the parking lot tempting me!!

Pedal home should be tough as I am tired & the wind is against me 10mph NNW but the weather is perfect!. AND I am going back to mooo juice.. World herd size be darned.... organic milk is Amazing Maybe I will try the 1%.. I can’t stand drinking the light vanilla soy! If women need soy protein I will have to get mine some other way.

Soy or Moo Milk?

2008-02-05T11:27:00.000-06:00

It appears I have lost the interest of the few readers whom have been offering me encouragement & tips from their own experiences. I’ll just have to keep plugging on.

I pedaled in today. The air was a moist & slimy damp morning with temp at 68 degrees, humidity 89% and the winds half way against me at 12 mph SSW. I left 10 minutes earlier then usual, on purpose, planning pedal slow (hoping not to arrive dripping wet). Left at 6:42, arrived at 7:27.

I used my new sports bra!! Its almost a shame to spend so much on something that is ugly... and no one will see! While it will do for biking, it is in no way capable of handling the job for jogging! DANG. Well I guess I will be ordering a $$ affair I saw on TitleNineSports web page. They called it a 5 barbell Bra, "The Last Resort".

I hope to pedal home. It might rain. Of course the Wind is going to flip... so it will be against me going home too! Forecast is 75, 50% humidity, Winds either 16 mph SSW, or 13 mph NW.

I HAVE to walk/run tonight too! It is only 2.5 weeks till that 5K! It seemed like such a good idea when I was paying for it online…

SOY or COW milk?? What do you drink? I LOVE cow milk. (Well, actually I would be drinking half & half… if it wasn’t incredibly bad for me! (This may originate from getting milk delivered daily in the glass bottles with thick cream on the top, when I was overseas.) I manage to drink the 2%. I do use real cream in my 1 cuppa tea.

This weekend I purchased the light vanilla Soy milk I figured it was closest to 2% .No creamy consistency eixists. I guess it’s not bad. Some articles I have read discuss that women need X grams of soy protein per day… Other things discuss how moo milk is the ultimate after workout drink… If you look at it environmentally; reducing consumption of any cow associated product, may overall diminish the need for cows, thus shrinking the world herd, reducing bovine contribution to the ozone issue. On the other hand, the majority of the soy milks I looked at were Not organically produced (the labels did say ‘natural’.) I know that if I have soy milk in the house…I probably won’t drink as much milk as I have yet to adjust to the texture/flavour. So what do you drink Soy or Moo & why?

And what’s the deal with the selection of 8 thousand “power/protein/sports bars….? I walked down that aisle at the grocery store And could not believe it! Now I know why I stick to the little organic section. There can be such a thing as too much choice!

Fell Off the Wagon (eerrrrr bicycle) This Weekend

2008-02-04T12:46:00.000-06:00

My almost routine…. went right out the window this weekend. And food and chocolate went in.

Something occurred that unexpectedly upset me. Something didn’t occur that I was curiously anticipating. (Nothing major which makes me feel even sillier) Something I thought I could avoid snuck up on me anyway.

After a surprising disappointment and a silly disappointment, I wished my granny was around to talk with. She was a tough Ukrainian émigré, raised in the Yukon, till she meet my Air Force grandpa & married him. By the time I was around, she was running an East Texas farm, full of down-to-earth hard earned wisdom. We didn’t always understand or agree, but we always loved one another. The last few years of her life, I was lucky enough to live a couple of miles around the corner from her.

This week is the anniversary of her murder. The subconscious never forgets, even if your conscious is letting you pretend. I thought I was going to sneak by it. Be completely over it… Traumatic memories don’t loose clarity with time. When you are home alone, one can’t maintain illusion, if no one is there to observe. The most celerity way I can cope is to set a time limit and allow myself to immerse into the depths of poignant katzenjammer.

I wallowed. I napped (had nightmares really), cried, only spoke to one person(for less then 1 minute) on Sun. I ate pizza, tapioca, toast, home made hot chocolate full marshmallows, Baileys, Guinness.

What do you do to force yourself out to exercise when your heart is heavy? Do you work thru it or allow yourself the day to wallow?

Nothing for it but to develop a deeper understanding of self and to get back on the wagon (or bike in this case!)! This ought to be proof that I can be an emotional eater… And that emotion plays a huge part in ability. Success in my case will have to stem from completing an action (like exercise or refraining from eating/overeating) in spite of poor emotions. After all I did pay for that 5K, so I AM going to complete it!

Tomorrow’s another day. Opportunity for another beginning at my new routine.

Almost Routine

2008-02-01T15:12:00.000-06:00

A few degrees is a difference you can feel. When I rolled out of the drive this morning, air temp was 30, humidity 45%, wind was less then 5 mph. That was the coldest I have pedaled yet. I still wore the usual get –up, however I could feel prickly fingers of cold getting into the aaron sweater & renewed my wish to find ear warmers. I left @ 6:52 & was in the office @ 7:28.

Sun-up is starting a bit sooner; I almost don’t need lights when leaving in the mornings. Since it was clear, I expected to see some of the people I normally do, yet I saw no one. Frost on the ground must have kept them in. My chain came off on the second hill, so I walked the rest of the way to the top, and then pulled it back on. This morning I rode like a car thru the one intersection that I have been pushing the walk button to light on! This intersection has scared me because it isn’t a straight across. You have to turn off the road you are into the intersecting road for about 15 truck lengths, and then turn back onto the road you are really on. It is messy with multiple lanes, both directions and curving low barriers. The structural flow and traffic density is actually worse on the way home.. so we shall see If I am brave enough to try it! All in all bike commuting is almost routine.

I will have bike commuted 56 miles this week after I ride home thos afternoon!(got a ride home T, & both ways on R). I have been bike commuting 1 month!

I am trying to come up with an easy 20 mile bike ride for tomorrow… but me being me .. I am trying to find a place I want/need to go that is 10 miles away as I tend do things better when I have a reason…(maybe I will try pedaling to academy/gander mountain to look for ear warmers/sports bras.) One reason I need to do this is I don’t think I am getting any better dealing with my 2 hills, the other is a non-official 10 mile worst day urban bike ride I am doing next week.( I am kinda excited about this.. asI dont know anyone aside from Brett that rides a bike. plus I have never ridden with any other people, so I will get to eyeball their bikes.)

On a large side note. I heard NPR announce that Exxon has posted its largest earning Ever! (Here’s a link from CNN) This is the same company that still owes money for the Valdez spill in Alaska, and for the fires in western Louisiana few years ago. So a hidden benefit to bike commuting is less of my money to the petroleum industry. (Even if I have always avoided fueling at Exxon, you can’t always tell as facilities selling ‘store brand’ fuel can contract their purchases from any where.)

Red Neck Eloquence & Aggie Courtesy

2008-01-31T16:35:00.000-06:00

With my Aaron sweater crammed into the rear side basket that usually holds lunch, I pulled out of work around 5:08 wearing grey shorts, a maroon long-sleeve T, gloves & of course the helmet & safety glasses. Weather was perfect for my ride, yet I was a bit frustrated. It seemed like I was pedaling Slow! My breathing was pretty normal; I could have been carrying on a conversation. But my legs wear Screamingly Tired. They were burning. In reality I was a little slower. My drive was below the wheels at 5:51.

My legs recovered pretty quickly, so after dinner I went for a 2 mile walk( I couldnt seem to manage the running). I am getting shin splints. I am not a wimp, but these are pushing towrds pretty darn painful. I fell into my featherbed at 10pm & was Out.

That little amount of clothing was perfect. Wearing thick socks & gloves seems to make a world of difference for warmth. Combining those items with the shorts & long sleeve T was plenty warm enough for me while pedaling, though I could feel a chill while waiting on some of the longer lights.

As I am riding w/out headphones, I was lucky enough to experience another first. I’ll call it a moment of Red Neck Eloquence. I am pedaling on a residential arterial with a steady flow of vehicles impatiently coasting by. A mid ‘90’s white Chevy ½ ton slows beside me & the passenger window comes down. The driver shouts out his thick witted concepts of romantic drivel. (It must not have worked for him yet, as the passenger seat did not contain a woman!) Crazy at it is, the very next block this happened again only as a whistle along with words. Poor guys, maybe they need bikes of their own!

TAMU school colours are Maroon & grey (and this town bleeds Maroon.) By accident I just happen to be wearing these colours( hey I only have a couple of long sleeve ts). This created opportunity for the other weird anomaly I noted while pedaling… The extra nice Aggie drivers. Suddenly they were waving for me to go thru the stop, or go ahead of them or giving me a gentle War Hymn honk (only one did this). The thing is I couldn’t take them up on their niceness….. What if the other drivers at the stop signs weren’t buying into the Aggie Niceness? I’d be a little dented. So I kept declining the friendly waving hands. Hopefully none of them were mad.

I prepped to pedal this morning, but didn’t ride. Grand pianos were falling from the sky along with a torrent of cats & dogs. It was nasty. I wasn’t expecting it, but my body is Stiff! Thankfully the marathoner was in today so we discussed some stretches. I probably won’t get any activity in today... which kinda bums me out (I may try to jump rope for 5-10 minor just stretch!!)). I am enjoying a girl’s nite out, meeting several ladies for dinner, drinks & face aching amounts of laughing!

Pedaling tomorrow!

! Yes I DO Ride the 45 Lb Bike!

2008-01-30T13:32:00.000-06:00

Call me a pansy! I chickened out yesterday. (Or I made the wise for me choice...) With wind steadily blowing 25mph & Gusts up to 36 NNE, against me… I thankfully accepted a ride home. I had been worried about struggling against the wind, trying to walk/run, then getting up in the morning & pedaling in to work again for the 3rd day in a row.

On the way home, my ride graciously stopped at one of the LBS. I popped in to ask if they could tighten up whatever was holding the crank arms to the bike (Discussion & observation with TexaFornia concluded that these parts were loose, thus creating the grating squeak). One of the shop guys said, “yes”, then strangely followed me out to lift The Beast out of the truck bed( it must have been ‘cuz I still had my 8-5 clothes on. I was wearing a knee length layered kick skirt & low heels, so I didn’t Look like a cyclist…But since I don’t yet own any cycling specific attire I never do.). He reached over the side of the truck to heft The Beast out. Right then it started.

“How much does this bike weigh?” Wheeling it in & parking it, while he removed a nice bike from the stand, he’s calling the other 4 guys in the shop.” Come ‘er, you gotta pick this thing up.” I was feeling a tad embarrassed to have all these bike guys attention focused on my lugger! The shop also had about 7 customers in it listening to this commentary over the ’sturdy frame that could take a pounding… etc’. I explained the problem (inserting Brett’s name for customer reference support) finishing up by explaining that 3 weeks ago I had begun bike commuting the 8 miles to work. The guy wrenching on The Beast literally fell over. (He was astonished) I don’t know if he was surprised due the bike, or me. I just ignored the reaction & went on.) $10.85 lighter, I was heading out of the bike store (still ogling The Amsterdam) when the bike tech helping me wheeled in a heart happy piece of bike candy.

It appears that my nature is going to react to bikes similarly to the way it responds to autos. I don’t know if you will understand. I didn’t have teen heartthrobs on my walls when I was growing up… I had muscle cars (and a few pictures of body building pictures of Arnold Schwarzenegger!). I want artistic beauty that makes my heart smile, smooth sleek curves wrapped in gleaming paint hinting at the power inside, or aggressive contours, shiny chrome backed up by a motor that makes your heart skip beats! The bike at his hand was a bike version of an air-cooled VW, an electra 3 speed with a yellow & orange dasiy scheme. Click here for the picture(links are in green). You would have to smile every day you got on this thing! BUT it didn’t look up to a 16 mile/day commute.

This morning pedal in was PERFECT! It was 33 degrees, 15 % humidity (just the way I like it), wind 6-10 mpwh SSE against me, the bike wasn’t squeaking, the sky was clear Beautiful! I wore black quick dry shorts, a long-sleeved T, the Aaron sweater, gloves, clear glasses & helmet. Departed 6:55. Arrived 7:33. I got to see the pink flush of the sun rise. This mornings biking was Zen. I was_what I was doing.

Biking this morning, I experienced a great sense of community. Before my half way mark, a cyclist dressed in fancy gear passed me with a quiet good morning. I caught up to him at the light and we exchanged a few pleasantries. I didn’t get his name, but won’t forget his red socks! On alternate mornings he will either run or pedal 3-4 miles before driving to work (To myself; I wondered why he needed all the bike specific gear for so short a distance….)Is this an American only trait? That we think we need specific gear for specific activities? Are we being subliminally suckered into believing all the marketing for gimmicks & unnecessary whiz-bang gadgets?( In other countries individuals bike commute to work or the train station in their work clothes. They may just wear their everyday tennis shoes or boats for a ‘day-hike…) at another light the only vehicles waiting were myself & another woman bundled up on an equally poor quality bike. We said howdy in passing. On my ugly hill I managed to gasp out a howdy to an Asian man walking a Basset and a smaller mop shaped dog that I have seen the last few days.

The pedal home should be good too. It’ll be around 55, 33% humidity, winds will be 10-15 SSE(with me!!)

And my hair even decided to behave after the pedal! It’s a lovely day!

First Back to Back Pedal In

2008-01-29T13:06:00.000-06:00

I pedaled in yesterday. I pedaled in today. That’s another first.

The pedal home yesterday was uneventful aside from the sweat dripping itchy-ly down my scalp and stinging-ly into my eye (and the pedals squeaking! They squeaked this mornign too! AFTER I used the teflon dry lube I had purchased!!)). Ugghhhhh so far I prefer the 36 degree, low humidity weather over 60 & 98% humidity or pedaling!! My face & scalp perspire profusely. Ladies may ‘glow’… I was simply bright pink & dripping. I had a bit of a headache going home.. I think it was due to dehydration (I didn’t drink enough water over the weekend...& had a bit of sangria) Even though I drank 64 OZ(2 bottles full) plus a couple of hot teas, during the day… it wasn’t enough o catch up from the weekend. Over the weekend, my sniffer seemed sensitive subsequently I was repulsed by the scent of chlorine in the water.

I did a few chores, had an apple, gorgonzola& pine nut wheat pizza for dinner (the salad stuff was a bit too ripe... (How I Miss Ignacio and his dear green mug!)) Since I didn’t feel too tired (legs) I actually walked 1.5 miles. I should be walk/running since I have my first 5K on Feb 24th but I didn’t want to be too tired to manage the ride in this morning as I knew the wind was going to be against me.

According to wunderground the wind will be against me both ways today! Pedaling in it was a moist & slimy 62 degrees w/ 99% humidity and a steady breeze around 13 mph SSW. Going home, it’s supposed to be 70 degrees w/ 15% humidity and wind at 26-(36gusts) mph NNW. I’ll appreciate the reduced humidity even if it will be a struggle the entire way home against the wind! ( update.. I may cave & accept an offerred ride. when the wind was 13 mph , I was thinking I could handle that I still be able to pedal to work tomorrow... BUT I am afraid that if I expend all the struggle to make headway against winds at 26 mph with gusts up 36 against me... I will be so exhausted I will be unable to pedla to work tomorrow.. and it may be better to accept the offerred ride, go home & do a little walk/run as a pedal subsitute. The choice is between disspaointing myself regardin completing my first full back to back days.. and conserving the effort so I can continue pedaling the rest of the week.)One thing good, I slept with windows open & Mollie was out chasing leaves. There’s a saying down here that goes like this: “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few hours, it’ll change, This IS Texas.” Obligingly the temp tomorrow morning will hover around 33 when I’ll be starting out.

Now to the important stuff. At the end of this week, it will be 1 month since I started bike commuting the 8 miles to & from work I have decided that as much as I dislike biking in humid conditions… I can and will sustain the commuter biking. I have added the challenge of completing a 5 K. Out of curiosity I started keeping track of my food intake. (& noted that I eat too much cheese, creamy things, chocolate& generally don’t manage my portion sizes, especially for dinner. I eat dinner too late & am overly hungry so I eat too fast! I need to increase veggies. I am so-so for fruit & am doing well with the variety of whole grains.) So here goes

I refuse to utilize the term DIET.
It’s only a 4 letter word, yet is drowning in implicit negativity. However in addition to increasing my awareness of what/why I am eating something, further modification is needed if I am to rid myself of the less alluring half of me. As easy as a prepackaged plan might be, I am not up to the expense of one. I am not keen on diet pills either. Any ideas here? For the past 3 weeks, when eating something sweet. I have been trying the ‘3 bites rule’. I am considering setting myself a more controlled menu during the week, then allowing myself reasonable indulgence on the weekend (or maybe just 1 day of the weekend). But is this like allowing the alcoholic to drink only on Saturdays? Does it work better to allow access during the week to chocolate by keeping 1-2 dak chocolate individual sized squares available? What about my daily 1 cuppa tea in the morning? I have an earl grey with 2 tsp sugar & real cream? ( I can’t stand the idea of the chemical fake stuff! I use stevia for other things… I could substitute this for the sugar.. My largest daily issue is dinner. How bad would it be if I started to purchase frozen dinners? (For quicker mealtimes) Any brand you can recommend as being tastier/healthier? Ones I should avoid? (I prefer organic but don’t have to have that. I have a strong preference for whole grain!) What about those shakes/canned liquid meal replacements? I have never really attempted any of those… I think I would feel unsatisfied.. yet obviously I I have been over satiating my taste buds to the point of numbness… so perhaps a little discomfort is part of the purging? What about initiating anything with a fast? I normally do a 24 hour water fast once per month (usually on a quiet day over the weekend). I am not sure about fasting while biking 16 miles or walk/running (prep for the 5K) or any other daily exercise… I need to begin sneaking around my efficient metabolism... and or really kick starting it out of super-saver mode.

All the commenter’s are providing me the great resource of their encouragement. I have begun to explore other individual’s blogs. So many amazing people out there in the running or tri universe were once in similar shape to me I can’t help but be aware of hte many admirable folks out there! Thanks for reading & offering your 2 cents! I’ll be interested in the response regarding lifestyle food changes (if we need to use the term diet temporarily.. I suppose we can)!

Trip to the Bike shop/ Signed up for My First 5K

2008-01-28T17:00:00.000-06:00

( greeen text is linked)Friday during lunch I tagged along to 2 LBS. I can definitely say one should visit the bike shops first with a bike aware individual that is already a confirmed client of the shop. What a difference it makes! There are parts & strange gadgets in assorted textures of black dangling from hooks everywhere. The shop guys are in the ‘work area’ in back, wrenching on sleek steeds with Italian looking names. I have ventured into both the shops before, but the level of service felt different. Before, I was comparable to a woman in the auto-parts store looking for a car part (I am actually very comfortable doing this;-). I was in the shop but unable to really articulate what I wanted/needed. ( “What kind of commuter bike. A single speed, a fixed gear..” Brett responds, “No, no she needs gears!”)

One of the guys Brett is coaching for his first tri found a used commuter bike in the corner… cheap. Since I am not yet in the market for a bike, I was hesitant to get on; but after watching him pedal around the shop (it was raining outside), I got on.

Wow! The handlebar grips were Squishy. The seat was comfy. The bike weighed so little I could raise it above my head with 1 arm. I got on. With 1 rotation I was Sailing! It felt as if there was no bike between my knees. I was amazed. Having no comparison.. I had failed to understand exactly what Brett meant about The Beast being a $40 Wal-Mart bike. Understanding hit on a deeper level, while balancing on what felt like a dream. I didn’t get the bike. I did daydream about the feeling of it this weekend (but wished it was a different coulour). I looked at 2 more costly bikes (I think I want a green one.. or purple.. some day!)

I also flipped thru a catalog of woman’s cycling apparel. To my surprise, the company had pretty jerseys, shorts (even wrap around skirts with matching socks!!) in my size! (Though since they are form fitting, I would probably feel uncomfortable wearing the shirts) To my disappointment they only had a few sports bras and none above a C. (I’ll keep looking!). I could have spent a fortune in that catalog (luckily my sense of balance kicked in…) it would be silly to have fancy biking clothes and be pedaling away astride The Beast!

I didn’t do any pedaling this weekend. Both days I walked/jogged 4 miles. I have never liked jogging. I usually get shin-splints (sp). BUT I paid for my first ever 5K. So I have to be able to finish it! 3.1 miles maybe nothing for you fixated tri-types.. but I am intimidated. My goal is to finish it. I can walk 4 miles. I can’t yet run 4 miles. I can walk/run 4 miles! The Armadillo Dash is Feb 24th. I have exactly 1 month!! Anyone wanna come cheer me on, or run along side of me??(as I know even less about running then I do biking) Should I go walking/runing after I have dinner, once I am home? I was debating on signing up for a yoga class, but I think I will sign up for the march one… as I don’t feel ready to do yoga M/W after pedaling...

This morning I pedaled my 8 miles in. I left at 6:55 & arrived 7:38 Since it was 44 with 90% humidity & a light wind SSE I skipped the Aaron sweater & just wore the clear glasses, orange shorts, white turtleneck, gloves& helmet. The fog was skimming about 2 trucks tall off the ground with a visibility of about 3-5 trucks. Everything was muffled. Pedaling went ok, except that my pedals began to SQUEAK loudly with every rotation. After changing into my 8-5 clothes, I had to put my hair up too, as it wouldn’t cooperate into the twists that I wanted it to be in. (well I was going to add a couple of pictures of The Beast, & 1 of myself after riding inn & changing into 8-5 clothes.... But am experieinicng issues when trying to upload images from my cell...)
The ride home should be pretty similar. 60 degrees, Wind 10 mph SSE, 30% chance of rain… Another Grey day in the neighborhood.

Riding into the Wind (or my E/mental Hump?)

2008-01-24T13:45:00.000-06:00

Going home yesterday was the longest pedal yet, aside from the Test ride when I walked 4 miles!Was it my emotional /mental state? I left the building feeling mentally strong having declined the offer for a ride ½ way, uttering the truth that I need the exercise. I was a little under the weather with cramps & a small headache, but nothing terrible. I didn’t think it would be any worse then wishing I was home in pj’s with a cuppa hot chocolate.

It took me 75 minutes to pedal home! (The same 8 miles that I have once made it in 38 minutes.). The ride took forever! Even telling myself I was 1/3 of the way, or ½ way didn’t work , as I needed to start encouraging myself before I even turned off the road employment was located on. I never got off & walked, though that may have been a faster mode of transportation. I was pedaling in easiest 6 gears and my legs were burning. My breathing was mostly ok, more laboured then usual, but my legs were aching. Muscles in my neck were aching. The trees weren’t bending towards the ground, on the leafless types; you could barely detect a breeze. There was a wind about 8-10 mph NNE so it was against me. The evil wind was determined to keep me from home. Several times I wished for a car or truck of a friend to pull over, or even a random stranger offering rides to Maine for.

After I finally wobbled wearily into my driveway, I let the cats out, shoved The Beast in & immediately got together my 8-5 clothes for the next day, made a lunch, then dinner for myself( I was starved by then so I wolfed down Way to much too quick!) I was getting ready for my first back to back pedal. It started raining at 8:30p.m.

I didn’t make the back to back pedal. My resolve weakened. A friend called. I accepted a ride into work. This may be for the best as when I woke up this morning, I still had menstrual cramps, a small headache, but more significantly, my entire body was SORE. In my 3 weeks of commuter pedaling, I have never been this sore. Everywhere. I feel like I need another 4 hours sleep. AND my scedule for sleep/pedaling/life has been pretty similar to last week.

Is it the wind? Can the monthly steak & chocolate craving harbinger cause such difficulties? Do I just need to whip my emotional /mental state to the next level; firming my resolve to ride daily? Since rain is becoming an issue (our winter is Jan-March) what is my best next purchase? Slicks with slime or rain gear? How have you urged yourself thru a hurdle?

I think some of it is mental stamina. Even though I turn down the offer for rides (sometimes) simply hearing the offer, places the idea in my head and my idle brain gropes the thought while my legs are pedaling. I can recall how very tired I was the first week I rode every other day, pedaling 3 days. I literally came home feed the cats, got ready for the next day then collapsed into bed. To wake up having never moved.( But feeling pretty darn good with satisfying still in bed morning streches)

Tomorrow, it’s a 60 percent chance of rain, sleet & a winter storm warning. I will probably make arrangements for a ride. (Though today was also a winter storm warning with a 60% chance of rain…. And it has cleared to a backlit aluminum grey with a steady wind at 15 mph NNE. This will be even more challenging to pedal into then yesterday!) My opportunity is either adjusting my emotional/mental pattern and /or how to better conquer riding into the wind. I think the answer is to just get out there & stop being a wimp…( or maybe initiate menapause...)

I'll get better. I can't get myself a new bike next Dec. unless I do get better!

Dank & Skivvieless

2008-01-23T12:54:00.000-06:00

Warning: I may be querulous today.

Yesterday ended feeling miserably cold. I was glad that I had only pedaled ½ way to, & not at all on the way home.

I didn’t want to pedal to work this morning. I woke up with a hot little headache creasing across my forehead. It looked wet outside, not from rain; just from air so thick you almost needed a scuba mask & tank. After a shower & breakfast, I climbed into my usual riding attire (orange shorts, sports bra (I ditched wearing 2 bras! & I can now breather a bit better!) white turtleneck& Arron sweater) After making the bed, settling the cats(procrastinating?) I hopped on the seat at 6:48 a.m.

I am taking 1 commenter’s advice & riding w/out an earpiece full of music or a pod cast. I seem to have better control of my breathing when I can hear myself. Though I have decided that my head gets too hot for a woolen, I wonder what exists out there to cover my ears? My ears got cold then I developed an ache in the left one extending down my neck. My legs immediately turn reddish purple and slick over from the moisture condensing out of the air on any object it can rest on. The potholes & poor road maintenance feel like they are causing bigger bumps then usual. The air was dank, grey clouds merging with the streets creating a sense of claustrophobia. Everything seemed quieter then usual. When I left the house it was 36 degrees.

More whining; as I am pedaling, I feel the dull ache then onset of cramps. 99.9% of the time I Love the fact I am a woman. Then there’s that .1% of the time. Ughghhhh. No wonder I had a headache. Now I have cramps.(soon I’ll be craving a mostly raw steak & dark chocolate.)

My breathing is mostly smooth. It’s my legs that feel tired today (they shouldn’t as I only pedaled about 2 miles yesterday). I make the hills, but they take almost as much effort as the first week. I roll The Beast into my office at 7:28 a.m.

Only to discover I am skivvie-less! TexaFornia had shared some of his stories about issues surrounding bike commuting (I had snickered to myself, positive that I could be better organized.) I roll my eyes & grumble at myself! After all it’s one thing to go commando when you have planned on it! It’s another thing entirely when it’s by accident on a day when one is already a bit under the weather.( I can hear my granny’s voice saying, “Now DawnRenee make sure you have on clean good underwear, in case the plane crashes….!”)

At least I’ll have some delectable homemade chcicken & portebello soup & sourdough biscuits will have risen to greet me, when I get home. And my neighbor will have brought a sample of dark chocolate from Spain! The weather for the pedal home will be 43, 85% humidity with the wind against me at 5mph.

On a positive side note: I have noted a few of my pants getting looser (more on that later!)

38 Minute 8 Mile Pedal & a Stock Trailer

2008-01-18T16:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning I was all ready to go. Dressed in my usual orange shorts, turtleneck, Arron.

The weather was perfect! 34degrees, winds NNE 6 mph, partially cloudy.

Somehow I managed to leave the house at 6:52. 10 Minutes LATE!

I felt good & the weather was nice so I pedaled like crazy (for me) I used the higher gears & really tried to push.., Made Both hills, (but since I was hurrying.. I thought my heart would burst out of m chest)

I made to work at 7:28 am. 8 Miles in 38 minutes!! My hair was a sweaty sopping wet mop of curls.

The rest of the day (we had a trainer in so it involved lots of sitting on a hard desk) I felt pretty stiff around the knees. I had to keep getting up & walking around.

I had another little scare.

I was actually on a good part of the pedal, on a medium residential arterial with bike lane. Due to the curve angle of the next intersecting residential street I could observe a man into his 6th or 7th decade getting into a ¾ ton & backing down the drive with a 16 ft stock trailer on the back. He got out of the drive way, straightened out & edged towards the intersection with the road was pedaling on.
I really feel like we made eye contact. I turned my head so I was looking right at him. I could see his eye coulour was either blue or grey. I could almost swear we made eye contact, and then he pulled out right into me basically. I braked, and swerved to avoid the front driver’s side corner of the trailer, & was in the oncoming line by a little bit. Luckily the oncoming driver had reviewed the scene & already slowed down. The oncoming driver asked how I was, and then we all went on our ways. On my way home though I pedaled past his house & got the license off the truck (the stock trailer was illegally plate-less & lightless) . Thursday is sale barn day & I am positive he was heading to the stock sale( so next Thursday I will be watching out for him!!)

This morning/ I was all set to ride today, then 10 minutes before I was out the door it began raining/sleeting.

Any one out there pedaling in rain/sleet? What special things do you do? Any item of equipment that you really appreciate?

I am going to need to pedal lightly this weekend to get up to the 48 miles… Next week I will no longer have access to a neighbors car. It’ll need to be an 80 mile pedal week.

2 years till a cost savings!/ Rain day

2008-01-16T16:59:00.000-06:00

After being told I was being picked up yesterday by a new but very caring co-worker (whom works in another building & was actually off work!); I didn’t ride home yesterday.

I was actually a little frustrated! After enjoying my best, problem free morning commute, to date…. I was ready for another pedal. Brett couldn’t understand why/how I was being offered a ride for bad weather… He uttered that such action would never occur for a guy! I was prepared to ride home as it wasn’t really raining right there. However once we got to my ½ mark, it was raining pretty well. I would have smelled like a wet sheep!

Once she got me home & we yanked my heavy hunk of a bike out of her SUV, we talked & I explained my sincere appreciation for the concern, along with my growing desire to bike when possible for the health benefits. So I got the message thru to one very kind caring individual!

I still haven’t had any luck getting any interest in a car-pool 1-2 days (or bad weather days) per week. This is also frustrating. Any ideas on how to get a car-pool, or ride when You want/need one rather then when a helpful individual Wants to give you one?

It was supposed to rain all day today…. So I drove the car I have access to. This is the last week I will have car access.( I must be more girly then I thought…its nice to be having a ‘good hair’ .. since I drove!) Maybe I should have pedaled just top get the experience, but as of yet I don’t have any rain gear. I do feel a bit stiff. My hips are twinging, that little pain that is a precursor to cramping. I think I will walk around the track 1 block from my house when I get home.

I used a gas saved calculator for bike commuters to figure out how much gas I was saving biking 5 days per week, 16 miles per day w/ gas at $3.10 & the bugs MPG as 30 miles per galleon. The annual savings was around $422. Figuring what I have spent so far on the $40 walmart bike I was given for free.. And vaguely contemplating future bike needs purchases.. It will be 2 years until I realize a financial cost savings.

So far:
$40.00 tune-up
$20.00 front basket (for back when I was meandering to the Farmers market for local produce, eggs & raw honey)
$83.00 rear folder baskets & platform they hang from
$9.00 screws & locktight
$ 6.35 raw wool Arron sweater from Goodwill

Around $160 so far.. & I am borrowing Brett’s old helmet, would love some skinny smooth tires… could use a better front light… & after all that.
I have already told myself 1 thing. If I ride my bike at least 3 days per week( even after I get a running vehicle).Then come December, I am putting a better commuter bike on lay-away!!

I know I am gaining MAJOR health benifits. Less carbon footprint, Biking is a great destresser! Anyway I am just tracking costs vs savings.

Lock-tight to the Rescue

2008-01-15T15:21:00.000-06:00

A friend came by after work yesterday with lock tight & an assortment of screws. Dirty fingers later, lock-tight was in place!

Since my clothes were packed for 8-5, I was pretty much ready.

This morning’s ride was Good! The baskets stayed on! It was cold; 38 degrees, no wind, totally overcast. I took the advice of a commenter from Portland, & pedaled with no tunes, no pod cast. It was weird & quiet. This may have helped me breath better. I was breathing smoothly & quietly all the way. I did hear the cardinals. Hearing the deisels, even louder, seemed to enhance the smell of deisel fule as they passed. Yuck.

Riding attire was the same orange shorts, really thick socks, the turtleneck & the arron sweater. My friend also gave me a pair of wrap around clear safety glasses. These were great! My eyes didn’t tear nearly as much! The glasses did steam over when I was breathing out thru my mouth. The clear glasses ar ea keeper!

I pedaled up BOTH my hills! Slow, but this time my heart wasn’t trying to escape my chest! I left home at 6:46. 8 miles later I was pulling my bike into my office at 7:25. I feel like this may be the start of the the bike commute getting better.

Lunch was in Northgate today at Burger Boy. I saw fixed gears with nice colourful wheels everywhere. And a set of red Velocity deep Vs.( I know nothing about these, they just looked cool. I placed the link in the name.)

Fore the pedal home; the temp will be around 53 degrees, 58% humidity, winds will be 5 SSE with a 40% chance of light showers. I sure hope the rain holds off till after I get home…..

Tomorrow its predicting a 60% chance of rain… Its not looking good, as I haven’t located a car-pool prospect. Maybe I’ll get lucky &it will rain from 9-4…

Monday07/14 My Bike is a Lugging Hunk of S***!!

2008-01-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

Recall from Friday, that the dang screws came out of the rear basket arms & I lost the rear light (which Brett found while biking for a haircut at lunch). We zip tied the basket & I made it home fine. Even completed a leisurely pedal over to the library on Sat.

Monday morning starts out looking good. Its 34 degrees, wind is 5 mph NNE. My 8-5 clothes & lunch are packed. Attire is those orange quick dry shorts, squishy socks, a maroon long sleeve, & the Aaron sweater, with isotoner gloves, helmet(no wollen). 6:45 hop on the raised seat, start pedaling. About 1.5 miles later, I am Swearing in whatever language comes to mind first! The loud noise of basket arms scraping the tires, The rack & light bouncing heavily on the rear tire stop me. Ignorance is NOT Bliss.( I need to learn all about bike maintence….)

I’m closer to home then I am work. I turn around & start humping back, shoving the dreadful contraption alongside me. I walk then run, then walk. Pushing along my hulking worthless brute of a bike. Right now I am hating it! The only thing I am feeling grateful for is the cool temperature and maybe the hope that I won’t be late.

It’s my last week to have access to a neighbor’s car. I had planned not to use it for work at all this week. Plans hold no power over the universe; one should simply just be. (prepared for anything and accepting of all). A pocket knife isn’t always the right tool, even if it is the only tool you have.

I had thought to broach a scary subject I contemplated some more this weekend It won’t overcook for being simmered another week. But if my poor chubby, underworked body can pedal 16 miles per day…. I wonder what else I can do… and what all these similar overfed folks can do that they are just unaware of. I have always said that just because I had a layer of fat (for that nuc-cle-ear winter (say it like GW)) doesn’t mean I don’t have any muscle. Now I am developing some slow wind (endurance?)

It’s a perfect afternoon for a pedal home, no wind, 51 degrees, and I will be driving. I won’t get to smile at the cute little dashund, or test my timing against the lights.

Today began frustrating. I have struggled with that emotional set the entire day. I need to pedal or walk or something, my neck is tight.

Tomorrows’ another opportunity.

Will power: Declining 1 ride for another

2008-01-14T12:12:00.000-06:00

Friday afternoon’s pedal was beautiful (well the half I pedaled, but I get ahead of myself here). The weather Friday was perfect, 61, no wind, clear! I graciously (bravely?) declined a ride for the bike & I, 1/2way. Things started off great. I am learning to use the brakes & time the lights.. .So I don’t have to put my feet down!!(This feels like a great accomplishment as I Whoop, thru my second intersection!)

1/3 of the way I pass a fancy cyclist with his skinny tires & logoed jersey (maybe from the TAMU cyclist team?). He nods, legs spinning as we exchange a passing,”Howdy”. Next up is the wire-haired dashund & his mum. I exchange a grin with her over the dandy cuteness of her K9 friend. This isn’t bad!

At ½ way, I almost jump off my seat. I am pedaling all out on the flat spot!( this is the scary area of the ride because it is like a narrow county road with no bike line & the sealcoat is terrible with craters & hilly patch jobs of assorted questionable substrates.) A 1-ton diesel dually whips past me honking, and then swerves over in front of me. A friend, determined to rescue me. Seeing no gracious way to decline the ‘kindness’, I load my bike, grab the ‘oh shit’ handle & clamber up. 30 Minutes later, I am still glumly sitting in the truck, as she just had to make 1 stop.... I could have been home by now.

How do you graciously decline rides from well meaning friends… Yet convince them to offer a car-ride when the weather is vile?

After 2 weeks of this pedaling 3 days per week, I am beginning to be able to breathe… and it’s a tad exhilarating. All I can think is how amazing the human body really is: Mine in no way resembles an athletes’, yet even in its overly upholstered condition, after only 2 weeks of pedaling (and an hour off the bike), my legs are fine, & my lungs are catching up.

The Good & the Brush with a Small Delivery Truck

2008-01-11T12:29:00.000-06:00

This mornings pedal in was a combination of the best pedal yet, and bad events.

( yesterday's commute 8 miles home was uneventful except for seeing a lovely little wire haired dashund, walking his owner!)

Air temp was 35, humidity 56 %, with no wind. This mornings riding attire: flame orange quick dry shorts, green converse, the white turtleneck wicking shirt over 2 bras, & over all that a wool Arran sweater(scored from the local Goodwill yesterday in quest for some ‘merino wool’ in an obnoxiously loud colour), isotoner gloves, & the helmet(no woolen). I pulled out at 6:42a.m., listening to Korn, the Blaggards, Flogging Molly, & the Drop Kick Murphys(Korn was a bit hard for the predawn).( Must get another podcast or some other tunes loaded into my phone!) Any reccomendations for pedaling tunes or podcasts? I have about 40-65 minutes time avaliable each way.

Breathing was going well. I was an upper middle hard gear. Cold air was tearing my eyes something fierce (but I still seem to like the cold better then the one ride I completed at 70 degrees w/almost 60% humidity).The skin of my legs was cold, along w/ my toes, but if you have ever grown up overseas at all… schoolkids will be wearing shorts, shirts & cardigans or sweaters, so cold legs doesn’t really matter.

Went up the first hill with no walking, no stopping. Even the lights were ‘with’ me!

Prior to the first hill, I got a bit of a scare & was pissed (let me interject that while I am not a full fledged road rager when driving… I am a Very Verbal driver. Is courtesy too much to ask, no matter the mode? I have oft wished for small artillery guns mounted below the blinkers on the bug). I was pedaling on a minor collector street in a residential area. It was still dark, but my lights were on. A small delivery truck (looked like the type that delivers the single milks to the elementary school right there) began pulling out, hesitated then moved forward some more. TWICE. Initially I was scared, I wobbled. Then I was angry. I felt like the driver was messing with me! I wanted to climb up his door & invite him to step out for as moment… It’s possible that he didn’t see me. I suppose.

Saw a guy on recumbent bike coming from the opposite direction! How cool.

I might have made the second hill, Except the Darn gears wouldn’t down shift! Halfway when my knees where screaming & I thought my chest would split, I walked. Things seemed to really be squeaking, scrapping on the back. I looked at the brakes; the screws had come of the support arms of the folding rear baskets. The basket arms were inside the bike frame. I pulled them out started again. Still Horrible scrapping. Swung off & looked again. Everything looked ok to my uneducated eyes.

I got back on, determined to pedal; horrible dragging, scrapping noise & resistance to my pedaling aside (Couldn’t be late to work!!). Somewhere along the way in during this torture, I lost the bike seat gel pad & the rear light was torqueed off from scraping against the rear wheel.( can you say 1 track determined mind)

I wheeled in at 7:24 a.m. Jeans Day,Yippee! After Brett pedaled in (Zen & the Art of Tri) I had him look at the bike. We zip-tied the basket arms back into the correct location.

After viewing some of Brett’s bike porn (pretty wooden fenders, The Amsterdam), I sure wish I could get a fancy commuter bike….(not too patient am I?)

The pedal home should be good, as long as the zip-ties hold. 57 degrees, 41% humidity, 7mph winds SSE. Watch out hills here I come!

Breakfast:
Earl Grey, cream, sugar
Oatmeal, blackberries, walnuts, crushed flax

Snack:
Earl Grey, creamer, sugar
1(attempting will power…) delicious homemade choc chip & pecan cookie

Lunch:
Amy’s spinach lasagna
Another cookie…( I know… dang!)

Snack:
Apple
4 vanilla wafer & pb cookie sandwiches( needs milk!)

Dinner
( planning on PIZZA!!, feta, mushrroms, turkey pepporoni)

Pedaling Shame….

2008-01-10T14:39:00.000-06:00

I drove today (I still have access to a vehicle for another wk), thus am writing about some thoughts/feeling that crossed my mind while pedaling.

Remember I am not a cyclist, tri, or other exercise obsessed mitochondrial enhanced anomaly, just an average ‘plus size’ under-exercised woman. Commuter biking to work is not about choosing for me. It is the only option! About a month ago I got a new job. On 12 /the beloved 47 yr old VW motor blew shrapnel everywhere. It’ll take a few months to save for a replacement motor, or an ugly little commuter car (neither are items I can really see the credit union giving a loan for.)

My initial week of pedaling revealed a huge sense of shame welling inside. Some of it stems from sadness surrounding The Pill (the bug). Much of this feeling seems reactionary to the kind comments offered by well-meaning individuals around me. EX. “I would Never ride a bike 8 miles to work.’ ‘How can you do That.’’ Isn’t there anyone you can ask for a ride?’ ‘I would get a job closer to the house.’ ‘ I would quit.’….. ad naseum. Nary a thought enters their minds that I wouldn’t(initially) be doing This, were there any other viable option!( I don’t happen to think getting a loan for a motor or an ugly used car is feasible for me at this time. If I wreck my planned budget, & acquire a new auto w/ correlating loan & monthly payments the bug will just sit & rot as I can’t affords both!)

Is a percent of American self worth measured by the auto you endlessly feed money to? Does a car-less individual represent a lesser class of citizen? In a state that promotes, “everything is bigger in TX”, it can unquestionably appear so! In a town with a neglected poor quality public transit and no/or minimal bike lanes; if you are biking because you ‘have to’ instead of because you ‘want to’ it seems easy to slide down the slope of negativity. In a society that places more value on appearance then competence (Do business clothes actually enhance your problem solving or other thinking skills? That answer is easy look around your place of employment…), newness rather then lasting quality… becoming a bike commuter pulls the black sheep from the herd.

Well I have always been an individual. The bumps & swerves of my life path have yet to create herd mentality in me. Tomorrow I will be pedaling again.

This morning’s ride was the BEST!

2008-01-09T13:03:00.000-06:00

This morning’s ride was the BEST! Universal components collaborated to offer me a flavour of why individuals ride bikes.

Since I drove yesterday, I went home & jumped rope on my trampoline (forgot to time it, but it was very short!). I was anxious that this morning’s pedal was going to be a struggle. Selecting the 8-5 clothes was a challenge. I was having one of those rare ‘I don’t like any outfit I put together’ moments. Finally, an hour later, lunch & work clothes were ready. I sprayed the squeaking pedals & chain with WD40 & slipped between chilly sheets, snuggling into my featherbed.

5:10 a.m. I staggered bleary-eyed towards the shower. A leisurely breakfast of tea & oatmeal & blueberries, was followed by heating broth to go w/ kitty kibble. 6:42 I was on the bike. Due to the temp, I was in my bag lady attire (see First Ride: minus the woolen cap)

What an ideal morning for me to pedal to work! Air temp was 41, low humidity (for E TX), & winds NNE 7mph. No Squeaking!! Even my heels weren’t banging the front sides of the rear baskets! I pedaled in 2 +6 (I have no idea yet, what to name the gear levels) most of the flat way & even those sneaky slow inclines.

I pedaled (wobbled, gasped!) all the way to the top of my first incline! And never got off, or stopped to rest. I rested; waiting on the light sequence then started off again. Halfway. I passed an older jogger, dressed all in black, his head tipped uncomfortably to the side. The darn light right before the second incline got me too. BUT I pedaled all the way up it! AND Never Stopped! Believe me, any one of you could probably have been walking faster then I was pedaling! But the point is I did not get off & walk. 1 small triumph for me! Let’s see if I can keep the trend.

I hit the back door of work @ 7:24. I like cold, low humidity, no wind days for pedaling! (Does this imply I should consider moving N or NW??) Even my flat on top, wildly untamed mess of hair doesn’t impact the quiet excited buzz I feel.

The New Year Podcast from the Kboo Bike Show provided my entertainment( though I almost fell off my bike when a guy was discussing that he 'liked to be finished riding 60-80 miles by 2 pm when taking a bike trip so he could enjoy the area stopped at'). Texafornia over at Zen & the Art of Triathlon reccomended the site to me, as a resource for a beggining bike commuter.

I did see one thing that appeared surreal. Pedaling past the local Planned Parenthood, I was busy contemplating the first incline & was spooked by a tall almost gaunt silhouette of a man. Standing there in the dark, pressed up against the fence, glaring in self-righteous indignity and mournful wrath at a structure empty of inhabitants, not yet open for the business of perpetuating the sins he perceives. Creepy.

Muscles around my knees are a little tight, but not bad. My toes were trying to cramp when I zipped my boots. Weather for this afternoons pedal, should be pretty decent. 65 & maybe the winds are going to flip over to S 5-10 mph! I am anticipating the pedal home to be nice.

Breakfast:
Earl Grey, cream 2 sugars
Oatmeal, pecans, blueberries, cinnamon

Snack:
Apple slices, 2 cubes of Colby
Mint tea
1 Ghirardelli dark choc raspberry square

Lunch:
½ order of shrimp Pad Thai
some trils mix of nuts & rasins

Snack:?

Dinner?

Hmm I am seeing that I don’t heat enough veggies, too much cheese, & have reduced the chocoholic tendencies, but still have a major creamy sweettooth.

Monday evening commute, Tuesday RAIN( I drove today)

2008-01-08T12:14:00.000-06:00

Well, Disappointing as it may be… I won’t be pedaling everyday this week. It was raining, steadily this morning. While my neighbor is out of country, I do have access to a car. This access only lasts for another week, so I may continue to only bike 3-4 days in to work. Honestly I feel relieved about this! I was worried that going from 0 miles1 week, 48 miles the next & 80 miles the 3rd week would be too much! I don’t mind being tired, but I don’t want to be too sore (I am not training for a tri-crazy…. (yet))

So what do commute bikers do regarding light rain? Anyone have a recommendation for a shirt/jacket they appreciate that reduces the rain, whilst not boiling the one inside the jacket?

Maybe this will give me a little time to get my breathing pattern figured out! Since I am a well padded figure; I have no wind! As soon as I get on the bike I start breathing loud, hard, huffing, then once I settle into a rhythm of pedaling my breathing smoothes out until I reach the inclines( its as if I am either unsettled or nervously trying to store up breathe for when I can’t seem to get enough).

Monday’s pedal home was almost great! I am still awkward getting my bike & self out of my office, out the doors, banging about feeling as if I am creating ruckus. The dank humidity was clinging to my skin. My plastered shirt was probably exposing the multi coloured layers of bras( 1 reg bra, 1 sports bra)… the long loose board shorts got all twisty.

It was super cloudy, almost dark. The wind was mostly from my back at 20-25 mph gusts. All the urban grey seemed to glow from the evanescent lightening from behind the flowing clouds. I pedaled better then usual. The chain never fell off!!! The chain/pedals/something is SQEAUKING when I pedal and it is Awful! The driveway arrived at 5:50 p.m.! Usually I am a little shaky for about 20-30 minutes after the ride. But this time I seem to recover in 10 minutes. I guzzle room temperature water (cold water has caused me to chuck.) After about 2 hrs, my legs don’t seem to remember the bike ride. Now if only my lungs would catch up. They are still a bit coughy & tickly after a pedal.

I think I will begin making a wish list of items, as I become aware of them.

The new plan of the week is to pedal tomorrow & Friday. Making it another 48 mile pedal week.

I am not going to scare myself & say that this bike commuting could be good for weight-loss(words like diet usually involve someone's ridiculous idea of sustaneance from cabage soup ad naseum), however I do have some old Isshin_Ryu videos, or a personal trampleion & jumprope at home.( maybe I can look for another Isshin_Ryu sparring partner). So I plan to do something aerobic this evening to make up for night bike commuting 16 miles.

First Day of (hopefully) a 5 day pedalling week.

2008-01-07T13:55:00.000-06:00

Monday morning the temp was wonderful around 68-70. Humidity was 87%, with a constant wind at 14 mph S (of course the direction I am pedaling). I run thru the shower, get the cats organized, enjoy a cuppa Darjeeling & oatmeal w/ bluberrys, walnuts & crushed flaxseed. The pavement was damp & clouds were scuttling whitely against the blacker night sky.

For riding attire, I have one an old pair of Quicksilver board shorts, white car show t-shirt, Chaco sandals, & the helmet.

I wheel out @ 6;40 a.m.& get the play list on (Godsmack, Korn, Days of the New) & push off. Things seem to be going well. I am pedaling on a bigger (harder to push) gear & still breathing ok. The damp feels good blowing against my skin. The good felling dissipates quickly… the wind is working against me & my legs are slowing down, while my breathing is chuffing louder. At the first incline I am already breathing as hard as I had done the week prior at the top. I gear to a lighter pedal, just as I get passed. By another better equipped female bike commuter!! Enviously I stare at her clothe panniers, blinking rear light & skinnier bike profile. Out loud I remind myself I am halfway, 4 miles to go! I am off walking before the usual parking lot and it feels dangerous as cars whip by.

Rain drops come down randomly, hitting my skin and seeming to steam off. I don’t feel wet unless you count my head. Wearing a helmet is Hot! I start walking at the beginning of the second incline too (obstinate stop light is always timed against me….) it’s not far past the second incline to work, maybe 2 miles. I pull in ay 7:45. Can I blame the wind for my over hour commute for 8 miles?

Wheeling my bike in, I am pleased that no one is here yet. I put my bike in my office, & head to the loo to change. I am sweating & damp. My hair is soaked, Ick! I brought tan outfit I like,. After slipping into my skirt, shirt, & dusty turquoise suede jacket, I am surprised at the rapid recovery of my legs & breathe. The hair is a different story! It will just have to be a wildly curly, fuzzy mane haloed out around my face.

The wind is up to 20-25 mph gusts, thankfully still from the S, so as long as it doesn’t rain. Going home may be pleasant.

Brekfast:
Darjeeling tea, cream 2 sugars
Oatmeal with bluberries, walnuts & crushed flax seed

Snack:
Baby carrots
Mint tea
Colby cheese cubes

Lunch:
Chunky chicken & blackbean in a whole wheat tortilla
Chocolate cake with chocolate icing

Snack:
Apple slices
Yougurt w/granola

Dinner:
Milk
2 whole wheat tortilla tacos of corned beef, cubed swwet potatoe, tomatoe, sprouts & feta

Snack
constant comment tea, cream, stevia
cinnamon roll( homemade whole wheat)
?

The 48th Mile

2008-01-07T13:03:00.000-06:00

It’s Monday so I’ll do a quick recap off my Friday ride home& an even briefer yak about my weekend

Fridays ride home was tough. I seemed to be breathing ok, yet I was Tired. Not in the painful aching way, just weary. The chain came off 3 times….. that really sucks the momentum out of you! It keeps coming off when I am changing from pedaling like mad on a hight gear to 'oh sh*** here comes a slope'! It was 6:30 p.m. when I wheeled into my garage loft. I was starved, so had a glass of milk. Later at Koppe Bridge I surprised my dinner partners by scarffing down almost all of my Swiss-mushroom burger & fries. The Shiner-Bok that night was possibly the best beer I have ever swallowed! I was asleep by 10 p.m… Jason Strathum & his awesome car chase scene couldn’t keep me awake. I had successfully biked( huffed, swore, wobbled) 48 MILES my first week!!

Sat. I woke up @ 5:30, got a drink & fell asleep again until 9:30 a.m. Noticing my muscles above & below my knees were sore, I decided that the best thing for them was to go for a short bike ride. I meandered over to the farmers market & the library. The rest of the day I lollygagged, napped, & did chores.

Sun. I popped out of bed to go check out the chrome & muscles at the Chicken Oil. There were eye-candy & heart-stopping ‘vroom vroom’ noises everywhere. The collection of Shelby clones were inspiring & the Houston Corvette club had a large turn-out, but my favorite 3 cars were: 1) 08 Roush Mustang 427R 2) 53 Mercury 3) 68 white w/ blue stripe fastback( also the 08 Austin Martin, 51 Porsche, the cool AirStream project trailer!!!) More chores, a brief walk, & figuring out my ‘playlist' options on my phone. Packed my clothes & got ready fro my Monday morning ride.. with no little sighing over my own stubbornness & some concern for the weather.

2nd Day of the Reluctant Bike Commute

2008-01-04T12:49:00.000-06:00

First a note about last night’s ride home:
Work ends at 5pm. I changed into my biking clothes(same motley assortment from the day prior) loaded my work clothes into 1 collapsible wire basket & jacket & woolen in the other on the rear, hopped on (With a wince for my poor sore ‘butt bones’! Ouch, just doesn’t sound expressive enough!). It didn’t seem too bad. I kept telling myself things like… ‘¼ of the way, ½ way, almost there’.

My front light went out right about dusk (of course) Well nothing for it but to keep pedaling; that area of town doesn’t have sidewalks either. It wouldn’t be any safer to walk the bike. At least the back light is still working. (It wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t add this next bit.. just don’t laugh too loud!!) Pedaling with your back hunched, arms & wrists supporting a percent of your body weight, doesn’t feel ‘natural’. The back of the helmet is banging my back. I decided I need to crack my neck… I sit up a little straighter & commence with satisfyingly noisy results. And almost wreck out. Scraping hard along a tall curb with my right foot desperately doing a touch & go sequence repetitively to prevent a total tip over! Yep, I guess I shouldn’t try to do that again.(at least until I have more confidence, better balance & bike coordination!). The darn rear brake is still sticking when I go up any incline or for what seems like miles after I have to use them!

6:01 pm I wobble to a squeaky halt in the driveway to the astonishment of 3 pair of surprised cat eyes( as they were probably staring at the dead bug, wondering why they hadnt heard it pull in). I dismount, wheel the contraption in & immediately turn the screw that I was told would loosen the back brake. Weirdly I am Not hungry, the idea of food seems nauseating.

I pack up a lunch, pack my clothes for 8-5(Yippee Fri is jeans day!!). This time I actually load the stuff into the baskets. Yesterday I was frustrated by how long it took me to get out the door! I seemed uncoordinated trying to get the helmet on, earpieces in, mp3-playing-phone on, gloves on, keys hung on basket….. Jeez I thought I was organized! HA! 9pm, I am finally hungry so I have a cuppa herbal tea & toast (I know this isn’t good but….)

01/04/08
Preloading the bike, & parking it facing the French doors, seems to have helped!
6:42 I am on the seat (still painful!) The flat areas seemed better today. Somehow I was breathing more smoothly. Sunrise slipped through the horizon with no glimmer of beauty, only steely illumination indifferently lighting the corpse of an unfortunate possum. Today the first incline tried to kill me. I barely made it to the top before I got off I walked thru the conveniently located parking lot. I started walking halfway up the second incline. 7:34. I was peeling off gloves at the back door to work! I made it another day. The Director of the department was the only other early bird, so he held the door for my humble pink faced self.

In the bathroom, changing in to 8-5 clothes, I am feeling a little success. This isn’t easy, yet.(does it become easier for chubby, normal, non biking genetic types??) Biking to work (or anywhere) is one of those nice ideas, a nebulous feel good floater that never really incarnates into action. At least until the path leads no other way.

When I get home tonight, I will have biked (well: coasted, walked, wobbled, huffed) approximately 48 miles. 1 week ago, I had biked 0 miles the week before….
( But I am worried because the wind is picking up and the cloud coverage is thick, if only lightly grey. I hope it doesn’t rain on the way home! )

Please wish me a safe Dry pedal home!

Menu
Breakfast:
1 cuppa EarlGrey(double bergamot) cream, 2 sugars
Steel cut oats w/ rasins, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla
Glass of vanilla soy milk

Snack:
Banana
hot green tea
1 ghirardelli dark chocolate square

Lunch:
Blueberry lowfat yogurt w/ granola
P&j Sandwich

Snack:
milk
raw cashews & rasins

Dinner:
Koppe Bridge Swiss cheese & mushroom burger(almost all of it)
shoestring fries( with salt)
1 Shiner Bok

The First Ride 01/03/08

2008-01-03T16:43:00.000-06:00

The First Commute:

Last night I tried to prep. I packed up a lunch (apple slices, cheese, a banana, p&j sandwich) I packed my shoes & work clothes in a bag along with a barrette & hair tie & a little girly foo foo stuff. I put everything on my desk, with the bike leaning up against it.

5:20 a.m. in the shower. After starting the tea kettle, I climbed into my bike attire. Bra, sports bra, old grey yoga pants, a wicking white turtleneck. I was nervous and didn’t drink my entire cup of earl grey or eat all my oatmeal. After getting the cats their breakfast, turning the radio to NPR, I loaded my stuff onto the bike, put an a maroon woolen, then strapped on the old gold bike helmet (given to me by Brett (Zen & the Art of Triathlon).slipped on old brown Isotoner gloves, turned on the tunes, zipped the forest green stadium jacket, I wheeled everything out & locked the door. It was 6:43 a.m. The temp was 24 degrees. It was dark and I was feeling like a fool (trying to decide if I looked more like a bag lady that had ‘acquired’ a bike, or a tick at the traveling flea circus!)! I turned on the lights and wobbled off into the surreal grey that creates intimidating shadows not visible in the cityscape by day.

From the start the ride was Hard! My pedals seemed to be pushing back against me. The earpiece fell out. The front light was so dim as to be nonexistent (rather comparable to the headlights of a ’61 VW so I should have been comfy…). The dark, both compressed the space around me, and seemed to elongate the distance. My legs were tingling from cold. My rear brake was intermittently sticking. I walked up both inclines I had pedaled up on the test ride. The crimson streaks heralding sunrise were awesome and all mine to appreciate!

I was breathing like a steadily moving freight train pulling coal uphill when I rounded the corner & could see the destination. The parking lot wasn’t crowded yet. Only one co-worker was walking up from his truck to the building, so he was the lucky witness to my pink face, steaming breathe, shaky dismount (my legs seemed to want to continue the only motion they could remember) and quiet exclamation of, “Wow, I made it.” This morning took me longer, 7.6 miles in 1 hr and 8 minutes. He held the door open & the bike & I wobbled in. After leaning it against the wall, I unloaded my of work clothes & headed in to transform from ‘out-of –shape-commuter –cyclist into the ‘business casual’ 8-5er.

While legs, fingers & face were defrosting, I attempted to fix the clean but now sweaty, flat hair. I simply ignored the red face. After an hour my legs & arms weren’t shaky feeling. My ‘butt-bones’ HURT. (But I have been told I will just have to keep going to allow that region to ‘toughen up’). The slow pace means that my muscles aren’t screaming. This is good since I have to ride bike home & do this again tomorrow. Work has been fine. I felt a little sleepy at first, my eyes seem dried out, & I feel a bit bedraggles with flat hair!, but otherwise no worse for the bike commute!

Even though I am a newbie were I am employed; I am lucky. My boss & another are training for triathlons, a few other coworkers are training for marathons, 1 is training for a 5K, and 1 is a power lifter. While they may not comprehend, the painful trials and sense of shame that can accompany being overweight, out of shape and exercise attempts…. they are encouraging my endeavor of bike commuting to work. (Realistically with a deceased motor and the lousy public transit in this town, biking is my only and best option. Even at my slow huffing pace, it is still faster then public transit, and it’s an opportunity for me to get into shape by developing some muscle, reducing some weight, or gaining some wind, while not spending cash on gas!)

Wish me a safe pedal home!

PS. While this is to be primarily about my personal experience becoming a commuter cyclist. I am going to try to note what I eat…

Todays menu:

Breakfast:
Glass of water
½ cup of earl grey tea( cream, 2 sugars)
Steel cut oats w/cinnamon, pecans rasins added

Snack:
Banana

Lunch:
Whole wheat p&j sandwich

Snack:
Apple slices
Slice of Colby jack cheese

Dinner:
?

The Test Ride

2008-01-03T13:15:00.000-06:00

Howdy ya’ll. My test ride was 01/01/08.

But first let me tell you a tad about me. I am a sample of your ‘average’ overweight (I prefer the term undertall!)30’something, redheaded American woman. Having lived & traveled around the world courtesey of youth hostels & a good ol’ tent; my feelings and reactions are an improbable mix of TexaCali. Back when my muscles were less upholstered, I had a KHS bike, surfed, lifted weights, & backpacked. Exactly 1 month ago, I began full-time employment in College Station near Quiznos. I reside up in the Bryan Historic district. I drive; no I used to drive… a 46 year old VW. On 12/31/07 a loud bang, oil on the window and tons of smoke signaled a colossal transformation for my commuter habit. After calling the tow, truck, enjoying a few too many Guinness, & the obligatory champagne, I toasted the New Year..

A friend of mine graduated in May and had a bike her parents purchased for her. After 4 years and no use, the bike came to me. It’s blue Pacific SE2000.R. I think it came from Target. It has a gel seat pad, a front light (which I have already been told should be replaced& a back light. Now I have added a front wire basket & 2 wire collapsible back baskets, a bike lock & chain. Saturday mornings, I occasionally made the leisurely ride up to the Bryan Farmers Market.

I decided to blog about my bike rides to work, in all their hoary detail. Maybe it will help someone else realize, they can do it (or Not!). For sure; it will detail the misery, my lack of knowledge about bikes in general, my bike specifically, my general unpreparedness, moments of amazement, and my small (hopeful?) triumphs.

I used maps.google to plot my route & eased onto the seat around 12:30 pm. Air temp hovered around 43 with a light wind coming out of north. Only 7.6 miles, one way, to go! Aside from sounding like a broken old steam engine, my ride was uneventful. I coasted a lot! I pedaled slow on the light and middle gears. I stopped once in a parking lot at the top of my first incline to breathe(gasp really). I fumbled with my cell phone that poses as an mp3 player (Sony Ericsson w810i w/ a 4 G stick). 47 minutes later I was sitting on the grass at my destination, soaking up the sun. Surprised & mildly proud to have made it! (Little did I know!!)

After 20 minutes rest, I started for home. Right from the beginning it was hard! The wind was in my face. My nose was running. My eyes wear tearing. My gloveless hands were numb. My wrists hurt. The good thing was that since I had purposefully pedaled slow & coasted, my (atrophied) muscles weren’t screaming in agony! At about 4 miles the chain came off. Frozen, tired, & miserable, I sullenly began walking. The return trip took about 2.5 hours.

Once I got home, & my brain began working, I realized that I just needed my fingers to reset the chain. Then I was mad all over again, at myself.

All in all; I did it, so test ride successful.

Ps. This is my first blog.