...to buy fine things

I had forgotten how much I love trail running.

I fell in love with it last year during frequent trips East, but haven't done much since my travel ceased.

I spent the afternoon in Fairfax with Christopher Kautz at PK Racing. After my bike fitting, at the suggestion of Christopher, I headed out for a run from Deer Park to Five Corners to Phoenix Lake and back. What a beautiful run. It was blazing hot (92 degrees!), but a ton of fun.

I love the serenity and peacefulness that a trail has to offer.

I realized during my run that I have not taken full advantage of all that Marin has to offer and I vowed to change that. I have to imagine there will be plenty of opportunity to do so, particularly over the next few months as I train for CIM.

The run was a good opportunity to decompress after spending a small fortune on a bicycle. I ordered the Guru this afternoon.

Now I join Paul in the waiting game...

Team Cervelo

Paul ordered a R3 yesterday. I cannot wait to see it.

Additionally, exciting news... we found out today that Torsten, our coach, qualified for Kona over the weekend by putting in an amazing performance at IM Canada!

Congratulations Torsten!

Paradise Once, Paradise Twice

Long weekend rides can be challenging when you want to stay near home.

We are blessed with some great rides in the Bay Area, and one of those rides is the "Paradise Loop."

Paradise Loop is a beautiful ride around Paradise Drive in Tiburon. It's scenic and easily accessible from San Francisco. From the City we simply head north across the Golden Gate Bridge, down through downtown Sausalito into Mill Valley, up and over Camino Alto and onto Paradise Drive in Corte Madera.

We decided to stay local this weekend and put in our 4+ hour ride on Paradise. Paul, Dian and I met at Presidio Sports Basement unsure if Chris was going to join us. All of a sudden, there he was, on his new beautiful Cervelo Carbon Soloist road bike. Envious!

As we cycled through Sausalito towards Paradise, we passed a police officer who had a group of cyclists "pulled over" for riding two abreast. As we rode by this debacle at the corner of a four-way traffic signal, the light turned yellow. One of us proceeded through the light and was thereafter cited by the officer for running a red light. The light was yellow. This one is going to court, as I know an attorney who can be a spitfire when she's mad...

The rest of the ride was leisurely and a lot of fun. We saw many GGTC teammates out on the ride -- Jake, Keith, Travis, Jim Roth and Rick Gaston, as well as coach Neil who was hosting a TMF workout from Blackie's Pasture. It's always fun to see your friends while out riding.

We were starving by the end of our ride and stopped for lunch at Fish in Sausalito on the way back. Yummy. Paul, Di -- I get lunch next time!

I love Paradise Loop. However, let's see if I still feel the same about it next spring. I have a feeling that both Paradise and my Computrainer are going to have become very, very old over the winter.

The Shatter Heard Across the Bay

It was...

About an hour after Paul told me he was going to Davis Wheelworks in a few days...

About five minutes after Chris departed to pick up his new bike...

And about 3 seconds after Christopher Kautz emailed me to let me know that the expected changes to the Geneo were simply new paint schemes...

... that someone scheduled a bike fit for next week.

Shall I Guru?

Paul and Chris are both contemplating new road bike purchases. This is a dangerous topic for me, as I have wanted a carbon framed aero road bike since the day my tri bike came into my life.

I love my P3 and was sure I had picked out the perfect Cervelo road bike until I got the no-go from Christopher Kautz at PK Racing. I was so sad, and it hardly seemed fair, as Cervelo road bikes are perfect fits for both Chris and Paul!

Christopher told me that while he could make a Cervelo fit, it wouldn't be the ideal ride for me. That was all I needed to hear. I am not going to spend a small fortune on a bike unless it's perfect. Christopher did inform me, however, that of the aero framed carbon road bikes, one is an exact fit for me -- the Guru Geneo. It's been on my mind since the day he mentioned it.

It's just a matter of time until I break...

Blazeman Warrior

Tears streamed down my face when I first watched the story of Jon Blais as part of the 2006 Ironman Championship NBC television coverage.

I was reminded of Jon's story when the NBC re-aired the coverage a few weeks ago. I cried again.

People who go out of their way to make a difference inspire me to be a better person. Jon was one of those people.

While I didn't have the honor of knowing this amazing man, I have decided to do what little I can for Jon, in his memory.

I cannot even begin to do Jon's story justice. If you would like more information about Jon, please visit his website at www.waronals.com.

If you are interested in supporting ALS research, please consider making a donation to the Blazeman Warrior Foundation. You may access my fundraising page at the following link: https://www.active.com/donate/teamblazeman/JEddy.

Santa Cruz Seal Training

Paul recently informed me that the Navy Seals recruit Ironman triathletes because of their endurance and dedication to training. This was not, however, the type of 'seals' we encountered in Santa Cruz.

During the swim portion of the TMF training day I discovered that Dian does not like swimming with seals and/or sea lions when seal popped up in our 'path' during our swim. This surprised me, because Dian is such a strong, independent woman and I didn't think anything would get to her.

Coach Neil put together a swim/bike/run workout for those planning to participate in either Big Kahuna and/or Sentinel next month in Santa Cruz. As Chris had been talking about checking out the swim prior to the Sentinel race, we all decided to head down for the day.

The day began with a crazy caravan down to Santa Cruz. Chris and Jake led the pack, followed by me and Ashli in one car and Paul and Dian in another. Our personalities all came through in the speed at which we traveled south. Needless to say, Chris was GONE. Ashli and I cruised down at a good clip, but we couldn't keep up with Chris due to 'someones' traffic school situation. Paul and Di followed Coach Neil down who was, of course, driving the speed limit.

There was a pretty good turn out for the workout -- including the usual suspects. Good thing Elisa wasn't there. Ha!

The swim with the seal was followed a ride up Highway 1 - either 40K or 56 miles. What a GORGEOUS bike ride. It was amazing, but incredibly windy headed northbound. Chris asked me if the wind had ever bothered me on my tri bike when I saw him at the 40K turnaround to which I answered no. Spoke too soon! About 3 miles later, as I continued up Highway 1, a gust of wind blew me right off the road. (No injuries this week -- thank goodness. I can't take anymore right now.)

Paul, Di and I all were on heart rate restriction for the ride - which meant a lot of solo ride time - and a lot of "me" thinking time. I do my best thinking on the road and today I justified, in my mind, the purchase a new road bike. I can't stop thinking about it! Chris is in the same boat, and Paul is right there as well. (Paul and I are disasters, as we play off one another about bikes and equipment.)

Once I reached the turn around point on my ride, I FLEW back to Santa Cruz with the wind at my back. It was a half an hour faster on the return trip than it was on the way out.

The views were amazing, the company wonderful as usual and the day left me very much looking forward to Sentinel. I can't wait.

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Paul, Chris, Di and I planned a mountain bike ride weeks ago, as we wanted to get out and do something other than swimming, road biking or running and were all looking forward to the ride.

We were a bit concerned driving to Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa as there was a slight marine layer, however our fear of a cold ride quickly diminished as the sun broke through and it turned into a gorgeous day.

I made the mistake of commenting as we set out that I was sure to be a bloody mess upon our return. Nice work. I know better than that.

The ride was gorgeous. Just beautiful. We started out with what Paul labeled an easy climb (I did not find it all that easy!) for a few miles, and then did a bit more serious climbing as we left the fire roads and hit the single track. We climbed, climbed, climbed to the top, with the boys in front and Dian and I bringing up the rear, chatting most of the way.

We all found it amusing that as much as we all workout, all of us were way out of our heart rate zones while riding up to the top.

The ride down was thrilling and exhilarating, and rather technical. There were a lot of rocks on the trail and after a challenging little turn I yelled out a "whoo hoo" and then found myself sliding across the trail, still clipped into my bike. Nice. I was fine, or at least I thought I was and I immediately crashed again. Someone was tired and clearly done riding for the day. I looked a mess - bloody palms, knees, shins and a nasty 'trail rash' on my right forearm, but was ok. I was so embarrassed to have crashed not once, but twice. Lovely.

After a short detour (ok, we were a bit lost), we made our way back to the cars and had a fabulous post-ride meal at Small Shed Flatbreads in Mill Valley.

Regardless of my inability to stay upright on my bike, the day was a blast. Paul always lights up when out on his mountain bike and Chris was clearly enjoying himself as well. Di and I always have fun together -- so it was a great day all around.

Then I had to tell Torsten why I missed my swim. I have to imagine mountain biking is not coach approved...

The Marin Century

6,250 feet of climbing over 104 miles. Top speed on a descent - 49 mph. 7:06 ride time.

I had witnessed cyclists doing the Marin Century in the past, but I had never done it myself. This year I wanted to change that and my dear friend and former colleague Bill Williams agreed to do it with me. This was quite a commitment for Bill, as it meant that I was to remain Aquabike Champion for another year. (The Aquabike event was scheduled the same day.)

Elisa, Bill and I met up with three other GGTCers, Kim, Kristin and Anthony at 6:30 am to commence our 100 mile adventure - the Marin Century Classic Course.

The route began on flat to rolling terrain before we were greeted with our first challenge of the day, a 1.5 mile and 430 foot climb to the Big Rock summit of Lucas Valley. This climb was followed by a fun descent through the redwoods into the ranches and grasslands of West Marin. The route then wound north through Nicasio and alongside Nicasio Reservoir.

The second climb of the day (1.4 miles and 380 foot gain) rolled up the Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road over a summit and past the Cheese Factory before turning north onto Hicks Valley Road and our first rest stop of the day at mile 20.

The ride continued out Hicks Valley Road. Rolling hills and sparsely traveled roads brought us through ranch country and open space before the route turned west and headed past the Walker Ranch to the infamous “Marshall Wall”. This climb is steep, 700’ high. Just when you think you are at the top more hill appears. From the ridge riders would have been treated to spectacular views back down into the sweeping grassland hills of Marin, had it not been for wall-to-wall fog, to the point where my sunglasses needed wipers. If the fog not obstructed the view, from the top of the Marshall Wall, we could have seen Tomales Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore and the Pacific Ocean. The descent down the west side of the Marshall Wall to Highway 1 was fast and fun.

The route on Highway 1 rolled north over a series of rollers along Tomales Bay where we crossed Walker Creek. Thereafter, the course turned inland to the quaint town of Tomales. There, the course turned west from Highway 1 and we rode the remote Franklin School – Valley Ford Road up and over one last ridge north to the second Rest Stop at Valley Ford at mile 50 and the halfway point for the day.

After refueling and regrouping, we set back out towards Petaluma. We rode on through relatively flat terrain (ok, it was really more rollers…) into the outskirts of Petaluma to the 3rd Rest Stop in Petaluma at mile 76.

Many at this rest stop warned us that there was a big hill awaiting us. Oh good! After we departed the third rest stop, we found ourselves at the foot of “Red Hill” on the Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd. This hill was a HOT climb. By now the fog had long burned off and the sun was BLAZING. The hill seemed to go on and on and on. We all agreed it was by far the hardest climb of the day, but it was not the last one! We had to climb a bit past the Cheese Factory on the way back to San Rafael, but enjoyed the descent back into Nicasio.

The course finished by reversing Lucas Valley Road. The climb was easier in this direction, and was a good way to end the day.

In the final miles back to San Rafael I was excited to note on my GPS watch that I was still moving at a pretty good clip (approximately 22 mph) and I felt like I could have kept going. A far cry from my first century, and a welcomed change.

We celebrated the ride with popsicles at the finish line. I was silently thanking Torsten for my heartrate restricted rides -- I definately felt more powerful and was longing for my next long ride. I know, who knew?

... hope your road is a long one

Di suggested that we all get together after Vineman to plan out what races we wanted to do to prepare for CDA.

We had previously decided to do a handful of events - the Santa Cruz Sentinel, California 70.3 and the Solvang Century, but the rest of the training year remained up in the air.

We opted to plan over dinner and while doing so to share our Performance Labs HC physiological testing results. Paul and I discovered that we have similar "aerobic bases" and guestimated that Chris and Dian were similarly situated as well. (This would later prove to be true.)

Calendars were consulted and we decided, over a fabulous dinner, to add either Wildflower (Long Course) or Auburn to our planned events, but to forego Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, as it would be too close to CDA. Tinley's Adventures was thrown out on the table as an option, and the benefits of a winter marathon were discussed as well.

Ultimately, we added the Four Bridges Half Marathon to the list, as well as CIM for Chris and me. I am sure other events will find their way into our schedules (Tinley already did), and I look forward to them all.

As I pondered my Ironman journey with these amazing people sitting besides me, I realized how lucky I am to have such amazing family and friends.

Vineman 70.3

The days leading up to race day were full of anxiety -- something that doesn't happen often. I could not sleep and I was not hungry. I discovered it wasn't only me and felt a bit better about it, as at least I was in good company.

Each day the Vineman 70.3 website was consulted as to the current temperature of the Russian River. If the water temperature was 78 degrees on race day, wetsuits would not be allowed.

Saturday pre-race check-in was a hot one. As we walked about registering, purchasing Vineman logo goods, the newest equipment, and forgotten sunscreen, etc., the race directors continually announced the temperature of the River. 77.1 degrees, 77.2 degrees, 77.3 degrees... Elisa and I made the last minute decision to not wear wetsuits for the race and purchased Zoot Suit Skin Suits to swim in instead. We were definitely not following coach's orders of never trying something new on race day!

Paul, Dian, Elisa, Chris and I set up our run transitions and set out to our respective hotels to get ready for our pre-race dinner celebration at John Ash in Santa Rosa.

Before dinner, Elisa and I snuck in a quick dip in the hotel pool to try out the skin suits and looked like fools as we ran down the hotel hallway in flip flops and Zoot suits. The suits were a hit and we got ready for dinner.

Dinner at John Ash was wonderful -- perfect company and a celebration of friendship. We ate as many carbohydrates as possible and reveled in the excitement of race day's arrival. As the dinner came to an end you could see anxiety start to set in as our attentions turned to the next day's event.

Race morning started early... at 4:20 am.

Ashli, bless her heart, knowing of the difficult logistics of the race, had offered her time to chauffeur us around and cheer us on.

The race began with Dian and Elisa starting in one of the first waves, followed by Chris, then by me and then Paul.

While I can't speak for anyone else, I enjoyed almost every minute of the event. Not wearing a wetsuit made for a slower swim, but an easy transition at T1. The bike went quickly and smoothly. I love my new tri bike. The best part of the day -- the run, and everyone knows how much I dislike running.

The run is essentially is an out and back course that offers the only real opportunity to see your friends and teammates out on the course -- which makes the day. Ashli cheered on the start of my run as I left Windsor High School, and I thereafter spent most of my run looking for Chris, Di, Elisa and Paul, as well as my HIT teammates. Neil was everywhere on the run course, and the GGTC aid station was welcomed in both directions. It was so uplifting and rewarding to see everyone and hear people calling out your name, including M2 who was at the SF Tri Club aid station. I met some great people while on the run as well - Clay from Sacramento and Gordon from GGTC.

Even when the heat started to take its toll at mile 9, I was still smiling and having a great time. While I was disappointed that my legs started cramping and I had to walk/run the last two miles, I still met my goal for the race and was so happy to discover that everyone seemed pleased with their respective performances as well.

My favorite memory from the race -- one I will NEVER forget -- was seeing Chris on the run. I have never been so touched in my entire life.

The finish line was a moment of celebration with friends -- friends who I know will make the Ironman journey a memorable one, and friends who will remain in my life forever.

HIT to Vineman 70.3

Vineman 70.3 is a notoriously hot half Ironman held in Sonoma County each July.

This year would prove to be no exception.

Vineman training began shortly after Wildflower. Ashli, Paul, Di and I had all signed up. Elisa decided she would join in on a drop-in basis. I also persuaded Chris to join in as well, after forcing a GGTC membership upon him after Wildflower.

Once a week the GGTC Half Ironman Training group (aka HIT) would come together for a group workout with coach Neil. Our first group workout was a swim at Indian Valley College and I will never forget it. I am giggling just thinking about it.

I had met Chris through work, but most of my GGTC friends had not yet had the opportunity to meet him.

Ashli, Paul, Di and I were sitting alongside the pool waiting for the workout to begin and out of the corner of my eye I see Chris walking in wearing a Captain's hat and sunglasses. I almost died.

Coach Neil: "Who is that?"
Me: [Head down.]
Ashli: "What are you doing? Is that Chris?"
Me: "Yes, that would be Chris."

My true enjoyment of the HIT program comes from the group workouts with my friends on weekends -- group rides, runs and swims -- as well as seeing Coach Neil. My friends make the experience, and it's something I always look forward to. HIT training this year proved to be fun, as always, coupled with the guilt associated with training with two coaches at the same time.

Vineman sells out quickly each year. Registration closed not too long after it opened, with me, Ashli, Paul and Dian registered for the event. Elisa and Chris added their names to the wait list.

Ashli decided after Escape from Alcatraz that she needed a break and decided not to race Vineman this year. After months and months of 'monitoring' the wait list, Elisa and Chris got in.

In the months leading up to Vineman, many triathlons were completed as training events, including the Vineman Showdown at Sundown (Chris), Escape from Alcatraz (me and Ashli), Escape from the Rock (Paul and Dian), the San Jose Mountain Bike Triathlon (me), and the San Jose International Triathlon (me and Elisa).

Everyone set their respective Vineman goals -- many with multiple goals -- one attainable and typically a second (sometimes unspoken) that would be a bit more of a challenge.

All I knew was that I didn't want it to go down like it had the year before...