Fort Point

Today was my best run to date. I ran the first 5K of my run faster than I have EVER run a 5K. On top of that, it was just a fun run, even though it was raining.

I often run from my home to "Hopper's Hands" for a high-five and then run home. Hopper's Hands are located underneath the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point. I never knew you could go inside Fort Point until a few weeks ago when my friend Ashli was showing me some photos she had taken.

"Where is that?"
"Fort Point. Did you know you could go inside?"
"I had no idea!"

Today I noticed some people were coming out of the non-descript brick building and realized it was open. I decided to pop in and discover what Ashli already had. A very kind ranger provided me with a brochure at the entrance and I set out for a brief exploration.

I wish my father had been with me. My dad is a history buff and I knew as I walked around that he would just have loved it. It was so much fun! I discovered that Fort Point was a coastal defense garrison built in the 1850's. From the top of the Fort the views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge are stunning.

I met a very nice gentleman from Orlando as we admired the views. I had to laugh and admit that it was my first visit to the Fort, even though I have lived nearby for three years. The gentleman exclaimed this to be quite sad, as he had only been in San Francisco for two days!

Running brings me such joy when I make discoveries like the one I made today.

On my return run, I ran into two of my favorite people - Paul and Dian! As it was raining, our visit was brief, but entertaining as always. It was a perfect last "long run" before my first marathon.

Mission Cliffs

Today sleep took precedent over a potential ride in the rain. While it didn't end up raining, it was lovely to actually sleep in for the first time in weeks. I needed it, badly. I didn't feel too badly about missing my ride, as I have been riding more than called for in my training plan.

Paul and Di suggested climbing this weekend. I have wanted to go for months, but haven't able to due to my broken elbow. However, with my elbow on the mend, my doctor has cleared me for all activities, so I was finally able to go!

I had never been climbing before, and I loved it! Dian taught me the basics and how to belay. I can't wait to go again.

Following our climb, we went out for sushi at a place Chris has been recommending for months. I knew it was going to be good when we arrived and there was a line waiting for the restaurant to open. Following our yummy sushi dinner we topped off our culinary adventure with some fabulous ice cream at a local artisanal ice-cream shop. The ice cream was so good.

My friends always seem to be in the know on where to go. Thank goodness, or I would never get out!

Now I have to run off the ice cream...

... So Others May Live

Those who volunteer their time and effort to make a difference inspire me. Jon Blais was one of those people.

Jon was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and in 2 short years became a powerful voice for ALS, using the sport he loved to promote awareness and fundraising to find a cure for the fatal motor neuron disease.

While Jon lost his battle with ALS last May, his mission continues on with the Blazeman Foundation, a non-profit organization that rose out of efforts of Jon's determination and perseverance, his family's commitment, a family of ALS warriors, and a response from the multi-sport community.

As many of you know, I decided to fundraise on behalf of the Blazeman Foundation in Jon's honor as I prepare to become something he was -- an Ironman.

My fundraising efforts are underway and I thank those again who have contributed. While I have only raised approximately 20% of my goal, I am confident I will get there, with Jon's determination serving as an inspiration.

I was deeply touched today when I received a telephone call from Jon's dad, Bob Blais, thanking me for my fundraising efforts and asking me to share my story with him. Few would take the time and I am once again honored to be a Blazeman Warrior.

18.03

18.03 miles. The furthest distance I have run to date.

Jake and I were to run CIM with Chris this past December, but neither of us were able to participate due to various ailments. Jake had also been planning on doing the Surf City Marathon with his father in February, so I decided to join in the adventure. I want to have a marathon under my belt before running one during Ironman.

In preparation for Surf City, Jake suggested that we run from our homes in San Francisco to Tiburon and then ferry home. Starting from Pier 39, this run is just over 20 miles. To date, my longest run was a half marathon, so this was to be quite an adventure. Jake and I planned to meet at Sam's in Tiburon post-run, as I set out much earlier than he.

Instead of starting at Pier 39, I set out from home and headed out towards the Golden Gate Bridge. As I was running along Crissy Field, I looked north towards Tiburon and thought, "That is a LONG way!"

The run was beautiful and surprisingly fun.

While tired at the end, I knew that I could keep going, which is exactly what I needed to mentally prepare for the Surf City Marathon. Jake also had a great run, so we celebrated with brunch at Sam's.

Neither of us had ever taken the ferry from Tiburon to San Francisco, so getting home was a fun adventure. While the run left me feeling less apprehensive about Surf City, I must admit that I am not all that excited about running a marathon. But, I know that the race atmosphere always excites me, so I am hopeful it will be a great event. Time will tell.

Power and Speed

Paul is a HORRIBLE influence on me. Not only has he "inspired" me to purchase a Zipp race wheel for our IM race, he also somehow talked me into purchasing a SRM power meter for my bike. Disaster. (Actually, to be fair, I cannot put all the blame on Paul. Most of it, yes, but the remainder lies with Christopher.)

I picked up both my SRM and the Zipp race wheel today and I am now VERY excited for my upcoming races!

Ian Christopher

I am happy to announce the arrival of my first nephew, Ian Christopher!

Congratulations Annie, Chris and Alex! I can't wait to meet the little one.

Love you.

Weekend Warrior

This weekend was the first time I felt like a true "weekend warrior." Getting my workouts during the week proved to be challenging and the weekend was a busy one with training.

Saturday began with a 3 hour ride from Fairfax to Pt. Reyes to Olema and back. This loop typically wouldn't be all that difficult, however, Christopher and some of his friends kept the pace a bit faster than I normally ride. Needless to say, by mid-afternoon I was beat and fell asleep in my comfy chair while I was attempting to work. I knew I was was in trouble for the next day when I went to sleep with sore legs.

Sunday I met up with Jake and one of his friends for the PCTR Angel Island Trail Run. I had debated back and forth between the 16K and the 25K distance and ultimately registered for the 25K, knowing that the course setup would allow for a shorter run should I not want to run the full 25K.

I had never before been on Angel Island and was spoiled with a GORGEOUS day. It could not have been a more beautiful day to run on the island. There was not a cloud in the sky and the temperature was perfect.

I very much enjoy PCTR events as they are extremely well organized and just fun. This event was no exception. As I set out on my run I was stunned not only by the exceptional views, but also by the architecture of the buildings on the island. I would have loved to have seen them in their prime.

A highlight of my run was to discover that I was running next to a gentleman I had met while participating in the PCTR in Woodside in December. We both laughed when we recognized one another. Jeff and I ran most of the rest of the event together, and both opted to make it a 17K vs. a 25K, due to a desire to make the earlier ferry. Good thing for me, as I was SORE after the event, due to some brutal stairs and climbs.

All and all it was a great weekend. Can't wait to do it again.

Finally... Improvement!

As many know, last fall was extremely frustrating for me with the training setback due to the MRSA staph infection and broken elbow.

However, today I was thrilled to discover there has been at least some measurable improvement in my fitness level.

Last winter, I started cycling training with Michael McCormack (aka "M2"), two time winner of Ironman Canada. Michael's cycling classes always prove to be a great workout.

As part of his training, we periodically test our maximum cycling power output. While I admit last year's testing performance was pathetic, this year's test was vastly improved. It was thrilling to finally see some measured gain resulting from my hours and hours of training.

This discovery has given me a renewed dedication to my training -- important as Ironman is merely six months away!