Bike to Work Day

Thursday was Bike to Work Day in San Francisco. Funny thing is that since I don't have a car, everyday is "B2WD!" Now that I work from home, all I have to do is shuffle 2 feet to my desk! I made an extra effort to get out on my bike on Thursday, nonetheless.

The San Francisco Bike Coalition is an amazingly progressive, hard-working group of individuals who somehow have managed to work with the bikers, the politicians, and the city folks to find common ground. Their ability to organize the masses, provide feedback to City Hall, and create public awareness is astounding. On one particular intersection in the city, on The Wiggle, there is a "bike signal"-like an arrow or a "walk signal" that when green, allows bikers to proceed--so cool! Bike lanes and wide street lanes allow bikers to whiz through the city. Don't get me wrong, I know there are bikers who abuse the rules--zig-zagging through cars, running lights and signs--just like anything, I guess, and give other bikers a bad name. Likewise there are car drivers who are unaware of bikers either intentionally or unintentionally. Overall, I have to say, bikers and car drivers coexist pretty well in the city.

So back to Thursday...I held a bootcamp for a few of my friends in Golden Gate Park. Naturally, I rode my bike the 3 miles to get there (yes, on the Wiggle!). Along the way, I stopped at one of the many city-wide Energizer Stations set up specifically for Ride to Work Day. I paid my yearly membership dues to the SF Bike Coalition, got a juice and a canvas tote (not that I need another!) and I was on my way!

I challenge everyone to bike to work, the store, the park, to a friend's house. Just start small--once per week. Yes, sometimes, it take a little extra planning--logistically and materially! You'll save aggravation of fighting traffic and finding parking, which on a bike is relatively easy--any bike rack or street sign. Plus it is almost summer and there is more daylight and it is a great way to get outside.

Bike Gear suggestions:
U-lock
Helmet!
Water bottle
Baby/body wipes and/or baby powder if you can't shower
Bike rack, basket, pannier saddle bags to carry gear

Running Errands

Ruth, Laura, & I crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge on our way back to the city.

One great thing, I have found with working at home is that I can take a few hours in the middle of the day to go for a bike ride or run. I met Ruth and Laura for a ride up the Headlands in Marin one afternoon last week. My mantra has always been that I need exercise--for my mental and physical health! I also argue, that for my co-workers, me exercising is really befitting them--I am much more productive and pleasant when I do! I got back from my ride to discover a 4-block radius around my apartment had been closed off & evacuated due to a gas line break (construction on the street in front of my apartment), so I went & grabbed a coffee. By the time I got back, I was able to get back inside. I sat at my desk & just worked away the rest of the afternoon, practically without even glancing at the clock!

In the Saddle

Mid-July, I am planning to do a 1/2 Ironman triathlon. This means a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, followed by a 13.1-mile run, all in one day, all right after each other! I admit, I get tired thinking about it & realize I still have a lot of training I need to do! I have 3 months, but I know it will go quickly!

I have been using every opportunity and every willing friend to get outside and schedule training rides, swims, and runs! I have actually been enjoying my training. When the rain is pelting me and the wind is blowing me sideways, I try not to curse. When it takes me an entire day to get my nerve up to swim in the Bay, I remind myself, "I get to.." ride, run, and swim!

I have learned, through numerous races and training sessions the humbling effects of training. The body is incredibly efficient and able to be pushed beyond limits. There are days when you toe the line your body will perform wonderfully, and there are other days, where the results are less than ideal. I have been at enough races and training sessions and had my share of ailments, stomach discomforts, regurgitation, loss of toe nails. I've seen body parts (those that should remain "unseen" by people who don't even know your middle name) and bodily fluids that I have become incredibly respectful and humbled by the body and not be surprised by anything I see, feel, hear. Either I can directly relate or I feel a pang of sympathy in my stomach for a person who is struggling.

Still, I do find myself surprised from time to time. In the past few months, I have seen a few things that raised my eyebrow. Though, I do know how incredibly difficult it is to fit training in to life, I think some people just learn how to be creative!

1. While biking, a man (whom I have seen several times), tucks his flip-cell phone into his turbine so that he can bike and chat, all the while keeping both hands free for steering. (He does break one of my bike rules of not wearing a helmet. No, the turbine does not count!) He can exercise and check in on his mom all at the same time.

2. Another biker, I saw, wore a shower cap over his helmet. It was raining that day. Whatever works, man!

3. I saw the "Easter Bunny" on a bike in the park. Hey, some days you have to work & you still need to get your training ride in!

4. The same morning as I saw the Easter Bunny, I also saw a man holding a huge boa constrictor, like the kind you see at the zoo...huge. I guess even boa constrictors like exercise!

5. And maybe the award for multi-tasking goes to the typical San Francisco woman, in the park, pushing her kid in a stroller, one hand holds her cell phone and the dog leash and the other hand pushes the stroller and holds a latte!

Still, I have learned not to judge. I guess, I could be any of the 5 above, with the exception of a being man wearing turbine and the fact that I think I would get a dog before a snake. I am sure I have looked ridiculous doing or wearing something(hmmm...my 25 pound backpack!) while training that have raised a few eyebrows.

So, here's to pushing your body to new limits and fitting training sessions into a crazy life--doing it with style and grace, and when you can't, just doing it anyway!

Snow Fun!

My good friends Jessica & Chris invited the gang for New Year's Eve at their beautiful cabin up north. We chased kids, laughed, played games, and ate and drank yummy food & drinks. And being the hearty Minnesotans we are, we were able to enjoy ourselves outdoors too! :)

That is one near-perfectly executed Snow Angel, if you ask me!

New Year's Resolution

In no particular order...

Live. Keep. Give. Lead. Dance. Love. Snuggle. Kick. Drive. Listen. Watch. Cook. Walk. Laugh. Run. Dive. Breathe. Jump. Bike. Smell. Plant. Fly. Learn. Read. Reach. Decorate. Hug. Chat. Peddle. Sip. Grip. Appreciate. Jog. Touch. Serve. Create. Fall. Lock. Taste. Wash. See. Encourage. Sooth. Fix. Hear. Honor. Whisper. Swim. Write. Go. Cry. Flex. Notice. Experiment. Stop. Bounce. Light. Flip. Type. Race. Thank. Shrug. Tickle. Slide. Look. Do. Turn. Play. Enjoy. Wander. Sweat. Kiss. Chase. Leap. Sprint. Achieve. Gain. Trip. Skate. Leave. Jump. Yell. Explore. Ride. Hold. Celebrate. Sing. Sit. Clean. Understand. Roll. Support. Lift. Ask. Write. Remember. Imagine. Wait. Call. Accept. Slip. Challenge. Wonder. Move. Light. Lose. Help. Dig. Smile. Visit. Hope. Dream.

It's going to be a Merry White Christmas

I thought I better get a run in before the snow! Between 10-16 inches are expected, but we'll see what actually falls.

My running buddy Ruby, as you can see, is so, so exited to go for a run. She starts barking, jumping around--usually right in front of where you are walking--when she knows she gets to go for a run. She's like, "Hurry up!" And she never thinks I run fast enough...so demanding!

Life up to now...

More of my quick update on the past few months.

So, of course I made numerous trips to the Farmer's Market During the summer and fall, I was able to explore more of the North Bay--Marin--on my bike. When the weather (fog) cooperated, I was able to see amazing views of San Francisco and surrounding cities, the redwoods, the Bay, the surfers in the ocean, the cute little boathouses in Sausalito...I could go on and on. I also ran the Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon--in which the "finishers medal" was a Tiffany's necklace!





I am currently working in downtown Minneapolis and living with my brother in St. Paul. It was an agreement with Greenpeace to "loan" me to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for 3 months. So, here I am in the coldest part of the year in MN! :) On the flip side, I have been able to see many great friends and their families, my family, hang out with my brother, and explore the area.