Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, Bofax, Ridgecrest, 7 Sisters, Mill Valley & back to SF!

A few weeks ago, I rode with a group from Sports Basement, a sporting goods store where I used to work. It was my first ride with the crew, which goes out every Sunday morning. After gathering at the store, the ride organizers told us what to expect on the ride. It is difficult route, 65 miles, with one climb that is pretty intense--4 miles and 2,000' gain. After the "pep-talk" I was second guessing myself & if I could make it. In chatting afterward, I guess many of the others in the group had felt the same! The problem is that once you go out, you have to come back--some way, some how. I didn't really want to pay for a cab to haul me & my bike back from Stinson Beach, but I brought my credit card, just in case!

This ride, as with most organized rides, was a "no drop ride," meaning that the group won't leave anyone behind. So, after every large climb or every 30-40 minutes, we regrouped to make sure we still had everyone. The ride took place in Marin County, which is one of my favorite places. It is just north of SF, over the bridge ,and it's like a whole different state/country. There are mountains, the ocean, hiking & mountain biking trails, wildlife, and incredible road biking. Whenever I get tired of the city & crowds, I head up there. I ride up there 1-2 times a week (not that I get tired of the city that often--it just has incredible cycling routes!).

All of the riders in the group did really well on the ride. I was impressed with the caliber of the crew; I definitely had to push myself to keep up. We rode to Muir Woods, along the ocean to Stinson Beach, took Bolinas Fairfax Road to Ridgecrest to Pan Toll Rd over Mt Tam. We cruised down Panoramic Highway to Mill Valley, met up with the bike trail and then headed back to the city! Whew! It took most of the day & I got back after 3pm! I am so glad I didn't chicken out. It was really tough, but the more hills I do, the better I'll get at them!

Double Dipsea!

Yesterday morning, I ran the Double Dipsea, a crazy trail run that begins in Marin at Stinson Beach, goes to Mill Valley and back! It is 13.6 miles & 1400' elevation change of stairs, trail, roots, forest, prairie, & crazy hills. I absolutely loved every moment of it! Well, the last 2 miles were a little rough, but I think that was mostly because my legs had taken enough pounding and were close to exhaustion. I felt like I was "playing" the entire time, just running through the woods.

It is a handicap race, so depending upon age and gender, everyone started in a wave, based on a specified "handicap." I am still trying to figure out exactly what this means, but basically, while the waves help to spread the runners out, they also create gaps between the very old and very young runners and the speedy middle-agers. The winner of the race is the first person across the finish line. The clock begins when the last wave leaves the starting line, so essentially, the women's group that went out an hour prior had no "time" until that last group left Stinson Beach. Everyone tries to catch the runners from the waves in front, and if someone is really quick, he/she can try to catch the first wave, to win the race.


Anyway, all I know is I had a blast and I cannot wait to do it again. My legs definitely protested today and were quite sore! I used the foam roller at the gym this morning, which brought tears to my eyes, but I am convinced it works! I decided against my bike ride to Marin today, in order to recover both mentally and physically! Sometimes I just need a break!

I hit a tourist...

with my bike!

I was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. She was walking toward me and totally not paying attention, and doing these spinny things in the middle of the sidewalk. She should know how to walk in a straight line--she was about 45--it wasn't like she was 13! I then ran into the railing, but stayed on my bike. By the way, I was on the correct (right) side. On weekdays before 3pm, all walkers and bikers use the east side of the Bridge (weekends and after 3pm weekdays, bikers use the west side, walkers use the east side). The tourists were especially bad today, completely in their own world and all over the walkway. This was the first ride I have been on in long time where I was more irritated when I got back then when I left! :) Usually it's the opposite. I bought a whistle especially for this reason, but I forgot it....

Oh dear!

AC CPT, at your service!

Yes! I passed my Certified Personal Training test! Whew, such a relief. I am so happy to have it behind me. I had to memorize the body-assessment table in order to pass! This table helps assess muscle imbalances, weakness (underactive) and tightness (overactive) when doing basic assessment testing. I can tell you that if your feet turn out during an overhead-squat assessment, you may have overactive soleus, bicept femoris or TFL; and underactive medial hamstring and/or glute maximus (among others). TMI!?

So, now the fun begins. I got a job as a trainer at a gym downtown. This week I began training, and as with any new job, my head is swimming with new information, procedures, co-workers' names. I am going to work 2 jobs for a while to see how it goes. As time goes on, I will be more in control of my schedule at the gym. Right now it is just a little intense!

In the photo above, you'll see Ruth, Laura, and me at what looks like a "beach." Well, kind of. We rented a cabin in Truckee over Memorial Day weekend and behind us in the photo is Lake Tahoe. It was so great to get away for the weekend. The weather was amazing. We took a few rides--around Donner Lake and part way around Lake Tahoe. The elevation (I think it's 7000') made everything a little more difficult. Hill-climbing was incredibly hard on my lungs! I can see why people train at elevation--they come down to a city like SF and they can just fly!

According to Albert Einstein...

"Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving."

Bay to Breakers

This past Saturday was Bay to Breakers (99th annual!), the crazy 12K run/walk that spans the entire width of the city (east to west), ending in Golden Gate Park. This was my first encounter with the race. I might add right here that while many people do treat this somewhat seriously and run or walk, the majority treat this as a 7.65-mile party. I liken it to Halloween in May. The costumes were clever, shocking, lacking :), themed, and even odd (to put it nicely). There are groups that dress as lifeguards, Tetris, 80's workout queens, guerrillas, Confederate soldiers--you name it, it was probably represented!

A good friend's Bachelorette party was the night before B2B, so in light of continuing the celebration, we appropriately got my friend a wedding "gown" from a local thrift store...I am sure it was quite lovely in the day. This gown was full-sleeve, scratchy, yellowed, and a little smelly, but absolutely perfect! Because misery loves company, we all decided to dress as "bridesmaids" and wear equally as horrible dresses. Trust me, there are plenty to choose from at the thrift store! Mine was yellow with a doily-overlay. Absolutely stunning! :) It was a little chilly, so we had to wear layers and jackets, making us quite the sight! While we did not partake in the "craziness" of the day, we had just as much fun people-watching and probably felt better Monday morning!

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