It begins...Week 1

185 days.

I have signed up for an Ironman distance triathlon called Vineman, which will take place on July 30, 2011, in Guerneville, CA. This includes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, followed by a marathon...I'd always told myself I'd sign up for an Ironman when I turned 30. Well, here I am. Luckily, this triathlon is just outside of Napa, so I can train on the course as it draws closer. Right now, I am terrified at what I have signed myself up to do. So, I will use this blog to record my training, in addition to the happenings of my everyday life. I am sure there will be tears, triumph, frustration, elation, and every emotion in between. It will be a humbling rewarding experince, whatever happens along the way. So it begins...

I think I have seen it all...

Today, on my way to meet RC for a bike ride, I rode up behind a man who sounded like he was talking to himself.  This is not out of the ordinary--I've seen people talking to themselves, singing, or humming while biking.  Then I realized the man was talking to the small green parrot that was sitting on his shoulder! Whoa! My dad says, "it takes all kinds." Yes. It made me wonder if there are "normal" things that I do that make other people shake their heads in amazement or bewilderment....Guess I can only hope!

Winter Wonderland

Happy New Year!!

This afternoon, my parents & I went cross-country skiing near their house. There are miles of trails literally 5 minutes from their house. I had not skied in years, but it felt great to get out of the house and into the fresh air. And it's kind of like riding a bike, you never really forget. Despite the 5-degree temp, we stayed warm due to the numerous layers of clothing, the exercise, and being tucked in the woods & out of the wind. After we made one loop, my friends happened to show up to ski, so I took another lap with them.

Sarah & Andrea

Mom & Dad

Merry Christmas!

This morning, after our coffee, my parents, brother & I took a ride to our cabin. The road is not plowed all of the way, so we parked and walked the rest. Snow was probably at least 2' deep. The trees were frosty & beautiful and it was so serene; it was much so fun to be outside!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Happy Birthday to the coolest guy I know! :)

North Face Challenge Trail Marathon

Andrea after the race--4:58.38

Yesterday I ran the North Face Challenge Trail Marathon in Marin County, CA.  Essentially it's in my "backyard," (or maybe that's "front yard"...) just over the Golden Gate Bridge in the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. Over two days, there were a 50 miler, 50K, Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 10K and 5K races.  This is a series of races, taking place from May to December, that are run on trails in various parts of the country--Madison; Washington DC; Bear Mountain, NY; Atlanta; and SF. This one is the "championship" race of the series, attracting elite trail & ultra-distance runners from all over the world. The winners (man & woman) of the 50-miler each received $10,000!  Obviously, they let the "common" folks enter too.

Over the past months, I'd been slowly increasing my mileage, but had been doing my training runs on the road.  Since my last trail race was back in June, and my lack of preparation on trails, I was very nervous about the race. It's a very challenging course, with several intense climbs and descents. I made a promise to myself to keep my cool and not get caught up in the race excitement.  It's easy to feed into the other racers' adrenaline and start out too quickly.  I knew I'd never get through the day if I did.  So, I started very conservatively.  I'd run part of the course--one of my absolute favorite places to run--many times, so I knew kind of what to expect. And being the logistical mad-woman that I am, I studied the course map and elevation, almost to memory. The course was open for 8 hours, meaning runners were taken off if they did not finish within that time. I hoped it would not take me that long, but I mentally prepared myself for a long day.

Since it'd rained the night before and a bit before the race began, some parts of the trail (especially the single track sections) were extremely muddy.  Almost "icy."  I took my time on the slippery downhills; I didn't need a mud-covered bum.

To begin the last 6 miles, we were greeted with a 900', 2 mile climb.  Following a rolly up and down, the last 3 miles were pretty much downhill.  At the last aid station at just over 20 miles, I was right under 4 hours.  I really wanted to break 5 hours for my finish time.  Coming into the downhill section, I had just about 30 minutes left on my "clock." I recruited 3 other runners who were near me to pick it up, so we could all finish together, under 5 hours. It was definitely a race to the finish, and very painful. One racer, in particular, wasn't too happy with my "suggestion" and blamed me for his "internal bleeding."  In reality, it might have been the previous 23 miles, and not the final 3....that contributed.  Though, I do think he was exaggerating. But we all finished under 5 hours.  My "friend" even thanked me after the race for pushing him and we had a good laugh about his commentary. My official time was 4:58.38.

I had so much fun & I can't wait to do the next one.

Birthday Weekend Report

My brother came to SF the beginning of November. He hadn't been since August 2009, so I had a lot to show him.  We rented him a bike from Sports Basement and we explored the city.  We met my friends for happy hour at a fun German restaurant/bar, Suppenkuche, and the next morning for a spin around Paradise Loop.  Last time Greg came, I think we ate every meal at a taquaria in the Mission; this time, we expanded our horizons and neighborhoods.  I ran a 1/2 marathon on Sunday morning in the rain, which, of course, meant Greg had to watch it in the rain.  He was a good sport, though. 

Afterward we rented a car and headed south to watch a cyclo-cross race.  Greg commutes on a "cross" bike and follows and frequently attends races in MN.  The race was awesome!  The bikes, which look like road bikes, are fitted with a less intense version of mountain bike tires. Depending on the race, the riders circle the dirt course for anywhere between 45-60 minutes, and the winner is determined by the most laps. There are "obstacles" the riders must dismount, jump over while carrying their bikes, or they can stay on their bike and jump (which, the spectators prefer!).  There are hills, 90-turns, roots, and a lot of dirt!  It was so fun to watch; I am sure it is even more fun to race! 

The weekend went so quickly and before I knew it Monday morning arrived and I had to drive GC to the airport