Monday Done

It's so hard to go to work this week. Luckily, today and tomorrow I'll be leaving right before noon, and on Thursday, we likely will get an early release.  Friday is a holiday!  

After work yesterday, we went to the pool.  I got in a 43 minute swim, the enjoyment of which was lessened by a very obnoxious teenage boy who decided to hijack the lane I was in. I worked around him, and luckily, he wasn't in the pool that long. The shadows in the pool in the late afternoon can be disconcerting, particularly when you're used to swimming at high noon!

This morning's 36 mile bike ride was another nice one on my Seven. My legs were pretty tired, since yesterday was a "leg" day in the weight room and I upped it to 160lbs on leg presses. I'm hoping that this dry weather holds out through next Tuesday.  

Weekend WrapUp

Sunday afternoon, I got in 70 laps (1 hour) before it started to drizzle. It never rained in earnest, but it was pretty cloudy. In addition, it got cool so we ended up coming directly home after I finished my laps

Rode my usual Monday 36 miler this morning. Saw two deers.  It was humid but the wind was cool.

My Seven

To celebrate a full week of outdoor riding, I broke out my Seven for its first ride of 2009.  The bike goes out only in "perfect" conditions, of which there has been a dearth this year.  I really love that bike. My hope is to add a second titanium Seven to my stable eventually.

Nice ride. Quiet for an early Sunday morning. Got in my usual weekend 43 miles.  If the predicted thunderstorms don't come (fingers crossed), I'll ride my Seven tomorrow.

Good news: Fiona no longer has the runs.  The medicine for her and Maeve arrived yesterday, and I gave them their first dose (four pills) swaddled in a big chunk of cream cheese. Unfortunately, Maeve's poop is still runny.  Another day of rice/chicken & meds will hopefully help firm it up.  Brian reported that Margot's morning dump was firm. LOL.  She had a bad runny one yesterday afternoon.

Margot is having a growth spurt and is losing her baby teeth.  Grow Margot grow!!! She's been having those wild banshee moments where she runs around furiously, going kakakakakaka and thundering her paws.  Fiona usually will join in the antics, while Maeve goes into the crate for some peace & quiet.

Hope to get in a swim today.

Three Little Kits

On this morning's bike ride, I saw a good bit of wildlife. The best sight of all was three kits, huddled together in the middle of the trail, like they were discussing their next adventure. When they saw me approaching, they high tailed it into the shrubs.  I've seen them before and last year, there was a family of little foxes in the same location. Might be the same mommy.

In addition to the sweet kits, I was a big assed raccoon whom I've spotted before and a doe.  

It was a nice morning for a ride and I got in 43 miles. Although it rained last evening, the wind pretty much made for dry pavement. Adversely, it added a bit of a challenge heading west, which of course is the hilly part of the ride. 

Swimming was on the agenda for today, and I alternated freestyle & breaststroke for 70 laps. About an hour in the pool.  In addition, to taking Margot out every five minutes for a pee.  Poor Maeve and Fiona's meds hasn't arrived yet.  Thankfully, Fiona's poop is no longer runny but Maeve's was when I walked her this morning.

Summer is Here

Before dinner last night, we went to the pool and I swam 53 laps.  With no rest.  I'm building decent endurance in the pool.  I love swimming.  

I had a hard time falling asleep last night, probably because I was a bit dehydrated. Got up at the usual time to ride my bike. Saw a deer, a doe. She's not the same one I have been seeing, as she up further up the trail.  My legs were pretty tired today, which is no surprise. It's going to be hard to get through the day at work.

The steamy hot and humid weather has FINALLY arrived.  Summer took a long time to get here this year.

Worms

Margot gave Fiona her worms, so yesterday, I came home to two piles of Fiona runs in the living room.  The vet had to special order the meds so we probably won't get them for a few days. So I ended up making Fiona rice & chicken. She got just a little for breakfast this morning, and hopefully, Brian won't find a "pile" at lunch time.  Maeve is on a hunger strike to protest the fact that Fiona can't have EVO.  Spent my breakfast time "managing" dog/puppy meals......

This morning's ride was nice. Someone dumped potting soil in the trail.  Just enough to be annoying.  I've been riding my Bianchi the last couple days, giving the Eclipse a rest.  I need to get the Seven out.  

Predicting possible thunderstorms for tonight. Hopefully, they won't materialize. I'm loving being able to ride consistently outside.

Swim, Bike Ride, a Doe, and Dancing Raccoon.

After work, Brian and I went to the pool  It was crowded but I was able to get in 45 laps.  Even though I had to dodge some big lady teaching her kid to swim and another kid doing backstroke & drifting all over the lap lanes, it was pretty relaxing. A good way to get rid of all the work stress.  My chest, shoulders and back were sore/tired from lifting weights, so I didn't want to overdo.

I spotted that young doe again on this morning's bikeride. In addition, a raccoon was out on the trail. When it saw me approach and get closer, it danced around in a circle, looked me in the eye, and calmly walked into the brush. I'm enjoying all this dry weather, especially since they cleaned out the muck from the first underpass---now I can haul it down that hill without fear of a sand wipeout. Thirty-six miles.

Tuesday

I got in a 36 mile ride before work. Nice outside, actually a little warm. Saw several foxes, so perhaps, that means I'll have good luck today.

Hoping to get in a swim tonight after work....  My shoulders aren't sore any more.

The Rest of the Weekend

Brian and I went to the pool yesterday, despite the cloudy skies and cool breeze. I was able to get in 70 laps in an hour. My sore shoulders are pretty tired this morning.

This morning, I had a nice ride - 36 miler, dry pavement, cool breeze, and partly cloudy sky. It was one of those early mornings where the moon is so bright it makes the clouds look downy white in the night sky.

Solstice

My favorite day of the year because it has the most light and is usually warm. During this morning's ride, there was not a cloud in the sky, which is fitting given it's the Solstice. There also was a refreshing, dry NW wind.  I got in 43 miles on dry pavement. 

Yesterday, before the rain started, I was able to get in a 43 mile ride.  It didn't rain Friday night, despite predictions to the otherwise, so I really enjoyed it. Some muck/sand in the first underpass thanks to all the torrential downpours. I noticed that the creek has a lot of silt/rocks accumulating in certain spots, probably due to all the flooding. 

I was able to walk the girls before the rain started.  It came down pretty hard and right before noon, we had a thunderstorm. Thankfully, not severe. Just enough to ensure that everything stayed a muddy mess.

We delayed going to the pool by about 40 minutes, as we wanted to make sure it was clearing up for good. Got there and had the place to ourselves for almost an hour. I swam 80 laps, alternating freestyle and breastroke. Today, my shoulders are just a little sore, but in a pleasant way. 

Fast Forty

With rain possible tomorrow, I wanted to get in a longer ride, so I plugged out forty fast ones this morning.  There was debris and muck on the trail from yesterday's heavy storms.  For a change, the sky was free of clouds so I saw some stars.  

More Rain!

I had today off because of doctor's appts.  So I was hoping for some extra time to do the things I enjoy.  No surprise, rain but a damper on things.

This morning, it poured and thunderstormed, so I ended up doing Spinervals on the trainer instead of riding 43 miles outside as I had intended.  Hillacious and Recovery/Technique are tough workouts, but they cannot compare to riding outside.

I decided to head for the pool, despite some thunderstorms on the radar. It didn't seem like they were headed our way, even though it was very humid and cloudy.  So I got there and was able to swim 14 laps before being ejected from the pool due to "thunder."  Well, it stormed in earnest right after I got home. Now it's sunny outside and still raining/thundering. Sheesh.  Just as I was getting my rhythm in the pool, fate intervenes and cuts my session short.

I did get to walk both Fiona and Maeve this morning, so that's one positive. I also was able to change/wash the sheets, a weekend chore that I loathe.  

To top things off, I noticed something odd by my shoulder this morning --- like a tiny speck of dirt. When I pulled it off (ouch), I figured out it was a TICK. Part of it is still in my skin, but it'll come out on its own.  Now I have to be on the lookout to make sure that bulls eye mark doesn't form. What a PITA.  After that happened, I decided to give the dogs their Advantix, despite my reluctance to put chemicals on them.

Sweet Doe

Pm this morning's ride, I saw the sweetest young doe. It was alone the trail and I thought it would get spooked by my headlight. Instead, it simply stood by the side of the trail as I passed and watched me. I said, "good morning, gorgeous."  

It was windy as a mofo and cooler than usual. Actually, that was a positive because I had to wear my rain jacket, which can get sauna-like.  Rain was on the radar in the mountains, so I was pedaling at a fast clip to get in a dry ride. Looks like it likely will hit during my commute to the "gates of hell."  LOL

Glad I Went

Today I went to an old friend's retirement party. This week, I've been in a foul mood, so I really didn't feel like going. I've been in hermit mode, keeping to myself and staying in my office.  Despite feel like a bitch on wheels, I wanted to be there for my friend and I know how much it means to someone, realizing their pals took time to attend. So I went. The minute I stepped out of the building, I felt better.  The party was fun. It was so nice to be around normal people, with whom I could laugh, relax, and talk without being on guard. I saw some folks whom I hadn't seen in ages, too.  

Got in a good ride this morning, although I still had yesterday's headache. Sinus, as evidenced by the red droplets of bloody nose juice that landed on my arm warmer when I let loose with a snot rocket during my ride.  An advil when I got home got rid of the headache.

Did the usual summer weekday 36 miler.  Encountered three harmless young folks - late teens? - apparently coming home from a party or night out. Two girls and a guy, signs of being mildly drunk. Took me back to the day!  I guess they missed the last metro and had to hoof it.  One of the girls was carrying a hockey stick (protection from a mauler or a homeless person?).  

Sore Shoulders

From all that swimming, I woke up with pleasantly sore shoulders. It didn't impact my ride at all, which likely means I'm engaging my core more than using my arms/shoulders.  I got a 36-miler, dry pavement, peaceful.  There was a tree down right near the 2nd underpass but it was easily passable.  Slow, duck, and go.  Plenty of rabbits out again today. Must be that time of year. 

Another Good Swim

Bright sun and warms temps. Perfect.

I swam almost continuously, with momentary rests, for about 70 minutes.  Alternated freestyle and breast stroke, and felt good.  I wasn't at all tired when I got out of the pool, and really, I could have gone longer. I didn't want to overdo, particularly since I knew I'd need some fuel in about another hour or I'd risk bonking.  Doing this consistently is going to be the trick to really getting comfortable and mastering it.  Brian watched me and said I was not at all a "messy" swimmer.  My legs made no splash and my arms, minimal.  There was a guy who decided to swim in the middle of the lanes, which displeased the lady who was on the other lane (they block off two lanes for lap swimmers -- make it one wide lane in which three can swim, although it gets a little close).  The guy was a big splasher and she told me that he was making water go in her mouth!  I found his "style" annoying but knew he wouldn't last long since he was wasting so much energy pummeling his arms and legs. 

Sigh. The end of the weekend looms and does the resultant sadness/dread. On the bright side, I'll be off on Thursday for medical appointments (who ever would have thought a visit to the gyn would be so welcome?).

Dry Ride

The scattered thunderstorms that were predicted for yesterday afternoon and evening stayed south of us, giving me a wonderful dry 43 mile bike ride.  It was humid but not muggy.  The rabbits and their babies were foraging, and I had a couple near misses with cotton tails.   On my way home, I encountered some skateboarder, heading west, spitting out fountain of some liquid. Water?I think he was trying to hit the big metal sound barrier but unfortunately fell short.  Impressive.  Skateboarders aren't allowed on the trail but this one was being polite. 

Gorgeous sunrise. The rosy light just before the sun comes over the horizon. My favorite time of day.

Fiona and Maeve enjoyed their walks. On Taylor, Fiona decided to dwaddle and stopped to a couple times for "hug me, mommy."  Such a sweet golden. I think both of them like the break from the holy terror, Margot.  As did I. 

Swim Success

Two blogs in one day? Well, I did so well at the pool, I had to document it.

70 laps in a little more than an hour of swimming with minimal rest. Alternated 1 lap freestyle/1 lap breast stroke.  The TI tips on I used worked. Once I really understand TI and start doing the drills, I can see that I will get better. For the meantime, I have a functional freestyle that isn't perfect but gets me across the pool and doesn't wear me out. 

I Miss You, Sun!

This is my favorite time of the year. Longest days, most sun, and early summer temperatures. This year, the weather Gods have not been kind to us because the sun has been covered behind clouds and rain. Days long dreariness. After our long, cold winter, this seems like the final indignity.  I had been looking forward to sunny skies, warm temperatures, dry pavement....  The first half of 2009 has been disappointing in many regards, so I suppose the dreary weather provides the appropriate background. As with all things in life, this is temporary.

I managed to ride five out of six days so far this week. Most have been on wet/damp pavement and in very thick humid, gnat-laden, air. But I'm happy to be outside, despite the imperfect conditions. I need the  daily dose of nature to help me get through the weekday slog (commute, work, commute, recover). Even a muted glimpse of the moon through a blanket of grey cheers my soul. 

Hopefully, we won't have rain tomorrow morning so I can get in a 200 mile week. Thus far, I have 187 miles logged, so I'm close.

Weekends means swimming and today is decent outside. Meaning no rain, at least during our usual swim time. I'm going to try some total immersion techniques and see if that helps with my freestyle. With some luck, the pool won't be crowded.  Next week, we should be able to swim after work, since the pool will be free of swim team practice. It's all contingent on the weather.

Margot is getting big and has become quite a gorgeous puppy. She's coming into her own and is learning. Maeve and Fiona seem to enjoy her antics, for the most part. Best of all, she isn't constantly biting!  You can actually hold her and get a kiss instead of a nip.

Cold Swim

Yesterday, it was supposed to be warmer and sunny. "Supposed to" being the operative phrase. Well, we went to the pool when it opened and it was cloudy, barely 70.  I knew it would be cold and I was not disappointed. Once I was in the water, I was fine. However, as my swim progressed, I got chilled. Ended up doing 46 laps, including several of a very rough freestyle, before I surrendered.  Another positive was I had the pool pretty much to myself!

This morning's bike ride was wonderful. Chilly - around 58 degrees - and humid. But I had the trail to myself and witnessed a nice sunrise. Felt pretty strong, too.

Today it's supposed to be in the 80s and sunny. The sun is out now, so I'm optimistic.  Today's swim should be in warmer waters.

Another Rainy Week

This was a rainy week, which seems to be the theme for 2009.  This year has not given us weather that's been conducive to outdoor bicycling.  I ended up inside on the trainer twice this week, but I'm glad that the weekend is supposed to be dry.  This morning, I got in a 43 mile ride - wet pavement - but I was surprised there wasn't a bunch of debris/mud/sand as a result of yesterday's flooding. I guess there was nothing more to wash out, since the creeks have been out of their banks at least once a week of late.

Last weekend, I got in some good swimming and have worked up to 42 laps. We will head back to the pool today, as it should warm up by noon.

Margot has gotten to the cute stage, but she is still biting a lot. Puppyhood is full of good things and not-so-good things!