10 May 2013 Leave a Comment
in cycling, Food/Nutrition, Running Tags: ferncliff forest, gardening, mole mole, mountain biking, Rhinebeck, taconic 909
Running early in the morning.
Strolling in the late afternoon.
Planting.
Who said women can’t build walls? Before and after
Repairing stone walls.
A new daffodil species?
Taking in spring beauty.
Soaking up some vitamin D with furry friends.
Exploring local trails.
Cinco de Mayo
Celebrating holidays.
Creating messes in the kitchen.
Homemade peanut butter- never buying PB again
Juicin’ up a storm
Making things from scratch.
Sporting spring stripes.
09 May 2013 2 Comments
in cycling, duathlon, Running Tags: hudson valley, Hudson Valley Triathlon, road biking, Running, Trooper Duathlon
It’s that time again! Duathlon season in the Hudson Valley (semi) officially started this past weekend in West Hurley with the Trooper Duathlon, a duathlon dedicated to three New York State Troopers who lost their lives in the line of fire. It is different than other New York State Triathlon series event because it is a time of reflection of those who perished, and a time to really reflect on how fragile life is. Before I begin, I would like to thank all of you New York State Troopers, Police, and other emergency responders for everything you do. You are the reason we are safe today, and also a big reason to why I drive my car within 5 miles per hour of the speed limit.
After competing in the duathlon as a team last year, and wanting to continue the legacy of the Valley Girls, at first I was on a quest to find a female I know in the Hudson Valley area who would enjoy being on the team with me. Little did I know, there are not that many people I am aquainted with who were willing or able to do this race. (My teammate from last year was out of town).
Then I thought about Kevin’s sister, Meg, who is a Collegiate Cross Country coach. Tada! A runner! When asked if she would do it with me, she said yes!
Now, all you internet readers, remember how a couple posts ago I said that Kevin had running in his genes? Running IS in his family. This girl is a running beast–in the positive sense of beast. You immediately know this when she is off doing her stretching.
Hardcore warm up and stretching
She finished the North Face Endurance Challenge 50mile race last year, which is, like the name, an endurance challenge. During her college running career, she ran in the NCAA Championships, and awarded a bunch of awesome titles, that you can read about here. Thank you, Vassar Athletics webpage for allowing me to stalk info on your coaches.
My stretching…Not sure what zone I am in.
Meg finished both two mile segments in about 13minutes each.
Having competed in this race twice before (last year with S.Z.B. and in 2011 as a one-woman team ), I failed to remember how absolutely horrible Dug Hill Road is. If you are unfamiliar with this road in West Hurley, thank your lucky stars, because unless you have a vehicle, or are being towed by something, you do not want to know it.
Face of determination…starting the bike
It is basically 3 1/2 miles of uphill. The first three miles are straight uphill. Okay, okay, the first couple hundred feet are a rolling incline. But then it goes up. And up. Even when you think you are at the top, it is still rolling in an upward direction. The first eleven miles are fine, and you can even build speed, boosting self confidence. On numerous occasions, as my lungs flamed (why? who knows), I found myself thinking, “Man, this is a piece of cake.” Come Dug Hill, all positive self-talk plummets. Inbetween labored breathing come grunts and groans. And bless John McGovern, who played his bagpipes half way up the hill. But, really? I love bagpipes, but in the middle of Dug Hill, when I am already spewing every curse word know to man, you decide to play the bagpipes? Who, who, who enjoys hearing bagpipes when they are near death trudging up a goddamn hill? It’s as if tricking you to think you are at the end of the bike course, when you still have miles to go.* We are in West Hurley, not riding into a Scottish sunset with the theme of Braveheart in the background.
Face of defeat by the hill, completely oblivious to troopers cheering me on
Hence, I forced myself to the finish, bronchospasming, with remenants of my breakfast inching up my throat. I felt that no rides this season have helped prepare me for this. To be honest, I’ve spent more time running this year than years in the past when biking has taken priority. Marathon “preparation,” i.e. running, has a hold of me, full grip. The only thing keeping me from walking up Dug Hill was knowing an athlete was waiting for me, so that she could start her last leg of the race. To my surprise, I beat my best time on the hill by one minute.
Meg (pink) looking strong
Meg finishing strong…(I’m not hurling to the side, I swear!)
Another differing aspect of the race than other races I have been to is the post-race food spread. A BBQ, salads, sweet foods, beverages…If I was not still feeling ill from the ride, I probably would have indulged in the amazing food.
Lo and behold, we took first place for the Women’s Relay Team. The Hudson Valley Girls did it again! (S.Z.B, you were missed)
First place Women’s Relay Team
A fellow mountain biker and incredible athlete asked me how my training was for the marathon, and if I felt prepared. I’m pretty sure I just stared at her, as my “training” for this marathon (in less than two weeks, mind you) has encompassed six mile runs and a couple 13 milers. She said my training should be “winding down” now…And, I guess if the last time I ran longer than six miles was the half marathon in April, then, yes, my training is winding down. To be fair, I have developed an even greater love of mountain biking, and so on days off, I’ve wanted to save leg strength for rides as well.
Training
Basically, my training for the past couple weeks can be seen below, in the exact same sequence:
Wake up, inhale coffee, catch up on The Real Housewives, or other Hulu classics (What WAS Tamara thinking inviting Vicki to her gym?
Go for a run…Attempt to Strava the run, give up on Strava, and use Map My Run instead
Drink more coffee–usually iced, usually black
Go for a mountain bike ride, or road ride (I need to start spending more time on the road, as it is duathlon season)
Attempt to blog, but end up browsing potential races instead, then realize I have loads of errands to do
Prepare dinner
Meet up with Kevin and go for mountain bike ride #2 or walk (depending on my legs)
Eat, sleep,work
One would think that these upcoming races will be pieces of gluten-free cake, right?
Well, we will see….That is, if I survive this marathon.
*It was a nice touch, though. And, John McGovern is a triathlete wonder. In retrospect, it was pleasant having my attention diverted from the pain I was in.
10 Apr 2013 2 Comments
in cycling, Food/Nutrition, Running Tags: baking, carrot cake donuts, cupcakes, gardening, Guthries, mountain biking, Norman Rockwell museum, spring, stockbridge, taconic 909
Mother Earth decided to skip spring and head straight into summer weather. Two days ago the weather was in the 20′s. Today it hit mid- 70′s. Okay, okay, it is still spring. But what a difference! I ran in shorts and a t-shirt today for the first time since before Christmas! Not to mention, rode in similar attire. It’s about time!
I just got back from my first group ride of the season–last year, the first one was in the beginning of March– and it’s great to be riding with a bunch of riders through the woods. The fact that the sun now sets around 7:40 adds to the greatness. Group rides means spring is really here.
Riding at Taconic 909
In the sneakers category, I’m trying to decide on whether to run the Lake George Half Marathon in two weeks…It’s my next weekend “off” and would be a lovely weekend away; affording an opportunity to go back to a place I used to spend summers. It would also allow Kevin and I to do some more exploring of the area–which is something we’ve decided we need to do more, as there is a plethora of activities and sites in our area that we have not explored.
Last weekend, we ventured to Stockbridge, MA to visit the Norman Rockwell museum. For any art enthusiast, or American who may be familiar with Norman Rockwell, this museum is fascinating. During the summer, you can visit his last art studio (we were unable to visit it as, despite the lovely weather, it isn’t quite summer yet).
Kevin next to Norman Rockwell’s 1965 Rudge–Kevin has the same one at home
Norman Rockwell (front) riding his Rudge through Stockbridge–a painting he composed
Norman Rockwell: incredible
We also checked out a special church…Kevin had to see it…It was on his “Bucket List” (well not really, but he acted as if it was). I grew up where we had Thanksgiving on a day when my mother did not work and had time to bake a feast, so when he mentioned a Thanksgiving song, I was at an utter loss as to what he was talking about. Perhaps you know?
Arlo Guthries’s “Alice’s Restaurant”
I do not see the connection between the song and this building, as this is a church, not a restaurant….But I obliged in Kevin’s desire to take a picture.
On the food aspect of life, I’ve realized I love baking (which may have already been apparent to those who read this blog–sometimes it takes me a while to realize things). I baked my first donuts for Easter–Carrot cake donuts with cream cheese frosting!
My colleagues at work have been quite happy with my love of baking, as they are the main recipients of the end products. I have yet to meet a healthcare worker who does not devour fresh baked goods when offered to them.
Carrot cake cupcakes with marzipan carrots
Lemon blueberry cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting, and strawberry cupcakes with buttercream
Caught in the act of my baking craze
…Who knows, perhaps when the spirit moves me, I’ll add recipes to this blog as well.
Outside of biking, running, and baking, I was able to plant seeds in the garden today. Like last years crop, I hope to have sugar snap peas and sunflowers. I decided to add wild flowers in a patch where my carrots did not grow last year.
Lastly, I’ve been experimenting with fashion. I’ve been wearing:
Fancy flats
And fancy hats.
30 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in cycling Tags: ferncliff forest, mountain biking, spring, Ted Wojcik
I think spring has finally arrived in the north east. Yay!
Kevin and I were able to go for our first spring mountain bike ride this morning. Actually, it was our first mountain bike ride together thus far this year. Better late than never.
Shedding layers after shredding dirt…Not used to high- 40 degree weather.
Kevin catchin’ some air on his $50 Ted Wojcik from 1990.
As they say, pictures speak a thousand words…
13 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment
in cycling Tags: cycling workouts, indoor cycling, indoor trainer workouts
Outdoor riding is not always possible–due to weather and sunlight (or any excuse people make for riding indoors). The original reason for purchasing my indoor trainer was sunlight (I wrote about it here). Since I now work day shifts, most of my riding is outside (weather permitting…Is it spring yet?) However, interval training is still done mostly inside where I can focus more on the actual intervals. I decided to simply compose a post of seven indoor training workouts I do, to help those of you who might wonder what to do when riding inside! Unless specified otherwise, all workouts are approx. 60 minutes.
WU= Warm up
MS= Main set
CD= Cool down
ES= Easy spin
RI: Rest interval
HC= High Cadence
BG= Big gear
Z= Heart rate zone
Long Intervals
WU: 10-15:00
MS: 2x (2x 8:00 as 5:00 Z2/3:00 Z3) take a 5:00 ES between sets
CD: 5-10:00
Long Intervals II
WU: 5-10:00
MS: 3x 10:00 as (5:00 Z2/5:00 Z3)
5:00 ES between each interval
CD: 5-10:00
High Cadence Pyramid
WU: 10-15:00
MS: 4 x :30>100rpm then :30 ES
1/2/3/4/5:00/4/3/2/1 >100rpm
(Z 2+ – 3-) 2:00 RI between all intervals
CD: 5-10:00
HC/BG
WU: 10-15:00
MS: pick a gear to get your HR into upper Z2 and low Z3
6x 4:00 ( 2x 1:30 HC/ :00 BG) with 2:00 ES b/w the 4:00 sets
HC=100rpm, BG= 70 rpm
CD: 5-10:00
Turbo
* Do with front gear elevated about 4-6 inches
WU: 10:00
MS: 4 x (5:00 Z2/ 5:00 Z3) with 3:00 RI b/w the intervals
CD: 10:00
Turbo II
* Do with from gear elevated about 4-6 inches
WU: 10:00
MS: 4 x 7:00 as ( 4:00Z2/ 3:00 Z3) with 3:00 RI inbetween
CD: 10:00
HC turbo intervals
WU: 10-15:00
MS
8-10 set as :30 seconds >100rpm / :30 easy
then do: 5-6 sets as 2x (1:30>100 rpm + :30 BG or increased wattage. HR Z2+ 3-) take 2:00 ES RI
CD: 5-10:00
I will continue with other workouts later…Food is calling my name! Happy (indoor) training!
Kevin tryin’ out my indoor set up
17 Feb 2013 3 Comments
in cycling, Food/Nutrition Tags: bicycle culture, bicycling, bicycling in Europe, Eating habits, green living, healthy living, recycling
After a whirlwind two weeks in Europe, I’m back to reality. Returning after spending three years away from Europe allowed me to see it with a new set of eyes, so to say. As Kevin said to me the first day we were in Luxembourg, “You are so natural here.” It did feel odd being back at first, but then, yes, I must agree with him. It felt natural to be back home. The French and German barely ever used in the States came back right away, and mannerisms changed. I’ve got to say, a lot of Europeans know what it means to live. They’ve got it down. How? Let me give some examples. If you have been abroad, you might agree (or disagree) on some of the following points.
Food
There are no “All-you-can-eat” restaurants, or never-ending breadsticks and salad refills at restaurants. When you go to dine at a restaurant, the table is yours for the evening. You sit, talk, and can easily spend hours at the restaurant. This gives you time to reflect on what you are eating, and taste the food. You are not rushed. Why is this a good thing? Well, it gives you more of an awareness of the distinct flavors, and aromas of what you are eating. It is also good for your body, as it gives your body time to know when it is full. With the American “all you can eat” mentality, they are shoving unnecessary (and in many cases, unhealthy) food into their bodies. The non-stop refill of breadstick bowels never gives the body time to say “I am full.” Yes, obesity is on the rise in Europe, but not nearly to the extent in America. I feel the manner in which Americans eat contributes to this. Lunch times tie into this– Europeans spend more time eating their lunch,unlike many Americans who gobble their food within minutes, often times eating at their desk. I am guilty of this. And it is such a horrible habit to get into.
The food I had was amazing. Everything was fresh. Not everything I ate was healthy–I’m sure I had more cheese and bread and beer/wine than is necessary–but, those foods are eaten in moderation overseas. I do admit, however, from now on, those items which I ate in excess will not be eaten for awhile, mostly because Kraft cheddar cheese just doesn’t compare to fresh country goat cheese. Also, because of training which commences tomorrow 
Activity/Exercise/Transportation
Let me tell you a little side story. When I moved back to America for university, and my first year out of university, I did not own a car. Infact, I did not learn how to drive until I was 22. I specifically moved to a place where I could use public transportation. I also walked everywhere. When I say everywhere, I mean it. I owned a shopping cart, and lugged shelving units, a printer/scanner, a mirror, new luggage…Everything…In that shopping cart. The closest target was 2 miles away along a busy highway–And I would walk there, with my cart, as the metro did not go to that. Trader Joes was about a mile from my apartment, as was the gym i belonged to. And, the walks to places never stopped me from going there. This is very similar to European life. In the Netherlands, where instead of walking, people bike. It was amazing how many bikes there are.
A bicycle parking lot outside of Delft’s train station (The Netherlands)
There are bike lanes everywhere. I noticed that in Luxembourg, bicycling is becoming much more prevelant in the city than it was when I lived there. People are able to rent bicycles, and then park them at different locations.
One of many rental stations found around Luxembourg.
They created bike lanes. I know certain cities in the United States haves developped bicycle transportation systems, I only wish more would do so. With all this activity, people are fitter, and healthier as a result. Imagine breathing the fresh air on your daily commute to work instead of being in a stuffy car? (I do realize not all places are commutable via bicycle and cars are necessary–even cars over there are smaller, more economical, and simply more practical. Tell me, how is a Hummer practical in a city? After my recent trip back, I’m going to make an effort to bike places more– bike to my local grocery stop, or into town for errands–to only use my car when I need to use it.
A bicycle in Amsterdam–notice two children can sit on it
Environmental issues
In Luxembourg, a couple years ago, grocery stores stopped having plastic bags for people to pack their groceries in. They started selling reusable shopping bags. Actually, many other places in Europe did the same thing. If you were without a bag, there were plastic bags, but you had to pay for each bag. I know that my local Stop and Shop is attempting to get people to use reusable shopping bags, and give you a discount when you do bring your own bag. But it still pains me to see people bagging their groceries–sometimes double bagging– their groceries, when it is simply completely wasteful, and does the environment harm. I know stores over in the US are doing their best, but if I were them, I would cut out the plastic bags altogether. That way, people are forced to use reusable shopping bags. If different countries can do it, so can we.
Along with reusable bags is recycling. Where I live, you can recycle certain things. And communities are making an effort by providing people with recycling bins. But so much more can be done…I do not want to bore you will my ramblings on recycling, because I do have quite a few thoughts on the subject.
I could go on and on with other differences. Are there things where you live which you love, or would love to see change?
I agree 100%
12 Feb 2013 6 Comments
in cycling, duathlon, Running, triathlon Tags: Duathlon, duathlon training, marathon, marathon training, race addiction, race emotions, running races
If you have ever participated in a race (running, cycling, duathlon, or triathlon), you may understand the thought process associated with racing. I do not mean with the actual participation in a race, or emotions during a race–that is a completely separate post–but what is involved when choosing races. For me, looking at potential races is, ehh, addicting.Sometimes I think there should be a support group for people like me who constantly search for races that I can participate in.
“Hello, my name is Molly. I am a raceaholic.”
I came to this conclusion the other day, still on holiday, when I turned to Kevin and showed him a race website.
“Maybe I should train for this one?” I suggest, with a spark of excitement in my eye. Kevin let out a soft sigh.
“Molly, no. Put the laptop away…No races right now.” I silently shut the laptop, and did not think about races.
Less than twenty four hours later, while everyone was sleeping, and after failed attempts to watch ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ on Hulu (FYI, Hulu does not work overseas), I found myself yet again searching for races. Working certain weekends affords less opportunities to participate in certain races, as most races take place on weekends–which is a reason why I think I cherish when my schedule does let me participate in a race. I find myself scrolling through races throughout the state (or outside the state for that matter). Ouu…a 50k on September 8th of 2013! That is a weekend I am not working—I could totally pull that off. Wait, even better, a 5k on Saturday, and a duathlon the next day….Perfect! There have been times when I’ve had to stop myself, and think realistically regarding certain distance races, which, I guess most people do not have to do. I.e. When I decided that running a 50miler on a Saturday and doing a sprint Triathlon the following Sunday would not be a good idea.
Returning to the night of the sad acceptance of my inability to watch trashy television shows overseas, I decided to run a marathon this May. On my birthday. Why not? I ran my first marathon on my 21st birthday…Running another one on my 27th sounds like fun!’** Mind you, the amount of time to train for said marathon will be cut a little short, but I am not worried about that. I’m not one to stick to training plans…Or train at all for that matter. However, I am determined to change that aspect of running races, as my body is not the young, limber one it was when I did my other marathons. Long gone are the days when I can decide two days before a marathon to actually take part in it, and have a functioning body post-race.
Anyway, there is a thrill associated with registering for a race. Once you click that “Register” button, or send in that mail-in registration form (which do not exist with too many races anymore), there is no going back. The challenge of the race awaits. It is exciting! However, my mentality of “just finish the race without dying” does not apply to multisport races. Different emotions errupt when registering with those. A competitive drive forces me to study my past results, and the results of others in my age group…To train so that I will be faster than last year…Get through transition times quicker and more efficiently.
Finishing the Luxembourg Marathon–my first marathon, 2007
Do you share similar thoughts and feelings towards racing?
*I admit it, I watch TRHW.
**Not too many people consider running marathons fun. Truth be told, it is fun when you finish.
***I convinced Kevin to run the marathon with me in May. This will be his first marathon. Ohh what I can convince people to do.
01 Feb 2013 2 Comments
in cycling, Food/Nutrition, Nursing/Medicine, Running Tags: chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes, cold weather riding, ferncliff forest, hudson valley, trail running, vegan smoothies
Nowadays, it is rare when I find myself wide awake in the early hours of the morning. Late night midnight or early two am runs have not occurred in over a year now.After tossing and turning, I decided to get up and do something productive since I could not sleep. And what better way to beat insomnia than write a blog post? Yes, I do realize it has been for-e-ver since I have written.
Mother nature has been acting rather odd as of late. From digit-freezing weather to giving us a glimpse of springtime, only to take that glimmer of reminiscing how amazing spring is away from us. I did go out on a couple road rides bundled up as a riding ninja, but not as much as I have been riding in the past due to the fact I lost one of my beloved lobster gloves. Bad circulation + riding in freezing temperatures = me unable to use my hands for a couple hours post-ride until they thaw…Which is an incredibly painful process. Spring, please come soon.
I was able to, however, capture a couple awesome shots of the frozen land.
Trail run
Frozen ride
…So was Kevin on weekend days when I had to work.
A little too close to the ridge for my comfort.
Due to the lost glove, I’ve been spending more time on the trainer (ugh), and Kevin actually purchased rollers so he could ride indoors.* Note: He once told me that he would never ride indoors. I’m pretty sure he was jealous of my indoor riding and wanted in on the fun. I even captured a moment of him trying out my set-up before he realized what he was missing.
Caught!
In between working way too much ( it IS possible for this girl to turn into a workaholic), my baking adventures continue, as evidenced by the photo below. If colleagues decide I should quit nursing and bake all the time, I guess the baked goods are noteworthy. That, or I’m just a lousy nurse–I prefer to think the former.
Chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes
Since I do not like cupcakes/cake, Kevin has been an eager guinea pig to test my creations before they head to work. In the meantime, I’ve become a fan of making smoothies (which is a post in itself) in an attempt to consume healthy things. Below is one with almond milk, peanut butter, banana, blueberries, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds. Vegan/vegetarian friendly and ohh-so-delicious, especially post workout.* I’m looking for protein powders to perhaps add, if anyone has suggestions of a good type/brand?
Mmmmm
On the subject of nursing, nursing outside of the workplace has actually come in handy numerous times. For example, having your bag with scissors and tape allows for improptu Valentines Day gift wrapping in your car. I can also just lounge in–clean– scrub bottoms when I am too lazy to even put on sweat pants on a day off. Now that, there, is just plain LAZY lazy.
Well, I suppose I should try to get some zzz’s in before Kevin and I head to Europe later today. Yup, going back to my homeland! When I return, photos from the trip will be shared, and training for races will resume.
Happy February everyone!
Post script: Since writing this, I found my second Lobster glove!
21 Dec 2012 1 Comment
in cycling, Running Tags: Dean bikes, ferncliff forest, mountain biking
If the world does not know, they will now: Kevin recently got a new mountain bike. I’ve shared how amazing he is on a mountain bike, not to mention amazingly patient when going on rides with me. And I never realized until the other day, that I have not given him nearly enough credit for his ability to handle a bike on rocks, over roots, through mud, especially since he’s been riding a bike with no suspension.
Having multiple bikes within eyesight, or new bikes I should say, cast some sort of strange spell on me, and, for reasons unknown to me, I thought it would be interesting to try out a non-suspended mountain bike. To be more precise, Kevins mountain bike.
And, before I continue, I must apologize to him for what I am about to share, since he doesn’t know what happened until he reads this
I think it was fatigue from long, tough hours at work that caused me to think riding a rigid mountain bike would be a good idea. Why not? Nice day for a ride…All I had to do was change the seat height, and change the pedals. (The bike was still too big for me to ride with the seat post lowered…But that did not stop me.) As I went to take his pedals off so I could use mine, I was met with resistance that a giant with the strength of a thousand giants—those suckers were stuck on! (Excuse my lame analogy of giants and strength…) Did Kevin not grease his threads?!? Kevin, the man who told me the importance of greasing any threads on a bike when he taught me how to assemble a bike? I was aghast. After what seemed like eternity trying to take off his pedals I was able to do so with success. For you readers out there, please, grease the pedal threads before installing them onto your bike. It makes it much easier for the person who wants to secretly ride your bike to take them off.
I began my ride along a road, and the bike felt like riding any other bike on pavement, hence leading me to believe it was easy. It only dawned on me, suddenly, upon entering Ferncliff forest that perhaps this “great idea” I had was not such a “great idea.” All you have to do is let your legs and arms be the suspension, Mol, legs and arms was my mantra. For the first few dips and turns, all was well in the world. Yes, the bike was big, and yes, my arms and legs felt like they were disconnected from my body, but I was riding.
Then I came up to trees lying across the path. Ohh crap, trees…Yes, Molly, those are the same trees that have been lying across the path for the past two years you’ve been riding those trails. With my full suspension bike, I just let the bike do the work for me. And so I prepared to go over the trees like I would on normally. Alas as I started to get ready to raise the handle bars, I realized there is no front suspension fork. Panicking, I forced the bike over the tree only to to be startled by lack of suspension and fell. Ka-Boom!
First thing I thought of, “is his bike okay?” (don’t you worry, I researched the value of the bike before I rode it…Man, are Dean Bikes pricey) not if I had any broken bones, which I had not, thank goodness. Part of me thought I should just turn around, and that nothing positive could come out of riding a rigid bike. Not to mention, a bike that wasn’t mine.
Did I listen to the little voice in my head telling me to turn around? Pshh, me? No way. I continued through the forest on the bike attempting to stay on the bike and not off it, and low and behold there have been some changes done to the forest paths…Which are pretty awesome, if I must admit. However, those changes must wait until I have my full suspension bike back…Heaven knows what bones or frames would be broken if I were to attempt them on a rigid. The powers within me decided that it was probably most practical to stop the ride and head back while my Kevins bike was in one piece. Every rock caused my brain to rattle within my skull and arms feel like putty from my death grip on the bars. I think that encounter will fulfill my “longing” to ride a bike without suspension for….meh…the rest of my life.
On a different note, on my run today on pavement, a car stopped and thanked me for wearing such brightly colored, reflective outerwear. I was completely surprised, but it is hard to miss a girl running in bright blinding neon colored jacket, head band, and bright pink running shoes…So, dearest driver, my pleasure for blinding you with my assortment of awesome 3M reflective attire. I will continue to do so with you in mind.
Note: since this has been written, the pedals have been placed back on the Dean with lubricant.
03 Dec 2012 4 Comments
in All Others, cycling, Running Tags: christmas, Dean bikes, ferncliff forest, mountain biking, Rhinebeck Christmas, Running
What’s been happening this holiday season?
My man ran his second Turkey Trot, and is a Speedy Gonzales. I decided he will start training for a marathon after the first run we did together…He just doesn’t know it yet.
No one can miss two people running in these shoes.
He has been a true sport, indulging in my (perhaps sometimes excessive) love for this season; from dragging him around Rhinebeck to look at store displays and holiday decorations to watching a Muppet Christmas Carol with me…Okay, he fell asleep five minutes into the movie, but he started watching it with me, and put up with me singing along with the muppets to what might be the best Christmas soundtrack out there. Last weekend, we were able to have a “late” night out on the town, giving me the opportunity to snap a zillion photos, and force Kevin to take photos in front of the Rhinebeck Christmas tree.
All dressed up, ready for dessert
He gives “digging in” a new meaning
It’s his, “What did I get myself into with this crazy girl?” look.
Sinterklaas came!
Kevin was a little jealous of Santa…
I was able to decorate trees that Martha Stewart would be proud of. From this:
The tree was a little heavier than I thought…And a little larger…
To this:
The best gifts ever, homemade chainring ornaments with spoke hanger-things, had to come out from their hiding place, and hang on Molly crafted garlands.
Even Kevin got in the spirit when decorating his tree with the five ornaments he owns…He was warned of how excited I get in the winter last year when he was greeted at his front door with a strange girl holding a bag of Christmas tree ornaments in one hand, and four foot tree–already put together–in the other. Yes, that girl was me. To be fair, I waited until after Thanksgiving this year to decorate his house for Christmas. All I need is for Silk soymilk to come out with their Chocolate mint milk, and I’ll be all set for the season.
Nurses rock, even snowman nurses
My bike is very happy that the weather in December has been amazing as of late. Yes, I miss the time when I didn’t have to worry about losing feeling in my digits, but I could get used to having no snow, even as much as I love white winters.
So long, warm weather…See you in a couple months
I seem to find new trails–or make my own trails thinking they are actual trails– and come across crazy bike obstacles going down hills. I thought about trying out my skillz on said obstacles, but then decided my arms and legs are much more useful to me when not broken.
Mountain bikes seem to be accumulating in the barn. Watching Kevin play on his new full suspension bike was like watching a little child receiving the toy truck he asked Santa for…So long, rigid Dean…
My man’s got skillz
…Kevin will be found on a bike with a suspension fork from now on.
And I leave you with a song straight from a Muppet Christmas Carol.
Happy Holidays!
“Wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas”
