Tri # 2

Weekends at home are just too short! Friday was busy with unpacking, laundry, and errands. One stop was a follow-up with the podiatrist for my heel. Bad news on that front. It is a little better but not much. He wants me to rest completely for 2 weeks. That is not going to happen. So I have to wear this lovely boot at night (which is a major pain-o to lug to California) and spring for the very pricey custom orthotics.

Immediately ignoring my take it easy and always wear sneakers order, Bryan and I went to sky zone Friday night. It's a huge room full of trampolines. You can even bounce off the walls. We were the oldest people there by at least a decade, but still had a blast.

Saturday was a double header at the gym and then off to volunteer at the soup kitchen. There is a Wheaton volunteer group that goes twice a month and I've been wanting to go for awhile. I feel like I am so incredibly fortunate, and I need to remind myself of that. I am also working to increase my comfort with the homeless. It is just something I was not exposed to at all growing up. They are just people, and I tried to treat them that way. Then Amy, a college roomie who I haven't seen in years came for dinner. We ended with these cookies- that I just had to make. Chocolate chip cookie wrapped oreos!Your arteries will not thank you, but your mouth will.

Then, today to wrap things up I had a tri. Outfitted in my new tri suit, I thought I was ready for open water. How different from the pool could it really be?? Very. It was awful. I got kicked in the face and huge gulp of water up my nose in the first minute. I resorted to backstroking and side stroking for the rest of the swim. It seemed endless. But the bike was heavenly, and I was moving faster than I've moved in awhile on the run. 8 minute miles!! I finished in 1:14, good for second place in my age group.

If I am not tired enough to sleep on the plane today, I will never be!

Weekend in Sonoma

I had to stay over the weekend in California for work, which was a bummer because I had to miss the Trek. However, we didn't actually end needing to do much work. So we got to enjoy, a lovely and HOT weekend in Sonoma county. Saturday afternoon I went for a long hike in Annandel State Park. I couldn't believe the number of people, especially mountain biking out on the trails. This is a huge park, with hundreds of trails, and I saw people on every trail I was on. Then, I met the other consultants and we went to an interesting Euro soul food place called Lokal in Sonoma.

Sunday, I managed to hook up with the Santa Rosa cycling club. They were fantastically nice, and managed to round me up a bike, helmet, and gloves. We did a lovely rolling ride through the Russian River valley. I couldn't believe the sheer number of vineyards. The roads and scenery are just so amazing- you could probably do a different ride every day for years.

Then we hit up a couple vineyards. Matanzas Creek where the lavender fields were just coming into bloom. Then to the fancy Ledson, in a Normandy style castle. Long bike ride + heat + lots of wine in a short period of time = rest of the night conked out on the couch!

Birthday musings

My birthday is this week which always makes me reflective. Lately, my life has been feeling pretty redundant and boring. I feel like I’m doing the same runs at the same pace on the same roads, like I’m wasting days sitting for hours staring at a computer screen, like I’m wasting nights watching the same TV shows on the same couch. But then I thought about what I’ve done in the last year
-I went to Ghana and saw poverty and sickness like I’d never seen. But at the same time I saw faith and gratitude like I’d never seen.
-I changed jobs. It was scary leaving a secure position where I great potential, but where I was unhappy.
- I went to Antarctica and ran a marathon. I got to see incredible natural beauty, meet incredible people, and learned that I do have what it takes to dig deep and finish something really difficult.
-I got my master’s degree in public health. For me this was harder than my undergraduate degree because I did it while working full time and paid for it myself.
Looking at it this way, I had a pretty spectacular year. So why I am ending it feeling unfulfilled? I’m coming to the conclusion that, in the end, life is not about the big moments. Life is the everyday: seeing a perfect sunset on your morning run, the first sip of coffee, a conversation with a friend, a hot bowl of macaroni and cheese on a cold night. So I am making that my mission for this year- to recognize, appreciate, and savor the little minutes. The moment I savored this morning was the cool splash as I dove into the pool after my long birthday run. If I had to be away from home and working on my birthday, at least I still got to do a long run along a path by a lake and then jump in an icy pool at the end.

Martha's Vineyard

The problem with being from an island in Maine, is that I tend to spend all of my vacation time on that island. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it has kept me from exploring all of the other amazing places in New England in the summer. So when I saw a Groupon for ferry tickets to Martha's Vineyard, I decided to change that. So glad I did, what a great place.

Friday was the best day we've had in 2 weeks- sunny and not humid. We took the 9:35 slow ferry, and as soon as we got on the boat I started to relax. We landed in Oak bluffs and headed right out on the bike trail to Edgar town. The path was flat, smooth, and ran right along the ocean. The miles of sandy dunes and warm air made me feel like I was in the tropics instead of Massachusetts. We stopped and walked on the beach in Katama before heading back up-island to Vineyard Haven for a stop at the famous Mad Martha's ice cream. This section was less scenic and hillier, but the bike path was still great! Fueled up by ice-cream, we did the last short section back to Oak Bluffs where we had just enough time to take a swim (I couldn't believe how warm the ocean was!) before the ferry back. Then it was fried clams in Hyannis for dinner before heading home. Summer is glorious.

Slow and steady heals the heel, but doesn't win the race

I've been in the new orthotics now for 3 weeks. I think I'm getting better, but maybe that's because I'm just not running much. I've averaged like 2 runs a week, and I feel like I'm getting slower and slower. This morning I was struggling to keep a 10 min mile pace. Maybe I'm tired from the weekend? On Saturday, I did a 50 mile ride with the AMC that was pretty hilly. I was dead tired at the end. Also pretty discouraging, since 2 years ago I was doing centuries. Maybe it's a good thing I have to work and can't do the Trek across Maine this year. If I was that tired after 50 miles, how would I manage 3 days in a row of 60+ miles? I feel like I'm working harder, and yet have nothing to show for it. I weigh more, I hurt more, and I'm slower.

Summer is here, and I'm stuck in sneakers

Since I was working from home last week, I finally had the chance to go to a new foot doctor. He confirmed that I wasn't imagining that my heel pain was getting worse- my plantar fascia is literally starting to rip off my heel. He gave me new orthotics and strict instructions to wear them in sneakers ALL THE TIME. No sandals, no heels, no going barefoot. A terrible fate for someone who is barefoot or in flip-slops most of the time.

Even worse is that the high arch support in the orthotics affected my stride and messed up my ankle. I woke up Saturday literally unable to walk. I was in Maine for the long weekend, so I didn't have the option of the gym or pool. So biking it was. Not terrible, but there is only one road that goes around the island. 8.5 miles is one time around. By Monday, I couldn't face one more loop.

Aside from the foot issues, I had a wonderful long weekend in Maine. It was pea soup fog most the weekend, and chilly, but it still felt like summer. The summer people are arriving, the restaurants are opening up, and the harbor is filling with boats. We slept in the boat house, drank margaritas on the deck, and went kayaking. Yesterday, I went to the Newagen parade (none of the villages is big enough to have enough people for a parade, so we all group together and have a traveling parade). Then it was back on the road, complete with a nice 8 hour layover in Chicago as my flight was delayed and delayed.

Graduation and noodles

It was a busy weekend of graduations. I had my hooding ceremony Friday- it was strange to finally meet everyone I've been taking on-lines classes with for years. No one was like I expected. And I am now officially an MPH. I need a new hobby to do on the plane now that I don't have homework.

Saturday I elected to skip my own graduation, since it was going to be a million hours long. I figured the morning was better spent running around the boulevard (my favorite run ever), hanging out with my friends in Maine, and getting to Vermont early enough to hit up Ben and Jerry's and Cabot for tours and samples. Sunday was my cousin's graduation at UVM. He also elected to blow off the early morning long, college wide ceremony, and we went out for a great brunch instead. Then we did some shopping before the college of arts and sciences ceremony at 2:30. He and his friends hosted a BBQ after the ceremony, so it was a late night. I didn't get home til after midnight.

But that's okay, because I am working at home this week! I am taking advantage and cooking as much as possible. Last night for the roomie's b-day I made mac and cheese (a new light version with pureed veggies instead of cream and butter) and a salad with bitter greens and caramelized carrots. Tonight, I made an asian stir fry. I went to the little local market and they didn't have fresh noodles, so I made my own. I've had my pasta maker for a little over a year, but tonight's noodles were by far the best I've made. I used a combination of water and egg yolk for the liquid, and then really kneeded the dough. I then let it rest for 3 hours. Wonderful, chewy noodles.

Holy stink Batman

Be very glad you were not the person sitting next to me on the plane today. I stayed in San Francisco last night because I had a 6 am (ick) flight this morning. So, I took the opportunity to cross another thing off my Northern California to do list- The Stinking Rose. The Stinking Rose is a restaurant in North Beach famous for the massive quantities of garlic in all their food. I was meeting 3 of the other consultants from work. Vanessa and I were starving, and the other 2 were running late, so we sat down to have an appetizer while we waited. We got a panzanella type salad, heavy on the garlic, which we had with rolls and garlic pesto. When Jose and Diana arrived, we moved on to the signature appetizer, the bagna caulda. Basically whole garlic gloves slow roasted in olive oil. For our meal, we shared a massive platter of shrimp and crab with 3 different types of garlic dipping sauce. I was a greasy, happy, full mess by the end of the meal. I brushed my teeth about 4 times last night, and twice this morning, but I still taste garlic. As if I wasn’t stinky enough, I realized after I hit up the elliptical at the hotel gym at 4 am (again ick), that I left my deodorant in Santa Rosa.

The ceiling in the room where we sat was covered in wine bottles and the longest garlic string in the world.

To keep this from ending on that gross note, I’m also posting some pictures from the Luther Burbank garden, where I walk during my lunch in Santa Rosa. I finally remembered to bring my camera and take pictures yesterday.

I did my first triathalon today, and I loved it! I go to a great bootcamp on Satruday mornings and the instructor urged us all to sign up. It was just the little push I needed. I was the most nervous about the swim. I’ve done plenty of biking and running, but not a whole lot of swimming (other than paddling around leisurely). I woke in the early morning, to the sound of pouring rain. Great. Luckily the down pours stopped before the race, and it was just overcast and cold. I was intimidated when I first got there. Everyone had on fancy trisuits, and I was wearing an old bathing suit and shorts. I wore my shorts on the swim partly to cover up my butt, and partly because the swimsuit was so loose I was afraid it might fall off! I had no idea when I signed up what estimated time to put for the swim, so I said 20 minutes. That put me at the very end of the line to start. So I had a nice hour to stand and get nice and nervous and watch everyone whiz through the water. But once I started, I was good. The swimming felt nice and easy, and it only took me 5 minutes. Then, I was back on familiar ground. I struggled to get my shirt on over my wet body (didn’t think to bring a towel), and then I was riding. The bike loop was hilly, but nothing too terrible. It felt good to be moving fast, and I even passed a few people. The bike was over before I knew it, and I was back out on the run. You’d think the run would be the easiest part for me. It wasn’t. It hurt. But, I knew I could suck it up for 3 miles, so I chugged along and managed to pass a few more people. I loved that everyone had their age on their calves, so I knew who my targets were! I was shocked to find out that I’d come in 2nd in my age group, and in the top half over all. Already looking for next one!

Muir Woods

I’m realizing that my contract in Northern California is nearly up, and there is still so much I haven’t done. Every time I drive by the Muir Woods exit, I want to get off, but never have the time. I didn’t have to go into the office this morning, but I still got myself up early so that I would finally have time to stop. Amazing.
I got there right when they first opened, so I was alone on the trail, surrounded by the towering redwoods in the chill of the early morning with only the sound of the stream in the background. After 2 weeks of LIVE craziness at work, it was the perfect place to stop and remember what matters. Looking at the small piece that a human lifespan represents in the life of a redwood, we are reminded that life is short. Carpe diem.

And so even though it meant cutting it close at the airport, I took the time to stop at Muir beach as well. Nothing makes me happier than burying my toes in the warm sand and then dunking them in a cold ocean. I climbed up the steep 900 steps to the overlook. San Francisco emerged out of the fog on one side, the Pacific opened up on the other, and the green rolling hills of Mt. Talampali rose up behind me.

The morning was a nice pause for reflection. The quiet of the woods, the steepness of the trail, and the narrow windy roads with sharp drop-offs on one side forced me to slow down from my usual frantic pace.

Farmer's Market!

The best thing about California is that there is fresh produce months ahead of when we get it at home. This week I've been to several farmer's markets and been feasting on strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, fresh greens, bread, and goat cheese (I don't know what it is about goat cheese lately, I'm obsessed. Like the saying, you had at hello. You had me at the goat cheese. Anything it's in, on, and near, I want!)
The Wednesday night market in Santa Rosa was especially fantastic. They shut down the whole center of the town. There is live music, entertainment, wine tasting, and tons of people.

Darkness, Darkness

All great and beautiful work has come of first gazing without shrinking into the darkness.
-John Ruskin

I miss the darkness. I grew up in places where there was nothing, really, to fear at night. The worst you might encounter was a small critter, a raccoon or porcupine, that was easily enough scared away with the flash of a flashlight or a loud clap. Even though my attack happened in the broad daylight, I am now afraid of being alone in the dark. Last night I worked the command center until 1 am and I had to walk to my car alone. I was terrified. I hate that. I hate not being able to trust people. I miss standing alone and staring up at the car. I miss that feeling of having the world to yourself that you only get late at night. I miss running in the darkness, it was when I felt the fastest and lightest.

California Dreaming

Having already admitted that I was able to appreciate the virtues of living in Boston, I know must concede that I can see how people love living in California as well. I went for a nice 12.5 mile run this morning, and only a mile of it was on the road. The rest was on the lovely trails around Spring Lake, Howarth Park, and Annandel State Park. Not only were there great rails, but there were water fountains everywhere, so I didn't have to lug my water bottle. Get with it New England!
When I finished my run I got to jump into a pool, and then eat breakfast poolside while I did a little work.

In the afternoon, I went to the Korbel Champagnery for free tasting and tour. I learned a lot- like that champagne is fermented twice, and to get the yeast out at the end they freeze the neck of bottle and pull it out. And I got two free flights of tastings!


Then, some one mentioned that Armstrong Redwood Forest was right now the road, so I stopped. SOOO glad I did. It was a humbling and moving experience. The enormous trees shaded the path, making it wonderfully cool even on a hot day. They absorbed sound, so it felt like I was alone and far away from world. Some of the trees are more than a 1,000 years old. It was easy to imagine myself a young Native American, running lightly through the forest. Natural wonders like the giant redwoods just remind me how small a human life is in the span of history. And yet, we have the capacity to wreak such havoc in that short time. There are so few redwoods left, not because of nature, but because of us.

Requiem for a Dream

I am sitting in my hotel room eating soup out of the can crying at an episode of "Make it or Break It," a ridiculous drama on ABC family for teenagers. But, because it's about gymnastics I just have to watch. I'm sure a good part of it is just that I am completely over tired from the 12-14 hour days I've been putting in at work this week, but part of me regrets giving up the sport when I did. It was my first and greatest passion. It is a wonderful and dangerous thing to have have something that totally consumes you. At night when I'm falling asleep I picture myself doing a bar routine: whipping around the bar, casting up and balancing for an instant in that perfect handstand, letting go and flying through the air before nailing the landing. I miss that perfect mastery of my body. Running is good, but it isn't the same. Gymnastics demands all of your attention, every second. What does happen to a dream deferred? I don't think it does dry up like a raisin in the sun.

Born not to run

I must admit that I never thought of plantar fasciitis as a real injury. “Big deal, your heel hurts,” was my general opinion. Then, I got my karmic revenge- I got plantar fasciitis. It’s been more than two years, and I hardly remember what it felt like to walk and run pain free. I’ve done a round of cortisone injections, physical therapy, switched shoes, got orthotics, slept with a horrible foot brace to keep my foot flexed, and shivered multiple times a day as I iced my feet. And yet every step still hurts, a lot.
Some part of me knows that stopping running and high impact activity might resolve it. But it would be stopping for a long time, and I have trouble taking a single day off. Working out is my sanity, in a life where I spend 14 hours a week on a plane and 10-12 hours sitting at a desk. Not only is running the most physically and mentally satisfying, it is often the only practical option, as I’m away from home and need to work-out in the early morning before the gym is open. The daily sweat session is my absolution from guilt about what I ate, it is my peace from the constant bombardment of e-mail and phones, it is a chance to remember who I am. I can’t give that up, even if it means living in pain.