Bears and wasps and me trying to mountain bike

I enjoy taking my mountain bike out this time of year. It is completely different from the tri bike, and so, it challenges my brain to fire neurons along new paths. I think this is a good thing. :) :)

There is a great hill one minute and 30 seconds away from my house -- it starts on pavement and then changes into dirt/loose rock/loose dirt. The grade is steady and significant, and the road is not technical by any means -- but technical enough for me.



To those who TRULY mountain bike, I must look like a total tool. I have a really nice mountain bike -- a really, really nice mountain bike that I do very little mountain biking on. I go up logging or fire roads and still end up falling off much of the time. I've accepted it.

I suppose my mountain biking skills are the equivalent of a noob triathlete decked out with carbon goggles, disc wheel, and $8000 bike and coming in dead last at the races. Yup, I'm pretty bad. Hahahahaha!

And I am completely unashamed of it too -- When I have to ride my mountain bike between two rocks or I go over a big boulder and my wheel spins and I am momentarily stopped in my tracks, my heart pounds and I pedal like a maniac to keep going. I feel exhilarated!! I feel like a REAL mountain biker!!



You should see me when I go downhill -- again only on fire roads. I stand, put my bum over my rear wheel and feel like such a stud. I am way too chicken to really let 'er loose on the downhills -- I save that fun for triathlon. No, for me, mountain biking is all about getting out in the bush and getting off my tri bike.



Also, I am a big wimp. I HATE falling off my mountain bike. I HATE getting bloody elbows and ugly bruises -- which is why I like to stick to the widest roads possible.
Even with all these precautions: big roads, easy routes; I manage to tip over every now and then. Tuesday was such a day.

I was happily pedaling up "my" hill -- I had already had a couple of close calls... The gravel was deep in places and the rocks big. Sheer terror kept my legs spinning uphill so I didn't fall over though. Plus, I'm always worried that a truck or ATV'er is going to come by and I won't be able to move out of their way on an uphill part because the gravel is too deep for me to ride on.

Can you imagine? Driving behind this chick on a dirt road --- who is riding up the middle (flattest, safest) part of the road and won't pull over to let you by? The thing is, the hills are steep enough, where I can only go UP not across. If I veer sideways for even a moment, down I go. So, these are the thoughts running through my head as I pedal like a mad fool to get to the top.



On Tuesday, I was approaching the ultimate *top* of the hill, and was getting excited. It would have been my first time to the top this year...

That said, the road was in rough shape -- it had deteriorated quite a bit from last year. There were big ruts all over the place, lots of thicker dirt and rocks. Many times I was pedaling like crazy and my wheels would just spin. My heart rate was going like a mofo -- my animal instincts took over. Reality dimmed, and a tunnel vision set in: I so desperately didn't want to fall, I pedaled, pedaled, pedaled. My whole mind, sense of being, very existence was rooted to this one effort -- of moving forward and not falling down!

I started to panic the closer I got to the big rutted bit. Left, right, straight ahead? There was no easier or safer place for me to go! NOOOOO!! My eyes darted back and forth trying to pick a path. Time was running out...

I was inching close and closer. Suddenly, I had no choice, I valiantly tried to go down one rut and up the other side, when I fell over. $HIT!!!!! I HATE FALLING OVER!! I always fall over going uphill, so when I fall over it happens in slow motion. Which is the worst. Because you get to savour how much of a knob you are as you tip over to the side. LOL!!!!!

I lay there in the dirt and looked to see if I was still clipped in. No. Yet I couldn't unlcip when I was going over -- what the heck good does that do me??? I want to unclip BEFORE I fall over!! LOL!!!

Just a bit of bloody elbow and bruised legs -- that's another thing -- I probably don't fall properly either. Any sin you can commit on the mountain bike, I have most likely done it! Hahahahahaha!



I was shaking from adrenaline (pathetic isn't it, when the adrenaline kicks in because of a super slow motion tip over? I felt like a sleeping cow who has been tipped over by some drunken redneck!), and decided to head back downhill.



I talked to myself a lot here: "Take a deep breath, Julie. Just get back on your bike and ride. Just breathe. You're fine, get your head together and keep your wits about you."



I employed my usual mountain-bike-descent posture which never fails to leave me feeling like a mountain bike hero. I used the brakes a lot, but I was getting into my stud groove when up ahead I saw Mama and baby black bear emerging from the forest.



I just about pooped my pants, I kid you not. They didn't see me at first -- I was coming downhill at a good clip and was simultaneously thinking, "Do I yell to get their attention? Do I slow down? Do I speed up? WTF?????"

Suddenly, Mama heard/saw me and they both bolted across the road right in front of me. There were far enough ahead of me, that I slowed down a bit to see if there was another baby that was going to cross. I DID NOT want to be in between the bear family for even a moment. No baby, so I bolted.

Funny thing -- the very next thought that occurred to me was this: "I bet I could have pedaled up that rut if those bears were behind me." Hahahahahahahaha!!

See why I like mountain biking so much? There are many lessons to be learned about oneself....

Yesterday, I went for an easy 20 minute jog, up the highway and back. Right after I turned around, from across the river my two bear friends said hi. I couldn't believe it -- this is a sketchy spot for bears -- there is a bald spot on the mountain that is vertical scree and after that, the mountain is vertical. Nowhere else for the bears to go. They can only go up so far, before they have to backtrack.

Last year Mike and I watched as a conservation officer shot flares to scare a little back bear from crossing the river and possibly the highway. The little bear would scramble up the scree, have nowhere else to go, and then come back down, only to be scared by the flare gun again. And again, and again. Talk about an exercise in futility.

As for the wasp - I was minding my own business driving my car with the windows rolled down, when I felt a stabbing pain on the left of my back. You know that place that itches and you try to scratch it but it is just out of your reach? Right there.

I had no idea what was happening -- I pulled over and threw my 4-way flashers on. It was then I saw this wasp crawling around on my emergency brake. I got out of my car and using a map, flicked it out. HOLY CRAP did that sting ever hurt.



I've been stung by wasps before while cycling, and while they sting, they never really hurt. I think it might have something to do with getting stung while working out -- your blood is coursing through your veins, you don't feel it, I don't know. All I know is that this sucker stung me HARD and I was a big baby all afternoon because of it. LOL!!!

Wonder where I'll go biking today?

:) :) :) :)

HUGE thank you!!

I am so excited to share the news....

My local weightlifting club has agreed to sponsor me for a full year's membership!!! YAY!!!!!

The Crowsnest Pass Weightlifting Club has been kind enough to help me out this year -- thank you guys so much. You have no idea how much this means to me! Triathlon is a costly sport and your support is directly contributing to my development. Thank you so much for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity!!

I am very grateful to you guys!!

THANK YOU!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Itching to get started again

Ya, ya, ya I know it is good to do non tri stuff after Ironman, but really, I love this sport so much, it is impossible for me to resist. :) :)

I've done quite a bit of swimming since IMC -- a big difference from last year, when I basically laid on the couch for four weeks and then arose to start working out again. Hahaha!

I've taken my mountain bike out a couple of times and ran a couple of times as well -- but whooooo baby, the running takes A LOT out of me. It's funny, the two times I have run, have only been short 20 minute sessions, but seriously, they have taken so much out of me -- it's all I can do to drag myself through the door and crawl into bed. Hahahaha!

I now know how my Mom felt when she used to work at the dollar store -- she loved it so much she was there all the time and most people couldn't wrap their heads around it. So many people told her, "You have to take time off, you will burn out, etc, etc." She always maintained, "I love what I do -- leave me alone!"

By the way, my Mom was asking questions about lane swim/pool walker etiquette...

To my astonishment, she told me she'll be coming with me some mornings to the pool to do some water walking to strengthen her hip!! YAY!!! I'll be sharing a lane with my Mom!! :) :) :) :)

One more thing...hummus recipe for Susi:

1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans
1/4 - 1/2 cup Tahini
1/2 - 1/4 cup yogurt (you don't have to add it Susi, you can add a bit of water as you are mixing it to soften it up)
3-4 leaves of mint (Julie don't buy no stinking herbs, I left this out)
Juice of one lemon
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbps water if needed

Throw everything into food processor, whirl around and finito! :) :)

Putting it all together...

Apart from sleeping, napping, and dragging myself slowly around the house, I haven't been doing too much! Hahahaha!

Susi spent the weekend here, on her way home from Ironman Canada, and we relaxed in a grand style. I got her totally addicted to True Blood! Hahahaha!! We basically sat on the couch all day and night and watched episode after episode. I had to refrain from giving anything away when Susi would wager a guess, "Oh, he's a werewolf for sure." LMAO!!!!

Susi returned the favour by helping me out with my nutrition -- this girl knows her stuff! This past year, I struggled with not getting enough calories in -- and then gorging on ice cream bars, Chinese food, etc, when the painful hunger hit me. I couldn't figure out how I was supposed to subsist on salads -- it just wasn't enough for me.

Well, a weekend with nutritional guru Susi, has firmly planted me on the right track -- she has cleared up a lot of my misconceptions about eating -- namely, don't try to exist on salads alone -- bad idea!

She supervised me in the kitchen as I roasted vegetables and soaked steel cut oats. Susi, thank you so much for all your advice -- it is really working!!!!!

First off, was the much needed and long overdue purchase of coconut oil. Kelsey had tried to tell me about this before, but as all my friends know I can be pretty stubborn...LOL!! This plus the fact, that most health food stores give me the heebie-jeebies. As I told Susi, it had always seemed to me that really pale, skinny women who don't shave their armpits and buy crystals go there. When I would hear I "have" to buy such and such a product, I would automatically cringe and doubt -- wouldn't you? Hahahahaha!



Next, THIS is what I am eating now -- no more puny dit salads. Give me some full on vegetable love, baby! Hahahahaha!



I brought out my handy-dandy food processor and made my own hummus -- Chuck, just try it, OK? I know, I know, it looks like light poop, but trust me. LOL!!!



And the wonderful seaweed wrap or nori wrap!! Susi converted me to the delights of this!



And finally, again with my food processor, I whipped up some nice recovery balls -- coconut and date lovelies! :) :)



I am so excited to have FINALLY found some nutritional solutions -- things I can make without having to buy 79 ingredients -- simple, healthy, and truly NUTRITIOUS eating that fills me up with the right foods and leaves me satisfied and fueled.

I am ready for next year, baby!!! Hahahahahahaha!

Here's a Good Laugh --

Just found this on Slowtwitch -- hahahahahahaha!! Enjoy!

http://www.break.com/index/one-man-tour-de-france-prank.html

Ironman Canada 2009 Race Report

I remember when I *thought* I only wanted to do one Ironman in my life... Well, numero cinqo has come and gone and what a race it was! YEEHAWW!

Total time was 12:02:17 -- I managed to whack off one hour and 26 minutes from last year's time. :) :) :) :)

Swim was great! I felt super strong and fast -- funny that I was actually a few seconds SLOWER than last year! Hahahahaha!!

Bike -- Too many cyclists out there. I personally saw three crashes, and couldn't get around the PACKS of men, drafting and hogging the road. Seriously, I would have to scream "On your LEFT!!!!" and these guys would still be hugging the yellow line. I could go on forever about this, but I won't. All I know, is that if they don't start capping IMC's race numbers, 2010 will be the last time I race there.

Run -- Got a real good feeling passing those drafting packs of men on the run. Started falling apart -- lightheaded, woozy, that terrible but oh-so-familiar feeling I always get on the marathon portion -- at about mile 11. Started taking cola at every aid station and made sure to take some electrolyte pills. The electrolytes were what I needed. :) After downing the cola, I would run for 10-12 steps and then have to burp. I'd walk, pound my chest, emit two large and deep burps, and then run again. Heh-heh-heh!

I felt GREAT for finishing in the daylight (finally!) -- and am signed up for next year. Next year I am racing two IM's -- Couer D'Alene and Canada so I am sooooo excited about resuming training again. :) :)

For now, I'm in rest mode. :)

Amber -- I heard you shout my name on the bike course and then saw your logo "Women of Strength" emblazoned across your vehicle!! It was so awesome that you were there -- thanks for the boost! :) :)

Jenna -- You are the BOMB!!!!!! I heard you all day every where I went it seemed -- you are such an awesome spectator! :) :) :)

Keith -- I loved seeing you when I began the run. You looked so exhilarated and full of excitement yourself! :) :)

Sara -- YOU ARE THE BEST COACH EVER!!!!! :) :) :)

Of Faults and Unpredictability

The very nature of triathlon leads one to live an organized, compartmentalized, regimented sort of existence. Training is a priority -- we will get up at ungodly hours and shuffle errands and obligations around to get our workouts in. When we travel, we suss out the local pool, running paths, and local bike routes. Vacations, weddings, family outings, etc, are all planned around our race season and our training schedules.

Thus, triathlon very quickly eases one into a routine. Everyone develops his/her own unique routine, based on countless hours of experimentation and careful strategic planning. Some of us sleep in our workout clothes in order to capitalize on early-morning training time. Some of us buy multiple soap/shampoo/lotion products and leave a set at work, at the pool, and at the gym. Gradually, one becomes quite adept at packing swimming-to-work-to-running gear; stuffing sufficient tubes, C02 cartridges and nutrition in jersey pockets and bento boxes; and yes, even toting almonds, chopped up veggies and other snacks in various ziplock baggies to ward off the ever present nibblies. Whatever we do, we do it because it works for us.

Like mice finding the quickest path to the cheese, we follow our own habitual paths over and over again, until our routines harden into a substance very much like concrete. To the uninitiated (and to our loved ones), these routines can seem like border-line (or even full-blown) neuroses. For example, I treat my schedule like a writ from God. Let's call it "The Book of Sara." Whatever is on my schedule, I do. Religiously. Without excuses.

When a run is scheduled for 8:00am, I run at 8:00am. Through rain, snow, shine, doctor's appointments, life, whatever. My schedule says "do it" and I obey. If I have a bike ride scheduled for 3 hours, I will ride for exactly 3 hours. If I misjudge and go over the 3 hour mark, that's OK. But, if I am under, I circle the block, so to speak, until I reach the required time. I've prefaced so many of my conversations with, "I have to swim/bike/run today..." that my friends and family now ask ME what I have on schedule before they ask me for coffee or dinner! Terrible of me, I know! Hahahaha!

There are times when this blind, unthinking addiction to routine backfires though. I know I'm not alone in arriving at the pool only to realize that I forgot to pack my swimsuit. Or towel as was the case last week. The towel was no big deal -- my pool has a paper towel dispenser by the bathroom sinks. There I stood, butt-naked, pressing the paper-towel lever again and again and again and again. I'd grab a few rough brown paper sheets, dry off a random body part, and then start pumping the lever again.

Two girls who usually always swim when I do were just getting into the showers...I laughed and explained I forgot my towel. Instant friends. Isn't it strange how quickly you can make friends with people when you're naked? Hahahaha!

OK, back to when routines backfire...

Sometimes, I am so used to the timeless nature of my routine that I fool myself into thinking no time has passed --- not so good when your swimsuit needs to be replaced. Right Susi? Hee-hee!!!

But, what makes a triathlon routine so different from other routines? Ahhhh!!! Here is the sweet part:

It is true that a triathlon routine on the surface can appear to be rigid, unmovable, unforgiving. But appearances are deceiving. Triathlon teaches you to prepare for the unexpected, to deal with life's unexpected challenges. Hence, while sticking to my schedule, I've had to bike in hurricane-force winds, snow, sleet, rain, and sometimes even sun. I've had to deal with two flats, no C02 cartridges, and a long bumpy 50km bike ride back to my car.

In essence, I've learned how to get things done. To deal with life as it happens and not stress and worry when life throws me a curve ball: To change a flat tire, to get my hands dirty, to inhale a lot of water so I can learn how to flip-turn, to LIVE.

This is the innate paradox of triathlon....and I love paradox. Embedded into triathlon's seemingly strict tenets is a hardy resourcefulness; a penchant for dealing with the unexpected --- and thriving.

Last Thursday, I gauged the weather to be too hot for my dog of 11.5 years to join me for my run. She's older, I'm faster, and I worry about her cooling down enough in the various watering holes which I include in my route. Toby was rolling around in ecstasy in the shade in the backyard, when I made my move, and left to go for my run. The few times I've left her at home, she guilts me with an incredibly depressed look -- big, liquid dark brown eyes, gazing up at me with the saddest expression you will ever see. Tail down, body posture shrunken in, like she has been kicked and abandoned. GAD!

Nonetheless, it was HOT, and I told her to "Watch the house," like I always do, and off I went. Ipod cranked, I ran about 2.5km when I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I was running up the highway, when to my immediate left, a little black shape cruised up beside me. TOBY! Hahahahahaha!

I couldn't get mad -- she was quite pleased with herself -- you could see that in her grinning smile. Somehow, she sneaked out of the yard and ran DOWN THE HIGHWAY behind me so she could join me. Hahahahaha -- I can just imagine how it looked to traffic. Hahahahahaahahaah!! Toby has ran with me all over the Crowsnest Pass -- she knows where she is going. She doesn't own a collar -- I usually carry a leash (just in case I come across another dog) and loop it upon itself to make a collar/leash thing. I hadn't brought her leash on Thursday, since I wasn't bringing Toby, but she is so good, we didn't need it. We never do. :)

Toby's great escape taught me it is through the apparent faults and unpredictable nature of life that we flourish: love and grow. It is when things don't go according to plan, when our routine is challenged, that we rise up and become more than what we are.