tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73468235189947142072024-03-05T02:39:29.646-08:00Running trials and tribulationsLessons learned and lessons ignoredtylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-47204620175926338532017-01-06T16:26:00.000-08:002017-01-06T16:26:54.681-08:00Catching Up - CIM 2015 & Mt. Whitney<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm floored I have not posted here for two years! Especially after having the best CIM December 2015. I finally broke 3:30 and my favorite people were at the finish line or on the course along the way to greet me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">2016 started off getting into Miwok 100K and winning the lotto for Mt. Whitney on July 4th. 2016 was meant to be a big year with hopes of getting into Western States for 2017 and getting more grounded in my newish job with the State of California. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 341px; text-align: right; width: 274px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikChh4u6SAJEBPuURJ1mZsUpV8q5hxAOg28AUVkHfePzk9FWG9IJwJKN3hrIAMhaysIoKAl3Baoiu9VcsjXDM4J3DkKXpzJPGXpzUDtrghSE_sZp6NWvbFIZeM4veqDmefAM0935-EljEt/s1600/cim2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikChh4u6SAJEBPuURJ1mZsUpV8q5hxAOg28AUVkHfePzk9FWG9IJwJKN3hrIAMhaysIoKAl3Baoiu9VcsjXDM4J3DkKXpzJPGXpzUDtrghSE_sZp6NWvbFIZeM4veqDmefAM0935-EljEt/s320/cim2015.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still smiling although cold, dehydrated and hungry<br />
Photo: Aunt Terry<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB3WDvEhmZ5LdRZ0OZ65mrezWC_e54fUivkTtQIDz9G0H_xGsoOQF-Sy2VW6-tAE1dLXF5VgJyu5nODlZCAYjc_uioQKhn1fFo_paaaBNT8qEXprmsCIxHmAQ3f67_neFf9LxaH6CKvYj/s1600/cim2-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB3WDvEhmZ5LdRZ0OZ65mrezWC_e54fUivkTtQIDz9G0H_xGsoOQF-Sy2VW6-tAE1dLXF5VgJyu5nODlZCAYjc_uioQKhn1fFo_paaaBNT8qEXprmsCIxHmAQ3f67_neFf9LxaH6CKvYj/s320/cim2-015.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never happier at the finish of a marathon!<br />
Photo: Baby Daddy: David Grabowski</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Different plans were in store and big is </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">understatement. But first, I will say that Miwok 100K was the best ultra race (following a great race I had on my birthday at Sonoma 50 miler) I have ever had. I think my goal was to break 15 hours and I came close to breaking 14 hours. Undertrained seems to be the best way for me to PR. And since I never want to leave out the gory details of my ultra runs I won't leave out that after breaking 10 hours at Sonoma 50 miler, I waved at David, went straight for the bushes and vomited. I was so happy for breaking 10 hours that I didn't care how poor my stomach felt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Fast forward to June and I was invited to meet the Grabowski's in the sweet country town of Lancaster, PA. David and I attended his cousins wedding in the oldest building (church), in the US, I've ever set foot in and discovered fireflies. Did you know that it is their BUTTS that light up? I was so delighted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPs5FZVEppKQg90UljitXsFMyeVH9kJTdSIkNCXGf2lDdQfyxp5adlbf3gPeAdQqOUqq77Q-GFnqKTn1iYnnCfUZ0R-4wFIukII5pPYG8POfK__Xwtdjg2j45R09ytnrnSarZ5A-RrkJ4/s1600/tydavidpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPs5FZVEppKQg90UljitXsFMyeVH9kJTdSIkNCXGf2lDdQfyxp5adlbf3gPeAdQqOUqq77Q-GFnqKTn1iYnnCfUZ0R-4wFIukII5pPYG8POfK__Xwtdjg2j45R09ytnrnSarZ5A-RrkJ4/s320/tydavidpa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lancaster, PA June 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">We got home towards the end of June and finally secured a lease on a bigger place. We moved the weekend before we were set to head out to Mt. Whitney and things were a little hectic. I felt "off" and I had a feeling I was pregnant. A few days and 3 pregnancy tests later revealed what I had suspected. There was something brewing inside. We found out the morning we drove to Lone Pine on July 2nd. We met up with our friends, Bruce, Kelly and John and camped out near Whitney Portal. On July 3rd we hiked/ran up to Kearsarge Pass for a warm up to Whitney.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7S_dumTsl136lf3ApvH5pD_chvVHElf0kQY2enqd2qiuChZeGRKT3mQ0D0-WJKg4ylse-3oU7Tv6xp1Nb0rYf6b5-c6GvKxSjUWQMqUX21lAMoPENNBo_Y-iV_RywrcnsewNl0OC7bv0/s1600/kearsarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7S_dumTsl136lf3ApvH5pD_chvVHElf0kQY2enqd2qiuChZeGRKT3mQ0D0-WJKg4ylse-3oU7Tv6xp1Nb0rYf6b5-c6GvKxSjUWQMqUX21lAMoPENNBo_Y-iV_RywrcnsewNl0OC7bv0/s640/kearsarge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still smiling although I think we were both terrified at the news we had received the previous morning. <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next morning we woke and drove to Whitney Portal around 3:30 a.m.. Whitney was amazing and there is so much I could say about it but really one must experience it. It's 22 miles to the top and back. There are options, if one is lucky in the lottery, to do a multi-day pass so one can hike a half way up, camp, and then do the rest the next day. We were ballsy and did it in 1 day. The person I was worried about was David because he hadn't really trained. He is still new to the "long distance" thing and thinks that because he ran a marathon it would be no problem. I think he realized about 3/4 of the way up that he should have listened to his girlfriend :) He was a soldier and powered through it. He was also carrying not only his poop in the porta bag on his back but mine as well. If he's not a keeper, I don't think anyone is. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJLYtjuqv9l1tA184QflJMjN0Yk1tpnhT8emhnNx5NPIdhuhptvqauS9U6avc_cj3bdXcmseNOBCexv5qc39WXdbFBbU_yyIQyYKXuPldNJngIu_2c-s4phcWUfwWS0GjXgWlnSqeco-Z/s1600/whitney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJLYtjuqv9l1tA184QflJMjN0Yk1tpnhT8emhnNx5NPIdhuhptvqauS9U6avc_cj3bdXcmseNOBCexv5qc39WXdbFBbU_yyIQyYKXuPldNJngIu_2c-s4phcWUfwWS0GjXgWlnSqeco-Z/s640/whitney.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Whitney - John, Kelly, Bruce, David, Me<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
</span>tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-75792118294693439882014-12-10T10:47:00.001-08:002014-12-10T10:47:25.564-08:00Post CIM Thoughts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeLVzSlJisrah4ptx9izTOkEdRB25LLcOI-mu_sGEkg7a_kakjvvONPYA0pBtrcwfRKqKx14HC5rJQXD9mpE7sZyFXizohT5Ev2XLjksumDlIgnWH9SMN3ku3mLbjrF5mE7WZdlBYnU4E/s1600/t1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeLVzSlJisrah4ptx9izTOkEdRB25LLcOI-mu_sGEkg7a_kakjvvONPYA0pBtrcwfRKqKx14HC5rJQXD9mpE7sZyFXizohT5Ev2XLjksumDlIgnWH9SMN3ku3mLbjrF5mE7WZdlBYnU4E/s1600/t1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Spirits! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have tried not to think too much about CIM this past Sunday. I stuck vigorously to a training plan in hopes to break a 3:30 marathon and what resulted would be hopefully the most unpleasant marathon I'll ever experience. I had a great race up until mile 17 or 18 when things drastically went south in my stomach. I actually puked 3 times on the side of the road. This began at mile 22 and if you're familiar with CIM you'll know that the crowd thickens right at about...mile 22. I may have discouraged many people this past Sunday from every attempting a marathon - a PDA (public dis-service announcement) if you will. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cause of this is most likely an electrolyte imbalance. I've seen this happen twice in 50 mile runs (<a href="http://break4hours.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-breakthrough-silver-state-50m.html">previous shit show</a>) but never a marathon. The weather was probably about 55 degrees at the start and rose from there. I was sweating like crazy and had salt crystals caked around my eyes and I only had water and GU&GU(Roctane) gels for nutrition. Last year, in much colder weather, I still had GU(Roctane) energy drink, as well as the GU gels. Totally my fault for not thinking about taking that with me on this run and I suffered the consequences. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the race we had pizza and beer (or bubble water) back at Kevin's place (the place he's graciously allowed for me to call home for several months). Having so many great people over at the house after the race really made me forget about the crappy run I just had. And honestly it didn't really feel like that bad of a day. I remember saying to Kevin in those last couple miles (he joined me in my stagger to the finish from mi. 24) "Today was a good day... other than this part". I think I spotted more people that I knew as spectators this year than previous years. There's got to be a reason I keep coming back after 5 years! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceUCFQxggS6CmiZ9MUelwidVo0GwPE9QreCvfQRlC-vWbXIZoLnZRN2vemGKlKR3zAdo02t3vEoNPlApNL204JpciJL6xZPlZiuIbdqkXOqQR2xuDry7wfBXFawBj6otYoMB5KyQPkB_c/s1600/t2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceUCFQxggS6CmiZ9MUelwidVo0GwPE9QreCvfQRlC-vWbXIZoLnZRN2vemGKlKR3zAdo02t3vEoNPlApNL204JpciJL6xZPlZiuIbdqkXOqQR2xuDry7wfBXFawBj6otYoMB5KyQPkB_c/s1600/t2.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 5-time finisher mug picked up Friday previous to the race. Had it not been for this mug sitting at home I may have called it a day! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boston 2015 is where I hope to see a redemption run! </span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-3665224412547543102014-05-19T16:39:00.001-07:002014-05-19T16:39:11.384-07:00Redemption Run - Silver State 50M<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ran Silver State 50 Miler last Saturday for the 2nd time. The experience was 100% pleasant, although I missed my friend Tan's smiling face and walking with me for 5 hours (for a mere 17 miles). The course was still humbling. It took me 10:41 for the 51 mile course and had me re-thinking what kind of shape I'm in. I thought I would have been closer to 10 hours. I was supposed to run a 44 mile loop in Yosemite last weekend. When it cancelled due to snow filled peaks I decided to give it another go in Reno. This was always a training run for the upcoming 4 day Tahoe Rim Trail in July. I figured I'd take it real easy and just focus on staying fueled and feeling good the whole time. Mission accomplished. I felt like I could have kept going when I finished and knocked out 12 trail miles the following morning ending the week with about 85 miles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I just signed up for a double century in the Eastern Sierras less than 2 weeks away. It's funny because I don't really ride that much. But that's the thing. It wouldn't be an adventure if I knew I was well trained and could do it. I have no idea if I'll finish 200 miles on a bike right now. The most mileage I've done was about 70 last week and it was all on my single speed. Again, the goal will be slow and easy to complete and not injure myself. A nice diversion from running for a weekend and with beautiful scenery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus I saw this on the menu at a nearby restaurant. Yes, please. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSaBi-MKFa8eR7RpWe66FnpnBqq75MMjaM8do5NIy5ptx8Cj10Ywlbgxp7Y97WmObROWgyd5XC5R9JBrlOzXs5hFTcwK9DW44F0BedK9GSfRjX5nqgVgUP8JNFIHBAbkyg_eikpt8B-sq/s1600/Yes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSaBi-MKFa8eR7RpWe66FnpnBqq75MMjaM8do5NIy5ptx8Cj10Ywlbgxp7Y97WmObROWgyd5XC5R9JBrlOzXs5hFTcwK9DW44F0BedK9GSfRjX5nqgVgUP8JNFIHBAbkyg_eikpt8B-sq/s1600/Yes.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cluck Cluck Club of Raymond's Deli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-47110882951180363972014-03-16T18:35:00.002-07:002014-03-16T18:36:15.447-07:00Weekend & Other Heavy Thoughts On Life<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was just telling a friend yesterday that I was feeling better emotionally since leaving Colorado. Although that is true there is still so much that time hasn't healed yet and sometimes I go to a place where I am full of self-doubt and pain. I try to enjoy the misery as I know how and find a creative or active outlet in the discomfort. That's why I've been running so much and feeling great with it. It's also why I've picked up the knitting needles, the paint brush and write more for a change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're on earth for such a short period of time that its easy to spend the entire time figuring out what it is we're meant to be doing while we are here. I guess the only thing I know for sure is that loving oneself is the best start to living. Once you can forgive yourself and be at peace with decisions you've made in the past can you then be patient and empathetic with others. Love begets love. Loving yourself is the first step, in my opinion, to having a healthy relationship with people and things around you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos from weekend: </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuNk8H6B8CFtuWep4cpdCE0UItHAGBWDxiHDRvp06eq9Nak7t4VHaI5QuRbud_Zij8_vPuxvRD5CMacGahKeVrC4nLv5DbJ3-VDMzmkAnaq9MH5x2E8u_nYBbMwrt-_8ZfLZYnxW2A6kh/s1600/note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuNk8H6B8CFtuWep4cpdCE0UItHAGBWDxiHDRvp06eq9Nak7t4VHaI5QuRbud_Zij8_vPuxvRD5CMacGahKeVrC4nLv5DbJ3-VDMzmkAnaq9MH5x2E8u_nYBbMwrt-_8ZfLZYnxW2A6kh/s1600/note.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading what I hoped was a love note but was instructions. Derrick skeptical in the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbULIUOJdC1-oRiYT1mfQMWMk6V3o3Qars8X7xW3up4PKu0HWjMM2xLVkYeVMqwVcIfuFyq2EuMPuICubvcEZuhyphenhyphenqvvIGfEWi9sOFEvaMe-W3p0FIPWiwKqMy52AiiiojJernj4seKyJP/s1600/note4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbULIUOJdC1-oRiYT1mfQMWMk6V3o3Qars8X7xW3up4PKu0HWjMM2xLVkYeVMqwVcIfuFyq2EuMPuICubvcEZuhyphenhyphenqvvIGfEWi9sOFEvaMe-W3p0FIPWiwKqMy52AiiiojJernj4seKyJP/s1600/note4.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC81Jk9qAajEUeCkHbZZjPz0Plndmf1JNPFtpC9TEs8HReZdzDHbWbfzL9m2GXDS5YAttf5lNTQfX_gBUi9WAO4yTzMaw5h9UTPIdsKRckFCeRmMCERl8SUAqq4hxyb-b8DPH9ArNbWu1P/s1600/note2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC81Jk9qAajEUeCkHbZZjPz0Plndmf1JNPFtpC9TEs8HReZdzDHbWbfzL9m2GXDS5YAttf5lNTQfX_gBUi9WAO4yTzMaw5h9UTPIdsKRckFCeRmMCERl8SUAqq4hxyb-b8DPH9ArNbWu1P/s1600/note2.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the beach from Pt. Reyes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWH5aI-N10IB4fyZndfm5RC37MdO23esGk2LZzn416xkhGjzFPSj2rRZcHRhjtcJfMewC-fUKA9uVpMJfHRq1d4LZo4WwT4zPteng36p7cHZ0y75_4H-WSCOeq2SHtp0pKQ2PeBZYspcsf/s1600/note1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWH5aI-N10IB4fyZndfm5RC37MdO23esGk2LZzn416xkhGjzFPSj2rRZcHRhjtcJfMewC-fUKA9uVpMJfHRq1d4LZo4WwT4zPteng36p7cHZ0y75_4H-WSCOeq2SHtp0pKQ2PeBZYspcsf/s1600/note1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying my run back to the car solo. My friends were more ambitious with their mileage. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT02h4xbgAaJvjnoasQzACh3Jyzl8RVhyiSnFpK3Ryx18z2Ewvdvuv1V5IKxZozyD-Petr4-9faRopPTJtCGnHVZB6_0wWk-t8rhsHd8jA5UOwVC5Ekqmqs8cfSMToF3EZ704o4BRHXM5/s1600/note3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT02h4xbgAaJvjnoasQzACh3Jyzl8RVhyiSnFpK3Ryx18z2Ewvdvuv1V5IKxZozyD-Petr4-9faRopPTJtCGnHVZB6_0wWk-t8rhsHd8jA5UOwVC5Ekqmqs8cfSMToF3EZ704o4BRHXM5/s1600/note3.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike ride to Capitol Tap Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep loving. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-30883527819614767182014-03-11T18:29:00.001-07:002014-03-11T18:29:02.590-07:00Ashes to Ash & Funk to Funky <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a very decent run today up in Auburn. I headed up there after work for 14 miles in the hills. I have the idea to put in an average of 10 miles per day in March. It's probably a stupid idea but as long as I'm feeling strong I'll keep chugging along. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eBeilEpaV1SQ36LWYri_d_Qz-99NCbbS0oxuJylXaLiuJtz4Eb99fRhc29ZX6RjjlYnnGc4YhTH80lR2L_ZF6P0YaVtx2WKTk-jWkzWAQImtRGjGMTHScGEndFYfCuz8MZwYdPYcF0ye/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eBeilEpaV1SQ36LWYri_d_Qz-99NCbbS0oxuJylXaLiuJtz4Eb99fRhc29ZX6RjjlYnnGc4YhTH80lR2L_ZF6P0YaVtx2WKTk-jWkzWAQImtRGjGMTHScGEndFYfCuz8MZwYdPYcF0ye/s1600/blue.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color in Sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pKtUw_OpPk2S4bEWqwWcI2dS1GggMB4miHXf_bXbgLUpix6ydGeF_PEnL8uP2BSiXutC62SMhTExat7-mdJ0_v97f9w8Ql2-NI1tJPHFWBz_Xvt5s_W4BLtH1R4-Hk1DhMQJz47x0t7f/s1600/blue1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pKtUw_OpPk2S4bEWqwWcI2dS1GggMB4miHXf_bXbgLUpix6ydGeF_PEnL8uP2BSiXutC62SMhTExat7-mdJ0_v97f9w8Ql2-NI1tJPHFWBz_Xvt5s_W4BLtH1R4-Hk1DhMQJz47x0t7f/s1600/blue1.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like making them a bit longer Dopey style </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also finally went and purchased some more yarn! I'm really happy how this hat turned out and though I want it for myself I thought I'd give a shot at selling it from Facebook first. The color reminds me of the Slurpee. And now I'm thirsty. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EIqJ9v0IT78JGLPmphaiO1feN2Gcn95ET_jKi9UOIph9wF-zY_nYySRNDs2D415oJbO4xeIb7_sy46Ysna1EDrXSz5RFW7Gu19TN4y85qeyOS1THOxwlQu-XEHLb06raJz6GA1OCFV_R/s1600/blue2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EIqJ9v0IT78JGLPmphaiO1feN2Gcn95ET_jKi9UOIph9wF-zY_nYySRNDs2D415oJbO4xeIb7_sy46Ysna1EDrXSz5RFW7Gu19TN4y85qeyOS1THOxwlQu-XEHLb06raJz6GA1OCFV_R/s1600/blue2.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JB Approved!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news I'm thinking about running Modesto marathon bandit style with Derrick... I think he's shooting for sub 3:35... I don't know if I could do that right now but it might be fun to try. Next up will be Grand Canyon for R2R2R. I'm really looking forward to getting back to that big hole in the ground. </span><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-AupRHRJ5lqk%2FUx-2JLNfkwI%2FAAAAAAAAAXc%2FVxvCj5N49PQ%2Fs1600%2Fblue1.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pKtUw_OpPk2S4bEWqwWcI2dS1GggMB4miHXf_bXbgLUpix6ydGeF_PEnL8uP2BSiXutC62SMhTExat7-mdJ0_v97f9w8Ql2-NI1tJPHFWBz_Xvt5s_W4BLtH1R4-Hk1DhMQJz47x0t7f/s1600/blue1.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pKtUw_OpPk2S4bEWqwWcI2dS1GggMB4miHXf_bXbgLUpix6ydGeF_PEnL8uP2BSiXutC62SMhTExat7-mdJ0_v97f9w8Ql2-NI1tJPHFWBz_Xvt5s_W4BLtH1R4-Hk1DhMQJz47x0t7f/s1600/blue1.jpg" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pKtUw_OpPk2S4bEWqwWcI2dS1GggMB4miHXf_bXbgLUpix6ydGeF_PEnL8uP2BSiXutC62SMhTExat7-mdJ0_v97f9w8Ql2-NI1tJPHFWBz_Xvt5s_W4BLtH1R4-Hk1DhMQJz47x0t7f/s1600/blue1.jpg" -->tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-24628095379090170322014-02-28T21:51:00.001-08:002014-02-28T21:51:05.313-08:00She's Crafty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately I've had a creative nagging. I'm not sure from where it comes... I've had the urge to buy canvas, paint and just go for it. Then I found this cool little dresser at a used store. They had one exactly like it with fresh paint only $10 more but I had an idea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTNPgODEHch5KepJS0jlmc33QYYc7TGsnDWcEBncx9JQa0AalFcdPbIMyqpJbOfXc7fIFESL8QeXXvx-vztwtaZW1zM2GaFEikIV_O3JtXs7z1e1m-Mlzp_u1vbyZIs2_PiYQ_8ylXqno/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTNPgODEHch5KepJS0jlmc33QYYc7TGsnDWcEBncx9JQa0AalFcdPbIMyqpJbOfXc7fIFESL8QeXXvx-vztwtaZW1zM2GaFEikIV_O3JtXs7z1e1m-Mlzp_u1vbyZIs2_PiYQ_8ylXqno/s1600/before.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before shot - can't tell from the photo but it was really dirty and beat up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A trip to Lowe's for some sand paper and I rounded the edges and smoothed it out. I had a friend with some extra paint so I saved some money there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uwwr_LtpJ0PsYZ1buQ59bCRz9k6V4YY9_00XLMaJWafvT3S1HZAFEonaYSsUX4iytzj2U791Tnl9QMViLExjzU0v9GwuuSkc7o4_07gyix2xjzSjO-5HqLYkQeT3nA_WclbN5oEH7sZR/s1600/before+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uwwr_LtpJ0PsYZ1buQ59bCRz9k6V4YY9_00XLMaJWafvT3S1HZAFEonaYSsUX4iytzj2U791Tnl9QMViLExjzU0v9GwuuSkc7o4_07gyix2xjzSjO-5HqLYkQeT3nA_WclbN5oEH7sZR/s1600/before+black.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick top coat of black.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I looked up a few blogs and instructions on how to get a "vintage" look but realized the only way to try this was to do it. I can't read about something I want to learn - I just have to do it. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3We06EgP79_i4hPvH5R2rWJ-TBFyM4g-_AaTqD1qo_3Peb688vCPgseuZFE8-zEPNK_lCFQ_IPi_E9z9Lv34tkIelUUP2G50cxGlW9LxzZ_htgAYgBy_6ZRVM-vfcFiNYqqKYA264Dpb4/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3We06EgP79_i4hPvH5R2rWJ-TBFyM4g-_AaTqD1qo_3Peb688vCPgseuZFE8-zEPNK_lCFQ_IPi_E9z9Lv34tkIelUUP2G50cxGlW9LxzZ_htgAYgBy_6ZRVM-vfcFiNYqqKYA264Dpb4/s1600/red.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red coat over the black.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa7UZw3-ZEJS9g28dmfszjcQLS9vHQgJeLZMRsXuC-h2_PgSrYefhSce0HD_O0ZJ7otbdxkbHbRDKNsHfmEVkpDSJIV35-5yTId6hb9-9tuxs_cCnjweahEoqHP8BBo3rFjzl_WIdwJqE/s1600/nob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa7UZw3-ZEJS9g28dmfszjcQLS9vHQgJeLZMRsXuC-h2_PgSrYefhSce0HD_O0ZJ7otbdxkbHbRDKNsHfmEVkpDSJIV35-5yTId6hb9-9tuxs_cCnjweahEoqHP8BBo3rFjzl_WIdwJqE/s1600/nob.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet nobs I picked up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm quite pleased with the finish! So is Gracie! I needed the extra clothing space for my room since I'm starting fresh. This dresser is actually the exact match (but miniature) to a dresser I've had since I was a baby. That one is currently in my mom's closet. I'm going to paint it next but with a cream color finish instead. </span></div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrPbrSy2bQkSZIR3QAg44-DaqNE_jrws51KvoAV4VCjFv-UqY4G7JNVcRSUgJYVBJJZZu6J4sQmKFaz0_0wxwwGtQ4YgD62Bp_3OnQA3qmlbEJVcUxNBT6NM_Ak8joKPBI4KBnBbxemhN/s1600/red+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrPbrSy2bQkSZIR3QAg44-DaqNE_jrws51KvoAV4VCjFv-UqY4G7JNVcRSUgJYVBJJZZu6J4sQmKFaz0_0wxwwGtQ4YgD62Bp_3OnQA3qmlbEJVcUxNBT6NM_Ak8joKPBI4KBnBbxemhN/s1600/red+after.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Gracie excited for her new dresser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still going to buy canvas and paint. Hopefully an artist friend of mine whose talent I admire a great deal will help me learn how to hold a brush. I might even acquire a little french hat for full artist affect. </span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-46687069501000720562014-02-27T20:44:00.000-08:002014-02-27T20:44:35.362-08:00Blue Moon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've found my spring album, I think. Obsession begin. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WIWbgR4vYiw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-17489488629283829492014-02-26T15:16:00.000-08:002014-02-26T21:59:36.908-08:00Alive<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been trying to make the most of idle time to grow personally. I realized today this is something I should have always been focusing on but its easy to let things distract. I believe focusing on my own personal growth is why I don't mind working part-time in a job that is, well, menial. I was told by the attorney she feared my getting bored soon with this work. It's only been a week and half so its hard to say but there is such a freedom in working and staying busy with things that need to get done and then retiring at noon for a day that is all mine to make use of. The opportunity has been quite rewarding for me. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hope is to continue to save and go to Tahoe in May or June. Everything in life is temporary so I have no expectation of when this will actually happen or how long I would be there but Tahoe has consistently been on my mind since the road trip. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm heading out for a (hopefully) wet run. Nice to have the rain back after several weeks of near 80 degree weather. Gracie had to get her hair did - too hot for such a hairy monkey. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25YMMAJAtLUTgdhlRGPEkepXQ0_PJxE9HU3LDKm5MgzHzNYTsaVl1Hx4va8tMstrCWsbxRh47uwabMZ5tVydABPUjTF-LkE3YBOonk_YBg_nFSXBsMKaG1nARfxaOd45p5QQKQi4sOWvk/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25YMMAJAtLUTgdhlRGPEkepXQ0_PJxE9HU3LDKm5MgzHzNYTsaVl1Hx4va8tMstrCWsbxRh47uwabMZ5tVydABPUjTF-LkE3YBOonk_YBg_nFSXBsMKaG1nARfxaOd45p5QQKQi4sOWvk/s1600/tree.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees in full spring bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgq24W-TMAMhN2WGNb5zYXzYlU7CzDtUNaivc4yqp6li5zwhvy-OjQNlXXkGKskzPI5OLsezDgBzskqjDAnDdo99YIvrQqYYcHpy-9WURbfZZOnFj_ol-c06zWAE1qnbge31Wg7z3sRqh/s1600/after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgq24W-TMAMhN2WGNb5zYXzYlU7CzDtUNaivc4yqp6li5zwhvy-OjQNlXXkGKskzPI5OLsezDgBzskqjDAnDdo99YIvrQqYYcHpy-9WURbfZZOnFj_ol-c06zWAE1qnbge31Wg7z3sRqh/s1600/after.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04AKNAzzQk1xqdoYAT86Qf9IWTdd_Zo_pX3-DwXvbCiFo4yqTH9iwy27e_71k4WERrVhIbzjtS8KBYY2XHq1QmRXH5FvxR4xsiq1zyarfTw6a4wCrr2Js9UxsqDCebVyB8dYojG-BFRek/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04AKNAzzQk1xqdoYAT86Qf9IWTdd_Zo_pX3-DwXvbCiFo4yqTH9iwy27e_71k4WERrVhIbzjtS8KBYY2XHq1QmRXH5FvxR4xsiq1zyarfTw6a4wCrr2Js9UxsqDCebVyB8dYojG-BFRek/s1600/before.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know... she's so cute with long hair. Sigh....</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-73676946951474400132014-02-19T18:53:00.001-08:002014-02-19T18:53:59.972-08:00Coffee, Run, Ice Cream<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These things have been my Prozac lately. I ended up running 75 miles last week with about 6500 of gain. A 23 mile run in there really kicked my ass since I haven't run more than 14 since CIM. I've been riding my single speed around as well the last couple of days to mix up the workouts. Forgot how much I love that bike. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCucxU8PYueKlCihrdnDZQnYD28U7VTBJLAyF3iqhkDFfhPtE6IL5gCUpwvN5_45Ce0eFaj5HZjWgSB4vkFNpknRavOhk2n09x0LCQewaPhm402EZgv2EofJ4iR4qTlfc4qtbRYr7g3-3k/s1600/juvenile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCucxU8PYueKlCihrdnDZQnYD28U7VTBJLAyF3iqhkDFfhPtE6IL5gCUpwvN5_45Ce0eFaj5HZjWgSB4vkFNpknRavOhk2n09x0LCQewaPhm402EZgv2EofJ4iR4qTlfc4qtbRYr7g3-3k/s1600/juvenile.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping it juvenile with Mr. Tsang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately I've realized how comforting a cup of coffee is to me. Although I'm missing the crisp, clean, cool air of Colorado it feels nice sitting outside a coffee shop in 70 degrees with my girls. My running pace slows exponentially with warm weather but I guess its good training.. if I were to train for something. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvcecG2LuXsAovfTAH0Yo6PSo9Fi9xJ6V0uJ8v1uhZ0Tf9n4ZIDLK_xJAV1UpjeAbJ9uAVXk-zwEOl1oSCnjbfG41bRg-tzm5vyFtrMDccsCuTlC9guw5yiO9-z2_cng3FSwAKFKKTX7J/s1600/Gracie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvcecG2LuXsAovfTAH0Yo6PSo9Fi9xJ6V0uJ8v1uhZ0Tf9n4ZIDLK_xJAV1UpjeAbJ9uAVXk-zwEOl1oSCnjbfG41bRg-tzm5vyFtrMDccsCuTlC9guw5yiO9-z2_cng3FSwAKFKKTX7J/s1600/Gracie.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I need a haircut, mom"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've eaten an unhealthy amount of dessert lately. After I saw the elevation gain in my running last week I stopped feeling guilty about it long enough to have an ice cream sundae at the newly re-opened Farrell's last night. That place is a carnival. Banging on drums for birthdays and people dressed in funny hats and balloons. And </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">really</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> loud circus music. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNK43Qb4nf4l-AmVAq9zDzfrPfK6shv2jbVYtAGI4SRQJyUE_QVkM14HEElop1pvgrYX_-gg3udsUOpOqBqAVc6-TpZrGiav_INTK76q5XNSbPRZ5cIauOs9Ou-8PKkaPLKr41_dpQGPM/s1600/ICECREAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNK43Qb4nf4l-AmVAq9zDzfrPfK6shv2jbVYtAGI4SRQJyUE_QVkM14HEElop1pvgrYX_-gg3udsUOpOqBqAVc6-TpZrGiav_INTK76q5XNSbPRZ5cIauOs9Ou-8PKkaPLKr41_dpQGPM/s1600/ICECREAM.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next time it will be the Volcano Brownie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week is looking to be a high mileage week as well. I'm really enjoying the outdoors and then diving into a book in the evenings. It helps the time go by and keeps the thoughts at a safe distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-6827607523487529822014-02-12T10:26:00.001-08:002014-02-12T10:26:23.107-08:00Sun is Shining<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I drove into Sacramento late last week. I immediately set out on an 8 mile run to cleanse myself from the long drive. I've gotten myself to a bit more of a settled state and found a part time job. I'll be working in an office for a high profile divorce attorney. I suspect the mundane office work will be livened by what happens when people get into shitty situations for long periods of time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would like to say my road trip home was a blast and I saw new places. The truth is I see now in looking back at the photos how great it was. The coast is beautiful which is why I chose it for driving back home. I knew the juxtaposition of where my mind was with the beauty in front of me would help get me through the long days. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHYpNXZKHF_CMaVH7k4LW3IrEDvAdOzCvKDVNoFyowBTTlNckIzdCMjznfU6cltS3aKWwY_2IsiAMhdZnieqS4mu5qfg-DNkz9qalz4bn7OBiEnqC12Lk2b1TRXJKrFATHxAegcUx6fkk/s1600/moab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHYpNXZKHF_CMaVH7k4LW3IrEDvAdOzCvKDVNoFyowBTTlNckIzdCMjznfU6cltS3aKWwY_2IsiAMhdZnieqS4mu5qfg-DNkz9qalz4bn7OBiEnqC12Lk2b1TRXJKrFATHxAegcUx6fkk/s1600/moab.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moab Arches </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugl_C6Va5LUyvn2HHloD286NXtJn99eAeQOCiKZdz0ebZ2wx5W33F34xqWrrmafHG6Z2WumBpPaSCNIM5kq4RbRpdd3_dWzue9fkpMKMu478d1hyphenhyphenOn5jyCY77BZYGWeseFdnOuKbkgf6h/s1600/waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugl_C6Va5LUyvn2HHloD286NXtJn99eAeQOCiKZdz0ebZ2wx5W33F34xqWrrmafHG6Z2WumBpPaSCNIM5kq4RbRpdd3_dWzue9fkpMKMu478d1hyphenhyphenOn5jyCY77BZYGWeseFdnOuKbkgf6h/s1600/waterfall.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls about 45 minutes outside of Portland<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIU9pgS4ieJBWKAxlALDu7EqsY9i66UH03j8QZQZzrBGD8zIXD-9aKMcdKp7mqtL0OL45lSR2YvdThqlKoHkk_In5DC5ndOqGIoPGmR1j_ruJtLxKVYcigi3VhgO0pcKzG7m0GgbOQNcn/s1600/hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIU9pgS4ieJBWKAxlALDu7EqsY9i66UH03j8QZQZzrBGD8zIXD-9aKMcdKp7mqtL0OL45lSR2YvdThqlKoHkk_In5DC5ndOqGIoPGmR1j_ruJtLxKVYcigi3VhgO0pcKzG7m0GgbOQNcn/s1600/hike.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike break with the girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-YH-jfqWOCKuly97irNUaKYx-H9ihKkxOsGPhP5Zrop7gjTvBWPLTu9fNqG5rgxpN5LMWi7dqOjvsIidLQfRodfVrmnKH6mLNHJIdpv-J-ANgliCLqBg3yg2tzETTFAT_DMsB9LBjAP_/s1600/chococoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-YH-jfqWOCKuly97irNUaKYx-H9ihKkxOsGPhP5Zrop7gjTvBWPLTu9fNqG5rgxpN5LMWi7dqOjvsIidLQfRodfVrmnKH6mLNHJIdpv-J-ANgliCLqBg3yg2tzETTFAT_DMsB9LBjAP_/s1600/chococoffee.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astoria Oregon I thank you for the Chocolate Croissant - twice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm definitely in a transitional phase in my life - much like I was before I left for Colorado. I don't see myself staying in Sacramento for long. Gaining confidence in what my next move is while connecting with those I enjoy having in my life is what my days are for now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0tc0hnDsR8pMAvtqL9om9G6b9btskPCdLn6tAwqR2Xf3tg-tn0EnlsQS-Edw6kUHeDClMBr7YQlwlJjRFTG8X7kC_TCKi3rmGesE_b4QOFok8a4SwdTjV67dNID1Z6ovVK21MUWigCK4/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0tc0hnDsR8pMAvtqL9om9G6b9btskPCdLn6tAwqR2Xf3tg-tn0EnlsQS-Edw6kUHeDClMBr7YQlwlJjRFTG8X7kC_TCKi3rmGesE_b4QOFok8a4SwdTjV67dNID1Z6ovVK21MUWigCK4/s1600/tree.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2nW0wayf-ZtVvPq6vW51QU_RQGrpxlVq5RIGID3G7PYxF2IeR3Muta6-PrYp-8ozySe848o0f5UDflAEVOk58Cq_SanpOApJmMmf8oteBCnV_1x1tlRf6mxT1nrhGHEfqzDpS6mOECfo/s1600/coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2nW0wayf-ZtVvPq6vW51QU_RQGrpxlVq5RIGID3G7PYxF2IeR3Muta6-PrYp-8ozySe848o0f5UDflAEVOk58Cq_SanpOApJmMmf8oteBCnV_1x1tlRf6mxT1nrhGHEfqzDpS6mOECfo/s1600/coast.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4DoZyBxWTAteCwS4slja8g0wVmGVQMjY_syuX6P-DEgDQK0TGl-Tpoal-bF1qEwIMuJmo44kIPVHSnasFL-YGcs-RM1w9KUZdxAUsXrx5EGLHjZQx2-_Hr-AhTlHSD-9Wqhxex9q-wK6/s1600/JB.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4DoZyBxWTAteCwS4slja8g0wVmGVQMjY_syuX6P-DEgDQK0TGl-Tpoal-bF1qEwIMuJmo44kIPVHSnasFL-YGcs-RM1w9KUZdxAUsXrx5EGLHjZQx2-_Hr-AhTlHSD-9Wqhxex9q-wK6/s1600/JB.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite spots was Bandon. It was sunny when I arrived (photo of coast above) and the next morning I went out for an hour and got absolutely drenched. There are many beautiful spots along the Western Coast. I took the time to drive through Avenue of the Giants as well and came across a tree I could drive through. Everything was eerily desolate being very early in the morning and nothing open. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt like the girls and I were the only life on the road. It was peaceful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today the sun is starting to peak through and the hours are getting away from me. Need to enjoy the last days before I start working (part of the time) again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-35739480371937824932014-01-09T10:50:00.002-08:002014-01-09T10:50:37.074-08:00Swollen<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've found myself inspired by the song, "The Fear" by Lily Allen recently on my runs. I don't normally listen to my ipod when I'm running but brought it out one day when doing what is becoming my favorite hill routine (we'll see how long that lasts). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miss Allen had a short lived pop career that was ridiculed mostly for how outspoken she was. That's perhaps why I like her. The song is kind of cliché, sure, but she's making fun of consumerism and it was on the heels of a successful first album. I imagine she was experiencing attention and pressure and this was her way of giving a big fuck you in her direct sort of way. She was quoted as fearing </span><span style="background-color: #ff9933; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">"of the world becoming this horrible sterile place. Being scared that there's never going to be anything real any more that isn't sponsored."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think about this stuff while I'm running because its when I'm most at peace, mentally. I suppose running is when I feel most real and unaffected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listen to Lily's Fear <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-wGMlSuX_c">here</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See hill workout <a href="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/422981739">here</a> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GiaGsKW6Fova5T4lLFL99NbGo9lpq4lnxD_xWa9BnCsITQpUBFTW1Rg-4TMdgoDn5L-sqp-fICbhezalVg-WHnVy9gLOyFAr4TyK78bZswWc08WgtkRILAMo7AptEIOQ5oNx8FJ5bGxI/s1600/Gracie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GiaGsKW6Fova5T4lLFL99NbGo9lpq4lnxD_xWa9BnCsITQpUBFTW1Rg-4TMdgoDn5L-sqp-fICbhezalVg-WHnVy9gLOyFAr4TyK78bZswWc08WgtkRILAMo7AptEIOQ5oNx8FJ5bGxI/s1600/Gracie2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still enjoying the beautiful scenery even if its "colder than a witches tit" (Grandma McCoy taught me that).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ramped up mileage this first week of January ending with just over 50 miles total. And being that we're in this beautiful part of the country my Garmin is reporting over 5400 feet of elevation gain (!!!) Keeping this up shouldn't be difficult and I'd expect to see a huge increase in fitness this year. First race of the year will be Antelope Island 50 miler in March! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-26741967075240564762013-12-14T11:01:00.001-08:002013-12-14T11:01:45.881-08:00CIM 2013<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Friday we made it out to Sac for CIM. Mom and Dad picked us up from the airport and we promptly went to the expo to pick up my bib. I was nostalgic in the car driving up J Street but not regretful that I am no longer living there. But I do love Sacramento - that will always remain true. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weekend was pretty casual and relaxed. I hadn't run the entire week leading up to CIM because Grand Junction saw a pretty good snow storm early in the week but I wasn't letting that sink into my head too much. I figured this was going to be the perfect example of going into a race undertrained rather than my typical 50 average miles per week. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVul_nx1zN8NH8AwcGJ0zUxjMoWV6f_jjRroZWOgT-NROgGtsUv_bYnyxA9h3J3laZo3P0vY3HQ3wRypQBegLpofbiJbM2xeZiJ3fZtsvaHsh046i6jKys-vYpWJWX1JkyggK5H_HEkhy/s1600/beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVul_nx1zN8NH8AwcGJ0zUxjMoWV6f_jjRroZWOgT-NROgGtsUv_bYnyxA9h3J3laZo3P0vY3HQ3wRypQBegLpofbiJbM2xeZiJ3fZtsvaHsh046i6jKys-vYpWJWX1JkyggK5H_HEkhy/s320/beer.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Tim's Hardrock entry Saturday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sacramento was seeing a cold front as well and it was about 25 degrees, I think, when the race started. I had to give my watch to Tim because his was about to die. I was grateful not to have the thing on actually and not pay any attention to it. I trusted Tim and the pace he was going to set for us to make it in before 3:35. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our pace was pretty quick from the start (about 8s) and it felt quick but not uncomfortable. We cruised into the half at 1:44 and I was still feeling good. I wasn't totally comfortable but I reminded myself that I was running a marathon PR and I wasn't supposed to be comfortable. I still had a pace I thought we could sustain. We averaged a 7:58 through mile 20 and Tim said we should pull back a bit just to be conservative for the last 6 miles. "A 10K is still a long way to go" he said. By this time my breathing had become really labored and everything was just kind of a blur. Typically in a road marathon I'm making eye contact with spectators and smiling and consciously noticing things. All I had in me, especially those last 6 miles, were focus. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By mile 25 I was crying and professing my undying love to Tim. I was thinking about the finish ahead and finally qualifying for Boston after attempting it the year previous at the same race. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJS2GKL6XMV3CYdg5OyGYGCIqxd6gtqui1sXvfgsy6qrcYWqt65Fl0GSO-SAFEQG3a9ZutKef-qwUicsSmjrtmBxSJrwyKEFRRPyUF-fKke2GaDtH46cKtAtg-Kh0tGAvy7FWZ6K3kjnB/s1600/tnt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJS2GKL6XMV3CYdg5OyGYGCIqxd6gtqui1sXvfgsy6qrcYWqt65Fl0GSO-SAFEQG3a9ZutKef-qwUicsSmjrtmBxSJrwyKEFRRPyUF-fKke2GaDtH46cKtAtg-Kh0tGAvy7FWZ6K3kjnB/s320/tnt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy with our 3:32:32</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We flew home the next morning and the snow was still here waiting for us. It's starting to warm up a bit now - we might make 30 degrees today! I'm starting to toughen up my California skin (June Bug, too)! It makes me look forward to spring and finally getting out more on the beautiful trails that surround our home. Until then, I'll keep my mileage low and stay cozy. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1EBT7aKsyAqWhizonRHdV8eVX-rnU6yelfB8HLsaBdVt_QrddcMPGR4lvGLeJ-jARUaJ92PDPjO2iS07ZjdhxrjFsujZS2r_UW6Tk3cNKDXEMZbqh3jV_B3FZaGUmsPvw4d549bmZlEg/s1600/cozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1EBT7aKsyAqWhizonRHdV8eVX-rnU6yelfB8HLsaBdVt_QrddcMPGR4lvGLeJ-jARUaJ92PDPjO2iS07ZjdhxrjFsujZS2r_UW6Tk3cNKDXEMZbqh3jV_B3FZaGUmsPvw4d549bmZlEg/s320/cozy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palisades Brewery - Cozy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-30686583155359657832013-11-20T08:48:00.002-08:002013-11-20T08:48:22.790-08:00No Bones About It!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not even entirely sure what that phrase means but I'm happy to report after my 2nd mtn bike ride I have not broken any bones! I have a few bruises and scrapes that make me feel super tough (and make <i>someone</i> else laugh at me..) Two days ago I completed 2 loops on a 3.5 mile "beginner" course up in Fruita. I had to walk the bike a few times but not without attempting the situation first. I am getting more comfortable on the bike which has been the main goal. And now its getting frosty and cloudy so this may be the end of my mtn biking season. It makes me look forward to spring! </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to start taking my camera with me on my running and biking excursions so I have something exciting to post. It's so amazingly beautiful here - the sunsets over the Bookcliffs and Grand Mesa never cease to catch my eye on a daily basis.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZRJXj00O5OGruD-p06pbfsnytqixdnR-7k9SDUx7yxFXX0gSqR5mm-SvnpbcP3nih5EV2x792sQRqA9Wub3sXtQaeJqSWh4_YECz7ElfKxjixf94YxsholLTy8RPPK8hcHy72MQYepJe/s1600/bookcliffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZRJXj00O5OGruD-p06pbfsnytqixdnR-7k9SDUx7yxFXX0gSqR5mm-SvnpbcP3nih5EV2x792sQRqA9Wub3sXtQaeJqSWh4_YECz7ElfKxjixf94YxsholLTy8RPPK8hcHy72MQYepJe/s1600/bookcliffs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh lookie! I found a photo online - Bookcliffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've realized just recently that I've been letting other's doubts of my coming here affect my overall peace. It's hard to ignore. And as I was telling Tim - I try to operate out of compassion and love so I try to be understanding of what others might be going through. But then I start forgetting the whole reason why I came here in the first place. The fact is I'm living in 300 square feet with someone and I don't feel like killing him. That should be something to celebrate, not attack. But I'm getting better at looking forward and not hanging on to other's negative opinions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a great training run yesterday for CIM. I was nervous going out for a speed run without Tim since he's been accompanying (pacing) me the last few weeks. It was a good test to see if I had my own mojo to get the work done (I did!) 7 miles completed with 5 miles progressively faster from 7:55 - 7:26. Starting to finally get excited for December 8th!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-51867661718683581362013-11-12T08:50:00.000-08:002013-11-12T08:50:08.817-08:00New Home, New Hobby<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eighteen days ago I arrived in Grand Junction with nothing more than a carload of my possessions including Gracie and June Bug. Everything else that was in my apartment in Sacramento is either housed with a new owner or sitting at a dump. Getting rid of stuff was surprisingly easy. I didn't have anxiety about it other than thinking I probably could have received money for it had I been more systematic about it. This was the first time for me getting rid of everything I owned though and I whenever I tried to just sit and strategize how to do it I kind of ended up in a stupor staring at my wall wondering what the hell I was doing. Funny how "stuff" has such an impact on someone's perceived place in life. </span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An unfortunate set of circumstances had me sick the first week I was in Colorado. I was back and forth between feeling well enough to get out for a short run and being sick with chills and completely laid out on the couch for the first half of the day. I don't do well mentally when I'm physically ill - probably because I tend to be pretty active, otherwise. I start thinking things like "I'm never going to feel good again...my life is basically going to shit..." wah wah wah. I think, oddly, this may have helped with my transition moving. I had no time to think about the people in Sacramento giving odd response to my leaving because I was in bit of a survival mode. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So things have been on the up swing since that first week. Tim received two entries to the <a href="http://rimrockmarathon.com/">Rim Rock Marathon</a> and we both had a great race coming in an hour before we thought. This was a training run for my BQ attempt at CIM in 4 weeks. Tim will fly to Sac and pace me. And I've decided to not put my name in for Western States since traveling back and forth to California is pricey and time consuming. Not to mention it's one week after Bryce 100, one of the races that Tim is co-directing. If I feel the need to run 100 miles in 2014 I'm intrigued by Bear 100. It's close and a point to point race that starts in Utah and finishes in Idaho. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought a mountain bike yesterday. The plan is to start on easy trails (I hope similar to fire road) and not hurt myself. And I've been knitting like crazy! Life here is a bit slower for me than it was in Sac and I like that. I was first drawn to knitting because of the creativity and I could never stick with it because it takes a patient mentality. Patience is one of the things I'm fine tuning here in Colorado. Hopefully the running is being fine tuned as well but since I haven't run since the marathon I can't comment on that with any confidence for the moment. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I-u_jEgMwfmmsAN_8W-npgJgDLbB47mxph_qqdgcEZLU7d3ysG8NMfvlcm1snZqUz1fotjf5ZF2tQ_7H0Xlpo2-6QhDZSIcRHuZXI9R8MJ-hkX2envsj9fo6oRB_qEzcVd7oSB0Cgx6l/s1600/tybike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I-u_jEgMwfmmsAN_8W-npgJgDLbB47mxph_qqdgcEZLU7d3ysG8NMfvlcm1snZqUz1fotjf5ZF2tQ_7H0Xlpo2-6QhDZSIcRHuZXI9R8MJ-hkX2envsj9fo6oRB_qEzcVd7oSB0Cgx6l/s320/tybike.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully the next photo isn't one with a broken bone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVL1uqx_WbOx1RPKcVJJEAceovIeOyHbNKkMldsri0tt_UFgdj7gxtuOsxMhgq9bJym5KgxG1o5RaiVtD3rKXCpey4xEecahEq0yDmzXu9YkvoZdMiMRy0vB8IEElZx3-3w5jcPrEGEBM/s1600/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVL1uqx_WbOx1RPKcVJJEAceovIeOyHbNKkMldsri0tt_UFgdj7gxtuOsxMhgq9bJym5KgxG1o5RaiVtD3rKXCpey4xEecahEq0yDmzXu9YkvoZdMiMRy0vB8IEElZx3-3w5jcPrEGEBM/s320/hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crafty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-33541633597235294752013-09-25T10:26:00.001-07:002013-09-25T10:27:54.651-07:00Place to Belong<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Letting things go in my life is the theme lately. Although my "job" is something I'm still trying to work with. I've been toying with idea of packing up the hatchback and heading east. With the pending winter I think I'd have to head southeast.. I know a few people along the middle portion of the country and maybe somewhere I could stay in AZ for a few days... Of course, heading cross country doesn't have to happen right NOW but I can't think of many reasons to stay here for the time being and if I do stay here my money will just continue to run out. It'd be more fun running out of money while at least exploring other parts of the country.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I'm trying to get rid of shit. Here is round one: <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh298FyrZ9yPen58n8aWX_lc6I5FTCPeOPksoQAyD4vw_Gz5oKGDqp2Op41usPrlBwhZ63CJyJcZanmgwU7btn8b8CLZ3nISdatlKPeNhanMPwXODqz1-3_cm6i-yeLqJig7aAxbFZ4uWH/s1600/round1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh298FyrZ9yPen58n8aWX_lc6I5FTCPeOPksoQAyD4vw_Gz5oKGDqp2Op41usPrlBwhZ63CJyJcZanmgwU7btn8b8CLZ3nISdatlKPeNhanMPwXODqz1-3_cm6i-yeLqJig7aAxbFZ4uWH/s400/round1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not impressive, I know but this is 2 hours of purging. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm finding myself just bored lately. I'm bored with people and life. I feel useless because I'm not doing anything productive during the day. Being a well rounded contented person really is having all facets of life somewhat fulfilled. I say somewhat because I'm unsure that everything can always be 100%. Typically if something is off the charts good in one area something may be lacking in the other. I remember when I was fat and going to school working towards the radiology field, I had straight A's taking Chem, Anatomy and Physiology, all with labs, in one semester. I was never a straight A student and for sure not in anything that was as tough and required as much study time as those classes listed above. But I was unhealthy and the relationship I was in was blah. I loved those classes and if education wasn't a shit load of money I'd probably try to get into medical school but at this point I'm not sure its worth it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course maybe all this is just a giant crash after the Norm Swarm from the last couple months. That was fun while it lasted and I've been trying not to have what one friend calls "shiny-object-syndrome" and make things out of nothings. Because friends of Norm all have really great ideas, right? Write a book! Make more shirts! Do this and that! Have I mentioned that my least favorite word is "should"? If I have more people telling me what I "should" do with Norm, my job, my life I'm going to fucking crack. I've already felt the crack begin and I'll admit I like what I'm seeing inside. It's kind of a big fuck-you to no one in particular and makes me want to get rid of all my shit and just leave. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now that this is all negative and depressing I'm wondering if I "should" post this at all. I'm going to. Because I think the traffic on this is like 4 or 5 people :) And I like all of you. Any advice that doesn't contain the word "should" is encouraged. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-1493851793665007992013-09-11T13:04:00.000-07:002013-09-11T13:09:02.945-07:00On the Run<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I started
journaling again and realized that I only typically write or blog when I have
something of triumph or trauma to share. So I wanted to jump on here and give
an update. Especially given the interesting weekend I just had.</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHKtnpNYKi9WTHe8xZXNqU4NTyWsJFczFKUGYRYf3UnNCibTXj1vZhQvn14fMqiryJc29BUc6_BvCWgdeR09ZJHhhkKbA-zAEb4ZbXJWoFXQYYmaj0Hum73pKPXvUEz0hqJIENtuQ0naY/s1600/yay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHKtnpNYKi9WTHe8xZXNqU4NTyWsJFczFKUGYRYf3UnNCibTXj1vZhQvn14fMqiryJc29BUc6_BvCWgdeR09ZJHhhkKbA-zAEb4ZbXJWoFXQYYmaj0Hum73pKPXvUEz0hqJIENtuQ0naY/s320/yay.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I feel about Life these days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since May
I’ve halted any type of “racing” but had my share of events including pacing
Tan to his San Diego 100 finish, Safety Patroling at Western States for the 2<sup>nd</sup>
year in a row, Ultra Tahoe Trail Relay by Ragnar, Hood to Coast Relay and most
recently Ultra Colorado Relay by Ragnar. In case you are wondering and for my
own reminder, I’m over relays. They’re fun but you can only do so many before
you become completely complacent about the whole thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhyphenhyphenqcs393R_9gTAUguNLpZ48bztRGvAhc211H9D9dgBLbpfHAF1etd6tqsl2dAaGV-H7UhPPVkOGoPx02bWUPs89JDcnO_xB6HvziOudyTh0ChLp2mjQXyvpa0OBQXytWRHYJizBcf6P1/s1600/tan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhyphenhyphenqcs393R_9gTAUguNLpZ48bztRGvAhc211H9D9dgBLbpfHAF1etd6tqsl2dAaGV-H7UhPPVkOGoPx02bWUPs89JDcnO_xB6HvziOudyTh0ChLp2mjQXyvpa0OBQXytWRHYJizBcf6P1/s400/tan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacific Crest Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsjg856rRQNuzlAGGpK3dxuKCUmuxLqx4XbkGrk6nMHVrU1l-9N4vWW9sDbVxPjNndjUSC8ig4IypJfezUQQ6wlwzsrmrVdGdXlj8fA3n9apzwkp50u_gmr0DAx0EmNsaNOZVGArHygJR/s1600/tan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsjg856rRQNuzlAGGpK3dxuKCUmuxLqx4XbkGrk6nMHVrU1l-9N4vWW9sDbVxPjNndjUSC8ig4IypJfezUQQ6wlwzsrmrVdGdXlj8fA3n9apzwkp50u_gmr0DAx0EmNsaNOZVGArHygJR/s400/tan2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tan mile 93 or so after a little nappy poo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll share
the experience of Colorado since it was just last weekend and I fell in love
while I was there. The total distance was about 200 miles and it was split up
between 6 people. One of our runners fell ill a couple of days before the race.
He still made it but wasn’t in great shape to knock out 30 miles with his head
cold. I happily volunteered to take on some extra mileage so I started my run atop
Copper Mountain around 10,500 feet. My lungs burned for the first half mile
climb until it toed down to a nice 9 mile decent. I took on the 9 miles and
then added my next 2 legs to play catch-up with our runner schedule. This was
all going so well until mile 18 (of 24). For some reason, much like my last
post in May, my stomach goes sour when I’m in elevation. I wasn’t even pushing
the pace and by 18 I started getting the nauseous feeling in my gut. I was
running along a highway with no vans in site and doing the math of what the
legs I was running totaled. When I initially started running I thought it was
about 22 but then as I was feeling sick and my mind became mathematically sharp,
for survival purposes, I realized that I had close to a marathon in front
of me. </span><span style="font-size: 15pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thankfully
at mile 21 there was a van pulled off to the side to give their runner water. I
had been run/walking the last mile or so and was desperate to stop based on
previous experiences of this nausea. I knew I could finish the last 3 miles in
front of me but we weren’t a competitive team and I also knew that my stomach
wouldn’t make right until I stopped running. The van, named “Fatboys”, offered
me a ride and I gladly accepted. They knew our situation and I thanked them for
likely saving the next 25 miles I had to run in the next 20 hours or so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rest of
the running was great, stomach was fine and scenery was beautiful. Colorado has
odd weather. It was hot during the day. I think the weather was reading
mid-70’s but I’ve come to realize this feels like 90 when you are above 9K
feet. I actually chafed between my legs (!!!) for the first time for saturating
myself during a 14 miles run in exposed sun. By saturating I don’t mean soiled,
but just dousing with cold water. Every afternoon brought clouds, rain and lightning.
Colorado has an immaculate and extensive bike trail system that most of our
running was on. Impressive isn’t the right word, but it’s the first that comes
to mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Early in the
day up at Copper Mountain resort I had the idea to move there during the winter
and work at a ski resort. I’m sure the pay would be shit but I’m wondering if I
could possibly make the arrangement work. Of course I have a small farm I would
have to transport with me and given that things freeze in Colorado this farm
would have to remain indoors with me. It is an undeveloped idea at best but
moving is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. I’m wonder if I’m
running to or from something. I’ve been reading a lot of Chuck Palahniuk and
listening to Pink Floyd lately… Not sure why but that seems relevant right
here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjOg0Ixfri0r2KBxPJl5LqcmTI0TNk0-Oi0tRLz0vdXQTXVomxKMF8-ACJWV6KuzNsLO6_MI5gPvm7u_ijcWMDJSmEQNjtf9trShPQI5zj9PX7mwpI4Dq9rgoNQ-FJTx8PNWJ2gD14SgJ/s1600/ragfinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjOg0Ixfri0r2KBxPJl5LqcmTI0TNk0-Oi0tRLz0vdXQTXVomxKMF8-ACJWV6KuzNsLO6_MI5gPvm7u_ijcWMDJSmEQNjtf9trShPQI5zj9PX7mwpI4Dq9rgoNQ-FJTx8PNWJ2gD14SgJ/s400/ragfinish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Line at Ragnar. Not a bad place to finish a race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I ended up
“accidentally” running over 70 miles this last week. I kinda went big with my
running in the days before Colorado and then with the additional miles I had
the biggest mileage week I’ve seen in several months. But it felt really good.
I’m taking a break this week, likely getting in about 40 miles but want to keep
at it with the high mileage. I feel like I think more clearly. Plus I can
justify bacon cheeseburgers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-69586303354245503402013-05-21T16:27:00.001-07:002013-05-21T16:27:20.263-07:00The Breakthrough - Silver State 50M<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogjASsWSeJqIyQPmuzqkHUSpATYuURdnVrQflGEYghq7JyZ03OWVJC6-NMhWLbbNpfyxuyqXFd6hy-cPlSrKsEzaD-ohdoUN3Zj2A_7WhepwaePMEybe-CpX6PcLECt829Cwxlkw8MhP0/s1600/ah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogjASsWSeJqIyQPmuzqkHUSpATYuURdnVrQflGEYghq7JyZ03OWVJC6-NMhWLbbNpfyxuyqXFd6hy-cPlSrKsEzaD-ohdoUN3Zj2A_7WhepwaePMEybe-CpX6PcLECt829Cwxlkw8MhP0/s640/ah.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sums up my race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its been 3 days since my ego was dragged through mud vomit in Reno <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+biggest+little+city+in+the+world&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=PPObUaLGHuONygGoz4GYCg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=880#imgrc=jRjxexuxuuzcPM%3A%3B92RSRrbcAKYSWM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.newamerican.com%252Fblog%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2010%252F03%252FBiggestLittleCityinThe-World.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.newamerican.com%252Fblog%252F2010%252F03%252F03%252Fbiggest-little-city-in-the-world%252F%3B644%3B436">The Biggest Little City in the World</a>. Long enough for me to put on my big girl panties and reflect how great the day actually was (because I'm starting to forget, just like Tan said I would, that awful feeling I had in my stomach that day). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truth is, I needed a run like that. I may have said that to Tan when we were hiking at some point in the day. Unless you are ever at rock bottom you can't properly enjoy when things are going well. And my year has gone really well so far - my self-esteem was probably getting a little too big for my small frame and my inner Buddha reminded me that I needed to suffer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7k4g4W2Qo65VANIkvKTdmNVwBCJR4a0kkhVyqQE9cXyXOon-1HYDpAsyDdG3osJ6UoUCb8WxS2clBvHaS-krQxtiKlj8MJfp_DYAU_7So2idrYEnULB1TGE3kEdUKYPGaTj8iXm4D1uC/s1600/bare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7k4g4W2Qo65VANIkvKTdmNVwBCJR4a0kkhVyqQE9cXyXOon-1HYDpAsyDdG3osJ6UoUCb8WxS2clBvHaS-krQxtiKlj8MJfp_DYAU_7So2idrYEnULB1TGE3kEdUKYPGaTj8iXm4D1uC/s640/bare.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad place to suffer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memorable moments are ones like this above. At one point hiking up towards the peak I asked Tan if I could sit down a minute - it was actually really enjoyable just to sit and look at the view with a friend. And the mint infused lemonade at mile 36 where we discussed again whether or not to DNF. That lemonade made me feel like a million bucks again where I ran a solid mile without stopping! Then mile 39 AS had salsa/meringue music playing and I was feeling so good I was dancing around like a crazy person asking the volunteers to salsa dance with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPwRXgpLlpjQ8PtYPbVbkl37158RqsEORCVNn5m9QiwMiJB_NX0UhUSshXtuenam_0kZwjkA5gknHF6H7LMO7PoSrCjukn9Y1lWoygsqqJ8nBUmFayr7bg8jTu80m9c3rHYHY3bbCjQwR/s1600/jerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPwRXgpLlpjQ8PtYPbVbkl37158RqsEORCVNn5m9QiwMiJB_NX0UhUSshXtuenam_0kZwjkA5gknHF6H7LMO7PoSrCjukn9Y1lWoygsqqJ8nBUmFayr7bg8jTu80m9c3rHYHY3bbCjQwR/s640/jerry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing these guys were still there! Thank you Pamakids!<br />And LOOK! 12:29 I came in!! Not sure why my results say 12:33!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was by far the hardest run I've ever done. It wasn't the course itself, although that too was tough, but mentally going through the motions of whether or not to quit something because I didn't feel well and therefore not going to perform as well as I know I could (by a long shot) took a huge toll on me. And I can't say that I would have wanted it any other way. Now that its over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of people in this ultra-sport give others a bad time for DNF'ing (did not finish). I've heard on the course of ultras before other people complaining of things hurting and their race not going well but saying "DEATH BEFORE DNF". Whatever. I'm of the opinion that we can only judge ourselves for the decisions we make and we shouldn't judge someone else's DNF as cowardly or justified. Making that decision sucks and I hope we can all have some decency to let someone else have their experience without calling them names for not "toughing it out".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pwm8zERMMQS4GPbZTUX4DcMfnnzk0CN2s6X1vUknp5UKOmIXpQ8gJX_tb2ztDInPFUzQgRdOL8Viu0zl_G7U08lG67957jI5OneoTgL1C04HyQP-MWqwBkRLvJTsMXJFo96hXbJKmvfd/s1600/tanslap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pwm8zERMMQS4GPbZTUX4DcMfnnzk0CN2s6X1vUknp5UKOmIXpQ8gJX_tb2ztDInPFUzQgRdOL8Viu0zl_G7U08lG67957jI5OneoTgL1C04HyQP-MWqwBkRLvJTsMXJFo96hXbJKmvfd/s640/tanslap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tan telling me he's gonna B!tch Slap me if I make him stay out there 5.5 hours.<br />Eclipse Pizza packet pick-up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I don't want to end on a dismal note so I'm going to post this rad picture that was posted on FB - I think it was from the Auburn triathlon.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MyLTX_vciYmcBVraoEzHU0auLLNwFwz45WL27G65xpKOatyXpW1mFefmx1T69D0oaATH70QNxWE0BvAvn8FOnZiv73XLukjMMooh149NpLnI8A8gA4BdOUYfOKKZ_h2fOH0p83Mn3VUz/s1600/speedo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MyLTX_vciYmcBVraoEzHU0auLLNwFwz45WL27G65xpKOatyXpW1mFefmx1T69D0oaATH70QNxWE0BvAvn8FOnZiv73XLukjMMooh149NpLnI8A8gA4BdOUYfOKKZ_h2fOH0p83Mn3VUz/s640/speedo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know who this guy is but I want to be his friend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks Tanford! I hope I can return the favor tenfold in San Diego in 2.5 weeks! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutzBAvqEy86FJrwm7L4W5uzDePh2YuUYmOZtNiUI1i8oTW5vhr8fkPEwKf4wiH21Bm76wwnXWYPqj86klpgI09QKV0FOTqnrltZTlP4Me0t8gYAL5K-JlHwK1LEZNlg-kd1Biizr0sBit/s1600/tnt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutzBAvqEy86FJrwm7L4W5uzDePh2YuUYmOZtNiUI1i8oTW5vhr8fkPEwKf4wiH21Bm76wwnXWYPqj86klpgI09QKV0FOTqnrltZTlP4Me0t8gYAL5K-JlHwK1LEZNlg-kd1Biizr0sBit/s640/tnt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos courtesy of Patrick McKenna and Tanford Tahoe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-73966207307937700252013-04-23T12:27:00.000-07:002013-04-23T13:06:45.448-07:00Pacing, Lake Sonoma 50, Diablo 50K<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a busy month. Everything has been going along quite nicely until recently but let's keep this upbeat for the moment. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Month started with pacing HK at the American River 50 mile run for the last 18 miles. He did very well for it being his first 50 mile run. HK wouldn't let me look at my watch to see what time it was so I had no idea if we were on pace or not to break 10 hours. I was pretty sure we were as he was moving much better than I was the year previous and I came in 10:08. I was really hoping he'd beat my time and he did. Running nearly 80% of the last 3 miles which are all uphill he brought it in for a strong 9:42. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was actually feeling quite tired after pacing for 18 miles and got the thought stirring about what lay one week ahead at Lake Sonoma. This was going to be my 2nd 50 mile race. The first being AR50 mentioned above where I came in at 10:08 and the last 8 miles saw my regurgitated gel packs along the course. It wasn't my greatest day. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lake Sonoma ended up being a complete success as compared to AR50 last year. I was happy and having fun the entire day. I stopped and ate at every aid station and had previously laid out when I would go from using 1 bottle to a full pack knowing I would be moving more slowly for the last 10-20 miles and overall it was just a beautiful day. I even beat my AR50 time. With about 7,000 feet more of climbing I'd call that a great jump in overall fitness!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a lot of energy still after Sonoma 50 so I didn't take the proper time to recover (note to self note to self note to self note to self). I <i>probably</i> should have cycled instead of putting so many miles on my legs in the days after Sonoma. I had a weird nagging thing in my arch the last half of Sonoma on descents. I was able to finish and it never became anything beyond annoying but something constantly there, nagging, is never a good sign. I'm starting to see why ultra runners are subject of crazy, long term injuries. Not only are you pounding the legs with long runs but the elated feeling one gets from running and adrenaline that runs through the veins its easy to run with something "nagging" and then find yourself in a boot for 8 weeks because that little annoying thing you had turned into a fracture or a badly torn muscle/ligament. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So even though this foot thing had made an appearance still on the Thursday while in spin class, I still opted for Brazen Racing's Diablo 50K on Saturday. It was my friend's first 50K and a few of us were carpooling down together (at 4am!!!). Despite my ankle being in pretty ugly shape the last half of this run it was a fantastic course and great to see my friend complete his first 50K in the top 50% of those in his age group! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of frightening messages from a PT friend had me icing, elevating, Traumeel applying and supplementing with Turmeric all day Sunday (also, note to self: don't take large quantity of Turmeric - it causes heart palpitations). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm supposed to caravan down to Grand Canyon this Thursday with a group to do Rim2Rim2Rim. Possibly the most difficult and beautiful run I would ever do. 47 miles and about 15K of climbing - next to the Western States 100 this was the most difficult run my friend said he has experienced. So - this and bum foot gives a forecast of turmoil. My foot is better but not healed and I'm stuck deciding if I will go and run if my foot is up to it (but likely not for 47 miles), go and hike or forego this trip altogether and wait for next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't want to end on a sappy, poor me note so here are some fun photos from the last few weekends:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawg6uetDnl7hjo93DV_icOFp21xO8358Y91MFDacpSBz4XY6WIMZR8AkgiszCPCMTLBnjoBW4R-VOKgRLjhTM1Vk_NERRGEkiY5hW4ST2EI81MOFzCSD_FZGUZBN9PeOyefQm-hixDIIR/s1600/AR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawg6uetDnl7hjo93DV_icOFp21xO8358Y91MFDacpSBz4XY6WIMZR8AkgiszCPCMTLBnjoBW4R-VOKgRLjhTM1Vk_NERRGEkiY5hW4ST2EI81MOFzCSD_FZGUZBN9PeOyefQm-hixDIIR/s640/AR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosted these fine fellows and they must have slept well because they had an amazing race!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi745OGxBJZrl5mv7tlzXhZIhXTVfYKl-tvHKky9F_RwAvEzNEWffPnaOnVW3YkNduex6c1N1HUxe-qjx1cfFtw4U5oOhbRX0tD4ht7WFFJLsV_Sc0tC8ZkXx2YEkFRV_dzG1Bo34scij/s1600/AR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi745OGxBJZrl5mv7tlzXhZIhXTVfYKl-tvHKky9F_RwAvEzNEWffPnaOnVW3YkNduex6c1N1HUxe-qjx1cfFtw4U5oOhbRX0tD4ht7WFFJLsV_Sc0tC8ZkXx2YEkFRV_dzG1Bo34scij/s640/AR1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up on Last Gasp - I allowed him to walk a small portion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XNVQZwFOMExxt02YG_38apK2pEVBuhb7HNuCjcw515-f1dnkIu_E_68Id4dxC-Tl2w9t3ZfVivZcsRzCBreSfY6fY5y7WGVhInLGBtxCeu1071VFni4D12_NvfkdhKGfuNXDmOyKeWMH/s1600/HKAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XNVQZwFOMExxt02YG_38apK2pEVBuhb7HNuCjcw515-f1dnkIu_E_68Id4dxC-Tl2w9t3ZfVivZcsRzCBreSfY6fY5y7WGVhInLGBtxCeu1071VFni4D12_NvfkdhKGfuNXDmOyKeWMH/s640/HKAR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking good for 50 miles! American River 50 Mile Finisher!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ19NWOJIbp5dYnfz1PsU_b3NP0v0Y_kW0e1BSSDuor2bUE-Gy00hKlXeg2NRWHsHkINQxfcCH6syTuasT9Ci4Q9_-JADGSPJESm72t0XkJTxEMpSH74XhK5GB9yC04u5DJQn1QKX1Gys/s1600/S2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJ19NWOJIbp5dYnfz1PsU_b3NP0v0Y_kW0e1BSSDuor2bUE-Gy00hKlXeg2NRWHsHkINQxfcCH6syTuasT9Ci4Q9_-JADGSPJESm72t0XkJTxEMpSH74XhK5GB9yC04u5DJQn1QKX1Gys/s640/S2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This must have been around mile 20 or so - I still have decent form. I like chicking dudes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooMfnfjlr_c4I_OE1kzDSg3Zd2roPxpMvFqvVVx5Pycc0RkEANHklQ-QLROvlil63psYYuwOrJ4SyqWcCqw5Ahp9oZF0a5jUhQ5QgHP2UeCVe9pdDJprty565H8Vq8pAg0MnaDdB4XTit/s1600/S1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooMfnfjlr_c4I_OE1kzDSg3Zd2roPxpMvFqvVVx5Pycc0RkEANHklQ-QLROvlil63psYYuwOrJ4SyqWcCqw5Ahp9oZF0a5jUhQ5QgHP2UeCVe9pdDJprty565H8Vq8pAg0MnaDdB4XTit/s640/S1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great having mom at the finish! Best crew ever! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_84ni15lF6kIWk_V0G6ZdGcqF2mc2ZADh-mmDO3Vs1ss5zzoXQ8vfTZzHeyPei9RNO9CIIg2o4bgZx9NqwxLJHrOtWokZYvvepEjIyjVAIk-3Y_ZxjxRg_6tfRFoypAidJA8KYfPU46s/s1600/D1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_84ni15lF6kIWk_V0G6ZdGcqF2mc2ZADh-mmDO3Vs1ss5zzoXQ8vfTZzHeyPei9RNO9CIIg2o4bgZx9NqwxLJHrOtWokZYvvepEjIyjVAIk-3Y_ZxjxRg_6tfRFoypAidJA8KYfPU46s/s640/D1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YK (his first 50K!) and Mitch<br />
If you're a runner, or not, you can probably guess which one is the veteran and which one is not by 1. attire 2. fluid carrier - <br />
This is probably one of the more difficult 50Ks in Northern California at present</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXwwwQeCGVLhrhSPIWAS4onPSQkRcd-UMfZ4UDlRIF7t7WULr8z6c87R4C64kA2vhDvJqYnOrMpKmtEwZk4no93SkMNMMZX-SDaVBp92MOzADGvA_tTuToQza_qE3FCT7C3f6lY365PxI/s1600/D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXwwwQeCGVLhrhSPIWAS4onPSQkRcd-UMfZ4UDlRIF7t7WULr8z6c87R4C64kA2vhDvJqYnOrMpKmtEwZk4no93SkMNMMZX-SDaVBp92MOzADGvA_tTuToQza_qE3FCT7C3f6lY365PxI/s640/D2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing views and people </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLdOFEAS_h92w9-Bk8PT1zSXkeMCUyngJloHWXyUpS7SdMi4x1GRvTiXnNzFmTE7a0rHmvT6BoenkccuocDHa2UPeUC2LOyxuxty9ib4ZQ5_xh1l0AzyelWtqg9I0xw07qMuTqcDykmh3/s1600/Dirtyfinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLdOFEAS_h92w9-Bk8PT1zSXkeMCUyngJloHWXyUpS7SdMi4x1GRvTiXnNzFmTE7a0rHmvT6BoenkccuocDHa2UPeUC2LOyxuxty9ib4ZQ5_xh1l0AzyelWtqg9I0xw07qMuTqcDykmh3/s640/Dirtyfinish.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derrick coming in for a strong finish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-30534859408055497262013-03-25T19:58:00.001-07:002013-03-25T19:58:02.771-07:00Canyon Meadow 50K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realized sometime last week, after receiving emails from Pamakids captain, that I had a 50K on Sunday. I thought it was this Saturday (I was a week off). Thankfully this was always meant to be a training run so there was no last minute tapering I had to do. I ran 12 miles on Saturday and with this 50K at 30+ miles I finished my week with around 65 miles in the books. This will probably be my longest mileage until Sonoma, April 13th. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided this run was going to be a test of slowing myself down and eating at all aid stations. I walked hills (mostly) and managed to consume something at every aid station. I'm really bad at consuming calories while running. I've been doing 30 mile runs with about 300 calories for fuel. I know this won't cut it for Sonoma 50 miler so this run was a test of my tummy strength. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The race started with a 900 foot climb and we re-visted this 3 times on the loop course. The climb slowed most of us down and this was nice because I had a chance to chat with some people and ran into some friends in the first couple miles. I met a few new people and one person I ran with chatting for about 10 miles. Nothing makes a run go by faster than good conversation. Its these talks that make me feel that friends I've known and been running with only a year have been my friends forever. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3wVaWqWd1YOImT7HDQn7sBWNfRyIVPvQkDS0PDe3AXNW9SXmp-01efPrA3vd3FEZX_P5bGAEcEbDbDXlYsbiN1ILmTCEaSQdh8IqC6ZROJb19nyBEI7pCblR1DHJnidfcMfktzdLY28Z/s1600/typama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3wVaWqWd1YOImT7HDQn7sBWNfRyIVPvQkDS0PDe3AXNW9SXmp-01efPrA3vd3FEZX_P5bGAEcEbDbDXlYsbiN1ILmTCEaSQdh8IqC6ZROJb19nyBEI7pCblR1DHJnidfcMfktzdLY28Z/s640/typama.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look like such a shrimp... We ran a mile or 2 together before she finished the half marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next couple weekends I'll be tapering with some shorter, easier 20 mile runs . I'm looking forward to an eventful April (May and June too for that matter!) I hope my limbs stay strong for all of it! First up in the events is pacing and watching some good friends complete the American River 50 miler. I'll be up at the crack of dawn with those running and following them throughout. It will be a long and fun day! </span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-70122442247265909732013-03-15T13:37:00.001-07:002013-03-15T13:37:47.684-07:00Mom, Look! I'm a real runner!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided this morning while brushing my teeth that I should finally paint my toenails since its sandal season now. So I got out the red sparkles and started painting (still while brushing my teeth - this whole story happened within 2 minutes). Before I slathered paint on the black one - this is the 2nd toe of my left foot - I noticed it was starting to lift a bit more from the last time I paid any sort of attention to it. So I gently lifted it and was shocked that I felt no pain as it started to come off of my toe skin completely. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Um. I've seen people do this on tv before. Usually its some ultra-runner with a sheepish smile on his face because he knows he's torturing the viewers. I have to say though I never thought it would be me, smiling by myself in my bathroom with toothpaste coming out of my face, laughing like <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=butthead&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=VHxDUf-SB4bmyQG884C4Cw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=923#imgrc=brf-hR5aCPKHmM%3A%3BF8K2spT4N9sDUM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fuserserve-ak.last.fm%252Fserve%252F_%252F548148%252FButthead.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.last.fm%252Fmusic%252FButthead%3B170%3B305">Butthead</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-1296007854607443902013-03-08T16:35:00.002-08:002013-03-08T16:35:25.263-08:00Cupcakes tomorrow! Oh, and 30 miles..<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best thing about Way Too Cool tomorrow is the frog cupcakes that await. I just have to run 30 miles first!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vCyIbZWYrGdWvTnu19SXrxtGzUuqFUiJrtyVGMb5kzLxO5f7SefBtHksbugQbdjOzdn6nkhCyCZpNGmAhnxS6Yo4b9g2-pB7QfzGmIT3zcaCGJp3fOcvpyutVIPPNS0du2gEj-k0owKM/s1600/Signature+WTC+Frog+Cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vCyIbZWYrGdWvTnu19SXrxtGzUuqFUiJrtyVGMb5kzLxO5f7SefBtHksbugQbdjOzdn6nkhCyCZpNGmAhnxS6Yo4b9g2-pB7QfzGmIT3zcaCGJp3fOcvpyutVIPPNS0du2gEj-k0owKM/s320/Signature+WTC+Frog+Cupcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rivvit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll also have my ego handed back to me after receiving 2nd place in both Steep Ravine and Jed Smith 50K last month. I'll be lucky if I'm in top 40 women... But I'm focused on a PR, not a medal. Last year this race was my very first 50K. I clocked in a 5:28:00 on the new course. Conditions were dry and perfect for fast running. I took it easy since it was my first one and I didn't know how to race a course more than 26.2 and, frankly, I was terrified. I'd like to be in the 5 hour range tomorrow. The top finishing female will likely be under or around 4 hours (!!!!!) That's a 7:45 min/mile people! On 6K+ of gain! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I received my 15° F bag yesterday! I'm all set for Grand Canyon. I'm gonna take her for a test sleep at Sonoma next weekend. Camping and running! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfIb98Qql5wNfna7EUEVGLaFw_YrhseKaCN8rYTjYFDH_Dr5yV_Wy417pjvXzCU1dsdJ_IjxZ3UNp8FT15wGjsTFwHxNJubSz-5KbHdMQok1EYB8mxdVvdcpb_lr2OmGBWeT90xlf65UI/s1600/bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfIb98Qql5wNfna7EUEVGLaFw_YrhseKaCN8rYTjYFDH_Dr5yV_Wy417pjvXzCU1dsdJ_IjxZ3UNp8FT15wGjsTFwHxNJubSz-5KbHdMQok1EYB8mxdVvdcpb_lr2OmGBWeT90xlf65UI/s320/bag.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snug as a bug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news my cat is losing weight and my chihuahua is getting fat. Apparently that quarter mile run I took her on last week has her feeling like I do. Starving all the time. So hungry. Don't know when the last time was I only had <i>one </i>lunch. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-77515578374603650882013-01-22T15:16:00.002-08:002013-01-22T15:16:42.727-08:00Ouch. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHrCSQA863wKiZCvjsTdfIztgpthWbSz9zxumjQNPTRlYksFMbiy9ZmtqnJd8URNU99tkPf7Gnaq6IrOC8YcXQnY22gaDyuPsgC9fcxhw-EgdVwS4ueJBaDURtMkjNNJjh4VNAo_wgaGt/s1600/piriformis_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHrCSQA863wKiZCvjsTdfIztgpthWbSz9zxumjQNPTRlYksFMbiy9ZmtqnJd8URNU99tkPf7Gnaq6IrOC8YcXQnY22gaDyuPsgC9fcxhw-EgdVwS4ueJBaDURtMkjNNJjh4VNAo_wgaGt/s320/piriformis_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this is going on lately... I'm still running but this dull pain turns into an ache that ends up down the side of my leg not past my knee. I tend to self - diagnose and I'm pretty sure, as usual, I'm right on the money (or booty in this case). It's been going on for about 3 weeks now and last week I took 4 days off (in a row!) to let it rest. 7 miles felt good on Friday and then by mile 13 of my 23 on Saturday it was talking quite a bit. So after watching youtube videos I have some good stretches I can do to keep it bearable. I hope it goes away completely though by the end of the month. I have Steep Ravine 50K this Sunday.. I'm not "racing" this event but I am a little nervous about putting 32 miles on my legs given the piriformis (say <a href="http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=piriformis">it</a>, its fun).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good thing to come of this is me getting back on my bike! I went for 45 miles yesterday on the American River Bike Trail and it felt amazing to be back. Legs were comfortable and I didn't start feeling fatigue from the unfamiliar pedal strokes until about mile 40 or so. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11 weeks to Sonoma 50! Which makes 13 weeks to Grand Canyon! I've decided to sign up and plan on attending James Barstad's annual Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim challenge this April. Will be the most difficult run I perhaps ever do. I'll elaborate more as it gets closer but here is a little peak at the elevation:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjDHidLq0EP-1cuMeQ-G-FThUhLOkDB0TPvScvmoQMt89Pg3HJ3sY5AIoHj25YJsmHBr4jxBJcfX4S2HF9rKkLmEn3JFdIEjbgToodnXyc9o76xb765CVTtJhrGiDQny0g7rJTdkF37pI/s1600/image006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjDHidLq0EP-1cuMeQ-G-FThUhLOkDB0TPvScvmoQMt89Pg3HJ3sY5AIoHj25YJsmHBr4jxBJcfX4S2HF9rKkLmEn3JFdIEjbgToodnXyc9o76xb765CVTtJhrGiDQny0g7rJTdkF37pI/s640/image006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its about 47 miles total and about 12K total in climbing and over 7,000 feet at elevation at 3 points. It will be a challenge to say the least and I hope I can complete it in one piece. Sonoma will be a good indicator of my ability, both mental and physical. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Running!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-32291521157391198482013-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:002013-01-09T15:26:57.909-08:00My Cat's Turds<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't normally have the pleasure of posting anything about my cat. I feel the need, today, after coming home this morning to one of his tremendous turds, to give Norm a shout out here. This blog was started in my quest to break a 4 hour marathon and has since been about different running journeys.. So it may be odd to some that my cat weighs 30 lbs and is what some might call "obese" when I might be what others call "obsessed" with running/working out.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAD2MM83-UFK6ybzx5Sv0NuWVSd6KYKqS4licZN1MGUfWTXeZOxa4fSS13ELSISbvFRACu74z0p2b-f2he1LMQloVNnzYLzGPpwjiAPX_Oqom1pb5mO_c7PIKjOPYT6xa51t4T0CtYb73/s1600/Norman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAD2MM83-UFK6ybzx5Sv0NuWVSd6KYKqS4licZN1MGUfWTXeZOxa4fSS13ELSISbvFRACu74z0p2b-f2he1LMQloVNnzYLzGPpwjiAPX_Oqom1pb5mO_c7PIKjOPYT6xa51t4T0CtYb73/s320/Norman.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Norm does best<br />
Photo courtesy of FB friend: Nathan Stewart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcZzrnQj8aSeYsBV1q8E_IpwskXAMqT-fuwM0H0m6mWdrriBVOWhSqUozfEFYCLmy3AGTu4lPnn_DceV9EJfGm-LKys1DHvircXTNrM1GII1x_m3ixeqILhYCk77zPnLNzAGqKlEkcHYD/s1600/norm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcZzrnQj8aSeYsBV1q8E_IpwskXAMqT-fuwM0H0m6mWdrriBVOWhSqUozfEFYCLmy3AGTu4lPnn_DceV9EJfGm-LKys1DHvircXTNrM1GII1x_m3ixeqILhYCk77zPnLNzAGqKlEkcHYD/s320/norm.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compared with a child<br />
Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Thorne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I adopted this hunk of love 2 years ago when I heard he was going to the pound. He was 10 years old and a dog lover, I was told. I brought my dogs over to introduce them and he ran up to them and started sniffing their butts right away. Love at first sniff. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has since become a </span><strike style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">neighborhood </strike><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> downtown phenom. There are 2 annual parties thrown in his honor and they've brought together neighbors in a peaceful, animal-loving way. I'm currently working on Norm Pub Crawl to benefit one of the local non-profit animal shelters. He will attend in my dog's stroller (yes, I own a doggie stroller). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyvlQ8PPt6hm-tbFxZXzD_kzoCcfiZjuoYpDhcBZDnNeshNO_-c1aFTxUag7FdHhteBVkehPsURIjgzf6fzbYO8c-oK0jpO2UfhYJQART-5dQAnZmA6dcHJ_lrn0hWV0uGDWnp5GxXz8C/s1600/stroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyvlQ8PPt6hm-tbFxZXzD_kzoCcfiZjuoYpDhcBZDnNeshNO_-c1aFTxUag7FdHhteBVkehPsURIjgzf6fzbYO8c-oK0jpO2UfhYJQART-5dQAnZmA6dcHJ_lrn0hWV0uGDWnp5GxXz8C/s320/stroller.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie's always preferred the finer things</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the initial point of this post was to mention Norm's turds. He has man-turds. I should have taken a photo of the one I came home to this morning but usually I'm just so preoccupied with getting that thing down the toilet as quickly as possible. I then had to light a candle to help with the buttscent that was left lingering. No wonder Norm ran, okay maybe it was more of a waddle, out the door when I got home. He can't even stand the smell. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is his buddy, Six. He initially came around about 1 year ago looking for food. I think he was abandoned because he's not too skittish and will even come inside once in a while. He is a regal looking cat but has gained a bit of weight... With all the visitors coming around I think they get their fair share of treats. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyRzq9j4XFGCpnXof59zqkJa__E9BXxZWHNCSIPE9FsePUXP2QuHP7uVUZk9-IRgpcxWzBuVgTro7FoAhm1ao6v_Mzr69mwn_R-PLaeVkqlhOzQvYgteLBigWwZYsGMtYikTj4ld1CQLQ/s1600/six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyRzq9j4XFGCpnXof59zqkJa__E9BXxZWHNCSIPE9FsePUXP2QuHP7uVUZk9-IRgpcxWzBuVgTro7FoAhm1ao6v_Mzr69mwn_R-PLaeVkqlhOzQvYgteLBigWwZYsGMtYikTj4ld1CQLQ/s400/six.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six<br />Photo courtesy of FB friend: Stephen Orihuela</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're not already his friend check him out here: </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/norm.lopez">Norm Lopez</a> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jLoZH6S8iMj6MSeYtYSZ0_6UBN-Rc17_lWLM3NjhyphenhyphenGJZlp_fuqsHjVXH53JudvT62Kvf3l7nzTkP09RXW2y8MMFCDcaOODnYbIQoR3O1HnuzGbpfWnznooKuNsvengNLPZ05j4Sogfx2/s1600/fatnorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jLoZH6S8iMj6MSeYtYSZ0_6UBN-Rc17_lWLM3NjhyphenhyphenGJZlp_fuqsHjVXH53JudvT62Kvf3l7nzTkP09RXW2y8MMFCDcaOODnYbIQoR3O1HnuzGbpfWnznooKuNsvengNLPZ05j4Sogfx2/s640/fatnorm.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not his best angle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-62804334403707897102012-12-30T14:46:00.000-08:002012-12-30T14:46:21.241-08:002012 in review<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The year had quite a few last minute detours for me and I've learned this is how I like to live. Sporadic, unconventional. It also seems this year I realized that since I started this whole running/fitness thing 2.5 short years ago, it's become so much a part of my life I have no idea where or who I would be without it. Similar to when a dog comes into your life and you have no idea what it was like before you had to take care of him. Here are the fun adventures of the year I never had any intention embarking on January 1st, 2012:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AR50 - I decided sometime in February or March I might as well put myself on the waitlist not really thinking I'd get in. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pacing the last 22 miles of Western States (after running the first 30 for safety patrol in the morning) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Running the Tahoe Triple (and even placing 1st for female under 40 on the first day! I know... low competition races are awesome) - this was physically taxing and rewarding. Completing it and feeling as well as I did ultimately lead me to putting my name in the WS100 lottery.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adventure lows for the year:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DNF at Skyline to Sea 50K due to ITB flare up that I couldn't run through (my car DNF'd on the Martinez bridge on the way home. And then we waited for 6 hours for a tow truck.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being attacked by a raccoon 2 times in the last month</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That last one isn't race related but it induced some adrenaline similar to that of finishing a hard race. I've never wanted to hurt anything fuzzy but I had to go mama bear on the turd after it went after my dogs. We all managed to get away unscathed but I'm terrified of leaving my house after dark now. Guh. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This last month my fitness has dropped post CIM. I've been eating and drinking too much and although I haven't gained any noticeable weight I feel like crap. I told myself December I wasn't going to beat myself up about it but how can I not? I'm whining for this self-inflicted rut I've gotten myself into. I'll get over it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've signed up for Sonoma 50 and lottery chose me for Way Too Cool 50K. I also signed up for the Steep Ravine 50K end of January and I'm still toying with the idea of signing up for Bishop 100K. As with most things, it will be a last minute decision fueled by some sort of inspiration I usually get when I've been running for too long and I'm lacking sugar to make rational thoughts. And it'll be great. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year Friends!!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7346823518994714207.post-7712479437311787342012-12-03T15:26:00.000-08:002012-12-03T15:26:41.665-08:00CIM 2012 - A Wet One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">26.2 of wet wet wet. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr-uEyo_z8p8vgEWD4hHCwSL1RadElLxU_D-QudZdQ2bM-HHiSbJcUXF1zTry73niKi-Ct5J399TYzVCJdK6_oscNE_ysoGe7Di6Gk2lnCAzcQ9ZoOKkX2y0cCko80eEq_fMloIY3P9mU/s1600/cim.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HK and I around mile 23-something </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day started with howling winds and rain. You could feel it on the bus on the way up to Folsom. I kept thinking it would die down as soon as the sun started to rise. When the bus arrived at 6am I quickly found Jeffrey, the first of the 3 men gracious enough to rally a relay around my effort of sub 3:35 - "T-Lo's Mojo". I knew going into this race that a BQ was going to take a perfect day. Not necessarily meaning perfect weather but a perfect mental/physical day coupled with weather being favorable. The 2 mile run before the race started got me feeling that a BQ was likely out of reach. I felt like a ping pong ball when hit with a gust of wind and I never really knew where it was coming from... It was mostly a side and headwind. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My plan all along had been to start with 8:30s for three miles and then work down to 8s and hold. The first 6 miles worked out well in that fashion. After the turn onto Fair Oaks it became brutal... I held pace but the gusts were coming straight at me and even with Jeffrey directly in front of me I was starting to feel beat up from the wind and that it might come back to haunt me in later miles. I landed at the half mark right on pace at 1:47 and picked up Kevin (HK). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was pretty grumpy. I think it was the fact that I heard it discussed by Jeffrey and HK that they would meet "around the corner" after the exchange to avoid the crowd. Well, as I ran past the exchange I see HK. I yell at him "KEVIN" and point that Jeffrey is up ahead. Then I see Jeffrey up ahead and I tell him that HK is behind me somewhere. So I'm immediately a little annoyed because HK wasn't where he said he was going to be. Which he argued that he was where he was supposed to be. ** DON'T EVER ARGUE WITH SOMEONE YOU'RE PACING** Even if you're right, you're wrong. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">HK: “What’s in your water bottle?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Me in a condescending tone
“WATER!!?”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At about mile 15 or so the 3:35 pacer is about 100 feet ahead of me but I'm losing steam, fast. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">“3:35 is getting away from you. You wanna pick it up?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">**SCOWEL**</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Miles 15 - 20 are really nothing but a blur of me staring at the ground ahead of me and moving forward.. I was doing about 8:30s, I think. This was my 3rd time doing CIM and if you've done it before or at least you know the Sacramento area, then you know that after you pass mile 20 - Lohman's Plaza you start heading into downtown on J Street and its the "final phase" of the race and the most fun typically because there are bars and coffee shops and a lot of people. We picked up Glen and HK gave the relay chip to him but stayed with us through the finish line. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glen was very nice and offering encouragement. He was the only of the three that was doing this consistently and I really appreciated it. I was moving the slowest miles 23-25 hitting 8:50s. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">HK: “You wanna go for 8:15s the last 3 miles?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: “No I’m good right here with this pace”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glen: “ You're doing great Tyler!!”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: “REALLY? Because I feel like SHIT” “I’m gonna get sloppy drunk after this” “Oh look, mile 24, that’s how many beers I’m having when this is done” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glen encouraged me to pick it up after the 25 mile marker and I did... My last mile was 8:19 and that was giving everything I had. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best signs of the day were "Watching you run is making me wet" (it was raining the ENTIRE time) and "Smile if you've peed yourself today". </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afterwards I proceeded to drink beer and eat bacon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">3:38:16 was my final time. 3:16 shy of a BQ but 12 minutes better than my last CIM so I can't complain. I see a BQ in my future. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pacers were great.. They all brought something different to the table. Jeffrey didn't talk too much but has a great energy/vibe to him and it was nice just knowing he was there. HK for as much shit as I give him is fun to run with. He's energetic and makes a party of it talking to people on the course and having fun. Glen also has a great energy to him and was very encouraging when I needed it the most. It's hard to talk when you are running at a race pace so I was never talkative on this run which was much different from last year. I felt like Mitch and I were chatting it up most the way through mile 15 before it got super quiet and the mental work took hold. This year's CIM the mental endurance started immediately... I think it had more to do with the weather which gives me hope for my next BQ attempt. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">And how about all those spectators still out there during this storm to watch the worst parade ever?? Love all of them! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
tylopezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01209254776160852932noreply@blogger.com1