Random Friday Facts

You all know that Katie started Random Friday Facts, right?

1.  I’ve never been snowskiing.

2. I cut myself with the weedeater about a month ago.  My scar is looking good but it still hurts when I push on it.  (I KNOW)

3. Speaking of injury, my finger was un-dislocated two weeks ago.  Buddy taped since then, it also still hurts.  I’m falling apart y’all.

4. I’m obsessed with baking sweet potatoes right now.

5. And Hatch green chiles, of course.

That's about nine lbs of roasted chiles.  Should last me, oh, about two weeks.

6. In full on Get Rid of All the Things mode, I’m making a killing on Craig’s List.  Every day I look for more to donate, discard or sell.  It is liberating!

7. My guest room furniture is next.  Just the thought of having an entirely empty room thrills me beyond explanation.  Don’t worry, you can sleep on my sofa.  It’s way comfier!

8. I’ve had one overnight out of town guest since I bought this house over 9 years ago.  Kim!

9. On weekday morning runs, I wear my glasses.  It’s too early to fight with contacts.

10. Slightly obsessed with roller ball pens, I have them in several colors.

11. But only for work.  The ink is too dark for list making and letter writing.  I prefer a ball point pen or pencil for that. 

12. Without fail, I make my bed every morning.  Even if there is a cat in it.

13. I was recently told that the tan lines on my legs look like Neapolitan ice cream.  Sadly, this is true.

14.  I have a huge pile of documents to shred.  I keep hoping if I ignore it, it will somehow shred itself.  So far, this isn't working. Can't I just light it on fire in an alley somewhere?  

15. Sometimes I take the long way home from running errands just so I can drive down different streets in my neighborhood.  

Tell me something random about you!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Well, I did it.  After 7 years of running exclusively  in  Mizuno Waver Riders, I bought a totally different pair of shoes.  You know the saying, "If it ain't broke?"  Well, what better time that one month before marathon to try new shoes?

No worries, these lightweight babies will only come out for track workouts and racing short distances.

Until Austin.

I'm excited!

Are you a shoe loyalist or do you like to switch it up? 

Hotter N Hell Hundred

Or, in other words, false advertising.

The best kind.

I did this rally last year.  But last year I knew no one else riding and headed down to camp, ride and run solo. This year a whole passel of cool kids headed to Wichita Falls for the fun!

We set up camp in the, apparently, orange tent only area.  Plunked down in the same spot as last year where we could watch the Friday night trail ride go by as we ate supper.  I couldn't believe the weather!  Last year it was 100 still at midnight, this year, the evening brought cloud cover, a nice breeze and temps in the 70's.  I just love sleeping out under the stars. Even if I cannot see the stars without my glasses!  

Up early to get ready, get Marci & Jason their packets (they drove in Saturday morning with Mama C and Julie) and find the start line, I continued to marvel at the cool temps.  Sadly, I did not connect with Heidi and Brian at the start.  Our plan was to ride together but with so many riders, finding one another was a challenge.  We eventually met up around mile 20, but not before I made a few new friends on the course!

Found Heidi!  Yes, she's dressed in a tank and I'm dressed for arctic conditions.  I wanna be covered, yo.  Trying to keep the sun offa me!  Those sleeves are working (ish).  I do have a strange tan line on my wrists between my gloves and my sleeve. Oh well, you can't win them all. 

Not the most scenic surroundings in West Texas.  I saw and smelled a lot of oil. 

The pumps makes an eerie creaking noise as they move.  Do you have oil fields where you are from?

At one point, oh, mile 75 or so, my right foot got so hot I thought it might catch fire. 

 My left foot was fine but at the aid station I let my poor right foot breathe.  

Same aid station, we got caught stretching our calf muscles on a slight incline.  

Apparently causing a small scene, one dude said we ought to get a picture. The rest is history.  The volunteers were great and the ice water was flowing.  I made sure to keep my Camelbak full so there were no repeats of my near instant death due to dehydration at Shiner, ha!  

I love this photo that Heidi snapped (thanks for sharing it, H!)  She was so smiley the whole ride, singing and waving and carrying on.  Here Brian and I are just tucked into our ride - I love her joy!  This was their first century ride and I was glad to get to share the experience with them.  We celebrated each mileage milestone along the way.  

Shared the highway with a tractor for a bit.  Oh, Texas, I love you so.

This was a super flat course. See?  I actually heard a few people comment on the hills. Um, hmm.  Maybe they went off course?  Very flat, almost 20 degrees cooler than last year (it was 111 at the finish last year) and overcast for much of the ride, I consider this a gift for an August ride.  It certainly was not hotter than Hell, but that is just the type of false advertising that I'm okay with!  

Like the super smart cyclist I am, I tried out a new saddle on this ride.  Before Saturday the farthest I had ridden on my new Adamo was, oh, say, 20 miles.  Why not jump in for 100?  You know what?  I love this saddle!  No complaints from the lady business.  None at all.  And that's saying a lot for 100 miles in aero!

The aid stations only had fruit and water.  I wanted something salty like whoa.  And a coke.  So around mile 80 we stopped at a C Store for cokes and, of course, Fritos.  Usually on a long ride, a cold coke is like rocket fuel for me.  All that sugar and caffeine and cold, mmm.  I swear by it.  Train clean, race dirty, right?  

All in all it was a great day.  We took it easy, stopping as frequently and for as long as we liked.  We sang (okay, Heidi sang) we visited, we just basically enjoyed each other's company. I love training with Heidi and Brian - they are such a fun couple!  We got separated after the Air Force Base and I ended up finishing just a bit before them.  It was great to be reunited with my friends.  Mr. T finished the 100 about, oh, eleven hours before we did and the other glowing cyclists all the did the 50 mile,  Marci, kneeling in front, well this was her first rally and the farthest she had ridden prior to this weekend was 13 miles. Hardcore!   Congratulations to everyone who rode - it was a great day!  

Thx for the pic, Mama!

I'd like to revisit 100+ a few more times this fall.  Fortunately I know enough cyclists we can probably make that happen sooner than later - and I cannot wait!  

Head Down, Butt Up Racing - Sprint Style

So I raced this weekend.

Had a sprint tri scheduled for Sunday morning, early, but the unseasonable thunderstorms threatened the race.  As late as midnight on Saturday I still wasn't convinced it was going to happen.  Apparently, race directors don't like to put athletes on a course, much less the lake, when it is lightning.  Something about instant death or whatever.

But as soon as the sun came out Sunday morning, we could see that the skies were clearing up. The rain brought a nice breeze and cooler temps - it was going to be a great morning for racing!  Since I got there early, I lucked out and got to rack my bike at the very front of my designated rack.  Yesssss, no searching for my bike!  All I had to remember was that the rack was under the lightpole. Easy enough.

You see the same people over and over at local tris and even if you don't actually know them, it's exciting to exchange greetings and wish swift feet.  One woman, recognizing my kit from the last tri, introduced herself and we spent some time chatting about our upcoming races. We all ran in to people we really do know, including sweet Elaine. No make up, it's just past stupid thirty and they look fantastic!  Me, I look dazed and sleep deprived.  How do y'all do that, look so cute so early?

Ambling over to the swim start, we met up with more peeps still.  (but, duh, no cameras since we were all about to jump in the lake) You could have knocked me over with a feather when I turned around to see my surprise visitor.  You just never know who will turn up at a race!  Again, no pics because, duh, water and all. But there was glitter involved and it absolutely made my day.  

Totally worth getting up at stupid thirty to get to see this.

Swim: Last minute kisses, hugs, high fives and shouts of "Good luck" and single file by age group, we were in the water.  I've never been one to wish myself older, but dangit, the AG just after mine got pink caps!  The water was nice and warm and I dunked my face in a few times.  We bobbed for a few minutes letting the group in front of us get past the first few bouys and then got the okay to take off.  Ugh.  I just cannot keep my heart rate down in an OWS.  Using the skills I've learned, I quickly swam over anyone in my way.  My heart rate might be out of control, but I'm not afraid of the washing machine.  I know they'll leave me behind soon enough.  I beat my time from my last race, but I'm still significantly slower than in the gym pool. When am I going to learn to race OWS? When?!!?  Oh, with more practice you say?  Gotcha.  No panic and no drowning, so when my arms touched sand, I gratefully got up and ran towards T1, smacking Elaine on the bottom as I ran by.  

Fixin to smack Elaine on the bootay

Bike: Swim survived, my goal for the bike and run was to go out as hard I as could maintain. And I did.  There were quite a few sharp u-turns and loopys and ginormous cracks in the road, but I was determined to really race this course.  At the pre-race meeting they suggested that we stay out of aero for the first few miles since the road conditions were so poor.  (because of all the rain - it's a park, yo) Heidi and I exchanged looks, yeah, that's not gonna happen.  As soon as I crossed the bike mount line, I got up out of the saddle, keeping in mind my goal to pass everyone I came upon.  I might be the slowest swimmer ever, but I can ride a bike!  It was a really flat course so I was able to stay in my big chain ring and really push.  Another woman in my AG and I kept leapfrogging, we laughed about it and exchanged pleasantries. But in the back of my mind, I knew that as we got closer to the end of the 12 miles, I'd do whatever it took to pass her and not let her catch me.  Eventually a group of 4 women, all in my AG, ended up clumped together, all riding the same pace.  Hard.  Yeah, there was plenty of unintentional illegal drafting.  One would pass, the others would catch up.  Finally, having enough of this goo-goo-cluster of love, I dropped the hammer, hopped in the hurt box, passed them all and pretty much ran on the bike the rest of the course.  I never saw them again.  Hey, you're a marked woman with your age on your calf.  

Heidi is so cute in her SOAS kit!

Run:  As soon as I started running I though my lungs were going to explode.  My heart rate spiked at the beginning on the swim and hadn't gone down yet. On the bike, I kept telling myself, "Your legs are fine, your lungs will keep up" but I was breathing ridiculously loud.  This did not change on the run. Glancing at my watch I realized the reason for the hurt, 7:27.  Yikes!  That's a suitable pace for fresh legs on a 5K, but I was unsure if I could hold that now.  Figured I'd try.  Well, I couldn't.  I finished the 2 loop run course, averaging just over an 8 mi mile, getting passed in the chute by another woman in my AG.  Someone called out, "She's in your age group!" But I just let her go, I didn't have any more sprint left in me than I was already doing.  Good for her for digging deep and nearly knocking me over in the process.  It was just not my day to battle it out in the last 1/10 mile.

Finished.  I am really pleased with my effort out there.  I was going as hard as I could the entire time and landed a nice PR.  The fact that it was about 15 degrees cooler certainly helped.  Elaine landed on the podium, that was my favorite podium moment of the day.  My second favorite was when a dude brought his great big dog on the podium with him.  I do love to spot a dog at races!  I walked away with a medal for placing in my AG as well.  All around, it was a great day for racing.  

Elaine n TPG

Post race I ended up nursing a bad dehydration headache.  Even with the straw just inches from my face, I didn't drink much on the bike.  I drank even less on the run, my handheld was nearly full when I finished.  Hey, I was concentrating!  Nutrition?  I had peanut butter on toast on the drive over, but that was about 2 and half hours before I ever got in the water.  I gobbled down half a Honey Stinger Waffle before the swim and crammed the rest of it in my cake hole in T1.  So yeah, about 150 calories during the race.  Which for me, for only an hour of racing, is a lot. But I enjoyed that a Waffle before my ride.  Gave me a little boost of sugar.  It may be all mental but hey, I'll take whatever advantage I can get.  

I may have one more sprint before Austin.  Racing a sprint is so different than a 70.3.  I mean, I've only done it once, but from what I remember, it takes longer than an hour!  Sprints are a fun distance and it's easier for me to know I only have to hurt for a short while.  

I've learned a lot this racing season and every moment has been crazy fun!



All photos courtesey of the not-so-creepy-guy with the camera and certainly my most favorite spectator.  Thank you for sharing your pics!

My Little Experiment

So I went a week eating vegan.  As a vegetarian, I didn’t expect it to be too difficult, really just eliminating dairy.  (My relationship with eggs is precarious at best)

And it wasn’t hard at all.  Mostly I just needed to be extra careful reading labels on pre-packaged foods like breads and crackers.  (My beloved Wasa is safe!)  I never felt like I was sacrificing.

Well, okay, I sorely missed my chocolate milk post workout.  And late at night.  I do love my chocolate milk!  Soy and almond milks are fine substitutions in things, but it just isn’t the same as downing a cold glass of chocolate milk after a long run! 

The biggest challenge was eating out.  You really need to be prepared and have a plan. I only ate out once, on Friday after my long run.  I was craving rice made by somebody who is not me, so I headed to Chipotle for a burrito bowl.  Rice, beans, salsa, lettuce, quacamole…I didn’t have to amend my order one bit!  See?  Easy. 

However, I attended a conference for work on day and lunch was provided for us.  I showed up with a peanut butter sandwich in my purse just to be safe.  These types of affairs don’t often have a healthy option as it is, so I usually come armed with snacks.  This luncheon was no exception.  The non-meat offering was fettuccine alfredo.  Cream sauce, plus, ew, so heavy.  The salad? Simply iceberg lettuce tossed with copious amounts of Parmesan cheese.  Not a veggie in sight in that salad.  Pass.  The bread was pre-buttered and toasted so, nope.  They did have a chaffing dish of veggies that looked like they had been cooked within an inch of their lives and drenched in a suspicious sauce so I stayed clear.  Yup, while everyone was enjoying their prepared meal, I plunked my Ezekiel bread sam on my plain white plate and dug in.  Next up?   A baggie of plain popcorn mixed with almonds.  Oh, I really know how to live it up!  Honestly, the food all looked pretty gross and I was glad to have an excuse not to eat it, other than my usual, “Yeah, that just looks nasty” excuse. 

I passed up a lunchtime invite with coworkers because they weren’t sure where they were headed.  But with a little notice, as I do now, I’m sure that I could find something.  Questions, it is all about asking questions.  How was this prepared?  What is in this?  And I do that a lot already so no biggie. 

A week really isn’t long enough to get a good idea.  I can do without just about anything for a week.  A week isn't long enough to notice a difference in how I feel, good or bad.  So, I’ll try this again soon but next time for an entire month.  

Changing up your diet, even temporarily, isn't a huge sacrifice.  If you've ever considered trying a vegetarian or vegan diet you don't have to go, as they say, whole hog right away.  Or even ever!  Go just a day, or one meal each day for a week.  Baby steps.  Any change you make in the way you eat that is focused on better nutrition is a good change - no matter how small!  The good news is, it’s all your own personal challenge.  You can stop anytime and down  some milk if you want!

In case you are wondering, that is just what I did.  At 12:30am on Sunday, I figured my week was up and I poured myself a great big glass of chocolate milk before hitting the biscuit.  And it was delicious!

Going Vegan for a Week

Alternately titled, Quel Nightmare, I Can’t Have Chocolate Milk. 

And anyone who knows me knows that chocolate milk is a big part of my Happy Place.

Last month I read Scott Jurek’s book, Eat and Run.  Usually, reading the memoir of an ultra-runner has me rushing to sign up for some new endurance race.  This time I was motivated to try a new type of challenge.

Going vegan.

So you see, I already don’t eat no meat.  Vegetarian for about fourteen or so years now, it’s just a part of who I am.  I don’t think about it, it’s not a challenge for me.  (and yes, I get plenty of protein! ) I enjoy a wide variety of foods and try to eat as naturally as I can.  I just feel better when I’m eating well.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good pizza or grilled cheese and fries every now and then.  But mostly I subsist the good stuff. 

Instead of signing up for Rocky, I’ve decided to take a route that requires a lot less preparation and sacrifice.  Veganism has served Scott well so Imma try it.

For a week. 

Of course, I picked race week to disrupt my diet.  Genius.  But it hasn’t slowed Scott down so I have no worries.  Really, my diet isn’t changing much.  I don’t keep cheese in the house because I cannot control myself.  Eggs are seldom found in my fridge unless I’m making rice muffins to freeze for long bike rides. Greek yogurt is a daily staple but I can survive without it.  

 It’s the milk that gives me pause.  I drink a lot of milk.  Like, a lot a lot.  Violator once opened my fridge and gasped when she was met with FIVE cartons of milk.  (I don’t want to run out!) Soy and almond milk are always options for cooking or smoothies. Both soy and almond chocolate milk came home with me– blech to each of them.  Like brown water – I’ll just do without, thankyouverymuch.

Had my last glass on Saturday night before starting off Sunday dairy free.

And dark chocolate.  Each night after dinner I have five dark chocolate covered almonds. Because, duh, heart healthy.  I understand that some dark chocolate is vegan. (but not all)  My dark chocolate doesn’t come with nutrition information (it isn’t pre-packaged, sold in bulk) so  like chocolate milk, I’ll just abstain for the week.  Further investigation is on the horizon.

I  was treated to a supply of both lentil burgers and quinoa porridge made for me to start the week off right, both recipes from the book.  The burgers were delicious but the porridge rocked my breakfast world!  Now, I love oatmeal and this has officially bumped oatmeal off the menu – it’s that good!  I made a big batch to last me though the week and I anticipate this being a Sunday afternoon ritual from now on.  Mmm, hearty.

Super easy and super yummy.  Next batch will have pumpkin instead of banana.  mmm.  

I’ve thought out and prepared meals for the rest of the week.  Only slightly different from my usual fare, I’m looking forward to my food.  Today for lunch I enjoyed a version of Jason’s Mexican Waffles.  Of course I added Hatch green chiles and instead of jalapenos, made my salsa with, once again, moar green chiles.  The only change I made was to use soy milk in my waffle recipe.  (and didn't use a mix, opted for brown rice flour instead) Easy peasy.

Waffles, waffles, waffles, waffles. 

The changes are minimal – I just need to pay closer attention to prepared food and I eat very little of that as it is.  My beloved Ezekiel bread is safe, so are the heavenly flour tortillas from Central Market so my green chile infatuation won’t be interrupted! I think it’s a good idea to every now and then really focus on what I’m throwing down my gullet – and remove anything that just isn’t good for me or isn’t working.  

At the end of the day, vegetarianism or veganism isn’t a diet, it isn’t a sacrifice, it’s just a way of life.  And I’m really looking forward to trying new things – it has all been good so far!

Dinner.  After reading the label, I opted NOT to eat the bread as it has honey in it.  Label reading is key!  

This is the last food picture, I promise no more!  (but looky at those green chiles, nom, nom, nom)

Have you ever gone vegetarian or vegan temporarily?  What surprised you the most about your experience?

Random Friday Facts

1.        I’m currently obsessed with  Imagine Dragons right now.  You’re welcome.

2.       So, I fell a few weeks ago in NM.  It hurt at the time (there may have been some rude words uttered) and continues to hurt.  I noticed last night that there is something not quite right with my pink fanger.  I see tape in my near future. 

3.       It’s Hatch Green Chile Festival time around here and that means moar green chiles on everything!  In my eggs, on my pizza, on a sandwich, in soups, casseroles, tacos, you name it.  Green chile salsa, pesto, cream sauce and don’t forget, just plain ole eatin’ roasted green chiles. Bomb diggity. 

4.       Seeing donkeys on my ride never gets old. Not ever.

5.       I swam 2500 yds for the first time ever this week.  It didn’t feel as far as I feared it would.  4224 is still a long way off. 

6.       I’m still wary of the lake.  Sunday, Sunday I have a date with the lake.  It is so on, lake. 

7.       Heidi and I are going to see Willie Nelson. To be clear, I adore Willie Nelson.  Adore.  I’m hoping he’ll let me braid his hair.  I’m bringing hair bands JIC.

8.       I get so frustrated when I can’t do things right.  Tried to change the line in my string trimmer out all by myself and apparently, did something wrong.  Turned it on and bam, deep cut to the shin, my shin.  Lotsa blood.  Nothing like a power lawn tool injury to shut down the lawn maintenance.  Fortunately, Willis fixed it for me and I’ll be able to get back to business this weekend.  But I might wear pants.  Ouch.

9.       I’m allergic to melons and wool.  And maybe the lake.

10.  Yesterday was Make a Baby Day in Singapore.  So there's that.  Sorry if you missed the celebration.  I'm pretty sure they condone observing this particular holiday the entire weekend.

11.   A wasp flew in my house at 6:15 this morning.  We wrestled for a bit then he climbed in the air vent. So I did what any Pink Girl would do, I taped an Ulta bag over the vent.  Hoping, he wouldn't figure out all the vents are connected.  Duh.  He did, and was waiting for me when I got home.

12.   Apparently, I have the body type for a trampoline gymnast.  You know, a Tramp Champ.  That’s me.  

13.  Witnessing the sunrise never gets old.  Never ever.

What is your Olympic Body Type?

Cycling Through the Land of Enchantment

Remember when I mentioned that the mountains had been calling me?

Well, I answered.

Answered by packing up the car with 4 of my friends, Drum's parents and 6 bicycles to head to New Mexico for 3 days of riding and climbing.  It was going to be great.

We drove for 11 hours.  And when I say we, I mean Ninja drove the whole way there.  Violator and I were spoiled - our only job was to keep him company!  

Our view for what seemed like a jillion miles.  A jllion pretty scenic miles!

We arrived in Espanola, NM on Sunday evening and hunkered down to get some rest before our first day of riding.  Bright and early we were up, spraying on sunscreen in the parking lot and getting ready for the challenge ahead.  Our planned mileage was just over 60, but with the altitude and the climbing, we knew it would take much longer than 60 miles at home!

Day One, looking rested and excited.  Notice I'm the only one dressed for Arctic conditions.  I'm still rockin' the UV sleeves trying to protect my skin!

(L-R) Mark, Drum, Violator, Mitchell, Ninja, TPG

The first really big climb was a bit scary.  No shoulder and very windy roads. Cars could not see us until they were right up on us.  But everyone was very courteous.  Mad props to NM drivers!  Oh, mah guah climbing in the heat and altitude was a rude awakening!  But this was a pretty short, steep climb, only 2 miles.  Getting to the top was a relief and an accomplishment.  Of course, we had NO idea what was in store for the next two days, ha! 

We made it!  Look at all that pink!  Those are some fierce cycling girls, fo sho.

We rode to Los Alamos and back. We were rewarded from all the climbing with some great downhills on the return trip. Also, with breathtaking scenery.  I stopped to take pics.  A lot.

Like, a lot, a lot.  

 Eventually we made it back to Espanola, showered and refueled with pizza and beer.  And naps!  There was also a lot of this going on.

Yes, we were texting each other pics of our compression.  Dorks.  Note to self, CWX compression pants - now on the need list.

Day Two, we packed up the cars, checked out of our hotel and got ready to ride the 60 miles from Espanola to Taos.  Drum's parents crewed for us, driving both vehicles, providing food, water, mechanical assistance and in general, being entirely incredible.  I cannot thank them enough for their support!  We could have done it without them, but it would have been so much more difficult and stressful. They are amazing and so encouraging!  Plus, Drum's dad, Mark, has been cycling his whole life.  I learned so much from him this week!

Ready to ride to Taos, looking just a little tired.  

(L-R) Ninja, Violator, Mitchell, TPG, Drum.  Still rockin' the sleeves.  I'm committed to sun protection!

So much climbing.  Lot of really long, gradual climbs at the start of Day 2. This is near Chimayo.  

El Santuarino de Chimayo, church of many miracles.

First stop on Day Two.  Still plenty of energy and smiles! We were all just so glad to have this opportunity and soaking in the entire experience.  

The long climb on the road to Truchas.  The scenery was changing quickly from brown and arid, to cool and verdant.  I just kept thanking God, out loud, for the blessing of this trip and the opportunity to see all of this by bike.  To smell the clean mountain air, to watch the mountains go by (ever so slowly, ha) and for the strength to make those climbs.  It was a blessing to struggle up that 10% grade.  So many people will never be healthy enough to make that kind of effort and I'm so thankful that I can.  

We stopped at an artist co-op in Truchas to refuel.  I managed to buy a print of an oil painting and got to meet the artist.  She pointed to where her house is, and let me know the print was her view from her porch.  What a lovely memory!  

Gorgeous graffiti in Truchas.

Ninja and Violator stretching after that long, brutal climb.  

With Violator getting ready to climb Army Hill.

Don't let that flat look fool you.  Plenty of false flats.  But the downhill were so worth it!  My top speed was just over 40 mph and that was so much fun!  Carson National Forest.  

I got so hungry on Day Two.  The whole ride I was fantasizing about rice. Yes, rice.  These days I typically fuel with muffins made of white rice and that is all I could think about!  So, for dinner we found a Chinese food place and I finally had my fill of rice.  AND found a sweet kitty to cuddle!  Yes, I'm wearing compression socks with my skirt. Don't hate; my legs were tard.

Day Three we prepared to ride from Taos up the mountain.  No humidity and a crisp 51 degrees at the start. We picked a great week to escape the 108 high of North Texas!  Spoiled, that's what we are, spoiled.  I knew today would be the hardest day in terms of climbing and elevation, but I was determined to enjoy every minute of it. 

Ninja, Drum, Mitchell, Violator, TPG.  My wonky knee has been bothering me so I've been babying it with K tape and lots of ice.  

Day Three brought many more miles (just over 60 again) through Carson National Forest as we made our way up the mountain.  Every time I stopped to take it all in, I was greeted with the barking of prairie dogs.  Those sneaky little guys refused to have their picture made though!

Riding downhill, winding like crazy, on the way to Angel Fire was a sickening experience in the best way possible.  I really tested my bike handling skills - fortunately no spills.  I would make that climb over and over, just to experience that crazy downhill - so fun!  Let's be clear, I'm not a strong climber but I have NO FEAR when it comes to going fast!  I certainly put those big fat gears to good use.  I pedaled my heart out the entire way down, hoping to go even faster!

The longest climb of the day, was around 14 miles from Eagle's Nest up to Bobcat Pass.  You can take a shorter climb from Red River, but no, we took the long way.  It's slow and relentless, the last 3 miles or so becoming very steep and seemingly never ending.  I might have had some rude things to say as I struggled my way up that mountain.  I might have stopped pedaling to coast on what turned out to be a false flat and fell right over.  I might have scratched my new bike and banged up my wrist and it might still be sore.  But it was so worth it! Mark, having made this climb before (it took me about an hour and a half!) grabbed my bike as soon as I made it to the top.  He said he's seen cyclists fall over as soon as they stop!  I was just so glad to be done.  Even more elated when Marcia offered me a fresh tortilla, cheese and a coke!  I actually said, "I love you."  And I meant it!  Dang, I worked up an appetite on this trip!

 A little worse for the wear, but I made it.  I'll never forget this climb!  We just don't have mountains where I'm from. 

Hugging Violator as she reached Bobcat Pass.

At the top of Bobcat Pass we met a group of cyclists from Kansas, touring like we were.  Marcia made their picture under the sign.  One of the most memorable moments was watching their last cyclist come up the mountain. 60 years old, he had suffered a stroke and had only 10% use of his right side. Yet he powered up that mountain just like anyone else.  So inspiring!  It's really a testament to the power of human will.  I'll carry that with me forever, the sight of him working so hard to get up that mountain.  Incredible.  

Every day brought new challenges and new milestones.  I'm definitely a much more confident, stronger cyclist than when I first crossed the NM border on Sunday.  I'm so thankful to Drum's parents for planning the routes, being such a great crew and encouraging us all along the way.  This was an opportunity of a lifetime and looking back, I still kind of can't believe it happened.  Riding back to back to back, through some of the most beautiful terrain -well, I won't soon forget that beauty.

A few years ago, I couldn't imagine myself on a  bike, much less taking a trip like this - solely to ride as much as I can!  I'm so glad that reality is so much better than my imagination!  You know, life can be like climbing a mountain by bicycle.  Sometimes it is hard, really hard. And you just put your head down, wanting to stop.  But if you'll take a look around, you'll see the beauty that surrounds you. You'll see the important people in your life who care about you and want you to succeed.  And if you listen carefully, they are there, at the top of the mountain, cheering you on.  So just keep pedaling.  You'll find out that you're tougher than you ever knew, as long as you just keep going.

And once you find out how strong you really are, well, you'll realize you're damn near indestructible.

And that, is a priceless feeling.

Do you like to take "active" vacations?  Where would you go to cycle or run if you could?