"I was coming down the mountain!!!" - Jane's Addiction
It was only a few weeks ago I was singing (well, not sure if you can call what I was doing singing) this song after a game of Texas Hold 'Em and today, it was reality.
I finally got in a nice effort on my bike - a 5 hour ride on some of the toughest terrain the world has to offer. With sunshine to spare, the group headed out the famed "Zaffaraya" climb. It would take us 2 hours to get to the base of this climb, an hour to get up it and 2 hours to get home. It was lovely and I couldn't have been happier than when we hit that first pitch.
My instructions were to "ride without ego". And that's what I did. I got in my workout, but also made sure to spend time rotating through the group. I visited with our front guys for a bit and then found the other individuals throughout the day. The beauty of this camp is that we can all train together, but independently at the same time. A support vehicle makes the rounds - so no one gets lost, cold or hungry!
Within the first hour, you can see where you will be 2 hours from that point. The views across the mountain tops are incredible and truly sublime. While unzipping my jersey because I was so hot, I looked across the divide to see snow capped peaks. Just wild!
I could not have been more impressed with Dikran and the other campers - still jetlagged and on barely any sleep, they all put in immense efforts.
After the ride, the group hit the hot-tub and Richard and I ambled out for a short run. It was perfect and made the hot tub afterwards feel all the better.
A hearty meal of paella, wine, luscious dessert and good company and I'm officially ready to crash out - another day in the books.
Tomorrow is the famed/feared Ruta de Ruta (Route of Ruta). It boasts 87 miles and nearly 9,000 feet of climbing. It is brutal and I can't wait.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
"I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle."
Well, it's almost 5 o'clock here, despite it being about 11 AM back home. Get out of bed, already, will ya?!
This morning began with a nice group run - Aubs and I kept it easy and chatted for 5k while the boys did a more intense 10k loop. Was SO nice having company for my run this AM and when we got back, breakfast was waiting for us. Andy had loaded up the bikes and we were set for an earlier than usual departure. We made our way to beautiful Villanueva de la Concepcion (sorry, can't put accent marks on this computer - argh) - Village of the Conception.
Because Dikran was arriving this afternoon, I opted for a solo ride so I could meet him at the airport. I had a lovely time and stopped to take a few pictures. And I stopped due to a traffic jam - one involving goats.
It was a lovely ride and I got off my bike wanting more and feeling fresh - exactly what Eric ordered.
Tomorrow is a big ride - with the main focus being a traverse of Zaffaraya. A large climb that I did a few years back on accident (I dropped my water bottle and took a wrong turn) - oops! IN any event, it will be fun to relive this route and be sure I'm going the right way! Somehow, years ago, I guessed right and made it home. Long story for another post.
In the meantime, the campers, though jetlagged, are in good spirits and I think everyone will only get stronger as the camp goes on.
Keep on riding!
Well, it's almost 5 o'clock here, despite it being about 11 AM back home. Get out of bed, already, will ya?!
This morning began with a nice group run - Aubs and I kept it easy and chatted for 5k while the boys did a more intense 10k loop. Was SO nice having company for my run this AM and when we got back, breakfast was waiting for us. Andy had loaded up the bikes and we were set for an earlier than usual departure. We made our way to beautiful Villanueva de la Concepcion (sorry, can't put accent marks on this computer - argh) - Village of the Conception.
Because Dikran was arriving this afternoon, I opted for a solo ride so I could meet him at the airport. I had a lovely time and stopped to take a few pictures. And I stopped due to a traffic jam - one involving goats.
It was a lovely ride and I got off my bike wanting more and feeling fresh - exactly what Eric ordered.
Tomorrow is a big ride - with the main focus being a traverse of Zaffaraya. A large climb that I did a few years back on accident (I dropped my water bottle and took a wrong turn) - oops! IN any event, it will be fun to relive this route and be sure I'm going the right way! Somehow, years ago, I guessed right and made it home. Long story for another post.
In the meantime, the campers, though jetlagged, are in good spirits and I think everyone will only get stronger as the camp goes on.
Keep on riding!
Friday, February 6, 2009
And so it begins...
The campers arrived today - well, all but one. It's actually a blessing in disguise. Eric has instructed me to take it easy these first few days and let my body settle back into "healthy" mode as well as not get blasted early on. With that in mind, we had a camper that at the last minute needed to change his reservation. He will arrive tomorrow around lunchtime and it's just enough time to let me get in a quick run in the AM and then a 2 1/2 hour bike at my own pace before I pick him up at the airport. In the afternoon, we'll all congregate for yoga and core.
Today was filled with excitement - the arrival of the athletes is always a lift - fresh faces seeing the place with fresh eyes and the returning campers with there knowing smiles - well, and tired eyes! Dinner tonight was delicious as usual. Tracy prepares each meal specially and takes into consideration all dietary restrictions. I had a wonderful meal of stuffed avocados and am satiated beyond words. YUM!
Looking forward to tomorrow and I promise I'll take pictures and upload them then.
Cheers!
Today was filled with excitement - the arrival of the athletes is always a lift - fresh faces seeing the place with fresh eyes and the returning campers with there knowing smiles - well, and tired eyes! Dinner tonight was delicious as usual. Tracy prepares each meal specially and takes into consideration all dietary restrictions. I had a wonderful meal of stuffed avocados and am satiated beyond words. YUM!
Looking forward to tomorrow and I promise I'll take pictures and upload them then.
Cheers!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Back on Solid Ground
Not much to report - I touched down in Malaga, Spain earlier after an uneventful flight. A bit of rain when I landed, but the skies are clear tonight! I had a lovely afternoon drinking tea with Jon and Tracy - catching up - my-oh-my does a lot change within a year!
The campers arrive tomorrow and I'm looking forward to kicking off Strong Like Bull 2009.
The campers arrive tomorrow and I'm looking forward to kicking off Strong Like Bull 2009.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
22 days
Ok, enough ranting and back to the good. I love traveling and especially flying. I've always found takeoff exhilerating and I still love to see the pilot and cockpit. It's strange traveling alone, but there is a certain calm to it when you are used to a lot of activity.
I said my goodbyes to Luna, Cass, West and my parents today and got to have a nice last night with my boy. Just before turning out the lights, Sam handed me a box. He said I could open the box, but not my gift...confused, I peered inside. Lined up were 22 sealed envelopes. One for each day I am away. I was allowed to open the first one tonight in the airport and after the check-in stress, my already active tear ducts found something more to form - this time from the recognition of caring, compassion and love.
Counting down the days - and looking forward to returning stronger, leaner, fitter, faster and most importantly, returning to my loves.
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Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Packing
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Monday, February 2, 2009
Keep on Keepin' on
Hey y'all - my apologies for the blogging hiatus. I've been a bit under the weather for the past few days - add insult to injury, I broke out in hives all over. Yup, they are a great accessory to the cough and stuffy nose.
I shouldn't be complaining, I haven't been sick very much - last illness was just as well-timed as this one, the days before Hawaii. Being sick definitely makes you appreciate being healthy and functional. Well, I shouldn't even be complaining at all. I have all my limbs, I will get better in a few days and I can technically still function normally - just without workouts or excess energy.
The boy has been incredible. I've never had someone be so sweet and caring. If someone can still show you affection when you're coughing all over them and covered in hives (and scratching those hives like some kind of crack addict), well, besides owing that person many times over, you definitely recognize how much they mean to you.
I shouldn't be complaining, I haven't been sick very much - last illness was just as well-timed as this one, the days before Hawaii. Being sick definitely makes you appreciate being healthy and functional. Well, I shouldn't even be complaining at all. I have all my limbs, I will get better in a few days and I can technically still function normally - just without workouts or excess energy.
The boy has been incredible. I've never had someone be so sweet and caring. If someone can still show you affection when you're coughing all over them and covered in hives (and scratching those hives like some kind of crack addict), well, besides owing that person many times over, you definitely recognize how much they mean to you.
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