Um, so its Monday and I'm (Eric) not sure were the weekend went. Let's see...
Friday - biked to work and back, did dishes, made dinner, hurried dinner to get done before the Keil's got there to buy my 650 race wheels (new bike are 700's). Its a bit ironic that we rushed dinner since Jenni wrote about how she missed her bike workout in part to make it to our place on time.
Sat - We survived the craziness that is Sutherland's plant sale (always the day before Mother's day) before heading for a ride with GS Boulder. Amber and I ride a lot together, sometime solo and occasionally with someone else, but rarely in a group (at least since our CU Tri team days), so it was a good chance to mix things up a bit and get comfortable in a group again for the Duluth Classic road races. The group didn't have strong feelings on where to go so we made it up as we went along and ended up going up St. Vrain Canyon towards Raymond. Right into the start of the climb, Amber realized she was going flat in the back. She has had two flats this spring, both have been on the two group rides that she has been on. Something had happened to her slidewall to crack it and put a tear in the tube that didn't go all the way through the rubber but was enough to make it lose pressure. We booted the tire with a bar wrapper and headed after the group. We got most of the way to Raymond before we saw the rest of the group, but turned around to descend with them. Amber and I had to stop to put on jackets and Alan waited for us and pulled for us down the hill. We rode back to Gunbarrell with the group with a huge tailwind most of the way (group shrank from ten at the start in Boulder, to nine by Lyons, to five by Gunbarrel, to one headed back to Boulder). Watched Gone Baby Gone that night, we both liked it.
Sunday - Went for a 1.5 hr run and 1.25 hr bike (on new bikes). Checked out the Sunflower Market in Boulder, good prices on produce and nice selection, but their parking is even worse than Whole Paycheck's. Watched No Country For Old Men, I liked it but Amber really didn't.
Monday - No training. Unfortunately the to do list at home is very long.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Lane One
In honor of the first track workout of the year later today, I (Eric) present "the lane of one" to be sung to the tune of "the sound of silence". Verses 1 and 2 by me, v3 by Sunny.
Hello track, my old friend,
I’ve come to run on you again,
Because of my coach’s planning,
I need to do some fast running,
And the workout that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the lane of one.
Through the workout I ran alone
Narrow lane that feels like stone,
Neath that brutal summer heat,
I still remember my first meet,
When my legs were stabbed by the flash
Of searing pain
But not in vain
Within the lane of one.
Back to the workplace I have gone.
My awesome week-end has passed along.
But the riding was excellent.
Can't complain about the descent.
And the sunshine
was out from behind the clouds
shining down.
Sunday please come back to me.
Hello track, my old friend,
I’ve come to run on you again,
Because of my coach’s planning,
I need to do some fast running,
And the workout that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the lane of one.
Through the workout I ran alone
Narrow lane that feels like stone,
Neath that brutal summer heat,
I still remember my first meet,
When my legs were stabbed by the flash
Of searing pain
But not in vain
Within the lane of one.
Back to the workplace I have gone.
My awesome week-end has passed along.
But the riding was excellent.
Can't complain about the descent.
And the sunshine
was out from behind the clouds
shining down.
Sunday please come back to me.
Goggles
I am breaking one of Elizabeth's (aka ELF) blogging rules and writing at work....it might be different if I ever got home this week! Work has been loooooong the last few days, but progress is being made on our project, so I guess it is all good.
Anyways, by musing on irony as seen through my goggles.
Today was my first day back in the pool since Lasik, and all went well. As the sun was rising (yes, Kerrie, we swim at 6 am, but it seems to be the only time we can fit it into our schedules and still carpool) over the outdoor pool at Flatirons Athletic Club (FAC), I was reminded of my last swim.
The 6 am swim the day of my 12 noon Lasik surgery.
Oh, what an odd swim discovery I had that day. You see, the week before Lasik, you have to wear glasses, not contacts. So for 2 swims, I had to rely on my lane mates for our send offs since I was without my contacts and could not even see the clock, let alone read what it said.
Also, the days are getting longer and by 7:15 it was getting really bright when I would breathe to the East.
So, on Thursday, April 24, 2008, I made the serendipitous decision to swap my light blue, sweedish-style, socket rocket goggles for my near-black, gel-socket, Nike, bargain bin sweedish-style goggles. The goggles I paid less than $3 or $4 for at a High Point Swim expo tent at one of the local triathlons a few years back. The ones that I really bought for the strap, not the goggles, at least that is what I said after the first time I used them and realized why they had been so cheap.
They don't look cheap. The fit is pretty comfortable (at least once adjusted correctly). But the first time I wore them in the pool........woah Nellie! Everything looked fine above water, but below water it was all blurry.
Until 6:08 am April 24, 2008.
For more than 2 years I swam along looking at a blurry line on the bottom of the pool, blurry hands, etc. It was OK since I could see everything above water fine, including the pace clock. But it was weird. Even a tad annoying. But the morning before my Lasik surgery, because I couldn't wear my contacts, I discovered that my bargain-bin goggles were a near-perfect fit for my horrendously near-sighted eyes.
I could see all the way to the other end of the 25 m pool. I could see every chink and crack in my faded, chipping toe nail polish. I could see the ........ physical flaws in my lane mates physiques.
Who would have thought that Nike's design flaw would be a perfect fit for my near-blind eyes. What an odd thing to discover!
And, today, back to being blurry below the water's surface. But that's OK. I can see well above the water....yeah! I can watch the drops drip off my finger tips on my sun-side arm during recovery. I can read the clock. And all with no contacts.
As my vision continues to improve daily, I am thankful, oh so thankful. And training is resuming, when work schedules allow. I told them I HAVE to leave this afternoon/evening for my track workout (first one of the year!) even if it means coming back in afterwards. We'll have to see.
Happy travels to my Family as they all leave their respective time zones to converge on Duluth MN for Beth's graduation. Way to go Sis! Wish we could be there! Happy driving Erica (and critters) and Mom and Dad.
And Happy Mother's Day!
We love you all, miss you so much, but look forward to seeing you soon when we are home for the wedding.
One final thing: a small correction. Our brother-in-law, Ryan, deployed last Saturday, but he is currently assigned to Baghdad, not Afghanistan. The Army changed his assignment (no real surprise) and Erica forgot to update me. Our thoughts and prayers are with them both.
-Amber
Anyways, by musing on irony as seen through my goggles.
Today was my first day back in the pool since Lasik, and all went well. As the sun was rising (yes, Kerrie, we swim at 6 am, but it seems to be the only time we can fit it into our schedules and still carpool) over the outdoor pool at Flatirons Athletic Club (FAC), I was reminded of my last swim.
The 6 am swim the day of my 12 noon Lasik surgery.
Oh, what an odd swim discovery I had that day. You see, the week before Lasik, you have to wear glasses, not contacts. So for 2 swims, I had to rely on my lane mates for our send offs since I was without my contacts and could not even see the clock, let alone read what it said.
Also, the days are getting longer and by 7:15 it was getting really bright when I would breathe to the East.
So, on Thursday, April 24, 2008, I made the serendipitous decision to swap my light blue, sweedish-style, socket rocket goggles for my near-black, gel-socket, Nike, bargain bin sweedish-style goggles. The goggles I paid less than $3 or $4 for at a High Point Swim expo tent at one of the local triathlons a few years back. The ones that I really bought for the strap, not the goggles, at least that is what I said after the first time I used them and realized why they had been so cheap.
They don't look cheap. The fit is pretty comfortable (at least once adjusted correctly). But the first time I wore them in the pool........woah Nellie! Everything looked fine above water, but below water it was all blurry.
Until 6:08 am April 24, 2008.
For more than 2 years I swam along looking at a blurry line on the bottom of the pool, blurry hands, etc. It was OK since I could see everything above water fine, including the pace clock. But it was weird. Even a tad annoying. But the morning before my Lasik surgery, because I couldn't wear my contacts, I discovered that my bargain-bin goggles were a near-perfect fit for my horrendously near-sighted eyes.
I could see all the way to the other end of the 25 m pool. I could see every chink and crack in my faded, chipping toe nail polish. I could see the ........ physical flaws in my lane mates physiques.
Who would have thought that Nike's design flaw would be a perfect fit for my near-blind eyes. What an odd thing to discover!
And, today, back to being blurry below the water's surface. But that's OK. I can see well above the water....yeah! I can watch the drops drip off my finger tips on my sun-side arm during recovery. I can read the clock. And all with no contacts.
As my vision continues to improve daily, I am thankful, oh so thankful. And training is resuming, when work schedules allow. I told them I HAVE to leave this afternoon/evening for my track workout (first one of the year!) even if it means coming back in afterwards. We'll have to see.
Happy travels to my Family as they all leave their respective time zones to converge on Duluth MN for Beth's graduation. Way to go Sis! Wish we could be there! Happy driving Erica (and critters) and Mom and Dad.
And Happy Mother's Day!
We love you all, miss you so much, but look forward to seeing you soon when we are home for the wedding.
One final thing: a small correction. Our brother-in-law, Ryan, deployed last Saturday, but he is currently assigned to Baghdad, not Afghanistan. The Army changed his assignment (no real surprise) and Erica forgot to update me. Our thoughts and prayers are with them both.
-Amber
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Bonk Mountain
So with Amber's eyes getting better, we went for a hike/run on Sunday that turned bad, very bad for your's truly.
The plan was simple, head up Green Mountain at a good clip and back down. Unfortunately that's where the planning stopped as all we grabbed on the way out the door for nourishment was 1 water bottle for the two of us. Of said water bottle, some leaked out by the time we got to the trailhead, so we started even a bit low.
Upon leaving the car, I felt a bit hungry since breakfast had been three hours before and I realized that we hadn't brought any food. Oh well, I thought, it's only an hour to the top and then its all downhill.
Up we go and I'm feeling pretty good. Amber on the other hand is having leg cramps, but plugging along.
At about 40 minutes in, we get to an intersection that will lead us to the top or back to the car. Feeling more hungry and worried about Amber's legs, I suggest we head down, but she won't consider it.
Up to the top. Had one bad spot where I needed to stop for a few seconds, but otherwise get to the top without incident. At the top, Amber wants to take a picture, while I want to immediately head to the car. She gets the picture, we finish the water, and we start back down the hill while i start to consider whether to go for ice cream at Glacier or a smoothie bowl at Rush.
I go full bonk mode. Not good. Get angry at myself for forgetting food, get angry at Amber for pushing to the top, get angry at the mountain for being a mountain, get angry ... well you get the idea.
I've bonked before, but something new happened this time, my arms and hands got very tingly. At one point, my face even got tingly. Very, very weird. Send Amber and Izzy back to the car since she had one Justin's peanut butter packet there and I plod down the hill.
The steep stuff was the worst as I found my self as the inverse Mt Everest climber in that I had to work at each step forward but it was downhill. Was able to jog/plod my way through the flatter areas. Eventually, made it down most of the way, my hands got less tingly, met Amber, consumed peanut butter, and made it to the car. We ended up going to Rush where I had a Hanna's chocolate covered strawberry bowl.
At some point up the hill, I promised Amber that we could do Green Mtn, Bear Peak, and South Boulder Peak in one trip this summer. If she keeps me to that promise, I'm bringing a whole picnic basket (and making her carry it).
The plan was simple, head up Green Mountain at a good clip and back down. Unfortunately that's where the planning stopped as all we grabbed on the way out the door for nourishment was 1 water bottle for the two of us. Of said water bottle, some leaked out by the time we got to the trailhead, so we started even a bit low.
Upon leaving the car, I felt a bit hungry since breakfast had been three hours before and I realized that we hadn't brought any food. Oh well, I thought, it's only an hour to the top and then its all downhill.
Up we go and I'm feeling pretty good. Amber on the other hand is having leg cramps, but plugging along.
At about 40 minutes in, we get to an intersection that will lead us to the top or back to the car. Feeling more hungry and worried about Amber's legs, I suggest we head down, but she won't consider it.
Up to the top. Had one bad spot where I needed to stop for a few seconds, but otherwise get to the top without incident. At the top, Amber wants to take a picture, while I want to immediately head to the car. She gets the picture, we finish the water, and we start back down the hill while i start to consider whether to go for ice cream at Glacier or a smoothie bowl at Rush.
I go full bonk mode. Not good. Get angry at myself for forgetting food, get angry at Amber for pushing to the top, get angry at the mountain for being a mountain, get angry ... well you get the idea.
I've bonked before, but something new happened this time, my arms and hands got very tingly. At one point, my face even got tingly. Very, very weird. Send Amber and Izzy back to the car since she had one Justin's peanut butter packet there and I plod down the hill.
The steep stuff was the worst as I found my self as the inverse Mt Everest climber in that I had to work at each step forward but it was downhill. Was able to jog/plod my way through the flatter areas. Eventually, made it down most of the way, my hands got less tingly, met Amber, consumed peanut butter, and made it to the car. We ended up going to Rush where I had a Hanna's chocolate covered strawberry bowl.
At some point up the hill, I promised Amber that we could do Green Mtn, Bear Peak, and South Boulder Peak in one trip this summer. If she keeps me to that promise, I'm bringing a whole picnic basket (and making her carry it).
Friday, May 2, 2008
bzzzzzzz.....
I am so proud of E for figuring out how to post pics on blogspot. I could probably do that too, but haven't tried yet. Good job with the bike pics, hun!
Another trip to the eye dr this morning, another sign of small progress (! yeah !) and another request to come back in a week for them to take another peek (grrr).
Otherwise, work has kept be busy since the training has been on hold for the eye healing. That is really what inspired this post....work.
We got a new client in who is on a tight timeline to get a food additive purified (turns out their entire supply tastes like hay....). Due to confidentiality, I can't say who they are or what their additive is....but I will venture out there and tell ya'll (that was for you, Erica) that it is a common, natural ingredient, found in java and other hot beverages, that many American's (and bloggers!) can't do without. I am working like a mad woman to get ready for a super-accelerated 3-batch manufacturing run we want to get done next week.
...and I sure could use some of their product!
Bbbzzzzzz.
I'll be spending some time on this at home this weekend, and some java might just be what I need to help me speed through it so I can get on with the rest of my weekend. Considering where we were on this project last Friday (they were visiting us for the first time for an audit) to where we are now, the project defiantly is a speedy one!
Good luck to ALL racers at Wildflower (Sunny!) and St. Croix (Amanda and all the others who we don't "know" but do follow through their blogs.) May speed be on your side!
...and to Erica and Ryan...we love you both and hope that this weekend is special, lovely, and peaceful. Godspeed Ryan, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that your tour in Afghanistan will be quick and painless. We promise to take good care of Erica. We will miss you. See you soon, my friend, fifteen months is not that long, really!!
-A
Another trip to the eye dr this morning, another sign of small progress (! yeah !) and another request to come back in a week for them to take another peek (grrr).
Otherwise, work has kept be busy since the training has been on hold for the eye healing. That is really what inspired this post....work.
We got a new client in who is on a tight timeline to get a food additive purified (turns out their entire supply tastes like hay....). Due to confidentiality, I can't say who they are or what their additive is....but I will venture out there and tell ya'll (that was for you, Erica) that it is a common, natural ingredient, found in java and other hot beverages, that many American's (and bloggers!) can't do without. I am working like a mad woman to get ready for a super-accelerated 3-batch manufacturing run we want to get done next week.
...and I sure could use some of their product!
Bbbzzzzzz.
I'll be spending some time on this at home this weekend, and some java might just be what I need to help me speed through it so I can get on with the rest of my weekend. Considering where we were on this project last Friday (they were visiting us for the first time for an audit) to where we are now, the project defiantly is a speedy one!
Good luck to ALL racers at Wildflower (Sunny!) and St. Croix (Amanda and all the others who we don't "know" but do follow through their blogs.) May speed be on your side!
...and to Erica and Ryan...we love you both and hope that this weekend is special, lovely, and peaceful. Godspeed Ryan, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that your tour in Afghanistan will be quick and painless. We promise to take good care of Erica. We will miss you. See you soon, my friend, fifteen months is not that long, really!!
-A
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Bikes
So, here are our new rides thanks to the sponsorship of Javelin of the GS Boulder cycling team. Amber's bike has the light blue tape and bottle cages, mine has the dark blue cages. Only other differences are the seat, stem and pedals.
Inch by inch, row by row...
Well, Eric and I took another trip to Denver yesterday to the eye doctor's. Good news! Little by little my vision is getting better. So much so that they decided to not re-float the flap and I get to back down on some of the drops. Both eyes are still inflamed, but on the mend and expected to be fully recovered in due time.
Of course, my first desire is to resume training (or even some semblance of my normal schedule) as soon as I can. I am eager. I am hungry. Again, in due time.
And that time is not now. Maybe next week. The eyes need to heal more, first. We'll see....literally!
At least I am feeling much less frustrated and scared.
The funny thing is that the doctor said that even though it is very unusual to see this kind of inflammation, especially to the extent I have it in my "bad" eye, they did have a number of patients with similar problems a few years back. At that time, the didn't really figure out what was causing the problem, but they did observe that it was affecting people with fair skin, hair and eyes (i.e. those of Nordic or Scandinavian descent). Additionally, they found that those affected often had unusually large swelling responses to bees and even mosquitoes.
That's me!
Issues with mosquitoes have not really been a problem since age 5, but we have pictures at the Farm with Grandma and Grandpa (and great grandma!) where my face is so swollen from mosquito bites that my eyes look barely open. And I still have "issues" with bee and wasp stings....I swell up like a blimp.
In the end, I asked lots of questions, found out lots of useful info, and discovered that I get to go BACK down again on Friday morning for another check up.
At least Eric will not have to take time out of his schedule to come with this time (they said I needed a driver yesterday if they were to re-float, in the end, he was mostly there for moral support since that was not needed). On the bright side, we BOTH got to enjoy the Sauna-like conditions in our car. The heat control is currently stuck on hot, and it was near 80 yesterday! Good Ironman AZ prep, just a little late!
And today, rain/snow pellets and a high around 45 F. Should be good for the garden!
Of course, my first desire is to resume training (or even some semblance of my normal schedule) as soon as I can. I am eager. I am hungry. Again, in due time.
And that time is not now. Maybe next week. The eyes need to heal more, first. We'll see....literally!
At least I am feeling much less frustrated and scared.
The funny thing is that the doctor said that even though it is very unusual to see this kind of inflammation, especially to the extent I have it in my "bad" eye, they did have a number of patients with similar problems a few years back. At that time, the didn't really figure out what was causing the problem, but they did observe that it was affecting people with fair skin, hair and eyes (i.e. those of Nordic or Scandinavian descent). Additionally, they found that those affected often had unusually large swelling responses to bees and even mosquitoes.
That's me!
Issues with mosquitoes have not really been a problem since age 5, but we have pictures at the Farm with Grandma and Grandpa (and great grandma!) where my face is so swollen from mosquito bites that my eyes look barely open. And I still have "issues" with bee and wasp stings....I swell up like a blimp.
In the end, I asked lots of questions, found out lots of useful info, and discovered that I get to go BACK down again on Friday morning for another check up.
At least Eric will not have to take time out of his schedule to come with this time (they said I needed a driver yesterday if they were to re-float, in the end, he was mostly there for moral support since that was not needed). On the bright side, we BOTH got to enjoy the Sauna-like conditions in our car. The heat control is currently stuck on hot, and it was near 80 yesterday! Good Ironman AZ prep, just a little late!
And today, rain/snow pellets and a high around 45 F. Should be good for the garden!
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