Just Trying to Top My "Most Posts in a Month" Record

I really don't have much to say, other than MY SHOULDERS ARE SORE!!!

Oh, and I want to play the guitar like Gary Hoey.

Have a nice day!

Jumping Back In

Back to the weight room today. I have a love/hate relationship with the weight room. I hate doing the exercises, but I love what they do for my body.

Apparently, I'm not the only one.

I had two guys begging me to come do the bench press so they could spot me. I tried to decline, but I did need to do bench press, and the cable bench press machines were busy, so I took the offer. These guys were ruthless! They wouldn't let me quit until they decided I was done. My arms were shaking from too much weight (yes, the bar is too much weight at this point), and they still made me do 15 reps the first set. I knew I was toast after the first set, so how I let them talk me into doing a second set, I don't know. I ran out the door as they tried to get me to come do a third set. I could barely drive myself home! Sad, I know.

But, I was surprised to find that my lower body strength is still holding up. I'd taken in my max-weight numbers from last year, and was pleasantly taken aback to find that those numbers were much too easy this year. Yay! Especially yay since I have pretty much done diddly-squat for the last month.

Gotta find a better time to hit the gym when the guys aren't there.

Quick Ride Report

• 35 miles to Saratoga Springs
• Kept it at an easy pace - 2:18 bike time
• HR was funky; sometimes so low I wondered if I was really moving
• Rear flat - Went to sleep on the lawn while Slingshot changed it
• Had a hard time waking up enough to pedal for about a mile
• Came home and zonked out on the bed for a half hour

UVU Crit?

I heard rumor today that UVU was planning a crit again this year. Sometime in October. I went to it last year, but didn't race. I would have been the only girl racing anyway. I'm thinking of racing it this year, if there is a race.

Anybody have any info? I can't seem to find anything.

Stuff

Had some nice, unexpected downtime last night. Spent a couple of hours hanging out at the coffee shop, just people watching. Saw some interesting outfits. Why some people dress so idiotic as to make themselves look distorted and misshapen, I don't know. And ladies, if you don't know how to walk in heels, don't wear heels! I hadn't wanted to go and sit, but ended up feeling quite refreshed and relaxed once I was there.

While sitting there, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells, I heard a song that I hadn't heard for a very long time. And its lyrics struck me hard. The song was No One is to Blame by Howard Jones. Once again, another song so appropriate for my life right now.

You can look at the menu but you just can't eat
You can feel the cushions but you can't have a seat
You can dip your foot in the pool but you can't have a swim
You can feel the punishment but you can't commit the sin
And you want her and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can build a mansion but you just can't live in it
You're the fastest runner but you're not allowed to win
Some break the rules
And live to count the cost
The insecurity is the thing that won't get lost
And you want her and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can see the summit but you can't reach it
Its the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit
Doctor says you're cured but you still feel the pain
Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain
And you want her and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame

Anyway, I taught two strength Spinning classes this morning. The early morning instructor is out of the country for a week, so I'm on double duty. Just what I need. I'm really feeling the exhaustion today, and I don't know if it looks like I'll have time to squeeze a nap into the schedule. I love naps! I feel 100 percent better after a nap. I highly recommend a daily nap.

Ate an Oreo yesterday. It was yummy! It made me sick. But not too sick. I think I can live with it and stay on wheat long enough to get tested and get an actual diagnosis. So, back to a normal diet again for now.

Tuesdays Are My Favorite Days

It's amazing to me how much stuff I can get done when I take a day and actually focus on getting stuff done.

Tuesdays are my day off from my Spinning job. And since I'm now coaching myself, I gave myself the whole day off from training. Yes, I'm going to start "training" again. I'm tired of not training. As a matter of fact, that's one of the things I got done today. I didn't train, but I worked on figuring out what training I'm going to give myself for the next couple of weeks. Honestly, I miss having someone tell me what to do. Plus, I think I behaved myself so much better when I had someone to be accountable to. We'll just have to see how well I behave when it's just me I have to report to. It would be pointless to have someone else spend their precious time planning my schedule only to have me not be able to keep up with what they want me to do. So, it's up to me for now.

Other stuff I got done today:

• I worked extra hours for job #2. The company will be so happy with all the extra work I put in today. And I will be happy with the extra money I'll get paid.

• I cleaned the house. I really should do a bit of this every day. It looks so much better around here! I even went so far as to give the houseplants a shower. And when things look better, I feel more at peace. If only my house would stay this way.

• I even had time to goof off and find some new music (by listening to Pandora.com radio while I worked). Here are some examples:

1. Mary Please by The Brain Jonestown Massacre
2. Dead Souls by Joy Division
3. I Wanna Be Adored by The Stone Roses
4. C'Mon Baby by Tricky
   

On the health front, I'm still waiting for the latest round of test results to come back. I've been waiting for over two weeks since they did the bloodwork. I'm tired of waiting. I'm starting to form my own ideas about what is wrong with me (because I've stopped believing that I have mono - I know, I know, I should listen to my dr. yada, yada). I continue to be so tired and sore. It's frustrating when I do two hour-long endurance classes in one day, and my quads and glutes are sore the next day. That should not happen. It's never happened to me before. Thanks to a comment by Gary, I've been doing a little research on soy. I have to wonder if the reason I feel worse now than I did before I dropped dairy out of my diet is because of all the extra soy I'm getting. I'm going to stop the soy (whimper) and see if that helps. Plus, I'm planning on trying wheat one more time to see if it makes me sick again. I'll do this on Thursday. I'm waiting until Thursday because I expect to get sick, and if I get sick I can get out of a meeting I don't want to go to. See how nice that will work?

Okay, really, enough rambling for tonight. I really need to go figure out how I'm going to crack the whip on the class while I walk the room tomorrow morning (I won't be riding tomorrow either - my "coach" says to stay off the bike and take the dog for a walk instead).

Easing Back Into Riding

I should be showering and getting ready for job #2 right now, but I can't seem to tear myself away from the computer! I'm beginning to think I have a serious problem with internet addiction. Usually when I think I'm addicted to something, I can quit it cold turkey and the problem goes away. But, since I have to have the internet for job #2, I have to keep it. So on the addiction goes.

Speaking of addictions, there are some addictions I can't seem to give up. Biking is one of them. When I try to stop biking, even for a couple of weeks just to recover, I go crazy. Withdrawal symptoms, I suppose. At any rate, I just don't foresee myself ever not biking.

Saturday I had to teach Spinning. None of the new instructors will take the Saturday classes, so the senior instructors are rotating weekends. I had a member of my class begging me to go ride the Alpine Loop with him after class. He'd been begging for several days, and I had told him no every time. Saturday was no different. I told him that I didn't think it was a good idea for me to go do the Alpine Loop while I was supposed to be recovering. He promised we'd ride nice and said that he'd even invited some newbies along to guarantee that the pace would be slow. I continued to decline. Slingshot was also planning to do the ride, and had skipped my class to stay home and get his bike ready to go.

But really, in the back of my mind, I thought I would go on the ride. I thought that once I got home I would see if my body happened to get on my bike and start pedaling up Provo Canyon. I would just go with whatever I felt like doing once I got home. And I was sure I'd feel like riding. Addicted!

Imagine my disappointment when I got home and realized that the group had left on the ride without me! I was pretty grumpy about not being able to go. So instead, I worked for job #2 and cleaned my office. I can't believe how the clutter and dust have piled up! My desk is looking a lot better.

On Sunday, I could stand it no more! I had to ride my bike! It had been three weeks since I had ridden (remember, the 5 mile mtn bike episode last Tuesday doesn't count).

Slingshot and I rode up Provo Canyon to Vivian Park at a super leisurely pace. It was such easy riding that my HR was way-off-the-chart low at some points in the ride. It was just the ride I needed.

It was so pretty up the canyon with the leaves changing colors and the trail covered with fallen leaves. Let me tell you a secret: Sunday is the day to ride the trail. Hardly any traffic to contend with. It was nice. I felt refreshed, rejuvenated, and at peace with the world again.

Ahhh!!!

Bike Meeting

So, I went to the UDOT Bicycle Corridor Planning Project Open House tonight. It was interesting.

The most important part was that the public had input on how and where the roads should be improved for cycling. I was able to write on a big map where I thought the roads need to be improved, and I left a comment sheet letting UDOT know how I'd like to see things done. I hope my little bit of input helps. It was pretty low key. They even had refreshments I could eat: trail mix and water (I skipped the cookie).

There are more of these meetings going on around the state. Please attend one of the meetings and let your voice be heard. The more cyclists show up, the more they will take us seriously!

Wherever you are, there is a meeting for you (long list coming on - I tried to put them side by side, but it didn't work):

All meetings are from 5 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 24th
State and County Building
152 East 100 North
Vernal, Utah

Thursday, September 25th
Justice Building
290 North 100 West
Logan, Utah

Wednesday, October 1st
Weber County Building
2380 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, Utah

Thursday, October 2nd
College of Eastern Utah, Alumni Room
490 North 300 East
Price, Utah

Tuesday, October 7th
Sevier County Administration Building
250 North Main
Richfield, Utah

Wednesday, October 8th
Manti City Offices
50 South Main St.
Manti, Utah

Monday, October 13th
Salt Lake City Main Library, 4th floor
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, Utah

Tuesday, October 14th
Grand Center
182 North 500 West
Moab, Utah

Wednesday, October 15th
Blanding Arts and Event Center
715 West 200 South
Blanding, Utah

Wednesday, October 22nd
Best Western Abbey Inn
1129 South Bluff Street
St. George, Utah

Hmmm....I could go to another one of these meetings if it were in St. George or Moab. Maybe I'll have to plan a trip.

This So Applies to My Life Lately

I get to the party, but I'm too late
And I got stood up on my very first date
I listen to country and everybody goes rock
I get to the dance floor, that's when the music stops

It doesn't matter what I do, I just can't seem to win
But here I go again

And I say
Hey that's the story of my life
I had a good plan but it didn't go right
Oh no I'm overdrawn
I check my account and the money's all gone
Why me? I don't know what to think
I finally get aboard and the whole boat sinks
Seems to be the story of my life

I pick a slot machine and lose it all again
But when I walk away, someone else always wins
When she finally calls me, I forget my phone
And when I'm starving, you know the kitchen's closed


Just when it seems like it's turnin' 'round for me
There's always something that ends up happening
I found my car but I can't find my keys


Seems to be the story of my life
(lyrics by Smash Mouth)

Actually, pretty much every song I hear lately seems to apply to my life. I need to get out more.

Riding a Bike is Fun to Do, Fun to Do, Fun to Do!

I snuck out for a quick bike ride tonight! It was so much fun! I was beginning to go bonkers from not riding (as you can probably tell).

And, since I wasn't riding Rio (shhhh! not a word!) it doesn't even count as riding at all! Remember, I'm not supposed to be exercizing.

Tonight I rode the Specialized HardRock.

(This is not the actual bike I rode.)

Here are a few observations about riding a mountain bike (to which I am totally unaccustomed):

• I would have enjoyed the ride more had the bike had clipless pedals. My running shoes didn't quite cut it. They kept slipping off the pedals when I tried in vein to pull up. What a pain! Plus, I felt goofy in my bike shorts and jersey with running shoes on. How unstylish!
  
• I don't like the way my arms stick out on the handlebars. So un-aero!
• My hands were a bit uncomfortable on the handlebars. I guess it's something I could get used to. If I had to. I guess.
• I could ride over obstacles without lifting my butt off the saddle. That was nice! Although I couldn't quite convince myself to run over the big rock in the road. Too unnatural!
• Because I was taking it easy (I'm not supposed to be riding at all, remember? Please try to keep up!), I didn't go up the watertank road (STEEP!!) to find some dirt to ride on. Besides, I don't know how to ride on dirt anyway. It is too slippery and slidey for my liking. Maybe someone would like to come give me some dirt riding pointers?
• Mountain bikes are heavy and don't go very fast. Bummer! Especially bummer when you're trying to beat traffic across busy roads. And, even worse when you can't pull up on the pedals.
  
• Specialized claims that the HardRock comes with a "comfy Body Geometry saddle". Not comfy. My ride lasted only 5.25 miles before I deemed it over. Am I getting soft?
  

Tormented

I thought I would be fine going to the Climber's Trophy race today, yet not racing it. I had fun while I was there, socializing with my bike buddies, taking pictures, and enjoying the scenery.



Binlaw did a great job racing. Not only did she race while sick, but she somehow managed to get off course. She still took fourth place. After the awards ceremony, I dropped her off at her sister's house in SLC, and I had the whole drive home to to sit by myself and think.

That's when I decided how tormented I feel.

I wanted it oh, so badly. It was there, taunting me. And I couldn't have it. It's so frustrating! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TAUNT ME LIKE THAT?

Yet, strangely, it also motivated me. Yes, I know, great time of year to get motivated, RR! Racing is pretty much over. I just hope I can carry the motivation into next year's season.

EDIT: Email me if you saw me take your picture and you want a copy.

I Was So Excited

I thought I had figured out a way to be at the race tomorrow. I really want to be there, even if I can't race. So, I talked Binlaw into doing the race (she's an awesome climber) with the agreement that I would take her there and play photographer during the race.

Sadly, Binlaw just called to say that she woke up with a cold this morning and doesn't know if she's going to feel like racing tomorrow.

I hope she makes a quick recovery!

September Racing

You know how it is when there's something you can't have? As soon as you realize you can't have it, you want it more than anything else in the whole wide world.

That's how it is for me right now with racing. Because I'm supposed to be recovering from mono, I haven't been training. Okay, let's admit it...I haven't really been doing much (except napping) at all. I've been okay with this for the last couple of weeks because there's been no racing going on. But, there are two races coming up before the end of the month. I want to race them.

And I can't.

I really want to do the Climber's Trophy! This race goes up the south side of Big Mountain. At this time of year the leaves are turning brilliant colors of orange, red, and yellow. It really is a gorgeous race course. To show you how pretty it is, here's a picture of me at the top last year.



One other thing that tempts me about this race: even if I don't have the fitness to race well, there's always the DH Non-Climber's Trophy to compete for. I think by now DH has figured out that I really am a non-climber.

But, having not touched my bike for almost two weeks (seems like longer to me...), I don't feel like I have the fitness to do a hill-climb time-trial on Saturday. Plus, given the fact that I can't even fake it through a strength Spinning class anymore without having to come home and take a two-hour nap, I don't think racing would be a good idea.

And then there's the crit on the 27th. It had lost it's appeal to me when I heard that I would have to race against the Pros/Cat1/2/3s. But, I recently peeked in on the sign up, and learned that they will be scoring the Cat4s separately. So, of course now I want in on this one, too.

What to do? What to do? I guess I'll just have to sleep on it for now.

Never, Ever, EVER Skip Regular Dentist Appointments

This is a public service announcement brought to you by Rio's Rider. Go to the dentist regularly. Really.

Because of insurance issues, I stupidly decided not to visit my dentist for the past year and a half.

Bad idea.

Today, I went in and had 6 fillings. SIX!!! (In my defense, three were redos from where I used to brush my teeth too hard and wore away the enamel, and one was a redo from one of the two real cavities I ever - previously - had.)

My whole entire mouth is numb. Dead. It has no idea it is still attached to my face. The dentist had to do work in all four quadrants of my mouth, so they numbed me up good. I can't feel my tongue. I can't feel my lips. I have no idea if I'm putting my lipstick on my lips or all over my face. When I touch my cheeks, they feel rock hard (don't go there). I can't talk normal. I thought I might be thirsty, but when I tried to drink, I couldn't tell if the water bottle was in my mouth, or if the water was even going in. I've also forgotten how to swallow. Most of the water hit the floor.

So please, unless you enjoy looking like a giant doofus, see your dentist every six months! It will save you from the misery I'm currently experiencing.

Thank you, and have a nice day.

More Tests

I went and had three more vials of blood drawn today. No wonder I'm so tired...they keep taking my blood!

Looks like a bunch of worthless tests to me: more thyroid tests (the last one came back normal), an arthritis panel (why?), and a test for celiac. Good luck to them with that last one. I've been off wheat and gluten for nearly 2 months now. So, of course that one's going to come back negative. If I'd have known beforehand what they intended to test me for, I would have put that one off until I was back on wheat. Oh, well.

I used to be able to watch the whole blood draw from the needle insertion to it's withdrawal. I think I've figured out why I can't watch the technician take my blood anymore. Back in college, I had a professor who told the story about when he was released from the army after WWII. Everyone wanted to get out of there and go home. But, before they could go, they had to go through a medical release process. The line to the nurse was long. She was hurrying along trying to get everyone's blood drawn and send them on their way. Her procedure went like this: poke the needle into the vein at the crook of their arm, draw the blood, pull the needle out, slap a cotton ball on the site, and bend the arm up to hold the cotton ball in place. When it was my professor's turn, the needle broke off in his arm as it was being pulled out. The nurse, being in the hurry she was, didn't notice, and proceeded to slap on the cotton ball and bend his arm up. Ouch! That must have hurt! You'd think this story would make me WANT to watch the process to make sure everything goes well, but instead it's made me a big chicken of blood draws.

Shoot!

I did a strength Spinning ride with my class this morning. Lots of climbing work.
It was a mistake.
Backing off again.

And in other news...the doctor's office keeps calling me. First to check on me, now to order me to have more lab work done. I forgot to ask what it would be for this time. I guess I'll find out when I go in. I am a bit worried that they aren't telling me everything. What on earth would cause the doctor to order more labs if not because they're seeing something more than they're letting on?

The Vegas Ride

I took this morning's Spinning class to Vegas for my birthday.

Basically that means that we played gambling games the whole class.

I didn't ride along. I just ran around the room handing out poker cards and letting people roll the dice. And I played my favorite music without worrying about whether or not anyone else was enjoying it (today's selection included P!nk, The White Stripes, Steriogram, YFriday, Paramore and State of Shock, to name a few).

As the intervals started, I got some moaning and groaning from the class. The fitness center has been closed down for two weeks for cleaning and maintenance, so they thought they should come back to an easy class. I had to keep reminding them that it was MY birthday, and I could do what I wanted.

I expected more heckling, but ended up being the heckler of the day, I suppose. (Just so you don't think I'm too mean, they all said they enjoyed the class.)

The winner of the poker game ended up with a full house and won a ProBar (I used to love ProBar, but now I can't eat it since it's not gluten-free, so I decided to give it away.)

It was a fun time and a good way to spend my birthday at work.

Labor Day

So, I spent the day cleaning the house, napping, and eating cake. My birthday is Wednesday, and my mom's coming into town to celebrate my getting older (bah!), so I had to find a good gluten-free cake I could serve. It's chocolate and it's pretty darned good with orange frosting.

Tomorrow's "training": getting my hair done and going to the dentist. Oh, and probably another nap, too.