Mia Bella Vita

Venice, 2011

When I realized that we would be spending a lot of time on Oahu this year, one concern I had was not having a bike.  Cross training on my mountain bike has worked great for me over the past couple of years.  So, without further delay, I'd like to introduce Vita!

This is a Specialized fitness/hybrid bike called the Vita Sport.  The tires are smaller than my mountain bike's but bigger than a road bike.  Hawaiian roads are not always in the best condition, so Les thought this would be a perfect fit.  From Specialized's website: "With its lightweight frame and efficient gearing, you’ll become a speedy, hill-climbing machine, while vibration-damping Zertz take the edge off any rough roads."  I'm going to have to become a hill-climbing machine just to get back to our house!  This is the last little climb, but anytime the road changes from asphalt to concrete that means it is super steep!  This one gets up to about 15%.

I took her for a short spin this morning and felt like I was flying.  So much lighter than my mountain bike.  I didn't go far, I noticed my seat was a little too low which was putting pressure on my knees.  I don't need to mess those up!  I know it's an easy fix, but I want Les to help me get it right.

The first of many pictures of Vita with Diamond Head in the background

Mia Bella Vita is Italian for My Beautiful Life.  I have to say that is a perfect description!  I don't have a perfect life, but it is beautiful.  I'm looking forward to many beautiful miles on my new ride.  And since we're going to Italy (and Greece and Turkey) in May, I now have an Italian phrase to use!

June 2nd ~ Toys (Photo a Day)

It might look like there's only one toy in this picture, but there are two!  The obvious one is my beloved Myka mountain bike.  Wrapped around the handle bar is my Suunto Ambit2 watch.

Myka will be five years old this month.  We've traveled over 3,500 miles together!  My Suunto tracks my running, walking and cycling.  So far this year I have 767.90 miles.  My goal is 2,000.  The first three months of the year were a little off, but I upped the miles in April (175.71) and had my first 200 mile month in May.  I'll start training for marathon number 4 in July, so June will see lots of riding.

Mileage Update - Washed Out!

We started the week with rain and finished it off with more rain, with a couple days of Santa Ana winds in the middle. Not an easy way to up the miles! It started sprinkling while I was out running yesterday morning ~ I thought I might need Mary Poppins' umbrella ~ but it didn't last long. The full brunt of this storm hit about 11:30 last night.

Speaking of water, I got this tip in an email from Dad...

Check your shampoo bottle label.

I don't know WHY I didn't figure this out sooner!!!! It's the shampoo I use in the shower! When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body and (duh!) printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning:

FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY!

NO wonder I have been gaining weight!!!

Well! I have gotten rid of that shampoo and I am going to start using Dawn dish soap instead. Their label reads:

DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE.

Problem Solved!!!

Totals for Week ending November 12:
Running: 18.21
Cycling: 27.44
Total: 45.65

Year-to-Date:
Running: 1090.48
Cycling: 1305.24
Total: 2395.72

Our Kind of Date

About six weeks ago, Les sent me an email that said, "We're going to be really busy the next couple of months. Let's pick a Saturday and do something, just you and me." I've said it before, but I must say it again, Les is a keeper!

We settled on this past Saturday, October 29th as "our day" and then we tossed around lots of ideas. We could go to an amusement park ~ Disneyland, California Adventure, Knotts Berry Farm, Magic Mountain are all very close. We have tons of museums nearby ~ Ronald Reagan Library, The Getty Museum, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, California Science Center, just to name a few. We could go shopping in the Garment District or take a train to San Diego.

As we got closer to Saturday, we could tell it was going to be a beautiful day. Highs in the low 80s, sunny and clear. It was definitely going to be an outside kind of day so we ruled out the museums. By Friday night we had it down to one thing ~ a mountain bike ride!


Now I know we ride a lot, but our plan was to ride something a little different. We started at our usual Las Lllajas trail and made our way to the equipment. From there we went to Sunshine Mountain. In the past, we have always gone on to the top or turned around. This time, we went down a little bit and made a left turn ~ new territory!

Les is a map studier. He has looked at the maps of the area many times because there is a place called "Oat Mountain" that people ride to from the San Fernando Valley side. It looks like Las Llajas connects to a trail called Browns Canyon, but we weren't sure so that's what we explored.


I'm always a bit hesitant on new trails because you never know if they're going to go from nice and smooth to rocky single track around the next curve. But the trail was not only smooth, it was wide enough for a vehicle! We made it to Browns Canyon but did not go all the way to Oat Mountain ~ Les certainly could have, but I was a bit hesitant, not knowing if I had the strength to continue that far AND ride all the way back home. (More on that later...)

We made our way back down Las Llajas. Just before the trail dumped us out on the street, we took another trail and our adventure continued. There is another trail called Chivo Canyon that we've been hearing about, so we decided to see if we could find it. Oh boy! Did our adventure continue...


After about a couple hundred yards the trail ended and we were making our way across dried brush. Dried brush that had been cut back, but it made for interesting riding. We continued a little more and the "trail" turned up. I was watching Les make his way diagonally up the side of the mountain. Just as I told myself, "You're gonna have to walk your bike up that," Les went down! He was going so slow that he wasn't hurt, but I knew if he couldn't do it, I certainly couldn't.

Our adventure became humorous as we had to climb a steep embankment. Les did reconnaissance and said it was as wide and flat as a parking lot at the top! He got our bikes up in two trips and then it was my turn. I am a runner and a biker, but I am not a mountain goat! A few scratches on my legs later, I was at the top.


From there it was only about a quarter of a mile back to the street. We still hadn't ridden on Chivo Canyon, but we saw enough of it to know we weren't going to. It was steep, narrow and partially washed out. No thanks!

Nearly three hours later we were back home, ready for some food. We headed to Millie's, because even though it was about noon they were still serving breakfast. California Avocado Omelet for me and Sweet Potato Pancakes for Les. From there we headed to Performance Bike Store in Woodland Hills for a few supplies. The rest of "our day" was spent relaxing before the rush of Sunday arrived and a new week began.

My stats for the ride: 16.03 miles in 2 hours, 22 minutes. Average heart rate 136 beats per minute with a max of 165. I burned 1,093 calories (and probably consumed that much at breakfast!)


Here's what was amazing to me ~ I could have done more. When we turned around on Browns Canyon, I wasn't sure, but as we ate breakfast I realized I had more in the tank. We're already looking for another Saturday so we can go all the way to Oat Mountain!

What's the latest adventure you've been on??

Riding Above the Fog

Les and I rode together this morning. There was a very thick fog starting at our house. After 4 1/2 miles, we finally rode out of it, just past the split, and continued in sunshine all the way to the top.


Isn't that just like life? There are times our path is uncertain ~ we're in a valley and can't see the way up ahead. I Corinthians 13:12 says, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." I love how the Message puts it ~ "We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!" Sometimes we just have to trust that the sun will shine, the weather will clear as we continue on.


The fog had crept even higher as we made our way back down the trail. There were times that I was "peering through the mist" and still couldn't see Les. But I trusted the trail, I didn't try any shortcuts or new ways. I'm safely home because I trusted the trail that is tried and true. Water was dripping from my helmet and my hair, but I knew a warm shower waited if I would just keep pedaling towards home.

Life is a series of mountain tops and valleys. Sunny days and foggy trails. Find people who have traveled the road of life ahead of you. Trust their wisdom. Trust the man of God in your life. Walk in the path that is good. "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day ~ Proverbs 4:18

Mileage Update

October ~ the month of mood swings. Not mine, the weather's! Last week was so beautiful, rainy and cool. This week we were back up in the mid 90s with 12% humidity. It was 78 when I got up at 5:30 on Thursday morning. Come on, October, make up your mind!! It was an unusual weather pattern, normally when it is this hot and dry Santa Ana winds are blowing quite fiercely. There was very little wind this week. I'm thankful for that and praying for more rain. We're not out of fire danger yet.

Here's a great Quote of the Day from Runner's World that I have found to be true:

If you just give yourself a chance and get out the door, your mind and body will surprise you most of the time.
~ Jenny Barringer Simpson, winner of the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics

Totals for Week ending October 15:
Running: 19.94
Cycling: 32.94
Total: 52.88

Year-to-Date:
Running: 1001.56
Cycling: 1170.54
Total: 2172.10

Mileage Update

What a difference a little rain makes! I rode the trail on Monday and it was dusty with some areas of sand. One inch of rain fell on Wednesday. Les and I rode yesterday and it was firm with several large puddles! I'm happy to report that I rode all the way to the top once again! I'm amazed at how much stronger I've gotten in the past month.

No, I haven't gained a bunch of weight ~ it was windy at the top and the sleeves of my jacket were stuffed in my back pocket. I put them back on for the ride down, it was a cool 48 degrees...


We saw two beautiful deer high up on the trail yesterday ~ all I could do was look at them and marvel at God's creation. Here's the view from the top on a clear day ~ the Pacific Ocean is in the distance:


Totals for Week ending October 8:
Running: 11.52
Cycling: 40.17
Total: 51.69

Year-to-Date:
Running: 981.62
Cycling: 1137.61
Total: 2119.22

Mileage Update

I'm updating my miles today because it is the end of September. Also, I have plans tomorrow that do not include running or cycling so the number won't change.

It was a so-so week:

Totals for Week ending September 30:
Running: 13.77
Cycling: 41.37
Total: 55.14

But September was a great month! I've never gone over 300 miles in one month:

September
Running: 99.77
Cycling: 208.24
Total: 308.01

I will have to repeat that 300 miles a month (plus a little more) for the next 3 months if I want to hit 3000 for the year:

Year-to-Date:
Running: 970.10
Cycling: 1097.44
Total: 2067.54

Into the Teeth of Nature

Just before going to bed last night, I received this quote from Runner's World:

I run mostly to see things, to explore places I don't know. And the places I do know, like around here, then I get a sense of the weather, the shifting light, the seasonal changes; it can be pleasurable even when you hurl yourself into the teeth of nature.
~ Edward Koren, Artist/New Yorker cartoonist

Of course I immediately thought of our beautiful trail. I guess it's no surprise that I got up this morning determined to ride higher up the trail by myself then I ever have before...

For more than a year I've been riding to the Y, then up to the equipment. From there, Les and I consider the trail in two parts ~ the first half goes to "Sunshine Mountain" and the second half is to "The Top." I've ridden to Sunshine Mountain several times and to the Top twice, but never by myself. Until today ~ today I rode to Sunshine Mountain by myself! I took this picture and sent it to Les with the caption "Good Morning from Sunshine Mountain!!"


Here is a glimpse of the trail I had just come up... and would soon be descending. It was a glorious morning! 54 degrees, sunny and clear!


I ask on a regular basis "What are you doing for fitness?" but let me tell you about my new friend Vicky. I've seen Vicky on the trail on a regular basis for several months. We've exchanged good mornings and bear stories. Today, we were both on our way down the trail and chatted a while. This is when I learned that Vicky has fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain. People with fibromyalgia tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness. Vicky said it is hard to get up, but she has learned that activity helps her manage the pain and stiffness. She walks approximately 6-7 miles on the trail everyday.

So if you're thinking, "I'm not a fanatic like Kathy, I can't be that active," well try being as active as my friend Vicky. And if you have a nature trail near you ~ check it out sometime. Being in the "teeth of nature" is a beautiful way to start the day.

Mileage Update

I started the week off strong and just kept going! On Tuesday I rode 20 miles ~ my longest solo ride to date. I finished the week with just over 100 miles! No bear sightings this week, but the trees are starting to change colors, so the trail is getting more colorful with each ride.

Totals for Week ending September 17:
Running: 36.21
Cycling: 64.12
Total: 100.38

Year-to-Date:
Running: 938.97
Cycling: 1013.58
Total: 1952.58

Mileage Update

I had a fantastic week! It started with a 10 mile run on Sunday, a bear sighting on Monday, and a climb all the way to the top of Las Llajas yesterday!

(Taken at the TOP!)

I've been riding a little higher up the trail lately, but not going all the way to the top. Les rode with me yesterday and I knew it was time to do it again. This is only the second time I've made it all the way to the top ~ you can read about the first time here, it occurred way back in March. I couldn't do it without the encouragement of this guy:


The view is amazing at the top... except for the scrub bushes...


Yes, my face was this red! It's a hard, hot climb. Some portions have an 18-20% grade ~ STEEP, but so worth it! And that is NOT a bushy pony tail coming out of my helmet ~ it's a real bush ~ not connected to my head!

Totals for Week ending September 10:
Running: 25.91
Cycling: 49.07
Total: 74.98

Year-to-Date:
Running: 902.76
Cycling: 949.46
Total: 1852.22

Are you thinking about a Fall exercise plan? Cooler temps mean longer walks. Don't just think about it ~ get to it!

It's Labor Day ~ Trying to Take it Easy!

I started my holiday with a 15 mile ride that included a bear sighting and eating the dust of a horse trailer! Really! I saw tracks, then thought I saw the bear on my way up the trail. On my way down, one of my friends said she definitely saw it. Apparently there is a mama bear who the ranchers call "Big Mama" and she had four cubs last year. We think we're seeing one of those as he appears young.

I followed a horse trailer for about a mile down the trail. Shew! I have never been so dusty in all my life. The trailer was going so slow I had to ride my breaks the entire time. I gave up on that and turned around to go back up the trail for a while. If I'm going to do the work of going up, I want to enjoy the fun of going down.

I've already been to the grocery store ~ think I'll take it easy for the rest of the day.

What are YOU doing today?

Mileage Update

Oh what a beautiful morning! A crisp 54 degrees at 6:15. I can pretend that Fall is a season we actually experience when we have mornings like this. But I won't be pulling out my sweaters anytime soon ~ our seven day forecast shows highs in the 90s all week.

I woke up with a beautiful song on my heart this morning. I couldn't actually sing it while I was riding, but the words just kept rolling through my mind. Such a simple chorus, but words that mean so much:

There is power in the name of Jesus.
There is hope, there is strength, and victory to claim.
There is healing in his holy presence.
There is power in his name.

The only tracks on the trail this morning were a single pair of running shoes. So unless our bear got an order from Road Runner, I guess he hasn't been active this week. I think Les gave our Adult Sunday School class quite a scare last week talking about our wildlife encounters this summer ~ deer, rattlesnakes, and bears, oh my!

We finished another month... 8 down, 4 to go!

Totals for the month of August
Running: 118.02
Cycling: 135.37
Total: 253.39

Totals for Week ending September 3:
Running: 19.30
Cycling: 35.82
Total: 45.12

Year-to-Date:
Running: 876.85
Cycling: 900.39
Total: 1777.24

Mileage Update

It is HOT around these parts! 71 degrees at 5:00 a.m. is not normal for us. Shew! I had to get my riding in early.

Our bear was active last night ~ here are some fresh prints from this morning:


They aren't as clear as previous ones, but there has been a lot of human activity on the trail. I rode yesterday and those prints were not there. I'm sure he's looking for water in this heat. Hope he doesn't follow me home and decide to try out our pool ;)

Totals for Week ending August 27:
Running: 24.90
Cycling: 44.01
Total: 68.91

Year-to-Date:
Running: 857.55
Cycling: 874.57
Total: 1732.12

Mileage Update

I don't consider myself to be very competitive. If I'm at a party or family gathering and someone pulls out a game, I won't be the one playing. I'd rather eat popcorn and talk! If I see a runner or cyclist up ahead, I don't try to catch them. But sometimes, it happens anyway...

Wednesday morning I went for a bike ride. I rode to the Y and turned around with the intent of going for a second lap. About 1/2 mile before my turn around, a fellow cyclist was coming up the trail. We exchanged good mornings and went on our way. I figured I would see him on his way back while I made my way up the second time.

I did my turn around and was feeling really good. About a mile later, I saw the other fellow stopped on a small rise looking around. I thought maybe he saw the bear. Just before I caught him, he took off. I was able to catch him and ask if he saw anything. "No, but I'd love to see the bear." We chatted for a few seconds as I slowly pedaled away from him. I did not change my pace at all, but still, I slowly pulled away. There's something very satisfying about that! Of course my ego was put back in place this morning when two guys quickly caught and dropped me!

Totals for Week ending August 20:
Running: 28.11
Cycling: 29.70
Total: 57.81

Year-to-Date:
Running: 832.66
Cycling: 830.56
Total: 1663.22

Mileage Update

I had a great week of running and riding. My rides have all been a bit later, usually after a short run. Las Llajas is a busy place after about 7:00 a.m. I can also tell we're heading into Fire Season ~ equipment has been on the trail ~ grading, filling, and clearing.

On Thursday, Les and I rode together. About 2 miles up the trail, right where I crashed a little under a year ago, Les said, "I just saw bear tracks." "Really?? Where?" "I'll show you on the way down."

So we made our way to the Y, passed the equipment, and up a little more before heading back. We stopped to observe this:


There were several of these prints. I rode on Tuesday morning - the trail had been graded sometime between my ride on Tuesday and our ride on Thursday. These tracks were new, over recent bike tracks.

Would you like a closer look?


We went home and Googled "bear tracks." This is what they look like:



I'm a believer! Tracks are as close as I want to get to that bear! It's a good thing there aren't any picnic tables along the way...


Totals for Week ending August 13:
Running: 28.98
Cycling: 26.02
Total: 55.00

Year-to-Date:
Running: 804.55
Cycling: 800.86
Total: 1605.41

Mileage Update

I tried to be a triathlete this week. Run. Bike. Swim. I'm not sure that what I do in the pool qualifies as swimming though! The early mornings have had the feel of Fall - low to mid 50s. So refreshing. But it's still heating up by 9:00.

No further bear sightings, although the signs are still up on the trail. I was happy to see a couple dozen people on the trail this morning. For now, I'll enjoy a little more company.

Totals for Week ending August 6:
Running: 29.36
Cycling: 21.02
Total: 50.38

Year-to-Date:
Running: 775.57
Cycling: 774.84
Total: 1550.41

Mileage Update

I don't usually have a theme for the week, but I certainly did this week ~ "Riding with Caution." Here's why:

Sunday morning I headed out for a ride before church. (This is why I don't sleep though Sunday school ~ I am totally awake after running or riding on Sunday morning. Try it sometime!) I headed up Las Llajas. After about a quarter of a mile I started smelling smoke. The further I rode, the stronger the smoke became. Then I saw smoke. No flames, just smoke, high up in the air. I made it about 2 miles up the trail and decided it would be a good idea to turn around. I did not want to be part of the headline "Brush Fires Traps Local Mountain Biker in Canyon." I said to myself, "Live to ride another day." I learned after church that there was a brush fire that burned about 30 acres, but it was about a mile to the west of Las Llajas. A little too close for my comfort, but I would have been fine.

I ran on Monday morning, then took Tuesday as a rest day. I got up to ride on Wednesday morning. When I came to the trail head, I saw this:


The sign says:

WARNING!

There have been recent bear
sightings in Las Llajas Canyon.

Please be observant and use
caution while hiking the trail.

WARNING!

WHAT?!?! I've lived in this town for more than 20 years. I've seen squirrels, racoons, skunks, rabbits, coyotes, deer, and bobcats. But a BEAR?? Are you kidding me??

I started up the trail for about a mile and realized I was the only one there. That's usually a good thing, but I decided that Wednesday was not going to be the day that they wrote, "Local Mountain Biker Attacked by Bear." (Yes, I have a very active imagination!) So again, I said to myself, "Live to ride another day."

I haven't seen any headlines about a bear in Simi Valley. And believe me, I have checked! Les and I rode together on Thursday and were fine. Most bears are nocturnal, although they can be spotted in the early morning or evening. There is a creek that runs near the trail and plenty of vegetation, so a bear would find this to be ideal. One website states: "Bears are shy animals and will usually run from humans." I hope that's correct! My only concern at this point would be if it is a mother with cubs. I don't want to come between them. I've decided to ride a little later in the morning for now ~ give the bear time to go to bed and other runners or cyclists to be the first on the trail!

It's always an adventure!

Totals for Week ending July 30:
Running: 15.54
Cycling: 36.84
Total: 52.38

Year-to-Date:
Running: 746.21
Cycling: 753.83
Total: 1500.04

What did you do to get your heart rate up this week?

Sometimes You've Got to Sweat the Small Stuff

Last week when Les and I were riding our bikes together I had major problems with my chain. It kept slipping off the chainring, even when I wasn't shifting. It got to the point that I would pedal about five strokes and it would pop off again. Very frustrating.


Thursday night Les took my chainring apart. He thought it just needed to be cleaned. When he got to my smallest chainring (there are three) he discovered that two of the teeth were bent. These two little bent teeth, on my smallest chainring, caused my chain to stretch. Over the course of almost 1300 miles, the chain had stretched the point that it would not stay on the chainring anymore.


Myka is all put back together now. She has a new chainring and new chain. For over a year I've ridden that bike and struggled with shifting problems. I thought it was ME! But all along it's been those two little bent teeth...


James, the apostle, half brother to Jesus, had a little bit to say about small stuff:

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

How many people have had their confidence slowly eroded because of little snide remarks? Oh but it's a just a small thing. Just a little joke. Is it really? There is always a shred of truth in someone's joke. Some people who use their razor sharp tongue to slash are also quick to apologize. But once the words are out, the chain is stretched a little more.


Galatians 5:15 says, "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." Some other translations say: "But if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don’t destroy each other." "If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other." "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."

Sounds like we need to sweat the small stuff after all.

Happy Birthday, Myka!

I celebrated Myka's one year birthday with a ride yesterday morning! I can't believe I've had her a year now. She has 1139 miles on her.

My first ride was on Monday, June 14, 2010:

10.35 miles
1 hour 13 minutes
470 calories burned
132 average heart rate

She was still so clean...


Yesterday's ride on Monday, June 13, 2011:

10.19 miles
1 hour 9 minutes
730 calories burned
141 average heart rate

Almost the same time and distance, but obviously a much harder ride as evidenced by the calories burned and average heart rate! Of course, I would have never made it without my training partner!


We've ridden a lot of miles and taken a few tumbles, but it's been a lot of fun! So happy birthday, Myka! Here's to more happy trails.