To Lycra or Not to Lycra

May 13-17th is Bike-To-Work week. A week when people, i.e. YOU and ME, are encouraged to hop on their bikes and try a new way to commute.

How do I do it?

Do I wear my normal cycling gear? Lycra, shammy, jersey, etc…
How do I prevent myself from getting sweaty or even worse stinky? (This wouldn’t be a problem if my workplace had a shower. Hint. Hint.)
How do I carry all my work gear and food? Really I was most concerned about the food

The thing about biking to work is that there’s no right or wrong way to go about it.

I kind of liked the idea of taking a leisurely bike-to-work ride in my t-shirt and shorts, but I knew it would hard for me. I am so used to getting on my gear, pedaling as hard and fast as I can, and getting my sweat on.

After all, what better way to get the blood pumping in the morning than using your bike commute as training? Right?!

No matter how long or short your commute (and how much fun you’re having), at some point you have to put on your work-related clothes and join your co-workers. So plan accordingly and arrive a few minutes early to change and clean yourself up. Some lucky bike commuters can take advantage of showers at the office, but the rest of us need to figure out other ways to not offend our co-workers after our ride.

One option is to take it easy on the way in, and save your real workout for the way home.

Packing an absorbent pack towel, Action Wipes (or something similar) and a spot of deodorant can really do wonders too.

My personal experience:

I am almost embarrassed to admit that today was my first time commuting by bike to work. I live 5 (yes, only FIVE) miles from work. (It is even shorter by car, but seriously that is a tiny commute.)

I planned ahead last night. I showered before bed. I packed my breakfast and lunch. I filled up a water bottle. I put a little make-up pack, shoes, and a few miscellaneous items in my backpack.

I woke up at 6:15 and planned to leave my house by 6:30. (I wanted to give myself enough time on the maiden voyage.)

My commute is through a suburban area, and almost every other cyclist I saw was wearing bike gear and on a road bike to varying degrees.

I decided to wear my Hincapie capris that have a tiny little shammy in them, a t-shirt and sweatshirt. I did geek out and wear my cycling sunglasses and gloves though I also was super nerdy and rode my mountain bike. Take that fixie hipsters! Truthfully, my road bike or cruiser would have been better options, but I missed her. It’s been soooo long. She deserved a little ride, even if it was on pavement. Plus, then I could show her off in the break room

VERDICT: FUN! I will definitely do this again. Hopefully often!

BONUS: 10 extra miles on the bike today. Yea!

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!

Let’s face it.  There is no other job (Yes, it is a job!) as tough,
challenging, rewarding, selfless, and more important than raising your children.
AND, raising them right.

I have to admit it.  I was naive.
I never would have thought that it would be SO hard to be someone’s “Mama”-
every second, of every day.  Forever.

I also never would have thought it would be so rewarding.
To love SO much.  Unconditionally.  Forever.

There is a new realization when you become someone else’s mom, something I am reminded of daily:

My Mom deserves all the credit in the world.
Mom, I am sorry for complaining about beef roast dinners.
(Why do I take it so personally when my kids complain about dinner?!)
Mom, I am sorry for saying “I don’t love you.” out of anger.
(Nothing hurts more than when your child says those words.  Nothing.)
Mom, I am sorry if I ever made you seem like you weren’t the very BEST.
(I second guess everything I do!)
Mom, you are the best.
Mom, I love you.  Forever.

My first Crossfit experience

You may be wondering, “what in the world is crossfit?”.

Crossfit by definition is “constantly varied functional movements performed at relatively high intensity”.  It primarily uses a mix of aerobic exercise, body weight exercise, gymnastics and Olympic weight lifting. 
We have been throwing around the idea of starting this for a long time.  In fact, we have been doing some home “crossfit” workouts for the past few months.  (Which, by the way, don’t even compare to the true crossfit intensity!) A few weeks ago a local gym, MN Top Team, offered a deal too good to pass up.  SO, we took the plunge.  *Gulp*  10 sessions here we come!

Thursday night was our first night.  I was terrified.  Thankfully, Ryan was able to go with me.  Thanks babe!  The first three classes are “Fundamentals” where the first 30 minutes they discuss what crossfit is, go over the terminology and demonstrate some of the fundamental movements/lifting techniques.  The last half of the class is where they kick your ass your WOD (aka work-out of the day).

Our WOD was this:
AMRAP ( As many rounds/reps as possible) in 10 minutes
40 squats
30 sit-ups
20 push-ups
10 pull-ups

Doesn’t seem horrible, right?!  10 tiny minutes.
WRONG. Very wrong.  It was HARD.

I made in through two rounds, plus 40 extra squats and 25 sit-ups.

I was the slowest person out of the 6 in the group.
I was also unable to do the pull-ups, even with the green assisted band.
Yup, I am weak.  BUT, I am going to do 9 more sessions and get stronger.  Yes. I. Am.

Side note:  I haven’t walked with this much pain since my first half-marathon.  Holy crap that was an intense 10 minutes.  It is 2 days later.  Still hurting.

THANKFUL Thursday

There hasn’t been any snow for 6 days!  Yes, this is a reality in MN this “spring”.

There is, however, a lot of green stuff (aka pollen) in the air.  Achoo!

This was looking out my car window yesterday.  So THANKFUL I don’t suffer from allergies, cuz this would suck.  Big time.

I am THANKFUL for my bike.  I had three solid road rides so far this week.  Monday 29 miles.  Tuesday 38 miles. Wednesday 29 miles.  96 miles already this week. Yes!  (I can feel it though.  Ouch.)

Just a little reminder—>

I am THANKFUL to have a day off today. I have spent the day doing absolutely nothing.  I cannot remember the last time I did that.  Just me and the dogs and a couch.  Silence. Wonderful. 

Now it’s back to reality time.  Time to pick the boys up from school soon.  Maybe I can convince them to take the dogs place in the photo and continue on my quest of nothingness.  

Don’t let it steal your joy

Today I set out on my fourth, sad but true, road ride of the year.  I have to admit the first three were not stellar.  Sure, it was great to be out of the confines of my basement and back in the open air.  But, in the air, there are hills to climb and headwinds… I just felt sluggish. 

TODAY was different. Better. 

The weather was perfect.  70°, sunny, and virtually no wind.  A cyclist dream day.  I set out on my St. Paul loop with not a care in the world. Just me and my bike.  It was great. The hills seemed easy, even the high bridge! Maybe it was the sunny skies, maybe the hint of green buds on the trees, or maybe it just was that every part of the ride just clicked.

I pull in the driveway. Smiling. Happy.
29 miles done.

AND then I check my Garmin for the official stats (does everyone else do this too?), 1:43:52, 16.5mph average pace. Sigh.

For a brief moment I felt my joy leave me…

Then I remembered that it was sunny and warm. I was out there enjoying it while doing my favorite thing, riding my bike.  AND joy prevailed 

Happy Birthday Dad

Dad. DAD! Daaaad. Such a simple word, but it means more to me than you will ever know. I haven't been able to speak those words to my Dad in a very long time. In fact, right now, it feels like forever ago.

It used to mean simpler things like, "Dad, can I have $20?"

Or, "DAD! There is a centipede in the bathtub."

Or, "Daaaad, are you coming to kill this thing? I am freaking out here."
(Anyone who knows me can picture this scenario.)

But now…
It is mainly a brief passing thought. A quiet whisper. A tear rolling down my cheek during a country song. A conversation with my boys about what a great guy their Grandpa was. A picture in a frame. A boat ride at the cabin. A smirk when Ryan is driving and waves at random neighbors in cars…just like he did The way I crave the smell of Captain Black pipe tobacco and can't help but take a big breath in and hold it when I smell it.

Happy 69th Birthday Dad! I miss you.

Ginger and Garlic Roasted Carrots with Grilled Fish

4-5 carrots, sliced
2 T EVOO
1 bunch green onions, diced
1 inch fresh ginger, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 T lemon juice

For the carrots:
Saute carrots, garlic, and ginger in EVOO until softened.  Add squeeze of fresh lemon juice and green onions at end of cooking.

You don’t need the spinach, but I added 2 handfuls of spinach also. If you do this, just add it right at the end of cooking the carrots and cook until wilted.

For the fish:
1# wild cod (or any white flaky fish)

Place cod on top of aluminum foil. Drizzle with EVOO and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add a little sea salt and pepper and a dash of oregano.
Grill until fish flakes and is opaque. (approx. 10 minutes)

Note: You can put the fish on the grill and then start the carrots.

Plate carrot and spinach mix first. Top with grilled fish. Add a few pistachios on top for extra crunch and serve.

Enjoy!

Chicken Salad with Pine Nuts, Pears, and Peppers

It’s always salad season at our house, but this warmer weather has me craving lighter foods.  Thank goodness!  I was getting a little worried when I was craving lasagna and chili in April.  It is amazing what a few days of sunshine and 70 degrees can do for your mood.  It helps to have had 3 days of some great outdoor exercise again too.  Friday was spent on the bike for 19 miles.  Saturday was on the bike for 38 miles.  Sunday was my first outdoor run since November!  4 miles.  Yea me!

Ingredients:
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 -3 cups of mixed spring greens or arugula
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 grilled chicken breasts, chopped

Dressing:
1/4 cup EVOO
1/2 fresh lemon, juiced
1T red wine vinegar
1T dried rosemary
1T brown mustard
Sea salt and pepper
(Whisk above ingredients together in small bowl.)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  Serves 2-3.

What did you do to enjoy our first great spring weekend? (This only makes sense if you live in MN.  We really have had a tough winter.  )

Here is a glimpse of my weekend

It is all about your diet!

 Unless you are running 13.1 miles today, OR
riding your bike 50 miles…
think twice before you order the burger and fries.

It really is about your nutrition.

Random thoughts behind bars

…handlebars, of course, in case you were wondering.

Wow, it is kinda windy out here.
The sun actually feels warm, yea!

How come McDonalds drive-thru  always has at least one car in line?
Who really eats that crap for lunch?
I love that Rowan hates fast food.

Man, even the smallest of hills is tough today.
No wind or climbs in my basement the past 6 months.
Holy crap, 6 months of indoor riding…why do I live here?
Next year, if possible, I am out of here.

Thank you Mr. Street Sweeper!

I hope I am just this slow since we missed out on a spring.
No time like the present. Hills. Hills.

Man, Lisa R looks great for 50.
I want her arms.
And abs.
I should buy that crossfit deal.

Give me 3 ft Jerk!

I should have listened to Ryan…over-dressed.

Wish I didn’t work tonight.

I love the feel of wind on my face.
No wonder dogs stick there heads out car windows.

18 miles. 1:05 = slow.
Should have gone 30…

Hope you get some quality time with your thoughts today too!