Wednesday, November 18, 2009

I love my job, but...............

I love my days off MORE!!!


Me and Bella Bean





I had today and yesterday off. It was supposed to rain Tuesday night into today but I never saw a drop.

This morning, Boomer and I picked up Bella and went to Sunol Regional Wilderness Park.



Baby cow hanging out in the shade. Tons of babies there today.


Boomer teaching Bella how to hunt for rabbits.






We hiked for close to two hours, five miles. Long enough to wear the furry kids out. Since they run all over the hills, they put more miles on their legs than I did.


The bridge where the leashes go back on, freedom ends here.


So, I went for a bike ride on Sunday, mainly to tackle that hill on Paseo Padre again. Well, I went for a bike ride, 20 miles, but I actually avoided THAT HILL. Don't get me wrong, I tackled a lot of hills, just not "the one". I went down Mission to Warm Springs, up East Warren (a pretty good hill in itself) and then back home on Mission. Yup, I wussed out! I WUSSED OUT! However, when the ride was over I had forgiven myself.
I did better yesterday. I went for another 20 mile ride. I took Paseo to East Warren and planned on taking Paseo back so I could do the hill. I thought of a dozen different routes I could take back home, to avoid it, but in the end I DID IT! I made it up and over the big hill without stopping. I'm trying to stand up more instead of shift gears. It seems to be easier when I stand up. I have ordered myself some pedals (clips) but they are on back order so I'm just waiting for them to come in. Then I need to get shoes. I'm still using toe clips. I can only imagine how much easier it will be to get up the hills when I get new shoes and pedals.
Now it's back to work for a couple of days. I feel rejuvenated though. I'm glad the rain stayed away, just for me, for my days off. ;)
Until later.............

13 comments:

Missy said...

You will not believe the difference you get out of your pedals when you can push and pull rather than mostly just push (with the toe clips). It'll change your life but practice in the neighborhood a lot and don't be afraid...everyone will 'go down' at a stop sign at some point because they forget to unclip. Yep, feel like a weenie...it's really just a rite of passage;)

Mel-2nd Chances said...

You tired out Boomer!! haha! Love the pics :D Agree with Missy, it'll make your bike rides so much easier, for some reason I thought you were already riding clipless, you'll be kicking the hill's ass in no time!

René said...

I love the pic of the pups in the drainpipes! We've been lucking out with the weather, but we may get a wet winter. fyi roadbikerider.com has some good resources for cyclists w/ climbing tips, etc.

Dave said...

Awesome pics...Looks like a great day spent well. No regrets there....

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Way to go tackling the HILL!! Yippee.. I totally agree days off are the best.

"Furry kids" LOL

Lily on the Road said...

I love your journey's, how awesome, thanks for the pictures too. I'm glad you're loving your days off!

Donald said...

Way to conquer the hill! Looks like a great day.

Judi said...

the pedals will help with the climbing. you are doing a fantastic job of riding lots of miles! that is great! and practice the pedals on a trainer somewhere first, and then to to a parking lots and practice. also hold yourself up next to a tree or post and practice clipping in and out.

Maryland Girl aka Michelle said...

Excellent! Hiking, biking... I'm jealous as I sit here behind my desk in my office... I will be out on a run tonight in the dark and the rain.
Ditto what everyone else said on the new pedals. It is wonderful!

Irene said...

When I first pulled up this post, I started to laugh because of the first picture with the big doggie tongue! LOL! Dogs are so funny. Loved the pic of them looking for rabbits...

RunningLaur said...

Congrats on conquering the hill!!! What a great way to spend a day off.

Iris said...

Sounds like a great couple of days. Wish my dog would stay with me off leash! He likes chasing the deer too much. I do love the pictures of your dogs. :)

Stuart said...

Days off - awesome!

Looks like summer is going on and on...it's the same down here although it's cold at night!