Monday, November 9, 2009

Lovely California Weekend

It was such a beautiful weekend here! It's days like these that remind me how lucky I am to live in this area.


Before work on Saturday morning, Boomer and I met Christy and Emmy at Garin for a hike. I picked a five mile loop for us to do. About a mile or so into it, I realized I could finish this loop in 75 minutes if I was running it but since we were hiking, we might not make it back to my car in time for me to get home and get ready for work. So, we ended doing a five mile trail run instead. Worked out fine for all of us.

Pretty normal to see moss on a tree but ferns growing out of it? Strange, right?

Finally at the top of the mountain. We took a moment to enjoy the view, catch our breath and then it was time to run down the other side. It was nice to have that time with Christy and catch up. It seems like a long time since I've run or hiked with her. The time goes by so fast when we're together because we talk non stop! There's no time greater than "girlfriend time." ;)


Since Jerry picks up Boomer on Sunday mornings, I made plans to hook up with Daniel, a co-worker, at the train station in Sunol for a bike ride.

We headed north on Foothill to Dublin Canyon Road. I really wanted to go back to see if the baby cow was still in the yard, the one I took a photo of a few weeks ago. We decided to turn around at the crest of Dublin Canyon. My legs were a little sore from the trail run yesterday anyway. Maybe one day this week I can head out there by myself and see if he's there. But then I have to think, "will I get upset if he's not?" I'm going to think it will be worth the ride, either way. I just took a couple of pictures on our ride back to Sunol. The leaves are beginning to fall off the trees. I know Lisa, you live on this road. There's some pretty nice homes there. I was trying to spy your car in a driveway. No luck though. LOL


This ride was not THAT difficult, lots of rolling hills with a number of small grade long climbs. Of course, riding with Daniel can be difficult no matter what. The guy is relentless on the hills and that's where I have the most trouble. It probably doesn't help that I outweigh him by 20 pounds or so! I am getting better though. I'm feeling very comfortable with Ellen. I've learned how and when to shift. She's very responsive and I'm learning to trust her, which helps me relax more. I notice I am having far less pain in my shoulders and neck now. Practically none at this point. I think it all just takes getting used to.
Today we rode 22 miles, it took almost 90 minutes. I wore arm and leg warmers and was wishing I had my beanie on under my helmet for my ears. It was 55 degrees but when you're moving on a bike, it can feel much colder.
My work schedule this week is much lighter than last week so I'm hoping to get in at least two trail runs and two bike rides. Weather permitting of course. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Until later.............

14 comments:

LDub said...

i live in between the pic of daniel and then the pretty fall colors!!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

I need to drop at least 15 myself. Next IM is St George in May and mountains (I'm hoping their hills)! Where in the H*LL do you train for hills in Tampa? One thing is for sure, the 15 less pounds will certainly help.

Cheers!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

"I'm feeling very comfortable with Ellen" when I first read this I thought you were talking about a person...LOL quickly realized you are bonding with your bike.

Great pictures...FYI you didn't miss much on the cake it looked better than it tasted..

Lily on the Road said...

You are turning into a cyclng machine! Truth be told, I'm enjoying cycling much more than running at the moment. I guess that is the beauty of being abot to do both.

BTW, Love your photo's, very nice!!

Aron said...

wow it was SUCH a beautiful weekend!!!! December - we need to set a date! I want to go out there with you :)

Maryland Girl aka Michelle said...

Great photos and nice outings! We had great weather here for a November weekend!

TonyP said...

We had a gorgeous weekend in NY as well (at least Sunday), but it was just a brief stint as the cold weather is soon coming back for good.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

right? LOL Now you're not just saying it, you're typing it to HAHAHAHA! So glad you're loving the cycling!

René said...

It was perfect weather for being outdoors. I love the photos!

Unknown said...

Nice Pictures.

trailturtle said...

Love those blue skies...looking forward to seeing more of that in Dec when I hope to be out your way. Looking to do at least one of the PCTR events...maybe some biking if I can bring or rent a bike. Have fun, Ann

Oz Runner said...

great scenery...that always makes the runs more fun

René said...

btw if you want to run together in SF email me rene_rodz [at] yahoo ;-)

Stuart said...

Great pics...as always!

Sounds like you an Ellen are becoming one!