Turning the dial back to "normal"

I took full advantage of those 40+ hours I had this week, not being in treatment. I didn't have to work until Saturday and the few days off proved to be very beneficial in the transition back.

Let's see how I did, shall we?

Tuesday, Keith and I took Boomer on a four mile hike at Mission Peak. We "considered" going to the top but decided against it since we had a class at the gym that night.

Wednesday I met Christy at the Alameda Creek Trail for a run. As I pulled up, I saw Lauren pushing her double stroller full of kids! She's moving to Texas this week so I was very happy to be able to run with her and chat with her daughter, Helen. Normally I can't keep up with Lauren but when she's pushing over 100 pounds in front of her, she's a little slower. I was so excited when I saw her that I forgot to grab my knee brace out of my car and didn't realize I forgot it until we were almost a mile into the run. I was a little nervous about my knee starting to hurt so I had to turn around earlier than planned, making my run a short four miles. I am hoping to get one more run in with Lauren and her kids in the next day or so.

Thursday morning I met the Fremont Freewheelers for a group ride again. It was a MUCH better experience this time. We rode 31.5 miles with some good climbs, good speed and much less regrouping. We rode over the Dumbarton Bridge, over to Woodside via Sand Hill Road and then back through Menlo Park. There were 23 riders in the group.

At the top of the bridge:

We stopped at The Plantation in Menlo Park for coffee. I had a chocolate milk.

Saturday it was back to work. I had a little 4.5 hour shift. It was so great to see everyone. I was a little nervous going back but once I saw the first smile and felt the first warm hug, I knew everything was going to be alright. My inbox was FULL OF CANDY! They know how to show the love there. Oh, and they know where to bring their leftover Easter candy, yes!

After work I rushed home to change into my trail running clothes. Kristi told me a couple of weeks ago that she had a 70 minute trail run on her training schedule for Saturday and I was the first person she thought of. Aaaaaw! I decided I was going to take her up to Oakland for some beautiful single track trails. Lori had a couple hours free that day and she asked if she could join us. The more the merrier, Kristi and I said. So, the three of us, along with Boomer and Mikey, headed up to Oakland for a six mile run along the French and Stream Trails. These trails definitely did not disappoint any of us!!

If you enlarge this photo, you can see the doggies racing to the next drain pipe along the Stream Trail.

Kristi and Lori running up the last portion of the Stream Trail.

We went a little longer than 70 minutes because we stopped along the way to take pictures and give the pups water. I think our "running" time was pretty close to the 70 minutes though. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful women in my life. I love how everyone gets along with each other right away too. I've introduced quite a few of my running friends to each other and I like seeing how they chat away on our run and new friendships form.

I worked all day today. It's a very cold and rainy day here so after getting off work and eating dinner I decided to do a Wii Fit workout instead of going out for a walk. It was a fun change of pace.

"MED2010" Accountability:

04/06 - 4 mile hike, "24SET" class

04/07 - 4 mile run

04/08 - 31.5 mile bike ride, 1.5 mile walk, "24SET" class

04/09 - 1.5 mile walk

04/10 - 6 mile trail run

04/11 - 30 minute Wii Fit workout

Until later.............