Cycle City

One of the things I'm excited about since moving here is riding bikes everywhere. I ride to the Caltrain and take that from San Francisco to Redwood Shores where I work. At that stop, I ride a mile or so to the campus. Truth be told, it's also a little intoxicating for me to be able to go out and spend a bunch of "justified" money. You know, when you explain to your friends and family: "I mean, y'all. I just needed it. Like - EVERYone here has one/does it/needs it/wears it/spends that much".

Last night, after 2 hours of deliberating and listening to Noelle's, the very helpful worker at Sports Basement, advice (I feel like we're on a first name basis after all the time we spent together) I finally chose an urban friendly (but versatile) bike: the Jamis' Coda Comp. I knew I didn't want anything obnoxious and flashy, I didn't need to go 100 mph, I'm not taking it up mountains, I'm not carrying cargo, and I'm not doing flips off of ramps. Just simple. It was a little pricey (especially when you factor in helmet, lights, and lock - all necessary) but I mean, y'all. I just needed it. It's basically how everyone gets around in the city.

Quick story - I bought it last night and was SUPER excited to ride it home. Slight situation - my Google map wasn't working so I was relying on HopStop and the iPhone map to guide me there. Both less than ideal. So please try to picture me lost in the city with my duffle bag (unzipped so it would fit around my shoulders so I could wear it like a back pack) at 11:00pm. I got off at the wrong train stop so I was super turned around and confused. Being flustered, I dropped my phone twice with luckily no damage, the wind was almost blowing me over, and I ripped the pocket of my favorite J. Crew vest! All of this...in the rain. Like..heavy rain. This is why I drink. Well - add to the reasons why I drink.

Central Park

 

Are these pictures too much? I'll answer that...yes. Like - I have to squint to look at them because they're so bright. I got a little carried away with my new photo app...

Well obviously Fall is HERE! I'm so excited. The hurricane kept the water a little warm here, but now that that's over you can now feel the cold crisp air. So where better to enjoy it than Central Park? I don't come to this part of the city too, too often, but I took these when I brought friends, Tony and Brennan when they were in right before the storm. We had so much fun while they were in and it was quite unfortunate when Sandy sent them packing early. Looks like I need another visitor to go to the park with...

Walks with Jeri

Every time I go to Covington for the weekend or even afternoon, I know to always bring a pair of walking shoes. For as long as I can remember, my mom has always enjoyed exercising by walking literally all around Covington, and recently, I've been enjoying going with her. It's a chance for us to get out of the house, enjoy each other's company, and chit chat about a bunch of nothing. Embarrassingly, I can barely keep up with her because she walks at the pace of a slow jog. However, regardless of the pace, I always look forward to spending quality time with Jeri.

13.1? Done!

Beau and I spent Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday in Covington visiting with my parents and family this past weekend, and as usual we had a blast. Oh yeah...and Beau ran 13.1 miles. No big deal. But seriously!!..I couldn't be more proud. This Sunday morning was the Gulf Coast Half Marathon that Beau and I have been training for for the past few months. His stepmom, Claudean was the one that talked us into doing the race in the first place, so she was with us during the race day as well. Unfortunately, thanks to two knee injuries, I wasn't able to participate, but I'm trying to stay positive about it. Since registering for the race cost $60, I'm just telling myself I had a great time on the side lines cheering, and walked away with a $60 t-shirt with all the sponsors on it - the one all the runners got. Special.

Let me just say that I am exhausted right now. My mom and I woke up at 6 am (after a night of wine) in hopes of getting to race before the runners started so we could talk to Beau and Claudean. Of course, it took us longer to get there than expected, so were missed the very beginning of the race. At least we saw Beau running a few minutes in, so we were able to wave him on then. GO BEAU! While the race was going on, Jeri and I got a chance to walk and chit chat through Fountainebleu State Park where the half marathon started and finished. If you ever get a chance to go you should take it. The scenery was beautiful.

As I mentioned earlier, I couldn't be more proud of Beau and Claudean for their amazing accomplishment, and next year (possibly after a few surgeries) I'll be right there with them!

Simple Things

As I'm running around the Capital Heights neighborhood this morning in preparation for the half marathon that Beau and I are training for, I noticed the beautiful scenery all around me. A few days ago, I finally bit the bullet and ordered a years worth of contacts after being without them for several months. I do have a pair of glasses, but I can't use them while I run, so now that I can actually see, it's like I'm running on a whole new route (i haven't had contacts since I've been running in Capital Heights). The point is, I could actually enjoy my neighborhood during my morning run instead of seeing a bunch of blur. Oh the simple things...

One Step at a Time

What comes to mind when someone says 13.1 miles? Up until two weeks ago, it meant 2 or 3 hours in Baton Rouge traffic. Now it means the Gulf Coast Half Marathon! After talking to Claudean, Beau's step-mom, (who is also running in it) Beau and I were convinced to start training for this 13.1 mile race held in Mandeville, LA on October 9, 2011. Crazy? Perhaps. Worth it? Definitely. Not only is this a great way to get in shape, but it will (hopefully) provide a sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.

Right now, we're in the "fun" stage of training. You know - when you buy the new shoes, watches, shorts, and shirts, but your training runs are only a couple of miles, and you're still really excited about it. Talk to me in a month when we're doing 8, 9, and 12 mile training runs. I'm SURE it'll be a different story. For now, though, it IS quite relaxing. Capital Heights (the street we live on) is so beautiful, and makes for a perfect backdrop for an early morning jog. For the longer training days, Beau and I run the picturesque LSU lakes for our 4 mile course (or 8 or 12). At last, we have the routine down pat, and I'm kind of loving it: Beau wakes up, runs, lets the dogs out to go to the bathroom. Once back inside, they (the dogs) wake me up to walk and feed them. Once this is done, it's my turn to run. Then water plants, shower, and then off to hell work.

In all seriousness, we are very excited to run this half-marathon. It will be a big challenge for the both of us, but it's something that we accomplish together. I'm hoping for one of
those life changing moments at the end; one where you know that you've really accomplished something great.

Per a good suggestion, click here or above on "Gulf Coast Half Marathon" for more information and registration details.