no snow. booooo...if you're reading this you're clearly not doing the snow dance i've asked for!! get your booty's shaking!!
instead of skiing for the first time this weekend we will be hiking in the bay area again...this time we're Mission Peak bound. I just read this on a hiking website describing the mission peak hike..
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 5.6 mile out and back hike is moderately tough, but manageable, particularly if you visit on a cool day and bring plenty of water. Trailhead elevation is about 400 feet. The park's high point is about 2517 feet; total elevation change for this hike is about 2200 feet. A Bay Area Hiker reader who preferred to remain anonymous describes the route perfectly: "this trail is not for beginners or casual 'neighborhood' walkers. It is somewhat steep and continually demanding."
i know the coaches are prepared to get us in shape for when we actually DO get to ski, so i'm prepared for a good workout tomorrow!
Have a great weekend everyone :)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Regional Redwood Park ~ Team Hike #2
Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for my family, friends and good health!
This week has been pretty quiet in terms of training...enjoying the break from work and school by a good mix of lounging around, eating, napping, getting errands run and things done around the house..even got a nice walk in golden gate park yesterday where me and my roommate found a perfect spot to watch both the sunset over the ocean and the moon rise over the city. Ahh, I do love San Francisco! :)
Last weekend's hike in the redwoods was great! We met over in the Oakland Hills early in the morning. After a couple of quick name learning games (they really do work, I'm finally getting some of my teammates names down) and our group strength exercises to get warmed up, we set off on the trail that went downdowndown deep into the heart of the forest. Of course that meant the climb back UP was quite a doozy. I was feeling a little out of shape, ok, a lot, but I hung in there and made it back up to the top where we gathered to listen to one of the coaches talk about endurance training nutrition. You have to make sure you're keeping your internal gas tank full of the things that will give you optimum performance before, during and after a big workout.
This hike was particularly fun for me. I met two people on my team, Andrew and Brooke, who are also from nothern Minnesota! Andrew is practically from the town I was born in, which was cool because I never ever meet anyone who has even heard of the town. And it turns out Brooke and I not only share fond memories of fresh pan-fried walleye but she also used to work with one of my close friends! It turns out we share about 4 friends/acquaintances! :)
Since it's been a quiet week...I'll stop chatting and leave you with some photos I took on the hike. Next weekend: FIRST TEAM SKI at Bear Valley!! If there is no snow I'm not sure if we go up to tahoe to hike or stay in the bay area to hike so please join me in doing a snow dance, the sooner I get on skis the better! :)
This week has been pretty quiet in terms of training...enjoying the break from work and school by a good mix of lounging around, eating, napping, getting errands run and things done around the house..even got a nice walk in golden gate park yesterday where me and my roommate found a perfect spot to watch both the sunset over the ocean and the moon rise over the city. Ahh, I do love San Francisco! :)
Last weekend's hike in the redwoods was great! We met over in the Oakland Hills early in the morning. After a couple of quick name learning games (they really do work, I'm finally getting some of my teammates names down) and our group strength exercises to get warmed up, we set off on the trail that went downdowndown deep into the heart of the forest. Of course that meant the climb back UP was quite a doozy. I was feeling a little out of shape, ok, a lot, but I hung in there and made it back up to the top where we gathered to listen to one of the coaches talk about endurance training nutrition. You have to make sure you're keeping your internal gas tank full of the things that will give you optimum performance before, during and after a big workout.
This hike was particularly fun for me. I met two people on my team, Andrew and Brooke, who are also from nothern Minnesota! Andrew is practically from the town I was born in, which was cool because I never ever meet anyone who has even heard of the town. And it turns out Brooke and I not only share fond memories of fresh pan-fried walleye but she also used to work with one of my close friends! It turns out we share about 4 friends/acquaintances! :)
Since it's been a quiet week...I'll stop chatting and leave you with some photos I took on the hike. Next weekend: FIRST TEAM SKI at Bear Valley!! If there is no snow I'm not sure if we go up to tahoe to hike or stay in the bay area to hike so please join me in doing a snow dance, the sooner I get on skis the better! :)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
squatsquatsquatsquatsquats
day after first coach's workout report: my quads and core hurt.
this is absolutely a sign of things to come. great workout though, got in a lot of strength exercises. balance, flexibility (especially in the ankles, which is a place in my body i really need to strengthen the most i think, they are just not as strong or flexible as other body parts) and core strength will go a long way on the trails. after our strength exercises we ran for i think about 25-30 mins and then ended with a good 10-15 min stretch. hour and a half total. we did a funny exercise: learning how to fall! oh boy, i hope i don't fall too much! Practicing on the pavement was not as soft as i'm hoping the snow will be! I think it's time to dust off the old foam roller from the marathon days. i was very thankful for the ride home last night because i was so tired and hungry after the work out (thanks corey!) Next week we switch back to our regular workout night of tuesday so i'll be coming directly from class and will have my bike to cruise home on.
gift ideas for me for the holidays: massages!!! :)
this is absolutely a sign of things to come. great workout though, got in a lot of strength exercises. balance, flexibility (especially in the ankles, which is a place in my body i really need to strengthen the most i think, they are just not as strong or flexible as other body parts) and core strength will go a long way on the trails. after our strength exercises we ran for i think about 25-30 mins and then ended with a good 10-15 min stretch. hour and a half total. we did a funny exercise: learning how to fall! oh boy, i hope i don't fall too much! Practicing on the pavement was not as soft as i'm hoping the snow will be! I think it's time to dust off the old foam roller from the marathon days. i was very thankful for the ride home last night because i was so tired and hungry after the work out (thanks corey!) Next week we switch back to our regular workout night of tuesday so i'll be coming directly from class and will have my bike to cruise home on.
gift ideas for me for the holidays: massages!!! :)
Monday, November 12, 2007
First weekend of training - Check!
First team meeting/workout completed! We met at the Sports Basement in the Presidio and after a few announcements and icebreaker/name games (turns out there are THREE Tina's on the ski team, the Tina Trifecta! ;) the coaches led us through some cross-country ski specific strength exercises we should do as often as possible and that we'll be doing every week at our coached track work outs and then we were off on our hike! A quick 25 min. out and 25 min. back hike - started at Crissy Field (pictured above) and climbed up the hill and past the golden gate bridge and started in on one of the coastal trails. It flew by and honestly, I kind of wanted the hike to last a little bit longer. I was thankful that it didn't because after our return to sports basement, a group stretch and a snow dance (I really can't believe that I am going to be a person who wishes for the snow this year! My friend Jennie who loves loves loves the snow is thrilled that I am joining her snowy bandwagon this winter) it started to rain. Luckily the rest of the morning was planned to be spent indoors. We had a delicious potluck, a leukemia & lymphoma jeopardy session with gummy lifesavers as prizes and a quick clothing clinic.
I need more gear!! Specically: a midlayer fleece, a rain or water proof lightweight shell jacket, a water backpack to carry water, food and layers on the mountain, new socks, gloves, hat and a pair of waterproof pants as well. Conveniently, right after I got home, my mom calls to tell me her work makes these really thin fleeces that are specially made to be windproof and that she's making me one and my roomie has a water backpack I can borrow for the season. Sweet! Two things off my list already! :)
It was great to meet everyone on the team. There is a lot of spirit and excitement and wisdom on the team. Past participants are eager to share their knowledge of training and racing and the sport in general, which I find very helpful. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better as the weeks go on. On tap this week: First coaches track workout, I'm going to try to start developing a weight/strengthening routine at my gym and I'm looking forward to next weekend's team hike in the Redwoods!!! You really can't beat a hike in the redwoods. :)
Friday, November 9, 2007
What did I get myself into?
Is a question I've been asking myself more than once this week as I've: filled out and turned in release and health liability forms, created a website promising to raise $4400 by mid-February or paying the difference if I don't reach the hefty minimum, read past team participant's journals and blogs from previous cross-country training seasons and races, bought new winter work out clothing because all workout clothing I currently own is not even close to winter attire, already had to say no or maybe to social events because i'll be training, rearranged my school schedule so I can make it to the tuesday night track workouts after a day full of work and a 1 1/2 hour lecture for my class, wondered when i'll find time to eat dinner on those nights!, already thought about how I will dread the crazy early saturday morning carpools to the mountains....PHEW! can you see why i've been asking myself "what did i just get myself into?"
I know why I signed up for this race. I signed up because plain and simple....I need a kick in the pants in the exercise department!! Three years ago when I first joined team in training and did the first annual Nike Marathon (mind you, they changed the course after our inaugural race because it was TOO HILLY, thanks. ;) I discovered a level of fitness and motivation that I previously didn't know existed within me. After those four months of training and that race I never felt better. Needless to say, I haven't quite figured out how to keep that up consistently. Since the marathon I've done a sprint tri and 2 10k races and I work out now and then. But honestly, those didn't push me the way that I want to be pushed again. So what better way than to try a new sport!! I've always wanted to be one of those people who is dying to get to the mountain in the winter. The fact that I haven't been on downhill skis since the 8th grade and that I've never broken a bone in my life makes me a little leary of trying downhill skiing or snowboarding. So I've done my annual weekend or two in tahoe with friends to enjoy the scenery and hang out in the cabin while everyone goes to the mountain all day. I do enjoy the mountains and the fresh air and the snow (when I can leave it when the weekend is over!!;) so when I saw that TNT has a X-C ski team, well, it seemed like a logical choice...it seems a little more safe. :) Hard work? of course! but that's ok...that's what I am looking for and really, we all know that something you have to work for and dedicate a part of yourself to is worth it. We just don't appreciate things that come to us too easily the same way. I was talking to a friend this week and I asked him "what if I end up hating cross-country skiing?" He had the exact answer I was looking for...."then you suck it up and do it for a couple months and then you'll be in Alaska. No pain, no gain, TINA!"
So there..you have the answer as to why I initially decided to sign up for this crazy event...but something happened this week that shifted my motivational focus. I set up my webpage this week and sent it to everyone I knew. I was thrilled to see the initial response...$555 in the first two days!! I have a long way to go but it felt good to start strong (big thanks to you initial donors!!) In emailing with one of my donors, we were having a conversation and she tells me something I probably never would have known otherwise: "My aunt passed away 3 years ago from Leukemia, she was only 36 years old. Thank you for taking the time for others." And in that moment, I remembered the other reason that I got myself into this. This training, this race, this fundraising...while all of it seems like a personal uphill battle right now...I know that it's nothing compared to what people who have to have radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments or what someone who has to say that they lost a loved one to cancer has to deal with. I know that one person cannot save or change the world or protect everyone they love from bad things that happen in our lives. But there are all kinds of things that we can do individually and collectively that really do make a difference. This is one of those things for me. This is my way of being a part of something bigger. Because I *can* train for four months, I *can* raise the money for a good cause and I *will* fly to Alaska and finish the race distance I choose all the while keeping those people I'm honoring close to my heart.
I *cannot* do it alone...I need your help! Please donate to my fundraising efforts....if you can afford to. Any amount helps and pushes me closer to my goal. Please check with your company to see if they have a match program where they will match your donation. Please check back here often to see how my progress is going! I will try to be good about posting frequent updates! :)
Tonight begins my first of many low-key, early to bed Friday nights. Tomorrow morning is our first saturday coach's training. A hike along the SF coastal trail. I get to meet my mentor (a TNT alumn volunteering to help new participants), my coaches, my teammates, the honorees (previous or current cancer patients volunteering their time to remind us why we're there). I did the training and marathon with 2 girlfriends last time, this time I'm venturing out alone so I hope I make some new friends! There will be a potluck after the hike and a clothing and equipment clinic. I cannot wait to begin what I'm sure will be an experience of a lifetime...for better or worse, I'm in and I'm committed for the next 4 months. I decided to start this blog so that those who are interested can join me on the journey. All board!! :)
I know why I signed up for this race. I signed up because plain and simple....I need a kick in the pants in the exercise department!! Three years ago when I first joined team in training and did the first annual Nike Marathon (mind you, they changed the course after our inaugural race because it was TOO HILLY, thanks. ;) I discovered a level of fitness and motivation that I previously didn't know existed within me. After those four months of training and that race I never felt better. Needless to say, I haven't quite figured out how to keep that up consistently. Since the marathon I've done a sprint tri and 2 10k races and I work out now and then. But honestly, those didn't push me the way that I want to be pushed again. So what better way than to try a new sport!! I've always wanted to be one of those people who is dying to get to the mountain in the winter. The fact that I haven't been on downhill skis since the 8th grade and that I've never broken a bone in my life makes me a little leary of trying downhill skiing or snowboarding. So I've done my annual weekend or two in tahoe with friends to enjoy the scenery and hang out in the cabin while everyone goes to the mountain all day. I do enjoy the mountains and the fresh air and the snow (when I can leave it when the weekend is over!!;) so when I saw that TNT has a X-C ski team, well, it seemed like a logical choice...it seems a little more safe. :) Hard work? of course! but that's ok...that's what I am looking for and really, we all know that something you have to work for and dedicate a part of yourself to is worth it. We just don't appreciate things that come to us too easily the same way. I was talking to a friend this week and I asked him "what if I end up hating cross-country skiing?" He had the exact answer I was looking for...."then you suck it up and do it for a couple months and then you'll be in Alaska. No pain, no gain, TINA!"
So there..you have the answer as to why I initially decided to sign up for this crazy event...but something happened this week that shifted my motivational focus. I set up my webpage this week and sent it to everyone I knew. I was thrilled to see the initial response...$555 in the first two days!! I have a long way to go but it felt good to start strong (big thanks to you initial donors!!) In emailing with one of my donors, we were having a conversation and she tells me something I probably never would have known otherwise: "My aunt passed away 3 years ago from Leukemia, she was only 36 years old. Thank you for taking the time for others." And in that moment, I remembered the other reason that I got myself into this. This training, this race, this fundraising...while all of it seems like a personal uphill battle right now...I know that it's nothing compared to what people who have to have radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments or what someone who has to say that they lost a loved one to cancer has to deal with. I know that one person cannot save or change the world or protect everyone they love from bad things that happen in our lives. But there are all kinds of things that we can do individually and collectively that really do make a difference. This is one of those things for me. This is my way of being a part of something bigger. Because I *can* train for four months, I *can* raise the money for a good cause and I *will* fly to Alaska and finish the race distance I choose all the while keeping those people I'm honoring close to my heart.
I *cannot* do it alone...I need your help! Please donate to my fundraising efforts....if you can afford to. Any amount helps and pushes me closer to my goal. Please check with your company to see if they have a match program where they will match your donation. Please check back here often to see how my progress is going! I will try to be good about posting frequent updates! :)
Tonight begins my first of many low-key, early to bed Friday nights. Tomorrow morning is our first saturday coach's training. A hike along the SF coastal trail. I get to meet my mentor (a TNT alumn volunteering to help new participants), my coaches, my teammates, the honorees (previous or current cancer patients volunteering their time to remind us why we're there). I did the training and marathon with 2 girlfriends last time, this time I'm venturing out alone so I hope I make some new friends! There will be a potluck after the hike and a clothing and equipment clinic. I cannot wait to begin what I'm sure will be an experience of a lifetime...for better or worse, I'm in and I'm committed for the next 4 months. I decided to start this blog so that those who are interested can join me on the journey. All board!! :)
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