tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713784264939115252024-03-05T09:01:53.398-08:00Chrissy Parksendurance junkie, health professional chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-44329670981453227382014-10-12T18:02:00.001-07:002014-10-12T18:02:30.823-07:00WhelpSo, I had a really crappy 6 mile run last weekend. Follow up with a day where I felt like I wanted to stay in bed all day (which is pretty much what I did). I got scared... I have a goal race in the middle of November that requires a full schedule of training (50km trail race). I have therefore decided to back off of the keto diet until after that race. I have learned so much that I feel I will be able to work through it much better (hopefully!!). I really did feel pretty good - but I'm not sure I was really into ketosis yet. My only real issue was the constant 'pastiness' and being thirsty all the time.
I felt instantly better once I increased my carbs. I also puffed up a little with the increased fluid retention :/chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-29748272866888365892014-10-01T20:54:00.000-07:002014-10-01T20:54:26.877-07:00Ketogenic diet day fourToday was more of the same. Didn't run so my total calorie intake was lower - still managing a good split (77% fat, 9% carbs - including fiber, and 14% protein). My ketone urine test was the same as yesterday, and I won't weigh myself again until tomorrow or the next day. I was less foggy than yesterday, but I almost welcome that now to prove I am 'changing'. I did make some key observations today that are related to diet and lifestyle. I have realized that while I was definitely addicted to sugar, it was the fat content I was enjoying. Don't get me wrong, I do have a sweet tooth -- but, I love fat!! I am so satisfied with what I'm eating that I'm barely missing the sugar. I am also taking a huge amount of enjoyment from preparing my food (from scratch), and really thinking about what I'm putting into my body (using the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">My Fitness Pal</a> app). I have also tried <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghee">ghee </a>for the first time (YUM!!), and coconut oil and almond flour are my new best friends. Unfortunately, I am still missing my pumpkin spice SB coffee in the morning :(
Tomorrow, I will jump on the treadmill for a 8 mile speed workout. Maybe, just maybe I will deplete my carb stores.....chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-65342756110740464712014-09-30T21:39:00.002-07:002014-09-30T21:40:22.083-07:00Ketogenic day threeToday was a little more interesting. I began the day with a 4.5 mile run... felt great!! Then tested my pee for the first time and weighed myself. I haven't stepped on a scale in a while so I have no idea if I've lost anything in the last couple of days. However, I felt like I needed to have a baseline measurement so I did it. I also found that I am in the beginning stages of ketosis through using a urine strip. I've read that these are not as accurate as blood measurements, but it's all I can afford and it gives me an idea of where I'm at. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDleGjRrxPQIGKGFkUneAQsUMqtbQLmHHZirn_2l8CzTJd98JOCwrnI0p7GKABKxFCt-7nBLKWWZ7Mq9qt980CmVbtzZlA-44tfHIH00nJFoBW_C6_nFsDmKgTTnNjq-b4OolwIeDvrs/s1600/optimal-ketosis-range-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDleGjRrxPQIGKGFkUneAQsUMqtbQLmHHZirn_2l8CzTJd98JOCwrnI0p7GKABKxFCt-7nBLKWWZ7Mq9qt980CmVbtzZlA-44tfHIH00nJFoBW_C6_nFsDmKgTTnNjq-b4OolwIeDvrs/s320/optimal-ketosis-range-2.jpg" /></a></div>
This is a great diagram that shows where I need to be, and also points out the difference between nutritional ketosis (good) and ketoacidosis (bad).
I have to say that I had a couple hours of uncomfortable fogginess in the middle of the day. I actually felt like my heart was racing a little as well. That did pass, and know I feel 'normal'. I have also noticed that my BMs are not as satisfying and have a different odor (TMI?).
Totals for today: 164 grams of fat, 65 grams of protein (this should maybe be a little higher), and 13 net carbs (26 grams of fiber).
chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-66937132229938078832014-09-29T19:57:00.002-07:002014-09-29T19:57:47.791-07:00Ketogenic Day TwoToday, I consumed 143 grams of fat (0 trans fat), 71 grams of protein, and 18 net grams of carbohydrates. As this was a recovery day from yesterday's trail race, I only ran 2 miles. I am feeling pretty good, and not craving anything (thanks to a wonderful <a href="http://www.ruled.me/low-carb-chocolate-brownies/">keto desert</a>!!), but I am expecting that to change as my body becomes carb depleted. I am nervous as to how my brain function will be affected, and for how long it takes me to adapt mentally and physically. I am supplementing with vitamins and minerals, BCAAs, and L-glutamine. I am also trying to drink more water to balance the loss that follows the decreased carb stores. I have not weighed myself, but plan to do so tomorrow am. I am also going to attempt a 6 mile run to evaluate my physical response. Additionally, I plan on testing my urine with ketone strips to see if there has been any progress, and to have baseline (ish) measurements.
As I type, I am enjoying the movie <a href="http://fedupmovie.com/">"Fed Up"</a>... and it is totally reinforcing my decision to give this diet a go.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-3050230238582544892014-09-28T20:19:00.000-07:002014-09-28T20:30:53.707-07:00The ketogenic diet experimentLast weekend, I found myself in the middle of a long trail run, completely engaged by a conversation about a crazy diet. This method of food consumption teaches the human body to rely on fats instead of carbohydrates for energy. This high fat, low carbohydrate diet has been used since the 1920's in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy, and is now utilized by endurance athletes all over the country. The experienced runner I was dialoging with had successfully transitioned to the ketogenic diet 2 years ago, and was now able to run ultra marathons on water alone. He was also the lightest he's ever been, and also the fastest. Thinking that I would also like to be faster and lighter, and that I have a lot of stored energy waiting to be released, I dove head first into researching this diet. I found some excellent <a href="http://http://aaron.emascc.com/diet/ebooks/Lyle_McDonald_-_The_Ketogenic_Diet.pdf">research based books</a> that opened my eyes to the world of functional ketosis and how this diet could help me reach my <a href="http://http://www.artandscienceoflowcarb.com/">long distance</a> goals.
I also found a number of wonderful websites and blogs that give advice and recipes to ensure success: nutritionequation.org, eatingacademy.com, and the American 100 mile record holder's blog: zachbitterrunning.blogspot.com.
Notably missing from my inquires were female athletes who had transitioned to this diet. Being 100% fascinated with this concept, and completely over my addiction to carbs, I've decided to jump in feet first, and document it for all to see (or reference).
It is recommended that for the first 2 - 3 weeks, the athlete stay around 30 grams of carbs a day, and have 70% of calories come from fats. This will inevitably mean a bonk or two, and most likely mean a foggy head. I will be testing my pee with ketone detecting urine strips to find out when I hit ketosis, and to ensure that I stay that way. Once I've hit ketosis, I can adjust my carbs to a more comfortable level -- with some endurance athletes eating up to 100 grams/day, or 'bulking' a couple days a week.
Today is my first day. I ran a 10 mile trail race (12 total) and ate 137 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbs, and 95 grams of protein. This is either going to be the best thing ever, or turn me into a piggy.
chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-89033517042894907232012-02-09T13:29:00.000-08:002012-02-09T13:41:41.935-08:00gf cooking - finally something worth the calories!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQAUhghwr_ZvrD2_UxXSwd9vjwZF9USokIWXjxpsY1IYGQGHFK0jb3jURpKjM9zHvbr45s4ALmMQC-qkLvFS8vBUowqIr2I3u67jo3MQth0uLgke6IVlZHd3LHCm_zoaTgX-XHqHh4sk/s1600/gf+cookie.aspx"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQAUhghwr_ZvrD2_UxXSwd9vjwZF9USokIWXjxpsY1IYGQGHFK0jb3jURpKjM9zHvbr45s4ALmMQC-qkLvFS8vBUowqIr2I3u67jo3MQth0uLgke6IVlZHd3LHCm_zoaTgX-XHqHh4sk/s320/gf+cookie.aspx" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707252063066247970" /></a><br />have officially been gluten free for 4 days and am getting sick of soup and rice bread. a gf friend of mine gave me some almond flour and her cook book to try (i've tried cooking with Bob's Red Mill gf flour and it tastes like ass). <br />i made chocolate chip cookies and actually think they may be the best cookies i've ever had, period.<br />since i'm in a few days of taper (50km trail race this weekend!!), i have time to blog about important things like food. here's the recipe:<br /><br />2 1/2 c of almond flour<br />1/2 t sea salt<br />1/2 t baking soda<br />1/2 c grapeseed oil (i used coconut oil and will continue to do so)<br />1/2 c agave nectar<br />1T vanilla<br />2/3 c of chocolate chips<br /><br />mix dry, mix wet, add wet to dry, chill for 20, cook for 8 - 10 @ 350.<br /><br />the. best. ever.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-9138433127477588042012-01-30T19:28:00.000-08:002012-01-31T06:25:30.091-08:00a warm embrace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGp5Cxq2nieS8BnQYPZ1yU5S9ZkN01gWSAVuASajThE3dRIryvSO8PY6i3duq8uwqWu5m1J0ArhdHUYwQ-CMO_HsCxxPejBNjqHb6rt4RsxLEfBoZLmT-1vd190Dcis9behTE0n4lb7g/s1600/puke.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGp5Cxq2nieS8BnQYPZ1yU5S9ZkN01gWSAVuASajThE3dRIryvSO8PY6i3duq8uwqWu5m1J0ArhdHUYwQ-CMO_HsCxxPejBNjqHb6rt4RsxLEfBoZLmT-1vd190Dcis9behTE0n4lb7g/s320/puke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703645030092871234" /></a><br />over the last few weeks (and closely related to a number of key training sessions that i thought might kill me), I have started to tune up my mental aspect of the game. even as a young athlete, i recognized the importance of a sound mental game and confidence. i attribute some of my success in previous years to honing in on this confidence and really putting an effort into executing a performance in my mind. <br />i have realized that without continual practice and training, the mental game can become weak and lost.<br />after seeing a couple motivating and inspirational movies last week (<a href="http://www.bicycledreamsmovie.com/">Bicycle Dreams</a>, <a href="http://chasinglegends.com/">Chasing Legends</a>, and <a href="http://www.peacefulwarrior.com/">Way of the Peaceful Warrior</a>), i have recommitted myself to becoming a sound mental athlete. the one aspect i am focused on currently is the embracement of pain. through a number of discussions with fellow athletes, i've come to realize that i'm somewhat of a pain junkie. all kinds of pain. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5RRb4gsGwKN6ilgiaAL1BWXCgn_r_Ua5HKAvtAtMZy2HwWj7JFJLU_WB61u8AvT8PcL_mLjEiMTdvf2f62U9wCepFjw2IM_TclFsuZIp84YHaoqqb9GjmmzNwT9RciQPy3CPM6gn1HQ/s1600/photo+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5RRb4gsGwKN6ilgiaAL1BWXCgn_r_Ua5HKAvtAtMZy2HwWj7JFJLU_WB61u8AvT8PcL_mLjEiMTdvf2f62U9wCepFjw2IM_TclFsuZIp84YHaoqqb9GjmmzNwT9RciQPy3CPM6gn1HQ/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703648174927261410" /></a>it's not that i like the pain itself. it's more about the way my body/mind respond to pain. on an elemental level, i feel alive when i'm testing myself or being pushed to the limit and enjoy the endorphins that flow from it. during my last hard session on the bike, a long trail run and a treadmill session, i really focused on embracing the discomfort. when it got really ugly, i started to think about how this is exactly where i want to go and what i need to feel to become stronger. i wanted it hard, harder if i could. i welcomed the discomfort. we became friends. i wrapped myself up in it like it was a blanket. breathing it in like a warm apple pie. once i stopped fighting the pain and discomfort and accepted it, i was able to allow the workout to accomplish what it was meant to. the numbers on my watch, screen and console didn't mean as much as the effort, feeling and experience. if i gave the workout all that i could in that point of time, i had won and become a better athlete because of it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8hGErkzSmJC6dA4gYEYRDM1LGka6VBQb5_q6L8pAhU4BSMxQSLckGrpkMJ6MugAd0GB7uUUcsumQjc2iEp9b2RLsKgl6iHHDCSsDKV8yvieZSgcKedt5AB4AO-uQaAfvvcCcAvh6mig/s1600/pain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8hGErkzSmJC6dA4gYEYRDM1LGka6VBQb5_q6L8pAhU4BSMxQSLckGrpkMJ6MugAd0GB7uUUcsumQjc2iEp9b2RLsKgl6iHHDCSsDKV8yvieZSgcKedt5AB4AO-uQaAfvvcCcAvh6mig/s320/pain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703645028426198066" /></a><br />pain as experienced in sport is the great equalizer. if you push your body to the limit, you'll feel pain. some end up going a little faster, further or higher in the process, but as long as your droppin' it like it's hot, you're gonna hurt. there are some people that will never experience that. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD8QODalm3JdlEncVwxyyfUHc7c2FQkC9rNnUxAek1fnrcK-kOjOw62W8FS_og6hyphenhyphenBSC_22i-G-w5W8rAOJbFXxotNc9T3NC9xslD8P9oShqidpyXMYdTCv3dSZDjE1KUL4f03hapfg0/s1600/paincave.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD8QODalm3JdlEncVwxyyfUHc7c2FQkC9rNnUxAek1fnrcK-kOjOw62W8FS_og6hyphenhyphenBSC_22i-G-w5W8rAOJbFXxotNc9T3NC9xslD8P9oShqidpyXMYdTCv3dSZDjE1KUL4f03hapfg0/s320/paincave.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703645023912413474" /></a><br />i couldn't image living any other way. so, if your comfort zone happens to revolve around discomfort, don't worry. You're not alone. I feel your pain.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-7681004718153635312012-01-18T13:42:00.000-08:002012-01-24T09:24:18.462-08:00giving upi'm getting older. i still feel young and the fact that i get carded going into R rated movies tells me that i look young too. however, i am noticing that i'm not recovering from the high end workouts as fast as i used to -- and i always thought i was slow to recover in the first place. so, with goals including the words; "best year yet", and "PR", i have realized that i need to fine tune my overall approach. i feel i have a decent training strategy so the next step was to look at my diet... and it wasn't pretty. coincidently around the same time, i watched the movie "<a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/">Forks over Knives</a>", thus, just before 1/1/12, i 'gave up' meat. following a string of holiday parties and get togethers, i realized i had come to enjoy an alcoholic beverage pretty much every night. it doesn't take a genius to see how that affects performance/recovery but read about it <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/368561-effects-of-alcohol-on-sports-performance/">here</a>. so i've given that up too -- for a month (baby steps). on Feb. 22nd (the beginning of lent) i will become gluten free - just to see. i've also decided to give up on cutting my hair... well sort of. i haven't had hair past my chin for over a decade so i said i would grow it until May, then reevaluate. One last thing that i haven't entirely given up but am definitely fazing out..... artificial sweeteners and 'low fat' foods. aspartame is not good for us (it turns into fermaldehyde - hello!).... and artificial anything should be avoided. i'm reading labels and staying natural and organic. for more reasons why, check out this <a href="http://acunasteve.blogspot.com">link</a>. Unfortunately, this means no more diet coke (my heart breaks a little every time i say this). It will be hard. Somehow, in the process of all this, i've learned how to cook some pretty yummy items. so on top of the usually swim, bike, run stuff, i'm gonna post some food tidbits too. like this....<br />breakfast: cored and sliced apples with pancake batter (bob's red mill high fiber with flax seed oil and coconut milk)and real maple syrup tapped from grandma's backyard.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid68UZficzP0wPgmngtbGjRNwfR7ABFjQ5j13njHB7eS_gT8FjXJI0ojAE950tkRBmtEgvEA7LjmSLCyqqG5S0pw2mO1dT35kSsNnqCBZCtls8BQMwMw9LMuCxbx6y5h-Tz-vKTfZ8XYU/s1600/apples.aspx"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid68UZficzP0wPgmngtbGjRNwfR7ABFjQ5j13njHB7eS_gT8FjXJI0ojAE950tkRBmtEgvEA7LjmSLCyqqG5S0pw2mO1dT35kSsNnqCBZCtls8BQMwMw9LMuCxbx6y5h-Tz-vKTfZ8XYU/s320/apples.aspx" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701244916873504562" /></a><br /><br />So that's what i'm giving up. Sometimes you gotta go backwards to go forwards. <br />As for 2012, I have decided to try and kick some booty at a few events in the near future, including the Pemberton 50km trail race, the Old Pueblo 50 miler trail race, and Ironman St. George. Bring it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnppPs1HmtHx9sDrg0P5FwpcmvUQVUhmI6prOQqSdKWh4ouDPrxVz1vHe2MeJAycstXgmTaRooYdRo2HNVm7ZrJn3GcRzge7YgCggoakgLW55TB4chvyrWhThqKHGEZdIx9YlW1bmfASs/s1600/above+tucson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnppPs1HmtHx9sDrg0P5FwpcmvUQVUhmI6prOQqSdKWh4ouDPrxVz1vHe2MeJAycstXgmTaRooYdRo2HNVm7ZrJn3GcRzge7YgCggoakgLW55TB4chvyrWhThqKHGEZdIx9YlW1bmfASs/s320/above+tucson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701249530851725714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg605POhcRMb2OtMFUZ_mwsQvWmbwVpkv-MNQLEeGxB8Y_eDf-hqVnMGvEoRjLIPof-QJtAEfA54-KJ6L0ablaMIXA4EDHF8ILOArnptitCMWkMfAT4Oy8f42ArGP27xe_3PfzsUJcYm50/s1600/paincave.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg605POhcRMb2OtMFUZ_mwsQvWmbwVpkv-MNQLEeGxB8Y_eDf-hqVnMGvEoRjLIPof-QJtAEfA54-KJ6L0ablaMIXA4EDHF8ILOArnptitCMWkMfAT4Oy8f42ArGP27xe_3PfzsUJcYm50/s320/paincave.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701249527448992338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH51p4HIgQCFP34HzOWqcbrojMMT-3-u4lM-kE7QVcFfGnLuArVIGMijmTPvxqpAxyIrHmkhEWV_Gi88vSN-sLvhX0QIwk3Bb502PaZ0x3DfYA1EIMylMothZhwKUTCo1XFNDZXRIVKmQ/s1600/ridinsteve.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH51p4HIgQCFP34HzOWqcbrojMMT-3-u4lM-kE7QVcFfGnLuArVIGMijmTPvxqpAxyIrHmkhEWV_Gi88vSN-sLvhX0QIwk3Bb502PaZ0x3DfYA1EIMylMothZhwKUTCo1XFNDZXRIVKmQ/s320/ridinsteve.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701249527509928706" /></a>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-63814436727133779882011-11-07T10:13:00.000-08:002011-11-07T10:28:02.382-08:00Dia de los MuertosYesterday was my favorite day of the year. Not my birthday. Not Christmas. Not 4/20. It was the Mexican day of the dead, and that means the All Souls Procession. It is an absolutely magical celebration to remember those who have passed on over the previous year. It is scary, beautiful and emotional. It is a two mile walk/parade in which anyone can dress up for and march. It kicks the crap out of the Macy's Santa Clause parade. <br />I never remember to take enough pictures, so I've borrowed some from others.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMFfUmkKJW5nnB79n2LFVUq4SSj1WrzrHDc3eckNrxVaTtAJi1iz-Vb0SNoYWJ8J8E7KNKmKh59I2k9XmXeo23pieCeC5NeaMM_1nSExM3jFWT_57VvzDd_61GdTHb2YtU3-W_8k-Zuw/s1600/allsouls2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMFfUmkKJW5nnB79n2LFVUq4SSj1WrzrHDc3eckNrxVaTtAJi1iz-Vb0SNoYWJ8J8E7KNKmKh59I2k9XmXeo23pieCeC5NeaMM_1nSExM3jFWT_57VvzDd_61GdTHb2YtU3-W_8k-Zuw/s320/allsouls2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672320576398345714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdQS2PFeHZp-HwDoZZWZsGzQPDFWUNdCE_Bqyf87eu4mwPFc-ED0uMvblqMkgLU7u3H39SqHY9LAuIrcLqrKJI6fCw1scyyOL66hwiP1hX7IxWwuH8D1ZMhRTFRtkxYXbha-SURyOYWo/s1600/alsouls3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdQS2PFeHZp-HwDoZZWZsGzQPDFWUNdCE_Bqyf87eu4mwPFc-ED0uMvblqMkgLU7u3H39SqHY9LAuIrcLqrKJI6fCw1scyyOL66hwiP1hX7IxWwuH8D1ZMhRTFRtkxYXbha-SURyOYWo/s320/alsouls3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672320569735731810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlKZ4laWMuHX64mhmyXtjL0dmzwSm926_8di9sfpFnzW7DTIgtlXXSWJoMByfMhOVRi6ifztd_cf4HDbvJy2tpK5v27wTlIyC9VUDXkEUfv7efJc7QYlG-jRHw1V87u5oLOlTfjU0u4s/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlKZ4laWMuHX64mhmyXtjL0dmzwSm926_8di9sfpFnzW7DTIgtlXXSWJoMByfMhOVRi6ifztd_cf4HDbvJy2tpK5v27wTlIyC9VUDXkEUfv7efJc7QYlG-jRHw1V87u5oLOlTfjU0u4s/s320/IMG_3364.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672320565175362914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTiU2RhNQHo_OVHfEcTZEG3dyLEJA4dLvZq4BI4UoNc3JJycwBCjeP6upQCnpsxI97O6CVA6i6CB5v6nby-scep_5xylHVTvFsU9CypmFjuW-f3QbUrr1jN5nYKTTMxBupM7Cz0nlIsQ/s1600/IMG_3363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTiU2RhNQHo_OVHfEcTZEG3dyLEJA4dLvZq4BI4UoNc3JJycwBCjeP6upQCnpsxI97O6CVA6i6CB5v6nby-scep_5xylHVTvFsU9CypmFjuW-f3QbUrr1jN5nYKTTMxBupM7Cz0nlIsQ/s320/IMG_3363.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672320562197268354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0JWaX3PaTI__i4da1CsUxwqw46oLpvylCTlLZDV0TbGsCu8onXAUJvrliEAR5LBOXn4hqa2d7wLR_ag1-X2IMT7i5IbU80zAbohdYjGdaKdv035Lwjg92LaTIrJn6bMra89OJk6Huds/s1600/allsouls6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0JWaX3PaTI__i4da1CsUxwqw46oLpvylCTlLZDV0TbGsCu8onXAUJvrliEAR5LBOXn4hqa2d7wLR_ag1-X2IMT7i5IbU80zAbohdYjGdaKdv035Lwjg92LaTIrJn6bMra89OJk6Huds/s320/allsouls6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672320853735224370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCzsDE_CwoIWW6Z2r2kSW6b8Arzrt7Cop1Q2Zmfn-czOpGAARVE-jJuNkN0Cj_iE0wxUKjd6Z_oQEOY1ApgYfqupbenJ2ap9gNnyyJFJWGOqrcF2Dsj9kz2TFyCY7lFh-ODBgyASt0Oo/s1600/allsouls5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCzsDE_CwoIWW6Z2r2kSW6b8Arzrt7Cop1Q2Zmfn-czOpGAARVE-jJuNkN0Cj_iE0wxUKjd6Z_oQEOY1ApgYfqupbenJ2ap9gNnyyJFJWGOqrcF2Dsj9kz2TFyCY7lFh-ODBgyASt0Oo/s320/allsouls5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672320850259389826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBRGXEgku5qaVm-Uq29cW6941HHxy3AfYm8ybgXpKZDnGEZoymgaXC5J0Ac8K02XsfhQePO4dmVDXYvfiH_EvcCbs_slT9GbDEkHupWqJKIR7pED0gk8xOZl6ZgdEcHYW30eX9I2B5JI/s1600/allsouls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBRGXEgku5qaVm-Uq29cW6941HHxy3AfYm8ybgXpKZDnGEZoymgaXC5J0Ac8K02XsfhQePO4dmVDXYvfiH_EvcCbs_slT9GbDEkHupWqJKIR7pED0gk8xOZl6ZgdEcHYW30eX9I2B5JI/s320/allsouls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672320849644293058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA28x2xKm8zfoRQz79IQo9Ha3eRo1EjDYh7fxxqKGrhhYok9TAgd_-P80b70e7gRNHif1Bwb2UubzEjXoGD-jOBrNuIqZAkVZ0NJ7OyJj_7I54i3Mh5vflEl5_LgXSu0Jrj3DrnimXngA/s1600/allssouls4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA28x2xKm8zfoRQz79IQo9Ha3eRo1EjDYh7fxxqKGrhhYok9TAgd_-P80b70e7gRNHif1Bwb2UubzEjXoGD-jOBrNuIqZAkVZ0NJ7OyJj_7I54i3Mh5vflEl5_LgXSu0Jrj3DrnimXngA/s320/allssouls4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672321326446103282" /></a>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-66139517292951301892011-11-04T10:55:00.000-07:002011-11-04T16:39:16.195-07:00Trail TimeLately, I have replaced biking, swimming and road running with time on the trails (see previous post for rationale). Yesterday, I ran 18 miles and it was pure enjoyment. I am getting lost in the beauty of Tucson and find my mind totally clear by the time I'm back to my car. Meditation while gaining incredible fitness. It really doesn't get much better.<br />There are so many trails that need to be explored and I am sure that I will hit many of them by the time I toe the line for my <a href="http://oldpueblo50.com">50 miler </a>in March. I plan on documenting the process so I'm able relive the experience and make anyone who reads this jealous.<br />Yesterday was the Bear Canyon/Phoneline loop in Sabino Canyon. <br />Here's the elevation/ascent profile:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yWytm7i38RBMoyytvw58E_AyQPqQgejsbBaAdORXjpsvFMZx7BocY0j5lZ5Wnl3UqHn0MyKjIAakDlBGpLwd3Ox4wtqrUSzreZWZH5_Yq11gFLBPuRkZAtFzGtjeKek1_61gqZV5yqs/s1600/bearcan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yWytm7i38RBMoyytvw58E_AyQPqQgejsbBaAdORXjpsvFMZx7BocY0j5lZ5Wnl3UqHn0MyKjIAakDlBGpLwd3Ox4wtqrUSzreZWZH5_Yq11gFLBPuRkZAtFzGtjeKek1_61gqZV5yqs/s320/bearcan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671203933976916962" /></a><br />My running partner is Krystle. She's training for her first 50km. She's modelling Zoot(product plug)from <a href="http://trisports.com">TriSports.com</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3ZwJky9bTV7a_f_dAVnDkgQUq2JTe_IiyjyuVX1oGZFACPLH3AFNekV4HBVbqM7aAKio0A-6Le_AE6WgbgWjbNhjRNV94NWb_XN7j049tvAZOVLvhjAamoRkkblc-RYw0Vr6o20mM74/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3ZwJky9bTV7a_f_dAVnDkgQUq2JTe_IiyjyuVX1oGZFACPLH3AFNekV4HBVbqM7aAKio0A-6Le_AE6WgbgWjbNhjRNV94NWb_XN7j049tvAZOVLvhjAamoRkkblc-RYw0Vr6o20mM74/s320/IMG_3344.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671205639444651010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuJwxJSOQLOa6XYc7AJQgHm01uYsjd1_C8_cfaWL_AlvU5orvB2t0lzsYl01_22m03hhl8J70aAsYx83845kmaBTRNKsAwCEyID5zn_cj_tfDhl-inubriXYF22zh3lfIuUVvZbLUEIU/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuJwxJSOQLOa6XYc7AJQgHm01uYsjd1_C8_cfaWL_AlvU5orvB2t0lzsYl01_22m03hhl8J70aAsYx83845kmaBTRNKsAwCEyID5zn_cj_tfDhl-inubriXYF22zh3lfIuUVvZbLUEIU/s320/IMG_3330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671206281750910626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRATuwVYolkr1IXBjrRZLndIAvMKjvcbCmFf_XekLorY_JL-MIu9OEbzdUQrTvl3XDpV0rZdUMlpgZJD-AJ9W2x1oFYyQfl5QluVEvwu80vg-GcvoHtabvGOp5mK78onhyphenhyphen6nY5tYd_cY/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRATuwVYolkr1IXBjrRZLndIAvMKjvcbCmFf_XekLorY_JL-MIu9OEbzdUQrTvl3XDpV0rZdUMlpgZJD-AJ9W2x1oFYyQfl5QluVEvwu80vg-GcvoHtabvGOp5mK78onhyphenhyphen6nY5tYd_cY/s320/IMG_3314.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671206268590287730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoI2YbdbZJ5MxBx5qm6XiwdV4x52mt_aI5D93SbYXmZR0SxfWFY17wRGpvcfk0EQENkLMu-lA0Co0wDdS_K4Pqaz-bMeUh8dJ3l_UpVFrpi-OZJ5JLFE-uftjhbCdkuiL-CInzqt1uGk/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoI2YbdbZJ5MxBx5qm6XiwdV4x52mt_aI5D93SbYXmZR0SxfWFY17wRGpvcfk0EQENkLMu-lA0Co0wDdS_K4Pqaz-bMeUh8dJ3l_UpVFrpi-OZJ5JLFE-uftjhbCdkuiL-CInzqt1uGk/s320/IMG_3304.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671206260858891986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPXVCy1eJii2q_PiaTk2-EQkWy2FInsGE3B6pH7IXTJKCF7VoDdDJ1aROjC-xXV-eoee1bIBmmkM7x8ng9hcr7Ub4H1eTtO-EpojiaSqhvjMPnuY8Fzzxnjvou8doZ441RBa71ytc3Ns/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPXVCy1eJii2q_PiaTk2-EQkWy2FInsGE3B6pH7IXTJKCF7VoDdDJ1aROjC-xXV-eoee1bIBmmkM7x8ng9hcr7Ub4H1eTtO-EpojiaSqhvjMPnuY8Fzzxnjvou8doZ441RBa71ytc3Ns/s320/IMG_3302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671206257523781490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs_jVqZfqQ3GM-FLgJwiLwkIbpgLKYb1owTPY2VURosMSf03h-Db-Z1c6rYZSa7DLSqIWSKPizO0o5ltCNMhBrhH4WPkCzTpfwWC6i1X4zaw-SaOmuseXGrgblVRKxPiwvMQwEa5qTv8/s1600/IMG_3334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs_jVqZfqQ3GM-FLgJwiLwkIbpgLKYb1owTPY2VURosMSf03h-Db-Z1c6rYZSa7DLSqIWSKPizO0o5ltCNMhBrhH4WPkCzTpfwWC6i1X4zaw-SaOmuseXGrgblVRKxPiwvMQwEa5qTv8/s320/IMG_3334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671206256298605602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_sinYNf6baTj3tY8X8euG8SO6HN0reOl3qk3A5ieTCC4fo7Rjrbhq-s00870EKUiPlGhB6g5V6vrFMZiqmmgcK2vEiMLgdymsmIlOFb-Ipk7sIhdWdVTv84O2Sm71mC0AQDYelp_KN4/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_sinYNf6baTj3tY8X8euG8SO6HN0reOl3qk3A5ieTCC4fo7Rjrbhq-s00870EKUiPlGhB6g5V6vrFMZiqmmgcK2vEiMLgdymsmIlOFb-Ipk7sIhdWdVTv84O2Sm71mC0AQDYelp_KN4/s320/IMG_3321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671288277366659394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM2t2XcHeSsWpdfypYQE43pZypLyA7ifqvIEJr2DcSUFDrXWDHiz3oB-piL3WpPMeR_kneqJRHZYkL3EKShK7B08IZy1PitEX50SJsuncXS2h58aNziH8UBC86dsOXqz2BKO8UA-Ek_k/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM2t2XcHeSsWpdfypYQE43pZypLyA7ifqvIEJr2DcSUFDrXWDHiz3oB-piL3WpPMeR_kneqJRHZYkL3EKShK7B08IZy1PitEX50SJsuncXS2h58aNziH8UBC86dsOXqz2BKO8UA-Ek_k/s320/IMG_3353.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671288256967554418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCkOSJSSxK7XI_QiNjKTBXpydLLGr727vcgVlgH-5JIaL2q00WRiKyJmAjN5sM_i2bRQXOnjQFuXJlUOANl0Yvk1fFnGU6mwolAeMiBIdvNhDlZ6SzZ8S6Qlldk0r8V-7m4rptkE1_tw/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCkOSJSSxK7XI_QiNjKTBXpydLLGr727vcgVlgH-5JIaL2q00WRiKyJmAjN5sM_i2bRQXOnjQFuXJlUOANl0Yvk1fFnGU6mwolAeMiBIdvNhDlZ6SzZ8S6Qlldk0r8V-7m4rptkE1_tw/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671288251065302866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigew-BFERdQWZLTSD_aOM-5j-by8muTZBlE60MTH5gDnuaD-5M1fnOIWfzMdWp6Id5bgp-V-9iLdzM51b4Zka7z0sRecao8iGj4RV62zVJe4mu4OzW4IG157ACE0cdgZCpHIdL1D_UufI/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigew-BFERdQWZLTSD_aOM-5j-by8muTZBlE60MTH5gDnuaD-5M1fnOIWfzMdWp6Id5bgp-V-9iLdzM51b4Zka7z0sRecao8iGj4RV62zVJe4mu4OzW4IG157ACE0cdgZCpHIdL1D_UufI/s320/IMG_3325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671288245344692338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F4ixvza0G-349PZEK7eZtN03ZMrbvKHd46SOSkkkdSRg_WWkotV9IAZNd3QGnkBy0sFPfo9lB5-MVJMIcbEd4wjEljpkh4pW6xdfF9Ulergdf8eHgYQYPK-cPsjZUq88Gxbbs0UrYbQ/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F4ixvza0G-349PZEK7eZtN03ZMrbvKHd46SOSkkkdSRg_WWkotV9IAZNd3QGnkBy0sFPfo9lB5-MVJMIcbEd4wjEljpkh4pW6xdfF9Ulergdf8eHgYQYPK-cPsjZUq88Gxbbs0UrYbQ/s320/IMG_3320.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671288239418311986" /></a>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-61158468962489674802011-11-04T10:35:00.000-07:002011-11-04T10:54:28.473-07:00Buckle ListThree months ago I began mountain biking. Even though I was holding a pretty good 3:1 crash to ride ratio, I was enjoying the challenge and the closeness with nature. I entered a 104 mile mtb race four weeks after getting my bike. It was wonderful, I went kinda fast, and I got one of these for my effort: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAn8NnjDz_Uw_HdrGoHlaMkmilgsvuUDh0x3EYCdoq8i7M7V69D6oXrJF3y2hyphenhyphen2n7q76pYBBUy3uARd9B12vaSGpTwDqU0-KDYEcTaISRFTdUmEP4BQVDvmpTMe619gDwTeXW6KEkVA4/s1600/buckle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAn8NnjDz_Uw_HdrGoHlaMkmilgsvuUDh0x3EYCdoq8i7M7V69D6oXrJF3y2hyphenhyphen2n7q76pYBBUy3uARd9B12vaSGpTwDqU0-KDYEcTaISRFTdUmEP4BQVDvmpTMe619gDwTeXW6KEkVA4/s320/buckle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671197365131287474" /></a><br />It was big, heavy and desired by some fellow riders. <br />A month later, a friend of mine posted a picture on facebook.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyEhbZNglU2J4451cMB_7rD4xIP080Ti4AEze4qknRzUUVf9Vrwp9QbM6193j1SX8rE0zKfsrqN_QdWvkFIQbBVHGGw8taQzPfygc0xOx-dk3Fj0R3DSO-uM-4WNmSLhyphenhyphenmc6oAIsL-3Q/s1600/buckle2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyEhbZNglU2J4451cMB_7rD4xIP080Ti4AEze4qknRzUUVf9Vrwp9QbM6193j1SX8rE0zKfsrqN_QdWvkFIQbBVHGGw8taQzPfygc0xOx-dk3Fj0R3DSO-uM-4WNmSLhyphenhyphenmc6oAIsL-3Q/s320/buckle2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671198114523278162" /></a><br />A pretty, shiny, big, and heavy buckle. I inquired; "What do I have to do to get that?" Run 50 miles... in one day. Without really thinking it through, I signed up.<br />I want that buckle.<br />Two days ago, the lottery opened for the Leadville 100 mile mtb race. Here's what you get when you cross the finish line:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO7NwI1zCSiuVYZzgwenXPoMzs8vLmIBnP7w3sLXu_9fcXgaXyrlUq8oUSv50onRAu45T3Y_qfvcHQqL-LrdzL0CgJv0MNQTIMqmj_eDfxVxcBihR9yYWp7X-eK0MsuDaOWSenseQFDk/s1600/buckle3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO7NwI1zCSiuVYZzgwenXPoMzs8vLmIBnP7w3sLXu_9fcXgaXyrlUq8oUSv50onRAu45T3Y_qfvcHQqL-LrdzL0CgJv0MNQTIMqmj_eDfxVxcBihR9yYWp7X-eK0MsuDaOWSenseQFDk/s320/buckle3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671199411515977682" /></a><br />I put my name in. I want that buckle too.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-71173362693583248772011-07-19T19:34:00.000-07:002011-07-19T20:37:03.890-07:00fur childI will celebrate (read: one glass of top shelf tequila and bed by 9:00) my 34th birthday this week. I have no children, and still after years of saying "it's not for me", have no desire to mother a two legged being. I am surrounded by friends/bloggers/facebookers who have families and/or have recently become <a href="http://ironla.blogspot.com">mothers</a>.
<br />I truly am happy for them and enjoy looking at the snapshots of their lives.
<br />But, I want my moment too.
<br />In March, I had a fur child. His name is Bean. <a href="http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Eric-Esch-9394">Butter Bean</a>.
<br />He has four legs and is delightful. I only had to change his diapers a couple of times (okay, so it wasn't diapers, it was poop on the floor). And while I do have to come home right after work, I don't need a babysitter if I want to hit happy hour at Blanco on Friday night. He is the best running partner I've had in years and loves me even if I lock him in a den with only a squeeky duck for 10 hours.
<br />I have looked at a million baby pictures in my life time. Never have I replied with a "check out MY baby" and pulled out my phone or facebook.
<br />Well, here it is. A dose of fur baby photos. I've looked at yours. You can check out mine.
<br />He is amazing, even if he does pee like a girl.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dx4N3MzWVNEBFiT9CwgqXa0B6DpI8A_iqgasMEwc3vEDTpg_HKcd41InNzVUaBYY4lkNJp6sUYckCwtaE1x54jmgN-9JOqSxsiPQz50wcgONL8OIRI3KI5Q3dP9a7-KSRABkeIXuVS0/s1600/bean+076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dx4N3MzWVNEBFiT9CwgqXa0B6DpI8A_iqgasMEwc3vEDTpg_HKcd41InNzVUaBYY4lkNJp6sUYckCwtaE1x54jmgN-9JOqSxsiPQz50wcgONL8OIRI3KI5Q3dP9a7-KSRABkeIXuVS0/s320/bean+076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631265906081321202" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_x770RiAw6Rl3kJY0cYBsFzBPF5uoPa4ikRFIC2IZTyJv6JUnmgbo17RKpYLFAUFnAD50bL88nHt5ui_1UUPp5J_NqWd-8t9Kt3bYJ7wJtce1rLUyvm-LLi177TNS9HG2bmLOfaF-u0/s1600/bean+112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_x770RiAw6Rl3kJY0cYBsFzBPF5uoPa4ikRFIC2IZTyJv6JUnmgbo17RKpYLFAUFnAD50bL88nHt5ui_1UUPp5J_NqWd-8t9Kt3bYJ7wJtce1rLUyvm-LLi177TNS9HG2bmLOfaF-u0/s320/bean+112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631265900100595666" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdDlS14kjO3XIersMv6mJ-3tr_4MTixk-KSoXzBEfD647CpHFZxvUbOOTx83ne92JXspsr7dcXEwyEChxjvazjhNecFnzqzX7vQDNcjMvqMql0heRVGGxtZ2COtYoJ4Ayqt5HlEWj8Y/s1600/bean+117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsdDlS14kjO3XIersMv6mJ-3tr_4MTixk-KSoXzBEfD647CpHFZxvUbOOTx83ne92JXspsr7dcXEwyEChxjvazjhNecFnzqzX7vQDNcjMvqMql0heRVGGxtZ2COtYoJ4Ayqt5HlEWj8Y/s320/bean+117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631265032331664050" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRKusoWnA7_hihuy5RgCyCXiPFU60chmEUG2LpSM3JC6RXi36Q_3IAnBV44en-q6a1QUkzMVILWJYprpQNnDdZ0Qr8C9330pzWXLV3Weg2t-Ycyeqf9ypqzaHQuoUCksUeR0GthR0qJU/s1600/bean+111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRKusoWnA7_hihuy5RgCyCXiPFU60chmEUG2LpSM3JC6RXi36Q_3IAnBV44en-q6a1QUkzMVILWJYprpQNnDdZ0Qr8C9330pzWXLV3Weg2t-Ycyeqf9ypqzaHQuoUCksUeR0GthR0qJU/s320/bean+111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631265025289005666" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOE89dp0KQ2Y4RD1ovZSUaexzW3OBLrb_NqsTFS0mf7h7BI5G946S8kPESJaHu6cWxFSaPo0HnXLbDCTiNDR8Kxugpd0f5uufCpYevb6k5QTh-mewGFV1XP51o2lltCyIt4MZ8bgA5Ps/s1600/bean+098.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOE89dp0KQ2Y4RD1ovZSUaexzW3OBLrb_NqsTFS0mf7h7BI5G946S8kPESJaHu6cWxFSaPo0HnXLbDCTiNDR8Kxugpd0f5uufCpYevb6k5QTh-mewGFV1XP51o2lltCyIt4MZ8bgA5Ps/s320/bean+098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631265017731259890" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7Zi08PiTirUDXipuhCUSVi95ENlg0-v2UqZnRKpx-26rGnmcIOxI4iLjnPB2HK2YBlml0RkRmhk_pnMKUR0Bi6ma71Calo_79ai-mYJ36MTYEtq8494b2za2ruBgIwqeeC4RYnDVt9k/s1600/bean+059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7Zi08PiTirUDXipuhCUSVi95ENlg0-v2UqZnRKpx-26rGnmcIOxI4iLjnPB2HK2YBlml0RkRmhk_pnMKUR0Bi6ma71Calo_79ai-mYJ36MTYEtq8494b2za2ruBgIwqeeC4RYnDVt9k/s320/bean+059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631265014763883218" /></a>
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm3LX5t_LSMxMUnUH3buJxB1CPxv7VQVtlBJ6bjUsOybcK1sdWk1gYMqsL560stZ3NF4y86t7NNZOzUSh0lIbDmez1XBgjKNj2ug1GMGL3HmbuKtsXqSX2kG3iQCsijHMB3uEVW48SOA/s1600/bean+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm3LX5t_LSMxMUnUH3buJxB1CPxv7VQVtlBJ6bjUsOybcK1sdWk1gYMqsL560stZ3NF4y86t7NNZOzUSh0lIbDmez1XBgjKNj2ug1GMGL3HmbuKtsXqSX2kG3iQCsijHMB3uEVW48SOA/s320/bean+035.JPG" boB
<br />chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-64006695041343475312011-02-14T16:06:00.000-08:002011-02-14T16:29:26.737-08:00my send off to Tammy and Ross Lamb“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdWK05f1RzPnwT6c6haZf2rmIp9AMnwcoIdGWMskF3waDklmnQOET7qodS37l21nFgTLqAJ0dAerUnZ8khV-DbHmfwIeLSYKD2K55refL6zMcqQwSz87zc2vpTwEPwXsuR9I7dyA_Org/s1600/tammy1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdWK05f1RzPnwT6c6haZf2rmIp9AMnwcoIdGWMskF3waDklmnQOET7qodS37l21nFgTLqAJ0dAerUnZ8khV-DbHmfwIeLSYKD2K55refL6zMcqQwSz87zc2vpTwEPwXsuR9I7dyA_Org/s320/tammy1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573704242608833874" /></a><br />As one can see from the frequencing of my blog posts, it takes something special to <br />draw me to the keyboard. This time, it's a way for me to say "good bye" to two of my dear friends. <br />Tomorrow, Tucson will loose two of it's truly valued members to California. Tammy and Ross Lamb are packing up their life as I type to follow their career ambitions into another state. <br />Tammy and Ross have made this city a better place. Most certainly for me and I can only guess how many others, but definately more than they could realize.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMPOukL40fWTh9-PfalHdt6edMO5k2mlC5wDv-1s99sKB84lJyBGkM4pwwsVJucqzvZ4yfHPQmmOZH0PlD5R0BOU8NZEstNdgyxIpCnRibmwUjdUbTu-ZBv8kJ_mwU86xyUhnabL2p7U/s1600/tammy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMPOukL40fWTh9-PfalHdt6edMO5k2mlC5wDv-1s99sKB84lJyBGkM4pwwsVJucqzvZ4yfHPQmmOZH0PlD5R0BOU8NZEstNdgyxIpCnRibmwUjdUbTu-ZBv8kJ_mwU86xyUhnabL2p7U/s320/tammy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573704243886806546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbKxW9MMrQlEI_9S9PFn1b2CU0yV-3KszO1_6dQgRxBduIsHZ6-A58osiZmSPi8R9IMxskK1zlTtpWjLy7W-AEhs2h1ngOI9J-rat_JOy5uP_aEV4wwLzhTmcxzOYwPzz8zlstcGUKDQ/s1600/ross_lamb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbKxW9MMrQlEI_9S9PFn1b2CU0yV-3KszO1_6dQgRxBduIsHZ6-A58osiZmSPi8R9IMxskK1zlTtpWjLy7W-AEhs2h1ngOI9J-rat_JOy5uP_aEV4wwLzhTmcxzOYwPzz8zlstcGUKDQ/s320/ross_lamb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573706230200159122" /></a><br />Tammy, I'm going to miss you a ton. You have been my Tucson rock when I've felt alone and needed a shoulder. Ross, you were always there to share a tequila, beer or glass of wine when it was most necessary. I'm so grateful and thankful for becoming close. <br />I have already booked my ticket to LA. <br />xo cpchrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-64381818021546918182011-02-10T07:50:00.000-08:002011-02-10T12:28:38.909-08:00This year.... and lastNo comments about slacking or the like. I haven't blogged and that's<br />that. <br />Not for lack of things to put out there, just couldn't bring myself to <br />the computer for a full 30 min or so. The world is just spinning<br />extra fast these days.<br /><br />Brief synopsis. Last year was one of my worst athletically (results wise), and best personally.<br />Yes, they can be independant of each other (one of my 2010 life lessons).<br />I am proud of myself for attempting many things that scared me to death... not so proud of the effort I put into them.<br />I moved up to a Cat 2 bike racer, raced against the best in world, and promptly got my ass handed back to me.<br />I raced as a professional triathlete. Trained like a beginner, and got my ass beat by over 2 hours when I lined up beside Chrissie Wellington.<br />But, regardless of feeling like I would rather be anywhere else by 2000m of the IM AZ swim, I finished what I started. After my first IM dnf in Kona, I decided that as long as the medics allowed my to stay on the course, I would finish everything I started.<br />So, despite some of my worst results, this grasshopper learned much and grew as a person and athlete.<br />I am fully committed to 2011 as first, a cyclist on the best Women's 1/2 cycling team in the SW, Trisports Cycling/Eclipse Racing. Then (even though I haven't swam since IM AZ), I will rededicate the summer to tris. <br />Below is a photo gallery of important events/people that have happened since my last post.... no real order.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mpsWpNjUXeIoBBLIGp2E1DAteJll-_q5Q-BEcEYVnDvJhlKSfJO5ZfWqQhqOvqJOOjmpxCW1ok6roE4YXlPgRSUOXsSYcdd00Nl1K5p4ITfPAlHRnh4ffRVUl-7utm-sQjOTLsa0REA/s1600/end+of+the+year2010+097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mpsWpNjUXeIoBBLIGp2E1DAteJll-_q5Q-BEcEYVnDvJhlKSfJO5ZfWqQhqOvqJOOjmpxCW1ok6roE4YXlPgRSUOXsSYcdd00Nl1K5p4ITfPAlHRnh4ffRVUl-7utm-sQjOTLsa0REA/s320/end+of+the+year2010+097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572157478155426770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYzbXFEYBmIB_a0o-6lW8Z3ZoRNcMIBMrxCEdhzQVbp5CAurwzCcnd2HrdOVb72TFC9duzHYRPs7WdFnin2RRsfMmF4qv6FVHWh-iiEotRX8StSyQ4UMoUXb5J2jnPas5-RPa_FHYqic/s1600/end+of+the+year2010+082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYzbXFEYBmIB_a0o-6lW8Z3ZoRNcMIBMrxCEdhzQVbp5CAurwzCcnd2HrdOVb72TFC9duzHYRPs7WdFnin2RRsfMmF4qv6FVHWh-iiEotRX8StSyQ4UMoUXb5J2jnPas5-RPa_FHYqic/s320/end+of+the+year2010+082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572157469749575090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYCR_jrXE3ybbskQvjjTiYIyl7IhTDAwU28iBf8J1hi7XWGnZbcB-rLIMxpRAXnhYbBUk4EpeJZ87THL_FkuJtK5BO4u3wgTJDaoiszVMVlBal_Blm_oB4E5zEtD99z8CpDBVI7UIwz8/s1600/end+of+the+year2010+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYCR_jrXE3ybbskQvjjTiYIyl7IhTDAwU28iBf8J1hi7XWGnZbcB-rLIMxpRAXnhYbBUk4EpeJZ87THL_FkuJtK5BO4u3wgTJDaoiszVMVlBal_Blm_oB4E5zEtD99z8CpDBVI7UIwz8/s320/end+of+the+year2010+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572157458790337794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANfGS8EfJE5o2T4BlEglJ9O0r28Y-kwew0Glza2TxFmjLXyCl64RyttBRGXAK0HY4pPpubnX3Yc-v3psRW5SXff4fmvey2cezXSukuTAnd3zgv_dxn-5a63ePZ3a2AaAyIKGJvR5Py1Y/s1600/end+of+the+year2010+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANfGS8EfJE5o2T4BlEglJ9O0r28Y-kwew0Glza2TxFmjLXyCl64RyttBRGXAK0HY4pPpubnX3Yc-v3psRW5SXff4fmvey2cezXSukuTAnd3zgv_dxn-5a63ePZ3a2AaAyIKGJvR5Py1Y/s320/end+of+the+year2010+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572157450038732130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBSxn8kNksqqqv7Dd3Q5jNLlynzgkOT3IUftP28_MM8z3ktQtOZBiLy1AmUb4DvFSRce7aBgzsFcjSi0PMlQCbOiVIXYek9PhQRhQu2o1q-0xjR4_I82at2VH2pw19dJ-hnRUGdjF87o/s1600/justinscottsdale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBSxn8kNksqqqv7Dd3Q5jNLlynzgkOT3IUftP28_MM8z3ktQtOZBiLy1AmUb4DvFSRce7aBgzsFcjSi0PMlQCbOiVIXYek9PhQRhQu2o1q-0xjR4_I82at2VH2pw19dJ-hnRUGdjF87o/s320/justinscottsdale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572157484606287586" /></a><br />I know it's not much, but it's been 30 minutes and for now that's all I've got.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-83237891640036785852010-06-01T20:30:00.000-07:002010-06-01T20:41:56.905-07:00my new loveI'm in deep. <br />Who could have known it would turn out like this?<br />I use to dread time spent on the saddle. Now, I'm looking forward to it like<br />it's my favorite of the three. How could that be? I'm a runner?<br />I have been bitten. Bitten by the cycling bug. And the more time I spend riding, the more I realize how much I have to improve. <br />This year, I became a part of a really great team. Trisports.com/Eclispe cycling.<br />Yes, I said 'team'. Cycling is actually a team sport. As much as I love triathlon, I have been missing the comradery of a team sport. <br />a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCc3Uz-bdiZXXUA4r46T4y6GEdq39rvNoo0PH2IkhUzbmKI2A2HaAq0saHu0nFMHV80T_oN0Gal8ytCXeO2YQyd4mKrKCTyHdJsGU4iGQHajbQc6vdcEexSpMMYi4Ng8suSqq5D4tJdY/s1600/teaminglobe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCc3Uz-bdiZXXUA4r46T4y6GEdq39rvNoo0PH2IkhUzbmKI2A2HaAq0saHu0nFMHV80T_oN0Gal8ytCXeO2YQyd4mKrKCTyHdJsGU4iGQHajbQc6vdcEexSpMMYi4Ng8suSqq5D4tJdY/s320/teaminglobe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478015254550331570" /><br />Last year, I was the AZ cat 4 RR champ. This year, I was the AZ cat 3 champ. Now, I have moved up to be a Cat 2 racer. Now, I will be racing against the pros. I will get my ass kicked. At first. <br />The rest of this year will be dedicated to Kona. But I also have a goal to become the best cyclist I can and see what comes of it.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-62063086328663298652010-05-26T07:23:00.000-07:002010-05-26T07:39:14.194-07:00Game on!Triathlon training has kicked into high gear. Last week, I did 21 hours of training.<br />Approximately double the previous week. Kona is on the horizon. I know it's still 4 months away. But my body and mind were aching for structure and ready to go. My running and swimming have been taking a back seat to cycling. I've caught the bug.<br />This past week, I was back on the track and in the pool (once, which is one more time than the week before!). I have always been a runner. Running has always been the one of the three that I didn't complain about doing. Now, I feel like it's a forgotten language. Cycling is where it's at!<br />Since my last post, 5 million years ago, I have done 3 stage races, a state championship, a road race and a couple of TT's. I have also done one duathlon and a half ironman. All for the fun of it (I think it's always meant to be like that!).<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_KUYq5d13JcX6JpPtq3Gktj_2aXziGdqaGMU9HTNJeZBDxNeWiw6us53-bEegRAYgCS5c0EHSXdxqovs-BUklOUbJ0xmzum6iYOfC9zfIxBV-nqMmnPaHdO9NqdvJT1kqtG19HEVvc0/s1600/chrissybikesf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_KUYq5d13JcX6JpPtq3Gktj_2aXziGdqaGMU9HTNJeZBDxNeWiw6us53-bEegRAYgCS5c0EHSXdxqovs-BUklOUbJ0xmzum6iYOfC9zfIxBV-nqMmnPaHdO9NqdvJT1kqtG19HEVvc0/s320/chrissybikesf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475586292759664514" /></a><br />There is too much to tell. <br />However, I have a few key events on the horizon to motivate me to update my blog....<br />1. July - Cascade cycling classic, Bend Oregon. A 6 day stage race!! Killer.<br />2. July - Vineman marathon, California. A week after the stage race!! Killer.<br />3. Couple of half IM's yet to be determined<br />4. Kona!!!!!<br /><br />I have also been involved in the Trisports.com catalogue... keep an eye out!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwCmGJAuzayPPjT7t8MCy9Jo3LgyXlZPjGFpTikh4SfFrcDR27A3kbczB_DModCC9HJuWlTFZxpYH2TLXXnUUFbQ6tMZ3-iuydvPNDJcCH5w5X2VQp_-LNMDA0yvE7_9NcmjwkHcnrWE/s1600/chrissy-luna1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwCmGJAuzayPPjT7t8MCy9Jo3LgyXlZPjGFpTikh4SfFrcDR27A3kbczB_DModCC9HJuWlTFZxpYH2TLXXnUUFbQ6tMZ3-iuydvPNDJcCH5w5X2VQp_-LNMDA0yvE7_9NcmjwkHcnrWE/s320/chrissy-luna1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475588137949044706" /></a>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-6848159262193270472010-02-04T20:05:00.000-08:002010-02-04T20:43:42.574-08:00SpeedNo, I'm not talking about eight balls and movies with buses in them. I'm speaking of the ''move one foot in front of another, while your heart's beating out of your chest, bleeding from the lungs, sweat and spit spilling out of your body while trying to hit a time' kinda' speed. The same kind of <em>speed </em> that seems to have left me in the dust. Now I'm fully aware that speed is a relative term, and that relative to some, I am fast. But, I am also all to aware that relative to some, I am sssssllllllloooooowwwwww (this is especially apparent over short distances). And to 'keep it real', I am actually only comparing myself to......<br />myself. If I were somehow magically able to race a 13 year old me in a 400, 800 or even 1500 m, I would get my ass kick by mini me. <br />This realization came about tonight during my first date with the oval for 2010.<br />The workout was short - too short. This meant one thing, it was to be FAST. On paper it was laughable to this IM athlete. I'm used to doing lots, and lots and lots of repeats, at a slower pace. I've been working on the deisel engine. <br />With a new goal on the horizon (marathon!) I need to work on getting faster in the shorter races (tee hee). <br />I did my warm up run to the track - 20 min..... found a bush for a last minute pee, did a couple of pick ups and was ready.... more than ready, I was excited!! I have always felt at home on the track. I was running on an oval long before I had a true appreciation for how much pain it can inflict. Nothing beats a good workout on the track.<br />The workout was simple: 2 x 400, 1 x 800, 1 x 1600, 1 x 800, 2 x 400.<br />The first 400s and 800 were to be at a decent clip, but the slowest getting quicker with each repeat. The 1600 was too be close to all out, realizing that I would have to go quicker yet for the next 800 and 400s.<br />No shocker, I went out too quick. I find running on a track much easier than a treadmill and since all of my speed sessions have been on a treadmill judging speed by my effort was a mistake..... 1:28. Next one went slower. The 800 was comfortable at 3:03. But the 1600 was where the money was at! I dropped it like it was hot, for the first three laps. I hit the third lap in 4:24. Not super but I was stoked. Then, a terrible pain in my chest! Was I having a heart attack? Quick assessment: no pain in my arm, not light headed... guess not. Kept running. Felt like I was running soooo fast! Just 100 left - I swear I could hear chariots of fire. Hit the line in 5:56... dang! I definately thought I would be faster than that! In grade 9 I ran the 1500 in 5:20, 800 in 2:26, the 400 in 60 seconds... today, the fastest 400 I could muster was a 1:22. Lots of work to do..... and I can't wait until next time!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj3RxOYEes-cB3FAMzDz6N6Zq1ReDcuVDvUQXZo0vjLv6T-Xs-nqgKy65amcB57LdNyHH5gdh4VzVn0wC2FHuMLwFjqN18SJlBmnvfqtD7g_uuIuCK9uSjRHVtXyyVnWmr6o4CtkYZVw/s1600-h/speed_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 169px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj3RxOYEes-cB3FAMzDz6N6Zq1ReDcuVDvUQXZo0vjLv6T-Xs-nqgKy65amcB57LdNyHH5gdh4VzVn0wC2FHuMLwFjqN18SJlBmnvfqtD7g_uuIuCK9uSjRHVtXyyVnWmr6o4CtkYZVw/s320/speed_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434615303712776914" /></a>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-59924452804640144402010-01-12T04:26:00.000-08:002010-01-12T04:38:23.911-08:00123.6<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOISS_3gbCdI-u6IN0Rolhshz5IL8ii7nsX4qurkbNXsHxRg8QndF7G1fffGm2yUo5BNQpYV1I-Ymgmm4Y4XIcSrcUCzhm80OSsfQbtkhAdO2gebkkVvUsabQP5wFlLqAKn5s3WtGtl0k/s1600-h/wk1.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOISS_3gbCdI-u6IN0Rolhshz5IL8ii7nsX4qurkbNXsHxRg8QndF7G1fffGm2yUo5BNQpYV1I-Ymgmm4Y4XIcSrcUCzhm80OSsfQbtkhAdO2gebkkVvUsabQP5wFlLqAKn5s3WtGtl0k/s320/wk1.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425830111499446178" /></a><br />Week one of fatty camp has been a success! I can attribute this loss to<br />a couple of key factors. 1. I have stopped eating 2 chocolate chip cookies everyday at lunch 2. I have stopped eating a lot of chocolate everyday (instead, only eating a little chocolate everyday - baby steps!) 3. We don't have Tim Horton's down here (I love you Tims!) and 4. I used a different scale.<br />123.6 lbs is a pretty good weight for me. I could probably stand to be around 120 in the early season (I'm 5'4") and then drop a couple more during peak season so I might continue with the tough love towards chocolate. I did however make one rule (so far --- it IS my game, I can therefore make the rules as I go!). Sunday = cheat day. I can have anything I want. I elected for this tasty morsel that I had been eyeing a few days earlier. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKAreUoxk63Swit9pG9w2HrhV3L-aZBE8jkGglS-o4KimMwHwiasqKx96ur5Yq1GzjICGqInkoWXrinCyl3pissP5rb6_0JgbtrnkfbPPiWVqI3R5H5fqkveXBoO9aqdJn9Bt8Xt6DB8/s1600-h/yummy.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKAreUoxk63Swit9pG9w2HrhV3L-aZBE8jkGglS-o4KimMwHwiasqKx96ur5Yq1GzjICGqInkoWXrinCyl3pissP5rb6_0JgbtrnkfbPPiWVqI3R5H5fqkveXBoO9aqdJn9Bt8Xt6DB8/s320/yummy.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425830970237822034" /></a><br />No where even close to being as good as my sweet, sweet Timmy'schrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-63044373615512957802010-01-07T06:46:00.000-08:002010-01-07T06:51:09.760-08:00Right On!!The first time I rode to the top of Mt Lemmon I thought, "this would make a kick ass marathon". Mt. Lemmon is some where around 27 miles to the very top. A total gain of over 6000 ft. <br />Well, someone has <a href="http://www.mountlemmonmarathon.com/">done it</a>. It is scheduled for October 17th. One week after Hawaii. I may end up only doing the Half, but I will be running up that mountain!<br />Anyone? Bueller..... Bueller....chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-82409320949187171302010-01-04T16:31:00.000-08:002010-01-04T16:47:59.812-08:00128128 lbs. That's how much one of these weigh:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs92ooSPlzeQISijr6xbI8FhRJUwuZFds8oCU2oKpyrED-tGquc89vWh2KGG2tl5I3FWV0vJKYGyuxkYzogiom63_fHaihH3EV5ZcpN7sRxz-VFuah_kxviVqty3MO7A0wTl6Gy40omxk/s1600-h/rott.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs92ooSPlzeQISijr6xbI8FhRJUwuZFds8oCU2oKpyrED-tGquc89vWh2KGG2tl5I3FWV0vJKYGyuxkYzogiom63_fHaihH3EV5ZcpN7sRxz-VFuah_kxviVqty3MO7A0wTl6Gy40omxk/s320/rott.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423047340646544098" /></a><br />It's also how much this weighs:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw0WBfg2An7hn-0gnJlHj3B2zTJeNSH7xkZwACv5jq_ToOWvrjn4eXyh4IOG-kLX30fDSR3LkjFH0YjqIg7WwYF-l1wF04mB5u8hKHye9IgRBh44jYtv9q07XyrVgtk4Sd8SJVILRAGA/s1600-h/M2_machine_gun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw0WBfg2An7hn-0gnJlHj3B2zTJeNSH7xkZwACv5jq_ToOWvrjn4eXyh4IOG-kLX30fDSR3LkjFH0YjqIg7WwYF-l1wF04mB5u8hKHye9IgRBh44jYtv9q07XyrVgtk4Sd8SJVILRAGA/s320/M2_machine_gun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423047706408658962" /></a><br />And it's how much 10.25 of these weigh:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8OGHXS1eHUJWfIjj9YPLh08ue5qX8vPHewEZ88aodK9OgIiV37wqt7e_Zip37UCv7LdybGqAsdTmPKn7j82IoWK3pnhTZoGXmQ74bWTy1uBITHev1ZHIuv7jxzi1mXBXWrsEICgq-dA/s1600-h/littleguy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8OGHXS1eHUJWfIjj9YPLh08ue5qX8vPHewEZ88aodK9OgIiV37wqt7e_Zip37UCv7LdybGqAsdTmPKn7j82IoWK3pnhTZoGXmQ74bWTy1uBITHev1ZHIuv7jxzi1mXBXWrsEICgq-dA/s320/littleguy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423047962533036850" /></a><br />Now, it is officially how much CP weighs. Damnit.<br /><br />I have officially reached my target weight gain for the year. Now that I have hit my goal, I can start to work at losing it again. My very own biggest loser. <br />I have always thought that a key component to reaching your goals was to tell everyone about them. Make yourself accountable to someone other than your training journal and your garmin. <br />I'm starting my 'program' today. I will weigh myself weekly (yes, I know - it's not the number that counts but it is a gauge), and I will write about it. I also know that it's not realistic to be race weight year round so all I want is to lose 5 - 8 lbs - and hopefully not muscle. Game on.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-18449074247642825352010-01-02T17:41:00.000-08:002010-01-02T18:05:41.418-08:00Two thousand and ten<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCflyej0BZiDwKQcjeLOra-73wgBFvvizqCjazbVPUxZuxeEVOMAPMmKQyif3YEXVSbbddYTlgk4vZvmMIKs8Du89URbXGWmRXQpPggaPK7BL7pgyEHb0RV7B3Mz7-ZvHso-ux1jSa8w/s1600-h/snowpic3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCflyej0BZiDwKQcjeLOra-73wgBFvvizqCjazbVPUxZuxeEVOMAPMmKQyif3YEXVSbbddYTlgk4vZvmMIKs8Du89URbXGWmRXQpPggaPK7BL7pgyEHb0RV7B3Mz7-ZvHso-ux1jSa8w/s320/snowpic3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422328187279815762" /></a><br />Writing from the extremely cold, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. <br />Indicative that I may actually be learning....I have taken a whole 6 weeks of off season this year. I can honestly say that I've never done so little since starting the great sport of triathlon. I've swam TWICE since IM. Biked a handful of times (but those do include a 4:40 and 3:30 ride!) and have been running purely for the enjoyment and clear headedness it brings me. I am now able to say "bring it on!"<br />I am totally ready and excited for what's to come. <br />After some discussion with <a href="http://www.multisports.com">coach</a>, it was decided that it will be necessary to break this year up into sections. Having secured a Kona spot already, I will not have to complete another IM in the same year. Which for me is very good. I have learned that it takes me quite a long time to recover from these events, mentally and physically.<br />The first part of the year will be dedicated mostly to cycling. I have at couple of stage races that I want to do and this year I will be racing them as a CAT 3!<br />In the spring the focus will switch to running. I will be targeting the San Diego R & R Marathon the first week in June! I am super pumped. I haven't run a stand alone marathon since 2004. I have some lofty goals.....I'm not gonna' say but here's a hint: it starts with the letter "2". <br />From then on it's all about Kona.<br />As part of the official 30 in 30, I did an hour speed session on the tready. <br />Mile Down: 1 x 1 mile, 2 x 1200m, 3 x 800m, 4 x 400m with a 200m float in between. I wasn't so concerned with my speed as I was with just turning over the legs. It felt great. My body is ready and my mind is willing! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZrvsLREf454qsBtlKt4TItC5kKixUk17fm51Pu8Xs6Ch90VybAyvhdIjkG9VGLQ5UqUNzl0VJ0zTpv-134sO3Z8L5B7nFdzXohQRqQvwEQ1bhXc7_tyZdUGFft0-rXzM7bYrrf-gjG4/s1600-h/michael3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZrvsLREf454qsBtlKt4TItC5kKixUk17fm51Pu8Xs6Ch90VybAyvhdIjkG9VGLQ5UqUNzl0VJ0zTpv-134sO3Z8L5B7nFdzXohQRqQvwEQ1bhXc7_tyZdUGFft0-rXzM7bYrrf-gjG4/s320/michael3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422326862663111218" /></a>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-47619109756114572582009-12-19T05:34:00.000-08:002009-12-19T05:39:24.536-08:002Second run - 72 degrees (that's somewhere over 20 celcius I think). Outside. ITB felt lovely on the dirt trails. Eureka!<br />36 minutes in the bank. 106 total.<br />Brought my phone with me and snapped a couple (yes, I stopped my watch for the pics!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26Ox89JHwFTL9K-ifGq284IfZTMRs2ITOQdkggQVCZCXGu3zrvwhlihDsjncFMAagSvMUIDKG9Lef5GXgDLbMxxzwL0UdHh4Ik6dizHlOnQ1juMOq_BTHNbKzM_1C1diZfimrvWPvKYk/s1600-h/shadow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26Ox89JHwFTL9K-ifGq284IfZTMRs2ITOQdkggQVCZCXGu3zrvwhlihDsjncFMAagSvMUIDKG9Lef5GXgDLbMxxzwL0UdHh4Ik6dizHlOnQ1juMOq_BTHNbKzM_1C1diZfimrvWPvKYk/s320/shadow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416941281320894658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu0rpg07Ch-E_lYr-Pnz5diql3CMp7nDT-byKe5UnEylfZw94-1dNlu7xr6ZAnQkhZEfcHlb4ql1RUj7TBQjwWBOvaKCrEk5i2aXOrLRtSVwqFjavri0X31gwi46pXMxX2AalrYWF7Bc/s1600-h/sabinocloud.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu0rpg07Ch-E_lYr-Pnz5diql3CMp7nDT-byKe5UnEylfZw94-1dNlu7xr6ZAnQkhZEfcHlb4ql1RUj7TBQjwWBOvaKCrEk5i2aXOrLRtSVwqFjavri0X31gwi46pXMxX2AalrYWF7Bc/s320/sabinocloud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416941276514201506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1yf-sIM8TmIC05QmFyKWbWe60Huk_hyphenhyphenK35fgbP4jGVklWb848FZUi1GS-l2MVD65F1okklqYSH6X2gLiMCmAzzMtYZEjGqoatE-fnODFx8w4jUVyrp7zfxVKoXI27jcaxTmM8wgtesw/s1600-h/cactus.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1yf-sIM8TmIC05QmFyKWbWe60Huk_hyphenhyphenK35fgbP4jGVklWb848FZUi1GS-l2MVD65F1okklqYSH6X2gLiMCmAzzMtYZEjGqoatE-fnODFx8w4jUVyrp7zfxVKoXI27jcaxTmM8wgtesw/s320/cactus.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416941267968373570" /></a>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-56185453822741788562009-12-18T04:27:00.000-08:002009-12-18T04:36:56.570-08:00Day unoI didn't snap a pic from day one. Had I done so, it would have been the inside of LA Fitness. Even though temps reached the 70's in Tucson - I elected to do a mini hill workout on the tready. Still a little worried about the right ITB. So far so good, but want to make sure and go slow. <br /><br />Last week, Tucson was a hot bed of excitement for cycling fans. Lance was here with his team putting in some base miles.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUevVcA4lE2pLBD9ACAGqoATkMrcVjBubgez7gizhlh4ojHqO2zaicKTwujKGjfRiNCjKadyaLQZ6tLeZCCOya2ZxjpODqmwp3MYJcpR3wN7cPMLN4lqOsC-LiGuMjzOCWw-YdjOGGngA/s1600-h/jimmynlance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUevVcA4lE2pLBD9ACAGqoATkMrcVjBubgez7gizhlh4ojHqO2zaicKTwujKGjfRiNCjKadyaLQZ6tLeZCCOya2ZxjpODqmwp3MYJcpR3wN7cPMLN4lqOsC-LiGuMjzOCWw-YdjOGGngA/s320/jimmynlance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416552970656521218" /></a><br />My coach, Jimmy (seen here holding his own beside Lance on Mt. Lemmon) is a long time friend of Lance's. While I didn't get to ride with the team and Lance (it IS my off season), I did get to rub elbows with them at an after dinner party (and I mean literally Lance elbowed me in the back at least six times!). I got to meet most of the Radioshack team, including Levi and Popovich and got to share a conversation and a Margarita with Lance! He's okay.chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-79609794806320554412009-12-06T08:06:00.000-08:002009-12-16T19:44:21.121-08:00T'is the (off) season!!I "heart" the off season. I have never really had any issues with sitting around and doing 'nothing'. For the first time since June, my house is clean, all my laundry is done and I've been able to read a few books. <br />These are luxuries that fall by the way side when juggling training for an IM and a 40 + hour work week. <br />It has been close to 4 weeks since my race. I am just now getting on my bike for the first time (Lance is in town, it's enough motivation for me to head out the door and turn on my 'stalker' mode). <br />I have been swimming once. I have been <strong>jogging</strong> twice (if 5 and 1's really count). <br />I have been lifting wts and giving that eliptical hell. Maybe 4 times since IM!!<br />I've gone out drinking with friends for the first time since I've been in Tucson (I hope no one remembers how long it's been - yes, it's sad). <br />I've almost read the entire Twilight series in less than a week. Another semi embarrassing fact - but it's actually a very good read!<br />I'm afraid to step on the scale - in fact, I probably wont until next summer.... definately been adding to the numbers there....but I'm pretty sure that's normal around xmas.<br />That being said, I feel like I'm ready to get moving again with some sort of purpose.<br />Tomorrow, I start the 30 minute challenge. There is a group in London (Ontario) that is challenging themselves to put in 30 minutes of running, everyday - starting Jan. 1. As I feel like my ass is getting larger as I type, I will start tomorrow and hopefully continue to the last day in Jan.<br />To keep me honest, I will post a pic from my run daily......it won't always be glamorous but it will get done.<br />Who's coming with me?chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-371378426493911525.post-600416290910931272009-11-29T17:00:00.000-08:002009-11-29T17:11:22.764-08:00Finger Eleven Anyone?There seems to be a theme developing to the questions "non-triathletes" ask me about Ironman. When I tell them about my race, I am honest and up front. This time around, I have been saying how amazing it is - I do really have fun while I'm competing. But I also say how hard it is, mentally and physically. How for the last 2hours or so, you're thinking of million and one reasons why you should quit. <br />The usual response is, "how do you keep going?". "Well" I say, "there's something deep that just forces you to move forward". <br />Yesterday, I came across a blog that had the follow snippet. It sums it up perfectly and is a great 'tool' that I will reference when I need it:<br /><br /><strong>The One Thing (by Rich Strauss of Crucible Fitness)<br />The run is where the rubber meets the road. Let's consider the entire Ironman starting field and the likelihood of these athletes running to their full potential on race day. A percentage will be eliminated due to improper training. The classic example is training for a marathon, not a 26.2 mile run after a 112 mile bike ride. Another percentage will be eliminated by nutritional and pacing mistakes that begin to express themselves either late in the bike, or mid way through the run.<br />So when we reach T2, we have a small subset of the entire field who have created the opportunity for a successful run through the skillful manipulation of many variables: training, physical fitness, nutrition and pacing. Of this subset, what then determines who runs to their potential and who does not? The One Thing.<br />First, a successful Ironman run = slowing down as little as possible. Not slowing down is almost entirely a function of maintaining focus, not fitness. If you are not cramping up on the run, you don't need to be running very fast to have a successful marathon, by Ironman standards. Despite what you might think, the difference between a good and bad marathon time is just continuing to move forward, as best you can, for the entire 26.2 miles. Sorry, but that's about as sexy as it gets out there.<br />You MUST expect your body to have a conversation with your head at some point during the run:<br />Body to Mind: "Ok, I'm truly suffering here. I can keep going, but you need to give me a very good reason to continue suffering like this."<br />Mind to Body: "We suffer because of the One Thing. The pain won't last forever. Just keep doing the best you can do and we'll get there."<br />My One Thing<br />The One Thing is whatever has motivated you to do this to yourself in the first place. Before the race you need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and identify what your One Thing is. And this is no time for bullshit. Be completely honest because your body will play your bluff when the chips are down. You can't lie to yourself out there.<br />After four Ironman finishes, I have identified my One Thing as very concrete goals, time or place based.<br />Ironman Florida, '00: I came off the bike with a shot at going sub 11hrs for my first IM. I used this goal to maintain complete focus on my run and had a successful day, despite donating blood 18 days before the race and to this day not remembering miles 13 through 22. One Thing = sub 11:00, determined in T2.<br />Ironman California, '01: 30-34 AG qualifying time in 2000 was 10:20. I wanted to qualify but wasn't completely committed to it. At about mile 10 of the run I had seen many 30-34 calves pass me and knew I wasn't going to qualify. I began to lose my focus and ran into some nutritional issues by mile 22. Picked myself up and finished in...10:19. Just below the qualifying standard but a year too late :-) One Thing = Kona, but I wasn't completely honest with myself. After that goal become unrealistic, I should have set an alternate objective of sub 10:10, as a tool to maintain my focus.<br />Ironman Wisconsin, '02: Not confident in my run fitness and expecting a dogfight with Pedder. However, I came off the bike 15th overall, with a very good chance of qualifying or even standing on the AG podium. Maintained complete focus and ran 3:45 on about 3:30 marathon fitness. One Thing = Kona and AG podium, determined in T2.<br />Ironman Hawaii, '03: Injury and first time on the island combine to set my goal at having a successful race. One Thing = no execution errors. Without a concrete, quantifiable goal I struggled to maintain my focus and failed to do so, relative to my performances at Florida and Wisconsin. I was a machine on those days, but not in Kona. My One Thing became pain and the desire to make it stop. I had a strong last 5 miles, considering.<br />Your One Thing<br />My One Thing may or may not be yours. I know what mine is now and will plan my race goals around it to increase my potential for a successful race.<br />How do you determine your One Thing?<br />Identify why you want to do the race before signing up. Are you doing it for you or to prove something to someone else? Be completely honest with yourself. "I'm a doing this Ironman so I can earn a unique title that is mine forever." One Thing = title of Ironman.<br />Take that One Thing and mate it with your race goals and expectations: "The title is important to me, not the time. I want to finish with a smile on my face."<br />Remind yourself, daily, of your One Thing and the race goals and expectations you have built around it. Through this process your One Thing will provide clarity of purpose to your training. When the Phunometer is pegged during a 6 hour long ride, you'll know why you are still out there.<br />In your mental rehearsals before the race, visualize the conversation between Mind and Body when the Body begins to question the Mind's commitment to the One Thing. Prepare your rebuttal beforehand.<br />On race day, continually remind yourself of the One Thing. Focus completely on its accomplishment. Remember, you can never disappoint your friends or family. They will be proud of you regardless. However, you can let yourself down. In the end, the best we can do is follow our commitment to our One Thing.</strong>chrissy parkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175607423180320313noreply@blogger.com1