Made it through Christmas...

Well, like everyone else, I can breathe again without waking up thinking about what I have to do to chisle away another day before the big day arrives. No, instead I was awake to the tune of "can we go shopping with our gift cards?!", from my boys. That was a new one. And then what do I see on the news is that the gift card is the new holiday "gift giver". I'll have to agree in that it was easier to get those cards then the gift that's fully described-way-out-of-the-way-out-of-stock-popular present! It worked, and the Safeways' around town were great for that. They had the gift card mall for everything from Blockbuster to The Cheesecake Factory. And all within a few inches of each other, not much walking! Besides I have better things to do, like running the dog, swimming at the gym and riding my bike with the bike club. And after that, I'll make cookies, mail cards, wrap presents, eat everything that the wind blows my way and then when it's all over an done, I'll make resolutions like everyone else! Get more organized, not buy so much food (thanks to my Italian dad), not spend much money and lose weight. Sounds doable! Well, it's really going to be this year about the globe and the environment. How helpfully green can I get! So resolutions will be more along the lines of recycle more, use reusable bags instead of plastic or paper, take shorter showers (that's already in affect), buy items that don't have a lot of wrapping, and only buy what you need, ride more to get to work and groceries, maybe invest in a commuter bike and get a green car. We'll see what the year brings and what I can do for the year! Until then, smile more, give more, and relax when you need to. Loni

Happy Holidays...

As we all get ready for the holidays, we still have to get gifts, attend parties, donate to good causes, be with family and friends. All of which I love during this wonderful season. But before you can actually enjoy it, really truly enjoy it. You have to take care of you first. You have to do something you like to make the holidays enjoyable. So, make a promise to yourself to take a new class, dance at home, take a walk or a hike with a friend. Spring lake is beautiful and as is Anadel park this time of year. When at the mall, park farther and be proud to get some strides in before shopping. You'll be able to cope with all the demands that come. I think I'll swim tomorrow and then go for a run after. Then I'm going to get my Christmas tree and decorate the house. I can't wait.....sweet dreams, Loni Can you say sugar cookies!

Rainy sunday...

At least its not freezing today! I like the rain, it made me feel very lazy today. Went to the crafts faire at Finley Park. Saw many cute things for Christmas. Read the paper and saw the article about cyclists sharing the road with automobiles. It was very interesting to read the article and the comments that were posted on the website at Press Democrat. It was very alarming to read about some people who really don't like cyclists and would rather run them off the road into a ditch. These are the same people that have problems with other drivers as well. They are impatient and think they own the road, and think that none of the cyclists pay taxes since they are on a bike. Well, another prejudgment by people that are clueless. Cyclists ride to get exercise, use less gas (make a small carbon print on earth-who wants to pay $3.35 a gallon?), commute, socialize and get fresh air and scenery. I ride and drive and do pay taxes. I'm considerate to cyclists, drivers, pedestrians, people in line at the store, and the DMV (that's another story!). Those impatient people are just inconsiderate and disrespectful. I bet if their mom, dad, children, niece, nephew or close friend took up cycling, they'd rethink about the issues they have. Would they whiz by their aunt or uncle on a bike and push them into a ditch? Well you can see I'm passionate about this. People just need to get along and relax, no reason to stress yourself out and others, it's a waste of energy! Would you push me out of the way in line at a grocery store and say get out of the way, because you're in a hurry. If you answered yes, you have issues! It just seems that once one is behind the wheel of a 4,000 pound car, they all of a sudden own the rode. Think about that.....

Well, my day was all good later in the day, got to swim for an hour with the triclub and feel very sleepy all of a sudden. The passion (and caffiene) are wearing off! Time for shut eye! Sweet dreams....Loni

Brisk Saturday...

Went for a bike ride today, waited until this afternoon to get "warmer", and out of the 40 degree range. It made it to 54 degrees while I was out, wasn't bad. My tummy and hands were cold, so I pedaled faster to keep warm. Very pretty scenery around Sebastopol and vineyard areas. Went out to Cotati and back and then thru Sebastopol, making it a 35 mile ride. Couldn't go any faster! Cut it short. I hope it gets warmer. Yesterday ran 6 miles from home, to Willowside Creek and back. Felt good to get some stress relief. After going thru visa receipts and bank account statements, needed some R&R thru running, believe it or not. It makes for a restful sleep and some peace of mind. Tomorrow will be time to get the Christmas tree and decorate the house, I'm already getting grief from the boy's and hubby, but I know deep down inside they love it! And if not, bah hum bug to them! It's been a great weekend so far, looking forward to tomorrow's crisp morning. Is that coffee I smell brewing? Gotta go...coffee is great to get the day started and chocolate makes the day worth while! So enjoy that cup of java and that small piece of dark chocolate. Enjoy the 1st of December, it get's going fast from here! ....Loni

Bermuda triangle

This is how my tridiva coach would put it, the holdiays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve, when there around the body supposedly looses to the dark bermuda triangle of food. But I don't see things that way. Since being in the Tridiva club, I've found that anything is possible. Thru motivation and discpline, you can just about do anything you want. And it feels very empowering when you do. I'm not saying jump off a bridge with a jumpy cord attached to you (unless you're into that sort of thing), but just saying yes, I can exercise outside when it's in the 50 degree temps, or yes I can swim at night in an outdoor pool with lights, or run on a high school track with other ladies in the dark (by the way, that tests all your senses!). And then, yes, I can paint a painting, make an exotic food dish (to me exotic if pork tenderloins with apricot chutney roasted), and help my boys' do their homework. And still rest and read a book if I want to satisfy my soul. It's getting in a positive mindset and saying, "yes I can do that and I will" and feel good about yourself. I've recently loved the new excitement over the Zumba classes at Tone and the attendance to the Weight Watchers club. It makes me want to go to the classes as well. These ladies are having fun meeting, granted, it's in the honeymoon stage, but I can see this going on for quite awhile and the ladies being successful at it. It takes movitation thru "sisterhood" and I think it comes from each other just being together and doing the same things. Everyone supports one another and that's the key right there to doing the possible. So Bermuda triangle, bring it on. We're ready for whatever the holidays bring us, and I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised. In other words, you won't melt or die, get out and move, walk with your friend, hike with buddies, play ping pong with family. Whatever it is that gets you going, that's it! And we overdo it at the appetizer table, don't knock yourself. Just bounce back and say I'm good, it won't be like this tomorrow. Happy Holidays and breathe....Luv ya Loni.

Back from Florida 70.3 Ironman

Well I'm finally back. It's been a very hectic past couple of weeks. Preparing to go on a trip without the family is even more stressful than taking them with you. All the preparation for others to watch my boys' was trying, to say the least. Getting, bills paid, banking done, paperwork in order, yatta-yatta--it goes on and on, but very much worth it. Just got back last night from my husband's triathlon in Clearwater, Florida. He completed his first ever (and probably not last) out-of-state triathlon. He qualified for it from the Vineman he did back in July. That means he did very well at the Vineman here, that he got to race against the best in the World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida. No pressure there...and World Championship it was! There were 52 countries represented by athletes from all over the world. From Europe, South Africa, China, South America, Australia, you name it, there was probably someone there racing. Another highlight was that there were all, but 5 states, that were participating in the race as well. Where were the other 5?! Watching and meeting other people was awesome. And met up with 5 other people that were from California, 3 from the bay area! The weather was awesome as well. Everyday reached around 72-75. We arrived in Florida on Wed., 11/7 and as the days passed by, so did the wind. It was cranked up on Thurs., making the ocean practice swims seem like, as one athlete said, a "washing machine" out there! Friday was windy, but not bad. By the time race day came on Saturday, the winds were just enough to cool off the atheletes during there trek, which they would want. And, of course, by Sunday, there was no wind anywhere, just like no athletes anywhere on the streets. It was a quiet morning after. As the days lead up to the race, there were athletes all over the place, very noticable was when they were out warming up on their bikes, working out any querks after piecing it back together from the shipped box. Everyone that came, had brought there own bike, strapped in and boxed up, and flew with them to the race. Everywhere it seemed like there were these big oversized, very oversized bike boxes. There were a total of 1,561 athletes, many with their families, loved ones, grandparents, etc. About 100 of them were men and women pros competing for a prize purse. Top notch got $18,000 buckaroos. I got to meet a couple pros. One I had met earlier in May at Wildflower, was Kate Major. Wonderful smile and laid back personality, she was great to talk to. Others that were there, were challenged athletes, who had prosthetics on one or both of their legs. Heart warming--it was, tear jerker-- it was, inspiring--all the way! Everyone together in one place from all over the globe. It inspired me to up my game now and go for the next level. So that's what I'm going to aim for now. Because of all of them, it made many smile and cheer for them as they cross the finish line. I may not of known them, but in some odd way, you felt you could just go up to anybody and start a great conversation with anyone, because you could almost relate to how they got there, through discpline, hard work, motiviation--that alone, makes you one big happy triathlon family!! Everyone cheered for everyone and patted each other on the back. There were engineers, moms, students, doctors, teachers, dads, grandparents, fire fighters, scientists, you name it, they were there. Just like you and me. Well, I'm very excited now, can you tell?! So back to what I always say, move today and be healthy and happy tomorrow and the next, and the next! Happy trails to all who tri to tri and try to move,until next time have a good night. Over and out, luv always, Loni.

Day 4 with the Tridiva club

Today is the fourth time we have met as a club, the tridiva club. A club for women who train for triathlons. Love the name! We swam a couple of times and ran two times in the last 2 weeks. The girls are great. Everyone is getting to know one another. I've learned alot in the last 4 meetings. Never thought I could last an hour in swimming (I said that before, huh?!) But I did and it's not bad. Well, that's why I joined, because I wanted to meet others who "tri" and learn what to do better for myself. I've learned that the water outdoors is not so bad, and I don't have to woose out, and can't complain about anything. I found out that I can run on a track, and I'm not terrible! I've also found out that I can ride in cold weather and I won't freeze to death. It's all pushing me out of my zone, my comfort zone, that is. I could make an excuse and say well I don't really want to, it's too cold or too late, or too---what!! No more, life's too short. I've got things to do. Knowing there's other people doing the same thing I am, I just do it. (Isn't that a saying?! Oh yeah, just do it) What have you done today?! Besides the laundry or vaccuming. I mean fun wise....it's time. The weather is prime and you couldn't ask for anything better. Now it's time to sleep and repair. Until next time, adios chaquitas! (sp?) Loni

Swimming for life...

Just got back from a weekend in Chico with my Dad. My kids and I headed up to "Paradise" the town right above Chico. A very nice mountainous, sleepy, retiring community. It's a 4-hour trip to get there. The drive was very enjoyable with my chatty sons, Tony and Beau. So I'm back home now and I'm a bit sore and tight. Got back from Paradise around 2:00 pm and rested for a bit before going to my swim session with the Tridivas at 5:00 pm at Ridgway pool. I love this. It's so cool. We swim for about 1 hour and do drills, work on technique and pace. I never thought I could swim for an hour! But I do and I love it. The women are very supportive and very kind. I get to work on many things and by the time we get done, it doesn't even feel like an hour. It goes by very quickly. There's one girl there that's a boxer and she has to kids, her youngest is 2 years old. We hit it off real quick. She's having to get used to the "kindness" of others. She's been used to coaches telling her to "push harder" and do one more push-up or sit up. She's liking this different way of working out, it's much nicer! So we talked last Wednesday during the run/track workout. It's been a great experience meeting all these girls. There's probably between 20-28 girls doing this. Well, my arms and eyes are tired and I'm ready to hit the pillow hard! So have a great evening everyone and get ready for a lovely, sunny week, can't wait! Sweet dreams. ...Loni

Got a bike?

Forgot to mention, I'll be leading a bike ride from Tone on Friday, 10/12 at 9:00 am. Anyone that wants to join, feel free. All types and levels. Come one, come all. It's a blast!

Here's a little clip on some biking around the world starting in Rwanda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPReMcBTF2M&feature=dir

Bike riding vs. cars....

I forgot last week, my hubbie got shot in the ass (sorry right off for the frenchie), but he did! I guess some teenagers were riding by and decided to see if they could target a biker (which happened to be Steve). Well, they got lucky and struck his silly, diaper-looking biking shorts that has thick padding, because that's where it hit him, square in the butt!! Thank goodness for those silly shorts. That saved his little hinney. Do we need to wear butt of steel shorts?! Those kids must have had a high-powered air-soft gun or a strong BB gun, from the look of the broken skin and welt around it. It looked pretty bad. Why do people do this? Is there really not that much to do, that our teenagers have to resort to this? At this point I wonder about the parents of these kids, think they'd be proud of him? So I guess what I'm thinking is, everyone, take care of your own. Talk to our kids, hug them, listen to them every day, as much as you can. I try all the time. You just might learn something from them.

Just now, Anthony, my oldest son, came in the door from school, and said "guess what!". So there begins my listening skill. He resumed to tell me that in his circle of friends, two of them got into a fist fight over a girl. (Go figure!) I'm so thankful that my boys are able to talk to me about anything. I'm sure there's some things they don't tell me, but for the most part, I'm pretty happy with things right now, hopefully I can be that way until they make it to college!!!

Has anyone seen the movie, "Into the Wild" about a young man that decides to go live in the wilderness after not being able to make it in the "real life", and decides to go find "life", and somehow doesn't make it ultimately. Let me know, I'll like to hear about it.

Happy trails, luv Loni

Tri, Girl, Tri...

That's the name of the triathlon I did today in Napa (Lake Berryessa). And oh boy were there girls, ladies, moms, you name it, 700+ female athletes meeting in the same place to swim, bike, and run and eat. That's my favorite part! So, I have to say, this is also the first time I slept pleasantly well before any kind of an event, like soccer or tri's. I got 8 hours sleep, which was my goal and wake up energized for the race. Well, it worked, with maybe a little setback on the windy road up to the lake. Got a little car sick. But after we got there, got excited about the race and the sight of people being busy around the transition areas setting up their little spots on towels next to their bikes. My hubby, Steve and Jeanne, mom-in-law were there to partake in the events. They helped me set up transitions and watch me exercise to the best of my ability for the next 1 hour and 44 minutes. That's how long it took me to do a 1/2-mile swim, 15-mile bike and a 4.1 mile run. It was breezy at first, but after you get warmed up, the lake looks better and better to jump back in when you get heated up on the bike and run courses. The social aspect of the whole event was awesome. Met some more great people, plus saw a girl I graduated with in high school in 1981. Okay that's dating me a bit. But we got to chat for a few moments before the race started. It was great to see a familiar face from Napa. Also met a girl from Santa Rosa that's interested in joining TriDivas, a company that helps out female athletes in each of the sports and helps you train to prepare for races of all kinds and levels. So that will be fun to meet up with her again and discuss all the tri stuff.

Now that this race is over, I can ease up a bit on all my training and change gears and do some dancing and maybe more biking, which is my first love. So far the year for training has been the best. Can't wait to see what next year brings up. The weekend isn't over yet, so get out and walk, hike or sip coffee outside and enjoy what's left of our indian summer. Take care, until next time.

Loni

Fall time...

This week for my training is very light right before the race on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it. I'm feeling better, finally losing the head cold I got last week. I swam and biked on Monday, the legs feel good. I biked 23 miles on Sunday and about 10 on Monday. Played about 20 minutes of soccer and nothing going wrong, knock on wood! The swim still feels iffy, but just have to flow with it. I'm going to try and get some training thru TriDivas, a group of girls that get together and train together. Sounds like fun. I ran yesterday with my lab, Bosco. He's so funny. He loves to run, but on a consistent run like what I had to do, he'd rather stop for a pee then move on. It does make him tired and we all sleep well. Around this time, October, I love this month. Probably because my birthday is this month and the pumpkineeey stuff everywhere. It's probably the only time I don't mind the color orange! Plus, I get motivated to cook, bake and slow-cook. I love trying new things and revisiting some past favorites. I'll have to say the thing about tri training is that it makes me more discplined, more organized and motivated. It's all a good thing. Okay, I smell pumpkin pie, oh good, it's in my kitchen. Gotta go. Luv Loni

Another fantastic weekend...

What a great weekend. I traveled with my husband, and brother-in-law, Mike to Tahoe this weekend so they could participate in the XTerra Nationals Race. It's an off-road, adventure triathlon. We got there Friday afternoon around 1:00 pm and it was very windy and cold. The sun was out and clouds were coming in. The guys had to register for their event and then around 3:00 pm there was a briefing for all athletes about details and changes of the race. There was also a swimming workshop with a couple elite athletes talking with the crowd. It was fun and I learned a few tips to use in my own training. They informed all that a weather front was coming into the night and there may be 3 inches of snow. You hear it, but never think it's going to happen. After the workshop we walk to the shore to scan the swim course and there's waves, which seemed, about 10 feet tall and 5 seconds between them. In other words it was very ROUGH! We decide to head out to our hotel and check-in. We find a great room and then go to dinner to carbo-load up!! We eat at a great local Italian restaurant. We have bread, pasta alfredo with chicken and a huge salad. The guys eat up as do I (well I am doing a 5K as well, better carb up!!) We head back to the room and turn in around 9:30 pm.

We wake the next morning around 5:40 am and Mike looks out the window and exclaims "Oh my *#&^^ gosh, there's snow!" I was cracking up (only because I was relieved I wasn't doing this race), but then my heart went out to them, because it was going to be miserable at first thought. We get ready and head to the race course. We stop at a 7-eleven to get garbage bags, so they can set gear on top and put some in bags if need be. It's 23 degrees outside, as we travel to the course, the number dips down to 18 degrees! OMG...! As we park, no one wants to get out of the car! It's to dang cold! We get out, my ears are soo cold, I can't feel them. We have to walk carefully due to black ice in spots. I'm glad I brought my gloves and a funky knit hat, but doesn't keep my ears cold. All I'm thinking about is getting to the course, I know there were knit caps there for sale, I'm buying one. While the guys are getting body marked, I sneak off to buy a hat to cover my frozen ears. I find one, it's the last one-it's mine!!

They then set up all their gear for transitioning, that was fun and another personal story!! Then we go to the closest hotel and sit inside on one of the many couches placed everywhere in the lobby. It's so warm, we thaw out and talk and meet people. Race time nears, after an hour we head back out so they can get wetsuits on. The sun finally peaks over the white-capped mountain and everyone is thanking goodness, there's a sun and no clouds anywhere. The race starts at 9:00 am and everything goes smoothly. The lake is cold, everyone's feet and hands are cold, but everyone is racing. It was so much fun to watch athlete's and give words of encouragement along the way. It inspired me to want to do the race, but I knew better. A very adventurous race, a hard bike course. Well, the guys do well. My husband comes in fourth, 7 minutes behind the 3rd, and Mike does well, with a 1st place in his clydesdale division. He gets a medal. And as for me I ran the 5K and got 1st place in my age group as well, got a nice running hat and a medal. On the way home we all talk about the race and people. It was just the best, sitting out in the grass area having an athlete BBQ lunch with the sun warming you up and nice people all around. Another memorable time. Makes me want to train now...until next time, have a great week and get out there and move.
Luv Loni

Daily duties....

It's been awhile since I've been here. A sign of too much going on as usual. I'm going over my agenda for tomorrow in my head. And just realized that I need to fit in a swim and a bike training along with my other life daily duties. All of a sudden, I'm part homemaker, pilates instructor, triathlete and payroll secretary and back to being a mom. So this is what I have to do. Swim in the morning around 6:00 am, come back home and get the boys' off to school. Walk Bosco (my white lab) so he can get exercise too. Go to work by 9:00-1:00 pm. Go to my husband's office and do payroll and other misc., because their secretary is gone for the week. Then teach a pilates class at 4:00 at The Lakes. Come home get some dinner going and go to Analy HS to go to open house at 7:00 to 8:00 pm. That sounds like a marathon in itself. I just hope I can adhere to that schedule, I'd be happy and tired at the same time. The one thing I learned from training for triathlons is that there's always time and you have to be organized and patient. So the moment the alarm goes off, I'll be on my way to the finish line at 8:00 pm that night. Finish line will be my bed! And I can't wait! Not to complain mind you, it's just another lesson that things can be done with some type of organization (and maybe some heavy coffee!). Just kidding. Have a great week and be back soon to see how the life marathon tuesday went! Happy days everyone, fall is just around the corner. Did you hear the forecast with rain on Thursday already! Love all....

Triathlon today...

Just got home from a beautiful morning in Ukiah. Got up at 4:30 am and left for Ukiah at 5:00. We get to Mendocino college at 6:15 to register and set up our second transition from bike to run. Then we head to the dam at Lake Mendocino. There's fog on the lake, looks very pretty. We make the car from parking to edge of lake, we (includes hubby Steve and brother-in-law Mike) set up transition one from swim to bike. This is a hoot. I see many ladies I know doing the same thing. We're all babbling and rushing to get in the poddy line to the wonderful outhouses. We then make our way to the water, we're in our wetsuits. Feel like a small whale, but feel and look good! We hear the speech about the swim. It took me 21 minutes to swim 1/2 mile, then get on the bike. I see many are gone, but I forget that I was second to the last wave of many starting, so I started 20 minutes behind other age groups. I get out of the blubber quickly and get on my bike, I'm excited, because this is my favorite part. I do well, takes 1 hour and 14 minutes to ride 22-miles. Nice ride, no big hills, just some rollers and some bumpy asphalt. Get to transition two and quickly get everything off-helmet, shoes and gloves, switch to running shoes and run 3.1 miles for 27 minutes. I get done and I feel pretty good about it all. Don't feel to tight. My total time was 2 hours and 3 minutes. It's funny when you look at 2 hours, this time frame you could to in a gym or outside biking. But I choose to do 3 sports and meet more people. Overall, a great day and I feel good. Time to go watch the boys' soccer game. Have a good rest of the weekend everyone. Love Loni

Finally getting IT...

Having a good day so far. I finally got my swim down, after all these months of training, I discovered (with the help of my hubby, Steve) that I had been stroking wrong all this time. So we corrected it and IT'S made all the difference in the world. Another milestone down, 20 more to go. Just kidding! I'm all happy now. I swam at the lagoon by Spring Lake and it was great, everyone out there was either running, walking or biking and I had the lagoon all to myself. It was beautiful.

Then the ride was awesome. Met this guy Jim that passed me out on the top end of Chalk Hill road. We chatted for about 15 minutes before parting. He remembered who I was. I said, "hey do you remember me?, I was the girl struggling up the last part of Chalk Hill on my way home from to end my 61-miles and you just flew by as if it was nothing...!" And he said, "oh, yeah, I do remember you and then we struck up a conversation while he was cooling down and I was warming up. Another stranger I just met! Life is good.....

Then I arrive in Sebastopol and while waiting at a stoplight a young mother with her 2 young children in the backseat, she yells, "Hey, you go girl, I'm jealous!" I said, "hey get on your bike, and you can do it too!", she replied, "I can't I got young kids!" She sped off, I caught her at the next stoplight and said to her, "Your day will come, mine did, I have a 15 and 14 year old kids, and when hers get up there, she too can ride!" She said, "thank you very much, you're awesome, I can't wait. " She made me smile as I probably did for her. Another soul touched by the simple art of biking outside, meeting another person and having good conversation is wonderful and makes everything you're doing worth it.....WORTH IT!! Talk to someone today....

Love Loni

Summer End

It's been awhile since my last confe......, no that's not it. Wrong website! Just kidding. It's been awhile and glad to be back. Done alot since my last writing. On Sat. 8/18, I did my first triathlon. I did pretty well. Better than I thought. The course, being a sprint and first-timer course, was fun and flat. A 1/4-mile swim, 11-mile bike and 3.1 mile run. The swim, just got thru it, the bike was fabulous. Passed many on the course, and the run was average. But in all, it was totally fun and willing to do it again. Then I did a SRCC club ride, on Sat. 8/25, through West County up thru Healdsburg, Geyserville, and back thru Chalk Hill for a 61-miler. Didn't feel as hard this time (though I complained alot going up the last bit of Chalk Hill, lordie!). Was work, but not quite as sore. That's always a good thing.

This all sums up to the summer coming to an end. All this outdoor physical movement is great, getting fresh air, sun and fun with friends. It's just like being a kid in the summer, do some swimming, some biking and some running. Maybe one sport a day or all three at once, trying to be faster than your friends! Remember riding with friends down your street and trying to beat them home or beat them to the ice cream truck! It's the same thing, now it's just I'll beat you to Starbuck's or the local coffee for a filler up!

Also today, had our first test trial of a Tone group ride to Sebastopol. Had 3 people come, Lynn, Katie, and John. It was a beautiful day, started out cool foggy morning. Headed out on Joe Radota Trail to Sebastopol to Coffee Catz for some java and conversation. Was great talk there and back. When we were ready to come back, the sun came out to warm us up. A little breeze to go thru. We did about 14+ miles and will do it again, maybe finding another coffee spot to find. Like Lynn said, need a goal, a destination, to get to, making the ride a reward for getting from point A to point B. Thanks everyone for coming out. Hopefully we'll get more people to join in. I'm looking at doing Friday morning at 9:00 am. We'll see if that works out. Looking forward to doing this again.

Bottom line, get outdoors and walk, jog, run, swim, paddle, bike before late fall sets in time runs out. There's nothing like getting out for some physical exertion and sleeping well that night! That's it for now. I'll post tomorrow what I'll be doing on Friday, I'm up for anything. It's like a treasure hunt, hmmmm, let's see which way will I go today....... Have a great week everyone. Love Loni

I had the experience of meeting someone who helped me in the area of swimming, who doesn't even know it or whom I've never met before. His name is Glen, he was swimming in the pool at 24 hour fitness next to me in the swim lane. I had gotten there around 9:45 am and there was an aqua class in session that ended at 10:00 am. After the class was done, and the lane lines were in place it was just me and this man, Glen, who were in 2 of the lanes out of four. I started to warm up for my 25 min. swim training. He started to warm-up as well. I took note that he took the aqua class and then started swimming laps. He had an spirtual presence that quited me down so I could relax before swimming. He was very smooth in his strokes, not worried about anybody else and just swam, not breathing hard, not struggling. Then I realized after all these months of swimming, I was approaching this movement all wrong. I never felt this before and thought how odd I could feel this after a few months of swimming. I didn't have to panic, didn't have to compete with others, just had to swam. Sounds simple, but it was more basic than I ever thought. Once I was able to relax and not think so much, I could get my groove in the lane and never panic while swimming. While I never thought I would be where I am now, training for triathlons, no less even getting in the pool and swimming in races. But while Glen was in the next lane, he was very calming and I felt I had to thank him for giving me this calming experience. So I introduced myself and we struck up a conversation about how and why the water has brought us here. He was very nice man and interesting to talk to. I could have stayed there another hour and talked with him, but unfortunately had to go to work. I told him I'd see him again. The next day I swam again and I tried to retain the same feeling I did the day before. It worked. I thought how it was to just swim and let the technique just happen and it did. I felt more comfortable in the water than ever before and I think this will stay with me. Thanks Glen for helping my training and my love for the water even more. Happy outdoors, get out there and enjoy the sun on your face, you're body will thank you. Luv Loni

Pine Flat Ride with Santa Rosa Cycling Club

On Saturday, 8/4/07, I had the chance to ride to the infamous Pine Flat and finishing up around Healdsburg. It was going to be a 55 mile bike ride, starting from Healdsburg City Hall and proceeding up to my biggest fear. I know other veteran bikers go up this PF all the time, but for me it was a bit nerve-racking, with all the talk about it, it got built up pretty big and mighty in my mind as a newbie cyclist. So the day started at okay. First off, I should begin with I got up around 4:30 am to get ready to volunteer at the Vineman Ironman and other races that day. I marked athletes' bodies with their race number and sent them on their way. I love the conversations I have with these athletes. They are just like you and me. Grounded, happy, nervous and ready to get the race started. I stopped writing numbers around 8:15 am in Guerneville and headed to Healdsburg to meet the cycle group. I got there and my husband Steve, and brother-in-law, Mike were there with about 15 others. Didn't see many women there. Saw 2 to start and that was it. There wound up being 4 women out of the 20 or so men heading for PF.

It was a beautiful morning at City Hall. You could tell that it was going to get warm by the afternoon. We get to PF bottom and start going up the hill. On the way to PF, Steve was in the very back with me and I kept telling him to take off with Mike, his brother, as though I wasn't here. He kept saying, "I'm fine, I'm in no hurry!". I knew better! As we approached PF, some guys started to take off. Steve then said, "Okay honey, I'm going to take off now, I'll see you later". See, I knew it. I was happier, just because I could do a pace of my own and not worry about him or him worry about me. I hung out with a tandem bike couple and five other folks. It was great conversation on the way. Then I met up with my Trek buddy. I call him this, because he has a Trek bike like mine, almost identical. He's also in his 60's or 70's. Power to him. I've seen him on other rides, we always meet up somehow.

Pine Flat didn't seem so big after all. My mind had the image of being like Mt. Everest! There's zig-zagging on the way up and got a bit steeper as you get higher. I didn't think I could make 2 miles, Steve thought I could do 5 miles, I wound up doing 10 miles and started to get the shakes just before the last 2 steep hills. I guess it's about an 11-mile ride up, I was just short a mile, darn it! But I couldn't go any further. I needed to save something for the last 15-20 miles of the club ride. So I stop to reflect and feel pretty proud of what I accomplished that day. I start to head down the hill, because I knew the boys' would start to come back down and fast. I wanted to get a head start, so I wouldn't get in the way. The plan worked out well, I was almost back down the bottom of PF and Steve came up behind me, and the others as well. Steve was surprised at my ride.

We stop at the Jimtown store and talk all about PF as we watch the Vineman Ironman riders going in the other direction. It was a wonderful day so far, watching athletes go by on a glorious day. Then we start to head out to Geyserville and head up Canyon road to go back to Healdsburg through the country back roads. The fast boys' group started to head out. I was the only girl. I knew what was going to happen. The testosterone boys' would take off at a fast pace and I would be left behind. But I was okay with that, I knew where I was going and I completed PF the best I could. Nothing could ruin my day!

Like I said, the boys' dropped me, Steve held back. I told him to take off, but he said he wasn't in a hurry. He then asked me if I wanted to draft, but I didn't want to, I was pretty tired. He still wanted me to try, but I just don't like it. So he got a little irritated with me when I repeated again that I didn't want to draft. So up hill we started to go up the steep Canyon Road. No one else in sight, except one older gentleman. I was catching up to him. Just as we start to crest the hill, we see the group ahead. One of the guys gets a flat. I started to feel shakey again and then started to feel some cramping coming on. I thought oh, no, can't happen now, or I'll never make it back. We stop for a few minutes, I get to catch my breath. I start off again, and the boys' pass me up again. The cramping was coming on stronger in my left thigh and my feet. I couldn't feel my toes. This is what happens when you go on PF and try to put more miles on with it, I should have known better. But I thought the Starbucks coffee would keep me going?!! Just kidding there. I had water, energy gels and an oatmeal cookie back at Jimtown.

The last 10 miles were the most brutal. Steve stayed with me trying to keep me happy. All I could do was cuss! Everytime the slightest hill came up, I cursed it. In a funny way, but it was my way of dealing with the cramping, it was a distraction. It was kind of fun to see what I could verbally say! Steve laughed a few times, saying it's the last hill, then we're almost there! I knew better again. We finally made it back. It seemed like hours to the finish. I was done, I was toast, with lactic acid jam in my body! Steve asked if I wanted to stop while he got the car and came back for me. But my pride wanted to complete this day and bitch about it later! That was the Italian way!

We got to the parking lot and I got off the bike, and Mike was there talking with the others about the ride and what they were feeling. I couldn't say much, I felt like throwing up. I wish I could have so I could have shown everyone how I felt about the infamous Pine Flat, instead of talking about it. They probably would of thought it was cool to have a girl throw up. That means that you worked hard, right?! So I catch my breath instead and gulp down a red Accelerade drink and burp a few times. I felt much better!

Steve decides to ride back home, another 15 miles. He's a crazy man. He winds up cranking out 80 miles of cycling. I'm happy with my 55 miles. It felt like I did a marathon. I stay behind to talk with Mike about my fustrations with Steve on his pace and how I'm so unlike that pace. I'm glad my husband thinks I can ride like a man, but he married a girl! How easy they forget. Mike said the same thing. He said that's one of the reasons that he doesn't ride with Steve either is because he just wants to go at everything fast and intense. Mike doesn't like to ride that way and neither do I. I was glad to hear someone else had the same fustrations. I didn't feel alone anymore, but I was still disappointed. Anyways, we parted and I headed to the Safeway to get dinner for the evening. I wound up getting tons of food. You know what they say about shopping when you're hungry, and boy was I ever!! That's my glorious Pine Flat story and I'm sticking to it. I'd love to hear others' Pine Flat first timers. I'll be back there again. Don't know if I can make it to the top, but I know I will try. I'll also not do it on a day where I had to get up at 4:30 am in the morning. But I'll be back again definitely Pine Flat, I'll see you another day!! Good night bright stars....

Summer Days....

I think this summer in my family is a bit similar to when I was a kid. You'd have nothing to do at times, read a book, maybe fall a sleep for a short nap to reenergize you for the rest of the day, and later go out and play. The great part about being an adult, you can do all this and still have the heart of a kid.

I look at my kitchen counter and there's summer harvest all over the place from my garden and my grandmother's garden. Strawberries, lemon cucumbers, watermelon, grapes, and blueberries. I love the wide variety and colors that summer can bring. Can't have enough fruit and veggies, huh?!

Even while driving around doing errands and such, I count kayaks on top of cars or in trucks, and how I wish I was on the river. Well, that will change tomorrow. Since I can't ride or run due to my eye, and there's so much swimming you can do. I'm going to go to the river and kayak maybe a couple of hours. Take my time and enjoy some more of summer's beauty. What are you going to do tomorrow? Come on, you have to do something, make it good!! LB

How about that Tour de France?

I know it's been awhile, but since I've had nothing to do since my eye injury, except sit on the couch. No exercise, no nothing, I've been watching the TDF everyday and keeping up with the buzz of the cycling world. It's quite fascinating. The strategies by teams, the steep 10% grade mountains (that's very, very steep in layman's terms). They actually seem to claw their way up the Pyrenee mountains in France. I've just been in awe of watching this level of athleticsm (sp?) and humanism of just what these endurance athletes can do. However, in the same breath, I've seen 2 individuals be pulled out of the race and a team (due to one individual) also be yanked from the tour, due to doping issues. I can't believe that some would ruin their chance to be in such an extraordinary race as the TDF and have it all blown away by the results of a blood and/or urine test. It happens rather quickly. But I keep on watching, because our hometown boy Levi L. is sneaking into a possible podium position in Paris. It's exciting, well to me anyways. And I love saying the names of riders, such as Fabian Canncellara, Alberto Contador and Alajandro Valverde. Say that with gusto and a deep voice and you can be a commentator! And my favortie saying by the wonderful Phil Liggitt is "...and the man is riding as though he's possessed." He probably says it once every day during the stages. I wish I had a quarter for each time he said that....

Anyways, my eye is getting better. It's dialated still and it feels like it's as big as a baseball in my head (doesn't hurt, just some imagery at work!). I was finally, after 6 days, able to get back in the pool and swim a few laps and got on the precor, not the treadmill or pounding pavement, the precor and move my legs a bit. It felt wonderful, the blood flow, the sweating, the breathing, the movement, uh, oh, sounds like I'm addicted. Until next time, do something for yourself, dance, walk, groove, sing, it will do your heart good. Luv ya all, Loni Behler

Good evening to all, I sit here with a patch on my right eye due to a soccer injury last night. I took a soccer ball in the right temple/eye and my eye was bleeding in the center compartment. So now I must rest completely for the next 5-10 days, or else suffer further consequences. If I follow doctor's orders, everything should be resolved. And so I resolve. At first I thought this would be hard to do nothing but rest, but I try to look at situations like this in a positive. It was either meant for me to rest and take a break, and take a look from the resting side of things, and it won't be so bad. Well, I might lie at first, but I could catch up on alot of reading, which is all I can do anyways. No physical activity, not even walking the dog. After I left the Eye Institute Center, I was in the car watching 3 little asian ladies walking across the street and smiled at how cute they were on there way to somewhere together happily. No worries, just enjoying the scenery quietly walking. I thought that's what it's all about, enjoy the scenery as you go. So I've decided that soccer shall now be history and enjoy the scenery when I run or bike. I've been enjoying these activities much more. So off I go to sleep in our recliner (head has to be 30 degrees or higher) resting my mind, resting my body, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Good night all, sweet dreams...Loni

It's been awhile, busy weekend aside it's time to reflect. It started Friday with a nice easy ride at Annadel park. My training asked for 70 minutes. So of course, I try to make the most out of that 70. So I make it a strength workout. The whole time I just climb, climb, climb up hill for about 45 minutes and come down with an easy 15, and then finish with some rollers for the last 10 minutes. Nice sunny day. Time to go home and stretch. I love my life.....

Saturday comes and I decide to go for a club ride. There's one set for 55 miles, but I don't want to do the whole thing, maybe just a couple hours of riding. It starts at Willowside school at 9:00 am. Just enough time to walk Bosco (my beastie yellow lab) in the morning so he gets his workout, then I can get mine. He drives everyone crazy if he's not exercised first! It's all about him, you know! I get ready to go to ride to the school. As I come upon the group sitting in the parking lot, I notice there are not alot of women, I'm the third and last to show up out of about 25 people. Oh, well, I'm only doing about 30-40 miles. Then I hear a "Loni, Loni...". I turn to see my brother-in-law on his cervelo tri-bike. He stands out of the crowd. I thought oh boy, he's going for the long ride, but after chatting with him, he's deciding to a short route as well, he has to run after he rides and just wants an easy ride! OMG! I'm tired already. The club takes off towards Occidental, working it's way to Tomales and back. We get just out of Sebastopol and one of the ladies gets a flat, half the group stops and helps her. How many people does it take to change a flat?! It took 10 of us to watch two of them change the tire. We return to riding, into Occidental for a quick "natural stop"...that would be the same as "nature calls" in my book. I take them up on it of course, then off we go. Down Joy road to Hwy.1, what a ride. Then towards Tomales on Valley Ford Road, that's where Mike and I part ways from the club riders and head back. I'm doing my best to stay with Mike. I draft behind him, it must feel like pulling a sled behind him. But don't forget, this man is like a horse and he can afford to work hard, oops did I say that. I can't feel my legs for a moment. I look down, they're still there! Thank goodness. I let Mike know (a copout) that he can take off if he wants and not wait for me, but he does until we hit Guerneville Road and off he goes, free like a bird as I watch him get smaller and smaller and smaller! He waits for me at Willowside, he kicked my ass and he doesn't even know it! It was like riding with my local hero, trying to keep up with the big dogs (Mike's 6'4" and 205 lbs), it was fun. I get home and feel like I'm going to throw up. It was the quickest 2-1/2 hours/ 35 miles I ever spent with alot of climbing. So much for an easy ride. And today was suppossed to be my OFF DAY on the training schedule. Ha, ha...

Sunday comes and I get to sleep in until 7:30 am, thanks for that recovery sleep. I have to run today for 32 minutes. Not 30 and not 35, but 32 minutes. I chuckle. So I get ready to run for my 32 minutes. I have to time it right, so I can watch the triathlon episode on TV at 11:00 am. And then the Tour de France at 5:00pm, and in between I take the boys' swimming to Grandma Dorothy's house. That's my schedule, don't you love it. Everything goes as planned, except while running in the first 5 minutes, my ipod shuts down. So I keep running with the earphones in my ears so it looks like I'm listening to music, psych people out. Who's the pysched one here....So I find I'm singing to myself. I recently got a tune my son put on my ipod, it's called Low Rider. It's a good warm-up song. "All my friends have a low rider..." Okay, I'll stop singing. Not that I have a low ride, but it's a good song! Are you yawning yet? I am...bless you for staying with me on this, I'm almost done. I did everything I needed to do, the boys' swam and wore themselves out, they're taken care of. See the pattern here...dog exercised, boys' exercised, Steve got exercise (he rode 3 hours to Healdsburg and back), I got my workout and we all sleep well. Life is good. The highlight of my day was watching the Tour de France from 5:00-8:00 pm. I get to do my stretches on the mat while watching these awesome athletes climb a part of the Alps mountains in France. I have to say I love listening to the commentators, Liggett, Roll and others. They make you feel like you are there, they are constantly talking the entire time about the riders, the weather conditions, the strategies and much more. These world of cyclists is remarkable. They ride for 100+ miles everyday, climbing mountains and descending them. They crash and they get right back up and keep going. One rider, Alexander Vinakourov, crashes, has a nasty raspberry on his hip, knees and elbows, and gets back on the bike and keeps going. That evening he was in the hospital getting stitches on both knees and his elbow. I saw him on the next day cycling stage with bandages on both knees and one arm. He's not giving up on this TDF, he's not abandoning it at all. He's having to dig deeper to find the effort to ride another 100+ miles with his team and strategize and keep good time, and he manages to do so with flying colors and my respect. Bless him and the others for all they do and what they inspire in us. For me, I get very excited to watch them. If they can do what they do, I can do what I do, Life is definitely good, wouldn't change it for anything, well maybe eat more pizza, but that's not going to happen! Have a great week everyone and do something outside that pleases you! Luv LB

It's Thursday evening and it's been a good of couple of days. I worked at the Wednesday Night Market downtown. I like being there, people watching has always been a fun thing to do. I love watching the teenagers walking by, and how the girls seem to be not eating anything and how some of the boys are eating turkey legs on a stick, while carrying the kettle popcorn! They're probably just holding it for the girls so they can eat it later when they go home! All kidding aside, I know that teenagers want to impress. I know because I was there at one time. Then I started to wonder when did I not worry about curling my hair or putting eye shadow on or wearing the brand name clothes. Was it after having kids? Was it after being married? No, I think the thought of impressing others turned differently, like how could I impress myself to feel better, how can I impress my friends to make them feel better about themselves. It started to be more about myself first, then thinking about how to impress this world to make it a better place. That's when things became more real, more impressed at what we could do locally, globally and locally again. I love this life! Okay I'm tired now, a good tired that will put me to sleep like a big baby. It's the swim I did for 35 minutes in a pool. It may seem like a long time or it may not. But I did it and I feel better about myself, I just impressed myself that I could last that long in water and not swallow some along the way! Thanks life for letting me move today, I hope others moved today....over and out 'till tomorrow. Luv you all, LB

Today feels like a good day, probably because I don't have much on my agenda today. It's a "rest day" from training. It's a day you don't have to do anything and not feel guilty about it! It's a funny thing how we feel guilty when we don't to something we feel we should. I was talking with a client today and she said she felt guilty missing her cardio workout when she was slightly hurt. So she did it anyway and trudged through it. She hurt a little more after that session. If she had let that day go and just did the workout a day later, her body probably would of thanked her for the rest. So listen to your body, then listen to your heart and not your mind, they'll all thank you later for the best intuitive decision you make.... sleep well another chance comes up tomorrow for a new day!

Well today has gone quite smoothly considering how much I had to do today. The morning was spent with my boys' selling items on ebay, kind of a part time job for them. Learning to use the computer, communicate, calculate, photography skills, marketing, all this to sell things. It was very interesting to watch them work their magic. Then I got on with myself, first rode for 42-minutes (that's what the training called for) around the countryside what I call the Willowside/Olivet/River Road/Piner Road loop. Very different ride from the last 33 and 66 mile rides I've been doing. Then I swam for 21 minutes (again what my training called for). Afterwards I sat in the sauna for a few minutes and assessed my day, I noticed how comfortable I felt in the water and it felt like I was gliding instead of desperately treading water! Then I asked myself if I could run after all that and I said "yes" to myself. The most interesting thing since doing all this training is the people I meet--in the gyms, on club rides, at 10K's and triathlons. I spend more time chatting away about kids, work and summer stuff, just about anything. I love it, luv it all!! Oooohh, I smell some brownies..... gotta go....
Good night all, sleep well...Looney Loni

Lucky 7/7/07...how lucky are we?
How lucky do you feel today? I feel very. I rode with the Santa Rosa Cycling Club today on a volunteer appreciation ride. With 33 miles of riding and a catered lunch at the end of the ride, what could be luckier than that! Simply beautiful. To feel the warmth of the sun on your arms, to feel your lungs breathing heavy from the work of the hills and the legs feeling good to bring you from point A to point B, all in the company of great people. We have this wonderful source of recreation all around us. Hiking at the coast, biking anywhere in Sonoma County, taking a nice walk right out your front door, tennis courts everywhere or just going to a park with your coffee in hand and watch the birds and tall trees sway in the wind. It's yours for the day, that's lucky.