Slacker Hill. The two words together are an oxymoron. Thankfully, someone at our group hike on Saturday knew where the hill got its name. Apparently, the Army used to make slackers run up the hill as punishment.
I know I've been saying it all season, but WOW - the Bay Area is a gorgeous place! There are so many trails easily accessible throughout the area. Slacker Hill is just on the Marin side of the Golden Gate Bridge. I was hoping that we'd have some great views, and it didn't disappoint. I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked (as usual), but this was my favorite - the view from the top of Slacker Hill.
We've started really gearing up for the Big Day (less than a month now!) I've started experimenting with different electrolyte replacement strategies. My favorite so far are the Jelly Belly jelly beans - Sport Beans! What a great idea, eh? (Some even have caffeine!)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Montara Mtn.
Training has often been a losing battle: the more time I spend outside, the worse my allergies are. (And they are AWFUL this year.) Actually, as I discovered on Saturday, it is more like a vicious cycle. The longer I'm outside, the worse my allergies are, so I take allergy meds .... which sap me of the will to live. (Okay, they just make me tired and jittery at the same time.)
Last week, I decided enough was enough and saw an acupuncturist. She performed her magic, made some diet suggestions, and gave me some herbal meds to try. I woke up Saturday morning after having slept through the night for the first time in weeks, if not months. And hiking, especially uphill, was so so much better than usual. So phenomenal, I only wish I had tried this sooner! (If you're looking for an acupuncturist in the city, let me know!)
The hike itself: gorgeous! Pacifica is usually foggy and overcast, but Saturday blazed brightly and it was warm, if not HOT at the START. As always, I think the better weather put everyone in a great mood. We charged up North Peak and found some absolutely glorious, unobstructed views. I managed to forget my hat, but thankfully remembered my prescription sunglasses - it would have been a rather painful hike without them!
I know I've said it before, but I can't say it often enough - THANGGOD for my hiking poles! I know I was a little unsure at first, and didn't take to them right away, but I am SO glad that I purchased them. A lot of the trail was super rocky/eroded. This is difficult enough going uphill (and the poles help with that), but it is treacherous and scary coming downhill (and the poles completely saved me a few times coming down!) Again, RECOMMEND!
This was probably my favorite hike so far: close, beautiful, and great weather! I drove home after our 5 hours feeling like I'd already accomplished a lot with my Saturday.
Last week, I decided enough was enough and saw an acupuncturist. She performed her magic, made some diet suggestions, and gave me some herbal meds to try. I woke up Saturday morning after having slept through the night for the first time in weeks, if not months. And hiking, especially uphill, was so so much better than usual. So phenomenal, I only wish I had tried this sooner! (If you're looking for an acupuncturist in the city, let me know!)
The hike itself: gorgeous! Pacifica is usually foggy and overcast, but Saturday blazed brightly and it was warm, if not HOT at the START. As always, I think the better weather put everyone in a great mood. We charged up North Peak and found some absolutely glorious, unobstructed views. I managed to forget my hat, but thankfully remembered my prescription sunglasses - it would have been a rather painful hike without them!
I know I've said it before, but I can't say it often enough - THANGGOD for my hiking poles! I know I was a little unsure at first, and didn't take to them right away, but I am SO glad that I purchased them. A lot of the trail was super rocky/eroded. This is difficult enough going uphill (and the poles help with that), but it is treacherous and scary coming downhill (and the poles completely saved me a few times coming down!) Again, RECOMMEND!
This was probably my favorite hike so far: close, beautiful, and great weather! I drove home after our 5 hours feeling like I'd already accomplished a lot with my Saturday.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sunol Regional Park
It probably seems like an odd photo to post about a hike, but cows were a big feature of our hike on Saturday. (And yes, there was a lot of watching where we stepped!)
We headed out to Sunol Regional Park in the East Bay for our 4.5 hour hike. (I don't know why, but every time I type the number of hours for the weekly hike .... the theme song to Gilligan's Island comes wafting into my head!)
I was a little anxious about this hike as I have missed a little over a week of training with my trip to New Orleans. And I was slow. Super slow, even. I've accepted that I am, for whatever reason, a slow hiker. This is the most time I spend outside and I really wan to soak it up. And I like taking a lot of photographs. These factors certainly don't help!
I decided to stick with the slow slow people and had a great hike! The weather started off cold, but in typical Bay Area-styles, warmed up nicely. Just after snapping this photo, we saw a coyote waaay up the hill chasing something ( a rabbit?) over the ridge.
As always, I feel that trekking poles were a REALLY smart purchase. I've started experimenting with what I can eat on the trail. I always had problems during marathons (and training) because my stomach likes to freak out. But, I'm finding at the slower pace, it can tolerate a lot more. Right now, PB&J is working really well as trail food!
This weekend we are down in Pacifica!
We headed out to Sunol Regional Park in the East Bay for our 4.5 hour hike. (I don't know why, but every time I type the number of hours for the weekly hike .... the theme song to Gilligan's Island comes wafting into my head!)
I was a little anxious about this hike as I have missed a little over a week of training with my trip to New Orleans. And I was slow. Super slow, even. I've accepted that I am, for whatever reason, a slow hiker. This is the most time I spend outside and I really wan to soak it up. And I like taking a lot of photographs. These factors certainly don't help!
I decided to stick with the slow slow people and had a great hike! The weather started off cold, but in typical Bay Area-styles, warmed up nicely. Just after snapping this photo, we saw a coyote waaay up the hill chasing something ( a rabbit?) over the ridge.
As always, I feel that trekking poles were a REALLY smart purchase. I've started experimenting with what I can eat on the trail. I always had problems during marathons (and training) because my stomach likes to freak out. But, I'm finding at the slower pace, it can tolerate a lot more. Right now, PB&J is working really well as trail food!
This weekend we are down in Pacifica!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Marin headlands hike
Alternatively, trekking poles - I totally love you and you so saved my ass!
Our hike on Saturday was in the Marin headlands, and it was .... GORGEOUS! (Even though the weather at the start was NOT.) Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge to get there, and pulling up next to the beach and I had this overwhelming feeling of, "Whoah! I *live* here!"
As we got ready to hike, the weather couldn't decide what it wanted to do. Cold, windy, sunshines for a few minutes, and then something akin to drizzle. We started off and went uphill. And then we went up. And then we went up some more. And then we went up a section so steep that there were stairs. And then we went uphill. This was, for me, the worst possible way to start out. From doing marathons, I know that my shins take a good, long while to warm up and that I can not push them at all during that time. No such luck today! We spent about 1.5 hours hiking uphill. The shins - they were not happy with me.
I did, however, get to practice using my trekking poles going uphill. I definitely have to work on that. The trekking poles earned my affection on the way downhill. If I hadn't had them, I would have eaten it more than a few times. Especially on the stairs - the poles really offer a lot of stability, not to mention taking stress off of your knees. I'm sold!
By the time we finished the hike, the sun was warm on our backs and I, at least, had a sense of accomplishment. I arm-twisted a few of the women in my buddy group to go for lunch after. It was a carb-loaded end to a great hike!
Our hike on Saturday was in the Marin headlands, and it was .... GORGEOUS! (Even though the weather at the start was NOT.) Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge to get there, and pulling up next to the beach and I had this overwhelming feeling of, "Whoah! I *live* here!"
As we got ready to hike, the weather couldn't decide what it wanted to do. Cold, windy, sunshines for a few minutes, and then something akin to drizzle. We started off and went uphill. And then we went up. And then we went up some more. And then we went up a section so steep that there were stairs. And then we went uphill. This was, for me, the worst possible way to start out. From doing marathons, I know that my shins take a good, long while to warm up and that I can not push them at all during that time. No such luck today! We spent about 1.5 hours hiking uphill. The shins - they were not happy with me.
I did, however, get to practice using my trekking poles going uphill. I definitely have to work on that. The trekking poles earned my affection on the way downhill. If I hadn't had them, I would have eaten it more than a few times. Especially on the stairs - the poles really offer a lot of stability, not to mention taking stress off of your knees. I'm sold!
By the time we finished the hike, the sun was warm on our backs and I, at least, had a sense of accomplishment. I arm-twisted a few of the women in my buddy group to go for lunch after. It was a carb-loaded end to a great hike!
Friday, March 14, 2008
3 the Hard Way
.... or the Trekking Pole Progress Report.
I kept my promise to myself and practiced with my trekking poles during my workouts during the week. Here's what I've learned:
... the title of the post is from this song. (Um, language warning.)
I kept my promise to myself and practiced with my trekking poles during my workouts during the week. Here's what I've learned:
- Experiment with the length of the poles. On fairly flat surfaces, I like them a little shorter than recommended. It just feels more natural
- They're not kidding about lengthening them on downhill portions! You can really feel your abs kick in to support you!
- Rubber tips - while absolutely wonderful for practicing in an urban environment - are an epic fail when trying to learn how to use trekking poles in uphill situations. Basically, as you try to angle the pole into the hill, the rubber tip keeps bouncing, you get no traction, you are frustrated (and you look ridiculous.)
... the title of the post is from this song. (Um, language warning.)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Training tool: Pedometer
When my little brother was here in January, he found this tool online to track how far he walked each day while exploring San Francisco. I've been using to track mileage, and get an idea of the elevation changes around my neighborhood. (Hills around Dolores Park - I shake my fist at you! But, really, you're good for me. I still don't have to like you.)
This pedometer takes a little getting used to. It basically calculates point-to-point. Enter your starting address, zoom in (I suggest zoom 15 or 16), and start recording. Double click your starting point, and then double click each time you make a turn. I like to use the Elevation Large link to make myself feel better about my hill work. :)
This pedometer takes a little getting used to. It basically calculates point-to-point. Enter your starting address, zoom in (I suggest zoom 15 or 16), and start recording. Double click your starting point, and then double click each time you make a turn. I like to use the Elevation Large link to make myself feel better about my hill work. :)
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Redwood Regional Park
I'm (fairly) new to the area, and I've found that whenever anyone mentions anything and I don't know where it is.... it's in the East Bay. This week, our team hike was in the East Bay and I welcomed the chance to get to know that region a little better.
We started off at the Trudeau Training Center for some clinics on strength training and first aid. Then, we headed out on to the trail for a 2.5 hour hike. I started off with my brand new trekking poles, and quickly abandoned them. I really need to learn how to use them! This weeks goal: watch the DVD, and start PRACTICING!
The hike was beautiful, although we didn't see much in the way of (non-domesticated) fauna. We say many, many dogs - all of whom looked beside themselves with joy to be running around, and to be petted by 50-odd people. This trail is also used by equestrians - so there were a handful of horses.
Our turnaround came after about 10 minutes of walking downhill. This, of course, means that we had to turn around and head straigh UPHILL. Oh, Hill - my nemesis - we meet again.
I was sore and kind of uncoordinated (even for me) yesterday, and moderately sore the next day. I cabbed it into the Mission this morning for brunch and took the long (FLAT) way home and feel a lot better.
Next week: Marin Headlands!
We started off at the Trudeau Training Center for some clinics on strength training and first aid. Then, we headed out on to the trail for a 2.5 hour hike. I started off with my brand new trekking poles, and quickly abandoned them. I really need to learn how to use them! This weeks goal: watch the DVD, and start PRACTICING!
The hike was beautiful, although we didn't see much in the way of (non-domesticated) fauna. We say many, many dogs - all of whom looked beside themselves with joy to be running around, and to be petted by 50-odd people. This trail is also used by equestrians - so there were a handful of horses.
Our turnaround came after about 10 minutes of walking downhill. This, of course, means that we had to turn around and head straigh UPHILL. Oh, Hill - my nemesis - we meet again.
I was sore and kind of uncoordinated (even for me) yesterday, and moderately sore the next day. I cabbed it into the Mission this morning for brunch and took the long (FLAT) way home and feel a lot better.
Next week: Marin Headlands!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Trekking Pole Clinic at Land's End
Yesterday was our trekking pole clinic. I've seen a few people using them on the trail before, and just sort of felt that they were more "hard core" than me.
Well, NO MORE! I'm the proud owner of new Leki trekking poles and I will be practicing my new skeelz ... in Noe Valley. My training route right takes me up and around Dolores Park. Trust me, trekking poles in an urban environment are NOT going to draw any attention!
.........
We arrived around 8:30 am and there were a bunch of teenage guys going through some kind of bootcamp-type ritual. Imagine our surprise about 20 minutes later when, in the middle of hearing about trekking poles, we suddenly heard .... tubas? The group of teenage guys? MARCHING BAND PRACTICE! I guess it's an ideal location - no neighbors to complain about John Phillip Sousa on a Saturday morning!
Well, NO MORE! I'm the proud owner of new Leki trekking poles and I will be practicing my new skeelz ... in Noe Valley. My training route right takes me up and around Dolores Park. Trust me, trekking poles in an urban environment are NOT going to draw any attention!
.........
We arrived around 8:30 am and there were a bunch of teenage guys going through some kind of bootcamp-type ritual. Imagine our surprise about 20 minutes later when, in the middle of hearing about trekking poles, we suddenly heard .... tubas? The group of teenage guys? MARCHING BAND PRACTICE! I guess it's an ideal location - no neighbors to complain about John Phillip Sousa on a Saturday morning!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Hike 1: China Camp State Park
Ah yes, a photo DOES say a thousand words. Honestly, the expression is because I'm trying to take a self-portrait and wondering whether I'm even going to be in frame. BUT, it does capture that "Omigod, have I really been hiking in the POURING RAIN?!"
That's right, campers, it rained like a champ Sunday morning. I left the house at 7:15 am and it was sort of drizzling. It was a full-out downpour by the time we gathered in the parking lot at 8:30. It would intermittently disperse, and June (my mentor) would say, "See? See? It's going to be sunny!" Optimism before 9 am. Impressive.
I will say that no one (including me!) was whiny about it, and that made all the difference. Hiking in the rain reminded me of how much I loved mud games when I played soccer. Also, there weren't very many other people out on the trail, and there was this feeling of having it all to ourselves. (Well, maybe shared with the wild turkeys (not the bourbon!) and the deer that we saw. Actually, the wildlife kind of looked at us like we were crazy!)
It was fun stomping through the mud puddles - it went exactly against everything your mother always told you. By the time we got back to the parking lot some two hours later, the backs of my pants were covered in mud from the knees down. Here's where the shopping spree at Sports Basement the night before paid off: I had convertible pants on! (What did they convert into? Not a stealth fighter, sadly - just shorts.) I zipped off the offending legs, changed from supermuddy boots into sparkly flip-flops and drove home dry and happy.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
China Camp State Park
Our first hike is on Sunday at China Camp State Park in Marin. Not surprisingly, I've started geeking out: reading up online, etc. Of course, my first thought was, "What's with the name?" From the link above:
A Chinese shrimp-fishing village thrived on this site in the 1880s. Nearly 500 people, originally from Canton, China, lived in the village. In its heyday, there were three general stores, a marine supply store and a barber shop.
Fisherman by trade in their native country, they gravitated to the work they knew best. Over 90% of the shrimp they netted were dried and shipped to China or Chinese communities throughout the US.
Neat, eh?
Hopefully, I'll have photos up on Monday (but that might be overly ambitious!)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
the start!
We had our kick-off meeting over the weekend. I met a LOT of teammates, coaches, mentors, and honored teammates. Everything is still very new -- our first hike is 2 weeks out. That's just enough time to buy some gear and get going on the fundraising :)
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