Saviors

Sooooo.... I'm not running on a Saturday morning...

"WHAT?!?" you say?

Yep, I am NOT running on a Saturday morning. Long story short is that I am supposed to run a 5K a little later this morning, and Mik went skiing this weekend, and Betty is in NYC, and Elsie destroyed her ankle by missing a step, so Mik and I opted to run late yesterday afternoon instead on the Mission Beach Boardwalk.

Now I'm not sure I'll be doing the 5K, but more on that later...

Doing a long run late in the afternoon is not typical for me, or probably for any runner for that matter. We runners are typically early morning peeps. The races start (well most of them anyway) early in the am. Our long runs begin early on. In fact, yesterday's 8 miler was probably the first time I've EVER run for that long late in the day (We started running at 4:30)

It wasn't a stellar run. In fact it was down right difficult, probably because I was running with speedy Mik and even though I KNOW she was plodding along to run at my pace, for me it FELT more like a race pace. Looking back at my Garmin stats now though, I can see that it wasn't. Maybe it was just the time of day...

Also, it was DRY. The weather page doesn't really indicate that there was low humidity, but it FELT dry. We stopped at nearly every drinking fountain along the way. Of course, I did an absolutely crappy job of hydrating all day BEFORE the run, which could have been part of the problem.

On the plus side. It was beautiful out...

On my way to Mission Beach

And it was almost the perfect temperature.

We ran on the boardwalk and it was CROWDED... apparently we were not the only ones who thought that seeing the sunset was a good idea. Since it's a four day weekend, at least two frat houses appeared to have rented places on the beach and were in early bash-mode. In the more crowded areas (in front of Lahaina's or Kona's...locals, you know the places), we would pick up the pace just to get through the crowd more quickly.

Mik and I ran along, chatted about everything and anything (although after awhile, it was mostly Mik chatting and me grunting along). We ran up the coast, then ran toward Bird Rock. On the way back, we ran down a street with no outlet, and ended up run/walking a beach trail along the cliff...it was lovely.

No complaints...

Although, as I said before, we both were hella thirsty, and my tummy? Along the way, it started to twinge...you know the feeling. I almost stopped at one of the SEVERAL restrooms on the boardwalk, but I thought that I could make it back to the start.

And I was close to making it all the way...so close. About 1/4 mile from our start point, my intestines started to tighten (you know the feeling), and I had to GO...like IMMEDIATELY!

I told Mik I was going to walk for a bit (she must have though I was CRAZY... I mean, we were less than a 1/4 mile from our start), so I slowed, hoping that I could walk it off, or at least make it to the lifeguard tower...but it became quickly, and clearly evident that THAT wasn't going to happen, so I started to panic, which, by the way, is NOT the best thing to do when you have tummy issues.

There were plenty of people out on their patios, cocktailing, waiting for the sunset. The first patio I spotted had three young guys (about in their 20's), but yes, even in my moments of most dire need, I am a diva and when I looked at them, their youth, the empty beer cans lying about, I made an immediate and stereotypical assumption that their bathroom would probably be really bad, so I decided to ask the next available people.

Luckily, a few patio's down, there were what appeared to be a couple, about my age or a little older, and what I am guessing was their adult age son...and let me tell you, but this time, I was DESPERATE, and I as I tried to think about what I could say that would be compelling enough to persuade strangers to let me use their facility, I could only come up with.

"Excuse me, but can I ask you a question... Do you run?"

Yeah... They really didn't look like runners, but hell, neither do I.

You can imagine the surprised looks on their faces. "uh no?"

So lord only knows what I said next, but I think it was something like... "wellwhenyourunsometimesyouhavetogoandnowisoneofthosetimesformeandifIdon'tgonowit'sgonnagetuglyreallyfast (short breath) canIpleaseuseyourbathroom?" ((wild-eyed look of desperation)).

I think one of the men was going to say no, and had started to point down the boardwalk to the public restrooms, but the woman, bless her soul, must have seen the look of panic in my eyes, and said the words of my salvation "sure dear, inside and to the left."

There are good people in the world.

As I left, I thanked them again, and again. I'm sure I left them with a good story to tell their friends (remember the time when that crazy woman needed to use our bathroom...what a nut!)

So, I was dehydrated, for sure. All last night I felt queasy (I still feel it somewhat this morning). I drank water all night and barely peed. None of these are good signs. You'd think after seven years of running, I'd know better.

Of course, now I'm considering running a 5K. It's an odd little race. The start is at 11:00. It's a local, small run. I'm signed up for it and have my bib and timer. I'll keep you posted.

So long to one of the herd...

We lost a supporting cast member of the Hefferblog this week.

This frequent, if unmentioned, Hefferblog guest never received a pseudonym. We simply called her "The Pilot.

The earliest photo I could find of the Pilot - January 2004

The Pilot has made numerous appearances in this blog. Most of the photos feature it's backside.

Daisy, Lucinda, Mona and I tailgating before a Journey concert October 2011 

Mik, making sure that all the luggage was secure. Getting to the airport to go to Tahoe - January 2010 

In the last few years, the Pilot became the "go to" car for cycling events because we could fit four bikes in the back and still have seating for four people.

From last April's Gran Fondo 

Many of the backside photos of the Pilot, also include Betty's backside since she would usually take over loading duties. This was from the Gran Fondo April 2012

Other appearances featured the inside of the Pilot.

DramaGirl and Millie, our designated drivers in Napa during the Napa to Sonoma 1/2 Marathon - July 2011 

Betty really never liked being in the second row, but was willing to bear it anyway, like for this short ride to the bay - September 2009

Clarence and a couple of bikes - June 2009

But the Pilot did more than cart around heffers and their bikes. The primary purpose of bringing the Pilot into our lives back in 2003 was to cart kids around.

At least 7 of these kids got to Turbo's 8th birthday party at a San Diego Gull's Hockey Game  - February 2006

Ski trip to Mammoth with the cousins - March 2008

Same kids, same trip, two years later - December 2010

Birthday parties - Drama Girl and Friends - September 2009

Turbo - Excited after a day of Skiing at Big Bear - February 2008

DramaGirl and Turbo, on the roof of the Pilot at Snow Valley - January 2009

I don't care if you eat in the car! - November 2012

Certainly, the Pilot has gotten us to early morning races

Walter driving a whole herd, and a few other friends, to the Rock and Roll Marathon - June 2008

And also dropping us off at the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon - June 2010

Many have slept in the Pilot

DramaGirl - napping after an unknown event - April 2007

Mik and Alberta, snoozing after Surf City Half  -  February 2010

 And mostly, we (my family, my friends) have had many, many, many adventures in the Pilot

DramaGirl was oh-so-thrilled to wear the cummerbund and be our designated photographer  -  Napa to Sonoma 1/2 Marathon weekend - July 2011 

On our way to see a show DramaGirls, friends, and moms (Ally and AJ I think) -  September 2007

Unloading Skis and Snow (we like to call it Dirt) Valley - January 2009

Parking too close to the Pilot... June 2010

Using the back seat to change into dry clothes after running in the rain - December 2008 

Riding bikes with DramaGirl and Turbo - April 2009 

On the Vegas Strip - April 2009 

Passing time as we drove to the Grand Canyon - July 2010

One of the last heffer-adventures during my 50th b-day celebration. I don't know it but I'll be going to see REO speedwagon at Rincon with the WHOLE HERD!!! August 2012

And of course, I braved teaching Cori how to drive in the Pilot (although we quickly learned that a teenager really doesn't need a car that seats 8 people... June 2011

Recently, the Pilot started having some mechanical problems, with almost 120,000 miles on it, that's not too surprising. The night of REO Speedwagon, we had to call AAA to charge a way-dead battery, about a week ago, our mechanic told us we needed to replace the engine mount. We wondered if the $700-$1000 repairs would start to become more frequent occurrences, so we decided to trade it in on a newer car...maybe one with some more "modern" features.

So, as we cleared out the back of the Pilot, looked under the seats, dug through the nooks and crannies to make sure that we weren't leaving anything of value behind, I admit, I got a little teary. I mean, I was ready to trade it in for a newer model, but still...that darn car held a whole LOT of good memories...

Emptying out the backside - one last time

Walter with our girl. He looks pretty broken up about it, doesn't he?

Note, we took all the last shots from the Pilot's good side, hiding the dented bumper on the driver's side, dented thanks to DramaGirl's new driving experiences....

So long old friend. It was really one good ride!

Happy New Year!

Wow...  Only 22 posts last year. I don't have anything really to say about that other than, I am still hanging onto this blog anyway. I'm not sure why. I guess I am afraid of losing the mojo that came along with starting it. People who have met me in the last five years are surprised to hear me talk about my life before blogging/running. They assume that because I run, ride, workout now, it's always been that way. Nothing, of course, could be further from the truth, so like a baseball player who is reticent to give up his lucky bat for fear of losing the ability to hit a ball, I am unlikely to give up my "lucky blog" for fear of being sloth-like again.

That being said, I was really flattered over the weekend when one of my young cousins, who has started running called me to ask me (the family running expert!) for advise about her shin splints (yeah, if there's something I can give advice about, it's running injuries!)

So, it's January again. Five years ago, I started writing about my adventures with the herd as we embarked upon running our first (and so far only) marathon. To be honest, the last 4 years, I've been pretty much going non-stop. This year, I really slowed it down. A LOT. This past year, I ran in only THREE (3) organized races, but set a PR in two of them (the Carlsbad 1/2 Marathon last January, and the SuperRun 10K in February. Most of the year was somehow dedicated to cycling. Betty, Mik and I rode in four organized rides including the Bike the Coast Century in November. Elsie decided that riding was not for her, and sold her bike. Wilma joined us occasionally.

I'm not sure about this cycling thing. Betty loves riding, but I'm sorta MEH about it, especially the longer distances and especially THE HILLS (hate 'em). It takes a long time to ride a bike 100 miles, and even longer to train for it. I'll continue to ride this year, but I'm not sure I'll do another century for awhile.

That being said, we are looking into again doing the  Senorita Century (the 60 mile course) in March, because I almost NEVER mean it when I say, "I won't do THAT again!"

I've also been working out with a personal trainer since June, which I've rather enjoyed. I certainly enjoy seeing something that resembles arm and/or (gasp) stomach muscles. If I were to have a resolution for the new year, it would be to have some mad ab musclez... and to have calves that are thin enough so that I can wear boots.

I feel like I'm sort of stuck in a place right now where I'm not sure what my next big goal should be. This leaves me feeling a little disconcerted. Since it is January, I have joined the San Diego Track Club's Rockin' and Runnin' program again. Right now, several of us (Betty, Mik, Elsie, and Edith (!!)) are signed up for the San Diego Half Marathon in March, which is the week after the Senorita Century. So March is also looking to be a pretty crazy month.

I keep thinking that maybe I'll run another marathon this year, but we'll see. I am pretty sure I won't be able to convince anyone other than BBJ to run it with me.

I also think about blogging regularly again. My biggest regret for 2012 is that I didn't blog enough. Instead, I put together an end of year slide show for the herd. It's long (about 12 minutes), but it definitely highlights some of the adventures this past year. I'm not sure if the audio will work... if you want the original slide show, click on this link to my dropbox account public folder. (It may take awhile to download...it's a huge file!)

100 Miles...

... is a long time to ride on a bike!

or when asked this week, "How was the ride?" My line was, "Well...the first 90 miles were easy..."

In truth, it felt pretty self-indulgent to do a century on the beautiful SoCal coast when so many on the east coast were without power and were (and still are) trying to have patience while getting their lives back into something that more closely resembles order. As I am now a very, very, very part time blogger at best, I have sorta lost contact with some (many) of my east coast blogger friends. Some blog regularly, some less so, some maybe have stopped all together, but luckily due to the magic that is Facebook, I still keep in touch with more than a few of you. 

In any event, as I cruised up and down the SoCal coast last weekend, on a particularly brilliant and perfect day, I couldn't help but think how blessed I am to live in this part of the world, how lucky I am to be able to do the things I love to do, and even while I write this, I am struck by how enviable my life may be, if only for the fact that our home has electricity and I have the power, literally, to use my computer.

100 miles gives you a LOT of time to think about things...

Yeah... I know, a brutal day to be in SoCal...

The herd (well...three of us) completed our first Century, and Wilma completed a 50 miler. The course for the century was one that we have been on, in shorter segments, plenty of times. Up and down the coast, from the Oceanside Pier through Del Mar, then a short loop around Carmel Valley, then back up to Oceanside...Twice for the Century, once (obviously) for the 50 mile route.

There you have it... back and forth...four times

On the way south, there was a nice tailwind and so we flew, as we headed north, it was into the wind, so we formed our pace line and pulled each other along.

Seven...pulling the herd along...about 85 miles into the ride.

So, here's a photo recap.

It was still darkish when we pulled into a parking structure near the Oceanside Pier. We were pretty efficient in getting our stuff together and organized for the morning. The biggest question was how many layers of clothing to wear. The morning was a little cool

At the start. The Century riders started at 6:50...we started at 7:05. Don't we look snazzy with our alternating lime-green and black sleeves?

The first 25 miles of the ride was crowded, which led to some frustrations along the way, especially through Carlsbad and Encinitas where there is lots of stopping and starting due to traffic lights, but for the most part, everyone was polite. Before the ride, Mik said she was going to say hello to everyone who we passed, so I followed suit.

Mik and I at the 25 mile SAG stop. The morning wasn't cloudy, but it was so darn early when we started, and it was before the time change, so it was sorta dawn-y, so I wore the yellow lenses. They worked out really well.

I just love this photo because it illustrates my extraordinary photography skills and how I NEVER pay attention to anything in the background whenI decide to take a shot!

At the 25 mile SAG, we we caught up to Wilma (or she caught up to us). She'd left before we did, but had stopped at a 13 mile SAG. I was (and still am) so proud of her. We chatted for a little bit and decided to leave together, but we lost her at a stoplight.

The second 25 miles were back up the coast, and into the coast winds...and it was windy last Saturday. We headed back out onto the route which took a little loop up El Camino Real and then toward Villa De La Valle, the Del Mar Race Track, and the back to the coast. As we headed toward El Camino Real, we saw probably one of the scariest things of the day, a cyclist down on the road with paramedics around her. I could see the blood on the road and a VERY still body lying face up. It didn't look good. There's a post on Facebook from the ride that she's OK, but it definitely gave everyone something to think about. Being safe.

The ride up El Camino Real was probably the longest assent in the whole ride...maybe a 5 or 6% grade, but it's longish (maybe about 2 miles) But the good thing about going UPhill is getting to go down!

Wheeeeee. I got up to about 39mph on the first descent.

From there it was around the racetrack and then to the coast where we immediately felt the headwind. Despite the wind, we still maintained about a 15mph pace.

After the previous week's fall, I was a little concerned that I'd end up feeling an ache or two as the ride progressed. I was pleased that at 50 miles, I still felt pretty good.

Ah... 50 miles!

The 50 mile SAG offered us Subway Sandwiches (which I took), and both a view of the ocean AND the finish line. Note to self: don't sign up for another century that is a double loop. I felt fine, but I really wanted to stop and have a beer. I'm not gonna lie. But we had a century to do, so off we went!

Stopped at a light in We followed Arrogant Bastard Ale guy for awhile. Here's nice view of the backs of the Heffer jerseys on Seven and Betty. The day became sufficiently warm enough to take off the arm-warmer sleeves. 

Again... I have NO IDEA what i was taking a picture of...and I only add this photo now because I had noticed that Mik kept adjusting her "seat." She told us later that she'd gone "butterless" for the ride, something that we all found amazing and EXTREMELY AMUSING!!!

As we headed south, we saw Wilma again headed into Oceanside. She said she was done for the day. Big thumbs up to her!

Miles 50 - 75 miles were the same as the first, back down the coast, only warmer and THANKFULLY, less crowded. With the wind at our backs, we cruised down the coast. I turned off the 1 mile "lap" timer on my Garmin, so I have no idea what our pace was for Miles 50-75, but they certainly FELT faster. Before we knew it, we were back at SAG 1, which was now SAG 3.

At 75 miles, we took pix of our feet. And yes, we have matching cow socks.

Somehow Betty thought everyone needed to put their hands on my leg....

Also... no we don't know JM, nor do we know anything about JMs specialty parts (Clarence asked).

Just like we did in this shot (from the Nike Women's 1/2 LAST October) ... I have no idea how she remembers these things..

As you might guess, the last 25 miles were the toughest. Although to be honest, it was really the last 10 that were the worst. It was hot; I was tired (not so much physically, but mentally); AND because I was tired of PB&J or cookies or Powerbars or Sandwiches, I didn't eat anything at the 75 mile SAG, just some GU, I was HUNGRY! Betty pulled us up El Camino Real and out to the coast (2nd descent wasn't as fast as the first, but I think I got caught at a light...still I topped out at about 34mph); Seven did a masterful pull into the coastal headwinds (see below); then Mik pulled us along for awhile. I think she may have been frustrated (or hungry) because we kept asking her to slow down.

See how you can't see Seven in this shot...that's because Betty and Mik are in such a kick-ass pace line. 

I noticed along the way that Mik waved at all the trains. She's a kinder-teacher through and through. I love her!

With about 8 miles to go, it was my turn to pull. I do think this is where my "runners mentality" really helped because I just put my head down and pedaled as hard as I could. I felt how I usually feel in teh last mile of a half marathon, where I tell myself that it's only a mile, that I've run plenty of MILES, and that if I run really fast, I will be done SOONER, and then I can STOP.

Really. I was DONE! My legs at that point actually started burning (has NEVER happened to me on a ride before).

The BEST thing of all happened on the way back with about 2 miles to go, as we were headed back into Oceanside, there was an uphill left turn on PCH. I've made this left LOTS of times. Sometimes we get lucky and there's no oncoming traffic so that we don't have to stop on a hill; sometimes we don't. And it's tricky because we can't always see the oncoming traffic because it's a little rolling hill, so there's no way to really time it. 

We (and by we, I mean me, Mik, Seven, Betty, and a few other century riders who we'd been clumped with) crossed over to the left turn lane and as we neared the street where we needed to turn, a car appeared over the hill...which meant we HAD TO STOP...ON A HILL... AT 98.5 MILES... GAH!!!!!

But this guy is going to heaven because he actually STOPPED and let us go ahead! 

I screamed out I LOVE YOU!!! because at that moment, I did!

Within two miles, we were DONE!

Riders received one "free" photo. Here's my finishing photo. I almost missed the guy as I we neared the finish...also, do you think my seat should be higher? It looks like I'm squatting...hmmmmm. 

and DONE!

And we were done... 6:53 riding time. About 8:20 total time. One of the HUGE differences between a century and a marathon is the time. Riding takes just a heck of a lot longer!

Bike the coast had a lovely bike valet, and the race organizer, coordinator person met us at the finish line and literally almost walked us to the bike valet and made sure we knew where the food was, where the first aid was, where are medals were. I am hoping that they did this with ALL the riders and not just us because we looked as if we needed the extra help.

Truth is, we did. I think we walked around pretty aimlessly for about 20 minutes before we figured out where the food was (they gave us $5 in vouchers to use at a number of food truck/tent type places. I was thrilled to find a Tin Fish on the Oceanside Pier because they have THE BEST FISH TACO...or at least they do at their location that is next to PETCO (the ballpark where the Padres play in downtown San Diego, not the pet store...that's just wrong). 

Afterwards... We used an upsidedown trash can for a table and had some food and beverages  You'll have to take my word on the bevvies because Betty told me it was the new rule to not be photographed with bevvies any more.... we'll see....

Once we ate, we were fueled and ready for some laughs... This was Seven's first even with us, so she needed to experience a full Heffer Event.

It started with Betty, who convinced the race announcer that we had won the "Best Jersey Contest," which, until Betty decided we'd won, there wasn't one.

Here we are... winning our awards! 

We also had some fun, posing for photos in front of the Green Screen.

Since the green in our shirts matched the green screen, the photographer had some difficulty getting us to
"stand out."

Apparently, that wasn't silly enough...

Mik thought Betty would be doing the other side of a "heffer-bump" but Betty was having none of it.

A random "Heffer Fan" took this shot and sent it to Betty. People did seem to really like the Heffer jerseys. They definitely make a statement, about what I'm not sure, but a statement nonetheless.

Seven was feeling strong, and probably ready for another 100...right then and right there.

Fabulous... it sucks living here. I know. I know. 

All in all it was a great ride, and while I don't see myself doing a Century in the near future (sorry Seven...the weeks of training leading up to the Century just ate a bit too much into family time on weekends), I am glad I did it. Once again, we Heffers proved to ourselves that we can do anything we put our minds to, and (perhaps most importantly) have fun while we are at it!