No pics. So those of you who don't like reading will have to wait until next week or so.
Lots going on in life right now: working 2 jobs, going to school and trying to fit training in are all keeping me insanely busy.
This past Saturday I headed out to Temecula for the Fat Tire Epic 50 to support one of my athletes. Despite 3 flats and some stomach issues, Scott finished 3rd in cat 3 in 5:20 or so. Tinker won in 3:22. Animal. We had some fun in the pits, though I was nearly attacked by a random dog that came running out of a camp site. The way it sprinted up to me growling and barking, I thought for sure I was going to get mauled. Some dude called it off and apologized, but it scared the crap out of me. Seriously, how hard is it to keep your mutt on a friggin' leash?
Sunday I took Holly out for her first ever MTB ride and she loved it. I brought the camera, but didn't check the batteries and it turns out they were dead, of course. Zippy fail!
This past week has been all about crash training. Basically, you squeeze two training blocks into one when you're short on time. I'm aiming for the Incycle XC Challenge next week as my last race before I shut down 2009 and take a break before gearing up for 2010 (big plans for next year...BIG PLANS!).
So yesterday, I headed out with Xterra pro Renata Bucher to ride with Arnie Baker and the Cyclo-Vets. I knew the ride would be hard and I was looking forward to it. I've never worked so hard on a road bike for so long before: 65 miles and over 7k vertical feet in 5 hours. Ouch. Today I tok the MTB out and drilled it again. Tomorrow is some welcome recovery and then I'm cranking it back up for the weekend before shutting it down and recovering my ass off for the race.
Looking forward to toe-ing the line for my 4th and final race for 2009.
E.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Going Long
No, I'm still not planning any races longer than 3 hours, but this post has three week's worth of stuff in it and it's all about races lasting 8 hours or more where I crewed for people or had athletes or friends competing. Get comfy...
I saw a post on a DirtTreaders.com from a guy riding the 24 HOA in desperate need of a pit crew since his bailed and his family couldn't make it. Knowing how much racing by yourself sucks and how bad you need a crew for a race like that, I jumped in.
We rolled into Hurkey Friday night and set up camp.
I teased Darryl (racer) with some tasty beverages.
Woke up early Saturday and thrashed myself on the Idyllwild Spring Challenge Course; as brutal and beautiful as I remember it. I got misdirected near the end and ran out of water, but backtracked and found my way back to the campground after the race started.
I ran into some really fast guy I haven't seen in a while.
...and watched friend Chris battle his way up to 3rd in the 8 Hour Solo class. STUD.
Athlete Mykyta picked up 7th in the 8-Hour Solo class. Solid day for him.
...and Darryl battled it out with Chuck Wheeler for 12 HOURS for the final podium spot in the 24 Solo category. Not only was it Darryl's first ever 24 Solo attempt, but Chuck is a veteran at the distance. Needless to say we were both shocked when Darryl nabbed 3rd. SWEET!
Self-portrait at 4AM. I'd like to thank PEET's coffee, the French Press and Red Bull for their contributions.
Today, Holly and I woke up super early and headed out to the Laguna Mountains for th eNobal Canyon 50k. Considering she's supported me at nearly every race I've been in for the duration of our 5 year relationship, it was my turn to play Sherpa. Sure she's smiling now...
About 50 degrees at the raace start at 7AM. By the time it hit noon, it was over 80 deg. at the Penny Pines aid station. Roasting.
I saw a post on a DirtTreaders.com from a guy riding the 24 HOA in desperate need of a pit crew since his bailed and his family couldn't make it. Knowing how much racing by yourself sucks and how bad you need a crew for a race like that, I jumped in.
We rolled into Hurkey Friday night and set up camp.
I teased Darryl (racer) with some tasty beverages.
Woke up early Saturday and thrashed myself on the Idyllwild Spring Challenge Course; as brutal and beautiful as I remember it. I got misdirected near the end and ran out of water, but backtracked and found my way back to the campground after the race started.
I ran into some really fast guy I haven't seen in a while.
...and watched friend Chris battle his way up to 3rd in the 8 Hour Solo class. STUD.
Athlete Mykyta picked up 7th in the 8-Hour Solo class. Solid day for him.
...and Darryl battled it out with Chuck Wheeler for 12 HOURS for the final podium spot in the 24 Solo category. Not only was it Darryl's first ever 24 Solo attempt, but Chuck is a veteran at the distance. Needless to say we were both shocked when Darryl nabbed 3rd. SWEET!
Self-portrait at 4AM. I'd like to thank PEET's coffee, the French Press and Red Bull for their contributions.
Today, Holly and I woke up super early and headed out to the Laguna Mountains for th eNobal Canyon 50k. Considering she's supported me at nearly every race I've been in for the duration of our 5 year relationship, it was my turn to play Sherpa. Sure she's smiling now...
About 50 degrees at the raace start at 7AM. By the time it hit noon, it was over 80 deg. at the Penny Pines aid station. Roasting.
Holly looked pretty fresh at mile 11. Still smiling.
I snuck out while Holly was running the Pacific Crest/ Big Laguna loop and bagged nearby Garnet Peak. Amazing views from the top. I was stoked to be up there and had it all to myself. Lovin' it.
Part of the Garnet Peak Trail runs along the PCT. Through hiking it is totally on my bucket list.
Holly would fall twice, once into a cactus, and she wasn't so fresh and smiley when I saw her again at mile 21. I paced her halfway to the next aid station, ran back to the car, drove down to the bottom of the course and then chased up the course to make she sure was doing OK. She was cooked from the heat and distance and was relegaed to walking. I walked/ran with her the last 2 miles. Girl sucked it up and ran through the finish line though I'm sure it hure like hell. I'm so proud of her...
I snuck out while Holly was running the Pacific Crest/ Big Laguna loop and bagged nearby Garnet Peak. Amazing views from the top. I was stoked to be up there and had it all to myself. Lovin' it.
Part of the Garnet Peak Trail runs along the PCT. Through hiking it is totally on my bucket list.
Holly would fall twice, once into a cactus, and she wasn't so fresh and smiley when I saw her again at mile 21. I paced her halfway to the next aid station, ran back to the car, drove down to the bottom of the course and then chased up the course to make she sure was doing OK. She was cooked from the heat and distance and was relegaed to walking. I walked/ran with her the last 2 miles. Girl sucked it up and ran through the finish line though I'm sure it hure like hell. I'm so proud of her...Worked.
We headed home, got some fatty, nasty food on the way and once there I introduced her to ice baths. Hehe. =D
We headed home, got some fatty, nasty food on the way and once there I introduced her to ice baths. Hehe. =DE.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
IT'S OVER!
By that I mean the busy beach season. For some reason, American's think you're only supposed to go to the beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day. On those holidays (along with July 4th) So Cal beaches are absolutely PACKED with people celebrating the holiday. Personally, I'm greatly relieved when the busy season is over adn I can go back to preventing people from drowning instead of playing "beach cop" by keeping surfers and swimmers in separate areas so they don't hurt each other. Personal responsibility? Not in America...
Last week, my brother called my up and finally pulled the trigger on the Orbea we had in his size. Pretty sweet bike and a SMOKIN' deal thanks to my employee discount =D.
'09 Orbea Gavia
Ultegra, 105 mixed group. Not "blingy", but solid components proven to perform.
Mmm...10-speed...
I like the little Orbea "O" touches on the seat and brake calipers. Classy. And a Selle Italia saddle to boot. Very nice for his first road bike. 
So I wrapped up a recovery week last week and I put down February numbers duing my cycling test. Not bad considering I haven't ridden much since May.
I spent Sunday and Monday doin' the lifeguard thing and keeping people from hurting themselves. Sunday, I pulled 3 kids out of the lagoon mouth rip at Torrey and Monday I nabbed a boogie boarder in the Seaside rip that claimed a life 4 years ago. I love what do.
Season's over. See you next year.
E.
Last week, my brother called my up and finally pulled the trigger on the Orbea we had in his size. Pretty sweet bike and a SMOKIN' deal thanks to my employee discount =D.
'09 Orbea Gavia
Ultegra, 105 mixed group. Not "blingy", but solid components proven to perform.Mmm...10-speed...I like the little Orbea "O" touches on the seat and brake calipers. Classy. And a Selle Italia saddle to boot. Very nice for his first road bike. So I wrapped up a recovery week last week and I put down February numbers duing my cycling test. Not bad considering I haven't ridden much since May.I spent Sunday and Monday doin' the lifeguard thing and keeping people from hurting themselves. Sunday, I pulled 3 kids out of the lagoon mouth rip at Torrey and Monday I nabbed a boogie boarder in the Seaside rip that claimed a life 4 years ago. I love what do.
Season's over. See you next year.E.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sucker Punch
The State's messed up economy strikes again...
A while back, the Governator threatened to close some 200+ State Parks. I asked my district supervisor about the possibility and he replied we had enough money to pay lifeguards through Labor Day.
Fast forward to last week, when I hear we'd be receiving schedules for the 1st half of September only (a week longer than I expected. Good news). When schedules came out, we'd been scheduled for all of September ( more good news, but I had to run around changing shifts since I was supposed to work on days I'll have class. Oy!).
Yesterday, we all get told that the September schedule is now only valid through Labor Day (as before) and there will be NO lifeguards at all during the week for the duration of the Off Season (Labor Day through Memorial Day). Whoa...
No seasonal staff at all except weekends. No roving guards. Nothing except Permanent Staff. Crap.
So let's do some math:
-no financial aid from school
-no guarding in the off season
-bike shop pays minimum wage and I'm limited to 20 hours per week during the school year.
Anyone hiring?
Eric
A while back, the Governator threatened to close some 200+ State Parks. I asked my district supervisor about the possibility and he replied we had enough money to pay lifeguards through Labor Day.
Fast forward to last week, when I hear we'd be receiving schedules for the 1st half of September only (a week longer than I expected. Good news). When schedules came out, we'd been scheduled for all of September ( more good news, but I had to run around changing shifts since I was supposed to work on days I'll have class. Oy!).
Yesterday, we all get told that the September schedule is now only valid through Labor Day (as before) and there will be NO lifeguards at all during the week for the duration of the Off Season (Labor Day through Memorial Day). Whoa...
No seasonal staff at all except weekends. No roving guards. Nothing except Permanent Staff. Crap.
So let's do some math:
-no financial aid from school
-no guarding in the off season
-bike shop pays minimum wage and I'm limited to 20 hours per week during the school year.
Anyone hiring?
Eric
Friday, August 21, 2009
Back in the Saddle
From last post, you learned I'm not going to the Academy for the State Park Lifeguard position due to the State's budget shortfall. This week, I learned my District Supervisor didn't receive a budget for September and we're only being scheduled through the 15th of the month. Scary. I'll keep you posted, but swimming and surfing at State beaches might get a lot more dangerous after Labor Day.
Meanwhile, I've started training exclusively on the bike. I'm still running and swimming on my breaks at work, but I'm all about getting ready for the Collegiate MTB series that starts Sept. 26th. Today I hit up Daley Ranch for some climbing.
Singletrack. Mmm....
Some tasty switchbacks...
More singletrack all to myself. The pace was pretty empty.
The climb I love to hate. Steep, loose and seemingly never-ending. I cleaned the whole thing (didn't last time I was here); a feat I have yet to repeat on the SS 29'er.
I made my customary stop at Del Taco on the way home and chilled the rest of the day since there was no lifeguard work for me today.
Meanwhile, I've started training exclusively on the bike. I'm still running and swimming on my breaks at work, but I'm all about getting ready for the Collegiate MTB series that starts Sept. 26th. Today I hit up Daley Ranch for some climbing.
Singletrack. Mmm....
Some tasty switchbacks...
More singletrack all to myself. The pace was pretty empty.
The climb I love to hate. Steep, loose and seemingly never-ending. I cleaned the whole thing (didn't last time I was here); a feat I have yet to repeat on the SS 29'er.
I made my customary stop at Del Taco on the way home and chilled the rest of the day since there was no lifeguard work for me today. Back to work tomorrow (supposed to get some swell this week) and more riding Sat and Sun. I love riding my bike! :D
E.
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men...
...go often askew.
I got some unofficial news this week that the Academy for Lifeguard/Peace Officer scheduled to start in October has been cancelled and might start up in January. Considering the current state of California's economy, I'm not holding my breath.
This is good news/bad news for me: it looks like I'll be able to finish my degree after all (YAY!), but that Holly and I have to suffer through some more financial hardship (boo).
It also means I get one last chance at whooping up on some college kids on the collegiate MTB circuit (tee hee!). That means I'm scrapping the 50K plans. I'm disappointed since it's on my "bucket list", but the strain training for the race and lifeguarding puts on my previously injured soleus worries me. It's not injury pain, but it's definitely tight, painful in the mornings and takes a while to warm up during training.
I've been jonesin' for some MTB love for quite a while and putting it off in favor of run training; getting back on the bike will definitely make me a lot happier.
So life now looks like:
Sept-Dec:
-Finish BioChem degree
-Race collegiate MTB
November:
-apply for PA school (in case State Jobbie gets put off until next year)
Jan:
-take last pre-reqs for PA school at Community College OR
-Begin State Peace Officer academy
Meanwhile, I'm spending lots of time in the ocean learning how to surf (also on my bucket list) and working my butt off lifeguarding for the State. No major worries, really.
E.
I got some unofficial news this week that the Academy for Lifeguard/Peace Officer scheduled to start in October has been cancelled and might start up in January. Considering the current state of California's economy, I'm not holding my breath.
This is good news/bad news for me: it looks like I'll be able to finish my degree after all (YAY!), but that Holly and I have to suffer through some more financial hardship (boo).
It also means I get one last chance at whooping up on some college kids on the collegiate MTB circuit (tee hee!). That means I'm scrapping the 50K plans. I'm disappointed since it's on my "bucket list", but the strain training for the race and lifeguarding puts on my previously injured soleus worries me. It's not injury pain, but it's definitely tight, painful in the mornings and takes a while to warm up during training.
I've been jonesin' for some MTB love for quite a while and putting it off in favor of run training; getting back on the bike will definitely make me a lot happier.
So life now looks like:
Sept-Dec:
-Finish BioChem degree
-Race collegiate MTB
November:
-apply for PA school (in case State Jobbie gets put off until next year)
Jan:
-take last pre-reqs for PA school at Community College OR
-Begin State Peace Officer academy
Meanwhile, I'm spending lots of time in the ocean learning how to surf (also on my bucket list) and working my butt off lifeguarding for the State. No major worries, really.
E.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Eat, Drink and Be Married
Not me, but my little sister got married this past weekend. The cool twist? I performed the ceremony!
Friday night Holly and I headed up to El Torito in Zooport Beach (Fashion Island). Turns out we were an hour early for the rehearsal dinner....but right on time for happy hour! I call that awesome timing. Some bloody marys, chips and salsa and taquitos later and we hooked up with the rest of the party. By the time we rolled home and crawled into bed, it was way past our bedtime.
Saturday, we got up and went for our long runs in Penasquitos Canyon, got ready and headed back to the OC. Laguna Beach Surf and Sand Resort this time.
The g/f all dolled up...
Like I said, I got ordained as a minister after my sis and her then fiancee weren't too thrilled with the minister they had planned on using. I was stoked to step in! I can also do funerals :/.
Sister Christine wanted to get married with sand between her toes. The high tide meant a few of the guests got their feet wet, but we made it work. Christine started crying during her vows and I choked up a bit too. I held it together, though. Note the bare feet!
Yay! All married and stuff!
Me, Christine and brother Steve (AKA: Big Rig).
Me and the g/f chillin' at the reception. I was lucky enough to sample the 40 y/o rum sis got her hubby as his groom gift (Pyrat 1623). At $240 a bottle (!!!) it was quite the tasty sip.
Friday night Holly and I headed up to El Torito in Zooport Beach (Fashion Island). Turns out we were an hour early for the rehearsal dinner....but right on time for happy hour! I call that awesome timing. Some bloody marys, chips and salsa and taquitos later and we hooked up with the rest of the party. By the time we rolled home and crawled into bed, it was way past our bedtime.
Saturday, we got up and went for our long runs in Penasquitos Canyon, got ready and headed back to the OC. Laguna Beach Surf and Sand Resort this time.
The g/f all dolled up...
Like I said, I got ordained as a minister after my sis and her then fiancee weren't too thrilled with the minister they had planned on using. I was stoked to step in! I can also do funerals :/.
Sister Christine wanted to get married with sand between her toes. The high tide meant a few of the guests got their feet wet, but we made it work. Christine started crying during her vows and I choked up a bit too. I held it together, though. Note the bare feet!
Yay! All married and stuff!Me, Christine and brother Steve (AKA: Big Rig).Me and the g/f chillin' at the reception. I was lucky enough to sample the 40 y/o rum sis got her hubby as his groom gift (Pyrat 1623). At $240 a bottle (!!!) it was quite the tasty sip.Throw in some bomb-ass cigars and I was feelin' pretty good. A great weekend overall.
Sunday we were both beat from multiple days of being up way too late and we took the day off.
Monday, I got cleared to go back to work. I called in to let them know I was available and got a call 20 mins later to staff a tower. My doc cleared me at 9 and I was in a tower by 11. Ha!
No sooner did I finish opening the tower when the tower phone rings and my supervisor piles a bunch of shifts in my lap. Nice to be needed! I'm getting caught up on all the work gossip and definitely missed getting paid to boogie board/body surf on my breaks; I tried surfing last year on the paddle board and it didn't suck. I know a guy selling a short board for cheap...
E.
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