lelo's MTB adventure

2009-04-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! That is all I have to say! People you would never expect to step up to bat---well, they do! TRUST-I am nervous.
but then again for the last whole bunch of years, Spring, (my favorite time) has come with some very stressful times, why should I think this would be any different? I may be tired, and wore out, but I am strong, and will make it through all this stuff.
I can say my ear is hurting from all the time spent on the phone. Thank goodness for texting!!! although my fingers hurt now from all the texting.
tomorrow brings a 4 hour bike ride mimicing the 60 I plan to do-guess i will do either the lollipop, or the out and back on the iron fork- will know for sure in the morning. homework afterwards!
Monday is going to be a huge mess for me, but will get through it!
Really would like to get on the water and do some upper body work with the kayak-UGH!!

challenges

2009-04-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

i have a tough time keeping up with the blog this semester. partly cause I live a slightly boring life, partly cause I am trying to get so many papers finished for my classes. My Tuesday night class alone, I will have written nearly 30 (YES-30!!) papers.
I just finished watching "you tube" of the Ouachita challenge that happened a week ago yesterday. I almost did not go to the race, but needed to "just for me". I am glad I did, and will be back for more!! The goals I had set for myself were set, and exceeded. I did not finish the race, but have no regrets.
The bag that we received when we registered, had a do-rag with the map of the race that we were to race. I now have mine hanging in my computer room, so that I walk by it several times a day, and keep it as a reminder to what I want to accomplish next year.
I learned alot this year at the race-very humbling experience. I know what I have to do to accomplish the 80 miler and I will complete it.
I have now started back to training the right way-to go to syllamo next month. Never been -and I am excited about going-I think I will camp over night and race the next morning.
I thought the support at the challenge was awesome-Feed station 2 was awesome!! The guys were dressed up, and were ready to help you the moment you came in! Lubed my chain, water, called me by name, just awesome all around! Thanks guys!!
I also want to put a VERY BIG THANKS out to the other people who helped with this race-You know who you are, and without you this race would not be going on!! THANKS!!
you need to go to this web link and check out the race features:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8WV2y6MJTw

This is a you tube link, For the Ouachita Challenge, and has two parts.
I can also now say that I am a movie star! all be it, just a flash of me is shown, that is ok, I will be famous-er some day!! (haha)
Now that you have read the "stuff" about the race, and watched an actual movie about it- here are my real feelings about the race, not only am I a movie star, but I have now directed my own film, I dont expect any grammys, cause it still needs work, but maybe some day.
click on this link to see how I really fill:
http://www.xtranormal.com/watch?e=2009040617512572

Back in action!

2009-04-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have neglected my blog for awhile. I could make excuses, but that is not like me, so I will just simply start with OMG- what a bunch of stuff has been going on.
All I do is go to school and write papers for my classes. UGH!!
I was going to work on school work over spring break- but all I did was think about it. OOPS! Instead, I rode my bike and Kayaked! Spent the week with Dennis-I was happy to do that, but really ready for school to start back up.
So now ya know why I am living a boring life.
Bike riding-Dennis has started to ride with me some-I have him decked out in all the stuff.
One ride we went on the other day was a simple ride with just a tiny incline the whole way. He had to stop at one point and was wanting to crouch down, but I would not let him. When we started back he was surprised at the tiny incline we had just rode. I think if he sticks with it, he has some natural skills-we will see though.

Time in the saddle

2009-02-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

I thought I had better update. I have been putting a lot of time in school research, and finally got the go ahead to start collecting data for my thesis. I will start that today, pretty excited about it.
Training has become something I still love to do, but if I have to miss a day, which happened last week, I am ok with it.
I rode with Susie saturday on the vista tril riding single speed. The Troll was so happy to get back on the trial. My abs were mad at me the next day though.
Sunday I rode with Saraha, Susie, and Kevin doing all but one of the mountains that will be in the Challenge. I was already tired from the previous week, and the previous day. I was not really looking forward to the Death March, But was really happy with what I had accomplished when it was over. I kept strong mentally, even when I was struggling. The best part was Flying down Blowout after a whole lot of climbing. I did not tell anyone until after the ride was over that I really had no desire to do that ride, and they all laughed when I told them. Thanks everyone for riding with me-even though it may not have looked like it at one (or two) points, I did have a Fabulous time. (But I was so happy to see the truck)

positive polly, so real susie, and beans!

2009-01-26T04:07:00.001-08:00

What an amazing weekend. Sarah came over for a few days so we rode fast and hard over the weekend. I learned a lot of things during these weekend warrior days. Here are just a few of them:
1) when sarah becomes Negative Nelly, just wait her other personality comes out- Positive Polly.
(I like either personality though) she is one bad chick!
2) Dangerous Dr. Susie- no matter how tired she is, you still have to chase her if you want to ride with her. One totally tough chick! (I also like chasing rabbits)
3) when someone offers you a bowl of beans to take home-beware! you may love the spicy little things (yummy) but, your husband no matter how much he likes beans- does NOT like spicy ones! (dont worry no beans were left un-eaten during this set-up) Thanks girls for letting me think I was making some massive brownie points, only to find out that I lost a bunch instead. Not to mention the big D does not believe Sarah is a true Arkansan, cause she makes spicy beans, and if you are from the bean state, you should know that beans are not spicy! I did tell big D, the next evening that I was set up (even though it was a yummy set up) and all he had to say and I am quoting here:
"humph" --he did not see the humor. It was a pretty fun set up no matter how you ate your beans!
4) The girls I ride with on the weekends are two of the coolest people in the world- after a cold two hour ride on Sunday when they were done, but I was still wanting more- they made sure the jeep got home, and I rode another 2 hours to get home! Thanks ladies-your the bestest in the whole world! No matter what D has to say about it!!
so all together, even though I am exhausted cause I didn't sleep last night, I fill really great and cant wait until Sarah comes back!

1st time trial

2009-01-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today I had a 2 hour ride, with a 20 minute time trial.
All I can say is OMG!!
First I was already getting antsy, just waiting for it to warm up. Then I rode to Mt. Magazine to start my time trial up the mountain. I had just got out of Danville when Todd caught up with me. He had already been out a couple hours. As I was trying to follow behind Todd, my focus was on spinning in one less gear than I noramlly do. I would watch Todd's spin and try to keep my rotations the same as his. I was doing this to make sure I wasn't riding in a hard gear the whole time, which I am bad about doing.
I was also wanting to work my heart a little harder by doing more spinning.
As I started the trial, a couple of times Todd would say positive things to keep me focused (such as- stay focused) and this helped cause about the time I was starting to loose focus his words got me back on track. Thanks Todd!
How did I do? Well lets just say that my heart rate got a little higher then I thought it would, no big deal. My legs still fill like toast, and my head is still throbbing!
But I am as happy as can be cause I pushed myself hard. I always dread when I have to be pushed harder then normal but when it is over I am delighted with what I just accomplished, and I fill great about being pushed hard.
The ride back home was long and miserable, but again I just tried working on my spinning. My heart got a good workout today. I cant wait until the next time trial so that I can see how I have improved.

naughty track ridin

2009-01-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

For my training the other day I had specific sets that I had to accomplish. That morning I decided to take my trainer to school with me in case it was going to be to windy or cold and I would be tight for time.
I decided to use the trainer inside of the fitness center, but I had a 10 minute warm up first- since we were closed for a little longer, I wanted to ride around the track. I know it was a naughty thing to do, but that little rebel within had to come out. Just in case you were wondering, the track is really bumpy-But I was flyin fast! Yep I liked it :)

Grrr- what an animal
No animals were hurt during this ride!

so after my adventrous track trip, I did my sets on the trainer.

This is what was waiting for me after my training- Yep I now have a coffee corner in my office.

Seeing as my office is my home away from home during the semester.

back to schooool, back to schoool

2009-01-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

today the kids came back to school. It was a busy day helping kids get to the right class. Meeting more "new ones" and looking at their poor faces. Had one young lady that was about in tears cause she could not find her class and was afraid she was missing something. I walked her down to the class, and let her know that everything was going to be ok, with a big smile. I guess I really do miss this stuff, and enjoy helping others out.
I had everything done to perfection-so I thought! Then was told the Fitness schedule was changed- ouch, the paper that was wasted! But I was able to get everything done before I left at noon.
Really crazy thing happened- I was lost when I was able to leave for the day at noon. I am so use to getting there before 6 am, and not leaving until after 8 pm on at least 3 days of the week. I dont think I will be able to do it this way, I see myself staying there longer, or else I am going to have to go get a more physical job, to keep busy. I am not use to having so much time to myself- felt very lost, Even found myself buffing the wheels on the jeep, and pulling dead weeds out in the field just for something to do.
Yesterday- rode with Kaylie and Susie. It was the last day of base (I'm kinda sad about that) I was happy to only ride for an easy 3 hour ride. My legs were tired from the previous day, not to mention my whole body. I have not slept in days, and it is taking it's toll on me.
Kaylie felt it necessary to be pulled up a couple small hills, damn, I could fill it in my thighs! Thanks kaylie :)
I cleaned my bike previous to the ride, well Kaylie insisted on "bumpin" me to make sure I would hit a mud hole- I held her off for while, but she finally got me in a mud hole.
I had a blast riding with the girls and need to get some pics to show before kaylie goes back to school. She leaves at the end of the week- that stinks! Back to schoool, back to schoool!
Well, One really cool thing about K, leavin- the sooner she will be back for the summer!! yippeee!

lollipop, mojo, and body butter

2009-01-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

Lollipop- the section of trail I rode with Susie on Saturday. It was a hard ride, especially since I became hungry 45 minutes into the ride and still had over 2 hours to go. But it was an awesome ride, and I was riding sections that just last year I would not have been able to ride. It was an awesome ride.
Mojo- The stuff I had lost and had to find a few times while riding on the lollipop. Why? Cause during base, I dont use any supplements or such, just straight water to get my body use to using what it has to get through the day. When I loose my mojo, I have to slow down a bit until I fill the Mojo return. Does it work-Yeah.
Body butter- the stuff your body is suppose to be "living" off during the base training. How does this work- well it is all physiological and it does work. Problem with this body butter- (I understand all the physiological aspect of it) even though your body is burning the extra butter, you still fill hungry!! WHY? if your body is feeding on itself for fuel, why cant it place some of that butter into the gut tank so that you wont fill hungry?
Good thing about body butter- a hungry filling helps keep your mind off the technical trail you just went over or down, and how cold you may be at the moment.
in the end, it was a fabulous day and I would do it again (oh yeah! I will get to soon, I am sure).
Get to do another 3 hour ride with Kaylie and Susie next. Cant wait to talk about it.

playin with Annie

2009-01-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

Every year, I have to get renewed in CPR, Defib, and first aid. Today was the day to play with Annie. I was the only girl, and as I tried to apply first aid to Annie, I noticed she has not changed over the years. And no matter how much practice I have, I can't make Annie come back to life.
As the teacher was describing where to place your hands to do chest compressions, she was talking about how the victim would not look like Annie, but rather would be some person who has big boobs and they (the boobs) would be flopping all over the place so it would be difficult to get the right spot without grabbing a handful of boobs. As I was turning red with emabarassment, and the teacher was feeding off this, I started to imagine Annie with big floppy boobs. The thought of that grossed me out, and now I am not sure about this whole CPR thing.
All I could do is think about all the gross things
1) the body fluids
2) big boobs
3) me having to blow into another woman's face with the only barrier between us being a thin piece of plastic!! (YUCK to the max)
So I have decided that if anything happens while I am working, I am making the guys do the mouth to mouth, even if it is another guy.
If you think about it- I am not being mean, the person is already gone, we are just trying to keep the blood flowing in hopes that the medical people can use machines.
Now I wont ever look at Annie the same, and of course I doubt I will ever get her to come to life no matter how much I blow into her mouth.
oh, yeah and one last thing- If I pass out- I just wantto be left alone cause I really dont want another person blowin their hot air into my lungs! Unless, I am in the middle of a bike ride then it would be important for me to breath again so I could finish the ride.

I plead insanity

2009-01-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

so today is the first day back to school- lots to do. Already had one meeting, caught up with some onld friends- so basically I have not accomplished anything yet. But I will try to get something to done by noon-maybe.
Bike riding- I have only a few more days then On monday I jump into training. I am excited to see how much I can improve from last year. But my biggest goal is to complete the challenge, ride a few races and do my best at each one.
My main objective for school are to teach students why it is important to be active every day of the week, and how it is possible to improve their health by doing so.
My main objective for bike riding- ride for my health, and for the love of the activity.
This is where insanity has entered my brain- I sign up for the SSWC in Durnago, and hope to go, if all things fall into place for it to happen. I believe it will be an exciting time and entertaining to watch and ride in.

girl rides

2009-01-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

The girls met up last Saturday at Vista to get a warm yummy ride in. But, we started off with class first. Yes, Dr. Henne is not only a vet, but also a bike mechanic! She helped one of the girls get her brake pads in before the ride even began. But that would not be the end of her mechanic skills. Before the ride was over she helped replace a tubless tire with a cut to the sidewall, tried to get a seat that had some how flexed and came off the tiny bars back on so the lady could ride again. All this during a 3 hour ride! How cool is that?
It was a warm day and felt good to just be out riding for the day.

Dr. Henne hard at work just so we could ride
The arrow in the lake is being made by some birds, not ducks-but some relative to ducks.

The trail at Vista has some really neat views of the lake.

Oh, I know- dont even say it!

One after another, the girls made it through the woods

At the Lodge, I walked down to the empty gravel beach and found a variety of lake shells -pretty cool.

All the girls at the lodge- I had convinced some of them it was open and beer and pizza was waiting. I lied! It was closed for the season, so we continued on our ride.

One day I may try to swim to this little island just to see if there are any "un-found" creatures.

So I was thinking, with my Christmas break almost over- I forgot to say what I was thankful for, so here it is-

getting to ride my bike all break, and having the to opportunity to meet new people.

first bike ride of the new year

2009-01-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

On the first day of the new year, there is a huge group ride and this year was no different. I am guessing there had to be around 50 people of every age, size and shape and gender. It was a really cool ride. I was able to ride with people I already knew, and some I had just met that day. We had a small group of guys taggin with us, but for the most part it was girls in our small group.

Big K and Sue waiting on the rest of us
Looks like these ladies are plum wore out

This is not the highest point of the trail, but if you look down below you will get the picture of what type trail we were riding. The river is below

Kaylie was doing awesome on the single trail

She isn't afraid of the cliffs-you can tell by the smile on her face

This is one of the guys that was in a small group that was taggin with us through out the ride

Two more of the young guys

big portion of the trail had a steep edge- it can be nerve racking if you allow it too

not far into the ride Teresa's chain broke, lucky for us there was a Dr. in the crowd, who was able to perform surgery on the chain. The Dr. was also able to have a class about the chain surgery while performing the surgery-how cool is that?

The really funny part about this surgery- The Dr. absolutely hates getting her hands greasy!

Well- here we are after about a 3 1/2 hour singletrack mountain bike ride- injury free and still all smiles!

can't wait to ride with the girls again

stone cold man and cabins

2008-12-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take the next few minutes and talk about two of my most recent bike rides and what I found on each one. Today I rode with the guys we did about 40-45 miles on dirt roads (mtb). It took us 4 1/2 hours with alot of rollers. About 3 hours into the ride I found this handsome man just standing in the woods. I think I will become a plygamist -cause he is so adorable! The second ride was a 3 1/2 singeltrack mtb trip I took by myself- I did a little trail cleaning along the way. I enjoyed both rides and look forward to every time I get to see cool things in the woods.

I think I am in love with this man! Notice how he is leaning into me- He has feelings for me also
I wonder if medusa had a part in turning this poor ole sap into stone- wonder what he did wrong to deserve this?

This is a view from the shelter shown below

This is uncle bill potter's shelter -it is a pretty cool place.

it has a wooden box with notebooks in it. anyone who comes to visit and camp can write in the notebooks. The last people who visited was on 11/23/08. They forgot their hot dogs so had warmed buns for dinner. sounds like something I would do.

I think I just rode from that direction somewhere- awesome view

just a cool picture to see

This is a view off the Iron Fork Bridge. The water was rushing. I have seen the water up over the big rocks before

Iron Fork Bridge- the water was hitting the side and splashing up on the bridge

I had a bat women moment the other morning and rescued this bat off the side of my house- It was hissing the whole time I was trying to take it out to the woods I just hope it remembers me in the summer and does not bite me.

babysitting (kitty)

2008-12-27T13:04:00.000-08:00

this week the Dr. is out of town, and I got the opportunity and privalege of babysitting (um, i mean kittysitting) I brought this little one home with me cause she has not been filling well. But last night I was already seeing an improvement in her, today, is another story.
While kitty sitting, I have had time to think about something that has happened in almost every child's life. The day they did not have their homework cause the dog ate it. I never believed this theory to be true, but I now have proof. Luckily for me, I was able to save my homework that is due at the end of the week. (In this case my thesis)

Little girl looks pretty innocent here--right?
No! not the article I need to read!

I know she still looks just as innocent as before, but I still believe in my new found kitty eating homework theory.

MAT and breaktime

2008-12-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

So today I took the MAT test. I think I did alright. The one good thing about this test is there is no cut off score--yet. I have been told that they(whoever they are?)are trying to come up with a cut off score.
So what is left for me to do? well I think I will take the rest of today and tomorrow off, then I will get back to doing research for my Thesis.
I want to do a correlational study between Vo2 max, aerobic exercise and cholesterol. Sounds like a lot, but not really, I am really excited and I know what direction I want to go with it, but I think I need a little break before getting back into it. I have to give Dr. H a rough draft by the first of the year!! Yikes you may say, but I say bring it-- I love the pressure.
Bike riding was totally awesome today! One of the last mud baths for the year. I just did fabuuulouuus simple 2 hour ride, by myself and loved every minute of it. I did not want to go back, but I had that test to get ready for.
I hope tomorrow is just as nice because I am taking a nice long ride I dont care what anyone says!! I think I deserve it! (oh who am i kidding, I not only deserve it, I desire it!!!)
TATA for now!! :)

last "final" (finally) day

2008-12-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day for finals. I was suppose to give my WS final at 8am, but we had yucky weather last night so the test was cancelled until 10:30 am. Which was good for me. It usually takes me about 45 minutes to get to school, today-it took me two hours! Yep, the roads were just a sheet of ice, and I did not get over 20 miles an hour. Just as I was reaching Dardanelle, I hit some ice and slide a couple of times, I was more concerned about the person who had been riding on my tail for most of the trip. Afraid he/she would rearend me if I did have a problem. But I made it just fine. The really cool thing is that I had my last final at 5 pm tonight, but the teacher cancelled it, and is giving us the grade we already have!! (I have an A). Well I did not realize how late it was until a friend starting texting me about school, and when I got ready to leave it was already 3 pm, it took me over an hour to get home. I know some people are thinking why would I drive to school when I could have had someone else give my final for me--well, call it the love of teaching, and I wanted to be there for my students. When you like your job, it does not fill like you are going to work. This is how I fill about what I am doing with my career right now, and hope that I will have an opportunity to progress forward with my teaching degree.
Crazier, yet my christmas break will be taken up with bike riding AND working on my Thesis. I just had a meeting yesterday with Dr. Holeyfield, and she is allowing me to change my Thesis. I am going from a sport psychology thesis to a exercise physiology thesis!! I did not like my first one, but now I am really pumped about my new one. I have to give Dr. Holeyfield a rough draft before the first of the year. No pressure! I like being under the gun, I get more done when I have the pressure on me! I even got up early this morning and starting research on my thesis. This is how pumped I am about it!! It is going to be just faaabuuulous!!

weekend trails

2008-12-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

yipee, another day on the trail!! We went back to Little Blakely to finish up trail work. All that is left is for people to go out and ride their bikes on it. I will take one for the team -and go back and ride. I think I will even do some much needed camping to make it last a little longer. Here are a couple pictures of before and after of a section of the trial.

Sue-where are you!
oh my gosh, I see the trial, but no Sue!

another really cool thing--it is official I am riding the 80 mile race in the spring. Yes, the single track mountain bike challenge. I need to train so hard I will have to even train while I am sleeping!! How cool is that?

random pictures

2008-12-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

I decided to show some random pictures, instead of using random thoughts.

Not only does the Grinch steal christmas, he also steals kisses from bike riders!!
A group of us met up at Little Blakely to get the trail back into shape, this is just some of the stuff we used. The big dummy helps haul it all in.

Stairs at the trail, I think I am going to ride down them next time I am there. (maybe)

If you look at this map you can see all the trails, we got a lot completed last week, will go back tomorrow to get it just right.

The view from the parking lot at LB, the trails go around the whole lake. I am going to paddle it next spring, and camp on the sides just as a short term goal for the year.

semester reflections

2008-12-08T15:12:00.001-08:00

today is the last regular day of classes. Wednesday is the start of finals. And so I thought I would reflect on the last few months and what I have learned this semester.
First, I did learn a tiny bit from the books. But I have learned more from teaching andinteracting with others. I taught a Wellness Science class, and learned a lot about teaching and other students. I learned from listening to young people how they act when older adults (parents) are not around.
I have learned that not everyone cares about their weight, or what they put into their bodies, and that if they have to put effort into exercise, and it makes them uncomfortable, then they would rather sit on the couch until the thought of exercise passes over.
I have found that young people still do stupid things, (and so do I)
and it is our duty as teachers to try and guide them into the right direction, and hope they will understand later in life, how fortunate they were to have someone there to guide them along the way.
I have learned many valuable lessons from a variety of people, and appreciate what I have been given in life and that I want to give back to others, this is what makes the world a better place to live.
Final thought-- Sometimes, it is not how well of a grade you get in a class, but rather what life lessons you take from that class and use through the rest of your life that is what matters.

base hunger

2008-12-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

you know that feeling you get when you first get up in the morning? Yeah- the hunger one and you fill like you are going to toss your cookies (if you had any in you) if you dont eat. Well this is the the problem I have been having to deal with since getting back to base training. And I like the feeling cause then I can think about all the good foods that I get to eat. That are good for me also.
This leads me to an article I was reading in the National Geographic. ( amazing I know- I do read stuff other than comic books)
The article talked about a "list" that will be placed by different products in grocery stores nationwide.
The list is called the Overall Nutritional Quality Index and was developed by Yale University's Griffin Prevention Research Center. It basically scores food items on a scale from 1 to 100. The products are given a number based on the nutrients, vitamins, sugar, and salt. The list will also indicate how the product impacts blood pressure, and other health concerns.
My opinion about this list is that it is a long time in coming idea. I think it will help people better understand what they are putting in their bodies and how these products better or worsen their health. I think this list will help increase knowledge about food products and be an aide to the food labels that many people have trouble understanding. With these two items perhaps we can start helping people understand why it is important to eat right and exercise to live healthier lifestyles not only now but also in the future.
so how does the list work:
The higher the number the better the food item, such as an blueberries are listed at 100. But raisins have a listing of 26. Orange juice has a 39, and unbuttered unsalted popcorn has a 69. Dark chocolate seems to be a popular thing but it is only listed at a 10. green beans have a 100.
So these are just a few items listed there are several more. If you want to see more items you can go to onqi.org to see for your self.
well now that I have talked totally about food, it is now time to go mtbing for a couple hours in the cold air!! So I can than eat something healthy and yummy--Problem is I am not sure what that might be. (Subway most likely)Yipeee

burnin the butter!!

2008-12-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

YIPEEEEE! Thats what I have got to say about today! WHY? cause it is the first day back on the bike, doing base- so I rode a nice two hour road ride. I figured out that I lost what little "spinning" ability I had over the summer. I kept it in a low gear and worked on my spinning. Ah I told myself-think of all the butter you may be burning cause your quads are starting to scream a tiny bit. All cause when you try to keep the same cadance for a long time and you are not use to it you fill it in weird places. I have been "powering" through the riding this summer, so this is going to be a little different type of riding for the next couple months.
Goals-- Get better at my spinning, and enjoy every awesome minute of it (that is the easy part)
When I wanted to gear it up a notch, I could hear that little voice yelling
"slow down, spin, use a smaller gear!" Yeah you know who that little voice is>

Books, Tests, and Cats?

2008-11-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

The semster is almost over, and the holidays are almost here. For Thanksgiving I will be sharing my time with the cats. I wonder how many Turkeys I would need to cook so that everyone of them could have a piece of turkey? I will also be spending my "spare" time studying for the MAT Test that I will be taking on the 19th of December. I have been practicing analogies in preparation for the test. Here is one I came up with:
Steam is to hot as lilo is to mountian biking!!
Ah, yes I think if all the analogies are like this then I shall ace the test and they will have to invent a new test!
My other alternative is to have my sister rub "Buddha's" belly for me right before I go to take the test!! This should definitely work.
Some more shocking news:
When I went and bought the book for the test, I also bought another book, (I cant believe it either) My mother would be proud! I will read it after finals are over.
Well, glad semester is almost over and cant wait until December 1st so that I can get back on the bike. Will start training for the 80 mile challenge coming up in April. Cant wait!!

mushy life lessons, and riding

2008-11-17T05:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the last race of the season, :( and it was awesome!! :) I placed and brought home a few trinkets to treasure along with the memories. One of the best parts of the race was the simple fact that Dennis went and supported me. I have decided that he is still the awesomest person and that no matter what gets thrown at us we can make it through it with a whole bunch of work and the realization that marriage is a dificult but it can work, if we want it too. I learned a lot about "life" on this race day. One of the most important things I learnt was that even though I fill like "Choking" my dear husband a lot of the time, I really do love him. Ok enough of life lessons!
I rode this trail at the beginning of the season, and felt like I was going to die before the second lap. I was not able to ride several of the switch backs and thought the race would never end. That was at the beginning of the season.
This time, I was riding everything, and flying fast. After the second lap I was NOT ready to stop, but the race was over. MAN!! it is amazing how one person can improve on their fitness levels within just a few months. It was GRRReeeat!!
I have been riding solo this year. I did not belong to a team, even though I have wanted to be part of one. WELL, yesterday I was talking to Sue and telling her that next year I wanted to join a team, she said why wait we would love to have you on our team right now.
HOW COOL IS THAT!! Within a few minutes she had brought me a jersey. So now I am part of the Ouchita Cycling Team. I will have to take a picture of the jersey, with me in it of course and post it.
After awards, Big D and I went to eat and ran into another couple that raced and they belong on the team, so we all sat down and visited and ate dinner together. That was a nice time. We are going to get together sometime and ride. May even float the river with them.
So to bring a really bad week to an awesome end, and to bring another week in on an awesome note makes one bike riding diva super duper happy.
I am back off the bike for a couple more weeks, then I will begin massive time in the saddle, also known as base. Can't wait until I get back on the bike and see what kind of improvements I make this year. YEEHAW!!!

bike riding

2008-11-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

So I have not been on the bike for a couple of weeks. It is down time, and it is killing me!! I never realized how crabby I was getting due to not riding.
Today after helping at the clinic, we went for a mountian bike ride. I rode the troll (ridge ss) and loved every moment of it. Did not want to stop. Rode so hard as I was on a climb felt like I was literally going to toss my cookies. (seriously) I am ready to go again but it will be Friday before I ride again. The last race of the season is happening this Sunday, and I can't wait. It is in Hot Springs, rode it earlier this summer, but now it is colder, Then I will be off for a little while until finals are over.
I have been doing yoga, running, swimming and walking to try and burn some of my energy. It is not working very well.
Back to school tomorrow, and then 3 days off, so We will see how this weekend goes- I already have sport tied up, so I am just taking my singlespeed and riding a good fun (always) ride. Yipee!!!

turtles an apples

2008-11-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show some of the interesting things that I find out in the woods. Like the following pictures-- I have never seen anything like it before! Totally amazing how small critters survive in nature.

I have never seen a turtle eating an apple! How totally amazing!
I wonder if he also likes green apples?

This is a snake we saw on the dirt road while riding. I swear it is a copperhead, but the Vet seems to say otherwise. just look at the pattern on the back of this cool animal.
I risked life and limb to get this picture. Thank goodness I survived to get this picture out for everyone to see.

I think it is so amazing at how many different species of animals are in the wild. And to be able to stop and admire everyone I come across is such a blessing to me to get to do and to share with others.

safe town

2008-11-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was at one of my favorite places to be (clinic) and I found something that was so amazing I wanted to share with everyone else and let them know that Christmas is going to be safe here in Blogsville this year.

Yep- you guessed it

GRINCH!

group ride weekend

2008-11-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

this weekend was a big group ride at the T&S pumptrack site. There was lots of food, folks, and even some fungus found in the woods this weekend. It was a great weekend of just riding bikes and playing on the pump track. My goal is to get good at riding the pump track, but I have a long ways to go.
There were a few people who came that have just started into MTBing. It was cool to ride with them, give a few pointers, see what it does for them and the excitement in there voices when they have finished a ride. cant wait until next year.

my bike is eager to get going!

Palmer is from out of state, he is a motorcycle rider. And these skills came in handy while trying to figure out the pumptrack. He took his seat off to ride! Crazy!!

The idea of a pump track is to use all your muscle groups to manipulate the bike to gain momentum to get over the humps/bumps

palmer's bike without a seat

One of these guys was riding Todd's titus without any brakes--again sanity is not required to ride a pump track

Molly- the pumptrack mascot!

The road sign to let people know where the fun begins and sanity ends!

pumpkins for halloween

2008-10-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

It is getting near Halloween, and I thought I would include some science vocabulary into my blog by telling what the class name for the pumpkin is and then show some pictures of some carved pumpkins to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
The pumpkin is from the cucurbitacea class. which is the squash family.

This is what your pumpkin may look like right after you carve him-- how cute!!

The next picture may be disturbing to some--

This is what your pumpkin looks like when you leave alcohol near him!!!

Now isn't this a sight to show a health class??

vicious voodoo ride

2008-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

So on Sunday there was a group ride on singletrack. I rode geared, was not prepared for a 50 mile ride. I could come up with several reasons as to why I started to have a rough ride--before we even got to the end to turn around.
But ultimately it comes down to not being prepared. I did not want to be a quitter, and did not want to be thought of as a wimp for bailing. Oh well, life goes on, and so do the bike rides!!! Lessons were learned about myself that day, and about life, and for that reason it was a valuable ride.
Today is bosses day, and so the faculty in the PE dept pooled together and bought Dr. Holeyfield these flowers. Laura and I went and picked them out and I think we did a good job, the picture is not that good and does not give good justice to the flowers, but you get the idea.

The rest of the pictures are from Sunday's ride, and shows me how tired I was before we even turned around. Fall colors for the boss
Voodoo- protector from evil
me- having to lift my bike over the log behind me that was on the trail- and looking like I needed to crawl under the log and lay down for awhile
There was an area on the trial that had several ferns that had different colors and looked really neat

Sarah- usually she has bonked by now--me already there!!

fabulous photos

2008-10-08T17:35:00.001-07:00

So even though the little triathlon is over with I wanted to show a few pictures that were taken. The money that was raised for this event went towards "shop with a cop" what a great thing! The race began with the run and ended with the bike. Yipee!
This was used for the finish line! Cute
I was a little concerned to see that Lisa will lay down with any ole dog!
They do look like a happy couple though

Lisa beginning the ride part
ME- behind Lisa after the paddle, but I did catch her
this dude got third in individual
This girl was my "rabbit" that I chased, and YES I did catch the silly rabbit
AH- what a beautiful paddle

This is the sign on the bridge we had to run over-thank goodness we did not have 20 people or 3000 lbs at once on it!
First runner to come to the other side- he got first place in individual

Here comes the superhero of the day (The guy behind me)

watch out for spidey

2008-10-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

last sunday I went for a mountian bike ride with Susie, and Kristi. As we were going across a paved road we came across this Trantula!! Thanks to Kristi for risking her life to get a close up of this spider for my educational gain!

Just in time for Halloween!!
Here the poor little thing wanted to eat the camera up-- I think we should become photographers for National Geographic!
We have a mountian bike race this Saturday, at Diasy. So I will have more pictures then. I am thinking about riding the "TROLL" it is my 29er singlespeed!! Wish us luck!!

2008-09-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

On saturday I participated in my first miniature triathlon. It was a 4 mile run, on both pavement and dirt, with one huge hill to climb towards the end. The second part of the race was a kayak paddle on the river, that was about a mile and a half? the last leg of the race was a 17 mile road bike with several climbs. At the end of the run, I was in second place for both men and women individuals. This kept me pretty stoked, and I was determined to get no less then second place. YEAH!! I did it!! I had a lot of fun, and have been thinking about doing some more of these types of races. I have just a few pics from the pre-race below.

The pre-race table- also where they had awards and t-shirts

This was where the kayak part of the race began.

so many kayaks- I ended up grabbing a blue and white one. you can just see it barely past all the orange ones. I have never kayaked before, but have totally fallen in love with it. Awesome upper body workout. I know what I want for x-mas. Just in case anyone needs any ideas.

ME- before the race trying to stay warm! I was assigned number 12 for the race.

I did not know until after the fact that the two people on the left were sarah's friends! Lisa and Jim. Lisa beat her husband- and came in 3rd place on the individual race. The bike in the center is my bike

This is an awesome bike! It has nothing to do with the race- It is called the BIG DUMMY. Todd uses it for trail work. The pack on back carries all the tools needed for doing trail work. sarah's car in theback ground!
This is what old people do when they have to much time on thier hands! I think someone needs some advice on how to ride a bike properly!!
The Big Dummy, has an alter-ego: when it does not fill like working in the rugged woods- it dresses up in it's grocery bags to go shopping!!
Still- needs advice with bike handling skills

Bugs and thoughts

2008-09-25T05:51:00.001-07:00

As I was helping do chores one day I came across this spider and it's "brood"This isthe spider's egg that I found

I took one of the eggs, and opened it to find thousands of tiny spiders, I wanted to see if they would fly through the air when the wind touched them, (just like in Charlotte's web). Sure enough they did! I wonder if they survived?

I found these ferns growing when up in the moutains, not sure what kind they are
While riding my bike, I came across this cool looking ant pile, It had billions of ants in it.
I thought this was a weird place to find a mushroom, under a rock, but it was pretty enough to get it's picture
Here is the spider that was watching her egg. Look at the pinchers on her!!
This was a another spider next to the bigger one, now we know what the belly looks like on this spider

This is the underside of a neat catapiller I found
This is the same neat looking catapillar notice the colors on it
Then just up from the trail, we found these little catapillars, they were cool colored also

This was another type of fern we found udner some rocks, and to think people actually buy these in the store!

As this site is suppose to be educated oriented, I have been posting info about different living things. I want to become certified in Science, and so I have been trying to show how I could use this blog in a science class and a physical education class. The science information is geared more toward lower elementary. A lot more could be added as my mind goes crazy with ideas at some times.

Girl's sunday ride

2008-09-23T18:59:00.001-07:00

On sunday it was a ride for the girls! So I decided to have a few pictures taken to show what happens on a three hour tour in the woods.

we rode in for an hour and a half to do some trail work. we accomplished cleaning the trail from mile marker 110 to mile marker 109!

Sarah and I needed to "cool off" in the stream

Susie was all by herself, but still looked happy

Sarah is so happy she just conquered a gigantic hill!

So as one can see, riding bikes with friends can help your body and soul and that is why it is a great lifelong activity to pursue. It helps lower stress levels, and empty the mind, so that one could be fresh for the up coming week at school.

Flowers found on Sundays bike ride

2008-09-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am suppose to be talking about mountain biking, and today I wanted to show some of the colors of flowers that can still be found this time of year. I did a leisure hour and half ride with several climbs on the forest service road behind my house. It was a pleasant 15 mile ride.

I was told these berries were poisonous
I thought this was an interesting plant showing all of its steps of maturing
There were hundreds of these yellow flowers along the sides of the road. only a few of the white ones
few of these were found
mixture of yellow and white
very small blue flower
purple ones on stems
not a flower-but a mushroom
pink ones mixed with yellows
lots of berries to find

As I ponder the reason for my love of biking I think of what Joel B. Braunstein MD. wrote:

Exercise

isn't akin to a household chore that "needs to be done;" it's a special,

privileged time in

which you can relect

upon all of life's

other pleasures while

you take part in an

activity that is

strengthening both

your body and your

mind.

This is one of the many reasons I ride!

saturday on the ouachita trail

2008-09-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

what it looks like under a red mushroom

the top of the trail
how interesting
One weird mushroom

look- pancakes in the woods!

notice the colors and details
very interesting design, and colors
whoa--series trail riding
Looks like a cartoon
cluttering is good in all plant families

look- a billy goat on the sign!
beautiful
pancakes anyone?
pancake on a stem
playin in the creek

yellow and green
How cool!
a katydid on an eggshell?
very detailed mushroom
you may see some of the same pics- but that is ok try to find different things in each picture.

Have you ever seen a blue one? It left dye on my fingers
A yellow one? how cool!
Looks like a toadstool

an egg shell on a stem? how weird

oh my gosh- the billy goat is in the creek!
Yes- Billy owns the trails!
billy goats are allowed on the trail!
Billy has been following me!
This one is ready to catch some water

what awesome detail
trees down- trapped on the trail, had to carry the bike up and under the fallen trees. I know what i will be doing next weekend- cutting trees out of the trial.
Toadstool- or is this where the smurfs live?
How pretty!!

So now you know just a little bit of why I enjoy riding my bike in the woods. I see all sorts of plants and have seen several types of animals- including a mountian lion, bears, turkeys, and deer. Along with a lot of little critters.

today in class

2008-09-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

today in class I chatted on line while the teach talked, had her laughing just cause i was laughing.

just for school

2008-09-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

For a computer class I am taking we are to make a blog. So here it is. As I learn more about the stuff- I will be posting info about school, and my adventures through life.