January 31, 2006

So, I’m gearing up for the start of the season, and I’m getting all my fundraising info in order. Be on the lookout for my emails and mailings about my fundraising campaign. I’m aiming for $7500 this year, and I know I can make it!

I’ve gotten the last few kinks out of the bike, and it’s now running smooth. Took it out last week a few times, once for about 30 miles into Santiago Canyon. It was early morning…cold but crisp and beautiful. Almost breathtaking. Once you get deep into the canyon you come across immense mansions and beautiful ranches that I can only dream about owning one day. Most of them are set away from the road and gated, so it seems one wouldn’t have to worry about privacy. Like nosy bikers wanting to check out their landscape. =)

Not such good luck with the running so far. Bought some Saucony Hurricanes and after only about 70 or 80 miles, a hole tore in the back of the shoe. I’m definitely sending those back to them and hoping they’ll get me a new pair ASAP. I was loving how they fit too…too bad. I’ve been through so many pairs of shoes now…I should just find one I really like and buy 10 pairs of them.

Nalu is now leading me on about 50% of our run route together. Certain parts he knows by heart already, so instead of me having to give him commands about where to turn and when, he is doing it on his own. He got a massive haircut last week, unintentionally, so maybe he’s got less resistance to the wind…which I guess would help explain why it’s now him tugging me down the street, instead of me yanking at him, trying to get him to stop eating the horse poop on the trails. Although, really, I think it’s just that he’s more comfortable now, which makes him now, even more, think he’s alpha male and therefore in charge of me and where I go….still a stinker, but adorable as ever, especially with the haircut. Too many people have commented on how they think he is a female puppy. Not good.

Anyways, be on the lookout for my info…

Ciao!
-emy

January 19, 2006

Hey all, so, I went for my very first bike-run of the season last weekend, just as a practice session, with a friend, and it was fantastic! Sure, I had some pretty sore muscles the following day, but for sure, it was not as bad as it was last year on my very first bike-run outing. The weather was beautiful, crisp and clear, and just awesome! We rode for about 90 minutes, and then did about 45 minutes of running in the hills. And let me tell you, what a difference to (finally) be on a road bike, instead of a mountain bike! Loved it! It was such a refreshing feeling to be out there again, and I was pleased to see how many others were also out getting exercise. We encountered a couple of people horseback riding, some nature hikers, and some high school cross country kiddos, who I swear could probably run forever. I was not born a runner, and probably won’t ever be as fast as them, but at least I can get through the run portion of the tri. That’s all I need, right? =)

I’ve been preparing my training partner for the new TNT season, and I think he’s just about ready to get going. A nice, lean 50 lbs, 4 furry legs, and enough energy to run 10 marathons in a row….yep, my Lab (slash Border Collie, we’re pretty sure), at barely 8 months old, can run like the wind (stopping only at traffic lights) for up to 70-80 minutes now. When I’m finished with the run, I just want a hot shower and a massage. Nalu? Still bouncing around the house wanting to go for more! We were really getting desperate for a while, trying to find ways to prevent our property from falling victim to his destructive puppy curiosity and endless energy, and since we can only afford the dog day care twice a week, this has become a fabulous solution for us. I’m definitely looking forward to more opportunities to work out with him, and maybe to even get Landon to come along with us! That’s about it for now. Ciao folks. -emy

January 10, 2006

Mom turned 58 today. Can't believe it. Not because I think 58 is old...because it sure isn't. 60 is the new 30, and nursing has shown me that more and more every day. But, that means I'm going to be 28! Yikes! This year marks the big "10 years since high school" milestone. Do I even know what's going on as far as a reunion is concerned? Nope. But, I'd definitely be interested in it. I think I'll get in touch with the school, since I do know quite a few people who'd also be interested. I still get emails from people I've known since junior high or elementary school, and I do think it would be fun to catch up with everyone. 10 years seems like an incredibly long time, and even though it flew by, I must say I have changed quite a bit.

I hit the trails early this morning for my run. It was freezing cold outside and pretty dark until about 6:45am. I started back up with morning runs, because I just feel more energized throughout the day when I run in the morning, versus the afternoon/evening. Also, I've started training Nalu to run with me. We're up to about 15 minutes so far. If all goes well, the plan is to get him to accompany me on my entire run, which can be anywhere from 60-120 minutes. I have to admit though, I am so slow that he only has to be at a fast trot pace to match me. Most of the time he's pulling me along, looking back, as though to say, HURRY UP! At first all he did was stop every 5 feet, but now I think he's getting the idea. Our house is so small that I had to come up with more ways for him to get exercise, especially on those days that he's not at dog day care, or not at a puppy play date with friends. He's becoming quite the guard dog now, too, which helps since most often our runs together are at night, and he's especially wary of anyone coming near us at night. Not aggressive, just careful. However, he now feels free to let us know about anything and everything that is going on outside our house, especially at, oh, say 2am. He sleeps in our room in his crate, so there's been many a night lately when he's woken us up with his barking. Trying to get a handle on that, but at the same time, thankful for it, especially if there's ever a time when we need him to really let us know about something!

Still trying to swim twice a week, but it's been cold out and the gym pool is crowded with the New Years Resolution Newbies. Why is it that, without fail, the gym is packed all of January and the first part of February, and then mid/late February, it clears out? Every year I see it and I think, well, maybe it won't happen this year and then sure enough...I can get on a treadmill whenever I want!

Anyways, that's about it for now. More pics of Nalu here. Check them out. Also, a photo for you all of the big blue speed machine. Courtesy of my beautiful and wonderful mother Maureen, and Revo Cyclery in Dana Point, an EXCELLENT bike shop. You need any cycle stuff? See Darrin or Greg. They are fantastic.

Adios. -emy

January 5, 2005

How in the world did Texas manage to defeat my USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl yesterday? Landon and I were staring at the television in disbelief as the seconds ticked away on the game clock. Is this the end of an era? I hope not!!!! We sure will miss Reggie, Matt, and LenDale, but I’m certain there’s more to come. I only wish USC was this good back in ’96 when we started there. We were pre-Carson, pre-Carroll, pre-Reggie, pre-everything fun about the last few years in USC football….Darn!

Nalu’s back at dog daycare this week. Sleeping so wonderfully…I only wish I could afford to send him every day. Oh well, until I can be at home full-time, two days a week will have to do. Agility class will start soon, and we can’t wait to get started. The trainer predicts he’ll be great at it, so we are excited. Training him has been really difficult, but as we devote more time to it, we are seeing improvements.

I’ve already started my fundraising letter for TNT 2006, and plan to have them mailed out by the beginning of February. So, be on the lookout for it! As for the other kinds of prep for the season, I’m pretty set with my gear. Got a new road bike last year, more tri apparel, and new running shoes. My parents were kind enough to help me out with the road bike, as a gift, and I’ve spiffed it up with killer tires, and plenty of perks to last me through the season. Anyone who is interested in picking up cycling should know that it is NOT cheap. Who knew that there were so many accessories and parts involved with cycling? It’s not just the bike, folks. Believe me.

That’s about it for now. Sayonara. -emy

January 3, 2005

Happy New Year! Can't believe it's 2006 already!!! Just got back from vacation with the fam. Why is it that vacations always go by so quickly and work days go by S-L-O-W-L-Y? Nalu did great both on the trip there, and back. Slept the whole way. Weather was terrible up there, though, with many areas totally flooded and some places needing to be evacuated. Thankfully, my family was not affected. Came back to find way too many things waiting for me on my desk at work, and at home, to a huge pile of mail that my neighbor collected for us (thank goodness...putting mail on vacation hold in my city is a nightmare) and was so happy to find the new Team in Training packet waiting for me. Yay! I set up my new fundraising website, so when you get the chance, please visit it:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntors/mikoyoshida

Team in Training kickoff is January 28. Be on the lookout for my fundraising letters in the mail! I hope to double what I raised last year, so I'm shooting for about $10,000. It can be done! That's it for now. Ciao amigos. -emy