incidents & accidents

I took a little spill yesterday. It was the classic tip over incident many, most, all have at least once while getting used to clip-in cycling shoes. Feels like my bruises have bruises this morning. My only bike accident in almost 4,000 miles of cycling.

~♥~

riding on a bike with no name

I've been riding my new road bike and am starting to feel comfortable with the increased speed and the different riding posture. Went on my first ride the other day using cycling shoes that are clipped into the pedals. Guess I was expecting to really feel a difference in terms of speed and power up hills, but I really didn't. I did feel more "confined." Managed not to tip over though. A small victory!

My bike, she needs a name. Ideas?

A quick pic in front of the Williams Pond off the American River.

Update on the fitness weight loss: legs are starting to look more like they used to i.e., slimming down and muscle definition developing especially in the calves. But, I'm not losing any weight according to the scale and the fit of my jeans. I'm staying at 10 pounds more than I want to be.

~♥~

must be love

My new bike: Felt ZW5 2010

After reaching the 3,000 mile goal on my Trek hybrid, I decided that my passion for biking had been proven. It was now time to enter the world of road biking. Got a smokin good deal from a local, indie bike shop on this all carbon frame beauty because she's a 2010. Still getting used to her and riding with cheap temporary pedals. Bought biking shoes yesterday and ordered pedals. Onces the pedals arrive, I'm going to sign up for a session with the "fitting guru."

It feels great to be excited about riding again!

~♥~

made it to 3,000

Bykasandra and I have ridden 3,000 miles together! Thinking seriously about getting a road bike now. Any suggestions?

~♥~

make me want to holler

Since I've started exercising again the result has been weight gain. WTH?

On a positive note, feeling pretty good and the weather has gone from chilly and rainy to perfect. Yee-haw!

~♥~

a turtle start

Despite being ready to get back moving, I'm off to a turtle start. Oh well, this might be the best way after all. Didn't go for a ride but have been walking. Going to start tracking my activity/exercise month by month in the side bar*. It'll be interesting to see how it corresponds with any weight changes.

In other news, finally tried sauteed kale the other night. I liked it a lot. It was also good finely chopped and added to eggs for breakfast the next day. Since it's our Saturday and there doesn't seem to be any tornado sightings or quarter sized hail today, we're heading down the hill for a bike ride.

* Totally ripping off this idea from The Merry at Sheesh.

~♥~

I'm ready

Long time, no post. I finally got the all clear to resume physical activity a few days ago and believe me, I'm ready. While I might be psychologically ready, I've lost a lot of ground in terms of fitness. My weight has essentially stayed the same at ten pounds extra. I'm not going to be obsessive about the scale says: my focus is going to be on fitness. When I get back to my former fitness level, I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever the scale reads.

My biggest challenge is to re-establish exercise habits. We're going for a ride today.

~♥~

stay calm and carry on

This morning I went for my follow up appt for the second oral surgery. Was hoping to get the all clear to resume physical activity, specifically bike riding. But, no. Things are healing but not enough. Another follow up appt in two weeks. So, I will start doing more walking but biking will be restricted to short, very short rides. Until I get the all clear, I'll carry on with the brisk sitting.

Meanwhile, I'm becoming an expert on Chobani greek yogurt. Tried lemon yesterday. Yum.

~♥~

silver lining

Six days ago, I had a second round of extensive oral surgery. Recovery has been challenging with lots of pain and swelling. There is a silver lining though -- I've perfected (by my current needs) the chocolate protein smoothie.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk


• 1/2 cup nonfat strained plain greek yogurt


• 1/2 frozen banana


• one scoop chocolate whey protein powder


• 3-6 ice cubes


• splash of brewed coffee (I'm going to start freezing left over morning coffee in ice cube trays)

If you want to blend enough to share or have some left over for later in the day, increase the almond milk to one cup and use a whole banana. When I'm no longer recovering from oral surgery, I'll probably add a little peanut butter.

~♥~