tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116054822024-03-14T05:55:17.810-07:00Angela's Running PageThe idea is I write about my running, climbing, adventure racing, and other various activities, then post it here to let my folks know that I survived. As a bonus, perhaps someone else stumbles across this and gets inspired, or at least a chuckle...Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-7846595145351253842012-02-06T22:50:00.000-08:002012-02-06T22:50:36.099-08:00Revisiting Priorities<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes wanting something so much makes you gain a new perspective on how much you actually want something else. For instance, wanting to get cast in a new show about an ultra-adventure race has made me realize that other goals which I previously felt were quite pressing are actually doing just fine sitting on a back burner for now. Of course, this new dream hasn't disrupted ALL of my ambitions - I still feel just as strongly as ever about world peace, preventing childhood obesity, and stronger consequences for those who continue to text while driving. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">So to clarify, here are the lists:</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Things I Really Want, But Have Accepted I Will Never Get</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="text-align: justify;">My name on the Stanley Cup</span></li>
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<li>An Olympic Medal, preferably in "Bacon Eating" but any sport will do</li>
<li>A jet pack</li>
<li>A delicious non-fat, calorie-free cupcake that continually regenerates itself</li>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Things I Really Want, But Would Feel An Enormous Burden Of Guilt If I Actually Got</span></div>
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<li><span style="text-align: justify;">The new Acura NSX</span></li>
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<li>A maid</li>
<li>A personal assistant</li>
<li>An entire new wardrobe</li>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Things I Really Want To Do or Achieve, And Might Actually Accomplish<br />
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<li>A 3:15 marathon</li>
<li>Make more charitable contributions</li>
<li>Save the life of a human or animal</li>
<li>Get cast in "Unbreakable"</li>
<li>Participate in more "epic" events</li>
<li>Finish reading a book, any book</li>
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</span>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-3915623960868936242011-12-31T07:24:00.000-08:002012-02-03T10:22:21.869-08:00Top 11 things from 2011<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">
1. First place age division in the following events: Buffalo Run Half Marathon (Catalina trails, 1/22/11); Bandit 30K Trail Run (Simi Valley, 2/20/11); LA Kings 5K (3/5/11); Catalina Marathon (3/12/11); Bishop High Sierra 20 Mile Trail Run (5/21/11); Malibu Canyon Dirt Dash 10K (9/24/11).</div>
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Bishop High Sierra, with Lisa</div>
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Bishop High Sierra 20 mile trail run</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malibu Dirt Dash</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Angeles Kings 5K</td></tr>
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2. Second place age division in the following events: Malibu Dirt Dash Mud Run 5K (9/24/11); Gladiator Rock 'n Run 10K (10/1/11).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5K and 10K awards at Malibu Dirt Dash</td></tr>
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3. Third place age division in the following events: Race on the Base 5K (2/26/11); Race on the Base 10K (2/26/11); Kona Marathon (6/26/11); California Wine Country Marathon (10/16/11).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the heat (and humidity) of battle in Kona!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">There was no whining after we all received age division awards at Wine Country Marathon! Bottles of wine, of course!</td></tr>
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4. Coach <a href="http://johnmedina.info/" target="_blank">John Medina</a>. Designing training plans, showing up at races, holding the stopwatch in all types of weather conditions during weekly track workouts, handing out cheerful high-fives, repeatedly correcting our running form, understanding when a runner simply isn't having a good day, gently reminding us of our often overlooked improvements, encouraging us to push it just a little faster, and his words of praise after a successful event.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unexpected appearance by Coach John armed with a camera at the Malibu Dirt Dash!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach John and his "angels" in Kona, Hawaii</td></tr>
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5. Goats. In October, I began my reign as Queen of the <a href="http://www.mountaingoats.org/" target="_blank">Santa Monica Mountain Goats</a>. For about 30 years, this group has met at a different trail every Saturday morning. Unlike other running groups, this one is free, and there are no pace or distance requirements. Everyone starts together at any pace they want, then after 60 minutes, we all turn around. No one is too fast or too slow to be a part of the group, and everyone is welcome. Being asked to be the "shepherd" of this "herd" was quite an honor. I can't describe how happy it makes me to share the beauty of the trails with others, seeing the joy on someone's face after a successful trail run, and the sense of "family" I've experienced now thanks to being the "mother" of about 40 "kids!" Baaaah!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little "tough love" for the herd!</td></tr>
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6. <a href="http://ironcut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Arkady</a> (there are six letters in his name, that's why he's number 6, but he really belongs in the top 3 because most of my accomplishments would not have been possible without him.) Best training partner ever. There's a fine line that separates being too "talky" from so much silence that I might as well just run by myself, and he gets that. He doesn't smell, he doesn't ask dumb questions and he respects the "no discussions while running uphill" rule. These may seem like little things, but if you've ever trained with someone who didn't possess these qualifications, you'd realize they are indeed critical. He's much faster than me, but he also has the patience of molasses. Before we met, he transformed himself from having a body composed of 40% fat, to completing multiple marathons (in under 3 hours) and triathlons and Ironmans, so he's an inspiration. (Sorry ladies, he's taken!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3u_q_F3Ejbx1mqwVgo7ycukAedeX7X9QcxwTgyaGRbayiLxVS5Vpvlp1Hz8XdTuNFLtRZBZljcqRclNIqFXGfNGXE_pGf9vkPATfnPwAS2DIXb1W6hwU0V-I-MX3WoOV6fXs/s1600/ark5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3u_q_F3Ejbx1mqwVgo7ycukAedeX7X9QcxwTgyaGRbayiLxVS5Vpvlp1Hz8XdTuNFLtRZBZljcqRclNIqFXGfNGXE_pGf9vkPATfnPwAS2DIXb1W6hwU0V-I-MX3WoOV6fXs/s320/ark5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nw_gpX-tLm208e5K3lnyyyioyUOeHD2PYExTjCVGRJvkdthpweGiteu7rtt-j3P09g2d32Smoh6R39lwGV1CrIYtS7rQPn9YFMJUvQKlBTaNzujVCyG3WopROPprsR1gwlAr/s1600/zo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nw_gpX-tLm208e5K3lnyyyioyUOeHD2PYExTjCVGRJvkdthpweGiteu7rtt-j3P09g2d32Smoh6R39lwGV1CrIYtS7rQPn9YFMJUvQKlBTaNzujVCyG3WopROPprsR1gwlAr/s320/zo2.jpg" width="153" /></a>7. Lorenzo is the biggest part of the algorithm which composes my life (okay, my life is really struggling with basic arithmetic, but algorithm is a word better suited to describe him). He completed his first half marathon in June at Kona and his second half marathon in northern California a few months later in October. In every single race photo, he is smiling and/or dancing.</div>
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8. I joined <a href="http://www.crossfithollywood.com/AngelaBrunson" target="_blank">Crossfit Hollywood</a>. (Crossfit has 8 letters, that's why it's number 8 on this list). It's a gym with group workouts that are timed. Every day, the workout is different. Every day, the workout is very very challenging. Since joining, I have noticed that I've not only become physically stronger, but mentally tougher.</div>
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9. <a href="http://thepaleodiet.com/faq#basics" target="_blank">The Paleo Diet</a> - but I don't like to think of it as a "diet" because I'm not trying to lose weight. It's a way of eating (no grains, no dairy - just meat and fruit and vegetables). I was introduced to it in April during a "30 Days in the Cave Challenge" at Crossfit Hollywood. Since I embraced it, my energy level has not only gone up, but more importantly, it has remained at a nice even constant level throughout the day. No lethargy after meals, no sugar spike hyperactivity.</div>
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10. An entire year of no alcohol (almost). One of my resolutions was to avoid drinking alcohol for the year. This wasn't brought on due to concerns about my level of drinking, because I'm really not a drinker. Rather, I realized that as I grow older, the need to preserve the few remaining brain cells that weren't obliterated during my "terrible twenties" became more of a necessity. Knowing that this was the year that included a significant milestone birthday right in July, I stated this "No Alcohol" rule with a very clear and unambiguous disclaimer: "EXCEPT DURING MY BIRTHDAY." Keep in mind that the birthday location would also be my first trip to Hawaii, and a trip to Hawaii isn't officially a trip to Hawaii without at least one Mai Tai on the beach. So other than three days of what could best be described as "pressing the boundaries of what is normally considered socially acceptable levels of alcohol consumption," I did remain alcohol free for 362 days of 2011.</div>
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11. Everything. All of the above. A year of placing either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in my age group in EVERY event in which I participated is a pretty nice way to soften the blow of turning 40. More importantly, having a new sense of energy based upon my food choices allowed me to train, sleep, and live more efficiently. And more than that, creating physical strength I didn't think I would ever have boosted my confidence. And even beyond that, avoiding alcohol will now allow me to fully cherish each of the many magnificent memories that were created this year... </div>
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I can't wait to see what 2012 will bring.</div>
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</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-67918002004599763842010-10-20T18:12:00.000-07:002012-01-16T20:25:04.811-08:0010/10/10 Melbourne Australia!<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the BEST vacations we have had thus far! It had absolutely everything! Motorcycle riding along scenic ocean views, running a marathon, seeing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Apostles_(Victoria)" target="_blank">Twelve Apostles</a>, petting a Koala, feeding kangaroos, watching a great <a href="http://youtu.be/BVnhWkZYCIg" target="_blank">Moto GP</a> motorcycle race at Phillip Island, climbing a bridge in Sydney, and enjoying the company of the friendliest people in the world!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMDEqbFyAyot7FfFHcByMSI_MubBYtvR_ejPZQfxpRiljHy-0zDd88BdgUHoCF9aRjICQDKxwKuofgqiZaCjULI481_C9B_DhTp7YRYWtv6e0-2sLJsGFgQG-4WheTYb1pnV8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMDEqbFyAyot7FfFHcByMSI_MubBYtvR_ejPZQfxpRiljHy-0zDd88BdgUHoCF9aRjICQDKxwKuofgqiZaCjULI481_C9B_DhTp7YRYWtv6e0-2sLJsGFgQG-4WheTYb1pnV8/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the "before we rode 3,000 kilometers" photo.<br />
You really don't want to see the "after" photo.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once we landed in Melbourne and crammed two weeks worth of necessities into the rented motorcycle, we drove down to the Phillip Island motorcycle race track to stock up on souvenirs and gifts for friends before the Moto GP race. Along the way, we saw a sign for a wildlife preserve so we had to stop and visit.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy-CSvoM8BvKJWOQ4oLKs2a-uqAgvefrWn5y2x6CbMZSWXZaBeSTEsB9dnlQaOKapcreKDmiSIeMphdEQyvlD2QeWO4OYZt0nGxFpiX5bM5uhDv91EAw92HDBFMHxJKgz44q_/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy-CSvoM8BvKJWOQ4oLKs2a-uqAgvefrWn5y2x6CbMZSWXZaBeSTEsB9dnlQaOKapcreKDmiSIeMphdEQyvlD2QeWO4OYZt0nGxFpiX5bM5uhDv91EAw92HDBFMHxJKgz44q_/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though Mr. Koala was not quite as excited to see me, this was still quite a thrill!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXBN3L8qBWvVQhHgJo-O_6-LmN6GD5iIv-wQdrDUxp9cuHfkWpAb17G_wTECRqBQO0RN6TRJPet2Xem_ez-PqIECeqWyS5oVRS9rLxdd1Tg4uFQe6X5g2tJqojfxjT1HGSJdX/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXBN3L8qBWvVQhHgJo-O_6-LmN6GD5iIv-wQdrDUxp9cuHfkWpAb17G_wTECRqBQO0RN6TRJPet2Xem_ez-PqIECeqWyS5oVRS9rLxdd1Tg4uFQe6X5g2tJqojfxjT1HGSJdX/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I heart wallabies!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHgRbppyxI2hw-cxDk5BBegVThjFdYMUjSEo6EA0szJHMr2F3eL4vREWBztt2xIWvuk0dyU5Sz8rzezFILtNg7h0EBp13nUjOISPi-LXuxqDBzaBG0bhr4cz9tftnYrfEbgRR/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHgRbppyxI2hw-cxDk5BBegVThjFdYMUjSEo6EA0szJHMr2F3eL4vREWBztt2xIWvuk0dyU5Sz8rzezFILtNg7h0EBp13nUjOISPi-LXuxqDBzaBG0bhr4cz9tftnYrfEbgRR/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the "magic spot" on a kangaroo because they can't reach it themselves.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzFen9qgI9Jc4KyhsAXo6Y7I3joPzEdByN8lOcHydGabmkHSGk2v5JV6C9vwGcKydvbnDiR-M5yiUEe3ZcVX-PMR5_CeG2mT0jkWoOxy8FWQ13jZb53KX7T-d4AdlicoSIv4m/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzFen9qgI9Jc4KyhsAXo6Y7I3joPzEdByN8lOcHydGabmkHSGk2v5JV6C9vwGcKydvbnDiR-M5yiUEe3ZcVX-PMR5_CeG2mT0jkWoOxy8FWQ13jZb53KX7T-d4AdlicoSIv4m/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More please!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu48zY8rGUw2D_-ezVOaHEsZZRFjtXmRwAFEybZSGiAebM9t8LhaI7oI7hGMXViL-HibXrMFPy0fNoH2dtEXPV9TWbUMNxFCv63MU5AGLpKO8Fw2rJcgJoyPoeV6hEjhzHsh2B/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu48zY8rGUw2D_-ezVOaHEsZZRFjtXmRwAFEybZSGiAebM9t8LhaI7oI7hGMXViL-HibXrMFPy0fNoH2dtEXPV9TWbUMNxFCv63MU5AGLpKO8Fw2rJcgJoyPoeV6hEjhzHsh2B/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are all so adorable, and hungry!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SHUC4WAi1zPJ2i7M9-wNre71MBdEGtHGdHOdcM2bJ8s2gyqneQxy7B-CDmMayDkU2IMV0RBjoHRLZ0B0kb1BdxcjJBMBXfAg7PH6FTSCLtJJP-uZRYyCzDW1k13xLOvRCcA2/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SHUC4WAi1zPJ2i7M9-wNre71MBdEGtHGdHOdcM2bJ8s2gyqneQxy7B-CDmMayDkU2IMV0RBjoHRLZ0B0kb1BdxcjJBMBXfAg7PH6FTSCLtJJP-uZRYyCzDW1k13xLOvRCcA2/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.penguins.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=43&mytabsmenu=2" target="_blank">The Nobbies</a> at Phillip Island Nature Park.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-90SRO6eR00HF4yrgTE4BZtOjwAepglEGDC6nvlWZ26ZbNtvXhcTxx627L0MiOV3LQkvERPESDblor-URHMNg4tYCAcBPlaaJDjNWYm8DENjdySTW-kI3mlKDnAoXtCljP-h/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-90SRO6eR00HF4yrgTE4BZtOjwAepglEGDC6nvlWZ26ZbNtvXhcTxx627L0MiOV3LQkvERPESDblor-URHMNg4tYCAcBPlaaJDjNWYm8DENjdySTW-kI3mlKDnAoXtCljP-h/s320/9.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing our podium positions.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then we got settled into our Melbourne hotel, thanks to a generous gift from our friends Sean & Sheena. We wanted to take just a quick nap and then see some sights, but woke up eight hours later! Oh well, at least I had plenty of rest before the marathon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o7QczEecNRXMepVaB9-2eoQDn06_patfILZXs7GHIi9hyEEanuuhlN6918Zu2koDSGItPEgXdx8mqVV0ybKA3qa4RLc6xhyphenhyphen6lqPudbDd4-sJ1z7o-UEcLf17GmmuNF3Yhwxf/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o7QczEecNRXMepVaB9-2eoQDn06_patfILZXs7GHIi9hyEEanuuhlN6918Zu2koDSGItPEgXdx8mqVV0ybKA3qa4RLc6xhyphenhyphen6lqPudbDd4-sJ1z7o-UEcLf17GmmuNF3Yhwxf/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkuiJb-6AR3yhrJI2HP3JzOm8gKXx7SVGF_YhDEoZl3S6Rb7BgvwnMYiPre3T8AyeX8Pb8sXEldGb69_7NkM5YJP9xPz_fEE-gVDOPWA2jEDQVuybbgNm3-IrPesQf-yRIgBf/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkuiJb-6AR3yhrJI2HP3JzOm8gKXx7SVGF_YhDEoZl3S6Rb7BgvwnMYiPre3T8AyeX8Pb8sXEldGb69_7NkM5YJP9xPz_fEE-gVDOPWA2jEDQVuybbgNm3-IrPesQf-yRIgBf/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three super heros in front of Rod Lever tennis arena. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAnctBYtWdqsw7MR8egH2e6xrECsAhaot_d5laJXnYouu8ecz1cM1nsCA_b5L8fLb4lJ82QQXO3zjgGvP4UtjU63GFOOhuDd596Dm27rhTTMXd3m8hcAljQ_-4ovJp6Akr8iv/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAnctBYtWdqsw7MR8egH2e6xrECsAhaot_d5laJXnYouu8ecz1cM1nsCA_b5L8fLb4lJ82QQXO3zjgGvP4UtjU63GFOOhuDd596Dm27rhTTMXd3m8hcAljQ_-4ovJp6Akr8iv/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect running weather, 12.78 degrees Celsius! (55F)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVHzRVGuVErfDQtcrgQaeA5-_ba1qbVq47pI0YO4c4YRuIcG3Ck3OBgswWLi80VcROZilW_bM1-24hv6Po7-pW3Q13q4ghEmI2PbjUvA1KNXq4qsp30oqOm65XD2XwW6n83ns/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVHzRVGuVErfDQtcrgQaeA5-_ba1qbVq47pI0YO4c4YRuIcG3Ck3OBgswWLi80VcROZilW_bM1-24hv6Po7-pW3Q13q4ghEmI2PbjUvA1KNXq4qsp30oqOm65XD2XwW6n83ns/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marathon finish at MCG - Melbourne Cricket Garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6gJ0_m5dYmyebVuMJyLugtKPjOMP2ZsWOkzxj44lrbnXzwRNXkf0LAD4fAHHbUd8YCqq-mmNq8PwLLhurnntzehBZr08sJWfATdpIYXfVFHEUsVtlOdeofRVKu4E2_krh-im/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6gJ0_m5dYmyebVuMJyLugtKPjOMP2ZsWOkzxj44lrbnXzwRNXkf0LAD4fAHHbUd8YCqq-mmNq8PwLLhurnntzehBZr08sJWfATdpIYXfVFHEUsVtlOdeofRVKu4E2_krh-im/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final few yards to the finish line!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogrtibSaLOgQVd7UrLLg39KLBRbjw6to_8nYjmWTCuIYuTpd1wHZGtIR3TeLlDktACNqnxap8IwIU6LOsWZef5FnnOWyVHWfgWGWwx-XnOGTNjR8upRkVLz8y7Eb2i-6FV6ix/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogrtibSaLOgQVd7UrLLg39KLBRbjw6to_8nYjmWTCuIYuTpd1wHZGtIR3TeLlDktACNqnxap8IwIU6LOsWZef5FnnOWyVHWfgWGWwx-XnOGTNjR8upRkVLz8y7Eb2i-6FV6ix/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the road from Melbourne to Sydney.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuvmMs6n2MjSYdrjB6B7q8CSYIXIqvwigysSBRUy9-nV1VI2BqtiBcHulc07D27M4aHrvhyphenhyphenRFehKcXJjqGouBqcukHWbrtOU80UdD7aE31HWAdis_C-mlhwkJk-x0fnFcvssi/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuvmMs6n2MjSYdrjB6B7q8CSYIXIqvwigysSBRUy9-nV1VI2BqtiBcHulc07D27M4aHrvhyphenhyphenRFehKcXJjqGouBqcukHWbrtOU80UdD7aE31HWAdis_C-mlhwkJk-x0fnFcvssi/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Couchsurfing buddy Wally and his place of employment, the Sydney Opera House!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGsCYr2RUyfngANBMJN6e0vUvGmxhmYRJNQhyjS9UFZqXe8lPNZb7_34ifSEaLA4X0p8uYZ60uViEMRMRWREOqPgTZ2uaJmsrZTiOi3O0V6xCFJYkDsBbeMHT4p7RKpl2nKQx/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGsCYr2RUyfngANBMJN6e0vUvGmxhmYRJNQhyjS9UFZqXe8lPNZb7_34ifSEaLA4X0p8uYZ60uViEMRMRWREOqPgTZ2uaJmsrZTiOi3O0V6xCFJYkDsBbeMHT4p7RKpl2nKQx/s320/17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once we were in Sydney, we took a quick ferry ride to Watsons Bay. Crystal clear water and great view looking back at the city!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ovqslt5Fuj5cCd1xpWE0ABPuAZf8RKUMRyipQSmUsmW4fxLCtHxXfFmCSqUOJsmUX4J-IdN24h-V4NJzyru57iVL2p2Rr-_OmE6sbFlXSHJxMQrOjk4VPHrgPTvmR3qwBuT_/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ovqslt5Fuj5cCd1xpWE0ABPuAZf8RKUMRyipQSmUsmW4fxLCtHxXfFmCSqUOJsmUX4J-IdN24h-V4NJzyru57iVL2p2Rr-_OmE6sbFlXSHJxMQrOjk4VPHrgPTvmR3qwBuT_/s320/45.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lorenzo & Wally hike at park in <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Watsons+Bay,+New+South+Wales,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-33.841049,151.243629&spn=0.15256,0.226936&sll=-33.850031,151.270924&sspn=0.038136,0.056734&oq=Watsons+Ba&vpsrc=6&gl=us&hnear=Watsons+Bay+New+South+Wales,+Australia&t=m&z=12" target="_blank">Watsons Bay</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdI69tagobWq-omS_D3GllNsduNsKrI_AEeuMepr-utQszbzDhl3evRX-yHI_Qo6RFnTg06duRrlAffTyI7ZJe3UcKyXiAUl2WQ9sqw-nd7WX18jKqtO1GVyTnlcgFYLp5i1Po/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdI69tagobWq-omS_D3GllNsduNsKrI_AEeuMepr-utQszbzDhl3evRX-yHI_Qo6RFnTg06duRrlAffTyI7ZJe3UcKyXiAUl2WQ9sqw-nd7WX18jKqtO1GVyTnlcgFYLp5i1Po/s320/20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera House and Sydney Bridge in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeCippaLUWY95FMPcdV9PyT5J0AQph55RtmYUMlHWS3ZnKxA9UqLMjwzKRDwqCJ8oE5O0z9rU_dOnofRDbwawXD8gKbBPml6qIBquXi-3cd-kXop_VpAh68UDW8S_G-9gX3cg/s1600/48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeCippaLUWY95FMPcdV9PyT5J0AQph55RtmYUMlHWS3ZnKxA9UqLMjwzKRDwqCJ8oE5O0z9rU_dOnofRDbwawXD8gKbBPml6qIBquXi-3cd-kXop_VpAh68UDW8S_G-9gX3cg/s320/48.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't just admire the Sydney Bridge, we CLIMBED it! (the blue route)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O4u_phgGqR5aOJPqrDzpxfr5mWa1DMtKhnHekvL4NHsvj2POlgayKh8pC3u92lXCplUXB7GU_07x5-tx3vllLoxZZqStujsJtwmNCpLsXuaVsLnL2IbvIT4eFQ7lztXVPHoi/s1600/47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O4u_phgGqR5aOJPqrDzpxfr5mWa1DMtKhnHekvL4NHsvj2POlgayKh8pC3u92lXCplUXB7GU_07x5-tx3vllLoxZZqStujsJtwmNCpLsXuaVsLnL2IbvIT4eFQ7lztXVPHoi/s400/47.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After our time in Sydney, it took two days of riding to return back to Phillip Island for the Moto GP. Unfortunately, we encountered some rain... Both days.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1cQBSc4vOfyxQa2WEtSDrXvAfPWfIPkLguFs26UBtrUy3QiGjV3IFt4jDG56JgTCY3pMoxGupnPRRklZe7qWF8Fl-HnGd04Obb7FUXFEmD265bx-9G9nF1nfiv9tDtw0UzeD/s1600/43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1cQBSc4vOfyxQa2WEtSDrXvAfPWfIPkLguFs26UBtrUy3QiGjV3IFt4jDG56JgTCY3pMoxGupnPRRklZe7qWF8Fl-HnGd04Obb7FUXFEmD265bx-9G9nF1nfiv9tDtw0UzeD/s320/43.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping the driver's hands waterproof AND ready to wash dishes or perform surgery too!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWxd1l2HkJGTiHT3r5_nXPY2S_ltaXGhbBPNnctN0BhLaCf_bjyIhBbhUIztR4_5463VI52azq-6NNSwZLsnUziBCaedIlFWsqNB0xIjTyaEVY6IahtPd-MQQ5OKkThNGxMgm/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWxd1l2HkJGTiHT3r5_nXPY2S_ltaXGhbBPNnctN0BhLaCf_bjyIhBbhUIztR4_5463VI52azq-6NNSwZLsnUziBCaedIlFWsqNB0xIjTyaEVY6IahtPd-MQQ5OKkThNGxMgm/s400/21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drying out the gear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7RXnN_sSsH3_ea8V6RYTu4d-HYur_3sO4cfQf8HDy8B-yXYeG7h0Zh7iFJ5YT9dp5rf-eODP0rtXR_mRCuWI9kjbcJYv2Avm0Iy2O8DvmA9ynCHBlbpRiN65XPDqbGtrD1hm/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7RXnN_sSsH3_ea8V6RYTu4d-HYur_3sO4cfQf8HDy8B-yXYeG7h0Zh7iFJ5YT9dp5rf-eODP0rtXR_mRCuWI9kjbcJYv2Avm0Iy2O8DvmA9ynCHBlbpRiN65XPDqbGtrD1hm/s320/22.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10/17/10 Great racing weather at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT86HN1ERRVlVfwtAl99Qj9BqypUz0mVs5sv2cLkKWzPJaa5JXTC-uAqNPVqlsrB6FyBWY29cemgVWllwuWuutxJahoL58ysp5BmTJdZI5EJqtesfiP2Nh-Ir2Mhx-5FA5uTj9/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT86HN1ERRVlVfwtAl99Qj9BqypUz0mVs5sv2cLkKWzPJaa5JXTC-uAqNPVqlsrB6FyBWY29cemgVWllwuWuutxJahoL58ysp5BmTJdZI5EJqtesfiP2Nh-Ir2Mhx-5FA5uTj9/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk32LVeU50hkHtVj0MV1JisfiEVPlozY7O31ZCvHfjYrsvo7SGcxtZgU3pginCjQ7ppGeRmU5d-Yy09QU58i1CD1Nh6pledpGmTHDwczxd_6iO-VWxbQ3XhZ-wrQG1QF3MVEe/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk32LVeU50hkHtVj0MV1JisfiEVPlozY7O31ZCvHfjYrsvo7SGcxtZgU3pginCjQ7ppGeRmU5d-Yy09QU58i1CD1Nh6pledpGmTHDwczxd_6iO-VWxbQ3XhZ-wrQG1QF3MVEe/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OHgZKeGduay748UEHZ7NH0Ikr95UCcNPGvIbQQO57AS8O-1K6kBrhd5TTfW8lBybp2YQwwDxcR39gFRt8LH25-CSqlwWPiI7Eulp05H04ZrgYpyVd-7KllCj6DLAwquJq9UU/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OHgZKeGduay748UEHZ7NH0Ikr95UCcNPGvIbQQO57AS8O-1K6kBrhd5TTfW8lBybp2YQwwDxcR39gFRt8LH25-CSqlwWPiI7Eulp05H04ZrgYpyVd-7KllCj6DLAwquJq9UU/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HG-pmN4UZKWFnI88B4gIXxbPxPoICvUz5uYE33uZcMYVuwZUcC-wee3gpm_ulEJ2zkLffwVLSScznlOq5qjsvictwPpSB5HfpY7pErag4fmwGXc8akQrNry6Gp6xix-FGHYJ/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HG-pmN4UZKWFnI88B4gIXxbPxPoICvUz5uYE33uZcMYVuwZUcC-wee3gpm_ulEJ2zkLffwVLSScznlOq5qjsvictwPpSB5HfpY7pErag4fmwGXc8akQrNry6Gp6xix-FGHYJ/s400/26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the racers!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RydA3LxlG3c-AKz3AAebtKq8oo7_GsblprXZxjnjRD0PymqS1IFe1Npq1L2xQzzfuX-Venm-rBs1CNZX45RIRA6ZURStj8lDAcYGH6evsqxHu2q0Zghyf1-EUu8MU7S3nAlp/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RydA3LxlG3c-AKz3AAebtKq8oo7_GsblprXZxjnjRD0PymqS1IFe1Npq1L2xQzzfuX-Venm-rBs1CNZX45RIRA6ZURStj8lDAcYGH6evsqxHu2q0Zghyf1-EUu8MU7S3nAlp/s400/27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn 1 - like watching people fight with knives inside a phone booth, on motos!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEoYoFZsplWWsEd7d11DlgTWA61I8BgCswIezCqtWm3KZIf6f21Ok7OTiX4cQDPpgcNOgDg0NmXNFOZrRJjiogihBFuC0E6vj8WrLRPcPSFBHyxqVLCzLmlQ0sh_uC-0n_unx/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEoYoFZsplWWsEd7d11DlgTWA61I8BgCswIezCqtWm3KZIf6f21Ok7OTiX4cQDPpgcNOgDg0NmXNFOZrRJjiogihBFuC0E6vj8WrLRPcPSFBHyxqVLCzLmlQ0sh_uC-0n_unx/s400/28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2SeYdcCGPLXMQKKy_WdOGxziFTmQSCBDQhRVHjvl2prG-CD9y92b1mSQZlAlbceLogGSjjEbC5T3_1Itze_N0mzZErad0_Q7bFlEJLnqIEcJemWLG0dt3X92l6wGzEZHet96/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2SeYdcCGPLXMQKKy_WdOGxziFTmQSCBDQhRVHjvl2prG-CD9y92b1mSQZlAlbceLogGSjjEbC5T3_1Itze_N0mzZErad0_Q7bFlEJLnqIEcJemWLG0dt3X92l6wGzEZHet96/s400/29.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track was right next to the ocean!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcin0eEHLXAV_vJLwJTZ_s7RnGvklZ-vC4kJ_ypeCFgIvsasfu4paLR6fpwzw303uKBUr7fXtFOJUwFbOEVcRmMhLlBueCOKbjRGyk_WxPLSZoMP5Q68BhHUbTfAfFhmdtYxC/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcin0eEHLXAV_vJLwJTZ_s7RnGvklZ-vC4kJ_ypeCFgIvsasfu4paLR6fpwzw303uKBUr7fXtFOJUwFbOEVcRmMhLlBueCOKbjRGyk_WxPLSZoMP5Q68BhHUbTfAfFhmdtYxC/s320/30.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now for some exciting riding of our own on a world famous road!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQG5VJkGYWjWpFqn8OZqpf2H80N8At6Ngri1z2ii6f9INNSTaDY60taBxpK0cy8nSRwo81zoy11a6Xceb9M4I-uL_wPe7gf0q_8YZ9nvEdLvaAXq3VKkc-seIj1OIHro5K6R7/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQG5VJkGYWjWpFqn8OZqpf2H80N8At6Ngri1z2ii6f9INNSTaDY60taBxpK0cy8nSRwo81zoy11a6Xceb9M4I-uL_wPe7gf0q_8YZ9nvEdLvaAXq3VKkc-seIj1OIHro5K6R7/s400/31.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very useful reminder sign!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Tn2OdQHZjr11_JyXwL24RUyw7bpszt-tkJc1B9nVVFis5vwS2j7kPSTCeSsTqhLTRZwEodoisiWBhEHaEjttngYzGwH5Euzf3xc3L7gl6bDTsOEFVKQ6AkaUqVktF9UvSLx6/s1600/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Tn2OdQHZjr11_JyXwL24RUyw7bpszt-tkJc1B9nVVFis5vwS2j7kPSTCeSsTqhLTRZwEodoisiWBhEHaEjttngYzGwH5Euzf3xc3L7gl6bDTsOEFVKQ6AkaUqVktF9UvSLx6/s320/32.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passenger's perspective.</td></tr>
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Here's your chance to experience without going to Australia or even getting on a motorcycle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pMJWwy985R4gIZnH9bhZ9Z1zT8cMyq9IqfYdzPsULHTs7xxuoK9zNJQUqiXgcOE-yxd8NB9YA3sD_7UwFfk8LIPY3iBUL_NF2J7QeyG2LqiPMSRlYu2XiL6mRuy6DspGvo3a/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pMJWwy985R4gIZnH9bhZ9Z1zT8cMyq9IqfYdzPsULHTs7xxuoK9zNJQUqiXgcOE-yxd8NB9YA3sD_7UwFfk8LIPY3iBUL_NF2J7QeyG2LqiPMSRlYu2XiL6mRuy6DspGvo3a/s320/33.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stayed at a terrific bed and breakfast - with a pony!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiPfCqVbvLbHMPCudAtwBRew5Vxum6R6Fo3sOr0y7kYGgxW3B8_AuI-4y00gmS9Wf9xJq0jbIuyMLRIVFs3FQwW0_13cMHQve35g9PiPyGG2RA8l0Y6CysF9g-XSjQCQ5Q35t/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiPfCqVbvLbHMPCudAtwBRew5Vxum6R6Fo3sOr0y7kYGgxW3B8_AuI-4y00gmS9Wf9xJq0jbIuyMLRIVFs3FQwW0_13cMHQve35g9PiPyGG2RA8l0Y6CysF9g-XSjQCQ5Q35t/s400/34.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Twelve Apostles - how come this isn't one of the 7 Wonders of the World?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBao1lmPmbMpvsf9u6CsF_mYOwUtzeI5HctYR1eA7zeCIJf1u-af20-H_gWjgxnC-aiHbrl3QnuFgl7QW2l0J-zGNv7yIMi-0SL_G1DMsghsLIa64gFrQuIVNg0cQlMqS8789/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBao1lmPmbMpvsf9u6CsF_mYOwUtzeI5HctYR1eA7zeCIJf1u-af20-H_gWjgxnC-aiHbrl3QnuFgl7QW2l0J-zGNv7yIMi-0SL_G1DMsghsLIa64gFrQuIVNg0cQlMqS8789/s320/35.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another useful reminder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dB_2vszz7GKXGjfzg1W7FurswpLuThrTsVVfJy8HIuwdHor9T1zOgnEW_dl2nwPODDk_GNFmRJkilbNRZZJrnQgNwwH5WY00GbzytMzXAeqAAZmWA6xAHtCThx49UZKAP5D6/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dB_2vszz7GKXGjfzg1W7FurswpLuThrTsVVfJy8HIuwdHor9T1zOgnEW_dl2nwPODDk_GNFmRJkilbNRZZJrnQgNwwH5WY00GbzytMzXAeqAAZmWA6xAHtCThx49UZKAP5D6/s320/36.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another friendly Aussie!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyY_tRYW4FMAzacxMGM2NBLeS84KmGI7x8jS5SrndPFXSQOt1oDKEyao-9EBvxU_IoCISx4opCEltpXW4bvF8AXNCjlfXXv8kVXxSW-K81hrs-GIfUp_4BHuIuzKsvoczfQ19/s1600/37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyY_tRYW4FMAzacxMGM2NBLeS84KmGI7x8jS5SrndPFXSQOt1oDKEyao-9EBvxU_IoCISx4opCEltpXW4bvF8AXNCjlfXXv8kVXxSW-K81hrs-GIfUp_4BHuIuzKsvoczfQ19/s400/37.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://www.otwayfly.com/specials/treetop-walk/" target="_blank">Otway Treetop Walk</a> was really cool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnNpmmY76ASKtTApaTE-3QNyVDspfKu4b-tJNRSey8D2OWTIjLkLQaWQwkGrR8UDnLQ_Z7GFj8FH-Dl0fi-b1P0RNVmugv53DP_bcR0-J_z_zoP3TS2qf0Bjj-6Y3CtiHTZKQ/s1600/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnNpmmY76ASKtTApaTE-3QNyVDspfKu4b-tJNRSey8D2OWTIjLkLQaWQwkGrR8UDnLQ_Z7GFj8FH-Dl0fi-b1P0RNVmugv53DP_bcR0-J_z_zoP3TS2qf0Bjj-6Y3CtiHTZKQ/s400/38.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl1yOGWVVdnpG9jXe17rZSnsXE5YewLNF_Q2xS7tmsakmuChn1dmcxfSS1sc4GyWMzQQhdxffvYmAxkMgrqVZKlM1Qq-QpEM0be4tmGDbMgjdawV51MVTAmz8IkIZwnaVRb_X/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl1yOGWVVdnpG9jXe17rZSnsXE5YewLNF_Q2xS7tmsakmuChn1dmcxfSS1sc4GyWMzQQhdxffvYmAxkMgrqVZKlM1Qq-QpEM0be4tmGDbMgjdawV51MVTAmz8IkIZwnaVRb_X/s320/39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc_Q3cLPIq3YV8PdFqgmMl4Q5aeAzXqpcodvx1he019_3EBUkEwvJu5bqqqnbhLZ6AWfsSYmReiKeGDpBWk8N5eY79RuK3Izdzo0zwtc4-kDgMRaeUcFeNHAGGSfA-ewRAtVc/s1600/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc_Q3cLPIq3YV8PdFqgmMl4Q5aeAzXqpcodvx1he019_3EBUkEwvJu5bqqqnbhLZ6AWfsSYmReiKeGDpBWk8N5eY79RuK3Izdzo0zwtc4-kDgMRaeUcFeNHAGGSfA-ewRAtVc/s320/40.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE2a-yXkMjDnGimUk_DO8dB8THGldccyOeD0boCK6dQKHCKDmJNXwB5CsDlohUErEueHleBgPMYTu6YPxKQ5NdfoP3y51-HXz4tEra6WgEzaKY58CCeCV4p0c6ucJytW8bVE0/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE2a-yXkMjDnGimUk_DO8dB8THGldccyOeD0boCK6dQKHCKDmJNXwB5CsDlohUErEueHleBgPMYTu6YPxKQ5NdfoP3y51-HXz4tEra6WgEzaKY58CCeCV4p0c6ucJytW8bVE0/s320/41.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">On our last ride before leaving, it was a special treat to see wild Koalas!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv11coBZBEH14pZJcsa8iXlbSfUTb3Oxxdgxyt_4E8cbooYVahYOzvMsHozOnYPrMoi6SZ8wsDycNumWA2iGUE6vDnsPV_Fe_-Eg_DWkYHp4bnsF-J8O_9tHOa4zAxkeEUSbL/s1600/42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv11coBZBEH14pZJcsa8iXlbSfUTb3Oxxdgxyt_4E8cbooYVahYOzvMsHozOnYPrMoi6SZ8wsDycNumWA2iGUE6vDnsPV_Fe_-Eg_DWkYHp4bnsF-J8O_9tHOa4zAxkeEUSbL/s320/42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhP_NC2wJ8g0A2pA3ZsTui07_zdNViSLzIYybu-XbgPoOCEKtZXogrZ1xRcMiqPP_chgoEVkLXtd7aH-rKnUwSVjLha8G9HXLmn7mdpPnCUP0yU3EysvNqXaPKrh-mD4PmIFW/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhP_NC2wJ8g0A2pA3ZsTui07_zdNViSLzIYybu-XbgPoOCEKtZXogrZ1xRcMiqPP_chgoEVkLXtd7aH-rKnUwSVjLha8G9HXLmn7mdpPnCUP0yU3EysvNqXaPKrh-mD4PmIFW/s320/46.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop bugging me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2mIfO_hZDKkcYInzlWG-VXE9ZP5_pCu1IibMHbdCswOLFc1DdUpoygLffuaF5qvgHdsoiJd6QUIV-L2Ulx-lwlpV0g-J72dt2y87fJiUuPTcHPKZSWJiJGLgrinv_KIFZpbD/s1600/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2mIfO_hZDKkcYInzlWG-VXE9ZP5_pCu1IibMHbdCswOLFc1DdUpoygLffuaF5qvgHdsoiJd6QUIV-L2Ulx-lwlpV0g-J72dt2y87fJiUuPTcHPKZSWJiJGLgrinv_KIFZpbD/s320/44.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our silhouette. </td></tr>
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<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-3670722096946852412010-06-06T14:57:00.000-07:002012-01-16T18:20:56.032-08:0006/10/10 San Diego Rock-n-Roll MarathonNew title: San Diego Robs-your-Soul Marathon<br />
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If you think that the third time would be a charm, you'd be incorrect. After doing this race in 1999 and 2000, in hindsight, I now realize that it took exactly one full decade to erase the misery and suffering. If my long term memory had been better, there is no question that I would not have signed up for this event. Now I remember that there is not a single musical act in the world capable of striking the perfect chords to ease the pain of this event. I'm not sure who exactly was supposed to be entertained by the twenty six bands along the course, but it definitely wasn't the runners. Even if my favorite band had been on the course at mile 17, it would've sounded like animals being tortured. I'm not sure anyone actually likes mariachi music, but at mile 18, I guarantee you everyone despises it. Music along a marathon route doesn't alleviate the suffering, it just adds a soundtrack to the ridiculousness of the whole experience.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTGOFlkXPnhyphenhyphenNfx6sAEPeWmaNlaNW3t5UQnKOobg4k8BYg7XU77eEk0VmNlJAqvvrUW86o6WPrS9e4Wv8zIidSFvj-dTe4CJ8PpANYYGJPlIm_x7jEzAEEo6DkjrxbukOxLi1/s1600/2257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTGOFlkXPnhyphenhyphenNfx6sAEPeWmaNlaNW3t5UQnKOobg4k8BYg7XU77eEk0VmNlJAqvvrUW86o6WPrS9e4Wv8zIidSFvj-dTe4CJ8PpANYYGJPlIm_x7jEzAEEo6DkjrxbukOxLi1/s320/2257.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I not only matched the local flowers, I moved about as fast as they did.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBKkWhwqvpv5-WIEyR43h4cDv_RMybvg2llaKblTcQfbqoSi7XWL4McCTWVCMlesi4ACRphEsmbf5M52tdia8WcMv1gLdBeQu3hHFIXXzxG95SiU03EsBIRM4CsBXpC5FXg_b/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBKkWhwqvpv5-WIEyR43h4cDv_RMybvg2llaKblTcQfbqoSi7XWL4McCTWVCMlesi4ACRphEsmbf5M52tdia8WcMv1gLdBeQu3hHFIXXzxG95SiU03EsBIRM4CsBXpC5FXg_b/s400/before.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start... I've got a bad feeling about this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlGa5LjwqXP7SaflhHmy9fHk_o4zfQtTE-CDrRQT9BWztKDSJC0pJDOM6tuBH1ZRjpLLtNhINy9vuuV_GJxTboui-o8H9-qN4J_sQflGZLgLeOTuMvUgX7gZl5ON8KrURlvpe/s1600/ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlGa5LjwqXP7SaflhHmy9fHk_o4zfQtTE-CDrRQT9BWztKDSJC0pJDOM6tuBH1ZRjpLLtNhINy9vuuV_GJxTboui-o8H9-qN4J_sQflGZLgLeOTuMvUgX7gZl5ON8KrURlvpe/s320/ship.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's climb aboard and sail to the finish!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AXGrInaFSjUsJuFXOZsm-Yxb9N38R4OyMWVV7PxrjT-b3i8QwVO8KLm9-1NRz0CstYl3IpNAd4zFdF2ClGMsoCYi4AA67i94yME8IHXsxptHfAeKepFoKTrec6TLhWnpX0la/s1600/arkady+arm+muscle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AXGrInaFSjUsJuFXOZsm-Yxb9N38R4OyMWVV7PxrjT-b3i8QwVO8KLm9-1NRz0CstYl3IpNAd4zFdF2ClGMsoCYi4AA67i94yME8IHXsxptHfAeKepFoKTrec6TLhWnpX0la/s400/arkady+arm+muscle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile up near the front, the really strong runners were still smiling!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqJCJ457rPFUfGrI4uFiPjQC7r5FZAEN8VXBOA_knnfRGOG_ZiFkzce1PBhgb6VLygmKfkZ8_44pzsPXeKSzMG4iCbXII9E2rGddCTo80vd0NPHPqcnZcVH6Z9VJj3r1syhUk/s1600/3+crooked+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqJCJ457rPFUfGrI4uFiPjQC7r5FZAEN8VXBOA_knnfRGOG_ZiFkzce1PBhgb6VLygmKfkZ8_44pzsPXeKSzMG4iCbXII9E2rGddCTo80vd0NPHPqcnZcVH6Z9VJj3r1syhUk/s640/3+crooked+road.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">See how the road was higher on the right, lower on the left?<br />
This is less-than-ideal for running, especially for SIX miles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmAWlkxC1sdAXtsMloIY7_LEHK3PhzRsmxewiD18MJxr5FML3o5dQBg6tEk3Mnwvbyy2rFAabZhKp0dMV8ue3aOk_aU-2mVzgQOhl5Foz82hwHxPHiWQ3USOjVdx5M9pON8zm/s1600/4+grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmAWlkxC1sdAXtsMloIY7_LEHK3PhzRsmxewiD18MJxr5FML3o5dQBg6tEk3Mnwvbyy2rFAabZhKp0dMV8ue3aOk_aU-2mVzgQOhl5Foz82hwHxPHiWQ3USOjVdx5M9pON8zm/s400/4+grass.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, a decent running surface!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bTCsfnui1cWv14-10xJCvDjSH5OGkhtHly_n3GxQWYVDKIrLH4Dg-89vRAHsQlYtww6BD5pCsUDZI5UHjlW7JLFtlTl6ZyXmq2EazG54E5Vd7bKTZw1j950JVPkaXgFqf-0U/s1600/5+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bTCsfnui1cWv14-10xJCvDjSH5OGkhtHly_n3GxQWYVDKIrLH4Dg-89vRAHsQlYtww6BD5pCsUDZI5UHjlW7JLFtlTl6ZyXmq2EazG54E5Vd7bKTZw1j950JVPkaXgFqf-0U/s400/5+lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the herds of people thinned out and there weren't as many bands playing, it was downright peaceful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTODEiMbxdPiCaQflvrP76Q_wqTD7aerNGY-0L4YyVNUHKOt9rVi7_qNO4Cxos5rMkD4ufOHmFguSCej_P9TNJKgL5wEryJxHdEICPNh5qvRd6FSLE30x7s7oUPESsDITCD6gH/s1600/6+fiesta+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTODEiMbxdPiCaQflvrP76Q_wqTD7aerNGY-0L4YyVNUHKOt9rVi7_qNO4Cxos5rMkD4ufOHmFguSCej_P9TNJKgL5wEryJxHdEICPNh5qvRd6FSLE30x7s7oUPESsDITCD6gH/s320/6+fiesta+island.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And scenic too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvX7KEQztPn9jwpJWxgSR0BFwgUb0O1vj4EZ9dEedNr33hLReuCBa8MloBb7Wx_8G4Utc4cqglubidllLtHEpEPFY7N8C5llCZrqVUMcZbw1RyXGdxsqYJL1-lHUOCLDrcEGb/s1600/7+no+finish+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvX7KEQztPn9jwpJWxgSR0BFwgUb0O1vj4EZ9dEedNr33hLReuCBa8MloBb7Wx_8G4Utc4cqglubidllLtHEpEPFY7N8C5llCZrqVUMcZbw1RyXGdxsqYJL1-lHUOCLDrcEGb/s400/7+no+finish+line.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 25 on "Fiesta Island" was very much not a fiesta.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4dVh786x5fDxnqZcrBDkCQWL0NJ3G1UjlCVW5hMBLHgSGfwIY4y4ojBxZjgBpaY-TBNY1qF1-dFvRE5H7-Bw3rw5c7yjZmAzXJKX2FOBrsAx1dvyr07U6U9LruMVdGkDn6N-/s1600/8+lucky+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4dVh786x5fDxnqZcrBDkCQWL0NJ3G1UjlCVW5hMBLHgSGfwIY4y4ojBxZjgBpaY-TBNY1qF1-dFvRE5H7-Bw3rw5c7yjZmAzXJKX2FOBrsAx1dvyr07U6U9LruMVdGkDn6N-/s320/8+lucky+dog.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now I understand the phrase "Lucky Dog!"</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9JwWnHp0D8e57_PusEMUWhr1IF1RLLQjxQk_Fk7Z4IaZNwvCbo4kYqkBXAHRbnrffAd0dUxwvghYyiaI-4Y2pRhPOjIT6JGvJ0fph31p9mff8fubWkhlT5_KiTlEkPU9gKWf/s1600/9+medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9JwWnHp0D8e57_PusEMUWhr1IF1RLLQjxQk_Fk7Z4IaZNwvCbo4kYqkBXAHRbnrffAd0dUxwvghYyiaI-4Y2pRhPOjIT6JGvJ0fph31p9mff8fubWkhlT5_KiTlEkPU9gKWf/s320/9+medal.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting this one engraved with "Never Again."</td></tr>
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Finish time: 3:29:18. Exactly 6 seconds slower than LA Marathon just three months ago, but much more musical and brutal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ25v-N5jBVGu5w-zX3UEs9qgTnDSpC_l7h66hG3xA7Cb5W2t2tQ3Uyuso3y45a5B_De2XQ0W1G8gi0RS_X-gVXEL2XCiecwIBfEVHlU7CtAw-mAiTFcMnmHcpKYDVFd_qa92E/s1600/1+photographer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ25v-N5jBVGu5w-zX3UEs9qgTnDSpC_l7h66hG3xA7Cb5W2t2tQ3Uyuso3y45a5B_De2XQ0W1G8gi0RS_X-gVXEL2XCiecwIBfEVHlU7CtAw-mAiTFcMnmHcpKYDVFd_qa92E/s200/1+photographer.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As always, thanks Lorenzo for photos, support, and love!</td></tr>
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<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-16680800987107566112010-03-21T15:02:00.000-07:002010-03-25T15:16:35.666-07:0003/21/10 Los Angeles MarathonI finally got around to doing the math for my LA Marathon split. This was the wrong race to aim for a negative split because there was no marker at all for the 13.1 mile halfway point, so I simply guessed (randomly picked) a spot that seemed about one tenth of a mile after the 13th mile marker. According to my completely unscientific approximation at that point, my first split was 1:44:37, which is EXACTLY an even split for a 3:29:14 finish time. Of course, if I guessed wrong, perhaps my first half was 1:44:38 and my second half was 1:44:36...? Who knows.<br />In case anyone is interested, here are my mile splits.<br />1) 7:42 (faster than I wanted)<br />2) 7:23 (woops, too fast again)<br />3) 7:22 (downhill, sorry!)<br />4) 8:10<br />5) 8:42 (uphill - the "<a href="http://us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?fid=%2540S%2540Search&mid=1_10757_2_10531_0_AMgbiWIAAKbzS6P%2B9AfOdkQHEGY&pid=2&tnef=&YY=1269555311076&newid=1&clean=0&inline=1">Music Center Mountain</a>")<br />6) 7:32<br />7) 7:52<br />8) 8:02<br />9) 8:01 (finally settled into the pace I wanted for first half)<br />10) 8:03<br />11) 8:12 (if I had a nickel for every <a href="http://www.srla.org/">SRLA</a> kid that passed me at "Red Bull" speed...)<br />12) 8:02<br />13) 8:30 (uphill, and I used this as a "rest mile" to get ready to speed up the 2nd half)<br />14) 7:58<br />15) 7:54<br />16) 8:05 (trying to speed up, but I think planet Earth must be slowing down or something)<br />17) 8:05<br />18) 8:12 (my plan was to get the 2nd half pace around 7:45, but things not going as planned)<br />19) 7:59 (okay, getting warmer...)<br />20) 8:01 (oh for Pete's sake... Who the hell is Pete anyway? <a href="http://englishabc.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/peter-piper.jpg">Peter Piper</a>? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrNbXcLtG-w00KAbpFc0JUJI43jYIf9jJMOapA1gO0FXRs6yte0HCPUfAn_k1ijVJJPvjtLsvVIEzcorvE0gm2QJyCF3hMlMa5SQb_y-T2ysGIDnZEpMuj3ngV_peeSWj9bqd/s400/Peter%2520Pan.gif">Peter Pan</a>?)<br />21) 8:28 (uphill, grrr... completely lost my sense of humor, everything is now anti-funny)<br />22) 8:13 (I've stopped caring and just want it to be over. Hello wall!)<br />23) 7:54 (and now that I couldn't care less, I'm obviously relaxed and running faster!)<br />24) 7:52 (then I got through the wall and started passing people, including some SRLA kids!)<br />25) 7:41 (I told myself that everyone else's legs hurt too, so stop being such a <a href="http://fresnobeehive.com/archives/assets_c/2008/12/mariah_carey-thumb-300x400-15038.jpg">diva</a>)<br />26) 7:36 (once I could see the finish line, I was really able to push hard despite the pain)<br />I didn't feel tired at all. In fact, I remember that my mouth was completely closed and I was breathing through my nose for the last five miles - that's something I'm usually able to do when I run at a comfortable "fresh" pace. The problem seemed to be that my quads really started to hurt at the halfway point - not cramps or anything, just heavy and sore, like they were bruised from being beaten with a hammer. I'm pleased that I was able to increase the pace, despite the pain, during the last four miles, but in reality it's not too impressive considering those miles were all downhill. I think I wasn't ready for any uphill at all. As you can see, even the slightest incline really affected my pace. But I'm glad to be back under 3:30 and hoping to get even faster this year! I think my 30th marathon will be <a href="http://san-diego.competitor.com/">San Diego Rock 'n Roll</a> on June 6th.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-22149307827344292402009-05-23T20:55:00.000-07:002009-11-23T22:16:49.342-08:0005/23/09 Jesolo Night Marathon, ITALY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkxIKZtLUVjm4zP9UuUKWLbCgVnwxA9WXY5pXB9TIopAdYDxTrwS3kiQ3xrxLvS5ZyrcHRpSS3TWXZ2l6pBvf_SdbzHNHbyfJiOIfDtuXtnmlzqmAqNlUKcoQbm1lip6qz95M/s1600/Piazza+San+Marco.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531267967123986" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkxIKZtLUVjm4zP9UuUKWLbCgVnwxA9WXY5pXB9TIopAdYDxTrwS3kiQ3xrxLvS5ZyrcHRpSS3TWXZ2l6pBvf_SdbzHNHbyfJiOIfDtuXtnmlzqmAqNlUKcoQbm1lip6qz95M/s320/Piazza+San+Marco.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><u>Italian Lesson One</u>: "Dove Piazza San Marco?"<br />(Do-vay Pee-yaht-sah Sahn Marrr-ko? Roll the "RRR" in Marco)<br />Translation: Where is Saint Mark's Square?<br /><br />After six months of Italian lessons, we arrived in Venice and immediately got lost.<br />But fortunately, the very first thing we learned was how to ask for directions to Saint Mark's Square in Venice. In my best Italian, I politely asked a man for directions.<br />He responsed with, "Es tut Mir Leid, aber Ich kann nicht Italianisch."<br />Which means "I can't speak Italian" IN GERMAN.<br />Lorenzo promptly stepped in and had a five minute conversation with the guy, IN GERMAN.<br /><br />Good thing we spent all that time learning Italian.<br />And it was even better that Lorenzo mastered German back in high school...<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RIiCxzPl3yXugl3pjPSGfjzFwlWWS7CSLrjORVCpnZvQYiOqthbIWdPjedF_NSCBxdw5oRClBIt_on4LYOoNwx8i-8F_gPso6eUocrzIGHmGh_3ncKLS6ERrFexEJT9Hc5xn/s1600/Doge+palace.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530799498502914" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RIiCxzPl3yXugl3pjPSGfjzFwlWWS7CSLrjORVCpnZvQYiOqthbIWdPjedF_NSCBxdw5oRClBIt_on4LYOoNwx8i-8F_gPso6eUocrzIGHmGh_3ncKLS6ERrFexEJT9Hc5xn/s320/Doge+palace.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The palace in Piazza San Marco. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5sSSk3XO81GtycgJI7qpyFXZ1Torqz9k4qBYixuotEY-Nb1phSukRyztVdb_vEUevr5gEITUr5Fa5bIR79vODV5WwwZoVYaeqMyIi5oFaiSzufZEIJbZn9iY7Rq2IBo4UMx6/s1600/Zo+grand+canal.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531615236685490" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5sSSk3XO81GtycgJI7qpyFXZ1Torqz9k4qBYixuotEY-Nb1phSukRyztVdb_vEUevr5gEITUr5Fa5bIR79vODV5WwwZoVYaeqMyIi5oFaiSzufZEIJbZn9iY7Rq2IBo4UMx6/s320/Zo+grand+canal.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Lorenzo at the Grand Canal in Venice.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-KpKolj0w0u7v19NMFM62few2ltpQO0BW1Sp0T9hE5ITkIMnysVabMzYzSxcusj_kJ1Kkz49uJLKkBoLck8GJ2EdYTRcbWmNUZHkPmRaQzey5sHROnJEXQs1U2PE_W3eWlQs/s1600/Climbing.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530608371504786" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-KpKolj0w0u7v19NMFM62few2ltpQO0BW1Sp0T9hE5ITkIMnysVabMzYzSxcusj_kJ1Kkz49uJLKkBoLck8GJ2EdYTRcbWmNUZHkPmRaQzey5sHROnJEXQs1U2PE_W3eWlQs/s320/Climbing.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I had to get in a little climbing!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AcRVf1S2NnVR2Uki8LenEaqVvjZYX6FHTP4jRiTuy78NIUTaWOeRc1YrWlV9T3v-6KmkK74WFW7dMrNWBmAnCV2BDZXAZu8Po_VlMwcyEOM9yYp2kpZvsA9w1YbyfttG9FbX/s1600/McDonalds.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531247206428146" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AcRVf1S2NnVR2Uki8LenEaqVvjZYX6FHTP4jRiTuy78NIUTaWOeRc1YrWlV9T3v-6KmkK74WFW7dMrNWBmAnCV2BDZXAZu8Po_VlMwcyEOM9yYp2kpZvsA9w1YbyfttG9FbX/s320/McDonalds.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />It almost sounds edible in Italian, but it's still McDonalds.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl31JSn8s2pE1PgqcKgmUnm_YKrYJNVk-TbYP9I3p3W3dq0054uY3DmQl0lrPfa9kbRX_b04N1u6xMyFZpwqb7n5c3sXJS5GAcc5ityDTy5X69IxfNhs-Nj13t361NaXHs2rw/s1600/sunrise.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531469797098866" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl31JSn8s2pE1PgqcKgmUnm_YKrYJNVk-TbYP9I3p3W3dq0054uY3DmQl0lrPfa9kbRX_b04N1u6xMyFZpwqb7n5c3sXJS5GAcc5ityDTy5X69IxfNhs-Nj13t361NaXHs2rw/s320/sunrise.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Sun about to set before the start of the Night Marathon.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0wnFJaAIdZYwhS8-9lGbELCW9FR2poxhI3sZUawqSD5LaxKsK8F69lPFRFMAJ54w_ifUefu3QVyNY3zJmQLFThiDgbEgsIF99_esKCQjugMn7-MQAtE5PHggAX5jlAw4SQgH/s320/sunrise+rowers.jpg" /><br />Seriously, this is NOT a postcard.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8tc-9iTO-YXyhWKXwo433SaTeqReYqZPyltV3-bKFPHsUW1JDKEqeMU319P4iu83UxGlghkEBh-4z6EOQ1iV1qvCYtlCepJcTZeXr5MJou8YrdAn0vjyqHClZBCcMwZARi-1/s1600/start+scenery.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531459182469122" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8tc-9iTO-YXyhWKXwo433SaTeqReYqZPyltV3-bKFPHsUW1JDKEqeMU319P4iu83UxGlghkEBh-4z6EOQ1iV1qvCYtlCepJcTZeXr5MJou8YrdAn0vjyqHClZBCcMwZARi-1/s320/start+scenery.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Lorenzo rented a bicycle towards the start and took some of these great pictures before the runners came along.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZYIolzn2gbX2KFrxdtHTKdl5LKWrcvS7zkcAVtn7zhElLbcStYv0wIR5RtT-NDRjgYiigkx8tmCm1LbQnI60MUo8au97dklDTjk5Iw3jbBF4up3gDXCo5wzqOi9UOjZE8kzl/s1600/Lamborghini.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531037924145682" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZYIolzn2gbX2KFrxdtHTKdl5LKWrcvS7zkcAVtn7zhElLbcStYv0wIR5RtT-NDRjgYiigkx8tmCm1LbQnI60MUo8au97dklDTjk5Iw3jbBF4up3gDXCo5wzqOi9UOjZE8kzl/s320/Lamborghini.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The pace car, a Lamborghini of course!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakDENGdUbCrbt6S8DoN3C0NDQg3oCVIZiE5zuNEMzj_sSU4WpCsBiv3gASwPeMYM_TfyciVjlZj19QVkpt9Bm2zM6gX6R4gGlpvWpFQDH7N3btjTUa5mkCJ1__o6C-k2a7WV6/s1600/Lead+pack.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531053435613074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakDENGdUbCrbt6S8DoN3C0NDQg3oCVIZiE5zuNEMzj_sSU4WpCsBiv3gASwPeMYM_TfyciVjlZj19QVkpt9Bm2zM6gX6R4gGlpvWpFQDH7N3btjTUa5mkCJ1__o6C-k2a7WV6/s320/Lead+pack.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The lead pack coming down the street.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_J4W0yh9-518mUpimHiMNflcGH2H7_9PK7wX8bnqyFYq-Y1Wp8f2CW-KO0E1yXsy6vOpIFDsFMVm3qOBL1rTP0BA4cf6EOvmTjNG2OOqk-QDYRPsuvc2lV285kBmCA697ZUg/s1600/lead+crowd.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531042182708402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_J4W0yh9-518mUpimHiMNflcGH2H7_9PK7wX8bnqyFYq-Y1Wp8f2CW-KO0E1yXsy6vOpIFDsFMVm3qOBL1rTP0BA4cf6EOvmTjNG2OOqk-QDYRPsuvc2lV285kBmCA697ZUg/s320/lead+crowd.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The first big wave of runners.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN4aNNDwpqqyQ3aFwqjOiUo5-dNvqW5jtAUqoABLkCzfQIvuXVfljTw14dAohyyZKXRzcW5vnzCswo5uYceK11ouKa49gSLLDW33mrvRfU_T9sBVPy3FUZTTEx8PkUyvBc2i6/s1600/purple.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531454939087042" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN4aNNDwpqqyQ3aFwqjOiUo5-dNvqW5jtAUqoABLkCzfQIvuXVfljTw14dAohyyZKXRzcW5vnzCswo5uYceK11ouKa49gSLLDW33mrvRfU_T9sBVPy3FUZTTEx8PkUyvBc2i6/s320/purple.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I started in the purple short sleeved shirt, but was sweating even before the start in 75 degree temperatures with about 80% humidity.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx1ZviR7E68kS5VUZikbFvtcOaugt-a0MS2KjrpieSuqL4CATYK4kDegOpnuEau_o_pLntIJwJ5uq7j0mUCw62zrZ0t95kwjw7zDJ3lrpLtwpcuZlBB0Fd4UxXxczENoHBLzG/s1600/night+time.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531260536223714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx1ZviR7E68kS5VUZikbFvtcOaugt-a0MS2KjrpieSuqL4CATYK4kDegOpnuEau_o_pLntIJwJ5uq7j0mUCw62zrZ0t95kwjw7zDJ3lrpLtwpcuZlBB0Fd4UxXxczENoHBLzG/s320/night+time.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />It was completely dark by the time Lorenzo was able to work his way through the crowd and catch up to me. But it was still warm and humid, so the shirt had to come off.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKAtvVGeJpkO0riL5mDXhqY0_KJMI5A5LpHciMSv4hles1kZzpDplkTXmD8-mRrUC0NJVbg-sn77KN_EGfKQiHxeckRMETpVAjMTkYOxvISF7qiikZ1eB7XXeWtpklM-xX-Vd/s320/Supersize+fries.jpg" /><br />Even in Italy, they have Super-Size French Fries.<br />Mi dispiace! (I'm sorry!)<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq_dMTVUUpm5MSPcNRHB6tGlTtLU6uL2uDPBKOgShhbFpGInExzy1NFw2H2vPpkTQXtDuvPqCogASR1cGRPNRUhl9LmPh68h3sAcEoMev4nAryxgFAWUeBCbhS_iWli_4EFLY/s1600/looks+like+Keith.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531054854123698" style="WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq_dMTVUUpm5MSPcNRHB6tGlTtLU6uL2uDPBKOgShhbFpGInExzy1NFw2H2vPpkTQXtDuvPqCogASR1cGRPNRUhl9LmPh68h3sAcEoMev4nAryxgFAWUeBCbhS_iWli_4EFLY/s320/looks+like+Keith.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />For those of you who know him, you'll agree that this looks EXACTLY like Keith!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi078UjY-HN9MDCKrH2iYKw1a_b0irVHcTwytWD-Gc5_ZFlMdp9ik9J6TIyhKlTgfM8gpB-gBjzXmaQiSuadOezY9K631rvNhCWgjv828KyKQfbYQFAaqGCtS-nXnJ-H3hX-xz0/s1600/candle+road.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530602262167490" style="WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi078UjY-HN9MDCKrH2iYKw1a_b0irVHcTwytWD-Gc5_ZFlMdp9ik9J6TIyhKlTgfM8gpB-gBjzXmaQiSuadOezY9K631rvNhCWgjv828KyKQfbYQFAaqGCtS-nXnJ-H3hX-xz0/s320/candle+road.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The road was lit with candles for much of the course making it the most romantic marathon that I have ever run!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOChma3bQjah35zRXPjYz75qID1pii3Wrmr6jAhQHk-fOfPu6agS-jF4BR4DJMncaJpNF6_sM89T8Br2NTYqg7nKFyqJ4t7VbGngibdcWjYUuc5Mui77-_Z3K6ai3etbgESj/s1600/40K.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530591758715602" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOChma3bQjah35zRXPjYz75qID1pii3Wrmr6jAhQHk-fOfPu6agS-jF4BR4DJMncaJpNF6_sM89T8Br2NTYqg7nKFyqJ4t7VbGngibdcWjYUuc5Mui77-_Z3K6ai3etbgESj/s320/40K.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />After running Vancouver and Toronto, I'm starting to get the hang of this Kilometer thing.<br />Marathons are 26.2 miles which is 42 Kilometers, so the course marker in this photo means there is still an eternity left before the finish!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgLrHUIxUuCdVeXGLXQN8L0cTlASxr2ymKTSIQw9m-ikDS290eJH6JUdSv9HRLa3JBBE3xoU8_ZZJOYgrb9ZBmgVicSZcL4t7GRge_F9enlgPWc_6MPU8yjqTmtsfHRalGNok/s1600/Finish.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530804046731842" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgLrHUIxUuCdVeXGLXQN8L0cTlASxr2ymKTSIQw9m-ikDS290eJH6JUdSv9HRLa3JBBE3xoU8_ZZJOYgrb9ZBmgVicSZcL4t7GRge_F9enlgPWc_6MPU8yjqTmtsfHRalGNok/s320/Finish.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />When "FINISH" is written in big bold letters across the course, it means the same thing in Italian as it does in English!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ15FNuZf37yiwLcI8SW94FvxY198wpFjtvTHG7ZvmAc-TG5BzQ5ZE7ywUj7vXqkad6mTQJEr2zdV78CUAQoQTdHLr0kgevoqHbM33C7UocJ42sew0-hiR6TBWARtez2Jft4Fh/s1600/Medal.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531248821500418" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ15FNuZf37yiwLcI8SW94FvxY198wpFjtvTHG7ZvmAc-TG5BzQ5ZE7ywUj7vXqkad6mTQJEr2zdV78CUAQoQTdHLr0kgevoqHbM33C7UocJ42sew0-hiR6TBWARtez2Jft4Fh/s320/Medal.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />My shorts were so sweaty that I had to repeatedly grab the hem and wring them out as I ran! This was by far the sweatiest I have EVER been!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vwz3pST16wPxDVObODq8nPVKAIFy-f-eAtrM-AFTH5_nrH7Bp-g35SSPoqVgLGTV__iEunBcmQZfXVZA9CzxEmwQpEpKXezqxEEjt0SqRQbqN8L6qXjedkh55KaLTAhk2DT7/s1600/Marathon+results+smile.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531061709005874" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vwz3pST16wPxDVObODq8nPVKAIFy-f-eAtrM-AFTH5_nrH7Bp-g35SSPoqVgLGTV__iEunBcmQZfXVZA9CzxEmwQpEpKXezqxEEjt0SqRQbqN8L6qXjedkh55KaLTAhk2DT7/s320/Marathon+results+smile.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Smiling in the internet cafe when I saw the marathon results.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgadQO-C6J2fXaASce-mZUb6_WBZmxaqwZZWoYM1YX5OWLmMQWVQm61BeJsjkd8m24CN8bInF33GPEql7nRbfJi56Vgb9PcmtnIXJsA3Ds3iOaciJ7XWy1RlZGslH0KplU6Ar/s1600/Marathon+results.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407531240690950770" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgadQO-C6J2fXaASce-mZUb6_WBZmxaqwZZWoYM1YX5OWLmMQWVQm61BeJsjkd8m24CN8bInF33GPEql7nRbfJi56Vgb9PcmtnIXJsA3Ds3iOaciJ7XWy1RlZGslH0KplU6Ar/s320/Marathon+results.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Tenth female, first American female!<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRoY8DySdOBD_2G9fyrhIX8DkAm7vAdojhdAoS63Fd97uBg82Nfj3UwTGs4zT1liKvQJCRzT0r26FVeSn5z1jnqXoWfiTnvkVe1CVekGghLkGl-tzJXixrAvl6T7etb08Zla2/s320/Zo+smiles+on+scoot.jpg" /><br />After the marathon, it was a perfect opportunity to rent a scooter and enjoy some Italian countryside scenery. It looks like Lorenzo was enjoying the scenery... of himself!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWXSXzrQugzit1uqT8xLHrnouB6B_2tVHLYTIMHHdZPAs4mKnZVqYeNgOpkDOVHzKJ6CIDDgJXPDDEfNqHS6PZe17m9hBZKsK9o9TvXPbS2wsYeE0muqnHWnVapOcoef-5rmH/s1600/Cap+by+the+sea.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530606661055410" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWXSXzrQugzit1uqT8xLHrnouB6B_2tVHLYTIMHHdZPAs4mKnZVqYeNgOpkDOVHzKJ6CIDDgJXPDDEfNqHS6PZe17m9hBZKsK9o9TvXPbS2wsYeE0muqnHWnVapOcoef-5rmH/s320/Cap+by+the+sea.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />This is my "Perfect Italian Photograph" - the scooter, the Adriatic Sea, and cappuccino!!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr8PHcDNwPCOdBttxPjH2RvIE6iqQIy4Q2_UeznweocfQcSy5yheql2YT-whPRfWR_2aER9A0oD9CYwTWV8cV1n2RhzPEkgqffxqn-mVXhIQhByNzn_T8thHPiygQ4TlMv0cu/s1600/Jolly+Box.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530813672650898" style="WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr8PHcDNwPCOdBttxPjH2RvIE6iqQIy4Q2_UeznweocfQcSy5yheql2YT-whPRfWR_2aER9A0oD9CYwTWV8cV1n2RhzPEkgqffxqn-mVXhIQhByNzn_T8thHPiygQ4TlMv0cu/s320/Jolly+Box.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Italian port-o-potties are "jolly" in Italy!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S2aaawRcV5S5tkkHxEPMQUv4p1JQ3K6aHSrjmFI8lKv3M9kXOYsrXw7m7pOu4GBuLCS87YawYACvZaxahD5z3oS4H3pdPefMWQbX2Vf3jF593-4rfQ9GkqpC2cenU9ktfWCr/s1600/Jesolo+beach.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530809243466722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S2aaawRcV5S5tkkHxEPMQUv4p1JQ3K6aHSrjmFI8lKv3M9kXOYsrXw7m7pOu4GBuLCS87YawYACvZaxahD5z3oS4H3pdPefMWQbX2Vf3jF593-4rfQ9GkqpC2cenU9ktfWCr/s320/Jesolo+beach.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Our gracious hosts and their family at the beach, thank you Ivan & Franchesca!<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevxLj2VFD2wY8rTALBEFnXHZ6AVYzV04AThm2Qw2SeJiKMQBbGjhNrtDFbbbrKU_FLbAnvy9rByeAkhh8kXSNbj7piqpvH07vMxaC6ig-i7OFCKpZH08rYXJkrctWRXmsoyu5/s1600/Dinner.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530614708931042" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevxLj2VFD2wY8rTALBEFnXHZ6AVYzV04AThm2Qw2SeJiKMQBbGjhNrtDFbbbrKU_FLbAnvy9rByeAkhh8kXSNbj7piqpvH07vMxaC6ig-i7OFCKpZH08rYXJkrctWRXmsoyu5/s320/Dinner.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Every meal was amazing, especially when staying with local hosts who were related to the owner and the chef!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc-DPZNKfPaZV0ZzB0WI86WIpYvJ9yfstT4HEYvqjYCRt-_vV-uhxoI2eMQLbrPfe9CvnaRpKVAfpMtImaD_sfTVW99WANLTrxgCzzKtN-X2PB_f1Qdoj1-N-RPI0Rvbo8HSW/s1600/Kiss.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407530817815112290" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc-DPZNKfPaZV0ZzB0WI86WIpYvJ9yfstT4HEYvqjYCRt-_vV-uhxoI2eMQLbrPfe9CvnaRpKVAfpMtImaD_sfTVW99WANLTrxgCzzKtN-X2PB_f1Qdoj1-N-RPI0Rvbo8HSW/s320/Kiss.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />A kiss in Venice IS even more romantic. In fact, the captain of a ferry pulled over and waited for us to take this photo before boating behind us. Afterwards, he gave us the thumbs up, the universally recognized sign for "Vita e buona" (Life is good).</span>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-6876850396323958372009-02-08T12:58:00.000-08:002012-01-16T18:24:23.279-08:0002/08/09 Melbourne Florida Marathon & Mom's Birthday!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwUkS7nY-KzFIahXrRMxrEAb9JzbUpIV0xaceKze4bJm3CEr2O_q-CRg-2ZC0_dH12csMfHWaqFz8-vWBOMEzlGL_m8RwDT5R59pkLgsgafrOjzJ-EIZSt5z_2chJxYSmE9Dw/s1600-h/IMG_7667.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309069086399598466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwUkS7nY-KzFIahXrRMxrEAb9JzbUpIV0xaceKze4bJm3CEr2O_q-CRg-2ZC0_dH12csMfHWaqFz8-vWBOMEzlGL_m8RwDT5R59pkLgsgafrOjzJ-EIZSt5z_2chJxYSmE9Dw/s320/IMG_7667.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></a> </div>
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The innaugural <a href="http://www.themelbournemarathon.com/">Melbourne Music Marathon</a> was 2/8/09, and more importantly, so was my mom's birthday!</div>
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The course was made up of two laps around a 13.1 mile loop. It was mostly flat except for two bridges over the water, which each had to be done twice. Every few miles, we were treated to some musical entertainment.<br />
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It was so great to see Mom at the halfway point!<br />
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I can't remember if this was the first lap or the second... But it was so great to have Lorenzo keep me company and more importantly, he kept me smiling!<br />
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Mom and Grandma cheering at the finish made me feel like I could run the whole thing all over again!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh8S0HaRwnUGe3XJb7BXdfMVmEc1AMDWKdmOmRFkVW_moS4pgm8alYjSTrbdNN1cUx5yNssxAoEsgmMJT-1cxDGJ6woUSwsdFXmqb6KiomnV33QdTcAUKkhsLJPNs38jto6wT/s1600-h/IMG_7709.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309070958325169042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh8S0HaRwnUGe3XJb7BXdfMVmEc1AMDWKdmOmRFkVW_moS4pgm8alYjSTrbdNN1cUx5yNssxAoEsgmMJT-1cxDGJ6woUSwsdFXmqb6KiomnV33QdTcAUKkhsLJPNs38jto6wT/s320/IMG_7709.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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I was shocked to see my results!<br />
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Due to the fact that this was the first year of this marathon, the organizers seemed a bit unorganized at the awards ceremony. We had to wait over an hour, but it was worth it to receive my first gold medal!</div>
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<a href="http://www.altavistasports.com/results/2009results/melbournemusicmarathon020809.html">Marathon Results</a></div>
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The next day, we took our Couchsurfing host Rhonda to the rock climbing gym in Melbourne.</div>
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Then Lorenzo and I drove down to Key Largo.<br />
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John Pennekamp state park.<br />
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Feeding the tarpon.<br />
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Then it was back to Cocoa Beach to spend more time with Mom and Grandma. This is their "backyard" - the Atlantic Ocean.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgH6HiwbiuapS_fk7euiU9u7fwHMcJI_xQWx29yhZOcJOkJ6ACwAnnSxuDtWqH4xwEACy1jFkrtGrwDqcxgHzMSWn9uGeGDP6Ic1rPw__5yEfOW9un-SLSoQA6k6XvBvR_ufc/s1600-h/P2120041.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309071325710631842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgH6HiwbiuapS_fk7euiU9u7fwHMcJI_xQWx29yhZOcJOkJ6ACwAnnSxuDtWqH4xwEACy1jFkrtGrwDqcxgHzMSWn9uGeGDP6Ic1rPw__5yEfOW9un-SLSoQA6k6XvBvR_ufc/s320/P2120041.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Thanks to Grandma and Mom for all the homemade meatballs and lasagna!</div>
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</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-16173847297071907872008-11-04T22:30:00.000-08:002009-02-16T21:02:25.609-08:0011/02/08 Muddy Buddy!I've always wondered if "friendly competition" actually exists. So Lorenzo and myself reunited as Team Run Zola Run to compete against our friends Kevin & Aaron in the Muddy Buddy Race.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjUdPNfFP9GeWv95cZ1XSXFL-BPov1_RARkyP8S7ngbpnCygpJUkWF8jYOQNMIFZ6EbTEv8x5vqp-zMpu1SRQW7NFyj5RZbqNBD90e_8uyP_6WeY949wz8l3bjrKkiHPS-VRp/s1600-h/n620035480_4763508_4747.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303598542160995154" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjUdPNfFP9GeWv95cZ1XSXFL-BPov1_RARkyP8S7ngbpnCygpJUkWF8jYOQNMIFZ6EbTEv8x5vqp-zMpu1SRQW7NFyj5RZbqNBD90e_8uyP_6WeY949wz8l3bjrKkiHPS-VRp/s320/n620035480_4763508_4747.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="justify">This event requires teams of two people to trade off between running and riding a bicycle, just one bicycle per team. So if this is something that you are interested in doing, make sure you pick a team-mate whose seat height is within the same stratosphere as yours. After consulting with several other friends who have participated in this event, we were repeatedly warned that it would be difficult to find our bike in the transition areas so I decided to decorate it with a sparkly wrap (as in gift, not gangsta). </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZpyoJxZdA0qxuy2vLc73hyphenhyphen5POq3J7PuAd3MHNmbFkgy4HgJqgfmgja80wQoij7F4962Ph8nlA-HpvuoRoxQOOiejtQifc42wOvfoy_1lpe8fMm4DQLEFGLBSYWSWFrubaBoW/s1600-h/n620035480_4763509_6551.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303598552247164178" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZpyoJxZdA0qxuy2vLc73hyphenhyphen5POq3J7PuAd3MHNmbFkgy4HgJqgfmgja80wQoij7F4962Ph8nlA-HpvuoRoxQOOiejtQifc42wOvfoy_1lpe8fMm4DQLEFGLBSYWSWFrubaBoW/s320/n620035480_4763509_6551.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p align="justify">We were also repeatedly warned that we should expect to get quite muddy. The last portion of the event requires both team members to jointly cross a mud pit on hands and knees to the finish line. Fortunately for you, the reader, our "friends" Aaron & Kevin beat us quite handily so Aaron had plenty of time to capture these muddy moments. If you look closely, you can see a very large quantity of mud backfiring directly up my nose. </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag0cUXM-_lrpNuxMs1GVUvVBJ2WM2D_1wxAd1X9ej3IB5VtfzqhyphenhyphenXKqqWufaqif7xHXe8lLxBJi9x7NuQJ_QP2D_6rNn05ronnK3pKg7B5BOekV-NZw0I2iQJRp01A99WWMdS/s1600-h/IMG_7057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303598556099292578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag0cUXM-_lrpNuxMs1GVUvVBJ2WM2D_1wxAd1X9ej3IB5VtfzqhyphenhyphenXKqqWufaqif7xHXe8lLxBJi9x7NuQJ_QP2D_6rNn05ronnK3pKg7B5BOekV-NZw0I2iQJRp01A99WWMdS/s320/IMG_7057.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVP8rGhQFB2ELd7I7Pas4Cljb46EuFnAZHVmRU74tz86JgrZZtRH7R2N3K5fw6WE8f7cvKppf4coh_rRP27NKeM1Nnnqqz0G8L8QtG9bQfroWj8vc6lJLnKan0i4ciUe6OVFK/s1600-h/IMG_7061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303601552071499458" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVP8rGhQFB2ELd7I7Pas4Cljb46EuFnAZHVmRU74tz86JgrZZtRH7R2N3K5fw6WE8f7cvKppf4coh_rRP27NKeM1Nnnqqz0G8L8QtG9bQfroWj8vc6lJLnKan0i4ciUe6OVFK/s320/IMG_7061.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWA38FJEOWj2XGo6iS-sYqNXBJUkRrZS3Q3fRpZiCs2ECTDki1Azb_3iJhtZuJwM0FMHErAoLGLOrtU3U9_DtIBOz7Xs5w9tgxGipVK_mou3ejXFeoQTXZG538sSOAeu_gz2aJ/s1600-h/IMG_7065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303598565373253186" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWA38FJEOWj2XGo6iS-sYqNXBJUkRrZS3Q3fRpZiCs2ECTDki1Azb_3iJhtZuJwM0FMHErAoLGLOrtU3U9_DtIBOz7Xs5w9tgxGipVK_mou3ejXFeoQTXZG538sSOAeu_gz2aJ/s320/IMG_7065.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW-uDOiCVk76124A8mQsJedbKjnZpztTy5GBLHkt0URuWcGme1fh0C74Gd-Qiwuz_NQg9YFuxaicWeGT1Xk1VxH1ULzzg3wOUKhyphenhyphenvq60Kx8L2DRIzAMbsOWL1xcUw_Kzr4nQu/s1600-h/IMG_7065.JPG"></a><br /><br />Keeping true to the "friendly" part of the competition, here is where I most humbly post Aaron's victory video.<br /><br /><br /><object height="302" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2150775&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2150775&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2150775">L.A. Muddy Buddy - 2008</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user814559">Aaron Price</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to my "friends" for showing me that competition can be friendly and fun! We gladly toasted "Here's to no more <a href="http://www.rutgerschurch.com/Sermons/sermon030302.html">mud in our eyes</a>!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe3HIiaxD5SGV6XLMnpEHiDRJeZGLM0y06woViGAx7vkkGLtmwEYphyWekOLsWRUUAT6mLIMS1rHJOGKt-oFPIADyguweFMwShdd2KThnXceEHAS44ZUnaycCeId6r5GlMK0w/s1600-h/IMG_7088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303600675124222466" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe3HIiaxD5SGV6XLMnpEHiDRJeZGLM0y06woViGAx7vkkGLtmwEYphyWekOLsWRUUAT6mLIMS1rHJOGKt-oFPIADyguweFMwShdd2KThnXceEHAS44ZUnaycCeId6r5GlMK0w/s320/IMG_7088.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM-U7dZ1Ki3iC1MYSngt80hzhLdBTXx23JFgFvk25SqfknuSseJSOIHOQK6tQ5xWofLZVgSBfTMJJCf9xA-KoBsKe1NaoNBXTdGVoHagN1S5idGoDP8FCtzmKrrhw0Tvwejcm/s1600-h/IMG_7090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303598552514561522" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM-U7dZ1Ki3iC1MYSngt80hzhLdBTXx23JFgFvk25SqfknuSseJSOIHOQK6tQ5xWofLZVgSBfTMJJCf9xA-KoBsKe1NaoNBXTdGVoHagN1S5idGoDP8FCtzmKrrhw0Tvwejcm/s320/IMG_7090.JPG" border="0" /></a>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-65058544983389549242008-10-06T16:03:00.000-07:002008-10-28T17:08:48.873-07:0010/04/08 Femmoto!<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg2rDsSenMoGxKhO28rPvd0Sh2UMrNQlz55iXET0JBqWm0NcxKQjJbkdaBbTq-sb2pbnNQ1544kymZvErU7KOhpYOe81ylYVoiOJ1bOTLNqOwno7qPQmLERwjdR-tE1xBUC_s/s1600-h/femmotogals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262351579859013186" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg2rDsSenMoGxKhO28rPvd0Sh2UMrNQlz55iXET0JBqWm0NcxKQjJbkdaBbTq-sb2pbnNQ1544kymZvErU7KOhpYOe81ylYVoiOJ1bOTLNqOwno7qPQmLERwjdR-tE1xBUC_s/s320/femmotogals.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br />Dear Men,<br />I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to ride motorcycles on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend. But <a href="http://www.femmoto.com/femmoto_events.html">Femmoto</a> is a women only motorcycle event in Las Vegas where the ladies get a chance to try out new factory motorcycles on a track. Although Laura, Robyn and myself certainly wished that a select few of your species had accompanied us to this event, the temptation it might have caused would have bordered on being unbearable, like being at a Victoria's Secret Clearance sale with a maxed out credit card. Prohibiting your testosterone-fueled desire to ride these magnificent machines would've caused momentary musings of gender reassignment surgery...<br />The freedom we women got to experience while riding the track without trying to impress you allowed us to simply enjoy ourselves and feel at ease with our fellow female riders. If you've ever taken off your bra at the end of a really hot summer day, you'd know what I mean, oh nevermind.<br />If you are still reading this, you are probably starting to think that I'm talking too much, so I'll share a few photos with you. The fact that the latest copy of "Performance Bikes" magazine had fewer words than pictures reminds me of how "visual" you are.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EbYIdUTi1d8YXFWRfdSuU12BpuC3K2q6ENDnZvtqDtPUuCZQmMokaQBItYIfXHtxsDySfvFuzI1zFd8PdeCjVQwDCgBSOCrwlcgRuiDfwXLFk6wAPorRUhAUIAvQ6rLCJ9Jr/s1600-h/pitpass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262352017303491298" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EbYIdUTi1d8YXFWRfdSuU12BpuC3K2q6ENDnZvtqDtPUuCZQmMokaQBItYIfXHtxsDySfvFuzI1zFd8PdeCjVQwDCgBSOCrwlcgRuiDfwXLFk6wAPorRUhAUIAvQ6rLCJ9Jr/s320/pitpass.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLREzlIcjao2Cfl689FfWj8PJmZ_gZNq7GULvfYj-G7LZSM6STwblaprPhAyV8ZezrnoWtUtIq-ynEHFr-WJ6o2iPsg0ESpWXKPCRC6g6Bd8SRR5aBFmWfqqLotbmnRCJ2BHf/s1600-h/laurarsv.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262351586678646722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLREzlIcjao2Cfl689FfWj8PJmZ_gZNq7GULvfYj-G7LZSM6STwblaprPhAyV8ZezrnoWtUtIq-ynEHFr-WJ6o2iPsg0ESpWXKPCRC6g6Bd8SRR5aBFmWfqqLotbmnRCJ2BHf/s320/laurarsv.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_esH7_mPt2_rTwJW4D3-ALP1HWqeepkaGz0m367zWlM0yhT2jp0B6Rw7EKs8K0c-tFhdCa257iqPjMKY588JA5ROyC5NoG7GZSEE6GfnEdRfaX2YrlhnQClSZVPZm_95e8mW/s1600-h/angninja.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262351573580049858" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_esH7_mPt2_rTwJW4D3-ALP1HWqeepkaGz0m367zWlM0yhT2jp0B6Rw7EKs8K0c-tFhdCa257iqPjMKY588JA5ROyC5NoG7GZSEE6GfnEdRfaX2YrlhnQClSZVPZm_95e8mW/s320/angninja.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAg1Yh__Ln2Bm-sBP8IgtiMvFI1JjObIbrqGzRxv_c-6Ro9W01DIFsfmk7scffSBMvZNZUglHdk2-IkahU8wGLz4QywTT1L9cCDJbQjpeWJyu-hflaey6Dvp_efN_aU8MRqpH/s1600-h/robninja.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262352025296995106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAg1Yh__Ln2Bm-sBP8IgtiMvFI1JjObIbrqGzRxv_c-6Ro9W01DIFsfmk7scffSBMvZNZUglHdk2-IkahU8wGLz4QywTT1L9cCDJbQjpeWJyu-hflaey6Dvp_efN_aU8MRqpH/s320/robninja.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRfVE6DVs7IbHZDKmm7HEr4Qsxg3_4J34EabdSnzK-_Z1UCDoI7VtUaZp4EYXykp3S6sNaMLwXEReJzbydsdxfTw5eJk3GzrMa0diBa1t4lMnjDK8h0Ne1qy8QBQlqd3IuOWC/s1600-h/aprillia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262351578781653906" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRfVE6DVs7IbHZDKmm7HEr4Qsxg3_4J34EabdSnzK-_Z1UCDoI7VtUaZp4EYXykp3S6sNaMLwXEReJzbydsdxfTw5eJk3GzrMa0diBa1t4lMnjDK8h0Ne1qy8QBQlqd3IuOWC/s320/aprillia.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHQkLESAyz4xkLeB35yOtFp3LxLQvKTdQZVWSnfkdpK9A3nSJAjSaUdWp74BkaWUd77u4EyDACiKxbtIl8wIsCtzMuPfKbft7oF8rnBAsXZcnJL6jS7Wrh62MTvEI-OJ3KjZX/s1600-h/r6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262352021343072466" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHQkLESAyz4xkLeB35yOtFp3LxLQvKTdQZVWSnfkdpK9A3nSJAjSaUdWp74BkaWUd77u4EyDACiKxbtIl8wIsCtzMuPfKbft7oF8rnBAsXZcnJL6jS7Wrh62MTvEI-OJ3KjZX/s320/r6.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMh9lG2rUPZ25f_0Dr6kUeE4EGrTLuht83Nsa2OuPKqP9h6j9kUKfeUcStVBrjQIWThsyTxOp2TIdCbQFPa94WHFi5g80-FOUPCnt8-FdyYT1N66H829bhv-ySyxku6HqsYw4/s1600-h/Ninja+love.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262352019304719442" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMh9lG2rUPZ25f_0Dr6kUeE4EGrTLuht83Nsa2OuPKqP9h6j9kUKfeUcStVBrjQIWThsyTxOp2TIdCbQFPa94WHFi5g80-FOUPCnt8-FdyYT1N66H829bhv-ySyxku6HqsYw4/s320/Ninja+love.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykbNt1DZXQfd9VaOTdQ0yqtnnMqzdEOzbSQ2eKn_P2IvZ_Me8dX-zUO4A1P0aEwDoOMhRlJKjBT10-3isWhyphenhyphenAPe0vMRAF_tD8TFwzwj2_89e0wwdXZE6kGn7dqO0eDqa130ix/s1600-h/funatfemmoto.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262351583420846530" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykbNt1DZXQfd9VaOTdQ0yqtnnMqzdEOzbSQ2eKn_P2IvZ_Me8dX-zUO4A1P0aEwDoOMhRlJKjBT10-3isWhyphenhyphenAPe0vMRAF_tD8TFwzwj2_89e0wwdXZE6kGn7dqO0eDqa130ix/s320/funatfemmoto.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Normally I'm not the kind of girl that likes to hang out with a lot of girls for an entire day, but Femmoto wasn't just a bunch of us talking about nails or make-up. In fact there were a lot of what I like to refer to as "non-make-up-moments" as in it's a good thing I wasn't wearing make-up because it would've been smeared all the way to the back of my head right now. In particular, riding on the back with Ducati racer Larry Pelgram was more thrilling than combining every roller coaster I have ever been on - even the ones that made me throw up. </div><div align="justify">So in conclusion, I am sorry that you weren't there. But at the same time, I'm also relieved that you weren't because I'm pretty certain that this opportunity would've been too much for your testosterone-induced yearning to wreak havoc. </div><div align="justify">Okay, I'm done speaking. You can go back to "reading" your motorcycle magazines now!</div><div align="justify">And remember, if dinner isn't on the table next October, it's probably because she's at <a href="http://www.femmoto.com/">Femmoto</a>!</div><div align="justify">Sincerely,</div><div align="justify">Angela Brunson, just one of the many Women of <a href="http://www.femmoto.com/">Femmoto</a></div><div align="justify"></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-45148601076008442402008-09-30T16:37:00.001-07:002008-10-22T16:45:23.253-07:0009/28/08 Toronto Marathon<div align="center"><em>Angela & Coach John after her 25th marathon!</em><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252801298931994578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDQgImJbdo3kTQ_cHLwFc5nKDLxMJPhczj6cI7cSjbt0mro-HpcyCZm00nTALW7r_MxmCcKK19IdsHh1eeRli15WM_kt7p5mWJZzKL_h4paTfGMBKUn46mP1f1Z-Y7odKTV6F/s320/Post+race+with+John.jpg" border="0" /> <strong><u>Thursday, September 25</u></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fP0ZbXdJkSJMifc_bQZ5dxTxBHe6cpV332eW9Mx9RLZqALRIiY6pYXDh5BgEdViCycm0sOJSxVIG89nZcQDvX46tQnaoqN_7TOj1TssqInwnwR4gQIHjdVtTL71vtSzStroS/s1600-h/westjet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252781816676150642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fP0ZbXdJkSJMifc_bQZ5dxTxBHe6cpV332eW9Mx9RLZqALRIiY6pYXDh5BgEdViCycm0sOJSxVIG89nZcQDvX46tQnaoqN_7TOj1TssqInwnwR4gQIHjdVtTL71vtSzStroS/s320/westjet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJU9Fqonzz4C0T97sj1zW5-97Jm52ELkvyRkc7j6mL_Prb3vyMuglrwcBOY_irwq_5kp4E1AkDSqYRJgzO3i02KJ9qhIra8MWvvDEq7u6xho28yPf6KH7VRBeHrH0qbJ8KG4d/s1600-h/John+on+plane.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252782105558261954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJU9Fqonzz4C0T97sj1zW5-97Jm52ELkvyRkc7j6mL_Prb3vyMuglrwcBOY_irwq_5kp4E1AkDSqYRJgzO3i02KJ9qhIra8MWvvDEq7u6xho28yPf6KH7VRBeHrH0qbJ8KG4d/s320/John+on+plane.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Coach John, Mom and I arrived in Toronto. We met our Couch Surfing host Oliver who welcomed us into his downtown apartment. Great view!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvsjNa1FmRZs7K7tuU4exypUlBepA2G_yhKaiYczEuHvROwsKIZLAo6yJjOSKaMEDMjdhFEhS5QmisW3l6h_rDDh5eltxHfRd7KwE7_i8GOHWkvJbxtGgGgAZb5zywS_uciWG/s1600-h/Oliver.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252423885045294642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvsjNa1FmRZs7K7tuU4exypUlBepA2G_yhKaiYczEuHvROwsKIZLAo6yJjOSKaMEDMjdhFEhS5QmisW3l6h_rDDh5eltxHfRd7KwE7_i8GOHWkvJbxtGgGgAZb5zywS_uciWG/s200/Oliver.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_Ok4GVzqi5jgF1QM8upewit7taxFbL7g5Q0Z0_jRx-CZ_f5ta5FbVlEEZNkYs6GFz8Gu1Z6pH6qX1VXdgTTwnenciNHvgw888931lfiiHiDmEyGCSkwDSM3XD1VfchXoW7XM/s1600-h/19th+floor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252782435168252466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_Ok4GVzqi5jgF1QM8upewit7taxFbL7g5Q0Z0_jRx-CZ_f5ta5FbVlEEZNkYs6GFz8Gu1Z6pH6qX1VXdgTTwnenciNHvgw888931lfiiHiDmEyGCSkwDSM3XD1VfchXoW7XM/s320/19th+floor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br><br /><br><br /><br><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><u>Friday, September 26</u><br />On Friday, Mom and I set out with a plan to see certain parts of the city but that quickly changed as we found ourselves wandering into so many interesting stores. When we bumped into the Hockey Hall of Fame, we knew the agenda would be significantly altered!<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-seN_NdnzrJgBrLZxaAjAxq-epvjY2mK8x85ZM4KbUF-GAQdWAemcHqPRKK-rcNm4ilbg86nDDOsJUr8gL8CoePnBK33_96ADxs_WVWAfn-7sEu5FLlJbP6s5x4TLik-7D3E/s1600-h/hhof.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252787003956647282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-seN_NdnzrJgBrLZxaAjAxq-epvjY2mK8x85ZM4KbUF-GAQdWAemcHqPRKK-rcNm4ilbg86nDDOsJUr8gL8CoePnBK33_96ADxs_WVWAfn-7sEu5FLlJbP6s5x4TLik-7D3E/s320/hhof.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvvUr-nmegmO94y4ck3Rxe45Q41OwXkhjiu6iGv72IQaq472UWWGYF5OZlxSMGFg9Jr26PGvsRTuAhjVVgZCRl8Bn6qXpD8framGRqHjFe5v-_D5d0dA2V9kGZtgKDAHxmNXZ/s1600-h/Touching+the+cup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252787314204288770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvvUr-nmegmO94y4ck3Rxe45Q41OwXkhjiu6iGv72IQaq472UWWGYF5OZlxSMGFg9Jr26PGvsRTuAhjVVgZCRl8Bn6qXpD8framGRqHjFe5v-_D5d0dA2V9kGZtgKDAHxmNXZ/s320/Touching+the+cup.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251962977404263234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yezl4xLaUmcE-HLjOWyU0teEeWO34IUvUXKYrl7V7CbqvqfrqscES1re45RInI7S6quCiyW6hhZdBOmgaVeeIw4S2WS7I7L3vjPMfE4rwFGD7BAMcLWMxdsokNZwVnHHQP05/s320/Angela+Mom+The+Cup.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Afterwards, we took a ferry and explored Wards Island.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252787896190542114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGut5lORz3xEUesKczjR8Rvl_-IL7O3J8n-Ijz7rbgVqBHoJtuBTzX3At3P9UUUk8UsHxedjgpaiGoyxVZbdw0vHw7RuL2VWiurQdfPdy3zU05NdIYF2dOpeI6ryYq6QMaG81B/s320/View+from+Wards.jpg" border="0" /> And a trip to Toronto would not be complete without a visit up to the CN Tower - the world's tallest structure! </p><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMNmF8UT6igGSjvj-jtg26hVF2Yz0HhS8jlWiXULc0DloxOPyyAD1FJa_HA_4kIxjoeKiIYhGANvNQsH-8j0a8oF0AuDJr_HLgjPONvnbMywL25WeLYe_er36Z2lY1Bph5k_q/s1600-h/CN+Tower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252789075826829602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMNmF8UT6igGSjvj-jtg26hVF2Yz0HhS8jlWiXULc0DloxOPyyAD1FJa_HA_4kIxjoeKiIYhGANvNQsH-8j0a8oF0AuDJr_HLgjPONvnbMywL25WeLYe_er36Z2lY1Bph5k_q/s320/CN+Tower.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8e1vrbJlM9-F-ayXtPXIXTsA_Ns2WILiQBnoX3flxpBLjlWZIMEzpWArhPNt3JImILxGy2cv-1mUetVZHmbZXllgX7W1xBO05jEUIdoNUAp2HvpsTH3oHna-QaOfs3ZpFHC0/s1600-h/CN+Tower+feet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252789178830240706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8e1vrbJlM9-F-ayXtPXIXTsA_Ns2WILiQBnoX3flxpBLjlWZIMEzpWArhPNt3JImILxGy2cv-1mUetVZHmbZXllgX7W1xBO05jEUIdoNUAp2HvpsTH3oHna-QaOfs3ZpFHC0/s320/CN+Tower+feet.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><p align="justify"><strong><u>Saturday, September 27</u></strong><br />On Saturday, we went to the Marathon Expo where we feasted on carbs, juices and indulged in some pre-race massage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFFgLFrrj5sWeinHJsWdd8K2pSo22rHn-OqPm1kUzqizcCp3xvOBHIwjA8cDn2WuM5yTGmqi0UB2WZhr6f-gI8QziF4n51a4OSYX-N32dmr0-IxDJLLYn8tFjg3gi4aoTcqfm/s1600-h/Expo+A+and+Bear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252791304394409186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFFgLFrrj5sWeinHJsWdd8K2pSo22rHn-OqPm1kUzqizcCp3xvOBHIwjA8cDn2WuM5yTGmqi0UB2WZhr6f-gI8QziF4n51a4OSYX-N32dmr0-IxDJLLYn8tFjg3gi4aoTcqfm/s320/Expo+A+and+Bear.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUKMOIil9sxVPJfHk-3l1XR_6HiNc0DzBsHrWov8vOEEe3xRC1jdR_7ijB_L3gnVMoG3BfEcDXKp-VYvDAkXbf6YtJU283DuCwh-tVZDdAyKs85G0kwlbNBlhCOGKcWQ71uUA/s1600-h/Expo+Mom+and+Bear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252791394693042258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUKMOIil9sxVPJfHk-3l1XR_6HiNc0DzBsHrWov8vOEEe3xRC1jdR_7ijB_L3gnVMoG3BfEcDXKp-VYvDAkXbf6YtJU283DuCwh-tVZDdAyKs85G0kwlbNBlhCOGKcWQ71uUA/s320/Expo+Mom+and+Bear.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252791490815778530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPYXrm4npnmrFSUxAshB7rqWpKBxv9IuGOWOf76cZKq1WW2etNKC4g31TrIgl4N6ndBBb7sFDxVXc_yWxnVBZVbOowk5HwD4TFWWPBiD3t5MTfCv1CJMkXR7E3HSP6JFg44F4/s320/Expo+the+stick.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><strong><u>Sunday, September 28</u></strong></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUkztdqUTX320AYpD-AF-xoKuvijDh1yFd5cCAHFNkYmr-cmmoNrzY_nr1ORTQUxPrDwl9E_ItcfYeP92ao0T2c2lG8Q2SKgxxARqPAd9P-tAEjE3LBMmArhaBpT8c3Z5YnSt/s1600-h/Pre+race+sign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252802815561153986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUkztdqUTX320AYpD-AF-xoKuvijDh1yFd5cCAHFNkYmr-cmmoNrzY_nr1ORTQUxPrDwl9E_ItcfYeP92ao0T2c2lG8Q2SKgxxARqPAd9P-tAEjE3LBMmArhaBpT8c3Z5YnSt/s320/Pre+race+sign.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="justify">The race was Sunday. I was still suffering the late stages of a sinus infection and jet-lag. It rained Saturday night and there was a chance of rain during the race, but luckily the weather wasn't as bad as we feared. Clean air, humid overcast skies at first, then by 11:00am, it actually got pretty warm. Temperatures ranged from 60 degrees F at the start, but got up past 70 before most of us finished. </p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc7huhmLq-5gNg8KMO13kGdFnLvIOjbsiKP2YjP9jdCAy_vcmMc_UyWeCMNXrC0F3RTUbnqiqYHODVTO3sPVdH70pTYO_i7IeiQllEHBCwmzwd-nbcDOjSscNCkQxDBMeodXm/s1600-h/Weather+at+start.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252797527596916562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrc7huhmLq-5gNg8KMO13kGdFnLvIOjbsiKP2YjP9jdCAy_vcmMc_UyWeCMNXrC0F3RTUbnqiqYHODVTO3sPVdH70pTYO_i7IeiQllEHBCwmzwd-nbcDOjSscNCkQxDBMeodXm/s320/Weather+at+start.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdWfyVVrQ0k5ETlzcCl3ZciM57JVIvNj6vh72W8FEL6JqtbZsjuxmNgmWWyl9aBjlad6Knor5f4-rkouqppnl2fQkXNj6ShO07W8_D_XjgbmhCPdVGHO2MAnaiHRSiISKE2Ct/s1600-h/Early+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252797651464872770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdWfyVVrQ0k5ETlzcCl3ZciM57JVIvNj6vh72W8FEL6JqtbZsjuxmNgmWWyl9aBjlad6Knor5f4-rkouqppnl2fQkXNj6ShO07W8_D_XjgbmhCPdVGHO2MAnaiHRSiISKE2Ct/s320/Early+view.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">The best part about the event was that Coach John rode a borrowed bike along the course with me so he could get some great photos, and keep me in good spirits. About an hour into the race, he called Lorenzo and let me talk to him on speaker phone! One other great bit was the highly organized start corral system with really high fences so no one could jump into a starting area in which they didn't belong. Two not so great things: 1) pretty dreadful music from the few live bands - a country music band crooned slow depressing ballad, then just before "the wall" we were treated to some sleepy "Kumbiyah" folk music... not exactly the kind up stuff to keep the "pep in your step" - but the African drummers near the finish were brilliant; 2) the entire course was marked ONLY in kilometres. At first it was nice not to worry about whether I was on or off pace, but eventually the impatient 5 year old in me wanted to know "how much fuuurtherrr?" And no matter how hard I tried, my almost 40 year old mathematically challenged brain could absolutely not compute the conversion. Finally, I remembered that a marathon was about 42Km and I took a lucky guess around marker 37Km that I had 5Km left. All I know is that the half way point was marked and it took me 1:40 for the first half, then 1:44 for the second - total time was 3:25:16 which was good enough for 5th place in my division.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdCBgbsKiIPNChdUnYxGYljgyGtvTVJ3cfdoMSzTnGtwIGHaJ5EZKu8G9Q5_FLolkAlhHb5KtciWTdZC6os3lFmMLZEZlLwFblgxBYlCnu-KVQqR64XQ5JV9ZfPjxr0J5RkTa/s1600-h/Toronto+run.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260125142211846610" style="WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdCBgbsKiIPNChdUnYxGYljgyGtvTVJ3cfdoMSzTnGtwIGHaJ5EZKu8G9Q5_FLolkAlhHb5KtciWTdZC6os3lFmMLZEZlLwFblgxBYlCnu-KVQqR64XQ5JV9ZfPjxr0J5RkTa/s320/Toronto+run.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllFYDrgE7w19iVGzpZvGVBO7YsrWirHUvq_rGqVT_KrL3X5MVMNHpQY3kKQpwJfSjhgn5A5fkYm0TRqJb-Tj7rF18jbirNFnz5fB5JoyxeXJC5pbqIAs3_8wyeuT8lA_bNwpQ/s1600-h/Toronto+finish2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260125143157478786" style="WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllFYDrgE7w19iVGzpZvGVBO7YsrWirHUvq_rGqVT_KrL3X5MVMNHpQY3kKQpwJfSjhgn5A5fkYm0TRqJb-Tj7rF18jbirNFnz5fB5JoyxeXJC5pbqIAs3_8wyeuT8lA_bNwpQ/s320/Toronto+finish2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GWncp_njJvqGcd9pt3dF6-NPWRzoamRszgbBbDbib5_gsw7Kme7Vqe91qUyJt5XN8cHtagoXeCHXSBoXkfs50q2-duljX4pup5hJrcSw8fUpoSxoJEfjUb055cTwnfZ6Zg5u/s1600-h/Toronto+finish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260125135596171202" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GWncp_njJvqGcd9pt3dF6-NPWRzoamRszgbBbDbib5_gsw7Kme7Vqe91qUyJt5XN8cHtagoXeCHXSBoXkfs50q2-duljX4pup5hJrcSw8fUpoSxoJEfjUb055cTwnfZ6Zg5u/s320/Toronto+finish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252801007213701810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy_HAxCFG29ubxWFE3CNReYblgwzAcHU00lntVkehTVSgCd7s0kocV_Soht26_QhGs5MuM4CkjZWTjDx2uIoFHiTFrYnjlyU65rJeGliKC5rhyphenhyphenUDVXp53UKRcgVp-SHGZ5T2W/s320/Post+race.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5V68SymJDBZGlC-DazGcC4W4sVvbYI8QS0vRroCNtRN0eq1Wr6_VB-4XvdyabXi3rBlDZoEqqlQiHKLOv9Mcoj9n0ZP0hyphenhyphenUrh9eZ81NOQP2c4CB6mx0VzJGRjV-V2Uu1Ni51/s1600-h/Post+race+breakfast.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252806961638427634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5V68SymJDBZGlC-DazGcC4W4sVvbYI8QS0vRroCNtRN0eq1Wr6_VB-4XvdyabXi3rBlDZoEqqlQiHKLOv9Mcoj9n0ZP0hyphenhyphenUrh9eZ81NOQP2c4CB6mx0VzJGRjV-V2Uu1Ni51/s320/Post+race+breakfast.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div align="justify">The race organizers wisely offered participants the option to pre-pay for a post-race massage during the registration process. Best investment ever!</div><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtOjAn73pMH_Ih29DaX2khFrwEpnChXZ195xz9AagAd70Zr4CKIxcKfQSyiPhN9j5GDyJdSS-dews34tCzCT0tm81_LvgofajMi_tk9TXlfjQH2YorLldT809_KjJePYXj3gu/s1600-h/Post+race+massage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252803342094523762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtOjAn73pMH_Ih29DaX2khFrwEpnChXZ195xz9AagAd70Zr4CKIxcKfQSyiPhN9j5GDyJdSS-dews34tCzCT0tm81_LvgofajMi_tk9TXlfjQH2YorLldT809_KjJePYXj3gu/s320/Post+race+massage.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtOjAn73pMH_Ih29DaX2khFrwEpnChXZ195xz9AagAd70Zr4CKIxcKfQSyiPhN9j5GDyJdSS-dews34tCzCT0tm81_LvgofajMi_tk9TXlfjQH2YorLldT809_KjJePYXj3gu/s1600-h/Post+race+massage.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><strong><u>Monday, September 29</u></strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">The day after the race, Mom and I enjoyed some spectacular flowers at the Allen Gardens, and a delicious lunch at <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/crepe-it-up-toronto">Crepe It Up</a>!</div><a id="myphotolink" href="http://www.new.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=969701&id=617002313"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0DiE4q_zD5oh-wt8YZ-SZSCBgJBfjIiYTlKoipTdUp7ZG_LT8FkXbLVAk4r77AuHQCJUs2q4rT2iLIkCxKBAqWToFFXoTf2jTs0twNNj-7ogo47_MRGN6vFl_a-o5-Tw7fHo/s1600-h/Allen+Gardens+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252804380394617042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0DiE4q_zD5oh-wt8YZ-SZSCBgJBfjIiYTlKoipTdUp7ZG_LT8FkXbLVAk4r77AuHQCJUs2q4rT2iLIkCxKBAqWToFFXoTf2jTs0twNNj-7ogo47_MRGN6vFl_a-o5-Tw7fHo/s320/Allen+Gardens+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMccm0WWZGCysAfqujlTKgJO9YbEcKMJhQgHCw0BboYq0rLpk0CKZ90ISzMmq1JwGjrrFkXDPCDImgfZb9Sja3vvLlimtH_KgGIcDQJ5lDH7PhVNvlaYRZmaT1demvj6WV-JQb/s1600-h/Allen+Gardens+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252804380710395026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMccm0WWZGCysAfqujlTKgJO9YbEcKMJhQgHCw0BboYq0rLpk0CKZ90ISzMmq1JwGjrrFkXDPCDImgfZb9Sja3vvLlimtH_KgGIcDQJ5lDH7PhVNvlaYRZmaT1demvj6WV-JQb/s320/Allen+Gardens+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82VIoxI3vDt8AgjU4fb4AsEzw7kDAM3c-S1oAya9ujwqZurFIa9OELbsP0azg5jaGlyUaeUH9wgd4fWiVWjiWqoUoE-a-IY_BEL83mqlqi5M-OvJYF4VMPHGSalvhF0vCdEj0/s1600-h/Allen+Gardens+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252804377443793746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82VIoxI3vDt8AgjU4fb4AsEzw7kDAM3c-S1oAya9ujwqZurFIa9OELbsP0azg5jaGlyUaeUH9wgd4fWiVWjiWqoUoE-a-IY_BEL83mqlqi5M-OvJYF4VMPHGSalvhF0vCdEj0/s320/Allen+Gardens+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfHtc9sUKR_JkbCnRyqVfbseP1R_Ztu7rV5UyhyY-2EtqfRCZ-nA6SmnNpmk014rlXi7VRaqHXVfQA1baRct9VV5qRcEgh6ZhJNeP1tvijjMl3njbGHcwVyKkPalsknp43rBr/s1600-h/Allen+Gardens+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252804378707456962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfHtc9sUKR_JkbCnRyqVfbseP1R_Ztu7rV5UyhyY-2EtqfRCZ-nA6SmnNpmk014rlXi7VRaqHXVfQA1baRct9VV5qRcEgh6ZhJNeP1tvijjMl3njbGHcwVyKkPalsknp43rBr/s320/Allen+Gardens+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvqgZKoOJd_NiHujNAslLmbBPCzzNw8SmEqfcjxmjliNv0Mfkh1Wd3us26UYogxekILy3VlM2ZbOlkokGjN2HRWjr71fSTS1hPgv5J_UHrr56Ee8U-Fws160iz5s7eOOd_ptt/s1600-h/Allen+Gardens+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252804381001979554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvqgZKoOJd_NiHujNAslLmbBPCzzNw8SmEqfcjxmjliNv0Mfkh1Wd3us26UYogxekILy3VlM2ZbOlkokGjN2HRWjr71fSTS1hPgv5J_UHrr56Ee8U-Fws160iz5s7eOOd_ptt/s320/Allen+Gardens+5.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QxmXtTVJmAxwHmY-ixLxgqRCDpE8R9qKvTHQu02uTn2FkGCdh4Xw_rt4WFC86k1qBIxs08S-fnZTohua7ijlmBaPsX6nkQxSk6jgHOdbQbmLBpwT4eGTvvJA_0d8heDp7nuU/s1600-h/Allen+Gardens+6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252806806752339906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QxmXtTVJmAxwHmY-ixLxgqRCDpE8R9qKvTHQu02uTn2FkGCdh4Xw_rt4WFC86k1qBIxs08S-fnZTohua7ijlmBaPsX6nkQxSk6jgHOdbQbmLBpwT4eGTvvJA_0d8heDp7nuU/s320/Allen+Gardens+6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyUKydGmCqZFCyvSS7UEtjJmypT2i4lDCknllGWxZubHW8sQH-p06LwuDqXAJtdFzpkNUimPZSyxkNlp3Z-hFBQifn5CqQA43zZZRxpahDm_n-xlo2I4c_Q4TSmzUWs3o4ZKi/s1600-h/Crepes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252806956049559602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyUKydGmCqZFCyvSS7UEtjJmypT2i4lDCknllGWxZubHW8sQH-p06LwuDqXAJtdFzpkNUimPZSyxkNlp3Z-hFBQifn5CqQA43zZZRxpahDm_n-xlo2I4c_Q4TSmzUWs3o4ZKi/s320/Crepes.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><div align="justify">That night, Coach John joined us at the Air Canada Centre to watch a fantastic hockey game where the St. Louis Blues played the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even though it was only pre-season, the fans were really into it - everyone did the wave and cheered like crazy! The score was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation. Same score after overtime, so then it went to a really exciting shoot-out! Toronto won!!!<br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hwd_4XIQC2tdEgHaivj_cz_BZjBfhLiilUVT8xqon7gT8tBp_bCYr4_HgtXU-pDr_fzZHyzZU3L72P7cQhuSiXxy6u4yALJbf39phttalm8moovc7D_eynump4ETLESmjuut/s1600-h/The+game.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252809129709822978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hwd_4XIQC2tdEgHaivj_cz_BZjBfhLiilUVT8xqon7gT8tBp_bCYr4_HgtXU-pDr_fzZHyzZU3L72P7cQhuSiXxy6u4yALJbf39phttalm8moovc7D_eynump4ETLESmjuut/s320/The+game.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP0bELTBw1dUvQgdceP_ONGGWylIMzfbKlPGYIP98pW1eW5ws7mPdOb9K28I1zb21ux-PBGaom68Q49imfPY48NHuJwNWEwURPSnrdxVV36hor-Fx0JtqdXnqI5yGfXu8Jrxy/s1600-h/John+and+Mom+at+game.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252809130276280322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP0bELTBw1dUvQgdceP_ONGGWylIMzfbKlPGYIP98pW1eW5ws7mPdOb9K28I1zb21ux-PBGaom68Q49imfPY48NHuJwNWEwURPSnrdxVV36hor-Fx0JtqdXnqI5yGfXu8Jrxy/s320/John+and+Mom+at+game.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0XFHY-o-7PYd2gwoSYC8ox17yktxP07DI5Eczo96Y0y7tyg_gKOY__RzduYXTUSYGg6FbLlWLXn0aTSlpmahHT1Zo3L15v7NixPcA_wogNix6kvtOrHSra-AoJ1BTOIsLak6/s1600-h/Hockey+gals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252809129003379458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0XFHY-o-7PYd2gwoSYC8ox17yktxP07DI5Eczo96Y0y7tyg_gKOY__RzduYXTUSYGg6FbLlWLXn0aTSlpmahHT1Zo3L15v7NixPcA_wogNix6kvtOrHSra-AoJ1BTOIsLak6/s320/Hockey+gals.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><strong><u>Tuesday, September 30</u></strong></div><br /><div align="justify">As we boarded our planes on Tuesday, the city bid us a tearful (rainy) good-bye. But I'm having thoughts of returning next year perhaps for the <a href="http://www.endurrun.com/index.html">ENDURrun</a>.</div><div align="justify"></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-56289116653638403682008-08-08T23:30:00.000-07:002009-06-26T14:32:34.124-07:0008/08/08 Craig Chambers<p><span style="font-size:130%;">In Memoriam...</span></p><p>I don't mean to brag, but I am one of those runners who will never finish "DFL." This is not due to talent, skill, or extra training dedication on my behalf. It's simply due to fear. I'll admit it: the prospect of being listed last on a results page scares this particular over-achiever out of her mind. So after having completed 20 marathons (and avoiding "DFL"), I figured I had been at it long enough to know what I was doing. Now thanks to "Moose Math," I've learned that my piddly amount of experience actually puts my level of running knowledge somewhere between zygote and embryo.<br /><br />Craig completed the 2008 Catalina Marathon course while I was sitting around and moping about my "PW" (personal worst) finish. Long after the other participants had showered, eaten, boarded the ferry, and arrived back in Los Angeles, the Moose and his crew crossed the area where the finish line had been. He was smiling, as always. The fact that I didn't finish in the top 3 was killing me, but here came Craig, who was literally dying, and he was smiling. Moose was going to finish in a position far worse than I could've imagined possible: Post-DFL !!! Yet, I proudly stood and clapped as the tears flowed freely down my face.<br /><br />Thank you Craig for teaching me the significance of finishing, simply finishing, be it first or last, with a smile on your face, surrounded by friends who love you. </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-81579887482685293822008-07-22T10:23:00.000-07:002008-07-31T13:53:21.005-07:00July 18 - July 21 Motorcycle Trip<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7p9kppH-wpeodrQgYgxXwJVkvEccB-SojKggUZi2EORfbsBKf18JrLoOZ75Uy8tDgABXUOGXp3bBzuzfGN59bpJ2MWfmNyyjGExHiqtMXxxows-CgkyVEcKTdtDR_InSO4Sh/s1600-h/Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229276564999026610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7p9kppH-wpeodrQgYgxXwJVkvEccB-SojKggUZi2EORfbsBKf18JrLoOZ75Uy8tDgABXUOGXp3bBzuzfGN59bpJ2MWfmNyyjGExHiqtMXxxows-CgkyVEcKTdtDR_InSO4Sh/s320/Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our amazing journey began in Los Angeles on a brand new rented Honda ST1300 motorcycle (it only had 18 miles on it). We traveled up the famous Highway 1 to San Luis Obispo where we visited with friends and went rock climbing, then continued north to Hearst Castle, and eventually to Monterey for the U.S. Moto Grand Prix Race at Laguna Seca Raceway. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></em></strong><strong><u><span style="font-size:130%;">July 19 - Hearst Castle</span></u></strong><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231399866431746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4qWJ55HyFOBoupwT5v42ZNNVrPm7Wer0wgNqj_ivE6Qn3VOzIceyZLKT16xfhV7ifA3G-vnV70ubDJ11qVSf0tLtGzc9KzFA9I87wnbD6Y2V_e7D_aqgS_0tRyTPQFas0Cs0cg/s320/Hearst+door.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center">Lorenzo in front of the main entrance. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231404827342402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aXU4h7fr0oHhkb9Ei0FKxroeWEEK1iw57fA2yngO8TONhEcVO6z0jmZG3VUCc1jXmDMEzAf2bWJP5YhHRn28N6478nEnnTmUTg4c7vdW7CPJR5plOO9m0l_wfZExVDrFQmAErQ/s320/Hearst+pool.jpg" border="0" /> The 350,000 gallon pool.</p><p align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231400624093506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvjvI_A-Ckgngoj5Es8K_xb2Bi92fDzJeV_1hhZfQwM4N_woTDj58vCRV9UFEu3RfT4Oob9lYELiwnPU-ZQF8LheZG_TvFdjMIC58uMZ8HcsusaOMhuTKC-GX7DUg30u-sVQYTQ/s320/Hearst+angel.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"><em>"Hearst Angel, Hearst Angel... Would you be mine?"</em><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="justify">Monterey was chilly, so we went to Fisherman's Wharf for some fish 'n chips, delicious clam chowder, and beer (but it seemed more appropriate to call it "ale"). As soon as we arrived in Monterey, we started seeing a lot of motorcycles. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229237071207785698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsmALjkG1ncnN8OT1gVP44T0glGvR-pYezJGCnVVex6R3gOQ0n_-8irWp5foOm41zJ6xhj0HxxyyjTw5anCdPkDy4vN9ttd2iNlEiSnHkp5Ubo-JiRcDhDCi57yAjw8-bUG4i/s320/Monterey+bikes.jpg" border="0" />Ordinary motorcycles.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230544602612466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWksb1uklnTgBQL3sIMRRqIcJCN24-qi7kdhKCtGF6N54GAm1qBBdYTOxRFo2ctuxxuYhFbgiBt08kAQX4_RT_zLOi_sUunSDxEFNKdJa5g2lZxLhhuGnn3ldvQ4frzI8zAft_g/s320/Cannery+Row+three+wheels.jpg" border="0" />And not so ordinary ones. </p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="justify">Ask anyone who's been to the U.S. Moto Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, and they will tell you that you MUST go to Cannery Row the night before the race to see all the motorcycles on display.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230399186022866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5FvTZOzbegFvMMG52XzhZlL8kU-qtY4gyvlzZkg_A4YElx2WVn5levIM6e3lBkf8VF00ThZ1r_nNqIH-ya2wPsnrfimhb4H1NoO1oN6vJVSjQ-LX8AEh3jKoRM3KXqNVThyphenhyphenujA/s320/Cannery+Row+Rossi+bike.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">Here is a miniature version of Valentino Rossi's bike - just my size!!!</p><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230389560703330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmonZNOg335K5hVLZ36bfw22J97DDsntwrHVZJIDA86oLSpZZOqDp1bN3lR9bOWE78hx6pcDJczinQyzyXhN6jvPTwc6CCMhtlgiCDZzCSkJJqw81hJzf_pEGGXkOuN5JSzAbNg/s320/Cannery+Row+colors.jpg" border="0" />The bikes at Cannery Row came in every shape and color.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230396079439106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmo1r6fxTqlHH13c1GBqiF5JhQLHlGm3bRRG2wgxKjU6F5c3yxW8sNdvUwdOZfjB82byXXzYxZXfjBXHvzov0gLBBpV3iWmuzCLwa_Q2hDhyphenhyphenjJv2E2N3XslrqNMvJcc6JC6wlXQ/s320/Cannery+Row+green.jpg" border="0" />Tad and Robyn are not exactly "green" with envy about this one.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230394639577922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGdNGhcfkK6sMiv7g8lMc6U3tNRiqU-U9fdgUJmX7Mj4t-nhzfogx-UuO5VCufxnwsCYMP8lUDkQhotGT2gU3_zYqIkTMkBPUUtKaiufR4G5NsaMZ9K3wwy3tEafqhvhxKJrPQA/s320/Cannery+Row+hose.jpg" border="0" />There were a lot of people trying to eat dinner on Cannery Row. We got "hosed" at every restaurant we tried, but eventually we had a really great meal as we were serenaded by the sounds of engines outside.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230388208476306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjGzxELf9V0-iUe2jqijAwhhDWuuJvAiyTDv9BmVa3clpGQICHMaSwG1e6-uxjgoW8TxjmfDH0S3rusCPlWDFtp6wwfRIRPSlgr3H3CildePA6IcFmeKJRAsDlXB8NrWYEYF_Hg/s320/Cannery+Row+dinner.jpg" border="0" /> </p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><strong><u><span style="font-size:130%;">July 20 - U.S. Moto Grand Prix, Laguna Seca Raceway</span></u></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231631240176546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv93ykFuNCrxHYQGQObfNvNq8bJGr8HP_2MIhajTM8FgFCJnxTv-NwZqe5jXgZjkSt3J76_d5qqon4hJWy9PNzVN4p8mCAB1JXmQ_RsJiukV5J_b9NwLAt6U4q4iW1b9mNCxnMg/s320/Prerace+parking+lot.jpg" border="0" />Parking the motorcycle at the event was no problem at all.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231837317857762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5FdpdWBlISsMWspcwSfhk0UKGzlKyG4WtdZCAyVJMdip_Z9f9zL18CGsP4CNtDn0El7BsS9L4kp0PfTI7yfQZQ9uHOxcWcaZW6r9X8vRFn1LCMAgAGhp6If9NfDug6Mvk-vtiA/s320/Prerace+parking+nuts.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">"Tad, will you please remember where we parked?"</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231625099212994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0CrUlqCvF17XwgIMtZ-IIt6YiireGaYoxrhyphenhyphenx7eJISQwN8apm_kOOppkPJEfV3xlJjp1L6o4raSc5Se1okNgUNEsr7g7Ih9Thcr_War1Y3inq-PEzgMlREsyRPhe1B_COKMEzA/s320/Prerace+mirror+mirror.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Finding the bike later however, might be a bit tricky...</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><p align="justify">The promotional booths at the race track had all sorts of motorcycles, everything from A to Z: <strong>A</strong>prilia bikes, <strong>B</strong>uell bikes, <strong>c</strong>ustom bikes, <strong>D</strong>ucati bikes, <strong>e</strong>nergy efficient bikes, <strong>f</strong>lashy bikes, <strong>G</strong>SX-R bikes, <strong>H</strong>ayabusa bikes, <strong>i</strong>mpressive bikes, <strong>J</strong>agermaister bikes, <strong>K</strong>awasaki bikes, <strong>l</strong>ittle bikes, <strong>M</strong>oto Guzzi bikes, <strong>n</strong>itrus-powered bikes, <strong>o</strong>ne-of-a-kind bikes, <strong>p</strong>ink bikes, <strong>q</strong>uirky bikes, <strong>R</strong>oad King bikes, <strong>S</strong>uzuki bikes, <strong>T</strong>riumph bikes, <strong>u</strong>gly bikes, <strong>V</strong>ictory bikes, <strong>w</strong>ild bikes, <strong>X</strong>T-660 bikes, <strong>Y</strong>amaha bikes, and of course <strong>Z</strong>ZR 1400 bikes.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231623460965842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf5XX30PfdVhqpAHVJKObLy2ZjzH83RJWnTWcTt4YtcIjQ8ohZNLdmgYrSkkBaIqyMexP0W3LjC6QgJZAnC-tg3lOMqMZCY24JCDkgrS1nn6TfcNMxen7tEl9aNRih3ZHtUr5CQ/s320/Prerace+lookout+below.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Tall bike: Lookout below!!!</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231616665498018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLdPNw6t6ME_Pl_DE1lAppdGxexqrN4IeR6gKHax62KX1gSeyt_S6Bf88KC6vHzWqKgsevUWxFC8wcysqZhmlok8bzRtT1oI9l5egkC-PnTqDrV6LxFP7Tm_5OqWOmwRTjqonkg/s320/Prerace+bling+bling.jpg" border="0" />Custom bike: Bling Bling!</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231628867367394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqQeQyyCqghqYySQ4-MGvzj-nglqMCJyGPpDMU1EBf4a9pzxkbaNY8HLPhAGkUJqAQcgpA1N3-A5mNkuOwIXMmx615rmI9g83C-BTQvcg0dZrN72nuS6Ai4WI-g9AMivDlbmrOA/s320/Prerace+Lorenzo+next+bike.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">VFR 800 (aka: Lorenzo's next purchase!)</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231835905782562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4WESg1_1BCjAao0xz3FZoHtRmVAzhEjVGqWUPvXZB9H4bYUj5-w8e8ulXO9v5zcJJ1-UCikaUG8GuCj_NupIzTtyAsRB-HUEtrm2ESIgX8Q_OfqKqPIrRGh0ClRsF1Ky-JygPQ/s320/Prerace+Robyn+drool.jpg" border="0" />Somewhere underneath Robyn's drool lies a Suzuki GXR.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231408038211618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mQji3PDMKm3JFZyzX9V-ZmLe1Rha53p8V8uC-3_dOTo9igbKj4-qsVMD6p1G71Kbvq1A7rjFPV9rmGK-DkZGMUbptIfLbzSo3yLfN1xUfYprRPQ4TyBwm6_461vJX8HronoMQQ/s320/Ninja+green.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">Green Ninja? Not so good.</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k6JvlFvDvHbL1SwLr3RvBpj1kKjRSUUi95hmPBXBQBoS61MT3dDvNd49GQbwmYTCtpmELYxBWJMW6mOmo8FkbQ7aO23W9E7NPjGgkt9Ui8pKQ9fYQHnEjtgbmTtQFlrwPJDf6w/s1600-h/Ninja+blue+is+better.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231406885513762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k6JvlFvDvHbL1SwLr3RvBpj1kKjRSUUi95hmPBXBQBoS61MT3dDvNd49GQbwmYTCtpmELYxBWJMW6mOmo8FkbQ7aO23W9E7NPjGgkt9Ui8pKQ9fYQHnEjtgbmTtQFlrwPJDf6w/s320/Ninja+blue+is+better.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Blue Ninja - much better!<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230548641110098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuj8E81O518wYgoRlT_14Pskjwv1lc_TWtONnc2d6drCM_a8i4prgQ4VjJzZmWBn894Hvce_dDZYVNl-f5uHWP0YOaxJRyK1irDbBf13GaUsycmmVggA0iuwtubVkjkxSyRQNMw/s320/Ducati+Island.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Ducati Island was really a sea of red.<br /></p><br /><p align="justify">When the race started, we were so thankful that we brought ear plugs. The race bikes were brain-melting loud and terror-inspiring fast!<br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231840734782674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcJaD3oRTEoo5UtPeAQeWc2OsRHZOPvq2wlG42uZ2jnp-00IkCckrT8VxcadPkuxlIP9LIBY2umWXEzqe6HX8YF6U8VeTaDcjFae2Wr762uUoD2V30X66ArjH1PsvEMWDVNZ0/s320/Race+first+lap.jpg" border="0" />First lap - Casey Stoner (red Ducati) leads with Hayden (orange Honda) and Rossi (blue Yamaha) right behind.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231854361197282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXabXhHd1tmiZvvzzAw0_uPm0_ATEmNqi_PaVagusVoiCv8L8pfeFQ6NL6wuD2QUvCzWbMEhCTv1ZEI-EsZbFUe98C4OhI5qVuAkPM5JY9UOEk0hK0NE4P1jk6AlkLm8BPeeAS/s320/Race+first+lap2.jpg" border="0" />First Lap - Stoner still leads and Rossi has the inside advantage on Hayden as they round the turn.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229232031180691266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TysVPz519PXmfrPR9ascpUEI9SHpNhyphenhyphenPZHlD1w3zTcnweNk7ufhBe2S5le3K-VmGZcZIGTWHKODCpFoKUf1P60v595gvlSfOFUHwZnCxyiAIqX4Oi9yq9qtUJxfD2IfMNZPA/s320/Race+first+lap3.jpg" border="0" />First lap - the rest of the field is right behind!</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229232041338121394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUHPCut6jFIinIGG0ZVpaxDu8GmUyaNvjqs95c3JZAsiWmnJFAdLMqj-Nbl_7ljwE5U8RGakAfZR0OluIES8DfKp60qlVUfscX5mVLY2m_gPnAPXl2hTAUct4JKOzm27GsyCv/s320/Race+Rossi+Stoner.jpg" border="0" /> Later in the race, Rossi and Stoner battle it out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRvuBEEUQ6SKc1QQKgtPIZL4Prd6c8NxHJsSzktYCWgsUBqKjZasQrXxxQZEi86xYCPjLZc-oOzIYE8GZtvuiwrwn8LqxUPv7nzQmwkTUBB2FLL-OXED8ZdjpIB7Emt2ycJX2zg/s1600-h/Grand+Prix+shark.jpg"></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229232034706472514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIftBEEPIhwkoXMCNlZlXbggVXmrs_ccWr8B0UzW3-GI6DyE4NB-ugkvzB7-xevDQ85nHbD4S9zrviLXJ7OD4e002vy8m4z5g5nNao4pbFVKvVpUrQQIIOVJASZYNioLf5UVu/s320/Race+Rossi+blur.jpg" border="0" />Rossi is a furious blur of speed!</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229232038330153490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorxPK3VOsb_JQRNjYd5rUffNfrUom5L3bcT95eYzAB_A9yFtH1e1Ix0oehDJaR70lzJn_BfYY_CAFUpTaVvouhhH-n0iJvfWbly4yHNFV3kf-141nNcKJB0H0MjoP_s4b8X6U/s320/Race+Rossi+pit+crew.jpg" border="0" />Rossi's pit crew sign reflects his nickname "The Doctor"</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229232105505928274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrAxsGgP_P6GdCKHNkQwo02A2EvDF4YbaSEUxWYaqAyjTUPimKotimjXx5P0GduhcRaoFFwctZL5bxtGHQzlFI_rkuy-A4jE2yJgyQH-ODXPWTvQ4PO760lGv57IvWK2v6bsz/s320/Race+Rossi+win+wheelie.jpg" border="0" /> Rossi's victory wheelie!</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229232034416517874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPBNB3AcJ6IIeVT0AR6HN4qUROQdpDQyEIEyo9w7ZOEXCEcJDX7n6mCk7l6RjS2V3DPxeSpjGJkATYOCnklk8pLLN0f1hqjrB5AfqitNhDpC9wWUx_A-llk3kPT-Kcf7o9vmH/s320/Race+Podium.jpg" border="0" /> The podium - Rossi (under the Italian flag in the middle), Stoner (Australian flag on the left) and Vermulen (Australian flag on the right).</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230714444537122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYL7d33WiH3rjJbERo5aOzD4YTdH14IsuxiBjJZJ06EUW3GPG7j2uEkmr5KNPOOkxDOexMV_BL6OdFIXtH9y_SyKkjUXYihupwHZBzmR8dGwKSvXzXfnEbVUBVuiN1Ak0u9jQZ-A/s320/Grand+Prix+stunt+pro.jpg" border="0" /> After watching a terrific race, the fans were treated to a stunt show on the track.</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230721365316306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA7XkyJ2CK4qUOlPaz38ntbqtrY4OKm1igBW7RJeZjeMHyAVClqiP0jZrCNmTMa6Pvo1-J6pskfN9b8WMe7z8xHTnhUaShXFLXuv6yXk-7t-7ma2-ZnaQrOEXrKV6FRYyQMzQNw/s320/Grand+Prix+track.jpg" border="0" /> Lorenzo and I on the track - now if only I could borrow Rossi's bike...</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229231161613946722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ8WT6tVyqJyls4gyydmTC80QdLK1zlJLXpNfRpk-CuTfPXTAEtwg8tUO5ZoYBbIBZypmy07nywi8kSfl-v9wtn4AxmjFHemEZVapHiK3_9aMqIeYgkTzXHbyGDEny21p7EbSpg/s320/Grand+Prix+shark.jpg" border="0" /> After the race, lots of riders began the journey from the track, including this "Shark." </p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb30QxG0fU7BxOxTMLXWvGAiTDt0dD58V-8mh54SPWXzWcMaMFQBBUdC6iR1jaEPH_SATCgfLleM49yo0E973L2fiCMDY8MdvJvRT8ApSZxmrmhRXmKmO2GcMhuzJuof4K1E9zyQ/s1600-h/Grand+Prix+exit+line.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230548144279890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb30QxG0fU7BxOxTMLXWvGAiTDt0dD58V-8mh54SPWXzWcMaMFQBBUdC6iR1jaEPH_SATCgfLleM49yo0E973L2fiCMDY8MdvJvRT8ApSZxmrmhRXmKmO2GcMhuzJuof4K1E9zyQ/s320/Grand+Prix+exit+line.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bikes, bikes...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQjqej_eV6YiUhNC_obUeZBHn5zUkzsGciCOPzTeodYeOJPrGfpnGOdPg4kUe6HWNKS0hfDr6EL0A_ZwCYiSEL8q5ana08rMt5X2e6yeZHNgKeO_AD_a-PAK09nbzVGlUbqyiHw/s1600-h/Grand+Prix+exit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230552256580546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQjqej_eV6YiUhNC_obUeZBHn5zUkzsGciCOPzTeodYeOJPrGfpnGOdPg4kUe6HWNKS0hfDr6EL0A_ZwCYiSEL8q5ana08rMt5X2e6yeZHNgKeO_AD_a-PAK09nbzVGlUbqyiHw/s320/Grand+Prix+exit.jpg" border="0" /></a>and more bikes. </p><p align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230554189335010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvJPh2LZ-1UAMW9BNjCjTCUUG0gNoa0ys5___YF2vG7MwuOrd5o0mhhHQgR5SDWZkOfzRlrSwV-WmAH6QsiDrM5czOzjDGCMRZXgzEBI6kb50nTwBwWKPqJRlT4wsARien8infA/s320/Grand+Prix+exit+rear+view.jpg" border="0" />My view over Lorenzo's shoulder of the rear view mirror reflecting yep, more bikes. </p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230722584660322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQQvQDbdop3nEms4jw_cu3XDjLxM3aN3JkwC3h1sUzCrVXXATjLX_1uFNK3inJaMCkjudY1Xwilvitrz9gS-Oe6ptyts8yKW6RV9oXN6rSosSGbmjoWGW4i4R_dkD714qwcESOA/s320/Grand+Prix+stunt.jpg" border="0" />My own stunt show was performed for the purpose of taking pictures without Lorenzo's helmet in the way, but it also served to amuse the riders directly behind me. </p><p align="center"><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229230723065018882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVUVVsuQoyvIqg3K-q_S7M_diRHEx48mZm2iFYZ3DMXo9oqXIP7y1wGNTW7z4ctyfq4qI65dtYgzRx8xEHOoLn2bgKjRAc3DlnuFF_8Zc2aGlVQ8Yd2vJZNiFbcNHyZJcM9ponQ/s320/Grand+Prix+travel+companions.jpg" border="0" /> Our travel companions Robyn and Tad leave the track. The "DANGER" sign stayed behind.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229276568390658722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjg-aOV7PKswxcI0UK58V2X59FGtlcX8GuTNS_h79tS5wCBoEPXL-trNqkol71M1RWtPbHtETfZjKV39URvj0nRQYy6SNffPMniC9aEdpoQ3jJAbl94jl5EGNLMn8lBA-1xIMh/s320/Long+Way+Home.jpg" border="0" />Robyn and Tad on Hondas. Photo by Angela on the back of a Honda being driven by Lorenzo. <div align="justify"><br />The drive home was beautiful, but still a little chilly until we returned back to the sunny southern part of California. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">800 miles in four days, on a motorcycle, with companions on motorcycles, to see others race on motorcycles. It was worth every tushie-testing mile!</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-65638914138638849682008-07-16T09:15:00.000-07:002008-07-16T12:00:43.365-07:0007/16/08 Countdown: 24 Hours Until Vacation!<div align="justify"><div align="justify">Sure everyone says they <em>need</em> a vacation, but Lorenzo and I are <strong>desperate</strong> for one!</div><br />Lately, Lorenzo has been working harder than Brittney Spear's image consultant. As my training has increased for the <a href="http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/"><strong>Toronto Marathon</strong></a>, my muscle soreness has increased, thereby causing my enthusiasm to decrease.<br /><br />Tonight, we will be engaged in the frenzied ritual of packing, unpacking, and repacking which we do before most of our trips. However, this night will be even more special as we try to whittle the list of necessary items down to the size of a motorcycle compartment.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223678025588788658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUjrIKi87ZE_eQIJJrbB5iCPmPunJ_3fSt3tQYR_2T9f2gOqdP1MiASWgU_LLEYT-N8TvE9m5wmOCuE1t-zmXWXI2elO6I0J4Jdm5OacHL2zZ00mgS-w12trxTOWr1x8ljLUK2Q/s320/2007-Honda-ST1300a.jpg" border="0" /><br />Tomorrow morning, we pick up our rental - a two wheeled "Starship Enterprise" - for the journey. Then we are off to go rock-climbing in San Louis Obispo, a tour of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearst_Castle"><strong>Hearst Castle</strong></a>, and eventually, to Monterey for the <a href="http://www.motogp.com/">Moto GP United States Grand Prix</a> at <a href="http://www.corvetteracing.com/tracks/trk_img/laguna/lagunaseca.gif">Laguna Seca Raceway</a>!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223688163852531042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXSmJQhrCCaGXCNkv3sNbmkwytl3f4MTVcSel2uri1QRrNj2NZig8FjNalERqHJIpYxn-ws7hs1u87Uv8LKsv6yAbDVqXcmz_xJSQV0Mg13QNKhBtu1Dodsr-kkm-lYa6QJcGkQ/s320/laguna_seca_37.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Live Long and Prosper...<br /><br /><br /></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-58308859198957330472008-06-30T10:53:00.000-07:002008-07-09T16:02:59.099-07:0006/28/08-06/29/08 Paragliding Santa Barbara<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2K5cYe_mL3SS3-ZXDVVfUj80PaiGrN3xJ6Qf0d8Za0jxMYBRut5lZJPMoGZ3Q4ab68OLNIXKkrtC8T1DppzL9Wns1B0UCyxwBCea1k8JTB4x760vh1eqe7i9M4cHn7SojxSxwA/s1600-h/Silly+String.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221096885132801570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2K5cYe_mL3SS3-ZXDVVfUj80PaiGrN3xJ6Qf0d8Za0jxMYBRut5lZJPMoGZ3Q4ab68OLNIXKkrtC8T1DppzL9Wns1B0UCyxwBCea1k8JTB4x760vh1eqe7i9M4cHn7SojxSxwA/s320/Silly+String.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> <em>Silly String!</em></span></div><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">If you are like me, you had a lot of "flying dreams" when you were a kid, and you still do. Well, thanks to a wonderful birthday present from Lorenzo, my dream became reality. Keep in mind there's a difference between "flying dreams" (good) and "falling dreams" (bad, very very bad). This is the story of how a good dream came true.<br /><br />I got a brief taste of my dream a few months ago during </span><a href="http://seeangelarun.blogspot.com/2008/05/050308-rafting-050408-climbing-in.html"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Kernville</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> when I saw my friend </span><a href="http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/garbagio"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Aaron</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> flying and - more importantly - landing safely. </span><br /></p><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221096875167208082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLVeJVfjmBv1NEYusOlgTT62bXy40ZhVcdneC5vUaWCaYRj77GpVxWlbyVfziA-IJy3iISNEHbLFVKB7NexX4aOJxWigWG63Kbht4vRUCLpfOq8q-FfgWjzSRaM0P6hv9IQZRMw/s320/Aaron.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221096727402612978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb8HMhAbdaSuK0J8hri8x15KuLwoxXLutIGNcrPtLAGGrwgxYkvZF2Kd9775_YvjliWGzHxwg9CmWRB8M-Nmiw5CyNiA2Ubz5JPKrBm5aKzZWdAd45B41vGKn1wtnF88szbSirQ/s320/Aaron+on+the+ground.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Then on Saturday, Edward, Lorenzo and I arrived at the top of the hill in Santa Barbara. The instructors at </span><a href="http://eagleparagliding.com/"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Eagle Paragliding</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> made us feel at ease, just as soon as we finished signing a thirteen page waiver. After a little over an hour of instruction, we actually each took our first solo flight! Once we were told how to contol the paraglider, we walked down a gently sloping hill at </span><a href="http://eagleparagliding.com/?q=node/19"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Elings Park</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> that overlooked the ocean. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221096882499856770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByR9dVofkbL67vNKNr1dYbje8xmPqRKAva06jjGjEDGQpfFZnqx6IjgJS9qL1g8cNrLoXchM_G7uljllp-_7FIEN2S-zJLDDe2hCy6wdX7cbH9efPWATNw6aeEihiWc07KSEnNA/s320/Runway.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Before I knew it, the breeze lifted me up and it was just like my dream - only I was in a rather comfortable seated position instead of a Superman-pose. The height of the view was similar to what I had seen before when I've looked down from the top of a rock climb, but minus the rock. The best way to describe it would be like sitting in a Lazy Boy recliner at the beach, except 300 feet higher. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221096950527488050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_MlnMxpb-Lz6PDKfgGaqUc8Xy7KHY26YZtNq4eesgsM0OWRhvz23NVJhVbPoqcACPD4OeXoAjEn4LHI27rbsrYUieoSLIxOWEvB614qMmoZ56Opx8pqZ2CZJzpYcpR7TXkujzw/s320/View.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Although I didn't actually see it, Lorenzo's first landing would be more accurately described as a face plant. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221146509243292898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc3hcH37AtuNca3zNGkcY5MDyLaU71_WnbE4IQPDQaCGFcxwFQMwqKwoMDFo_tMGXPa2jF_ZDO5itEgXS5n1HqlV9EssoP85H1POTsdlbi3iQGThLVKB8DlVtq0RDQ07uz1TT1g/s400/lorenzofaceplant.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">The instructor said that my first landing was like "an angel floating to the ground." <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221096878130949554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKaWmCikmzIFkiTMEOoK0-HpAK6xL5RcWcV_s4-6Ld5QvtC3juEr6IpMDeccfEEIjrxCYg5qDcDR8qvkVZ6gmwcaraixzY_rxTQ-pdxJC9HsL0644Qg8RReeewl_KJ-Cy-9c7Sw/s320/Lift+off.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221096731188108738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Xwa7UrGcOlEuJIJafv5OfIaV0iC5-iI6psbgEozLcwdx9OSI551XvdJ_MxuuP_fXONPLr53RG2o3P4zn4qdTsdOeYIM2XRAS4AnpclzfJYMKMBDW66ykn2qOcNHjhZdUxoJH0A/s320/Landing.jpg" border="0" />Lorenzo always has been the more adventurous one, trying to get the complete experience which apparently included "tasting" as well. As for me, I can be seen here trying to taste as many bugs as possible while up in the air... </span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221121677501425986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrES6ghnAy99049BKZSxrhqna8jtbkjr5vcYm4zlQp2MrM6u5Gva11oTzTPqnUBLr0y4__u2Z8-zpaJeYUyz3THfBSm_AUwtXCrM6nrYWR5ppWB3yzgheLRKRIMY74Wj-i0c5t5Q/s400/sky.jpg" border="0" /></span> <div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Actually, I wasn't really scared at all, but I was trying to yell something to my instructor. Once we landed, the van took us back up the hill to go again, and again, and again! Trying to get five or six flyers and their paragliders into the van brought back images of teenage girls on prom night cramming layers upon layers of tafetta dresses into a Volkswagon Rabbit, but it sure beat walking!</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221152628100950770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI7rHyUTXEBkgsFKhnxNDaqCxEgxLvJPwm0FvoMh52L8UBxVKJyTwqoPO34yVSA2v6cOZXq42lCSZLJTp_tkWzqsNY2WoCdnT_0ayXrBVR6e-frngUfchmc83UnVoXsbata9mnw/s320/Thumbsup.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Was I scared? No, actually never had a fearful moment. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I will return soon to give our instructors a </span><a href="http://site.despair.com/despairwear/dontbeafraid/?sort=bestseller"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">gift</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> or </span><a href="http://site.despair.com/despairwear/pleaseremaincalm/?sort=bestseller"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">two</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Many thanks to Cameron & Giuliana for the pictures!<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanBvhpvI2vfNW5lpne7RIXf54LItz8gvlyaisyxCqbrorcJ8LKV69aovS3RtQn4kxnVL278ivfUFVRW6zXAVf_VN4-pbQ-xPbSMfVmV6qJcoL18VajnmE63qTsFR0S2kqRb11xg/s1600-h/cameron.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221151973941379106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanBvhpvI2vfNW5lpne7RIXf54LItz8gvlyaisyxCqbrorcJ8LKV69aovS3RtQn4kxnVL278ivfUFVRW6zXAVf_VN4-pbQ-xPbSMfVmV6qJcoL18VajnmE63qTsFR0S2kqRb11xg/s200/cameron.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlZ9Bn_sEry4J1WPiHO5hY5emYI94YPBF-9JUEvSHgHMCPDz1RFPvACnUgUPNUhWTzVuWResY-Y7oiDimaihwS_Ahav39ilEmLUuLGWxC500_Lb292YQOJkBv1r0SVg6sjHJvTg/s1600-h/Guilana.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221151366960282162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlZ9Bn_sEry4J1WPiHO5hY5emYI94YPBF-9JUEvSHgHMCPDz1RFPvACnUgUPNUhWTzVuWResY-Y7oiDimaihwS_Ahav39ilEmLUuLGWxC500_Lb292YQOJkBv1r0SVg6sjHJvTg/s200/Guilana.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlZ9Bn_sEry4J1WPiHO5hY5emYI94YPBF-9JUEvSHgHMCPDz1RFPvACnUgUPNUhWTzVuWResY-Y7oiDimaihwS_Ahav39ilEmLUuLGWxC500_Lb292YQOJkBv1r0SVg6sjHJvTg/s1600-h/Guilana.jpg"></a></div></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlZ9Bn_sEry4J1WPiHO5hY5emYI94YPBF-9JUEvSHgHMCPDz1RFPvACnUgUPNUhWTzVuWResY-Y7oiDimaihwS_Ahav39ilEmLUuLGWxC500_Lb292YQOJkBv1r0SVg6sjHJvTg/s1600-h/Guilana.jpg"></a></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-33583052886822788312008-05-19T19:56:00.000-07:002008-05-22T22:52:41.493-07:0005/17/08 BishopSATURDAY, MAY 17TH: RACE & BOULDERING<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7ejnyTJDC6N72h_4XDGlDJpDlZlWg4yAHBl1pQN017Oru2gMMJRrdefc85UTmUhhRAuAUrDcJlTcEccedPa39Hf00DGFDpySjpaWmk16cJZdwatobmE4Mo2FAhApAWJ4KhkYOw/s1600-h/Mt+Tom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402703903831554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7ejnyTJDC6N72h_4XDGlDJpDlZlWg4yAHBl1pQN017Oru2gMMJRrdefc85UTmUhhRAuAUrDcJlTcEccedPa39Hf00DGFDpySjpaWmk16cJZdwatobmE4Mo2FAhApAWJ4KhkYOw/s320/Mt+Tom.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Sixth year out here and it still looks amazingly beautiful!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnzarho3-VI66FdpDIQh3DVHrOw7NWrhBvKepBUusBdrDie4HhWLBKp84dRQuOZj5qbj6NZtg8leMtBuddfdHtIeIxLM4reUTmBxKskwzodNO7eavyxKCZN2SrQ6OYQ7TWqzI9Q/s1600-h/A&L+pre+race.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402270112134578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnzarho3-VI66FdpDIQh3DVHrOw7NWrhBvKepBUusBdrDie4HhWLBKp84dRQuOZj5qbj6NZtg8leMtBuddfdHtIeIxLM4reUTmBxKskwzodNO7eavyxKCZN2SrQ6OYQ7TWqzI9Q/s320/A&L+pre+race.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We were pretty warm at the 6:00am start so we knew it was going to be a hot day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlIOBhrHPfqgDf1npYYqhACouEDqQHwpSRqj97dlv78Av7rowFwT3BHWKRLleRSoD66mM2Fh6NGoh27vrJz8-a-COxuL_jqal7xAUYFC3imJgIU_wD3l590V4t7CV_-4-LAU9sA/s1600-h/Start.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402708198798898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlIOBhrHPfqgDf1npYYqhACouEDqQHwpSRqj97dlv78Av7rowFwT3BHWKRLleRSoD66mM2Fh6NGoh27vrJz8-a-COxuL_jqal7xAUYFC3imJgIU_wD3l590V4t7CV_-4-LAU9sA/s320/Start.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyffMStQ7WAkMkHercaU523Om4kEZ7sTOxoocICtEluvoHpgk1n79AEjK9EMQf1EuGhZodIwqxhDtm8CPHjMBH8iRjtGurKQ1GkWPKAzJz64ChOc1EDW4xgw2YNaL9gPy_XOvL_Q/s1600-h/Hi+Lorenzo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402274407101906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyffMStQ7WAkMkHercaU523Om4kEZ7sTOxoocICtEluvoHpgk1n79AEjK9EMQf1EuGhZodIwqxhDtm8CPHjMBH8iRjtGurKQ1GkWPKAzJz64ChOc1EDW4xgw2YNaL9gPy_XOvL_Q/s320/Hi+Lorenzo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful scenery in every direction!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsgp62QEdduPLJZ60ou8ARYMlVAKnADE2bIWWPxvPWriYlyb4ps98yAQIAJPSdcXckj4LLXTFJpbfMQZdpQjNnnwq5UdcvhazXO9VZf5w_rMAQZu6wx_8ru1mMLL99ccUr3kKfg/s1600-h/Photo+by+Ben+Jones.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203420699816802082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsgp62QEdduPLJZ60ou8ARYMlVAKnADE2bIWWPxvPWriYlyb4ps98yAQIAJPSdcXckj4LLXTFJpbfMQZdpQjNnnwq5UdcvhazXO9VZf5w_rMAQZu6wx_8ru1mMLL99ccUr3kKfg/s320/Photo+by+Ben+Jones.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-mdFuzSykqlBjF9HGZDpJ27s06XdiER0ISjt7n5dvySjaI651Wh_-ulrel-CUPtpcsCEY-cukUiNhopmtmCbbZ2n4D-6AmeNUxVCcDz27E9OlIhInWhGAn8KCPniQCoRJytpDw/s1600-h/Downhill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402274407101890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-mdFuzSykqlBjF9HGZDpJ27s06XdiER0ISjt7n5dvySjaI651Wh_-ulrel-CUPtpcsCEY-cukUiNhopmtmCbbZ2n4D-6AmeNUxVCcDz27E9OlIhInWhGAn8KCPniQCoRJytpDw/s320/Downhill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8YlIu7XcZOjhvbe-C7674PfU20GcMl5t47I8ggynYORXJzFt9O4T0z_v-QayeVofKFZxxg952M80Ywoeynv0suoWEXh4v3CNnginGDd2gd2qJXkZmUVtxnBQg5N48CbRGO85AA/s1600-h/Lisa+finish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402282997036530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8YlIu7XcZOjhvbe-C7674PfU20GcMl5t47I8ggynYORXJzFt9O4T0z_v-QayeVofKFZxxg952M80Ywoeynv0suoWEXh4v3CNnginGDd2gd2qJXkZmUVtxnBQg5N48CbRGO85AA/s320/Lisa+finish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Angela = 3:20 (1st female), Lisa = 3:25 (2nd female)!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVsF0GztmFArGPV3BKuuI5vZLNUNtifJOwru_Uk4Yi4_0A9rUovFqrul7G1UUMLJT5Ot_GkIOZlCr8XVgUOg7I1fT0EoWVoby2rWRFiacOpEj-GlxrjHcBisjEFjiPBsZ2-GuDA/s1600-h/Lisa+Blister.jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402278702069218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVsF0GztmFArGPV3BKuuI5vZLNUNtifJOwru_Uk4Yi4_0A9rUovFqrul7G1UUMLJT5Ot_GkIOZlCr8XVgUOg7I1fT0EoWVoby2rWRFiacOpEj-GlxrjHcBisjEFjiPBsZ2-GuDA/s320/Lisa+Blister.jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Lisa's foot.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicOk0OgaKJubeNkb-aH8u2GaKyhgeQAANBR9QFJJr0QPZeEm_tAWIH4PPW0UzF2ncwJLX7kZBmMs_SRo6wkly0WcJNoOz0v_jE9SMN5H_Noz1lv0nJ_djDgbfoXW07NysQys-HQ/s1600-h/Not+rootbeer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402703903831570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicOk0OgaKJubeNkb-aH8u2GaKyhgeQAANBR9QFJJr0QPZeEm_tAWIH4PPW0UzF2ncwJLX7kZBmMs_SRo6wkly0WcJNoOz0v_jE9SMN5H_Noz1lv0nJ_djDgbfoXW07NysQys-HQ/s320/Not+rootbeer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Not root beer.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf9tMBzqqTayiebvCnLC7bwK22u2oR04W-bPl253OsPrGLyN80cV1nge_ABKxNuEG_q8jTbwzbvmiPJloMjeCJHxMBzo3pnB0-u1y1Q6ysuBQeR_yLzynQp5TQn3XdsoUtJ779g/s1600-h/Schwag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203402708198798882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf9tMBzqqTayiebvCnLC7bwK22u2oR04W-bPl253OsPrGLyN80cV1nge_ABKxNuEG_q8jTbwzbvmiPJloMjeCJHxMBzo3pnB0-u1y1Q6ysuBQeR_yLzynQp5TQn3XdsoUtJ779g/s320/Schwag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The girls display their awards in front of our hosts' lovely home.<br />Thank you <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.com/">Couchsurfing.com</a> and thank you Carl & Kay!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjO9-EXSJf1DS2PFggsD3V-TiJqZcCXmTbcLsxjKCvIwwLrQyPI3tyg1iv5bXshd6A_WtJ8Srbbs1ytwf5WgkWBSc88wdDponmMOLYtpE7pBaUXkjlyME3e77b7ZH5taTYAsn7g/s1600-h/CS+hosts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403481292912290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjO9-EXSJf1DS2PFggsD3V-TiJqZcCXmTbcLsxjKCvIwwLrQyPI3tyg1iv5bXshd6A_WtJ8Srbbs1ytwf5WgkWBSc88wdDponmMOLYtpE7pBaUXkjlyME3e77b7ZH5taTYAsn7g/s320/CS+hosts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Carl, Kay, Edward, Angela, Lorenzo, & Aaron.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxY4fKQoo5wzWufBqpULFdnTii_5_TLmKw0GBmOJNgM7xH69BZWnrUB9v62jEKVQdoZU_Q9oYZ5wM6aRKEc2Uk3pzEIMKJcEQ-cf89ghoJwYuJ5DEMkFeqJtt3gVDCPcJlskDCQ/s1600-h/Aarons+wild+ride.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403034616313410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxY4fKQoo5wzWufBqpULFdnTii_5_TLmKw0GBmOJNgM7xH69BZWnrUB9v62jEKVQdoZU_Q9oYZ5wM6aRKEc2Uk3pzEIMKJcEQ-cf89ghoJwYuJ5DEMkFeqJtt3gVDCPcJlskDCQ/s320/Aarons+wild+ride.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Aaron works up an appetite for lunch at Schat's.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq48vDgjhPNvB-qQWrm-bKPNdRqOKyc_gX6LUMkHs_xwp7Ou0ozFxIwCtbeH7qRu9sgDHteNCbbme5akvM2MckWi16ywVe06hiMsiP3XhftHg4gLq6haY6nW89bZT4w2yebgy59A/s1600-h/Boys+on+bike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403038911280738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq48vDgjhPNvB-qQWrm-bKPNdRqOKyc_gX6LUMkHs_xwp7Ou0ozFxIwCtbeH7qRu9sgDHteNCbbme5akvM2MckWi16ywVe06hiMsiP3XhftHg4gLq6haY6nW89bZT4w2yebgy59A/s320/Boys+on+bike.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Boys on toys.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KVLu7e2A5UeT849IcfofPk2fCIQazjqUmyy_aGltGQV_ZeUXUFPu84TfUJQJ94NhKTP7QgL1XmK1UZl_y6RFOV3xg8a34wcx3rUpLMmn2VUvn82FqCiKP-Wc-8T-dgrRsCVfxA/s1600-h/Everyone+climb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403485587879602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KVLu7e2A5UeT849IcfofPk2fCIQazjqUmyy_aGltGQV_ZeUXUFPu84TfUJQJ94NhKTP7QgL1XmK1UZl_y6RFOV3xg8a34wcx3rUpLMmn2VUvn82FqCiKP-Wc-8T-dgrRsCVfxA/s320/Everyone+climb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After lunch, we went to the Buttermilk area to wrestle with some giant pebbles.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDuVC4PZHD4LJsRNErPRUT2jloFNmSyFMG9T_jOUSkXgk43WhDCt0Udf7g4M59bHECwP0oBUxGAK-OFjsY66eHHH6EY1iKQAJatYBuC9qbFcun0n-lQiSKjwXP1H1sQH7gjo7Ow/s1600-h/Kevin+hangs+out.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403489882846914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDuVC4PZHD4LJsRNErPRUT2jloFNmSyFMG9T_jOUSkXgk43WhDCt0Udf7g4M59bHECwP0oBUxGAK-OFjsY66eHHH6EY1iKQAJatYBuC9qbFcun0n-lQiSKjwXP1H1sQH7gjo7Ow/s320/Kevin+hangs+out.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Kevin tries to score a take-down.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMV6tiOw7BSdfJVb_GF-Fa5A_l-DvFHNFH9s5P-gmSC8G3pV0-Z_Y0hGzgGvKbXo_B1C7okG-OC1U3IF9DrKfYyufX0fBA5lfDRGmLmKQ-nNMLWlMoWKv1-J6mevJJoiBSiGWmw/s1600-h/L&Kclimb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403494177814226" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMV6tiOw7BSdfJVb_GF-Fa5A_l-DvFHNFH9s5P-gmSC8G3pV0-Z_Y0hGzgGvKbXo_B1C7okG-OC1U3IF9DrKfYyufX0fBA5lfDRGmLmKQ-nNMLWlMoWKv1-J6mevJJoiBSiGWmw/s320/L&Kclimb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Everyone enjoyed rocking out in the sunshine.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKGz_TUUHN7d0HacEKpdTByYAbQng3nCVcRHO-dTnUUfHgqPbIbTX9PdjeA5RxDqEvM7SxvvhfbFZn8coRqyEMJF8G3nFpurYDNPMTrv_OmwshS2VjcMpv8Pf2RJys5Zb7oIjAQ/s1600-h/hows+my+hair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203442943452428082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKGz_TUUHN7d0HacEKpdTByYAbQng3nCVcRHO-dTnUUfHgqPbIbTX9PdjeA5RxDqEvM7SxvvhfbFZn8coRqyEMJF8G3nFpurYDNPMTrv_OmwshS2VjcMpv8Pf2RJys5Zb7oIjAQ/s320/hows+my+hair.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>SUNDAY, MAY 18TH: CLIMBING & GOURMET GAS STATION<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X9yzXZnRh_Ut5c6LTO-Gw7zHnfva0o2PDICfU_Bopb0Lg3he9DzVo_y_sXb1GskptLrdsWb98pCq3RRTZDbQHvtF7aW3TFFPIwTL-7G7DdAsvA-J_6C88SnfVdKIbNiSr_DAEw/s1600-h/CC+L%26A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403043206248050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X9yzXZnRh_Ut5c6LTO-Gw7zHnfva0o2PDICfU_Bopb0Lg3he9DzVo_y_sXb1GskptLrdsWb98pCq3RRTZDbQHvtF7aW3TFFPIwTL-7G7DdAsvA-J_6C88SnfVdKIbNiSr_DAEw/s320/CC+L%26A.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In order to get out of the heat, we went to Clark Canyon near Yosemite.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgip98NjnJg9Oei9eICnSAUwXxC33K-1uFTJKTLqv1YYtwXMG40cZar7sbHHBs-XtE3tWUk5-9iMvjmo5LiVnfmlRh3PU4Dc01lvj1uPJAfq2n_BZ66pjEQfWMNdxwNSSBTxbj0g/s1600-h/CC+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403043206248066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgip98NjnJg9Oei9eICnSAUwXxC33K-1uFTJKTLqv1YYtwXMG40cZar7sbHHBs-XtE3tWUk5-9iMvjmo5LiVnfmlRh3PU4Dc01lvj1uPJAfq2n_BZ66pjEQfWMNdxwNSSBTxbj0g/s320/CC+view.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Every time we reached the top of a climb, we were treated to an incredible view!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHPNx4NiRimsNb9bcE6SWxn1Apgw3qYCEEfNgVRtKMZzGRZsNgV6Hil8lqWbjkMOdL35MygI30hrVvYv_-YfQ20p1QXWB4V0Ww5WIhdzVfG7lcKObXOCbHm_CAnBTMqPduLqfWg/s1600-h/peace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203442952042362706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHPNx4NiRimsNb9bcE6SWxn1Apgw3qYCEEfNgVRtKMZzGRZsNgV6Hil8lqWbjkMOdL35MygI30hrVvYv_-YfQ20p1QXWB4V0Ww5WIhdzVfG7lcKObXOCbHm_CAnBTMqPduLqfWg/s320/peace.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Lorenzo finds some peace and quiet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtosHNegBkEd4TlJKvBTVRYchwFykZYDapZIpmU1N6gYCRVu2JSPdbYsnXuM72LwtHESJp8GWhyphenhyphen1HuvPI7P3I_iBv5KwTaoh_t1qIxLxnztcq0zedPraJlsjLnRD0I9HImsutpyg/s1600-h/Mobil+A%26E.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403790530557666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtosHNegBkEd4TlJKvBTVRYchwFykZYDapZIpmU1N6gYCRVu2JSPdbYsnXuM72LwtHESJp8GWhyphenhyphen1HuvPI7P3I_iBv5KwTaoh_t1qIxLxnztcq0zedPraJlsjLnRD0I9HImsutpyg/s320/Mobil+A%26E.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Some other climbers told us about the "Gourmet Restaurant" at a Mobil Station near the Tioga Pass. You've got to try the <a href="http://www.yosemite.org/newsroom/clips2005/august/081705.htm">Whoa Nellie Deli</a>!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXNNasK0UVVO-mEqsg4RDzdJlJ5ssgBfbOQitq39bwT03CfY-zNy2cNuLpnBFFQC9ldKrenTLwuZPUzm4NEoG7vZeCYpz9QZ8PPefvivvJd55HwXHN-IVnNhAdkNoBIRu1BWerw/s1600-h/Mobil+fun.jpg.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403794825524994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXNNasK0UVVO-mEqsg4RDzdJlJ5ssgBfbOQitq39bwT03CfY-zNy2cNuLpnBFFQC9ldKrenTLwuZPUzm4NEoG7vZeCYpz9QZ8PPefvivvJd55HwXHN-IVnNhAdkNoBIRu1BWerw/s320/Mobil+fun.jpg.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Angela & Edward dance for their dinner with Mono Lake in the background.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLBr8iP8BOPYNrgdO0MwJpAZY1vlCHlwTBRMdmrZaPQdJDR5YsK9_91S3-7gLkSTofwgD9PAd2XJgX0Qx0TCMHDeaoa8AL58-6stMvRNMDkcU8nQcC1xKwjiEU8BFiEzuwtZGhw/s1600-h/Mobil+dance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403790530557682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLBr8iP8BOPYNrgdO0MwJpAZY1vlCHlwTBRMdmrZaPQdJDR5YsK9_91S3-7gLkSTofwgD9PAd2XJgX0Qx0TCMHDeaoa8AL58-6stMvRNMDkcU8nQcC1xKwjiEU8BFiEzuwtZGhw/s320/Mobil+dance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When's the last time you saw people this excited about paying $4.59 per gallon?<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegACSNWNaZJPkzzg_MCj4zpIAfhQv9pFZPjw-wn7T8fxhCj3QyOJyTxtDho5hBg9bY8Ii99tNEJvVFUsPDqbJicFS7p4tcbVrVXkvonP4iXSBx0bg4vE6SBko9yUTMktdEc8B5g/s1600-h/strong+eaters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203442982107133794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegACSNWNaZJPkzzg_MCj4zpIAfhQv9pFZPjw-wn7T8fxhCj3QyOJyTxtDho5hBg9bY8Ii99tNEJvVFUsPDqbJicFS7p4tcbVrVXkvonP4iXSBx0bg4vE6SBko9yUTMktdEc8B5g/s320/strong+eaters.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Angela & Edward were exceptionally hungry & thirsty.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKg0XeXDVqgkRrX3AFAi2bYI8HncRUrztEPiRIJxHQBfjrf886Lu1HIkmP1pkD2Nyw_-QCtTgeLnkxcxGK3MtdXgeorjLhng-84oRsHE_YK36hdNijBjAibwkK4iO9aWZ7BsnEA/s1600-h/ice+cream.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203442947747395394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKg0XeXDVqgkRrX3AFAi2bYI8HncRUrztEPiRIJxHQBfjrf886Lu1HIkmP1pkD2Nyw_-QCtTgeLnkxcxGK3MtdXgeorjLhng-84oRsHE_YK36hdNijBjAibwkK4iO9aWZ7BsnEA/s320/ice+cream.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On the way back through Bishop, we made the traditional stop at Baskin Robbins.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rM3wcf0l1UFM41il483Jtt9RqUmcCrzl7iPeTsKCH6cY_xP2t2WvUb-4rVQU0XdzRdiHAhr1dYkiSb2c9t8Z-o43mgGRCQhioCe2Uqgp50ty4qGkxvAI4My8TKm4y24EwGAxfw/s1600-h/Blue+Tongue+Boys.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403038911280722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rM3wcf0l1UFM41il483Jtt9RqUmcCrzl7iPeTsKCH6cY_xP2t2WvUb-4rVQU0XdzRdiHAhr1dYkiSb2c9t8Z-o43mgGRCQhioCe2Uqgp50ty4qGkxvAI4My8TKm4y24EwGAxfw/s320/Blue+Tongue+Boys.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aVvxshzBAuZ8PhhpsQwHWZu86QyHV7tvPn5qrX9KCr6iEi_AMs2DOUqJaH4nTSGnxsTk3TGtvFmZor0SIqm9ArkjjO06k1ecwlM3mpFDwSouh1vIPXG7W66YchqQdTVX5mC2HQ/s1600-h/Crazy+driver.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403476997944978" style="CURSOR: hand" height="114" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aVvxshzBAuZ8PhhpsQwHWZu86QyHV7tvPn5qrX9KCr6iEi_AMs2DOUqJaH4nTSGnxsTk3TGtvFmZor0SIqm9ArkjjO06k1ecwlM3mpFDwSouh1vIPXG7W66YchqQdTVX5mC2HQ/s320/Crazy+driver.jpg" width="176" border="0" /></a><br />Aaron is a very alert driver.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDAX9eu6tE5zl4zaouvD-Za4AZbUGq-YUQ8OVxDDosLdEyQptkpuVFWs8NejRPDXE0LGEO2KiS_CsNpQnaG8UTGCWJ37RGR6jm_oA9Vge3yJx2CRg3xgDVGqCkMHTY0LO-qcfgg/s1600-h/Moon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203403794825525010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDAX9eu6tE5zl4zaouvD-Za4AZbUGq-YUQ8OVxDDosLdEyQptkpuVFWs8NejRPDXE0LGEO2KiS_CsNpQnaG8UTGCWJ37RGR6jm_oA9Vge3yJx2CRg3xgDVGqCkMHTY0LO-qcfgg/s320/Moon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The moon tried to lure us into staying longer. We didn't get home until almost 2am, but we are already anxious to return soon!</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-83503433093346161402008-05-10T22:36:00.000-07:002008-06-03T14:02:58.684-07:0005/10/08 Malibu Creek Trail Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QcApbYYA0pWvyf1UgiqY1Vovpb2xpdQ6dCL3mUBdO2KvHn2HLYz4C1QkHW4kjra9wmRCErFns7sgs_sU_QDau56yQ4R80me7jAGNU0JGbjLsFOuLOff_LXU3wXd8HFJw5pIa9w/s1600-h/map.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207757699336412674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QcApbYYA0pWvyf1UgiqY1Vovpb2xpdQ6dCL3mUBdO2KvHn2HLYz4C1QkHW4kjra9wmRCErFns7sgs_sU_QDau56yQ4R80me7jAGNU0JGbjLsFOuLOff_LXU3wXd8HFJw5pIa9w/s320/map.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Erick the Weatherman predicts a partly cloudy course full of cool runners.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgritWkCmZwnlCSyqZeDMke6ZSxVRy7Q1HGGMFYG38re9QnGYRZHPE3fxzNOPKiLZ6XmwKjNl1541XoxxcsaFcEkmTAIyJbnhZi_822qGkeCUqhrA4vKI-vUaOh8O9vOtpcAnH-tw/s1600-h/start.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207757770986518258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgritWkCmZwnlCSyqZeDMke6ZSxVRy7Q1HGGMFYG38re9QnGYRZHPE3fxzNOPKiLZ6XmwKjNl1541XoxxcsaFcEkmTAIyJbnhZi_822qGkeCUqhrA4vKI-vUaOh8O9vOtpcAnH-tw/s320/start.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Fellow <a href="http://www.mountaingoats.org/">Mountain Goat</a> runner Lon and I try to keep warm at the start.<br /><br /><div align="justify">During the race itself, I wished for the ten-thousandth time that I had a camera with me. The purple wildflowers were amazing! Every time I saw them, I told myself that they were giving me "Purple Power!" At the top of a particularly grueling hill, just when I thought I was pretty much out of gas, I looked down the back side and saw an entire valley of purple flowering bushes that literally gave me the strength to finish.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Skgpww9gKIE_pmxUO_5aSxhFoL0ffGbjboHQGfgnI9A7tyBXVOS0OdXAFULzA-Kxid3g2AFT3e4j_awU8wtX1yba-z-U3ljpJ1OQ9sRvhQKl5R0KPai_2c-PVfkKCDV83OPfA/s1600-h/results.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207757743753184098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Skgpww9gKIE_pmxUO_5aSxhFoL0ffGbjboHQGfgnI9A7tyBXVOS0OdXAFULzA-Kxid3g2AFT3e4j_awU8wtX1yba-z-U3ljpJ1OQ9sRvhQKl5R0KPai_2c-PVfkKCDV83OPfA/s320/results.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />2:14:26 - Thanks Purple Power!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUIqMq53R2umP3mgcF7B98p6UsHPqLUCzjoIdYC83lklmBUpYxGHfbyOTxXAiiC7wSQ6iXCTd933L5wH-Dl7pont-k5XNbHOuV-fdJP6nbISzsYylLSNU8mJjuCG3zCCNEiLI2Q/s1600-h/finished.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207757645653370370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUIqMq53R2umP3mgcF7B98p6UsHPqLUCzjoIdYC83lklmBUpYxGHfbyOTxXAiiC7wSQ6iXCTd933L5wH-Dl7pont-k5XNbHOuV-fdJP6nbISzsYylLSNU8mJjuCG3zCCNEiLI2Q/s320/finished.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Coach John, myself and Erick representing west, east, and south.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-18405707884000425562008-05-04T23:54:00.000-07:002008-05-06T15:29:25.604-07:0005/03/08 Rafting & 05/04/08 Climbing in Kernville<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAohaWESatjT6TfF2pzzDM0aOeJCod0b0e8d1yk1ZJeDYDVZpqqzmyoV3rL5IlyfNHTIgpY5Bboke2bF-cR62yMCMTWliGlx5-6J5st7LU6G4Fj7iVEdCz5lx8eDVddQfztB3k8g/s1600-h/Supergirl+Wonderwoman+Superman+Spiderman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197372046532540210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAohaWESatjT6TfF2pzzDM0aOeJCod0b0e8d1yk1ZJeDYDVZpqqzmyoV3rL5IlyfNHTIgpY5Bboke2bF-cR62yMCMTWliGlx5-6J5st7LU6G4Fj7iVEdCz5lx8eDVddQfztB3k8g/s320/Supergirl+Wonderwoman+Superman+Spiderman.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">The superheros get ready for action.</span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBYHOtI9-pYVNxOhPQz1CNaU9gYG-0d2MGFKU6Z_r3fxTCM4iR2IFebwIYCwshdhX_0gUfV1ygXu_9fbFFpojU9N8FT6a-7CtD9P6JK8HLS0y4HZGQGZlCEdaFM2QJ-LFhauUEQ/s1600-h/Big+arms.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371655690516098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBYHOtI9-pYVNxOhPQz1CNaU9gYG-0d2MGFKU6Z_r3fxTCM4iR2IFebwIYCwshdhX_0gUfV1ygXu_9fbFFpojU9N8FT6a-7CtD9P6JK8HLS0y4HZGQGZlCEdaFM2QJ-LFhauUEQ/s320/Big+arms.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Super-Puffy-Arm Woman wants to go rafting NOW!</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjpjKttXX0oWmzanL1l_7oo4YYEs3q_vfBa_RATRN-nboU6WrU7fMYxnfzRRSwqVt7BjdF32GYocNKeMDLJeckgvoawMfIUSaHfFXofVkxs8NRA1tFoBcimI3moBJ9IG2UzUrSw/s1600-h/R&J+truck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371887618750178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjpjKttXX0oWmzanL1l_7oo4YYEs3q_vfBa_RATRN-nboU6WrU7fMYxnfzRRSwqVt7BjdF32GYocNKeMDLJeckgvoawMfIUSaHfFXofVkxs8NRA1tFoBcimI3moBJ9IG2UzUrSw/s320/R&J+truck.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>My arms only look juiced, but here's Jack & Rebecca getting juiced.</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="justify">Rafting was great, but the river is freezing (well, not quite, just 36 degrees or so) thanks to the melt from Mt. Whitney. The <a href="http://kernrivertours.com/">rafting company</a> required everyone doing Class Five rapids to pass a "swim test" which unfortunately was NOT in a swimming pool. Basically, just jump in, float downstream through some Class Two rapids, then prove that you can make it back to shore, even though the water was like Kryptonite and sucked away all your powers. Miserable. Of course, it was a great way to start the experience because it certainly couldn't get worse than that!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgRJTvuGZgpAmf9QEeY4R606UDT1cbhlhd9k4s8defDkWdKYDlqYe99WK1VdX9frhlWvkWpvYYXnyqD4Xp3IfTv_3LBYRWhZvUjS8g4W8erlVdXDkQxXmwRA7XLItEyDt6yg9fQ/s1600-h/Swimtest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197372050827507522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgRJTvuGZgpAmf9QEeY4R606UDT1cbhlhd9k4s8defDkWdKYDlqYe99WK1VdX9frhlWvkWpvYYXnyqD4Xp3IfTv_3LBYRWhZvUjS8g4W8erlVdXDkQxXmwRA7XLItEyDt6yg9fQ/s320/Swimtest.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Instructor James explains that even superhero powers are no match against the river.</span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8COQQ5JWv7SS4oPmDEdO6qYhHEIMDkHma_CNZhQaZXW1PugMqcBrl1pwTM8zP7QHNK74F8afipoOMZvzDlrnCyow-72RLaZAg_QC-voSzTKpCAJIfuGG5t2UxmIC5A0_WhRtPQ/s1600-h/If+hell+had+a+swimtest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371659985483410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8COQQ5JWv7SS4oPmDEdO6qYhHEIMDkHma_CNZhQaZXW1PugMqcBrl1pwTM8zP7QHNK74F8afipoOMZvzDlrnCyow-72RLaZAg_QC-voSzTKpCAJIfuGG5t2UxmIC5A0_WhRtPQ/s320/If+hell+had+a+swimtest.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">My very cold life was flashing before my very cold eyes.</span></em></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQb3PIJrb17g4mZ0y2-5FTl5XhVZNfbtJLW6eUNKSZt-xOepx6wW-c5H16JzezOo5KyXENLOUM2Ryb3t4iV87tnrPTknN8Lw_58mmLkies6TxlpeFJ5tc2N81S5O8iz6U3tUECA/s1600-h/R&J+swimtest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371879028815570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQb3PIJrb17g4mZ0y2-5FTl5XhVZNfbtJLW6eUNKSZt-xOepx6wW-c5H16JzezOo5KyXENLOUM2Ryb3t4iV87tnrPTknN8Lw_58mmLkies6TxlpeFJ5tc2N81S5O8iz6U3tUECA/s320/R&J+swimtest.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Jack & Rebecca making it look easy.</span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="justify">Once inside the raft, we thawed out and our strength returned. The morning was Class 3 & 4 stuff, then they served a really good lunch, perfect for tasting a second time when we went to the Class 5 stuff in the afternoon. When we got to the first Class 5 rapid, everyone got out of the boats and had to walk downstream to check it out first. That's when I tasted Lunch, Version 2.0. The guides showed us which "line" to take, but if you saw it, you would realize water that strong pretty much has a mind of its own. And regardless of which "line" you intend to take, it's up to the river as to whether or not you actually take it. All I remember is a bunch of water, very cold water everywhere, a few paddles being tossed about, a lot of yelling, then an eerie quiet when we made it through. Once we realized that no one came out of our boat and we were all relatively unharmed and accounted for, we started whooping and cheering. Later, we went through another Class 5 section and it was just as thrilling. Like being inside a washing machine strapped to a roller coaster, while wearing neoprene.</div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4xL_x6Ks1ZeWdRLF9J3_4VfBKFF0UGDmz8cTtvHfrfRWnBzSG6EKxCzdMU9QjAAIE7_89xE32g1GhaZnNxK4S5xD7y7rfwIoY12ELVu60kRLZ11qiwggMU3ASgc8cYu3cB0p2w/s1600-h/Rafting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371891913717490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4xL_x6Ks1ZeWdRLF9J3_4VfBKFF0UGDmz8cTtvHfrfRWnBzSG6EKxCzdMU9QjAAIE7_89xE32g1GhaZnNxK4S5xD7y7rfwIoY12ELVu60kRLZ11qiwggMU3ASgc8cYu3cB0p2w/s320/Rafting.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">The superheros survived!</span></em></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">After rafting, I went for an easy 10 mile run on the road and saw LOTS of motorcycles: all different kinds - fat people on Harley's, kids on little dirt bikes, a few sport bikes and everything in between. Then it was time to cook hot dogs at Camp Thunderbird which was only five miles from the rafting area and right across the street from the <a href="http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/California/Western_Sierra/Kernville_Slab/">Kernville Slab</a> climbing area.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Meanwhile, back in Gotham City ("Kernville"), our super-friend Aaron leaped over buildings (hillsides) in a single bound (with a paraglider).</div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wX0OL1dFzvbfbfzff-sWw8tu1zrvzKckIG3uIjKproII1EetcfOto5aQcL4OL2dqN3lXZuDD1I211V2sqNPfV9C99jqCZfHfy48Tyb-iwYNUoilAaTSUAhd81_zTVURM2l7iXQ/s1600-h/Air+Aaron.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371492481758818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wX0OL1dFzvbfbfzff-sWw8tu1zrvzKckIG3uIjKproII1EetcfOto5aQcL4OL2dqN3lXZuDD1I211V2sqNPfV9C99jqCZfHfy48Tyb-iwYNUoilAaTSUAhd81_zTVURM2l7iXQ/s320/Air+Aaron.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegIW05g6gxwzR7f2unWo2SiJ3ZJyMX_pHaxxUAf7e7jd6kkp8YYI8ZRM87xSBl4CC07d0wnv4CJjLq3kvTMEmdYvgDydpjR2CeGc9FjNcU1aCIamYhPATIMylVVr625O5IsRf_w/s1600-h/Aaron+views+the+slab.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371483891824178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegIW05g6gxwzR7f2unWo2SiJ3ZJyMX_pHaxxUAf7e7jd6kkp8YYI8ZRM87xSBl4CC07d0wnv4CJjLq3kvTMEmdYvgDydpjR2CeGc9FjNcU1aCIamYhPATIMylVVr625O5IsRf_w/s320/Aaron+views+the+slab.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvC1UIQLFTZUbkLPZxbEHXggmfyf7YrDykYyMrjYDUDKshhOSJg92gC_EbXK_mhQZSWvjxqCkt1Lx8ZwDVdmWlBtqszn-WyF_FlUsrtifxGEVRvc9j3ORUwafJcr8zLix1-TOpg/s1600-h/Air+Aaron+feet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371488186791506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvC1UIQLFTZUbkLPZxbEHXggmfyf7YrDykYyMrjYDUDKshhOSJg92gC_EbXK_mhQZSWvjxqCkt1Lx8ZwDVdmWlBtqszn-WyF_FlUsrtifxGEVRvc9j3ORUwafJcr8zLix1-TOpg/s320/Air+Aaron+feet.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">More Super-Friends met up with us for climbing on Sunday. We battled a steep approach, snakes, and other forces of evil (well, one large spider). But the rock was quite friendly, allowing us to put on a spectacular display of our amazing Spider Man abilities.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDakNIHPjpET3-1jBsLrqN-fmguDZksYcBO4prjr4hdBrFsc7JzyxovWV0y0dTRNl5Ba_39gRBvOr4KJQ4bS62y2bLhUeVo1jvYsmGY-TjHORC30nIFjGYb-2tGtNNnocyOPnTQ/s1600-h/Trad+princess.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197372050827507538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDakNIHPjpET3-1jBsLrqN-fmguDZksYcBO4prjr4hdBrFsc7JzyxovWV0y0dTRNl5Ba_39gRBvOr4KJQ4bS62y2bLhUeVo1jvYsmGY-TjHORC30nIFjGYb-2tGtNNnocyOPnTQ/s320/Trad+princess.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Na-nanananana-Gear Girl!</span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZDJp5gW4DHLH8fvTvZiXTbVD5IuC1hrMK3fYgA2S5GLXdFdAfQWquyjrooA1VkR3AMvNfy-FXjMu77r-3OykRl8wpw1hbuAYWgPivOxbimt8I2FuDeEme_qHcmWIyKZGTZHdQA/s1600-h/Rebecca+on+crack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197372042237572882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZDJp5gW4DHLH8fvTvZiXTbVD5IuC1hrMK3fYgA2S5GLXdFdAfQWquyjrooA1VkR3AMvNfy-FXjMu77r-3OykRl8wpw1hbuAYWgPivOxbimt8I2FuDeEme_qHcmWIyKZGTZHdQA/s320/Rebecca+on+crack.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Gear Girl's alter ego: Crack Head.</span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho00XCQTu227vFBywopzp5a7uCn2D8QvSoHjIjKxIDwfJMM3TiDSBNEBL3eLowd3sO4Z0mRRWD7wY7tzuiNX2ZPU1lrdE-hezNBFSF6hCRQv2iIKbzsTzf5tzbTz6QoWy5e3qYiA/s1600-h/Rebecca+high+on+crack.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371896208684802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho00XCQTu227vFBywopzp5a7uCn2D8QvSoHjIjKxIDwfJMM3TiDSBNEBL3eLowd3sO4Z0mRRWD7wY7tzuiNX2ZPU1lrdE-hezNBFSF6hCRQv2iIKbzsTzf5tzbTz6QoWy5e3qYiA/s320/Rebecca+high+on+crack.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Crack Head gets higher on crack.</span></em></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflE3yk_-hFP7E-NRBY-PbE3XXLes0l_oPqY5wsZjVCdRxjwKDLF9vFXVBDvBWxrXgKDi0kFMaFAUXn1GSvCr8Z_wqqVzbV1CMRlV9-PxRVLZw4H40fHcp7RLUoOyxzl7SGqXSzg/s1600-h/Little+girl+big+wall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371874733848258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflE3yk_-hFP7E-NRBY-PbE3XXLes0l_oPqY5wsZjVCdRxjwKDLF9vFXVBDvBWxrXgKDi0kFMaFAUXn1GSvCr8Z_wqqVzbV1CMRlV9-PxRVLZw4H40fHcp7RLUoOyxzl7SGqXSzg/s320/Little+girl+big+wall.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Yesterday the river, today the wall.</em></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkLS6AiiKEJygcKnz5I9u1QDJygMGE0mkJo238T5_Xl2OGnbJnjH5fp9-z0s05ExyPOU8nDMTYM8Sz58KELD6sZodYYRENsLbkCexcfCJoXVxQf9iE07n3uLcEdIFafO7cj7cXg/s1600-h/Rick+stays+positive.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197372042237572898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkLS6AiiKEJygcKnz5I9u1QDJygMGE0mkJo238T5_Xl2OGnbJnjH5fp9-z0s05ExyPOU8nDMTYM8Sz58KELD6sZodYYRENsLbkCexcfCJoXVxQf9iE07n3uLcEdIFafO7cj7cXg/s320/Rick+stays+positive.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Rick stays positive.</span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UYLW19z-L6BdsprVlAwWTrFKejHT6wRUXcX6ceSc_T-CNqDUNP1b4270wgkfoAL7fm14v7TSPtKYq3zQ7rBDLkJdeLe78qPv-vBZnbqDK5aKXMCHttlI68HqyAFtgn2dZlQ2VA/s1600-h/Lisa+the+rapper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371668575418034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UYLW19z-L6BdsprVlAwWTrFKejHT6wRUXcX6ceSc_T-CNqDUNP1b4270wgkfoAL7fm14v7TSPtKYq3zQ7rBDLkJdeLe78qPv-vBZnbqDK5aKXMCHttlI68HqyAFtgn2dZlQ2VA/s320/Lisa+the+rapper.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Lisa the Wonder Woman learns to rap.</span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXnMA7skXyCkP6qtjg_1dI9pTLFrAbwEOL2quixnKF5xcSREbs3KiL2iOgPazlsS1ms43E0VjS-OZHhZnU8HgfKY5Ittfz3KFjHzpYji7H7doPYZG2bhfwhDwN3c3pKyoIChJjw/s1600-h/Aaron+spreads+his+wings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371479596856866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXnMA7skXyCkP6qtjg_1dI9pTLFrAbwEOL2quixnKF5xcSREbs3KiL2iOgPazlsS1ms43E0VjS-OZHhZnU8HgfKY5Ittfz3KFjHzpYji7H7doPYZG2bhfwhDwN3c3pKyoIChJjw/s320/Aaron+spreads+his+wings.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Aaron spreads his wings, again.</em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh-nHR3KHwtAA17b9U0T1yKN3WkRgop_nnQIjrnoGI8ps6oImYnTwHVq32tFjCb80Xb1XQUCavvgLOG1JfBVdoI4RiHz0Aqqt5-Hstf28Hi_f5ksFiPcknkZX5nAWVyG2Q8Sawg/s1600-h/Afraid+of+heights.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371488186791490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh-nHR3KHwtAA17b9U0T1yKN3WkRgop_nnQIjrnoGI8ps6oImYnTwHVq32tFjCb80Xb1XQUCavvgLOG1JfBVdoI4RiHz0Aqqt5-Hstf28Hi_f5ksFiPcknkZX5nAWVyG2Q8Sawg/s320/Afraid+of+heights.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Wonder Woman overcomes her fear of heights.</span></em><br /><br />An amazing day of climbing was had by all. And I'm looking forward to a possible return trip once the river warms up, perhaps in July!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-51633493173033699312008-04-27T23:40:00.000-07:002008-05-23T12:46:11.911-07:0004/27/08 Orange County Adventure Race<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWky8SwiDgNHcsLVdnjT0s5L2_4uUnvLNPWl5FfY-CI7qRtZPp9K-DhXLzgwh8E5G-48UoTUEK8FVJyZXoB883m7YQevaWSEmW0SJUCJ7XsRx89GIPs7rUhWuuBV8Cn0fXaooyg/s1600-h/ready.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203660913042700194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWky8SwiDgNHcsLVdnjT0s5L2_4uUnvLNPWl5FfY-CI7qRtZPp9K-DhXLzgwh8E5G-48UoTUEK8FVJyZXoB883m7YQevaWSEmW0SJUCJ7XsRx89GIPs7rUhWuuBV8Cn0fXaooyg/s320/ready.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uZ1RKNuitr-kNhvuPiaW1W9ovPS76Zy87kSPCMAVUnpS6g5v5J0GFJwAhraScP6ND0DGcit6v2JqrZy6ITJGd5bDfgsrR5qFS3AUet_uoCSHLwTo9Z6f9Cx4g7Ui_mbbOk-u4A/s1600-h/Gear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197368103752562162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uZ1RKNuitr-kNhvuPiaW1W9ovPS76Zy87kSPCMAVUnpS6g5v5J0GFJwAhraScP6ND0DGcit6v2JqrZy6ITJGd5bDfgsrR5qFS3AUet_uoCSHLwTo9Z6f9Cx4g7Ui_mbbOk-u4A/s320/Gear.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RQQrlmS4pnY2jf0kRJ9-AnXHCdewDzwbMLHBPhIlbn7Fn1OqoitWKaXRigPR2VP5aGZe6yRzOWJPGwc9-_NaLeQx22F6sVuuaWdbMup5nprJxdYUajWARlgZa1Zf8it5B-WhQw/s1600-h/pass+the+pink.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203660908747732882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RQQrlmS4pnY2jf0kRJ9-AnXHCdewDzwbMLHBPhIlbn7Fn1OqoitWKaXRigPR2VP5aGZe6yRzOWJPGwc9-_NaLeQx22F6sVuuaWdbMup5nprJxdYUajWARlgZa1Zf8it5B-WhQw/s320/pass+the+pink.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWW1mqYi_OhZREXILdY8qSnYnaqXGa2Fox1xI0Ctk8qUnmTb0r6hxgdeEbw4_IuFBoS6ikt5_bSSNMRficJZU-wB6u0EvxKONPxswop_lWACd-2bHl8AP8P72TFYMY2ZuZD03LA/s1600-h/tubes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203661003237013442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWW1mqYi_OhZREXILdY8qSnYnaqXGa2Fox1xI0Ctk8qUnmTb0r6hxgdeEbw4_IuFBoS6ikt5_bSSNMRficJZU-wB6u0EvxKONPxswop_lWACd-2bHl8AP8P72TFYMY2ZuZD03LA/s320/tubes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBggjExdmNAArXmi2TMHAaIybGIvtsTlElVO0gmjErK63OusIJKBarFmWKJMaqWM4VK3lT1AmpaQYTE2mWdqSo2dhpCumQASBJ6lkClbAYYSxt8Mzom1QhjEbICRrrlzzIQdIdNg/s1600-h/bike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203660900157798258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBggjExdmNAArXmi2TMHAaIybGIvtsTlElVO0gmjErK63OusIJKBarFmWKJMaqWM4VK3lT1AmpaQYTE2mWdqSo2dhpCumQASBJ6lkClbAYYSxt8Mzom1QhjEbICRrrlzzIQdIdNg/s320/bike.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HUw3AbXhqB6I3goaU6cgeCla6Tsa-PiyeGNqJ4yF2HkkQloMCV3BNcuy38n4X8L_Jl7j4GSFH_-tZJ-5tuMUQyf3i2VVBrvw08BanbIAfqQdTa5c3euDPSznD3Oj-L-NEFgOhw/s1600-h/carrying+raft.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197368077982758370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HUw3AbXhqB6I3goaU6cgeCla6Tsa-PiyeGNqJ4yF2HkkQloMCV3BNcuy38n4X8L_Jl7j4GSFH_-tZJ-5tuMUQyf3i2VVBrvw08BanbIAfqQdTa5c3euDPSznD3Oj-L-NEFgOhw/s320/carrying+raft.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE93FGsZLO5I6Aaq_p1e_8hSpBtyoMBVg2mC5XA27KzZNrYWh9XH4NrtHNzlwFHSdXkavv4D3F0bmdoX9vGJnVGuzshwptjW6S9IgANDgfoulQ3CxkUxMp3FE-r6pfj4oRsQaow/s1600-h/row.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203660917337667506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE93FGsZLO5I6Aaq_p1e_8hSpBtyoMBVg2mC5XA27KzZNrYWh9XH4NrtHNzlwFHSdXkavv4D3F0bmdoX9vGJnVGuzshwptjW6S9IgANDgfoulQ3CxkUxMp3FE-r6pfj4oRsQaow/s320/row.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2RDSR1Qp8gTHz9IZfxw-ql4ox72FFQH1taiyex-KJsh1s_ABh3hwHAr1wb7f-e3fYYR3rX_Hd1JxmKCm76y68eRVwQK3W2q4vJ84Gv8FKLgIAIvRHiEv4MTeU9c76iskFoFrSQ/s1600-h/two+fingers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203661011826948050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2RDSR1Qp8gTHz9IZfxw-ql4ox72FFQH1taiyex-KJsh1s_ABh3hwHAr1wb7f-e3fYYR3rX_Hd1JxmKCm76y68eRVwQK3W2q4vJ84Gv8FKLgIAIvRHiEv4MTeU9c76iskFoFrSQ/s320/two+fingers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="justify">We got 7th place out of about 20 teams in the 2 person co-ed division - and we were just out there to have fun, not to RACE it because we had camped and hiked and/or run all over Mt. Baldy the day before!<br /><br />Team "Run ZoLa Run" total time was 2:24:05. <a href="http://www.sierraadventuresports.com/ocadventureraceresults.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Results</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPLWMRJKIOe2os-yoNY1v6iIfkMlN8kmElo_H-5egjUMPS5ynBxfo-aiH_9aSKv4q6VQUR3tBUltu_gWXMyKCpino9Js39rvks03VIuS8ewNSXQ3eFFyigWgnxcbVfFH7e57lfw/s1600-h/Run+Lola+Run.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197368103752562178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPLWMRJKIOe2os-yoNY1v6iIfkMlN8kmElo_H-5egjUMPS5ynBxfo-aiH_9aSKv4q6VQUR3tBUltu_gWXMyKCpino9Js39rvks03VIuS8ewNSXQ3eFFyigWgnxcbVfFH7e57lfw/s320/Run+Lola+Run.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Get it? lorenZO + angeLA = ZOLA, then combine that with the movie called "Run Lola Run" and you get Run ZoLa Run. Or as Coach John suggested - we could be named after the famous barefoot Olympic runner <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zola_Budd">Zola Budd</a>. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXneEOzZXDlWjIhxyu94N3dWh9BM7VzC_x0aSpzcWCRS2vFyDfR2Hpxs-CPRh8-4unsRxrQlZX33HpRKUW2K1qeRdiBrmhfI-NJSV7qNzVsLE6cvBeNfA29fMMvEv_uj0o_eiJIQ/s1600-h/zola.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197369864689153554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXneEOzZXDlWjIhxyu94N3dWh9BM7VzC_x0aSpzcWCRS2vFyDfR2Hpxs-CPRh8-4unsRxrQlZX33HpRKUW2K1qeRdiBrmhfI-NJSV7qNzVsLE6cvBeNfA29fMMvEv_uj0o_eiJIQ/s320/zola.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />But did Zola run barefoot in the desert hills of Irvine? Didn't think so...<br /><br /><div align="justify">Well, we didn't win any awards for "Best Team Name" or "Best Team Costume" (because we certainly weren't going to wear what the main character wore in the movie- a gray COTTON tank top with NO SPORTS BRA), but it was easily the most fun event we have ever done together! From making our own paddles (my thanks to whoever invented duct tape), to completing tasks while blindfolded - loads of fun! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorUR3q5DtvDT-_ZdconEoOMLpHXWYaMAkc1pYzIKuHk0fFUt7pyh69fkg_P03XrfRb-kqcewLb5ybxlVHlnnPdn6Twi4zRi1PxqeyLn3jgBmV3dOsrUpGRbOL3Onr4j638zI8IQ/s1600-h/hug.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203660904452765570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorUR3q5DtvDT-_ZdconEoOMLpHXWYaMAkc1pYzIKuHk0fFUt7pyh69fkg_P03XrfRb-kqcewLb5ybxlVHlnnPdn6Twi4zRi1PxqeyLn3jgBmV3dOsrUpGRbOL3Onr4j638zI8IQ/s320/hug.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />More pictures from the event <a href="http://lgonzalez.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=25231">HERE</a>.</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-55160716762239664722008-04-27T20:37:00.000-07:002008-05-02T13:48:52.984-07:0004/26/08 Mt. Baldy<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70EjKcsDI2GtLf_rY0vnrx7A_iEHudCzgCU1KDSXMwnJnnDXqjJWumw9br7roYuKjwnH4-C0wgnUUupcA3CmPj5lquvWeiP5UmShg7BzA6dxeFQL9TYnkigfVnNfnCxez9K5oWQ/s1600-h/Baldymap.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195871307649906098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70EjKcsDI2GtLf_rY0vnrx7A_iEHudCzgCU1KDSXMwnJnnDXqjJWumw9br7roYuKjwnH4-C0wgnUUupcA3CmPj5lquvWeiP5UmShg7BzA6dxeFQL9TYnkigfVnNfnCxez9K5oWQ/s400/Baldymap.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Camping the night before with a pre-dinner session of glow in the dark frisbee, cooking hot dogs on sticks, and basking in the warmth of the fire with friends - I never wanted it to end, but there was that pesky training schedule... The group started around 9am. There were 8 hikers planning on doing various distances up the Sierra Club Hut Trail (pink dashed line) and 4 runners training for the <a href="http://www.bhs50.com/index.php"><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>Bishop High Sierra race</strong></span></a> on May 17th who were going to run up and down, and perhaps up and down a second time, on the fire road for a total of 20 miles (purple dotted line).<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRnWCgqjzFLv6K9nJqvKyw_adEaAn63MpD0y_I7sVCIDkGA2YjkeneEz-P5W6OF5OBYaVtiymnG3kTXxZywc7huYVxzXQ8PL2shAbgw5ExtQVPcZWAM-ICecFFaAhvChoVAm17A/s1600-h/Baldy+-+before.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195870105059063170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRnWCgqjzFLv6K9nJqvKyw_adEaAn63MpD0y_I7sVCIDkGA2YjkeneEz-P5W6OF5OBYaVtiymnG3kTXxZywc7huYVxzXQ8PL2shAbgw5ExtQVPcZWAM-ICecFFaAhvChoVAm17A/s320/Baldy+-+before.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Standing: Mat, Edward, Libby, Aaron, Theresa, Anthony, Eric's folks.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Kneeling: Lorenzo, Lisa, Angela, Eric. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDlyzMPKJcaPHdDdE8y1cThAfTUU65xaOzCR-RDSFKitNsNfHdtCKqnLUvmJ69XuoYb6-Lk2M7l6f71cYuUXVp0G7q4BQa3YxWWWVT04MnVvVwyZPt1MJyLU2O6AV-5a83GebLQ/s1600-h/Baldy+camp.jpg"><span style="font-size:78%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195870113648997778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDlyzMPKJcaPHdDdE8y1cThAfTUU65xaOzCR-RDSFKitNsNfHdtCKqnLUvmJ69XuoYb6-Lk2M7l6f71cYuUXVp0G7q4BQa3YxWWWVT04MnVvVwyZPt1MJyLU2O6AV-5a83GebLQ/s320/Baldy+camp.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Lisa drags Angela away from camp. Edward is wide awake.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8aWqJU6f7KYmFq0_nSJkQBVAjuGnhm82x4BIiYaKhoODDfuCYn9BALk98LX2k3llglPZD_04lS2fDOTUw6c1k__ooUkuK3fP28L7qvD1wh3vbjRSusPE5FZVjgEmG9B4bvyTng/s1600-h/Eric+Folks+at+Baldy+Falls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195874412911261122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8aWqJU6f7KYmFq0_nSJkQBVAjuGnhm82x4BIiYaKhoODDfuCYn9BALk98LX2k3llglPZD_04lS2fDOTUw6c1k__ooUkuK3fP28L7qvD1wh3vbjRSusPE5FZVjgEmG9B4bvyTng/s320/Eric+Folks+at+Baldy+Falls.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Eric's folks enjoy the waterfall.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsoPDdgJZc9iINwLLVttqU5SLbfZ8XTSSVwANnIW7HFW3S45R1AB5QzZqy24V3BWqTXqoijVg7-56ZSlnsKibi5xuXIB8OofHcLHp8ihORPL8q3HbHgYez3ppZtRKefr2rd0QrQ/s1600-h/Baldy+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195870096469128546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsoPDdgJZc9iINwLLVttqU5SLbfZ8XTSSVwANnIW7HFW3S45R1AB5QzZqy24V3BWqTXqoijVg7-56ZSlnsKibi5xuXIB8OofHcLHp8ihORPL8q3HbHgYez3ppZtRKefr2rd0QrQ/s320/Baldy+view.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">The run became more of a "slog" (slow-jog), but it gave us more time to enjoy the scenery!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINTPgxanlNlVdp5OQlkwY0E21bHUWDvajaXnH6PSONgWQWavKwnRliKhACK8SSTHc_0r3SrmKKL9groa2S6edtm-bWaN9x8Q6LSv8K5294VIxX3qqN4QPjYBE6uKVd40ASpcdmA/s1600-h/Baldy+snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195870538850760098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINTPgxanlNlVdp5OQlkwY0E21bHUWDvajaXnH6PSONgWQWavKwnRliKhACK8SSTHc_0r3SrmKKL9groa2S6edtm-bWaN9x8Q6LSv8K5294VIxX3qqN4QPjYBE6uKVd40ASpcdmA/s320/Baldy+snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Eric and Lisa protected their eyes from the snow-shine.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8Z3Mu4uOHPBSL5P4aDjCmK7NZqxlpAuTH53ovkiZ9mXPKP-ehf_VL1keOiRVs0ozytd7C0-sFbF1NQt2AfMTpuC6oDXRR45Vtz-OubaUcTEpFp4ICqFsrNWwUutrqtkH1tnVOA/s1600-h/Baldy+Backbone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195870100764095858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8Z3Mu4uOHPBSL5P4aDjCmK7NZqxlpAuTH53ovkiZ9mXPKP-ehf_VL1keOiRVs0ozytd7C0-sFbF1NQt2AfMTpuC6oDXRR45Vtz-OubaUcTEpFp4ICqFsrNWwUutrqtkH1tnVOA/s320/Baldy+Backbone.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Devil's Backbone (elevation 8,400 feet). Lisa and Angela climbed the Devil's Backbone tree for some advanced altitude training.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Suffering from a lingering cold, carrying a way-too-full pack, breaking in a new pair of socks - just some of the excuses I used to turn the second trip up into a hike and cut it short at the ski lifts. Total distance: 16 miles. But I'll try for more again on May 11th. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLABM-JKGQuB3rHrHKlMHxv8TTJMIEEY5exS8B1etUpNoAC7s2jeSWylCz7uxf3KXPdrlioTKygCKA6NiVdAbP8Ymesa6Is6m5eKCrMxlC7q7pe-3Jtoj-Gmw3r6SvuVsp9bOEw/s1600-h/Libby+Baldy+Hut.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195874421501195730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLABM-JKGQuB3rHrHKlMHxv8TTJMIEEY5exS8B1etUpNoAC7s2jeSWylCz7uxf3KXPdrlioTKygCKA6NiVdAbP8Ymesa6Is6m5eKCrMxlC7q7pe-3Jtoj-Gmw3r6SvuVsp9bOEw/s320/Libby+Baldy+Hut.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">It was the first time Libby has camped in, well in quite some time. And congrats to her for a successful hike to the Sierra Club Hut! Her first hike since... well, way too long. So hopefully she can join us again very soon!</span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://lgonzalez.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=22974"><strong>More photos.</strong></a></span></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-25591386240705163762008-04-08T14:01:00.001-07:002008-04-08T16:33:57.497-07:004/4/08-4/7/08 Mom's visit!<strong>Friday, April 4th - The Craft & Folk Art Museum</strong><br /><br />This is the place where creativity and a lot of free time combine to make really unique pieces. Where else could I have bought a purse made from beer cans?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTQSKZXeQkqsiR2dPNqDWRfVGbTUIQam1FPAKs7NNV3cPWwfjTDZbFO73tQesEdhP1kTZf2dmqvLBF6MFlDq6qs_UUlaFzpiJPikBZsId-HRkU1Wdcwt6EV9kkibGmWs-5QEnSA/s1600-h/museum.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187015031915365362" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px" height="310" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTQSKZXeQkqsiR2dPNqDWRfVGbTUIQam1FPAKs7NNV3cPWwfjTDZbFO73tQesEdhP1kTZf2dmqvLBF6MFlDq6qs_UUlaFzpiJPikBZsId-HRkU1Wdcwt6EV9kkibGmWs-5QEnSA/s320/museum.jpg" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Mom at the entrance of the <a href="http://www.cafam.org/"><span style="color:#33cc00;"><strong>Craft & Folk Art Museum</strong></span></a> on Wilshire Blvd.<br /><br /><strong>Saturday, April 5th - The Great Race of Agoura</strong><br /><br /><div align="justify">Mom has been the official "cheerleader" for me at many races and marathons. This time, it was our first Mother-Daughter event where we would BOTH be participating in a 5K at the <a href="http://greatraceofagoura.com/"><span style="color:#339999;"><strong>Great Race of Agoura</strong></span></a>.</div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqs8YZyoMyXJPmC-28j9c1r_V2ZKayf1iLgm9l4gigtElJ_hrYUimWu_uldB9cGN37tbp0_A6cLiifQ2IaramiX3mwBrS3vPak-uV7YSdHArWvi7jZqX-WRB4sPH_wCBzlfEZYA/s1600-h/momsfirstbib.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186983244862407458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqs8YZyoMyXJPmC-28j9c1r_V2ZKayf1iLgm9l4gigtElJ_hrYUimWu_uldB9cGN37tbp0_A6cLiifQ2IaramiX3mwBrS3vPak-uV7YSdHArWvi7jZqX-WRB4sPH_wCBzlfEZYA/s320/momsfirstbib.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Mom's first bib number!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nWWAjfFLXWZwRsKNnLaCp3IB9L0a9IrQfuldcni0lD4cWJPHyl65R7Rg5ahKjviNn69l6ET0rrsq9aIh0dtlKlBzk24rI_FL9fZzFgdttfHJM5LLzt69IenziChyphenhyphen37LUEmiW5w/s1600-h/startline.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984795345601458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nWWAjfFLXWZwRsKNnLaCp3IB9L0a9IrQfuldcni0lD4cWJPHyl65R7Rg5ahKjviNn69l6ET0rrsq9aIh0dtlKlBzk24rI_FL9fZzFgdttfHJM5LLzt69IenziChyphenhyphen37LUEmiW5w/s320/startline.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Jet-lagged and still on Eastern time, just getting to the start at the top of a steep hill was quite an accomplishment for Mom!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8xuzbUuUVOqkZohm_yp8Y-aU2nG7yjRIv-b5d-hzy7jWKEw_-YI-vgd_lz4dBzz_A45qIu6lbFwZ4NwjavmpA6YNG1MDvSYmqqDPYGhQhkSmPwefkhbZXPyQLzkVqqHOqtog6A/s1600-h/preracegroup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186983253452342082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8xuzbUuUVOqkZohm_yp8Y-aU2nG7yjRIv-b5d-hzy7jWKEw_-YI-vgd_lz4dBzz_A45qIu6lbFwZ4NwjavmpA6YNG1MDvSYmqqDPYGhQhkSmPwefkhbZXPyQLzkVqqHOqtog6A/s320/preracegroup.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Mom, Coach John, me and Lorenzo at the start.<br />Combined ages = 197 years young!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp38_KkIhJzkhQZUOobD3ShaKSYFWx2dsYS1-3180Rkgqq2QyrYqxDqCHtJ0jyU9np9ryleH1POgDjTXEMbKPyfiJesWxu851-ZUla7xLHa6Rl1Mle6zLyniiniLQXEPwGXU__6g/s1600-h/uturn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984803935536082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp38_KkIhJzkhQZUOobD3ShaKSYFWx2dsYS1-3180Rkgqq2QyrYqxDqCHtJ0jyU9np9ryleH1POgDjTXEMbKPyfiJesWxu851-ZUla7xLHa6Rl1Mle6zLyniiniLQXEPwGXU__6g/s320/uturn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />More than halfway done, and having a great time!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOv83ZgRxzTuNt5NvbDx512mcTeXPKGalKADgXu4RjATzzjbEgFIg3Cc0fEUqmOtrxNwvH11is4KvG76aHAZ3wPgWATlDZ1F_iNRavXCNQ81SApV0w9HTlQFDIQ1-sffntaj0DA/s1600-h/momfinish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186983240567440130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOv83ZgRxzTuNt5NvbDx512mcTeXPKGalKADgXu4RjATzzjbEgFIg3Cc0fEUqmOtrxNwvH11is4KvG76aHAZ3wPgWATlDZ1F_iNRavXCNQ81SApV0w9HTlQFDIQ1-sffntaj0DA/s320/momfinish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Mom's finish - 59:47, that's an average pace of 19:18 minutes per mile! Yay Mom! Click <a href="http://www.tri-a-run.com/Results%20Files/GRACE08B.txt"><strong>here</strong></a> for results.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VwrlSx55W84QMMNX7gVHDOSTPqfvWe8WHq7x8fxct7LCu1un4fx3N9oRytAqViTXtcOfpkHsZ6EIeCRV_tAao1e22-M6Ih1bguiRg3sMgeggn4Z-INk9yZSj0khmkK5c89xo_w/s1600-h/tenkzo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984799640568770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VwrlSx55W84QMMNX7gVHDOSTPqfvWe8WHq7x8fxct7LCu1un4fx3N9oRytAqViTXtcOfpkHsZ6EIeCRV_tAao1e22-M6Ih1bguiRg3sMgeggn4Z-INk9yZSj0khmkK5c89xo_w/s320/tenkzo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Lorenzo and I also did the 10K. And I have to admit that I was a little tired afterwards...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPa_c7aksUupAWFvrUETWHqdT4pymPz89gUiGYoeY5rSdtmqWJG3WrkJaW1mj8_18UvQTqYhkwv4iQKevA5Pqn2zDQG4W7-sK1bza1NG-Di7HJbq4RdKXMSj7HJ7vXhQOTxQ581A/s1600-h/mom-me-and-wayne.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186983240567440146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPa_c7aksUupAWFvrUETWHqdT4pymPz89gUiGYoeY5rSdtmqWJG3WrkJaW1mj8_18UvQTqYhkwv4iQKevA5Pqn2zDQG4W7-sK1bza1NG-Di7HJbq4RdKXMSj7HJ7vXhQOTxQ581A/s320/mom-me-and-wayne.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After a hard day of racing, we decided to relax at the last game of the season for the L.A. Kings. Mom & Angela & Wayne "The Great One" Gretzky in front of Staples Center.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JgS6QlQQq6MIG9JWhGyMF0uW4M_6EUz2W-eb7FIRTN4OSXhkOn2FjpkQsN1xZnaKMs0MHQuZQJ1flg4zDjU2of2MWKN4AAk343ElpVDjTN2zcKfxhFuL1xq9ZZ-ST2TRNMSdng/s1600-h/kingfans.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186982905559991010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JgS6QlQQq6MIG9JWhGyMF0uW4M_6EUz2W-eb7FIRTN4OSXhkOn2FjpkQsN1xZnaKMs0MHQuZQJ1flg4zDjU2of2MWKN4AAk343ElpVDjTN2zcKfxhFuL1xq9ZZ-ST2TRNMSdng/s320/kingfans.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hooray for our favorite second-to-last-place team!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94nwaNXF6CxcI609LcMO_nXSYLscHuKyVfAOAhDgnVq5voozv6nLEcdTngukHv2zshf1r2S-QFslSWYqdxxv7SCLVDKpWGnW2yev31_JYjhMvGh04VSVDPb4WmlTRpnf6MO4uCQ/s1600-h/royalfamily.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984589187171154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94nwaNXF6CxcI609LcMO_nXSYLscHuKyVfAOAhDgnVq5voozv6nLEcdTngukHv2zshf1r2S-QFslSWYqdxxv7SCLVDKpWGnW2yev31_JYjhMvGh04VSVDPb4WmlTRpnf6MO4uCQ/s320/royalfamily.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Queen Joanne and Princess Angela on the thrones. Even though the Kings lost, it was still a terrific day - nachos, beer and caramel apples!<br /><br /><strong>Sunday, April 6th - Marina del Rey & Santa Barbara</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeQeW-oMPQxSdhk1yh-HukemYTUHKB3n0JklIj2P-QetDNFf7yY0Xt4lDOk-NlJGlmZsU_hI55p_yzYx2QXb3btM5fzbOHbyv9EO8g91A_1jw6qCIp1aRxyNXIyYyzgRIYlVtOQ/s1600-h/kayaking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186982901265023698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeQeW-oMPQxSdhk1yh-HukemYTUHKB3n0JklIj2P-QetDNFf7yY0Xt4lDOk-NlJGlmZsU_hI55p_yzYx2QXb3btM5fzbOHbyv9EO8g91A_1jw6qCIp1aRxyNXIyYyzgRIYlVtOQ/s320/kayaking.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After her first 5K, Mom continued to make history with her first kayaking experience.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGM1oNLjxpIPQn2ejqHPrOi3tvCdBevCEug2e9x30MW1jqJQwKyGgvv0UNnDXytIFpxzRP18BLeuSfP-MohE0VPkMz8jWuIhsKfw3U6YPKkWVOcjDp_bUQ6bIVvy5kyHuVrwA8A/s1600-h/momandzoplunge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186982905559991026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGM1oNLjxpIPQn2ejqHPrOi3tvCdBevCEug2e9x30MW1jqJQwKyGgvv0UNnDXytIFpxzRP18BLeuSfP-MohE0VPkMz8jWuIhsKfw3U6YPKkWVOcjDp_bUQ6bIVvy5kyHuVrwA8A/s320/momandzoplunge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Mom and Lorenzo get set to take the plunge!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcmcO0Sg28CWChi9H0URWF5riabi2xJsP2BOV7KSUgySKprFeNt6UPsyviF_115Xayv-uu9FDZ_4Ol2UdabdfU2TFRlW7vsEFNcnF69OPRfe-1wICQ7pEK2pMsVgTkBFbdGIEjA/s1600-h/kayaking2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186982892675089090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcmcO0Sg28CWChi9H0URWF5riabi2xJsP2BOV7KSUgySKprFeNt6UPsyviF_115Xayv-uu9FDZ_4Ol2UdabdfU2TFRlW7vsEFNcnF69OPRfe-1wICQ7pEK2pMsVgTkBFbdGIEjA/s320/kayaking2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I chased Mom and Lorenzo around the marina for an hour. Then we drove to Santa Barbara where we feasted on seafood and clam chowder.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OJD9W8y_HfgAbO-v0KY9M1eFDCaEl5VM6MFIWkyhgv-Hdh1zEdGPH9w9AlAcNZkJG6QGWPoGGSfLEn6wHxkSvPim3xJ-LHBxje-_qlN1DOkQU7gAI1e1aOpS57OGtUrCxGtR8g/s1600-h/shrimp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984795345601442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OJD9W8y_HfgAbO-v0KY9M1eFDCaEl5VM6MFIWkyhgv-Hdh1zEdGPH9w9AlAcNZkJG6QGWPoGGSfLEn6wHxkSvPim3xJ-LHBxje-_qlN1DOkQU7gAI1e1aOpS57OGtUrCxGtR8g/s320/shrimp.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">When I was in 3rd grade, my nickname was "shrimp" - probably because I was about as big as this one. So here I am demonstrating my cannabalism skills.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cRhgDBtuOcRDJPfun6ycEJiNGF_VaoXXHxXNoN8dEKeS149e3Pl9PezZsDrgT64kLNjWElBoIoPH2qPqw1zlc2fI3Kgi-IJzZPhwj4S9YJtdkGyEt9A-40Qz01rB1G9sBn7dcw/s1600-h/Zoatethewholething.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984812525470690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cRhgDBtuOcRDJPfun6ycEJiNGF_VaoXXHxXNoN8dEKeS149e3Pl9PezZsDrgT64kLNjWElBoIoPH2qPqw1zlc2fI3Kgi-IJzZPhwj4S9YJtdkGyEt9A-40Qz01rB1G9sBn7dcw/s320/Zoatethewholething.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I couldn't believe he got the whole thing in his mouth! Apparently, Lorenzo couldn't believe it either!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PQsNLzFyVTW8fmAhIsjMm8bS7S0fcxX8vL1fuBO62SRlk2VZkLkZrjgEjeysAEgjYKzMfZwSBh9ozgsY1tAc3slqNwffCGL60QqtCyZulm265RKsy6M29NYxB2Y_cKBvouNjOQ/s1600-h/clamchowder.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186982879790187186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PQsNLzFyVTW8fmAhIsjMm8bS7S0fcxX8vL1fuBO62SRlk2VZkLkZrjgEjeysAEgjYKzMfZwSBh9ozgsY1tAc3slqNwffCGL60QqtCyZulm265RKsy6M29NYxB2Y_cKBvouNjOQ/s320/clamchowder.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It's easy to be a "strong eater" when the food was that good!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJpoIWOmFYNGmOXA3N_pbUSIlNDMr7nGd_Q1b-JwHqXnBm8e68WOGl7FyMJs5OvHJc0Y3hg-hTdKJO3k7rTg-SqNdiJs4Dv01Fb_8haWjBXIfo_n1bbnlaWaUJijq5Y46AFXRKg/s1600-h/santabarb+beach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984589187171170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJpoIWOmFYNGmOXA3N_pbUSIlNDMr7nGd_Q1b-JwHqXnBm8e68WOGl7FyMJs5OvHJc0Y3hg-hTdKJO3k7rTg-SqNdiJs4Dv01Fb_8haWjBXIfo_n1bbnlaWaUJijq5Y46AFXRKg/s320/santabarb+beach.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Mom and I both found sand dollars on the beach!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNavKg7kWTJpfyuhJK2y2SGQJjI77LcFjBxrhHbAvLpNSNSI_7cSTYothRypu2DqCHPBD7pAL_QSvvIL3jqTMTOIn2Kcs8mkCL8_4ZU1Q_rANBzjJQZ7lNBBRTGJ7cD3Ilkt4e1g/s1600-h/santabarb+dolphin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984593482138482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNavKg7kWTJpfyuhJK2y2SGQJjI77LcFjBxrhHbAvLpNSNSI_7cSTYothRypu2DqCHPBD7pAL_QSvvIL3jqTMTOIn2Kcs8mkCL8_4ZU1Q_rANBzjJQZ7lNBBRTGJ7cD3Ilkt4e1g/s320/santabarb+dolphin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We saw seals, a sting ray, and lots of real dolphins too!<br /><br /><strong>Monday, April 7th - Brunch & Motorcycle Ride & Old Fashioned Meatloaf</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ey5o1-VTxIJjYgX9hjRBOaEKQ9lRbtVbhOgJyKRFsshQpwnKZK1mNsN0cB_akVHFlmGmZdFjhNO_4zj-HLiSVIVIlmEUV4mW9kVfbZ3CYjKyxg1DsZ0hBxV-ovPj746mP6aBow/s1600-h/lexie+lunch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187019722019652626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ey5o1-VTxIJjYgX9hjRBOaEKQ9lRbtVbhOgJyKRFsshQpwnKZK1mNsN0cB_akVHFlmGmZdFjhNO_4zj-HLiSVIVIlmEUV4mW9kVfbZ3CYjKyxg1DsZ0hBxV-ovPj746mP6aBow/s320/lexie+lunch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My good friend Laura has a two year old and is pregnant with her second child, so it's been difficult to catch up with her hectic schedule. Mom and I finally got a chace to reunite with Lexie (which she proudly pronounces as "Sexy!") for an entertaining brunch in Santa Monica. Who knew a simple drinking straw could be so much fun?<br /><br />A 5K race, kayaking, hiking in Santa Barbara... Mom officially became an adrenaline junkie! What's next, motorcycle riding?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmldi7ESG-UAH-_Su7KBXRQMdgUmbtQ4RW4B_Ofp9iDv_k3j_QuyKGB_TzHWyE5omegI-gq_SAGGStERrIGPzMYd2XpXvqw1cc1qkxDdhrGnWaXp7bVwWSCMBJ4yp2WEfFmtdtw/s1600-h/motomamma.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186983249157374770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmldi7ESG-UAH-_Su7KBXRQMdgUmbtQ4RW4B_Ofp9iDv_k3j_QuyKGB_TzHWyE5omegI-gq_SAGGStERrIGPzMYd2XpXvqw1cc1qkxDdhrGnWaXp7bVwWSCMBJ4yp2WEfFmtdtw/s320/motomamma.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Yep.<br /><br />After her test ride, Mom made one of my childhood favorites: meatloaf! Then a quick nap and my Lady Kings semi-final playoff game.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyG_kdZur6CrwDB664bFSoCaVvk6IFXo9fb3dunLCDdv6QPuRqTpDQR_FRwjwEpn5CmU_53u-L63APIGshyphenhyphen-PjlNJSCpwx0YB7skOb2LVwQlYlC-yNbeBU6JM0X5PsQQeYpUWuQ/s1600-h/semihockeyscore.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984597777105810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyG_kdZur6CrwDB664bFSoCaVvk6IFXo9fb3dunLCDdv6QPuRqTpDQR_FRwjwEpn5CmU_53u-L63APIGshyphenhyphen-PjlNJSCpwx0YB7skOb2LVwQlYlC-yNbeBU6JM0X5PsQQeYpUWuQ/s320/semihockeyscore.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We won 4-1!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfzNFWGJ82QC2NhB7SIfxlqiecGGIgP4Qm-UuvpwZuQdpxb6RM46HQNZw4Na5s8uIgnF_IBbXNcUHcI6iyNPLfhu5IANWNCMCWhajQse4MC3_xkEBzrjtFUcsezZH8mBmBt9amA/s1600-h/semigoalie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186984593482138498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfzNFWGJ82QC2NhB7SIfxlqiecGGIgP4Qm-UuvpwZuQdpxb6RM46HQNZw4Na5s8uIgnF_IBbXNcUHcI6iyNPLfhu5IANWNCMCWhajQse4MC3_xkEBzrjtFUcsezZH8mBmBt9amA/s320/semigoalie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I was so glad Mom was there to see it. In fact, the entire weekend would not have been nearly as special without Mom!<br /><br />More pictures of good times with Mom can be found <a href="http://lorenzogonzalez.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=22434"><strong><span style="color:#cc66cc;">here</span></strong></a>!</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-904099644002402582008-03-30T22:53:00.000-07:002008-04-02T11:12:55.031-07:0003/30/08 Mammoth Ski Trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEwZlMMPXue0NesDcNCCIwmffRONvrmWFhK0nGE1ruOwM3ihcy_jG9C454bvwXdcwN-DiGV0WR0bkOM3ouVsNGRCL0gUaj44yQPJqQEP9na03nqckSuwKKNuzhv2xlfE0u9WIow/s1600-h/view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184708200685716082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEwZlMMPXue0NesDcNCCIwmffRONvrmWFhK0nGE1ruOwM3ihcy_jG9C454bvwXdcwN-DiGV0WR0bkOM3ouVsNGRCL0gUaj44yQPJqQEP9na03nqckSuwKKNuzhv2xlfE0u9WIow/s320/view.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Has anyone ever gone to Mammoth and NOT taken this same photo (but with different people)?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cOQy5uEyE0Lj1gxT54BSowT84rS8KFtMBfFVQ2vpvg-yTQE_wBiqvOj_PCsieGjtkNYwWDjIHOOtkbChe8lzMXDJ-HtwLo1Ma7Piqd1ekqALHupY6eAgqN042hNEMjo6SKpwbA/s1600-h/Wooly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184708209275650690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cOQy5uEyE0Lj1gxT54BSowT84rS8KFtMBfFVQ2vpvg-yTQE_wBiqvOj_PCsieGjtkNYwWDjIHOOtkbChe8lzMXDJ-HtwLo1Ma7Piqd1ekqALHupY6eAgqN042hNEMjo6SKpwbA/s320/Wooly.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify">Mammoth's official mascot: "Wooly" - betcha probably saw that one coming.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6ukwEviT1IQ/R_PIS4XtQiI/AAAAAAAAAqk/QsPtSRMRXNE/s1600-h/Chilifries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184707822728593954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6ukwEviT1IQ/R_PIS4XtQiI/AAAAAAAAAqk/QsPtSRMRXNE/s320/Chilifries.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">Bacon cheeseburger and chili fries in Eagle Lodge. </div><div align="justify">Best part: everything tastes EVEN better at 10,000 feet!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUh8IGiP4e0Pr9mgF9pKhKovb33AaXHRef8XdwG_vGESI1SszbGiKJHsw74_av4DkJiPJUJh3mbUPIr-R1eebjCJ6jQcoXDH4VUG402yVhg7_aOAHhPm51VQ_xqwPZPA3oT2hSA/s1600-h/jumper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184707827023561282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUh8IGiP4e0Pr9mgF9pKhKovb33AaXHRef8XdwG_vGESI1SszbGiKJHsw74_av4DkJiPJUJh3mbUPIr-R1eebjCJ6jQcoXDH4VUG402yVhg7_aOAHhPm51VQ_xqwPZPA3oT2hSA/s320/jumper.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify">Yes, that IS my boyfriend. And no, you can't have him.</div><div align="justify">Besides, if you saw what happened after the picture, you just might change your mind. No broken bones.</div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNulJ8nz3lfME4rPcaj3tycF3bVzwkeNdw2kUKJDS1g-jUijKwXpTdbCLJ14npFxbBS0bKgRDWQk88b2Kq7jktl8GUrdWbmDbzMzGnRW5nqTddLbift7eEmYsEFBQLE_sXO09-TQ/s1600-h/lostinthewoods.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184707835613495890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNulJ8nz3lfME4rPcaj3tycF3bVzwkeNdw2kUKJDS1g-jUijKwXpTdbCLJ14npFxbBS0bKgRDWQk88b2Kq7jktl8GUrdWbmDbzMzGnRW5nqTddLbift7eEmYsEFBQLE_sXO09-TQ/s320/lostinthewoods.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">So there's this run called "Lost in the Woods" and it totally didn't disappoint.</div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP3JA9XDLyY-1yLXB_w3MAdV1u6UwR8NVwwwNZo1HVuaZ-yYezpwK7i6nCMNwjmRMoFPPLUOKtemKnWAQViaveylQuXbetvndH00yD9KESx9xIEW2JayP7kEU-qSiiABNkme7jQ/s1600-h/mammoth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184708196390748770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP3JA9XDLyY-1yLXB_w3MAdV1u6UwR8NVwwwNZo1HVuaZ-yYezpwK7i6nCMNwjmRMoFPPLUOKtemKnWAQViaveylQuXbetvndH00yD9KESx9xIEW2JayP7kEU-qSiiABNkme7jQ/s320/mammoth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In case you were wondering, it's a boy mammoth.<br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQSTOi5yQQhImjrjllC_A6YkT5VLRm8RbJGM2KMBmhABnhZt8eilOhnPJ6NVQyQpPia8DMMj-STzAienuLf3YA7tvpoJtlsyna2p3nlbYXskcMhA8BZ6f2lFIxgpffihmZcWNjQ/s1600-h/zobedjump.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184708217865585298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQSTOi5yQQhImjrjllC_A6YkT5VLRm8RbJGM2KMBmhABnhZt8eilOhnPJ6NVQyQpPia8DMMj-STzAienuLf3YA7tvpoJtlsyna2p3nlbYXskcMhA8BZ6f2lFIxgpffihmZcWNjQ/s320/zobedjump.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN-JQJQp1FXHoNugcrGJBsuppWJC8nUImkjKOuW7oscAhGjRU-n8O1QfIZWDZ-trhVnK7Up1thO811bii6AyzJP-J4vZo03PbSkKpCNsZ2dTLj7iMSW62b4v88YXgRS6GzgH8mA/s1600-h/abjump.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184707818433626642" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN-JQJQp1FXHoNugcrGJBsuppWJC8nUImkjKOuW7oscAhGjRU-n8O1QfIZWDZ-trhVnK7Up1thO811bii6AyzJP-J4vZo03PbSkKpCNsZ2dTLj7iMSW62b4v88YXgRS6GzgH8mA/s320/abjump.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">We highly recommend the beds in Bishop at the Ramada!</div><div align="justify">And still no broken bones.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJXNBXnK1EpGc6dfzY2uS9RCvg-3xdYJcFliLA3y2tW-oMcZPAZ5yn1u2uBJyhj4nTmMr4lVxUPM430hTIlSyofsPcyjU5l2bD6GiCIzItn903plPL-NKKUf4ytz4kc7eCdacCA/s1600-h/zoharley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184708222160552610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJXNBXnK1EpGc6dfzY2uS9RCvg-3xdYJcFliLA3y2tW-oMcZPAZ5yn1u2uBJyhj4nTmMr4lVxUPM430hTIlSyofsPcyjU5l2bD6GiCIzItn903plPL-NKKUf4ytz4kc7eCdacCA/s320/zoharley.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56lA5lqvtuptsarJj653Q9zo5irDNwX2v3Y1Kb6B_ctJbFxT1TZqVq4zH5NAfmeJSKPvsExwhWfFgMcuMpf_1wmM9_GGmkx0d2w28ZVoL7Q-Ti_qULNCItggHwhwvmLMhyphenhyphenvZW1Q/s1600-h/harley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184707827023561266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56lA5lqvtuptsarJj653Q9zo5irDNwX2v3Y1Kb6B_ctJbFxT1TZqVq4zH5NAfmeJSKPvsExwhWfFgMcuMpf_1wmM9_GGmkx0d2w28ZVoL7Q-Ti_qULNCItggHwhwvmLMhyphenhyphenvZW1Q/s320/harley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Test driving Harley Davidson's latest model at Schat's bakery in Bishop. </div><div align="justify">Pastries and testosterone. Who could ask for anything more?</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-54923042039764616372008-03-29T22:13:00.000-07:002008-04-02T10:51:35.790-07:0003/29/08 Death Valley Run - Titus Canyon<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI1P4VizQCiaMFUSoEDh2sKU9QUZWAJJHFaPS2hi_tq7rpHrkeqq6waZSC99bE-JHs7dppGAjK3ZoD8BzNqkDOhhOyapuGXlYuYBkSrdUXQYseF6GQShR-09X1Qd29az-GUxDyg/s1600-h/goats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698197706883442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI1P4VizQCiaMFUSoEDh2sKU9QUZWAJJHFaPS2hi_tq7rpHrkeqq6waZSC99bE-JHs7dppGAjK3ZoD8BzNqkDOhhOyapuGXlYuYBkSrdUXQYseF6GQShR-09X1Qd29az-GUxDyg/s320/goats.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify">Larry Meyers organized a fantastic running trip to Titus Canyon in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/deva/faqs.htm"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Death Valley</strong></span></a>. March is a nice time to go because it was not too hot, not too cold and there were even some beautiful wildflowers!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDcqWhdVWhjWgLKPwmJfdDJmiPOzqqzYTGqd2g94cV9LskTusjygMXsx_0RUgNpZjoyDyprHF9hq5dJBYCTF6M7wSpaQHXeqdLfa8-7k0j58-Rpag8BhP1HWysGCu1U7Ig8FuIw/s1600-h/view.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zw-vGsLK0eJfWoxxadpR4-14MQykTkUAwpcL7PF_MQ88nPJyQHtrBdptA9iit2iGpLoeaZarWF-KJXl6890n8u_g6D0NA7ExIWmtcszGL_Akxxb8M4qhlwL8ggSwmBa3cu_QYg/s1600-h/titus+canyon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698635793547762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zw-vGsLK0eJfWoxxadpR4-14MQykTkUAwpcL7PF_MQ88nPJyQHtrBdptA9iit2iGpLoeaZarWF-KJXl6890n8u_g6D0NA7ExIWmtcszGL_Akxxb8M4qhlwL8ggSwmBa3cu_QYg/s320/titus+canyon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91vA7BzX400ZgO4UDYX5Xw9TvyaOL0OqQ8wRncuIcb7FLwW1sNGoAaNENeuLjJBcoTRAKmMDvv7Cg1UDX4Sq0kFDDKs4Kilx9U_wrLp3nXibOX3ncqJGCrxa3Umd5UcHPM1kUHA/s1600-h/a+j.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698193411916114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91vA7BzX400ZgO4UDYX5Xw9TvyaOL0OqQ8wRncuIcb7FLwW1sNGoAaNENeuLjJBcoTRAKmMDvv7Cg1UDX4Sq0kFDDKs4Kilx9U_wrLp3nXibOX3ncqJGCrxa3Umd5UcHPM1kUHA/s320/a+j.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thirteen miles uphill, then thirteen more downhill. As the run progressed deeper into the canyon, the walls got closer and closer together and formed spectacular rock formations. There is very little traffic, just a few adventure motorcyclists, and the canyon is one-way.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaviFXfaMvWaObFniN1_Uxh3u07IrsE6dasDK8-VVnL-nkKVCNug5lqR7flogJlsyhEZGJz3AuRSuU-jNwQHaR7aRrMPCGrYnn9OSijch89IWhRYeIHmZao1umEY86Hl09unvyQ/s1600-h/coolviews.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698193411916130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaviFXfaMvWaObFniN1_Uxh3u07IrsE6dasDK8-VVnL-nkKVCNug5lqR7flogJlsyhEZGJz3AuRSuU-jNwQHaR7aRrMPCGrYnn9OSijch89IWhRYeIHmZao1umEY86Hl09unvyQ/s320/coolviews.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Halfway point.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflQ_OzWwS1W_YIAYxZECKzPaUQgvvayLVgnAyRRPpjVkGVOGqYO_nQhb3E5IQfHTf-67Au0baUEoQxjPXiO9wdoLM-Fb-CgHnNlKj1BQKc4LgKmxwmsK0B5bauYrakTw2jXqR5A/s1600-h/happyrunner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698202001850754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflQ_OzWwS1W_YIAYxZECKzPaUQgvvayLVgnAyRRPpjVkGVOGqYO_nQhb3E5IQfHTf-67Au0baUEoQxjPXiO9wdoLM-Fb-CgHnNlKj1BQKc4LgKmxwmsK0B5bauYrakTw2jXqR5A/s320/happyrunner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplIltnntheHjKkXysaO3xkEN9JJqVN5ALcws4rZ670SdDWjv6qVuosSpGU4_Oo_5h5aomkmeXap5L7Kb0XC_3_dCyxc_dld3YKiGR_KsPd9GwrOjA0-FsjmQSeBZh2PPDr1lSYg/s1600-h/models.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698202001850770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplIltnntheHjKkXysaO3xkEN9JJqVN5ALcws4rZ670SdDWjv6qVuosSpGU4_Oo_5h5aomkmeXap5L7Kb0XC_3_dCyxc_dld3YKiGR_KsPd9GwrOjA0-FsjmQSeBZh2PPDr1lSYg/s320/models.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYigoSoWtIArQUlysRXCXk4bx7v7mzP_XOlGUiBer5yXi1IQhRD4Hlqp75wmCpyCtVpFE24OXkxZVrsExtH6bkj8xF_a5XXBFM7HQjprSrrNMzNNcJe47Up1ZvlmsaCQzHOqwdw/s1600-h/tc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698489764659682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYigoSoWtIArQUlysRXCXk4bx7v7mzP_XOlGUiBer5yXi1IQhRD4Hlqp75wmCpyCtVpFE24OXkxZVrsExtH6bkj8xF_a5XXBFM7HQjprSrrNMzNNcJe47Up1ZvlmsaCQzHOqwdw/s320/tc.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">After doing about fifteen miles, I decided to appreciate the rest of the canyon from the car. Whether on foot or not, the canyon was really scenic and very other-worldly!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uqUMVRI2Td_ljcxeu7O1286JYoo7tv_mrkzpc1RAhAWCjntn5NjcFXVxEmiRndIvYepaeJ9XXojvIw8_cekiD26wqHuhmt1K-R1KEPsNH1nvh2OUQgNK4elKdYPItXxh5_UZMA/s1600-h/scottyscastle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698481174725026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uqUMVRI2Td_ljcxeu7O1286JYoo7tv_mrkzpc1RAhAWCjntn5NjcFXVxEmiRndIvYepaeJ9XXojvIw8_cekiD26wqHuhmt1K-R1KEPsNH1nvh2OUQgNK4elKdYPItXxh5_UZMA/s320/scottyscastle.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify">Afterwards, we went to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/archive/deva/Video/Scottys_Musical.wmv"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Scotty's Castle</span></strong></a> which is this magnificent place in the middle of absolutely nowhere and it didn't actually belong to Scotty at all.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxW_F_pWYnoU1yHxODaAWPIkPjH2uudUp06u12kCUB8rrPYqbtSSPP967vf8MvQxOGlK1FVjPPNFbD0Hcc4ke-WObV4rpgnqGplkgKADCMchKVVdrtfZxHcv4CzyuRaPNx2-LvA/s1600-h/scottysguns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698481174725042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxW_F_pWYnoU1yHxODaAWPIkPjH2uudUp06u12kCUB8rrPYqbtSSPP967vf8MvQxOGlK1FVjPPNFbD0Hcc4ke-WObV4rpgnqGplkgKADCMchKVVdrtfZxHcv4CzyuRaPNx2-LvA/s320/scottysguns.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Scotty had an appreciation for guns and music - a man after my own heart! Oh my Scotty, what a big organ you've got there!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-_HnGepfNedbX5ALneZ-5jUpnF0_qy3v7YuCHrQERLtEeotC31qScWc66zT_O1cxK7tu0buNa3BJH5-x3jv-a7njmY7EeLFfd38NIUYxEHkAkQ4zGdtqBt__ffK2JwIfgl7XoQ/s1600-h/scottysorgan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698485469692354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-_HnGepfNedbX5ALneZ-5jUpnF0_qy3v7YuCHrQERLtEeotC31qScWc66zT_O1cxK7tu0buNa3BJH5-x3jv-a7njmY7EeLFfd38NIUYxEHkAkQ4zGdtqBt__ffK2JwIfgl7XoQ/s320/scottysorgan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAaULAvVnOv7M-r69_VAzRWauojDxWgjwrU032WI5H0Lh93XJNg4t7eV6WCQ0fyOhgLj5gcXmJ-Nks7XXItt991OlQ8i-Lz5IOcN-yeqKSj36-K1cBYsjmoibKIDPt366fD6B6g/s1600-h/scottysstairs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184698489764659666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAaULAvVnOv7M-r69_VAzRWauojDxWgjwrU032WI5H0Lh93XJNg4t7eV6WCQ0fyOhgLj5gcXmJ-Nks7XXItt991OlQ8i-Lz5IOcN-yeqKSj36-K1cBYsjmoibKIDPt366fD6B6g/s320/scottysstairs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/archive/deva/Expanded.htm"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Death Valley</strong></span></a> is a magical place. Titus Canyon and Scotty's Castle are just a small part of the area. Anywhere you go out there, it is sure to be an experience like no other!</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-91138979350284106472008-03-17T18:21:00.000-07:002008-03-18T14:14:14.594-07:0003/15/08 Catalina Marathon<div><br /></div><div><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeptwZ7JHMQAhWcyFJWLl_gkRIcI77hYfwiBXe536vp6j9LhVuMQC37yUJRA-fJjTLlqYecalx61j857t5StdSDHtMMJSAqjHiKDeNOnXAjvB2pMmqhMiW7EoalDRc1U1vg3VNag/s1600-h/catalina+geek.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178522111819226482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeptwZ7JHMQAhWcyFJWLl_gkRIcI77hYfwiBXe536vp6j9LhVuMQC37yUJRA-fJjTLlqYecalx61j857t5StdSDHtMMJSAqjHiKDeNOnXAjvB2pMmqhMiW7EoalDRc1U1vg3VNag/s320/catalina+geek.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Me = Catalina Geek</span></em><br /></p><div align="justify"><br />Monday, March 17, 2008</div><br /><div align="justify">Greetings from the beautiful island of Catalina ,<br />This has been my home since Friday night and will continue to be my second home until they allow the boats to leave again - hopefully sometime around Monday evening. Although the skies are clear, it is quite windy. As I know all too well, wind and ocean travel don't mix well. Getting over here Friday night was quite an adventure - did you see the movie "Titanic" - okay, not quite that much of an adventure, but close. After being tossed about like a rag in a washing machine on a boat, I kissed the dry ground and started off to find the new runner check in hotel. It used to be right by the port but this year, it was relocated to the Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa - sounds nice, right? Well, I have never before wished so hard for a building to descend itself down a hill. Trekking uphill at 8:30pm while carrying the laptop, and necessary race gear including a few quarts of Gatorade was not exactly pre-race resting. Naturally, I would not be staying at the Catalina Canyon Resort, so I trudged downhill, now carrying the additional "goody" bag, across the island to my hotel. Got a few hours of sleep until 4:00am, then it was off to the 5:00am ferry where 600 very well hydrated runners boarded for our ride to the 7:00am start in Two Harbors. Who knew "Titanic" had a sequel...?<br /><br />Despite two turbulent boat rides in the 12 hours prior to the race, the Catalina Marathon on Saturday was terrific. I finished in four hours and 38 seconds, fourth in my age division. It was my slowest time ever, but I still had a lot of fun. To begin, I knew I wasn't in "race shape" having just run the Napa Valley Marathon two weeks ago. Also, it was windy. Really windy. I literally counted more swirls of dirt devils than runners. The wind made for some really fantastic clear views along the way, but alas still no buffalo sightings. For those of you keeping track, this is my fourth Catalina Marathon and I have NEVER once spotted a buffalo or a bison or anything of that sort while running out here - unless you count the pictures on the finisher shirts. Personally, I think it is all a conspiracy to make me keep coming back in hopes of seeing one. </div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178522107524259170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRURduNhuqZjHu28gbb9Ol-Ate5PVAc8uyEZS5VbLfqPz4yyUP-YHyFG1Lphm8pLA2N2RWaM5MTMymT1W_rqFXPxZO-rGgM-prMoceCQhhlvg4RZWAEHYDtyvwxBYwHNZeO5a5g/s320/Boat+ride.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Trying to tough it out sideways on the floor during the ferry to the start.</span></em> </div><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178522107524259154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6_vYG5yFIDqEZxMeazXB5YKG7Rk_f-1731XcCqCuP4ZHqJeiu_BFmM4jTDeByaS0pIc0nejwFp42w6VMKAaXp-rA5KQ6ZQOJ5TgRu3QpHcZghFBLzDZq1oppryatO3XkITQAcw/s320/Boat+gone.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">That tiny speck is the boat after it dropped us off in Two Harbors. Now the only way back is to run...</span></em></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179162212270185890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-aDLKlNmqIx-R-3issmJX8LV2tB8cpgaxWAmeUUmSeKjCheKcLdQzIoXLKG90W5VMCGd-DHQkz_aaieSPalmv-i2lcKCx5F5SsHgR8r_hqxPRsf211tmfsIto_biBAQbkcZW6w/s320/Julie.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Ben Brown wins for the second year in a row. Julie Allen was first female in her marathon debut, and she later gave me my first ride in a golf cart to the post-race party. <a href="http://results.active.com/pages/page.jsp?eventID=1463890&pubID=3"><strong>Results</strong></a>.</em></span><br /><br /><div align="justify">The highlight of the trip so far was seeing fellow <a href="http://www.mountaingoats.org/">Mountain Goat</a> running friend <a href="http://phidippidesencino.homestead.com/CraigsArticle.html">Craig "Moose" Chambers</a> finish in 10 hours and 58 minutes. Even though the actual finish "line" was long since packed away, there were a few of us stray Goats waiting for him. The race photographer stuck around and the person in charge of medals gave us a few to give to the "Moose Crew" when they arrived. </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179165360481213986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="299" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXhQrOb5pxnpZes5RkoKGyEGYktA9CE6Fgx8iUIU_fdzPjMDKcD2b7eOoQHHDZiqIz-EGbFNj_27oELEnqOVxgr53sAnShJH2JlT8As61e3ui2RyiOGdceurd6UmZPod4RfuiEw/s320/Moose+%26+Froggy.jpg" width="320" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>The Amazing Moose and the Cutest Froggie</em><br /></span></div></div><div align="justify">The second best part of the trip was the "Segway Tour" available to guests of the <a href="http://www.catalinacatalina.com/index.cfm">Seaport Village Inn</a>. I must mention how great this <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/seaport-village-inn-avalon#hrid:JM6JWp6nas1tL_XZhx_l2g/query:seaport">hotel</a> is because when I told them my boat was cancelled, they allowed me to stay the extra night in my same room and only charged me a $35 cleaning fee. I've stayed here every time I've run the Catalina Marathon. And thanks to the hospitality of the owner Don, I will always stay here.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179164269559520722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaYpSd-j5BSWbKD49vSNSEdWyNXiOOEDrTqr0Lo1JPTWdduqbvBJSDtBiqsoBE9msqcXSW7OGXJJoYkukCKnU3oxRrw9lVlx76t-tmoxlfrhQFVSS-4pu6nlLXN_C_Qk1c4ORVw/s320/Greatest+Gadget+Ever.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Guess what I want for Christmas?</em></span></div><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqJbTCc33Ocpba_avUVHrVJG93XNlqReMDjuF0jOAZIuDUrwg909SbWfiRT9LRvj1Rtd9zQbPme5c' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>This hotel also offered the third best part of the trip - the bathtub had hot tub jets! Oh, and let's not forget the elevator which was especially great after the race for getting to my third story room.<br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178522103229291826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAruWGeHZiHrC7IXHpFr0HSobYPZWhBhBJwho6HTc5PuwojDoaypVIgUSh9xbioUGmDBeqN45Jvu2Tt6UKpKX88EX-rClee4tuNlduVV3cU3mq3X0MB5S9rYZuqs7lIrRei9RkQA/s320/after.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Waiting for the elevator right after the race.</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178522103229291842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFcbryl-TEO8egwVoaxs3BN5CwlUgW3LMrzrGvcSvRv1vV1R6SiMxbiJHKPhYbjC5Ksbu1jzuOCqQsxaeLLpEVBGYZ7hguqQBTN4fXdnIDh-qfvzdMmFLzCUV-MU4vhpvOfxhWw/s320/bath.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Feeling much better now, thanks!</span></em></div><div align="justify"><br />Fourth best part: MOJITO after the bath! Followed by a seafood salad at Original Jack's that was so good, I had to write a <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/original-jacks-country-kitchen-avalon#hrid:Terpdh8jXqO-QUFKJGIchQ/query:jack">review</a>. Dessert: Pistaccio Nut Ice Cream from Big Olaf's. </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179162216565153202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqEMzRQGy2yZ40EbpDMQCN_LuY4VboejQ1cxhqhyphenhyphenBiYGvirXJ7odiUPCb1FBKEwv8GvImzWEcUN9xaqZTNhH6ii3w0uxnYN_b8dyiRFRl4oufH1eldYKPKRHiOaXVfwMz1SiSAQ/s320/mojito.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179162220860120514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20vXBwnyH8RzI3V9ThZ3Oh85dItG-oO4OL8R6tUoNIHVe-z33YklhHGTlQw6RdlCvv7tc22JiH82lviKdF6PlIYUnTylLIlA5mxiphd843roezxSVWCcEfNkAsPhrMIQuytlPLA/s320/fine+food.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Well, it can't ALL be good food, right?</span></em></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:100%;">Although the entire trip may seem to have been problematic, and my race results were not exactly "racey" - I must say that this has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. There were times when I seriously considered sending for my belongings and permanently relocating to the quaint little town of Avalon. With my qualifications, I'm pretty sure I could quickly become gainfully employed as an ice-cream critic and part time running coach. When I'm not hard at work, I could spend time on the miniature golf course, ride the horses at the stable, go on long runs, learn about the birds at the <a href="http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/">Catalina Island Conservancy</a>, and do my part for the environment by commuting on a Segway... Well, it sure beats getting back on the Titanic, Part Three!</span></p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-54420852952591637002008-03-09T21:29:00.000-07:002008-03-10T13:58:32.095-07:0003/09/08 Trapeze Class!<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc6sr4YH2Akr_HNbK4q1rj-_YIgnxfBcOv0a-Xz3i1snsrWk7aqwy-0z7rMNaN5k8ZTEa-9NC1HETIpxASboq1tH7f5vnYNvVHovhDJUh_VDID9wZgyqWe1pq8bi6ODlP-D_QpQ/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0772.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176210266574837682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc6sr4YH2Akr_HNbK4q1rj-_YIgnxfBcOv0a-Xz3i1snsrWk7aqwy-0z7rMNaN5k8ZTEa-9NC1HETIpxASboq1tH7f5vnYNvVHovhDJUh_VDID9wZgyqWe1pq8bi6ODlP-D_QpQ/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0772.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Enjoying the view!</span></em><br /><br /><div align="justify">Climbing the rickety ladder to the itty-bitty suspended platform a gabillion feet above the ground was the easy part. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlpq32HYYdwaI45XnL8_WsY-umwSN7MMzV0woF30x2ZmzBum2UMOFwcRrJxjw2F0GCj9fCwPX32DpqdIQxXX_AtiGafv9q6Np5_Wnp-f6ARq2g7YiQzvNVhHIDS1k3gtoaEZF9A/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176211606604634098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlpq32HYYdwaI45XnL8_WsY-umwSN7MMzV0woF30x2ZmzBum2UMOFwcRrJxjw2F0GCj9fCwPX32DpqdIQxXX_AtiGafv9q6Np5_Wnp-f6ARq2g7YiQzvNVhHIDS1k3gtoaEZF9A/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0709.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> Much higher than it looks!</em> </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><div align="justify"><br /></span>And I didn't mind when the trapeze bar was handed to me by one assistant because the other assistant placed his burly arms around my waist to keep me from falling. </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEoEUbBqXHT0a1FAjqOohevtW2UzjdXXiYYkkY6uYhJu0lEC62Vln8Qwwou8wNmgx24BgKCjWXE5VZg1NezaQChldxBlpacq4e-_jrBbpWeLAIsv61dGzEUMERveLFzlQqRzeXg/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0715.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176211267302217698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEoEUbBqXHT0a1FAjqOohevtW2UzjdXXiYYkkY6uYhJu0lEC62Vln8Qwwou8wNmgx24BgKCjWXE5VZg1NezaQChldxBlpacq4e-_jrBbpWeLAIsv61dGzEUMERveLFzlQqRzeXg/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0715.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Ready... Set... Hup!</span></em> </p><p align="justify"><br />As I stood there trying not to ponder the abilities of a human body to withstand a fall from this height, I fancied myself floating gracefully and twirling effortlessly from bar to bar, a modern day Georgina of the Jungle. Then came the commands from the teacher below, "Ready... Set..." And next he would soon say "Hup" - but I didn't want to hear the "hup" because "hup" meant burly arm would be gone, and it would be me, my death grip, a lot of momentum, a poor knowledge of physics but a keen understanding of what gravity does to a human brick. I didn't want to hear "hup" because I was ready to get down. I had been up the ladder, I had touched the bar, and I had visualized the dream. The need to live the dream had significantly subsided, but then came the "hup" and the dream, well it did not exactly become a reality... Sure, I was flying through the air, but forget that part about the greatest of ease. I thought oh my God, this is it, I am actually going to die, as I put my knees on the bar. Then came the next command, "Let go with your hands." To which I actually responded "I don't want to." The teacher repeated the command. I repeated my refusal. This went on for a while until I finally complied. I think I tasted my spinal fluid in the back of my throat. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuAtMmRZZqNlnS8RAfQ24HGnd8TqgtsE6Pe3gupt6PuLg2CfaVeMC4MUv0j7zPO575US9CWehktg-M1y5w39HUKCp82nFwqbd9e4QTwhV2FlpVW3UEGVlEGyLoXVa2pPytzsxtg/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0723.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176210876460193746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuAtMmRZZqNlnS8RAfQ24HGnd8TqgtsE6Pe3gupt6PuLg2CfaVeMC4MUv0j7zPO575US9CWehktg-M1y5w39HUKCp82nFwqbd9e4QTwhV2FlpVW3UEGVlEGyLoXVa2pPytzsxtg/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0723.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Getting the "hang" of it!</span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJs2k7PTxAv-AbsT5gtbnLbCLdUpRuXt1A8EOzNcURpqcms7Ui2LOkRytt5LavtlNirk6eJFVPC75HE6L-zlkk_Wrhq3dYlLYIcTubLsP-QJcKOchTlFfFvesqZ5k6DUCRu5ckw/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0747.jpg"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176210592992352194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJs2k7PTxAv-AbsT5gtbnLbCLdUpRuXt1A8EOzNcURpqcms7Ui2LOkRytt5LavtlNirk6eJFVPC75HE6L-zlkk_Wrhq3dYlLYIcTubLsP-QJcKOchTlFfFvesqZ5k6DUCRu5ckw/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0747.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> High as a kite!</em> </span></p><p align="justify">But the best was yet to come. The command, "Let go" came from below and suddenly I rather liked it up there. In fact, I was quite comfortable. The rest of the class could go home now because my turn wasn't ever going to end, not if it meant falling to the net far, far below. And get this, I am supposed to fall on my back, leaving the staff plenty of time to unrig the entire set up as I descend to my death. So I decided to compromise: I would let go, but I was going to keep an eye on the net to make sure it stayed in place during my descent. Yep, face first, belly flop. And then, the worst drymouth ever, like worse than your worst morning after tequilla in TJ cotton mouth. But I survived. And I actually got the hang of it, pun intended. In fact, I even loved it!</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTsuqTQ91VmMLQnVrn8ddhCbQ9pxjVTRltecbs2ACYsq4Z0Rfqsvpwa6pG9R7h-b3WaaKu3KicY4jON5rsstoy5QUD8NLTA5lsYN7dBI7Zr2KPPpa3l8OHttVjJ3OIgWTnRiOJA/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0815.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176209978812028834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTsuqTQ91VmMLQnVrn8ddhCbQ9pxjVTRltecbs2ACYsq4Z0Rfqsvpwa6pG9R7h-b3WaaKu3KicY4jON5rsstoy5QUD8NLTA5lsYN7dBI7Zr2KPPpa3l8OHttVjJ3OIgWTnRiOJA/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0815.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> I've never gripped a man this hard before!</span></em> </div><div align="justify"><br />The teacher must have confused me for some other student because he told me to get ready to learn how to "return to the bar." Now I've been to plenty of bars, and I'm always ready to go back, at least to the ones that will still have me... but this was different. I had leave my trapeze bar, cling to the "catcher" for one full swing, then let go of him while spinning around in the air to return to the first trapeze bar where I started. Everything was going as planned until the spin, that part where I'm no longer holding the catcher or the bar. And this is where my keen understanding of gravity kicked in - if I'm not holding anything, I just knew I'm going to fall - I'm smart like that - which is exactly what happened.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO14-xPUPU4Q9rAj_9djL1daEi7WhoQUoL-UiZMNjTMnatwP0MLbmNT-RnOs2pZeNsKmaG_xy4IZwlWf30z1uDV0F2Nmvfjb1a4eLsWk4AAbQajbGJgvMQeeK_tMO7u_CrydksQ/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0822.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176209596559939474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO14-xPUPU4Q9rAj_9djL1daEi7WhoQUoL-UiZMNjTMnatwP0MLbmNT-RnOs2pZeNsKmaG_xy4IZwlWf30z1uDV0F2Nmvfjb1a4eLsWk4AAbQajbGJgvMQeeK_tMO7u_CrydksQ/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0822.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> The human brick in action!</span></em> </div><div align="justify"><br />Forty five dollars, ninety minutes, and savoring the taste of internal organs while flying through the air... The most thrilling rush ever!!! I can not wait to go back to <a href="http://www.flytrapeze.com/index.html"><strong>Richie's Flying Trapeze School</strong></a> in Woodland Hills! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnwtk8RkFDAcpNu0vH8lrzpEDtQBLVEKcwOl9RUI4hNaaS2g21MtWATiJIWr5jNfLGo-tW-sqXHoueT1VYcgKwH9nloSeDZSv1SZPxjP8cd-PuD-EQYFUx8jAbXBNOjCtI-f1Xw/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0844.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176208926545041266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnwtk8RkFDAcpNu0vH8lrzpEDtQBLVEKcwOl9RUI4hNaaS2g21MtWATiJIWr5jNfLGo-tW-sqXHoueT1VYcgKwH9nloSeDZSv1SZPxjP8cd-PuD-EQYFUx8jAbXBNOjCtI-f1Xw/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0844.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Perfect dismount!</span></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIMvCYcmKxQ3JTxZQYL6paXQjWX_gFkqkiyBIF9BDfB9FuBpbxQ_xOUpxHg2mMeTDbv8FzLRbqgHHzzPyVuT_EPYeLvTswchwrkx-V35d2O2YivK4PZPYd4S0jlPHMk1exGKr5g/s1600-h/Trapeze-DSC_0840.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176209360336738178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIMvCYcmKxQ3JTxZQYL6paXQjWX_gFkqkiyBIF9BDfB9FuBpbxQ_xOUpxHg2mMeTDbv8FzLRbqgHHzzPyVuT_EPYeLvTswchwrkx-V35d2O2YivK4PZPYd4S0jlPHMk1exGKr5g/s320/Trapeze-DSC_0840.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Lookout Barnum & Bailey - make room for Brunson!</span></em> </div></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11605482.post-45109235161475563632008-03-08T23:12:00.000-08:002008-03-11T14:23:04.147-07:0003/08/08 Great Urban Race Los Angeles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqWCxO2MZcTciPJvAeGoFsjoh8GgMJcGtyVKOPAhl3BF9JaPTgUA7gwlLMcW1M1llsP6gJhAXlVwDumlq-bcF__6WsOhieAmRcS7R5IuFhPhSqCT5kAq2akomxFGPNC4jZrPtjw/s1600-h/Run+ZoLa+Run.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176597595315525842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqWCxO2MZcTciPJvAeGoFsjoh8GgMJcGtyVKOPAhl3BF9JaPTgUA7gwlLMcW1M1llsP6gJhAXlVwDumlq-bcF__6WsOhieAmRcS7R5IuFhPhSqCT5kAq2akomxFGPNC4jZrPtjw/s320/Run+ZoLa+Run.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552412259571906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Fj4RAj69heAV6Zqririai1U7yh7xVqFWbry-lWDP_ca4oEqGyeiL8PBSRdSwPg1QIi3_XiBCRqKqik-23FxG8uIrSKCh4wYj8kCEnofmvwLGoYeyTb8MmDdirH1tTe2Kt7gCg/s320/TeamFoxRocks.jpg" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxAk3DSYj5vrhhnlSRxLnqYIwFRwIA8YzEfAWoJCzTTrWpgZSCq-fpDGLGRTl5MzHtWNuH7xRBNUq65RnQGR6PaCyehqZ4q4puSefKQ-vuxVMjqMOw8BNnEcPnLXiNyWnf7IAAA/s1600-h/Pizza.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552373604866210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxAk3DSYj5vrhhnlSRxLnqYIwFRwIA8YzEfAWoJCzTTrWpgZSCq-fpDGLGRTl5MzHtWNuH7xRBNUq65RnQGR6PaCyehqZ4q4puSefKQ-vuxVMjqMOw8BNnEcPnLXiNyWnf7IAAA/s320/Pizza.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQI9SoshezBPcGehtuqcn1o3kbW7_sYMNfM_VuvbkO7DHJ0Dv3GTpIVYv-HTTJi7-CI4Exn73Sl2fIuPSXc-nUNTKAJN8a0Ue1U5dYFaSIZWSEKNAJ2Th0hb8YJEknJwt6Kxb0SA/s1600-h/NiceTail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552249050814610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQI9SoshezBPcGehtuqcn1o3kbW7_sYMNfM_VuvbkO7DHJ0Dv3GTpIVYv-HTTJi7-CI4Exn73Sl2fIuPSXc-nUNTKAJN8a0Ue1U5dYFaSIZWSEKNAJ2Th0hb8YJEknJwt6Kxb0SA/s320/NiceTail.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#6600cc;"> Crazy clues, fun costumes, Hollywood, subways, Dodger Stadium, free pizza (free does not necessarily mean good), handstands, puzzles, Google.com, downtown Los Angeles, four leaf clovers, Laurel & Hardy, red hot chili pepper (the kind you eat, not the band), running around (on a warm day) asking Los Angelenos for directions, and Muddlebugging across the finish line. That about sums up the experience Lorenzo, Lisa, Martin and I had at the Los Angeles version of <a href="http://www.greaturbanrace.com/register08_losangeles.html"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Great Urban Race</strong></span></a></span><span style="color:#6600cc;">! Lorenzo and I were "Team Run ZoLa Run" and we finished 28th out of 202 teams with a time of 3 hours and 31 minutes. It probably would've been faster if I hadn't been the one navigating - we did LOTS of running! Lisa and Martin were "Team What the Fox?" and they kept us smiling as we tried to keep up with their cute little tails. It was silly and fun and a lot of work! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552008532645890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerD9H9ZA31fbh0VzdaMEzDcJ-PUGOhdqkaHKMZPSMRsJljcsb4jmKpH2Dyi1u69yQwCQDG7a9nIGhmzQRG2NmzasSjMIq-ock2Af-izcNxqgDp8cdIWSIZsBEzD2d6eo4UD3QFg/s320/Bondage.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552227575978066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlxGU0D-VAa_OZj3CfRD00gcgQkOqYCx_tXffStNBWbX_G3LUdAgkrDk8Khp-jhcXc6zy9FEkqyq0HmC2r5YbaNfN-QQqNI_8DCeRI8MCm5T7ln1031CqAanuU805R8T5yKiF4g/s320/InandOut.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552047187351586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6g7ZvvC1GUV6I2LpOrI4aKdvf6xfP0sRXJoX4qePwxmBvIxMUMqF758kqNsU5ZTreHt4pnq4gSflDHQS0AstLkxpjI8ndztm4PFtQuVX-DCTGmPZ6RD55Wq3n00R2sf7XknlB1Q/s320/Elementary.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552025712515090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-09j36BuH_sDQ4n19IyBYBFx27_A_HgChY4KQJX7HjJWXHZbi1cfxUgkJ11jKN1Aqv-Ak0u2eWvh2WkZsPg1wLyeOne-Z6-UQTQ2ANrOYNtGI35ENDxSBb2JaKTtAcUp-uo_kdA/s320/DodgerStadium.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552244755847298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaTngISgRipIczDwI27OTK9pZs5rITzWRaThSPkoy7KBYFr-s-UTaTgKAiXNc37pQAsEo7DqfcZbiK4lUft43g2Gx-orgrKyp08D2bpcHkIgEpYfKD9S0e7mHfeo148TK3W2C6A/s320/MartinDrives.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552064367220802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrqty6fw-8PcFxwyS421vfsFLWr3A3LczmRKxup_G7zQ-gFitqg4_me65F6R63vn47Jxm2HXGXBXmk4z-YT-h70eEgYI8qaYEaEIBvWp_IWxaRPE9D5qPnzMdkXnYOocAkcF_Dg/s320/Handstand.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552240460879986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfcwZLncKvYogQFicIBcqqUhiynVJ_9jdeV0yh4is-SHexNGZjh0s02-tf-xGZTcrH1Ggs-p0run7JGgUQRhyBXrZ83g6ejchb9D7IfuoxnzoLijW6g0V7zu9ceW6A1AJYY5mAg/s320/LaurelandHardy.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552390784735410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxL6LddhL88DjOCjNzLYdE3qAP7pZ8GAKizHQ2fEwLL3Rnr-TjKQI47jukt3pKnw3_hv5jIsjfrp-0WMGSItN6nNEQszRq-6crziLYR4eY8tG22RCwU63tyqDRTDiD3YLNPD0oA/s320/SajakStar.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552051482318898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzatcmmHbA4EL2NY_kssVysztOVgiu0zRdxHBQKr8Aa_zB9z1eMQP0NojHpgfdF-Oxf68YO6FtcqiL10eOWx51_Fn3vdx6kzGQJtTEz4ot9OMC4ayqkq6f9bZBaI673dDTZMuGg/s320/FoxyLady.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176552236165912674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo5UbpCXUVD1SPmAdi0v7-315KEWSaPSeOyyTnOieBm_KJx2kQKofdJJQWAUEUuTeOdzAD4vTwkvI51LekyHspgrBZAM9NzygaioCCanV32fv1F_h85dYPTKwvNgqmpWUfx22bw/s320/KingsRock.jpg" border="0" /></span></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299563929808132988noreply@blogger.com0