FRIENDS BIRTHDAYS TAHOE OH MY

I know it has been awhile, or at least it seems like it has been a while since I last blogged. We have had a nice two weeks with friends visiting from Whistler Canada to celebrate Vans's big birthday that included trips to Tahoe, trail runs, TRX workouts and lots and lots of swimming.

Mommy on the Run and family arrived on the 14th and mayhem immediately started. Mommy on the Run has a four year old (Monkey) and a 1 year old (Bundles) so that means the Peanut (age 4) and Squeaker (age 1) had built in daily play dates ... as did Mommy on the Run and myself and Vans and Mr. Bear. They have a true bromance.

Squeaker & Bundles

While they were here, I took Mommy on the Run to a TRX class and a core conditioning class. I think she enjoyed it ... at the very least she saw why I constantly complain that some body part of mine is sore! I also took her on my Ridge Loop (of Death) run near the house. It is a 7+ mile run that combines some trails, fire road and pavement. A mix of everything but with some nice views of the surrounding area.

Early in their visit we spent a lot of time at the pool with the kids. The temperatures here were in the high 90s while our pool was about 84 degrees ... which incidentally was roughly the air temperature for Whistler. Mr. Bear and Monkey LOVE to swim so they were in heaven at the pool.

Fun pool games

 

Aqua-Baby

 

We took them to the local duck park

 

We went to the Thursday night concert ... the kids loved dancing

 

The Canadians :-)

 

We literally took hundreds upon hundreds of photos between us so I cannot possibly show all of them or explain everything we did while they were here. We literally were on the move for 10 days straight (you kind of have to be with four little kids and two "grown" kids).

 

Towards the end of the week we went up to Tahoe. We stopped at Sand Harbor for the day and had some amazing beach time. Sand Harbor is one of the nicest beaches in Tahoe. Just great sand, easy access to the water and great people watching.

 

 

The purpose of going to Tahoe though was to celebrate Van's birthday. Mr. Bear, Mommy on the Run and I all collaborated earlier in the summer and picked the perfect house that had one of Van's "wish list" requirements ... a view of Lake Tahoe.

 

The view from our deck which ran the length of the house

 

For months I had sent out emails to all of the people in our lives inviting people up to Tahoe to help celebrate Vans's birthday. Besides our Canadian friends, we had people who flew in from Arizona and an old "skate" buddy who drove up all the way up from Sacramento to spend a few hours as well as a few friends from EDH and their kids. People either popped in for the dinner/drinks celebration or they came for the beach time or both. It was definitely a packed day that was a lot of fun. Vans's was happy.

Long time friends.

Vans and Mr. Bear mountain biked on both the Flume Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail while in Tahoe. Mommy on the Run and I gladly watched the kids in exchange for an opportunity to run for a few hours in Cool with Pigeon later in the week. That is right, it was a blogger run! Mommy on the Run and Pigeon were able to meet for the first time but both reach each other's blog.

Mommy on the Run has been interested in all things Western States for a while and she was super excited to learn that we would be running from Cool to No Hands Bridge. She also knows a lot about Cool too.

Mommy on the Run

 

Pigeon & Trailmomma running again!

 

The run was fun. I took up the caboose because my ankle was not feeling 100% AND because about an hour before I took an hour long strength and conditioning class that had me doing many many squats and lunges and my legs were toast. Pigeon and Mommy on the Run didn't seem to mind.

At one point since Pigeon and I were finally running together again AND I finally remembered to bring the camera ... we just HAD to bring back the JC Penny poses we had done a few summers ago.

Modeling our Visors

 

We made it to No Hands Bridge and I think for the first time ever, Pigeon stopped and read the signs with us!

 

History

 

On No Hands

 

After our photo session at No Hands Bridge, we went back the way we came and decided to go up K2.

 

The bottom of K2 ... it is one steep hill

 

I was not exactly thrilled. ha

 

K2 is almost an entire mile in length and one rocky climb. My ankle was extremely unhappy during the climb but I secretly enjoyed the workout.

 

But the views are awesome at the top

 

We finished our run just as the temps were really starting to heat up. I forget that Mommy on the Run is not used the heat we deal with up in Northern California. I don't think it bothered her that much because she was smiling ear to ear when we made it back to the car.

 

Smiling!

 

Thanks Pigeon for being tour guide!

 

The whole Mommy on the Run family has since returned to Whistler. The house is awful quiet without them all here.

 

Today I met Pigeon in Cool again to run the full course for That Damn Run Half Marathon. We really only ran about 12 of the 13 miles but apparently we were very close to a bear that Pigeon HEARD but we never saw (others saw him) and we also had to nurse a very tired Traildog to the end. He was struggling poor pup.

 

My legs feel pretty darn good considering I ran in Cool on Wednesday with Mommy on the Run and Pigeon, then 7 hill miles in EDH with TiggerT on Friday followed by 12 miles in Cool today. I have not run this much in a while and although my ankle is a bit swollen and sore ... my legs and my heart are smiling. 

 

 

 

 

 

SIDE BY SIDE

A friend of mine asked me what the girls photos would look like side by side. A parent at the girls' daycare stopped me to say that her and her sister are constantly asked if they are twins, yet they are three years apart ... she thinks my girls are going to have the same questions.

I know they look a like as infants. The Peanut's baby photos could easily be Squeakers and vice versa. I mean, I know the difference and I know who is who ... but right now, I don't think they look a like much at all. Definitely related, but not twins. Who knows, maybe it is their different personalities.

So it has me wondering what Squeaker will grow up to look like ... of course "herself" is the easy answer but right now, she has none of the traits that the Peanut had at 14 months (namely, Squeaker LIKES to sleep) ... Squeaker is also a dare devil with amazing balance and coordination (a gift from Vans no doubt) where as the Peanut has my uncanny ability to have gravity constantly pulling at her and forcing her to fall, trip and end up bruised and battered. Sorry kid.

So here is a little game of Who is Who ... I won't write who is who until the very end so good luck!

A

B

C

D

E

So who is who? :)

Answers:
A: Peanut, B: Squeaker, C: Peanut, D: Squeaker, E: Peanut

AUGUST ALREADY

Wow it is hard to believe that it is August already (and that I have not posted anything yet). Needless to say, I've been busy. Busy just enjoying the summer, my girls and the craziness that comes with all of that.

I've been really working hard at some strength training lately and some TRX stuff. It is paying off a little bit because I am seeing some results in my arms and core (some, not a lot ... yet). However, there are only so many hours in the day and because of this, I am not running nearly as much as I was before. On one hand it is due to time issues and on the other my legs are just tired ... tired from strength workouts, tired from chasing two little girls (one who is recently attracted to the cat food) and just tired from sleepless nights (thank you Olympics).

Last Saturday though I went to Cool for the second free training run for That Damn Run Half Marathon and 10K.  The Race Director for this race is none other than my old Way Too Cool 50K/AR50 training coach (and friend) Coach Nikon. The race shirts for this race by the way are pretty darn awesome.

This is on the shirt!

I have big plans to do the half marathon course ... even though my running has been less than stellar lately. The race is late October and actually is the the last race on my list (minus Clarksburg which I promised to run with TiggerT who is training for CIM).

The run on Saturday was great. Pigeon was there. I pretty much ran with her the entire time ... just like old times except she is in awesome shape and I had to walk a lot of the climbs. I didn't mind and I know she didn't either. This race is going to be one tough half marathon though ... it has a brutal mile climb in the middle that just goes and goes and goes. It's in Cool though, one of the prettiest places to run and that can't be beat.

I have about a month left before I have to start working again and enter the real world. I am having mixed emotions about it and feel like a roller coaster when I think about so I am just not thinking about it. I have way too many other exciting things happening before I have to dust off my skirts and heels.

Vans is having a birthday in a week so or so (it's a biggie) ... and we're having company that arrives next week and is staying with us for a whole week AND celebrating Vans's birthday. Lots to prepare before they get here and of course I want to cram everything in that I can while they are here. It has been lovely being home to enjoy all the visitors we've had lately because normally I am a slave to lack of vacation time and have to work while everyone else is having fun. Not this time!

The girls are getting so big too. Squeaker is almost 14 months old and is running (not quite steady) around the house. She adores her big sister and pretty much lets her get away with MOST things ...

Like playing fairy dress up

The Peanut is really into swimming lately and loves watching the Olympic swimmers. She is only four but the kid can free-style and I am quite impressed. She's getting braver swimming across the pool by herself and jumping off the diving board. We tried introducing her to dance (ballet, tap, jazz) at her own request but the poor child has my coordination skills (sadly) and it wasn't a good fit. She's told me she would like to go back to her private swim lessons that we normally do in the winter.

Vans is moaning because apparently swim meets are the "worst" according to more experienced parents but I can't help but smile that she is so interested in something ... I was never a great swimmer and if she likes it, I say go for it.

Hanging out at the pool at night

Squeaker however, enjoyed the Peanut's dance class more than anyone.

HOWDY

We're back!!!

Jersey Dad and Jersey Mom have been out visiting for a week. It was a wonderful week and I miss them both. The girls also miss them a lot.

We had a great week of fun including a trip to the theater! Jersey Mom, Peanut and I went to the Music Circus in downtown Sacramento to see The Little Mermaid! It was the most amazing play ever. I think the adults were more impressed than the kids. We arranged to have the Peanut's two young buddies join us (their moms too) and it was just adorable watching them all giggle and hug each other.

Three Best Friends

Isn't that photo just adorable? They are all four years old but they treat each other like they have known each other for twenty years. It melts my heart.

While the grandparents were here there was lots of spoiling, playing and laughter. It was so nice having them here.

Jersey Mom (aka Gramie) helping Squeaker with her shoes

(poor quality photo but you get the point)

Squeaker decided to wear her sisters underwear!

Jersey Dad (aka Poppy) and Jersey Mom (aka Gramie) helped in so many ways. They entertained the girls so I could get workouts in. I was able to cook some nice vegan meals in peace while they all played together or watched tv. They even allowed Vans and I to take an over night in Lake Tahoe!!!

That's right, for the first time in four and a half YEARS Vans and I had a night away from the girls!! We decided to head to South Lake Tahoe just for a night and stay at the Embassy Suites. It was wonderful. We of course missed the girls but we were awe struck how FAST one can pack up and get out the door WITHOUT kids in tow! Wherever we went ... it took us five minutes to get out the door.

Our first stop was a beach in South Shore ...

We just relaxed, read, swam and talked. It was nice. We eventually packed up and headed to the Embassy Suites. We choose that hotel chain because they have FREE Happy Hour from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in their lobbies ... can't beat that!

Cactus Bites! Yum

Vans and I had a nice time in Tahoe. We danced all night long and stayed up way too late but we were able to sleep in later then we have in a very long time. Thank you Poppy and Gramie! Thank you so very much.

Their visit was very short but so wonderful. We might be seeing them again soon in November IN New Jersey (I really hope so) ... the girls love them dearly.

Other than their visit, I have been running here and there but not a lot. I have been focusing on building muscle and core strength and I have to say it is really working! I am really seeing some results with my new routine and my modified diet.

In other news, Squeaker is finally done nursing. Bittersweet but my crewing at Tahoe Rim really was the nail that ended it all since I wasn't home much that weekend. She's doing okay, as am I. Actually, I stumbled across a few photos that Van's took while I was crewing in Tahoe.

Swimming

Dancing

Laughter

Helping Dad clean the office ...

That last picture made me laugh out loud. Squeaker doesn't look so sure about sharing the box with her big sister.

We are having a great summer so far and we have more adventures to come and more company coming to stay with us next month.

Despite all the bad things that have happened to us over the last year or so ... I have to say I feel lucky, blessed and over joyed with what I have in my life. Family is everything and I love mine.

TAHOE RIM TRAIL 50 MILER (CREW)

Yesterday was the Tahoe Rim Trail 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile race. Pigeon has been doing these races consecutively since I have known  her (even though each year she swears she won't run it again the following year).

The slogan for this race is "A Glimpse of Heaven .... A Taste of Hell" and even though I have never run this course (yet) ... every runner, no matter the distance, has said that slogan is pretty darn accurate.

Years past, Pigeon has run the 50K. This year she set her sights high and trained like a machine and wanted to do the 50 Miler. Originally I was going to pace her the last 25 miles but due to my ankle and my inferior athletic ability right now, she decided (and I agreed) that Coach Nikon was probably her best and ideal pacing partner.

She did however, ask me to crew her and I of course said yes! Instead of car camping with her, due to child care issues, I decided to drive up Saturday morning, the day of the race. I woke up at 3 am and left my house at 4 am to meet Coach Nikon where we would car pool to the Tunnel Creek Aid Station (11 miles into the race).

The race started at 6 am and we knew there was no way we were getting to the start. So we drove up highway 80 talking most of the way despite our lack of caffeine. Once we hit Truckee, I needed to use a bathroom and Coach Nikon needed an espresso and fast.

We hit the Safeway in town and walked in like we owned the joint ... at about 5:30 am .... we split up to do our necessary duties and I think we both realized the same exact thing at about the same time. On my way out of the bathroom (which is in the belly of the store) ... I caught Coach Nikon's eye across a few aisles and he mouthed "I think they are closed!" Yup, sure enough the whole store was closed (workers were furiously stocking shelves, no one saying a word). The doors had opened for us and we just went walking all around not realizing we were not supposed to be in there. It was pretty funny. We found a Starbucks that WAS open got our drinks and headed for the Tunnel Creek Aid Station.

We parked our car and started the 3.5 ish mile climb to the Tunnel Creek Aid Station. Hiking and talking the whole way. Now, Coach Nikon just ran 100 Miles at Western States a few weeks ago ... so it was pretty embarrassing that I was sucking wind just HIKING up this hill while he was just breathing like it was no big deal. That man is in some serious shape. Me? Not so much.

We did however stop to take a few photos for Pigeon ...

Long live the JC Penny Pose!

Posin'

The hike to Tunnel Creek is a good climb and has the most beautiful views. Once we reached the top however, Coach Nikon was Mr. Popular. He knows everyone in the Ultra Running Community it seems.

Mr. Popular

It was fun being at Tunnel Creek because you get to see the runners at least twice if you stay there long enough for them to come back up from the Red House Loop. We really enjoyed helping everyone that was coming through. The day was getting hotter by the minute.

Soon Pigeon came through. She was very quiet which made Coach Nikon and I pause for a moment because she was not telling us how she was feeling but she looked pretty darn good.

Trying to get some clue as to what she needs

Taking the rocks out of her shoes

Refueling

Pouring some cold water on her to cool her down

After Tunnel Creek, Coach Nikon and I hiked back down to the car and drove over to Diamond Peak where we would see Pigeon and friends again (those doing the 50 or 100 mile races only).

Of course like goof, I left my camera in the car and so I have no photos of Diamond Peak which is sad because a lot happened there. It is the half way point for the 50 Milers and the day was H.O.T. There were quite a few runners who dropped due to heat and elevation and others who were seriously struggling.

What I failed to get a photo of is the massive climb that Pigeon (and other runners) had to do in order to get out of Diamond Peak. If you have ever been to Diamond Peak to ski or snowboard, just picture trying to hike UP one of the biggest ski runs there. You can bend down and touch the dirt in front of you as you climb without bending at the waist. It is THAT steep.

It was here that Coach Nikon left me to pace Pigeon the last 25 miles of the race. Once they were on their way I bummed around Incline for a bit before trying to get a spot down at Spooner Lake where she would finish about 5 hours later.

Coach Nikon brought her back to life on the trail and she actually came strolling into the finish earlier that originally expected and looking strong!

Finishing 50 miles!!!

12 hours 23 minutes and still smiling!

Way to go Pigeon! She rocked and I am sure she will have a race report up very soon! As for me, just like I do every time I go and watch this race, I come home and tell Vans how bad I really want to try and to the 50K next year ... and maybe it will happen. I told him I want him there though to support and be part of my crew.

My Jersey family is out for a visit now so I'll be off having more adventures!

LAZY WEEKEND

It was actually a fairly quiet weekend for us. I am not complaining at all because sometimes a nice quiet weekend is what a person needs.

Friday was great because I was able to get in a nice 7 mile run on what I call the Ridge Loop. It is a combination of both road and trails but it is mostly up hill for the first four miles. I have decided my goal is to get better and better at this run by running all the hills and trying to improve my time. I've also been working on my running form a bit as well trying to focus on NOT striking my heal.

Friday evening the Trailmomma household did our usual Concert in the Park and the weather was perfect. TiggerT came out to join us and the Peanut ran her ragged the entire evening.

Saturday was the start of my latest new adventure. In an effort to tone down all the pounding on my ankle I signed up for a three month fitness class that involves a lot of core work, strengthening, TRX and some general conditioning. This is totally outside my element and something I admit I am terrible at. I have poor form, poor core strength and practically no upper body strength. This is definitely going to be a challenge for me. There is also a diet component to it. I am already a gluten free vegan but this program is having me focus on paying attention to portion sizes and eating slowly so that I can tell when I am full which is something I totally stink at doing. It is in my genes. Stuff your face like you'll never have food again. Whole foods all the way.

The Peanut and Squeaker had a nice weekend as well. The Peanut stole the camera yet again and took a few photos ...

Self Portraits

Some feet shots

Squeaker is walking about 80% of the time. When she needs to get some where fast she'll still crawl though. She did great on Saturday morning when I had to escape to my early class.

She is also into "high-fiving" people

Saturday evening was a pool party for the Peanut and Squeaker's daycare. The Peanut was very excited to wear one of her new dresses and I must say, I am very proud of her hair ... she calls it her "princess hair."

Pretty

Princess Hair

Sunday was a great day because we went to our local farmer's market. We have yet to go this year whereas last year we'd go every Sunday. Squeaker was just chillin taking it all in.

Too cool for school

Vans buying some fruit

The Peanut doesn't eat a single ounce of fruit. Nothing. There is not one fruit that exists on this planet that she will consume but she the loves the farmer's market because they sell "treats" and she always finds a way to get one.

I have a treat!

Cupcake!!!

Squeaker eventually clued in to what the Peanut was eating and wanted some too. Like a great big sister, the Peanut shared.

Squeaker had some cupcake too

Sunday evening we had a nice dinner at TiggerT's house (love having gluten free friends!) and at the same time, Vans and I realized we've totally lost our pool skills. Eight years and two kids ago, he and I were quite the pool sharks ... now we're terrible. TiggerT we want a rematch some day!

Today I took my first strength and conditioning class and I had to modify it a bit as I hurt my knee on Saturday (read: old age? klutzy?). It was nice though to work on some other muscles. I learned very quickly how weak my hips and core are right now ... it is going to be a hard three months.

Looking forward to the weekend ahead as Jersey Dad and my step-mom are coming for a visit. I know the girls are super excited and I am always excited to have them visit. I miss my Jersey family so much some times.