My Campagnolo Guy!

I love Mike's face in this photo. I know how silly this must sound for an email, but this is the face I fell for 9 years ago and I feel the same way about him now as I did then. How about that?!? He'll be embarrassed that I sent this message, but I snapped this photo of him this morning and just liked the way it looked in his Campagnolo Sportswear!.

The weeks just fly by like nobody's business. It is almost Thanksgiving. Mike and I are headed over the mountains to spend the holiday with California Mom & Dad this year. To make it extra special, Mom gets to take a vacation from chemo until 2009! It will be nice to be "somewhere" on vacation---with all the traveling I've done this year---none of it has been holiday---all work. So we are looking forward to time with family and friends and riding our bikes in our favorite places before the year is out.

We've actually got lots cooking and along with the changes in our country with our new President elect Obama, the "marching to the beat of their own drum" Taylor's have something up our bike-jersey sleeves as well. That ought to get your interest, but that is all I have to say about it right now.

I just returned from my longest run yet since I bought these Newton running shoes. I am sure everyone is tired of me talking about them, but these shoes have made all the difference for me. They are light as a feather and I don't know what magic is in there--but I can run without feeling all beat up and I am now cool with winter as long as I can be
outside running.

Anyway---Have a lovely Saturday!

Perfect...

...that would be the weather. No wind. Not a cloud in the big blue sky. Just about 70 degrees---and that autumn pinkish tinge of coloring on all the oranges, yellows and golds. Wow. Mt. Rose (the ski resort) opened up last Wednesday or Thursday for the season. Yes there is snow on top of the mountains around here---but where we live it is dry and sunny and just enough chill in the air for long sleeve jerseys and arm/leg warmers---but it really is gorgeous here.

Last week I put some major miles running for the first time in a long time (if it is in the 50's out I run instead of ride because I am getting too old! Ha!). I am trying to get fit enough to not injure myself for outdoor running this winter and if I wait until the snow flies, I will talk myself out of it because it will hurt and be cold. But I have to say that these new Newton running shoes are the bomb! Running is really my first love, thanks to my Mom making me do it, but I kept injuring myself. So cycling took it's place. And I love the bike. But nothing gets me buzzed like running and so these shoes have been the answer for me and I am super happy to be able to have something to do besides ride the trainer this winter. I get hot when I run----even when it's cold outside.

But with this late Indian summer---I am happily pedaling outside. Today I thought I'd head towards Rose---even though I didn't think I could do big miles since I have been winding down---it was just so darn nice outside. Legs felt great---even on the climbs and next thing I knew, I was being passed by skiers in cars and there was snow on the sides of the road. There is something about riding in the sun with people skiing around you that just feels good.

Mike and I both did long rides and then had a date for some All-You-Can-Eat sushi at our favorite neighborhood sushi place. I think when we first started going there, they were pretty happy to see us---we don't really look like BIG eaters. But now that we are more like regulars, they know better---we sure get our money's worth. Especially after 4-5 hour bike rides! Watch out----we are the "smokin' chopsticks!" To make it really perfect, we watched the Gopher/Badger game while we ordered up the gourmet sushi feast. I love these "dates" with Mike.

Tomorrow is supposed to be fantastic again---another long day on the bike is planned. I hope they get those fires out in SoCal. Happy Saturday!

The photo above was just sent to me from Las Vegas. Lance, Me and Jochim from the Top of the Rio. Photo courtesy of Mark DeFabry.

Running...

I could try and play catch up and talk about so many meaningful things that have occurred over the last few weeks, but instead I just returned from a nice long run and I am "run-buzzed" and feel like talking about how incredibly beautiful, albeit cold, it is today! And most importantly, why cold is fine when you run, and did I mention my new swanky running shoes? Ha!

Last night Mike and I went to see my nephew Daniel's season final football game. Between all the travel, Daniel being sick, and then last minute travel again, this was the only football game I was able to make this year. His team went undefeated and Daniel played the whole time. He plays offensive Guard. He's suddenly tall and lanky and has size 15 shoes. And he's beautiful...but he's on this list and doesn't need to hear his old proud Aunt saying stuff like this....uh hmmm...

So aside from hanging out with the Mehler clan and Greg, Kristine's brother from San Diego, what caught my eye was the "Lancer Blue" rubber (all-weather) running track! It is pristine and looks brand new and overlooks the downtown area with a full view of big mountains everywhere you look. Running at a mile high is hard enough when you're running up and down hills in the neighborhood. Top that off with hard pavement and it's a bit discouraging.

Well, this morning, I put on my new Newton running shoes which are fabulous, by the way, and headed back to the high-school to try out that track! Wow! I don't know if it is the shoes, the track, the views or a combination, but I am especially buzzed right now. I had to stop at 4.5 miles because I want to do it again tomorrow and I am on a slow build up training plan with these new shoes and can't over-due it.

In any case, this seems a bit mundane compared to the historical election and newfound hope and such renewed pride in my country, but I just had to write about it anyway.

Have a wonderful Saturday!