This Year Dedicated to Love

Just as one adopts an intention for their yoga practice, I’d like to adopt an intention for this year: Love. There are loads of Beatles-themed quotes I could use, “All you need is love”, Love, Love, Love, and maybe a bit of “With a Little Help from my Friends” for good measure.

Currently cocooned on the couch watching repeats of 24/7 Flyers/Rangers just prior to the 3 p.m. Winter Classic contemplating a trip to the National Gallery to see the installation of Andy Warhol and maybe some house cleaning and organizing. Yesterday was a great day weather-wize and exercise-wise. We started with pancakes and bacon and then a bike ride around Haines Point, and came home for steak tacos. We then went to see the new Girl with a Dragon Tattoo with Daniel Craig. It was good but a little different from the original Swedish version. We then came home and watched Be Kind Rewind that is an awesome movie but it isn’t universally appealing but amazingly funny. It’s been a holiday filled with new movies and loads of relaxation. I like this 4 day weekend chill out time.

I’m aiming to update my blog at least once a week. We’ll see if this plays out. Here I am preempting my success with doubt…well, here’s to a new positive outlook and 364 days ahead of me.

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by Cory on January 2, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in random stuff

Posted by Cory on January 2, 2012

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/this-year-dedicated-to-love/

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 3,500 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 58 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

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by Cory on December 31, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by Cory on December 31, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/2011-in-review/

Traditional End of Year Review and a Look Forward

So I’ve been neglectful of the blog in the past few months, however, I can’t guarantee a reform and such but here are a few things I’d like to do more of in the new year:

  • Drink more water
  • Write more
  • Move my body more
  • Connect with friends
  • Find my calling (I know, that’s a big one) and make a change to pursue it

This year seems to be a bit of a blur and somewhat defined by my ACL reconstruction and recovery. This one was significantly different from the previous one. Yes, I’m now bionic in both knees (although they both ache equally…why is that I wonder?). Surgery was the same or better in the right knee, recovery went well but it didn’t propel me into re-engaging in a sport oriented routine as I hoped. I’m sure my mental attitude has something to do with that. It’s been better in the past.

Here is a list of things I will do my utmost to avoid doing in the new year:

  • compare my current fitness level to years past (like when I trained for and completed 2/3 of an ironman with 6 weeks of training, or rode 150 miles between Boston and VT, or ran a 1/2 marathon, a few triathlons, and hiked to Half Dome in Yosemite)
  • eat less sugar
  • sabotage my dreams with thoughts of why I can’t achieve them

This year doesn’t stand out in any one particular way except that it is somewhat unusual in my lack of activity. I’ve probably been mildly or more depressed and that contributes to my disinterest in doing much of anything, including helping myself out of my own funk.

Right at this moment I’m a bit melancholy for times past where I had a tribe of people who helped energize me and excite me to push the limits of my abilities, encouraged me to reach for more, and provided unconditional and non-judgmental support the whole way through. I feel isolated and lonesome frequently and pine for the days of 35 and Dry when things were fun, there was no limit to what we could do and talk revolved around doughnuts and bacon on a regular basis. I really do miss those times. I don’t know if I could find the self motivation to get myself out of bed, dressed and on the bike by 5:20 a.m. without knowing that someone was waiting for me and would be disappointed if I stayed in bed.

Rather than lament the glory days or revel in them, I will look forward and find that happy place inside me that keeps all of those voices present and I’ll imagine that Nate, Meghan, Meagan and Chris are all riding with me (in spirit) around Hains Point, where we get a whiff of bacon, talk of doughnuts (Dunkin’ vs Krispy), and generally push myself to reach for more, having fun all the while.

Here’s my loose plan for 2012:

  • explore the idea of cooking healthy prepared meals for others (as a new business)
  • train for and participate in the Vineman 70.3 in California (July)
  • finally change jobs (mine is killing me, literally)
  • spend more time with friends and family
  • do more of the things that make me laugh, smile and find the joy in life

No real specifics…no “lose 20 lbs”, no “get more organized”, no adjustment of bad habits. Just do more things that make me happy and laugh. I think that’s pretty simple and I hope easy to do. I lost sight of the motivating factor: Life is too short to do things you don’t enjoy. Do the things you love and your life will be rich and fulfilled. Life is filled with love, just open yourself to what’s out there and it will fill you too.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous (in all ways) New Year! See you in the next one!

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by Cory on December 31, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in about me, food, random stuff

Posted by Cory on December 31, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/traditional-end-of-year-review-and-a-look-forward/

Life, death, renewal and cycling

Its been an odd time here lately. Mentally, it’s been rather trying with an awareness of the cycle of life with the birth of 2 babies to close friends and the death of one infant and a suicide of a high school friend. It makes me aware of how I live my life, wonder about the impact I’m having on those around me and (yes, it’s all about me) the lessons learned from those around me.

I’ve developed a philosophy that may act as a substitute for organized or institutionalized religion that provides some sort of comfort to me in viewing tragic events such as a 14 month old dying because of serious immune disorder, had a rough time from birth but had a profound impact on those around him and a 42-year-old who spiraled into depression and mental illness and eventually took her own life. I believe that we learn from one another in all of our interactions that there are no coincidences and that no matter how short or long someone is in your life they can have an impact on your future. I think that many of us aren’t at all aware of our impact on others either intentional or accidental.

Live by example? Maybe. Make sure that the people who mean a great deal to you know that you love them? Always. I on occasion listen to Garrison Keillor’s Writer’s Almanac in the morning on NPR and he ends his program with “Be well, do good work and keep in touch” which is just one of the very simple ways to be mindful of your interaction with your world.

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by Cory on September 28, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in about me, random stuff

Posted by Cory on September 28, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/life-death-renewal-and-cycling/

Musings of a temporary DC commuter — bus riders vs metro riders

It’s a glorious Monday morning mostly because of the amazing weather and it once again makes me want to hop on my bike and ride. Alas I am not able to quite reach the intensity or ability of my pre surgery biking but I’m getting there.

As I am now relegated to join the masses on metro and metro bus to get from home to physical therapy appointments and to work, I have several observations about the differences between bus and metro riders.

I prefer riding the bus as I like to see the world go by, feel more connected to my surroundings and prefer the courtesy of my fellow bus riders. Being a bus rider takes patience as we deal with surface traffic, frequent stops and occasional drama (sometimes a benefit of riding the bus is great stories about the chaos and pandemonium). Each line seems to have its own character and flavor as well as typical clientel.

When just heading to work, I ride the X2 or preferably the X1 which drops me off just outside my building. Both pick up a block from home so they’re equally accessible. The X1 carries quiet, neatly dressed government workers to locations along Constitution Avenue (IRS, EPA, Commerce and State). It’s a mild-mannered bus to be sure.

The X2 is a totally different animal and my coworker calls it the crazy bus as it originates (purportedly) at St Elizabeth’s mental hospital and travels Benning Road and the H Street corridor. Most riders are working parents, students, or blue-collar workers with a few office professionals tossed in. It can be loud, confrontational, can seem like a mobile day care at times but is usually peaceful. I like the diversity and riders are usually respectful and polite. Men will allow female riders to board the bus first, people willingly give up their seats for elderly and pregnant women and for the most part everyone is headed to the same place at the same speed so no need to add anxiety or stress to the mix.

Lately, since I have been traveling to and fro to the Foggy Bottom area, I will take metro from Eastern Market to Foggy Bottom and then the bus to work (32 or 36 from Georgetown). Here is my take on metro riders (and mind you, I am making generalizations but it’s my blog and my opinion): they’re in a rush all the time and too preoccupied with wherever they are going to take a moment to be polite and courteous. I find being underground just makes everyone a tad grumpy. People don’t make eye contact, often will take up two seats (one for their butt, one for their junk), rush onto the train as people are getting off without so much as a glance, and they crowd the doors even when they aren’t even close to getting off making those of us moving through the doors have to navigate around them. Once off of the train, there is a mad mosh pit to get onto the escalators and out of the station where once again people show off their rude side…I’ve nearly tripped over several people who cut me off because they HAD to be ahead of me leaving the station.

Being very aware of my lack of ability to quickly change direction and being very cautious about protecting my knee, I am looking forward to becoming a metro bus only rider. I know people think I’m strange for my conviction but if my commute is more pleasant, I am more pleasant–there is a direct correlation. I am most pleasant when I can ride my bike to work and dispense with the metro or bus completely. I am working hard toward that goal and my hope is that in 2 weeks time, I will be back to bike commuting.

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by Cory on June 13, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in about me, bikes, cycling, random stuff
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Posted by Cory on June 13, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/musings-of-a-temporary-dc-commuter-bus-riders-vs-metro-riders/

Open water swim practice a success

May major accomplishment for this morning was to meet 8 of the members of Team Lipstick at 6:30 am and head to Sandy Point state park near the Bay Bridge and get them acclimated to open water swimming prior to their target race of the DC Triathlon on June 19. While I couldn’t get into the water with them, I sat on shore like a momma hen looking over her flock and tried to be encouraging and supportive if they seemed to need it. I wish we had done a bit more on land chat about technique and style versus pool swimming since wetsuit swimming is very different as is swimming with and against a current, sighting and swimming with gentle swells. Being able to bilateral breathe is a bonus in open water swimming as is just counting 10 strokes and sighting or being able to draft off of someone ahead of you.

I would have given them some pointers ahead of time but for some reason (silly me thinking that just because most have already completed at least one tri, they knew what to do) I feel like I sent them off a bit unprepared. However, two other coaches were out there with them so maybe I’m taking on much more responsibility than necessary. Just being overly conscientious.

The rest of the day we spent at the Apple Store where J bought me a “stop moping” post surgery present–an iPad (which I am using now). I’m over the top with gadgets and “i” paraphernalia: shuffle, nano, phone, MacBook, and pad….hokey smokes I had better be the most uber organized and efficient person ever. I whispered (or mumbled) to J while we were in the store that I’ll use the new gadget to layout a kick ass life plan that will allow us to “unleash the fury”. The woman helping us turned and asked if we were Caps fans (totally busted) and it turns out that she and her boyfriend have season tickets in the section over from us…small world.

Here’s to new productivity tools, gadgets and doing what you love and earning a decent living.

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by Cory on June 6, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in random stuff, triathlon
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Posted by Cory on June 6, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/open-water-swim-practice-a-success/

Rehab expected to be quick but I’m still impatient

This morning I am spending time watching gear for Team Lipstick as they execute their final brick workout before their target race June 19. As I am a mere 2 weeks out of surgery and really WANT to ride my bike but can’t just yet, I am being moral support and spending time with the dog. He doesn’t often get to just be out for hours at a time so this is somewhat luxurious for both of us.

Toby enjoying a morning of bricks (bike/run) and rolls in the grass

Happy dog; ball, grass, bikes and outside!

Because I like to be an over achiever in every way, my rehab and recovery is no exception. Five days post surgery, I went back to my Ortho who marveled at my range of motion and my nearly full extension of my leg. Ten days after surgery, I paid a visit to my PT, Sonja Evers from Sports + Spinal Physical Therapy who was recommended by a friend. After meeting her prior to surgery (I’m a planner in all ways possible) it’s amazing that we haven’t crossed paths before. We have a lot of people in common and she lives on the Hill; it’s a small community. Anyway, better to have made her acquaintance now than never. Sonja was convinced that I hadn’t had surgery because she said when I walked in I didn’t look like I was only 10 days out of surgery. The tough part now is to strike a balance between over doing my recovery and not doing enough.

[man, I had a whole running thought process that I put here but it was eaten by the goblins in WordPress]

When I last had this surgery, in 2004 in my left knee, I granted myself permission to lay low for a week, and ease back into rehab 3x per week for 3 months. I am already past where I was the last time by weeks. This might have something to do with the fact that I (a) had surgery 3 months after the trauma, not 10 years, and (b) my right leg has been the stronger, more dominant leg for a long time. I was also very prepared for this surgery, doing what I could to strengthen the quad and hamstring prior to surgery.

One other reason I’m impatient is my overactive husband who while I’ve been recovering has run, biked, swam circles around me making me feel even more lazy than usual. He just this morning rode 90 miles in preparation for a ride (not a race, mind you) that will take him over 16k feet of elevation in Western Maryland in a few weeks. He swam 3 miles last weekend and biked home, 20 miles. Rode on Friday 70 miles with loads of elevation. He’s in training mode while I am in rehab mode…it’s frustrating to say the least.

Another reason it’s frustrating is that this year I am more attached than usual to biking since just prior to surgery I was riding to work at least 4x per week and we were using our bikes for predominant mode of evening transport as it’s cheaper and more fun than any other mode. So easy to take one bike down, strap on a back pack, some lights and a lock and head out for an adventure to the SW Waterfront, the Nats game, or just dinner on the other side of the Hill. Because of my quick recovery, he expects that I’ll be back on the bike in no time…I can bike but not at the effort or ability I was 3 weeks ago. It will take time to regain my full range of motion and my strength to be able to ride the fixie when and wherever I want.

I have loads of projects I need to be focusing my effort, including but not limited to: redoing my resume and shopping it to find a new job that doesn’t give me hives (I broke out in really amazing hives the same day I went back to work; coincidence? I think not), working on planning and recruitment for the Luray Triathlon and building my business Double X Endurance, and getting back to my duties as Secretary for the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic , and finishing the exterior doors since the frames still need to be painted.

I need to map out my Summer because it’s already packed and it’s only the first week of June. Aiming to do a reprieve of the Aqua Velo at Chesapeake Man and maybe place 1st in my age group vs 2nd, 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking. Got a lot of work to do.

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by Cory on June 4, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in bikes, cycling, random stuff
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Posted by Cory on June 4, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/rehab-expected-to-be-quick-but-im-still-impatient/

Considering joining a cycling team. What a concept

With dreams of getting back on my bike to ride to and fro and hither, thither and yon, I wonder if I have the commitment and patience to join a cycling team. It seems that Velo Bella, mostly a California team, seems to be less active in the Mid-Atlantic area and while Route 1 Velo has a few women (3 according to their website), it is still mostly men. Team Sticky Fingers, though, seems like a team I could hang with, assuming I meet the requirements for membership (I don’t even know what those might be). They’re sponsored by both Specialized and a local vegan bakery Sticky Fingers, whose owner Doran Petersan is also a member of the cycling team.

They have the elements of what I would want in a team; great sense of humor (although I’ve only met one of the team members personally), a kick-ass kit, more of a bad ass image than anything else, the don’t take themselves too seriously, oh, and they’re really good.

Maybe I should just start my own team and call it “Chicks on Bikes” and we ride for fun, food, and tequila. Tats welcome but not essential, must have a kick ass attitude and be willing to roll with the changes.

Just a thought …

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by Cory on May 30, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in bikes, cycling

Posted by Cory on May 30, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/considering-joining-a-cycling-team-what-a-concept/

I ran an 8k in Vancouver in May…last time running for a while

At the end of April, early May, J and I went to Seattle to visit friends of ours and traveled to Vancouver for the 1/2 marathon (I was supposed to run) and the 8k, which Mrs. Kroll and I were registered to do. I hesitate to say “compete” as neither of us were much in the way of competitors nor was that really the point. We were two good friends being supportive of our personal goals of trying to get back into shape and being patient with ourselves. We’ve each had moments of glory, she an Iron(wo)man and me a pretty decent cyclist and 1/2 Ironman athlete at times. You’d never know it to look at me but I have run a marathon (4:57 at Big Sur) but neither of us were aiming to get a podium spot or any kudos for this one.

This was more about spending time, hanging out and most importantly, reconnecting. We used to train together with our 35 and Dry group (cycling Tues/Thurs at 5:30 a.m. as long as there wasn’t active precipitation and it was above 35 degrees) but I haven’t had that sort of consistent training for a while.

It was a great visit and was awesome to just spend time with some of my favorite people and get to know their son…who is one of the more relaxed and tractable kiddos I’ve known. He’s an awful flirt with men and women alike…and so easy going. He gets it from his awesome parents.

Until our next trip to Seattle or their next trip to DC I will bask in the glow of our memories and maybe actually learn to Skype so I can see them in a more animated form.

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by Cory on May 29, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by Cory on May 29, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/05/29/i-ran-an-8k-in-vancouver-in-may-last-time-running-for-a-while/

Happy Memorial Day folks; and here’s to a short recovery

Today is one of those gorgeous late Spring, early Summer days where watching baseball, grilling meat and hanging outside on a patio seem totally normal.

I, however, am doing none of those things because I am one week out of surgery to repair my torn ACL in my right knee. I am now even Steven on either side since I had the same surgery on my left knee in 2004. Contrary to the last time I had this done, I only waited 3 months versus the 10 years I waited to repair the first knee. There’s the lesson in this (oh, except for the lesson of don’t tear it in the first place): when broken, don’t wait to be fixed. Strengthening the muscles around whatever is broken doesn’t really fix the problem…it just masks it and makes you feel like you can continue on doing what you like to do but in reality your body compensates for the imbalance and then you have more troubles than if you’d just gone ahead and fixed the broken piece in the first place. There, lesson over.

Now, on to the issue at hand. Recuperation from surgery and getting back to normal things, like riding my bike to work, swimming and getting in and out of the car without a whole lot of effort. Even rolling over in bed takes an amazing effort.

I’m having a tough time being patient with myself and when I rehabilitated the left knee, I gave myself permission to sleep, take it easy, and stay in my pajamas as long as I wanted. This time, however, I was up and about going to dinner at a friend’s house a day after surgery, and was driving before a week had passed. Driving to get a manicure and pedicure because pampering is part of the healing process, right? Yesterday I did a bit of yard work, trimming the rose bushes, and nearly fell doing it. Kind of freaked me out so I came inside, iced my knee and took it easy for the rest of the day. I stopped taking my pain meds a few days ago because I don’t really need them and they just fog everything up.

J’s been very sweet about taking care of me. He made tuna salad, chicken soup, brisket, breakfast and got me whatever I needed. My mom took the dog so I didn’t have to fuss with walking him 2x per day but I miss him being here with me. I go get him tomorrow from my mom’s. He’s a happy silly well-behaved dog … I just miss having him here, he has a great presence.

Recovery will take however long it does, I will do what I can to push it along and be consistent in my daily exercises and will be better for it.

See you out on the road…hopefully cranking out 20+ mph on my bike.

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by Cory on May 29, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in about me, cycling, random stuff

Posted by Cory on May 29, 2011

http://chicksonbikes.wordpress.com/2011/05/29/happy-memorial-day-folks-and-heres-to-a-short-recovery/

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