Saturday, August 09, 2008

Back to normal

Date: Aug. 7, 8 and 9
Mileage: 30.1, 35.7 and 15.2
August mileage: 171.3

Sorry I've been away from my blog for a bit. Not that anyone probably actually noticed - but three days is a long hiatus for me when I'm in town.

I've actually spent most of that time at my computer, typing like a crazy person. It started Thursday afternoon. As expected, the sun went away and the rain came back. I did a hard interval-type ride out to North Douglas (intervals meaning I go as hard as I absolutely can until I think I'm about to burst, and then I recover until I think I can go hard again.) I came home completely spent, actually had to take a nap, and then I woke up and drove Geoff to the airport (He was flying to Anchorage to run the Resurrection Pass 100) I had originally planned to come home and ride again, but that didn't sound appealing at all. And just as I sat down at the computer to kill some time blogging and whatnot, it occurred to me that I actually felt like starting on this writing project I have been thinking about since April, but had done nothing with it beyond free-handing a rough outline on the back of a flyer. "I'll just pound out a few paragraphs and see what happens," I thought.

Lots of paragraphs happened.

I'm actually pretty excited about. The motivation is swirling, and the result has been encouraging. This is the kind of thing I'd want to print out for my grandchildren someday, the kind of thing that says "This is what Grandma was about before she turned 30." And if I never get around to having kids, I'll show it to my grandnieces and nephews. It's been fun, too ... a reminder that I do have the drive within me to be every bit as passionate about writing as I am about cycling, which is good news for when I am grandma-age and will have probably used up the warranty on my knees. I only hope I can finish a good draft before the motivation turns on me again. That's why I have been away from blogging and only going outside for the most minimal rides, because it's raining anyway.

A good sunset did come out tonight though - a few rays of light peaking through the fog. My co-worker and I walked out to the back of the GCI building and just stood on the shoreline, watching the sky as half-rotten chum salmon wrestled and flopped in the shallow water. We were on deadline, which made the escape that much sweeter.

Geoff called from Anchorage to tell me he ran the Res Pass 100 in 17 hours and change - four hours faster than the previous course record. He insists he kept his promised conservative pace and ran it as a "training" run. "That's like 10-minute miles," he said. "If I went any slower I'd be walking."

I wanted to tell him that if I ever had to cover 100 miles on foot in one unbroken stretch, I'd be crawling. (When I did that course, or at least one very similar to it, in 2006, with my mountain bike, it took me 13 hours.) It made me even more hungry to attempt the Soggy Bottom 100 again later this month, but I've been very noncommittal with my cycling as of late. Oh well. Back to Microsoft Word.

12 comments:

  1. I think it is great that you have caught a writing bug and have been focusing on it. You are a fabulous writer and who knows? It may be a book someday. I am sure Chris and Lisa jr. will love it! And go Geoff! A 100 mile race would probably take me about a week + (no joke).

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  2. I am sure I am not the only one noticed your hiatus but what a glorious sunset pic on your return! Add to the rotating wallpaper list?

    Rain to me has a certain mind numbing duress that can swallow optimism whole. But Eros lives within each of us waiting to be set free on life around us if only we let it. Your post reminds me of a quote.

    Rollo May:

    Creativity arises out of the tension between spontaneity and limitations, the latter (like the river banks) forcing the spontaneity into the various forms which are essential to the work of art or poem.

    100 mile training run? That's like halfway across our state! Would be cool.

    JC

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  3. Cool to hear about that project!

    17 hours! Geez

    Leadville took me 12 on a bike!!!

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  4. I noticed the hiatus. I have recently become a reader of yours (via a link from fatty's blog), and am riveted. I love your writing style, your pictures, your passion for cycling, adventure, and the outdoors. Thanks.

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  5. Okay, I'm a gushing fan. I've been reading your blog every day you post something since last September. You live in an amazingly beautiful place. Your biking and hiking adventures are inspiring. I'm awed by your photography and enjoy your writing style. You have a very clear "voice."

    And because of all this, I feel more empowered and motivated after visiting your blog. That's why I keep coming back. Yes, you are definitely missed when you're gone.

    When you publish your first book, I'll be in line to buy it! I would really enjoy reading a non-fiction book about your adventures. And I'm sure I'm not the only one.

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  6. I missed your entries.

    I stumbled upon your blog somehow and faithfully read your posts via RSS feeds.

    I enjoy reading your adventures and viewing your photos.

    Your blog is compelling and I am so appreciative of the gift of "riding along" your journey.

    Kazimer - "Kaz"

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  7. loving your blog. i'm jen from oklahoma. i chose you to represent alaska - and one other alaskan blogger - on my quest for Gen X bloggers from all 50 states. Your blog is a real peek into a life most of us will never have.

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  8. I am here! I am totally overwhelmed. You are going to kill me for saying this but I kinda wish the sun would go away...it doesn't match my mood! I know I will regret that after a few rainy days. But right now I just want to dwell in being homesick and miserable.

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  9. And if I never get around to having kids...

    When you're ready, you will be one awesome mom.

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  10. Great! With your writing skills and your determination once committed to a task, well, the finished product should be fantastic. If it is for the masses, let me know: I'll buy. If not, I'm jealous of your proto-grandkids.

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  11. Your latest reminded me that I have been wanting to add to a story I've been working on. While looking for it, I found one I had forgotten I'd started and added a couple chapters. Thanks for the kick in the pants, again.

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  12. Love your blog,one of the must reads.

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Feedback is always appreciated!