Yup, it's that time of year!!!  

Iris Gardens, Boulder, Sunday, June 7....just part of the "what's not to love" previous post.....

In addition to the community garden plot I'm sharing with the Kid's mom, I'm enjoying my own little patch of personal paradise.  My yard is tiny, but that hasn't stopped me from being a frequent shopper at the garden centers. 

I've got tomatoes, hot peppers, herbs and loads of flowers.  My plum tree is rich in little green plums which will eventually ripen to delicious tart fruit.  Here's how things are looking just this morning:

Little green tomatoes and basil from my store bought plants and my grown from scratch tomatoes, cilantro and parsley:

 Peppers I grew from seed: 

 Flowers:

My Topsy-Turvey tomato planter....not sure if the Dish TV people would approve of me using the satellite as an anchor, but who's telling? 

 Finally, plums!

One of these day's I'll get some pics up of our Community Garden Veggie plot....  

Last night I was rounding up my gear for the Boulder Sunrise "Tri for your Cause" event and I couldn't find my tri shorts.  I looked everywhere... 3 times.  I searched my cars.....  twice.  The dryer..... once.  Finally, I gave up, and after consulting with Gear Girl, determined that looking cute was more important than functionality and I should opt for one of my running skirts.  I carefully selected one that might provide the least amount of chaffing on the bike.  Tough call since I've never ridden my bike in any of this gear soaking wet after a swim! 

Well, I was resigned to the "risks" associated with this decision.  I was excited to wake and find the sun just peaking over the horizon...the thunderstorms of last night were long gone, leaving the sky fresh and clean.  I ushered the dogs outside while I loaded my bike and all the other stuff and then headed off the the Rez.

It was a very non-Boulder tri group.  Lots of first timers, even some mountain bikes.   I found a nice spot and began setting up my area.  Then, off in the distance I spotted the Outdoor Diva's booth in the race expo area!  Wonders for me, they actually had a few different brands of tri shorts in my size, and I found some to my liking.  Even more amazing, the wonderful woman just took down my name, phone number and my promise to return and pay so I didn't need to venture off to the remote parking lot to fetch my money. 

So, outfitted with my snazzy new shorts I was all set!  

The Rez water was perfect...probably around 65 degrees.  The swim was short - 500m instead of the more typical 750m for a sprint, kind of a bummer since the water was so nice and my swim mojo was working.  The bike was longer than typical, 17M in lieu of 12M, and the run on target at 5k.   I'm not sure of my final times yet, but the entire morning just felt great.  Unlike my first tri in May I had no wet suit induced claustrophobia!   The bike was fun.  I ride the course frequently so I knew when to shift, when to push it and when to back off with out a second thought.  Almost meditative.  The run even felt good!  The finish line even better!  

Shortly after my finish line Woo-Hoo I stopped at Outdoor Diva's to let my new BFF know how much I LOVED my new shorts and they for certain made me faster, and now that I was done I would take my fast bottom out to my car for money.  Which of course I did.  (Mom and Dad raised me well!!!). 

I hope I never need to know if my cute running skirt actually would have been better than functionality!  Tomorrow, Olde Stage to Jamestown with the ladies, wearing REAL bike shorts.  Phew.  

This weekend is gonna be good fun. My entire family arrives on Friday (woo-hoo!) to celebrate me and my sister's birthday....mine is tomorrow, and her's is on Sunday! And, we have a tri on Sunday. The last one of the season for me.

The tri is an all women's event, called the Boulder Tri Babes Triathlon. How can you not have fun at an event where you are a "babe?" I did some campaigning and rounded up a group of really great ladies to come out and participate. Some are very experienced, and we have a few newbies. Last night I hosted a get to know you potluck at my place so everyone could meet, and we could answer questions the newbies might have about doing a tri.

 All in all it was a lovely evening....christening my new home with positive energy and great tri talk!  

 Tomorrow I hope to post some pics of recent previous events... 

I know....Bad Mountain Girl....Bad!!!

It's been weeks since I've blogged, and there have been so many blog worthy activities going on! 

I've participated in three events, the Boulder Muddy Buddy, the Steamboat Triathlon, and the Oktoberfest Tri in Longmont.  I've been on vacation to Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge.  I've been getting my yard landscaped, and plans for the home renovation underway.  I've been having fun, fun, fun!  Lots and lots of training too. 

Oh, and I dropped my laptop....from my second floor banister to my first floor landing, ...where I knew I never should have placed it to start with.  My first thought after hearing the crash and seeing the carnage was "Oh well, I hated Window's Vista anyway".  I  now have a Mac....and an iPhone.  Take that Microsoft!  I'll show them.....given my clutziness, Microsoft, and all Hardware suppliers that do not offer me an option have lost a valuable revenue stream! 

And, no, it's not been ALL play.  Work has been busy, and I've been spending a high proportion of my work days in the office, which is taxing my wardrobe. 

I'll try and get some pictures of the events posted...It's nice to be back, I've missed you all!!!!! 

Last week I had a custom bike fitting at Colorado MultiSport.  I spent a couple of hours at their studio while the meticulously worked on making sure my bike was optimized for me.  Lots and lots of tweaks, a shorter stem and aero bars have really changed my riding experience.  I also got new pedals and tri shoes. 

But, enough about my bike and me.  At the risk of sounding like a triathlon groupie I have to mention Olympian Matt Reed's bike which was in the studio for some final touches.  Apparently I picked the right shop for my fitting if these guys take care of our Olympic athletes.  Matt was already in Bejing for opening ceremonies and his wife will be traveling with this important tool for a successful triathlon. 

Here is Matt's bike: 

And here is mine....all decked out with the new aero bars.  You might note that Matt and I both ride Fuji's! (I'm pretty sure his is just a tiny bit higher end than mine...)

Given the heat wave in Colorado I'm looking for any reason to allow myself to just sit in cool water.  So, I managed the perfect solution....borrowing the nephew and niece-ette for some quality fun Auntie time at rec center pool.  

I just relish the time I spend with these two delightful little human beings.  Especially just me and them.  Not that I don't love the kids parents dearly, and treasure time with them as a family (or with my girlfriend 1 on 1 as one of my bestest friends), it's just that some things are even more remarkable when shared independently.  My godchild loves to be held by me, and the nephew-ette, now 5, loves showing off his new aquatic skills.  I love throwing Jack the big rubber shark so he can dive after it, and swinging Elizabeth through the water, or cuddling with her in the shallows, smelling all that wonderful toddler smell.   I cannot even believe how blessed and fortunate I am to have these little angels in my life, and that I'm actually allowed to borrow them.   How cool is that? 

All of my life, up until recently, I wanted to have kids more than anything.  I obsessed about it, planned for it, dreamed about it and tried to structure my life around that goal.  What I learned is that sometimes no matter how much we want things and do what ever "think" we need to do, sometimes it is just not meant to be.....that God has a different plan.....that sometimes we just don't always get what we want.  I'm not exactly sure what God's plan for me is, but by me not actually having my "own" kids I can spoil these two kiddos with love and fun like nothing else, and that I have time that I can commit to the Eldora Special Recreation Program and work with the disabled community.  Maybe this is what God had in mind?  I don't know, but I'm sure there is a reason. 

Regardless, letting all that go has been one of the healthiest things I've ever done for myself.  I really never thought I could get here....and I have.  Go figure....!!!

You might have gathered from my previous post about the temps in Boulder that I'm trying to do most of my training in the very early morning, like yesterday.  I was on my bike before 6 for a beautiful ride through the farmland, and then went for a short run.  All this before I really like to be up!  I opted for the early morning run even through my regular Thursday night activity of the Stroke and Stride includes a run (aka the Stridin' part).  I just couldn't fathom the idea of pushing it out there in the high 90's like I had in the previous weeks. 

The water was nice....I actually regretted having on my wet suit.  I love the bouyancy of it, and the insulation qualities are stellar in really cold water.  But the Rez isn't "really cold" any more.  I pondered taking it off for the second lap around the course, but somehow this seemed like to much work.  Regardless, it was wonderful to be out there splashing. 

 I've finally got my camera and computer talking so I'm back able to take pictures, and actually get them posted.  Here's a couple of the general scene as people are getting ready to head out - and, just look at those clouds....teasing us....making us think it might actually rain!!

It's Hot.  Well, not just Hot, but stifling HOT.  We are into our 19th straight day of temperatures over 90.  There is no relief in site.....maybe next week "they" think...who ever "they" is....

Now is when I've missed Mountain House the most.  At an elevation of 3000 ft higher than Boulder things were cooler, something like 20 degrees cooler.  The dogs and I are melting...trying to not move.  Air conditioning would help, but the new place doesn't have it.  I'm relying on fans, a portable evaporative cooler and keeping the house closed up tight during the heat of the day.  And cold baths.  Just laying in the water.....hoping for goose bumps.  I'm thinking of going outside and laying in the dirt under the tree just like the dogs are doing right now -

Well, at least it's a dry heat!!!!  (Tell that to the back of my knees....I think I'm developing a case of prickly rash!)

I hate to write this, but I'm going to anyway.....I never ever wanted to be this kind of MountainGirl, yet, here I am, bearing my soul and being honest.  Here's what's up:

I did a triathlon on Sunday morning at the Aurora Rez.  It was a really fun event, and the participants were of a more a 'normal' crowd given I had left the Boulder bubble with all our professional and Olympic caliber athletes.  So, back to me, and why I'm a bit horrified at ME.

I had a good race.  I did great on pre-race hydration and nutrition, got lots of rest and managed well in the heat.  I felt great and finished strong.  I did the race in under 2 hours (which outside Boulder is a respectable time).  Here's the problem,  I came in third in my wave....I missed first by 37 seconds.  Yup, less than a minute.

So, here I sit....always the one just happy to be out there....feeling good about being able to do this kind of thing at my statistically middle aged existence.....and now I'm re-running the race in my mind....over...and over....and over.  I can easily point to a number of things that wasted valuable seconds....which all would have added up to enough seconds for me to come in first.

I lolly-gagged a bit on the bike on one hill.  I coasted sometimes when I could have been pedaling.  I didn't have my biking shoes ready and I had to actually untie them before sliding them on my feet.  I stopped at the water stations to dump water over my head.  I was thoughtful and kind on the swim....navigating around some of the really bad swimmers as opposed to pushing them out of my way.  I could have swam, run or biked just a teeny weeny bit faster. 

There....I've said it.  Got that off my chest.  Not sure if I like this venue of public confession.  Yet, here I sit.....still very thankful I was out there.....still amazed I can do these kind of things....and still wondering about 37 seconds....

Hmmm.........

I've missed my calling as an "event's cheerleader".  No, not the kind of cheerleader who is tan, has amazing hair and can do back flips, but more of a motivational cheerleader for people out challenging themselves on the weekend.

This all came about as Mrs. Speedy (note:  I am adding this against my will....she is Mrs. Speedy because of how fast her hubby is on the course....aka Mr. Speedy...see below....she is modest and doesn't want anyone to think she might be a good competitor on her own so I needed to add this disclaimer)  and I decided to head out and cheer for our friends (and her hubby, Mr. Speedy...see above) participating in the Boulder Peak Triathlon.  This is an Olympic distance event, twice as long as a sprint, and the bike route requires riders to navigate a grueling hill on Old Stage Road.  If you are in the area you know of this hill. 

So we donned our 1970's shorts, matching tube socks, pom-pom's and cow bells and headed to the hill.  After stopping to write encouraging words and names in chalk in the middle of the road we assumed our positions.

 Lots of people were out on the hill to await the riders.  We met the Devil....just in from an Iron Man competition in Idaho.

But most of all we got to encourage our friends....Mr. Speedy, Bob, Kat, Madeline, Alex, Dawn, Dr. McIronman, Karl and Tanya as they rode up the hill -  I got my interval training in as I ran along beside them.  Believe it or not I could actually run faster than most people were pedaling up this nasty climb.

Here's a shot of Alex (on the right, white jersey) and Tanya (black outfit) looking strong.  Just a mere coincidence that they were at the same exact spot on the hill where we were cheering.

One of the final cool things (cool is relative....it was pushing 100 degrees yesterday) was the chance to see the pro - elite racers at the finish.  The pros go off later in the morning....after most other athletes are in.  We got the pleasure of watching some of the best Olympic Distance athletes race...including a number who are headed for Beijing, including Boulder's own Matt Reed!  GO MATT!  GO USA!!

Boulder is definitely a different place.  On Thursday I did my thing at the Boulder Rez with the Stoke and Stride series.  And, out there, along with me, wet suit and goggle clad, was Dr. McIronman, my plastic surgeon.   Given his times in the event he likely lapped me in the swim event, and was eating pizza before I made the half way point for the run.  

Where else but Boulder can you hang out with your plastics guy at such an event?  Gotta love it!

That's what it's about for me.....and of course, having fun!  

Last night's event was super....lots of people out to swim and run.  The usual gamut of pros, semi-pros, and then us civilians.   For me the weather was perfect....while it had been in the 90's during the day, late afternoon clouds rolled in and cooled things down nicely.  A strong breeze kicked up, which again helped with air temps but cause a lot of chop in the reservoir. 

My friend the pilot and I set up our gear.  As we were wedging our bodies into out wet suits pilot girl remarked (amidst some colorful adjectives) that what we were doing was just not "normal".  She continues on to say that we think it's normal because we live in Boulder, but it's really not.  All this philosophy while bouncing, dancing and contorting ourselves a million different ways to get in our gear.....on a grassy knoll where 300 other people are making the same gyrations......on a work night. 

So, my event summary for those who anxiously await my results every week (thanks mom and dad!).  My swim time for the 750m was in the same range but a bit longer than last weeks, even through I had a better swim....as in it felt really good. (I'm still really slow, but I love being in the water.  Hey wait, maybe that's why I'm slow?  I"m in no rush to get out??  Yeah, that's got to be it!!)   I'm the attributing that to the waves and bobbing around.  I took a precious 36 seconds off my transition time, including the time I lost trying to find my towel and gear.  This is really easy to do because transition zones never look like they did coming into them they do when you go out....but that's part of the game. 

My run time on the 5k continued to improve.  I absolutely do not get it, but I had another personal best - an 8:41 minute/mile.  Somehow I ran the 5k in just under 27 minutes.  All to finish 30 seconds ahead of last weeks time for a 50:02 finish. 

WHEW!  What fun!  All this on a Thursday!

What a night!  The air was clean from a recent storm, a rainbow graced the sky, a gentle breeze was blowing, taking away the heat of the day.  8 of us ventured down to the stunningly beautiful open air Red Rocks amphitheater to spend the night singing, dancing and swaying to the sounds of Mark Knopfler, the now solo artist who was big with Dire Straits way back when.....

But not before a very adult and grown up tailgate picnic.  After carpooling in some giant SUV with multiple rows of seats out came the coolers full of tasty beverages, amazing cheeses, designer sandwiches, salads, fruit and of course dessert.  The show started late for a school night, 8 pm!  Needless to say it was a VERY LATE NIGHT but so well worth it. 

Mark Knopfler and his groups put on such a beautiful show....only seeming to get better and better.  I've decided his CD's just do not do justice to this man's talent.  So go and see this man, go now!

Last night I participated in my first Stoke and Stride event of the season.  This is a great training event out at the Boulder Reservoir consisting of either a 1500m or 750m swim (the stroke part) and a 5k run (the stride piece).

There were about 300 participants...all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities.  People like me can actually go out and race in the same wave as world class triathletes who come from all over the globe to train in the beauty (and elevation) of Boulder Colorado.  Let's be clear, I'm not actually racing the uber-athletes, we're just getting in the water at the same time.

I had a very fun race.  My swim time was respectable (for me), especially since I haven't been in the water all that much since the accessories were installed.  I didn't get the go ahead to splash around in the water until mid-May.  But I guess all that non-swim time helped  my run.  Another personal best for me last night.  My pace was an 8.53/mile.  I'm really shaking my head about all this improvement, thrilled, but definitely baffled. 

Saturday is my first tri of the season.  I signed up just this week and we'll have to see how that goes.  I'm psyched!  Who doesn't like to leave their house at 5 am for an hour drive to South East Denver to get in a the 60 degree body of water, followed by a bike ride and run? 

Certifiably nuts, that might be me!

My good friend Mrs. Speedy invited me to join her at an all ladies 8k run in Denver on Sunday.  The weather cooperated....it was raining at the start and was cool, perfect conditions for me, since I tend to overheat running....even if it's in the 60's.  And, since history has shown that if I have Guinness and something yummy to the night before the race I do better and feel better...so pre race nourishment consisted of 2.5 Guinness and a Chicken Quesidilla.  (YUM!  Carbs, lots of B vitamins, just like a sandwich in a glass!)

Ok I digress. 

The race course took us through the streets of downtown Denver.  Lots of cops stopping traffic.  More hills than I expected.  But nice cool weather.  I wasn't wearing my new "fast" outfit, but apparently an old standby was even faster!  I took 20 seconds a mile of my Bolder Boulder time, averaging an earth shattering (for me) speed of 9.22/mile.  Woo Hooo!  A personal best for me - hope I can continue improving on that speed and carry it into triathalons this summer.  I even finished in the top 10 of my age group (ok, there were only 40 in my group, but still, that's a first for me as well!)

Below is a pic of me finishing at the Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day wearing my formerly "fast" get up:

 And for your fashion diva's, from the top down:

GasCap Visor:  Looks a bit silly, but has little side pockets to hold Energy Gel packets.  Mrs. Speedy recommended this, and I love it.

TYR tri tank:  Newest colors and little pockets in front perfect for your iPod.

Nike running skirt:  Comfy, but no pockets! 

Barely pictured:  Nike running shoes and Nike shoe wallet (big enough for a credit card, key and money)

Well, maybe not fast compared to lots of other people, but fast for me, that's for sure!  

The alarm sounded super early for today's 30th Bolder Boulder 10k road race.  When I got up it was raining and cold, weather conditions I hadn't considered before I went to bed.   As I went through my pre-race morning routine the rain stopped and it looked to like it was going to be a lovely day for a run.  Which it was, if you were finished before 8.30 am.

And, thanks to a 7.15 start time and an average 9.42 minute/mile I entered the stadium exactly 1 hour (ok, and 9 seconds) later....just avoiding the rain.  Well, actually avoiding the rain for the run, but not for the walk back to the car.  Fortunately I had company from my friends (Speedy and Speedier) as we worked our way back across campus, stopped for bagels, and finally made it back to our cars. 

It is so much fun to participate in such a landmark event - the sense of community is awesome.  Bands line the streets, people sit in bathrobes sipping coffee on their front porches, you are greeted by belly dancers, and finally, cheering fans in Folsum Fieldhouse on the CU campus.  And, for me, it was a great sense of accomplishment.  I proudly finished in the top 25% of all ladies my age (go ahead, guess) and of all ladies participating.  For the girl who was always picked second to last for kickball as a kid it's a fun thing. 

Now, time for a nap....cozy up with pooches and listen to it just rain, rain, rain! 

Tomorrow is a big day for Boulder....the Bolder Boulder 10k road race.  It's a huge event....over 50,000 people are registered.  My wave goes off about 7.15 am.  Tomorrow's race will be a good one for me....I have new gear. 

I had to pick up a new visor....I left mine in Puerto Rico....so I went to the running store.  Got my visor.  Got a new running skirt.  Got a new tri top.  Got new socks.  Even if I'm not fast I look fast.  That will have to do! 

The nice boy young man across the street and I frequently engage in neighborly chit-chat.  Sometimes about his garden, or me thanking him for helping return the terriers when they escape, but most often about mountain biking.  It usually ends up something like "we should ride someday".  Finally I agreed, saying "stop over when you are heading out and want some company", quickly followed by "I'm not sure I can keep up with you"...."I don't do really crazy things on my bike"....and other disclaimers so he knew I wasn't up for some of the rides around here. 

Well, that day came quickly late yesterday afternoon.  We went to Hall Ranch, a gorgeous area outside the little town of Lyons north of Boulder.  As we were driving up I happened to glance at his work badge, and quickly discovered that I was old enough to be his mother had I been raised in a polygamist compound.  Now, I have no issues about hanging out and visiting with people of any ages, but hello people, we were on a way to Mountain Bike Ride at Hall Ranch.  This is not causal chatting in the front yard!  Oh no...I was trapped in the car! 

The day is just stunning and Hall Ranch is a classic single track ride....certainly not above my technical abilities. However, right now it is above my aerobic abilities...and while the grade doesn't look overwhelming, it is just a long slow grind, up and up and up for miles and miles and miles.  I put my pride aside and stopped to rest when I needed it.  The nice young man always waited for me, and genuinely appeared to be happy to have a riding companion, even though I couldn't breathe. 

However, it is one thing to not be able to keep up with my companion young enough to be my kid, but it is another to be passed by senior citizens.  Which is what happened next.  I heard bikes behind me, so I pulled off (any reason to stop at this point) and attempted to say hello to the 2 distinguished gentleman that pedaled past me with no effort.  I was certainly young enough to be their daughter...and then some.  If you recall from previous posts we have our fair share of uber-athletic seniors in this town.

Needless to say I had a great workout, my ego was put in it's place and had a very fun ride.  I can't wait to go back....my goals is to be able to complete the ride in much better form by the end of summer.  Maybe my nice neighbor will still be up for carpooling...we'll see...more likely he'll get busy if he sees me and my bike!!

Noodlicious:   how I felt Saturday afternoon after a major indulgence at the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. 

The entire weekend with my girlfriend E was wonderful.  As planned, we spent most of our very brief time away enjoying the beauty of Glenwood Springs, including wogging (walking and jogging), biking, dining and talking talking talking....

So, back to noodlicious and the spa.  We started out in the vapor caves.  The caves are natural underground steam baths with temperatures somewhere between 110-112 degrees F.   The Ute Indians had been using these caves for hundreds of years for the curative powers, for which I can attest.  Following the vapor caves I had an herbal wrap, followed by a hot stone massage.  The entire afternoon turned us into noodles and was just delicious....hence, noodlicious. 

 I think if I lived closer I would become a vapor cave addict....I'd have to figure out how to get my laptop to work in that steamy hot environment....work from cave home would have an entire new meaning!! 

Some days the running mojo goes missing...like yesterday.  I headed out the the Boulder Reservoir for a nice 5 mile loop in honor of my 5 year cancer anniversary....problem was I seemed to forget that I overheat easily in the baking sun, even if the temps don't exceed 60 F, and I was tired (waaah, poor me!).  I opted to cut myself some slack and enjoy my WOG (a blend of Walking and jOGging for those of you not familiar with this acronym.). 

As I said the sun was out, the sky beautifully clear, the water a deep blue, and the natural habitat at the reservoir was fresh and alive, even green, with the foothills, flatirons and snowy high mountain peaks in the distance.  Before I got more than a few hundred yards out I stopped to admire a red tailed hawk drafting in circles looking for lunch.  I pondered what it must feel like to float in the air like the predator was doing with abandon. 

I also took advantage of my decision to WOG to read all the nature signs posted along sections of the trail.  I read all about the prairie dogs and their importance in the food chain, and how they provide ready made burrows for snakes, ground owls and other critters.  I learned that raptors come from all over in the winter to gorge themselves on the prairie dogs.  (I don't recall if the word gorge was specifically used, but it was something very similar, maybe feast?).  If the potentially plague infested rodents were removed the raptors, coyotes and foxes wouldn't have very much to eat and that would mess up the entire balance of nature.  I get it....it makes sense....we all fit in somewhere, even if we may deemed less than perfect or an annoyance. 

Each of us is here for a reason.  I'll remember that on my next mountain bike ride when a prairie dogs dashes in front of me and I have to exercize defensive biking skills !!  Little suicidal buggers !!

Since I've been back in Puerto Rico in November I've spent some time underwater....I wish I had an option to grow gills so I wouldn't be limited to the dive tables, floating on the wall, near the reef, just being.

Some nice tourists with some fancy camera gear snapped this picture of me....serene, almost not real.

Below are a few pictures taken from a dive a couple weeks ago.  Cachi, a boat captain and dive instructor at Paradise, brought along his underwater camera to capture some nice pictures:

 
Eel:

Shrimp: 

 
Lobster: 

On Sunday I had the opportunity to go diving with a small group from the dive shop going out spearfishing.  We went to the Wall where I've done the open water dives in Puerto Rico.  It's a nice 30 minutes ride from La Parguera to Wall which runs 20 miles parallel to the south shore of the island. It was a calm balmy day and we suited up swiftly so we could get underwater.

The guys wasted no time in getting to work.  We had two fishermen and two divers.  In addition to the spear guns there were lobster snares and big mesh bags to carry the haul.  It was really fun to experience this type of fishing.  To me, growing up in Michigan, fishing means snagging a worm on a hook and plunking it in the water, then watching your bobber for some kind of activity.  Watching for the tellatale jiggles, where you give a swift jerk on the line, and reel it in, usually to find no fish and no more worm.

Spearfishing reminded me more of hunting.  The diver moves gracefully through the water searching for the perfect fish.  Once spotted, you get in position, aim, fire, and if all goes well you have a hit, and hopefully a clean hit.  You then walk the line down to the fish, and remove the spear, and store the delectable fish in the mesh bag. 

Here is a picture of the fish haul and one of me diving.  I was fortunate to be given a grouper to take with me.  Can you say YUM?? 

 blub, blub, blub......

During my extended stay here I've observed that most Puerto Rican ladies wear high heels with just about any outfit, doing just about anything.  I've found myself being impacted by this fashion environment.  My very practical sandals have remained in the closet most days, and I've opted for my something with more of a lift. 

Today on my morning run a lady was out for a walk.  She had on sweat pants.  Her hands held small weights to work the upper body.  The headphones played her choice of "get it movin' music".  All this sounds fairly typical, until I noticed the shoes.  She was out power walking in 4 inch wedgie sandals.  Go figure. 

Ok, I need to the shower, but only if I can find my high heeled shower shoes! 
 

The Big Project is winding down and everyone is taking a much needed break until next week when we need to get it across the finish line.  So, I've been using my free time to get some much needed rest in, worked around the diving I've been able to schedule.  Saturday and Sunday I went back out to the Wall.  It's eye opening how each spot I've been is just so different from the other.  I guess that makes sense - I hike alot in Colorado, and even though it's in the Rockies, each trail is unique. 

Saturday was really great once I got my weight adjusted.  There was more of a current and it was pushing me up.  It took alot of energy to stay down, even when I was given extra weight mid-dive.  I had alot of fun riding on the bow of the boat with Cristobal and Jerry from the shop - they had me laughing so hard I kept thinking I might fall in the water. 

Sunday the diving was ok, visibility wasn't as great, and I had some equipment issues.  I went out with another shop in La Parguera as Paradise didn't have any wall trips.  The owner and captain was super, the boat was nice, but my BC was too big and my fins too small.  And, there were 12 divers on the boat and of course, one continually seemed to be in my personal underwater space.  But, I'm not complaining....we saw great fish and a spotted ray, gliding silently. 

Tonight I'm scheduled for a night dive!  I'm super excited to do this...last time it was canceled due to weather.  So far today is gorgeous and clear.  Hope it holds!

Below are two of my new diving buddies from Saturday:

I've been having a great time running in the mornings in Ponce.  Yup, I did say morning.   Something has happened to my body clock in Puerto Rico that causes me to wake up early, feel reasonably refreshed, and put on my running gear.  (For those of you that know me well you might think I've been possessed....not really an early morning person and all)

The hotel grounds are lovely.  I've taken to running through the golf course, where I can watch the dawn streak over the mountains.  The birds are just waking up.  I haven't gotten a bird book so I don't know the names of the feathered friends, but some are stunning.  There is a family of ducks that live in one of the ponds.  The baby ducks are so tiny, they look like they are the size of a rubber bathtub duck.  There are also some very small black birds that have a bold white chest and face markings,  and some bright red markings on their heads.  The males have a tail 3x their body size (I'm estimating 6 inches).....watching them fly is almost comical...it's like the are hopping or skipping through the sky (more like bunnies than birdies.)

Today was just great.  Can't wait for 5:45 am tomorrow.....! 

One of my friends in Colorado is convincing me to join her at the Buffalo Classic Bike event should I make it back to Colorado anytime soon.  She is going to do the shorter 35 mile loop.  I'm invited to join her. 

I'm weighing my options - 

Upside:  I have a brand new never ridden road bike sitting at home waiting for my return. 

Downside:  I've been at sea level for weeks now, I'll be gasping for oxygen at elevation! 

Upside:  I do love to ride, especially with this fun lady.  We'll chat, stop for coffee, and chat some more.   

Downside:  I haven't been on a bike in a couple of months, riding the exercise bike occasionally at the gym means my biking muscles are not up to par. 

Upside:  I do love a butt kicking!  And, my new bike is Purple!!

Ok, sounds like I'll be joining her should I be back in town!