K-Town?

It has been a long time since I have shaved my legs. I was quite excited to do it last Saturday night. It wasn't because of a night out at the bars, rather I rode 100 miles in the Buffalo Bicycle Classic on Sunday morning. We had beautiful weather, the aid stations were the best I have ever had (tacos, almond butter and Nutella on graham crackers, sandwiches) and the ride was gorgeous. We rode from Boulder past Carter Lake, all the way to Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins. I got to wear my new Bear Naked tri outfit which was surprisingly comfortable. It it scary that I could ride the 100 miles and still feel pretty good. I took it easy and was hungry for a couple of days, but it puts the idea of doing an IM into my head.

5.11?

I am going to see this movie next week. I am very excited. I have been rock climbing a lot and finally remember what it is like to be nervous, exhilarated, scared, and happy all at the same time. I am hoping to practice traditional (trad) climbing next week as well. The main difference is with sport climbing (what I do now) there are big metal bolts in the rocks that you attach your rope to. It is safer.

Wikipedia says: Traditional climbing, or Trad climbing, is a style of climbing that emphasizes the skills necessary for establishing routes in an exploratory fashion. Before the advent of sport climbing, the normal style of unaided rock climbing was what is now referred to as "traditional". Trad climbing usually involves the leader ascending a section of rock while placing their own protective devices as he/she climbs. Route finding, effective gear placements, self control, and good climbing skills are essential. Normally, such climbs are not previewed or rehearsed on a top rope (with or without tension), and emphasis is placed on passing difficult sections on the first try. As a form of free climbing, only the limbs and body of the climber are used to effect upward progress, and protective devices are placed solely to catch the climber in the event of a fall.

I am currently reading "The Iron Heel" by Jack London. It is interesting that it is from the same author as White Fang and The Call of the Wild. It was written about a hundred years ago and it could have been written yesterday.

Stoked

Bree Wee has a great outlook on life. I read her blog often and I am constantly impressed by how humble this girl is while kicking some major butt. Trying to qualify for Kona IM twice, but not quite getting her slot, she just raced IM Kentucky. Just going there would be scary enough for me. This blog post of her inspired me, a lot. I signed up for the Buffalo Bicycle Classic (70 miles) and the Boulder Backroads Marathon (half marathon). I love to compete and it has been too long.
I recently got a shipment of my Bear Naked products. I was stoked to find out that there were over 3,000 applicants and only 100 athletes chosen. So far, the granola has exceeded my expectations. It gives me plenty of energy without any hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives. The also outfitted me with a bunch of gear to wear while training and racing. Look out for pictures soon. Another great thing about Bear Naked is that they work with the National Arbor Day Foundation to help plant trees across the country. I like that.
I am currently reading Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods". It is about his hiking/camping trip across the Appalachian Trail. Inspiring.
Today I made peanut butter cookies with chocolates chunks after running 6.4 miles. Life is all about balance. Hopefully they will let me use the kitchen equipment at work to make pesto using basil from my garden.