LUNA Climbs Against the Odds

Fear & Stuff

2009-05-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Fear is a funny thing. It sometimes comes at moments when you least expect it, it sometimes comes at moments when you expect it most. It can sneak up and envelop you or it can tap you on the shoulder and like an annoying child, you can learn to ignore it.

The past weeks fear has become a consistent feeling in my life. If you know me, you know that doesn't make me happy. I don't like things that beat me, I don't like things I understand, and I don't like things that scare me.

As Wendy mentioned a couple of weeks ago we went up to Shasta for snow school and to hike around.

Castle Crags was the hike that we did on Sunday.

It had been raining and snowing the whole entire weekend which made the climb basically up wet rock. It was that day, I came to realize my smallishnotsosmall fear of heights. In a little over a month I will be climbing a mountain that is over 14 thousand feet high. A smallishnotsosmall heights issue is something I should have figured out prior to this, no?

But it's one of those things. You learn to cope, you overcome, you succeed. The view at the top of Castle Crags, so worth it. The view from the top of Shasta, I am sure will evoke the same emotion.

And all in all, there is something to be said about fear of nature, it reminds me how human I am and how awesome things are, even when you can't control them.

And you know what, it was one of those experiences that made me realize how much the team is going to be important in this whole journey. I have determination, Wendy has an amazing light that shines when she's out in the great wide open, Laura has the experience of other Shasta Summits, and Gil has a hand that he's willing to hand me, when I miss a step.

Things that helped, singing Kings of Leon down the hill...

"Im on call to be there,
one and all to be there.
When I fall, to pieces,
lord you know ill be there waiting"

... hot tamales, and keeping my head down, because sometimes that's the way you go.

A

The other recent fear in my life, after running way to many miles, and doing some other silly things, I threw my back-hip-leg out. One week off and it started to feel better, second week and there is still a limp, and I am not quite sure how the packs going to feel.

Adding a Bit of Rock & Roll to the Rock

2009-05-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

So Thursday April 23rd was the first and last official Breast Feed here at Clif Bar, presented of course by Wen and myself. Hours and hours, months and months of planning all came down to an event that was about 4 hours long. But 4 memorable hours they were.

I know Wendy would agree, that for a couple of months the Boob Dinner, as we affectionately called the beast, took up most of the free moments of our lives and sometimes the not so free moments. Emailing, calling, begging business for raffle items and food and drink donations seemed to be all I did for awhile. Justin started running the opposite direction when Wen and I approached, scared of what we would demand of him next... ok it wasn't that crazy.

But planning an event, any event is stressful. Planning a fundraising event, where you foot the bill, a little on this side of a heart attack.

The crazy thing was, that night everything came together. Businesses were generous with donations.

The kitchen came to play and won.

Our co-workers who volunteered, worked there butts off that night.

The bands showed up, the sound was awesome, and more than once I heard, "the event just seems to be easy." Which I have been told in the event planning world, is about the highest compliment you can get. Making something that makes your insides want to burst seem like a cake walk.

Thank you to all who made the event, thank you to all who helped make the event, and if you ever had any doubts, Wen and I can roll with the best of them.

And yes the meatballs were bomb.

Clif Bar Auditorium, not so shabby.

Breast Cancer Fund Mania!

2009-05-04T18:52:00.001-07:00

So in the last 10 days, we've had our fundraising event Breast Feed, hiked from Stinson Beach to Mt Tam and back, went to the Breast Cancer Fund's Annual Heroes Tribute and spent the weekend at Shasta for mountaineering school and a group hike up Castle Crags SP.

More detail on all of the above to come...just didn't want you to forget about us. :)

.w

Meal On

2009-04-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Wendy and my Breast Cancer Fundraising Dinner, aptly named The Breast Feed, is fast approaching. Less than a week from now, Justin, Scott, Ian and Jen will be cooking up a storm, and stirring up their passion for you guessed it…meatballs! (Ok so maybe you didn’t guess that part). And no, no one will be actually breast feeding, if there was any confusion on that side.

Months ago, in January, we learned we had to raise a lot of money for the Breast Cancer Fund, mulling over ideas we decided, why not talk to Justin L., fan of My Morning Jacket, self proclaimed walking EMO disaster, jiu-jituser, and most importantly lover of fantastic food, to make us a dinner. I personally would love for Justin to make me dinner every night, or just someone to make me dinner every night, (i have a tendency to think cereal makes a square meal). We asked him to make a big dinner, with 150 guests. He told us he’d talk to his cohorts in R&D and see what he could do.

A little background-

Here at Clif Bar we do this thing called the Big Dinner. Our event will not be the Big Dinner; it’s a little messier than that, I'm a little more on the punk rock side. But at the Big Dinner there are multiple courses or gourmet food, entertainment, and plates that cost a lot. But the plates are well worth it, with all the money going to a charity of choice. Last year it was The Mosaic Project, a nonprofit based out of Oakland, which helps young youth strive for peace in their communities. Well, the gourmet food is made by the chefs here around the office, with a big help from Justin.

After talking to his partners I got a reply, “April 23rd, let’s do this Sh...” So we were on. With one stipulation, there had to be meatballs. Justin and the boys are passionate about meatballs (his words not mine), and whats not to love about a ball of meat so we agreed.

Here’s the lowdown-

We are doing it slow food organic style. What does that mean exactly? The Slow Food Movement was started in Italy, basically to resist the opening of a McDonald’s by the Spanish Steps in Rome. It’s about using what is local to the region, using local artisans, local farmers and local flavors and taking the time to connect, back to food and our neighbors.

What does that mean for our dinner here? We are using local organic meats from Prather Ranch, organic sustainable poultry from Petaluma Poultry, chocolate from Guittard and bread from Acme.

J is planning to pick the produce that day from Monterey Market, a small produce market that focuses on bringing in season produce to Berkeley -- unlike our conventional stores where you can get grapes out of grape season and tomatoes in the middle of winter. So it’s sure to be the freshest, that’s what it is sort of all about. Picking what’s best at the time and planning your menu that way, versus planning your menu and trying to find out of season ingredients.

Tickets are still available so contact either Wendy, myself, or do it yourself.

And if you do end up coming next Thursday, remember to thank the chefs, the food will be fantastic.

-A

No Calculator Needed

2009-04-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

Wendy and I did the Dipsea steps tonight. Thats Mondays from now until the end of June. Today it was all three sets four times each. And yes, without a calculator and a little winded from all the climbing the two of us deduced we climbed about 698 steps four times...cary the 2, add the eights and we got to 2792 steps.

I dont know which was crazier, the steps, or the math in the head. All I know is on a Monday, after a work and a workout, its a lot. But with an I-pod, a good play list (i still need to make that), some fresh air, and good friends, its not so bad.

Abbs is a good nickname, but...

2009-04-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

It has recently come to my attention (because there aren't many small children in my life) that there's a character on Sesame Street named Abby Cadabby. Great new nickname to drive Abbs crazy, huh?

Although she has taken to saying "that's so magic" just like her new namesake so I think she likes it more than she'd admit.

.w

Corazon, Food with a little Extra Love

2009-04-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

As you can see from our posts, food is one of the easier ways to earn some extra dough around the office.

Healthy foods are consumed for the most part, organic salad bars and such, and not so healthy foods because we aren't all saints. Delicious food always finds a home here and in our stomachs.

Cora sits behind me at Clif, she is the always payroll guru, sometimes match maker, and an institution here in the office, (she's about employee 50 here, (not as in 50 total, but as 50 in the original number of folks who have come and gone) earned one sabbatical (7 years of service) and is well on her way to number 2). She arrives to work early, around 6 from what I'm told, Rainey in hand (her dog) and she is gone in time to get home to watch Oprah, so make sure you get your questions answered early in the day.

Cora decided she wanted to help Wendy and I out on our fundraising efforts so staged her own lunch day for us here at the office. On the menu Lumpia, basically a Filipino egg roll.

"lumpia is filled with ground pork or beef, minced onion, carrots, and spices with the mixture held together by beaten egg. It may sometimes contain green peas."

Not all lumpia are fried but these ones were. With the help of some of her friends around the office, a traditional rice dish, some amazing flan, and a punch was also ready to be had by anyone willing to stop by conference room 1.

Cora is just another testament to all the help and encouragement we have had around the office. Its a little cheesy to say, but it helps to have all these people here who have our back. It also adds a little to the pressure of really wanting to succeed, but I have never been one to back down from a challenge and Wendy's about as tenacious as I am.

So maybe the lunch wasn't the healthiest we've ever had around here. But it sure did fill a lot of bellies and add to some smiles (I would have a picture for you, but the food was gone before I could get that far).

-A

Oh and by the way, she's trying to find me a husband, all on her own accord, if you do it for her, she'll probably throw you a party.

& be careful when you ask why she doesn't go to the gym...

Tix now on sale for April 23rd event!!

2009-04-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Get 'em online here before they're gone!

Follow Me Stripes

2009-03-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

There's a term in wildlife biology (a few years of volunteering at the Bronx Zoo, thank you) called "follow me" stripes which are the markings on the hindquarters of herd animals that enable them to follow each other when they're on the move in large groups. I put this theory to practice last Sunday on our group hike to the summit of Mt. Tam.

I have to be honest...I had been dreading this hike all week. I had to miss the last one because I was sick. And it was going to be 12 miles with 6000 ft in elevation gain/loss over the course of an estimated 6 hours with a 30lb pack on my back. I had not been sleeping well and I just had a feeling this hike would kick my butt. The weather forecast of rain and wind all day had sealed my foul mood.

The weather held OK as Abbs and I drove over to Marin to the trailhead at Madrone Canyon. We needed to be there at 8:45 for a 9am sharp departure. For whatever reason, that 9am start didn't happen and we stood in what became a steady downpour for 45 minutes before we started off. Cue the foul mood in full force at this point!

So we were wet and cold as we took off with heads down in frustration and in looking to make sure we didn't slip. The rain subsided as the hike wore on which was good. But the hike was still hard - sections of it were quite steep and looked more like water runoff than trails. The pack felt heavy and so did my legs. Our rest breaks felt even shorter than usual (our training plan always consists of hiking for an hour then resting with snacks & water for 5-10 minutes before we're back on the trail.) But I stayed with the lead pack and soldiered on - basically using Abby's shoes as my follow me stripes.

When we finally reached the summit of Mt Tam (2600 ft.), the icy wind was blowing and there were spots with snow on the ground.

We stopped to take in the gorgeous views at the top, took some victory pictures and felt a little better now that we were half done (Gil's Almond Joy treat also helped to lift the mood.)

In the early part of the return trip, Abby had to stop and tie her shoe. That minute or so put she and I back in the middle of the pack - back far enough that we couldn't see the lead three as they wound through the trail.

Not phased by this, Abbs and I enjoyed our descent chattering about boys and music. About a mile or two from end of the hike, our friends Gil and Marcella had caught up with us and the four of us rolled on -- excited we were nearly finished with a full day of hiking.

We crossed a wooden bridge over a creek and tried to turn right but realized the trail went left. It felt weird to all of us, but we started the trail up the hill. Because we had started the hike in miserable conditions, none of us were 100% sure if this trail was right or not. But most of us had a gut feeling that we had taken a wrong turn since we were climbing upward again and the terrain was changing.

It wasn't until we got to the top of the hill (approx. a 1/2 mile) that we finally saw a trailhead marker and didn't recognize the trail name. We knew we were lost. And we had no map. No cell service on the first phone we tried, but I was able to get a signal on mine and I got Connie, our climb coordinator's number from someone. Although she broke up repeatedly & I couldn't decipher her directions, I heard two bridges and realized we had made some sort of mistake at the wooden bridge we crossed.

Dejected, exhausted and frustrated, we descended back down to where we came from. About halfway down, we heard Joe calling for us. Joe is a personal trainer at CLIF and the third member of the LUNA climbing team. He is a boundless source of energy and came running back into the forest looking for us when we didn't show up at the end of the trail. We were glad to see him and glad he came to look for us.

Turns out there were two wooden bridges not far from one another. And we crossed the first one when we should have crossed the second one. So about an hour later and more than a mile out of our way, we crossed the finish. The first question the team asked us was who was leading. We refused to say then as I will refuse to say now. Because it really doesn't matter. And our refusal to say speaks volumes about the level of team building we've achieved.

I don't yet know about my faith in the whole climbing team, but I know the three people I was with that day will have my back...will be there if I need them...will not leave me behind...and I would do the same for them.

Which made the whole thing worth it. They've earned their stripes.

.w

Burpee

2009-03-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

So both Abbs and I get lots of questions about exactly what we do in training. Well, here's a quick slideshow of a favorite of all the trainers we work with -- the burpee. You start as Abbs is in the photo above in a squat over a medicine ball.
Then you "burp" out by jumping your legs backward.

Most trainers add a push up while you're in this, oh-so-perfect push up position...

Then you "burp" back in...

And come to standing with the medicine ball...

Lift the ball over your head...

And smile coyly over your shoulder at the camera...

We have done what feels like a zillion of these already and we have three more months to go. They really get your heart rate up so we start most training sessions with them. Now you can start yours with them, too.

Fun, huh?
.w

Up and Up and oh what was that Up some more

2009-03-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

The bay area has been RAINY and Wendy has been sick, thus no weekend training hikes. That was until this weekend.

Wendy and I decided we should find an East Bay hike and rep Oakland or Berkeley or wherever it was we could find a hill to climb. Most of the training hikes revolve around Mount Tam and we didn't want to spend the gas, (and more realistically the time) it takes to get over there. We decided to do the Claremont Canyon hike, which is almost literally in our backyard.

I had done the up hill a couple of times before I moved to another part of Oakland, with roommates, friends, the occasional boy. The views from the top of the steep hill are amazing and it always seemed like a quick jaunt.

Yeah, a quick jaunt was not quite the case when you are carrying your pack with you.

Wendy came and got me just before 11 and by 11:15 we were off. And we were up. The trail goes from a not so gradual up hill, to a pretty steep climb. Wendy and I kept the pace up, and she felt better than she had in a long time.

We passed the occasional hiker on the way up, some asked if we were training others just looked at us like we were off our rockers.

We reached the top of the first climb and there was the option to go right or left. Left takes you down a road and back on a trail, a gradual descent towards the Berkeley fire trail which gets you behind Cal's I House, right as we found out takes you up, and then up again, and what was that, up one more time (at least).

Wendy and I decided to go right and continue on for about another hour, in that time we reached the top of the trail, which drops off to an area that looks like a semi post apocalyptic area of dead trees (I know not the best mental picture) and we were both pretty impressed with our timing.

The climb down was interesting, loose rock and steep downhills that killed my knees. We made it down pretty quickly all things considered and with out injury (as a rather klutzy person a thing I value a ton)

All in all it was a nice mid day hike, sweeping hills of the bay, blooming flowers, a couple of good belly laughs, some person care recommendations and a pair of painful feet.

Alas, there were no post hike burritos this time but for me there was a badly needed pedicure.

(Don't ask to see the bottom of my feet they are still a little on the scary side :))

A

Back in the Saddle Again

2009-03-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

Yep...I'm back in the saddle again. And it's hard. It's been 3 weeks of basically no activity. And there is a measurable difference now between Abbs and myself. She's continued to progress and I've regressed. Which sucks. Everyone tells me it will come back faster than it did from the very beginning. But I still feel like I'm starting at zero.

Here's to hoping both our saddles look fantastic by June.

.w

Waffle Wednesday

2009-02-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

There's a good ole tradition at CLIF known as Waffle Wednesday. It's often a spur-of-the-moment surprise that you don't know about until you smell the waffle goodness when you walk in the building. It can really turn a grey sky blue.

We haven't had one yet in 2009 so Abbs & I decided to ask our pals Matt & Pat, Waffle Iron Chefs and Creative Directours of Waffle Wednesdays if they would do one on behalf of our climb. Through a brief negotiation period which entailed Mexican Hot Chocolate on the day of the event and beers at the local Albatross at a TBD date in the very near future, they agreed.

Our fellow co-workers graciously scarfed (yes...you can scarf AND be gracious at the same time!) up the waffles with toppings varying from chocolate chips to Sriracha hot sauce and donated some $$. These greenbacks officially kick off my fundraising campaign so I'm thankfully no longer at zero and gave a nice bump to Abbs' total, too.

Thanks Pat & Matt (and the trusty cow waffle maker!)

-W

SAVE THE DATE - April 23

2009-02-23T17:03:00.001-08:00

Orange you glad you met Gil?

2009-02-23T09:59:00.001-08:00

Gil's gift (see below) for his Moon Girls were oranges -- sunny, sweet and delightful just like Gil. Here's to a healthy dose of Vitamin C to close the lid on this cold.

-W

Dipsea Stairs to Muirwoods, This One's for you Gil

2009-02-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

This Saturday we had another group hike with Cat our Breast Cancer Fund training leader and some of the others in the Bay Area training group.

Wendy is still sick.

That made the anticipation of this hike harder for me than I thought. With Wendy I have a carpool buddy. I have someone that knows me helping me get through the hiking. For me the climb was something I wanted to do for myself and the people I know and don't know who have been affected by breast cancer. But after spending so much time training with Wendy, it's now something I want to be able to have someone share in the experience, every mentally and physically draining portion of it. So this Saturday was hard. We have a great group of people we hike with, but I am still forming bonds with them and its simply not the same, at least not yet.

I found the Dipsea Steps in Mill Valley with no problem thanks to Google maps. (I am also horrible with directions so not having a co-pilot was a little sketchy.) I grabbed my pack, weighed down with what I thought was 25lbs of rice, sugar, books and sweatshirts (more on that later), put on my green windbreaker and headed up to where the group was meeting.

I received a greeting of a hug and a smile from Cat, Connie, Alice and some of the others in the group and a fantastic hello from Gil. Everyone asked about Wendy, and they were all disappointed and concerned to hear she wouldn't be making it. No one was more disappointed then Gil, I think his attachment to her rivals mine.

We started off climbing the 650 plus Dipsea steps and were on our way on the loop. I was toward the middle of the pack, my shoe was untied and I fell towards the back, my pack seemed heavy, I was tired, sweaty thirsty and ready for our first break, we made it off the road to where our next trail was starting. I chatted with some of the folks in our group, Amy a new addition from Cal, and Laura a veteran of the climb who recently came back from Mexico, while eating an apple and some cheese. I knew I needed to snap out of whatever mind set I had fallen into. It was way to early to have hit a wall. Gil came up and asked how I was doing and what the "Terminator" was making Wendy and I do.

As we chatted it was time to start hiking again, and that's when the most simple thing occurred. Gil told me, "You are going to stay behind me Abby, this whole leg." And I said, "Ok Gil". This portion of the climb was the up hill to the back of the Muir Woods. Gil was right behind Alice who was right behind Cat, the leader of the pack. I followed Alice's bell and Gil's orange shirt keeping pace with them the whole time. Gil telling me about his olive trees as we went and asking about my training with Wendy.

Gil calls us the Moon Girls, since we both work at Clif/Luna. The first time we met he asked us why the bar is named Luna and I don't think we have given him the correct answer yet. Gil loves the Luna Moons, I think pomegranate is his favorite but don't quote me on that. Gil told me Wendy and I were like salt and pepper, carrots and celery, peanut butter and jelly (ok not that far) but he did say the first two, basically we go together. Gil is 62 and from Davis. Gil got me through that portion of the hike, as we got to our next rest stop, I told him, "I did what you told me, I'm right behind you." I got a high five.

We stopped on a green crest, with a view of the ocean. The sun was shining and it felt nice to lay back and relax for a few minutes. During our break Gil was clutch again, offering me a piece of his Almond Joy, (which I only took for the great energy almonds are, not the chocolaty coconut goodness :)). We were off again, and this time it was easier to stick with Gil and the two others in the front.

The down hills in the mud were a little sticky but the rest of the hike was a breeze (Well maybe not a breeze) I had turned the corner and I was good to go. Reaching Muirwods was one of the more interesting experiences. It is gorgeous and full of tourists, none of who carry packs, needless to say we stuck out like a sore thumb, which did make for good conversation, and a time to spotlight the breast cancer fund.

We finished before the rain came a mixture of being beat and rejuvenated by the whole experience. Connie picked up my pack, turns out sometimes my math is not the best, and I had over packed my pack, by A LOT, whoops. No wonder I was pooped but really proud at what I had done.

The first hike, I was in the middle of the pack and I was ok with that, it felt natural. Other than the first leg of this hike, I was up in the front, keeping pace with the folks I felt were at a near running pace. I guess all the training has been paying off. But I do hand a lot of it to Gil. He really is a great guy, and like so many of the other climbers I feel blessed to have met him. His smile is a comfort and what girl doesn't like a guy who will give her free chocolate?

As I was heading towards my car I heard Gil call me name. I forgot, along the hike he told me he had something for Wendy and I. We walked to Alice's car, (who happens to be his sister-in-law) and he handed off the goods. I haven't given them to Wendy yet, so you'll have to wait to find out what it was. Thanks Gil for everything. See you at the next hike. I am sure both the Moon Girls will be there.

-A

Spa Day Anyone?

2009-02-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

Fridays at work, and it was time for a spa day.

Most people at work have every other Friday off. You put in some extra hours during the week and then you are free for a Friday, or at least 2 a month. Your Fridays alternate with another co-worker in your department (for the most part) so most questions can be answered at least on the surface until the next Monday when that person is back in the office. I came into Clif semi-new so my partnered Friday was already chosen for me. I basically had to alternate with Jen F and she had her Fridays taken so I got the opposing Friday.

Jen didn't calculate her Fridays so well so starting during the holiday season, I had my Friday off, the next week was Thanksgiving, her Friday but I got it off as well. I had a Friday off, the next Friday was the holiday party, I got to leave early. I had Friday off , the next Friday was our Christmas Break, my off Friday fell on the Friday after new years, a day the company was supposed to work. MLK day came along, my Friday proceeded it, 4 day weekend, Presidents day, same story.

Needless to say, now that we are back on a semi normal schedule, no holidays or vacations in sight, my Fridays on take a little getting used to. This Friday was one of them.

After a good more then half day of work it was gym time with Wade. A little stressed out and tired from a longer work week (not just the extra day,Monday was a holiday), but just a tiring one, I walked into the gym happy to work it out, but also exhausted and not sure if I could handle another anaerobic workout.

Wendy was still sick, and originally we had an hour. Could I face Wade for an hour alone?

I walked into the office and Wade was smiling that huge smile he has when you can tell something is up his sleeve. And this time it wasn't because he had thought of some new torture system for me. (Well he did, but that wasn't the reason for the smile). It was cucumbers! Wade had described to Wendy and I, this relaxation method he had used with his partner. Cut up cucumber, put it in ice with towels, and cover your eyes. Pretty simple, I guess you can buy these cucumbers in the cosmetic department at a store, but seriously why spend more then the .99 cents and cut up the thing on your own.

Wendy walked in, defeated I think would be the best word, to talk with Wade about anything she could do to kick her cold or flu or SARS, whatever it is, and we told her to come back in 45 minutes she was taking part in the cucumbers too, even if she wasn't doing the workout.

With the Ting Ting's playing,

I attempted, 45 minutes of the slide board, something that looks like ice skating and literally kicks your butt, yes your butt, medicine ball throwing, jumping, pull downs, shoulders, and the infamous abs series, I think Wade and I are up to over 200 in the sequence. And I did it, with the help of girlie music and the encouragement of Wade.

Then it was time. Wade asked me to lay down, Shivasana, style, and placed the cold cucmbers and freezing cold towel over my eyes. It tooks a while to get used to, it was COLD, but thats the point I guess. A little Bon Iver in the background,

I got to relax, totally relax something I don't think I do often enough. Wade gently realigned my body and gave me a quick head massage. It was fantastic, you should all try it sometime, and the much better after a grueling workout. Wendy even said it was the best she felt for about as long as she could remember.

Thanks Wade!

-A

What Abbs and Wade didn't know was that as I lay there with cucumbers on my eyes and Bon Iver in my ears, I actually cried because it felt so good. Sometimes those moments of relaxation are so welcome that your body just releases everything -- including tears. And while it was likely a simple gesture on Wade's part, it was huge for me. And as I sit here on Sunday night feeling better than I have in 2 weeks, I can reflect back that it was the cucumber moment that was the turning-the-corner moment on my cold.

Thanks Wade!

-W

A Cold Blows

2009-02-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

OK...I've been noticeably absent from this blog as well as many other aspects of my life of late. Abbs eluded it in her post, but she didn't quite detail the magnitude of the illness that has fallen on me for the last week and a half. I've nicknamed it SuperBug and it has infected me and many people I know over the course of the last couple months.

My theory is that viruses that try to infect a bunch of former athletes and super health-conscious people like those at CLIF/LUNA really have to bring their A-game to take anybody down -- hence, they're SuperBugs. Being a tad weaker than the rest, I seem like a ripe candidate for SuperBugdom. This is my second big cold since I started at CLIF last May and it's a whopper. If it's a cold/flu symptom, I've had it. And I've spent many hours and $$ in the cold remedy aisle at Longs Drugs and Whole Foods to no avail (see photo of nightstand above.)

The biggest disappointment is the training I've missed and the fear that any ground I've gained has been lost and I'll be essentially starting at zero again when I'm finally able to get back at it. I've been doing all I can to be ready for our first run at the infamous Dipsea Steps this Saturday, but as time marches closer and the clogged lungs don't improve, it's disappointingly seeming less and less likely.

This must be the frustration part of the journey I'm on. All I can say is wash your hands, people. And don't kiss strangers (which may be a good rule of thumb anyway.)

.W

Going it Alone (kinda)

2009-02-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend W was busy (imagine that) and she couldn't fit in a hike. Luckily, we work somewhere, that convincing other people to hike with you isn't a problem. Friday it poured buckets in Berkeley and most of the Bay Area, so Derike, one of the other trainers at work suggested we go on a waterfall hike. I convinced Emily and Michael two other Clif/Luna folks to join us and we met up at work to carpool Sunday morning.

The hike ended up starting at the dam by Cataract Loop, the same area that our first group hike for BCF was staged. This time the waterfalls were awesome, and the hike was a lot easier without a 20 pound pack. I know we are supposed to do our training hikes with packs but once in awhile it is fun to just go out and enjoy the scenery. This hike has an estimated 25 falls, and there were a crazy number of people on it. Everyone was very friendly and happy to be out enjoying MT Tam.

We made it to a clearing, with a bathroom, that Emily was super excited for, she had had Peets prior to us meeting up and had been looking for a secluded area to do her business. I had almost convinced her there was a sheltered area about 5 minutes from that clearing, but Derike knew about the bathrooms a head and let her know she could hold it for a little longer. The bathrooms were completely pitch dark, which makes the whole situation a little disorienting, but relieved, we had to make the decision to turn around or go forward for 20 more minutes.

Forward was the decision and we followed the trail up to the left, back into the hills and by a small stream. The whole hike we kept running into dogs and checking them out, talking to the owners. Up the hill Michael spotted a small Boston Terrier. Not an amazing fact, except that the dog was Theo!!

Theo belongs to Shauna, one of the Sustainability folks at Clif. Who would have guessed we would have run into someone we knew at Mt Tam. I guess that's what working at Clif/Luna does to you. We hiked with Shauna, Theo, Shauna's husband Louis and one of his friends.

At a bend in the road and after showing them one of the bigger falls we went back on our way to the car.

The hike ended up being pretty dry, because of all of the tree cover and it was great, spending time out of the office with folks. I did miss Wendy and the antics that we end up in when we are out together, but I am sure she'll be along for the next one.

Flash to Monday. 2pm

That is terminator time for Wendy and I.

I went to my desk to look for my i-pod and when I got back I saw Wendy talking to Steph, dressed in her street clothes. I got on one of the ellipticals and started warming up. 5 minutes later Stephanie informs me that Wendy will not be joining me that afternoon. She told me to get on the stairclimber and prepare for the worst. 10 minutes on the machine and I was ready for the session to be over, but I had 50 minutes left. Lunges, jumping, running while hooked to a harness, leg presses, were all on the agenda that day. I had had a burrito which might be a good idea after a session but prior, it was a bad, bad choice.

Cursing Wendy in my mind I got through the hour, a little sweaty and a little tired, but feeling like I had accomplished something.

Final thoughts, Wendy get yourself better, take some airborne, and come out to play. I miss you! And I need someone to distract Steph :)

Whip It GOOD!

2009-02-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a snapshot of what it's like to workout at the CLIF gym with Steph the Terminator - literally whipping us into shape! -W

"All right Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up"

2009-02-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

In order for the BCF to better publicize the Shasta climb, they write profiles about the participants. It is a good way for people from around the country to get to know us. In addition to the profiles, they post a picture of you. It puts a face to the climbers and the Breast Cancer Fund. It makes us a little more concrete.

I don't know about you, but going through the pictures I had of myself, I couldn't find any that fit the bill. Most pictures I have of myself I am either between the ages of 4-8, in a group, or making some sort of goofy face, if not shielding face from the camera completely.

As it turns out Wendy felt the same way, and was having a hard time finding an appropriate picture to send in.

I stopped by her 4th street desk to ask her about something work related, and then I stood puzzled wondering why she looked like she was ready to go for a hike right that moment. She had recruited Swanner, Clif Bar's "Designawriterographer," to take her head shot. She kindly invited me along and we headed off to Indian Rock in Berkeley.

If you haven't been and you are in the area, google it, at the top is a gorgeous view of the city.

After climbing to the top, in my black ballet flats, with Wendy joking that wouldn't it be funny if that was how my climb ended, slipping off the edge of a rather large stone while getting my picture taken in ridiculous shoes, we started the photos.

Swanner even provided a wind machine when I asked...

With multiple pictures taken, a short break in the sun, and a few hearty belly laughs, we left the rock mission accomplished.

Swanner showed us a preview of the pictures, and amazingly there were perfect ones for both Wendy and I to use. Stop by the BCF website and check it out sometime.

THANKS CHRIS!!!

-A

PS Sometimes the best thing for a gal is to just scream off the top of a rock

You best not mess with me...

Anaerobicize!

2009-01-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

Today was my first foray into the grueling world of anaerobic training. What's that, you say? Well, according to our training guide that we received from BCF: "anaerobic exercise is high intensity training, typically greater than eighty five percent (85%) of your maximum heart rate. This causes the body to function in the absence of oxygen for short periods of time and helps the body to tolerate higher levels of lactic acid in your system. Anaerobic exercise shifts your aerobic training zone and lactate threshold higher allowing your body to perform harder activity more efficiently."

In other words, you push yourself to the point of the inability to breathe for about 20 minutes with a couple short "breaks" in there somewhere.

I'm pretty sure this training would be nearly impossible to do without someone guiding you -- it's just too hard and your body naturally resists going there. ...Or maybe it's just me. But Wednesday is Wade day. Wade is the CLIF trainer that I've been working with the longest so he's really taken me from pretty much zero to my high level of athleticism today :). I trust him & he says I'm ready, so bring it on!

The best way to anaerobically exercise is interval training which for me meant being tethered with a bungee while I ran forward, backward and all ways sideways and picked up a 15 lb medicine ball. Fun, right? Then because it's good to mix up the activity so your heart is forced to circulate to differing areas, I did some improvised "swimming" with resistance bands and some "speed skating" on a slide board.

Wade's sweet personality offered up his regular dose of positive reinforcement throughout, but I really couldn't hear him over both the voice in my head that was telling me I was going to die and the incessant pounding of my heart trying to keep up. So I limped out of the gym with a serious cough even after a self-imposed 5 minute cool down.

I proceeded to cough for the next two hours. To the point where co-workers asked me if I was OK. Strangely enough, I just had to mention anaerobic training and because CLIF is so full of athletes, they all knew what I meant. They, too, had felt lungs burning so badly that it felt like smoking 2 packs in a day (not that I would know what that feels like.)

But after what felt like 8 gallons of water and a few more hours of just breathing, I felt a little better. My snarky side felt even better still when Abbs emailed me and said Wade enjoyed what he did to me so much that he did it to her, too.

Is that wrong??! -W

Eliminating the Environmental Causes of Breast Cancer

2009-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the Strong Voices Training held by the Breast Cancer Fund.

Wendy picked me up at 8:00 (another early weekend day for me) and we rode into the city. The weather was overcast, and we were both a little pooped from the week of work but with a newly acquired fasttrak (wendy where have you been) and the knowledge of the West Grand 80 entrance (your welcome Wendy) we made it into the city with a little added energy. A tip to all, make sure you have some cash on you, the parking lot attendants in SF are not big on the IOU, we'll pay when we leave, so we left, found an ATM and found our way back to the lot, with time to spare.

The training was held at the Embarcadero YMCA, which has fantastic views of the Bay and the bridge. Name tags procured, coffee in hand, and with a new found breakfast food, Fage Greek Yogurt, we sat down for a day of training about the Breast Cancer Fund. The day included training on the Grassroots program that the BCF has, the legislative work they are doing, the environmental factors that lead to cancers and breast cancer in particular, fundraising tips and a media training. There was a break for lunch, a salad with daikon radishes, the choice of a Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich, or a Veggie Sandwich with butternut squash, a potato salad with wasabi, and these delicious chocolaty brownie bites. The BCF was on our green wave length and everything was compost-able.

Out of all the things I learned about the BCF and the Breast Cancer here are a view highlights

BCF is the only organization dedicated to the ELIMINATION of the environmental causes of breast cancer, and the PREVENTION of the disease
Today a US woman's risk of breast cancer is more than 1 in 8
Only 10% of breast cancer cases are linked to genetics
Of about 100,000 synthetic chemicals on the market, less than 10% have been fully tested for there effects on human health

For me the training really highlighted why what Wendy and I are working towards is so important. At the beginning of the training, we were asked to stand up and introduce ourselves. Being at one of the front tables I was elected to go first, "My grandmother has had breast cancer twice and she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, most likely due to the treatment she received. It runs in my family and that in conjunction with the environmental causes of the disease scares me and I don't like to be scared." The reasons continued, I have had breast cancer twice and it is my duty to fight this and honor those who have struggled with me and still battle this disease, I have a daughter and I don't want her to have to face this disease, I am an end of life care provider and I have seen too many faces of those who have lost this battle... the reasons were varied but as they were told the same looks were held by the speaker, looks of remembrance, pride and little anger mixed together. We wrote the names of the honored on prayer flags and in a ceremony of remembrance we recited a prayer. These are some of the flags that we will carry to the peak of Shasta with us.

Training completed, we embarked on an "urban" hike through the city to the stairs by Coit Tower. The sun was out for a bit and the rain had stopped which made the hike more enjoyable. It was nice to be on my feet and to be honest, being a Bay Area native, there are a lot of "toursit" sights that I never see. The view at the top of the stairs, (the ones featured in the Parrots of Telegraph Hill,) was breathtaking and almost, almost made the second journey up the stairs worth it.

Starving again, we were invited over to Connie's home to have dinner and socialize with our fellow climbers. After filling up on veggie chili, cornbread and cole slaw, we headed back to the East Bay. Meeting more of our team was great, everyone is so different but with our common goal we are ready to climb this mountain as the BCF says one step at a time. It was a long day and at times the information was overwhelming, but we have so much support and determination this journey is sure to be life changing and a whole lot of fun. A

(Oh and by the way Wendy's got some pretty awesome base layers)

Will I be back???

2009-01-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

Today was our first training with The Terminator (aka Stephanie to her friends if any of them survive an hour with her.) We're lucky enough to have an onsite gym at CLIF Bar including personal training which is a great luxury for our training.

So like complete gluttons for punishment, we signed up for an hour a week with The Terminator in preparation for climbing. She's trained a lot of the other climbers at CLIF and Abbs has trained with her as well. But (don't tell her) I've always been terrified. I've seen first hand people limping, heaving and red-faced as they leave the gym after being under her watch. And I'm not an athlete, right?

But commitment has to come from many angles to climb this mountain so I signed up. In future, it's every Monday at 2, but because we were out for MLK day this past Monday, Abbs thought we should reschedule it to Friday. Yeah...great thinking Abbs.

We started with some step work, pushups and heaving around some medicine balls. OK...I'm breathing heavy, but I can do this. Then we did about 1/2 hour on the spin bikes (which I have discussed with one of my other trainers, Derike about how the saddles are not so great for tender female parts.) As red as a lobster and sweating buckets, I still soldiered on.

Then we hit the weights. By the first set of leg presses, my quads were screaming. My mouth soon followed and I was finding it hard to "push through" as Steph said. I really preferred to get off the machine and push her. Onto tricep dips and pulls, 10 minutes of ridiculously hard core work, some crazy medicine ball balancing and donkey kick-like thing and about 15 seconds of yoga's child pose and we were done.

I took a shower immediately after and crumpled my soaking, stinking clothes into my gym bag -- but you would never have known I'd attempted to clean myself up. I was red-faced and sweaty for the next 1 1/2 hours. And I admit to being too prideful to post a picture of myself in this state.

But I will tell you there was a smile on my face that kept coming back throughout the day (and even now as a type this.) At the end of the grueling 65 minutes (yes, Steph went over the time limit much to our dismay,) Steph looked at us and said "Good work today. And I'll tell you that if you wanted to, you guys could go up there today and do this. I'm not worried about you at all."

Yes...I'll be back. - W

First Group Hike Done & Done

2009-01-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

Wendy and I spent Sunday morning hiking the Cataract Trail on Mt. Tam. We were asked to bring 20lbs packs and snacks.

After picking Wendy up at 7:45, choking down a pb&j sandwich, and making the windy trip up to the trail head, we arrived at a sign. The road was closed to cars, bikes and hikers. As we turned around, tried to dig up Connie's (the wonderful Breast Cancer Fund liaison, from meeting her once and interacting with her via email she is really a fantastic woman) contact number, and get cell reception out in the boonies, we passed a few other women driving up to the trail head. Turns out the trail head was a few feet after the road closer and we were the first to arrive (who would have guessed).

Hiking poles gathered, and names exchanged, we started off on the hike with 6 other members of our Shasta team. We climbed stair after stair, up ridges, chatting with our new comrades and getting used to navigating the paths and the poles, which were a gift during the downhills. This time of year the trail normally has gorgeous falls, but due to the current CA weather and lack of rain, the falls weren't as strong as normal. The total hike was about 9 miles and we finished it a little before 2.

Snacks were a welcome break to the fast pace that we carried on during the day. While training at sea level, Cat (the hike leader), has told us we need to keep up the pace and our heart rates, in order to prepare for the altitudes we will be at in June.

I am still trying to figure out what will work in my stomach and give me the most energy. (Luna Moons and Shot Bloks were a welcome addition to some nuts and fruit). It really is amazing to observe how well my body responded to the calories I gave it. After each water/food break, both Wendy and I had more energy and were able to get through the next patch.

After the first hike, Wendy and I learned we were in pretty good shape, from the lack of soreness the next day and being able to keep up with our leader for a good portion of the hike. I am excited to get to know our team a little better, and I am already inspired by the women and men in our group. But there is nothing better after a strenuous hike, then a cool drink of water, chips & salsa, and two gianormous burritos. Thanks to a quick call to our friend Sharkey, we were directed to Casa Manana in Fairfax, where we refueled, happy and full for our drive home. - A

We're in!

2009-01-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

Abbs and I were chosen to represent LUNA at the Breast Cancer Fund's Climb Against the Odds at Mt Shasta. Six months of intense training, serious fundraising and great swells of emotion are guaranteed in our future. But the calves we'll have when we're done?? Totally worth it. - W