P90X

March 12th, 2010

Yes, I know…it is something from an infomercial. I can honestly admit though that I didn’t know about the infomercials until AFTER we bought the DVD package…but really, there’s good reason for me mentioning it…and I’m not a paid actor, nor do I look like one…give Tom a cape though and he’s like an action hero…but I digress.

With our complicated geographic logistics and the ever-present potential for crappy winter weather in all 3 locations, we were trying to figure out how to make it through the winter without completely losing any shred of fitness we gained from all the summer/fall mtn biking and hiking. I was reading some trashy Hollywood gossip site on the internet (yes, surprisingly I’ve been known to do such things) that had some quotes from Pink, the singer, and her using P90X to whip herself into shape. I did a quick internet search on P90X and saw several positive reviews. Although somewhat skeptical, Tom and I have tried one of the Bowflex machines (it was barely recognizable through the layer of dust), tried free weights (boring) and a spin bike (good but not portable). I was struck by how simple the program sounded in terms of hardly needing equipment.

So just before the holidays, we pulled the trigger and ordered the program. We set it aside until just after the holidays, read through the information that comes with the DVDs and got started…

A little background…I’ve been involved in organized or individual sports since I was a little kid and have been exposed to or tried various ways of training depending on the activity or activities I’m into at the moment. Tom comes from a similar background but once he hit school, he tried a few organized sports and drifted towards doing his own thing (skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, mtn biking, etc.) but he’d never really been exposed to a training regimen.

So the P90X program overview is that it is advertised as a series of exercises designed to work the whole body using a concept called “muscle confusion”…having a physiology background, sounded plausible enough to me on the surface. The exercise routines are about 60-90 min and rotate in 4 week blocks for 3 months. There is some weight/bands work, plyometrics, core exercises, lots of push-ups/pull-ups, Yoga, Kenpo, etc. The second part of the program is a nutrition plan…which I was skeptical about…like I’m really going to stop drinking Cokes????

We decided to try out the nutrition plan and we were off! The first week was amazingly exhausting, which I’m embarrassed to admit. I was sore the day after each exercise for a little over a week but was impressed at the variety of the exercises. The nutrition plan was another story…it’s definitely not a diet but more of a way to train your metabolism and not at all difficult for us. We’ve stuck with the exercise schedule with the exception of skipping some weekend days due to other exercise activities and we both took a few days off when we got sick.

We’re wrapping up week 6 and have been through all the DVD workouts except one and I can honestly say I’m hooked. I can’t imagine not continuing to do this program or one of Tony Horton’s other follow ups to P90X. As an aside, Tony Horton is great…he’s energetic and throws out movie quotes during the workouts…if the guy can make you work your ass off and still laugh, he’s doing something right.

So we don’t have our final P90X numbers to work with but I can tell you this so far…
1. We’ve both noticed clothes are looser and bodies tighter
2. We’ve both lost a few pounds
3. We’re not religiously following the nutrition plan…my only digression is my occasional Coke but otherwise we are staying within the portion suggestions and think we will forever eat healthier
4. I’ve never felt stronger overall (except cardiovascularly but that’s not what P90X is best for)

I turned 41 in February…if I want to continue playing like I’m 20 with the dirtbiking, snowboarding, mtn biking, etc. I gotta keep this body tuned up…and the P90X program is the perfect tool. I’m looking forward to finishing this out and trying out the rest of the punishment Tony is dishing out!

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Motorcycles…ultimate fun

March 11th, 2010

I’m in Bishop again, continuing my routine of bouncing between where we live and where Tom works. When I come to Bishop, there is an activity option (weather-permitting) that is beginning to override (at least until the snow melts high) all other options…riding the motorcycles. In my last trip to our favorite motorcycle dealer in Roseville, I was joking that were it not for money limitations, Tom and I would probably buy even more motorcycles. The dealer’s son joked that you can never have too many motorcycles. I’ve had that sentiment about mountain bikes as the type of terrain we ride has increased and varied enough that I saw the utility in having a downhill mtn bike vs. more of a cross-country bike. I never thought that could happen with motorcycles…

Although at this point in our lives I think we’re set with what we have, we’re now obsessing over accessories. See, Tom and I aren’t particularly found of riding on the road but sometimes it’s a necessary evil to connect backcountry roads or trails. It would also be a shame to not actually occasionally use the M1 license I struggled to get with the stupid driving test they make you do…which by the way doesn’t really simulate any real-life driving situation on a motorcycle.

Except for the fact that we can’t really bring the dogs with us (no, sidecars aren’t an option), there is nothing much better than the overall experience of motorcycle ride…or in our case it’s often a dirt ride. Purists will laugh but similar to the feeling of backpacking, everything you need, you’re literally carrying with you. Tools, fuel, food, water, etc. That may seem a ridiculous parallel but you can get alot farther out into the boonies alot faster and if something happens, McGuyver skills come in handy.

Tom and I are itching to overnight camping on the motos…so we’re currently researching small gear bags we can attach to our bikes to carry the basics for an overnight trip. Giant Loop Motorcycle bags are looking the like current front-runner. Nothing will probably happen until we return from Moab (and the mtn weather is a little warmer). But what a cool feeling it will be to ride to a remote spot, set up a small camp and not worry about all the crap we’re trying to pack in the truck for camping or even the motorhome on a larger scale.

So for now, the horses sit in the stable…anxiously awaiting the next ride…

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KTM horses

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Dogs Rock!

February 27th, 2010

Bodie and McKinley

So our 7 yr old pup Bodie, had her second knee surgery yesterday. Her left knee was repaired 2 yrs ago, completely torn cruciate ligament and torn meniscus. This time the cruciate in her right knee was completely torn but meniscus fine. The next couple months will see us (her and I) working on rehab much like any of us would come back from a knee injury/repair. Granted I’ve somehow managed to avoid knee surgery all these years (knock on wood) but I’ve spent enough time recovering from knee injuries that I’m familiar with what needs to happen to get Bodie back to 100%.

Interestingly, the physical therapy sheet handed out by the surgeon is underwhelming. The slightly pessimistic handout claims that dogs never really get better than about 80-90% of where they used to be. That many have a permanent limp, soreness after exercise, etc. I was surprised to read this and happy that Bodie seemingly defied the odds after the first surgery with a total return to normal (at least as far we could tell.) Within 3+ months, she was back to “normal” in terms of activity, although, admittedly I still cringe when she gets hyper and I see her spinning in circles to play.

I nearly shed a tear last night at the sight of McKinley crawling onto the same dog bed with Bodie (although she almost sat on the recovering knee!), the concern of last night was replaced however with a battle for food today…dogs will be dogs.

So it’s been barely 24hrs since the second surgery and Bodie is already walking with some weight on the knee repaired yesterday…I’m astounded. I’m struck by the resilence of animals…especially dogs. Although she occasionally lets out a whimper (which I can promptly address with some pain meds), she paws at me, reaches for a toy and wags her tail…

If only we could all be so brave, so tough, so cool…dogs rock!

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Spring Fever

February 24th, 2010

I know…it’s only February.

Officially spring doesn’t start until March 21st…even then winter can linger…and will this year according to Phil (the Groundhog/meterologist). But my spring starts with daylight savings time. It’s light out until about 6pm right now…in just 2 weeks and change, it’ll be light until 7! Now my definition of “light” probably varies from most…I think of “light” as “is-there-enough-light-to-find-my-way-back-to-the-car-from-the-trail?”

There is probably some complicated scientific or psychological, behavior vs. environment type explanation for my need of daylight…being a CA native doesn’t help since most of the year you can engage in most outdoor activities within a couple hours drive. I’ve lived in Seattle and in Montana…which by virtue of being further North had less daylight in the winter and more in the summer. That’s was pretty cool…in the summer. I don’t mind the cold, rain, snow, etc. as long as there is daylight. Winter would be awesome if it was light until 8pm! I digress…

Soon charging the bike lights for a ride won’t be necessary…and I can’t wait.

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The desert…a whole different kind of fun

February 17th, 2010

So over the long weekend, Tom and I were anxious to get the RV out to explore new territory on our motos. Between some warranty repairs and winter weather, we hadn’t had a chance to really get out for a weekend in a while. So we packed up the motos, gear, food and dogs and headed south…to Ridgecrest. Our original plans to head to Death Valley changed at the last minute due to an unusual rain storm that saw all of the backcountry roads in Death Valley closed due to flooding/mud/washouts. A quick internet search and we found an alternative relatively the same driving time, with more freedom to explore and no ridiculous rules about dogs. Friday night saw us arrive after dark to an area where all camping is dispersed, meaning no formal campgrounds. We could see collections of lights where people were camped but weren’t sure how to get to those spots. We eventually settled in after a short drive down a hardpack, pot-holed road (the kind Tom swore we wouldn’t drive in the RV)…it wasn’t bad just an adventure after dark.

After sleeping in despite the sounds of motors starting and generators running to take the chill off the morning, we slowly got ready to head out and explore our home for the weekend, the Spangler Hills OHV area. We had camped in an area called Searles Station, for the railroad switching station nearby. This OHV area was a new concept to us as it is an “open area,” meaning you can literally ride wherever you want, whether a trail exists or not, and it’s 57000 acres provide some much room that despite a holiday weekend crowd and an event, we rarely came upon another rider except near camp. The terrain is quite different than the area around Bishop, very little rock and the desert plant life a little taller and more sparse. I’ve always loved the desert…whether because I’m a CA native or because my parents often took us camping in the desert growing up, there is a totally different kind of beauty and ruggedness in the desert. Now the hardcore environmentalists would faint if they spent much time around an OHV park/camp such as this. It’s loud, got dusty as the weekend wore on and certainly not the activity everyone likes. That being said, places like this need to exist…if they don’t people will ride where they aren’t supposed to. There are many families out, not only enjoying motorized toys but parents again passing down how different and fun the desert can be.

The riding itself took a little getting used to but once we did, it was amazing. Tom and I have always figured a preference for riding in dirt and trees more typical of where we live. Tighter singletracks trails where visibility may just be a few feet ahead as you curve through forests and tree canopy. The desert varies from hardpack with some rocks to thick, sandy washes (not my favorite) but the wide openness of it all it what sets the riding apart. You can see for miles, literally. The sand, when mixed with a little gravel or water is a blast for riding and provides a totally different feel than the tacky dirt of north. You’re typically riding alot faster in the desert as the terrain lends itself to more wide open speeds. That being said, you have to be more alert for the feature of the desert…washes. More than once over the weekend, we were hauling along at decent speeds only to come upon a small, deep wash with little time to figure out how to navigate it…

We had a blast and can’t wait to go back again in the coming weeks…

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The Ultimate Road Trip Set-Up

February 3rd, 2010

For long before Tom and I met, our individual preferred methods of exploring and taking trips was the road trip. I have travelled internationally and there is something to be said for taking in the cultural differences abroad vs. slogging around the US and Canada. The fact of the matter is that there are historic and natural treasures outside the US which make this country look like the infant country it is (in industrialized terms…but that is another topic).

Since Tom and I met, we’ve doubled in people, he gained two dogs, and the amount of gear…well, it’s ridiculous to quantify. We started out with trips in our respective Toyota trucks but clearly that was not enough room for two pack rats like us. We then bought a small utility trailer…after all, I now had a dirtbike to join his. That last for about a year before we decide for more size/comfort for our extended road trips. What followed was the purchase of a double-cab Ford F-250 and pop-up cabover camper. We could now travel with a trailer (motos) or without (bike racks for the mtn bikes) and sleep comfortably in any weather conditions. We were living the high life with a heater, kitchen and pop-up shower/toiler combo.

Life was good…and then we got tired of not being able to use the kitchen table…it was chronically converted into another bed area for the dogs. They are too big to lay on the floor and we’d have no way to manuever around. We also had no room for gear…every time we wanted to stop and quickly crash overnight somewhere on the road, a production followed to pop-up the camper, move all the gear to the front of the truck, etc.

Last year we decided to do our part to support the economy and traded our camper for an upgrade…a slightly ridiculous upgrade given our age and activities we like to participate in. We bought an RV. There, I’ve said it. Yes, we do had visions of elderly folks zipping around in golf carts or worse, the movie RV and families like the Gornekes. But this was something we spent months researching…what was the right configuration for us given all the toys to bring along and the two mutts? We ultimately decided on the Damon Outlaw…now this isn’t one of those crazy, over-the-top RVs the Nascar folks are hauling around in, this fit our budget and best of all, it has a garage! 8 x 10ft of rubber-coated goodness to roll dirty bikes and motos into. On board fuel station, rear flood lights, etc. and plenty of room for cleaning products…those of you that know Tom, know that things can’t be dirty for long.

The only thing missing (if you can believe it) is a transport vehicle. This thing is 37′ long…once it’s parked somewhere, you don’t want to have to move it too much. We’d been trying to sell the Ford for sometime and finally added a trade option. We figured maybe we could trade for something like a Jeep Wrangler that could be towed behind. Then we park the big rolling turd, throw the bikes on the Jeep or the dogs in and we’re off to the trailhead somewhere. Last week, the planets aligned and we were able to trade the Ford for a Jeep Wrangler that is newer, with less miles. After we get the towing mechanisms in place, we’re in business…never in our craziest imagination did we think we’d be set up like this (or want to be.) Moab in April…here we come…

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A whole different kind of bug…

January 31st, 2010

Tom and I sit, in front of the T.V., surrounded by piles of used tissues. This is a step up mind you…being able to get out of bed was a chore in itself today. Now historically, Tom seems more likely to catch colds than I but this bug…this is a nasty one. Unfortunately we just started the P90X about a week and a half ago, along with the nutrition plan suggested with it…who knows, maybe that’s part of the issue. Anyway, I’m on day 5 of feeling crappy…which is particularly disturbing considering I can’t even remember the last time I’ve had so much as a cold. Oh well, better now I guess than during the summer and mtn bike season :)

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Happy New Year…and squirrels beware!

January 4th, 2010

Ah, December and the holidays are now behind us.

Plumbing/hot water issues at home, stormy weather and the holidays gave way to a relaxing week + at home. Relaxing is all relative since Tom and I don’t sit still much. We’ve got 11 months into Tom working in Bishop and the time with both of us home is few, far between and often involves a reason (appointments, moving stuff from one location to another, etc.) so to have this time at home, together, for this long has been unusual. We got a chance to see some family over the holidays and hope to see more visiting family in the next couple months. In the meantime, when not tending to job-work, we worked on the property (burning brush, grading our road, moving rocks, etc.) We (Tom) finished the plumbing for the new hot water heater, expansion tank, hose bib, etc. and rectified a major water pressure issue in the process. We cleaned up toys (bikes, quad, motos, Bobcats.) We cleaned out and reorganized the garage (including a dump trip.) We cleaned the house, did laundry, updated and reorganized our home theater (added a Blu-ray player.) We head back to job-work with a huge sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that the battle rages on…

We had a hit on our ad to sell our Ford and Tom thought he’d tidy the truck up a bit inside and out for a potential buyer…then he opened the hood…

Apparently the squirrel that hitched a ride to Bishop (and subsequently abandoned the truck) after chewing up various interworkings under the hood to build a nest has vengeful relatives at home still carrying the torch. We’ve already had one nearly $300 trip to the mechanic to repair hoses, turn signal wire, etc. This time a few new things appear to be chewed up…bastards! Thankfully, nothing is at all major…yet. Sheepishly I’ll admit we tried Decon, not knowing what we were dealing with…but it didn’t work anyway, so now we’re on to more drastic (and humane) measures. I’ll be shopping for some cayenne pepper to dump under the hood in appropriate places as a next step…contact us if anyone has any other bright ideas.

Looking forward to more adventures in 2010 and we hope you are too.
Michelle and Tom

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The Silly Season

December 23rd, 2009

I’ve always wondered why people refer to this time of year as the “silly season.” I think I understand now…

I’m fully aware that the insanity of the holidays is totally manufactured by us all (as well as many a marketing executive). Here are some of the silly things we do:

1. We’re all rushing around sending out holiday cards when we probably all keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter or some other much more modern format
2. We force ourselves to buy presents for people because it’s the holidays and that’s what we’ve been conned into thinking we’re supposed to do
3. We indulge in desserts or other random but not often eaten foods…again part of the holiday tradition (some things are even questionable as to whether they ARE food…case in point, fruit cake!)
4. We spent more money and time trying to get to friends and relatives during arguably the crappiest time of year to travel

As with all downsides, there is an upside…

1. We get to see friends and relatives we don’t regularly visit
2. We have an excuse to watch all the Rankin/Bass claymation Christmas classics (who doesn’t know a few words to the Heat Miser song)
3. We can eat and drink whatever we want
4. We get presents

The holidays would be fine if that was the only craziness, but when you pile it on top of those year-end corporate goals people ridiculously push for when most of the world is on holiday it becomes, well…silly.

Given we’re still working on returning our plumbing/hot water heater to working order, we’ll be downright ready for the loony bin when the holidays are over.

Happy Holidays to all our friends and family!
Tom, Michelle, McKinley and Bodie

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Winter 1, Dirtkids 0

December 17th, 2009

Winter technically hasn’t started yet…but it has still handed us an early ass-kicking.

About a week ago, after postponing my trip to Bishop to hang with Tom in favor of staying at our cabin during single digit temperatures to make sure we didn’t lose appliances, crack pipes, etc. I was headed home to check on our house before THEN heading to Bishop. The nasty cold storm early in the week had produced snow down to the Sacramento Valley and significantly more in the Sierra foothills, but there was a break in the action. It sounded simple enough…head home, make sure everything is ok then finally down to Bishop to see Tom.

Excitement (to see Tom, not drive more) quickly dwindled when I flushed a toilet at home which somehow resulted in the hot water heater releasing water from it’s overflow (which was never to code and just dumped water on the garage floor.) Tables were turned and Tom was now quickly on his way home to assess the problem. As of Sunday around midnight, after 5 Home Depot trips, Tom working about 20 hours in two days in frigid 35-40 degrees temps, we still couldn’t get the hot water heater and new plumbing to work. A pressure problem still exists, which we think we can solve but we were out of time. We both chose to leave for Bishop together, knowing that we’ll be spending Christmas working on the plumbing.

After a 5+ hour drive to Bishop on Monday night in frigid temps and occasional icy and snowy roads, we finally arrived (to yet more snow, apparently not entirely common in Bishop.) Again up past midnight, we finally settled in to crash. It felt like we were barely asleep when both of our cell phones rang to alert us that the alarm had been triggered at our house. The sheriff was dispatched, apparently finding no problems. All this on top of the craziness of the holidays and both of us swamped with work.

The joys of warm, summer riding on dusty singletrack seem to be a distant memory covered by piles of snow and the call of the snowboard. Winter will be fun but so far has been a little nasty to us. And although I look forward to riding my new board on the slopes at Mammoth, don’t think I’m forgetting that in 5 days, the days start getting longer and we count down towards those dusty days of summer…

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