So I am totally hooked!  The first team ride was two Saturdays ago out in Pinole.  Before we rode, there were several clinics... how to change a flat tire, rules of the road, gear.... good lord, there's so much gear.  We had our bikes checked out and fitted.  There was a lot of standing around and waiting... the more I waited to ride, the more nervous and excited I became.  All I could think about was the line we use to close the Team In Training info meeting speech, "When was the last time you did something for the first time?"  Sure I already knew how to ride a bike, but it had been years since I last been on one and it was nothing like this.  It's so exhilarating to challenge yourself, to push yourself out of your comfort zone.  I have always been so envious of how excited people get when they first join the marathon team, I always tell people to enjoy it because you only get that feeling once.  So I tried to relish every moment of the day.. every butterfly in my stomach, every moment of "holy crap, I'm actually doing this".

I decided that I wasn't going to waste any time and that I was going to clip in on my first ride.  A few people looked at me kind of funny when I said that I had never clipped in before, that just added to the nervousness. Imagine the looks they would've given me had I also said last time I rode a bike was several years ago.  But when we finally got on the road, it wasn't even an issue.  It became second nature... slow down, clip out.  And I was so thankful to be clipped in.  The ride was an out and back course, a short warm up then the time trial course, about 10 miles total... on time trial there was some a small amount of climbing on the way out and it was so helpful to be able to push and pull on the pedals to get up the hill.  And on the way back, it was downhill and I took advantage of it... at one point I looked down at my computer and was going 24 mph!  Weeeee!!!  I've never been fast at anything before!  It was such a rush to tuck in and just go!  When you run downhill you're still working...and for me running downhill is so much more painful than running uphill. 

Another difference between cycling and running... when running no matter the distance, even just 2 miles , all I do is look forward to finishing.  But on the bike, I didn't want it to end.  In fact if I could've, I would've done the course again.  Though I'm sure that will change when we start getting into longer distances. 

When we finished the time trial course and were waiting to ride back to our starting point... I heard this low buzzing-like sound so I asked "Is that's someone's phone?"  To which someone laughed, "No it's the cows over there... you're such a city girl!"

When I got in from the ride, lots of people asked, "so is it better than running?"  I really can't compare the two... what I love about each sport is so different.  For running, it's all about mind over body and the sense of accomplishment that brings.  For cycling, oh man do I love going fast.  The next most asked question, "so are you done with running now?"  Absolutely not.  If anything I'm really excited to see how my running improves as I train for the century ride.    Though I do wonder if I have taken on a bit too much.. when did I become a 3 sport athlete?!  Silly me decided to train for a half marathon in April... on top of the cycling... and the rowing.  But each sport is deifnitely benefitting from the other two.  I am much stronger now and my knee is much happier.   Though I am hungry ALL THE TIME now and there are some friends that I never see anymore... if they just joined Team In Training, that would easily fix that issue.  :)

Just when I thought I had my Sports Basement spending in check, I go and join the cycle team.  There's so much gear to be had, it's insane.  Today's trip to the Basement was only for the essentials... helmet and shoes.  But there's so much more stuff that I easy could have picked up today.... like the super cute cycling skirt!  I thought I would have to be stuck in shorts when cycling, but no, even when cycling I have cute options.  I wish I had never discovered this, it's bad news... as i glance over at the drawer full of just running skirts. 

Tonight I pick up the bike rack and tomorrow I get the bike!  I can't wait to take it for a spin tomorrow!!!

Just after the New Year, I joined the masters program at Pacific Rowing Club.  As excited as I was to start rowing again, I was super nervous.  The last time I had rowed was 8 years ago.  Even more nerve-racking since most of my rowing in the past was sweep (one oar) and I would be sculling (two oars) with PRC.  My first morning back on the water was definitely filled with lots of shaky and missed strokes.  But in the moments where I could get in five really good strokes in a row, I felt myself falling in love all over again... with the sound the blade as it leaves the water, the feel of the boat gliding through the water underneath me, how quiet and peaceful it is at too early o' clock, the changing colors of the sky as the sun rises, the time to quiet my usually overactive mind and just focus on moving the boat. 

Almost a month in and I feel like I'm making some pretty good progress.  There's still a lot to think about... where my hands should be, posture, using the power in my legs, finding a steady rhythm and ratio for the stroke... but with each time out on the water, it all comes together just a little better than the last time.  Just like I did years ago, I do get a little frustrated with how short I am and wish that I could have more length through the water.  But as I did before, I need to focus on efficiency and to maximize the power that I do have.   

I have never really been much a competitive person.   The only exception has been rowing.  And I can feel that competitiveness coming out in me again.  I want to race... and win dammit!

So if getting back into rowing has been like getting back on a bike... then actually getting back on a bike should be a breeze, right?

So my knee and IT band flared up again... but instead of letting it sideline me, I decided to try my hand at something entirely new. I am determined to cross another finish line... and if it's not going to be on my 2 feet well then 2 wheels will work just dandy!

I just joined the Spring 2009 Century Cycle Team! On June 7, 2009 I will join thousands of cyclists in Lake Tahoe for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride! As the name suggests, it's going to be an amazing scenic 100 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe and out to Truckee. While my knees will be happy to take a break from pounding the pavement, this is going to be no easy feat. I have not been on a bike in years! And even then, it was not a pretty picture... I probably spent more time walking the bike then riding it. But I am up for the challenge and I know Team In Training will get me there!

While I train for my ride, I again will be raising funds to benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. With each donation, we are one step closer to finding a cure to blood cancers. You know the drill, please support my efforts and make a tax-deductible donation online at http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/ambbr09/frances. 

Thanks so much and be sure to check back here often for the latest and greatest in training updates!

I started training with my winter marathon team last week. The team did a 2 mile time trial and considering that I had been on the injured list for so long. I did well, not my fastest but far from my slowest. Saturday the team ran out in Marin. We started at College of Marin in Kentfield and then out to Ross and back for a total of 5 miles. My longest run since getting injured. A little bit of soreness in the knee to start but once I got warmed up I felt relaxed and strong. Plus how could I not feel good, the weekend before Thanksgiving and it was sunny and mild! I wish every Saturday run could be graced with such perfect weather!

I was looking down at my knees the other day and was shocked, I didn't recognize them. The swelling in both knees has gone down so much that my knees are noticeably a different shape and size. So crazy! I can't thank my chiropractor and my physical therapist enough. Treatment is not easy, at times, it is downright excruciating. But now when I run, I run without pain... I can't remember a time previous to now where I had a pain-free run. Even back in my rowing days, running always involved some level of discomfort in my knees.

I know I'm going to have to be really careful from here on out. I'll have to keep up with the exercises on my own and continue to be diligent with the torture device, aka foam roller. I had crazy delusions of Big Sur Half next month or Cal International in December. Even though I'm going through some serious finish line withdrawals, I know it's not worth it to pile the miles back on so fast and get hurt all over again. I want to do the Rock N Roll Arizona Half in January... and specifically for 2 reasons, it's flat and the weather will be mild. I don't need to deal with hills and extreme weather for my first race post-treatment.

I think I will take a break from full marathons for a long while... which might be hard for me the overachiever. But I think the solution to that is to venture into a new sport. I volunteered at the Marin County Triathlon on Sunday and was completely inspired by the experience. So it's time to start hitting the pool and begin the hunt for a bike. I'm almost positive that I will join the spring tri team. I'm kind of terrified... in a good way, if that makes any sense.

I guess it was inevitable.... I have been running like a madwoman, pretty much non-stop for the last year and a half... my left knee has decided it has had enough pounding on pavement. At least for the time being. I have scar tissue in my knee and swollen patella tendon that is not cooperating with the rest of my knee. At the advice of my doctor, I will not be running the Chicago Marathon next month. I am going to physical therapy three times a week and am determined to start racking up the miles again soon. Doc assured me that I will be good to go for the Big Sur Half Marathon in November or the California International Marathon in December. Both races I've wanted to do, now to chose just one... hmmm, I'll keep you updated.

I cannot thank you enough for all your support in all my crazy marathon ventures! For those of you who have donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) in support of my Chicago Marathon goal, know that 75% of your donation is going directly to the cause. The funds raised support programs like patient support groups, patient financial aid and co-pay assistance programs. The funds raised through LLS also are funding important research... LLS provided a grant to the Stanford researchers who recently discovered a molecular signal (glycogen synthase kinase 3) that fuels a deadly form of leukemia. Now the researches are working on therapies to target this specific signal. (Read the full story here:
http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/surprise-finding-may-lead-leukemia-treatment-1804.html)

Even though I am not going to Chicago, I am still committed raising the funds for LLS. I have until this Thursday to reach my minimum goal. I am so close, just $365 to go! If you have not donated yet and are able to make a contribution at this time, please go to http://www.franceslee.net and make a secure online donation. If you know of anyone who might be compelled to donate to the cause, please pass the link on to them as well. Once I meet my minimum goal for Chicago, the majority of those funds will then be "rolled over" and applied to another season and event. I am thinking it's time to venture into a new sport... triathlon. I already have my eye on a new bike and the cross training will do me and my knee wonders.

I am pretty bummed to be missing Chicago this year, but I know I am doing the right thing in listening to my body and doctor. A minor setback and nothing in comparison to what blood cancer patients endure. They are my inspiration and the reason why I run and fundraise . I can take pride in knowing that I am still raising funds for LLS and helping to find a cure!

Thank you again for all your amazing support!

Yesterday, the team had a run in Mill Valley. I was up to 16 miles yesterday. The Mill Valley to Tiburon course we usually run is brutal.... lots of hills. Though each time I run this course, it does seem more manageable each time. Still not easy by any means though. So for the first 12 miles I'm having a a pretty decent run. I was tired, could have something to do with rockin to Radiohead at the Outsidelands Fest the night before, but was not feeling horrible.

Somewhere around 12 miles, I look down at my shoe... and oh nooooooo, my car key is missing. Because I don't like having my key in a pocket poking me as I run, I always tie my key to my shoe laces. Under the laces, with a double knot. I stop running and realize that my shoe is still tied. Both knots in place. How is that possible?! I take my shoe off thinking that maybe it slipped in my shoe and somehow didn't notice it in my shoe... in retrospect, I realize how totally illogical that would've been, how could I have not noticed a key poking at my foot?! So I turned around and back tracked, my eyes scouring the ground. After 5 minutes and no dice, I realized that it was pointless to go back since I had no idea where I lost the key... could have been miles back. So I head back toward the finish... in a total panic, still scouring the ground since I was at this point was headed back on the same path we headed out on. I became increasingly more frustrated as I went. I knew that I could always find a ride back with someone to the city and grab my extra key from Brian and either get a ride back to my car or get someone to come with me in a zip car. (This is exactly why he has my extra keys.) Yes, a minor inconvenience but because I had been running for so long, I was in the state of complete brain mush. My reaction to any adversity in this state is to cry.... as I already know all too well, crying and running is not a pretty combination.

So I make it to the finish and suck it up so I'm not a total mess in front of all my teammates hanging out in the park. As I'm stretching my friend Patty sits down next to me and we start taking about the run. I tell her what happened with my key and we're trying to figure out what my plan is going to be. Someone overheard me and said, "I think someone found a key, go check the table." I get up and hobble over to the check in table... and taped down on a bright yellow piece of paper is my key!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!! I fell to the ground in relief or maybe because I was tired, either way I fell to the ground. Unbelievable, I seriously thought it was gone forever. I don't know how I got so damn lucky this time.

I want to thank everyone who has already donated in support of my Team In Training goals!!! Your donation truly makes a difference in the lives of those affected with blood cancers and helps the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) in its mission of finding a cure. So far I have raised $610, I still have a ways to go to reach my goal of $3,000 by September 18. I need your help to help reach (and hopefully, surpass) my goal! Donate online at www.franceslee.net. Please contact me if you would like to make a donation by check or cash. Find out if your company has a matching gifts program and make your donation go twice the distance.

Yesterday, as part of my training for the Chicago Marathon, I ran the San Francisco Half Marathon. It was a typical foggy San Francisco summer morning, perfect for running. Several of my Team In Training friends were out on the course either running or cheering us on. Again proving that Team In Training really is the greatest group of people. Their support during the race is a huge part of why I had my fastest half marathon time yet. The other part being my training this summer. Most of the people on my team are training for the Nike Women's San Francisco Marathon, a notoriously hilly race... so we've been running lots of hill repeats. It is as excruciating as it sounds... but it's definitely making me stronger and faster. Once I get to Chicago, I will definitely rock the flat roads of the Windy City!

Back In April, I started a part time temporary position with LLS as a Team In Training Campaign Assistant. When the school year finished in June, I started working there full time. I've had the opportunity to learn more about blood cancers and see where the money raised goes. Earlier in the summer, the entire office went on a field trip to UCSF. We got to meet the researchers who are working to find cures... many of those researchers are funded by grants from LLS. The science geek in me loved learning about the specific genes, proteins, and enzymes that cause the specific types of cancers and how with that knowledge they are trying to find targeted gene therapies much like Gleevec (which you might remember as being hailed as the "magic bullet" pill to cure cancer by Time magazine). I've had so much fun there, granted I've been working pretty hard, but I work with a great group of people and for the cause I love. Last week, I was offered a permanent position and I accepted! I am now a Team In Training Marathon Campaign Manager. I'm excited for the opportunity and now my life really is going to be Team In Training ALL THE TIME... and I couldn't be more thrilled!

If you live in the Bay Area or will be in the area, on August 17 I am hosting a fundraising shopping party at Sport Basement, the greatest store in the world!!!! You will receive 15% off your purchase and Sports Basement will donate 5% of your purchase to LLS in support of my fundraising goal. There will be food and drink and I promise it will be a good time! Please view the evite here to RSVP.

Thanks again everyone for all your support in all my Team In Training endeavors!!!!

I was looking forward to a Saturday morning run with the Team... but I've been bedridden for a day and a half with a nasty cold. I know I need the rest, but at times it feels like torture not being able to run. I even have brand-spanking new running shoes that are begging to be broken in... alas, they must wait until Monday. I should mention that it took me 3 weeks to track down those shoes. Should've been only 2 weeks had they not been lost during the transfer to my local retailer.

We are entering into week 3 of the season. It feels good to be back in the TNT groove. As much as I hate to admit it, I need structure in my life and the Team forces that on you. After I ran the Avenue of the Giants Half back in May, I slacked off for a month. I barely ran or worked out, I ate whatever I want and not in moderation. But now that the new season is in full swing, I'm back into the active/healthy lifestyle. (Well except for today... not being able to taste anything because you're congested, just makes me eat more and more!)

I am enjoying being a mentor this season. Team In Training is as much a social endeavor as it is an athletic one. My participants all are genuinely nice and caring people... I think TNT just attracts good folks. Speaking of the social aspect... I miss my friends on the Golden Gate team. Because this season is huge, the San Francisco/Marin team is split in two. I'm on the Marina/Marin team and the folks in the south part of the city are on the Golden Gate team. I'm looking forward to our shared run in 2 weeks!

Now that school is out, I start working full time at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on Monday. It's going to to be busy, even at times crazy, but I know it will be fun. And it's a great feeling knowing that I will be contributing to the cause in this way as well.