Ohh, I'm So Happy...to be Happy Again!

                                  

July 12th I proclaimed on my Facebook status that I was "sooo in love...with life..." - which was very true at that moment.  Fast-forward to now, July 17th, and I am happy again, but everything in between was blah.  I won't go into the details, but I had to handle a lot of bread toasting for a group of people staying at the hostel.  Though I never ate the bread and washed my hands often, I figure somehow a fraction of a smidge of gluten ended up in my body.  The past few days haven't been entirely robotic, but I've not been optimally well and a few of the milder "this is what gluten does to me" symptoms surfaced.

The symptom that perplexes me the most is my sudden lack of thirst...or inability to feel thirst...even though I should feel thirst...cause I exert energy and sweat a gallons of liquid when I run.  Eventually I end up dehydrated, which simply creates more problems.

Anyway, I'm on the upswing.  After a fatigue-filled run (I haven't experienced one of these in well over six months) two days ago and a day off running yesterday (heavy rains, and even heavier winds), I was armed today with a 'just get out and run' attitude.  Instead of Mr. G (my garmin), I was armed with my camera.

I ran just over two hours on the Oromahoe Road Traverse, which connects Paihia to, you guessed it, Oromahoe Road.  The mossy trail traverses through the wooded hills and ridgelines of the Bay of Islands.  It's a pleasant trail, though illustrates heavily that New Zealand doesn't believe in switchbacks.  Or maybe New Zealand doesn't know switchbacks even exist.  It's good for training, at least.
              
I was reminded of PUDs on the Appalachian Trail.  PUDs = Pointless Ups and Downs.  These things are mental crushers.  You're in a good hiking mood, then bam!, a series of PUDS shows up and you feel a complete mixture of awe and confusion and deep, deep frusteration - why do we have to go UP and DOWN that Everest size mountain (elevation gain = 143 feet) when the trail could have gone AROUND it. Flat. Then eventually you realize that this is, in fact, the very thing you signed up for.

There were some PUDs on this track.  But it's all G.  My mental state of being was healthier with each step and PUDs were tackled.  Granted, this state of being is much easier to maintain without the weight of your life's possessions on your back.

Anyway, trails pretty much rock my world.  Even with PUDs and nonexistant switchbacks.  And I love that I'm able to just go on a hill filled two hour run without any issues or concerns.  I feel great and my body is functioning better than ever!

This is having me contemplating something new...Ultras!

Day with the Dolphins, and a Hole in a Rock

Mind Your Head, said the slightly awkward, lowered doorway sign on the 'Let's Search for Dolphins' boat - reminding me that, yes, New Zealand is very connected to the lands of the Queen.  

I will very soon be working reception at the hostel where I work for accommodation and was able to go on a "Famil" tour to hopefully sight dolphins, get a different perspective of the Bay of Islands, and visit the Hole in the Rock - a very natural sightseeing sight that features...can you guess??  That would be correct, a hole in a rock.  29 points for you!

Famil = familiarization...so I am now familiar with the tour and can sell it to the masses.  Everyone wins!

First the boat made some brief stops at a few of the smaller neighboring islands.  Most of these islands have something of an entertaining story usually - and sadly, involving battle and death.  But now that are peaceful, quiet little lands minding their own business with the occasional landowner and holiday home occupying a chunk of space.

See the human in between the two islands?  It almost looks like he/she's walking on water!

The boat meandered to a couple more scenic spots and then the intercom declared "Dolphins have been spotted!" and we were off to the lands unknown.

The bay where we ended up certainly had dolphins.  Apparently over 40, but they were dispersed in search of fish to consume to increase the fat on their bellies for the continuation of winter.  Plenty came up to our water floating device (the boat) to say hello.  Genuinely intriguing creatures, these ocean swimmers - so curious and friendly, yet totally doing their own thing as well.  We were happy that they were happy to say hello!

This one just said "hello" and decided to peace out for this pic.

I made this pic extra big so you can see the fish in it's mouth!  Mmmm, fresh fish!

We gawked at the dolphins for 45 minutes or so, then we were off to the Hole in the Rock - about a ten minute boat ride away.  The whole is gigantic and the boat we were on could have motored through it if the seas and swells were calmer.  They weren't.  So we didn't.   

The hole is deceptively small...cause the boat is further away than it may appear.  That's me, by the way!

Overall, I enjoyed a beautiful half day on the water checking out the Bay of Islands and seeing a few playful dolphins.  Not a bad day at all!  And after that I even ran in my new shoes...check out the wear on my old shoes...see:

I've gratefully been running injury free (and I've been running A LOT) despite my not so happily treaded shoes...and I give a good chunk of credit to Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Ever Seen,  by Christopher McDougall.  This book altered my running ways forever.  I firmly believe now that proper form is heaps more important and effective than the device that goes on your foot.

Entertaining read, too...even if running isn't your thing.

And just to be like the dolphins, I finally took the plunge...into the winter ocean...in just my bathing suit, swim cap and goggles...OhEmGee!!  The outside temperature was 14*c (58*F) and the water temperature was about 16*C (61*F).  It was extremely frigid and delightfully refreshing as well.

One day, I hope to swim as fast as the dolphins...one day.  I think it would be super fun to jump into the air and flip from the water as well.

Countdown to London: 18 days!

The Olympics are coming! The Olympics are coming!

Oh Man. I just checked www.london2012.com and the Olympics are 23 days away!  Truly, I heart the Olympics.  And I heart my favorite sport even more...gymnastics!!!

Yeah!!  It's gonna be so fun.  I will be here in good ol' New Zealand for the 2012 Games rooting for the USA Gymnastics team.  And some other gymnasts that have been on the international radar for the past few years.  One in particular has been on the radar since the '92 Barcelona Olympics.  Oksana Chusovitina originally competed for the Unified Team in 1992, then her home country Uzbekistan for a few Olympics, and now she competes for Germany where she trains and lives...with her son!  Yup, she's also a mother.  And she won a medal on vault at the Beijing Olympics.  And she could very possibly win another in London - talk about INSPIRATION!  Here on Youtube is Oksana competing in the event finals on Vault just at last years worlds.


The US team was named just a few days ago.  The actual team is of no surprise, really.  The five girls who were named - Jordyn Weiber, Mckayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, and Kyla Ross have been on most people's list for a few months now.  They have the difficulty and scores to bring the most medals home.

Men's and Women's teams, including alternates
*Photo courtesy of  www.usa-gymnastics.org 

Perhaps the biggest surprises were the named alternated - or replacement athletes seems to be the term of the day.  Though Elizabeth Price was expected after her performance in Trials (she places 4th overall), she made a more promising showing (at least to the casual gymnastics fan) on the Elite scene just at the National Championships a few weeks ago.  Talk about potential! On Youtube, here is Elizabeth on floor at the US National Championships a couple weeks ago.

Anna Li was also named.  She is not quite as old as Ms Chusovitina (born 1975), but at 23, she is not a newbie to the sport either.  She had a great competitive career at UCLA before deciding to hop back on the elite training program and oiala!, she's now an alternate for the 2012 Olympics specializing in a fantastic bars routine, if needed.  Here is her incredible bars routine at the National Championships.

Sarah Finnegan is the remaining alternate, and in my opinion was the most expected out of the three named.  She is also young and fairly new to the well-known athletes in the elite scene.  She is known for her beautiful lines and form and would contribute mostly on beam and floor if one of the other girls got injured.  One of her lovely beam routines a couple weeks ago.  

So, if you know me well, you know I LOVE gymnastics.  Like to the max (I don't think blog has ever known this, surprsingly).  My go to sites are The Couch Gymnast, and USA Gymnastics...though there are plenty of others.

I do love other sports as well and find plenty of other athletes inspiring as ever.  In fact, I will also be rooting for fellow North Gwinnett High School graduate, Kibwe Johnson, in the hammer throw.  How exciting!  I remember watching him in awe while he'd practice the discus in high school.  It was genuinely amazing how far he could hurl that thing...and now he has channelled his talents and drive and has trained through the years to become an Olympian - big Congratulations and best of luck!!

There are so many inspiring stories.  Perhaps those individuals will be the theme of my blog during London 2012.  Way to celebrate inspiration!!

Taking the Plunge

Ok ok, I'll post it on blog - I neeeeeed to swim.  Tomorrow.  Well, tomorrow is preferable.  You see, it's winter here, and unless the sun is shining oh so bright, I likely won't be brave enough to take the plunge.  yet.

I almost did yesterday.

Togs.  Silver Fern/All Blacks style.
A NZ keepsake, I hope! 

I put on my swimsuit - or togs if we want to be kiwi correct.  Then I put on some clothes (layers - like wool shirt/fleece jacket/fleece lined leggings) on top of the togs.  Grabbed my goggles and swim cap.  Took a bag without valuables.  Added a pair of gloves and a hat to the bag.  Hopped on one of the hostel's bikes.  And I was off to the sea.  With every intention to swim.

The day was lovely.  Sunny and just a smidge of a breeze in the morning.  I was inspired.

"Today I will swim," I exclaimed in my head earlier in the day.



The attempt and intention were there.

I did make it to the beach in Paihia that seemed most swim friendly.  And I stuck my feet in the water.  Yeah feet.  That means both of them.  Though the sun was still out, the water was not warm.  And I had to deal with a headwind on my way there.  Headwind = wind...versus a smidge of a breeze.

It was too late.  I missed my chance.  By the time I made it to the sea, the wind was too strong and the air temperature had dropped.  I didn't feel like getting stuck in the sea all by myself.  No thank you, hypothermia.

But I have done some research.  While the water temperature is a chilly 16*C, it's by no means wetsuit necessary, apparently.  It's more about taking that first plunge and get moving straight away!  A refreshing style cold.  And I'll just need to make sure I don't venture too far from shoreline, just in case I need to make a speedy escape to a warm cup of coffee and my layers of clothes.

But if I can actually make it to the beach midday, I think that's my best bet.  The sun was actually quite warm around noon.

I'm hopeful tomorrow will be the day.  If not tomorrow then I have to wait til Tuesday :(   due to work hours also being daylight hours.

Despite the cold, I really am ready to take the plunge!

Oh, Snap!

 

It worked again! I rode my bike yesterday.  Posting plans on blog is great

Not so great is my poor bike.  But let it be known blog, I will use your internet friend - the search engine (probably google) - to discover the ways of bicycle fixing.

I mentioned in my last post that my derailleur hanger snapped in half.  See:

Yeah, that's a story.  Well, the entertaining part of this story is that I pulled over on the shoulder after spotting an oh-so-shiny glimmer on the side of the road...and because I had to discover what it was, I then proceeded - quite ungracefully - to park my bike and slightly overloaded trailer (I was moving to Paihia from Kerikeri) on it's side.  Yeah, it more or less toppled over.  Good thing there was only a slight embankment off the shoulder rather than a treacherous cliff.

And then there was a snap.  that's right. and snap.  more like SNAP, actually.

Turns out the oh-so-shiny glimmer was a fifty cent piece.  I couldn't help but smile.  Really, laughing was the best reaction in this situation...for real.  it was.

Fifty cents.

And to keep a long story short, an older couple driving past saw me taking my bike apart (I had a spare hanger) and asked if I'd need a ride to Paihia.  In my younger years, I'd likely have declined - wanting to prove to myself that I had the ability to get my very own self out of this no-so-rainbows-butterflies-and-sunshine situation.  But in my wiser, older years - I pretty much said "for sure" in a heartbeat...but don't worry - I was very grateful and polite.

So the other funny (or not so funny) part of the story is that my brilliant self left my helmet in their car.  Which is why the borrowed helmet below makes me look like I should be given kid's menus again.

(Haruru Falls behind me and the helmet)

I will continue to choose this helmet out of the 10 or so I am able to borrow cause it's my favorite.  So as long as I don't get a new helmet in the near future, and I can figure out how to effectively alter the actions of my wonky but still working derailleur, we will all be seeing more of this cute little helmet in the photosharing world.

So that's it y'all - and as we say in the south, I'll be fixin' to fix my bike.  And below are some pics from my lovely little ride yesterday afternoon.

Have you reflected today?

Wairoa Bay

(10 points for you if you can guess that this is!)

(cause it's harder, 46 points if you know what this is)

(Peace...or High Five - you choose)

Life in Another Land of Islands

I live is a little tiny town in an region (province?) called the Far North - if you can deduce anything by this name, it's pretty far up there on the North Island.  It's on the coast.   Many super smiles for that.  Wonderfully, it's in an area called the Bay of Islands - and if you can deduce anything by this name - just beyond the coast, but still in the bay lives a plethora of little islands.  Non-wonderfully, due to the fact that it's located on a bay with lots of little islands blocking the seashore, there's not much in the name of big waves.  But it's all G, y'all. You can't have everything, as they say - whoever they may be.

Luckily, there are lots of seashells- both brand new and worn through the ages smooth - appearing to be little pieces of finely sculpted artwork...and I will soon make those little pieces of artwork into handcrafted pieces of artwork - for your ears...and maybe wrists.  And possibly necks, one day.

A little sampling of what my hands have been crafting the past few weeks:

I heart these (below)...and the little shadows they make on your neck.

I've more recently been into making chains - nothing like necklace style yet, but several bracelets.

I was inspired a while ago by a cycle tourist staying where I lived in Rotorua.  She and her partner are sailing  for an unknown time period.  She has in the past made jewelry and suggested using a little hammer to flatten wire.  Just what I want - more opportunities and ideas to be creative.  I don't have a hammer yet, but used my rounded pointy nose beading pliers to flatten the spiral ends of these hand-wired beads.  I like how it came out and look forward to discovering how this will dangle from an ear.

I'm employed!  Perhaps the grandest news of all, eh?  Check out the lovely colors of my uniform:

I'm also working for accommodation at a backpackers so that means no rent!!  Yeah!!

Ok, life is good.  I've been running nearly everyday, despite my issues with rice last week, and I'm officially in lovelovelove with running again.  Just gotta get back on the bike and jump into the freezing ocean...


This post  (the sea-related part) reminds me of Morcheeba's "The Sea" from the album Big Calm. Listen to it if you please.  One of my all-time fave bands.


And just to let blog know...I neeeeeed/waaaaant to ride my bike tomorrow.  I keep putting it off cause my deralliuer hanger snapped in half a while back and I replaced it...perhaps I'm fearful of my mechanic-ing skills and that the newly replaced hanger will snap in half again.  But, let it be known - I will put if off no more!!

It's officially the shortest day of the year today.  I'm so excited for longer daylight hours again - so soon.

Happy solstice day wherever you are in the world!

Goodbye Grains

Turns out my body doesn't like ALL grains.  Not just wheat, barley, and rye - the typical gluten related stuff that gluten free people avoid to the max.  I won't go into the details here in blogland regarding symptoms, or lack of, now - gratefully...(only to spare you the yucky details of the toilet/derrier combo).

But it's official.  Completely grain free improves my quality of life so much that I,  both plainly and simply, don't miss it.  Don't crave it.  Don't dream about it.  Nada.  

It's looking like legumes may be getting the boot, too.  But this is still in test-mode.  

And more than two bites of a Stephanie friendly chocolate bar (there is only one bar of one brand I can eat) gives me some seriously mad heartburn.    

Apparently lectins and too much fructose (can lead to fructose malabsorption) can cause havoc on the intestinal system- especially, I suppose - to those who are already much too sensitive (but perhaps this is really a good good thing - to me, anyway - in terms of simplicity).

What a strange concept that I am gradually embracing - it really is wonderful to be able to understand and know my body well enough to know WHY it feels/reacts this way it does and HOW to go about altering lifestyle choices to feel optimal.

But, like everything in this thing we call life, this is an ever going process and there is something to be learned everyday.

Beautiful.