Hot Summer Ride

Yesterday, as Jay headed out to a race, I gathered my things and jumped on my bike for some quality time in the sun and warmth before going to work.  I headed west, towards Lake Minnetonka... no real path or destination in mind, just doing anything to avoid the Greenway or the lakes.

The wind was a pain in the rear, but the ride was awesome.  It was one of those rides where I was thinking of all the wonderful things around me that I wanted to get back and write about, blended up with some personal goals, thoughts of my family, and of course more bike rides.  

Along my way, somewhere in deep thought, I caught something out of the corner of my eye that startled me.  I kept going, but had to turn around to see if it was real...

It didn't move, not even when I stopped, not even an ear twitch... but my heart still raced as I took the picture.  Titillated, I headed on down the road.  

I hadn't made it more than a couple miles before I came across another 4-legged friend, running along the road.  A Husky apparently snuck out of the house, and was trotting down Mcginty with owner slowly riding a bike behind it, leash in one hand, phone to her ear with the other.  Considering the number of cars I'd seen on the road already, I passed the woman as she weaved back and forth, half of the time calling to the dog, the other half panicking into the phone.  I rode up to the dog who didn't care if I called it a bad dog or tried to bribe it with Gu packets, so I herded it off of Mcginty and onto a side road.  Luckily, there was a pole that looked like it really needed to be peed on, so I got my window to get off my bike and bribe the nice puppy into greeting me.  I grabbed his collar and started walking me back home.  It felt awesome!

Near death experience with a fake coyote.... check

Reunite rogue puppy and owner..... check

Commence ride.

I got into downtown Wayzata, peacefully watching the streets full of families, walkers, and bikers galore.  I wasn't ready to be done... so I wondered... can I make it around Lake Mtka and get home in time for work?  I cranked up the speed and hunkered down for a big hard effort.  My legs still resist me some, but they gave in eventually and let me play.  I got out to Orono and stopped to check the map to see if it was at all feasible.  Unfortunately, the clock said I had 45 min. to get home... maybe another day.  So, I turned around and raced myself home, stopping only to refill my bottles.

I got home with enough time to take Rosco for a mile long walk, and even he started to get exhausted from the heat.  Lucky  for him, he got to go home and nap.  This girl had 6 hours of walking ahead of her.  But, I made some moolah, hung out with my friends, and I had a front row seat for the wicked thunderstorm storm.... after clearing the patio in a frantic, wet, rush.  :o)

Now, my legs are still buzzing and I wish I could get out and ride.  Tomorrow, friend. Today, I've got things to do.  

Livin' the dream,

Kristy Kreme

Double Down at the Dog

Last Saturday, we dug out the time trial bikes and helmets for the first TT of the year down at the Farmdog Time Trial in Eureka Township.  Not only had the bikes withstood the big shop move, but had to wake them up from being apart so long... pretty sure the last time I'd been on El Gato was last July or August.  So, needless to say, we not only needed to put some air in the tires, but I actually had to dust her off before hoping on the trainer.

Once I got out on the road, I remembered how much I love time trials... how much I love El Gato.  She's steady, responsive, light, and sneaky quiet.  

My March legs didn't really enjoy me trying to pull off a May legs cadence, but I asked them too anyway.  It was a struggle against the wind and my out-of-season body, but I pulled it off.  My time was about a minute slower than I would like it to be, at 0:23:02.9, but I had to remind myself that I haven't even spent 150 miles in the saddle yet this spring... it'll come.  

Jay looked and rode great, as always.  Working like a dog at all hours of the day and night hasn't kept Jay from riding when he can and nothing can keep him from his pain cave.  Awesome job Hollywood!

Then, on this past Wednesday, we hit the Farmdog TT to tackle the course again.  The winds were almost non-existant, but the real question was if it was going to be a help, or a hinderance.  Yeah, no headwind to fight, but no tailwind to push you on.  Either way, we took the challenge and fought it out again.  I was able to shave off some time, finishing in 0:23:00.2, with a goal yet this summer to take off another 30-60 seconds.. I've got some work to do.

But, when it comes down to it, I'm still doing something I love with my best friend & hubby, and hanging out with my friends while exercising.  Add in a couple beers after the race and a warm, summer sunset with my puppy in my lap, and you have all the wonderful things that make life great.  Only thing we're missing is family and the Scamp.  :oD

Loving Life,
Kristy Kreme

A Quote for the Day..

"A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have." ~Annonymous

Dreaming in color,
Kristy Kreme

Adventures in Orthodontia

Back in October, I decided to embark on a brand new adventure.... Braces!  Okay, so not the metal-mouth, teeny-bopper lookin' ones.  I got started on Invisalign, clear trays that make slight adjustments to your teeth over time.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made!

I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Deville...  To help the teeth move, attachments are added to some teeth to act as levers, giving the trays more leverage to move your teeth.  Dr. Weber said it was going to take 6 months, but I didn't truly believe him.

Every 6 weeks I went back into Dalseth Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to check to make sure I was wearing the Invisalign trays 22+ hours a day and that my teeth were cooperating and moving as planned.  Sure, the first couple days of each new set of trays were a little painful, but I just planned out my meals accordingly so crunchy tacos fell on days at the end of the two weeks, and pastas and soft foods on tender days.

It really did come in handy this winter, though, keeping off the winter weight gain!  Pretty hard to graze all day when you have to remove the trays to eat and brush your teeth to put them back on.  Last year I gained 10lbs. during the winter, this year... -1lb.

Six months finally came and I was nervous that they were going to extend it out longer.  To my surprise, Dr. Weber said it was a success!  With a little contouring to even out the wear of my teeth from their old positioning, removal of the attachments, and a permanent retainer on the inside of my bottom teeth, I'm done!  Finito!  I've got a retainer to wear all day for the next 6 months, but it's clear and fitted to my teeth and I can barely see it.  SOOOOO COOOOOL!!!!  

Before:

After:

Thank you, Dr. Weber & Miss Holly!!!!  You are the best!  I am so happy I did it.  Now I just get caught smiling at myself in the mirror at work every day.  Not a bad problem to have, eh?  :oD

Smilin' Away, 

Kristy Kreme