So when my BFF blogged that I was basically not up for the challenge of RAAM, that I was somehow "cheapening" her want for the same goal, not only did my shirt rip off (when I turned big and green), but so did my "captain mellow" pants. Since I had been planning and replanning my eventual path towards RAAM since late 2005 early 2006 despite setback after setback, all apparently unbeknownst to the almighty Claire, I was beyond crushed. I immediately, within a 20 minute time span from reading the blog, turned this "instant anger management moment" into drive. There was no point in telling her off, so I thanked her for lighting the fire under my ass, though I did let her know that her words stabbed deep into my sensy little Shane heart.

Since Monday night (the night of the "incident") I have logged every single mile, average speed, weather conditon, and distance that I have covered during my final full work week. Saturday I'm doing the 49 mile San Francisco Scenic Route followed by  the Tour d'Organics century ride in Sebastapol on Sunday.   

Since I decided to go back to school, I'm incorporating a 20 mile sprint weekday mornings, followed by longer rides on the weekends.  I'm also planning on making the122 mile trek from San Francisco to my mom's house in North Salinas on alternating Saturdays.  I will be riding out to Carmel and eventually Big Sur on Sundays while she's at church.  I'm also eyeing some charity century rides in Northern California through November.

Funny as it may seem, I've also taken up running.  I might do the Big Sur Half Marathon next year.  Claire's first marathon was Big Sur, but I don't think I'm really up for running 26.2 miles.  That just doesn't sound fun.  I'm just looking at it this way, I 've always ran a 10 minute mile so what is that, I'd be running for like, what, almost 2 hours?  That doesn't sound fun at all, (after I've done the math, right?)  No, but I'm eyeing a bunch of 5k and 10k charity runs, also through November, so I figured, why not push myself to run longer and longer along the same timeline that I'm increasing my distances on my bike.  

My Bro' Jenny keeps joshing me about this weird drive to run, since anybody who knows me knows I HATE RUNNING!!  She thinks it's because I'm secretly trying to marry Claire.  I think it's becasue Claire always gives me drive and perspecive towards goals that I think are unachievable for myself.  That and I did start running to have something else athletic in common with her.  I should admit that at least.  Maybe I do have some residual crush on her, but I also know that when you're a recovering alcoholic and all the people you use to drink with are now your ex-drinking buddies it's even more important to solidify friendship on other levels rather than mere debuachery.  So call it a crush Jenny.  I call it being a good friend, even if I'm not RAAM material.  JERKS!!