Getting to Know You!

[Yasmin]

Real name: Patricia

Where do you live? Memphis, Tennessee

Explanation of your handle: Well, it sort of explains how I make sense of my life, which otherwise defies explanation.

Explanation of your avatar: That's Little Moe. I rescue rabbits (the domestic kind).

Age (general or specific): verging on my sixth decade on earth.

Occupation: Systems analyst

Favorite bike: "Love the one you're with."

What's in your stable? Crimson Joy (my shiny red Trek 4500, modified for city riding/trekking -- lighter kevlar tires, hybrid handlebars, Easy Seat saddle -- a machine much envied by the bike cop I met at a bike shop one morning)

Fastest speed on a road bike? Last time I rode a road bike, I didn't have a speedometer, and it was so long ago that I wouldn't remember, anyway.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? None available, unless there's one in a Homeland Security file somewhere (apparently they think that animal rights advocates are dangerous subversives).

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: "Don't be silly. Your hair looks great."

Most memorable moment on my bike: Maybe that would be the hornet that hitched a ride on my shorts all the way across Balboa Park? Well, I wasn't going to try to brush him off and risk getting stung. (Yeah, I have a dull life.)

Most fun ever had on a bike? Coasting at high speed down into the canyon and belting out "mouth music" at the top of my voice.

Welcome aboard. Lovely to have an animal activist terrorist with Doris Day connections amoung us!. Wouldn't want to meet you or one of the bunnies in a dark alley, especially if I had a salad sandwich on me.
Love your sense of humor. I'm new to this site too. Hope you get as much fun/info out of it as I am.
Cheers, Yasmin.

[Lise]

Getting to Know You!

OK, I'll give it my shot!

Real name: Lise (pronounced Lisa)

Where do you live? Chicago, IL

Explanation of your handle: It's my name. I wasn't feeling creative enough when I signed up. "Run like a dachshund" because I love those dogs--they run with the purest joy. They have no idea their legs are only 3 inches long. It's a good luck charm for me to see at least one dachshund on every long race I do.

Explanation of your avatar: I wish I could figure out how to find an avatar of a dachshund.

Age (general or specific) 45

Occupation: Certified Nurse-Midwife

Favorite bike: Don't know enough to have one yet

What's in your stable? Marin Larkspur City bike. Great for riding around Chicago. I've done two international tris, three sprint tris, and a metric century on it. That said, I'm getting a "real" triathlon bike next spring.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 23mph, in the Lake Zurich triathlon last 8/14.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Hmmm, I do not know how to add a picture...

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Definitely not revealing it here!

Most memorable moment on my bike: A sprint tri this May. I was dripping wet, freezing cold, underdressed, and I rode harder than I ever have in my life. I felt so strong.

Most fun ever had on a bike? It's a toss-up between riding to swimming lessons when I was 7, and riding all over Chicago on my 45th birthday, just doing what ever I wanted to do.
...................
I found this site and first posted on the triathlon board--here's some of the info about me from there--

I'm 45 years old, did my first triathlon 2 years ago. I was a an active kid, then life happened, and I became completely alienated from my body. By 40, I was "crippled" (my perspective) with chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis. I was 30# overweight, and going through a nasty divorce. I made some new friends, and tagged along when one did the Accenture Chicago Triathlon. I saw old people, fat people, a woman in a clown suit, and thought, "I wonder if I could do that?"

You know the answer, of course! NO! Not in a clown suit! But YES! In regular tri gear! My first tri was completely un-researched. A friend and I did it together. We picked the Lake Zurich triathlon , an international distance, because, well, we didn't know anything. We didn't know there was such a thing as a "sprint" distance. So we swam across Lake Zurich, rode the hills of Lake County, and ...walked 6.25 mi. We were dead last across the finish line, but the organizers put our picture up on the website with congratulations to all the first-timers. I was bitten by the tri-bug when I did it again the following year.

This year I've done two sprints, one international distance tri, a metric century ride, two 5K runs, a 1/2 marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. If you're going to have a mid-life crisis, turning into an athlete is not a bad one to have. I'm doing the 8K Turkey Trot on, you guessed it, Thanksgiving Day.

Mostly I am tickled pink to be an athlete. There's still so much to learn. This is the first winter when I'm seriously committing to training all winter. My goal is to do a 1/2 Ironman. After the 100K bike ride, I was sure I had no desire to do the Ironman. Kudos to those of you who do!

Biking is far and away my favorite part of triathlon. On the bike I feel strong and free. It is one of the best feelings in the world. My mom started biking when she was 60 years old, and at 70 is still going strong. We have a tradition of adult-onset athleticism in our family!

Best wishes to all--I'm looking forward to reading more posts and getting to know you all, too! Lise

[CorsairMac]

Welcome to the board Lise! My parents have had dachshund for years usually minis and they are just too cute. I found you a pix of one - you need to save it to some type of photo place - someone else here can probably tell you better - and then you have to resize it to use it as an avatar! as for attaching a photo:
when you're posting, scroll down and you'll see a "manage attachments", that's what you use to put photos in posts.

[Lise]

Thanks, CorsairMac! Just seeing a dachshund lifts my heart. I'll work on the picture uploading skills! Take care, Lise

[Yasmin]

Welcome to the board Lise! My parents have had dachshund for years usually minis and they are just too cute. I found you a pix of one - you need to save it to some type of photo place - someone else here can probably tell you better - and then you have to resize it to use it as an avatar! as for attaching a photo:
when you're posting, scroll down and you'll see a "manage attachments", that's what you use to put photos in posts.

What a cute little honey, CorsairMac. Made me smile just looking at the picture. Regards, Yasmin.

[Yasmin]

Getting to Know You!

OK, I'll give it my shot!

Real name: Lise (pronounced Lisa)

Where do you live? Chicago, IL

Explanation of your handle: It's my name. I wasn't feeling creative enough when I signed up. "Run like a dachshund" because I love those dogs--they run with the purest joy. They have no idea their legs are only 3 inches long. It's a good luck charm for me to see at least one dachshund on every long race I do.

Explanation of your avatar: I wish I could figure out how to find an avatar of a dachshund.

Age (general or specific) 45

Occupation: Certified Nurse-Midwife

Favorite bike: Don't know enough to have one yet

What's in your stable? Marin Larkspur City bike. Great for riding around Chicago. I've done two international tris, three sprint tris, and a metric century on it. That said, I'm getting a "real" triathlon bike next spring.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? 23mph, in the Lake Zurich triathlon last 8/14.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Hmmm, I do not know how to add a picture...

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Definitely not revealing it here!

Most memorable moment on my bike: A sprint tri this May. I was dripping wet, freezing cold, underdressed, and I rode harder than I ever have in my life. I felt so strong.

Most fun ever had on a bike? It's a toss-up between riding to swimming lessons when I was 7, and riding all over Chicago on my 45th birthday, just doing what ever I wanted to do.
...................
I found this site and first posted on the triathlon board--here's some of the info about me from there--

I'm 45 years old, did my first triathlon 2 years ago. I was a an active kid, then life happened, and I became completely alienated from my body. By 40, I was "crippled" (my perspective) with chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis. I was 30# overweight, and going through a nasty divorce. I made some new friends, and tagged along when one did the Accenture Chicago Triathlon. I saw old people, fat people, a woman in a clown suit, and thought, "I wonder if I could do that?"

You know the answer, of course! NO! Not in a clown suit! But YES! In regular tri gear! My first tri was completely un-researched. A friend and I did it together. We picked the Lake Zurich triathlon , an international distance, because, well, we didn't know anything. We didn't know there was such a thing as a "sprint" distance. So we swam across Lake Zurich, rode the hills of Lake County, and ...walked 6.25 mi. We were dead last across the finish line, but the organizers put our picture up on the website with congratulations to all the first-timers. I was bitten by the tri-bug when I did it again the following year.

This year I've done two sprints, one international distance tri, a metric century ride, two 5K runs, a 1/2 marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. If you're going to have a mid-life crisis, turning into an athlete is not a bad one to have. I'm doing the 8K Turkey Trot on, you guessed it, Thanksgiving Day.

Mostly I am tickled pink to be an athlete. There's still so much to learn. This is the first winter when I'm seriously committing to training all winter. My goal is to do a 1/2 Ironman. After the 100K bike ride, I was sure I had no desire to do the Ironman. Kudos to those of you who do!

Biking is far and away my favorite part of triathlon. On the bike I feel strong and free. It is one of the best feelings in the world. My mom started biking when she was 60 years old, and at 70 is still going strong. We have a tradition of adult-onset athleticism in our family!

Best wishes to all--I'm looking forward to reading more posts and getting to know you all, too! Lise

Hi Lise. Happy that you've joined the site. I'm also a "newy" but absolutely love the girls & the support that comes back at you.
My mum used to breed long-haired dachshunds in England when I was a baby, so I know what characters thay are. I am also a late starter at cycling (& running)...although I swam as a child. I'm now 49yrs & have run for 10yrs, cycled for 7yrs ( I know...geez she must be tired!) Good on you & keep making goals. Yasmin.

[Lise]

Good heavens, girl, sit down! Take a rest! I do wonder about the running and cycling for seven years simultaneously... Yeah, I love the doxies. We had a miniature black and tan smooth coated girl named Schatzi. She was with us for 19 years. I knew a guy whose mini-doxie died when it was 23 years old. The guy's father was devastated when the dog died. He chastised his son, "It's because you smoke!" "Dad", the guy replied, "He was a dog! He wasn't going to out live you!" But...one does get awfully attached. Now I have two cats, Ariel and Isaac, who love to be as close to me as possible when I'm around, but can fend for themselves when I'm at the hospital for a 24 (+?) hour call shift. I'd love a dog, but they're not feasible for the single midwife.

Thanks for welcoming me to the boards! Since you swim and bike and run, do ever do all three at once-ish, in a triathlon?

Take care, Lise

[laughlaugh18]

Real name: Cathy

Where do you live? Los Angeles, CA (San Fernando Valley)

Explanation of your handle: 18 is my favorite number and laugh laugh is something I try to remember to do lots of, no matter how bad the day.

Explanation of your avatar: Maybe I'll figure one out someday.

Age (general or specific) 49 last month

Occupation: Attorney

Favorite bike: Don't know yet - one that fits my 5'2", finicky, bad neck, bad shoulder, bad knee, I-may-not-look-49-but-I-sure-feel-it-sometimes, princess-and-the-pea body.

What's in your stable? A (5'7") friend's hand me down Trek 820 mtb, which I can ride for about an hour before my body starts squealing (see above). I've been so frustrated by the bike-shopping experience that I'm taking some time off from the quest.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Wha'? Bikes can go fast? My brakes are my friends.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Here's a picture of me visiting the Christo Gates in NY last February. Snow is cold! (I'm a native Angeleno)

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Does most frequent count? "I've been working on it; I'll have it to you by tomorrow."

Most memorable moment on my bike: Not too much to chose from yet - my first ride in 30 some-odd years last August. A 12 mile round trip on the bike path from Manhattan Beach to Redondo Beach with friends to meet another friend for breakfast. I was amazed that I stayed upright, let alone survived and even enjoyed it. Hmm, I thought, it's execise and it's fun. What a novel concept for a life-long couch potato (yep, I happily sat and watched (thanks to Tivo) every day of the entire Tour de France on OLN, both the morning and evening editions).

Most fun ever had on a bike? I grew up in a hilly area and had a Schwinn 3 speed. I don't really remember biking being fun back then. Here's to newer and funner memories!

[laughlaugh18]

Wow, that picture's big. Sorry if it's too big. I'm still figuring out how to work these things!

[Yasmin]

Real name: Cathy

Where do you live? Los Angeles, CA (San Fernando Valley)

Explanation of your handle: 18 is my favorite number and laugh laugh is something I try to remember to do lots of, no matter how bad the day.

Explanation of your avatar: Maybe I'll figure one out someday.

Age (general or specific) 49 last month

Occupation: Attorney

Favorite bike: Don't know yet - one that fits my 5'2", finicky, bad neck, bad shoulder, bad knee, I-may-not-look-49-but-I-sure-feel-it-sometimes, princess-and-the-pea body.

What's in your stable? A (5'7") friend's hand me down Trek 820 mtb, which I can ride for about an hour before my body starts squealing (see above). I've been so frustrated by the bike-shopping experience that I'm taking some time off from the quest.

Fastest speed on a road bike? where? when? Wha'? Bikes can go fast? My brakes are my friends.

Another picture of yourself or your ride? Here's a picture of me visiting the Christo Gates in NY last February. Snow is cold! (I'm a native Angeleno)

What is the biggest lie you've ever told: Does most frequent count? "I've been working on it; I'll have it to you by tomorrow."

Most memorable moment on my bike: Not too much to chose from yet - my first ride in 30 some-odd years last August. A 12 mile round trip on the bike path from Manhattan Beach to Redondo Beach with friends to meet another friend for breakfast. I was amazed that I stayed upright, let alone survived and even enjoyed it. Hmm, I thought, it's execise and it's fun. What a novel concept for a life-long couch potato (yep, I happily sat and watched (thanks to Tivo) every day of the entire Tour de France on OLN, both the morning and evening editions).

Most fun ever had on a bike? I grew up in a hilly area and had a Schwinn 3 speed. I don't really remember biking being fun back then. Here's to newer and funner memories!

Hi Cathy. Another 5' 2" 49yr old. Super! Yeah, I can relate to the physical groanings thing. When you eventually find the bike of your dreams that fits you, your body will thankyou for it. I've got 3 bikes ( 1 trek 2300 road, 1 trek 7200 hybrid & an old Shogun MTB). When I rode a larger bike a short distance, my body screamed at me. Good luck with the hunt. You'll know when you've found the right one.
Cheers, Yasmin.

[Yasmin]

Good heavens, girl, sit down! Take a rest! I do wonder about the running and cycling for seven years simultaneously... Yeah, I love the doxies. We had a miniature black and tan smooth coated girl named Schatzi. She was with us for 19 years. I knew a guy whose mini-doxie died when it was 23 years old. The guy's father was devastated when the dog died. He chastised his son, "It's because you smoke!" "Dad", the guy replied, "He was a dog! He wasn't going to out live you!" But...one does get awfully attached. Now I have two cats, Ariel and Isaac, who love to be as close to me as possible when I'm around, but can fend for themselves when I'm at the hospital for a 24 (+?) hour call shift. I'd love a dog, but they're not feasible for the single midwife.

Thanks for welcoming me to the boards! Since you swim and bike and run, do ever do all three at once-ish, in a triathlon?

Take care, Lise

I've toyed with the idea of doing triathlons but have had a run of injuries in the last 2 yrs (lower back, Rt. ankle, Lt. knee). The limiting factor is my back (Left sided L5/S1 facet joint for those with anatomical knowledge). However, I haven't completely given up on the idea. At present I am in training for a cycling event in Victoria, Australia Jan 06: the "Audax Alpine Classic"...200km which includes 3,600m of vertical climbing in mid summer. Hence, cycling has dominated my existence the last couple of months. I wanted to do this gruelling event before I turned 50 (20th July 2006). Sometimes I think I must be going a little crazy, but if you only live once, why not? Regards, Yasmin.

[Lise]

At present I am in training for a cycling event in Victoria, Australia Jan 06: the "Audax Alpine Classic"...200km which includes 3,600m of vertical climbing in mid summer.

Wow! That's impressive. I've come back from nearly disabling pelvic pain due to severe endometriosis, exacerbated by three years of infertility treatments. I was in a chronic pain program 6 years ago, in which they suggested I either use anti-depressants as pain relievers, or start aerobic exercise. They said the results would be the same. I took the Rx, because I knew I'd never be an athlete. I got a fair amount of PT for my right S-I joint. You can guess the upshot, since I'm here...no longer on any drugs, and I'm a triathlete and marathon finisher today.

I'm really impressed with your upcoming biking feat. This summer I did a 100km ride through the mildly rolling hills of northern Illinois. It kicked my butt. I did it on my "city" bike, but this is a fairly streamlined bike that I've ridden in 6 triathlons. I'm looking forward to getting a "real" tri bike at the big bike expo this April in Chicago.

Today I watched the Kona Ironman World Championship Triathlon highlights on TV. I cried through a lot of it. Triathlon is such an amazing sport. I hope you get to try it sometime.

Best wishes,

Lise

[Yasmin]

Wow! That's impressive. I've come back from nearly disabling pelvic pain due to severe endometriosis, exacerbated by three years of infertility treatments. I was in a chronic pain program 6 years ago, in which they suggested I either use anti-depressants as pain relievers, or start aerobic exercise. They said the results would be the same. I took the Rx, because I knew I'd never be an athlete. I got a fair amount of PT for my right S-I joint. You can guess the upshot, since I'm here...no longer on any drugs, and I'm a triathlete and marathon finisher today.

I'm really impressed with your upcoming biking feat. This summer I did a 100km ride through the mildly rolling hills of northern Illinois. It kicked my butt. I did it on my "city" bike, but this is a fairly streamlined bike that I've ridden in 6 triathlons. I'm looking forward to getting a "real" tri bike at the big bike expo this April in Chicago.

Today I watched the Kona Ironman World Championship Triathlon highlights on TV. I cried through a lot of it. Triathlon is such an amazing sport. I hope you get to try it sometime.


Best wishes,

Lise

Hi Lise. Stories like yours inspire me to keep "pushing the envelope" of personal achievement. I still hope to enter triathlons at sometime. Also like you I have found cycling (& all sport) to be the best panacea. I've struggled with depression (reactive, not bipolar) & nothing does the trick as well as sport. The drug companies would not like this fact getting out, I'm sure.
Good luck with your endomitriosis. I'm lucky not to have it, but have known women afflicted with it & what it can do. Keep up the good work!
Kindest regards,
Yasmin.

PS - I cry with seeing the "give all" performances of athletes as well. Everyone has a story & one can only imagine what they've been through to get where they are.

[snapdragen]

Explanation of your avatar: I wish I could figure out how to find an avatar of a dachshund.

Doxies are great, I used to work in a kennel that raised them.