Back to School

So today was my first day back in school. This is my second year in the two year Physical Therapist Assistant program out at Spokane Falls Community College. I am excited to get going and of course, finish. I think this year will me a much better and dare I say it, fun year. Last year I remember coming home and just crying. I was so overwhelmed and some what scared that as soon as my best friend asked me how my first day went I just started crying. This year I came home feeling very good about things.

I think the pure fact that we all already knew each other and our instructors, the classrooms etc. made it much easier. We fell right back into the swing of things, kicking off the day with lectures and lab. My classes are therapeutic exercise, introduction to orthopedics, and a pediatric class. I am looking forward to all of them, but especially the peds class.

I was able to do all of those stupid little things that end up being a pain like get a parking pass, get all my books etc. today so that was great to get out of the way. All in all it was good to get back into class and see everyone again, I am glad to be back in a way. I am excited like I said to get started so I can get done. The one bad thing about being back in school is gonna be the time I won't be able to spend on my bike. It sucks but at the same time I know it will be worth it. I was able to figure out a way to do both last year and I think this year will be a little bit of a lighter load in school. My biggest fear last year was that I would not make any improvements with my cycling due to the fact that I was unable to ride. I found though this year that I still made huge improvements and did well. So I guess that will be the case this year and even if I don't make HUGE improvements this next season, after this school year I will be done with school and be able to keep a more 'regular' workout schedule.

So, wish me luck, one more year!!!!

A Day on the Hiawatha Trail

This weekend a few of my aunts and uncles and mom and dad and me of course, went up to ride The Route of the Hiawatha. The trail is an old train rail that has been turned into a fun and easy bike ride for the entire family. Being a train rail the trail is a 2% grade and you start at the top and ride downhill the entire way. Some make it a bit more challenging by riding back up, we didn't do that but I did think about it. Should have, when you get to the last pictures you will see why I say that:) This picture is the beginning of the ride, right ahead is the start of a 1.8 mile long tunnel, pitch dark, water dripping down from the top, and full of mud! It was fun but VERY cold way to start the ride.


Me at one of the first tressels overlooking some great scenery. We really do live in such a great part of the country!


The view coming out of a tunnel.

A family rides out of the tunnel pictured above.

Mom and Dad


Everyone:my uncle Doug, aunt Alice, uncle Oly, aunt Sharon, Mom, Dad, Uncle Alan, Me, aunt Diana

A great shot of my cross bike with a great back drop!!!!



The pre-ride meeting. I thought we only had to do that at races:)

Dad and me.

Mom and me.

Loading up the bikes for the shuttle ride back to the cars.

Okay, so this picture may look a bit out of place. However, its not. This guy hit our bus on the shuttle ride back up the mountain. He was out getting firewood and came flying around this corner and hit us in the bus pretty much head on. Our driver saw him coming, stopped, but the guy was coming so fast he couldn't stop. We were on a narrow forest service road and there was no where for him to go but up the embankment and into our front end.

We ended up having to call the head guy of the Hiawatha Trail, the police and all other buses to alert them that they would have to try and squeak by us on this corner. We ended up waiting over an hour then the boss said go ahead because the police were unable to get there for who knows how much longer. They took all of our names address, and phone numbers along with a statement and then got us on our way. Now you see why I should have just rode back up to the top. I probably would have got to the top before the bus and would have had a decent workout! Oh well, now I have this story to tell:)

The damage to the bus was minimal, a few scratches, the truck however didn't fare so well. That's some expensive firewood that guy went up into the woods to get.

Labor Day Weekend

I went down to the Tri-Cities for my aunts birthday party, but found out some of my friends were also down there for the Titanium Man Triathlon. Lucky me, I get a weekend of watching a race and spending time with my family. The Coeur d' Alene Tri Club had a strong showing with 5 members running the race, then Mike and me riding around on the course to watch and take pictures. Mike's son, Taylor, 3rd from the right, did very well. I think he won his age division but haven't checked the results yet. I had to leave before results were posted but from what we could tell he won his division.

This weekend also marked my first few rides on my cross bike....that was a bit of a slap in the face. As I rode along the tri course with Mike I quickly realized the increased rolling resistance of the cross tires versus road tires. I can usually hold on to his wheel fairly easily, this ride that was not the case. I had to work a bit harder to stay within even a few bike lengths. Oh well, it was fun, nice to be back on that bike as well. I am looking forward to cross season for sure!



Me, waiting for those we knew to come through this section of the bike course. This gas station was about 8 miles into the course, which was surprisingly hilly!

A quick shot of the bikes resting next to the gas station sign.

My cousin Jared and his wife Jennie at my aunt's birthday party.

My cousin Nicole, Aunt Ginger, and Uncle Tony.

My cousin Nicole's new cat, Tyson. Why is it when you're allergic they can't seem to leave you alone:) He was so cute though I couldn't resist having him snuggle with me.

My mom was trying to take a picture of me, well just had to make a face at her:)