On January 5th, I boarded the plane and flew cross country to the sunny haven of Hermosa Beach, California for my 3rd year running. Unfortunately, they were in the middle of a monsoon. For two days I endured 50 degree rainy weather. I threatened to leave, but my cousin, her husband, and her baby did not seem too concerned.
After being relegated to the indoor trainer all fall due to my shoulder ordeal, I was more than ready to find some sunny weather and ride my bike outside. As per usual, I have taken over my cousins apartment with my two bikes and luggage. Only this year, I have competition. Her name is Elliot, and she is my roommate! Let me just say that my ear plugs are working wonders.
It has been great to be back on the bike. I even joined the gym across the street to work on strengthening my shoulders. It is a bit demoralizing when I have to ask for the one pair of 3 lb weights in the gym. I am of course surrounded by grunting bronzed men and women with big boobs…they are bronzed as well. You gotta love LA. I don’t think I fit in at they gym. They look at me like I am a creature from mars…or at least Boston. I cannot figure out why there are so many people running on the treadmills when it is 65 degrees and sunny out and there is a beautiful running path along the beach 3 blocks over. Here are a few pics of me on the bike path on the beach. They are self portraits so don’t be too critical 
I am off to try my first day of mountain biking tomorrow. Wish me luck and stay tuned for more blogging
Happy trails
Sara
