Roberta

Off The Radar With Roberta Gonzales

Welcome To My Column! I'll tell you what's going on with the crazy Bay Area weather, but that's not all. I'll talk about Bay Area events, getting fit!, the why behind the weather, biking, Bay Area hiking, triathlon and swimming. And of course feel free to send me questions and feedback.

What A Wonderful Summer!

As I rode my bike today, I noticed lofty leaves changing colors and drifting effortlessly from tree limbs to the ground. I thanked God for another blessed day. And on this gorgeous Autumn day, my thoughts drifted back to the arrival of summer. It has definetly been a summer to reflect on.

In June, I cherished the beautiful and memorable Sailing On The Bay with John Wimer and his crew on the Desdemona. It was a breathless day with my husand Randy on board. I will forever be grateful to John for that unique and precious day on the Bay. I will forever call John, friend. 

The first day of summer arrived while I was experiencing one of the most fierce thunderstorms in Coeur 'd Alene, Idaho, in decades. I was preparing for my 5th full Ironman and as I knelt praying to St. Sebastian, I asked for calmer waters and better weather than what I experienced in Lake Placid a year ago. He heard half my request. My struggles through that race will be everlasting. And while I didn't have my BEST Race, I finished and walked away proudly with many cherished life lessons.



Racing Kit!



It rained and rained....



But I FINISHED! It wasn't pretty, but it was enough!



In July, it was the LIVESTRONG Charity Bike Ride with good buddy John Stark, riding 70 miles for a great cause! Check out the video he recorded!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wmHU_Tb8sw

About a week later, I threw out the Game ball at the A's Game against the Los Angeles Angels. It's the most surreal and incredible feeling standing on that Pitchers mound!



OK! So I throw like a girl! That's why I swim, bike and run! But I did throw it over home plate!



And yeah, it's true...I kind of thought Oakland A's, Geo Gonzalez is hot!
Who doesn't!  Jajaja!

Summer in New York City can be hot and humid. But with BFF Juliette Goodrich, our July visit was downright steamy!  Hahaha!! I still laugh when I think of us at Karaoke.



She dragged me to Regis and Kelly and I returned the favor with taking her along to my favorite, Dave Letterman! My favorite and now hers too!




Highlight of the trip was taking in a baseball game at the new Yankee Stadium! A's vs. Yankees! Go A's! No, we didn't get beat up donning on A's jersey's!



While I love baseball....Jules loved the shopping. And shopping and shopping!


August found John, Tom and I swimming at Lake Del Valle weekly. I can honestly saw, lake Del Valle is one of my most favorite places in the bay Area.  It's soulful and serene....

 

And by the end of August, with Drivers License in hand, Randall was driving to High School with Michael!



September brought the much awaited Best Buddies Challenge.
The CBS 5/KCBS/CyclePath Cycle Team rode 100 miles from Carmel to Heart Castle to raise money and awareness for individuals with intellectual disadvantages. It was an amazing weekend!



 

The Chicago Marathon will be one of the highlights of my Racing Year. No it wasn't my fastest marathon ever, actually my slowest. But it was my 25th and it was all about fun, not speed! And the fun began at Midway Airport!



After checking into the lovely Hotel Sax, we found ourselves in the Crimson Room, enjoying the SIGHTS and sounds of the private GQ Party!



Showing Elaine the City I love so much was fun!



See the L whip by off Wabash Ave! (By Gold Coast Hot Dogs!)



 

We didn't get a chance to see my friend of nearly 30 years, White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen. But we did manage to find an "Ozzie Gullen" bobblehead while seeking out souvenirs for my boys!  Jajaja!



My Marathon Race Kit!




Race Day Breakfast!



The Chicago Marathon featured 45,000 Runners and 2 million Spectators!






Elaine was the BEST spectator and BFF!!





My 25th Marathon Complete!

On this Autumn day, unlike those big, beautiful Oak tree leaves, drifting "one by one" by my side....I am blessed with the support of each friend who has been along for the summer journey.

But hey! There's still a couple more months left in the year!  I can't wait to see what's left!

Coeur D' Alene; Rain or Shine!

I am just hours away from competeting in one of the most grueling, toughest sporting events ever. And over the past couple of weeks, I have asked myself, "why?"



And while I am not entirely sure which drives me, what completely thrusts me to harness the challenge, one thing is certain. There will be some form of pain on Race Day. And rain.



While the weather doesn't look stellar, it doesn't look as bad as last years Lake Placid deluge. However, significant rain is in the forecast. So, there will be pain and there will be rain.

And I am still very excited for Race Day. So excited, I can not sleep!

On Sunday, June 21, I will swim 2.4 miles in 60 degree waters of Lake Coeur D'Alene. I will cycle 112 miles through the mountains that separates Idaho from Montana. And I will run 26.2 miles through the streets of this beautiful countryside.



I was talking to my Father today, wishing him an early "Happy Fathers Day" when I mentioned, "Dad, if it wasn't for my crazy hobby, this wonderful Sport, I wouldn't have the opportunity to embrace all these sites". And its true! My sport has blessed me with beauty of the land and the grace of people.



So here I go again...this time, attempting my Fifth Ironman. And whether I or not I Finish, I will be noble in the attempt. And I can't wait for all the lessons I learn along the way.



After all, it's going to be a very long day!

Good Luck to fellow Bay Area Triathletes here competing as well! There are too many to mention except for John Stark, Tom Glynn, Amy Cramer, Dana Laytham and Margaret....stay safe, have fun, you have my love and support!

Going For Number 5!

Ok, I am not going to even begin to try to explain where all the time has gone.  I promised to write every detail about Ironman 70.3 Honu upon arrival from Kona, but three weeks later, I am still trying to find a moment to exhale.


Since returning from Kona, there have been peak Ironman training days followed by emceeing charity events, end of season baseball parties, Speaking and Recruiting for the Best Buddies Charity Ride and 8th Grade Promotion. There has also been some crazy Bay Area Weather to report on, which has been fun and fascinating! There was Opera at the Park and the '09 Media Sailing Cup, too. 


 


And a half of dozen trips to Lake Del Valle for Ironman swims with John and Tom. Yes, life has been a bit busy, but it's what I call, "living!"

Thursday I hop on a plane and head to Spokane, Washington. Spokane will be home base until Monday as I prepare for my 5th Ironman. This year's Ironman will be in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, and much to my surprise and amazement, a whole contingency of Bay Area Triathletes are embarking on the same challenge.  Included in the army of fellow "friends" will be my true buddies, John Stark and Danville Tom Glynn. And my bosom buddies Greg and Joanie Novacek are boarding the jetliner with me as they mini vacation at Ironman!

 
I have butterflies. Lot's of them. The butterflies remind me, I am alive. Alive and happy.

A favorite Paulo Coelho quote; "Sometimes happiness is a blessing but generally it is a conquest".

My boss, President and General Manager Ron Longinotti wished me luck and said he believes this Ironman will be one of my best. He believes this because it's my 5th Ironman and I work for Channel 5. I am so superstitious, I'll buy it!

I look forward to journaling about my attempted conquest and experiences while in Coeur d'Alene.  It's odd, no matter how much I have prepared over the last 16 weeks, I still question my "readiness".  "Did I swim hard enough? Did I put in all the miles my Coach assigned me on the Bike?  Did I pound the pavement running too slow?"

At the end of this day, those questions really don't matter; I have dedicated myself to the training. I have accomplished a grueling schedule balancing work, motherhood and training, and I still have a good handful of girlfriends who feel as if I have no neglected our friendship in the process. I can't ask for more, except to show up with a smile on my face, on Race Day.

OH! By the way! For those of you who have written to me and are interested in the home on the Big Island that I rented with Tim, Susan, Joe, Kate and Leslie…here is the email address: peacefulhouse.com

You will be enchanted and thrilled at the location and serenity!

We Came, We Conquered, Now We Play!

Ironman 70.3 Honu was one of the most enriching life experiences which will be cherished by Joe, Tim, Susan, Kate and Leslie.

All six of us finished the day with a beautifuol medal marking our accomplishment of a day consisting of sweat, struggles and fun!

Details of an amazing Race Day to follow, but for now, the gang of 5 is hitting the prestine black sandy beach while I catch a flight home to my family.

Aloha!

Ironman Honu 70.3

It's been a couple of years of dreaming and planning and a few nudges from colleague Joe Tuman, but I am here!  And so is Joe!  Ironman Honlu 70.3!



We arrived on United Flight 59 from SFO to Kona on Wednesday. I had no idea what to expect, not having ever ventured to the Big Island before.

Stepping off the plane, we began to immediately sweat, then worry. It is hot and humid (expected for Hawaii), but it is unseasonably warm and there is Volcano Fog. One of the two volcanos on the Island is erupting (Kileua) and the plume of fog fills the air (cough, cough!). The sun is not visible, nor is the closest volcano, Mauna Kea.

I am staying at the most magnificant home in Kona with fellow triathletes, Tim, Susan, Joe, Kate and Leslie. Another great aspect of the Triathlon sport, the people who grace your life along the way!

 






After the assembly of bikes...



.....today was a one hour swim and a 20 mile bike ride along the famed Kona coast. Training still continues for my upcoming full Ironman in June!



A full daily account of Race Preparations to come!



Aloha!

Barcelona Or Bust!

Our journey began one week ago. Boarding a flight from SFO to Barcelona, I was on my way to my 23rd Marathon. 

This time, it's Barcelona! But this time, I had precious cargo in tow. My 14 year old son Michael asked to join me on this challenge. How could I resist?



Our flight was an hour delayed out of SFO, but no worries..Once on board, it was Landis, Bonnie and Navin who in all honestly, made the trek across the USA fast and fun!  (Oh, thank you so much for the warm chocolate chip cookies!)

Touchdown in Newark, time to change planes and it's on our way to Europe!

My son Michael was excited to be experiencing his first "travel to another continent". I was excited to have him by my side!

We landed in Barcelona at 9am Wednesday and we hit the ground running!  After checking into our hotel (about a mile away from the Starting Line for the Marathon!) we attempted to try to dodge our jet lag and tour "Cathedral de Barcelona", also referred to as "The Cathedral".

T

The Cathedral was grander, more stoic, and more phenomenal than any Rick Steves book I had ever read. Photos and words do not do it justice. You merely have to be there.

With tiny candles slipped inside petite red vases, we walked gingerly from statue to statue, reading the descriptions placed before each Saint. Deep in prayer, we left a single candle at the appropriate Saint for a family member or friend. We continued this rite for over an hour. I can't remember the last time I have ever felt such peace. And my son Michael never, noticed the time slip by. 

 

We strolled through Las Ramblas. A hustling outdoors Market filled with all the local delights. Meats, fruits, hand sewn clothing and posteles (desserts). I sipped from a cup a delicious blend of red wine, fresh squeezed apple and cranberry juice, a splash of pineapple juice, a squirt of lime. The beverage was soon topped with a thin orange ring. Yes, Spanish Sangria! It was a mere 55 degrees outside, but I still found the local drink of choice, refreshing!  And the Graffiti is art!

 

Our second day in Barcelona was spent with our wonderful tour guide, who we now call our friend, Jordi. Jumping into "Smart Car" the tiny European automobile whisked us in and out of the hollows of Spanish streets. We motored and climbed to the top of Tibabado. From here, I gasped at the bird's eye view of Barcelona!  

 

Gaudi has left his imprint all over Barcelona. A walk down a bustling street soon has us staring squarely at an apartment complex that looked like something out of a Dr, Seuss book.  "Casa Milla is truly a treasure.

We ventured inside and learned there was an art exhibit going on featuring the fabulous works of Josep Mompou. As I gazed at the oil paintings I learned, the Banks in the City of Barcelona offer free art exhibits at this location to the public as a way of "giving back" to the community. Artists' works from past and present are on exhibit free of charge.

It is now Friday. We are arrived on Wednesday at 9am. Why am I still feeling the effects of jet lag? I have ever had a problem with jet lag before, now I can't seem to shake it! I am sleeping two to three hours at night, so obviously sleepy during the day. Even with the tiredness, I am excited. It's Maraton Barcelona Expo Day!

Michael and I made the nearly two mile hike to Paseo 6, site of the Expo. One of our funniest moments happened during this walk. W were not sure if we were heading in the right direction when I noticed a group of men carrying "swag bags" (you learned to notice these things after running 22 marathons!). I asked one of the gentlemen, "Habla inglas". He excitedly blurted,

"Yes!" (with an accent)

Me: "Do you know where the Maraton Barcelona Expo is for registration?"

Man: "Yes! I am the Maraton Expert!"

I don't know why, but the group of me including Michael and I laughed out loud for a good 30 seconds. Michael tugged on my arm "what's a Maraton Expert?"

Needless to say, we were escorted by the French runners to the proper place, then the traditional registration process begins. But out of all the marathons I have ever raced, this was the most unassuming Expo I have ever attended. There was no hype. No buying of "Maraton Barcelona"  No marketing, just the feel of "pick up your race number and racing chip, now we will see you Sunday for a"fabulous correrer".

That's it! I asked where are the T-shirts to buy for family and friends back home? Where are the hats? Where are the signature teddy bears and shot glasses?

The message was loud and clear.  Maraton Barcelona is an event staged by the City for those who want to enjoy the views the City has to offer, without hype or hoopla.  I loved it. 

After I returned to the hotel with less marathon swag than ever before, it was the moment I have been dreaming of. Time to head to the Museu Picasso. 

I have attended the Museo Picasso in Paris, but looked so forwarded to this exhibit. "La Colleccio'" is a tribute to Picasso's desire to leave his mark on Barcelona. The collection contains key works which marks the various periods of Picasso's life and art. I was truly driven to tears. Photos are prohibited, but I got one quick snap and if you look carefully, there is a slight image of a Picasso masterpiece in the background.

My Friday and my years of planning my excursion to Barcelona was complete. I had seen original Picasso art.

By now, Micahel and I were well aware our Saturday day of site seeing would be our last full day of absorbing all Espana had to offered. I was also aware I was still up all night so I need to sleep as long as I could on Saturday morning. I finally fell asleep around 7am as the sun was rising and managed to sleep until around noon, as the sun was warming my room.

Michael and I jumped on to the Metropolitia Train, Lina 5 and headed to the "must see" of Barcelona, "Sangrada de Familia", Gaudi's famed temple from 1882. Wow.

The temple is in a constant state of building. But what Gaudi initiated is profound and I still cannot figure out how any of the building of the Temple was constructed in a time without crane and today's modern tools. It's the same feeling I had when looking at the Mayan Pyramids. How is this possible?

We waiting in line for 45 minutes then took a cramped lift to the steeple of the towers. This is not a place for the faint of heart, or those who do not like heights.

From the top of the towers, we walked down a concrete narrow, spiral staircase, step by step all the way back down. At times the walk was a bit frightening with dark corridors and no handrails. So we walked delicately and carefully.    

Michael and I truly high fived each other when we were back on terra firma! We were so amazed by this incredible landmark; we hit the Sangrada Familia gift store and did some major damage of gifts for our family. Sitting on the plane, we know realize, the coaster cups with images of the Temple may not have the same meaning to them, as us!

I

It was midnight. The marathon is a few hours away and I am still awake. But as I toss and turn another night in Barcelona, I realize, I am just as excited and nervous about this marathon, as I was my first in Madison, Wisconsin.

The chance to run a marathon on Spanish soil has been a dream and goal of mine for a few years now.  And it was finally happening. The memories of running through the cobble streets of Barcelona and seeing the historic sites on foot will remain in my heart for a lifetime.

With three hours sleep, it was Marathon morning. Michael assured me with a good breakfast and if I stayed hydrated; my body would not let me down on such little sleep. God, I love this boy!

I kissed him goodbye and headed out the door.
 


There were dark clouds and it was threatening to rain, but everything appeared so bright and clear to me! We did it! We journeyed to another continent and experienced the people, the sounds, the taste and the language of another country!  And the best part? There's still that "26.2 mile race" to run with 10,000 other runners from all over the globe...









I wonder what the Finishers Medal will look like?

 

While I wonder and ponder where my wanderlust will guide me next, one thing is certain. We will return to Barcelona! We sipped from the famous historic Spanish "water fountain" which local folklore guarantees, those who drink from the fountain, will be happy and healthy and return to Spain!

 

New Year, New Dreams!

Pardon the dust, construction underway!

It's a brand New Year and I am already behind schedule. Way past due is my blog describing my fabulous adventures on my way to running my 22nd Marathon in Las Vegas, Nevada.

From the registration and meeting Elvis....



From the Tram Ride to the Mandalay Bay Starting Line....



It was an incredible experience. It was awesome, it was absolutely thrilling running down the Las Vegas Strip at 6 in the morning while the sky was still slate black. The flickering and flashing Casino lights lit up the fresh morning sky, as did the fireworks at the Start of the Race.

26.2 miles later, I had qualified for my 5th Boston Marathon.  I'm still not sure how I did it, but I get goose bumps at the thought I will be running in Boston in 2010. And attending a Red Sox Game!

For now, I am still constructing my 2009 Racing Plans. The state of the current economy has a lot to figure in with what races I decide to train for.

One race is certain. After attending a heartbreaking funeral today, I have decided my 23rd Marathon will be in Barcelona, Spain on March 1st. And I am taking my 13 year old son Michael with me.

 

Michael is a brilliant, humorous, inquisitive, energetic and athletic boy. I am blessed. And as of late, he has expressed to me his desire to "experience another continent".  I never dreamed so big when I was his age. So why not!  I actually found a round trip fare to Barcelona that's cheaper than flying to Hawaii.  And I have enough bonus miles for Michael to travel for free.  Time to bust out the Spanish Jazz and the Ernest Hemingway books, my thrill for wanderlust has been aroused!

 
During my trials and tribulations, if you would like to keep up with training as well as "what's going on behind the scenes of CBS 5", please sign up on my Facebook Page designed by Director Of Communications, Akilah Bolden-Monifa. I would be honored for you to join!

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roberta-Gonzales/38527279403?ref=ts.

Share your dreams with me and I will tell you about mine!

2009 is going to be a wonderful journey.