I've been living and working at the OATC in Sebastopol California for just over a week now. My time here so far has been a blast. When I discovered OrganicAthlete a year and seven months ago I never would have guessed that I would end up here, let alone doing the naked pumpkin head run in the streets of Sebastopol. I would like to post weekly about my thoughts, training, life at the OATC, and my experiences here in California. My blogging experience is limited, but I'll get the hang of it. Please bear with me. I haven't taken a single picture yet, but will be making an effort to do so from now on.

Having spent my entire life so far in Canada with very little travel, it is exciting to be spending time in the American state that so many songs are written about. Sanoma County is particularly beautiful.

Everyone usually shares in the preparation and eating of meals together, which I have found to be particularly enjoyable. My second day here was filled with riding around the county with Justin T and Chris, feasting on figs, grapes, and prickly pears. My legs and arms were bare and able to soak in the sun, even getting a bit of my summer tan back. I've been able to experience so many new foods so far, and all locally grown! The past few days have been all about the persimmons! I had no idea what I was missing out on. They are now in my top 10 favorite foods. Justin and I met the farmer at the Sunday market and he brought us to his truck to pick up 2 cases. It doesn't get any more local than that (except for picking them yourself). The neighbors tree is dripping with persimmons, but they aren't ripe yet.

My first big ride here was out to Coleman Valley Road to do some tempo training with Bradley. We also had an "on the bike" meeting about some of my plans and ideas for my internship here. One of the Tour of California stages goes up this climb, and you can see the names of the top pros and local heroes painted on the road. I had ridden this climb last year during the OA training camp, but had forgotten just how steep it really was. 3 times up and down was the plan. I stuck to B's wheel for the first two times but was well above my "tempo" zone. The third time up wasn't as easy but I stayed in control and finished strong. The bonk was beginning to set in for the both of us on the way home and we stopped at a sparse fig tree to see what we could forage. A couple figs was all we could find and we had a ways to go before getting home. We made it eventually but the bonk had set in. I got onto the banana I.V. and spent the rest of the day napping.

I've been learning about the daily administration procedures necessary to operate an organization such as this. Along with the daily operations, I'm working on some sections of the OA Vegan Meal Plan Guide that is in progress.
We had our weekly staff meeting yesterday and it was truly an honor to partake in the process. It's inspiring to be behind the scenes and see how hard everyone works in the organization that myself and all of us love.

Each day brings a new experience, and I'm looking forward to many more. I hope to learn and contribute as much as I can.

Well I'm off for a training run with Justin. We're just 5 days out from the 5K race and hoping to get some speed in the legs.

One last observation:
Momma Kitty is the boss of the house, or so she told me this morning...

-Kev