Fun Runs

We had two North Slope Borough/ICE Fun Runs today.
Our Fun Runs are twice each day at 6 am and again at 6 pm.  They are a little less than a standard 5K. When we complete the race we get a T-shirt.  Since it's a rather short distance I usually try to run each race twice and get two shirts. Depending on whether the race is inside or outside of the security gates, I will run the race at both time.  Outside of the gate I am able to drive myself. But inside I need a visitor's pass and have to catch a ride with someone else.  Today's runs were outside the gate over by the North Slope Borough Building. So I was able to run them both, twice and bring home one shirt for myself and three for my friends.

It ws great running weather. 52 or the morning run and up to 65 for the evening one. Although the evening run came with a very strong wind. But at least it was a warm wind. I tracked both runs with my Nike+ app. With a total of 10.92 miles.

Morning Run

Evening Run

Colleen Lake

Finally, a decent enough day up here in Deadhorse to actually run around the lake.  It was cold, about 45 and with a 20 knot wind.  But even with the trucks kicking dust in my face the whole way, it felt great to get outdoors.  I really start to feel like a caged animal after a few weeks up here unable to go outdoors.  I was pretty slow but I also stopped a few times to take some pictures. I saw lots of birds, sand hill cranes, Canada geese, tundra swans, and a few Arctic terns struggling to fly into the wind. Fortunately I didn't have any bear encounters. there have been several bear attacks further south this week, and two were fatal.  So I do keep my eyes open while I'm out there running, since there have been recent grizzly sightings around here.  But since it's pretty wide open around here, it's not likely to catch one by surprise.It's pretty easy to divert and keep your distance if you do see one.

Lots of delightful waterfowl though.

5 Miles

I finally gave up on the idea of running outdoors here in Deadhorse. The weather looks nice from the window but it's still below freezing, which itself isn't a problem.  But the 30 knot+ wind is a problem.  So I finally kicked myself out of my comfy room and spent some time on the treadmill.  I actually do feel better because I got some exercise.  My first week up here I was sick, but that excuse is gone.  I'm hoping it warms up and calms down enough that I can enjoy a nice run outdoors either around the lake or down the highway.  But this wind is just too much!

Prague Marathon

Finished the Prague Marathon with Team In Training.  Very slow as usual but managed to beat the time limit by a few minutes.  It was close though.  Don't know if I'll ever speed up.  But at least I did finish and our team made a lot of money to cure cancer.  That's what really counts.  I'm not sure what my next Team In Training event will be.  But as soon as I find one that will work with my schedule, I'll be signing up.

Finish Line

Hunter Creek

Not much running lately but at least I have gotten out and hiked some nice hills. Today with Mark and Janet we hiked an old pathway up the hill just east of Hunter Creek. Most of it was on private property but Mark called the owner and got permission. We saw a couple of porcupines sleeping high in the trees, and lots of moose tracks.  But no bears happened along.  It was a good workout and a beautiful day to get out in nature. We want to go back this summer when it's drier and maybe get all the way to the creek.

Twin Peaks Trail

What a beautiful day for a hike up Twin Peaks Trail.  There was a little snow here and there so ice grippers were helpful.  But there was a lot more snow down on the Lakeside Trail. I hiked with my friend Diane and her dog Tobi. We had a great time and the scenery was spectacular!

Eklutna Lake from up above

Wenatchee Marathon

First marathon since my elbow surgery.  Of course I was very slow as usual, maybe a little slower than usual.  But I felt good and my arm didn't bother me too much.  It was a beautiful course along the Columbia River, looping twice over a couple of foot bridges. The temperature was great and it was very enjoyable.