Great Workout

I ran 5 miles at the sports center, and really felt good today.  It was snowing and I had about 6 inches in my yard that fell last night and it continues to fall.  Then I went to the Alaska Club and had a good workout with the weights.  All a last minute push to make sure I am in shape for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro next week.  I am all packed and ready to go.  I can't believe how much stuff I was able to cram into my GoLite Peak pack. But it is all in there, except for my camera bag that has all my camera gear stuffed into it.  Although my one giant 200-500mm zoom lens is in the backpack itself.  I don't think I could add as much as a postage stamp without the entire pack exploding!  But thank goodness I won't need to check any baggage for the trip.  It is just too risky to fly all the way from Alaska to Africa on three different planes and expect everything to end up in Africa with me.  With my luck it would all end up basking in the sun in Argentina or something.  So my policy has always been that if I want it, it goes right on the plane with me.

I'm not having much luck with fundraising for Team In Training.  I do wish I could get more donations.  I will do a final push the last two weeks of February and the month of March.  But even if I get no more donations, I will donate the remaining $2000 myself.  The cause is too important to back out now.

I could use some help though.  Please click here to donate:
http://www.race4cancer.org/

Another Five

I got so busy today but finally made it over to the sports center and did another 5 mile run.  I woke up with the intention of cross country skiing but it was -15 and as soon as I walked outside, I promptly changed my mind!  I guess running is still the best exercise for running, so that's what I did. I have to keep training for Madrid and of course for climbing Kilimanjaro.  I leave for the Africa trip one week from tomorrow!  I'm still gathering together the last minute things for the trip.  I am about ready though. 

I am not having much luck with fundraising for Team In Training though.  Right now I am offering my Denali photo to anyone who donates $25 or more.  I have 4 matted copies of it and hope to get that many donations. 

If you want this awesome photo of America's highest peak, click here to make a donation:  http://www.race4cancer.org/

A 5 Mile Run at the Sports Center

I had a nice 5 mile run indoors at the sports center.  Then an hour workout on the machines at the Alaska Club.  Just trying to maintain my conditioning for my climb of Mt Kilimanjaro in less than two weeks from today.  After that trip I will be concentrating on training for the Madrid Marathon for Team In Training.  The cause is what matters the most though.  I am still greatly in need of donations for my fundraising efforts.  I've been giving my photos to those who donate.  I still am over $2000 behind my minimum.

It's all about finding a cure for cancer.
Help me raise funds for that cure:  http://www.race4cancer.org/

Cross Country Skiing Today

What a spectacular day to be outside.  It was so icy cold that I thought my hands and feet would freeze off.  My friend, Diane had some hand-warmers and they helped a lot.  I finally warmed up after about a mile of skiing though the woods and deep snow.  We skied 3 1/2 miles on the ski trails along the Anchorage hillside.  I was so happy to get out on my skis for the first time this winter.  At least it was calm there in Anchorage.  The wind is still howling at about 40 knots in Palmer and at my house though.  It looks like this around Palmer. Drifting snow everywhere and blowing furiously off the mountain tops.

But along the Anchorage hillside where we went skiing, it was a winter wonderland.  Only 5 degrees, but at least it was calm.

It would be hard to beat the view.





Back at the Track

I did a 5 mile run at the sports center track today.  I didn't pick up much speed but that didn't surprise me since I got home after 2 pm this morning.  It was a long flight but at least I did get home.  My original flight to Seattle was canceled so instead of flying out at 6:30 am I didn't leave until 5 pm so landed in Anchorage finally at 12:14 am this morning.  I found a foot of snow on my car but fortunately, it started right up.  It was nice to get home again.  My cat was quite glad to see me.

Now to concentrate for a couple more weeks, making sure I am in the best shape possible for the Kilimanjaro climb.  Also I hope to get some more donations to my Team In Training site.  I plan to offer some of my photos in exchange for donations.  It will be interesting to see how that goes.

1 Mile Warmup Run

Went for a walk then decided to run back just to see if I still had any stiffness from the marathon.  Felt fine, even that last little hill.
Flying home tomorrow.  Back to 15 below zero.  Enjoying my last day of warmer temperatures in the sunny South West.

Back in the snow tomorrow.

Rock 'n' Roll Arizona

I finished in the Rock 'n' Roll Phoenix Marathon, feeling pretty strong but a bit slow still.  I did beat 6 hours but not by as much as I hoped.  5:53.  I could tell that even though I got in one good month of training, I was still at a deficit because of the moose injuries.  I only had the treadmill all of December and didn't get the chance for the really long runs.  So long runs are what I am shooting for with my future training. I am also shooting for much more speed.  I'm going to crank that treadmill up and really push myself while I am up in Deadhorse in March. I'm not terribly sore, and seem to bounce right back.  I seem to be sore more in the chest from the deep breathing but my legs feel pretty good.  All in all, it was a great race with very good weather.