5 Miles

Today has been really stressful, trying to sort out all of the red tape connected with Mother's estate.  Between the stock broker, the tax man, and the attorney, maybe one day we will get it all straight.  My head was spinning, so I headed to the treadmill for stress relief.  It's amazing how a 5 mile run can reduce the stress of such a quagmire of confusing stuff.  Perhaps by Monday I will have all of that sorted out.  I'm still feeling the tiredness that goes along with switching from sleeping at night to sleeping during the day, especially with stressful phone call interruptions.  I know I wasn't breaking any speed records on the treadmill today, but that's ok.  I'm just working on the important goal of a cancer cure.

In The Far North

I'm back up in Prudhoe Bay now for the month of March.  Adjusting to working nights again.  I just did a fairly slow 5 mile run on the treadmill.  I was pretty tired because as usual, my first day sleeping was not the best.  I'm a bit short on sleep today but glad I got in a run.  I don't like to fall into the excuse habit.  It's warmed up to about -30 from the -47 this morning when I got off work.  Definitely time to use the treadmill and not attempt anything outdoors.  It's downright brutal out there!

I'm still far behind on fundraising.  No matter what, my primary finish line is the one that brings a cure to cancer.  Please make a donation to my Team In Training fundraising page.  Just click on the Team In Training logo below to donate.

Thanks!

Catching Up

Well, I have been gone to Africa for a couple of weeks.  It was amazing over there but unfortunately I caught some miserable bug that caused me to abort the Kilimanjaro climb.  I did get to Kibo camp at 15,000 feet but was too sick to continue.  Naturally the assumption was altitude sickness, but that turned out to not be the case at all.  I didn't recover when they brought me to the lower camp.  Antibiotics finally helped and I was able to continue on the safari.  I intend to return next winter and do the climb again. 

I have been sort of weak since I got home but today I did go do a short 5 mile run at the sports center.  I have had a lot of business to catch up on this week so my training is somewhat on hold.  I go back up to Prudhoe Bay on February 29th and then I will get back into serious training for the Madrid Marathon and all future Team In Training events.

I have come to a complete halt in donations for my Team In Training fund, with only 50% of the required minimum at this point.  I do hope that by the time of the event, I have reached my minimum.  Any donations large or small will certainly be appreciated.  Please make a donation to my fundraising page to help with this very worthy cause:

http://www.race4cancer.org/

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.