Another Short Run

I just ran 3 miles again today on the treadmill.  I had trouble sleeping so ended up sleeping too late.  But I decided to run instead of eating dinner.  I hope I'm not starving a few hours from now.  But I really need to start training or at least getting in a few miles while I'm up here in Deadhorse.  I don't want to be so out of shape that I can't make it to the finish line at the Maui Oceanfront Marathon next month. I'm doing the early start so even if I end up walking the whole way, I shouldn't have any trouble.  But I'm hoping I can gather up a little more motivation before the end of this month!

Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is over and done, which leaves me without a Team In Training event in my future. So I just registered for the Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon with Team In Training. It was kind of difficult to sign up for it because once I entered my zip code in their signup page, I was routed to runs connected with the Washington/Alaska Team.  Of course they are not planning to run this one.  So I cheated and put in my brother's New Jersey zip code and was able to sign right up through the Team In Training Flex program.  The race is May 1st and I will likely sign up for the Mainly Marathons Independence Series later in that week. The following week I am doing the Mainly Marathons New England Series followed by the Ottawa Canada Marathon at the end of the month.  I will have plenty of time to visit my family on the east coast on the days when I am not actually running.  I missed seeing everyone in October when I was in Washington DC because all of my cousins seemed to be out of town when I was available to visit.  I hope it wasn't something I said!

So, as I've asked before, please make a donation to my new fundraising page:

Another Short One

I only managed another 3 miles today.  I had to make a run to the store and do a few other things.  I'm not doing the best job of waking up in time to get in a very long run.  I hope I can gather up some motivation.

I did just sign up for the Maui Oceanfront Marathon again.  I'm going to Hawaii to join my sister and nieces for a week, then after hanging around with them I will fly over to Maui and run that beautiful run again.  It was one of my favorites.  I usually don't like to repeat races that often, but it was just so conveniently convenient!

It's still well below 20 below zero outside and the prospect of Hawaii is really inviting!

Merry Christmas

This little tree was here at work when I arrived.  How cute is that!  I added a bunch more little paper cranes for something to do tonight.

3 Miles

Only another 3 mile run today on the treadmill.  It has been difficult to get a good sleep these first few days up here.  I seem to have so much other stuff to do also, just trying to get organized and take care of things that I neglected the last couple of months while I was traveling. My legs and feet seem really sore from the treadmill.  Since I ran 10 marathons on my two month break, maybe I just need a break from running for a while.

It's really cold out there today and will probably get even colder.  The wind chill is down in the -50's as I write this.

Back In Deadhorse

I'm backup in Deadhorse and since it is well below zero outside, of course I am resigned to the treadmill.  It felt pretty foreign at first, but at least I'm glad it is there. My feet are still a little sore from the last few marathons. I'm hoping I can gather up enough ambition to train sufficiently to run a real race next month.

And here we have the reason for running indoors, in addition to the darkness and snow on the ground.

As I looked out the window of the plane heading north from Anchorage I said farewell to the setting sun because I won't see the sun again until New Year's Day.  It is down for the entire month of December up here in Deadhorse.

Last view of the sun

Queenstown Marathon

Another marathon, another country completed.  And what a beautiful marathon it was!  The forecast was for rain but we got very lucky and it was just cloudy, a few drops of rain and a bit of wind.  The temperature was actually quite perfect for running. I was quite slow as usual but finished well before the time limit.  The entire trip in New Zealand was amazing and it is a very beautiful and also peaceful country. I loved being there, far away from all of the political strife going on here in the US.
The medal was lovely.

Shiny Marathon Medal

The scenery was incredible along the entire course.

Along the river

Twin Peaks Trail

A wintry hike on Twin Peaks Trail with beautiful views of Eklutna Lake.  Some snow on the trail and grippers on the shoes badly needed.  An absolutely gorgeous hike!

Eklutna Lake and Bold Peak

Eklutna Lake