Running the Hill

I ran Nelson hill with the girls from our team today.  We kept it short, only 30 minutes because the wind was howling and the air quality was terrible.  Glacier dust and pollen filled the air.  Like most everyone around here lately, I was fighting allergies.  Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing the whole way.  I've been too busy working and trying to get caught up after my travels in Europe and trip to California to help out my mom.  I'm going back to California in a couple more days to help get my mom comfortable after her back injury.  Then off to Deadhorse with my bike in back of my friend Mark's camper.  I plan to hit training hard all of June, riding my bike to the places where I plan to run.  I need to catch up after the last month of having little time for training.  Going flying in the morning too since I am so behind in that, my biennial flight review is out of date.  So much to do!

I'm packed and ready for the Prudhoe to Palmer ride though.

I'm Back!

I am finally back from running around Ireland, and the UK.  Had a wonderful time touring Ireland with my Team In Training running friends after the Connemara Marathon.  We kissed the Blarney Stone, visited amazing castles and the Kylesmore Abbey.  Then the Iceland volcano started erupting and we all got our flights messed up.  I was only trying to fly over to London, so ended up on a 24 hour bus and ferry trek to get there, instead of the short flight from Shannon to London.  Then I spent another 10 days visiting my cousin and her family in London, and seeing amazing places like Stonehenge, and I even took the train up to Scotland and took a boat ride on Loch Ness.  I never did see the monster though.

I had planned a trip along the US east coast but my mom hurt her back, so I spent that week in California helping her.  Now I am back in Alaska and finally getting back into my workout routine.  I did a short 3 mile run today.  My iPod and Nike+ didn't work right so I didn't get to record my run.  But at least I got back on the road.  It was so nice running outside this morning in the fresh air, with the birds singing and the new leaves just beginning to come out on the trees.  Now I will focus on getting back into marathon running shape and breaking in my biking muscles for my 830 mile bike trek for Team In Training in July.

I'm so looking forward to that bike ride from Prudhoe to Palmer.

Connemara Marathon

I ran the Connemara Marathon in Ireland on Sunday, April 11th.  I was pretty slow and a bit disappointed in myself, but at least I did reach the finish line.  Not my slowest and not my fastest.  It was quite warm and quite hilly.  I was fighting with foot cramps the whole way.  Even now, two days later, I am sore and exhausted. But I am happy to say that I completed my 10th full marathon.  It was a beautiful course, in spite of all the hills.

Biking Now

I was worried that I wouldn't have much time for bike riding during these few days I have between getting home from Deadhorse and leaving April 6th for Ireland.  But, my old Subaru with 290,000 miles helped me out.  The clutch went out, just as I pulled into the auto repair shop.  So, there it sits at Midas in Palmer, probably until May 6th when I am home again.  Naturally, I need to get places, so have been riding my bike back and forth to Palmer.  Yesterday I rode down to Palmer to the church for the Good Friday Stations of the Cross walk.  This morning I had to ride down and back, about 15 miles, to the post office and the store.  The climb up Wolverine Road to my house was a great workout.  It also boosted my confidence because that was the fastest I have ever made it back up that long hill on my bike.  Both days it was a little below freezing too, so it gave me a real taste of some of the conditions I will encounter on my Prudhoe to Palmer bike ride.  I may not get much chance to run in the next few days, because it is Easter weekend and I have lots of church services that I don't want to miss.  Fortunately I have help getting rides so I don't have to ride my bike in high heels and my long Easter dress!!

The warmer weather sure is nice after a month in Deadhorse!

Help support me in my fight against cancer.  http://www.PrudhoeToPalmer.org

Palm Sunday

I really miss being able to go to mass on these special holy days.  But at least I will be home for Easter. 

I just did another short 3 mile run today.  Seems I am in a bit of a lazy rut the last few days. I would like to do at least one more long run before I leave Deadhorse on Wednesday.  Once I get home, I should be able to run outdoors again, but I am really going to be busy then.  I am flying to London on April 6th, then to Ireland for the Connemara Marathon.  So, I will be scrambling to get packed and catch up on all the things that need to be done at home after being gone for a month here at work. Somehow I always find enough time.

Just Another Short Run Today

I was pretty busy shuttling the company car to the shop, and taking care of business so just did a 3 mile treadmill run today.  I think I am still recovering from my 100 miles in 10 days challenge.  My legs are a little stiff. 

I did a little drive around Deadhorse to photograph some of our spectacular architecture today.

Short Run on the Treadmill

I took yesterday off from working out and today just did a short 3 mile run on the treadmill. Then 5 miles on the stationary bike.  I didn't have a whole lot of ambition today but wanted to do something so I didn't just slip into lethargy!

It's just another sunny/foggy/windy day here at -8 degrees.  In less than I week I will be back home where it is warmer and I can actually run outdoors.  Then off to Ireland for the Connemara Marathon.