Am I really considering running a third marathon before winter?
http://www.railstotrailsrace.com/
It's only an hour from my doctors, whom I have to visit for the final time, in November. It just seems too good to pass up. The course is mostly flat, on an old railroad bed--the very same place Matt and I honeymooned. I used to spend summers camping and biking here too, as a child. Seems perfect. Also, what better way to celebrate 5 years of remission than gallons of lactic acid built up in my legs? If I can figure it out logistically, it's all mine. That means the Equinox will become more of a training run and less of a "I have to run hard so I get a respectable time and don't embarrass myself" race.
Do you think I'm nuts? I'll be ready to take it easier for the winter. Less miles at -40F always sounds good. :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Anniversary Gift
In addition to a wonderful dinner at Gambardella's, the only place in town that it seems almost acceptable to dress up, Matt got me a really cool anniversary gift. It came in the mail yesterday. Check it out!!!
We have a long trail run scheduled for Thursday so I get to try it out!! Hopefully it'll become my new best friend. (Sorry Matt)
We have a long trail run scheduled for Thursday so I get to try it out!! Hopefully it'll become my new best friend. (Sorry Matt)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
16 mile day
Somehow I committed myself to running twice yesterday : the 7.2 mi Spruce Tree Classic with B. and O. and a 9 mi training run with the husband. My new running buddies, B. and O., usually run quite a bit slower than me, so I thought I could pull it off. They ran considerably faster than I expected and I was more tired than I should have been after such a slow time, 1:16. We did get lost when we took a wrong turn, but that's beside the point. :)
My later run was with Matt a few hours later. The weather was nice and windy. A giant thundercloud loomed overhead, but we never got wet. A downpour began just minutes after we were safely inside. I love when that happens. It was a little slower than my 1/2mar goal pace, but considering the trail run that morning, goal pace should be easier when I'm not already 7 miles tired. My goal? I intend to break 2:00. My current PR is 2:01 and my previous 2:02, the 2:00 really is near, but I haven't broken it yet. I feel this is my year to just KILL IT. Pray to the running gods to keep me uninjured through training and I'll be fine.
After a 12 hr sleep (broken up a little bit when I had to convince myself at 3am, 5am, and 7am that it was too early to get up, go back to sleep!), and a two hour nap...I think I'm ready for the day.
My later run was with Matt a few hours later. The weather was nice and windy. A giant thundercloud loomed overhead, but we never got wet. A downpour began just minutes after we were safely inside. I love when that happens. It was a little slower than my 1/2mar goal pace, but considering the trail run that morning, goal pace should be easier when I'm not already 7 miles tired. My goal? I intend to break 2:00. My current PR is 2:01 and my previous 2:02, the 2:00 really is near, but I haven't broken it yet. I feel this is my year to just KILL IT. Pray to the running gods to keep me uninjured through training and I'll be fine.
After a 12 hr sleep (broken up a little bit when I had to convince myself at 3am, 5am, and 7am that it was too early to get up, go back to sleep!), and a two hour nap...I think I'm ready for the day.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary to the most wonderful husband ever! As sappy as it sounds, I love him more each day and hardly ever regret my decision to marry him. (The regret part comes when he leaves huge messes all over and waits for me to clean them up.) Three years and still lovey dovey. Nice. :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Happy Solstice!
We began our final morning with a short run along Resurrection Bay. The town was still quiet and it felt as though the whole place was ours alone. It was another beautiful day. Matt joked about calling in sick for Tuesday and staying an extra day, but he decided against it, saying he was a bad liar.
We left at 8am and enjoyed a gorgeous three hour drive to Anchorage. Everything that was shrouded in clouds on the drive there was now visible. Glorious snow-capped peaks reflected in the many lakes lining the road. On a mile to awesome view ratio, the Seward Hwy is, by far, the highest in all of Alaska.
The best part about these photos is that they were all taken at different places, on different lakes.
We stopped in Anchorage for a few big city errands. I got a new case to replace the 35mm one (which is older than I am!). We also had lunch at Pt Worozorof and enjoyed views of Cook Inlet and the city skyline. The buildings sparkled like jewels in the midday sun. It was so mesmerizing that I forgot why I'd never want to live there. It seemed great! Then I realized, it was the first of fifteen total days that I had spent in Anchorage that it was sunny. On the way out of town, I was brought back to reality (and disliking the city) when I was nearly sideswiped by an ENORMOUS RV toting a Suburban. I think you should need a special license to drive an RV that size, who's with me?
We stopped for the requisite Blizzard at DQ and headed up the 249 mi to Fairbanks. Home at last. Thanks South Central AK for a great trip!!
We left at 8am and enjoyed a gorgeous three hour drive to Anchorage. Everything that was shrouded in clouds on the drive there was now visible. Glorious snow-capped peaks reflected in the many lakes lining the road. On a mile to awesome view ratio, the Seward Hwy is, by far, the highest in all of Alaska.
The best part about these photos is that they were all taken at different places, on different lakes.
We stopped in Anchorage for a few big city errands. I got a new case to replace the 35mm one (which is older than I am!). We also had lunch at Pt Worozorof and enjoyed views of Cook Inlet and the city skyline. The buildings sparkled like jewels in the midday sun. It was so mesmerizing that I forgot why I'd never want to live there. It seemed great! Then I realized, it was the first of fifteen total days that I had spent in Anchorage that it was sunny. On the way out of town, I was brought back to reality (and disliking the city) when I was nearly sideswiped by an ENORMOUS RV toting a Suburban. I think you should need a special license to drive an RV that size, who's with me?
We stopped for the requisite Blizzard at DQ and headed up the 249 mi to Fairbanks. Home at last. Thanks South Central AK for a great trip!!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunny Seward!
Sun! Glorious, wonderful sun!
The rain stopped the blue sky and sun appeared! We took advantage of the beautiful weather by heading to the Exit Glacier and the Harding Ice Field.
The trail zigzagged up the side of a mountain through a thick forest--similar to yesterday's hike. About mile two, we popped above treeline and were rewarded by beautiful mountains on all sides and a glacier below. The trail lead us over many snowy patches and climbed until the non-snowy patches were unusual.
June Snowman.
I was glad to be wearing my hiking boots! We had lunch on a spot overlooking the top of Exit Glacier and the beginning of Harding Ice field.
We finally realized why people live on the Kenai. We slid down the snowy parts on our butts! It was a lot of fun! Almost as good as sledding, but without having to carry one uphill.
Closeup of the glacier's crevasses.
For the last night of our trip, we planned to stay in a motel, but found a cabin instead. It was dry, had a bed, and best of all, A SHOWER! Washing off four days of mud and personal filth never felt so good! That evening, we walked to the beach, cooked a pizza, and watched Beethoven on TV. Perfect last day of our trip. Can we stay just one more day? Time to rest my sun/windburned self.
The rain stopped the blue sky and sun appeared! We took advantage of the beautiful weather by heading to the Exit Glacier and the Harding Ice Field.
The trail zigzagged up the side of a mountain through a thick forest--similar to yesterday's hike. About mile two, we popped above treeline and were rewarded by beautiful mountains on all sides and a glacier below. The trail lead us over many snowy patches and climbed until the non-snowy patches were unusual.
June Snowman.
I was glad to be wearing my hiking boots! We had lunch on a spot overlooking the top of Exit Glacier and the beginning of Harding Ice field.
We finally realized why people live on the Kenai. We slid down the snowy parts on our butts! It was a lot of fun! Almost as good as sledding, but without having to carry one uphill.
Closeup of the glacier's crevasses.
For the last night of our trip, we planned to stay in a motel, but found a cabin instead. It was dry, had a bed, and best of all, A SHOWER! Washing off four days of mud and personal filth never felt so good! That evening, we walked to the beach, cooked a pizza, and watched Beethoven on TV. Perfect last day of our trip. Can we stay just one more day? Time to rest my sun/windburned self.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Ptarmigan Creek and Mt. Marathon
Three days of 50F and periods of everything from drizzle to full-out rain and I can say, without a doubt, I'm glad that I don't live in Coastal Alaska. The cold dampness is awful! The drive from Portage to Seward was nice. It was rainy and foggy, so the mountains were almost non-existent. Good thing I've seen them all before, right? We stopped briefly at Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival. As it was only noon, the festivities had only begun. I thought of the Fairbanks festival, which I've never been home to attend in the three years that I've lived there. The festival is a big deal. Lots of free music, food and a 10K race people dress up in costume to participate. Maybe next year.
We hiked the Ptarmigan Creek trail. It was muddy, but heavily wooded, so we didn't get as wet as we could have. We didn't get as far as the lake because I got hungry and sick of being muddy, also the spot overlooking the lake would surely be a let down. It was nice to see some different wildflowers--some not found in the Interior. I couldn't get over the amount of lush greenness everywhere! The trees were HUGE and towered above us in a great canopy. Lower bushes, grasses and moss blanketed the forest floor. Rainforest-esque.
By some miracle, we found a covered and enclosed picnic shelter in SE Seward. It provided us a dry lunch spot! I was exceptionally grateful. A spot of less-foggy sky convinced us to abandon our rainy plan of the sea life center for a stroll downtown. We had cherry cheesecake and hot chocolate at the Bakery Cafe. Good, except tourists looked down at our muddy pants and boots and gave us dirty looks.
We decided to brave the rain again at Mt. Marathon. Each July 4, brave runners climb this 3,000 ft mountain, 3 miles straight up and then straight down. too steep to run much of it at once, above treeline it was all a scree slope. We began on the runner's course, but switched to the waterfall spur trail when the trail turned to a river of mud. Also, the fog was too thick to make the trek to the top very rewarding. I suddenly had a new found respect for the people who DO run the race.
The waterfall trail was steep too, but didn't summit the mountain. The waterfalls weren't steep, but gently rolled for half a mile along the trail.
Look how thick the foliage is!! ^^
We spotted several avalanche paths. some even had snow mounded at the base of the slope. Buried in the snow, we found many trees, pulled down the hill in the deluge of snow. Scary. Nobody stands a chance in an avalanche's path. The highest point we got to was about 1,500ft, and halfway up the mountain. It offered modest views of town, veiled in fog, of course. Would have been breathtaking on a clear day.
We hiked the Ptarmigan Creek trail. It was muddy, but heavily wooded, so we didn't get as wet as we could have. We didn't get as far as the lake because I got hungry and sick of being muddy, also the spot overlooking the lake would surely be a let down. It was nice to see some different wildflowers--some not found in the Interior. I couldn't get over the amount of lush greenness everywhere! The trees were HUGE and towered above us in a great canopy. Lower bushes, grasses and moss blanketed the forest floor. Rainforest-esque.
By some miracle, we found a covered and enclosed picnic shelter in SE Seward. It provided us a dry lunch spot! I was exceptionally grateful. A spot of less-foggy sky convinced us to abandon our rainy plan of the sea life center for a stroll downtown. We had cherry cheesecake and hot chocolate at the Bakery Cafe. Good, except tourists looked down at our muddy pants and boots and gave us dirty looks.
We decided to brave the rain again at Mt. Marathon. Each July 4, brave runners climb this 3,000 ft mountain, 3 miles straight up and then straight down. too steep to run much of it at once, above treeline it was all a scree slope. We began on the runner's course, but switched to the waterfall spur trail when the trail turned to a river of mud. Also, the fog was too thick to make the trek to the top very rewarding. I suddenly had a new found respect for the people who DO run the race.
The waterfall trail was steep too, but didn't summit the mountain. The waterfalls weren't steep, but gently rolled for half a mile along the trail.
Look how thick the foliage is!! ^^
We spotted several avalanche paths. some even had snow mounded at the base of the slope. Buried in the snow, we found many trees, pulled down the hill in the deluge of snow. Scary. Nobody stands a chance in an avalanche's path. The highest point we got to was about 1,500ft, and halfway up the mountain. It offered modest views of town, veiled in fog, of course. Would have been breathtaking on a clear day.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wetter
We awoke to low clouds--but no rain. drove to the tunnel to Whittier--2.5 mi tunnel and just like Tunnel Trails, carved out of a mountain and only one lane. A regulated schedule on 15 min intervals is set to let traffic going each way get through safely. We just missed a trip by two minutes and had to wait for the next traffic flow.
So we checked out the Byron Glacier trail--pretty, but not too exciting on account of the weather. Portage side of the tunnel : no rain. Whittier side : fog city and constant mist of rain and looked like this :
WETTIER.. GUH! We were prepared for a full downpour--rain pants, jackets, and waterproof boots.
Town was divided into two parts : tourism and locals. We watched the ferry leave for Valdez, had lunch at a place on the water, err...foggy abyss? We took a tour of Main St and came across the town's lone grocery store. Prices comparable to FBX on some things but a gallon of distilled water was $2.59. There was also only one type of milk (whole) but eight different flavors of wet cat food, even more if you count the dry food. I'm not going to ask why there's so much wet cat food. Hopefully they have picky cats, not poor people who eat the stuff. We found a cove on the city map and decided to check it out. After bottoming out the car on a sketchy dirt road laden with potholes, we arrived to fog and rain. Still. the rocks were covered in orange seaweed. Really pretty, but almost as slippery as ice. We took every step carefully.
Notice how Matt demonstrates the proper icy rock crossing technique.
Then it was time to head back through the tunnel. Still no rain on the Portage side. WTF. Note to self : Never move to Whittier. 174 in of rain per year = too much!
We returned to our previous campsite--it really was that awesome!--for our 10 mile run. We happened upon a nice trail, with boardwalks and a great running surface. We followed it five miles and turned around. Just as I found my groove, Matt says "umm...Honey, ...BEAR!!!" and us without our camera or bear spray. We came to a halt. A well-fed black bear looked back at us, square in the middle of the trail. With dense trees lining the trail, we had nowhere else to go but back the way we had come. We backed away slowly, to avoid being charged, and after rounding a corner, we restarted our run. We were forced to join the highway traffic until we could jump back on the trail. That quickened our pace a little bit. Wish I had my camera to share, but the image of Pooh staring me down will forever remain only in my memory.
A quick campstove shower and I was officially grumpy and frozen. We headed to Girdwood for dinner. We took a chance on an unusually-empty-for-Friday-Night place. We hit the jackpot. Only locals, and really cute : Maxine's Bistro. The menu was really weird, only one item from about 10 different cultures. Mexican, Italian, Thai, Chinese. Matt and I both had a burger, the American item. It was probably the best burger I've ever had! So yummy.
As we returned from Girdwood, where it wasn't raining, we saw a dark cloud over the place we were planning to camp. Matt joked, "I've always wanted to try sleeping in a cloud." not funny. We returned to our favorite spot for some zzz's. Realized later that it was the same spot we had stopped with Craig, two years ago. Odd. :)
So we checked out the Byron Glacier trail--pretty, but not too exciting on account of the weather. Portage side of the tunnel : no rain. Whittier side : fog city and constant mist of rain and looked like this :
WETTIER.. GUH! We were prepared for a full downpour--rain pants, jackets, and waterproof boots.
Town was divided into two parts : tourism and locals. We watched the ferry leave for Valdez, had lunch at a place on the water, err...foggy abyss? We took a tour of Main St and came across the town's lone grocery store. Prices comparable to FBX on some things but a gallon of distilled water was $2.59. There was also only one type of milk (whole) but eight different flavors of wet cat food, even more if you count the dry food. I'm not going to ask why there's so much wet cat food. Hopefully they have picky cats, not poor people who eat the stuff. We found a cove on the city map and decided to check it out. After bottoming out the car on a sketchy dirt road laden with potholes, we arrived to fog and rain. Still. the rocks were covered in orange seaweed. Really pretty, but almost as slippery as ice. We took every step carefully.
Notice how Matt demonstrates the proper icy rock crossing technique.
Then it was time to head back through the tunnel. Still no rain on the Portage side. WTF. Note to self : Never move to Whittier. 174 in of rain per year = too much!
We returned to our previous campsite--it really was that awesome!--for our 10 mile run. We happened upon a nice trail, with boardwalks and a great running surface. We followed it five miles and turned around. Just as I found my groove, Matt says "umm...Honey, ...BEAR!!!" and us without our camera or bear spray. We came to a halt. A well-fed black bear looked back at us, square in the middle of the trail. With dense trees lining the trail, we had nowhere else to go but back the way we had come. We backed away slowly, to avoid being charged, and after rounding a corner, we restarted our run. We were forced to join the highway traffic until we could jump back on the trail. That quickened our pace a little bit. Wish I had my camera to share, but the image of Pooh staring me down will forever remain only in my memory.
A quick campstove shower and I was officially grumpy and frozen. We headed to Girdwood for dinner. We took a chance on an unusually-empty-for-Friday-Night place. We hit the jackpot. Only locals, and really cute : Maxine's Bistro. The menu was really weird, only one item from about 10 different cultures. Mexican, Italian, Thai, Chinese. Matt and I both had a burger, the American item. It was probably the best burger I've ever had! So yummy.
As we returned from Girdwood, where it wasn't raining, we saw a dark cloud over the place we were planning to camp. Matt joked, "I've always wanted to try sleeping in a cloud." not funny. We returned to our favorite spot for some zzz's. Realized later that it was the same spot we had stopped with Craig, two years ago. Odd. :)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
DQ, Run, and Off-Road Camping
Sleeping on the ground in a campground is no fun. Gravel never makes for a comfy night's sleep. That is why coffee is necessary. On a whim, we bought a french press (woo! REI!!). I haven't perfected my skills yet, but I make a really great mocha ! :)
My spirits finally lifted, we set off on our way. Not five miles out of the park, I nearly hit a mama moose and two young calves as they scurried across the highway. My photo collection was missing a good shot of a cow and babies, so I pulled over--Nascar-style-- and whipped out the camera and fired away. No cars were nearby when I pulled off, but moments later, 3 RVs and two cars of tourists were clumped around us. some didn't even bother to pull off the road to take pictures. Dangerous, considering most people go 70mph on that part. I sped away, buzzing off my coffee and victorious camera moment. The drive through Broad Pass was the most uneventful ever. Fog and low clouds covered all the mountains. I pitied the tourists that never get to see it in all it's glorious beauty.
Fast forward to Wasilla. One giant 10 mile long strip mall, the beginning of "civilization", where from here to Anchorage it's all urban, like driving on a Lower 48 freeway outside of a half-mil city. the reason I love Wasilla : DAIRY QUEEN! WE have stopped every time we pass. BLIZZARD! YUM! My coffee buzz was gone and I got cranky! A trip to Kohl's couldn't fix it (though some new Levi's helped). Matt and I agreed that we needed a run. Also, it kept us off the highway at rush hour--great, because we're not used to heavy traffic. So we found the TK Coastal Trail and pounded out a few miles. It was very familiar, being it was the same route our marathon took last year. This was at mile 24-26, and my legs felt much better running this stretch this year. I also wasn't cursing at myself for deciding to run my very first marathon. It was all runner's high this time. Matt and I were impressed by how many people used the trail. Bikers, walkers, runners, bladers---even people walking from hole to hole on a disc golf course. This network of trails is one of the many reasons I love to visit Anchorage.
After a quick sponge bath at the H.S. parking lot (the marathon finish), we paid a visit to REI. somehow we made it out with only $17 less than when we entered. That must be a new record low for us!! :) My other favorite part of the trip is Turnagain Arm--arguably the most beautiful part of the Seward Highway. The inlet is nestled between tall mountains on each side. On a clear day, it is beautiful---so of course, it was foggy. No mountains at all. During a break in the rain, we stopped at the Bird Creek trailhead. some Anc Runners were just finishing running the trail. They told us it was three miles to the top and up 3,000ft. We asked if it was runnable, meaning the surface not the elevation, and one said, "no, but maybe a brisk walk is best". I mentally stashed it in the "future-ass-kicker" run file. There was a race coming up there on Sunday. Too bad we'd be in Seward, three hours away.
All the rain they get makes really BIG plants!
Our campsite for the night was on a pond pullout, just off the Portage-Whittier Rd. Free campsites are always the best. Dirt tent pads, waterfront, and no fees! It was beautiful. With the rain, there were no mosquitoes and we slept like kings that night!!
My spirits finally lifted, we set off on our way. Not five miles out of the park, I nearly hit a mama moose and two young calves as they scurried across the highway. My photo collection was missing a good shot of a cow and babies, so I pulled over--Nascar-style-- and whipped out the camera and fired away. No cars were nearby when I pulled off, but moments later, 3 RVs and two cars of tourists were clumped around us. some didn't even bother to pull off the road to take pictures. Dangerous, considering most people go 70mph on that part. I sped away, buzzing off my coffee and victorious camera moment. The drive through Broad Pass was the most uneventful ever. Fog and low clouds covered all the mountains. I pitied the tourists that never get to see it in all it's glorious beauty.
Fast forward to Wasilla. One giant 10 mile long strip mall, the beginning of "civilization", where from here to Anchorage it's all urban, like driving on a Lower 48 freeway outside of a half-mil city. the reason I love Wasilla : DAIRY QUEEN! WE have stopped every time we pass. BLIZZARD! YUM! My coffee buzz was gone and I got cranky! A trip to Kohl's couldn't fix it (though some new Levi's helped). Matt and I agreed that we needed a run. Also, it kept us off the highway at rush hour--great, because we're not used to heavy traffic. So we found the TK Coastal Trail and pounded out a few miles. It was very familiar, being it was the same route our marathon took last year. This was at mile 24-26, and my legs felt much better running this stretch this year. I also wasn't cursing at myself for deciding to run my very first marathon. It was all runner's high this time. Matt and I were impressed by how many people used the trail. Bikers, walkers, runners, bladers---even people walking from hole to hole on a disc golf course. This network of trails is one of the many reasons I love to visit Anchorage.
After a quick sponge bath at the H.S. parking lot (the marathon finish), we paid a visit to REI. somehow we made it out with only $17 less than when we entered. That must be a new record low for us!! :) My other favorite part of the trip is Turnagain Arm--arguably the most beautiful part of the Seward Highway. The inlet is nestled between tall mountains on each side. On a clear day, it is beautiful---so of course, it was foggy. No mountains at all. During a break in the rain, we stopped at the Bird Creek trailhead. some Anc Runners were just finishing running the trail. They told us it was three miles to the top and up 3,000ft. We asked if it was runnable, meaning the surface not the elevation, and one said, "no, but maybe a brisk walk is best". I mentally stashed it in the "future-ass-kicker" run file. There was a race coming up there on Sunday. Too bad we'd be in Seward, three hours away.
All the rain they get makes really BIG plants!
Our campsite for the night was on a pond pullout, just off the Portage-Whittier Rd. Free campsites are always the best. Dirt tent pads, waterfront, and no fees! It was beautiful. With the rain, there were no mosquitoes and we slept like kings that night!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Camping with the kitty
Our camping trip started an hour later than we had planned, so by the time we got to Denali, we were anxious to get a camping site. The campground has cost us $14 in the past, but they must have changed the rules, because we ended up having to pay a park admission pass in addition to the usual campground fee. It was a lofty sum for a campsite that I couldn't even park my car next to the tent. After we paid, we found that the old parking lot was being used for construction equipment, the new overflow lot was a mile and a half away. $40 for a campsite, and a 1.5 mile walk to and from the car. I don't think we'll be returning to that campground again when it isn't free. (it's free in the winter) We had a good fire, roasted some mallows and dogs--then headed into mile 15 of the park to make use of the entrance fee they made us pay. When we got to mile 15, where private car access is restricted, everyone was buzzing about a bear in the area. They were all very excited, yet terrified of the close call they had just experienced. Matt and I carried on with our plans to hike on the Savage River. After all, we were tough Alaskans, we could handle bears. The brisk south wind pushed us along on the trail into the gorge. As it got later, we decided to turn around and head back to the campground--since we had a long walk back to the tent from our car.
Savage River and mountains
Snowshoe Hare
We got back about halfway and saw an animal cross the road. I yelled, "KITTY!!" and pulled the car to the side of the road. The lynx, our first ever! turned and sat to watch us. It was a large muscular cat with tufts of hair on his eartips and a cropped tail. Curiosity overwhelmed us both, as we stared at one another. In typical kitty style, the lynx quickly lost interest and turned to walk away. Matt got enough time to take two shots of him with our camera.
The last few miles back were gorgeous. My pictures don't really do it justice.
We also caught views of Denali, wearing a small cloudy hat, on the western horizon.
Beautiful end to a beautiful day.
Savage River and mountains
Snowshoe Hare
We got back about halfway and saw an animal cross the road. I yelled, "KITTY!!" and pulled the car to the side of the road. The lynx, our first ever! turned and sat to watch us. It was a large muscular cat with tufts of hair on his eartips and a cropped tail. Curiosity overwhelmed us both, as we stared at one another. In typical kitty style, the lynx quickly lost interest and turned to walk away. Matt got enough time to take two shots of him with our camera.
The last few miles back were gorgeous. My pictures don't really do it justice.
We also caught views of Denali, wearing a small cloudy hat, on the western horizon.
Beautiful end to a beautiful day.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
It was a busy day. Somehow, I managed to get up early, shampoo the carpets, and do a load of laundry...all before 11am. All without coffee.
Carpet cleaning went easier than I thought it would, never having done it before. It's almost as easy as vacuuming. An hour after I began, my apartment was a sweltering tropical land of humidity. I hastily shoved the windows open and turned on my only fan. Then I hit the lemonade. It is still too humid for me to sleep. I'm writing this post at 11:30pm, a full two hours after I went to bed. (Matt goes to bed at 9pm when he has to work at 6am, so I go with him and usually fall asleep.) Maybe it was the nap I took. *shrug*
I've got a few exciting things to report :
1. I'm officially going to Germany in September. Matt and I bought plane tickets this morning and we will be meeting Chris in Munich.
2. Even though my legs were aching the entire time and I was constantly on the verge of losing my balance, I ran a six mile trail run today. My legs are finally recovered from the Angel Rocks run. There's still residual tightness, but I am able to walk at a brisk pace again.
3. Summertime is great for us saving money. It's strange, because Matt and I spend most of the summer on trips. The only difference is that our trips in the summer take us to remote areas, with no opportunity to spend money. We usually buy food and gas, and that. is. all. During the other seasons, we stay in town, go shopping, out to dinner...that all adds up fast. I'm happy to announce that, once we relocate, we have a down payment ready for a home.
Speaking of trips, our next adventure begins on Wednesday. We are car camping our way to Seward, and hopefully meeting dry weather there. We have several day hikes planned, so the trip promises to be active and scenic. I'm looking forward to it.
Carpet cleaning went easier than I thought it would, never having done it before. It's almost as easy as vacuuming. An hour after I began, my apartment was a sweltering tropical land of humidity. I hastily shoved the windows open and turned on my only fan. Then I hit the lemonade. It is still too humid for me to sleep. I'm writing this post at 11:30pm, a full two hours after I went to bed. (Matt goes to bed at 9pm when he has to work at 6am, so I go with him and usually fall asleep.) Maybe it was the nap I took. *shrug*
I've got a few exciting things to report :
1. I'm officially going to Germany in September. Matt and I bought plane tickets this morning and we will be meeting Chris in Munich.
2. Even though my legs were aching the entire time and I was constantly on the verge of losing my balance, I ran a six mile trail run today. My legs are finally recovered from the Angel Rocks run. There's still residual tightness, but I am able to walk at a brisk pace again.
3. Summertime is great for us saving money. It's strange, because Matt and I spend most of the summer on trips. The only difference is that our trips in the summer take us to remote areas, with no opportunity to spend money. We usually buy food and gas, and that. is. all. During the other seasons, we stay in town, go shopping, out to dinner...that all adds up fast. I'm happy to announce that, once we relocate, we have a down payment ready for a home.
Speaking of trips, our next adventure begins on Wednesday. We are car camping our way to Seward, and hopefully meeting dry weather there. We have several day hikes planned, so the trip promises to be active and scenic. I'm looking forward to it.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs Loop
Total Mileage : 16.5 miles
Total Elevation Change : 3,500 ft.
Total Time : 4 hours 20 minutes
Until today, our longest trail run this year was 9 miles. Until today, our longest hike was 8 miles (done in January). Knowing these facts, I knew that the last few miles would be a bizarre form of running torture. Nevertheless, Matt and I laced up our shoes, ready for what the day had in store for us.
The night before our hike, we packed up our gear. Just before bed, an amazing rainbow appeared and the skies opened up. 11pm and a rainbow, weird. The morning of our fast pack trip, we added rain gear to our list of things to come along. Afternoon showers were predicted...so we were ready.
The first 1.5 miles is on the Angel Rocks Trail. Most people only go this far and return the way they came. The trail climbed very steadily for 1,000 ft over the course of this 1.5 miles and the humidity forced Matt and I to walk, gulping down water between each deep breath. We broke into a drenching sweat, and mosquitoes swarmed around our heads. The majority of the bites I got were on this 1.5 miles...I later found lots of dead mosquitoes in my hair.
Miles 1.5-3 climbed even further onto a ridge, above treeline.
The trail went over several boulder fields and was definitely not good for running. Gorgeous views of the surrounding area were seen in every direction. We stopped to refuel about mile 5, and at the highest point of the entire trip.
A large dark cloud was headed straight for us, and we wasted no time descending below into the trees. Convinced the downhill would be the easier part of the trip, we took off at a much faster pace than normal.
At about mile 6, we hit mud just as we hit treeline. Firm mud, so we plowed right through it. Less than a mile later, the muddy trail turned into a stream of runoff. My shoes were inundated by the icy cold runoff. We tried to miss the deep parts, but a lot of the trail was too wet. It still surprises me how such a steep hillside can be so wet, but Alaska continues to surprise me in terms of what the terrain can throw out.
Mile 7 forced us to decide : go up on another (maybe drier) ridge and add 0.5 miles to our already 16.5 mile run, or go down (wetter) into the muskeg. We took our chances with the lower. After the rains we were having, Matt figured that lower would be just as wet as upper. Also, we'd taken that path before and there were less opportunities of becoming lost. We saw no bugs the entire way down, even though it was by far, the wettest part. Go figure. They probably knew I was eaten already and weren't up for sloppy seconds (meant to sound dirty, but look at the next picture---it was dirty).
About mile 8.5, we joined up with the gravel two track trail of Chena Hot Springs. It was much easier to run and we just let our legs sail down the hill. My knees started hurting near the bottom, so I slowed. We passed several tourists, whom looked at us funny, with our muddy legs and feet, sweat stained faces, and grimaces of fatigue across our faces. This time of year, we look out of place amongst them and their "vacation" clothes of brand new hiking clothes and shoes that have never seen the trail.
The Hot Springs Rd. back to the car was straight, flat, and the most terrible end to a run one can possibly imagine. It was more difficult to run, being able to see at least a mile ahead of myself. Feels like I'm going, and going, and never getting anywhere...especially compared to the trail, where I could only see 100 ft ahead at times. It actually hurt more to run on pavement than I ever thought possible...funny, because that is where I do 90% of my running, and it never hurt like this did. About mile 16, we came across two horses grazing on the side of the road. One of them followed us onto the road as we passed. The owner came running out to coax his horse back to the yard. Horsey wanted to run with us. :) Four hours and 20 minutes after we left the car, we came returned to our car. Armed with flip flops and chips, we headed for the river to soak and wash our legs and feet.
My shoes are still stained with dirt, and my legs are too sore to run on, but wow...that was a great day.
Total Elevation Change : 3,500 ft.
Total Time : 4 hours 20 minutes
Until today, our longest trail run this year was 9 miles. Until today, our longest hike was 8 miles (done in January). Knowing these facts, I knew that the last few miles would be a bizarre form of running torture. Nevertheless, Matt and I laced up our shoes, ready for what the day had in store for us.
The night before our hike, we packed up our gear. Just before bed, an amazing rainbow appeared and the skies opened up. 11pm and a rainbow, weird. The morning of our fast pack trip, we added rain gear to our list of things to come along. Afternoon showers were predicted...so we were ready.
The first 1.5 miles is on the Angel Rocks Trail. Most people only go this far and return the way they came. The trail climbed very steadily for 1,000 ft over the course of this 1.5 miles and the humidity forced Matt and I to walk, gulping down water between each deep breath. We broke into a drenching sweat, and mosquitoes swarmed around our heads. The majority of the bites I got were on this 1.5 miles...I later found lots of dead mosquitoes in my hair.
Miles 1.5-3 climbed even further onto a ridge, above treeline.
The trail went over several boulder fields and was definitely not good for running. Gorgeous views of the surrounding area were seen in every direction. We stopped to refuel about mile 5, and at the highest point of the entire trip.
A large dark cloud was headed straight for us, and we wasted no time descending below into the trees. Convinced the downhill would be the easier part of the trip, we took off at a much faster pace than normal.
At about mile 6, we hit mud just as we hit treeline. Firm mud, so we plowed right through it. Less than a mile later, the muddy trail turned into a stream of runoff. My shoes were inundated by the icy cold runoff. We tried to miss the deep parts, but a lot of the trail was too wet. It still surprises me how such a steep hillside can be so wet, but Alaska continues to surprise me in terms of what the terrain can throw out.
Mile 7 forced us to decide : go up on another (maybe drier) ridge and add 0.5 miles to our already 16.5 mile run, or go down (wetter) into the muskeg. We took our chances with the lower. After the rains we were having, Matt figured that lower would be just as wet as upper. Also, we'd taken that path before and there were less opportunities of becoming lost. We saw no bugs the entire way down, even though it was by far, the wettest part. Go figure. They probably knew I was eaten already and weren't up for sloppy seconds (meant to sound dirty, but look at the next picture---it was dirty).
About mile 8.5, we joined up with the gravel two track trail of Chena Hot Springs. It was much easier to run and we just let our legs sail down the hill. My knees started hurting near the bottom, so I slowed. We passed several tourists, whom looked at us funny, with our muddy legs and feet, sweat stained faces, and grimaces of fatigue across our faces. This time of year, we look out of place amongst them and their "vacation" clothes of brand new hiking clothes and shoes that have never seen the trail.
The Hot Springs Rd. back to the car was straight, flat, and the most terrible end to a run one can possibly imagine. It was more difficult to run, being able to see at least a mile ahead of myself. Feels like I'm going, and going, and never getting anywhere...especially compared to the trail, where I could only see 100 ft ahead at times. It actually hurt more to run on pavement than I ever thought possible...funny, because that is where I do 90% of my running, and it never hurt like this did. About mile 16, we came across two horses grazing on the side of the road. One of them followed us onto the road as we passed. The owner came running out to coax his horse back to the yard. Horsey wanted to run with us. :) Four hours and 20 minutes after we left the car, we came returned to our car. Armed with flip flops and chips, we headed for the river to soak and wash our legs and feet.
My shoes are still stained with dirt, and my legs are too sore to run on, but wow...that was a great day.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Epiphany
Summertime is usually a time of manic sleep patterns and an abundance of energy. This year seems different. I lack motivation to go out backpacking, exploring anywhere outside of Fairbanks. I've been trying to figure out why, but have come up empty handed, a confused look on my face. Until today.
At first I thought I was just settling into Alaska, not really excited to see new places because I'm very near to finishing off my adventure to-do list. Then I finally realized, I needed to change my perspective and planning a little. I never really liked carrying a 30 lb pack on my back. It slowed me down a lot and every step became a laborious effort. Today I had an epiphany, combine loves of hiking and running into what some call "fast packing". It's basically running until terrain forces you to walk. You cover more miles in less time, get a run in, and lets you get home at night where a cozy bed, warm meal, shower, and ice pack are waiting. It also eliminates the 30 lb pack, horrayyy!! You're out less time, so you need less clothes, less food, no tent, no sleeping bag.. heck yes! Our inaugural fast-pack trip is scheduled for Thursday. I'll let you know how it goes.
At first I thought I was just settling into Alaska, not really excited to see new places because I'm very near to finishing off my adventure to-do list. Then I finally realized, I needed to change my perspective and planning a little. I never really liked carrying a 30 lb pack on my back. It slowed me down a lot and every step became a laborious effort. Today I had an epiphany, combine loves of hiking and running into what some call "fast packing". It's basically running until terrain forces you to walk. You cover more miles in less time, get a run in, and lets you get home at night where a cozy bed, warm meal, shower, and ice pack are waiting. It also eliminates the 30 lb pack, horrayyy!! You're out less time, so you need less clothes, less food, no tent, no sleeping bag.. heck yes! Our inaugural fast-pack trip is scheduled for Thursday. I'll let you know how it goes.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Midnight Sun
Summertime in Alaska means an extra boost of daylight hours. Right now, it doesn't get dark anymore, and won't until the end of July. It's kind of weird to see people out and about after midnight. Kids playing in the yards is the the weirdest part. It has been difficult for me to sleep ever since I got back from my Lower 48 trip. The blinds aren't doing a good enough job. I wake up at about 5:00 every morning, realize what time it is, and force myself back to sleep.
Long daylight hours allow for late night disc golf. Matt worked an afternoon shift one evening and when he was finished with work, we played some 11pm disc golf :
This is about as dark as it gets these days. Broad daylight.
This morning we decided to do some speed training. Again, it wasn't dark. 4:45am and it was completely light outside :
Still needed lots of coffee and a nap afterward, but darkness. A total non-issue. I wish I could bottle up some of this 10pm-4am daylight and save it for winter. That'd be really great.
Long daylight hours allow for late night disc golf. Matt worked an afternoon shift one evening and when he was finished with work, we played some 11pm disc golf :
This is about as dark as it gets these days. Broad daylight.
This morning we decided to do some speed training. Again, it wasn't dark. 4:45am and it was completely light outside :
Still needed lots of coffee and a nap afterward, but darkness. A total non-issue. I wish I could bottle up some of this 10pm-4am daylight and save it for winter. That'd be really great.
Friday, June 04, 2010
New Mexico
After years of accumulating airline miles between Alaska and the Midwest, I finally have enough to make a rewards trip! Although I could only get a free one-way ticket because of availability, I'm totally happy. I spent 45 minutes on the phone waiting to book my flight, but I finally can say that I am going to Los Alamos, New Mexico to visit Chris on less than $300. It is impossible to get out of Alaska for that price. I'm totally excited. Now to figure out how to avoid altitude sickness.....
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Normally, I don't run with an iPod. I usually have one or more running buddies to talk to instead. On the rare occasion that I am running solo at about mid-day (I don't take music if I run alone after 8pm), my trusty iPod in it's pink crochet sweater, comes along for the ride. Today, I did.
I felt really tech-ed out. Garmin Forerunner watch on right wrist, iPod shuffle in the other hand. I was ready to go. Music usually pushes me to run faster, gives me a little adrenaline boost, really. I was flying. As I cruised down CST Rd, Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer was ringing through my headphones. At the exact moment that "we're halfway there", I glanced down at my watch and 1.50 miles was staring back at me. HALFWAY on my 3 mile run. Exactly halfway. WEIRD. :) 3 miles, sub 9:00/mi. Sunny. No smoke. I was in heaven. :) ...if only for a mere 26 minutes.
I felt really tech-ed out. Garmin Forerunner watch on right wrist, iPod shuffle in the other hand. I was ready to go. Music usually pushes me to run faster, gives me a little adrenaline boost, really. I was flying. As I cruised down CST Rd, Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer was ringing through my headphones. At the exact moment that "we're halfway there", I glanced down at my watch and 1.50 miles was staring back at me. HALFWAY on my 3 mile run. Exactly halfway. WEIRD. :) 3 miles, sub 9:00/mi. Sunny. No smoke. I was in heaven. :) ...if only for a mere 26 minutes.
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