Sneak Peek at Anchorage

Here is one cool picture of Anchorage...nestled between the Chugiak Mountains and the Cook inlet. You do see snow in this picture on those mountains...but there will not be any when I am there (thank goodness!). But the temperature average for August is in the high 50's...chilly! But I have to admit, great for outdoor activities...

Things I hope to have my two boys do while there: see a moose or two, avoid any bears, climb that flat mountain top you can see on the right of this picture (it actually is a pretty easy climb, except for the last bit...you drive up for most of it), catch a few salmon (over 40 lbs.), see some glaciers, pick blueberries, golf, gold pan (and actually find a little something...for my 8 yr. old's sake), avoid getting eaten by mosquitos, staying up until its dark (around 12 am, this time of year we have 17 hours of daylight), go fishing in the ocean, take the train along cook inlet, see Mt. McKinley (you can see it on a clear day in the far distance), and buy an ulu (not for boy's use).

We head up North mid August! Don't tell anyone, but I plan on running too (the boys can join me).

Running with Erin

Ahhh! I ran with Erin today in the mid-day 95 degree heat. Yes, we are crazy. I knew she had some miles to run since she is training for the North Face Challenge 50 miler in Sept. I offered her 5 miles (the most I have run in the past 14 weeks is a 3 miler)! The run (as always) went by super fast (not that I ran fast...)! We were sweltering in the heat and the hills about did me in...but man it felt good to be out there!

I hadn't realized the amount of hills at Battlefield! You don't notice when you are in good shape. Last time I ran at the Battlefield, I was deep in my Boston Marathon training. Each hill today was a mountain. Luckily, Erin was easy on me and let me walk a few times.

But the key to running (or anything you set your mind on), is not to give up. There will be times in your life you are at your best. And there will be times you are at your worst. The goal is to never give up! Reach for your dreams. Make them come true...even if it might be hard. Hard is what makes it worth it. Hard is what makes us stronger. Hard is what puts us above those that take the easy road.

I love running...

Running Again...

I have attempted running again. I have been sneaking in a few runs a week after doctor's orders of no running for 6-8 weeks (I actually waited 12). The good news is the fact it doesn't hurt while I am running (but many other parts of my body do) but after a few hours it does feel sore. Since I am getting a cast (crutches and all) next month, I figured a few runs won't make things worse. In fact, it might help my overall well being and that is quite important in my book.

I just got home from a 3 miler. I was thrilled to finally average 8:58 minute miles (I have been trying to get under 9). I am feeling stronger and no pain in the heel.

So if there are any of you out there who are thinking about getting back into running and are fearing the tough few weeks you might encounter, I am on your side. You just need to do it and you will achieve it. I am there right with you.

I Likey Bikey!

Thank goodness for small miracle. The no running thing had been getting me down. But thanks to good friends and good neighbors (and a super nice brother), I have been educated on how to do this whole biking thing and I have equipment. My dream is to get my own bike, but at least I have a much needed excuse when necessary (but really the bike Kenny let's me use rocks). Check out some pictures from our ride on Saturday...50 MILES...my new all time high.

I am not a thrill seeker and hills scare me. I am hiding my fear under this fake smile. Notice my hand is right by that break.
The final couple of miles.

I rode my first 50 miler bike ride on Saturday. I am loving the fact I can once again get a challenging workout since I have been out from the running scene. I am definitely the weakest link but am so grateful they are all willing to have me along for the ride. The two guys on the end have been my local running buddies the past year (when I want my butt kicked). Frank and Vicente and Laura (to my right) are all headed to Lake Placid this Saturday for their first Ironman! Good luck guys!

Frank, Silke, Heather, Eric, Laura, Neil and Vicente getting ready to take off to the hills
Frank flying down one of the many hills
Laura looking great. I couldn't keep up with her as hard as I tried.
Half way fuel break. Note to self: Fig Newtons Rock! Pack next time. Thanks Silke for sharing.
Neil was nice enough to hang with me during my mid mile suffering. I was looking for an advil to ease my pain. He kept us at a great pace and took my mind off biking as we chatted.