Today was one strenuous day but absolutely one of the most beautiful days in the Rocky evergreens I have ever seen. The snow was pristine, glistening brighter than diamonds, and hanging like giant puffballs from the limbs. Barb and I joined four of the Kili ladies (Diana, Eva, Martine, and Jane) snow shoeing on peak seven. I swear these ladies took off at a trot??!! We did a 3.5 hour loop ending at the Grand Lodge in the hot tub, thanks to Martine, soothing some aching muschles. Our lunch was at the Alleuja Hut!! Having just arrived at this altitude, Barb and I were breathless most of the 3.5 hours. It seemed harder than two of my triathlons put together. It was exhausting but fun . . . now that it is over!!!:) I think we were at 11,000+ feet at one point!!! Not nearly as high as 19,300 that we will experience next September. Baby steps, right??
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Breckenridge- Jan. 26, 2011
Last week was spent training three mornings with Corie, my OP trainer, (I am getting stronger!), three spinning classes and preparing for being gone seven weeks; a week in Breckenridge and six weeks in Tucson. After an overnight with Darci in Denver, I arrived at my condo in Breck Monday and it was -3. Brrrr! Ten of the eleven Kilimanjaro ladies met for a cocktail/get acquainted evening on Monday. I am impressed and slightly intimidated with the athletic abilities of these women. Their backgrounds include 9 safaris, Ride the Rockies, an ironman, 50 marathons, and our oldest member in her late 70's planning two half marathons next summer in addition to hiking our fourteeners every week???!!!:):) I left the evening thinking "did I just really hear all of that???? And . . . can I keep up in this altitude???? It is obvious that this amazing group of women LOVE THE OUTDOORS, ENJOY ADVENTURE, ARE IN GREAT SHAPE, AND REAP THE BENEFITS OF GOOD HEALTH IN THE PROCESS!!! I am honored to be included in this group! Five of the eleven women will turn 70 this year!! Our Kilimanjaro trip begins on September 6, 2011!!!! I have to remind myself that was the reason for this blog; to track my training and my journey.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Noah wins local 5th grade school spelling bee!!
Noah won on the word elucidate last night at his school's spelling bee. We have been practicing for a week and it paid off!! Now on to the regional!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Phoenix-1-9-2011
My week in Phoenix with Bill & Leone has gone to fast. I leave tomorrow morning and return to predicted 7" snow in KC It is always relaxing to lounge on their patio overlooking the pool and to have breakfast poolside. Leone & I worked out twice with the Tatum trainer. Mindy is a "FitforGolf" coach and an excellent trainer with creative work-outs. Back was a little sore. Leone and & pushed each other on a small sled and then pulled each other back to the start!! Fun and very challenging!! Today we worked out on our own and I did 25 min. on the step, 35 min lifting upper body and 15 min of stretching. Felt good. My foot may be getting used to the step and getting stronger.
On Wednesday we hiked Pinnacle Peak out and back in 2:15 and stopped often for pictures. I love that hike and wish I had it in my back yard. There is a bit of loose gravel and I marvel at the number of people that run it up and down!! Now trying to post Pinnacle Peak pictures. Wish that were easy for me!!??!! With the new I Phone 4, the pictures are marvelous and I so want to share. We'll see!! Next week it is two trainer work-outs. Barb & I have a yoga groupon and her daughter gave her free sessions at another gym. We joked about having to work-out all day to use the groupons and gift memberships. Two weeks from today we leave for Tucson for 6 weeks via Breckenridge. Life is good even with the Chiefs losing in the play-off as I write. Time to go to REI and look for Kilimanjaro equipment!!! That is fun shopping!!!!!!!!!
On Wednesday we hiked Pinnacle Peak out and back in 2:15 and stopped often for pictures. I love that hike and wish I had it in my back yard. There is a bit of loose gravel and I marvel at the number of people that run it up and down!! Now trying to post Pinnacle Peak pictures. Wish that were easy for me!!??!! With the new I Phone 4, the pictures are marvelous and I so want to share. We'll see!! Next week it is two trainer work-outs. Barb & I have a yoga groupon and her daughter gave her free sessions at another gym. We joked about having to work-out all day to use the groupons and gift memberships. Two weeks from today we leave for Tucson for 6 weeks via Breckenridge. Life is good even with the Chiefs losing in the play-off as I write. Time to go to REI and look for Kilimanjaro equipment!!! That is fun shopping!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
January 2, 2011-New year thoughts
I went to Borders to buy books today. A friend told me to get "Paths of Glory" if I was going to climb Kilimanjaro. "The Book of Awakening" and "Chinese Diet Therapy" were also recommended by friends who know I appreciate holistic healing and searching the soul. In the process of selecting these books my eyes fell on "Better Health through Natural Healing". A dear friend has advanced prostrate cancer and has decided to forego Chemo and radiation. So I am sending him this book. Another friend who had prostrate cancer five years ago, healed it by drinking 8 cups of green tea every day, among many other things. We certainly all have choices about our health!! We also have choices about how we live each day!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year Day 2010
Catching up for month of December!! Working with a trainer three x a week on M W F and biking outdoors Tues, Thurs & Sat weather permitting. Spin classes indoors on the bad weather days. I feel myself getting stronger. My heel is still problematic as my year old plantar fascitis seems to rear its ugly head from time to time. Tiger balm, naproxen, and my orthotics have become good friends as has a water bottle of frozen water to ice the foot.
Christmas was complete family time!! Darci and family came from Denver and bunked in for 6 days. We had 16 people in our house for the better part of those days. Our DW was emptied three times a day!! X box Kinect was the hit gift. Shirts with a built in guitar, remote helicopters, spy watches, I Pod touch, and my favorite gifts were Keen cycling sandals and a mug with family photos. Having all the family together outweighed all the gifts!!!!
The photo shoot on 12/6 with 12 other ladies for "black dress cycling calendar" was fun. I happen to be December!! The calendar has been printed (with our ages??!!) and proceeds go to a charity that helps to educate kids about cycling safety etc. We are hoping it may also inspire other women to cycle or exercise in some way. Tomorrow, we have an open house at "Family Bicycles" in their new location to celebrate and promote this "first edition" of the "black dress" calendar, so the "black dress" will be worn again!!!! (Never mind that we have had two open houses to celebrate the calendar already!).
My thoughts for the new year are many. I pray for a healthy body to be able to attempt the Kili climb in September. I am so thankful for the times when my entire family can be together. There are sixteen of us and everyone is precious!! My current friends are very dear to me!! I treasure my friendships and enjoy time spent with them. I also look forward to new friendships this coming year.
Christmas was complete family time!! Darci and family came from Denver and bunked in for 6 days. We had 16 people in our house for the better part of those days. Our DW was emptied three times a day!! X box Kinect was the hit gift. Shirts with a built in guitar, remote helicopters, spy watches, I Pod touch, and my favorite gifts were Keen cycling sandals and a mug with family photos. Having all the family together outweighed all the gifts!!!!
The photo shoot on 12/6 with 12 other ladies for "black dress cycling calendar" was fun. I happen to be December!! The calendar has been printed (with our ages??!!) and proceeds go to a charity that helps to educate kids about cycling safety etc. We are hoping it may also inspire other women to cycle or exercise in some way. Tomorrow, we have an open house at "Family Bicycles" in their new location to celebrate and promote this "first edition" of the "black dress" calendar, so the "black dress" will be worn again!!!! (Never mind that we have had two open houses to celebrate the calendar already!).
My thoughts for the new year are many. I pray for a healthy body to be able to attempt the Kili climb in September. I am so thankful for the times when my entire family can be together. There are sixteen of us and everyone is precious!! My current friends are very dear to me!! I treasure my friendships and enjoy time spent with them. I also look forward to new friendships this coming year.
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