training progress

Hello blogger friends, I had a really good training week, I can feel that things are starting to fall into place. I have to admit, a while ago I actually thought that perhaps I had made a mistake in thinking I can climb up a mountain and after this weeks training I know I can!!  I am feeling stronger with every work out both physically and mentally.
Sunday I hiked 10 miles with my "Mountain Mentor", my two furry friends, Boulder and Max, along with my sister Heidi.What a beautiful day it was with the sun shining brightly. The snow is melting and the the taste of Spring is in the air.
It's funny how people come into your life when you least expect it. How lucky I am to have "Mountain Mentor". He has such a passion for climbing and I feed off of that. Question after question I ask and take mental notes as he patiently answers all of them.  He has given me wonderful training advice!!           
                       

I know this Winter was a tough one but look at the beautiful path that Laura and I hiked yesterday. The only foot prints were ours,the deers, and perhaps a coyote or two. I was able to get to the stairs today with my 30lb pack, I am on 12 repeats and for those who are keeping track, that means 14 next week...bring it on...

Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.
Don't wish for fewer problems,wish for more skills.
Don't wish for less challenges,wish for more wisdom........Earl Shoaf

Laura

me, happy as a clam

It feels like Christmas

Look what showed up at the door...it feels like Christmas!! Thank you to North Face for my Prima Loft jacket, Venture jacket, Hyvent pants.Thank you to Leki for the Cressida hiking poles, and also thank you to Osprey for there incredible back pack. These are some of the sponsor's to "Climb Against the Odds 2014".

Started some serious training these past few weeks. I am now carrying 30 lbs in my new Osprey back pack. Heading to REI in the next few days to get a better fit. The straps are pulling a bit on my shoulders.
Once a week I head to Shallow Cliff to do some stairs. I am currently climbing 9 repeats with a hike 8-9 miles immediately after.

I am very lucky to have friends that help me through. Meet my "Mountain Mentor" Tarek, he's the one in the red jacket. He has hiked numerous Mountains all over the country.Tarek has given me wonderful advice, his wisdom and humor as helped a great deal.

My friend Laura, not only a strong hiker but she "rock's" on the bike!
As much as the snow has helped in my training, I'm looking forward to biking with Laura very,very, soon.




My sister, Sue, is keeping me company on my hikes, glad she moved back from Florida.                                            

Whew, I admit, I'm nervous about all this. I just have a keep training as hard as I can avoiding injury...so far so good.
When I feel things are getting to hard I remind myself of all the women and men who are fighting their battled against breast cancer every day. They keep me strong...

Until next time...be well,
nancy

Count your life by smiles not tears, Count your life by friends not years.

         

vacation time

I went from one of the snowiest winters in Chicago's history to a beautiful beach vacation in Huatulco, Mexico for a brief trip away from the cold and snow. We had a great time, played in the surf, snorkeled, ate, drank and recharged our batteries. And laughed a lot. We laughed a frigging lot! 

Here I am during a training session...

And one day later I was soaking up the sun in Mexico!

Training is going really well. I'm spending a lot of time climbing outdoor stairs with a 25-pound backpack, hiking and running some. I'm also lifting a lot of weights. I hear this is all about strength, not distance - a little opposite of what I'm used to!

Thank you to everyone who is following me and supporting me with your donations, thoughts and prayers! I appreciate each of you, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this event!

"Don't go through life, grow though life." 

Be well, 

Snips