Seward Girls trip!

April 2015

Nothing like a little spring Seward getaway with some adventurous friends to get into summer mode! Had fun roaming Lost Lake Trail, Mt. Marathon and some favorite local town spots for a weekend. 

 

Yes. We are doing a group ab workout.

Crow Pass Training

May 2015

It's hard to believe that after decades in Alaska, I'd still never done Crow Pass, a trail that traverses from Girdwood to Eagle River, slogging across rivers and waterfalls, passing majestic glaciers and glacial lakes, and bushwhacking its way through tall grass and poisonous plants in premier bear country - without cell reception. The distance is anywhere from 19-24 miles on average (estimates vary greatly). This year I signed up for the race in July, and in May I completed my first training up there with my running buddy Jeremy. We had beautiful blue skies and scenic panoramas tempting us to pull out our cameras constantly. It was so "hot" by Alaska standards that we stopped to willingly jump into a glacial lake on the way back! (By we, I mean I...Jeremy couldn't handle the complete plunge) ;) We did an out and back route from the Girdwood side which is the most scenic side. The first few miles pose a little climbing, but after that it's flat and then back downhill! I highly recommend a day trip to the glacier if you don't have time to do the whole trail.

Government Peak

Checked out Gov't Peak (near Hatcher's pass) for the first time this year, a week before the annual summit race. Despite the top being socked in, caught some beautiful views and got a great workout with two of my favorite people! Followed up with Spenard Roadhouse back in Anchorage for some Bacon Jam Burgers (which have turned me anti-vegetarian) and beer- a glorious day indeed!

Gov't Peak- via Mountain Streams B&B

Elevation gain: 3911 feet

Distance: 8 miles (?) RT

Hiking time: 2.5ish hours (?) with some running mixed in

Can't wait to run this one again on a clear day!

Symphony Lakes Trail

Just came across these pics from a few months ago: Symphony Lakes Trail, South Fork Eagle River - a favorite year round!

Banff: Sulphur Mountain

March 2015

While Leah was in her conference, I killed some time with a run from Banff Centre to Sulphur Mountain summit and back (~14 mi round trip) - and snapped way too many photos along the way! Lots of great trails along the river and through the woods leading up to the hot springs and the gondola base. The run up Sulphur mountain is a bunch of switchbacks that cross under the gondola path. Rewarded up top with a warm beverage and breathtaking 360 degree viewpoints! Hikers and runners can ride the gondola back down for free - or enjoy the slip and slide down the snowy path :-)