Rim to Rim to Rim

Last Thursday, May 6th, 2021, three friends and I set out to run the Rim to Rim to Rim – a trail run in the Grand Canyon from one side of the canyon (South Rim) to the other (North Rim) and back again. It was over 42 miles and a huge obstacle to undertake. After months of training and planning, we successfully completed the journey. It was a one of a kind experience and I am still in disbelief that we actually did it! Unlike other marathons, this was a self assisted ultramarathon, meaning it was only us on the trail (although we ran in to two groups of 2 guys doing the same thing that we were doing). It was also more risky than a marathon, not just because of the heat and the longer distance, but because once you go in to the canyon, you cannot be rescued. Our half way point – the North Kaibab trailhead is closed in Winter months – which means that once we got there, the only way back was to do the full 21 miles all over again.

 

A map of the Grand Canyon. The route that we took was from South Kaibab Trailhead to the North Kaibab and back the same route. Other people opt to go down or up the Bright Angel Trail as it is more gradual, shady, and has more water sources — but it is also 4 miles longer.

Continue Reading

Mt. Washington / Tuckerman’s Ravine

This past weekend, Ken had the chance to climb Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast (not in Washington State like I first thought…..thank you #blonde).  The mountain is also known for its erratic weather, and had the world record for highest windspeed (231 mph) from 1933-1996.  Yikes!  Despite a dicey looking forecast earlier in the week, Ken and his group had terrific conditions, and a successful climb (and a great time).  Enjoy the pictures!

 

Minimal avalanche danger. Always a good thing….

Continue Reading

September 2016 Work Out Playlist

One of Ken’s pet peeves is listening to me LISTEN to music to add to my playlists. Yes, it is a lot of stops and starts, but I need to in order to find good workout music! Since I am yet again running the NYC marathon and doing lots of long training runs, I am fired up for my newest running playlist.  Sorry, Babers! And yes, a reminder on why I run.

 

Hiking this summer. Yes, hiking is not running, and there is no ipod or music involved in hiking, but it is the closest photo I have of running.

Hiking this summer. Yes, hiking is not running, and there is no ipod or music involved in hiking, but it is the closest thing I have to a recent running photo

Continue Reading

Iron Mountain Hike, Oregon

I had the opportunity to go on a day hike with my Papa yesterday without the kids (Thank you, Nana!!) and it was a gorgeous 8 mile loop. Iron Mountain is known for its wildflowers — with over 300 species of flowers scattered throughout the meadows and mountain. It was a gorgeous terrain with a mixture of fields, forest, views, flowers, and trees. Enjoy the pictures!

Oregon trees. The very best.

Oregon trees. The very best.

Continue Reading

Holiday Weekend

Not that there is much difference between a weekend and a weekday during my summer vacation in Oregon, but we have had a great last couple of days. My brother and his family came down from Seattle, and there was a constant influx of noise, commotion, and chaos, combined with love, laughter, and happiness. When the two of our families are at my parents house (minus Ken, who is working in New York but coming out on Friday!), there is A LOT going on, but we all love being together so much. Here is a look at what we did. A lot of outdoor activities, as normal:

We set up a tent in the backyard for the cousins to sleep in.

We set up a tent in the backyard for the cousins to sleep in.

Continue Reading