And the days keep flying by..

I had two more donations from very supportive, sweet friends in the last few days. Thanks Brianna and Timothy!

Since I last wrote, I have been riding ALOT. Last Thursday and Friday I did about an hour each day on the trails, and on Saturday, went for just over four hours doing trail, arena, and then trail work again. By the end, my legs were near numb and both me and the horse were covered with sweat. He slowed significantly that day, and when I rode the following day with his owner, she noticed that he was slightly swollen in his right cannon (the part of the leg between the hock and the knee).

I was afraid it may have been from pushing him too hard, but his owner assured me that it was probably an old injury flaring up and he should be in good enough shape that nothing I threw his way shouldn't be too difficult. We wrapped his legs, and decided it would be best not to have him ridden for the following week.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that he will get better by the end of this week, and the weather holds. If not, there will be other endurance rides next year.

I went to a party this weekend, and there is now no denying I'm not as in good shape as I was last year. I could barely fit in my dress (which was loose on me last year), and comparing pictures from last year's party to this year - I have very obviously lost the tone in my arms.

Truth is, last year I did a lot more running, and a lot more climbing. I hated running, and only did it to not be a complete embaressment at the mud runs I was so fond of doing that year. I climbed a lot more because I had membership at a gym much closer to me. I quit going to that gym after it became far too crowded, and joined a gym on the other side of town.

The climbing I can't really bump up, especially with riding so often and the cost of gas, but running I should easily slip into my schedule. I just need the motivation! So, I started running with a friend of mine, and we will try to do it at least twice a week.

I jogged with my friend for around 3 miles yesteray. It was suprising that I could even go that far in all these months of not doing ANY running, but I think the cold air helped. It was absolutely wonderful running in it, and I nearly forgot the pain in my creaky joints. This might not be too bad!

If this weekends race doesn't work out, I'm going to go play in all that wonderful snow that has piled on our local mountains in these last few days.

Return from the island life..

I am so lucky to spend my last week and a half in such scenic places!

Sunday I attended the San Diego mud run, but as a cheerleader and photographer, rather than a participant. I just couldn't spend the cash on the run, and I don't think I was in proper enough running shape to really be able to enjoy the 10K. It was a blast to watch, and I think I did a good job at cheering my friend and her friend on the run.

Monday and Tuesday I travelled to about an hour north of Mono Lake, and worked in the Eastern Sierras. Our work site was at about 6000 ft. Minimal work had to be done, as it turned out. We did two short uphill hikes to winterize snow gages, and then about a half mile stroll through the area to get some overall pictures. The fall foliage has come and gone, and snow is already present at 5000 ft and above. It was fantastic to work in REAL fall/early winter weather. Can't wait till it hits SoCal!

Wednesday through the following Wednesday, I spent on Santa Barbara Island, in Channel Islands National Park. It was a rollercoaster week - filled with some heavy-duty work, and heavy-duty relaxation. During work hours, I hefted 48lb + packs several times uphill, for about a quarter mile. My legs have never felt such a burn, not felt so solid after a week! I got a proper arm work-out too, planting, augering planting holes, and several hours of sea-kayaking in white-cap conditions. I even braved two swims in the now-frigid water. I also did some hiking, traversing the whole island, and exploring the canyons and cliff-sides. In the "off" time, I read, slept in, and drank lots of tea and beer. It was a wonderful mix.

For the next few days, I will focus on getting as much riding done as possible. I will try to ride for an hour at sun-up, and an hour around sun-down, for the next few days. The endurance ride in only a little over a week away!!

ps. I decided I'm not going to sell the kayak. It proved its worth on SBI, and I hate to let it go now. Oh well!

More work ahead!

Wednesday I did not get a chance to get a work-out in because of a meeting, but it was a rest-day well spent, catching up with old friends after the meeting.

Thursday I rode again, this time doing an hour ride rather than half hour. I incorporated hill and flat work, keeping the heart rate up for both me and the horse. I often forget to regulate my breathing and hold my breath at a faster pace, so I focused on taking deep, calm breaths during trot and cantering work. We did a few trotting laps, and in future rides, I'll push for longer sustained trots. For now, I need to develop a balanced seat and stronger legs, because asking a horse to jog longer than he wants to, well, it's just asking for a buck or two.

I talked with a fellow rider afterwards, and we agreed that I need to also incorporate more variety to curb disobedience. Next time I ride, which will probably be Friday and this weekend, I will do trail, arena, and then return to the trail. This weekend's ride will be a longer ride as well.

I think my balance is improving, the more I ride. Once my balance and strength improves, I'll get to ask a lot more from the horse - I can't wait! He's a good worker, but he'll only work as hard as his rider.

After riding, I spent two hours at the climbing gym. I mostly belayed, but I did have an opportunity to do three top-rope climbs - a 5.9, 5.10a, and a 5.11b. I also did a few bouldering problems. My leg strength is getting a lot better, but my upper body will need some work.

I will have to probably start running sooner or later. It's the fastest way to build whole-body strength and endurance, as well as lose unnecessary pounds. I do hate running though, it's so dull! I'm still debating on the 10K mud run this weekend. I've decided I'll do it if there are still spots available the day of. If not, oh well. $55 saved!

Doing some hikes need to be on my itinerary as well - not many this time of year, but definitely one or two. I am very excited about this winter season. I am determined to improve on telemark skiing - and it is an EXCELLENT work-out. I purchased an ancient telemark set-up - straight skis and leather boots, but we'll see how it pans out. If it is an utter failure, I'll invest in a better equipment.

As for fundraising, I have informed family and friends that this years, no gifts for Christmas or birthday - just donations. I also will be selling re-usable bags in the near future, and probably going door to door with fliers. I am also pooling together outdoor gear that I haven't used or have extras off - brand-new ski boots that were too small, extra ski helmet, extra rain jackets, chalk bag, and the kayak and it's accessories. When I have enough stuff, I'll do a little "used gear" sale of my own.

Plans for the days ahead - Monday and Tuesday I will probably go up north for work, to a site in the Eastern Sierras. Once again, lots of hill-work, with hiking, lugging heavy equipment, will be expected. Snow will be likely as as well. All the better!

Wednesday I will leave for the Channel Islands, where I will spend a week doing more volunteer work. I will be there until the following Wednesday. Again, lots of hiking and lugging heavy stuff expected! As well as snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking (hopefully!).

Uping the ante..

Since the Santa Barbara work took a lot out of me, I spent the weekend after mostly relaxing, catching up on laundry, and catching up on some paperwork. I rode for a few hours, so I got SOME movement in for the weekend. :)

The following week, it was difficult to get out. I spent most of Monday cooking after work. I made golabki, a Polish dish of cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, ground meat, and dill, topped with a tomato gravy sauce. Typically this dish is made with ground pork, but since my housemate Ron recently got an elk hunting in Colorado, I made it with ground elk. I may just be the first person to use elk meat in golabki! They turned out quite excellent. I made a huge potful, using a large cabbage head, 8 cups of rice, and about 3 pounds of ground elk. All was polished off by the end of the week!!

Tuesday was another "off" day, but Wednesday I had a very intense work out. I had an hour-long riding lesson, followed by a trail ride. Like most horses, the horse I ride doesn't particularly like arena work, so the lesson took a lot out of me. By the end, my leg muscles were screaming, I was coated in sweat, and my heart was pounding. Who says the horse does all the work with horseback riding??

Unfortunately, I didn't stretch or warm-up before-hand, and I think I pulled a muscle in my leg. When I got off the horse after the trail ride, I nearly collapsed from the pain in my right leg. I diligently iced and carefully hobbled around for the next two days, and fortunately, by Friday evening, I was better. I went on a short half-hour ride on Friday (this time stretching before-hand!) and then top rope climbing for two hours at the gym with some friends. I mostly belayed, but I did get chance to do a 5.9, a 5.10a, and a 5.11a (which had mostly 5.9 moves, so don't really think it was rated correctly). I was very careful with not over-extending my hurt leg, despite it feeling better.

During the weekend I spent time with the fam in the Bay Area, comparatively getting in some weight-lifting, jogging, and hiking in from the experience.

Monday I went riding again, focusing more on position for myself and heart rate up for the horse by doing a hilly trail. In December, I plan to take part in my first endurance ride, which will consist of 25 miles. There will be two major things to improve on before the ride: my position and balance, and the horse's fitness. Fortunately, every time I ride, I typically get a full body work-out for myself, from preparing the horse, being a pro-active rider, and cleaning the horse and tack after.

I also plan to incorporate some more exercises at home designed for building core muscles, as well as calf strength, which will collectively increase by riding and climbing strength.

I probably won't be able to ride or climb until Friday, as I have evening meetings all during the middle of the week.

In addition, there is a 10K mud run I may partake in this weekend. I am hesitant only because it is rather expensive, and I'm trying to save as much possible for this fundraiser. I've decided if spots are still available the day-of, I'll participate. If not, I'll act as photographer for the group of friends that will be running it.

Back from Santa Barbara...

Spent the weekend preparing for work in SB for the week, carrying out errands, and squeezed in a two hour climbing session. On a typical day at the gym, I tend to jump on difficult climbs right off the bat, and rest long periods of time in between. It's more fun and challenging, but this results in minimal development of endurance. This time around, I went after more reps on easy climbs then a handful of difficult.

I did push ups, traversed, and stretched to warm up, and then did as many V0 - V2 problems as possible. I tried to plan my moves for every problem before jumping on, and focused on making the most efficient moves possible. I also typically mantle or jump off from the top, but I forced myself to carefully down climb the same route, all the way to the bottom. I quickly exhausted myself, not even coming near to doing all the easy problems in the gym. I stopped when I sensed my hands developing hot spots, precursors to oozing blisters. I couldn't afford hurting my hands before an entire week of building fences!

The week in Santa Barbara was beyond expectations in opportunities for exercise. Ten hour days of constant hiking, lifting, lugging 45lb loads, digging, hiking, balancing on steep slopes, and then some more hiking. Incredible work-out, and all while on the job! As it was, I was too exhausted and hurting at the end of the day to do much biking or swimming.

This weekend will probably be one of mostly rest. I will definitely squeeze at least one session of climbing at the gym, maybe something outdoors as well.

getting back into shape..

I'm trying to begin working out on a more regular and rigorous basis, and I think this last weekend was a good start. I spent two days helping replant natives on Scorpion Rock, a small island just off of Santa Cruz Island. Almost a week later, and I'm still sore!

I haven't gotten a chance to hit the gym this week, but it's just as well. I developed pretty bad blisters on my palms from the work this weekend. Climbing wouldn't be the best thing to do until they heal. I did get a nice long hike in at high elevation up by Idyllwild on Wednesday, checking up on a few of our research sites up there.

Next week I will be heading up to Santa Barbara for work. I will be building silt-catching fences for an erosion control study, which should be good for "weight-training". Whenever I travel for work, I usually swim a few laps in the hotel pool, followed by a night on the town with the rest of the work crew. This time, I plan to bring my road bike and try to do a few miles around the neighborhood after swimming. And instead of driving to dinner - I'll just bike.

on fundraising and gardens..

It's funny how climbing a heavily glaciated 14,000 ft peak doesn't daunt me as much as fundraising. I've climbed a few mountains (though not as big as Rainier), but I've never been part of fundraising event before. Last night, I actually dreamed of what I could do to fundraise. I was that anxious! My list of ideas so far:

- Instead of Christmas and birthday presents, I'm going to ask for donations.
- See about setting up a booth at the local farmers market. Perhaps sell reusable bags?
- Maybe get back into pastels, make a few pieces of the mountain and similar themes, and sell them. Perhaps at the local artwalk..
- fundraising potluck/BBQs.
-I think I may just raffle or sell my kayak and all its accessories. I very rarely use it anyways living in the desert!
- Make posters/flyers for friends and family to display at their workplace.
- Put donation cup at the local climbing gym, lunch room at work.

To say the least, I'm nervous.

I guess I have to remember that things take time to grow.. kind of like our garden at work.

A few months ago, there was just a round patch of dirt and weeds outside my office. And then my co-worker James decided to change that. He decided to just take out the weeds and put down some mulch and boulders, which was a big enough project for one person. As he worked, someone saw him sweating and began to help out. In the following months, I found a cheap bench online, and my supervisor Marcia bought it and brought it in. A lot of us were hurting from the loss of our co-worker Nicole, and working on the garden became a outlet for many of us. A few people planted plants. Another brought a birdfeeder. A birdbath was added. And after a while, many helping and generous hands later, we have a beautiful, lush garden. It's hard to believe there was anything else there before.

With the help of others and some commitment, projects that seem to hard or too big for one person are possible. Even snowball, like the garden. Yes, that sounds cliche, but it's funny how often we can get humbled to a standstill by large projects.

I'm glad that I just have to step outside of my office and look at the garden to see what big, beautiful things can be achieved - and remember, it all began with one person.

If anyone is curious to see the garden for themselves, and how it's grown (unfortunately, we don't have a "before" picture of it when it was just a dirt/weed-patch):

photo gallery of Nicole's Garden

RainierFTW

About this blog's name:

RAINIER: Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano (also known as a composite volcano) in Pierce County, Washington, located 54 miles (87 km) southeast of Seattle. It towers over the Cascade Range as the most prominent mountain in the contiguous United States and Cascade Volcanic Arc at 14,411 feet (4,392 m). Also the mountain I will be climbing for Summit for Someone.

FTW: abbreviation for: “For The Win”
Adverb (Internet slang): Of something which completes a process in a successful manner or is of the speaker's personal preference.

“He lines up the shot..and he makes it-FOR THE WIN!"

First Post! and backstory..

When I was a kid, I had the opportunity to go to Washington state and visit Rainier National Park with my dad. On one of the trails that lead to one of the approaches to the peak, not too far from the snow level, we were stopped by a sign that declared one must carry a permit to continue on.

Fearless and confident as only a nine-year old could be, I was sure I could have kept on going – right to the top. It just looked like a big mound of snow, after all. After I asked him if we could get one of those permits that day, my dad assured me, smiling: it’s not as easy as it looks. As I regretfully headed back down the trail with my dad, I promised myself I would do it one day. All I needed was one of those silly permits..

In the years to follow, I continued to explore and climb other mountains with my father, on my own, and with friends. I quickly learned that one needed more than just a permit to climb a mountain like Mt. Rainier. A successful summit, more often than not, required one to be in excellent shape, have the right gear, and be a good teammate.

I have been so blessed in my life to have had the many opportunities to experience the beauty of the wilderness. I am so happy to now be a part of fundraising campaign that will help youth that otherwise would not have such opportunities, to go out and explore like I did. There were several peaks to choose from for this benefit, but I thought Rainier would be most fitting.

In addition, I will be dedicating my climb to my friend and co-worker, Nicole Llerena (5/28/87-7/16/09). I had the opportunity to take Nicole on her first backpacking trip, and I’ll never forget her enthusiasm and energy, despite rain, extreme heat, and heavy packs. I am so happy to continue helping others experience the joy of the outdoors through this next adventure.