Dragonfly on the wind.

Sometimes, when I am feeling very tired- or that all is lost-- perhaps when life is just on that edge. I just happen to find a Dragonfly or several! It is always on that moment of CHANGE. I've had dragonflies of pure glittering gold land on me - as well as perfectly electric blue ones. They just seem to hover near while spirits are low- watching - waiting. When I see them I always smile, and in that moment I have realized I made up my mind . .. . just like that they are gone.

Maybe its silly - but I really believe these dragonflies come to me in times of uncertainty. I think they watch over me.
-I know I know . . . .
but still. . . . =)

Gear

What I will wear and use for 5 months on the trail.
There will probably be a few changes! 

SHELTER: MSR Hubba 1 person tent with rain fly and footprint - this is very breathable yet also warm and roomy. I can sit up completely without even being near to hitting my head.

WATER FILTER: Sawyer Mini -  Aqua Mirra drops

SLEEP PAD: Therm-a-rest Neo Air XLite Womens - worried about punctures but I have plenty seals.

SLEEPING BAG: Feathered Friends Egret Nano 20 this is so cozy I love it!

Shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8 Ladies.
Though I love my Keen Targhee 2 Ladies hike boots - They just feel TOUGH. My happiest times zooming around places have always been in my Nike Pegasus sneakers. - Knowing that I will be crossing a lot of creeks on the PCT - I'm going to go with Trail Runners. - Mostly because I don't want a boot that will take forever to dry.

-I will also bring a pair of Bedrock Sandals for camp chilling.

Socks/Legwarmers: Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Mini Sock
I have two pair of these I will carry with me as well as several new balance ones I will mail to my friend.

Zensah - compression leg sleeve - cause I loved these after my half marathons.

Clothing:
This is challenging because my instinct is to pack it all! - The reality is. . . .I don't want to carry it all!
So I must realllllllly peel down to what is needed for a 5 months expedition and bounce box myself warmer items. Mostly I'm going for darker colors because they look less grotty over time than light colored tops and bottoms. Plus I'm just more comfortable in dark colors LOL.

Shorts: Black running shorts!

Pants: Runder Under Leggings from Lululemon. They are warm, wicking, have a continuous drawcord in the waist- are reversible- and keep me happy. 

TAGGART - North Face -- The waist is comfy and the material soft and breathable.

Shirts: Icebreaker Tech Lite T-Shirt

Icebreaker Sprite Tank.

Sun Protection: Columbia Silver Ridge Long Sleeve Shirt --- this shirt is stupidly small on me and I can't even button the crucial middle chest button. . . . But it feels nice - and I should have something to cover my arms . . . i have a pic trying to squeeze into this sucker . . it isn't pretty but I'll post it when I actually fit into it HAHAHA

Outerlayer Jacket: Arc'teryx Ceva HOoded Jacket- Womens

Underwear and Sports Bra: exofficio give-n-go underwear for the quick drying - and Champion Seamless Sports bra

Headwear: I have this ironman headsweats cap that is so breathable - I love it. - Also a midcap from headsweats that is a beanie that covers my ears.

-I also have a BUFF - which I will use as a multifunction type piece

-And finally a mosquito headnet as I hear the skeeters are brutal in Oregon lake country. . . wonder how they compare to the hummingbird sized ones here in Florida?!

Raingear:
ULA RAIN KILT for the bottoms.Patagonia Houdini
Mountain Hardwear light Rain Jacket- I can't remember the style but I wore it while hiking around Washington April of 2013 and it did the job.

Gaiters:  the short dirty girl gaiters for the desert.

Outdoor Research tall Gaiters for the north.

Gloves: Marmot Windstopper womens-- I might have to change these out for waterproof ones in the north.

Trekking Poles: LEKI Cristallo Speedlock Trekking Poles.- didn't realize they had 3 open extension spots- thanks to Remy and Risa for helping me un-noob!

Headlamp: Petzl headlamp I was given for Christmas from my dear friend Neel! <3
Leatherman - also prezzie from Neel!



More gear info when I gather more of it - and then of course gear tests by hike and camp with reviews and photos of trial and error!

 I didn't ask permission to use the photos but HEY I bought the product so I guess they wouldn't mind lol - plus i'm not selling stuff- just being a gear nerd to prep for PCT! Needless to say - here are all the links to the places I bought my items and used their photos from! =D
 Backcountry.com - bedrocksandals.com  dirtygirlgaiters.com - Featheredfriends.com -  Patagonia.com  lululemon.com - splits59.com  REI.com
Let the tweaking continue! oh yes and ula-equipment.com icebreaker.com columbia.com marmot.com

Day 2: I will not wear those shorts again!

The skies above Southwest Florida will be bathed in the orange glow of my burning shorts! Though adjusting to wear shorts for my hike today was a good call- these were just stupidly uncomfortable.
These were about 3 inch black board short style in a swim material. Though perfect for swimming and hanging out -- and temperaturewise fantastic. . they were just a BIT too short for walking. I spent 4 miles constantly adjusting.
- The quality of this walk however was far superior to yesterday as it was  5 degrees cooler at 86 degrees F with a nice breeze to boot!

I had some bounce in my step as I enjoyed the afternoon along the Myakka State Forest. There were Anhinga birds drying their wings and Snowy white Egrets on the hunt in the swampy waters.
Just 5 degrees cooler and it was a completely different experience!!! - I was really happy- yes still hot but not demoralized as I was yesterday.
The 20 lb pack felt good and solid - not a burden and it was over all a much more heartening experience.
I am hoping tomorrow will be even better as my body adjusts to daily pack carrying.

Feeling strong!

Day 1 Prep.: Pack Weight

I have several hiking/backpacking items already in my arsenal of items I'm thinking about bringing - which includes a really nice womens Osprey Atmos 50 backpack.
Until today - Everything has just been NUMBERS IN MY HEAD and WORDS FROM MY MOUTH.
I decided I needed to go see what I was made of because If I can't hack it in this flat terrain. . .I'm going to just die out there in the Mojave desert. . . Granted out west it is a different kind of heat - I just figured I would throw myself out into the worst conditions possible here in Florida and see how I do. . . .
Well. . .
Its a start.
12pm/August/Florida/ 91 degrees with 104 heat index/ No shade/ 8 miles.
This was the goal.

I started out pretty great!! - Loaded my pack up with exactly 20 lbs. . .  of jeans and water. I put jeans in there because I haven't gotten my tent or sleeping bag or sleeping pad yet. I just wanted to see what 20 lbs feels like. Man that water is heavy - - and it was only a tiny camelbak bladder. Not EVEN NEAR the 4 litres I plan to lug through the desert where there are 30 mile stretches between water sources.. . .
Down the road I went - warming up but feeling strong!

The road stretched out ahead of me dusty and hot. There was no shade along this path other than the occasional blissful cloud to pass over the sun. Its funny, when I'm out west the idea of NOT A CLOUD IN THE SKY, is FANTASTIC!!!!!- Here in Florida it is MURDER.
My pack weight was evenly distributed along my back and hips, I was sipping water and listening to music. 4 miles roll around and its time for me to turn back!! YAY!!!
- I pulled off the trail for a moment to stand in the shade of a tree. By this time I am full on boiling- even feeling slightly nauseated because of the heat- and my lack of fitness the past few months.
One thing I always try to do is finish the distance I set out for-- just FINISH IT. If I were running, I would crawl home if I had to -but I HAD TO FINISH. . . . Today was not that way.
-at mile 5.76 with only a little ways back to the house and my glorious pool - I called Matt and asked him to come get me!~!
OHHHH am I such a WIMP!!! But I knew I went as far as I could go in this no shade 104 heat index August day!
Matty came and got me down the road and took me home as I was overheating and tallying all the changes I was going to make.
-There really is no better PREPPING for this hiking and backpacking thing other than getting out there and just doing it- making mistakes -- learning what works and what doesn't.

Upon arriving home from what I will call the Hot Jeans Incident, I literally dove into the pool with my dogs staring at me like a crazed overheating beast!

I drank plenty water along the way -but was no where near finishing my camelbak bladder- this makes me feel good about my hourly water consumption. As I was on task for my goal of 3 miles per hour. I will definitely change my attire. Though the drifit Nike capris were very comfy and have gotten me through many half marathons and 5k road races--- I need shorts.
Also better sunblock -and to REALLY scrutinize what I will bring on this adventure. . . . I know very well now what an added 20 lbs feels like and its hard going.
- Even though I didn't finish my goal of 8 miles today - tomorrow I will go out earlier in the day and try to see what I can do. This is my baseline in the worst heat Florida can hit me with.
 Even when I got home- I still felt strong bodied - just a little crazed and over heating. I probably could have gone the full 8 miles but I learned what I came to learn. -- and that is packweight REALLY REALLY matters- also getting up early to hike.
If I can condition myself to handle this heat- I think I can handle Southern California alright- even if its dry heat - at least my body will be trained to go 20 miles a day.

I will let you know how it goes!! Tomorrow 6 mile aim.
Earlier start.

The Pacific Crest Trail

Hello! After a fantastic and dreamlike roadtrip of Oregon, the California Redwoods and Mt. St Helens of Washington - I am completely in love with the Pacific North West!
We played in Portland - cruised down the 101 on the Oregon Coast hitting up light houses and beaches all along the way -- Hiked through Redwoods in Jedediah Smith. We were amazed by the painted hills and enjoyed the water falls of the Columbia River Gorge as well as peeking at Helen in Washington. A roadtrip to cherish for sure!

I find myself completely alive with nature and very much so enjoying the summer weather over there! I heard a few people mention to me about this epic long hike called the Pacific Crest Trail. - I thought --- cool . . where does it go? Then blam - another person mentions it- and then while in the airport flying home to Florida, there is a book on the shelf infront of me called WILD that is about this trail! -
I thought SURELY this is a sign . . . Okay read up on it!

This is a 2,660 plus mile trail that stretches from the Mexican border in California- up through Oregon and Washington ending at the Northern Terminus at the border of Canada.WHOA.
- Not only does it sound EPIC - it sounds very difficult as there are stretches of Mojave Desert -Snowy mountain passes - and elevation changes that this Florida Girl just isn't used to!
Yet somehow its in my blood now - and I've decided I'm going to hike this thing. It is more than a want- it is a NEED.
It will take 5 months of my life -but I can't think of anything better to do with myself than learn what I need to on the trail.
I believe it will be life changing.

SO -
Here I go- Prepping for the adventure of a lifetime!

One More Mile

One More Mile Running Shirts have long been a favorite work out top of mine because they are soft and comfy- also keep me feeling great and not self conscious during any workout. They are always representing in full force at each major half marathon I've participated in - and during Christmas they super sped a late purchase out for me so that it arrived before Christmas morning. I've had nothing but fantastic customer service from this company and now they ice the cake! hehehee

To my delight- OMM asked if they could put my photo up as a cover on their facebook page for a few days. - To be honest it ROCKS!! - LOL I love that this company will put up their customers in the spotlight for a bit! How Fun!
It also coincided with my latest Birthday hehehe. SO YAY!!
This photo was taken on the back half somewhere of the Princess Half Marathon I completed for the first time a few months ago!
- I would say the sizes run true to size -if you are a Medium -- get a Medium- if you are an XL get an XL lol. My favorite tops are the ladies cut crew neck in long sleeve or short sleeve.
They also have fun car magnets for runners or triathletes.
onemoremilerunning.com 

And - one more mean face LOL - just so you can see the BLUE top -- LOVE the blue and black. -

New Run Schedule

6 days a week - alternating 25 mins run 45 mins run. - goal is to kick it hard on the 25 min days and challenge myself but also take it slower on the 45 min days.
-
15 min jump rope intervals on the 25 min days.

current physical status: on the right in the blue. - goals:speed up - drop weight - increase cardio capability.
 

Photos from race

Princess Minda

Dramatic weekend with last minute bailouts and failboat room cancellations - thank goodness my friend Teresa and her husband came to the rescue and let me crash in their room the night before the race!
-
Once I made it to Disney it was absolute chaos -- the parking people were militant with passes and BS. - There was so much shuffling back and forth from hotel to shuttle parking lot -to expo -back to car- then finally to the GD HOTEL.
- I was so frustrated and stressed - when I saw Teresa I could feel tears in my eyes-  not only from seeing a familiar face from a time in my life that is unforgettable (AFA) - but also the relief that I am THERE.

The lines for shopping were MASSIVE!!! -- But I did get a bunch of Tinkerbell and Aurora items to bring home with me!

The shirt is actually really pretty - and the mesh bag an added bonus of cute usefulness.

After settling down and actually breathing - the three of us went to Downtown Disney - where I had never been and it was really a lot of fun! So many shops and trinkets tops pjs candies keychains ---- everything Disney you can imagine! LOL
Of course I had to get a picture with my favorite  -- Princess Aurora

We walked around there for a while before making it back to the room pretty worn out and ready to crash.
- The alarm went off at 2:15 and another at 2:30 when Teresa and I finally sprung into full on Glitter Tutu action!!!! After both feeling suitably Princessed out - we headed down to catch the shuttle to the race start.

It was a foggy and over cast day that did actually end up feeling really warm.

With my asthma inhaler tucked away into one of the back pockets of my long sports bra - I headed off into the darkness. - My pace was 3-4 mins slower than my previous half marathon - which I knew would happen since I can't really run. IT was more of a light jog with brisk walking and a few all out sprints.

I only had time for one photo op - as the lines for all the photos with the Characters are about 15 mins long!!!

But it was my favorite guy - the life size Army Man from Toy Story! - I loved how he was in Drill Sergeant  character the entire time --- unfortunately I was in such a rush to get back on the road I lost my Pink Iron Girl hat I've had for years =(.

For some reason miles 6-9 are total black outs for me -- I couldn't tell you where I was - what I was seeing or doing . . . only that I was in motion. - when I see 10 mark - I snap out of it because I know its just a 5k left and I can slog it through any 5k --- even crawling.

I could feel my chest starting to tighten up a lot and I was worried as I am in a much weaker state than my usual - since I had been so ill with the flu and upper respiratory blah blah blah for over a month and a half of no working out.

But it was all worth it - I made it!!!
Though stressful - painful and extremely difficult to cover the miles with a full month and a half of sickness. . .  I did it.
I wanted it - and I got it.
- For some reason this was a very emotional finish line for me. - I've seen people cry as they cross the finish line but I really never felt that way. - I always felt like YAYAYAYAYAY!!! But this time was different.
There was a lot going on for me - life stress- just getting to the race stress-asthma stress -amongst other things.
- Needless to say it was very personally rewarding.

Not my best photo - but I felt really overwhelmed. This was just after they put the medal around my neck.

- As much as I enjoyed this race - for the fun of Princesses and Glitter and the gorgeous medal!!!-- I really enjoyed the Wine and Dine race more. It was a night time race where we spent less time on the highway and more time in the theme parks.  from Wide World of Sports to Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios and back to finish at Epcot.
- The Princess had us leave Epcot - run down a long ass road - through the Magic Kingdom which was beautiful , but annoying because there was a standstill at the castle because everyone wanted photos in front of the castle. -- Then running through some back lots and ending up running back down that long ass road to Epcot.

-I suppose I just enjoyed the night time aspect of the Wine and Dine more because everything was just lit up and felt like MAGIC!!!!!!!

I'd really like to do the DisneyLAND half Marathon in Cali - so I can get my Coast to Coast medal!!! But it looks sold out already! - I'll surf around the site to see the rules about coast to coast. - okay hope you are all well and happy =)

much love,
Minda

Back at the Barre!

After being hit terribly by that nasty flu over the holidays - I was also aggressively afflicted by a very debilitating asthma.
- I've been depressed not being able to work out - much less climb one flight of stairs without being winded.
But --- I am recovering slowly and have decided I needed to start a low impact non cardio workout again just to get myself moving. - I've been so physically weak it is just shocking!!
-
I've had two classes so far at the Pure Barre Lakewood Ranch location - which I am absolutely delighted with!! The people working there have such a positive energy and it really lifts my spirits!
- Also the clientele seem to be more down to earth.
- I was very put off by the SRQ location with the icy and snarky owners as well as several pretentious ladies who work out there. -- NOT everyone - but enough to just put a damper on things.

Either way - the first class was impossibly difficult --  I felt myself getting breathless a few times and would just back off a bit, but this second class I felt MUCH stronger.

I am by no means where I used to be but it feels so good to be moving my body again. - That flu then upper respiratory - and asthma took me out from just after Christmas through the entire month of January and a good chunk of February has been just the asthma bothering me.

On top of it all -- I went BLONDE!!!!! and lost 35 lbs so far by changing my diet completely.

I am feeling vibrant and loving all of the personal changes.
-
The only thing I"m worried about is the princess half marathon NEXT WEEKEND!!!
I can not run. Just can NOT.
The slowest mark point before being picked up by the busses for a DNF (did not finish) is a 16 min mile.

I think I can walk think. I want this medal so bad - I'm going to go. I will do the best I can and make sure that I can stay out of range of those buses!!!!! -
I haven't had to use my inhaler in quite some time now- so that is a good thing. . . I will still carry it with me in my arm pocket where I keep my Iphone - but I'm determined to complete this!!


I will keep you posted - hope all is well
best,
Minda

Ruby Brick Road

I always loved The Wizard of Oz. It was so delightful - the entire picture - just delightful. I watched this over and over!!  - And I always wondered . . . .where does the red brick road go?

I suppose I will admit to secretly envisioning myself peeling off the yellow brick road to take the red brick road while Dorothy and friends kept skipping along the way! I would make up in my mind a completely different set of adventures for the red brick road to present!! (hours of entertainment)

So this is why - I'm here writing on a blog oddly titled . . .Ruby Road. It has turned into the adventures of real time.

- It is just a path
magical - frightening - exciting!

I don't know what is around the next corner - only that it is bound to be fantastic =)

New Year Rocky Start!

So here it is - all of my high flying goals of improving 5k and half marathon times are stifled as I am recovering from one of the nastiest illnesses I've endured to date.  It has been several days of complete delirium and the inability to breathe due to this asthma that has come on with this flu.  I am very grateful for a childhood friend who is now a doc - who has rescued me with this inhaler - and tomorrow will see me at the doorstep of a new doc in hopes that I will figure out if this will be something I need to constantly be babying.

My fever has finally broken but unfortunately there has been no partying to ring in the new year as I am hunkered down and willing myself better. The Princess Half Marathon is quickly approaching and I NEED AIR! I NEED TO BREATHE!

My faithful dog Tuscan has not left my side- nor has my darling husband Matt. (not in order of gratitude!)
- I need to recalibrate my plan of attack. I want so much to run - to be better. To be at the race! To feel the excitement and adrenaline! Not a lot of people know that I have breathing issues but it comes to attack me now and then.
 -Its unfortunate that now is one of those times.

Taking things one day at a time  and hoping that tomorrow brings a little more comfort and air.
 - My dreams were tormented lastnight by wild nightmares of running down aisles of multicolored scarves that were leaping out to bind around my neck, choking me in big satin lead bows. People would bump into me in these endless aisles of scarves but there was no way out! They would hug me and adjust my bow and send me back down the aisle whirling between the slippery and deadly  accessories! I woke drenched in sweat and feeling like hands were just closing in around my neck - I had to get up and distract myself for a little while by sitting in the dark living room, on a cool black chair -  until the remnants of the night mare cleared away with the morning fog of January 1, 2013 - this new years day.

Many people take this time to reflect upon the happenings of the last year-  but I admit I have not. I am simply living within this moment - this heartbeat - this very intake of precious air.
It is very hard to describe this asthmatic sensation to someone who has not experienced it first hand. Pretty much - I believe it is as if someone were sitting upon your chest and trying to choke you at the same time . . . all the time. It is extremely unsettling and of course it throws the workouts out of whack! I haven't worked out in 4 days! yikes!
-
crossing fingers and hoping that tomorrows dawn will not see me dead- but instead glowing peacefully with vitality and health.
-
All the best to you and the ones you love.
Minda



ps -
this was not meant to sound so gloomy -
but when air is in question, my eyelashes are on the table and all bets are off.
- seriously
i just want to breathe and workout again =(