Sleeping Bag Love and Tent EZPZ!

I really adore my sleeping bag - upon receiving it I had to jump right in to test it out! I am going to try my absolute best to not get this wet!!
Its kind of challenging to stuff this sucker back into its stuff sack - but surprisingly it packs down nice and small for all the PUFF!

My tent - MSR HUBBA - solo backpacking tent is super easy to set up with plenty room to sit up -change and hang out in. I also enjoy the mesh to keep bugs out but still check out the stars!- my only concern is somehow breaking poles. . .but then I was advised to just duct tape that shit!

RAAAR!! Anticipation!

Anticipation is rising.
This room is my sanctuary. 

I lay on my back staring at the four posters of my bed. I inspect the deep glossy shine of the mahogany wood and the beautiful curve of each post against the deep purple walls I painted. I can smell the faint lemon oil polish I applied last week as well as the bright scent of grapefruit and roses which happen to be my current blend of favorite perfumes and lotions. I pull the rich ruby red comforter up under my chin and listen to the gentle tick tick tick of the ceiling fan.
I wonder what propelled me to begin planning an extended trip that would take me away from my favorite safe place.
It has been 6 months of non stop planning. Everything has been considered, researched, questioned, tried on for size, broken, junked, replanned, coveted, and returned.
I believe only someone truly passionate about backpacking -- OR someone completely obsessive - can take on this sort of endeavor!

~::~~::~~::~~

So --I've been intensely working out for the last month. Yes ONE WHOLE MONTH. I definitely FEEL stronger and better . . .though honestly the closer the time gets to leaving for my trip - the more anxious I become. I have completed all of my gear collecting and I feel very confident with my choices.

The flight is booked to San Diego and I am excited to spend a couple days there checking out the Gas Lamp area and the San Diego Zoo. .. . I'm dying to see a panda. If you know anything about me I'm bonkers for pandas!!!

Though all the planning is settling -  I'm trying to rein in my crazy energy. I know it must be spilling out of me - a mixture of fear and excitement - longing - question marks! I don't even want to be around people because I know my craziness is filling the air and someone will suspect how truly unhinged I really am. LOL.

The only thing that seems to keep this nervousness all in check is the constant daily grind of going to my workout at Agility as well as loading up my pack with literally EVERYTHING I plan to carry including food and water. I'm at 27lbs now which feels alright.  . . I noticed carrying 4 liters of water was breaking my back - but 3 liters is good. ALSO I traded out my MSR 4 liter Dromedary bag that just kind of sloshed around like a heavy unanchored ocean- for one of these 3 liter Osprey bags that has a firm backing and structure. . .it just seems to sit nicer and placed perfectly.

My first hike out with the pack loaded was actually pretty brutal. My arms were screaming. I totally loaded my pack wrong. It was as if a giant HAND FROM ABOVE was pressing down heavily upon my shoulders as I trudged on in the relentless flat nowhere of sw Florida. . . ok ya that was dramatic. . but STILLLLLLLL - Thats how it felt!

As the weeks pour on - I've gotten pretty good at organizing my pack to be JUST SO. And now I'm thinking about details that normally would escape my attention . . .

For example I woke up this morning thinking about my 3 lbs of nutritional shake powder I'm carrying and how RANK it smells if you don't clean it out pronto.

If you drink protein shakes you know exactly what I'm talking about!! -  I'm wondering if I will have enough water to sufficiently keep this cup from smelling horrible - and if I really have enough food to bring along.  It is one thing to hike for several miles then go home shower and be tucked in bed each night - and another to hike and then sleep out there- somewhere.

I'm wondering how the hell I'm going to make this happen since I pretty much conk out each day after 90 mins strength training and 6 mile weighted pack hike.

- My crazy fears about bears checking out my tent are getting drowned out by pure energy. - which is a good thing. I kind of freak out a little thinking about bears. 

There are 2 months between me and the trail now. That is 8 more weeks of workouts and sticking to my diet. I've lost 10 lbs. Which should help my joints out. . . . Hoping to lose as much as I can before making it to California so I can travel quickly and efficiently. 

I will keep you posted. . . <3 xoxox

Planning Food

Hey ALL!
I'm planning out what food to bring. I'm the kind of person who doesn't mind being very blah and boring while on the trail - as long as I'm getting the fuel I need.
I won't lie --- I'm totally hoping to drop a few pounds while attempting to make 20ish miles a day for 5 months!. . . I want to be on the move and not carrying a lot of crap that has many small parts. I just can't stand it. I'm kind of a set it and forget it kinda gal! LOL.
-I am planning on going cold for at least the beginning of the adventure.

Carrying:
Shakeology
Peanutbutter
Meal Replacement Bars
Nuts 
Dried blueberies
Oatmeal
Chunk Chicken Breast Packets

I hope to hit up towns for nice hot meals when I can as well as get my fruit fix in!!
-I'm really very happy with just water but I suppose I will miss that nice hot cup of coffee I usually have in the morning. . . . I thought about those Starbucks VIA things. . .still considering. .  .maybe drop a packet into a water bottle with a carnation instant breakfast.
I'm very flexible with bringing stuff and finding out what works for the long haul. I realize things will change and I'm down. I just really need to get my vitamins. Vitamins are a requirement for me.

The point is I don't want to be carrying a whole lot of crazy food garbage I need to be packing in and out of the trail. I am someone who likes to eat a bit then return and finish the meal later- I have a hard time loading in one shot.  So going cold seems to be the most appealing to me for that reason as well as others.

I have quite a few friends who will be meeting up to spend a few days or even a few weeks with me on the trail. -And friends I can stop in and visit to rest up - do laundry and take a nice hot shower! I'm so excited to see these people along the way and very grateful for their hospitality! Being from Florida - I know I will feel pretty displaced- so having several friends who drop in along the way will be magic!

Back from the COLD!!!

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!! Now that I've graduated from USF - YAY!!!!!!

- I'm hitting up all my dreams big time! The above photo is the frozen icicles of Box Canyon Falls!

I just enjoyed a fantastic holiday with family and friends for Christmas in Durango, Colorado. It was so fun to be out of sweltering Florida and playing in the snow!
I also reconnected with a very dear friend I haven't seen in nearly 9 years- DIANNE!!!!!

The elevation of Colorado had me winded for sure- but I got to test out some of the winter gear I plan on bringing with me to the PCT. Everything worked just as I hoped it would and I couldn't be more excited. 19 degree weather NO PROBLEM!!!! . . . .though. . . .it wasn't windy. I know that wind makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE hahahah!

Shoes held up in snow without getting my feet wet. - Also the capiline 3 half zip top I have is magic. As I hiked further into the cold - of course I got super warm and that top kept me breathing but regulated. I have a feeling it will be my fav on the trail!

Now that 2014 has HIT - the realization that April will be upon us soon is really hitting home! I'm planning my ticket now and happy to be in touch with some friends who live out west as well as a couple folks from the Class of 2014 PCT FB page.

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