Climb for Clean Air 2011 T-Shirts

Justin and I designed these custom Climb for Clean Air t-shirts to help raise money for our climb. The cost is $25 plus $4.95 shipping, with all proceeds going to the American Lung Association.You can purchase one by visiting our website at www.chari-t-shirts.org. The shirts arrive April 13th.

Training Update

Not a good week for me. I didn't do any actual training and gained 2 pounds. I need to get back on track.

In True Irish Fashion

Today I was reminded that celebrating Irish culture is more than a good drink in a warm pub. Mother Nature made sure we didn't forget Ireland also about rain and miserable dampness. The family and I got all decked out in green and shamrocks, looking like the worst tourists in all of Killarney, and headed to JJ Mahoney's for the St. Patrick's Day Run (Walk). We held out hope that the clouds would move on and leave us with a sunny afternoon. Unfortunately, when the weatherman said the storm was supposed to pass, it started raining harder. The question then was whether or not we drag the two kids on walk in the rain, or stay in the pub and drink Guinness and Magners. We decided on the latter. Therefore, my official workout for the week consisted of 16 ounce curls while eating a good Irish meal in a pub with the family. I am pretty sure it is the official workout of the Irish Olympic team.

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig!

Minor Setback

Last night I suffered a minor setback in my training. I was playing goalie with my regular Thursday soccer team, and was kicked rather hard in the side. After getting very little sleep, and waking to a lot of pain in my rib cage, I spent the morning in the ER. The good news is that I don't have any broken ribs. However, my cartilage was traumatized enough that I was told to expect to be in a fair amount of pain for the next 10-14 days. I am still planning on taking part in the JJ Mahoney's 5k tomorrow, but will definitely be taking it easy. The following weekend I will be n Vegas, so I didn't have any training planned.

When I woke up this morning, and told Caitlyn that I had hurt myself, she had this to say about it, "Daddy, I don't think you are very good at soccer. You are always getting boo boos, and you never bring home any trophies." It really hurts to laugh right now, and that one was painful.

JJ Mahoney's St. Patrick's Day Run 3/12/11

For my training this week, I have decided to take part in the 4th annual JJ Mahoney's St. Patrick's Day Run this Saturday in Redmond. Emily and the girls are going to join me and walk the 5k. I figured it was a good opportunity to get out and get some fresh air with the family. We are all looking forward to it! If anyone wants to join us, it is 1:00 PM this Saturday. Details can be found at jjmahoneys.com.

Climb Update

Fund Raising Total: $2,285 towards my goal of $3,750

Hikes: 3
Miles Hiked: 18
Elevation Gained: 5,350 Feet
Sodas Consumed: 0
Weight: 227 down from 230. (I'll blame two birthday parties and too much cake this week for my slow weight loss)

Rattlesnake Ledge

     I just got back from hiking Rattlesnake Ledge this morning. 4 miles round trip. Elevation gain of 1,100 feet. It was probably my favorite hike so far. Nothing too steep, and a lot of low slope areas along the way. There was still snow on the trail, so the Yak Tracks were a must again. The temperature was great, probably somewhere in the mid-thirties. No snow or rain. The view from the top was incredible. It was not a good day to forget my camera! I had to settle for my camera phone, and didn't have an opportunity to take any on the way up or down. I guess I will have to go back! Next time I think I will bring the whole family. I think Caitlyn could make it, and I can carry Kylie on my back. It will be good practice carrying some weight.
     This was the first official CFCA training hike, so I had an opportunity to meet some of the other climbers for the first time. There were also 5 professional guides along, some that are climbing this year, and some that are just helping us train. It was great to have them there since they were setting the pace, and doing so with purpose to help us train the right way. I was happy to find out that hiking fast is not the right way to train. We took a nice steady pace. The next CFCA hike is on the 20th, to Little Si. I am going to be in Vegas, so I will have to miss that one.