It's is done!

I'm back!  Just finished my first overnight backpacking experience.  It was everything I expected and so much more. I learned a ton!  My gear and pack out list need some work, but  I'm ready to share my experiences.  In the next few weeks I'll be posting on my trip, the gear and the lessons learned (some harder than others).  Stay tuned!  

Route Research Done

Google Earth is the sh!t!  I knew it could do some cool stuff, but these were scans to PDF's I imported and registered.  My whole trip is in all it's three dimension glory.    Heck I've even been scouting my campsite for the best views on my route.  Much more coming.  

Art Loeb Trail This Summer

IT'S ON!!!  Today I dropped the idea that I'm interested in doing a overnight hike while we're on family vacation near Mount Pisgah, NC.  The wife looked at me and said "By yourself...your weird!"

With that comment...she picked up a MSR Pocket Rocket Stove and a few clothing items I'll need as a Fathers Day gift.  Not sure if they we're planned, but YES!!!  We're in business.

I've been a day hiker and camper for many years, but now I need to get my backpacking skills ready.  Watch me plan here.  

Back from Vacation

I took a little vacation to see the extended family up in Cleveland Ohio.  I haven't really been home in about 15 years so it was good to catch up with everybody.  While home I ran a total of ZERO MILES and ate about FOUR WEEKS worth of food in my six days.  So I need to get back on it ASAP!

It looks like I may get a few days on the AT later next month so I did a few productive things in terms of preparing.  I ordered the Maxpedition Fatty Pocket Organizer (Black) and got my survival tin in order. The fatty may be my FAK or tool compartment.  Depends on how items I have fit.

I had a chance to stop at REI, Gander Mountain and Dick Sports (all within a few days of one another) so I threw some $$$ their way as usual.

I picked up the following:

• eGear PICO Zipper Light
• Kwik Tek Dry Pak Multi-Purpose Case (Clear 9-Inch x 12-Inch)
• Outdoor Products 3-Pack Ultimate Dry Sack
• Dritz(R) Cord Stops - 2/Pkg
• 50 - 1/2" Side Release Plastic Buckles
• Also the gear to build a survival fishing kit

A few other items came in the mail too:

• Swedish Firesteel - Army Model, Black Handle (for my tin)
• Aviation cable key rings

I'm expecting the "fatty" to arrive tomorrow so I'll post up what I'm using it for.  My tin is about done and I'll post that too.  

Lastly I'm at a dilemma for what to ask for for Fathers Day.  The RAT-5, Tan Canvas Micarta Handle, Cordura Sheath or Snow Peak Titanium Double-Wall Cup 450.  The birthday is next month and the knife would be for both....  Decisions decisions.  

Good to be home and back on the site! 

     

Inaugural Run for the Dream Half Marathon Review

One thing I now know!  Williamsburg has a lot of rolling hills!  Last weekend I had the opportunity to run in the inaugural Run for the Dream Half Marathon held in Williamsburg Virginia.  I was very happy with the experience and here is feedback about the event:

This event spanned the etire weekend with two races.  An 8k on Saturday (21 May) and the 1/2 Marathon (22 May).

Proceeds from the event benefited "An Achievable Dream", which is a nationally recognized K-12 school dedicated to the belief that all children can learn and succeed regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and that education can break the cycle of poverty.

The race also benefitted the Wounded Warriors Program, which is dedicated to assisting and advocating for the severely wounded, ill and injured members of the armed forces and for their families.

So running for two good causes made it even more of a pleasure hit those hill's I'm going to talk about.

I participated in the 1/2.  

Packet pickup was at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center.  It was an easy stop and they had just the right amount of vendors to load up on free gear, taste test and GU for the race.  The race shirt was a short sleeve moisture-wicking tee that was pretty nice. I had noticed from studying the map earlier in the week that they had a "ton" of water stops planned.  So I decided to not go with my Nathan fuel belt and picked up a SpiBelt to run with instead.  (Review coming soon) I was in and out in about five minutes. My kind of packet pick-up!

The start was very relaxed.  It didn't feel like a race at all even though they had some top runners from the region trying to establish primo times for this inaugural event.  About 2000 runners were present at the start.  Several shuttles were running from the visitors center where the bulk of the parking was to the start line.  Or your other option was to be dropped off.  The finish was about a 1/2 mile away in the William & Mary Track and Field Facility (aka Zable Stadium).  I was fortunate enough to be dropped off so I didn't experence the shuttles however I didn't hear anybody complaining about them during warm-ups.

And promptly at 7:30 am we were off!  To my surprise about 1/2 mile into the race I found myself in Colonial Williamsburg.  It was very cool needless to say.  Flanking us was the old courthouse and armory all while we were being cheered by people on bikes and locals all along the way.  It was a great way to experience all the sights.  

The race opened up to some rolling hills along some of the major roadways to Williamsburg. Down to a turnaround point near the water. Around the eight mile mark a steep hill presented a little challenge, but the motor was running fine with all the waterbreaks supporting us.  The hills did challenge many runners and I saw a good number walking past the 8 mile mark.

The end brought us back into the rear area near Zable Stadium.  A quick run up the hill and a 1/4 mile around the track and your done!  13.1 in the books - for me this was a PR.  Not sure if I was jazzed up from posting a good 10 mi time or what, but I felt compelled to push it.  

The after festivities included two beers, a bunch of food and live music.  It was a great time and again very relaxed atmosphere.  My family was able to find me quite easily and we enjoyed the rest of our day hanging out.   

When its all said and done I would definitely do this run again.  I just wish I took advantage of the free Bush Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg tickets.  Next time I'll spend more time and make a full weekend out of this event.  You won't be sorry if you do the same.  Enjoy!  

Swim, Bike and Run = Triathlon

Is that the recipe for a Tri?  Sure is!  I havent done one of these in about 10 years.  A buddy of mine in Hawaii has been bitten by the bug and we're eyeballing the DC 5150 this June.  We've recently made it a custom to do a distance race together no matter where we are.  We linked up for the 2010 USMC Marathon and virtually trained with one another all while 3000 miles apart.  This year we're on tap for the Rock and Roll 1/2 and the Honolulu Marathon (2012).  We're going to add this to the mix.  It should be a good time.  He just finished his first Tri (ANA Lanikai Triathlon) so he's got all the gear and is ready to rock. 

Run for the Dream Half Marathon Williamsburg Virginia

I just registered for the inaugural "Run for the Dream Half Marathon" being held on May 22, 2011 in historic Williamsburg, Virginia.  I'm hoping it will be a start of a good thing in the area.  More importantly are the charities this races benefits.  It also shows close ties the military has with the local community.

Proceeds from the Run for the Dream will benefit An Achievable Dream, a nationally recognized K-12 school dedicated to the belief that all children can learn and succeed regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and that education can break the cycle of poverty. The race will also benefit the Wounded Warriors Programs, dedicated to assisting and advocating for the severely wounded, ill and injured members of the armed forces and for their families.  More detailed info on those two charities below:

The Wounded Warrior Programs provide individualized support to this unique population of soldiers who were injured or became ill during their service of our country.

Wounded soldiers in this program are eligible for a wide array of benefits to aid in their recovery, both physically and financially. The organizations help veterans and their families become connected with these benefits, no matter where they are located or their previous status in the armed forces. Recovery and rehabilitation is not constrained by timelines in the program and soldiers receive individualized support for their specific needs.

An Achievable Dream has a 15 year relationship with Fort Eustis, the Army base in Newport News. Each morning, 15-20 troops spend the first two hours of their morning at An Achievable Dream Academy. Each soldier is assigned to an elementary school class on a four to six-month rotation. During that time they build close relationships with their students and serve as positive role models, working with them on character development and academic motivation. Many An Achievable Dream graduates have gone on to serve in the military.

Also visit http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Marathon Recommendation Needed

I'm trying to link up with a buddy who lives about 3000 Miles away to run our second marathon together. Time is limited for both of us so we're trying to nail down a marathon for the year. Ether road or trail races will work. Here is a list that I sent. Any others you can recommend?



Trail Dawgs Stumpy's Marathon
Newark, DE USA
September 11, 2011

Air Force Marathon & Relay, Half Marathon and 5K
Dayton, OH USA
September 17, 2011

Odyssey Trail Marathon & 40-Miler, Half-Marathon
Millboro, VA USA
September 17, 2011

Adirondack Marathon & Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5 & 10K, Kids 1K Fun Run
Schroon Lake, NY USA
September 25, 2011

The North Face Endurance Challenge - Atlanta & 50 Mile, 50K, Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kid's Run
Atlanta, GA USA
October 15, 2011

Triple Lakes Trail Race & 40 Mile Run, Half Marathon, Relay
Greensboro, NC USA
October 15, 2011

Under Armour Baltimore Marathon & Half Marathon, Team Relay, 5K
Baltimore, MD USA
October 15, 2011

Philadelphia Marathon & Half Marathon, 8K
Philadelphia, PA USA
November 20, 2011

Honolulu Marathon
Honololu, HI USA
December 11, 2011

MauiParadise Marathon & Half Marathon
Kihei, HI USA
January 15, 2012

Camping at North Landing Beach Campground

We'll it looks like almost a year to the date we're going back to North Landing Beach Campground. My last post about this particular outing brought back some good and bad memories.  We're going to give it a try again.  I'm hearing that its a "pirate" themed weekend so "I be practicing me piiiirate accent" all week.  My coworkers should love that!

This time we're going with some different friends who have a child the same age as ours.  Hoping to get some hiking done and maybe a geocach or two.  

Micro Vacation - Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

So I've spent most of my adult life thinking that a "vacation" had to mean something which involved a bunch of travel, an extended stay and cost several hundred or thousands of dollars. We'll I learned something today - It doesn't. My family and I just got done with our first no kidding micro-vacation.

We spent just spent one day at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg Virginia.  Place is great weither you have kids or are just with a spouse.  They have indoor water slides and activities all year around plus you're allowed to use the park pretty much the entire day on both days you visit.  A win win for whenever you can break away!

Here is how we spent our vacation:

• Left home from Virginia Beach at 11:00 AM and dropped the dog off at the kennel for the night.
• Drove up to Hampton, VA and made a quick stop at Sandy Bottom Nature Park to take a quick peek around and eat a packed lunch.  
• Check into the Hotel at 1:00 PM.
• By 2:00 PM we were in the water park enjoying the slides.
• We decided to go eat dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill.
• Came back around 7:00 PM, got some ice cream and went to the animatronic wilderness show.
• Found out they have Guinness on tap.  :-)
• Then went to story time by the big fireplace in the lobby in PJ's (my Son).
• Put the kid to bed and played cards with the wife then went to sleep.

End of Day #1

• The next morning we rose pretty early and went to Starbucks for breakfast.
• Got the room packed up and ready to go around 10:00 AM
• By 10:30 we were at the water park again.  
• Stayed till about 1:00 and decided to hit the outlet mall on the way home.
• Departed, went to the mall, pick the dog up and back home by 2:30pm.  

We truly enjoyed ourselves and lived like kings for the day.  The cost wasn't too bad considering all we did.  They do offer some 10% discounts so make sure you ask prior to arrival.  

The perfect micro-vacation!  I would highly recommend you find a place locally where you can do the same.  

**This is not a paid advertisement - we just had a great time!***