tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post3592637582367091811..comments2023-12-28T21:22:10.935-07:00Comments on Jill Outside: Locking myself insideJill Homerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-42299620798057920412010-05-18T04:31:51.965-06:002010-05-18T04:31:51.965-06:00Unlock the door Jill and go and play.Unlock the door Jill and go and play.Vitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-2918174075882752772010-05-14T21:09:27.869-06:002010-05-14T21:09:27.869-06:00Holy buckets! Your description is so vivid, I was ...Holy buckets! Your description is so vivid, I was practically huffing and puffing my way up that mountain with you. I climbed a mountain once along the sea of cortez in baja california. I was so delirious from deyhdration and exhaustion, I started hallucinating on the way down a wash with the sun setting quickly. Kinda cool, actually. Not so cool for my guide. Ooops.Kathleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18372015226222285350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-3959489133040965562010-05-14T18:04:30.450-06:002010-05-14T18:04:30.450-06:00Move back to Juneau, your blog was more interestin...Move back to Juneau, your blog was more interesting when you lived there. Your writing is still great but a city of 300000 is just a less-interesting setting. Good luck with whatever direction you take, you'll do great I am sure.<br /><br />PS Watch out for bears biking this summer. Still can't believe they allowed a 24h bike race in Campbell Tract in 2008! Use caution and common sense!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-2406037927643639792010-05-14T16:09:40.365-06:002010-05-14T16:09:40.365-06:00Good luck with the whole homelessness thing... I k...Good luck with the whole homelessness thing... I know how that goes, and it is not an enjoyable feeling. But still, with mountains like those to climb, all is well in the world!Greg Heilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16398037028525677146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-16120935327833229372010-05-14T07:46:42.304-06:002010-05-14T07:46:42.304-06:00I have only recently discovered your blog. I must ...I have only recently discovered your blog. I must say, I've always dreamed of seeing Alaska, and hopefully one day will, but until then, your blog is definitely the next best thing to being there. Wonderful photography from an inspirational photographer. Thank you for all that you share.Nature Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14071384413311086745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-6522107889309888972010-05-13T22:28:59.063-06:002010-05-13T22:28:59.063-06:00Hi Jill!
Welcome to Anchorage.
Here's a tip fo...Hi Jill!<br />Welcome to Anchorage.<br />Here's a tip for someone who did both Mt. Marathon and Bird Ridge last year: You don't actually run the whole mountain. Basically it's a fast power hike. Even the top "runners" don't run. I know this for a fact because I have pics of the top of the men's race, and even the fast contenders were straggling the last half mile. Too funny! So don't feel bad. I'm sure you could whip my butt but that's cool 'cause we're totally in different age groups.<br /><br />And oh yeah, I heard you were hanging out with my co-worker Victoria Barber at the Press Club Awards last weekend. She's super cool.<br /><br />Cheers and enjoy the mountains,<br />CinthiaCinthianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-81313894153590372792010-05-13T21:40:15.933-06:002010-05-13T21:40:15.933-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.かわやまhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02396801979181033747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-42346433473298442522010-05-13T13:46:07.508-06:002010-05-13T13:46:07.508-06:00I once did a solo bike tour from Haines to Delta J...I once did a solo bike tour from Haines to Delta Junction, down the Richardson Hwy to Valdez, then ferried across to Whittier and ended in Seward - a little over 900 miles in a little over a week. I was also training that summer to run the Chilkoot Trail with a friend, which I did about two months later. Needless to say, I felt pretty strong when I reached Seward where I met my friend and Alaska trail running legend Nancy Pease (Mt. Marathon multiple winner, Crow Pass multiple winner - one year she tied for the overall win with Olympian Bill Spencer!). She wanted to show me the Mt. Marathon course so of course I said yes. I just about died trying to run uphill with her, but when we finally reached a small cairn high up on the ridge that looked like the turnaround point, I hopefully gasped "is that the top?". She took a moment to look at me wonderingly and spit out - "no! that's the JUNIOR turnaround!!!" That's when I realized that running mountains was a whole different game involving pain and suffering on a level I could barely comprehend. Good luck.nice skiernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-70632134728876246932010-05-13T13:35:29.120-06:002010-05-13T13:35:29.120-06:00Bingo! www.skinnyraven.com, 800 H Street, Anchorag...Bingo! www.skinnyraven.com, 800 H Street, Anchorage Tel: 907-274-7222 - distribute Inov-8 stuff. Check them out :-)pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16660580579772048690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-87376484693837220572010-05-13T13:28:26.782-06:002010-05-13T13:28:26.782-06:00The thing with mountain running is that even in ve...The thing with mountain running is that even in very cold conditions, running through snow and slush, you are continually pumping blood to your feet - they are continually in motion - unlike when you are biking when they are pretty much fixed in one position. So you have a better chance of warding off Reynaud's symptoms. It's v important to wear synthetic wicking socks (I use X-sock Speed Ones (www.x-socks.com) but Sealskinz are also v good) and shoes that expel water easily (usually via a mesh upper - don't for goodness sake buy Goretex trail running shoes which trap all wet and moisture inside!). New Balance have some good models and also Adidas, but here in UK, INOV-8 have cornered the market! Don't know if they distribute over your way yet. Oh, and you can also get some pretty neat little gaiters for running shoes which help keep snow and grit out of your shoes!pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16660580579772048690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-78479211723966522662010-05-13T07:56:36.007-06:002010-05-13T07:56:36.007-06:00Running? Zzzzzzzzzz.Running? Zzzzzzzzzz.Juanchohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01283672346601878803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-43504918398591862982010-05-12T22:20:18.072-06:002010-05-12T22:20:18.072-06:00And Jill, you know of course to stay off the mudfl...And Jill, you know of course to stay off the mudflats? I remember how you enjoyed biking on them in Juneau and I wrote to tell you of how people die in the mudflats in Anchorage. I feel compelled to mention it in my usual "I feel like Jill's mother" role! Sorry about that......don't mean to be insulting.Julie in Alaskanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-85861717855002999742010-05-12T18:28:14.836-06:002010-05-12T18:28:14.836-06:00Careful, more so than other areas of the Chugach, ...Careful, more so than other areas of the Chugach, that area typically has numerous spring bears hanging around because the snow melts early. Always run with a partner, someone slower than you ;-)RKNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-43148048159435172982010-05-12T15:16:07.971-06:002010-05-12T15:16:07.971-06:00Great pics as always! Every time I see 'em I ...Great pics as always! Every time I see 'em I want to rush up there with my bike, skis, camping gear, and all the other outdoor stuff I own!kshifnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-76050262563364125402010-05-12T13:04:07.079-06:002010-05-12T13:04:07.079-06:00I actually could use some mountain running footgea...I actually could use some mountain running footgear tips! Here's my issue:<br /><br />I used to hike in wet shoes all the time in Juneau; I was avidly anti-boot, even in the winter. Then I got frostbite on my right foot in March 2009, and now those toes become cold must faster, start to hurt, and eventually go numb when I hike in wet shoes, even in the summer. When I'm biking in wet conditions, I wear large shoes (At least a size too big), vapor barrier socks and thick wool socks. I've tried this set-up running and it chafes a bit, but would definitely be preferable to hard boots.<br /><br />Any tips on shoes that may be more insulated - not necessarily waterproof, but just able to provide more warmth than the typical trail runner? Thanks in advance!Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-91995446603997503982010-05-12T11:05:08.147-06:002010-05-12T11:05:08.147-06:00Even if you expect some snow, trail runners are wh...Even if you expect some snow, trail runners are what you want for light and fast. A little cold/sog is okay for a few hours, so long as you have warmth waiting. Gaitors plus gore-tex runners stay dry for a while in deeper snow/longer adventures. <br /><br />You've offered so much of your cold/wet weather biking gear knowledge, to my great advantage, so I am compelled to offer a few tid bits of what works for me ;)Eileenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06615497231998979199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-10727162967811130152010-05-12T10:13:52.680-06:002010-05-12T10:13:52.680-06:00I think we could have lived in Fairbanks we spent ...I think we could have lived in Fairbanks we spent a summer there looking for work after we left the Bush (Goodnews Bay, where my wife was a teacher for three years) - though the mountains are so-o-o far away. The mosquitoes were pretty intense, too. I was amused by some of the bike routes. One in particular -- I should send you a picture.<br /><br />My impression of Palmer was probably colored by the desire to get back out in the countryside. We were aiming for Talkeetna, that day. And, there was a huge road project near the junction with the Parks -- traffic chaos.<br /><br />Oops. Gotta head to the radio station. Studio furniture getting installed, this morning.<br /><br />MikeS<br />Juneau AKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-2778284962129433132010-05-12T10:13:21.587-06:002010-05-12T10:13:21.587-06:00I'm dreading the lack of structure that is upo...I'm dreading the lack of structure that is upon me now that grad school is over. Much as I hate to admit it, I don't do well with too much free time. <br /><br />Ack.<br /><br />Good luck with the book.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02999964390339378339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-32167542743904990762010-05-12T08:48:57.141-06:002010-05-12T08:48:57.141-06:00Just hang in there. :) Every day I look forward to...Just hang in there. :) Every day I look forward to reading your blog for the pictures and the well-written blogs and I hope that you're able to get through this temporary setback. And I think sticking with Anchorage for a while might be a good idea. Sometimes you have to live in a big city for the experience.Nickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01759538470122313864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-82412826098999249762010-05-12T04:50:58.595-06:002010-05-12T04:50:58.595-06:00Time to invest in some proper trail and mountain r...Time to invest in some proper trail and mountain running shoes Jill? They are seriously lightweight and you'll feel like you are flying when you are wearing them! A pair with regular soles for ordinary trail running on hardpack and a pair with more aggressive soles for better grip in muddy/snowy conditions. Oh, and some Kahtoola microspikes for icey conditions too ;-) Don't forget some proper trail running socks too. Oh lord, the list could go on!<br /><br />Have fun over there!pennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16660580579772048690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-74574767801769466172010-05-12T03:03:26.136-06:002010-05-12T03:03:26.136-06:00Good to hear from you, Mike! I think Palmer gets a...Good to hear from you, Mike! I think Palmer gets a bad rap. It's actually quite a beautiful location, with a fun little downtown area. I could live there.<br /><br />Wasilla, on the other hand ... ;-)<br /><br />I honestly think I could be happy living nearly anywhere in Alaska. I enjoyed Fairbanks the short two times I visited. Even McGrath had its charm. I'd love to visit southwestern Alaska someday. What I like about Anchorage is the easier access it offers to all of these places. Plus, it's not a bad city as cities go. It has a fantastic greenbelt and sushi, real sushi (OK, Seongs is pretty good, too.) <br /><br />You should definitely go back up Hawthorne; it just gets better as it goes. You're right about it being a well-defined trail, so maybe it is not that huge of a secret. Although I've never seen it on any map, and there's certainly no trailhead.Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18615538.post-65824493463421527722010-05-12T01:50:31.126-06:002010-05-12T01:50:31.126-06:00It's nice the see that Anchorage and environs ...It's nice the see that Anchorage and environs is pretty spectacular. We only ever spent a few days there (back in 1982, arranging for things to be shipped to Juneau after we left the Bush village my wife taught school in). <br /><br />The closest we got after that was was in 1997, as we were exploring the interior by car with our daughter, just before she headed to Belgium as an exchange student. We drove from the East thru the strip mall that is Palmer and turned right, up the Parks Highway. I had no interest in turning south into Anchorage. I am not a fan of big, busy cities.<br /><br />BTW, we found the route up Hawthorn Ridge and hiked up to the snow line (we didn't have time for more). That's a pretty well traveled trail, at least until you get into the brush above the trees.<br /><br />MikeS<br />JuneauAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com