Mount Rainier

Friday morning, August 3rd, at about 5:00am I get up...grab my things and take off to the airport to catch my 7:00am flight to St. Louis, MO and ultimately Seattle, WA. I was the only person out of the group who was on a different flight. All the others caught a direct flight to Seattle, of which was leaving at 7:20am. Many of them saw me off on my flight since their gate was close by and we would meet up in Seattle around 11:00am.

Once I landed in Seattle, Art, Karen and Mark picked me up in the rental car and we headed into downtown Tacoma where the entire gang met up at the Harmon Brewery for lunch. After we ate, we took the "scenic route" to a local grocery store [we got lost...many times...over and over again...trying to find this grocery store] so we all could stock up on food that we will need over the next couple days. Trail mix...(check)...uncrustables...(check)...beef jerkey...(check)....choco walla odwalla bars....hmm....bummer...(not check). Once we got what we needed some went to check in at the RMI Bunkhouse in Ashton, WA while I decided to get some last minute things at REI. [ie. extra water bottles, winter hat, bandanna and shoe inserts...since I had forgotten mine at home].








Photo: RMI Bunkhouse
Photo: Ashford, WA





We then headed to the RMI Bunkhouse which was an hour drive from Tacoma, and once there grabbed all of the necessary rental gear. At the end of it all, we would have, head to toe, our helmet, headlamp, winter hat, bandanna, base layer top, fleece top, thin insulating jacket, gortex jacket, parka, harness, avalanche beacon, thin mittens, thick mittens, gloves, ice axe, ski poles, shorts, base layer pant, insulating pant, gortex pant, gaiters, mountaineering socks, mountaineering boots, crampons. I think that covers it. For the clothes that we weren't wearing at the time [including an extra pair of base layers and socks] went in our packs along with all the food needed, two nalgene bottles of water, and sleeping bag. All gear added up to around 40-45 lbs that we had in our packs...strapped to our back. Nice. Well after I tried everything on to make sure I had proper fitting, I went straight to the bunkhouse and crashed. It was about 8:30pm...10:30pm my body time...and I was pretty tired.

Saturday morning, August 4th, we had to be out by the check in area by 8:00 am to head out for the training day on the mountain. It was another hour drive to the mountain. At Paradise (5500') we put on our packs and headed up the mountain for about 45 minutes before we hit snow. Once there, the guides set us down to hear our reasons of why we took up this challenge and to discuss a little of what we should be expecting over the next couple of days. When it came to my turn to share, I noted that I was intrigued by the daunting task of climbing the tallest peak in the lower 48 states... that and I liked scaring my friends and family. Chad and Jeff were the leaders of our group that day, and they taught us different styles of walking that would be key in preventing muscle burn out. In addition, they taught us how to "self arrest" in the event that we should start falling down the mountain. Since people that fall, typically fall onto their butts, to "self arrest", meant flipping our bodies over pulling our ice axe to where the 'adze' should be between our shoulder and cheek and the 'spike' should be pulled nice and tight against our hip on the opposite side of our bodies; the 'pick' needs to be jabbed into the snow. In addition, we need to jab the toes of our crampons into the snow and push our butt into the air. This entire process creates a three-point stance and gives the most secure hold. Remembering all these steps without jabbing you in the body with the ice axe, doing a face plant into the snow..and trying to heave your butt in the air while falling down a hill that you keep increasing speed on your gortex pants. Right......

We also learned the 'duck' walk, 'quick step', 'pressure breathing' and keeping a safe distance between the person in front of you and behind you while being tied together in groups. Unfortunately, prior to the guides instructing us the proper way of falling, Sue slipped and fell down the mountain and as she was falling stuck her crampon into the snow causing her ankle to snap as she fell. They knew she had broken her ankle and had to figure out a way to get her out of the valley we were in, up to the trail, and back down the mountain. So Sue and her husband Garth were out of the trip. We all headed back down to the vans at around 4:30pm and drove back to base camp...exhausted from a long day of training.

We had reservations at a local restaurant... but with less than hoped for service, we didn't end up eating and leaving the restaurant until 10:30pm...12:30am my body time. I was more than tired...I was.....super tired. :) Got back to the RMI bunkhouse and crashed.

Sunday, August 5th, we needed to be all packed, checked out of the bunkhouse and ready to head out by 8:00am again. The energy was pretty high in the group and I think we were all excited to get going. We were all about to see if the 5 months of training had paid off. We all made the last pit stop at a normal bathroom and headed up the trail at about 9:30am. We took a break every hour or so and re-fueled and drank 1/2 a nalgene bottle at each stop. There were four breaks up to Camp Muir (10,000') and once there we were going to be able to fill up our water bottles again. In the second group, Amy and Todd decided that Mountaineering wasn't their thing and decided, at the Muir snowfields (approx. 9,000') to head back down. 17 started...and now we were down to 13 people at Camp Muir. I was tired...it wasn't too extremely difficult to get to Camp Muir...but I was feeling it. When we arrived at Camp Muir around 2:30-3:00pm, we had to quickly unpack what we would need that night and 'morning' as there wasn't enough room in the 'bunkhouse' [an approx. 10' x 10' wood frame] to fit all of our packs and our bodies. We had to do this quickly as luck would have it, it started to snow. Not the light fluffy snow I'm used to seeing...but like pellets of small styrofoam coming down. It was the weirdest thing...but thankfully it only last about 20 minutes and subsided. We then had to eat 'dinner' and fill up our water bottles for the next day. The guides came in and talked to all of us for about an hour telling us last minute details of what we were going to expect the next 'morning'. At about 7:00pm, the guides told us to pack it in as they would be waking us up anywhere between 11:00pm - 1:00am that night/next morning.

Sunday night, August 5th, at 11:30pm after getting maybe an hours worth of sleep, the guides came in, flipped on the light and said that we had to hurry and get 'breakfast', pack up our packs [less the sleeping bag, which we could leave back in the 'bunkhouse'], put on our harness, put on our helmets and headlamps and make a final stop at the port-a-potty before grouping up and heading out. I must say...I made good use of that port-a-potty and didn't think I would have to experience going to the bathroom on the trail...but I was wrong. The altitude got to Mark and he had to stay back from this point on. 13 people..now down to 12.

In my group, I had Chad [the guide] then myself and behind me was Sharon, a lady from North Carolina. We were all ready to go by 12:00am and were the first group out the gate. All I kept thinking was "Focus on the guides feet....quick step....do EXACTLY what he does...step EXACTLY where he steps". Luckily it was dark and all I could see was the light of my headlamp on his feet. We began by crossing the Cowlitz Glacier towards Cathedral Gap (10,500') .My mind went into a state of nothingness and just focused on his feet. We then had to hike up this steep rock wall (no snow and wearing crampons) up to Ingraham Flat (11,000'). Right before the Flats we came up to this 10 ft high ice/snow wall of which there was a rope attached to the side of the mountain. We were told that we needed to grab the rope in our left hand, hold our ice axe in our right hand and stick the toes of our crampons into the wall and climb up with about a 35 lb pack on our backs. But there was no time to think..we just had to do it. Ingraham Flat was to be our first break and about an hour and a half had passed. Immediately into our break, even though we were warm, we were told to grab our parka out of our packs because we would start getting cold. And the guides were right. About 5 minutes into the break I started shivering like crazy while I was trying to get some food in me and rehydrate. The guides had told us that we should eat at least 250 calories at each break. Clint, one of the guides on another team, looked at me and asked if I was cold. I just nodded and smiled...and continued to shiver. The break was only 15 minutes and we had to put away our parkas and move on. Chad said that we will warm up once we started moving, so to just deal with the cold for about 15 minutes and we should be ok. Again our group was the first to head out after the first break, so I wasn't aware that Chris, Virginia, Joe G., and Melissa decided that they had enough and couldn't go on. 12 was now down to 8 people going on from the first break.

Normally, the guides would take the group on a quicker section up Disappointment Cleaver, however they had someone fall in a crevasse the weekend before and dislocated their shoulder, so a different route was suggested. This "different" route added 2 miles to the trip. Luckily it was still dark out, so I didn't know what I was walking over and around. After another hour or so, we took our second break. It was still dark out and I was getting really tired. This is where John decided he wanted to turn back. In my mind I was thinking...."I'm exhausted...I'm cold...I'm EXHAUSTED!!!!" But when my guide Chad looked at me and asked if I was good to move on...I was like, "yep...let's go!!" Huh??? No..that's not what I wanted..I was tired. But again, after our 15 minute break we had to put away the semi-warmth the parkas offered and started back on the trail. They noted that we would be doing a series of "switch-backs" where we would walk steadily on an incline, go back the other way at a steady incline and so on. In my mind I was thinking of "steady" inclines...like when you are driving in a car and you see a turn up a head, but as you are going around the turn...you don't really realize you are turning. Ok..so maybe not a good analogy....regardless...the reality of switchbacks was actually constant steep inclines going back and forth rather quickly and steeply. The trail at this point resembled a small trough...which has an ideal width across for someone who has a size 5 foot. My size 10's were not going to easily be able to do the 'duck walk' or even side steps. My side steps consisted of pointing my toe backwards after each step so actually walking up more on my heels. This proved to be very tiresome and trying to keep my balance on the steep ridge proved to be very strenuous both mentally and physically.

Going into the third break I was pretty much spent, but the sun was rising and I was excited to be able to watch it for at least 15 minutes before going on. This was the coldest time of day, about 17 degrees. It was at this time that I realized there were only 7 of us left. This is also when it hit me that I was going to make it. The trail into the final break seemed to be the most difficult. The altitude was starting to get to me. I felt dizzy, exhausted, thirsty, slightly nauseated and had to go to the bathroom. Looking around...I wondered...where would a person go to the bathroom if they needed to. Gross as it may be, I really didn't think I could hold it anymore so I asked Chad for a blue bag and where I should go to the bathroom. He said two feet up and the gang would just turn around. Right....sure...why not right? Just pull down my pants...crap into a bag...try not to make any noise...and hopefully the odor would go up the mountain...not the two feet in front of me. And yes...it was daylight and there was a group coming up behind us. But I had held it long enough and I had to go. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So I quickly dropped trou' and sat over the bag....and waited...and waited...what????... now I can't go???...Chad yelled, "just relax"...Relax...I'm sitting behind five people and now see the next group coming up the trail...watching me take a squat. Finally I was able to go as yet another group that wasn't associated with RMI walked by. Now...I have no shame. Nothing can phase me. So I tied up the blue bag and threw it in my pack and we headed up to the top. This last stop was at about 13,500' completing a series of switch backs on the 40 degree slopes of the Ingraham Glacier. It feels pretty much vertical. During the break we had to put our ice axe through the straps of our packs to make sure they don't slip down the mountain. Yeah...try taking a crap on that! The last 400' or so proved to be excruciating! I tried so hard to pressure breath and force my legs to keep moving. The guide looked back a couple times during this stretch as he could feel the rope get taught behind him. I was struggling, but I kept on. And then...we were there.

14,410'...we had made it to the peak of Mount Rainier. Art, Karen, Joe O. , Billy, Paul, Sharon and myself. It was about 7:30am, the sun was warm on our faces..the view was....priceless...and I had to go to the bathroom again. So yeah, I can say I crapped at the top of Mount Rainier. At least there were boulders around the rim to give me privacy this time. The top of the mountain is a crater...like a bowl. So once you reach the top there is about a 10' drop into this large bowl. I took off my pack and layed down on the mountain. We had about an hour to rest at the top before heading all the way back down. About 45 minutes into the break, all seven of us started to really feel the effects of the altitude. We were not focusing on sustaining our pressure breathing, so we weren't breathing in oxygen effectively. I really thought I was going to throw up...but I didn't, and neither did anyone else in my group that I know of.

At about 8:30am we head back down. It is less exhausting as far as breathing goes on the way down, however now we had to focus on 'plunge steps' as we had to make sure we had our balance and that each step was securely planted before planting our ice axe and stepping with the other foot. Since it was light, we had the heat of the sun and we no longer had to worry about being cold. Even going into breaks. Now our main concern was the security of our steps, keeping our balance, the higher risk for slips, and making sure we applied sunscreen at each break. I applied 30 SPF at each break and I still had a slight sunburn. Especially under my nose.

It was now that I saw the terrifying spots we had climbed over and through in the dark. There was one section were there was about a 10' long ice bridge, and about 1.5' wide. I remember bending down in the dark to grasp the rope that was tied to the mountain, but was unaware that the ice bridge was just that. A bridge that crossed over a deep crevasse; that one wrong step would cause you to fall into it. Then you would hope that the two people you are tied to will dig their ice axe into the ground and not fall into it with you. Well, we all made it across successfully.

There were several crevasses that I had to cross over and I was thinking...ohhhh...i don't want to...but I had to. We then came back to that ice/snow wall that we climbed up, and now had to go back down. This time looking down, I couldn't tell where I had to put my feet. All I saw was a ridiculous drop on one side and a crevasse on the other. Chad told me to rappel down it like rock climbing and he would lower me down. Oh yeah...I forgot that rappelling down mountains is another hobby of mine..so I'll just use the techniques I know and put it to good use. I HAVE NEVER RAPPELLED! But again, I just had to do it, as people were waiting on me.

It was about 12:00pm and before we could make it to our last break we had to go through a series of climbing up and climbing down trails since we were trying this alternate route to detour from using Disappointment Cleaver. I didn't know if I had enough energy in me to get back to Camp Muir. I was so exhausted, I can't even describe to you what it was like. But again...just had to do it. Not to mention, I had to go to the bathroom again! But I was determined to wait until Camp Muir and use the port-a-potty. We also had to go down that steep rock wall again with crampons on and not lose our cool each time we took a step, and our feet would drop 2 feet and rocks would slide down past us.

And there I saw it...Camp Muir about 300' away. Just a little bit longer and I can take a little bit longer break! The other team members that had turned back had to stay at Camp Muir all day until we came back. As I'm walking up to Camp Muir, we hear cheers from our team members and clapping...congratulating us on making it to the top. They were all so proud of us.

I then darted for the port-a-potty, then packed up the rest of the stuff and after about a 20 minute break, we were told that we had to go down to Paradise. Maybe I thought we would get a little more than 20 minutes...but I was wrong.

It was now about 3:00pm and we headed down the Muir snowfields. Each step sent excruciating pain through my toes. I could have sworn that I would be losing pretty much every toe nail for the amount of pain I was experiencing. After just hiking 15 hours on top of the 5 hours from the day before...I had experienced exhaustion and pain like none other... but this was bad. This was worse. And it forced me to be behind the rest of the group because I physically couldn't keep up with their speed. Clint asked me what size foot I had and he said he was a size 9, and just so happened to have an extra pair of tennis shoes in his pack. He said once we made it down to the waterfall (about an hour ahead), I could switch into his shoes and use them the last hour down the trail. Another bonus was the fact that there were a couple man-made slides in the snow to slide down and take the pressure off my feet. Unfortunately I wasn't wearing waterproof pants, but a wet butt was better than walking on my feet at that point. Plus..it was fun.

Once I took my boots off at the waterfall...I realized that my feet had created a new definition of "stink". Wow. It was horrible...and I felt so bad putting those stinking, wet socks into Clint's shoes...but not bad enough not to. Even though walking was still painful, it wasn't nearly as bad as the pain from my boots.

About 45 minutes from the bottom...I realized I had to go to the bathroom yet again. So I grabbed Chad and asked for another blue bag. I later found out that the guides said that I should have received a "blue bag award" if there was one because I almost cleaned him out of them. Oh well. When you have to go, you have to go!

So I finally made it to the bottom at around 6:00pm and we piled into the van and headed back to basecamp. 22 hours of intense...gruling hiking.

I received a certificate from the guides stating that I successfully ascended to the peak of Mount Rainier. What an accomplishment. Everyone stayed back at the basecamp for beer and pizza, but I had to head back to the hotel in Tacoma because my friend Cassie had driven up from Portland to see me, and since it was 8:30pm by the time we turned in all of our equipment, I knew it would be almost 10:00pm by the time I rolled into Tacoma.

When I removed my shoes I noticed that the entire soles of both feet were one blister, I had bruises and sores on my feet that I didn't know you could get. My body ached; and I could barely walk. But by the next day, I was feeling pretty good. My blisters re-absorbed, however I had a terrible case of 'cankles' and swollen feet for about a week afterward.

Am I glad I did this? Yes! It really proves how much the human body can be put through..mentally and physically. I believe we made our goal of raising $8500 for the Leukemia and Lymphma Society, which is AMAZING. But would I do it again....no. It was by far the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life and I am not ready to sign myself up for that kind of torture any time soon. But yes...it was extremely rewarding and I am very glad that I did it.

Success!!

Last training session

Yesterday at noon, I trained with Reggie for my last workout before the big hike. We completed a whole body workout and I know I am ready for what is ahead. Again...the only thing that is making me "slightly" nervous is the altitude change. Because knowing my luck....I'll be the only one that will get altitude sickness. So I'm crossing my fingers that doesn't happen.

Today Mark and I are heading to REI for last minute items that we need and then all of us head to Washington tomorrow at 7:00am. Friday afternoon we are all going to pick up our rental equipment and make sure that everything is sized correctly and works. Then Saturday is a full day of fitness evaluation as well as learning the proper safety techniques. Sunday morning we start up the mountain and will spend the night at 10,000 ft at Camp Muir. Monday morning we will be rising at 12:30am and will continue our ascent up the mountain to the top [14,410 ft]. Then we make our way back down to base camp where we started the day before. That evening we plan on having a celebratory dinner and then on a flight back the following day at 1:00 pm.

It is hard to believe that it is already here. After 6 months of training...crazy. I will have pictures posted when I return.

Resting

So this weekend I spent Saturday and Sunday moving from Round Lake to Vernon Hills. In
80+ degree weather and what seemed like 95% humidity, it was quite a workout. The movers helped with the big things, and I did what I could to help out with what I could carry.

Yesterday I was pretty exhausted and decided to take Art's advice and catch up on some sleep. He had mentioned that a lesson learned from his previous experience was getting enough rest the week prior to the hike.

My plan from here on out is to rest tonight, complete a heavy workout tomorrow, small work out Thursday and then fly out Friday morning...7:00am to Seattle!!

I want to again thank all those who have supported me through this process. It has meant a lot to me.

3 days!!

Training with the Trainer

Yesterday trained with Reggie once again. We concentrated on a full body workout. Starting with legs, then to arms and finally to my core. I'll try my best at explaining this new exercise that was incorporated into the workout. Start off on your hands and knees. Then with a resistance band, put one end around your left hand and the other end around your right foot...then extend...at the same time....rrriigghhhtt. Trying to force that sucker on opposite ends, on opposite sides of the body AND try to balance. Well after a couple attempts I was able to do it with semi-success...but it was pretty difficult.

But I am pretty optimistic with everything. I can tell that my endurance is getting to where it is supposed to be.

A week from tomorrow we all take off to Washington...crazy!!

Weekend at Starved Rock

On Saturday July 21st the group met at Starved Rock for some camping and hiking. Some chose to pack their backpacks with items that will be needed during the actual hike, and others chose to keep the 40 lb weights in the packs. I chose to keep the 40 lbs in my pack because the majority of supplies I will be taking with the climb, I will be renting.

So we hiked a couple hours on Saturday afternoon and then met up at one of the campsites for dinner. Some chose to experiment with freeze dried meals of which the macaroni and cheese was a huge success. We also found out how much fun a "JetBoil" can bring to an event. Must say, it was a highlight for many of us. We tried to make this weekend close to what we will be experiencing during our official hike, and decided to crash early and then wake up early to hike a couple more hours the following morning.

We met again at Joe and Joe's campsite for breakfast and then headed out for hiking once again.

I believe we all have a good feeling about where we stand as far as our physical fitness and are pretty excited that the hike is just around the corner.

Feeling better...and the training continues

Last Thurday I met up with Reggie at the gym and he took me through a series of workouts to strengthen my core. A lot of work with free weights, aerobics bench, bosu balance ball, resistance bands and yoga moves. Once that was all done I completed some interval training on the treadmill for 20 minutes. This was after coming off from a week of being sick, so I needed to take it easy.

Rested the rest of the weekend and then I was off to Jacksonville, FL for work on Monday, so I focused on push-ups, resistance band training, lunges, and sit ups in my hotel room. The Hilton down there has a "Stay Fit Kit" from Gaiam, which I pulled out and used some of that equipment as well.

Rested on Tuesday and then yesterday trained with my 40 lb weighted pack on the stairmaster for 45 minutes at level 5. Took off my pack and finished up on the stairmaster for 10 minutes at level 8 and 5 minutes of cool down. I then completed three sets of 10 push ups with the medicine ball rolling from my right to left hand. I then took the bosu balance ball and attempted to balance smmooottthhlyyy on one foot while lifting a 6 lb medicine ball over my head and taking it in the opposite hand and repeating on the other foot. Yeah...I'm not smooth. But it worked my core...and that was my goal.

Two weeks from tomorrow!!

Day 3 [07/10/2007]....Sick...AGAIN!

So after pushing myself a bit further in my training, my body tells me...."oh no you didn't!!" I was planning on going up the Grouse Grind again on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC Canada, however I could barely swallow. I knew I was run down going into both previous hikes, but I thought I could get through it. So unfortunately I had to go to the doctor and get antiobiotics. Out of commission Tuesday and Wednesday. Now it is Thursday...and I'm feeling better, so I'll probably go to the gym and see what happens.

The Grouse Grind can not be duplicated in a gym setting. To be honest, I wasn't ready for it while I was doing it. The second time up was a lot better as the first time up all I was thinking was "WTF". The average time to hike up Grouse Grind is an hour and a half. First time up I did it in less than an hour, (no quite sure the exact time), took the SKY TRAM down with a couple of people I knew out there. (They opted to take the SKY TRAM up as well and drink a couple of beers while waiting for me to hike up the mountain...smart]. The second day it took me an hour and a half to go up and back down. [Although, hiking back down the trail is not advised due to the steepness of the mountain and the loose rocks. But when do I ever listen?]

My flight back to Chicago had a layover in Seattle, so I was able to see Mt Rainier in the distance. Intimidating?? Ahhhh...YEAH!!! What am I thinking?? ;) Well some may agree, I don't do much of that...thinking...that is....but those of you who do know me...know that I am one stubborn determined lady. Once I set my mind to something...I usually will get it done!

Three weeks away!!

Grouse Grind: Vancouver, BC - Day 2 [07/09/2007]

[7:00am...And up the trail I climb.]

Since when do I listen? :) Going back down the trail :)

Grouse Grind: Vancouver, BC - Day 1 [07/08/2007]

I'm still going

Tuesday I was still a bit sore from our group hike on Sunday, yet I still decided to meet with my trainer Reggie. Instead of working on my arms, he decided to work my legs and had me do some squats and lunges with 10 lb weights. Then after another series of leg exercises he finished off the legs by having me complete side steps with a resistance band the width of the gym...down and back. Once all that was done...on to some boxing. This time he threw in some Muay Thai kick boxing...which...I need some practice as I looked pretty rediculous trying to coordinate some of those moves in with the regular upper cuts and front punches.

I decided to take the fourth off from training and will be back at it after work today.

Waterfall Glen

Hike at Waterfall Glen

Yesterday the group met at Waterfall Glen for about a 10 mile hike. Needless to say...I'm finding it a little difficult to walk this morning. My hips are trying to forget the pain of carrying a 40lb pack on top of hiking 10 miles. Well I guess it is a good start to my rediculous increase in training I'm setting myself up for this last month. One more month...

With Work Travel Comes...

Well it has not been as easy as I had hoped staying to a routine while in Cincinnati for work the last two weeks. I will be heading back to the Chicago area tomorrow afternoon, however I can tell I need some work. With getting up and putting in a full day of training (of which is exhausting in and of itself), then completing work that was missed during the day because of training, on top of completing the "homework" for the training each day...and getting the proper rest, food and summit training on top of that. It has been very difficult and not very effective. It is coming up so quick, and I just need to make myself step up the game.

Interval Training

I have been trying to step up my work outs with interval training on the treadmill. Incline at 20% or higher at 2 minutes at a slow run, 1 minute recover, and then repeat for 20 minutes. It is rediculous...I'll tell you what. I worked with a new trainer, Therese, and she mentioned that I need to work on my breathing to help me with my endurance. Talk about multitasking...make sure my abs are tight, my breathings is on track, jog at an incline without falling off the treadmill...oh..and don't pass out or throw up. Right.....

I'm in Cincinnati for two weeks, so it I'm trying to stay at the same level of training with the limited equipment that the hotel offers. Trying to incorprate push ups, lunges and sit ups in my hotel room. This weekend I am going to try and find a trail that I can train on.

So there is light at the end of this tunnel!

So I finally broke past the stage of not seeing any progress. Well...obviously after 4 months there has been progress...but I finally feel like I am getting to a point where I can see past the pain and achieve a goal I set. I have been working on the stairmaster for the past couple weeks and have not been able to go past 30 minutes on the level I set. For some reason I was able to go for an hour [5 miles] and then run on the treadmill for a mile afterwards. So I'm finally starting to see the light. Two more months...I can't believe it!

Volo Bog

On Saturday I hiked 6 miles around the Volo Bog Forest Preserve with my weighted pack. My pace was pretty swift, however I was struggling with trying to figure out how to adjust my pack correctly. Out of the hundred different levels and pulleys this pack seemed to have...it was amazing it didn't come with a manual. Note to remember for future hikes...stretch the shins! My shins are killing me.

Link to donate online added

For those of you that would rather donate to the society via online, I have added the website that you can donate directly. You can find the link under my profile on the right side of the screen.

Hike at Volo Bog

Sunday May 6th, we met at Volo Bog for our group training hike. I still need to purchase a larger pack as I didn't make it to REI like I wanted to, so I put only about 10 lbs in my camelbak while mostly everyone else wore their new backpacks [some still had their tags on] and put 30-45 lbs in them. A pretty easy 3.5 mile hike total between the two trails, however the idea was just to get used to carrying a weighted pack. Volo Bog, lucky enough for me was only about 10 minutes down the road, where everyone else had to drive between 45 minutes to an hour and 10 minutes. It was very nice of everyone to make the drive up north so I didn't have to drive very far.

Boxing Day

This week we did not get a training schedule together, so I have been putting together workouts from my past training days for substitution.Been going pretty well. Yesterday Reggie took me through a difficult workout and then after that hour was completed he was like..."ok..now 20 minutes of boxing...I'll go get the gloves." (uhh...ok) So needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of that. Only three months left to go, and I still need to step up my game as far as endurance goes.

3 Day Summit Climb Itinerary

3 DAY SUMMIT CLIMB ITINERARY


DAY 1 (CLIMBING SCHOOL)

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Rainier BaseCamp facilities in Ashford open at 7:00 a.m. Climbers may register with Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., pick up rental equipment and purchase last minute items from Whittaker Mountaineering during this time. Pre-ordered trail lunches and meals may also be picked up at Whittaker Mountaineering.

8:00 a.m.
Final check-in. Team assembles in preparation for the day. Please arrive dressed for hiking, packed with your Climbing School gear, and ready to go!



We begin the morning with a welcome and introduction of team members and guides. Guides will offer some final packing and clothing suggestions, and answer any questions. We depart BaseCamp immediately following our initial preparation. Transportation is provided between BaseCamp and Paradise, where your training begins. The entire day is spent on the lower snow slopes of Mt. Rainier, just above Paradise between 6,000 and 6,600 feet.


Our Climbing School offers participants an overview of various techniques which help meet the challenges set forth by this magnificent mountain. It serves as a great introduction or as a refresher if you haven’t been in the hills for a while. You should find that our guides are excellent teachers relaying this information to you in an easy to understand manner. On this day you will be introduced to a number of skills, from the basic techniques of efficient mountain travel (rest-stepping and pressure breathing) through cramponing, roped travel, and ice axe arrest practices.

Our first priority is the safety of our participants. Participation in the Climbing School within the current season is required for joining our Summit Climb. During the School you will be asked to demonstrate that your fitness will allow you to climb safely, and that you are able to perform the new climbing skills proficiently. We will continue to assess each team member throughout the course of the training and the climb.

Following the day of training, the shuttle takes our group back to Rainier BaseCamp.

DAY 2 (SUMMIT CLIMB)

8:00 a.m.
Check-in at Rainier BaseCamp. Team assembles in preparation for the trip to Camp Muir.


Immediately following a short team preparation for today’s events, the shuttle departs for Paradise, and our Summit Climb begins.


Our Summit Climb takes place over the course of two days. On the first day we hike to Camp Muir, and on the second day we make the attempt on Mount Rainier and return to Ashford.

The hike from Paradise (5,400’) to Camp Muir (10,060’) is nearly 4.5 miles, and will take us most of the day. The hike travels through the spectacular alpine zone and onto the Muir Snowfield, named after John Muir who climbed the peak in 1888. The Snowfield is climbed for some 3,000 vertical feet, opening up grand vistas of the wooded lowlands and flanking glaciers. Groups typically climb for about an hour and then break for 10 to 15 minutes.

Once at Camp Muir, the climb leader will address the specifics regarding the rest of the climb, including route conditions, food, equipment, clothing recommendations, and any further questions you might have. Accommodations at Muir consist of a small mountain hut with bunks and sleeping pads. The Muir hut is locked during the climb, so items not needed for the summit bid may be left behind.

Early the following morning we don ropes, crampons, helmets, and grab our ice axes. Our route begins with a rising traverse across the Cowlitz Glacier, and ascends the steepening switchbacks of Cathedral Gap. This allows us to gain the Ingraham Glacier; one of the mountain’s largest and longest glaciers. We then climb onto the steep ridge known as Disappointment Cleaver, the namesake and physical crux of the route. The remaining slopes and hours are whittled away as we zig and zag through the many crevasses of the upper mountain. It is truly a spectacular climb, and one that you are likely to remember for a while to come. As we make our ascent, we climb steadily for one to two hours at a stretch followed by a 10 to 15 minute break.

The summit of Mount Rainier is spectacular. A large crater dominates the summit, with steam rising out of the cavernous summit vents. The bare ground near the summit will be warm to the touch. We always hope to cross the quarter-mile wide crater to stand on the high point of the mountain, Columbia Crest. At 14,410 feet, Mt. Rainier is the highest point in Washington. After spending some time on top (depending on the weather), we begin the descent to Camp Muir. This takes about half the time of the ascent, and also requires significant effort. (Accidents are traditionally recognized as more likely to occur on descents. Because of this, we ask that your training specifically includes preparations for descending. This will help ensure that your ability to safely descend is not compromised.) Once back at Camp Muir, the group will take a break to pack for the final hike down to Paradise. A shuttle will then take our group down to Rainier BaseCamp. We plan on arriving back at Ashford in the late afternoon or early evening. We will have a presentation of summit certificates and the summit climb will be officially completed.

The duration of the climb depends on many variables including snow conditions, the time of the year, the route conditions, the weather during our climb, the temperature, etc. Those variables often affect our arrival time to Ashford, which might vary dramatically from climb to climb. For this reason we do not recommend scheduling an airline flight before midnight on the last day of your climb.

Nice

On Sunday I was supposed to meet up with the group to train on a ski hill. We were supposed to pack 10 lbs in our pack, and be prepared for some great conditioning training. Now every other weekend, I try to sleep in, but I can't. For some reason.. I woke up and looked at the clock and it was 10:45am. I had 15 minutes to drive about 40 miles. Wasn't going to happen. I grabbed my backpack.. stuck my 10 lb medicine ball in the pack [well...it was 10 lbs :) ] and for 45 minutes I walked up and down the three flights of stairs in my apartment building. It was pretty nice out the rest of the day, so after my "pseudo-hike", I relaxed in the sun.

What won't kill ya, will only make you stronger

I ended up getting quite sick at the beginning of this month, which set me back a week. It was difficult to get motivated and back into the swing of things, but I am...slowly but surely. I am training with Reggie this afternoon to see if there are any areas I need to work on. The schedule says I should rest...but if you know me...I'm a rebel. I know...I don't want to "over do it"...but I guess I just want to make up for lost time from earlier this month. I will need to increase my food intake, as I have found that I am getting very tired throughout the day. So Reggie will also be critiquing that as well. As long as I can still enjoy ice cream from time to time...I don't care. :)

Group Training Schedule Week 2: 4/22 - 4/28

Rainier Climb Schedule, Week #2 April 22 through April 28

Sunday 4/22 - Hike #2 – 11:00 am Green Valley Forest Preserve, Pack weight 15 lbs

Monday 4/23 - Strength Training
Quadriceps – Wall Sits, @ 90 degrees, 3 sets each at 60 seconds
Calves – Heel Raises – 3 sets @ 15 – 20 reps each
Hamstring Curls – 3 sets @ 15-20 reps each
Abdominals – Crunches, 1 set 35 – 50 reps
Trunk Rotation – 1 set 20-30 reps
Chest – Push ups, 2 sets 20-40 reps
If able…Biceps/Triceps/Back – 2 sets @ 15-20 reps
Balancing Exercises
Stretch 10 minutes

Tuesday 4/24 – Aerobic Training
Running (0.5% grade) – 30 minutes
Or
Stairmaster – 30 minutes
Abdominals – Crunches – 1 set 35 – 50 reps
Trunk Rotation – 1 set 20 – 30 reps
Stretch 10 minutes

Wednesday 4/25 – Rest/Stretch
Warm up 10 minutes
Stretching & Balancing Exercises – 25 minutes

Thursday 4/26 – Strength Training
Quadriceps – Wall Sits, @ 90 degrees, 3 sets each at 60 seconds
Calves – Heel Raises – 3 sets @ 15 – 20 reps each
Hamstring Curls – 3 sets @ 15-20 reps each
Abdominals – Crunches, 1 set 35 – 50 reps
Trunk Rotation – 1 set 20-30 reps
Chest – Push ups, 2 sets 20-40 reps
If able…Biceps/Triceps/Back – 2 sets @ 15-20 reps
Balancing Exercises
Stretch 10 minutes

Friday 4/27 – Aerobic Training
Running (0.5% grade) – 35 minutes
Or
Stairmaster – 30 minutes
Abdominals – Crunches – 1 set 35 – 50 reps
Trunk Rotation – 1 set 20 – 30 reps
Stretch 10 minutes

Saturday 4/28 – Rest/Stretch
Warm up 10 minutes
Stretching & Balancing Exercises – 25 minutes

Group Training Schedule Week 1: 4/15 - 4/21

Rainier Climb Schedule, Week #1 April 15 through April 21

Sunday 4/15 Hike #1 – 11:00 am Fullersburg Woods, Pack weight 8-10 lbs
Seminar at REI at 1:00pm

Monday 4/16 Strength Training
Quadriceps - Wall Sits, @ 90 degrees, 3 sets each at 45 seconds
Calves - Heel Raises – 2 sets @ 15 - 20 reps each
Hamstring Curls, 2 sets @ 15 - 20 reps each
Abdominals – Crunches, 1 set 25 - 50 reps
Abdominals – Trunk Rotation Strengthening, 1 set 20-30 reps
Chest – 2 sets pushups, 20 – 40 reps
If able…Biceps /Triceps / Back, 2 sets each @ 15-20 reps
Balancing Exercises
Stretch 10 minutes

Tuesday 4/17 Aerobic Training
Running, outside or on treadmill (0.5% grade) 30 minutes
OR
Stairmaster, 30 minutes
Abdominals – Crunches, 1 set 25-50 reps
Abdominals – Trunk Rotation Strengthening, 1 set 20-30 reps
Stretch 10 minutes

Wednesday 4/18 Rest/Stretch
Warm up 10 minutes, 25 minutes Stretching & Balance Exercises

Thursday 4/19 Strength Training

Quadriceps -Wall Sits, @ 90 degrees, 3 sets each at 45 seconds
Calves - Heel Raises – 2 sets @ 15 - 20 reps each
Hamstring Curls, 2 sets @ 15 - 20 reps each
Abdominals – Crunches, 1 set 25 - 50 reps
Abdominals – Trunk Rotation Strengthening, 1 set 20-30 reps
Chest – 2 sets pushups, 20 – 40 reps
If able…Biceps /Triceps / Back, 2 sets each @ 15-20 reps
Balancing Exercises
Stretch 10 minutes
Friday 4/20 Aerobic Training
Running, outside or on treadmill (0.5% grade) 30 minutes
OR
Stairmaster, 30 minutes
Abdominals – Crunches, 1 set 25-50 reps
Abdominals – Trunk Rotation Strengthening, 1 set 20-30 reps
Stretch 10 minutes

Saturday 4/21 Rest/Stretch
Warm up 10 minutes, 25 minutes Stretching & Balance Exercises
Stretching and Balancing Exercises – Notes

See attached Novacare handout for basic stretches to start.
For the Quadriceps –

As in handout, best to do from a one-footed erect standing position,
holding other foot or ankle with one hand and pulling it back (up) toward buttocks. However,
stretch and balance achieved by solely using one leg for support and NOT leaning on wall for
balance. Nice trick – don’t always use same hand to stretch a leg. In other words, while standing
on left foot, hold right ankle/foot sometimes with right hand, sometimes with left. This will
require you to use different core muscles while balancing.

Additional Balancing Exercises –

Practice walking heel to toe in a straight line. This probably can be done relatively easily. Next,
try same thing with eyes closed. At least for me, it gets much more difficult. Practice this, at some
point you’ll be hiking on the mountain, maybe in pitch black if your headlamp fails (ask me, I’ve
been there) and you’ll appreciate spending a little time walking around the house heel to toe with
your eyes closed. Also, try it with shoes on and with shoes off.
Another balancing exercise to try this week is standing on one foot, simply holding other off the
ground using leg muscles. Not supporting yourself in any other way, now slowly bend your
supporting leg as far as you can under control, hold for a moment, and return to start. Depending
on your leg strength, this maybe easier or more difficult. Some may get a lot of bend, some may
only manage a little bend. No matter where you’re at right now, just work on improving to get
better. After you’ve managed to do this without support, try it with your eyes closed. It certainly
adds a little challenge.

April 02, 2007

Last week I was on my own for the majority of my training. I met up with Reggie on Thursday and he gave me a couple exercises to continue my conditioning on my legs. I have been told that once the legs are more conditioned, the burning goes away. But I'll believe it when it comes. Reggie made me complete lunges with weights around the entire perimeter of the basketball court. It was not fun.

I unfortunately wasn't able to attend the L&L charity group get together on Saturday as I had previously hoped. I had a friend come in from out of town, and so I had to miss it. Mark told me that they showed a video from the mountaineering group that is going to lead us up the mountain. Pretty intense they said. Our group training will begin this month where we will be meeting up at different locations in the area focusing on our conditioning.

Four months to go.

Excuse Me??

Some times I feel like Reggie intentionally makes me do workout moves to embarrass me, but if you know me...you would probably say that it is easy to do. In the back of my mind I'm thinking...this better help! But I guess I deserve it for how many times I smart off. I am starting to see promising results and feel a lot healthier than I did before this journey. I keep telling myself this is worth it. Power of positive thinking, right?

Progress

After a couple days off, I went back to the gym Monday and Tuesday for some training. The trainer has been good with "testing the waters" with my back to make sure he doesn't make me do something that may injure it more. It is better to have it rest for a couple days so it can fully heal, than push through the pain and injure it further. I feeling better and more confident these pass couple days. I want to also send a thank you to those who have thus far sponsored me in this charity event. Your donations, prayers and support are very appreciated and will help me complete this event successfully. THANK YOU!

Bummer

Last Thursday, my lower back felt different. Went to the gym, had my trainer look at it..and it has been strained. So he said that I couldn't do anything that day and if he saw me in the gym over the next couple days, he was going to kick me out. He wasn't messing around. He said that I needed to take it easy over the next couple of days to let it heal. Well that wasn't a problem since I couldn't even get out of bed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is starting to feel a bit better so hopefully I can get back into my training schedule. So frustrating!

About the Organization

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $483 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

"Can't" is a 4 letter word

On Thursday the 8th, I was given a leg workout that made me fall on my butt out of exhaustion, yet Reggie didn't give up on me. It is amazing how much the human body can push through when the mind is thinking "I Can't". Even though your vision starts to blur and you start hallucinating...you "CAN" do it. So that was the kind of encouragement I took out from that training session. Then yesterday [03/13/07] it was the arm/abs workout. My trainer said he was taking it easy on me the first couple of weeks, but now he was stepping it up. Easy?? hmm...i'd have to argue with that. But...I did get through this last session. He is confident that I will develop the skills to keep my body healthy and in shape and I will successfully reach the peak of Mount Rainier in August.

The Charity Team is getting together for the Charity Kick Off on Saturday March 31. April is just around the corner...and that is when the intense training will begin. From there we have 4 months of training before the big event. I am getting pretty excited and I just pray that I will not get burnt out and will not get injured before then.

Improving

On Tuesday, my training started off with 20 second intervals on the treadmill at a high incline and a quick pace. I would sprint on my toes 20 seconds on, 20 seconds of rest, 20 seconds on and so on. We did this for a couple minutes...it was not fun. Then he let me spar against him for a while with some boxing gloves. I think I must have been coming down with something because I felt nauseous the entire time and the next day I was sick all day. I am still eating right and making sure my body is getting enough sleep. I do believe the Glutamine he has me taking has helped with the recovery time; as I am not nearly as sore after my workouts as I was at the beginning.

I believe the entire team has purchased their plane tickets. And the next step is finding the appropriate gear and equipment that is needed for this adventure. If anyone knows of any businesses that offers discounts on climbing merchandise or may be willing to sponsor this event for our team, please let me know.

Nice

On Thursday Reggie took me through a normal full body workout. Nothing too intense..but I was able to prove to myself that I am, indeed, improving. On Friday, for some reason, I decided to spend an hour on the elliptical machine. I was zoned out the entire time. I guess I had a lot on my mind.

Keep Going

So I met with Reggie again last Friday and yesterday [Tuesday]. I'm not sure if "feeling the burn" is a good thing. Am I improving? I sure hope so. On Friday he had me do, what he called, "Reverse push ups" on this bar. He said go... and I was like I am going! I know...more work to do. He told me to get a workout journal so that he can put in what types of programs he has given me to do, so that in a couple months I will be able to do all of them on my own.

Yesterday I met with Reggie again. His primary focus was working on my arms. Luckily I stretched afterwards or I am sure it would have been quite painful getting dressed this morning. When I am not working with the trainer, I have been told to complete 35 minutes of cardio. staying within my fat burning heart rate, and then 10 minutes of cool down staying in the lower section of my fat burning heart rate. I also need to try to stay 2 minutes [center] and 1 minute on each side of the "plank" move. The center position has proven to be quite difficult as my core lacks the strength needed to stay in the position for 2 minutes. I am at 45 seconds and my arms give out.

Some members of the team have found it difficult to find inexpensive flights from Chicago to Seattle. So we are still on the lookout for either group deals or specials. Hopefully we will find something soon.

Blading

Yesterday Mark J. [a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Charity Climb] and I decided to head up to Devil's Head Ski Resort just north of Madison, WI to ski blade and snowboard. The wind was a bit cold, but the sun was out, which helped a bit. If I closed my eyes I almost convinced myself I was blading in Grand Targhee...[almost :) ].

Beginning

I have 5 months and 19 days left to train for climbing Mount Rainier. I completed my fitness evaluation at X Sport Fitness in Libertyville, IL last Thursday and realized I have some work to do. I began seeing a trainer Reggie that Friday and he isn't going to cut me any slack. I could barely move that Saturday. When I sneezed, coughed, laughed...my abs felt like they were going to rip apart. I took a break that weekend and started up with Reggie this past Tuesday. He put together a circuit training program for me that day and after a couple minutes I could already tell it was working. And now today, the third day of training, Reggie let me take out some aggression through boxing. It is up to me to complete some cardio work for Friday and Monday before our session next Tuesday, February 20th, 2007. I am really fortunate to have this opportunity to not only push myself physically into great shape, but raise money for a great cause.