Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision. - Muhammad Ali
When I first started fundraising and planning the trip to Alaska I didn't imagine what a challenge it would be. Physically it was a challenge because I didn't train well. Yes I've ran other marathons, but when life gets in the way...well people cope the best they can. Each time a brick wall was placed in front of me I started thinking what would my aunt say? She would have told me to push forward. But I admit there were many times I wanted to quit, but it's not in me to quit.
My aunt Andrea passed away a year ago on 6/18/2010. When I saw that the Alaska marathon would be ran on the anniversary of her death I knew I would do this race in her memory. I know she was with me every step of the way.
A quick recap of my trip.
Alaska Day 1 6/15: My day was filled with shopping, munching on a reindeer dog, and we went on the search for Sarah Palin. You betcha' we did! Oh and can't forget...our first night hanging out at Humpy's.
Alaska Day 2 6/16: Early in the morning we went on a quick trip to the Anchorage Museum. More shopping and then the rest of the team arrived a little later and then we were off to Moose's Tooth for for some awesome pizza. Then of course another trip back to Humpy's.
The best part about all the "shopping" I did was this cute owl beanie hat. Because honestly that was the only thing I NEEDED to have and really all I purchased. hahah...
Alaska Day 3 (6/17): More sight seeing more window shopping and our inspiration dinner.
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At every inspiration dinner I tell myself...don't cry..don't cry. I cry because I know what I am doing is making a difference. I am so happy I got to share this experience with some amazing people.
Alaska Day 4 (6/18): Marathon Day.
My most amazing friend ever. Audrey Duffy.
The full marathoners had to be up an hour earlier than the half marathoners. Our race didn't start until 8 am so we met up at 5:45 am in the lobby of our hotel. YEAH talk about sleeping in! Audrey met us down in the lobby to wish us all a great race. She truly is incredible.
Check out the smiles on our faces. L - R Elisabeth, AL, me, and Rachelle. Here we are before the race. Whose afraid of 26.2 miles...not us. haha I'm smiling because I'm ready. Ready or not here I come. :D
The course was amazing!!! Anchorage was beyond beautiful. The weather was perfect. Check out the blue skies. Jealous yet?
Here are a few pictures taken by the course photographers.
Alot of people laugh when I say the best thing to do after a marathon is to go dancing. No really. So here is the proof of the dancing after the marathon.
I always say, and will continue to say it, Alaska Mayor's Marathon is the best Team in Training experience ever. Just ask anyone that has ever done this event. I am still smiling. I love hearing Mark's view on it all. When he talks about our trip he is all smiles. It really was a great getaway. I'm ready to plan our next trip.
Alaska Day 5 (6/19): Excursion to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
First stop. Bird point. The sign said: What's the Point? Bird Point is a place to reflect and enjoy.
Look at the beautiful scenery. Really enjoyed this place, so much that I can't wait to go back.
And now off to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
I love this picture of my friend Al. We were inside a cabana and I clicked a picture of her taking pictures. Hi Al. :D
And then here is my Mark, enjoying the view.
A moose. Up close and personal.
Hugo the bear. Kind of glad there was a fence between us. I was intrigued and amazed but yes I am scared of bears.
The bald eagle. So beautiful, words can not describe.
More bear cubs.
Then off back to Anchorage and off the the Farmers Market.
Lets just say...the furs were interesting.
I did at one point try on a fur coat, just to say I tried one on. I felt a little...lets just say fur coats are not for me.
I did love this tea pot wind chime. I could totally see the ourside of my house having a couple of these. :D I wish I would have taken a picture of the most amazing Halibut taco I had. Truly amazing. I want to go back now. Just a couple of more days please.
