Gathering Gear, Gathering Strength

My excitement is building each day, as I steadily heal from my bout with pneumonia and prepare for my upcoming trip on the Appalachian Trail, where I plan to run about 400 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge Mountains.  I feel somewhat trepidatious departing after such an illness, but I have faith that the time of rest has given me time to make sure I am well prepared for my journey.

My plan is simple:  I will be self-supported, carry all my necessary gear and food, and stop to resupply or stay in hotels about every other day.  I plan to average about 35-40 miles per day, with wiggle room planned in case of weather or a necessary rest day.

Because the terrain can be tough in the Appalachians, and because I want to keep my pack weight down to a minimum, I am being extremely meticulous about what I bring.  I thought it would be fun to share my gear list, to give a better idea of how to "flashpack" through the wilderness, safely, and without breaking the bank! (I've included what I paid for each piece of gear)

First, food:  I plan to bring 2 lbs of nuts and dried fruit per day; resupplying along the way.  I will never be carrying more than 2 days worth of food, as resupply stops are frequent.  I won't be cooking, so no cookware, dried meals, or stove will be needed.  I know I'll crave fresh food and high calorie stuff when I arrive in towns, and hope to stay as plant based as possible... but seeing as it's the south, and I'll be ravenous, I will likely give myself some wiggle room.  

So, here is my GEAR LIST:

Sleep system:

Backpack:  Gregory Jade 28 Pack 2 lb 8 oz- $149.00

Bivy Sack:  MSR E-Bivy- 9 oz - $55.00 (closeout sale)

Sleeping Bag:  World Famous Sports GLITE 40 degree bag 1 lb 6 oz- $20.00

Sleeping Pad:  Thermarest Prolite Sm- 11 oz- $60.00

Clothing:

Jacket:  Mountain Hardware Youth Jacket (not sure of model)- 12 oz

Black Thermal Tights- 2 oz

Lightweight Thermal- 2 oz

Lightweight Poncho- 4 oz
hat, thin gloves, extra socks- 4 oz
the rest I'll be wearing

Other Gear:
Energizer headlamp and extra batteries
iphone and charger
water bladder and extra water bottles
iodine tablets
maps
zip-lock bags
toothbrush and toothpast
total- 10 oz (this is an estimate)

Total, that will mean carrying 7 lb 4 oz total without water or food.  With food and water, I'm hoping my pack will never be beyond 15 lbs. at the maximum.

An old picture of backpacking on the Lost Coast in California.

With many of the logistics taken care of, I can now simply daydream about the trip and rest up with Netflix and a good book, letting my body prepare for the challenge ahead.

Down for the Count, but Coming Back Stronger

So, I've been totally out of the game with pneumonia for the past few weeks, and am finally starting awaken to the world around me.  

I have been hesitating on posting, as I felt somewhat at odds with how to reconcile being so sick with my dedication to health and wellness; like... I must have done something wrong!!  Gasp!

And partly, I did dig myself into this particular grave.  I got a terrible chest flu/ cold after starting work at the dinner, (my theory is chemical exposure, but don't pass that on to management!) and tried to push my way through being sick, trying to heal through soup and pure will power, instead getting necessary rest and recovery time.

I pretended I wasn't sick; continued to work and train, and even decided to go ahead and try to compete in the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii in the beginning of June.  Maybe not such a great idea.

I DNF (did not finish) for the first time in a race, as I didn't make the swim cut-off time- I simply had no energy, and I couldn't breathe right, as I got easily out of breath or started coughing mid-swim.

I wept as I got out of the water, knowing that I hadn't made the time with my poor swim performance, and my dreams of completing the my first half Ironman faded into the day.  On the bright side, I enjoyed cheering
on my fellow athletes; taking in the fantastic accomplishments of my friends.

Two days later, after going to work again the next day, I was in bed with a high fever, went to the doctor and found out I had pneumonia.  Lesson learned:  Sometimes pushing through has serious consequences.

Reba shared in the "sad on the couch" experience.

In the past three weeks, I have been sicker than I have ever been before, coughing so much it's led to nausea and even bruised ribs. To cope, my time has been spent watching movies, napping, and living on a diet of soup, stir fry's, vegan ice cream (gotta have comfort!), and lots of tea and juice.  Not exactly the pretty picture of health and outdoor fitness that I typically enjoy.

Weeks later though, and I'm healing, and day by day feeling more like myself.  I'm still resting up for the most part, but also getting out and taking long walks, easy bike rides around town, and even going for a short jog this morning.

I'm also taking the time to make last minute preparations for my running trip on the Appalachian Trail.  Knowing that I have a 400 mile journey in the wilderness of the mountains has been a gift; I've kept my mental balance without running physically, just knowing I have this experience coming up.

Overall, getting pneumonia and the trip coming up is a great reminder that everything is temporary.  We may be injured, sick, or hindered by circumstances, but there is always tomorrow.  Taking the time to fully recover, I'm finding peace in knowing I'm doing the right thing for my body.  Every being from plants to animals to us humans goes through periods of dormancy or illness, and with the right conditions, we all bloom again, gaining strength from rest.

Drinking Green Smoothies at the Diner

Confession time:  I'm recently took a job working at a corporate chain restaurant; let's call it Andy's.  Yes, I am environmental educator by background; yes, I am a nature nut/ vegan long distance runner and athlete, and I work at Andy's.

I just moved to my new digs in Oahu with the purpose of entering graduate school in Botany.  Here's the thing; I need to pay the bills; feed myself and feed my dog.  Additionally, I enjoy a lifestyle where going on running trips and traveling to races is non-negotiable.  These races and trips are my joys, and I will move mountains to make them happen.

What led me to this work?  A friend had mentioned they loved the Andy's in Waikiki, and as I scoffed at the time, when I peeked my head in, I noticed it was jammed packed and people all looked HAPPY (including the servers!).  Perhaps there is something else that is drawing me to the restaurant; like rubber necking as you pass a car accident.  It's horrific, but you can't help wanting to see.

I realize that I am different.  I subsist on a plant based, now totally locally grown diet.  I make my own nut milk.  I feed my dog sweet potatoes, oatmeal and fresh fish.  After a long workout, I crave a spirulina smoothie or a giant salad with lentils, sprouts and avocado.  I wash my plastic bags.  And to a certain degree, I think this puts a barrier between me and others.

If I am not careful, I find myself with a serious superiority complex.  I take immaculate care of my health; I avoid foods and products that harm others (fair trade, without dangerous pesticides, local etc.), animals (I choose vegan, but have not always been so), and the environment (I choose to support farms where they take care of their soil and add to global carbon reduction).

I believe living this way and spreading these ideas is a good thing; in fact a solution to many problems that we as a nation are now facing; diabetes, heart disease, obesity, global warming, and even economic inequality.

I also realize that change is difficult, and the fact is, many people don't want to change.  Many people simply want Andy's.  Even though they may know that it is bad for their health, that it might be causing them to live a shorter or painful life, they still want Andy's.  It provides them with happiness in the moment; a large plate of good tasting comfort for an affordable place.  I don't think there is anything wrong with taking comfort in a meal; I do however think there is something seriously wrong with the amount and what is going into the food.

Who am I to judge my fellow human; we are all following our desires and doing our best to keep our families well fed and taken care of.  I am hoping that embarking on my 30 day challenge to eat local, along with fulfilling the dream of the teaching farm, along with working right in the middle of our world of poor dietary choices will open my eyes and mind.

Any yup, I bike or run to work and I bring my green smoothies and stir-fries as I watch training videos on up-selling the dessert and appetizer menu.

Local Food, Local Rides and Runs

Today is Day 3 of my local food challenge; where I consuming only Hawaiian grown foods, and it started with a beautiful and easy 5 mile run along the Ala Moana canal.  Of course, after a long ride yesterday and a quick run this morning, I am HUNGRY!

The local food challenge is proving both easy and tough for me.  Because of the amazing produce in Hawaii, I already eat a pretty local diet; consisting of fruit and oatmeal in the mornings, big salads in the mid-day, snacks of bars, nuts, and smoothies, and a dinner of stir fry or sweet potatoes with beans and grains.  Now, I'm cutting out the grains, produce and processed foods from overseas.

Like most of us, I have been accustomed to my habits and routines; the flax or hemp-seeds in my shakes, the rice vinegar in my salad, the oats, the wheat, the dried beans from the store.  Now, I am intentionally focusing on just the produce grown here, and without living on a farm; I'm having to seek out all my favorite fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains.

So far, I've made some pretty excellent food; big salads with local greens, string beans, avocado, beets and sprouts; stir fry dishes with sweet potato, tomatoes, herbs and macademia nuts and some amazing smoothies with mango, banana, spirulina, kale, and raw cocoa nibs.   

Yesterday, on a long 50 mile bike ride up to the North Shore, I happened upon a cafe on an old sugar plantation that was making fresh squeezed sugar cane juice.  WOW!  The perfect drink to carry me through my return trip home.  Along with a plethora of bananas and macadamia nuts, I've been pretty satisfied.  In fact, feeling nicely energized today (of course this could be because of the coffee and chocolate shake I recently consumed!)

The best new discovery the local food challenge has brought me is POI:  a starch made from ground up taro plant, water and salt.  I had never ventured into the world of poi until embarking on this challenge, and turns out I have been missing out!  I love the creamy root vegetable, either on it's own or mixed into stir-fry's.  Next project: Poi pancakes and Poi burgers!

The biggest barrier I'm coming across is not using the items in my pantry or imported condiments.  I am a big salad and bread person.  So, not eating bread has already been tough... I keep stopping myself from ducking in somewhere to order a bagel or toast!  

Dressings for salads so far are beet juice and mashed avocado; but I have broken down and comprimised a few times by throwing a dash of this or a splash of that in my salads.  No need for perfection here; but I'm definitely interested in finding alternatives that are grown or produced right here.  The reality is, as costs of imported food rises; I'm interested in how to support one's-self with as much locally grown food as possible.

  The big question is: will I feel better in the process?  

30 Days of Local Food

Yesterday, I wrote about my need to follow my instincts and live my dreams.  I resolved to work on the outdoor school I am developing, and to act in the here and now to create foods from the earth with as little harm as possible.

The first step in my personal actions is to embark on a local food challenge.  

I have thought about making the plunge into a diet based solely on locally grown food since I moved to Hawaii, and I figure there is no time like the present.

So from today until 30 days from now I will subsist on Hawaiian grown plants- fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and grains.  Here are the guidelines:

• I will only purchase Hawaiian grown plant foods as stated above.  That means no processed or shipped from mainland foods.

• My consumption will by 90% locally grown food; allowing for the occasional slip-up or using up some ingredients in my fridge that would otherwise go to waste.  (in other words the equivalent of 2 meals per week)

• I will track my expenditures and anything left-over money I save, I will donate to the local school garden programs.

Sounds simple enough.  Mind you, this is day one.  Naturally, I need to keep up my training and strength for upcoming races; my hope is that cleaning up and subsisting on even more local foods will benefit my recovery and performance!

Why am I doing this?  There is a long history of Hawaiian people subsisting on the bountiful and fertile lands here.  Now, Hawaii ranks 2nd in the nation for Diabetes and Obesity rates, with a 8.3 percent of the population living with Diabetes.*  With imported and fast foods a staple of the Hawaiian diet, it is difficult to believe we live in a paradise of fresh nutrient rich foods.  I'd like to demonstrate how we can return to health and wellness through the plants all around us.

*Statistics from the 2012 Hawaii Health Statistics: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/HI

A New Challenge

"Some may say I'm a dreamer, 

but I'm not the only one.  

I hope one day you will join us, 

and the world can live as one." - John Lennon

A lot has been going through my mind lately as I transition into a new home and life in Oahu.  I am closely evaluating my habits, routines, values and actions, perhaps because the mirror is sometimes strongest during times of change.

And what I've been thinking about is this:  

How to follow my instincts and intuitions and to live my dreams.

Okay, this is a bit crunchy granola for some readers, but I do believe in the power of following our bliss; embracing our inner guide, honing our thoughts to create the life we want.

Sure, we might not right away think: I want to be a millionaire and have than manifest right away; but we may concentrate our efforts in life in accruing wealth, and through follow through and attitude, attain that wealth.

For me, there is this nagging THING.  This thing I keep feeling like I forgot to do.  For me, it is "Wildstar Farm and Folkschool"; starting an outdoor school.

For the past 10 years, I have seen this school as a culmination of all my joys and passions; a way to give back to others, to give to the earth and to give to myself.  

Interns working on building a solar shower as our first class on grey water at the farm.

Besides serving at risk youth as an alternative schooling with job training, team building and land based learning, the school would offer classes and workshops on farming, wilderness skills, botanical topics, herbal healing, yoga, trail running, you name it!  

I love this vision, and have drawn it, written about it, and finally 2 years ago, started it.  I found a piece of land to rent, I wrote up class schedules, I recruited board members and started a 501c3 non-profit organization, "Wildstar Farm and Folkschool."  

After the pilot season, the lease on the land went unsigned, I gave Wildstar a rest and I followed my bliss to Hawaii to train and focus on personal happiness.  Now, I am intent on seeing the vision through and remaining happy in Hawaii.  I want both!  I am intent on creating personal actions that benefit the wider goal of re-starting the farm school.

I suppose I feel the need, ever increasing, to take my disparagement about what I see around me and do something about it.  So, I'm challenging myself to do two things!

1)  I'm "working on the farm" again:  I'm putting together proposals and applying for grants to revive the vision and re-start the farm in California (possibly in Hawaii too!)

2)  I am "living my dream" by growing plants, cooking and creating foods from locally grown sources and sharing this with others (you!).     

Who doesn't love a challenge?!  

New Island, New Home, New Runs and Tired Legs

Last week, I moved to busy Honolulu from the Big Island and the transition has been; well, a transition.  Events and emotions have been a bit of a roller coaster.  I arrived on the plane to face delays of the late electric company, bumper to bumper traffic and the stresses of a job hunt.  I also found a roommate, a futon, a farmers market and two natural food stores in my first few days.

Fortunately, there is running.

The very first morning in Oahu, I climbed Koko Head, a challenging climb up to the top of a mountain on old railway ties.  The morning light was gorgeous and my legs felt strong.

As the week flowed on, I attempted to stick to my normal training schedule; swimming in the ocean on Thursday, a day off on Friday, a long ride on Saturday and a long run on Sunday.

The view from partway through my Saturday ride on the southern coast of Oahu.
GROUNDING

Of course with moving boxes and furniture up three flights of stairs along with the stresses of a rental van, finding food, and necessities and lack of sleep; I had to make some serious adjustments to match my dwindling energy levels.

I cut my Saturday ride short, and allowed for a much slower than normal pace on my Sunday run.  This felt somewhat discouraging with my half Ironman race coming up in three weeks.  And, I'm realizing the need to be grateful for what I have been accomplishing.

The "Heavy Breathers" Saturday ride group.  Sounded like just my pace!

Two things have helped with tremendously with this transition; community and grounding food.  I joined up with a group for my Saturday ride; helping me not only navigate the traffic, but giving me support and encouragement which I might not give myself.

As far as finding my healthy veggies and fruit to sustain and ground me, I sought out farmers markets right away, and left with $30 worth of beautiful Hawaiian grown sustenance.

GRATEFUL