tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29121150239221206722024-03-13T15:21:05.103-04:00High Peaks Hiker - Kilimanjaro training blogA long-distance runner and Adirondack / Catskills hiker trains to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-78708340675613387112014-08-02T19:00:00.000-04:002014-08-02T19:00:02.744-04:00Trail notes from Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day 6 - 7<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Trail notes from Kilimanjaro
Machame Route – Day 6 -7</h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqwggDcCg6s/U9aX2GTRhXI/AAAAAAAAA4M/CD4vsxgVc7c/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqwggDcCg6s/U9aX2GTRhXI/AAAAAAAAA4M/CD4vsxgVc7c/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
by
Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
climbed Mt.Kilimanjaro with <a href="http://www.serengetipridesafaris.com/Pages/default.aspx">Serengeti Pride
Safari</a> in July 2014. Here are some tips from my hiking experience.</div>
<br />
After a nap and meal, we set off from Barafu to hike past Millenium to Mweka camp for our last night. The hike took us back into the land of plants and thicker air. I didn't know how I was going to hike for four more hours when I first returned from the summit, but a nap and meal made everything feel possible.<br />
<br />
I luckily had no knee pain.<br />
<br />
We traded email addresses over dinner and enjoyed sharing our plans for the first things we would do when we returned to Arusha. <br />
<br />
On the last day, we got up extra early and hiked 3 1/2 hours to the Mweka gate. It started raining halfway through the hike, so we used raingear and pack covers.<br />
<br />
Porters will be RUNNING down this section of the mountain, so be careful and stay left.<br />
<br />
The entire hiking party must be present when signing out, so make sure you know where all your hiking mates are. The line can get quite long mid-morning.<br />
<br />
There are people who will sell you soft drinks and beer as well as clean your boots and gaiters.<br />
<br />
There is a wait for the official certificates, so make sure you have snacks if you get hungry before lunch.<br />
<br />
Everyone was happy, even with the rain! Watching the trucks maneuver around the parking lot reminded me of India. <br />
<br />
We tipped the porters before we left Mweka camp and I tipped my guide when I got my certificate. Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-65679264474016812342014-08-01T19:00:00.000-04:002014-08-01T19:00:01.059-04:00Trail notes from Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day 6<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Trail notes from Kilimanjaro
Machame Route – Day 6</h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_AkMaAcmIA/U9aX2lbf8sI/AAAAAAAAA4I/1FsZVsh3lJI/s1600/photo%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_AkMaAcmIA/U9aX2lbf8sI/AAAAAAAAA4I/1FsZVsh3lJI/s1600/photo%25288%2529.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
by
Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
climbed Mt.Kilimanjaro with <a href="http://www.serengetipridesafaris.com/Pages/default.aspx">Serengeti Pride
Safari</a> in July 2014. Here are some tips from my hiking experience.</div>
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Summit
night: Barafu to Uhuru</h3>
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I
woke up before midnight and it took a
full half hour to put on my hiking gear and get ready before breakfast. Do not
let yourself be rushed! </div>
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No one had much of an appetite but I appreciated the
hot food. </div>
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We started off very slowly walking through camp. The sight of
headlamps snaking their way up the mountain let me know that it was our summit
night and made me feel like a part of a larger group. Later on in the hike, I
looked back down and saw the headlamps below us. I used the headlamp line to
get a sense of where our hike was going throughout the night. </div>
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The
middle hours of the hike were discouraging. I felt exhausted and my heart was
pounding. My thoughts and interior monologue were dulled and I felt like I was
barely surviving. I decided to never hike again in those hours, until I
remembered the Star Trek TNG episode ‘<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708782/">Tapestry,</a>’ where Jean Luc Picard sees how
his life would have ended up if he hadn’t gotten into a bar fight when he was
young. I decided that this climb was my bar fight, and I summiting would be my
success. </div>
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I
was dressed well and didn’t feel cold. In fact, my face was exposed and event
my nose never felt cold. I would pull my balaclava up over my chin when it got
windy. </div>
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I
never had a headache or nausea and never breathed too fast or shallow. </div>
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Once the sun
came up, I was amazed to see the number of hikers that were clearly suffering
along the side of the trail. I never felt any sickness from the altitude. </div>
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I
used 2 liters of water on summit night. I put one liter in my Camelback and
kept drinking every few minutes until the tube froze a few hours into the hike.
I knew the tube would freeze, but having constant access to water during the
first part of the hike was important. I switched to Nalgene bottles covered
with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PLU7RI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">insulators</a>. Our guide recommended that we carry our bottles upside down in
our packs so the ‘bottom’ of the water bottle would freeze and we would still
be able to drink water from the top. Because of the insulator, my bottles never
froze. </div>
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Urinating
and drinking water at a rest break is exhausting. I concentrating on just resting
on our third break of the hike and felt better when I resumed hiking. </div>
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Listening
to empowering fast paced music really changed my attitude and unlocked energy. </div>
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Concentrating
on holding on until the dawn helped me through the night. The sunrise raised my
spirits and I knew that the summit was near, even though I had an hour and a
half of hiking left. </div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-5286005153182472562014-08-01T07:00:00.000-04:002014-08-01T07:00:04.254-04:00Trail notes from Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day 5<br />
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Trail notes from Kilimanjaro
Machame Route – Day 5</h2>
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<br /></div>
<br />
by
Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
climbed Mt.Kilimanjaro with <a href="http://www.serengetipridesafaris.com/Pages/default.aspx">Serengeti Pride
Safari</a> in July 2014. Here are some tips from my hiking experience.</div>
<br />
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</div>
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Karanga to Barafu</h3>
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My temper got short and I had easily hurt feelings. Luckily, I had my husband to listen to my troubles and I realized it was a combination of altitude and being far away from home with new people around. </div>
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The trail was hot and dusty. I took my time and made the final ascent quite slowly to not overwhelm myself. </div>
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The mountaintop seems close from here! </div>
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<br /></div>
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We slept and had dinner and tried to sleep again. I have been having vivid nightmares for a few nights now and sleep felt like a drug-induced state. </div>
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We camped right at the end of the trail. The camp itself is long and uphill from the end of the trail. The hikers that made the trek to sign in at the rangers station found the additional walking quite discouraging, likely due to the altitude. </div>
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</div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-61542572252102886662014-07-31T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-31T19:00:02.377-04:00Trail notes from Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day 4<h2>
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<![endif]-->Trail notes from Kilimanjaro
Machame Route – Day 4</h2>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTdaQCfy8tQ/U9aX13hsfkI/AAAAAAAAA38/bxc7IS_pMAM/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTdaQCfy8tQ/U9aX13hsfkI/AAAAAAAAA38/bxc7IS_pMAM/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
by
Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
climbed Mt.Kilimanjaro with <a href="http://www.serengetipridesafaris.com/Pages/default.aspx">Serengeti Pride
Safari</a> in July 2014. Here are some tips from my hiking experience.</div>
<br />
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Barranco
to Karanga</h3>
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By
the time we got to Barranco camp, my nose was sunburnt and my nails were dirty. </div>
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I
wore pantyliners and changed them daily and took a baby wipe with me to the
restroom. I used the water we were given in the morning and evening to wash my
face. I even put my feet in the bowl a few times! I used baby wipes to wash my
body. </div>
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I
started to feel sensitivity where my sports bra covered the side of my body
because I wasn’t used to wearing a sports bra 24 hours a day, but I didn’t have
any redness or rash. </div>
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I
stored my toothbrush and toothpaste with my pills in my “pharmacy” bag and took
it to breakfast and dinner. I used a cup of warm water to brush my teeth after
dinner and my fellow hikers quickly followed suit. The other option was to
brush our teeth in the cold darkness outside our tent. </div>
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My
gaiters did an excellent job of keeping stones out of my boots and keeping the
bottoms of my pants clean through multiple wearings. </div>
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I
took some napkins from the Zoey’s Double Hex in Manchester,
VT and put one in my pocket each day for
blowing my nose. The napkins worked well but my nose was getting raw from all
the blowing. </div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-31796099754528419452014-07-30T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-30T19:00:01.672-04:00Trail notes from Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day 3<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Trail notes from Kilimanjaro
Machame Route – Day 3</h2>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2QidqQOI3Q/U9aX1rC1KXI/AAAAAAAAA34/WKZB7R1NP-g/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2QidqQOI3Q/U9aX1rC1KXI/AAAAAAAAA34/WKZB7R1NP-g/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
by
Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
climbed Mt.Kilimanjaro with <a href="http://www.serengetipridesafaris.com/Pages/default.aspx">Serengeti Pride Safari</a> in July 2014. Here are some tips from my hiking
experience. </div>
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<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shira
Camp to Lava Tower
and Barranco Camp</h3>
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It
was a windy night at Shira camp. I
saw the glaciers glowing in the moonlight<b>.</b>
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<br /></div>
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I
tried a new technique for handling peeing at night – I stayed awake for an hour
in my tent, then went to the bathroom and was able to sleep through the rest of
the night. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Due to the decrease in temperature, I wore an extra layer to bed. I wore a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_sporting-goods?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Buff&node=3375251">Buff</a> over my ears. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I
found peeing to be exhausting. I felt like I had to ‘push’ more to urinate. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Next time, I
would pack more pairs of lightweight gloves and an absorbent hand towel. I was
using my sleeping gloves during the daytime and would have been more
comfortable with separate pairs to keep my sleeping kit clean. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Swahili-Conversational-Understand-Pimsleur-Language/dp/0743598881/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406312047&sr=8-1&keywords=pimsleur+swahili">Pimsleur </a>tapes have really helped with my Swahili. My nickname on the mountain was ‘Swahili Woman’ and my porter's nickname was ‘Pombe Tatu’ after my recurrent
joke about wanting three beers. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Our
cook ‘Frank the Tank’ is amazing! The food is plentiful, delicious and there
are different dishes for those with food allergies. The soup is the best! </div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-17878531033177802732014-07-29T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-29T19:00:00.035-04:00Trail notes from Kilimanjaro Machame Route – Day 2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Trail notes from Kilimanjaro
Machame Route – Day 2</h2>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIlVnQOtmOY/U9aX0XG_UHI/AAAAAAAAA3k/tEDQzsc1nK4/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIlVnQOtmOY/U9aX0XG_UHI/AAAAAAAAA3k/tEDQzsc1nK4/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
by
Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
I
climbed Mt.Kilimanjaro with <a href="http://www.serengetipridesafaris.com/Pages/default.aspx">Serengeti Pride Safari</a> in July 2014. Here are some tips from my hiking
experience. <br />
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<br /></div>
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Machame
Camp to Shira Camp</h3>
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<br /></div>
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The
plant life is amazing and the night sky was incredible. I saw the Milky Way! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I
discovered my new favorite drink on the mountain – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nestle-Milo-Chocolate-14-Oz/dp/B001IUZPME/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406312263&sr=8-2&keywords=milo">Milo</a>,
sugar and hot milk. A porter would come and serve us tea or coffee in our tent
shortly after the wake up call. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I
had to adjust to drinking plenty of water – I got a slight headache in the
afternoon but it went away after I focused on drinking and had lunch. </div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-86496023484258193262014-07-28T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-28T19:00:03.216-04:00Trail notes from Kilimanjaro Machame Route - Day 1<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Trail notes from Kilimanjaro
Machame Route Day 1 </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2VonnbqP6c/U9aX0Q5gOzI/AAAAAAAAA3c/YqyIX_bw9Po/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2VonnbqP6c/U9aX0Q5gOzI/AAAAAAAAA3c/YqyIX_bw9Po/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gear spread out for gear check at the hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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by
Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
climbed Mt.Kilimanjaro with <a href="http://www.serengetipridesafaris.com/Pages/default.aspx">Serengeti Pride Safari</a> in July 2014. Here are some tips from my hiking
experience. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
Machame Gate to Machame Camp</h3>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Keep your passport handy at Machame Gate – the officials
need to see it and they will place a Kilimanjaro stamp on one of your pages
upon request. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The weather stayed cool and the cloud forest kept our packs
damp on the outside. It would be a good idea to put a raincover on your
backpack if you want to keep it absolutely dry.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The trail was steep in parts, but there was excellent trail
work throughout the route. Hiking poles were needed when the trail got slippery
and slightly muddy. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The latrines are well spaced. If you have to pee, ask your
guide how far away the latrine is – you might be able to make it to the next
latrine instead of having to pee in the forest. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Earplugs came in handy on the first night. I didn’t really
feel the altitude until I tried blowing up my sleeping pad. I had my porter
blow up my sleeping pad on subsequent nights. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The personal toilet was well worth the additional cost. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Travel-Undercover-Money/dp/B0054IH4N4/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1406312185&sr=1-1&keywords=money+belt">money belt</a> to keep my cash and passport. I wore
it during the day and even at dinner. I placed it in my sleeping bag at night. </div>
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<br /></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-66045676524227337272014-07-17T08:00:00.000-04:002014-07-17T08:00:07.841-04:00Throw back Thursday - Mount Marshall<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Throw back Thursday - Marshall </h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For Throwback Thursday, I'm sharing a Hiking Mates hike up Mount Marshall from July 19, 2008. I remember being coated in sweat, which made my pink tank top very sheer. Even a sports bra couldn't help this wardrobe malfunction. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vNdkPDd0b8/U49sCPJIzpI/AAAAAAAAAx4/zpUJAat5ND4/s1600/marshall071908.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vNdkPDd0b8/U49sCPJIzpI/AAAAAAAAAx4/zpUJAat5ND4/s1600/marshall071908.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-50045620725066219822014-07-10T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-10T19:00:03.870-04:00TBT - Cycling Across the Golden Gate Bridge<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Cycling Across the Golden Gate Bridge</h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a photo taken of Arun and me in 2012 before cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Ca. We rented bicycles from a local shop and rode to Sausalito before taking the ferry back to the City. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feDFM5j6YlI/U6s0DKA-ZnI/AAAAAAAAA1s/Zsk9r2c_NyM/s1600/kathyarungoldengate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feDFM5j6YlI/U6s0DKA-ZnI/AAAAAAAAA1s/Zsk9r2c_NyM/s1600/kathyarungoldengate.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Information on how to cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge from Tripadvisor:</span> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60713-c134705/San-Francisco:California:Biking.The.Golden.Gate.html">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60713-c134705/San-Francisco:California:Biking.The.Golden.Gate.html</a></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-22802634484390235802014-07-08T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-08T19:00:00.670-04:00Runners - Where to focus attention while running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What Should Runners Think About While Running?</h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OINBmuiFUSE/SdoUP-Hyy6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/3nJIrAdLw1E/s1600/runningshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OINBmuiFUSE/SdoUP-Hyy6I/AAAAAAAAAQs/3nJIrAdLw1E/s1600/runningshoes.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">What goes through your mind when these are on your feet?</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In Runners World article titled '<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/sports-psychology/where-to-focus-your-attention-while-running">Where To Focus Your Attention While Running</a>,' Amby Burfoot </span>shares information on the best way to calm your mind in a race. He shares differences between "associative thinking," "disassociative thinking" and the "constrained action hypothesis." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The latest research shows that focusing on feelings or thinking of whatever comes to mind uses up less oxygen than thinking about breathing or form. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Read the article here:</span> <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/sports-psychology/where-to-focus-your-attention-while-running">http://www.runnersworld.com/sports-psychology/where-to-focus-your-attention-while-running</a></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-83999448547946950622014-07-06T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-06T19:00:00.668-04:00New Hampshire Presidential Range<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Hiking Mount Washington and Mount Eisenhower - Presidential Range New Hampshire Hike Report</h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We chose to hike Mount Washington in New Hampshire as our last prep hike before the Kilimanjaro trip. Arun and I stayed at <a href="http://www.carlsonslodge.com/">Carlson's Lodge</a> in Twin Mountain, NH because we wouldn't make it to NH until well past quiet time at the local campgrounds. I enjoyed the 'grandma's house' feel of the lodge. They serve cereal, toast, milk juice and coffe for breakfast. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrFEdkTfKwI/U7LhOFgAcmI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dsfQz_Cv8zg/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrFEdkTfKwI/U7LhOFgAcmI/AAAAAAAAA2M/dsfQz_Cv8zg/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sign along the Mount Washington trail</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q9I4Fhdygw/U7LhOYa1KXI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/5jI53aitWqQ/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q9I4Fhdygw/U7LhOYa1KXI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/5jI53aitWqQ/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sign along the Mount Eisenhower trail</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I relied on the AMC White Mountain Guide for trail information for both hikes. The highlight of the Mount Washington hike was eating soup at the AMC <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/lakes/">Lakes of the Clouds</a> hut in the middle of the hike. We started by hiking the <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail from the entrance behind the Cog Railway building off of Base Road. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q26lNlGghSM/U7LhNxK5eaI/AAAAAAAAA2U/a9ObQC_allw/s1600/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q26lNlGghSM/U7LhNxK5eaI/AAAAAAAAA2U/a9ObQC_allw/s1600/photo+%252815%2529.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We hiked Mount Eisenhower using Edmans Path. Eisenhower was a good second day hike, providing a steady climb and views of Mount Washington at the summit. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lessons Learned:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mid hike soup tastes amazing.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Krummholz is a name for the trees that grow near treeline.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Mount Washington summit is a zoo, due to a road and a cog railway taking non-hikers to the summit. They do have a gift shop with some hiking-related trinkets. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bring cash for the soup and for any purchases at the summit gift shop. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-71766826199918249142014-07-03T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-03T19:00:02.455-04:00Rachel Cushing's Trip up Kilimanjaro<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Rachel Cushing's Trip up Kilimanjaro</h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Watching Rachel Cushing's video diary of her ascent up Kilimanjaro makes me feel excited for my upcoming trip to Africa! It is empowering to see other American women taking this journey and enjoying everything that comes with climbing the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7bksHGHvEYo" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Part one is here:</span> <a href="http://youtu.be/7bksHGHvEYo">http://youtu.be/7bksHGHvEYo</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Part two is here:</span> <a href="http://youtu.be/Z_xFjX5l25Q">http://youtu.be/Z_xFjX5l25Q</a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-42968737637217035742014-07-02T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-02T19:00:03.147-04:00Arusha, Tanzania today and British East India a Century Ago<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Arusha, Tanzania
today and British East India a Century Ago</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">By Kathleen Lisson</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first day of our trip to Tanzania
will be spend discovering Arusha before we pack up to climb Mt.
Kilimanjaro. I wonder what we will
find? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a video of the modern day streets of Arusha: </span><a href="http://youtu.be/yDfwmCRmhkE" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/yDfwmCRmhkE</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yDfwmCRmhkE" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This video reminds me a lot of my husband’s city in Kerala,
India. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is mesmerizing video of Theodore Roosevelt's trip to
British East India
in 1909</span>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ_QeeHHEZw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/<wbr></wbr>watch?v=IJ_QeeHHEZw</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IJ_QeeHHEZw" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
</div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-30504138288402718872014-07-01T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-01T19:00:02.936-04:00Running Tips from Fleet Feet Albany's Charlie Woodruff<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Running Tips from Charlie Woodruff</span></h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnrxeFaPVqo/S8NWWofqy6I/AAAAAAAAAV8/gEW-A-URy-s/s1600/kathyruncapitoljpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnrxeFaPVqo/S8NWWofqy6I/AAAAAAAAAV8/gEW-A-URy-s/s1600/kathyruncapitoljpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running in Washington DC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Benita Zahn interviewed Charlie Woodruff, owner of Fleet Feet Albany. He gives tips on couch to 5K programs, how to breathe properly and what to eat before a race. I was most surprised by one fact that Zahn shared -<b> 26.5 million people in America run at least 50 days per year</b>. That's a lot of runners! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Benita Zahn's story is here:</span> <a href="http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S3481350.shtml?cat=12404">http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S3481350.shtml?cat=12404</a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-79703145358394623782014-06-30T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-30T19:00:01.882-04:00“Endurance Sports are About Not Quitting”<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Endurance Sports are about Not Quitting”</h2>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was reading 'Mastering the Marathon,
Time Efficient Training Secrets for the 40 – plus Athlete' by Don Fink and the
following sentence captured my interest – “Endurance sports are about not quitting.” Fink has written an excellent chapter on mental training for
endurance sports titled ‘Racing Strategies and Mental Approaches.’ He shares
that a famous athlete once told him that if a runner doesn’t think about
quitting at least three times during a race, they are not running hard enough. Fink
also explains his “humble happy warrior” approach, the “relaxation – focus –
competitive” approach and tips on using the posting of goals to increase
confidence. </span></div>
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</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">My goal isn’t to achieve a certain time, it is to summit
Mt. Kilimanjaro, so I am using this
poster as a way to ‘post my goals.’ </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9Y2k0vHfww/U2fuTchoXfI/AAAAAAAAAqk/N_HQoQ4VHqQ/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kilimanjaro poster" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9Y2k0vHfww/U2fuTchoXfI/AAAAAAAAAqk/N_HQoQ4VHqQ/s1600/photo(11).JPG" height="300" title="kilimanjaro poster" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though I will not be using the strategy of running at
different paces during my hike and will have to accommodate the change in
altitude, I will definitely use Fink’s top strategy of not going out too fast.
I will be excited on the first day of the hike, and will have to remember to
hike slowly so I am able to hike, over a series of days, all the way to the
top. </span></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-54677299177692195042014-06-29T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-29T19:00:02.632-04:00Peekamoose and Table Mountains Catskills hike report<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Peekamoose and Table - Catskills Hike Report</span></h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Arun and I hiked Peekamoose and Table Mountains. This time Arun came down with 'summit fever,' the irresistible urge to hike past overlooks in search of the summit before stopping for a break. We ended up enjoying the overlooks on the trip back to the trailhead. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lessons Learned:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Camping is better than dayhiking - we didn't start hiking until the afternoon because we could lounge around our house. Waking up in a tent ensures we get an early start.</span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">There are several parking lots on the way to the trailhead. Luckily we asked a local for directions and she pointed us further down the road. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The DEC didn't put enough sheets in the trail register! Arun had to sign us in on the back cover. When we signed out, we found that other hikers had followed our lead and signed in below us. Signing in at the trail register ensures that rescuers have basic information about you and your planned hike in the event you get lost. It also helps the DEC allocated funding for trail upkeep. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Peekamoose and Table Mountain hike information from New York New Jersey Trail Conference: </span><a href="http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/peekamoos-and-table-mountains">http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/peekamoos-and-table-mountains </a><br />
<br />
<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-20646394784873909852014-06-28T14:18:00.000-04:002014-06-28T14:18:00.666-04:00How to Increase Pain Tolerance for Endurance Athletes<br />
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How to Increase Pain Tolerance for Endurance Athletes</h2>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Kathleen Lisson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the Runner's World article ‘Three Workouts to Increase
Pain Tolerance,’ Alex Hutchinson writes about a TransEurope study which found
that “athletes can endure the discomfort at higher levels and for longer times
than nonathletes. They have a higher pain tolerance. And it's a learned skill:
Research suggests that the harder you train, the higher your tolerance rises.” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hutchinson goes
on to profile three workouts that increase pain tolerance for long distance
running. </span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Much is made of altitude sickness as a factor in summiting Mount
Kilimanjaro. I will be taking medication and understand that I have
no control over how my body will react to the altitude. I do have control over
how I react to the hikes each day. Hopefully increasing my pain tolerance will
make the trek less unpleasant. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Check out </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">the 'Three Workouts to Increase
Pain Tolerance'</span> article here: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/three-workouts-to-increase-pain-tolerance?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Training-_-IncreasePainTolerance" target="_blank">http://www.runnersworld.com/<wbr></wbr>workouts/three-workouts-to-<wbr></wbr>increase-pain-tolerance?cm_<wbr></wbr>mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-<wbr></wbr>Content-Training-_-<wbr></wbr>IncreasePainTolerance</a></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-21505325414544156132014-06-27T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-27T19:00:00.859-04:00Outdoor Leadership Quiz<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Outdoor Leadership Quiz</h2>
<br />
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I have spent more time in the backcountry preparing for my hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro, I have become more interested in the skills needed to be a great hike leader. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I came across this webpage from the Appalachian Mountain Club titled 'What Would You Do?' The page outlines to hiking scenarios and asks the reader to put him/herself in the hike leader's shoes and make a decision that will ensure the group's safety while keeping the hike fun and rewarding for everyone. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Try out your Outdoor Leadership skills here</span>: <a href="https://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/web/what-would-you-do.cfm">https://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/web/what-would-you-do.cfm</a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-18370403415796549962014-06-26T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-26T19:00:05.643-04:00Altitude Acclimatization Advice from Princeton University <h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Altitude Acclimatization Advice from Princeton
University
</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Kathleen Lisson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the publication ‘Princeton
University's Outdoor Action Guide
to High Altitude: Acclimatization and Illnesses,’ Rick Curtis, Director,
Outdoor Action Program offers recommendations for trekkers climbing at
altitude. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">His most valuable tips for me were to engage in light
activity during the day. Light activity is “better than sleeping because
respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.” <br />
Curtis also recommends “eating a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your
calories from carbohydrates) while at altitude.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Curtis also shared a test for moderate Acute
Mountain sickness (AMS)
– “have the person ‘walk a straight line’ heel to toe. Just like a sobriety
test, a person with ataxia will be unable to walk a straight line. This is a
clear indication that <b><i>immediate</i></b> descent is required. It is
important to get the person to descend <b><i>before</i></b> the ataxia reaches
the point where they cannot walk on their own.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
I did not know that above 10,000 feet most trekkers experience Cheyne-Stokes
Respirations. I think that my altitude sickness prescription should ensure that
this does not happen to me. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Read the Princeton
University's Outdoor Action Guide
to High Altitude: Acclimatization and Illnesses report at </span><br />
<a href="http://www.princeton.edu/%7Eoa/safety/altitude.html" target="_blank">http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/<wbr></wbr>safety/altitude.html</a></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-25739917365031707492014-06-24T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-24T19:00:01.702-04:00Do You Hike Just for the Summit?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do You Hike Just for the Summit?</span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wq1AFjWQG74/U6IGYCbWS-I/AAAAAAAAA0c/18QQL6lxW2c/s1600/photo(63).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wq1AFjWQG74/U6IGYCbWS-I/AAAAAAAAA0c/18QQL6lxW2c/s1600/photo(63).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Mount Kilimanjaro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> By Kathleen Lisson</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the article ‘5 Training tips to climb Kilimanjaro,’ Daniel
Dorr of Kilimanjaro Adventures has some wise words about training to climb
Mt. Kilimanjaro. He shares a quote,
“enjoy your suffering, that’s what alpinism is all about.” Dorr cautions that
trekkers “can’t spend 7 days climbing a mountain if you only enjoy standing at
the top.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This advice really hit home. When I was training for my half
marathon I read post after post from non-athletes that wanted to know the bare
minimum training regimen that would help them stand at the finish line of a
race. I want my week on Kilimanjaro to be meaningful, not just the handful of
minutes on the summit. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Read ‘5 Training tips to climb Kilimanjaro’ here:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kiliadventures.com/planning-travel/5-training-tips-to-climb-kilimanjaro/" target="_blank">http://www.kiliadventures.com/<wbr></wbr>planning-travel/5-training-<wbr></wbr>tips-to-climb-kilimanjaro/</a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-71508208862371555812014-06-23T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-23T19:00:03.039-04:00Why Do People Climb Mountains? or When Does a Summit 'Count'?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why Do People Climb Mountains? or When Does a Summit 'Count'?</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MwsynO37zM/U4yVVBOL8sI/AAAAAAAAAws/Of9GrNxdVKI/s1600/photo%252832%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MwsynO37zM/U4yVVBOL8sI/AAAAAAAAAws/Of9GrNxdVKI/s1600/photo%252832%2529.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
by Kathleen Lisson<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the article '<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">'Deadliest Sport Ever? Why People Risk Their Lives Mountain Climbing,' </span>Bill Fink writes about what motivates people to climb mountains. One of Fink's comments really hit home for me. "Having a set of expert guides and hardworking Sherpas basically drag you
to the top of a summit offers neither a proper sense of achievement nor
any life lessons for dedication, planning, or teamwork. Essentially
you’ve just become a really expensive piece of baggage."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am reminded of of a story from 46er<a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/outdoors/remembering-grace/525/"> Grace Hudowalski</a>. Before she made her first hike in the Adirondack High Peaks, her father told her, “It’s not important whether you make the summit. It is important how you make the climb.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have learned a lot about myself as I have trained over the past few months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">After our long chilly climb up Mount Marcy my husband shared that he respects me a lot more as a hiker than he did last year. He is right. Before I made the decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I had climbed a few High Peaks, but saw hiking as a hassle rather than a challenge. I was interested in easy day hikes, not sweating for 6 hours. My worst fault - I was a complainer and a whiner. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Now I see a rainy day as a great opportunity to test out my waterproof gear and my skills. I rely on my waterproof boots and gaiters to allow me to step in the muddy trail instead of widening it by searching for a dry spot to walk. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Hiking and camping together has allowed my husband and I to spend more time together without iPhone/tablet/laptop screens getting in the way. At home, we love looking at our screens. Lack of reception lets me look at my husband instead. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In reading other climber's trip reports, I have learned many lessons. Climbers don't wear adequate clothing, don't prepare for frozen Camelback tubes, and/or don't eat for 9 hours during the last segment of the ascent and end up using their porter's clothing or being practically dragged up to the summit. I know that I have no control over the effects of altitude sickness. I hope to be able to make it up to the summit on my own two feet as a result of, to quote Fink, "diligent training, planning, teamwork, and a step-by-step discipline."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Read <span style="font-weight: normal;">'</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Deadliest Sport Ever? Why People Risk Their Lives Mountain Climbing' here: </span></span><a href="http://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/everest-kilimanjaro-mount-rainier-why-people-are-risking-their-lives-to-climb-mountains/story-e6frfqai-1226948279627">http://www.news.com.au/travel/world-travel/everest-kilimanjaro-mount-rainier-why-people-are-risking-their-lives-to-climb-mountains/story-e6frfqai-1226948279627</a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-47661005976927752652014-06-22T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-22T19:00:04.187-04:00Sunrise Hike up Mount Marcy - Adirondack hike report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sunrise Hike up Mount Marcy, NY - Adirondack hike report</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">by Kathleen Lisson</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Arun and I decided to take advantage of the Strawberry Full Moon in June to hike up Mount Marcy in the dark and experience sunrise from the highest point in New York. This trip would also prepare us for the summit hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, which also starts at around midnight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stayed at the <a href="http://www.adk.org/page.php?pname=wilderness-campground">Wilderness Campground</a> at Heart Lake and had dinner at the <a href="http://www.adk.org/page.php?pname=adirondak-loj">Adirondak Loj.</a> The folks at the Loj packed a trail lunch for our summit meal, complete with their delicious Marcy bars!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">CHANGING WEATHER ON MOUNT MARCY</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Up until we lost cell phone reception when we left Lake Placid, the weather looked good. It was overcast, but set to clear out Saturday night and be sunny and mid-70's on Sunday. We set up out tent and got an hour of sleep before dinner. There was a drizzle of rain on the tent when I woke up. That should have been my first clue that the weather was changing, but I held out hope. We had dinner and slept some more. Waking at midnight, it was cold and completely cloudy. We set out and I left my waterproof jacket on until we arrived at Marcy Dam, then took it off because I felt warm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THE FEELING OF HIKING IN THE DARK</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those first two miles were interesting - hiking in the dark left me feeling a little lonely. I asked Arun to give me a hug at one of our snack breaks. I used the hike to practice using my headlamp and hiking in the dark.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HIKING: PLAYING WITH LAYERS</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We continued on the path and the light misting of rain never let up. Since we were hiking seven miles to the summit, that light mist had a chance to get our outer layers completely wet, even though we didn't ever feel it "raining." Luckily, I had a base layer, hiking pants and gaiters on the bottom, a hat and three layers on top. As we got higher up and closer to the treeline, I told Arun it was time to put the pack cover and rainjackets on. I felt much warmer with the rainjacket hood over my hat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">MOUNT MARCY SUMMIT EXPERIENCE</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once we were in the alpine zone, it was light enough to take off our headlamps. The wind really picked up as the trees got shorter and Arun told me he saw snowflakes. We also hear the call of a white-throated sparrow. It was a unique setting, the chilling fog/rain blowing sideways and the sweet, happy call of a bird at dawn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The call of the white-throated sparrow: <a href="http://youtu.be/sL_YJC1SjHE"><span style="font-size: small;">http://youtu.be/sL_YJC1SjHE</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we hiked on the solid rock slabs of the summit, the weather was increasingly poor. Wind blew steadily and threatened to knock me over. I had to take extra care to not step on any of the plants. The rain/mist blew sideways and the howl of the wind was only overcome by the occasional bird song. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was humbling to see the plants and animals surviving and thriving in these harsh conditions and think about the negative impact that humans can have on our environment. The tiny flowering plant survives ice storms, snow cover, howling wind but would be harmed if I stepped on it with my boot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We turned back onto the blazed path and headed to tree cover before eating our Marcy bar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If it had not been socked in by a storm, this is the view from the summit of Marcy: <a href="http://youtu.be/WkCJp_diXAw"><span style="font-size: small;">http://youtu.be/WkCJp_diXAw</span></a></span><br />
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After we took a shower and a nap at the Wilderness Campground, we packed up and had a late lunch at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheADKCafe">ADK Cafe</a> in Keene.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">LESSONS LEARNED:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Always wear layers, and bring extra layers and gloves in your pack.</span> </li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Don't rely on a weather report. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Buy the brighter headlamp.</span> </li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Hiking in the dark can bring out emotions. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Wearing a bearbell on the Camelback tube ensures it will ring constantly. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Shower + nap after a long hike is the best way to relax.</span> </li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">I can hike in harsh spring conditions! </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Read about another Mount Marcy sunrise hike in the Summer 2014 edition of the ADK Cloudsplitter: </span><a href="http://www.adk-albany.org/cs_dnld.php">http://www.adk-albany.org/cs_dnld.php</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other Mount Marcy sunrise hikes:</span><br />
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<a href="http://noreastmountainmill.blogspot.com/2011/09/sunrise-on-mt-marcy.html">http://noreastmountainmill.blogspot.com/2011/09/sunrise-on-mt-marcy.html</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1999034392"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/32205/Slept-on-top-of-Mount-Marcy">http://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/32205/Slept-on-top-of-Mount-Marcy</a></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-57102273459451440872014-06-21T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-21T19:00:02.873-04:00Best Massage in Troy, NY<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Best Massage for Runner and Hiker in Troy, NY</span></div>
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by Kathleen Lisson<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh4eG1Q4168/S0tEXVy5GyI/AAAAAAAAAVc/a5C_b5Myk_w/s1600/nikeairpegasus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh4eG1Q4168/S0tEXVy5GyI/AAAAAAAAAVc/a5C_b5Myk_w/s1600/nikeairpegasus.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To prepare for my hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, I have been running long distances as well as hiking in the Adirondacks and Catskills. With all the changes in my body come aches and pains, especially in the legs from climbing and neck / arms from the pack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I go to Jess at <a href="http://www.collarcitymassage.com/">Collar City Massage</a> monthly. I believe that having a monthly massage helps keep injury at bay and relaxes me. I pay attention to what my body is telling me during the massage and I can often feel soreness in a muscle before it becomes painful on a run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jess gave me a great tip for my sore neck. I have been camping on the weekends and using a travel-sized camp pillow. She recommended that I try a neck pillow like the ones sold at the airport. It provides more support for my neck than a camp pillow alone. My husband liked it so much he commandeered my first neck pillow and I have had to buy a second for myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jess is going to have her work cut out for her when I return from the summit! </span><br />
<br />Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-64894035605426808472014-06-20T13:57:00.000-04:002014-06-20T13:57:00.365-04:00President Teddy Roosevelt - Original Trail Runner?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
President Teddy Roosevelt - Original Trail Runner?</h2>
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By Kathleen Lisson<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the Runner's World article 'The Bull Moose Runs,' Peter Sagal provides some colorful history on President Theodore Roosevelt's vigorous local hikes, one of which biographer </span><span style="font-size: large;">Doris Kearns Goodwin in the 'Bully Pulpit' called a "jog" in Rock Creek Park. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am excited to learn that Roosevelt may have enjoyed running through the woods and, inspired by Teddy's "exemplar of vigor and motion and joy," I look forward to "Roosevelting" my way up Mt. Kilimanjaro. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Read 'The Bull Moose Runs' here:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/the-bull-moose-runs?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Magazine-_-BullMooseRuns">http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/the-bull-moose-runs?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Magazine-_-BullMooseRuns</a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912115023922120672.post-25603854347229833792014-06-19T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-19T19:00:02.536-04:00Freshette Review<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Freshette Review</span></h2>
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By Kathleen Lisson<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the advice of Kilimanjaro veteran <a href="http://www.jennefromm.com/blog/the-importance-of-strong-quads-advice-for-first-time-climbers">Jenne Fromm</a>, I purchased a Freshette.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgIg6Qtjev0/U4yVXtAgiJI/AAAAAAAAAww/hkCYIj5dFWw/s1600/photo%252830%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgIg6Qtjev0/U4yVXtAgiJI/AAAAAAAAAww/hkCYIj5dFWw/s1600/photo%252830%2529.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have used it a few times while hiking in the Adirondacks and will take it to Kilimanjaro with me. What I have learned:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Peeing like a boy is much better than peeing like a girl. I can walk a few paces from the trail and face a tree to pee instead of tramping across vegetation until I cannot see the trail anymore before I drop my pants. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">There is a skill to removing the Freshette from my pants after urinating. I must keep the plastic close to my skin or I will have pee running down my leg. I think having the device at the correct angle was also part of my problem. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Keep everything less dirty by placing a wet wipe in the pink part between uses. I also rinsed it with water after using, kept it in a plastic sack inside my backpack and cleaned the whole thing between hikes.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">A panty liner will catch any stray pee. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I look forward to using Freshette on Kilimanjaro! </span></div>
Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15642619132374115564noreply@blogger.com0