Flashback Friday- Alaska Then, Sisters Always

This is kind of a lame attempt at a Flashback Friday, but I had to miss the past two weeks because of my travels and I only started this FF thing the week before that, and did not want to punk out so early on!

Being in Alaska reminded me of the first time I was there, several years ago...

Though I did not do a race the first time, I did get to run along the beautiful coastal trail, and we did a brilliant hike, dog in tow.

We do not look that different, but some things have changed since then (September 2006):

My sister and her husband moved to a new place.

They had three additions to the family (and one loss...rest in peace, sweet Carver, above)

They each changed jobs.

I have moved four times, and lived with six different roommates.

I finished 1 job, started school, completed 2 internships, spent 2 summers in Colorado, 1 summer in Egypt, had 1 graduation, and started 1 new job.

I was inspired to create a goal for my running and have since run races in 12 states.

Along the way, there have been new friends, new joys, ups and downs, and lots of growth.

But no matter what, Stephanie will always be my sister, and no matter where we live, we will visit. And we will be connected.
(Gwyn too!)

...love you guys... xo

Long Time Gone

Okay, not really. My trip to Alaska was, sadly, only a bit over 5 days long, not counting travel. Not. Enough. Time. But as soon as I got back I had 36 hours before flying out again for a weekend away, so it has been a long time since this poor blog has gotten any of my attention. I'm back, baby. No need to start singing Don't Go Breakin' My Heart because I'll try not to be so slow again. And I did enough karaoke while in Anchorage.

As usual, I digress. (But it's worth it when Miss Piggy and Elton John are involved)

I love Alaska! True, I probably couldn't make it there year-round like my tough sister and her hubby, but for a summer visit-- fabulous.

And of course, I ran a race. Number 12.

Dissapointment with a side of relief (or the other way around?)

Alas, I will NOT be risking my life in Alaska this summer. Or at least not by running the Mt. Marathon race.  I got a call from my sister two nights ago letting me know that I did not make the lottery. Sigh. But all is not lost! First of all, I could still put my life at risk in Alaska in other ways. Let's take a vote.

Should I:

A. Pick a fight with a moose? (As I can't imagine wanting to physically harm an animal - I've been known to spend great deals of time trapping, rather than killing, various bugs - I think this would have to begin with name-calling)

B. Try to outrun a bear? (Hey, I've outrun dogs before)

C. Dive into an icy lake/river? (I could pretend I am going for Gryffindor's Sword! And I'd be smart enough to take the necklace off first...)

D. Hang out near the Palins' house, dressed as a caribou?

Or, I could just enjoy the time with my sister, brother-in-law, and cute little chubby baby foster-neice. Okay, that sounds good too.

I will however, still be running a race in Alaska- likely the Freedom 4-Miler in Wasilla. Never heard of it? What, you weren't one of the 24 people who ran it in 2010? I actually think running these small-town races is becoming kind of my thing. Last year, all those who ran were Alaskans...maybe I'll be the first one to travel from so far away...and maybe I'll win a prize for most patriotic costume. I better start sewing now...

An update on my [did-not-happen] run in WV will be coming soon.

Stay tuned for more running adventures!

Yardstick for Measuring Crazy

Is there such a thing? If so, I would like to measure up this scenario:

1. Flying to Alaska to visit your sister
2. Signing up for a lottery for a much sought-after 5K that takes place during your visit
3. Signing up for a lottery for a much sought-after 5K that takes place during your visit and involves running up and down a mountain
4. Signing up for a lottery for a much sought-after 5K that takes place during your visit and that involves running up and down a mountain where the race pictures look like this:

5. Signing up for a lottery for a much sought-after 5K that takes place during your visit, that involves running up and down a mountain, has crazy race pictures, and has a race course that includes the words treacherous, caution, steep slopes, danger or dangerous (x 6!), and an arrow pointing to the hospital:
http://www.seward.com/news-events/marathon/MMR%20Map.jpg*

*Things to consider: The girl signing up for this race likes to think she is pretty freakin' tough. This same girl sometimes gets scared running across bridges.

Sooo...

I bet you guessed this girl is me. Tickets to Alaska have been purchased! Lottery has been entered!

I find out in April if I have been given a spot. Do I hope to get in or pray that I don't?

The anticipation builds...