Experiment Alaska??? What is it

I have mentioned before about this show called "Experiment Alaska" by the Discovery Channel

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/alaska/alaska-week.html

A good friend of mine, Tina, one day called me up and said "Hey you could to audition for this" I have only seen half of one show and was interested, but never seen the whole season 1. I went to the audition, filled out an application and sat in front of the video camera for about 3 minutes.

Basically, this show makes survival look like kids games. This is the real deal, there are no contest, competition or any drama power plays. You get dropped off somewhere in near the Gulf of Alaska in September and have to navigate yourself through the terrain to find you cabin, shack or whatever they give you. There are 4 teams of 3 or for people. Each team are in different locations. You have to survive 3 month in the harsh environment of Alaska. You are only given the basic necessities, a gun and whatever else you need to survive.

You have almost 2 weeks to capture as much salmon as you can before the salmon run ends and your in competition with the bears. Then you can "Can" the salmon and have food for the remaining months. If you fail catching enough salmon then your are pretty much in trouble. Without any protein in your diet, you will lose all your energy and it will become very difficult to function.

You are also given 2 opportunties to hunt and are given a rifle to hunt, one for Goats and two for Moose.

I finished watching the first season and I abosuletly thrilled. This is what I want to do. This is my type of show. I would pay to be on this show.

I have emailed the producer and she has indicated that my Energy stood out and that she crossing her fingers. I should hear something soon. Wish me luck!!

Honolulu Marathon training Update

Well, it was a beautiful morning for a great 6 mile run. I woke up, with a slight headache, almost like a hangover, but I was not drinking. I could sleep at all last night and barely slept at all. Most of the night I was contemplating on Discovery Channel "Experiment Alaska" I explain more later on that.
So, I got my butt out of bed at 5:30am and was at Wilson and Lake Shore path by 6:30am. I felt like I did not have enough energy and felt tired. As soon as we started to run, I can feel the stiffness in my body, but after a mile, I was back into the groove of running. Breathing was smooth, my pace was comfortable and my form was good. I mostly ran with one of my Mentee Nicole and Nadia.
I finished the 6 miles still feeling fresh and great. My knee did not bother me at all and felt no pain whatsoever. I also took it easy, since this is the first time I am running 6 miles this year. SO I was not sure how my body would react by the changes that occurred in my body, such as taking a 7 month off from running, my knee injury and the weight loss.
Over all I am pleased with my 6 miles
Here are some stats

Summary
Per mile
Map of route

Chicago Distance Classic 08

What a beautiful day for a run. The weather was just perfect for a half marathon. Could not have asked for a better weather. This was the first time I missed the CDC, due to an injury and lack of running. I volunteer at the TNT Aid station, passing out water. It was great fun and very inspirational and motivating. I really wanted to be out there running SO BAD. The itch was just there. I could not believe how much I really wanted to run again. The endorphins, the excitement of pushing your body and the just the air pushing in and out of your lungs is such a high. I found so many of my friends running and they all looked awesome. I officially start running again. Good job all!!

Awesome day
Aid station 8 setting up

Natalie, Danny and Tatyana

Michelle, Danny and Sue

Note: I did lose a lot of weight this year, due to more weightlifting and cycling. Maybe way too much. Hoping it will improve my time..

First 3 mile run after injury

Wow, not too bad, ran 3 miles on Saturday early morning with the team and I felt great. Only thing I noticed is the my knee is still tight and tense. I did not feel any impact pain, but I can tell there is less motion on that knee. I slightly compensated with my other foot and felt a slight strain. I could have easily done 4 miles but decided to take it easy.

Summary

Per mile stats, took it nice and easy


The route

Knee, one month later and after 3 mile run

Indiana Beach Camping

I actually had a really good time. I came into this trip thinking, ugh, another camping trip and I am already burnt out from Ragbrai and all the camping. This turned out to be better then I expected. Met a lot great people and everyone was very friendly. I drove the Pontoon, which helped also. How many times to I get to drive one. SO this was such a thrill for me to drive one. Had Lots of fun doing it. We spend close to about 4 hours around the lake. Chris the Event coordinator for this event was absolutely great. Everything went without a hitch. People that I met that left me an impression are, Allison, from Indy, who is a chemist. She is the sweetest thing I have ever met. Eugene, a very cool guy that I got along very well. Mary, a beautiful and very approachable women. Miguel, such a funny guy. There were others, but I felt a better bond with those people. Here are some pictures.

Mary cooking breakfast and Chris in the background

Danny driving the Pontoon boat
Danny just relaxing Allison and Danny
The other Pontoon boat
The High life group

For more pictures check out

http://picasaweb.google.com/runandcycle/IndianaBeachHighlife

Ragbrai Next Year????

Well, I have been thinking and thinking about this and pretty much made up my mind on the 2nd or 3rd day that I will make this my last RAGBRAI (Bike ride across Iowa). I have done it 10 years in a row and this year, I had fun, but it was more effort and work then I would like to be. I felt that I had to cater to everyone else. Part of it is my fault for offering my help with everything. Another reason is also the people, the environment was not the same. I really did not meet too much new people and missed several old friend from Ragbrai that I see every year. However, I was glad that my friend Brian, Rick, Danny Garza was able to participate. I am also glad to see the Morse Brothers, Brian and Craig and thier Friend David. That was fun. It was a very interesting, and strange Ragbrai this year. Just felt a bit burnt out from it all.

My plan for next year is to do another different ride. I am either looking at LAGBRAU (Legecy, annual great bike ride across Utah) or Cycle Oregon,

http://www.lagbrau.com/

http://www.cycleoregon.com/

We will see what happens next year.

I might just do the Burning man

http://www.burningman.com/

Audience for the Shaving of the head

I found this interesting, Here are some pictures of the audience watching me get my head shaved. Ahhhhhh, good times..... These pictures were taken by Stacy.

Wow, I look like I am being tortured

Enjoying the entertainment