Thrive Outside

             Since school started, it might be trickier to get your exercise and hikes in.  Why not try this fun RunMatSu Thursday night race series?  Go at your own pace and enjoy run/walking these trails that you might of avoided because you were scared of being lost or having no-one to go out with you.  For  only $10 for the entire family (no dogs), it is an affordable way to get in shape. If you are single adult $5, youth $2 if you want to pay separately.  Races begin at 6:00pm.  Parking pass/fee will apply.  Register online at  Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers  or at  Active Soles Performance Footwear  one week before the event.   9/15 The first one is at Crevasse Moraine off of Loma Prieta Drive around mile 2 off Palmer/Wasilla Hwy in Palmer, AK  9/22 Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Park  off of the Glenn Hwy near the Parks  9/29   Government Peak Rec...

So, it is wet.  So what! I am a huge advocate of the saying, "there is no bad weather, (in Alaska) only bad clothing."  That saying originated in Norway.  But, I learned a few quick and easy tips to enjoy the outdoors even if it looks like Eeyore weather. 1) Waterproof hiking shoes/boots. Nothing says warm like a good dry foot. Not only does it prevent blisters from rubbing, your whole body is warm. Don't get water resistant but, waterproof. *my thermal lined Xtratuf makes camping in the rain fun as well.  Don't get water resistant but, waterproof. 2) Rain pants.  These are a must for blueberry picking and hiking in brush that is wet. I just slip these into my pack and pull them out if I need the extra protection.  I also like to use them as an extra layer to keep warm in windy conditions or after I arrive at a backpacking place. 3) Frog Toggs.  After a 6 hour hike in the constant rain, my "water resistance" rain jacket was a soggy mess. I was ...

Christy Marvin Wins Mount Marathon in Seward July 4, 2016!   No one, I mean NO ONE wins a race, breaks a record, or has success in running all on their own.  In every race, every record, every win, there is a long trail of support that brought them there.  For me, that trail includes God, my family, and my friends. Before God even said, “Let there be light,” he knew that he was going to make me.  Humbling as it is, God has had a plan for my life from the very beginning of time.  He knew he was going to give me a talent in running.  It was a part of His plan to reach a crowd of people that might not otherwise hear about the saving love of Jesus Christ. My faith is the core of my running success.  I could have faith without running, but not running without faith.  God is my inspiration.  When Satan rears his ugly head and plants seeds of doubt or fear, it is through Christ that I find my strength.  Strength to be my very bes...

Gunsight Mountain:  Elevation 6,441 feet Time to the top: hiking fast uphill : 2 1/2 hours with lunch break Total time Roundtrip:  3:52 minutes Miles Round Trip 8.2 Okay, after trying to find the trail backpacking, we went back for a day hike.  Thankfully, it was easy. There is a pull off mile 118.5 on the Glen Hwy just past Sheep Mountain Lodge if coming from Palmer with a nice outhouse and no parking fee. Head down the old road and turn right up the trail.  For the first 2ish miles you will be on a well marked four wheel trail.  It can be a bit muddy in places, but we stayed dry for walking around. Major crossroad:  Take a left on the first decision right when you see the pond. The road to the right takes you into the back woods around the mountain not to Gunsight. See James point to the left the "correct" way to go There is a small creek crossing that was easily jumpable. Then when you start getting to a flatish part, you will see ...

Being unplugged is one of my favorite things about the outdoors, until this year.  I have two apps that I and so excited to share for all your adventures (hiking, biking, skiing, snowmaching, running, kayaking). 1st:  Gaia GPS.  It not only tracks your speed, time, altitude, distance, ascent, pace, it has a wonderful feature of moving time and stopped time.  I love knowing how long I actually was hiking minus the breaks.   It has a wonderful feature of downloading the Topo Maps of the area you are hiking (there are 6 versions that come free) so that you can have your phone (iphone or android) on airplane mode and still track everything!  So, you can save power.   Having any pictures as a waypoint makes it easy for people to see your route and follow it later, makes this summary of your route a fun way to share with others.  You can even add photos by uploading them if you want to after the hike on a computer.   Other hi...

Julie's Hiking Tip Of The Week - I consider Moleskin and tiny sewing scissors a hiking/backpacking essential and always have some with me. I can't even count the number of times a person in the group I am hiking with or even a complete stranger on the trail has been in need of this great product. Moleskin is far superior to bandaids for preventing and protecting "hot spots" and blisters on your feet. The tiny sewing scissors are needed for cutting the Moleskin since it is qu ite tough (I keep the scissors IN the Moleskin package to prevent them cutting or poking my backpack).  Before applying Moleskin remove your socks and allow your sweating feet to dry off so that the adhesive can stick properly. And always remember, STOP and TREAT a hot spot as soon as you feel it forming! Your feet are your number one asset on the trail, take care of them!

Tired of hiking the same old trails? In need of some variety in your life?  Today, Julie (designer extraordinaire) and I are making our trail guide available for you!  Since, we live in Palmer, we have made this interactive trail guide based of hiking primarily in the Matanuska Valley. We have vetted and hiked nearly all of the trails listed. Ella Embree Julie Miller Click HERE  for the trail guide and share with friends. Let us know about trail conditions and changes we need to make on the facebook Thrive Outside page. Feel free to text or email us any questions.  Please like us Thrive Outside on Facebook and consider a donation for the leadership of Mothers of Preschoolers.  We are both mentor Moms.