Half Dome #20

This past weekend I completed #20--hiking HALF DOME--on my 40 before 40 list. I'm still processing how amazing this was but here are some thoughts on this goal...

--it was harder and eaiser than I imagined. Certainly all the personal training particularly in the last two months really helped both physically and mentall prepare me for this.
--20 miles in 9 hours (last time my dad did it, he took 12 hours). I can't believe I kept up with my brother for a good portion of it. I slowed him down a bit but was fit enough that I wasn't too far behind for most of the hike.
--it was great to spend that time with my brother. My dad went as well but wasn't in as good of shape so we took off in about mile 3 or 4. During the trip, I was still amazed to see how much my little brother has grown up. And there were moments that sometimes I felt like the younger sibling--between his fast pace and more daring attitude, I pushed myself harder than I would have.
--Mentally I had to stop thinking sometimes of what I was about to do, or stop thinking so hard when I was doing something and just do it. So when i really think about the hike, I am pretty excited about what I did...and learning to just admit how proud I am that I was able to accomplish this!


So the list revisited...hopefully a few more down this year and some that I still think maybe more challenging to complete in 10 years due to finances and time...we'll see.
40 before 40 list...with a few comments
I posted this on facebook earlier but this is a good place to repots this. so this is my list of things to do in the next 10 years...some may not happen, hopefully i'll i'm surpass. some of them are dependednt on other goals...we'll see what happens.

1 Lose weight to goal weight and maintain--20 lbs to go (lost 45 so far!!) and this has been an amazing journey! it helps me do a lot of things on my list and I feel amazing!

2 Go hang gliding (I want to fly)

3 read crime and punishment--I think i'll start reading this book next!!

4 swim with sharks

5 go to alaska

6 read paradise lost

7 pay off school debt

8 run a 10k and/or 1/2 marathon--up to 4 miles on the treadmill 2-3 days per week. HOpefully by the end of the year I'll do at least a 5 k and possibly a 10 k. I have really learned to LOVE running!

9 go on a cruise


11 visit all 30 nhl arenas

12 learn to swim laps

13 ride in a helicopter (again...flying)

14 go snowshoeing (did in Feb in Colorado...amazing and hopefully can do this every year)

15 learn to play hockey...I bought my first pair of skates last week, will learn to skate this summer and hopefully can take a begining class this fall!!!

16 start a roth IRA

17 see the grand canyon

18 go on a weekend trip to catalina

19 sit on the glass at a sharks game

20 hike half dome. Completed on 6/7/08!!!

21 go white water rafting...hopefully this summer

22 take a photography class/seminar (another creative outlet...i'm not good but it would good to continue improving...something fun)

23 buy the "perfect" reading chair--did with tax return. I love this chair!

24 go on a backpacking trip

25 plant a tree (take care of creation)

26 go a a wine tour (train) in Napa

27 take a cooking class

28 go to hawaii

29 try scuba diving (would conquer a fear of water i have...if my ears can take the pressure)

30 go on a road trip with no particular destination

31 go on a silent weekend retreat

32 go see the bears in alaska and/or canada

33 see the aurora borealis (northern lights)

34 learn how to shoot a gun

35 go to savannah georgia

36 learn how to do chin ups

37 go kayaking...this summer. anyone else want to join me on this??

38 start an small aquarium

39 visit the new england in the fall

40 read war and peace