Picture perfect day

The skis were waxed. We were carbo loaded and ready for our Tour of Anchorage adventure. Steve and I set off to complete the 25 k route of the Tour. As you can see, it was a gorgeous day!

Nothing like a little art along the way to keep you inspired. I had to stop and take a photo of this great sign. Thank you to whomever took the time to create this cheer to keep us going.

We weren't the only ones taking advantage of this perfect winter day. After a very cold winter, the sun with HEAT felt pretty amazing. Westchester lagoon was packed with ice skaters.

The view from the Coastal trail route never ceases to create awe. At this point we had a snack and watched about 20 ravens play on the thermals coming off the inlet. They were breath taking.

Our last breath before the long climb to the finish. We have about 20k under our belts at this point. The bad news the worse is about to come. Can you say "UP"?

Steve takes time to collect his thoughts before we grit through the last 3k. I assure you he made it! It was a great sense of accomplishment and a wonderful way to spend such an amazing day. It always feels good to have a goal and to meet that challenge.

Be Your Own Cheerleader

I love skiing. One of the best gifts my mom ever gave me growing up was the seasons pass at our local ski hills. My mom, being a widow, made sure every penny was carefully spent. She still managed to buy passes for my brother and me. I enjoyed hours playing in the snow with my friends, breaking bones and learning to absolutely love winter.

I gave up downhill skiing after moving to Alaska. I am spoiled after years of skiing around the lower 48. Alaska's choices left me underwhelmed. But I took up Nordic skiing and found a bigger, cheaper and more wonderful world.

My goal this year was to ski the Tour of Anchorage 25 km race. A skier friend of mine assured me I could do it. I began training and planning in earnest this season. The goal of the distance got me out on days when I could have convinced myself to stay in. And the accomplishment of the goal on Sunday felt amazing!

Steve came home from work the other day discussing a workshop he had attended. They discussed business goals, something of which I admit I do not have. Well, I told Steve my goal was to keep painting. He, with rolled eyes, told me that wasn't really a true business goal.

He's right, setting goals help us reach out when we normally would be content to continue with the same ole same ole. I set a goal for creating my first children's book and through all the sweat, tears (literally) and work, that goal kept me on task. The book is beautiful and I am proud to present it.

I will be thinking about my goals for the future as I play in the newly fallen 12 inches of snow. I hope you set some goals for yourself. The success at the end feels amazing.