Been there, done that - Half Dome

Half Dome by the numbers:

• 16-mile round-trip hike
• 8,800 feet above sea level
• 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley
• 4,800 feet hike up hill from trail head to top
• 400 feet straight up the end on the ropes
• 4 liters of water each (just enough)
• 11 hours of hiking
• 4 outhouses on the way up

The dreaded cables

From half dome

Top of the world!

From half dome

Rachel doesn't need words to express herself

From half dome

Ben K does (click to see video commentary of our hike)

From half dome

San Jose Tri

1006 Wigner, Julie Mountain View, CA 0 F

Finish:3:18:02.2

swim 0:28:39

t1 0:04:44

Bike 40k 1:33:25

t2 0:02:49.3

Run 7.2 miles 1:08:23

Link to event: http://www.usaproductions.org/events/triathlon-series/tri-svot

Triathlon Adventures

Sunday I Escaped from Alcatraz, a 1.5 mile swim, 18 mile bike, and 8 mile run. It feels good to know I can break out of a maximum security prison if I have to. This was my second triathlon and an incredibly challenging course. I can't wait to do it again.

Pictures from Alcatraz: http://picasaweb.google.com/julie.wilner/EscapeFromAlcatraz2009#

Event site: http://www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/site3.aspx

My first event was a couple months ago with Team in Training. Huge thanks to all of my fundraising supporters, who helped me surpass my goal to raise $6,475 for cancer research.

Pictures from Lavaman: http://picasaweb.google.com/julie.wilner/Lavamanpics#

Team in Training site: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/lavatri09/jwilner

I couldn't have made it through these challenges without:

Ben: Executive cheerleader for logistics (how do you attach a bike to a car), emotional roller coasters, and toleration of early morning alarms

Byanqa: Full service race prep hospitality especially early morning logistics, chauffeur extraordinaire, and executive chef

Julia: Doctor exact reminded me that occasional training for an endurance event is a good thing, got me excited about early morning Dish runs, convinced me to try hammer coffee gels, and was there to cheer me on coming out of the bay water

Deb: For trusting me with your big girl bike. I don't want to give it back.

Jamii, Kristen, & Al: Wouldn't have made it up any of those hills without your wit, expertise, and patience

Carin: For taking me on the bike course for a practice spin and staying back with me. And for alerting the cops I may be in trouble.

Uncle Paul: Continued motivation as he completes his 16th TNT event raising over $100,000

My parents: For their support even if they think it's dangerous. For reminding me to wear a helmet and watch out for sharks.

Jennifer: For keeping my workout wardrobe cute, and tolerating prioritization of early morning workouts over cooking breakfast

Sports Basement: Replaced Bloomingdales on my visa statement. My new shopping mecca.

Team in Training: Got me out and started for my first event, and I'll keep coming back for more.

My fundraising supporters: You're all listed here, and you're all amazing. I was thrilled see donations come in from all of you, and to read your notes of support.

From Escape From Alcatraz 2009

From Escape From Alcatraz 2009

From Escape From Alcatraz 2009

From lavamanpics

From lavamanpics