Adventurous Women Blog

Gone Fishin'

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Dear Adventurous Women,

Thanks so much for reading Adventurous Women Blog. Since starting this project, I've had the good fortune to "meet" many of you and have made a lot of wonderful new cyber-friends. I've also thoroughly enjoyed seeking out interesting, new or weird activities to share on this space. The possibilities, of course, are endless but recently other parts of my life have filled all my free time and I'm afraid blogging is going to have to take a back seat...for awhile.

Adventurous Women Blog will remain on the Web so I hope you'll continue to use the resources on the right side of the page. There are lots of links and ideas for Adventure Clubs and individuals alike and I'll try to make sure they stay current. Thanks again for clicking in!

Happy trails!
Michaelle

Life is either a great adventure or nothing--Helen Keller

Roz Savage Completes Stage Two of Her Solo Trip Across the Pacific

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:29:00 +0000

One of the first posts I ever wrote for AWB was about Roz Savage's effort to row across the Pacific -- solo. I felt a bond with Roz and watched with great interest as she spent day after day on the open ocean. She gave it an excellent effort but that particular trip didn't end the way she had hoped.

Not one to give up, Roz took a break to regroup and set off again. Yesterday, after months of rowing, she completed stage two of her three-part trans-Pacific journey. So far, Roz has rowed from California to Hawaii and from Hawaii to Tarawa. The final leg will take her to Australia.

For more on Roz's landing in Tarawa, read this post on Treehugger.

To read Roz's blog, click here.

To track Roz's every move as she continues her journey, click here.

Photo courtesy of Roz Savage

"Wild Irish" The Life and Times of the Pirate Grace O'Malley

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

...and one more, here's a selection that my book club read about one of history's truely adventurous women....

Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow is a great pirate -- I could watch him all day. But honestly, he can't hold a candle to real-life pirate Grace O'Malley.

Born in 1530, Grace sailed the waters between Ireland and Spain first at her father's side and then as captain of her own fleet. Her life, her role as the "mother of the Irish Rebellion," and her relationship with Queen Elizabeth I are captured in Robin Maxwell's book, "Wild Irish."

Maxwell introduces her readers to English life in Elizabeth's court (including courtiers such as Shakespeare and Bacon) as well as to Irish life under Ireland's 1000-year-old Brehon Law. Although the cast of characters can become overwhelming -- the book needs an organization chart -- the motivation of the two women, their families and their confidants is clear. Elizabeth vows to possess the Emerald Isle in her lifetime just as Grace vows to prevent it. Both women are strong, clever and bow to no man.

"Wild Irish" is a great read if you enjoyed novels like "The Other Boleyn Girl," if you are looking for solid female characters, or if you are a fan of engaging historical fiction. I would recommend that you take the time to get a map of Ireland and have pen and paper handy to track the many players and their various names and titles.

Back to School Week: Your Reading List(s)

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Yesterday I mentioned that my oldest is starting college. Spending time on her campus really had me wishing that I could go back to school myself. There are so many things to learn! So many subjects to explore! ...and yet, there are all those bills to pay and a job to perform.... What to do? What to do?

The solution: I'm starting a DIY program. I figure this is a great time to fill in the gaps in my literary education. The first step is deciding where to start; what books are considered the "all time greats." To solve that issue, I asked for help from my amazing sister, Abbie -- the woman who can find absolutely anything.

The result is that, today, I am posting a list of book lists. You too will be able to see what you've been missing. Before you start, though, please note that October is National Book Club Month. Why not start a book club and share your reading experiences with your friends?

Here are your reading lists:

Two critics from Time magazine pick their top 100 novels from 1923 to the present. Click here

Newsweek magazine's list of the top 100. They compiled a meta list--a list of the best from lots of other lists. Click here.

The Telegraph (UK) is trying to best everyone by publishing a list of 110 best books (their "perfect library"). Click here.

The Times (UK) created a list of the 100 most influential books since WWII. Click here.

But wait! There's more!

Women's National Book Association: list of Great Group Reads

Random House: 100 Best Novels

Random House: 100 Best Non-Fiction Books

Arrowhead library System: College Bound Reading List

Author Lesley Blume's: Classic List of Must-Read Children's Books

Mark Flanagan's list of: Funny Books

Amazon.com: 30 Greatest Monster Books of All Time

National Geographic Adventure: Extreme Classics: The 100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time

Young Adult Library Services Association: Best Books for Young Adults

Bibliomania: Books you can read online for free

And if that isn't enough to keep you busy, there is a book called, "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die." You can find it on Amazon.com. Click here.

Image credit: BOOKS
© Stanko Mravljak | Dreamstime.com

Research credit: Abbie!

Pickleball: Start Something New in Your Neighborhood

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

I've dropped my oldest at college, high school is back in session, the easy days of summer are over and I'm feeling a little lost, a little out of sync. The cure for that, of course, is to do something completely new. So here's something I stumbled across awhile ago and have been saving for a day just like this.

PICKLEBALL

According the the Pickleball Web site, this sport was invented by U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum as an activity for all ages. It's sort of a mini version of tennis (or a cross between tennis and ping pong) and can be played in the street, parking lot, driveway or any other hard surface. Yes, it has actual rules and, of course, you can buy official gear. The name, Pickleball, comes from a dog (Pickles) who used to steal stray balls and hide during games. I was hoping someone started playing with actual pickles but no such luck.

The game is pretty straight forward and given that it takes up so little space, it seems like something that could become a new neighborhood/adventure club/school/office tradition. Since it's unlikely that anyone you know has played this before, you could become an instant expert. For the investment of $120, you could own 4 Pickleball paddles, a net, 56 balls and the game rules. Sounds like fun to me.

Click here to visit Pickleball.com

Click here to visit the USA Pickleball Association

Image courtesy of Pickleball.com

Oprah.com on Finding Your Passion

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:20:00 +0000

According to Oprah.com's Cheryl Richardson, there are five steps to finding your passion. All five are worth reading but my favorite step is this one: Take a Risk.

Step Five: Take a Risk.Stop thinking about your passions and start doing something. Take a risk, and step out to try something new. By challenging your fear with action, you'll not only raise your self-esteem, you'll expand your comfort zone. If you're not sure of what to do, ask a trusted friend or partner for ideas. Remember that good luck happens when you're in action. And, if you try something new (even if you're not sure of the outcome), you may discover a passionate interest by accident!

To read Cheryl's complete guide to finding your passion, click here.

Learning to Run in 13 Weeks: Week 13

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to all of you who have made it the full 13 weeks! Honestly, my group has dwindled. Some found it too challenging, some thought the program was not challenging enough. Many of the kids used our training sessions to stay in shape over the summer but left us once the fall sports resumed. Personally, I loved my 13 weeks. I used to run with a group until an achilles injury sidelined me about a year ago. This program not only got me back on the road, it rekindled an enjoyment of the sport that I thought I had lost.

What's next? Well, it's time to go find a couple of local races and sign up. I can't think of a better way to celebrate this summer's accomplishment than with a few hundred other runners.

As mentioned in earlier posts, we've been following the gradual running program outlined in the The Beginning Runners Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program *. Here's the schedule for this final week.

Week 13

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 40 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: Congratulations, you've done it!

*A few words about The Beginning Runner's Handbook. The 13-week program doesn't appear until page 151 because the authors (Ian MacNeill and the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia) thought it was important to start with topics like moderation, choosing good shoes, training mind & body, pregnancy, cross-training, technique, diet, injuries and stretching. It is probably wise to do some reading of your own before you launch into this new exercise program. Please make sure you're healthy and ready for action and then join us!

This Weekend: Satellite in Your Night Sky

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, has more than just the Space Shuttle orbiting the Earth. There are satellites out there too. You can have a personal relationship with space this weekend if you take the time to watch for a satellite passing overhead.

The Johnson Space Center provides information (including date, time and location in the sky) for spotting a satellite above your neighborhood. Click here to for detailed data for the US and its territories. Click here for international cities.

Thanks for the tip, Abbie!

Adventurous Site of the Week: Historic Food

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Ivan Day is an expert on English food history. He has written extensively on the subject and is known for his re-creations of historic table settings for museums. Ivan also has a working kitchen in England filled with ancient tools for preparing authentic historic dishes in a style appropriate to the period. If you are an adventurous cook (or want to be), Ivan offers small classes where he teaches students the art of preparing delicious old-tyme fare.

Visiting his Web site, Historic Food, you'll find courses on Roasting and Broiling, Late Medieval English Cookery, Tudor and Early Stuart Cookery, Pie Making and Pastry, and oh, so many more. Unfortunately, his classes for the remainder of 2009 are full but if you're planning on being in England in 2010 keep an eye on Historic Food for next year's schedule. If England isn't on your agenda but you're in the mood for more immediate gratification, Ivan has three pages of recipes that will give you just the cooking adventure you've been looking for.

Click here to visit Historic Food

Click here to for Historic Food's recipe pages

To read more about Ivan Day, click here.

Learning to Run in 13 Weeks: Week 12

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

The Handbook talks about the importance of remaining relaxed while running. This isn't too tough in the beginning but I've noticed that as time wears on, and I'm low on energy, I start to tighten up. My shoulders hunch, my gaze drops to the ground, sometimes I notice that my hands are clenched into fists. To combat the problem, I've started taking a mental inventory of my body as I run. I start with my head, making sure my eyes and jaw are relaxed then I move down through my neck shoulders, elbows, etc. all the way to my feet. It may be my imagination but I think I have more energy if I make sure my body is tension free.

Here's a tip from The Beginning Runner's Handbook that author Ian MacNeill credits to Olympian Lynn Kanuka: Try pressing your thumb and one of your fingers together to remove stress in the shoulders and back. You have to try it to believe that it works.

As mentioned in earlier posts, we're following the gradual running program outlined in the The Beginning Runner's Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program *. Here's the schedule for this week and next.

Week 12

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 50 minutes, 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: 8-minute warm-up, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 10 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Week 13

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 40 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: Congratulations, you've done it!

*A few words about The Beginning Runner's Handbook. The 13-week program doesn't appear until page 151 because the authors (Ian MacNeill and the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia) thought it was important to start with topics like moderation, choosing good shoes, training mind & body, pregnancy, cross-training, technique, diet, injuries and stretching. It is probably wise to do some reading of your own before you launch into this new exercise program. Please make sure you're healthy and ready for action and then join us!

New TV Show Wants to Make Your Dream a Reality!

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

If you've ever dreamed of being a reality TV star or if you just have a dream and need funding to make it a reality, have I got an opportunity for you! This casting call for a new TV show called Chance came to me this morning. Here's the scoop from Supervising Casting Producer Alexis Diamond:

New Reality Game Show: Chance
Executive Producer: Ryan Seacrest
Contact: Alexis Diamond, Supervising Casting Producer
Email: adiamond@me.com
Media Outlet: TV - Major Cable Network
Deadline: 12:10pm PACIFIC - 02 October

A Major Cable Network and Executive Producer, RYAN SEACREST are teaming up to bring you... "CHANCE"!

Do you need CA$H to fulfill your dreams? No matter how extraordinary, selfless or off the wall your dream might be, a new reality game show needs you! Whether you're asking for $50.00 or $250,000, if you've got passion and the gift of gab the money could be yours!

You can literally ask for anything! Is there something you've always wanted but could never quite afford? Do you have a lifelong ambition that you are desperate to fulfill? We're looking for people to come up with unique and exciting ideas.

How to Apply:

1. EMAIL: adiamond@me.com

Include your name, age, city you live in, occupation and your story! How much money do you need? What would you use the money for? How important is this to you?

2. ATTEND AN OPEN CALL in LA, NY, Austin, St. Louis or Miami! (Specific locations TBA. Our website will be updated this week) All ages may apply no DREAM is too BIG or too SMALL! If you want to apply for the show, You MUST bring the following items with you to the open call to be considered.

1. Your completed and signed application. (Please download at: www.castingduo.com/chance)

2. Your 2-3 minute pitch on why you NEED the money and what it will buy you.

3. A recent clear photo of yourself or your group (if you're applying as a group).

4. A photocopy of your Driver's License or government issued Photo ID.

5. If you have props, visuals, costumes, etc...Please bring them!

For more information, open call locations and to download the application please visit: www.castingduo.com/chance

10 Adventurous Trips

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Catherine Mack has written an article about 10 trips for women who want a more adventurous vacation. Catherine's suggestions range from Coasteering (plummeting from great heights into a body of water) to weaving rugs in Morocco to doing the Cha-Cha in Cuba and cryo-therapy in Slovakia.

From the Irish Times, 10 trips "For Women with a Sense of Adventure."

Adventure Site of the Week: Under the Milky Way

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

There are adventures for the mind and body and there are adventures for the spirit. Rita at "Under the Milky Way" is training for all three as she prepares to walk a 500-mile long pilgrimage through Spain. I asked Rita to describe her upcoming trip and here's what she had to say:

I am an avid traveler, always looking for my next adventure. This time that adventure is a 500 mile Spiritual Pilgrimage, trekking across northern Spain, along an ancient footpath called the Camino de Santiago, through 3 mountain chains, some of the most beautifully preserved medieval villages, mostly unchanged in over 1,000 years, and some of the most scenic countryside in Europe, to the tomb of the Apostle Saint James. It is the 3rd most important Pilgrimage in the world, topped only by Rome and Jerusalem.

I will walk between 5 to 8 hours each day for more than a month, carrying the bare necessities on my back and staying in a network of places along the way, mostly in hostels, convents and monasteries.

The journey is an amazing experience in simplicity, leaving behind all the luxuries and conveniences of home, along with all the stress, burdens and politics. They say the road offers many lessons to all who walk it, the most profound being the journey of self discovery.

When asked why, at 62, I am taking on such an arduous journey, both physically and mentally challenging, even for someone much younger in years, I cannot give a clear-cut answer. I can only say that I am enjoying training by walking and hiking daily and I am looking forward to what the journey has to offer.

My Pilgrimage begins soon. I leave for Spain on September 6 to start my journey.

You can follow my progress by reading my blog which I will be updating while making my way across Spain.

To follow Rita's adventure, click here to visit, Under the Milky Way

Image courtesy of Rita at Under the Milky Way

Prizes for Photos of Your Summer Adventures

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Summer is wrapping up and if you've done something interesting you probably have a picture to prove it. The folks at Tours4Fun are offering prizes for the best summer travel pix--just upload yours before August 31. Everyone gets to vote on their favorite photo during September and then, who knows, maybe you'll win the Grand Canyon airplane tour or the DC Capitol Bus Tour or the Niagra Falls Tour.

Click here for more information about the "Best of Summer Travel" photo contest.

Learning to Run in 13 Weeks: Week 11

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

My running companions have commented that they are really getting tired of seeing the same old things as we run the neighborhood. Not only does the scenery make the run less interesting but back when we were doing shorter intervals, we were used to stopping near the elementary school and then again near the "big tree" and the "blue house." Now when we pass the tree and the blue house our brains tell our bodies that it's time to stop and that is creating a physical conflict. So, the plan for this week is to seek out new paths. I'd like to find a nice wooded trail, other people know of urban running tracks that they think would be a fun change. I'm looking forward to doing something new.

As mentioned in earlier posts, we're following the gradual running program outlined in the The Beginning Runners Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program *. Here's the schedule for this week and next.

Week 11

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 40 minutes, walk1 minute, run 20 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: 8-minute warm-up, run 20 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 10 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Week 12

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 50 minutes, 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: 8-minute warm-up, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 10 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

*A few words about The Beginning Runner's Handbook. The 13-week program doesn't appear until page 151 because the authors (Ian MacNeill and the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia) thought it was important to start with topics like moderation, choosing good shoes, training mind & body, pregnancy, cross-training, technique, diet, injuries and stretching. It is probably wise to do some reading of your own before you launch into this new exercise program. Please make sure you're healthy and ready for action and then join us!

An Extraordinary Honor for an Extraordinary Woman: Nancy G. Brinker

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

I received this exciting news from Susan G. Komen for the Cure:

"On July 30, an extraordinary honor was given to our Founding Chair, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker. She was selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor our country bestows, for her work in launching Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and building the organization into the leader of the global breast cancer movement."

If you aren't familiar with Susan G. Komen or her sister, Nancy, here's a bit of background: A number of years ago, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although her physical body was lost to the disease, her energy has lived on. Susan's battle against the illness, her efforts to make life better for other women and her strong spirit, inspired her sister, Nancy, to continue the fight to "end breast cancer forever." The result of Nancy's commitment to her sister and to women around the globe is the organization Susan G. Komen for the Cure. According to their website, the organization is

...The global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Thank you, Nancy, for your tireless effort to improve the lives of many, many women whom you will never even meet.

Inner Tube Water Polo: Oh, Yes You Can!

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

My friend, Anne, was interviewed recently about her inner tube water polo team. She sent me a link to the TV broadcast and after watching the clip I was so inspired that I contacted my county's recreation office to press for an inner tube water polo league of our own.

What I like most about this goofy sport is that the inner tube is the great equalizer. As one of the the women in the clip states, even if you are an athlete, you aren't an athlete in an inner tube. The second best thing is that teams can compete outside during the summer and move to indoor pools the rest of the year.

Click here to see KECI-TV's story about a sport that may become near and dear to your heart.

Learning to Run in 13 Weeks: Week 10

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

After last week's longer running intervals, I noticed that my knees were unhappy for a couple of days. I know from past experience that achy knees are a good indication that it's time for new running shoes. I used to think that it was appropriate to keep sneakers until the bottoms wore out or they fell apart but I have discovered through trial and error that when it comes to running, frugality just doesn't pay. I still shop in the overstock and discontinued area of the my athletic shoe store but I try to replace my shoes every six months -- sometimes more often if my knees start giving me the signal.

As mentioned in earlier posts, we're following the gradual running program outlined in the The Beginning Runners Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program *. Here's the schedule for this week and next.

Week 10

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 30 minutes, walk1 minute, run 30 minutes, 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: 8-minute warm-up, run 20 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 10 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Week 11

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 40 minutes, walk1 minute, run 20 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: 8-minute warm-up, run 20 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 10 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

*A few words about The Beginning Runner's Handbook. The 13-week program doesn't appear until page 151 because the authors (Ian MacNeill and the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia) thought it was important to start with topics like moderation, choosing good shoes, training mind & body, pregnancy, cross-training, technique, diet, injuries and stretching. It is probably wise to do some reading of your own before you launch into this new exercise program. Please make sure you're healthy and ready for action and then join us!

Lhasa: Adventures in Tibet

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Lhasa is a place I dream about. I've read more books about Tibet than I can count. I've seen loads of films, visited exhibitions and put the Buddhist holy land on my travel "to do" list and yet a part of me hesitates. What worries me is the altitude -- I like my oxygen.

It takes me a good three days to acclimate when I fly from my house (altitude 330 feet) to my parents' house (altitude 8,000 feet). That's three days of gulping water, restless nights and bad dreams. Lhasa, at 12,000 feet above sea level, is half again as high.

Over at Travelbite, Kelly Gilblom has posted a story about her own Tibetan adventure and she doesn't sugar coat a thing. Kelly's trip from Shanghai to Lhasa was, long, dirty, nauseating and more than worth it.

Click here to read "Travel Blog: Seven Days in Tibet."

Image credit: ROAD IN THE MOUNTAINS
© Eprom | Dreamstime.com

Outrigger Canoes

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

A few days ago, I mentioned that some members of my Adventure Club and I attended a Dragon Boat & Outrigger Canoe clinic on the Anacostia River. Last week, I wrote about Dragon Boats so I thought I'd cover the Outrigger Canoes (OC) today.

The outrigger is a canoe that has a floating support on one or both sides that helps to keep the boat stable. The canoe that I tried had a single outrigger on the port (left) side, and six seats for the paddlers. Like a Dragon Boat, OC paddling is a full body workout. Unlike the Dragon Boat, only one person sits in a seat so a paddler will alternate paddling on the port or starboard side of the boat; 15 strokes to the left, switch, 15 to the right, switch. That helps because if you're in an OC, you're going to be paddling for a couple of hours.

If Dragon Boat races are sprints then Outrigger Canoe races are marathons; OC races can range upward of 20 miles in the open ocean. Sometimes, in very long races, team members trade off but if you're serious about Outriggers, you have to be prepared for the long haul.

You may be thinking that you're too old to handle an endurance sport like this but you'd be wrong. All of the women and men who lead our clinic were older than me and a several were retired. Looking at OC websites, it's easy to find competitions for people of all ages including 60+.

OC racing is the state sport of Hawaii and popular around the world. If you're interested in Outrigger Canoes as an alternative to an ordinary workout or for the fun of joining a team, check out these sites:

Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association

East Coast Outrigger Racing Association

Northern California Outrigger Canoe Association

OCPaddler

The Perseids are Coming! The Perseids are Coming!

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:33:00 +0000

If you've been reading along for a little while you know I'm a fan of meteor showers. They're free, they're entertaining and they let your imagination drift away into the heavens. That said, tonight and tomorrow night, planet Earth will be drifting through a big cosmic dust bunny left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. All those little bits of debris will be entering our atmosphere approximately where the constellation Perseus appears overhead. Don't worry if you don't know your star locations, the best plan of attack is to just lie in a lawn chair or on a blanket and look up. If you're in a region free from light pollution you may see dozens of meteors per hour. That means a lot of wishing!

If you'd like to learn a little more about the Perseid meteor shower, click here for an article from NASA.

Thanks for the reminder, Abbie!

Image credit: Dreamstimefree 2776047: Moon-Star

Julie & Julia: Adding Zest to Life

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Over the weekend I saw the new film, Julie & Julia and loved it! The movie is a wonderful blending of two true tales into a single delicious creation. Nora Ephron's screenplay follows the lives of Julie Powell and Julia Child, easily alternating between decades and continents. Julie lives over a pizzeria with her husband and spends her days listening to the troubles of individuals affected by the 9/11 terror attacks. Julia's story begins in 1948, when she and her husband relocate to Paris after he is assigned to a job in the embassy.

Julie and Julia are women of different times, different backgrounds and different mindsets but they have two things in common: both know that their lives aren't fulfilling and both love cooking (in Julia's case it's more about the eating). Julia dedicates her time in France to learning to cook. Julie dedicates a year of her life to cooking everything in Julia's cookbook and blogging about it.

I loved this film not just because Meryl Streep's Julia Child is shockingly spot on. Not just because Amy Adams' Julie feels like someone I know. Not just because Nora Ephron's script is funny and touching. I really loved this film because it's all about women who make their lives better by following a passion. (Note to self: passion=good, obsession=bad) I saw myself in their lives and felt a desire to go out and add more zest to my own existence.

Life can be awfully routine and difficult but filling the holes with passion can add polish to all the dull spots. Finding something to be passionate about seems to be the challenge. I guess that's why I like to try new things, one of these days I'll find the ONE thing that defines me. I hope you do too.

Learning to Run in 13 Weeks: Week 9

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Well, today is going to be one of those gross Washington days: 100 degrees and tropical humidity. Just thinking about the run schedule for this evening is making me reach for a glass of water. I may just head off to the nice, cool gym and use their lovely treadmill to put in my time. Yeah, yeah, I'm a wimp.

As mentioned in earlier posts, we're following the gradual running program outlined in the The Beginning Runners Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program *. Here's the schedule for this week and next.

Week 9

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk1 minute, run 20 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 10 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: 8-minute warm-up, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minutes. Do this 3 times. 5-minute cool-down

Week 10

Day 1: 8-minute warm-up, run 30 minutes, walk1 minute, run 30 minutes, 5-minute cool-down

Day 2: 8-minute warm-up, run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times. 5-minute cool-down

Day 3: 8-minute warm-up, run 20 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 10 minutes. 5-minute cool-down

*A few words about The Beginning Runner's Handbook. The 13-week program doesn't appear until page 151 because the authors (Ian MacNeill and the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia) thought it was important to start with topics like moderation, choosing good shoes, training mind & body, pregnancy, cross-training, technique, diet, injuries and stretching. It is probably wise to do some reading of your own before you launch into this new exercise program. Please make sure you're healthy and ready for action and then join us!

And The Winner Is....

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

The winner of the brand-spanking new copy of Thomas Greanias' soon-to-be-released novel, The Atlantis Revelation, is Rita!

Congratulations! Your book will be in the mail shortly.

Image courtesy of ThomasGreanias.com

Fun New Site for Adventurous Women

Michaelle@AdventurousWomen.Net (Michaelle) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Beth "Ava Aviatrix" Walz of Roseberg, Oregon, has launched a new site called, Adventure Woman. Ava's outpost let's you meet and nominate real Adventure Women, share stories, get tips, voice an opinion, plan an adventure and, well so much more that you'll really just have to visit and see for yourselves.

Check out Adventure Woman here.