Gearing Up!

Gearing up for Mount Shasta

Mountains are full of beauty and also full of surprises.  Mount Shasta is nicest in June I've been told but we still need to be prepared for cold temperatures combined with winds as well as intense sun for next week's summit attempt.  The mountains can be unpredictable anywhere you go so you always have to be prepared for the unexpected.  The Breast Cancer Fund is helping us prepare for the worst but helping us feel prepared enough to hope for the best on Mount Shasta for our summit attempt.  For months now the Climb Against the Odds team has been receiving care packages from generous sponsors to help with our preparations and training. 

Just a few days from now I will pack up all of my gear, fly to California and head up to Mount Shasta!  I have been trying out some of the gear from the generous outdoor companies supporting Climb Against the Odds 2014.  To help us train we were sent a Fitbit Zip to track steps/miles and calories burned every day.  This helped me better understand what I have been getting out of my training efforts and it was fun to keep track of my efforts.  We also had a team website that compared all of our Fitbit training which was so fun and added a little competition.

We also received a variety of Luna Bars to help fuel our extensive training.  The right fuel on our climb is so important.  Summit day can be 12-14 hours of climbing up and then back down to camp.  We need to eat the right foods that will give us the sustained energy it will take for this long, slow approach to 14,179 feet above sea level.

I am still not eating gluten or sugar with very few exceptions and found that the bars provided were delicious but a bit challenging on my tummy unfortunately.  I am so grateful to have this option so I had to try it out.  Better on my own time to discover they didn't agree with me than on Shasta-grateful for that as well.  I have found some incredible alternatives that do work for me including Perfect Fuel which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.  These delicious bits of chocolate are an excellent snack and the ginseng gives a lasting boost of energy.   The dark chocolate is made with coconut palm sugar and high in nutrients. Perfect Fuel is located down in Boston and they generously donated a "pouch" to my cause!  Perfect Fuel will be on Mount Shasta with me, fueling my climb.  THANK YOU!

I am also trying Epic Bars and oh my goodness...if you eat meat you MUST try these!  They are gluten free, Paleo, and low in sugar.  Think jerky but so much better for you, so delicious and packed full of the right ingredients using sustainable ingredients.  Yes, they are expensive but well worth it.  I got the Grass-Fed Bison, Bacon & Cranberry for the trip and have been enjoying a little experimentation a little too much.  Now that I've completely veered off topic, let's get back to the very generous gear sponsors for this year's climb. 

The backpacks were provided by Osprey and are pretty fancy for a trail gal like me who hasn't bought a pack of this caliber since the mid 1990's when they were a little different and ALOT heavier.  I've been playing around with its many amazing features on the trail at work lately.  I love it and can't wait to put it to the test on Shasta.

Osprey Ariel 65

Can't wait to trade this 18lb rock bar for Leki trekking poles!

Trail Work Backpack Test...it passed...and NO, I don't get to do this every day

The model pack we have is the Osprey Ariel 65 and it is so nice!  I felt kind of bad getting Griphoist grease on it, but it did allow me to really give it a proper test drive.  I've also been using it for days hikes and will be filling full of all the other gear we got for the climb this week for my flight to CA.  Not sure how to pack the Leki Trekking Poles exactly but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

The North Face is another major sponsor of this climb.  We got shell components for wind and rain or snow as well as a sweet down jacket for Mount Shasta. I love this down jacket's light but warm comfort.

Testing out my new down jacket on a timber sale at work this cold, cold spring

Base layers are a critical component of any outdoor activity and we were sent Ibex Merino Wool tops and bottoms...so nice! I am so grateful I didn't have to buy new layers...mine are so worn out.  Merino Wool is so amazing, I can't say enough good things about it.

 We will also receive Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles when we arrive; hydration being one of the most critical pieces to success on a climb like Shasta.  Altitude can be unpredictable so being well fed and hydrated is a good foundation for success.  The slow, methodical pace we will take as a team will also be important, taking breaks every hour to eat and drink.

I really can't imagine feeling more supported in the way of gear for this climb.  The Breast Cancer Fund clearly knows what they're doing.  Of course their long-term relationship with Shasta Mountain Guides has created the best possible partnership for Climb Against the Odds and I am simply honored to be a part of it!

Thank you ALL for supporting me as well.  I have received support in ways I never imagined and it has been simply uplifting.  I feel like I could be satisfied with this journey even without climbing Mount Shasta thanks to you all.  The way I see it is this trip will be the reward for all of my work but I could have never made it this far without all of you!  

With love & gratitude, Cristin Bailey

Mammograms & Another Super Survivor

Women are strong by design.  We are the ones who quietly face monthly challenges, nine months of pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, annual inspections of awkward nature and all the while embrace our beauty and set an example of strength for our children of both sexes.  It's a lot, but I wouldn't give it up even if given the choice.  My daughter Ruby and I discuss this regularly.  To be a woman you are forced to be strong and that is what I love about it.

I turn 40 in just a few weeks which is the age women are advised to start having annual mammograms....woooohooo...the fun never stops!  Seriously though, mammograms are something we have to get used to and for my latest appointment I also chose to be screened for risks of developing breast cancer.

Hello 40!

For one reason or another, my doctor (at the time) ordered my first mammogram at 35.  I assume due to family history because that's what I always thought was my biggest risk since my maternal grandmother had breast cancer.  I had another mammogram at 37; different doctor, same precaution.  Recently I had my third mammogram, but it was because I am turning 40.  As part of my journey to Mount Shasta, I also had a breast cancer screening appointment at Breast Care Center at Concord Hospital, NH to see if I was a good candidate for genetic testing.  Using the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool I learned that I am actually below average risk for developing breast cancer in the next 5 years.  The factors considered include personal medical history of breast or ovarian cancer, age, known genetic BRCA1 or 2, early menses, age of 1st pregnancy/live birth, race, and 1st degree female relatives (mothers, sisters, daughters) who have had breast cancer.   Since my grandmother was diagnosed after 50 (she was 65), my cousin Aimee had negative genetic test, and I have had a child, my risks are lower.  I had NO idea?!  Obviously science has advanced since the early 1980's when my grandmother battled breast cancer, but the stigma of family history has not.  I felt foolish not knowing all of this before, but am relieved that I used my resources and discovered more so I could share what I have learned to benefit others.

The first time I had a mammogram was kind of difficult.  Who wants to have their breast squashed?  Not me.  Anyway, in case your approaching your 1st...you go into the room with a stranger who has you take half of your johnny off and expose yourself, which many of us find just a little awkward.  Then you have to press your breast up on the little shelf of cold glass.  Finally, your breast gets fully compressed into two pieces of flat glass and you hold your breath while the technician goes and takes an image.  You do this at least 4 times, providing the images are good.  My first time we got to this critical point of squoosh when the technician says to me, "Oh, I guess I need to get the extra small film".  OUCH?  Kick me while I'm down why don't you?!  I will NEVER forget that moment and it continues to make me laugh.  We are strong and resilient as women by nature.  Humiliation, exposure, harsh comments, embarrassment....please!  We are tougher than that.  If this is what I have to do to survive, so be it.  If this is what I have to do to stay healthy and be around to see my daughter grow up, so be it.  It's all worth it.

Ruby & Mama photos by Amy-2007

Signing on to this journey with the Breast Cancer Fund  has been an amazing, emotional experience personally and very educational as well.  Family history is always discussed concerning our risk of developing cancer.  The most important component of our risks of developing so many different types of cancer is our exposure to toxic chemicals.  Strangely, this is not discussed during breast cancer screening.  To learn more about how to prevent your exposure to known cancer causing products, used by us all daily, visit the Breast Cancer Fund's website-please!  http://www.breastcancerfund.org/

Also consider loading the Think Dirty application on your phone or tablet to easily scan your health and beauty products and consider cleaning up your bathroom shelf, or at least your children's bathroom shelf, to limit their exposure to these terrible ingredients liked to developing cancer.

While on the topic of reducing our risks of developing breast cancer, let me tell you about my favorite Super Survivor Carol!

When I climb Mount Shasta this month I will carry a prayer flag for my dear friend Carol a.k.a. Nina or Nina Bear to her grandchildren.  Carol's journey is one I am so honored to share.  Carol is my best friend Amy's mom and has always cared for me as one of her own.  Over 20 years ago Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Amy and I were just starting college and her two brothers were college age and younger as well.  Everyone in Carol's life was devastated by the slightest thought of losing Carol but being the matriarch, she stayed strong.  Her family relied on her to be confident, calm and in charge as she always was despite her diagnosis.  She bravely faced radiation on the cancerous breast and it thankfully worked.  This was a brush with fate that shook Carol's whole family to the core, but Carol rose from the ashes like a phoenix as we all expected and life 

went on.

Adam & Carol with their three children Nathan, Amy & Brian

Eighteen years later I got a call from Amy.  I get calls from Amy all the time but as soon as I answered and heard her voice I could tell something was wrong.  Carol was once again, diagnosed with breast cancer in the same breast as before.  It didn't seem possible and I could sense Amy's fear over the phone. This time it was different; Carol needed her family to carry her through this second fight.  Amy described her mother as a tiny bird with a broken wing who needed the most delicate care and support from her family every step of the way.  This time, Carol's family would need to be strong for her as she had always been for them for so many years.  Carol's breast cancer this time around was different.  The cancer came back to the same breast, which had been previously exposed to intensive radiation and Carol was now also older.  The choices she was presented with came with a different response and a different attitude from Carol and her family.  The extent to which the doctors could go in order to preserve her breast seemed foolish to Carol.  Simply going through with a mastectomy and reducing her risk seemed simple and practical this time around. At the same time this would be devastating and terrifying.

Carol & Amy during Carol's 2nd battle with breast cancer

Amy documented Carol's journey with compassion and care.  I invite you to read some of the posts and learn more about the different types of cancers Carol faced and how she chose to treat her breast cancer but more importantly, face life:  

Carol's BLOG

Amy & Carol...cancer free!

Carol won her second round of breast cancer with dignity and determination.  During a recent visit I was struck, once again, by Carol's loving guidance and positive outlook on life despite the unreasonable challenges she has faced.  She is living her life to the fullest, spending as much time as possible with her family and enjoying life's most simple pleasures.  Carol has supported me on my journey to Mount Shasta and helped me better understand how breast cancer has impacted my life.  Her guidance has helped me understand why it is so very important to reduce the risks for myself and for my family.  I am so blessed to have Carol and her family in my life and am grateful for her victories over cancer.

My climb up Mount Shasta is just 2 weeks away.  In honor of all who have supported my journey and Carol's DOUBLE win over breast cancer I have DOUBLED my fundraising goal!  

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT MY FUNDRAISING GOAL!

Each Climb Against the Odds climber raises a minimum of $6000. I have raised my goal to $12,000 and I am getting close with just days left to fundraise!  Every little bit counts!  Thank you to those of you who have supported me in every little way.  Your support has overwhelmed and uplifted me!  Donate, share this link, get the Think Dirty app, and make an appointment for a mammogram and/or breast cancer screening!  Together we can reduce our risks!

With love & gratitude, Cristin