Beat Summer's HEAT with DULUTH!

The hike to the summit was typical for summer in Maine, hot, muggy and buggy. Tough conditions requiring long sleeves and pants to keep the biting hordes away but also requiring a light enough fabric to allow one to remain dry and comfortable. These are not the conditions where cotton thrives, as once damp; cotton stays damp and uncomfortable and tends to rub a person in the most delicate places.

Fortunately on this day, I was trying out the Armachillo shirt and Dry on the Fly "work" pants by Duluth Trading Company. While most envision clothing from Duluth as “work wear”, let me assure you that these clothes are as suitable for use by fishermen, canoeists, backpackers and climbers.

Basically, if you plan to be outside in the oppressive summer heat, you want to be swathed in these two finely constructed Duluth products. While the shirt and pants are lightweight and breathable, they are constructed with a fabric that is incredibly tough and surprisingly soft.

The Armachillo Shirt contains “made-in-the-jade” technology and the Dry on the Fly pants are constructed with integrated UPF 40 sun protection, creating a barrier to the suns rays that will allow you to have fun in the summer sun without feeling its wrath.

Do yourself a favor this summer and bring an end to being uncomfortable. Start enjoying your favorite outdoor pursuits with clothing from your hard working friends at Duluth Trading Company!

For more Maine outdoor adventure pictures, please join me on Instagram and Twitter as I tour our amazing state protected, dry and comfortable in  "work" equipment and clothing by Duluth!

The Great Everest Challenge

The great Everest challenge is on! The health and wellness team here at work is virtually climbing to the top of Everest. People who wish to participate can do so in teams or individuals in the race to the top. Getting to the summit (29,037 feet) will require going up and down the 7 flights of stairs (131 steps) approximately 334 times.

Since this competition was my brain child this afternoon I was asked to give a motivational introduction to the competition. In that discussion, one of the participants asked “How long would it take you to do the 334 reps?” Well, I opened my big mouth and said I will finish the entire competition in one week from today (next Friday by 12:30PM). To reach my goal in the time allotted I need to complete approximately 50 stair reps a day.

Let me assure you that no matter how good of shape you “think” you are this is a monumental task and one I readily embrace. There is just something about a challenge (especially one that pushes my physical abilities) that really gets me excited!

UPDATE: Managed to get in 20 repetitions up and down the stairs today between 12:40 and 1:40. My energy level felt a little bit low as I had inadvertently forgotten to eat lunch. Planning to do 20 more at my end of the day quitting time to finish statistically strong with 40 total. Stay tuned to see if I make my goal or DIE trying!