With the strength and tenacity that comes standard issue for the Brew Crew, Linda has always dreamed of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. "It's been a dream since I was 19 years old," said Linda. She and another brewery employee were the only two out of the group to reach the summit.
 With the strength and tenacity that comes standard issue for the Brew Crew, Linda has always dreamed of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. "It's been a dream since I was 19 years old," said Linda. She and another brewery employee were the only two out of the group to reach the summit. "We brought the Alaskan Brewing Company banner to the top." Linda and her group had to hide the banner in with their gear, because their guide checked their packs for excess weight. "I put the banner in my pack afterwards, so we would have it at the top."
Linda was raised in Anchorage, where her parents owned the Pink Poodle Cocktail Lounge, so it isn't a surprise that growing up in Alaska's largest city came with its own set of frontier stories. From the "big city" to the veritable wilderness on nearby trails, Linda has never let the wildlife get in her way though she has sometimes been in its way. "I remember when I was almost trampled by a moose on the Coastal Trail. A bull moose charged me, so I hid behind a tree for protection. When he continued to follow me I started running but missed a step and fell." Linda speculates that the moose must have realized she wasn't a threat because he literally jumped over her and ran off into the woods.
These days she sees plenty of wildlife in Juneau as she takes an active role in the running community. Bears, porcupines and bald eagles are regular sights during her summer training runs. She boasts the maritime climate in Juneau allows her to run outside year-round, training for races and marathons both in-state and out of the country.
Adventure keeps her going and allows her to balance her work with enjoyment, "I do a lot of hiking and camping," she said. "When you live in Alaska, you have to take advantage of everything there is to do. I take time to immerse myself in the beauty of the wild places and appreciate each moment I spend here. I can't imagine living anywhere else." |
