“We push ourselves because we have to, not because we like it”
~Grey’s Anatomy
Today was a day to be reckoned with for many reasons. Just the every day act of processing stressful situations can often result in GREAT ideas.
It occurred to me that absolutely NO ONE has asked me about HOW I am going to be ready to hike 15 to 20 miles per day on the Pacific Crest Trail with a loaded pack. My ears are waiting for – “Are you training? What are you doing to train? When do you train? How will you be ready physically?”
I COULD be delusional and assume everyone thinks I am super woman with a super body, but that unfortunately is NOT the case!
Every year I train differently for the backpacking season. This year I started the Mari Winsor Pilates Program that uses DVDs and an Accelerator weighted bar that has cool hand weights and a resistance cord. I love it and it is unbelievably challenging for my very non-stretchy body. I also started running the hills in our neighborhood and finishing with sit-ups with the Ab Lounger, push-ups, and stair heel lifts.
BUT today I found the Everest of my workout program. In a moment of clarity, I hoisted on my new Granite Gear Vapor Ki backpack loaded with 20 pounds of gear and ran my usual route with the pack on (at a considerably slower pace I might add). Yep, you guessed it – hard very hard. I not only had sweat flowing freely and profusely, but also my quads, hamstrings, calves, gluteus maximus, shoulders, knees, and feet screamed to stop.
I was elated.
Immediately, a flashback of climbing Mount Rainer a few years ago came rushing back, to that pivotal moment at the crest, when we were just about to reach the top and I didn’t think I could go any further. It was a rush.
Needless to say I am looking forward to my next L O S T workout with a big smile on my face. 🙂
I’m glad you are preparing your body for when you have an important event to accomplish. I have been doing Winsor Pilates for quite some time and I have to tell you the truth I have lost some pounds. The tool I like most is the Winsor Pilates Band
Thanks for the tip!
We know you so well by now that I never have to ask how or why. You are, and will be prepared. If there is anything I have learned from you is that one doesn’t just go out and do anything. We must prepare our body. For me, that is a big mental attitude I know I must incorporate. I so often wish I had just a small portion of your drive.
I think you do have that drive and are a great mentor in my life. Thank you.
OH MY! This is super fantastic for YOU! And just in case you didn’t know, that is how I feel EVERY time I do anything active! HA HA! So lets trade bodies for a while, and you can get all the highs you want! 🙂 LOVE your self portrait! GO MOM!
Thanks for the compliment on the self portrait. So easy from the backside and moving. No need for hairdo and makeup! Just go and do it!