30 Weeks And Counting

While hiking with my brother today, he threw out that we only had 30 weeks until we start our TMB adventure. That struck home with me. I have been training for about 5 months already, but putting it out there that we only have 30 weeks sort of sent me into a panic.

Then we started to talk about upcoming weekends that we can't hike because of other commitments. The number of weekends available to get out on the trail started to dwindle. After talking with my family, they were laughing at me. Giving me support, they indicated that I already in good shape for this hike. Gotta love them.

I only really hike during the weekends. Now that I started a new job, my chances of taking off for a Friday hike is slim to none. I am still going to the gym 2-3 times a week for inside training, but 30 weeks doesn't seem like a lot of time left.

With the new year starting, my plan is to start using my pack that I will be taking with me. Up until now, I have been using a day pack just to pack some supplies and water. Now is the time to bring on the pack and put some weight into it. My pack is a 35L and is the one I used on the Camino. It is comfortable and I tend to pack lightly as rule. But it is time to dust it off and start using it.

I will need to start planning Saturday and Sunday hikes. Having back-to-back hikes will help me with getting me back into solid mental shape. Waking up two or three days in a row and strapping on the pack is good mental preparation.

I have my go to 1,000' (elevation) hikes that are close by. Those don't give me too much trouble, but again 3,000 gain and descent every day is a lot. By the end of June, I would like to be able to do my 1,000' hikes back-to-back. Go up and come down and turn around and do it again.

I feel like I am in okay shape to complete the TMB, but I would like to enjoy it without sucking air during the whole hike. It is never too late to kick your training up to the next level.

Only 30 weeks really doesn't seem like enough time. Get out there and do it!

Pack Lightly My Friends

Justjoe