One of my goals this year is to go on a backpacking trip. It's something I've always wanted to do, but been too intimidated to try. Well, a few weeks ago, one of the girls in the Ward invited me on a backpacking trip to the Uinta's this summer. This time I immediately said yes. All was well until a few days later when reality set in and the thought of carrying 30-35 pounds of pack on my back while hiking in rough terrain just about made me cave. I did not have all the gear I would need, nor was I in good enough shape.
The gear is something easily worked out. Most of it I can either purchase myself, or borrow from highly motivated friends. The physical conditioning was another matter altogether, so I decided it was time to get in better shape. I've been pretty good at exercising regularly, and I'm in ok shape for someone approaching a milestone birthday (if I say so myself). But I knew I needed to put in some extra miles, as well as add strength to my legs and core. (Sadly, I inherited the family genes for no strength in my arms or knees.) I'm not a runner by any means, so that has never worked for me. But I've increased my walking so that I do a mile most weekdays, and several miles on Saturdays, by doing an aerobic workout, all in the comfort of my own home. I also purchased an exercise ball to help me work on strengthening my core. Now it's just a matter of putting in the effort and sticking with it. The trip is scheduled for July, so hopefully I've given myself plenty of time. I'll keep you posted.
The gear is something easily worked out. Most of it I can either purchase myself, or borrow from highly motivated friends. The physical conditioning was another matter altogether, so I decided it was time to get in better shape. I've been pretty good at exercising regularly, and I'm in ok shape for someone approaching a milestone birthday (if I say so myself). But I knew I needed to put in some extra miles, as well as add strength to my legs and core. (Sadly, I inherited the family genes for no strength in my arms or knees.) I'm not a runner by any means, so that has never worked for me. But I've increased my walking so that I do a mile most weekdays, and several miles on Saturdays, by doing an aerobic workout, all in the comfort of my own home. I also purchased an exercise ball to help me work on strengthening my core. Now it's just a matter of putting in the effort and sticking with it. The trip is scheduled for July, so hopefully I've given myself plenty of time. I'll keep you posted.
Comments
Congrats on working toward a goal! It's always fun to do something that you can cross off your "Always wanted to do" list.