My knee is better after my fall through a rotting roof almost 2 1/2 weeks ago when I shared a post by Backdoor Survival about the need for Physical Training for Preppers.
At that time, I agreed with them that P.T. and Endurance Training is as important as the mental preparation and choices that have to be considered in any emergency situation. I also said that once my knee was better that I would begin hiking/walking with my girlfriend, Elizabeth.
At that time, I agreed with them that P.T. and Endurance Training is as important as the mental preparation and choices that have to be considered in any emergency situation. I also said that once my knee was better that I would begin hiking/walking with my girlfriend, Elizabeth.
She is amazing in so many ways! I am not just saying that because she is my gf and it is expected. She takes great care of herself and me. My eating habits have greatly improved as well as my activity level being with her. I should also mention that she is a member of a hiking club and does 5 to 7 hour hikes on Sundays.
I never have considered myself athletic, though I thought I was in decent shape. I’m active working on the ranch, I do a lot of walking, even got myself a Mountain Bike to start riding. This last week I even started doing walks around the neighborhood and along the gullies behind the property. Mostly for exercise but also to survey the landscape and look at erosion patterns since we are in a flood plain area.
Tonight, about 6:45 I got a text from her saying, “…Let’s do a walk up Tumamoc and catch the sunset from up there.” Of course, I agreed without any hesitation. After all, a walk with your beautiful girlfriend to watch the sunset, it’s a no brainer. Right??
Tumamoc Hill is a 3 1/2 mile hike and at points has a fairly steep incline. You climb about 800 feet in elevation from where you start. The trail is well maintained, very crowded and the scenery is fabulous!!
I decided, on the car ride out together, that since she is a much more experienced hiker that I would totally let her set the pace, but if needed I would ask for a rest break or to slow down. Once we got there, she suggested pretty much the same thing and I agreed. We started off at a pretty brisk pace at about the halfway point, I felt a bit winded and asked for a break, and 2 more before reaching the top.
The pictures were taken from the top, overlooking the City. We spent a nice long time at the top talking, enjoying the view, waiting for my heart to return to it’s normal rate. lol We then headed down, which was so much easier. Imagine that? lol We plan to do this trail once or twice a week, to build up my endurance and get me ready for some of the hikes she does.
The “walk” highlighted a couple of things for me, that I want to share with everyone. The first is that we can always improve our physical conditioning no matter where we are currently at. I think that part of the pain that I experienced tonight was my pride. I didn’t think that I can do it just because she can or I’m a guy and I can do anything she can. It was all the 10-15 year olds that were jogging this hill that wounded my pride. lol
The other equally important thing is that, sometimes we have to give up the reigns to someone with more experience and knowledge in areas than we do. I know that can be hard to swallow, specially for those of us that are control freaks, but recognize your limitations and rely on those with more skill and learn from them. It can not only be a humbling experience but it’s nice to be recognized for your ability and the person you lean on will probably appreciate the confidence you place in them.
Let us know what you are doing to improve your physical conditioning!!
I never have considered myself athletic, though I thought I was in decent shape. I’m active working on the ranch, I do a lot of walking, even got myself a Mountain Bike to start riding. This last week I even started doing walks around the neighborhood and along the gullies behind the property. Mostly for exercise but also to survey the landscape and look at erosion patterns since we are in a flood plain area.
Tonight, about 6:45 I got a text from her saying, “…Let’s do a walk up Tumamoc and catch the sunset from up there.” Of course, I agreed without any hesitation. After all, a walk with your beautiful girlfriend to watch the sunset, it’s a no brainer. Right??
Tumamoc Hill is a 3 1/2 mile hike and at points has a fairly steep incline. You climb about 800 feet in elevation from where you start. The trail is well maintained, very crowded and the scenery is fabulous!!
I decided, on the car ride out together, that since she is a much more experienced hiker that I would totally let her set the pace, but if needed I would ask for a rest break or to slow down. Once we got there, she suggested pretty much the same thing and I agreed. We started off at a pretty brisk pace at about the halfway point, I felt a bit winded and asked for a break, and 2 more before reaching the top.
The pictures were taken from the top, overlooking the City. We spent a nice long time at the top talking, enjoying the view, waiting for my heart to return to it’s normal rate. lol We then headed down, which was so much easier. Imagine that? lol We plan to do this trail once or twice a week, to build up my endurance and get me ready for some of the hikes she does.
The “walk” highlighted a couple of things for me, that I want to share with everyone. The first is that we can always improve our physical conditioning no matter where we are currently at. I think that part of the pain that I experienced tonight was my pride. I didn’t think that I can do it just because she can or I’m a guy and I can do anything she can. It was all the 10-15 year olds that were jogging this hill that wounded my pride. lol
The other equally important thing is that, sometimes we have to give up the reigns to someone with more experience and knowledge in areas than we do. I know that can be hard to swallow, specially for those of us that are control freaks, but recognize your limitations and rely on those with more skill and learn from them. It can not only be a humbling experience but it’s nice to be recognized for your ability and the person you lean on will probably appreciate the confidence you place in them.
Let us know what you are doing to improve your physical conditioning!!
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