suppport from friends

Do you have “that” friend?

/ wildsideof50 / 4 Comments

Everyone needs at least one friend who says, “Yes”, to their crazy ideas. Maybe, we all take turns being “that” friend. We either come up with the adventure or are willing to go along on it. I thrive on adventure and will do almost anything under the guise of “training” for the next big one! (Thru-hike that is!) I had two friends, both wanting to do Window Rock Trail, but couldn’t do it together, so I went with them both, on back to back days…. great training! I was excited. We were going to Window Rock in the Catalina’s near Tucson. On Saturday, we left out of Ventana Trailhead and on Sunday, we left on Esperero Trailhead in Sabino Canyon.

I met Brenda on Saturday at the trailhead parking lot at 6 a.m. I had my sticks, camel, and snacks.

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Early morning light on Ventana Trail

I was ready to go on round trip trail past Maiden Pools up to 7468’ elevation from the parking lot at 2950’. So, just shy of 5000 foot elevation gain and descent for the 17-mile hike. Off we went…. On one of my favorite trails. The canyon thins after you pass the pools and has beautiful canopies of oak trees that line the winding creek bed. There are Indian grinding stones carved into several of the large boulders that hug the trail close to the creek. The first peek of Window Rock from the trail is slightly daunting as it looks very far away and much higher on the mountain ridge. The desire to get to it wills us up the trail.The climb really starts once you leave the canyon. Up and around the rocky hillside winding its way up switch backs to the ridge.

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Indain Grinding Stone

The first ridge is a false summit. The actual destination is still some ways farther. On the west side of the ridge you can see as far as Pinnacle Peak towards Phoenix and the Biosphere near Oracle. Looking east, the sprawl of Tucson abounds with Kit Peak visible as well a peek into Mexico. AWE! Once you reach the vista the views are framed by the weather-worn huge rock. The views are worth the trek. There is the perfect place for a snack and rest before heading back down the same trail. We ended up back in the parking lot by 4 p.m.

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Looking towards Oracle and Phoenix from the top

 

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Looking through the Window Rock

I headed home for a light dinner, cuzzi time and early to bed. I was meeting Gina and her 12-year old son, in Sabino Canyon at 7 a.m., to head up the main tram road to get on Esperero Trail. I woke at 5:30 a.m. with enough time for a cup of tea and a bowl of oatmeal. I had prepared my camel and snacks the night before. I also packed 2 additional bottles of water for the hike. My level of excitement was high when we met in the parking lot.

I had never done the entire Esperero Trail and it had been years since I had last been on it. Our goal Window Rock to and from the Sabino Canyon entrance. The Esperero trail started with wide canyons traversing back and forth. After a considerable number of switchbacks, we made it up to the first vista. There were magnificent views, but we kept on into a grassy valley that led us into a wooded area. The trail became more interesting after that as there were huge pine trees, oaks and giant junipers. The trail meandered along a creek bed with huge boulders. The creek was wide with several areas of falls, had there been water. Past the last large fall area, there was a large campfire ring and a campsite, and the trail looked less traveled. It grew much thinner and overgrown as we continued up the mountain side. The trail often looked no better than a game trail which sent us off the wrong direction at times. My feelings and excitement about the trail was changing as we continued. I was beginning to have doubts about returning on the same trail.

We passed over several false rocky summits and had to scramble to continue in some places. The trail was a challenge. Finally, we made it to top ridge that we had to stay on for a distance to get to the window. At one point, the brush surrounded us and was taller than me. We heard branches breaking a head of us. We called out for a human response and heard only more branches break. Whatever animal was near-it was BIG! We stopped in our tracks and started to make lots of loud noises. We stopped. We listened. We didn’t hear it again, so we pressed on. My admiration for Gina’s son grew as we continued. He had perseverance. He was fearless and didn’t complain once. When we reached the window, we were all a bit weary.

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At the top-Window Rock

We ate our second snack and soaked in the views. Our feet rested as we sat in silence. We then started to take photos and got a case of the giggles. We were tired. We had already covered 13 miles. If we took the same trail back it would have been 26 miles total. Or we could opt for the Ventana trail at a mere 9-mile exit. We voted for Ventana and knew we had to beat the dark to the parking lot. We started down with a good pace, but we were all three tired. When Gina got phone service she called her husband to ask him to retrieve us from the trailhead at Ventana and transport us to our waiting trucks in Sabino Canyons parking lot.

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Trying to beat the dark to the parking lot

Timing was perfect. We made it off the trail into the parking lot right at dusk. It was 6:30 p.m. And as we walked onto the black top Gina’s husband pulled up, ready to take us to Sabino. Wow! We made it. A long day hike – all 21 miles of it! That was a GREAT training weekend for our upcoming thru-hike. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Weekend adventures with friends are the Best! Do you have “that” friend who says ‘yes’ to your ideas? I’m so glad my friends are “that” for me!

-Kat

PS. Next 21 mile day hike is Romero Pools in Catalina State Park to Sabino Canyon via Hutches Pools. That is Gina’s idea and I said “Yes”. Wanna come?

 

Training for a thru-hike…..

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Riding a bike is great cross training for hiking

Well there is more to it than that: Being healthy and fit for a day hike is significantly different than being healthy and fit for a thru hike. Our body and minds need to be ready for the trail. Not to mention the detailed planning that goes into a thru hike adventure which we will discuss in another blog. But the training can start NOW! “The better the train, more the gain on the trail” ……says not just me. The idea of a week-long to a month long thru hike is romantic in my mind given that I will be out in the beautiful-middle-of-no-where-wilderness with all I’II need to survive on my back dependent on only myself-awe!!! That’s pure love. I don’t mean that selfishly I mean it supportively to the idea that self-reliance, self-confidence, basic survival skills and gaining the ambitious belief “I CAN DO IT!” is my means of attack for the encompassing objective in preparing and planning a thru hike. So, with members of my tribe we are working to increase our stamina, endurance, core strength and our confidence to be as successful as possible on our future journey on a section of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) from Yosemite to Tahoe where will make memories that last a life time.

The tribe members joining this journey in July 2018 will be Gwen, myself, Gina, Katie and Brenda. My goal has been to hike the entire length of the Sierra-Nevada’s after completing the JMT (John Muir Trail) with Gwen in 2016. The JMT was Gwen’s pick; this section of the PCT is mine (we take turns picking our adventures). Gina and I hiked Guatemala together summer of 2017 and she fell in love with that part of the trip craving more adventures. Katie wants more time on the trail after her introduction of 2 days on the JMT (read: Gwen’s “Ignorance is bliss” blog). And Brenda is new to hiking and backpacking but very eager with several weekends and overnights under her belt. Gwen, Gina and I will start in Yosemite with Katie and Brenda joining use a week later at Sonora Pass to finish the second half of the 152-mile section ending in Meeks Bay. This is all very exciting to think about but physically challenging to complete.

I have made additional summer commitments beyond the 152-mile hike following the weekend after our completion. They include but aren’t limited to hiking with my son, Cole, from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows including hiking Half Dome, and then the next week we are off to Alaska for salmon fishing and finishing with a half marathon in Anchorage. So, training can’t start soon enough for me. No one needs similar goals to find self-motivation to improve personnel fitness. Where ever you are and whatever your objectives are you can implement a training program to fit your needs or follow the one below. It is a simple comprehensive muscle building, core strengthening, endurance increasing workout plan. Take what you need and go for it!

Note: The section of the PCT we are doing has no elevation gains greater than 4000 feet. There are summits that will be challenging with our back packs weighing between 32-45 pounds.

Remember building all we need within us is a process over time….and we are what we eat. Eating healthy and drinking lots of water is important. Always have fun and respect your limits. Avoid injury by NOT doing too much too fast…. start somewhere but start slow if just beginning to train. A day of rest can do your body and mind wonders. To work out with tribe members is beneficial, motivational and keeps you accountable.

 

Training for a thru hike:

“The difference between a dream and a goal of a thru-hike: An action plan in place to gain momentum for the changes your body will need to achieve your dream while gaining the confidence you need to follow through.”   -BK

HINT: Make a commitment to the days per week for training and stick to it

Cardio and endurance is essential

-hiking steep and difficult trails for a minimum of 2 hours once a week (increase distance and time bi-weekly-gradually)

-challenging quick-paced cardio workout (running, treadmill, biking or stairs) with incline increasing over time for 1 hour a day

-engage in fitness class as an alternative for a shake-up to muscles 1 hour a week (swimming, abs of steel tape, Les Mils at a gym or boxing)

Core strength is imperative

-weight train 3 times weekly for a minimum of ½ and increase weight over time (do 2 to 3 sets of 15 repetitions of each exercise working arms, legs and core)

-yoga, TRK, good old calisthenics or swimming improves core strength (calisthenics: jumping jacks, wall sits, push up, abdominal crunches, chair set-ups, squats, side lunges, squat jacks, high knee shuffle, ski umps, chair tri-cep dips, plank, high knee running in place and mountain climbers to name a few that can be done in circuit form and done twice with 30 second rest between 1 minute of 13 exercises)

– stretching after a good hike or work out is the best time to stretch because you are warmed with blood flowing through your muscles. Basic stretching after each workout will decrease soreness and increase your range of motion

– Varying exercises with increase of time, incline, distance and weight improves stamina and overall benefits of training

Our tribe starts TODAY! We are starting with the stairs at McKale Center (@ U of Arizona their basketball stadium). We will run up and then down all of stairs for an hour -around and around we will go. We are trying to exercise be it hiking, walking, running or swimming 5 days a week with a long hike at least once a week. This Sunday we are doing Blackett’s in Sabino Canyon National Park which is a total of 8-miles, but the last leg of it is up 1.7 miles with a 1700-foot elevation gain. Tucson tends to have awesome winter weather making outdoor training easy and a multitude of diverse types of hiking trails to choose from. And the stadium stairs for not-so-good weather days. We will start adding weight to our backpacks and do a few shake-out overnights that will prepare our bodies to carry the weight of our packs on the 14-day journey.

Start today……. stick with it! You will only get better!

-Kat

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Looking in the direction I am headed… believing I CAN DO IT!

Holidays hips and giggles

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Cranberry-pistachio biscotti dipped in white chocolate

The holidays seem to be in full throttle after Halloween which makes for an exciting time of the year as it quickly buzzes by to start a new one. I love the holidays. I love everything about the holidays. Especially my holiday baking which starts in October and goes through November. I enjoy making cookies, biscotti and candy for Holiday gifts for friends and family. I’m nearly finished with 9 different cookies, two different biscotti’s and four different chocolates from caramel covered in it to seafoam both dark and milk. Something happens to me during this time of year and my clothes revolt in tightness. 2017 was an interesting year for me weight wise anyways.  I had a fungus that spread like wild fire on my face that was eventually treated with prednisone for 6 weeks prior to and while I was in the jungles of Guatemala eating the native food available which consisted of corn with more corn and the occasional boiled squash or blackberry leaves. It all seemed like a recipe for twenty pounds to find their way into my life and stick to my mid-section. It could cast a dark shadow on the holiday feasts or I can be realistic about it and approach it with wisdom (and caution). But wisdom sounds smarter and a bit more positive.

Since I am not the only one in my tribe with extra pounds showing up on the scale I have support in my efforts and attack plan. We have made a pact to go easy between now and the New Year as our goal is to stay in good condition until then. In January we will start fresh with a new exercise routine. One member of our tribe has already hit her goals of trimming not just weight but inches from her body. She looks and feels fantastic (Congrats Laura). She made a goal and stuck to it prior to the rush of the holidays. Her plan was working out an hour a day, six days a week, doing a different fitness class everyday stirring her body up enough to drop the extra insulation. She is an inspiration. Having workout buddies sure makes the journey to fitness and health a lot more enjoyable plus it helps for accountability. Between now and the New Year my time is going to be split between the mountains (where my boyfriend lives) and Tucson where all my friends live. Being in two places while splitting my time makes a routine difficult to follow but I am not making excuses.

My plan is Laura’s work out plan with two other tribe members who also have crazy travel and work schedules between now and the New Year. We have all agreed to exercise at least five times a week and attempt a calorie deficiency daily to try to get ahead of the game or at least not get behind with more weight gain through New Year’s. Even though I am not in the same town all the time a motivating text between us with words of encouragement can keep me and them on task. My text sent today stated how I missed our workouts together but that I have been trying to hike everyday while in the mountains. The fall weather is far from cold. And I feel like when I’m hiking I’m weight lifting to cus I’m carrying an extra 20 pounds around with me on my belly. I also said I’m looking forward to our January plans. And I received a text reminding me of our 2018 hiking plans. We have booked a 2-night stay at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in February. That’s a great goal to firm up for because hiking in is easy but the hike out can be daunting if your carrying a lot more than your needed gear. We also have plans to hike in March north of the Grand Canyon in southern Utah at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Keeping ourselves on track and making goals seems to be what maintains motivation among us.

I know that the older we get the easier and faster the weight piles on and then the task of getting it off seems to take almost twice as long. Given that I am going to be “double-nickels” next April; 50 and I have had a few years getting acquainted. I’m understanding the process of aging better and really hope that 2018 and I have a more mutually beneficial relationship when it come to the weight yo-yo. I’m making 55 my year to “get it” and hopefully it sticks. (I also know I will not be taking prednisone anytime soon as that seems to be the ingredient to pack on the extra pounds, but my face rash is resolved-that’s good news)

Maybe this time of year with the holidays hard to ignore and the year ending soon I reflect on what I want to change in the coming year more often. I feel at my age what seems to be of the greatest importance is my overall health and humor. So, I will embrace 2018 with a new exercise routine to shed the extra poundage. And until then I will exercise as consistently as possible given my schedule, reduce my portions and prime myself with my workout buddies for the coming year. Of course, doing all the above laughing all the way. Laughter is life and light to the soul. I just wish sometimes that laughing so hard could count as exercise and I’d lose weight. It’s gotta be good for the ab’s. Without ever taking myself too seriously I look forward to an agreed upon plan for the coming year! I am excited for the hiking trips planned and look forward to even more happening in July for a long through hike in Northern California. All I can think is let’s just do it!

Whose with me?

Kat