"You are doing what?!!" This is probably the most common phrase I have heard when I tell people our AT hike plan. It then ranges from "OMG, that sounds terrible!" to "How awesome!!" I get asked how are you physically and mentally getting ready for this long trek a lot, so here is what I have done to be able to really enjoy our hike.
Physical:
I like to work out so putting a weighted bag on my back for miles every day hasn't been an issue. I put 40 pounds of water in my Deva and started walking.
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| Bella |
Mental:
During these training hikes, my brain definatly wanders. A LOT. Just yesterday, I had Sisqos 'Thong Song' stuck on repeat in my brain for about 25 minutes. Believe me, "Let me see that thooonnnggg" gets mighty old!! I had a friend ask me what I would think about for all those miles and hours. My mind skips around to work and bills that need to be paid. Next up is usually whats for dinner, what's in my pantry for said dinner. I ramble weird chants and yell at my dog to not eat the grass. This past week in my hikes, I am really trying to focus on my surroundings and how beautiful Alaska is this time of year. Really let go of all the daily minutiae that bogs us down and just be glad that I can be out in outdoors and take it all in. I want as many postive thoughts running through my head as possible to blur out the icky thoughts of I can't do this or just stop, stop, stop, STOP!!! It seems like an easy task, but again, my mind starts to wander down a rabbit hole and it sucks me back into my daily life. I think that the mental training has been harder then the physical training but I'm hoping it all pays off when we hit the road next week!!
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| Bella and her bestie Sugar on a training hike |
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