I had some minor elective surgery at the end of October which curtailed my workouts for a bit as I wasn't allowed any strenuous exercise for two weeks.
When I got back to hiking with the group it was mid November and it was starting to get cold, which means we got some good opportunities to try out our layering systems. I had a few EPIC FAILS in that area, resulting in my shivering through lunch at a very nice restaurant on one occasion and being unable to feel my jiggly bits on a different day. In fact I was so cold one day my nipples hurt....TMI right?
We are up to three + hours of walking now - what that means is three hours of walking plus whatever time you spend going to the bathroom. I mistakenly accused Joan of being unable to tell time until she explained that if I quit lollygagging around at bathroom stops we could all be done sooner.
I did go out for a three hour hike with my two buddies one Saturday. It was -20ºC when we started. We practiced walking slow to replicate summit day and see how our layering faired. To practice going slow, I walk in front and pretty much walk at my usual pace. Helen did a fantastic job of staying behind me - in fact, basically glued to my shoulder so I could limit her usual breakneck pace. Two of us discovered we only need minor tweaking, one of us discovered she needs way, way, way warmer socks. Thankfully - no toes were lost during this outing! The best part.... warm drinks and homemade eatmore bars at the turn around spot!
I have been fighting ongoing foot pain. Across the top of my foot and up the inner part of my shin. It's worse after long walks and limits me from climbing stairs like an adult as I am forced to lead only with one foot. I tried chiropractic, massage, accupuncture, cupping, yoga, and analgesics without much improvement. Finally I broke down and made a trip to the podiatrist. I have inflammation of the muscle across the top of my foot and the anterior tibialis tendon. Result - orthotics, ice, cross friction massage (insert numerous expletives here) and rest.
Don't you just love doctors? When asked how much I could exercise on the foot he said, "Take it easy". Well, isn't that a helpful comment? Finally I pinned him down to a bit more specifics, which mean two walks less than one hour per week. Biking, rowing, elliptical and swimming are all allowed.
Still sounds like I can do a lot right? Sadly, the pain in my foot is a big limiting factor as, you know, when something hurts you should stop doing that! I am trying but haven't gotten very far. This is weighing heavily on my mind as my colleagues are taking 3+ hour walks and I feel like I can barely make it down the hallway.
My shopping is mostly done for the trip barring what I put on my electronic wish list, which I was very clear to send explicit directions on how to access to my friends. OK - really I only have one friend but it sounds less pathetic if I say friends! I have started collecting what I'm taking with me in one central location so that its all handy when the time comes. I mean, its not like I need to wear my sun hat any time soon in this country!
I tried to stock up on the snacks I'm taking with me, but...I just ended up eating them, so will need to repurchase those closer to leaving date.
Tale of the tape update:
I weigh the most I have since 2000. I am pretty unhappy about this. I am trying to be a bit more strict about what I eat - should be easy peasy since .... its only Christmas, New Year's and one family member's birthday between now and D day! Urgh....
I am one to two sizes smaller in pants.
I bought a medium fleece shirt last week, which is a size I've not purchased since I was 8 years old.
I had to purchase smaller long underwear since the pair I had went up to my bra line and I looked like Steve Urkel on steroids when I wore them.
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