blue artichoke

Vacation training has begun in earnest!

This morning I dressed in my new hiking gear (mid-weight wool shirt, hiking pants, hiking socks, hiking boots, and new day pack) and went to REI, feeling like a tool b/c I was dressed in REI head-to-toe. There, I got a new waterproof/windproof/lightweight jacket shell, some sweat-wicking panties, and a soft-sided duffel bag. I will be REI head-to-toe, inside and out.

So far, most of my training has involved acquiring cool hiking gear, but today we hit the trails! Chris and I headed to Patapsco Valley, near Baltimore, and hiked a network of trails. The hike we took was supposed to be 5.7 miles, but we made a few wrong turns and double-backs, so I think it was easily 6 miles, and maybe more. It took us roughly 3 hours, including a short picnic break at the falls and a jaunt over a suspension bridge.

Some parts of the trail were very pleasant, but other sections were ass-kickers. These almost did me in, and somewhere between huffs and puffs I resolved to take this training seriously. I have no idea what to expect from the Machu Picchu hikes, but if they have long stretches of steep elevation, I'm doomed.

We're keeping a video chronicle of our training, so we can make a cheesy montage. I'll upload some videos when I figure out how. For now, a photo or two:

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 05:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chris and I went to D$'s cookout last night, and I took The Viper's pound cake. It was a hit, as always.

My favorite comment:

"I believe in you. I believe in your pound cake."

Unfortunately, this inspires me to bake again, to expand my repertoire of neverfail kickass treats. This does not bode well for my primal year diet.

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(pep talk: Buck up, cupcake. So, you're not motivated to improve performance. Too bad. You do a lot of things you're not motivated to do. You'll regret napping when you're huffing and puffing a mile behind everyone on the mountain, and everyone is ready to go by the time you collapse at the top of Machu Picchu.)

This seems to have worked.

Also, I already cleaned the house (procrastination) and had nothing else to do. So, I suited up in my workout clothes, warmed up to a good song, and did:

3 sets squats
2 sets pushups
2 sets situps
Danced until exhaustion

Admittedly, it isn't much, but it's a start, and definitely got my heart rate up.

Now, I think I'll go for a walk and soak up some sunshine.

Vacation training has begun!

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I have no motivation to exercise.

During the winter, I thought it was because it was cold and dreary. Now that it is a beautiful warm spring, I still have no motivation.

I listed to Robb Wolf's Paleolithic Solution podcasts, which often cover CrossFit questions and offer suggestions for improving performance. That doesn't do it for me either.

Chris and I just booked a vigorous hiking trip to Machu Picchu, and though I know I need to start training for vacation, even that doesn't motivate me. I'm in no shape to keep up on seven days of 5-7 hour daily hikes, and I don't want to be the straggler who can't keep up with the group. But, other than turning myself outside to enjoy a walk in the sunshine, I have no desire to work out.

I tried increasing my daily caloric intake, thinking that an energy deficiency may be causing my lethargy. Still, nothing.

What is it going to take to get me fired up to get in shape? Why am I so lazy?

Posted by Blue Artichoke at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)