Training Log – 6 Weeks to Get Back in Shape

Most recently updated June 4th, 2020

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We were under COVID-19 restrictions almost overnight after I returned from an amazing hiking trip to New Zealand, and though I’ve stayed active, it’s been difficult not to lose fitness and gain Pandemic Pounds!

So I created a 6 Week Training Plan to get back in shape in time for summer trips, if they’re allowed.

I thought you might find some encouragement from training notes and videos from my 6 week training journey.  Weekly logs are posted below:

Week 6 of the ReFit Training was another hot week, so I started with a lot of indoor training, but went back into the woods on foot and another long bike ride at the end of the week. I hadmy checkup and met most of my goals, but I'll keep on training for the next adventure. You could join us! #Idratherwalk #GetOutside

ReFit Week 6: It’s Never Over

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022– – Week 6 – the final week – of the ReFit Training is finished.  Yay!!! And I did go...
Week 5 of the ReFit Training was a hot week, with a lot of indoor training and another out of town trip - this time to Hanging Rock State Park. With only 1 more week to go, it's time to fine tune our diet and training. You could join us! #Idratherwalk #GetOutside

ReFit Week 5: The Home Stretch

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022– – Week 5 of the ReFit Training began with a 4 mile treadmill run and arm weights on Monday. ...
Week 4 of the ReFit Training was a different kind of week, with Memorial Day at the start. It also included a midweek escape to hike at the beach, and an accidental "underwater" hike. With 2 more weeks to go, who knows what we'll do next? You could join us :-) #Idratherwalk #GetOutside

ReFit Week 4: Making It Interesting

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022– – Week 4 of the ReFit Training began with a long group hike (<25 people in accordance with current...
This was Week 3 of the ReFit Traiing plan, so we're halfway through! The persistent rain through the majority of the  work week kept me indoors more than I like, but we were still able to get in a great long hike in Umstead State Park with a larger allowed group size of < 25 people under our Phase 2 reopinging in NC. Maybe you'd like to join us next time? #Idratherwalk #GetBackinShape

ReFit Week 3: How Are We Doing?

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022– – The persistent rain through the majority of the  work week kept me indoors more than I like for...
This week, the recent change to government restrictions on group gatherings meant I was able to lead a group hike (of

ReFit Week 2: Into the Woods

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022– – This week, the recent change to government restrictions meant I was able to lead a group hike (of...

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I hope these training posts have inspired you to keep going and achieve your personal goals, whatever they are!  🙂

Remember –  progress happens every day, a little bit at a time.  See you next time! – LJ

 

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Some vacations need more prep than just getting a new swimsuit. Here are my notes from a 6-week hike training plan that will have you back in shape just in time for your Summer adventure!

Training Log – 8 Weeks to Awesome

Most recently updated January 6th, 2024

I first used this 8-week training plan in early 2020 to get ready for an amazing hiking trip to New Zealand, which I’m thankful I was able to do before travel was cut off due to the pandemic.

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Then I used it get ready for a postponed hiking trip to Kauai that never happened in 2021 (or 2022 or 2023). 

In 2022, I kept it closer to home and did some great multi-day trips to hikes on the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains – including the amazing hike to the summit of Old Rag, which was probably one of my most uniquely challenging day hikes of the year.

Finally, in 2023, I used the 8 Weeks plan to get ready for an epic 2-day hike on Mt Olympus in Greece – a trip I’d had to postpone for 4 years due to Covid travel restrictions. (The link goes to my training post from 2023, when I decided what my goal hike for training was.)

If you’re training for a specific bucket list hike or even if you’re just training to get in better shape – and maybe lose a few pounds before the Spring – my 8 week plan could work for you, too .

Spring flowers line a trail in Shenandoah National Park.
Spring flowers line a trail in Shenandoah National Park.

This year, I’m hoping to make it to more of my exotic Bucket List hikes, but I haven’t chosen my exotic destination yet, so for the moment I’m focusing my “8 Weeks to Awesome” training goals on hikes that I can drive to from home! 


Get The FREE PDF!

Click this photo to subscribe and get your FREE pdf of this training.
Subscribe to get your FREE pdf of the plan!

Everything that you need to start your 8 Week training is included in this post. 

But it’s a long read and may be inconvenient to refer to while you’re training.

For your convenience, you can click here to sign up and download your FREE “8 Weeks to Awesome” PDF file.


You might find some encouragement in training notes and videos from previous years’  8 week training journey. 

Keep an eye peeled for the new log entries I’ll be adding each week as the 2024 training is completed  🙂

2024 Training notes:

Week 5: Hikes and Days Are Getting Longer

Most recently updated February 29th, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes – – Training Week 5 started with another nice day,  and leading another great group...
It's Training Week 4!  Since this is an 8-week plan, and we're halfway through, should we be seeing some improvements? Well, that depends.  What goals did you set? The fact is, you can't measure progress towards a goal if you have not yet defined it.   You'll also never know when you're done! So if you haven't done it yet, let's set some goals. #hiketraining #setgoals #awesometraining

Week 4: Are We Awesome Yet? Let’s Set Some Goals

Most recently updated February 18th, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes – – It’s Training Week 4!  That means that at the end of the week...
If the weather is rainy, use it as an opportunity to test your gear! Don't let bad weather keep you from your workout! Find a way to get some exercise anyway, and I guarantee you'll feel better about everything when you're done!

Week 3: Time to Test Your Rain Gear!

Most recently updated February 6th, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes – – Awesome Training Week 3 got off to a frozen start with a very...
Even during a cold snap, try to seize the moment and take exercise outside. Dress for the weather and know when bad weather really is too bad for a workout. Bundle up, get outside, and make your workouts fun! #Idratherwalk #hiketrainingplan

Week 2: What to Do in a Cold Snap

Most recently updated January 27th, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes – – I began this year’s second week of training on Sunday  1/14, leading another...
I started the Awesome hike training again  this first Sunday, despite lingering illness, with a 30 minute Yoga/Pilates routine followed by a short 5.5mile hike in Umstead State Park.  My New Year's resolution goals are on track, with more training every day. #resolutions #hiketraining

Week 1: Fun with Pilates and Rain?

Most recently updated January 21st, 2024Estimated Reading Time: 2.3 minutes – – I started the Awesome hike training again  this first Sunday, with a 30...

2023 Training notes:

Week 9 Training is a bonus! Why?  Because I don't feel like we're done yet. In Week 8, I was trying to work in more vertical-gain training. The uphill hiking nearby is limited, so I took a daytrip to Hanging Rock State Park to hike some real hills! Read about how I did here. .#Idratherwalk #HikeTrainingPlan #GetInShape

Week 9: It’s Not Over Yet

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes This Week 9 Training Log is a bonus extra week of sharing my daily adventures in sweat!  Why?  Because I...
Training Week 8 started with some yoga and a session on my vertical climber. Most of the hikes this week had some vertical gain, and we're going to just keep looking up! The planned 8-week training is over, but I'll be doing more training posts until my bucket list trip! See you next time...

Week 8: Things Are Looking Up

– – Training Week 8 started Monday with some yoga, and I FINALLY had a chance to get back on my new Vertical Climber for...
Training Week 7 began with a quick kickboxing and upper body weights session before loading the car and heading for the beach! Wile I was there, I had 2 long beach hikes, and made up for it with some extra pack weight on hikes after I got home. Read about how I worked a beach trip into my training - you can do it too!

Week 7: It’s the Week 7 Stretch!

– – Training Week 7 began on Monday with a quick kickboxing and upper body weights session before loading the car and heading for the...

Week 6: Are We There Yet?

Most recently updated February 25th, 2023– It’s Week 6 of our training!  Are we there yet? If you’re like me, you’re getting tired of this...
Training Week 5 started with another nice day, but I decided to give my hiking boots a break and do kickboxing and upper body weights in my home gym. The rest of the week was pretty rainy, so I had to get creative with m workouts. The weather can have a big impact on your workout plans - so even though the forecast is wrong A LOT, always check it out before you get on the trail :-)

Week 5: Sun, Rain and a Legacy of Daffodils

Most recently updated February 17th, 2023– – Training Week 5 started with another nice day, but I decided to give my hiking boots a break...

2022 Training notes:

Week 9 Training is a bonus! In an effort to do something fun, use some expiring hotel points - and still avoid hurting myself - I went down the Coast to Myrtle Beach for a few days. In Winter, it's less crowded and you can walk the beach for miles without suffering heat stroke. I also stopped to find the Kindred Spirit Mailbox along the way. #Idratherwalk #HikeTrainingPlan #GetInShape

Week 9: Bonus! (A.K.A. Training Never Stops)

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes Week 9 Training is a bonus! Mostly because when we last left our training in Week 8, I was trying...
Training Week 8 started with some long yoga flow, and an exploratory hike in Duke Forest, along with some Infrared Sauna and Chromatherapy sessions, and a visit with a physical therapist. The planned 8-week training is over, but I'm adding on a Bonus Week! See you next time...

Week 8: Don’t Be a Lame Duck!

– – Training Week 8 started Saturday with a 45 minute yoga flow session. I also tried out a short hike in the afternoon at...
Training Week 7 began with our first bike ride of the season on the American Tobacco Trail, not too shabby at 25 miles. A shorter strength training hike, a long MST hike, an ankle injury and the discovery of Infrared sauna technology all added to this week's Awesome training.

Week 7: But Wait – There’s More!

Most recently updated February 26th, 2022– – Training Week 7 began with That Man and I  taking advantage of the last forecast day of mild...
Week 6 training was a LOT of hiking on different local sections of the MST. We took advantage of the gorgeous Spring-like weather to hike 51 miles this week, but still worked in a couple of treadmill and kickboxing workouts. Okay, at this point my legs hurt, but we've only got a couple of weeks left. Don't stop now!!

Week 6: Don’t Stop Now!

– – Training Week 6 started with a cold Saturday morning 9 mile hike on the MST at Falls Lake.  This hike is one of...
Training Week 5 started with another snowy, icy Saturday morning - so it was treadmill training for me! The forecast was for snow and rain most of the week, but I still got in 6 hikes - 2 on the same day! The weather can have a big impact on your workout plans - so even though the forecast is wrong A LOT, always check it out before you get on the trail :-)

Week 5: Ice and Rain

– – Training Week 5 started with another snowy, icy Saturday morning – so it was treadmill training for me! But Sunday the roads were...

For more info to help you get fit, eat a healthy diet, and promote wellness in your life, click on the heading below:

Fitness & WellneSS
Hiking along the Coast at Cannon's Point Preserve on St Simon's Island, SC
Hiking along the Coast at Cannon’s Point Preserve on St Simon’s Island, SC

I hope these training posts will inspire you to keep going and achieve your personal goals, whatever they are!  🙂

Remember –  progress happens every day, a little bit at a time.  See you next time! – LJ

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Some vacations need more prep than just getting a new swimsuit. Here are my notes from an 8-week hike training plan that will have you in shape just in time for your Spring adventure!

Every day is another chance to do better and do more!! Find inspiration and new ways to improve your Wellness!

 

Gear Info and Tips

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Below are all of our posts with info and tips to help you choose the best gear for hiking and all of your other athletics.  Some of the posts include links to gear you can purchase.

If you’re specifically looking for some new hiking gear, or something to give as a gift, take a look at our Gear Shop.

If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection –  take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.

Some of my posts contain affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you.  As an Amazon Associate, and other marketing affiliations,  I earn from qualifying purchases.  I do not get paid for recommendations, all opinions on this site are my own. See full Disclosure page here.

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Find the best gear for your hiking and other outdoor adventures, or to give as a gift to your favorite hiker! We also have posts to help you make the best gear choices for your specific needs in our Library!

The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

As the weather changes with the seasons, you should also update your hiking boots for better performance and comfort.

But how do you know what features the best hiking boots or hiking shoes for the weather and your hike should have?

Of course you should like how they look, and they should feel good when you try them on – but beyond that, what are the most important things to look for?

Meadow Trail at NCMA Park
Meadow Trail at NCMA Park

Some boot features to consider:

        • Are they waterproof? 
        • Do they have cushioned shock-absorbing heels?
        • Do they have grippy soles?

If your feet are wet or painful, you won’t be able to think about anything else – and might not even be able to complete your hike.

What you put on your feet is without a doubt your most important piece of hiking gear, so you’ve got to get it right!

Hiking boots or trail running shoes (not regular road running shoes) are your best hiking footwear options.

Aside from fit, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of trail you’ll be on, and how long you’ll be on it 🙂

Continue reading The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Foot Care for Hikers – From Blisters to Boots

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

My feet hurt most of the time.

Hiking at the Romero Pools in Arizona

Accumulated damage from years of dance, martial arts, high heels, various athletics and now a couple of decades and  lots of miles of hiking means my feet hurt more often than they don’t.

Add metabolic aging of my feet now that I’m in my 50’s, and it’s a recipe for some VERY painful feet.

But I’ve found ways to alleviate my foot pain and prevent more injury so I can keep doing the active things I love!

How to Care For Your Feet

Footbridge at Pullen Park

As a hiker, you can’t overestimate the value of wearing the best hiking boots you can to have an enjoyable hike and avoid possible injury.

But  there are other things you can do to keep your feet happy beyond simply wearing good boots!

I love to be active outdoors and plan to keep on going for the long haul.  That means investing effort in taking care of my feet and legs as much as I can.

These are some of my  favorite tips to avoid or eliminate foot pain and keep your feet  happy, healthy and ready for any adventure!

NOTE:  Instead of  illustrating this post with images of injured feet, I decided to share pictures of some beautiful things I’ve seen  – while walking around  🙂

Continue reading Foot Care for Hikers – From Blisters to Boots

10 Best Gifts For Hikers Under $50 – Last Minute Gift Ideas

Most recently updated December 6th, 2023

Are you looking for gifts for hikers or other outdoors types, but don’t have the cash to spring for pricey gear and gadgets?

And maybe you waited a little too long to brainstorm something creative and epic?

Don’t worry – sometimes the gifts they’ll really appreciate are the simpler, less expensive things.  Practical gifts are easy to find when you’re short on time, too.

I’ve made a short list of  ten practical hiking gifts or  inexpensive cool gadgets for hiking that would be welcome gifts for the outdoorsy people on your list. 

Give one, or select a few to make a hiking gift basket! Continue reading 10 Best Gifts For Hikers Under $50 – Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hiking in Patagonia – The W Trek in Torres del Paine

Most recently updated June 9th, 2022

It’s been more than a year since I returned from hiking in Patagonia, spending a week on the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park.   

I wrote a very short “I’m baack!” kind of post right after the trip, but now I’m finally getting around to sharing more details. 

Hiking the W Trek in Patagonia

Frankly,  this is partly just an excuse to post more amazing Patagonia photos! 

Be warned, this is an extremely long post, but it’s jam-packed full of useful information:

    • Different options for getting to Patagonia,
    • Torres del Paine hiking info,
    • What you’ll need to bring for the W Trek, and
    • A day by day description of my trip. 

This is all really good info for you if you’re thinking about a similar trip.  Anyway….about the place:

Patagonia, Chile is at the southernmost tip of South America, very close to Antarctica.  Torres del Paine National Park is located on the eastern edge of the continent.

It’s a place of spectacular beauty, with dark jagged snow-topped mountains, turquoise glacier-fed lakes and rivers, and abundant wildlife. Continue reading Hiking in Patagonia – The W Trek in Torres del Paine

Top 5 Gifts for Hikers – Basic Day Hike Gear

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022

Hikers on the Triple Crown in Virginia.

There are plenty of gifts any hiker or outdoor enthusiast on your list would be happy to get – whether they’re just beginners or experts.   

Gifts for hikers come in all price ranges, too, so you can be sure to find something in your budget.

Basic day hike gear is a gift that any hiker would be thrilled to get, and I’ve included links to some of my top picks. 

FYI, every image in this post – not just the specific recommended items –  is also a link to merchandise.

You’ll also see “Related Products” sections that allow you to browse more if you want to go beyond the items I’ve called out.

So, if you see something you like, click it! 

If you want any of these things for yourself,  you could also send this article to your family.  Just sayin’ 🙂

Continue reading Top 5 Gifts for Hikers – Basic Day Hike Gear

Post Library

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

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Fitness & WellneSS

Info to help you get fit, eat a healthy diet, and promote wellness in your life. 

ASTHMA HEALTH

This page includes posts with helpful information for active asthmatics.

GEAR Info and TIPS

Info on how to use and where to find the best gear for your day hikes, thru hikes, camping trips and other outdoor sports.

If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, Holiday-themed items or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection –  take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.

GENERAL HIKING INFO

Hiking info for families, beginning hikers and more advanced trekkers.

HIKING DESTINATIONS

Hiking destinations in the USA, Internationally, and local trails close to home.

See my Travel Resource and Adventure Travel pages for more destinations and trip planning tips and deals.

OUTDOORS WITH KIDS

Helpful tips and info for outdoor activities for kids, plus kid-friendly destinations for families and children of all ages.

All Posts

You might find what you need in the All Post Library, organized by most recent, below:

 

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Put down your phone and experience the world in person! Find inspiration for new adventures and new paths to explore in our Library.

Climb to the top as often as you can - but always, always make it back down! Find more inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Take a walk outside to revitalize your body and soul!! But bring a map :-) Find more inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Take a walk outside to revitalize your body and soul!! Find more inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Take a walk outside to revitalize your body and soul!! Find more inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Take a walk outside for renewal and inspiration! Find more inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Take a walk outside for renewal and inspiration! Find more inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Trying new things is scary - be brave! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Don't miss another beautiful day - go outside and get inspired!! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Every day is another chance to do better and do more!! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Go outside and get inspired!! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Get inspired then make a plan!! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Get inspired then make a plan!! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Rainy days are not bad days, they just offer different opportunities than sunny ones do! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Sometimes you just have to put your fears aside and just do the thing! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library! Take time to go for a walk.

Don't miss another beautiful day - get creative and find a way to spend time outdoors!! Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library! Take time to go for a walk.

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library! Take time to go for a walk.

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library! Take time to go for a walk.

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library: Reset your mood with some sunshine and exercise- get out and explore on foot!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library: Take some time for yourself in the morning, before the rest of the world is awake - get out and explore on foot!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library: Wander, mosey or meander - get out and explore on foot!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library! Take time to go for a walk.

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library: Wander, mosey or meander - get out and explore on foot!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library! You know, as an alternative to the whole "explode and perish" thing :-)

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Find inspiration and find new paths to explore in our Library!

Looking for inspiration? Maybe something form our Library will help.

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library!

Find inspiration and new paths to explore in our Library! And remember - Bumbles bounce! :-)

 

Simple Ways to Start Hiking – With Kids or On Your Own

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 4.3 minutes

When I first began hiking as a hobby, I was working at a fulltime tech job, was a single mom of a toddler with few babysitters available, and my closest family was 1500 miles away. 

Of necessity, most of my activities (outside of work) included the company of my Mini-Me, and hiking was no exception.

Hiking at Hanging Rock State Park with Peanut!

My daughter loved the adventure, seeing new things, and being an intrepid explorer with her Mama!

We explored local parks and greenways, both on foot and on bikes and rollerblades.

Then, when she was old enough, we were able to visit a lot of State Parks, and go on longer unpaved trails with more varied terrain. 

Continue reading Simple Ways to Start Hiking – With Kids or On Your Own