hiking training plan Archives - Page 5 of 5

Week 4: We’re Halfway There

Most recently updated February 14th, 2020

– – Training Week 4 started with a 8.5 mile morning hike of the complete route on the Loblolly trail in Umstead State Park with the addition of several miles in Schenck Forest and on the Reedy Creek Greenway to create a circuit.

Loblolly trail has a little bit of elevation gain/loss, but is mostly fairly flat and smooth.

There are a couple of creek or fence crossings, but no big deal.

I love the Loblolly-Schenck loop because of all the ferns along the trail, and in the Springtime you can see colts and wildflowers in the NC State Veterinary school corrals.

Again, a really great group of hikers made this hike a lot of fun!

My Strength-Building hike, the second posted hike this week, was around Bond Lake and on the White Oak Greenway, and other natural trails in Bond Park. Total was about 6 miles.

Week 4 included carrying extra weight on every hike, so I carried an extra 15lbs on the Loblolly-Schenck, and the same for Bond Park.

Bond Park is a great place for shorter walks or hikes, and has a lot of paved trails for strollers.

I also kick-boxed a few times and did some running on the treadmill again, kept trying to get to the gym – and finally did!!

I kind of hate the gym, especially in the cold and dark – which is actually when you mostly need to use the gym – so I’m counting that as a personal win.

So, just in case you’re new around here, I’m spending the next 8 weeks training for an awesome hiking trip to New Zealand.

As a celebration of being half-way through my 8-week program, I bought a new one-piece swimsuit! And it doesn’t have leggings – or a parasol 🙂

Week 5 is next – with longer hikes, and heavier weights. It should be lots of fun!

And I don’t mean that ironically.

TAKEAWAY LESSON: Reward yourself for hard work and celebrate your personal wins!

I hope you’ve found my Training Log ramblings to be helpful- or at least amusing! 🙂 To see more of them go to my Training Log.

You could also take a look at my 8 Weeks to Awesome Training Plan post, if you want to see what kind of training I’m doing.

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ

Week 3: Training a Level Up

Most recently updated February 14th, 2020

– – Awesome Training Week 3 started with a 6-ish mile morning hike on the Company Mill trail in Umstead State Park.

Umstead State Park has been my go-to hiking place for at least the past ten years. Company Mill trail, Loblolly Trail and Sycamore Trail are the longest natural trails in the area. I hike in the forest, or with the forest as a starting place, at least twice per week. Located in Wake County, NC between Raleigh, Cary and Durham, this 5,579 acre park is at most a 15 minute drive (or a 5 mile walk) from my house. — Millstone and plaque along the Company Mill Trail

Company Mill trail trail has a little bit of elevation gain/loss, and is a bit rocky.

I had a great group of hikers with me, and we sped through it with no trouble.

My Strength-Building hike, the second posted hike this week, was around Lake Pine in Apex Community Park – 3 loops – for a total of 6 miles.

Week 3 goals also meant increasing extra weight on every hike, so I carried an extra 10lbs on the Company Mill, and upped the weight to 15lbs for Lake Pine.

Lake Pine is paved and generally pretty flat, but we added on some of the natural trail spurs for variety on the 2nd circuit.

Neither one of this week’s hikes whupped my butt, which was a good indication I’m back to my regular healthy self and now can concentrate on making strides forward!!

I also kick-boxed a few times and did some running on the treadmill because the weather was crap, and frankly I was binge-watching something addictive, and wanted to finish it!

So, just in case you’re new around here, the reason I’m spending the next 8 weeks training is for an awesome hiking trip to New Zealand.

I’m pretty sure it’ll be worth it! 🙂

I really enjoy exercising in my home gym (if outdoors isn’t do-able) because I can watch a movie while I’m on the machine.

Or sometimes I have a time-crunch and it’s faster, and also if I work out at home I don’t have to care about how I look AT ALL.

You can accomplish the same level of Fashion Freedom if you hike or run outdoors in a remote enough area…

I don’t care much about how I look when I’m going to the gym, but if I’m going out in public for any reason, at the very least I don’t want to frighten anyone. 🙂

And that takes some effort…clothes, hair, makeup blah blah blah. Sometimes it’s just exhausting to have to make myself “presentable”…

And grumpy workouts aren’t any fun!

The Lake Pine Trail is a 2 mile paved loop that circles 50-acre Lake Pine in Apex Community Park, located near the dividing line between the towns of Cary and Apex, North Carolina. Lake Pine is a great trail for running or walking, is smooth and wide enough to use your stroller or baby jogger, too - and is good for all skill levels. The trail runs between the lake and other natural areas, so even though you're in the middle of town, there's a good chance to see wildlife. — The Lake Pine Trail is a 2 mile paved loop that circles 50-acre Lake Pine in Apex Community Park, located near the dividing line between the towns of Cary and Apex, North Carolina. Lake Pine is a great trail for running or walking, is smooth and wide enough to use your stroller, too.

But if you’re feeling anti-social, short on time, bloated, or even just grumpy, don’t let it 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.

You also won’t have the added guilt or feelings of failure from not sticking to your plan.

Okay are we ready for Week 4? It’s going to be intense. Here we go!

TAKEAWAY LESSON: Stick to your workout plan, even if you don’t feel like it. You’ll feel better physically after you exercise, and you’ll be proud of yourself.

I hope you’ve found my Training Log ramblings to be helpful- or at least amusing! 🙂 To see more of them go to my Training Log.

You could also take a look at my 8 Weeks to Awesome Training Plan post, if you want to see what kind of training I’m doing.

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ

The Road to Awesome So Far….

Most recently updated January 17th, 2022

– – Apparently Fig Newtons are my kryptonite.

This is really surprising because I’ve always thought my weakness was jellybeans. And cheese.

So, just in case you’re new around here, I’m spending the next 8 weeks training for an awesome hiking trip to New Zealand.

It’s been more difficult than I thought it would be to go back to my usually pretty Spartan eating habits and disciplined training routine.

Over the past couple of weeks, along with more focused and increased physical training, I’ve also been trying to clean up my diet.

Specifically, now that the socially condoned – almost required! – Holiday eating extravagance is behind us, I’m working on getting back to my normal (pretty healthy) eating habits before Super Bowl Sunday.

Because of my asthma, I’ve adopted a “clean” diet ( you can read about my Anti-Asthma Diet here ) that focuses more on protein and veggies, and less on dairy and grains.

I think my increased activity (and the colder weather) has me craving carbs.

Newtons will always be "fig" to me. — Newtons will always be “fig” to me.

I used to be able to get a package of fig cookies and not touch them for a week, and then only have 3-4 cookies, but now I’m snarfing down a whole sleeve in a single sitting!!

(And, BTW, this whole “fruit” Newtons thing is just bogus. It’s fig or nothing, baby!)

At least I’m eating cookies INSTEAD of dinner, not in addition to dinner.

Jellybeans are so small... — Jellybeans are so small…

Clearly, I can’t be trusted, so no more fig cookie dinners for me.

I won’t even bring them in the house.

But perhaps just a few jellybeans…they’re so small, right?

TAKEAWAY LESSON: Any diet begins in the grocery store!!

I hope you’ve found my Training Log ramblings to be helpful- or at least amusing! 🙂 To see more of them go to my Training Log.

You could also take a look at my 8 Weeks to Awesome Training Plan post, if you want to see what kind of training I’m doing.

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ

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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.

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.

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!

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...

The Awesome Hike Training, Season 4

Most recently updated January 6th, 2024 Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes This is the 4th year in a row that I’ll spend 8 weeks training...

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...

Week 4 started with a hike in Umstead State Park, and several more throughout the week. We broke it up with a greenway hike at the NCMA Park, and a couple of gym days due to the rainy muddy weather. But this week marks the halfway point of our "8 Weeks to Awesome" training and we should be proud! That means we've got 4 weeks left to do, though, so let's keep it going!

Week 4: Don’t Get Stuck in the Middle (So Much Mud!)

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes – – It’s Training Week 4! That means that at the end of the week we’ll have been doing this...

Week 3: What is your “Why”? And don’t panic!

Most recently updated February 3rd, 2023Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes – – Awesome Training Week 3 got off to a great start with some yoga...

Try to seize the moment and take it outside whenever the weather is good! Don't get bogged down in following an exercise program that you don't like. The right workout is one that you will do - so be ready to get outside and make your workouts fun!

Week 2: Make Time for Fitness AND Fun

Most recently updated February 3rd, 2023Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes – – I began the second week of training on Monday – which happened to...

I started the Awesome hike training again this past Monday, with some yoga followed by a Dam hike (that's a moderate-paced 7-miler to the Dam and back). My New Year's resolution goals are on track, with more training every day. #resolutions #hiketraining

Week 1: Resolutions and Hope for the Future

Most recently updated February 3rd, 2023Estimated Reading Time: 2.3 minutes – – I started the Awesome hike training again this past Monday, with some yoga...

Now that 2023 is designated "The Year of the Trail" in North Carolina, the trails will likely be more popular than ever, especially the easy ones. All the more reason to join my 8 week hike training plan! It includes several hikes per week - and I'll post them on my Meetup, so you can hike with me! And of course weight training and cardio each week, with stretching every day. Come train with us! #Idratherwalk #HikeTrainingPlan #GetInShape

The Awesome Year of the Trail

Most recently updated February 3rd, 2023 Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes Starting next week, as I have for the past 3 years, I’ll be spending...

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...

Week 4: The Glass is Half Full

Most recently updated January 29th, 2022Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes – – Training Week 4 started on Saturday with the world all socked-in with snow...

If the weather is crap or you're feeling anti-social, short on time, or even just grumpy, don't let it 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: Well, it IS winter…

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes – – Awesome Training Week 3 got off to a great start with a 9ish mile Saturday morning hike hosted...

Week 2: Make Your Steps Count

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes – – I began the second week of training on Monday, leading a great group of...

I started my Hike Training on my birthday week, with a moderate 5-mile hike, which was pretty flat and with just a little extra weight in my pack. And no cake. In other words just another day for me :-) But when you're training, it's good to set an official starting baseline - and also an end time and goal - so you know when you're done!

Week 1: Training Went … Meh

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022Estimated Reading Time: 2.3 minutes – – I started the Awesome Training Again this past week, with a moderate 6-mile...

Along with my hiking training plan, I've also been trying to clean up my diet. Specifically, now that the socially condoned Holiday eating extravagance is behind us, I'm working on getting back to my normal (pretty healthy) eating habits before Super Bowl Sunday. And no more cheese! #Idratherwalk #HikeTrainingPlan #GetInShape

Return to the Road to Awesome….

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022 Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes So, just in case you’re new around here, I’m spending the next 8 weeks...

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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Week 2: Training Gets Real

Most recently updated February 14th, 2020

– – The second week of training started with a great 6 mile hike on the Loblolly trail in Umstead State Park.

Loblolly trail has a little bit of elevation, but it’s generally pretty flat and I still hiked with no extra weight in my pack.

What I did have was some great hikers on the trail with me! 🙂

I know 6 miles with no weight seems kind of wimpy, but I’m still trying to get back to my normal self after a prolonged illness.

I’ve learned that it’s far better to level up your training slowly than to go too fast and injure yourself. An injury could cause you to miss your hiking trip altogether.

I’d rather build up strength and endurance slowly and live to hike another day!

(BTW, if you’re new around here, I’m spending the next 8 weeks training for an awesome hiking trip to New Zealand.)

Speaking of strength training, I also did another outdoor strength-building hike this week, adding an extra 10 lbs to my pack. This hike was solo.

I hike both solo and with a group – and I’m good either way. Hiking is an activity that’s good for introverts and party animals as well 🙂 Whatever gets you moving is your best option!

On the other days I kick-boxed, hiked on my treadmill with a heavy pack, and climbed the stairs to nowhere at the gym again. I also got out for a long bike ride to cross-train a bit.

Cross-training helps keep me from getting bored, and also keeps me from working the same muscles every day while neglecting others.

This will improve my overall strength and help me avoid injury, too.

So much of my training is more fun outdoors, I try to seize the moment and take it outside whenever the weather is good.

TAKEAWAY LESSON: The right workout is one that you will do – so be ready to seize the opportunity to make your workouts fun!

I hope you’ve found my Training Log ramblings to be helpful- or at least amusing! 🙂 To see more of them go to my Training Log.

You could also take a look at my 8 Weeks to Awesome Training Plan post, if you want to see what kind of training I’m doing.

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ

Week 1: Training Went Pretty Well

Most recently updated February 14th, 2020

– – I started this Awesome Training on my birthday, with a moderate 6-mile hike around Lake Crabtree, which was pretty flat and with no extra weight in my pack.

And no cake. In other words just another day for me 🙂

But when you’re training, it’s good to set an official starting place – even if it’s arbitrary.

And you also need a defined end time and goal – so you know when you’re done!

My other posted weekly hike, a Strength Building Hike, was another shorter one – only 5 miles – but I added an extra 10 lbs to my pack.

Not a big deal from a length standpoint, but you’d be surprised how heavy that extra 10 lbs in your pack gets by the time you’re climbing the hill back to the trailhead!

This week, I also kick-boxed a couple of times, hiked on my treadmill with a heavy pack, and climbed the stairs to nowhere at the gym.

Since I’m still recovering from the respiratory problems I had over the Holidays, I’m starting off pretty slowly.

And I’m also trying to stop eating like it’s still a Holiday!!

Even so, seeing any progress or feeling like some of the workouts are easier will take some time.

Logically, I know it will take longer than a week to see or feel any difference.

BTW, just in case you’re new around here, I’m spending the next 8 weeks training for an awesome hiking trip to New Zealand.

I’m trying to be patient with myself, and avoid looking in mirrors for a while….

TAKEAWAY LESSON: Patience is required for training, and instant gratification isn’t fast enough!!

I hope you’ve found my Training Log ramblings to be helpful- or at least amusing! 🙂 To see more of them go to my Training Log.

You could also take a look at my 8 Weeks to Awesome Training Plan post, if you want to see what kind of training I’m doing.

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ