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
LJ has spent much of her free time as a single Mom – and now as an empty-nester – hiking in the US and around the world. She shares lessons learned from adventures both local and in exotic locations, and tips on how to be active with asthma, plus travel, gear, and hike planning advice for parents hiking with kids and beginners of all ages. Read more on the About page.