Big 96

Discussions about the trail group have been quite for a couple weeks. Today Karen stopped by the house to pick up the club banner and the new car decals. It was great to talk with her, because there is something about Karen and Rick that stoke my fire to be a better runner.

This weekend Karen is running a 60k nighttime trail run in the Hill country. I wish her all the luck in the world! Go nerd on them, Karen!

The “Big 96” hike is quickly approaching and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. The more I think about it, the more I feel UNprepared. Most of my insecurities are rooted in the fact that I am hiking solo. Like most people, I’m a social creature and the thoughts of being alone make me uneasy. Essentially I am walking into the woods with everything I need on my back and if the hike goes as planned I will walk out three days and 96 miles later unharmed. I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to do some soul searching. I’m eager to find personal answers and solutions to halt my weight gains.

I’ll leave the West terminus at 6am on Friday. If all goes as planned I will finish Sunday night on the East terminus and if I needed, I have an extra “flex” day scheudled.

My original plans were to hike 10+ miles today as a test, but I decided to keep my legs rested. Instead of ten miles I loaded my pack and walked a little more than three miles in 100% humidity. I must have loaded the pack better, because the pack felt light and comfortable. My gear weighted in at 40 pounds. When it is all said and done my pack will probably weigh close to 45-lbs, depending if I add the hydration bladder. I still haven’t made that decision yet.

I also decided to go with MRE’s rather that stressing about the food. If MRE’s can keep a soldier alive, it should be good enough calories for a fat man walking down a trail.

After tonight’s hike I lifted weights. Even though it is late, I’m glad I worked out. I don’t know how long I walked, but the pace was comparable to the last hike. I made an estimate of 19:30 minutes per mile pace.

Hike (40-lb pack):
3.25 miles
1:03:22
19:30 pace

Strength training:
Lower Body