Let the training begin

I promised that I will be as authentic and genuine as possible within this group.

Last week I went for an eye test and the optician told me that I have an unhealthy level of cholesterol. How they know that from just looking at your eyes is rather fascinating. I've got an appointment with the docs in a few weeks to go through everything, but it made me realise that I only have 5 months to get myself "trail ready".

SO, YOU GUYS ARE MY ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS!

• My current weight is 9.4st (60kg / 130lbs) - I would like to lose a bit of weight.

• The best way to train for a hike like this is to hike with my backpack as much as possible. I will walk a minimum of six miles (12600 steps) a day, with one day off a week until December. I will then increase this month on month. All walks are recorded on Strava. I love walking, so this should be easy.

• Cardio is great and easy for me, but I am well aware that my upper body strength is awful (you should have seen my poor attempt at kayaking in Norway earlier in the year). Rachel has offered to join me in the gym for strength training. I need to carry around 30lbs on the trail, so it is important that I can do this with ease if I want to enjoy the PCT.

• To get accustomed to the heat, I will start Hot Pod Yoga again - it will also be great to have a routine of regular stretches that I can do easily without thinking about it.

• Food & drink - I don't drink anyway, so that's not an issue, but I do eat lots of snacks between meals and drink way too much coffee. Snacking and coffee is a habit rather than feeling hungry. I was chatting to my brother (Richard) who has recently changed to a vegetarian diet and he has given me the encouragement to eat as much veggie stuff as possible;. The book "Diet & Firness Explained" has opened my eyes.

So that is the plan and I will revise it each month. I'm not keen on swimming or running. I'm a big believer in doing stuff that you enjoy and then you will stick with it.

Wish me luck!もっと詳しく