Thirty Four Days and counting.

So many people have asked how I am training for this epic hike to EBC….

I made this decision on March 2nd on a boat with a friend. I suggested that we do this hike. We were both so excited but it wasn’t going to work out with her schedule. I am experienced in Solo Travel, so why not go Solo. My daughter’s boyfriend had a connection of a woman named Nimmi. I contacted her and we decided on dates and itinerary and gear etc. We communicate through WhatsApp. She will be my guide and I will have a porter for my gear. Both are called Sherpa’s but more about that later.

I have been working out with a trainer once or twice a week for years but now I had a different goal. My workouts had been just to keep injuries at bay, now I needed strength and endurance. I work out at Coronado Fitness Club, with Carter, Jake or Chris, and Kevin. They are all very encouraging and excited for me.

So first thing, I needed to grow my hair out. Sorry guys, you don’t understand some things. I wanted to be able to braid my hair during the hike. It’s the longest I have ever had right now. I knew that finger and toe nails have to be short and no polish , so as of today, I will have no more gels or color.

I started walking and biking more in Coronado and hiking our tallest peak in San Diego, Cowles. In June I hiked with my daughter, Natalie at Banff, Alberta Canada. Height 4500 feet. A couple weeks ago I hiked in the Sierras with my son, George. We started at 8000 feet and hiked to 10,000 feet, spent the night and hiked down. This was a total of 6 miles but it was the toughest and most beautiful hike that I have ever experienced. This hike should be about the same as day 2 at EBC.

In Washington DC last week I walked 6-7 miles five days in a row. Shin splints were an issue.

Diet wise, I eat pretty clean at home, not so much out to dinner or at friends houses. I am mostly gluten and sugar free. Now concentrating on proteins like, salmon, chicken, pork and eggs. Veggies always. Adding bone broth, avocado and more simple fruit , like berries

Will start adding carbs in two weeks, like pasta! And decreasing alcohol! Ugg! I like wine.

I have discussed this hike with my GP, Integrative MD and Cardiologist. All are supportive. Cardiologist wanted to come with me!

I just started adding electrolytes and salt. Next week I will be pushing water. I don’t drink very much water but I have been told by Richard Bailey, my daughters Boyfriend, that I will need to drink two liters each morning before I hike, two liters during the hike and two liters after hiking each day. That’s a lot, so I need to get used to that. I prefer wine!

I started doing more breathwork too. I am following the principles of Dr Belisa Vranich. Look her up on YouTube. She makes a lot of sense.

I’ll be hiking more in September in California and Arizona. Finalizing my gear and getting excited

Still left to do….find out why my visa is not ready, find dog/cat/house sitter.

Someone asked about costs:

Guided hike, tea houses, porter and transportation about $2500, flight $1600, visa $80

Still hoping to meet up with my friend from Australia. We will be within 800 meters of each other during the hike. Another friend from Coronado might be doing EBC too.

Thanks for reading. Remember I am not responsible for incorrect sentence structure, grammar or misspellings!