Training day 2 and 3: An unexpected ending

Two preparation walks this week.

I’m using a local mountain bike route to start my training. It’s not a very large space, but with over 7 miles of interconnected trails and a huge elevation gain of 1,039 feet, it makes for a great staging space. On Tuesday I walked just over 3.5 miles, carrying 15 pounds. The day was sunny and mild, with a strong breeze. I was up and down in 2 hours. Thursday was an equally beautiful day. I swapped my hat for a hooded sun shirt with SPF 50 and left my windproof vest in the car. I added a few pounds (to 18, including my poles) and planned to walk another 1.7 miles. Which I did… and then some. The 1.7 mile addition was more technical than the other trails I had hiked, with steeper hills and incomplete base along the hillside. And I turned around shortly after leaving the technical trail, which added about 1 mile to my planned hike. I finally found the right path, but I had to revisit parts of the original trail to get back on the right path.

Lost.

What was interesting, beyond the fatigue from the extra weight and miles, was the impact it had on my mood. I felt pangs of anxiety, moments when I wasn’t sure where I was or what effect the mistake would have on my intended plan. I took note of the change in mood and took steps to overcome it. Rather than pick up the pace and risk further fatigue or injury, I slowed down. I took note of the little wooden bridges on this side trail I was on. I took note of my general location, checked my map, and figured out where I was in relation to the correct trail. So when my path approached that trail, I walked (barely, I was like 5 feet away!) back to the correct trail and started again.

Takeaway food.

The result? A longer walk. I was gone 3 hours instead of the planned 2. Greater fatigue. I chose to go to bed early that night and take it easy the next day. But I also achieved it. I didn’t panic. I didn’t kick myself for making a mistake. I didn’t sprain an ankle or fall. I got over it. And I understood some of what these blackmailers are supposed to do. I prepared myself more physically and mentally for the day when there is real cause for concern.

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