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So I realized today that I've been making great progress on preparing for my upcoming trip to the Grand Canyon:
Step 1: heal ankle
Step 2: rebuild cardiovascular
Step 3: wake up earlier
Step 4: check off packing list
Step 5: taper/relax
Step 6: get there
This is my revised list that I've been working on to be ready in time. I added step 3 after having to get up early on Sunday morning following a pub crawl the night before. Ouch! I realized that I need to start waking early to be ready for that 5 AM start at the Canyon. I managed a 4.5 mile hike in 2.5 hours on 6 hours sleep but crashed later that afternoon.
I woke at 6am this morning and did an intense 90 minutes on the treadmill at high incline before work. I used the heart rate sensors to make sure I was staying in a heart healthy range and at an average heart rate of 122, I think I have successfully completed step 2.
My ankle is still a little tweaked but has been holding up well to the activities I've been doing. I'm continuing treatment with the chiropractor once a week (which is straining my budget quite a bit). But I've been seeing the benefits of the ultrasound treatments. Not sure how much longer I can afford to go.
I also need just a few more items for the hike. I've ordered a white tank from my favorite running store: Gypsy Runner dot com. I need a new 3L/100oz hydration pack as my 2L has a slow leak when filled to capacity. I didn't think the 2L would cut it anyway so now I have justification to buy a new one. And I need a couple electrolyte/gel packs for the hike. I'll be heading to REI later this week to finish off my packing list aka Step 4.
Next week, I will cut back on my cardio workouts to start tapering my energy for the big hike aka Step 5. This is a trick for endurance athletes to have a surge of energy for the big event such as running a marathon. You want to go from 100% training to 50% training in the week or two before the event. I should be bouncing off the cabin walls the night before. LOL!
In just 14 days I will be hiking the Grand Canyon from the North Rim to the South Rim.
me on Sunday in Topanga State Park.
I am so ready for this!