Grand Canyon: Seven Days, Six Nights

This is the story of a trip of a lifetime! I was apprehensive: could I actually backpack the Grand Canyon rim to rim, a distance of over 20 miles and elevation changes of 5,000 ft.? I wasn’t sure but the group I ended up going with Aug 28-Sept 5 seemed like my speed, taking it slow with a day of rest after every big descent or ascent. We ended up hiking about 6-7 hours a day and I made it; it was so worth it. For photos and details day by day, read on:

Grand Canyon: Day 1 Sat Aug 28

Although we did make it to the South Rim on the first day, Sat Aug 28, it was at night and so too dark to see the Grand Canyon! Flying into Las Vegas, we did stop off at Hoover Dam, shown here, on the way. Can you tell how windy it was? 35-40 mph winds all day Sat-Mon, which ended up being a blessing as it cooled us off a little bit while hiking but more about this later.

Here we are at the Vegas airport. In this photo with me are Michelle from Chicago and Kristen from Alaska, our trip planner and leader. I didn’t know most of the people we traveled with; they used to be neighbors of Laura’s, a friend from my golf league. Don’t have any photos from the airplane but we got great views of the Canyon on the flight, as well as of Lake Mead. We were lucky: people from Alaska, Florida, Chicago, and Cincinnati all had smooth flights and met on time, as planned at the Las Vegas airport, where we picked up a rental van to drive to the Grand Canyon.

Six women in a van with backpacks loaded up for 7 days: it was a challenge packing this minivan and getting us all in, as you can see from this photo. For Patti, in the middle seat, this was her first camping trip ever! You would never have thought so: what a trooper and a good sport she was! In fact, everyone on this trip had great attitudes, were tolerant and kind, and there was very little tension, even in tight quarters, when we were tired or when things got tough. I was very fortunate to travel with this group.

It was about a 5 hour drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon and my friend Laura drove most of the way. With the time change, we didn’t realize that the sun would set by 7 pm, so that it would be dark already when we arrived on the South Rim. On the way in, we did see these elk right next to the road.

Saturday night, we checked in at the historic Bright Angel Lodge and stayed in hotel rooms in the Thunderbird Lodge. Enjoyed a great dinner in the Arizona Room: steaks, Canyon Lemonade with vodka and prickly pear juice, etc. I could tell that I wasn’t the only one who was nervous about setting out the next day. But the night sky was beautiful, filled with stars, the desert air was clear and bracing, and I couldn’t wait to wake up the next morning to my first view of the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon: Day 2 Sun Aug 29

And what a view this was! Just what you’d expect and hope for, I think. But like everyone says, photos don’t really capture the feeling of being there on the rim! Can you imagine waking up and looking out your window and seeing this? It was really exciting and, fortunately, we had until 1 pm to explore the South Rim area.

We shopped and bought souvenirs at the Lookout, Kolb Studio, El Tovar hotel, and Hopi House, because we didn’t think we’d have time after climbing out a week from now. Looked through telescopes to see the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim and down at the trails we’ll be walking. INTIMIDATING!! Repacked so I had everything I needed for the 7 days and 6 nights in my backpack and left my suitcase in the van with souvenirs, a bath towel for a shower when I hike out, and clothes for the plane home. We parked our van at the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, right by the Kolb Studio, so we could see where we plan to hike up and out one week from today.

Decided to take before and after photos: this is BEFORE we set off in the van to the North Rim to begin hiking. We’re on the South Rim here, in front of the hotel where we stayed last night.

This is one of the AFTER photos, just as we arrived back at the top of the South Rim.

When we got to the campground on the North Rim, after a 5 hour van trip around the canyon, it was really cold out: 40 degrees with 40 mph winds. The warmest things I had with me were one long-sleeved shirt and long pants, no sleeping bag; just a foam mat, a sheet and a pillowcase. I worried that I would freeze, as I was already cold and it wasn't even dark yet.

Kristin had a couple purposes in planning for us to camp on the North Rim this first night. One was to make sure we had everything we needed before descending into the Canyon. If we didn't there was a store at this campground. So I bought a fleece; yay! Another was to give Patti a real camping experience, so we had a campfire and roasted hot dogs, S'mores etc. No fires allowed below the rim; only little camp stoves that could heat up water. And no soap.

I didn't know this campground employed a "host family" for the summer but I sure was glad they did, as our hosts came by during the campfire and loaned us some warm sleeping bags for the night. So between that and my winter golf gloves, I stayed warm as the wind howled outside our tent and I got used to sleeping on the ground and slept pretty well until the 5 am wakeup call.

Grand Canyon: Day 3 Mon Aug 30

Here we are at the trailhead of the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim at 6 am, as we begin our descent into the Canyon. Got up at 5, packed up my backpack and got ready to hike down. I think it took us over an hour this first day to strike the tents, choke down a Clif bar for breakfast etc. We got a lot better and faster at it as the trip wore on.

I was trying to keep my pack to 20 pounds and I think it ended up about 25 lbs. Laura was a trooper; she carried our tent and one of the camp stoves and now tells me her pack was about 40 lbs and Kristin's had to be 50. The trail was really rocky and steep, so I was glad for my hiking poles. In fact, a couple people fell that first morning and we were told we'd probably all fall down eventually and advised to fall on our backpacks to cushion the impact. The beauty was just breathtaking though. Vividly colored flowers (Indian Paintbrush?) that looked like tropical fish pushing their way through the rocks. Pines clinging to cliff walls like that famous one at Pebble Beach. Every turn and switchback presented a new view. And I was grateful for the 35 mph wind as the sun rose higher and it got hotter.

Taking off our packs for breaks, drinking water and eating snacks was good. Got surprised by the mules, as they were suddenly behind us and passing us without much warning. Now that I saw them, I realize that I COULD have done this on a mule, although the riders said their butts were sore.

Had a bit of a scare at the place where the mules watered and turned for the trek back up, as I managed to lock myself into the bathroom and was scared I couldn't get out and started screaming for help. Finally threw the bolt on the door and got out! No harm, no foul.

Is it too much information to share that I never had to use my Charmin To Go or my trowel to dig a bunny hole? There were bathrooms and drinking water all along the trail. Saw my first century plant from afar and then got close up on it; awesome. We'd see things like this bridge or the ranger station with the helipad on top from way far away and then all of a sudden we'd be there.

But Kristin said this would be our hardest hiking day and that we might not make it to the campground by 11am and so would have to stop because of the heat of the day and then resume about 4 pm. Laura said the downward part of the hike bothered her knee the most; it didn't mine. In fact, in retrospect, this was one of my favorite hiking days because I had a lot more trouble (aerobically) on the uphill hike.

One regret I have now is not taking the 2 mile side hike to Roaring Springs when we passed it. Big, beautiful waterfall that supplies water for the whole canyon area. But I didn't know how much farther we had to go to make it to the camp site and was conserving my strength and energy.

Made it to the Ranger Station where there were big cottonwood trees and coyote willows and a big picnic ground next to the trail where I took off my backpack, rollout out my sleeping mat and proceeded to take a well-deserved nap.

It felt great to take off my hiking boots and socks and put on my campground sandals. I have to hand it to Benchmark Outfitters: for a novice tenderfoot like me, I never had a blister or sore feet the entire trip! Tore through my backpack and scarfed down a bunch of Triscuits and cheese and pre-cooked bacon and peanut butter and dried peaches for lunch. The wind was still blowing like crazy and we were glad because it was hot. When we set off on the trail again at 4 pm, we figured we had another 2 hours of walking to get to our campground.

This was our camp site the first night out, at Cottonwood Campground, halfway down to the bottom from the North Rim. We could hear clear, beautiful Bright Angel Creek rushing over the rocks not far from our tents. Laura checked it out and showed me the way to get down there and wash clothes, face etc. in it but I couldn't stay in for even 60 seconds it was so cold!

Grand Canyon: Day 4 Tues Aug 31

Grand Canyon: Day 5 Wed Sep 1

Left Cottonwood Campground in the dark at 5 am with our headlamps on to get through "The Box" to Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the bottom of the Canyon before it gets too hot.

I had heard stories about The Box and, as a result, was a little worried about hiking through it but in retrospect, this was one of my easiest hiking days and some of the most beautiful scenery as we walked along clear, rushing Bright Angel Creek.

Still, I was happy and relieved to get to Phantom and the campground. Of course, ravenous and ready to eat lunch and then sit in the creek all afternoon cooling off.

More about this day later ... stay tuned.

Grand Canyon: Day 6 Thurs Sept 2

Our second day at Phantom Ranch with a chance to hike down and explore the Colorado River and the beginnings of the hike up we'll attempt tomorrow.

More about this later ... stay tuned.

Grand Canyon: Day 7, Fri Sept 3

Today we started from the bottom of the Canyon and made it halfway up the south side to Indian Garden campground. Yes, hiking up is a lot more challenging for me than walking down from the North Rim. Woke up at 4:30 am and crossed the silver suspension bridge over the Colorado River in the moonlight with our headlamps on. Made it to Indian Garden campground, halfway up the South Rim by lunchtime.

Walking out the Tonto Trail to Plateau Point after dinner to see the sunset was the first time I thought the surroundings looked like what I'd expected of the inner canyon. More photos and more to write about this later ... stay tuned.

Grand Canyon: Day 8, Sat Sep 4

Our second day in Indian Garden campground, in a site overlooking the Bright Angel Trail where we see the mule trains and hikers coming up and down all day.

Mule deer obviously used to humans and not afraid of us, as they feed on Arizona grapes in the campground. Will write more about this day later ... stay tuned.

Grand Canyon: Day 9, Sun Sep 5

Grand Canyon: I made it!

Grand Canyon: We made it out!
Seven days, six nights ago, I descended into the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. On Sunday, it took me almost 7 hours to climb up the last four miles of the Bright Angel Trail and hike out. Yes, I made it, Rim to Rim. Unbelieveable! And it was so worth the effort.
Can't write more now, as work beckons during this short Labor Day week, but I will begin writing about our trip here, giving a day by day account. So check back, those of you who are interested.

July Walking Schedule

For anyone who'd like to join me, here is the walking schedule for the next few weeks.

Tues Jul 13
6 pm Glenview Golf Course

Wed Jul 14
7:45 am Carpenter Rd. Loveland

Thurs Jul 15
7:45 am Blue Ash Rec Center and Park

7:00 pm Spring Grove Cemetery with Tri State Hiking group. RSVP req.
Meet at the Lakeside Mausoleum. "Roll out the barrel" on this walking tour of Spring Grove's most notable beer barons. Cincinnati was a leader in the brewing industry for many years and many of the brew masters are buried in Spring Grove with beautiful monuments and mausoleums. An evening view of these magnificent tributes to German brewers in is store! Afterward, perhaps we can head to the Comet or Northside Tavern to do a bit of local taste testing to find out just what these beer barons were really about. Per Spring Grove policy, dogs are not allowed

Fri Jul 16
8 am Loveland Bike Trail

Sat Jul 17
9 am Winton Woods Harbor Pavilion
We’ll walk the 1.7-mile Harbor Loop trail, which is a paved trail offering many opportunities to view wildlife while getting some good exercise. The naturalist will make a few stops to point out natural features or wildlife.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods
The Dry Dredgers is a non-profit group of individuals of all backgrounds, ages and levels of expertise sharing an interest in fossils. Their purpose is to stimulate interest and promote education about the collection, identification and classification of fossils of all types. Members of the club will be available in the Rowe Visitor Center lobby to identify your fossils and share information about how to get more involved with fossil hunting. For more information about the club, see www.drydredgers.org

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods
Our streams are important habitat for many species, and with so many visitors, we're careful to limit the amount of activity along its banks. That's why it's a special treat to have the opportunity to splash, play and explore within the boundaries of Stream Access B any Saturday in June, July and August. Enjoy the cooler temperatures as you descend to the stream, where a naturalist will be stationed with collecting equipment, ID sheets and other information. The staff will serve as facilitators only; parents must be present to chaperone children at all times

1:00 p.m Miami Whitewater Forest Visiter Center
Butterfly Hike: Meet at the Visitor Center to hike part of the Shaker Trace Trail in search of beautiful butterflies.

8:30 p.m. Winton Woods Parcours Trail
Dusk Hike: Avoid the heat of summer with an evening hike. It is also a great time to see those animals of the dusk.

Sun Jul 18
1:30 p.m Ault Park with Tri State Hiking. RSVP req.
Beat the heat and enjoy a moderate, 3 mile wooded hike in Ault Park! Meet in the parking lot on the north side of the Pavillion. Dogs are welcome on this hike. After the hike we will probably go to Blue Mountain Coffee in Hyde Park Square.

7:00 pm Spring Grove Cemetery with Tri State Hiking group. RSVP req. Meet at the Visitor Center (original entrance closest to Winton Rd.) This will be a guided walk where we will be exploring the different plants and trees in the cemetery. Please realize this will be slow paced with lots of stops. It is more of an educational walkabout. If you would like to hike first, Spring Grove offers 3 hiking paths for various levels, one mile, two mile and 3.5 miles. You are welcome to arrive early for a more steady paced hike, then meet us at the Visitors Center at 7pm to tour with Frankie. Per Spring Grove policy, dogs are not allowed

Mon Jul 20
6:30 p.m Purple People Bridge, Newport KY

Tues Jul 21 and Wed Jul 22
7:45 am Carpenter Rd. Loveland

Thurs Jul 23
7:45 am Blue Ash Rec Center and Park

Sun Jul 27
9:30-11 pm Cincinnati Nature Center, Tealtown Rd. RSVP req.
Full Moon Hike. Hike under the full moon and enjoy seasonal natural history readings. Listen to the sounds of the night and observe objects in the night sky. Buck MoonHike is approximately 2 miles on moderate terrain. Wear good walking shoes! Shoes may get wet when crossing streams and puddles. Flashlights are optional. Please no children under the age of 8. In consideration of all participants, no dogs

Last Night's Golf Game with WGLF

WGLF'ers and other friends recently helped Freddi celebrate her birthday, pictured here.

Great call to play at Devou Park last night because it was hot and we got to take carts. So I walked in the morning and still got some exercise during the golf game. We had two foursomes: Dutchess, Laura, Karyn, and Chris and me, Rhoda, Daisy and Margie. I thought we played really well, all four of us were on the fairway every time. If I wouldn't have four-putted (and even five-putted) most of the holes, I'd have had my best score of the summer. The scenery there is beautiful, especially the overlook to the Cinti skyline on five; I'll have to paint it again with the new building included, and in evening light rather than the middle of the day.

Bought my trekking poles and backpack for the Grand Canyon trip and will be off to practice in the Badlands soon, Seeing Mt. Rushmore is on my bucket list and I've never been.

Got to get more training in; I've been missing daily hikes. Missed last Wed after the golf game at Glenview and missed last Friday after a big night at Book Club but I did walk Thurs am, Saturday night at the Mason fireworks, and canoed on the LIttle Miami Sunday. Walked Monday night at the Outlet Mall shopping for backpacks and yesterday morning. Got to get a walk in tonight!

Meetup Groups

Had a nice walk through the streets and neighborhoods of Hyde Park last night at 7 pm. I figure we went about 4 miles, as it took us an hour and a half and my regular pace is 3 mi/hr. It was warm out and I definitely noticed some of the hills but realized it was much easier for me to complete this walk than it was for some of the first-timers. So I guess I have come a ways since January.

Still can't keep up with the pacesetters but I did walk for an hour on Loveland Bike Trail last Friday and worked about 3 hours in the garden and swam Saturday. No exercise Sunday, so it's good I walked last night and will walk 9 holes for golf this evening.

For those not familiar with "meetup groups," check them out at www.meetup.com. That's how I found the Tri-State Hiking Club, OKI Trailblazers, and the group I walked with last night. There are meetup groups around all kinds of interests; someone last night told me she's in a Scrabble group. So if you have an interest and want to find people in your local area who share it, this site would be a good resource. I think it works all over the USA, if not the world.

Tues June 22 Golf (WGLF)

Man, it's hot in Ohio this week! Got all nine holes in at Blue Ash Golf Course last night and posted the best score I've had in 5 tries there. But we walkers just hit from one patch of shade to the next because it had to be 20 degrees cooler. I should have worn a hat and some sunscreen! Ate afterwards at InCahoots again; it's close and their food tastes wonderful. We talked about where to reserve a room for the Christmas party the first week of December and kicked around a few ideas.

Karyn apparently challenged me for the "woodpecker" award for the golfer who hit the most trees. She was in the other threesome, so they didn't see that shot I hit on 18 that bounced off a tree at a 90 degree angle back across the fairway and into the creek at the bottom of the hill on the other side; ugh. Golfers were Rhoda, Daisy, and Karyn in the first group and Chris, Dutchess, and me in the second. Margie met us afterwards for dinner and she and others raved about the Reuben sandwiches.

As for walking, I got plenty in last Wed and Thurs but overslept and missed walks on Friday and Saturday. I walked the dog on Sunday and got into my swimming pool for the first time all summer. Then was back in the saddle Monday morning, last night and this morning.

After all, it's going to be hotter than this in the Canyon and probably at Mount Rushmore too.

Tues June 15 Golf (WGLF)

It was great to have three foursomes for the first time all year; 10 people golfed at Blue Ash Tuesday night. It was hot and sunny when we got there - the kind of night I walk from one patch of shade to another. Rhoda, Jodi, and Dutchess were in the first group; Minky, Daisy, Chris and I in the second and Margie, Karyn, and the Drake in the last group. They did a good job getting us off the tee for open play but as the night went on, we began to hear thunder in the distance and the skies got dark and grey by 8:15 pm.
Having experienced the thunderstorms we had Monday night, Mary Anne and I hung it up on 7 tee and drove her cart back to the parking lot. I think others continued to golf but she went back in the cart and ferried folks in. I thought they would have sounded the siren if a storm were coming but Minky reminded me that when she went back to get her rain check last Tues, everyone was gone and the doors were locked by 7:30 pm, so maybe they weren't even there.
Kept the ball closer to the fairways and had a great long putt on the first hole. Others in my foursome had some nice long putts as well; we were Putting Princesses and "tiara worthy."
The best part was getting another 2 hours or so of walking in, dragging my pull cart. I was tired and missed my Wed am walk but Margie met me after work and we circled Sharon Woods lake for an hour last night. Beautiful weather!
This morning Rhoda and I walked her dog Wiley for 45 minutes and then I stood for 3 hours doing a plein air painting in downtown Mason.
Will post the good upcoming hikes tomorrow. If it doesn't rain, Loveland Bike Trail at 8 am Friday.

Today's walking

Made it to my regular 7:45 am walk this morning, tho a little late and glad to catch up with this group! I should have been in Sedona, AZ tonight were it not for the snafu with the Grand Canyon trip.

But it's a lovely day in Ohio. Got back last night from Charlotte NC. After missing my regular walk last Thursday, I did get an hour in Friday morning before leaving for Kara's graduation.

We walked a 9-hole golf course for the family game Saturday afternoon and hiked a bit to Shakespeare in the Park that evening. Sunday the walk was from a parking place to the arena and didn't get any exercise in Monday, the day we drove home.

I need to try on backpacks to see what I can carry in 20 pounds or less.

Hiking Schedule: June 1-14

Tues Jun1
6 pm Blue Ash Golf Course

Wed Jun 2
6 pm Newport/Cincinnati riverfront (meet at Theodore M. Berry Park)

Thurs Jun 3
7:45 am Blue Ash Rec Center and Park

4:00 pm Ault Park (plein air paintout)

Fri Jun 4
8 am Loveland Bike Trail

7:00 p.m.Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve Pin Oak Trail
All About Ladybugs Join this wildlife hike in search of Ohio’s native ladybird beetles. We will also discuss the ladybug invasion of the last decade.

Sat Jun 5
9 am Presidential Grove, Eden Park

Sun Jun 6
4:30 p.m Trillium Art Fair Glenwood Gardens
You will enjoy strolling through the lovely gardens while enjoying the artwork of talented regional artists at the second annual Trillium Art Fair. Mediums include watercolors, glass blowing, oils, acrylics, wood turners, jewelers and more.

Mon Jun 7
All day: Loveland Paint the Town

Tues Jun 8
All day: Loveland Paint the Town
6 pm Blue Ash Golf Course

Wed Jun 9
All day: Loveland Paint the Town

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve Ellenwood Nature Barn /
Snake Week See and learn about several of Ohio’s snakes on exhibit this week. On Wednesday and Thursday evening, the exhibit will include exotic snakes from other parts of the world.

Thurs Jun 10
7:45 am Blue Ash Rec Center and Park

All day: Loveland Paint the Town

Fri Jun 11
8 am Loveland Bike Trail

All day: Loveland Paint the Town

Sat Jun 12-Mon-Jun 14
Not available for walking
Not available for walking

30 days to Cardio Improvement

Okay, well my knee still hurts but it's not as bad as it was and I have been able to walk and work out at the gym. So I'm very grateful for that!
Monday morning I did my walk outdoors with friends: that is SO much nicer and more fun to me than working out on the treadmill, I can't even tell you! Especially on a beautiful spring May morning with peonies about to pop and the sun so much higher in the sky at 8:00 am than it was the week before. The bird song. The smells. All excellent.
I try to time my treadmill work to coincide with programs I want to watch on TV, like Dancin' with the Stars. So last night, my workout at the gym began at 8:30 pm and ended at 10, when the place closed. I got five sets in, 10 minutes each, at 15 degrees elevation, wtih 5 minute rest periods in between when I did all 5 sets of my PT exercises to strengthen my knee. Getting the speed up to about 2.3 mph on the walking without going over 160 heart rate.
Encouraged, this morning I got to the gym about 8:30 am and did three sets at 10 degrees. I was getting the speed up to about 2.8 mph. Definitely sweat a lot; I had to go home and shower before going to work,
Didn't make it back to the gym tonight but hope to get up early and hit it when it opens tomorrow morning and then maybe again later in the day, if possible.
Talked to my golf league tonight about the frustration of not knowing whether the Grand Canyon trip is going to happen in June or be cancelled. It's out of my hands, at least the variable of whether or not we'll be able to spend at least one night in the Canyon. And that's a requirement, as far and we're concerned. It's clear that our trip leaders are putting forth extraordinary effort and doing everything they can to pull it off. In the end, if it doesn't work, it just wasn't meant to be.
But meanwhile, I have already paid for a gym membership until June 15. So why not take advantage of it and get my money's worth by building up my cardio fitness? Whether we end up going to the Canyon in June or later on, it's still worth it and a worthy goal, right?
It's funny; I've always said I'd continue to walk outdoors every day for at least an hour or two after I got back from our trip. Well now, life is testing me to see whether or not that's true, isn't it? The journey to better health and staying fit is a valuable habit to cultivate regardless of what happens regarding our vacation.
But can I tell you? I truly enjoy the outdoor walks and hiking and will be glad and motivated to keep doing that. But if I wasn't so cheap (tight, Scotch), I doubt I'd be doing this treadmill work every day without the goal of hiking out of the Grand Canyon to the North Rim.

Stuff Happens

I think having a strong will is usually a blessing but it can also curse. Went to the gym Saturday morning at 8:30 am and did pretty well on the treadmill with five sets at 10 degrees. Thinking how I can do this and see improvement already after only a few days. Hubris!
Then my knee went out while I was doing my PT exercises. I could feel it sort of go out of alignment but I couldn't get it back in again and now it hurts all the time, especially going downstairs. Scares me. But it feels just like it did when I got that cortisone shot back in November and after that, everything was okay. I've already got one of those shots scheduled June 3, right before the trip; maybe I should just try to get it sooner.
When I was worried about my breathing and cardio fitness on uphill hikes, I took how good my knee's been feeling lately for granted. Not so, now. But then, a phone call from my trip mates telling me to check my email inbox. Apparently, there may not be a Grand Canyon trip because we don't have overnight spots at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground and we can't hike rim to rim without knowing we have a place to spend the night, eat, etc. (At least I can't!)
About that will thing. Boy, it's hard not to be devastated or freak out when when I want gets thwarted! But maybe learning how to live with that is the blessing.
Maybe I'm not meant to go in June this year for some reason. Maybe we'll be able to hike the Grand Canyon some other time, when Laurie and Traci can come too. Stuff happens. Usually for a reason, though I may not know it at the time. Maybe things will still work out. We'll see.
How often have I said how enjoyable the journey to getting fit for this trip has been? A lot! Even if we're disappointed in our hopes to hike the Grand Canyon next month, I feel like I've already been on vacation this year: at least once a week in my own hometown.
I guess I don't need to worry about going to the gym and working on the treadmill tomorrow morning but I'm still going on my daily walks, even though my knee still hurts. I didn't treadmill today because I had the privilege of hosting Mother's Day brunch for my mom and dad and family. This afternoon, I did plenty of walking up and down the basement steps getting my patio furniture out and setting up the porches.
What will tomorrow bring? That's the biggest adventure of all, isn't it?!

Perfect is the Enemy of Good

Like "Beware of what you wish for cause you might get it!," "Perfect is the Enemy of Good" is one of my favorite and most-used cliches. I think it was true for me today.
Last night, Jenny and Margie and I walked up the 500 steps to the top of Mt. Adams. I was encouraged because a few years ago when we took an 11-mile backpacking trip in the Hocking Hills, I couldn't keep up with Margie and she was always having to wait for me. But last night, it seemed like she couldn't keep up with me. And I was keeping pretty good pace with Jenny, who works out all the time and who I consider in way better shape than me.
So, the not-so-perfect parts were that we went for a cheeseburger and a beer after the hike:) And I just couldn't get going this morning and missed working out on the treadmill and my regular weekly walk.
Still, I did make it to the gym an hour before they closed and got three and a half 10 minute sets in at 15 degrees and 2 mph. Heart rate stayed below 150 the whole time, which seems better than earlier this week.
And I can go twice tomorrow, so I plan to do my first hour at 3 mph and 10 degrees and then hit the 15 degree sets later in the day.
Now for a nice juicy steak and some spinach; yum!

Making the Time

They say to look at two books to see what you're giving priority to: your checkbook and your datebook. The first money I've actually spent on my training, aside from buying good hiking boots and socks, is the $20 a month it costs to go to this gym nearby that has the treadmills. I went again for an hour last night and did four 10-minute intervals at 13.5 to 15 degrees at 2 mph. Taking 5 minutes rest between each of the four intervals, my heart rate starting each one progressed from 104 to 119. When heart rate got over 155, I didn't want to lower the mph, so I just lowered the elevation instead, from 15 at the beginning down to 13.5 at the end.

I'm thinking that what I need to gain confidence doing is 10-15 degrees elevation at 2-3 mph, right?

The good news is that I'm not unusually sore or tired today and did my regular walk in the park with friends this morning for an hour. Tonight we're going to walk up the 500 steps from Montgomery Inn Boathouse to Immaculata Church on top of Mt. Adams. Today I'm carrying weight: my backpack with the water and food I plan to have for the Canyon.

What I've found is that much like with painting, if I don't make an appointment on my calendar to do this stuff, and keep it, it doesn't get done. The datebook is harder than the checkbook for me, because I have to make sure I do enough painting every day, take good care of the part-time work that keeps me financially secure, and then train for this hike.

So I made calendar appointments for 2 separate hours each day on the treadmill: 1 at 10 degrees starting at 2.5 mph and shooting for 3. The one's easier. Then, later in the day, another hour walking 2 mph at 15 degrees. Having done that the last couple of days, it seems like it will be good for me to work cardio for a target heart rate of 145-155 two hours a day. I'm sure I'll have some days off here and there, but I still have appointments set to do the treadmill at least once every day.

I've heard plenty of horror stories about hikers who were not up to the challenge of the Grand Canyon! One girl I met on a hike got so dehydrated, she was helicoptered out. A trainer I met at the gym said she did our same hike last summer with her mother-in-law and father-in-law, only they started on the North Rim and walked out the South. She said if you walk in, you have to walk out on your own two feet, no matter how bad you feel. And that they don't helicopter in lightly because that's so dangerous, rescuers have been killed by downdrafts. This trainer's mother-in-law was in trouble the whole time: it took them 12 hours to hike down and 17 hours to hike up and she was sick and miserable the entire trip. I DON'T WANT THAT!!

So I'm taking this seriously. Having walked at least 1-2 hours outdoors every single day since January, I'm seldom ever getting too tired or sore walking longer. Being able to walk uphill all day 10-15 degrees is my goal. Doc says if we leave at 6 am, he'd like our group to get to the top of the North Rim between 1-4 pm. That's 6-10 hours. I think it's 14 miles. If I could walk that at a steady 2 mph, it would take 7 hours, right?

Getting to 3
I have sweat (sweated?) more in the past three days than I have since I can remember! Doc said walking 3 mph at 10 degrees incline vs. 2 mph at 15 degrees would be good too. So this morning, I decided to see if I could make it at 3 mph.
Pleasantly surprised to note plenty of treadmills still available at the gym at 7:30 am; yay! Decided to do my PT stretches before the first 10 minutes of tread. Also looked up heart rate on the Internet this am. Looks like for my age (55 this year), I should shoot for 140-150 to get a good cardio workout but stay below 160-165.
My resting heart rate before I started walking was 104. Started slowly at 2.5 mph and 10 degrees incline. Over the course of the 10 minutes, I tried to bump it up 0.1 mph at a time. Per Doc, took 5 minutes off between sets instead of only 2 minutes.
By the 4th and last set of 10 minutes, I was getting up to 3 mph but my heart rate was up to 160 then too. In fact, my face was still red 20 minutes after I got home. Maybe not a good thing?
So, tonight I'm hoping to go back over there again and do some more sets, this time at 15 degrees from 2-2.5 mph. I figure if I do treadmill twice a day, I'll do one hour at 10 degrees and 2.5-3 mph and then the other hour at 15 degrees and 2-2.5 mph.
Tomorrow I have 2 walks planned instead: 1 hour in the morning (flat) and will do the stairs at Mt. Adams up to Immaculata after I'm done painting up there early evening. Maybe Lana or Glenda will join me.

Treadmill Surprises!
All year long, as I have reveled in walking outdoors, I've been down on treadmills. But now I need one. One thing I'll admit: I haven't broken a sweat walking outside the way I have the last 2 days on a treadmill!
I'm kind of encouraged by today's hour at the gym. Yesterday I couldn't finish 4 intervals of 10 minutes each at 15 degrees and 2 mph. My heart rate was over 160 and I quit before the last ten minutes was up. Today I finished 5 intervals of 10 minutes each at 15 degrees and 2 mph and my heart rate was around 140.
Tonight I'm going to golf for about 3 hours, walking with a pull cart at a hilly course, so I didn't want to overdo the treadmill today.
One of the biggest challenges is fitting workout time into each day. I'm looking at my calendar today and trying to schedule in 1-2 treadmill works every day. The gym's close by and is open plenty of hours, so early mornings and late evenings are possible. Have to check my walking schedule that I already worked out for May to substitute treadmill time, unless the hiking holds the potential to give me the cardio work I need.
Some of the things that surprised me about the treadmill are the following:

• It has a built-in TV that I can plug my iPod headphones into and watch while I walk. Wow, how high-tech is that?!
• It can count the minutes up or down; the trainer told me a lot of people get a psychological boost having it count down vs. up. Go figure.
• I can put my hands on a bar and it tells me my heart rate. And there's a display right in front of me the whole time that shows when I'm getting good cardio workout vs. too high (you wouldn't believe how red my face was when I stopped yesterday)
• I can pause it for 2 minutes and get a drink of water from my bottle or do some PT exercises to strengthen my knees in between sets
• There are actually picture windows to look out of and see the sunshine too

So once again, my prejudice against something has caught up with me and I've been proven wrong. You'd think I'd learn from this eventually, wouldn't you?

38 Days Starts Today

We're hiking down from the South Rim about 11 miles and spending the night at Phantom Ranch. Seven months ago I was worried about the downhill trip but now I think my knee will make it. I'm more worried about the next day, 14 miles up the North Rim.

It will take about 6 hours at 10-15 degree elevation at 3 miles per hour, so I was advised to begin on a treadmill at 15 degrees walking 10 minute intervals as fast as I can. Currently I walk 3 miles per hour on flat surface without elevation, so I started out at a 2 mile/hour pace.

Oh no!! I couldn't even complete four (4) ten minute intervals at 15 degrees and 2.1 miles per hour. Oh well. I guess this is just like not being able to make more than 1 loop at Miami Whitewater. I'll have to start at ground zero and work my way up.

So my plan is to go over to the gym 2-3 times a day until I can do five (5) ten minute intervals at 15 degrees 2 miles per hour. Then I'll put on my backpack and begin doing it with weight on my back. Then I'll try to start upping my speed from 2 miles per hour in small increments until I get up to 3 miles per hour.

I have 38 days. Can I get to the point where I can do 3 hours a day 15 degrees at 3 miles per hour with a loaded backpack? If I do, how ready will that make me to hike out the North Rim? I was sweating and breathing hard going less than 40 minutes at 2 miles per hour today and my heart rate was 150-160.

Being Slow and Running Out of Breath

When I started walking in January, I could barely make one loop of the 3 loops at a trailhead in Miami Whitewater forest. I got down but friends encouraged me, telling me if I kept walking, I'd be able to do more. And, sure enough, by March I could do all 3 loops, no problem.

Advice from our tour guide suggested carrying backpacks containing as much weight as we'll carry on the trip (mostly water). My personality is such that I'd want to put in all 4 one-liter bottles the first time out but I started with one bottle. At first, even that slowed me down on morning walks through neighborhood streets. But then when it got easier, I added a second bottle until I could carry that easily.

The big scare came when I tried a 3 hour hike at Fort Hill with the OKI Trailblazers. It started with a steep hill and I was breathing hard and just couldn't keep up with the group. I could make it, just so much slower than everybody else! They were nice and left a "sweep" person with me but I realized what a ball and chain I might be to the rest of our group if I don't build up my cardio before the trip.

Corey says I should be able to go up and down 30 flights of stairs without hurting or getting sore and up 5 flights fast without getting winded. Checked my progress by "summiting" Mt. Adams from the Friendship Park to the top of Immaculata Church steps. I can do the 30 flights but getting winded is a problem. I have about 38 days to solve it!

Being Outdoors 2 Hours a Day

One of the biggest benefits I've already received from this trip is spending at least one hour outdoors walking every day. Our friend Laurie laughed when I told her how good it felt, because she followed Dr. Spock's prescription in his book about raising children even though Ryan complained that she made him go outside every day, rain or shine.

Spock's book advocated 2-3 hours a day for kids. Based on what I've experienced, I swear by that advice for adults too!

Starting January 2, I began walking outdoors every single day for 1-2 hours. I don't like to walk alone and it was dark a lot this winter so I began checking out web sites like www.meetup.com for walking groups and found the Tri State Hiking Club and OKI Trailblazers. Then I discovered organized hikes via the online calendars published by the Hamilton County Park District and Cincinnati Nature Center.

It was great! Even on the snowiest days, I was taking evening walks in local parks with groups of people and meeting new friends. I've been learning how and what to plant this spring and seen all kinds of wildlife that inspires my painting.

Sedentary to Grand Canyon Hiker in 7 months

Ever since my friend Suellen lived in Arizona and hiked into the Grand Canyon for her 25th birthday, I have dreamed of doing this trip. Because I broke both legs on a ski trip with Suellen, she allayed my fears of the risks of this trip by signing us up with University of Wisconsin Stevens Point's Adventure Tours, a group trip led by an M.D. and exercise physiologist who has hiked the canyon successfully numerous times.

As of 7 months before our trip, I could barely walk down a flight of stairs because my left knee hurt so bad. Booking this trip forced me to see the orthopedic surgeon who put my knee back together after the skiing accident 25 years ago. He gave me the green light and my first cortisone shot, which made me feel like I had a new knee and took care of the soreness.