Time flies when you’re not spending it eating out and sitting on the couch all the time. I’ve been on the diet and exercise plan for 4 weeks now and have lost a total of 26 pounds!

I set out to accomplish one of my goals last weekend - reclaim the summit of Mount Ascutney. Check out the previous post for details, great time.

Recovery from the hike is coming along. My calf muscles are still a little tight but I got back to the gym last night and was able to run around the basketball court a little. Got back out walking again today also, but I couldn’t do my last section speed up like I normally do. It’s going uphill and my calves were not quite ready for that yet. The sore spots on my palms from the trekking poles are still visable but don’t hurt anymore, next time gotta pick up some gloves for the descent.

Good news… my right knee is almost back to normal, very happy not to see any swelling or bruising so I don’t think I damaged anything.

Surprisingly my back doesn’t hurt at all, and my knees and thighs aren’t bad either. Trekking poles did their job!

This weekend have some activities planned including a huge party at an old co-workers house. Will be nice seeing a lot of faces I haven’t seen for some time. Just gotta watch what I eat

Tags: diet, exercise, hiking

I am very happy with myself, I made it to the summit of Mount Ascutney. And no I didn’t cheat and drive all the way up, I hiked the entire Windsor trail up and down. All the new gear gets an A+, except for hiking shoes, they weren’t the best, but they got the job done. The Trekking Poles were awesome! I’ve always just used a branch in the woods as a walking stick, but what a difference dual carbon fiber poles make! I honestly don’t think I would have made it up or down without them. Once you get into a good rhythm they take a lot of pressure off your legs and back. And they help you scoot along a little faster. Think cross country skis with the ‘push-off’ affect of planting the pole behind your step and pushing it back. Puts a little extra umph in your step. And coming down the mountain they are invaluable. You can push a faster than normal pace, great for balance and control, and they save your knees.

Also was hiking with a new backpack the Osprey Stratos 24 with a 100oz bladder insert. First time I have ever used a bladder hydration system. Works pretty darn well, the night before fill it half way and freeze it, on the way to the entry once it thaws a little fill it up the rest of the way with water. Gives you nice cold water for a long time as it melts. I think next time I need to lighten the load, without water it was a 18lb pack job. With full water it was 25lbs. My shoulders felt that a little at the end of the day. But overall a very comfy backpack with great support and a cool ‘air’ chamber to help ventilate your back. I never felt like my back was really sweaty and overheating. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: exercise, hiking