Working with what you've got.

So, I've just been invited to backpack a few passages of the Arizona Trail in the spring.  Nothing is set in stone yet, but I think we can make it happen.

A little background:  I have been in a rather tenuous work situation for almost a year.  I am technically employed but not working full time or even close to full time.  I have been job hunting without success for a while.  I have also been sitting on my butt and inserting copious amounts of food into my face.  So I have been taking steps to A) stop wallowing in my own self pity and B) get out of the house.  I am going to work with the cards I've been dealt until something better presents itself.

Those cards are basically saying that nothing is going to change anytime soon.  Soooooo, I am going to get back into hiking shape (for me that is rounded but perfectly capable).  My 33 year old legs are a bit weak after months of being sedentary.  That was made only too clear on my recent snowshoe trip.

I look happy (and I am) but I am worn flat out.

I hiked 30 miles of the AZT last May.  I learned a lot from that experience.
First:  I am not going to complete a passage in one day if it is over 12 or 13 miles.  That's just my limit.  I am a firm believer that hiking should be fun and I just don't have fun when I am struggling.  Normally, I can hike more miles than that in one day, but carrying a pack on a multi-day trip is something I like to take my time on.
Second:  Wear amazing shoes/boots.  Last year I wore the boots I had.  They were old and the fit was less than perfect.  My feet bore some very impressive blisters as did the feet of my dear friend.  Our planned 60 mile backpack turned into a 30 mile backpack and two days of sightseeing at the Grand Canyon because, and I think you'll back me up on this, it ain't fun to limp for 30 miles on torn up feet.  I believe in happy, blister free feet.

So since then I have found the most comfortable hiking shoe ever made by the hand of a man.  Last Oct I hiked the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim over four days and had ZERO hot spots and almost no soreness...in my feet that is.  I'm not paid to recommend them, I just love them.  So check them out here or don't.  Yep they are astronomically expensive, but I have managed to get them for 40% off at a local shop.  Probably because the color is odd and must have been discontinued since I can only seem to find it on clearance.

Disclaimer:  No one shoe will be right for everyone.  I just know these are right for me.

So I am committed now to my daily walks with PS, getting out on the weekends to hike those mountains, and yoga in my living room.  I have about 3 months before hitting the AZT again.  Peace out.  Time for stretching.