Training for the hike

We started training seriously for the trip at the end of May. Basically, the training consists of lots of hiking carrying a heavy backpack.

Kevin put together a schedule for all of us to follow gradually building our time hiking.

We've hiked in a variety of places including Carver Park, Highland Park, and in our own neighborhoods wherever we can find hills.

Here's some photos from a day we hiked 13.5 miles when it was 87 degrees — note the "glow of sweat."

While we had fun training together, most of our training was on our own. We each put in our hiking time — listening to music and podcasts really helped the time pass.


The other part of our training has been to do strength training with special emphasis on our "cores" to help us keep our correct posture even when we're carrying a heavy weight. Greg and I have been doing kettlebells training for several years through Total Body Power.

(http://www.totalbodypowermn.com/ )  

Our wonderful  kettlebells instructors (Sharon left; Marie right) have not only taught us a lot, but have provided us wonderful encouragement as we prepare to embark on this trip.