I'm working to find the balance between pushing myself to really be getting into shape for this climb and being safe as I do some exercises for the first time in a long time. I've always been an athlete so I'm used to feeling completely fatigued when I've had a good workout. Now I need to do a little more work on my core, which I have neglected and am working out a weight training plan. I would also like to start doing some indoor rock climbing but joining a gym and a rock climbing gym seems a little pricey!
I am also in the midst of a pretty intense month-long course that requires quite a bit of my free time outside work. So I have given myself January to get moving physically without much structure except to walk or hike on Saturdays with some weight in my backpack. Then I'll be at about 9800' the first week of February so I plan to see how I handle that elevation and do a little working out during that time as well. The main purpose I'll be there is for a conference at which I am presenting so I'll have only so much time for exercise.
THEN… it really starts! I'll have a plan when I return and I'll be hitting the ground running. Literally!
The Physical
For now, it's a lot of yoga, stairs, body weight squats, lunges, ab work, and walking around with extra weight in my backpack. A minimal start to be sure!
The Mental
I have begun imaging myself on the summit of Mount Shasta. I have a print of Mount Shasta at work that I see every morning and throughout the day. Sometimes I pick it up and look at it intently seeing myself climbing ever so slowly toward that snowy peak. I practice my deep breathing, which is obviously a physical activity, but the purpose for the breathing is to help me manage my energy, emotions, and lack of oxygen as I climb.
The Emotional
FREAKED out!! I'm really excited and then I wonder what the heck I've gotten myself into! I feel confident that my body and mind will be ready to climb so I'm not worry about that. And with 4 guides and at least 1 professional mountaineer from The North Face, I kinda feel like we'll be safe. What I'm most worried about at this time is the fundraising. $4000 is a lot of money to me and 2 months seems like a very short time to raise it! So that's what gets my heart pumping a little at this moment.
Please donate here: http://support.bigcitymountaineers.org/goto/summitjourney
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