| 5th July, 2002. Hike #3
Distance: 15 miles
I need an exercise to work my hamstrings when I start lifting again next week. Constantly moving up and downhill (mostly downhill) on a hard surface like asphalt is just murder on them after 10 miles or so. I brought music with me this time but not only was the battery dieing, the backup was also dead. I didn't bother to check the backup because I wasn't going to wait the umpteen hours for it to charge...even if it was dead...they're these funky sort of flat NiMH batteries so it's not like i could just buy new ones. Didn't really make any better time to the 6 mile mark despite taking the 10 lb weight out this week. I did, however, feel a hell of a lot better and was able to keep moving and do a short 5 min reststop somewhere around the 10 mile mark instead. As I was rucking along, the thought occurred to me that there is a HUGE topo map hanging in the Box. I need to take a look at it and get the elevations right. While the last few miles sucked, I felt better when i finished than I did last time. I went straight to the gym and got on the stairmaster for a few minutes with my ruck on. Yeah...that didn't last long. I had actually caught my second wind as i trudged to the gym and was tempted to throw another four miles by doing the loop on post...Yeah...I'm glad I didn't. A few tender spots but only one blister on top of my left big toe. I think it's due to the socks I wore--i decided to try this pair i have that has extra padding on the heels and soles. Well the seam rubbed my toes causing one really rare spot and i think the blister. Needless to say I won't be wearing those again. Tomorrow morning I'm doing a short 8 miles with SGT Sar to start getting accustomed to rucking day to day and not just twice a week...Not sure if I am going to add more weight or not. A little sore but not too bad. All in all I'm actually quite pleased.
|