Since making the decision to climb Mt Rainier, there have been lots of ups and downs to the attitude that has to be in place before I can climb it.
Yesterday, I made a first definitive step towards my conquering. Listening to my friends for one, finding that trigger word to help me focus on what I NEED to do for me, and make those truly first steps towards the physical challenge of getting up that mountain.
Rattlesnake Ledge was the end result in our decision when we went hiking last night. Our first choice was Mt Si, but the one problem was weather conditions and thinking possibility beyond what our bodies could do since hiking has been less than optimum lately. Didn't really want to kill myself even though I knew full well I could make it. But I did want to walk and be able to up and down stairs the next day. :)
I can go up and down stairs but yes I can feel the work in my legs from our trek last night. Sure the hike was only 4 miles roundtrip, but it was cold and snow had fallen so bits of the trail was slushy and snow covered. So, the challenges for me was the added weight on my body, then adding extra weight on my body, (I did make sure to carry a backpack but not full weight, and proper weather condition clothing), but on top of that the other challenge - I suffer from cold weather or exercise induced asthma symptoms, so I had to pace myself early on so I could breathe. I didn't have much of a struggle with the cold air, but I could feel some exertions in my chest on a couple of occasions, but I was surprised at how quickly that dissipated and I felt like myself hiking just in colder weather.
I can't say my feet were saying the same. When I hit that 2.5-3 mile marker my feet are not happy and I have pains the likes of having frost bite that is thawing out. Not good....but it eventually levels out for the most part and I can manage. I think I need to get my feet checked out though.
Anyway...the first "honest" step towards my goals has been taken.
Baby steps and one step at a time.
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