As promised, here is my weekly update on my Everest Trek Prep!!
So last week I posted the first of (hopefully) many status checks that I intend to post on the regular as my trip to Nepal gets closer. These posts will include updates on my physical training, the gear I’m acquiring, and my overall emotions as I get ready for this crazy adventure.
If you’re new to this page, check out this post on how I decided to trek ECB (Everest Base Camp) and what exactly we are doing.
In the last week I’ve had a few small accomplishments gear-wise. I recently purchased a fancy new Osprey daypack with a 3 liter water bladder. I’ll use this pack on my trek to Everest Base Camp to carry essentials for each day. Extra layers, snacks, water, etc. My personal backpack experience doesn’t go far beyond the classy Jansport backpacks I used in school, so this thing is pretty exciting. This past week I got comfortable adjusting the straps on the fancy pack to fit my body. (Thanks for many helpful YouTube videos…) It has a hip belt to distribute the weight and a built in area for the water bladder. (Faaancyyyy!) I also finally figured out how to use the water bladder (without spilling it all over myself).
Here’s the Osprey pack I bought…
This past week I slacked a little on my training. I happened to get tickets to a local music festival and could not pass up the chance to don some boots and flannel and stay up late on a Thursday. Life happens, right? I had a blast and I’ll pick back up on training this week.
On Saturday, we had a big family cookout to celebrate my aunt’s retirement. Lots of extended family made it including some from out of state. This meant lots of people asking about my trip – what I’m doing, what gear I need, and I repeatedly had to clarify that no, I’m not climbing Everest just going to the bottom. My cousin’s wife is heading to Italy in a few weeks and I can’t wait to hear about her trip. Italy is definitely on my bucket list!
As mentioned in previous posts, I’m focusing on three areas as a prep for my trip: fitness, gear, and my emotions. I think it’s kind of fun to document these things as the weeks go on. I can’t believe June is almost over!
Here are my updates for the week:
Fitness
Sunday 6/17 – Taught RPM
Monday 6/18 – Taught RPM
Tuesday 6/19 – 45 minutes upper body weights
Wednesday 6/20 – 4.5 mile hike at the local state park
Thursday 6/21 – Rest
Friday 6/22 – Rest
Saturday 6/23 – 1 hour upper body weights
Two consecutive rest days is not my norm. But I did dance quite a bit at that concert, I guess that counts for something. Also, I’m kind of guessing on my Tuesday workout. I definitely went to the gym before work, but I can’t remember what I did. It was most likely upper body weights. Oh well!
My Wednesday hike was fantastic. It had rained most of Monday and Tuesday, so the ground was saturated and muddy. I’m glad to announce my boots are holding up well and are officially dirty.
My goal for this coming week is at least one weight session focused on the lower body.
Gear
Guys, I suck. I have little to add in this section today. In getting dressed for the hike on Wednesday I realized I don’t have any Nepal-worthy t-shirts. I need something that won’t stink after several days of wear. Pretty much everything I own is athletic-wear which I don’t think will hold up like a merino wool fabric.
I did fill my Amazon cart over the weekend with a few things. I really need to find hiking pants and I’d like to try liner socks in my boots. Hoping I can pull the trigger soon!
Emotions
I talked a lot about my trip at my family cookout. The more I talk about my trip, the more excited and less nervous I get. I also get more and more of the “wanderlust” feel. Like I just want to travel everywhere. At the party, someone asked if I was saving to buy a house soon. I said NOPE, I’m spending most of my money on traveling. 🙂 Someday I’d like a cute little house with a doggy and a backyard garden, but that just doesn’t feel “right” right now. Maybe after I see Italy.
Check back next week for another update. Hopefully I’ve purchase more gear by then!! If you missed the first post, click here! Or, read my first ever blog post on my big trip here.