AT's AT Hiking Training Plan, Week Twenty-Six

Weeks: September 22 - September 28 (7 Days)
Miles Hiked (Total Period): 5.00
Miles Hiked (September): 17.69
Miked Hiked (September Goal): 30

Miles Hiked (Yearly Total): 154.44

Pounds Gained: 2.2
Percentage to Next Milestone: 36.00%
Pounds Lost (Total):  17.8
Weekly Goal Met: No
Nights Camped (Weeks): 0
Nights Camped (Total): 5
Nights Camped (Backpacking): 0

So this past week broke a string going back a ways of logged periods where I made weight progress. There was one major reason for this, which was that I worked long hours several days, and had to work an extra day on the weekend. The result was less hiking, more stress (and more stress eating), and just a lack of attention to the plan. I knew it was probably going to happen, and am not surprised that it did. In fact, I'm a little surprised it turned out as well as it did. The only thing I can do is do better. Things have returned to a certain level of normalcy at work, so I don't have an excuse this week.



On the plus side, my five miles of hiking on Sunday was a big hike to check off my list. It was one of the most difficult trails on the list of Illinois hikes I am going through. Although I didn't find it as difficult as the rating made it out to be, it still wasn't a flat stroll. The hills and canyons of Starved Rock State Park are pretty significant, and I had to walk up three major staircases during the hike. Also, had it been wet or icy, the trail would have been considerably tougher, as it involved several places where crossing sandstone was required. On the other hand, when it is wet and/or icy, the canyons of the park come alive with water (or even ice) falls. I'm proud of this hike, especially the fact that I walked all the way to the top of Starved Rock itself without stopping. While not the steepest or longest climb of the hike, it was still a good achievement for me. It also showed me that I could slow down and keep a regular pace in a way that allowed me to move up a hill without getting tired way too early. Here's hoping that I continue adding more hills to the list of break free ascents.