Now, for my challenge. When I found my calm last night, I felt the urge to give myself a huuge goal to work toward. Making this lifestyle change is one long challenge, but I've taken on another kind of challenge - and by far my biggest one yet. I have exercised regularly since I started this journey 4 months ago, but now I'm about to take it to the next level! I'm going all in!
This is a drawn map of my home town, Bergen. As you can see, we're located between a series of mountains - 7 to be precise (and of course a multitude of other mountaintops as well). Every year, the local "tourist association" arranges a 7-Mountain trip. That trip would be way, way too hard for me. Climbing 7 mountains in one day is not physically possible for me this summer. However, on the same day, they arrange the 4-Mountain trip. Basically you skip the first three, and do the hardest one + three others. If you click the map, you can see the route. It begins at "START 4-Fjell".
It begins with a steep climb up Mount Ulriken, roughly 640meters. Then we descend and cross the valley, and start climbing towards Mount Fløyen (a local tourist hotspot, over-viewing the entire city). This is roughly 400meters up. Moving on to Mount Rundemanen, heading up to 560m, and climbing down via Sandviksfjellet Mt..
Key points:
- The hike is 17,5k / 11miles
- The total ascent is 1200m / 4000 feet
Clearly, this is a huge challenge for me. Not only am I overweight, but I need to increase my fitness level greatly to be capable of going through with this. I need to make a whole new plan for my exercise. I need to build up stamina on walking for longer distances, hiking on steeper mountains, carrying a heavier backpack. I need to prepare my knees. I definitely need to prepare my lungs. If anyone have ANY type of advice, I greatly, greatly appreciate it.
I will call this The MountainCow Project!
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| I took this picture while hiking last summer. A true MountainCow! :) |
oooo Sounds Amazing! I'm looking forward to pictures and comments :D
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun! My only advise is: Start. Start small, but start doing mountains. You will learn everything you need to know from the mistakes you make on your first three trips. ^^
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you live in a beautiful and amazing part of the world. I would love to do something like this, it sounds fantastic. Keep us updated. I agree with Emily, lots of piccies please. P.s That cow is so cute x
ReplyDeleteHow exciting and brave and awesome! I think you need to start small so you don't injure yourself. Practice on the mountains in small doses adding more time each hike and build your way up. I would also do some strength training to build muscle in the supporting muscles. Core work is important too as it helps support your back. A stronger core will give your back the help it needs for longer hiking. I can't wait to follow along on this challenge with you. It is like reading a really good book!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Maren! That sounds like so much fun!!! I agree with Jill (as I often do!) that core work, especially for the back for get you ready for this longer hiking. I suggest different variations of lat pulldowns on a lat pulldown machine, if your gym has that machine.
ReplyDelete:-) Marion
thats an awesome goal and i think the trip itself will be very rewarding. you might find something good if you google how the army physically trains for ruck marches. xx
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you'll be able to do it! It's a great goal to work toward. Awww, did you pet the cow!? I would've...or at least attempted to! :)
ReplyDeleteOhh, this sounds super interesting. You are making me want to come to Norway! I have no advice as I have never trained for anything like that. I do know you can do it, so go for it and good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck !!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing challenge for yourself! Can't wait to hear your training plan.
ReplyDeleteWow! great challenge. Best of luck to you. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great activity. I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an incredible challenge!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a REAL challenge!! I wish you much success. I know from just hiking in the woods, our tiny hills are MUCH harder for me than flat. Go get 'em, Maren!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you! I know you can do it. You just need a plan. Maybe talk to a trainer about getting yourself ready for it.
ReplyDeleteWow - what a great goal! I have no advice for you since I'm not a hiker.
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo - you go - challenge on!!!
ReplyDeleteMO
Honestly..I go on hikes and I still learn new things every time I go. I've never done 11 miles but it seems like a great goal. You've inspired me to find a long hike to work to :)
ReplyDeleteWow I cant wait till summer I intend on doing some hiking as well :) over weight or not i'll do it!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great challenge. I'd recommend working up in increments. For example...
ReplyDeleteWeek one
Day one - 30 minute hike. Reach a specific landmark. (take a photo to share with us?)
Day two - 30 minute hike. Try to pass the specific landmark.
Day three - muscle building (squats, lunges, calf lifts, planks, crunches, leg lifts).
Day four - Rest day.
Day five - 30 minute hike with back pack Compare landmarks.
Day six - 30 minute hike with back pack, compare landmarks.
Day seven - rest day.
Then add 15 minutes to your hike every week.
Keep hydrated and keep a protein bar on hand. Start small and build! :)
I'm jealous! I so wish I had your landscape and weather here! You can do it, I think it's a great idea. I like Nanette's plan, but how ever you do it you will succeed.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the scenery as you take this challenge. I'm sure it will inspire you and show you that you CAN do anything you set your mind and heart too! Can't wait to follow you on this journey!
ReplyDeleteMitt råd er at vi begynner å gå fjellturer :)
ReplyDeleteVi kan ta fløyen og rundemanen i et jafs, men da må vi trene oss litt mer opp. Men vi er ikke langt unna.
Jeg tror du kommer til å fikse dette med litt trening i terreng. Det går nemlig verst utover knærene og beina.
Og ikke minst ta med sokker og plaster, slik at du kan skifte undervei....veldig viktig!
Og selvsagt nok drikke :)
What a great challenge and goal to have! I know you can do it! Can I come too, looks like it will be a lot of fun :).
ReplyDeleteThat cow is soooo cute! Awesome challenge!
ReplyDeleteFigure out how to get me there and I'll join you on this challenge. It's amazing and really I would like to go. It won't happen but it would be so cool. You can do it, just practice and stay safe and you'll do it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. Take care and God Bless!!
maren you are wonder woman -- you can do ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCool challange that looks like fun. I know you are up to this challange.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! I bet that will be a BEAUTIFUL hike! I can't wait to see the pictures of you on this hike!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place you live in. I'd want to walk and walk and walk....and I look forward to your visual documentation!!! GO FOR IT!
ReplyDeleteOK that cow is adorable! You can do this! Step by step, each day you get stronger, and you'll be able to build your endurance. I weighed over 200 pounds when I did my first half marathon - I was so proud of myself, and I still am!
ReplyDeleteThink about how great you'll feel when you accomplish this!