I live in probably the flattest part of the United States. It makes training for mountain climbing a bit problematic. I live at about 4 feet above sea level. The highest point in my state is 345 feet above sea level, and it's a long hike from home. So I have to improvise.
Ok, let's backup a minute. Why am I training for a mountain climb? I plan on climbing Mt. Rainier in Washington at the beginning of September, and it's probably a wise idea to train for a hike in the snow and ice up to 14000 feet above sea level.
I have spent the last 12 weeks getting ready for this adventure, and I don't know if I trained properly. I think there are a few things I should have focused on with more dogged determination. I have practiced carrying a backpack on hikes, but only 30 pounds. My pack may be 40 pounds loaded down. Ugh.
Balance. I should have done more yoga and balance exercises. My sense of balance is not the greatest, as my Wii Fit continually tells me. My pathetic little Mii hangs her head in shame after trying to hit soccer balls with her noggin.
Core. I should have focused on my obliques, back, and hip flexors. Carrying that backpack requires a lot of core strength, and after any of my hikes with a pack, I feel those body parts intensely.
But it's down to 6 days before my hike up Mt. Rainier, and there isn't much I can do to improve from this point. I really have to dial down my exercise intensity now since my goal for the next few days is to not injure myself. I will focus on other things like packing my food, weighing my items, learning how to properly pack a backpack, trying on my many layers of clothing.
