I almost titled this post, “Backpacking for Dummies,” but I don’t consider myself to be a dummy. I don’t really consider myself to be a diva either, but it seemed the best title for capturing my upcoming challenge. As I’ve said before, I’m much more of a high-maintenance camper. Therefore, backpacking is well out of my comfort zone.
As I wrote last week, I am starting my preparations for our July trip through the Yosemite High Sierra Camps. First up: Conditioning. I need to get my butt in shape and keep it in shape in order to tackle the mountain passes in Yosemite’s high country, trails which “provide strenuous hiking.” Conditioning will be my focus for December and January.
My Current Physical Condition
So what kind of shape am I in right now? Not the greatest, but not the worst. On the positive side, I have been jogging consistently since mid-summer, and I recently worked my way through the Couch to 5K running program. I plan on maintaining a schedule of three runs a week, which will be a challenge in itself now that it’s snowing in Wisconsin 
.
On the downside, I am still struggling with my weight. I really don’t want to be carrying around extra body weight on top of the weight my pack will provide. Therefore, getting back to a healthy weight (right now, I’m technically overweight) is my top priority in terms of conditioning.
The Problem
My current problem is my diet. Actually, this has been my problem for a few years now. I went from about 180 pounds in 2003 to about 135 in 2005. I went down another 10 pounds over the course of 2006…and it has been uphill since then. Right now, I’m at about 160 pounds, which is about 25 pounds over my ideal body weight.
How did I lose all of that weight? By tracking my food and following a sensible calorie-reduction plan. Combined with regular workouts, it was actually quite easy. Of course, that’s when I was still in my 20′s…
My ideal body weight is about 133 pounds. When I hit that weight four years ago, my body just worked. I could tell that everything was in balance and I felt great. Now, my body is just out of whack. And I’ve also discovered that something evil must happen when you turn 30 – suddenly, the weight doesn’t come off like it used to .
I have a long road ahead of me…
The Plan
So how do I get started…for really real this time? Here is my plan for December:
- With the holidays upon us, I aim to maintain my current weight through the month. I will use SparkPeople to track my calorie intake and keep it within 2000 calories a day.
- I will continue my workout streak, jogging three days a week for a total of 5-7 miles and doing a David Kirsch 7-Day Prescription workout each day.
- I will keep myself accountable – and ask you, my readers, to keep me accountable – by blogging about my progress at least three times a week.
If all goes well – which it will 
– I will start a weight loss plan in January. Here we go…
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m looking forward to following and being inspired by your journey! I’ve been going through a rough patch lately and have been eating on the couch instead of going out hiking, so now I have *several* backpacks worth of extra weight I would like to not have to carry next summer…
…that said, I went backpacking at 10,000 feet this summer with a 40 lb backpack – if *I* can do it, anyone can! Especially someone who is as active as you are. You’ll do great out there in Yosemite.
I hope so! I’m super pumped about taking on this challenge, so I’m confident I will be successful.
It’s always good to hear that I’m not alone in packing on the “packs.” I believe both of us can be successful at ditching the extra weight and getting back into fighting form