The Mental Journey

 The mental journey to get fit can be as big of a challenge as the physical one. The multiple challenges some days just makes me question what the hell am I doing? I look forward to my workouts on the weekend, but the weeknights are more problematic. I am tired at the end of the day. My day is long as I am usually up by 5:30 am, I have a 45 -50 drive into work followed by a full workday and then the long drive home. The gym is usually busier on weeknights then it is on the weekends so getting on my preferred Stair Master and treadmill can be a challenge. They only have two Stair Masters, one has a fan blowing directly on it, it is the one I prefer, the other one only catches an occasional breeze. I get overheated easily when I am on that one and have to cut my workout short. Last evening it was the one I had to use. It was frustrating as the young mother that took the other one was just placing her water bottle and phone on my favorite one as I walked in. She then spent five minutes stretching before actually getting on the machine. She then did a very slow pace ( 25spm) and was often hopping on and off to go tend to her daughter that was being a nuisance. I only made it to 1200 steps before deciding to go do  more intense workout on the treadmill. I did get on my favorite treadmill that has a good breeze from a nearby fan. I was distracted while on it though as the daughter of the lady on the Stair master started playing around on the treadmill next to me. I was really surprised she didn't injure herself as she was increasing the speed and incline (she was too small to see what buttons she was pushing). I cannot fathom why people bring small kids to the gym and just let them run wild. I really have to bite my tongue to not scold them. I really am a bit too introverted for the fitness center, but I've no other choice if I want to get fit. I easily get stressed when there are people around. Luckily the weekends when I go seem to be a prime time for us oldies to exercise and it usually isn't  too busy. I do make a point on Sundays of getting there when it opens as it is usually very quiet for the first half hour. 

Self- doubt is another challenge I face. Am I biting off more than I can chew (as the saying goes)? The days I struggle with my workout makes me wonder if I will be fit enough to take on these treks and hikes. Then there is the photos I see of some of these hikes.... some are terrifying, others are inspiring.

This one of the Manitou Incline terrifies me.

This one inspires me.

It is much the same with the Inca trail and Everest Base Camp trek.  There are so many inspirational sights to see, but some aspects of the treks are quite daunting. I am more nervous about the Inca trail as there isn't an option to go on it at your own pace. The only way to do it is with a group that is led by a licensed company. For the EBC trek I will hire a private guide/porter and can go at my own pace. I know it will be a long trek though at very high altitudes. 

Staying healthy is another concern. I am 65 years old. I will be 66 by my camping/hiking trip to Big Bend National park, and I will be 67 when I go to Peru, and nearly 68 when I go to Nepal. I do not feel old. I am in excellent health. I exercise, I eat healthy, I do try to stay positive. I meditate and do yoga daily too. I just need to avoid injuries. I always hike with poles. I wear appropriate footwear. I hydrate with plenty of water and I don't take risks. I really should not let the "what ifs" worry me. 

I just need to stay on track and keep focused on the goal. I need to look at how far I have come in the past year. I know that this Autumn's trip to Colorado will either boost my confidence or beat me back down. It is a lot of pressure to succeed on these hikes I have planned. I need to be determined, and to know that it is not a race to get to the top. I just need to get there at my own pace. I see people posting every day that make it. I know that I am as capable as they are. 

I can do this...

Right?