Optimistic

 The trip to Colorado is just around the corner. I've quite a few things organized and packed. I'm trying to keep the final preparations to a minimum. Meals will be super simple on this trip. Energy bars and Starbucks iced bottled coffees for breakfast, PB&J for lunch, Kind bars for snacks and dinner is Shin Black Ramen, Mac and Cheese and Jajangmyeon (Black Bean paste) Ramen

The weather is nearing perfection in Mueller State Park. The forecast lows for the coming weeks is in the low 40's and daytime highs in the mid-60's. Little to no rain is in the picture too! I'll be glad to escape the heat here in Texas. It is forecast to be in the mid to upper 90's up until we leave.

My workouts have not been great lately. I have only been getting to the gym on Saturday and Sunday. My Saturday workouts have been good, 2000 steps on the stair master, and 1.5 miles on the treadmill mostly at 15% incline. Sunday's though have been a bit more of a struggle on the stair master. I managed 1600 this past Sunday, but did extra time on the treadmill. I have really struggled with going to the gym on week nights as I am either really tired or I just can't tolerate the number of people there working out. Young  bratty kids being the worst of it. My membership expires next week so I am going to take a break until November. I did get on my stair stepper at home last night and I will get back on it regularly during my break. I will also hit the trails again at Mother Neff State Park. I think for the next six months I will concentrate on hill climbing and when I do return to the gym the treadmill will dominate my workouts. I will return to the Stair master as I get closer to my Inca trail trek. But as it is still about 18 months away I will focus on what I have planned. After this upcoming Colorado trip I will return to Enchanted Rock and Lost Maples for what I plan on being an annual birthday hike. I'm then off to Big Bend for five days of hiking in February. 

I always have a trip to look forward too... isn't life great!