August 26, 2009 - Into the wild

And off I go, into the wild. Tomorrow morning I'll get up at 6 AM to take the dogs for a run, then return home for a quick breakfast of eggs and bacon. I'll shower, then grab my bags and walk 15 minutes to the light rail. Thirty minutes or so later, I'll be at BWI Airport and a few days later after a quick stop off in Denver I'll join my friends Francis and Brian on a journey into the back country of Yellowstone National Park. We'll be staying in the woods for 6 nights.

Being outdoors, on a trail, or in the back country is perhaps my favorite thing in the world (besides being with friends and family). A close second is either playing hockey or skiing, but hiking wins out due to its simplicity. A pair of shoes, some clothes, water and food for a few days and you're off. Anyone can hike.

And once you are out there all of the hustle and bustle of the city and everyday life are gone. It's you, the trees, mountains, water, and the wildlife. The perfect time to reflect on what matters most in life and to take in nature and all of its glory. To sit and think about why we spend our lives trying to work for nice cars, houses, clothes, and if we're lucky, a week or two of vacation each year. We fantasize about a life that is free of materialism, greed, and envy. We dream of a world where everyone loves themselves and each other. Where good things happen to good people, happiness doesn't require money, and the simple joy of a long hike followed by a swim in a lake and food around a camp fire with friends is all that matters. A place where we can just be.

So for a week, I'll live this dream and maybe I'll even wake up from it and return. But if it were up to me, I wouldn't think twice about coming back.

Today's Training

I felt like being outside so Jonathon and I headed to the local football field I train at a few times a week. I began with:

5k warmup with huskies (before going to the track)
light stretch
then the Workout of the Day (WOD) from http://www.crossfit.com
"Nate"
Complete as many rounds in twenty minutes as you can of:
2 Muscle-ups (I substituted 8 pullups)
4 Handstand Push-ups
8 2-Pood Kettlebell swings

I completed 10 rounds in just under 20 minutes. That was 80 pullups, 40 handstand pushups, and 80 kettleball (dumbbell) swings. Aftwards, I felt great.

Then it was time to get serious about some interval training. So I finished with 10 x 100 meter sprints, all under 15 seconds with 30 seconds of rest between each one. We finished our track work as it started to get dark out...the cool breeze being the perfect thing to go all out.

Today finished 7 days of intense training without a rest day. Tomorrow, I'll do a short run with the dogs in the morning, but I'm resting after that (as suggested by crossfit.com).
My plan for workouts the next week will be the long days of hiking with a 40lb pack, as well as improvised WOD's with my friend Francis.

More than a fitness adventure, though, I seek Yellowstone's trails, lakes, mountains, and geysers to think about where my life has gone the last few years and where I am now. I'll reflect on my mistakes and smile at my accomplishments. Somewhere along the way, maybe I'll even figure out where I'm going...but hopefully not. As long as I have my health, my family, friends and huskies, I know I will always be happy.