We all (Ric, Todd, H, Faye and myself) head for the top from Indian Gardens at about 2:30 PM, after resting and eating more food. What took 2 hours to go down will now take 4 1/2 hours to go up. As the sun sets the colors of the canyon take on a more muted, softer tone. It was really beautiful. We did have to take short stops many times coming up, which gave us plenty of opportunities to stop and watch the sun descend and change the canyon into evening. We all made it out by 6:30 PM. Tired, sore and hungry, high fives all around and smiles on our faces. Planning on doing it again next year. :-) Some of you have asked about my training. In June, I started going to the gym, not for this trip, but to lose some weight and get my back into shape to avoid the possibility of having back surgery to correct 2 herniated disks. I've lost 30 pounds and my core is much stronger, I have seen some improvement in the back. When the talk of the hike came up and it looked like I was going, which was 2 weeks from the date, I decided to do some extra leg strengthening by doing half squats with 90 pounds on a weight machine. I had already been doing weight training, resistance machines and treadmill work. This hike is not for the couch potato. It takes lots of stamina. I go to the gym 3 times a week and workout for 1 to 2 hours per session, I don't think anyone could train enough for this hike. It does kick your butt, big time. That was a 13 mile hike. I would not have even attempted it before going to the gym. This will be the last of the series on the Grand Canyon hike, I hope you have all enjoyed the hike and I was able to show you just how incredible the caynon is inside. So, the next time you are at the south rim looking down and see Plateau Point, know that it is 6 1/2 miles away. Next year,,,,,,,,to the river. :-) I would like to thank my personal trainer, Mike, for helping me get to this point. It was his voice in my head, *You can do this Michele. PUSH. Just a little more*, that got me to the top. © All rights reserved

Oh dear, it's been so so long. Too long since I have worked up a sweat. I think I forgot to document at least one workout in between this one and the last one but oh well... it's almost like we're starting over again. I have fallen, yes I have, but I will not let it keep me down. I am back on the wagon and, man, boy oh boy, it feels really good. A special thanks goes out to my dad for keeping our father/daughter workout date today. I probably wouldn't have gone if he wasn't going too. Updates :: WW :: last week I gained weight. I gained the exact amount I lost the week before. So those two weeks cancelled each other out. I'll let you know tomorrow how this week has gone numbers wise. Tonight :: 45 minutes on the treadmill // walk and jog alternating // doing about a 20 minute mile // getting back in the swing so I was a bit slow tonight // did some weights for my arms, shoulders, chest, and back.