Date: 2009-11-10
To: Time keeps on slipping
Miles today: 0.0

The "to do" list keeps getting longer and longer. While the additions seem to be much more trival than the first lists, they still keep expanding what needs to be done. Since I made a reservation at the Hiker Hostel the arrangements for travel from Atlanta Airport to Springer start point is done, that item has been taken off the list. Now to get plane ticket--need a cheep seat.   Have not counted up the days until I start, but the training is not going as planned which is not good. At least, I am still losing weight--always a struggle as in my sweet tooth rules. I would like to be down another 5 pounds before I start so I need to keep working on it. Have 20 pound weight in the back pack for my walks in the woods. I want to walk an hour a day and climb stairs every other day but last week was only 3 days of walking. So far, I have not gotten to the stairs component. My plan is to gradually increase the pack weight up to 40 pounds and then lengthen the walking times. In one of the runner training books I have read, marathon runners need about 6 months to be fit enough to do a good run. I have less time than that, but thankfully I am not starting from couch potato condition. I keep reminding my self, the more in shape I am, the more pleasure at the start. In September, we were doing 8 miles per day in mountains with heavier packs so I need to build on what I have.The house is a long way from being ready for winter, lots of work projects are only partially done and need to be wrapped up. Snow has fallen a couple weeks ago but melted. More snow is predicted for later this week. It should melt off as the weather report is calling for rain next week. The snow flakes of yesterday are a good reminder to get things done. It has been over a year since I came off the trail and I still have not completed settling my Aunt's estate. It is hard to believe how much work and time this takes. But, I expect this to be done in a week or so. Celebration time.....We went to a Seahawks football game (vs Detroit Lions) and were glad Hawks pulled it out. We have perfect record, ie every game we attend, Hawks have won. Maybe some one should front us for season tickets as the Hawks need all the help they can get....Otherwise, another sad football weekend for us. Two of our local school teams were defeated so they are not going on to state tournament and both the Dogs and Cougs were defeated in college play. The real bright spot in sports has been the local hockey team. They swept Texas Tornado two games this weekend. They rock and are having another outstanding season following last years outstanding season when they went on to national play offs.I keep thinking about hiking and hiking and hiking...I must have read and re-read my planning books a dozen times in the last month. I keep thinking I am missing something. But then, I have started the AT three times now, so how could I possibly have missed anything too important. But then, maybe I'll find something. I know it is silly and I keep reminding myself of this, but I keep thinking about tweaking gear. I know what I have is going to work just fine as it has in the past, but then, I would always like to shave off a few more ounces. The trade off is cost as the only reason to buy anything is to save weight-except for sleeping pad. I am going to get longer pad as my feet were always cold on 3/4 length pad. Completed the annual physical and found out I am still breathing. Not much news there as I still walk on top of the dirt rather than peer up at roots. The good news is my blood work results are a bit better than usual. Added the data to my file and I am good for another year. On the "do" list is getting my eyes checked and new glasses. The current ones are getting a bit old and out of focus. During past AT hikes, snowy days made for difficult white blaze locating, but I doubt that was caused by the glasses. Time to go for a walk.....