Date: 2011-02-07
To: Counting it down...
Miles today: 0.0

This past weekend didn't end up being as relaxing as I had hoped. Thursday-Saturday I spent designing lights for Miss West Chester University, a beauty pageant I have lit for the past three years. When I wasn't working, I was laid up on my couch with horrible fatigue. Some type of sickness hit me hard Friday and I am just now recovering. I suppose it's better to get it out of the way now, but it had me worried about starting my hike on time. My mind immediately jumped to MONO when I started feeling the symptoms... since when am I paranoid enough to use WebMD? It's funny how your priorities change. I'm not worried about quitting my job. I'm not worried about selling off everything I own that won't fit in my car. I'm not worried about moving to a new state after I get back. I'm worried about a sore throat and fatigue. All I really have on this hike is my mind and body... and I can't get anywhere without them both working together.Speaking of that combination, there is probably a part of me worth mentioning. I have been battling with smoking for 5 years. I have learned the definition of addiction first hand, and it is a difficult cycle to break. I have 'quit' around 30 times, anywhere between 2 weeks and 2 months, but I always seem to come back to it. I've tried cold turkey, gum, the patch, and now Lobelia (which works very well). What really seems to work for me is physical activity. Working out is the best way to keep my moods in balance, and it definitely counteracts the effects of smoking on my body. This hike is another opportunity to change my habits and keep them.Other than that, I lead a pretty healthy life. My job keeps me physically active, sometimes working 20 hour days and 90 hour weeks. At the gym I'm able to run a couple miles before my lungs give out. I love stretching... it might be one of my favorite things to do. I eat 3,000-4,000 calories a day to keep up with my lifestyle (which worries me because I know this will increase even more on the hike). I cook all my own meals which is pretty much a pile of veggies in a pan w/ some starch and some protein. I'm 6'4" and weigh 200lbs. I am trying to increase my weight before the hike. In my packing, I have not come across any 'luxuries' that I want to take. It is bare bones. I will however carry more food than most. Because of my size and pace I am hiking at I am already seeing an increase in my appetite. I also know that I am easily upset when I'm hungry. I also know most hikers consume 4,000-5,000 calories a day and lose 20% of their body weight. I already eat more than most and weight less than most for my size. My thinking is the weight of the food won't drain me as much as the extra calories will fuel me, much like the size of my body burns more calories but in turn is able to carry more weight? This is a question because I can't count it as a fact until much later on the trail.As far as other luxuries, I am hoping my evenings will be filled with the entertainment of conversation. It's a luxury you don't have to carry... so I'm down with it. I've also played drums for 14 years which is long enough to realize everything is a percussive instrument. My hands come with me and the instruments are in-house... so now I've got two things. Anyone else have entertainment ideas along these lines?I promise the gear list is coming...