Training for our Trip began in November of 2016, after Toby declared we were climbing the most prominent mountain in the contiguous U.S. I had a strava account and encouraged Toby and Jim to join so we could challenge each other, measure some kind of workout progress, and otherwise socialize as it related specifically to our trip. Toby being 3 states away, we were looking for ways to train "together" so our fitness was on the same page, and to hold each other accountable. Jim bought a climbing fitness book call ... and we used it to establish our fitness baselines for things like pushup, pull-ups, etc. We were in rough shape for sure. I started riding and hiking religiously, 3-4 times per week. I also focused on as much elevation gain i could get in the shortest amount of distance. It was a great opportunity to get out more often with some local friends that continued to train with me right up until the flight to Seattle, even at 5:30pm in February on Green mt "runs." My first trip up the front range with 35 lbs on my back felt absolutely brutal, though i managed to complete the 2.3 miles in an hour 30. My best time, at the same weight being an hour and 6 minutes, it felt really good to hike with a specific goal in mind. not done...

June 27th