More New Experiences!

This post might not measure up with the drama-filled, emotional writings of the past few months. Today I am rather relaxed and content, enjoying the unexpected late winter sunshine and a day at home working on chores. But I do feel compelled to write a little, so maybe something interesting will leap from my brain to the page...

It's a new month and a new year, and so far 2011 has proved to be a year of exciting new experiences. In January I hiked an icy snow-packed trail in the Columbia River Gorge - my first snow hiking adventure. During February I experienced a couple of firsts - I went on my first two snowshoeing trips (loved it!) and I tried Turbotax and e-filing. While some people wouldn't consider doing taxes exciting, for me it was so much easier than doing what I did for the past 23 years, which was old-school 'pencil and paper' tax returns. Yeah, I've always done my own taxes. And the snowshoeing was truly a delight. My MSR Lightning Ascent 30 snowshoes performed flawlessly, and supported my slightly large frame quite well. I posted a trip report about my snowshoeing on the Portland Hikers forum. Hopefully I will be able to get out to snowshoe again at least one more time before all the white stuff melts away.

2011 is turning out to be quite a year for hiking, thanks to some free weekends and an accommodating wife who allows me to get out just about whenever I want to. I've logged nearly 48 miles on trails so far. I've lost 25 pounds in the past eight months, and it feels great. Recently I cut back on some of the exercise that I've been doing. No more weightlifting for now, since my shoulder has been bothering me (not sure what's up there). I've been just doing push-ups, crunches, and stationary bike. On weekends I've been hiking at least once, as long a trip as I can find time for.

Today I noticed something that is a good sign. I have settled into some very healthy habits. My strict dieting and exercise has paid big dividends. I feel fantastic and physical activity is so much more tolerable than it has been for a very long time. Yet in some ways it seems that rather than making gains and increasing my fitness, I have merely reset my fitness clock back to zero. I'm still not anywhere near as fit as I was in my 20's (and I might never get there... but it's worth trying). Certainly I have nothing to brag about. My accomplishments have been modest at best. My success so far has been the result of God's healing power, good fortune and hard work. Mostly the first two. I am humbled and grateful that I've been lucky enough to heal, increase my strength and improve my overall health.

With the goals I have for this year I know that I need to continue exercising and monitoring my diet. Hopefully with any luck and no injuries I'll be fit and able to reach my goals. Speaking of which... What's on the agenda for March 2011? Possibly I may do some more hiking in the Coast Range, and the Columbia River Gorge area. Forest Park in Portland is another good place for winter hikes. Maybe I'll do all three! Happy Trails to you all.