Training to walk across another country

The actual act of training to walk across another country came to an abrupt halt with that midnight crash landing over the stair railing, and the act of rebuilding strength was a slow process.  

First put one foot in front of the other, bring second foot up next to first foot.  Push walker with wheels and brakes forward a little bit.  Move first foot forward, bring second foot up, push walker forward.  Repeat, and repeat.  Remember to breathe.  Progress to walking freely without use of walker.  Once released from re-hab begin taking daily walks in large box stores (Walmart, Lowes, Target, grocery, etc) and slowly study products on shelves. 

Next walk one block outside on snow covered sidewalks hanging on to Gary's arm.  Next day walk two blocks still holding.  Next day walk 3 blocks by myself.  Daily adding a few more blocks distance.  After building up to walking 2 miles over a number of weeks added a small book bag with one art book inside for weight.  After doing that for a few days add another art book.  After a few days add a few more blocks.  Gradually adding distance and weight.  

After the books came to 6 pounds they were transferred to the large "real" backpack that will be used for the hike that has a hip-belt to distribute weight from the back and those hurting ribs.   Add the mustache blanket Miss Rosie made me while I was in re-hab to cushion the sharp edges of the books.  Keep adding a book each week.  Keep adding mileage.  Add on a couple longer walks on the Green Circle behind the airport which involved about 4 hours hiking time, and a sandwich eaten mid-hike.  Hike for 4 hours on Rib Mountain a few times with the weighted pack.  

The final weight of the backpack filled with Art History came to 27 pounds.

The History that traveled on the back during the training prep.

This training was way behind where it had been 2 years ago in preparation for the C2C.  There were less hikes on Rib Mountain - but this round the hikes could actually be on the uneven trails rather than just up and down the sidewalk next to the roadway because the trails before had been covered with snow.  

Two weeks before the actual departure date (May 12) I decided to stop carrying the heavy weight and just focus on keeping up a steady daily walking routine alternating distance between the typical 5 mile route which takes an hour and 15 minutes and the longer 4 hour hikes on the Green Circle or Rib Mountain.