I’m Still Here

I just logged in to see that my last post was just before the U.S. election. I’ve been in a dark place mentally since then, which has made it difficult for me to want to do any writing (other than what is required of me at work). I assure you, I’m still here, and I’m focusing on just trying to get through each day with my mental health as intact as possible. It’s exhausting, to be honest.

So, let me focus on the progress I’m making with my training for MammothMarch. Less than six months to go until the event. I’ve been out hiking with two groups: Hikerbabes and Girls Who Hike Ohio. So pretty much every weekend, I’m hitting the trails. Sometimes I’m doing elevation training. Sometimes I’m doing distance training. Sometimes I’m working on pacing. Sometimes it’s a combination of these.

My longest hike so far this year took place yesterday — 7.41 miles at Buck Creek State Park. I want to complete 10-mile hikes before the end of April. The goal is to get to 20.

Right now, I’m having some foot issues. I have neuropathy in both feet at times — anything from a pins and needles sensation on the bottom of my feet to radiating pain. My big toe joint on my right foot is also painful much of the time. I am going to see the ortho on Tuesday to try and get to the root of these problems. I’m having a hard time finding shoes I can hike in for any length of time without pain, though the Topo trail runners I bought in December are the best shoes I’ve tried so far.

This coming week — now that we have more daylight — I’m going to start adding quick weekday hikes to my training. I am also getting a training plan at the YMCA to help me, which includes strength training mostly for my legs and core (though I’ll do upper body, too), a treadmill program, and the stair machine.

Focusing on this is helping me fight off feelings of helplessness and despair. Also, I’ve lost over 20 pounds, so I’m feeling a bit better about myself.

Now that I’ve made this update, here are some photos from my various hikes.

I will try and update more often about hiking and — as the weather gets warmer — our outdoor projects. We’re now more than halfway to spring, and as much as I’ve actually enjoyed winter hiking (despite hating winter in general), I’ll be much happier when the days are long and I don’t have to wear several layers to spend time outside.