Hi and thanks

[Jo]

Hey... I just got back home last night after 5 weeks traveling with my family. Earlier this summer, I climbed Kilimanjaro and you were all incredibly helpful with my questions and anxiety posts.

the climb was incredible, amazing, and life-changing. It helped me to realize that there’s nothing I can’t do, and that I’m more in control of my actions and choices that I think I’ve realized before. I traveled with Tusker trails and they did a great job of dragging me and two other climbers up the mountain. Also this is weird but the ascent was hard and slow, but the biggest challenge for me was the descent. We walked down 3 miles of descent over 15 miles of trail, to exit the park. And we did it in one day, after the summit push. Most people take two days to get down but after the summit, we were done and wanted running water, real beds, and a meal that was not cooked on a camp stove so we trekked out. I still have blisters/stuff on my feet. 

Anyway, I’m so glad I made the climb, and I’m grateful for all your helpful advice and support in the months I was preparing for it.

I got home from Kilimanjaro and had 10 days before a major family vacation. And I came home knowing that I needed time away from formal exercise and planning/training. So I took the time to just do fun stuff, walk and hike and enjoy time with dh and the kids. I’ve kept up with my goal to “close my rings” on my Apple Watch and I did a ton of walking, swimming and other fun stuff.

We just got home last night and I go back to work on Monday, and I was starting to wonder what’s next for H&F goals, when a friend texted me yesterday and asked if I want to run a HM on December 28. So I guess I’m back and about to start training. 😀

I’m excited. It’s time for a new goal, and I have a few other ideas as well. I managed to gain 5lbs over the past 5 weeks traveling with dh, my 13 year old ds who is growing an inch a month and eats everything in sight, and 9 yo dd whose hobby is ice cream. So, I’m back on MyFitnessPal tomorrow and I’m headed out to try a 5k parkrun then too. I have literally no idea how I’ll do. I’m active and have walked and hiked a ton recently, but haven’t run in almost two months. I’ll take it slow and see where my body is - the only goal is to complete the 5k, either running or walking. 

Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and say hi and thanks for the support while I trained for Kilimanjaro. I’m planning on being here a lot more now that I’m back home and training for a HM in 5 months. 

[sadlebred]

Congratulations! It sounds like an amazing adventure!!

[labbie]

Wow, congratulations- what an awesome adventure!

[oswin]

Glad you had a good time on your adventure.

[Wines Not Whines]

Welcome back! It sounds like you had a great trip.

[gt7301b]

Congrats! That sounds like an amazing trip.