Dana's Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike

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It never ceases to amaze me what can happen in the span of a week. I mean, one minute you’re struggling to get water out of a plastic bag, and the next, you’re conquering six miles in the heat with proper hydration. Yes, I finally figured out that my water bladder needed more air pressure to work. Revolutionary, I know. Let’s just say once the water started flowing, I felt like i had won the lottery!

Hiking shoes? Still awesome. I also tackled the stair climber for 15 minutes and knocked out 54 flights. That’s basically the Empire State Building, minus the elevator!

Another win, I balanced on a Bosu ball for four whole minutes. It sounds simple — like standing on a squishy half-ball — but no. It’s like trying to stand still while an earthquake is happening under the spot you’re standing on. It’s much harder than it looks. – Try it and see…… LOL.

I was going to try using trekking poles this week, but then I had a moment of self-awareness. I’ve never used them before, and I figured maybe I shouldn’t debut them on a long walk. So now I’m going to walk around my neighborhood until I get the hang of it. If my neighbors didn’t already think I was weird, they will soon.

Now, for the dramatic twist: I almost had a major gym injury — I dropped a 25-pound weight on my foot. Yep. It slipped right out of my hand. For a second, I was sure I’d broken it. But miracle of miracles, I could walk, had minimal bruising, and nothing turned purple and fell off. I’m convinced my guardian angel jumped in like, “NOT TODAY,” and absorbed the impact. And for that I’m grateful!

I’ll have the doc check it next week when I go in for my other foot.

All in all, I logged 21 miles this week, didn’t die, didn’t break anything (probably), and feel stronger. On to next week — slightly more hydrated, slightly more cautious, and a lot more balanced. Maybe.