This week I got myself back into the gym for some strength training and time on the StairMaster. It felt great to get back to ‘training’ after vacation. On Saturday, I completed my final long walk before the big hike in the Grand Canyon. With that milestone behind me, I’m officially winding down.
But while the physical training is tapering off, the prep hasn’t stopped. I spent a good chunk of the week researching food! Trying to figure out what food I’ll be bringing with me for the hike along the South Kaibab Trail. It’s a one-day trek, expected to take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours, and I’ll need enough water and food to keep my energy up for the entire journey.
It sounds simple—pack food and go—but it’s actually a bit of a challenge. I need meals and snacks that are lightweight, nutrient-dense, and allergy-friendly (no fish, no nuts). If you’ve ever looked at protein bar ingredients, you know how tricky that can be. So I turned to Pinterest, YouTube, and Amazon to help me brainstorm recipes and find the right containers to carry everything in. I’ll be hauling five liters of water, so keeping my pack light is a priority.
After testing a few recipes, I think I’ve landed on a solid plan for both food and gear.
Looking ahead, this coming week will be much more relaxed—shorter walks, no more half-day Saturday treks. I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, but mostly I’m just ready. Ready to take on this challenge and see what I’m capable of.
Thanks for following along. I’ll check in next week as I make my way over to Phoenix! 😊


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