September is here. I’m about to leave for a two week trip to Italy, including cycling, so remaining hiking season after my return will be up to the vagaries of weather. In the past there have been windows and fine opportunities all through October and into November. Perhaps 2023 will gift me with windows to realize more of my goals?

*Cutting 45 minutes off my first time on this difficult route*

In the intro to this 68/35 blog I talked about the importance of margin, and also my method of shocking the system in preparation for tough days. I believe I was successful on all fronts this year. My first real shock session was the Boundary Trail in May, where my downhill legs were tested to actual failure. I was sore for days afterwards, but the recovery gave me lasting benefits. Because of a busy schedule in July, I was not able to do any hiking. But on August 3rd I was able to pull off a one day trip of the Northern Loop Trail, which in turn prepared me for my Wonderland trip. Through all this time I have consistently been on the bike, keeping my whole system in tune as a base. I also added in some local runs so my legs wouldn’t forget those movements. To note, I just did the difficult Four Horsemen ride on Zwift, and cut 45 minutes off my first time. I carefully metered my watts to be able to do the last difficult climb without having to stop and rest, staying below threshold (mostly) the entire ride.

Here are some shots of the events I’ve mentioned above, and the building process leading up to my successful first day on the Wonderland, which entailed 21 hours on the trail with 47 miles and 12,500’ of elevation gain. In my blog post I mentioned that I still had “plenty of gas in the tank” at the end of that day and that my legs were still in fine shape.

*The brutal incline on the Boundary Trail for downhill*

*A successful trot of the Northern Loop Trail as a trainer for the Wonderland*

*En route to ski the Inter Glacier, June 2023*

It’s not just about hopping on the bike and seeing how many watts you can average to make your stats look good. I employed available training programs on Zwift for purposeful progression, like a 16 week FTP booster this winter and measured rest periods on the bike, keeping myself in Zone 2. After 40 years of doing physical stuff, I am very familiar with my body and its needs, paying attention to when I need rest and recovery. I also realize that as I age, I need to reduce the time spent in high effort zones to avoid over training. The beauty of a trainer like my Wahoo and of an App like Zwift is that you can enjoy the rides and in the process do something to further your goals by availing yourself of the myriad workouts and programs available. I can’t stress enough what a difference this has made in my overall fitness this past year. From this base I can branch out and target hiking or running legs in minimal time, basically ginning up for long hard days on the trail. This will also go towards skiing this winter.

*Consistency in activity has been the key for me…ttypical training log for a 30 day period*

I want to stress that I am not just “working out” all the time. I enjoy physical activity and embrace the benefits when I’m outside, be it skiing, hiking or running. Most of the suffering was done in the garage; I am much more able to enjoy being in the outdoors with the margin provided, and at the same time being able to do events that were so much harder even 20 years ago. That’s something considering that I’m 68. Sure there’s genetics and luck involved…I am not gifted genetically (I have to work hard to be average), and I am lucky health wise that I don’t have mechanical issues that limit my mobility. I hope that anyone reading this, especially if they’re older, can see that with thoughtful work one can proceed into those golden years and still be as active as your body and mind will allow.