Another training post! Below is my summary of PCT training for weeks 3 and 4.
PCT Training Goals
As a reminder, Michael and I will head out in the Pacific Crest Trail on April 18! You can read more about our PCT goals here. I’m not quite sure if it’s feasible to fully train my body to hike 25 miles per day for 120 days, so I am going to focus on increasing my cardio endurance and strengthening my body to minimize the risk of injury.
My minimum goals for each week are:
- Run x2
- Stairmill x2
- Strength training workout x2
- Yoga x1 or at least a lot of stretching
- Hike x1
These are the minimums. I know I’m probably going to bike quite a bit and hopefully go on an extra hike, but these are the things I want to make sure I accomplish each week.
PCT Training Week 3
- January 13: 3.2-mile run + this 30-minute full body yoga stretch video
- January 14: 7.2-mile North Table Mountain hike with Michael
- January 15: 30-minute stairmill + this pyramid power workout + stretching
- January 16: 2.6-mile solo run + 2.6-mile walk with Lindsey
- January 17: Green Mountain hike with Michael
- January 18: 30-minute stairmill + 9-mile bike
- January 19: Skiing at Keystone
I am counting skiing as a strength training. My quads were essentially on fire for about 4.5 hours, so yeah, leg day with great views.
PCT Training Week 4
- January 20: 4-mile run + this 20-minute total body yoga flow
- January 21: 15-mile bike + 1000m row + pyramid power workout + stretching
- January 22: 3.2-mile run
- January 23: 30-minute stairmill + this dumbbell superset HIIT workout + stretching
- January 24: 15.5-mile bike + 30-minute stairmill + 2.55-mile elliptical
- January 25: 4-mile run + this arms and abs dumbbell workout
- January 26: Skiing at Breckenridge
I went for my longest run since since June 2017! It was only 4 miles, but still! I was so excited and happy. Running has been really hard for last few years (since 2014), obviously most of this was due to having major heart problems. After my heart surgery 1.5 years ago I still had to be careful while running and wasn’t allowed (per my doctors) to get my heart rate up above 140 bpm. Once I had my cardiac ablation and was given the go ahead to do whatever physical activity I wanted I stuck to 2- or 3-mile runs. Last week I finally decided to try to knock out 4 miles. And I did! I took it slow and steady, so that I wouldn’t have to stop and walk. This was a huge milestone for me and I am excited to push myself a little longer.
Also, I found that I run better while listening to podcasts rather than music. Podcasts seem to capture my brain’s attention better. I just finished Dirty John and am currently working through Dr. Death. I highly recommend them both. Please pass any good ones my way!
Summary
Week 3
- 2 runs, 2 stairmill, 2 strength training, 1 yoga, 2 hikes, 1 bike, 1 walk
I finally got some yoga in this week, along with more post-workout stretching. I also hit my minimal goals!
Week 4
- 3 runs, 2 stairmill, 4 strength training, 1 yoga, 0 hikes, 2 bike, 1 elliptical, 1 row
I was short on hikes this week. The weather wasn’t really cooperating, so I didn’t make it out. However, I got in extra runs and strength training, so I feel comfortable with that.
Have a great week everyone!