I have to tell you, I mentioned the fact that I have got to get myself into some sort of shape for this bull elk hunt that’s coming.  I have plenty of time, but I need to get after it.

Both yesterday and this morning I did a 30 minute workout on the wifes tread mill.  Hers has an option where you can dial in a “mountain hike” and off you go.  It starts out at a speed of 2.5 and an incline of 1 and before it’s over you are jogging up a 6 incline at speed 4 and maintaining that for over 5 minutes.  The cool down time takes the last 5 minutes and by the time I’m done, I’m sweating like a fool, my legs are burning and I’m dizzy as all heck.

Am I out of shape or what?  I’m very glad I started when I did.  My game plan is to get used to this type of work out for a week or so and then start to put on more bulky clothing, like I’ll be hunting in.  Heavy boots, jacket, back pack with stuff loaded into it.

I changed things up a bit this morning after the tread mill deal, I know I need to stretch after the workout and so this morning I stretched by laying on my stomach and getting into push up mode, pushing my hands away from the head of my body so as to stretch the calf muscles out.  While in that position I went ahead and did 10 push ups and then held my body up until my arms turned to mush.  Game over for that workout.

I feel great and I can feel my hips are the worst.  I can’t imagine packing out 75 to 100 pounds of meat without it breaking down your body big time if you aren’t in some sort of shape (besides round) and have endurance and some stamina built in.

I’m not keeping track of weight as that is not my goal, my goal is to be able to hike a mile up the mountain without stopping at perhaps a 3 mph pace.  I think if I get to that point I’ll be in good enough shape to pack out a bull elk.

Bears Butt

August 16, 2013