Sorry for the delay in updating this thread. Unfortunately, we did not get in on the lottery. However, i checked the site and found 2 spots and snatched them up. Only drawback is that they aren't in the days, or even the months we preferred. September 26th, is the date. And incidently the same date that my father passed away, so maybe it's a sign.
In the recent weeks/months since i've updated this thread, i've dropped even more weight and packed on even more muscle. Im down to 214 and have added substancial more muscle along with more endurance. Along with cycling, swimming, running every week, i just started working in rowing. My first row was 12,000 meters (7 miles) at 1h 4 mins. Also, mountain biked a local trail that is 12 miles long back to back one night after work in just over 2hours, which was grueling and many don't accomplish. My legs are getting stronger every week.
Also, since i just found out a few weeks ago that we are going for sure i've made two hikes. The first was a San G test run with the girls. We didn't plan to summit, but rather test our legs and our lungs. We planned ahead of time to go to the 1/3 way mark and see how we felt. It was a great test hike and im totally confident i could summit with no problem. As it was on this day, we climbed from 5900 ft to 7500 ft, 8 mile round trip and it took us all 5 hours.
That was last weekend. This weekend i wanted more of a challenge, but didn't want to scare away Yosh. So i figured a mild climb but much longer. So we hiked to the highest peak in Orange County (not saying much). Santiago Peak at 5689 ft. I figured we'd head up the most popular route, which was via Holy Jim trail and Trabuco Canyon. The entire route if you include mileage from the parking area, up through Upper Holy Jim is 17 miles round trip. It climbs 4000 feet total and it's pretty gradual, except for the upper section of trail. It took us 9 hours 9 mins and we cruised the whole way while stopping for lunch and one break. I was very proud of Yosh and she makes a great partner.
So, all in all im absolutely progressing. Eating healthy and eating frequently. Im constantly hungry and try to never eat a large meal always keeping my metabalism running full steam ahead. I work out 4-6 days a week right now and trying to hike once a week or once every two weeks depending upon our schedule. I need to go pick up some new uber comfy trek boots to start breaking in and some hiking poles would be great to take pressure off my knees.
Next up will probably be San G again to the summit, San Jacinto and i plan on hitting up Baldy a few times as well. Yosh wants to do some easy hikes that aren't 10 hour days and i can understand that. As it looks, I have plenty of time to accomplish the position i need to be in by September.
