Goldilocks and The Three Shoes

Who knew that shoes could make such a difference when you hike? Not me...obviously! This pair of shoes I got at Big Five on sale. I bought them for their color. But at the end of my first hike, they left my left foot screaming "Uncle". The bottom of my foot hurt like heck and I didn't realize that a shoe could do that. Even though my foot hurt, I was determined to find a different shoe on my next hike and see if it made a difference or see if my foot was malformed. Like Goldilocks, I tried another ....

On Hike #2, I definitely went for comfort. I loved walking in these shoes to the mall, around the block, when I traveled. They were comfortable and convenient! However, on my second hike I kept "slip sliding away", like the lyrics from Paul Simon. My daughter was worried that I'd break a something with all of that slipping. Too bad - they really were very comfortable, just not very safe!

Now I get to try out some new shoes. My daughter and I went shoe shopping and the guy at the running shop said that these are trail running shoes - especially good for the Boise Foothills. We shall see...

You have to admit... the colors rock!

Hike # 2 Seaman's Gulch

On April 28, 2013, my daughter, Heather and I were undecided about where we should hike. Would it be the Greenbelt? Would it be Table Rock? Or... would it be a trail head I saw every time I ventured off to the dump? We chose the dump!

Seaman's Gulch was a perfect choice for me. Mildly challenging for a slug, like me. 2.4 miles long and it only took me 1 hour!But the best parts were the views, the flowers, the foliage, and the uninterrupted time for conversation with my daughter. I loved this hike and the surprising part was... it made me long for more hikes!

Does anyone know what type of flower this is? It appears everywhere in the foothills of Boise.

The Challenge...The Awakening...Hike # 1

A few days later I was driving to my friend's house, Kim. Her husband had recently passed away, and we attended the funeral of her good friend's husband - who died on the same day. Too much death for spring. This was my epiphany. While driving to Kim's home for a visit, I thought to myself... "If I can't hike the Alps at 60...perhaps I can make 60 hikes during my 60th birth year." It was as though a life-spring welled up in me and confirmed the challenge. I was awakened to the possibility of doing something celebratory for this marker of time and it cemented my beginning. 

The next day Kim and I hiked the perimeter of Hidden Springs, Idaho. We took it slow and level, since she wanted me to feel some success and not get discouraged... after all it was my first hike of 60. We enjoyed some amazing sites along Dry Creek in Hidden Springs Idaho. My favorite was the homestead built by farmer  Phillip  L. Schick. Schick settled the land in the early 1860's and lived there into the 20th century.  Today, the preserved farmstead covers 2 acres along Dry Creek, with seven historic farm buildings: the farmhouse, a detached kitchen and well house (called the Red House), a root cellar, a wood shed, a saddle shed, a granary & a horse barn. The historic site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. My favorite site was the chickens running around the grounds. The folks in this neighborhood feed the chickens and gather their eggs. What a life in the 21st century!

The 1.5 hour hike left me huffing and puffing a bit, but I was exhilarated! On April 21, 2013, I completed my first of 60 hikes.

The Beginning...

It was April 17th, 2013. The day of my husband's appointment with his cardiologist. Just about 4 months since the appointment that rocked our world. After his December cardiac-stress test, followed by his angiogram, and subsequent bypass surgery, I realized that we weren't as young as we felt.

I have always resisted any type of systematized exercise routine. Much like my father, who is in End Stage Renal Disease(ESRD) and on dialysis, we both hate to "exercise". I know it is helpful. I know it prolongs life. I know I should do it... but at 59 years, I have to admit... I know I just hate the idea of it! So, even though my husband, who faithfully exercised, and subsequently had 6 bypasses, I knew I was genetically on borrowed time.

My mother has osteoporosis and high blood pressure (preventable by exercise). My father has ESRD and arteriosclerosis (also preventable by exercise). And I was developing high blood pressure and osteopenia, (both preventable by exercise) was faced with a decision.... "To be or not to be..."

I just couldn't do it... just couldn't get the motivation to jump on my husband's treadmill , or lift weights, or do anything my primary care provider suggested. Everything inside of me shouted... "NO! I WON'T DO IT", just like a spoiled child, my abhorrent reaction to exercise was visceral and controlling.

Then something changed....

A friend and colleague invited me to join her on a hike in the Italian Alps, in celebration of her friend's 60th birthday... that invitation altered my trajectory. I would also turn 60 this year. I had never been to Europe and loved the idea of going with her to explore a country that I have only dreamed about. I liked to hike and take in the scenery, and couldn't imagine what that might be like - hiking in the Alps. Something "sparked". I love Italian wine. I like meeting new people. I love new experiences and learning new things. For the first time, I could envision myself doing something physical and enjoying it - actually doing it - hiking the Alps!

But... the 10 miles a day, 3000 ft changes in elevation, advise from friends (who really know me) and the time of year (busy time at work) were all barriers for me. The reality was... I was not "fit" to do something that really excited my imagination and fulfilled some of my dreams. I had to admit that I was a 59 year old slug, with no stamina and little will - and that would rob me of some great opportunities. I remember thinking, "If I don't do this... I never will." Wow... will this be my life?