I had never been hiking and this past month I had this experience.  It was a lot more difficult than I had ever imagined.  I mean, I had participated in several 3 Day Walks to raise money for breast cancer but this was very different.  I was not prepared for the mountains/hills and all of the inclines.  I was not prepared for walking nonstop in hiking boots versus my comfortable Asics.

My first hiking experience was walking up a mountain in the state of Morelos.  I don’t know how high it was but let me tell you that for sure it was high.  It was drizzling that morning so the climbing (and going downhill) was difficult.  Off I went with my nephew.  He did not have faith in me and told me several times that we could stop and go back whenever I wanted to.  Ha!  I told him that I would make it to the top but just needed to make more stops along the way.  Below are some pictures of the path.  My biggest fear of course was slipping and falling. Thank goodness none of that happened!!!

Next adventure was Ecuador.  Beautiful country!!!  This is where I went on an 18 kilometer bike ride, went horse back riding, a jungle and canyoning, and saw many waterfalls.  I had never done those things!  Well, it had been over 20 years since I had been on a bike.  I will be honest and say that I fell.  I was not hurt except a bruise on my leg but I survived.  I tried walking up a volcano but backed out at the last minute.  Overall, great food and wonderful times in Ecuador.

Finally….3 day  walking trek to Machu Picchu.  It was just phenomenal!!!  The view is just fantastic.  There were about 16 of us in our group and we had so much fun together.  We supported and encouraged one another as we walked.  I climbed a 4,400 meters mountain.  In feet it is about 14,000!!!  I almost cried when I got to the top.  I completed something I thought I could not do.  Honestly, I felt I was not going to make it.  Once I reached the top I had to take in the view because it was just amazing….plus I had to catch my breath from climbing so much and so high.

I truly believe that everyone should go to Machu Picchu and see one of the wonders of the world!!!!

I was out of the country (Mexico, Ecuador and Peru).  Awesome time and will post pictures soon.  However, now I am concerned because I did not run at all.  I mean NADA.  Just hiked.  I am worried how this might affect (if anything) my running plan.  Where should I start now?  From the beginning?  Where I left off?  Or continue as if I had not stopped running?

I cannot believe the Hartford Marathon is less than 3 months away.  I am so worried about it now.  🙁