I’m a very healthy and athletic person, but have a “desk job” with a long commute by car so there’s only so much I can do each day to walk.  I walk at lunch and now am adding an evening walk of one to two hours.  All of this is on flatland.  Actually, flat concrete sidewalks.  Not anything near what I’ll experience hiking 6-8 hours a day up and down 4,000+ km.

I bought hiking shoes this week with proper soft wool socks.  They help my feet and legs feel less stiff and tired. The thirty minutes of yoga after each walk is when I feel the real relief from mild aches.  How will I practice the intensity of what I’ll experience four days and three nights on the trail between Cusco and Machu Picchu though?

My husband suggested we go to Colorado this summer and spend several days hiking up and down various mountains. Good idea, but I wonder if that’ll be enough prep?  I think I just have to assume yes and prep my mind for success as much as my body.