Rambling #25 – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Ready to climb HIGHER? Let’s check-in & see… However, 1 thing for sure, I will be declining social invites & slow in responding to text messages, emails & social network from now on as I do my final ramp up leading to my climb in October. I will be available again in December. Just saying in advance & I hope you eat, drink and dance on my behalf because you understand. 🙂

Progress – Keep Going…

Here’s a comparison of my workout session yesterday 20 July vs 15 July of trekking the treadmill at 15% incline, 3.6km/h and my pack. I have increased from 10kg to 15kg with the same speed, duration & incline. Despite the +5kg, my heart rate below demonstrates that I am not entirely pushing my limits – Ave 149 bpm vs Jan 157 bpm. I was able to do 10 steps X 3 sets per side of cross stepping just to practice my footwork, too.

20th July 2019 – Non-stop 15kg pack & boosted final 10mins

15 Jan 2019 – 10kg pack + 1 min break at 30mins

Not to mention, I had 90 mins instead of 60 mins of weight training prior to trekking the treadmill where I have also increased my weights from:-

• 3kg to 5kg dumbbells,
• +1kg on my leg curls (hamstrings) & leg extensions (quadriceps)
• +1kg on my sit ups & leg lifts
• more reps for every set

Work in Progress

• I am attempting to run 10km at least once a week with 1kg ankle weights each side which I have not yet hit my target but at least I no longer blister.
• Limited alcohol & bad food – I am back to Beer Zero & protein shake.

Need to START!

• Rock climbing refresher course in Aug & Sep
• Climbing the staircase once a week with 15kg pack & all gear on

The Mental Game

Whenever I am huffing, puffing & struggling, I usually trick my mind to focus on my breath & “what success looks like, feels like, tastes like” – The Summit & my exponential happiness upon returning to paradise island. All I got to do is keep putting 1 foot forward, 1 pick higher, breathe & repeat. Then, I think & feel less of the suffering. The magnitude of suffering doesn’t change, its my mindset that changed. Similarly, I need to constantly remind myself in order to maintain momentum to allow myself to recover well especially in post-training recovery &…

Why am I doing this?
1) Keeps me focused in life – I care about my lifestyle – How I live, what I eat, who I spend time with, where I spend my money & what do I want to achieve in life.
2) Because of #1 where priorities count – I feel good, look good (fit NOT fat), do good, generally am HAPPIER & positive vibe-ing my surroundings & atmosphere.
3) Therefore, I simply- LOVE IT & am always looking forward to the next ADVENTURE!

But does this mean I will make it? No… There are no guarantees even with the best preparation, best people & best equipment BUT if I don’t go, I’ll never know. Regardless of success or failure, safety is #1 and this Chinese proverb seems to always find its way to me after each trip…

天时，地利，人和 –

Tian Shi, Di Li, Ren He

Meaning, summit success is only granted to “The right person in the right place, at the right time.” Some factors like the weather & illness is not within anyone’s control, therefore, heaven has to grant you your wish, too but once again, it all begins with YOU. Oh well, I still & always will believe I am LUCKY, so let’s see! My joke of the year – Higher in Altitude, Higher in Attitude” is no longer just a joke but has become Me. ❤