Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Austria Hiking

Last year during my trip to Europe, we went to the Zakopane mountains in Poland for a big hike. In
one day we covered about 12 miles (maybe even 15), but during the process got caught out in a
torrential rainstorm. At one point, we were even pelted by marble-sized hail.

This year, our hike was still EPIC, but lacked the inclement weather. After a morning workout, we
drove to Zell am See Schmitten mountain. You can check it out here:

http://www.hotel-sonnblick.at/en/hiking-in-zell-am-see-kaprun.html

We rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain (about 2200 meters). We then found a trail
promising a 2-hour hike down the mountain. We did that really fast, at some points running down
the steep slopes. After 75 minutes we were left with a conundrum.

Do we keep going and potentially end up at the bottom of the mountain, on the opposite side of the
gondola (and our parked car), and requiring a ride back? Or do we reverse course and climb back up
the mountain? At first I thought climbing back up was ridiculous, but my hiking partners all agreed it
was the best idea.

So we climbed back up, surprisingly taking an hour less than I expected. But it wasn't easy. My heart
rate was over 140 for the better part of an hour. It was basically like climbing steep stairs for 75
minutes. We finally reached the top and celebrated with some beer and pizza. But just a little. Well
earned though, I think.

The views were stunning, and I should have some photos to share soon.

I expect my legs to be stiff and sore, and they are a little bit, but it should get worse as the day goes
on. As you've likely experienced, leg muscle soreness tends to peak at 36-48 hours after the
workout.

By the way, the soreness won't be from coming up the mountain as much as it will be from going
down the mountain. The eccentric loading of the quads - from downhill running - will be the cause
of soreness.

We shall see.

In the meantime, we are planning for some mountain biking today and river rafting tomorrow
afternoon. Then I'll head back to Vienna on Friday, Copenhagen on Saturday, and Toronto on Sunday.

Time to prepare for the TT Summit in San Diego when I get back.

Still time to grab your spot here:

- http://www.TTSummit.com

Today' Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
‎"It is really not how much you can get out of life that matters; it is how much you can put into it that
counts. What will you contribute to life today?" -Bill Phillips

You must truly believe in yourself. You must end the "I'll give this a try" mindset, and switch to a "I'm
going to succeed" belief.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Certified Turbulence Trainer

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