Earlier this week, I got a really cool invitation to hike the Timberline Trail in mid July. A typical hike is four days and three nights around the north side of Mount Hood. The trail is approximately 40 miles with about 9000 feet of elevation change.

I really haven’t discussed any of the details yet, but from what I have heard so far, the plan is to hike about 10 miles a day. “Oh no, what have I done?” I haven’t done anything like this since I was a teenager and in much better shape. From what I remember then, it was hard and my body was sore, especially my legs and shoulders.

In 2016, I ran a half marathon, but since that time, there has been a lot of beers down the hatch, not to mention 30 pounds and four years. The good news is that I have a lot of the gear still albeit I remember wearing jeans on the trail, my tent was probably seven pounds, etc. I have been using some of it from time to time time with the kids and scouting, but a lot of it wouldn’t be considered ultra-light.

What I wanted to talk about in this post really was functional fitness. I don’t think I am there. When I first left my job I started trying to run again, but I overdid it and had a lot of hamstring and hip pain, so I stopped to heal and never started again. But, if I am to survive this trip without injury I need to get started again. It seems like a good reason to start.

A good program I have used before is the “Couch to 5k” or “Couch to half marathon”. It is a metered approach to getting cardiovascular fit. As someone that has attempted this recently and noticed the effects of aging, I am just going to do the best that I can. I do want to practice carrying weight as well.

Functional fitness is about being prepared to handle life’s adversities. Can you walk 10 miles or carry three days worth of gear (or even touch your toes) if you had to? If you were stuck somewhere, can you physically walk home? If you were trapped by something, do you have the strength to move it? Do you have the ability to climb a tree to stay out of harms way? Being in shape and healthy are good ways to live a cheaper and more fulfilling life as you age and take advantage of opportunities when they occur.

It is definitely something I know, but haven’t practicing, so its time to get started. I would like to hear your ideas on this as well.