Back on track...

After nearly a week in Salt Lake City hitting the slopes hard, I'm back training and preparing for El Camino. The ski trip was fantastic. My knees ended up sore, but that was kind of expeccted. Other than that, my stamina was great this year and the skiing was amazing.

I've already put in a long workout on the bike and am about to start another. Today in Kansas City historically proves to be the day that the average temperature starts rising until July. Hopefully this means that I'll be able to actually put in some mileage outside soon! But not too soon...I have one more ski trip in 2 1/2 weeks, so I don't want to think that winter is ending quite yet.

I think I almost have everything I need purchased for the trip. Things I've had to add to my collection of crap:

• A smaller backpack than my 60L or 75L ones
• 2009 guide to the El Camino (published by the Confraternity of St. James)
• Trail running shoes (x2)
• Coolmax socks
• Moisture wicking short sleeve shirts
• Rain jacket
• Zip off shorts
• Hiking shorts
• Money belt
• Permethrin
• Travel towel
• A better pocket knife
• Trekking poles

Hmmmm...it's starting to sound like I've had to buy EVERYthing for this trip. If nothing else, it'll help me be motivated: I don't want to not go now after having spent all this money on stuff. :)

http://www.overlander.tv/camino/. Sweet video about El Camino. It's an entertaining and straightforward look at El Camino from the perspective of a pilgrim (who had to carry the extra weight of camera equipment). He seemed to not have really prepared physically for the trip at all, so I'm a bit encouraged by the fact that he finished it carrying 18+ kilos. If you're thinking about doing El Camino, this video is well worth the AUS$10 (like $7 USD).