29029 Everesting Challenge at 50 | Video Diary (3)

I’m gearing up for my next endurance event: the 29029 Everesting Challenge. You’re invited to tag along for the ride! Follow my training and nutrition video diary as I prepare for my 29029 Everesting event in Sun Valley. As a 50-year-old busy mom, this will push my limits, but I’m excited to figure it out (with you!). Throughout my video diaries, I’ll share my training routines, nutrition plan, and the mindset strategies I use to stay positive.

Check-In

This week was great! One reason is Girls on the Run. I am teaming up with GOTR to bring more awareness to their mission, which I’m super passionate about! Girls on the Run has fun programs that inspire girls to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others. I can’t wait to share more!

Another reason is that my hip and back pain has significantly lessened 🙌. I’ve been consistent with my mobility and stretching routines, focusing on holding each stretch for at least 3 minutes- that can feel like a long time (I have to use a timer)! Research shows that longer stretches target the fascia, which helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate discomfort. This has been the difference maker for me- check out my go-to stretch and more here. 

Training Plan

I’m wrapping up week 8 of 20- lots of time on my feet and Zone 2 work. 

Why Zone 2 Work?

Zone 2 work is essential for preparing for endurance events because it helps build aerobic capacity and improves endurance without overstressing the body. This type of training also lays the foundation for higher-intensity workouts later in the training plan. 

In case you’re wondering, “Zone 2” means exercising at a moderate intensity where your heart rate falls within a specific range, typically around 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. People can use a variety of ways to determine their Zone 2 range, like heart rate monitors or the talk test, where you can hold a conversation comfortably while exercising.

If you’re not incorporating Zone 2-type movement into your everyday activities, you should! It has many benefits, including improving aerobic fitness, enhancing fat metabolism, and strengthening the heart and lungs.

Dialing in Nutrition

Nothing too different. I’m staying focused on eating between 100-120 grams of protein. I’ve been making this Egg White Feta Bake every week (recipe below). It tastes great, is easy to make, and has 33 grams of protein per serving. I’m also loving organic Sunshine Bars. I buy them at Costco, but you can find them on Amazon too. 

A Little Bit of Background…

When I first decided to do the 29029 Everesting endurance event, I had no idea what I was doing, and I was kind of freaked out. I mean, could a middle-aged mom like me really do this? Do I have what it takes? But this little voice inside kept whispering, “What if?” I remember training for my first 29029 event. I’d zone out sometimes in a long training session and imagine what finishing would feel like. I would tear up every single time! “What if?” That tiny seed of curiosity kept me moving forward, literally and figuratively, one step at a time. Fast forward to now, and I’ve realized that doing hard things, no matter how scary or uncomfortable, is where real growth happens. I learn more about myself each time I try and am reminded that I’m not done. So, what about you?

I promise to keep these videos short and to provide valuable information about my training routine, nutrition, and real-world talk about how at 50 I’ll try to pull it off (you can, too!). Hopefully, these are tools and insights you may be able to use for your healthy journey or next adventure. 

I could use your help to stay motivated. Comment below and subscribe to my newsletter. Thank you!