Fitness is considered a hobby by some, a lifestyle by others, and a necessity of a healthy life by almost everyone. Long recognized that ANY form of fitness is good for both body and soul, it naturally reasons that we opt to do those fitness activities that we enjoy the most. Arguably, the Grouse Grind is synonymous with West Coast Lifestyle, but for many of us (me especially) it’s a love / hate relationship.
The Grouse Grind, arguably one of Vancouver’s best known outdoor landmarks, steers hikers up a windy 2.9 kilometer path carved out of fallen trees, mud, dirt and rocks… and did I mention it is virtually straight up? The summit’s elevation peaks out at 1,127 meters (3,700 feet) and consists of 2,830 stairs! Holy smokes, when they eloquently coined the Grind as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, they weren’t kidding!
Knowing that the Grinding season is almost upon us, what can we do to prepare ourselves both physically and mentally for the demands the Grouse Grind asks of us? Well to answer that, I’ve pieced together a top-5 list of training tips to help you make your 2012 Grouse Grind season both memorable and rewarding (and honestly, a whole ton of fun).
Here’s tip #1: Set a goal
The goal(s) you set must be “SMART”. They must be “Specific”, “Measurable”, “Attainable”, “Realistic”, and “Time-based”. For example, to prepare oneself for hiking the Grouse Grind this season, here’s how you can use SMART training:
· Specific: Name your goal and keep it front of mind and always in sight. Share it with your networks – speak it out loud – and ask them to hold you accountable to reaching your goal. Accountability is a powerful motivator and if used properly can propel you forward even on those days when you find yourself wishing you If your goal is to complete the Grind in 45 minutes, then make it so and work towards hitting that goal.
· Measurable: How are you measuring your progress? Can your goal be measured? The Grind is a perfect example of a measurable, time-based goal. Pick yourself up a handy Grind Timer and measure your ascent times each and every time your complete the Grind. If you find your times are improving, then you know you are progressing in the right direction and getting closer to reaching (and exceeding) your goal of 45 minutes.
· Attainable: I’m all about setting your sights high when it comes to goal setting, but If you are currently hiking the grind in 90 minutes, it might be overambitious to hope to cut your time in half within one season. The last thing you want to do is set a goal that isn’t within reach. Make the goal attainable and celebrate when you achieve it, then set a new goal. I’d recommend setting goals that you know you can hit with a little bit of hard work. It will motivate you that much more knowing that you are just around the corner of reaching a milestone in your training.
· Realistic: Are you goals realistic? Let’s take the previous example and suggest it takes me 90 minutes to complete the Grind. It would be unrealistic of me to think training one day per week would provide me with the endurance needed to hit my goal of a 45 minute ascent. Our goals should be realistically based on our commitment to our program. Set yourself up to win!
· Time-based: When do you plan to hit your goal? Set a date and put a timeline on your training and most importantly be consistent. Block your calendar and commit to your reaching your goal.
Find tips #2 & #3! here!
Let us know how many Grouse Grinds you’re aiming to make count for BC Children’s Hospital by leaving a comment below. Stay tuned for the rest of my training tips coming later this month!
By Dai “The Moose” Manuel, Grind For Kids Ambassador & Fitness Town COO
SIGN UP FOR GRIND FOR KIDS AS AN INDIVIDUAL OR JOIN DAI’S FITNESS TOWN SUMMIT SEEKERS TEAM! MAKE EVERY GROUSE GRIND COUNT THIS SEASON!
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