In a month's time, my husband is going away for two weeks.
In a month's time, I'll be 33 weeks pregnant.
Put these two together and you might just see the thoughts that are occupying a large portion of my brain lately. This is a trip he's always wanted to do - hiking the Kokoda Track - and he booked it before we knew I was pregnant.
He's in full training mode now. And so am I...
Steve goes hiking most days or evenings, seeking the toughest inclines in the hills to train on. I'd actually love to join him, but my pregnant body has other ideas. So instead, I go running every day. That is, whenever there are dinner leftovers I run to put them away in the freezer before anyone can eat them. I very much anticipate that while he's away, by the end of a long day parenting by myself, it's likely I'd be resorting to beans on toast most nights. At least this way I can offer up something nutritious for Abbey and me.
He's reading and researching as much as he can get his hands on - books, magazines, websites, talking to others who have done the hike. I'm researching too, for a small getaway for me and my girl - not too far away and nothing strenuous (it won't be a camping trip!), just something for the two of us to do together for a few days. I'm hoping this will help distract her from missing her Dad, and give us some special time together before the baby comes.
He's busy buying the right clothing, making sure he has all the correct gear and testing it all out. I'm collecting things too: little toys and activities for Abbey, to have something up my sleeve in case we hit days where it all gets too much. (Hello, long winter days.)
Steve is practicing carrying weight on his back. He's done it before, of course, but each time it takes a little readjusting and getting used to. I'm carrying weight on my front - I've done it before, too, but this time it's different.
He is keeping himself as fit and healthy as he can, keen to not get sick or be injured in the coming weeks. Me too - I need to be as mobile as possible to keep up with Abbey while he's away, and the thought of being sick for those two weeks is enough to make me cry. Bring on lots of sleep and lots of veggies in preparation!
Steve's biggest strength - in hiking, as in life - is his mind. When he has his head in the right place, which is 99% of the time, nothing can stand in his way; he takes things in his (long, lopey) stride and gets where he wants to go. I'm determined to think this way, too. Just take the two weeks day by day, one step at a time. Then we'll all be fine.
It's all in the training.
wow! good luck to both of you! neither is particularly something i could easily see myself doing! i hope you have help close by if needed? And don't be afraid to say you need it!
ReplyDeleteYou will be so fine, but Steve - WOW. I think that is a great challenge to do, but I hope that it is more than a physical challenge. I am sure Steve will be prepared for all the physical, but the people at Kokoda did a lot for Australians, I think the learning that Aussie's do along the trek and bring back to share (with non hikers like me) is essential. I hope Steve returns with stories to share with you and your children about where he went, why this trek was important, and what happened there during the war.
ReplyDeleteGreat job - both of you!
ReplyDeletePreparation and the power of the mind are the keys!
:-) xx
You will be more than fine I'm sure! Bet you're stronger than you think. I love the way you wrote this - both going through the same thing but different xx
ReplyDeleteYou will be more than fine I'm sure! Bet you're stronger than you think. I love the way you wrote this - both going through the same thing but different xx
ReplyDeleteIt's all in the training, indeed! I know what you mean about putting yourself in the right mental place... such a powerful thing. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're both amazing! If I can cope on my own for a week at a similar stage in my pg you, who are made from stronger physical stuff than I, certainly can! xxxx
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog by accident, and was drawn in by how easy it was on the eyes, then of course I read a post and had to say that I really enjoyed it!! I look forward to reading more, and wish you the best of luck, I agree it is in the training and frame of mind!!
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