[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on July 9, 2022 at 8:41 pm · in reply to: Step-ups #69010

Thank you both very much!

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on June 17, 2022 at 5:01 am · in reply to: Jebel Toubkal #68304

Update. Did Toubkal on Tuesday, arrived back in Miami last night. Did the hike in one day, started ~5:30am and finished 5pm. 11.5 total hours, about 9.5 active (had a lunch after summit and took a few shorter breaks along the way). started around 6,200 ft and summit was 13,600, so ~7,400 ft vertical. Total distance 15.6 miles. The Atlas are beautiful, I would definitely go back. Lots to do there as well (hiking, climbing, skiing), I was told the skiing (human powered) is very nice.

I started struggling around 12k feet, my legs were wiped. I didn’t really use trekking poles until that point, which I think was a mistake. I struggled to the top but made it. The way down to ~10k feet my legs felt like jelly. We stopped for lunch at 10k, and after lunch I got a second wind and even jogged part of the remaining 6 mi. My pack was maybe ~10 – 12 lbs, but I didn’t weigh it. It got lighter through the day as most of the weight was water (and food). My legs were pretty stiff last two days, and I still feel it a little today. TP gave the workout a hrTSS of 667, which I found sort of funny.

My training week is sort of a mess as a result, but I’m trying to stay up to date and hope to be back on schedule next week. I give UA tons of credit for getting through this. I’ve really felt a difference in my body, even in this short time.

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on June 2, 2022 at 5:37 am · in reply to: Jebel Toubkal #67918

Thanks so much! Will share some pictures when I get back!

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on June 2, 2022 at 5:36 am · in reply to: “Hike in Hilly Terrain” #67917

I’d have to find one, so not readily available. Are step ups a terrible idea (if so, why? Just curious).

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on May 29, 2022 at 6:36 am · in reply to: Who Likes Their Watch? #67741

I have Garmin Instinct Solar. Good price point, very capable, amazing battery life. Lots of hiking / outdoor features. Pairs well with Garmin HRM.

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on May 16, 2022 at 7:37 pm · in reply to: AeT Test(s) Results #67281

Thanks so much Mark!

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on May 15, 2022 at 11:56 am · in reply to: Pre-Workout Warm-Up / Post Workout Cooldown #67183

Thanks Mariner!

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on May 13, 2022 at 6:13 am · in reply to: Pre-Workout Warm-Up / Post Workout Cooldown #67098

Thanks so much Mark!

[Chad Di Stefano]

Chad Di Stefano on May 13, 2022 at 6:11 am · in reply to: May 2022 Introductions / Goals / Geographies #67097

Great Thread!

I’m Chad, 42, based in Miami Florida. My family and I spend a lot of time in Placerville, CO where we have a home. I really enjoy getting out in the mountains and have done lots of skiing (first love), hiking and some climbing (climbing is a new thing for me but I’m really enjoying it) in the San Juans and also throughout Colorado and Utah. I built a 12 x 8 climbing wall in my back yard in Miami during COVID and it’s been great for my two girls and I, although I get some funny looks and questions being in Miami!

This summer I’m hiking the Grand with friend for his 40th birthday in July and doing a mountaineering skills course on Mt. Baker in August. My goals are to do Mt. Blanc in 2023, Ranier in 2023, and Denali in 2024 or 2025.

I signed up for this program because I read Training for the New Alpinism and Training for the Uphill Athlete over the last year and loved them. I’ve tried to incorporate the principles into my training, but I still feel like some pieces are missing. I hate doing strength so I’m hoping this structure motivates me a bit more. Also my aerobic capacity doesn’t seem to be progressing much.

It’s fun to read everyone’s stories and thanks so much to Stephanie for setting this up!