I’m in a lot of pain this morning. My left shoulder, the one that is separated, is a giant cramp. I go through this often, times of cramping with a spells of no pain in between. Today hurts and it radiates across my entire back.

I hiked 2.25 miles in the snow wearing a 20 lb weight vest and 5 lb snow boots yesterday which is what set off my shoulder and back, but I need to get used to carrying more weight than that if I want to go backpacking.

I’m not someone who looks for pity so any time I mention pain or difficulties, just know it’s because I’m using this as a personal diary of my journey as well as sharing it with you.

To catch you up since Day 4, not a lot has happened aside from me going to the gym five times a week. I do cardio, then do a variety of fitness stuff, kettlebell lifts, squats, leg raises, platform step ups, etc. I’m ready for this spell of bitterly cold weather to end so I can get outside and start training better.

Indoor cardio equipment is a poor substitute for actually running, sprinting, or climbing stairs outside. Once I can get out of the gym and into the real world, I know the number of posts will increase. I’m just in a gym rut right now waiting for spring.

On a final note today, I’ve recorded several videos, but I haven’t figured out a way to post them on my website. My site provider, Squarespace doesn’t let you upload videos to it. I don’t want to post them on my YouTube channel since they are not my normal type of videos. Hopefully I can come up with a solution soon so I can start sharing more with you.

This stuff is amazing. Better than IcyHot, Bengay or Biofreeze

I’m going to go pop some ibuprofen, lather my shoulder in tiger balm (not sponsored) and then hit the gym again this afternoon.