After a various injuries over the years we've finally learned that the quickest way to get back in shape is to take is slow. It sounds backward and wrong, but it's oh so true. So instead of chasing FKTs up our home trail we've been slowly, slowly walking the trail step by step.
Our first few hikes were about a mile in total length. We got to Turtle Rock before we returned home for ibuprofen and ice. Next step... Up to the benches!
The trail can be divided into convenient chunks. Tokul's Pool. Turtle Rock. The Benches. The Big Tree. The Bridge. The Iron Horse. Each section represents a step up in distance and elevation gain. Small steps, but steps nonetheless.
We work a destination until it's easy and pain-free. Then we move up. You can see we have a way to go. The next step, The Big Tree, is a big step. It involves a big descent and the climb back up.
Maybe this step will take more than a couple tries to get beyond, but by going slowly she's building strength and setting the stage for a solid recovery.
