When I posted about my participation in Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM) I was met with a lot of surprise. I received a lot of “Huh, YOU are hiking?” I have always thought of myself as an outdoorsy person. I enjoy walking in nature. However, when it comes down to it, I may be an outdoor patio person.

MM4MM is an attainable program for anyone interested in spreading awareness about multiple myeloma and supporting research through fundraising. Preparing for this has been, and continues to be, a challenge for me, but I think of the constant difficulties that patients with myeloma, like my brother, are dealing with and I make my practice hike go 1 mile longer. However, maybe I am jumping ahead.

In education we talk about using backward design when planning a course. First, you have to think about the final goal. Climb Mount Washington – the highest altitude in the Northeast. Second, what does this look like? I will climb 6,288 feet to the top of Mount Washington, with a 20-pound backpack over rough and rocky trails. Third, what are the learning activities to ensure preparation for the final goal? Well, that is what I would like to share now – how I have been preparing.

I did not design the training plan but instead have meticulously followed the one provided by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. I bought hiking boots and started breaking them in by walking around the house, then the neighborhood, then on trails. Throughout the entire process I have been slowly increasing the weight in my backpack to get accustomed to carrying everything I will need for the hike up and the night on the mountain. Being from New Jersey, there is not a large number of hikes where there are large altitude increases, so I have been using mainly one which I hike up and down, and up and down for practice with the incline. My dog, Lark, has really been enjoying this part of the training. I am worried that I may not realize how much she is doing, pulling me up the slopes until Mt. Washington when she will not be there! I have also picked up weight training as many have said this is helpful and riding on an inside bike to make sure I am prepared for the extended amount of cardio.

To those of you considering joining Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma in the future, who because of fitness or comfort level in the wilderness are discounting yourself, don’t. Challenge yourself and in doing so make your commitment to supporting those fighting multiple myeloma transparent.