Training Montage

Haven't left yet.

One of the things I intend to do on the trip is climb Fuji. Having decided that it might be a good idea to be a little fitter by the time we get there, Ken and I have started walking on a near daily basis in preparation.

After a week or so of walking around beautiful scenic Clayton,we decided to switch things up and climb the 1000 steps at Mount Dandenong.

So on Monday we drove over and attempted to climb up the 1000 steps. 

I say attempted, because we climbed up Lyrebird track instead. (who knew that the path (the one with steps mind you) that the 1000 steps sign appears to be pointing to, isn't actually the 1000 steps; seriously: http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/009/03/09146724121.JPG )

Anyway, we got to the top where the two paths link up again, discovered our mistake, and after a brief rest walked back down the 1000 steps.

I say brief rest, I'm not sure how long I sat and looked like this:

 While I stared at this smug asshole:

Anyway, today we attempted to rectify our mistake, and climbed up the steps, and down the other track.

It rained on us the entire way up, which is why I look bedraggled (and frankly in worse shape than the previous time - this is supposed to be helping):

The smug asshole was back:

Anyway, trip 3 will be Saturday. I'm not sure how long it takes to completely lose the will to live doing this, but certainly there seem to be people that look like they do it often. They run up and down mud slick steps in the rain, I can only assume in the vague hope that they will slip and fall to their deaths off the mountain, and in doing so, never have to climb it again.

Update:
The continuing adventures of Captain Exhausto and Smug Asshole.

So trip 3 didn't happen on Saturday, as my feet were too blistered. Instead we held off until Monday.

At the top I looked like this:

Meanwhile this guy was hitting on the two women in the background:

From my recollection the conversation went something like this,

SA (Smug Asshole): So, do you ladies come here often?
SW1 (Sweaty Woman #1): Not for some time, *eyes SA* although I might have to make it a more regular thing.
SA: This is only my 3rd time here. I'm training to climb Mount Fuji.
SW1: Impressive. You made pretty good time.
SA: I did. Did I mention that I'm training to climb Mount Fuji?
SW1: That is quite dashing.
SW2: And handsome.
SW1: Who's your friend?
CE (Captain Exhausto): *makes dying noises*
SW1: Never mind...