No need to CrossFit, run, bike, play soccer … just go hike up a mountain 2,000 feet (reaching almost 12,000) with an overnight camping pack on your back. Because that’s what I did yesterday and it KICKED MY ASS.
According to this article, the White River National Forest Aspen Ranger District says the route is 2.8 miles one way, with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. For folks who are accustomed to hiking in the Rockies, the trek to the lake can be easily completed in under two hours.
It took me and That Ripped Guy of Mine(TM), who, for the record IS accustomed to hiking the Rockies while I am still considered a Flatlander, around an hour and 45 minutes. I thought I might die at some points, I was so out of breath and unable to catch it. After right around seven weeks of living in the Rockies, he pointed out, “This is the first time I’ve seen altitude really affect you.” Testament to my fitness? Or subtle dig?
At any rate, there is a reason mountain people are so damn fit. Lesson learned: hiking mountains makes you fit.