Hello! Thanks for dropping into my blog.
My name is Jordan Setters and this blog is a chronicle of my attempts at preparing to walk the Milford Track, in Fiordland, New Zealand.
As you probably guessed from the blog title, I am not a small man, checking in at 187 kg at last weigh-in (c. Dec. ’14). Although wickedly fat, I am none-the-less relatively healthy and surprisingly fit (for a fat man).
In March 2015 I set myself a goal that I would walk the Milford Track in a years time. Then laid out a plan (hereby known as The Plan™) to condition myself for the task. Even made a spreadsheet. It’s a plan of daily walking, progressively increasing distance and load carried. It is also somewhat arbitrary.
My major challenges are:
- Laziness – you don’t get to be my size by having a “get out and do it” attitude to life.
- Knees – carrying this much weight is rough on the knees, especially going down hill
- Defeatest attitude- see #1
I will endeavour to overcome these challenges and more. And along the way bore you all with my mindless rambling and oft complaint ridden updates. So click on “The Continuing Saga” to see all the posts.
Enjoy!
(or not, it’s up to you)
Woo Hoo!!!!
More “what an idiot” than “Woo Hoo” at the moment. But thanks Lei!
You can do it… You can do anything you set your mind to doing. I miss hiking in Zimbabwe’s Chimanimani mountains. Was sometimes up there days and nights bush bashing. I find myself struggling to get just up the stairs now… Good for you…
Day 2 looks like the killer. Good on you. I’m doing a similar journey. Having knocked off the Heaphy I only have another 8 of the Great Walks to knock off before my feet/legs wear out, or I get too old
Every day but day 1 is going to kill me. I am already ahead of you on the great walks. I’ve already knocked off the Tongariro Northern Circuit, Wanganui Journey, and Waikaremoana – all in my teens though (apart from Tongariro I did at 11 or 12).
Very cool! Really good to see you today. You definitely are looking leaner so lots of muscles developing I would say … Pat
Thanks Pat. I ceratinly hope so! Better than more fat developing.
Hi Jordan, what an inspiration, Alethea mentioned your story, we grew up together in Mutare Zimbabwe. I too am on quite a journey!! Look me up on fb
Thanks Priscilla:-)
I would look it up but i’m not on FB.
Wow what an awesome goal!!
I love knowing I’m surrounded by people like you Jordan that are motivated and put yourself out there and letting others know you can achieve anything and you can be who ever you wanna be!!
Good honest attitude!!
Thanks Kat!
Excellent blog Jordan
Keep up the hiking when in Germany and Lux. Put up some pics from the Black Forest!!!
Thanks Claire, I will do a post on my litle walk in the B. Forest soon.
Hi Jordon
Good on you and what a great challenge for you I know you will do it and some others.
As i said you will love the Milford and you do not have to rush.
Worth reading two Books also
Why we get fat by Gary Taubes
How Not to Die by Michael Gregor
some amazing scientific research which will help.
Thanks Brian. I will give those books a look. It was good chatting with you today.
All the best.
Jordan
Knew you would nail that last wet day, the option of doing anything else was minimal.
So proud to have watched you do it, ‘The Mums’ we’re on the first boat out of Sandfly Point and all of us on the boat wished we could have been there to see you complete the walk.
Good luck for the next challenge whatever it may be.
Thanks Judy! I really appreciate all the help and encouragement you and all the others that were there at the same time as me. I was really blessed to be walking the track with such a great group of people.
Well done Jordan you did amazing!!!
Well Done Jordan/Jeremy/Jon or every name that you responded to!!!
As Judy said, we all wished we were there to see you finish the tramp. What a great achievement for you and even for me as that was the last of the great walks that I completed too, so a big day for everyone! I hope you continue on your quest to continue doing some great walks and remaining healthy in life. Keep up the good work… “The Mums” had a great time and we had a great bunch of friendly travellers doing the same thing…
Thanks Roz! I’m glad you had a great time. We did have a great bunch on the track with us.
Hey Jordan
We were fellow travelers on the Milford with you. Your feat is a great inspiration. I’m glad we got to walk alongside you and keep blogging – where’s the next great walk? Ruth ( the scotswoman)
Thanks for the support Ruth. I enjoyed your encouragement along the track. Not sure where the next great walk is. Still mulling it over.
Hey Mr Hiker
Are you still hiking? I hope so! If so keep writing! Your blog is fun.
Hey Frances,
Thanks for your comment. I didn’t think anyone was finding this blog anymore – I certainly aren’t
I haven’t been doing any hiking. To make along story boring I have suffered health issues which lead to lazy issues, which lead to more fat issues. I need to start a real road to recovery and mobility again, but oh the pain (you got me on a bad knee day).
I looked at your blog, that looks awesome and full on. You are certainly an accomplished hiker! My boots off to you!