I have stepped up my preparations and added Tai Chi training as well. The Tai Chi will add physical and mental conditioning including improved strength, flexibility, and balance. Here is an overview of my daily routine.
Morning: running
Late morning: listen to recorded Chinese language instruction while exercising on stepper
Afternoon: Tai Chi training
Evening: study written Chinese
I hope to be in good shape by the time I reach the Great Wall in a few months.
Here are some examples of what conditioning has done for me in the past.
- In 2004, I climbed from the bottom of the Badaling Great Wall to the top in 32 minutes.
- In 2005, I ran from the hotel to the base of the Simatai Great Wall and then climbed to tower 14 in under one hour.