Uphill is good for the stamina (or so they say)

Yesterday we walked up Diamond Head. That crater goes up pretty far (and I thought walking the hills in Seattle was hard). And as if the trail wasn't bad enough they have the nerve to also have stairs. For me, stairs are worse than hills so stairs and uphill climbs combined together are the worst. We stopped after the 57 step climb so that I could catch my breath. I thought I was doing good until we rounded the curve and I saw the 99 step climb. I almost turned around. But I took a deep breath and went for it. Torture pure and simple. But getting to the top was good. after the 99 steps you go a bit more on the trail then climb a spiral staircase and crawl through a hole. Yes I said crawl. Then it's 40 more steps up and you have arrived.
We took a few pictures on top looked around a bit and took in the view while I got my breath. Then back down. I would like to thank Stephanie (a personal trainer I had for a few months earlier this year) for the core work. Going down was pretty cool since I could hear her screaming in my ear to suck in my gut (use your core is the way she would put it) and keep your knees soft. Downhill is very hard on the knees. They say uphill is good for the lungs. I think uphill is overrated.
After that we came back and went to the beach. Oh, I almost forgot. I love salt water. The other day I was in the ocean treading water and swimming around acting like I was going to get some exercise. I realized that the water was holding me up pretty good so I decided to try an experiment. I had heard on Good Morning America that Diane Sawyer can't tread water. That makes no sense to me but that's what she said. So as I was treading water I decided to see how far I would sink if I stopped moving. The answer is not at all. I didn't go down one inch, my head stayed above water and I kept my body like a cross with my feet down and my arms out. I floated this way about 5 minutes. Bob was completely amazed. He doesn't float well and even in salt water he has to tread water to keep his head up.
Well it's back home in the morning so I guess I should go pack now.