I got on the bike for the first time yesterday in over three months. It was painful. And really slow... It begins now, dear reader, my slow and steady climb back into a fitness. Again.

If you were to chart my strength and fitness over time, it would look line the EKG of a heart attack victim - a spiking link alternating between high peaks and low troughs. Prior to departing on an expedition, I'm usually in top condition. But then, coming home after two months on the ice or a mountain, it's generally a different story. I'm physically tired, but the mental toll is greater and I usually need a couple of weeks of recovery before I start training again.

It's a constant struggle. Fit. Not so fit. Fit. Not so fit. Fit. Opposing elements the never seem to find any sort of equilibrium. There are worse problems in the world of course.

I have to be honest. I'm not in terrible shape, either. After all, I just got back from two months in Antarctica. Skiing to the South Pole, digging and moving fuel barrels, unloading planes and assorted manual labor jobs have created a good base. That said, my cardio needs a lot of work.

There it is again - my old friend self doubt coming back to haunt me. I have to constantly remind myself of my own motto. 'Begin with one step...' All these tasks seem so daunting at the outset.

I was talking to someone the other day about planning and preparing for BIG expeditions. It's all consuming and easy to get lost in the individual components. Fundraising is important because I need the cash to pay for flights, food, etc. Acquiring and testing gear is critical to being able to stay safe and move efficiently. Creating a comprehensive tech plan is a fundamental part of communicating from the trail. Each of these components play an equal role in the whole. Take one out and you fail.

I just returned from an incredible few days in Salt Lake City for the biannual Outdoor Retailer show. After attending the show for 10 years now, it's seems more like visiting old friends than soliciting sponsorship and pitching expeditions.

It's an exciting time to be involved in the Outdoor World. The industry is growing and there are so many companies with incredible products. I feel lucky to be associated with so many great brands. The gear and it's continual evolution has made nature accessible and safe. At the same time, it has allowed us to go bigger, faster and higher and push boundaries never before imagined.

I am looking forward to 2012. Expedition-wise, I've got a lot on my plate. While I may have shared some of my plans with a few folks, I'm keeping somewhat tight lipped for now. What else can I say but, it's going to be an exciting year!

Image: A few Emperor Penguins taking my philosophy to heart... Begin With One Step!