Fit for Fifty

[Captain Slider]

Fit for Fifty

I am trying to get ready for my fifty mile hike into Damascus in March. Other than the obvious, walking and stairs, what type of exercise program would benefit my upper body? I am planning this hike during Spring break. March, 17-25, anyone have weather experience during this time?

[bigcranky]

Mid-March weather in the Southeastern mountains is wildly variable. I've hiked in shorts and a tee shirt in warm temps on March 3, and woken up in a blizzard on March 30 (same year, in fact). Don't go totally overboard on the clothing and gear, but make sure you are reasonably prepared for cold weather. Generally speaking, you should expect overnight lows in the upper 20s and highs in the upper 40s.

Are you heading northbound from Kincora, or southbound from the Troutville area? Nobo is a nice ridgeline walk, with some up and down, but nothing too massive. Sobo goes over the Mt Rogers/Wilburn Ridge/Whitetop area -- awesome views, but some stiff climbs. Either of them will be great in March.

As for getting in shape, just walk. Climbing some hills will help, especially with a pack, but just walking is a good start. You don't need any huge upper body strength to hike, so I wouldn't worry a lot about that. (Unless you are carrying some huge 65 pound pack and need to work on lifting up to your back. In that case, you have other problems that need to be sorted out, too.)

[Bravo]

You don't really need that much upper body strength for backpacking. More lower and core strength. That being said, push-ups, hindu push-ups, and handstand push-ups will build you very strong and very fast.

[bigcranky]

Yes, and having a large man in a Smokey the Bear hat screaming at you while you do the push-ups is a great motivator, too. <grin>

[smokymtnsteve]

Yes, and having a large man in a Smokey the Bear hat screaming at you while you do the push-ups is a great motivator, too. <grin>

sounds kinky