codpilot
08-22-2007, 22:07
Short story - ( or maybe not :-? )
Started to get in shape 2 years ago last December to go hiking 1) the AT a section at a time and 2) Philmont with my son 8). I had gotten in shape primarily by riding a lifecycle (great tool - good cardio and fat burning and as a plus does a number on strengthing the legs!!) and basic situps etc.
Dropped 30 or so lbs then restarted my long forgotten hiking career in May last summer starting at the approach to Springer. I figured that would get me in better shape for Philmont. Man was I outta shape :eek: - Ga kicked my butt. Dropped 10 more pounds during the 10 day hike and then two more weeks headed to Philmont.
Let me tell you, 9000' plus in the air makes a bit of difference. 2 weeks and 20 lbs later I crawled out of the mountains. Over all I had a blast.
Fast forward to this summer - Three weeks to hike, spent the whole year gettting in better condition - running now, biking more floor work. Also discovered the magic of lightweight backpacking - so now the gear is 15 lounds lighter! I cruised throught the rest of Ga, NC all the way to the TN jumpoff to Damascus when my time was up :(
This summer and last I met lots of wounded folks who figured the trail would get them in shape. Well I guess if you survive the process it will, but why go through all that? Start getting in shape now if you are planning a thru hike this summer, or any hiking at all. Unless of course you enjoy burning leg muscles, pulled hamstrings and quads and calves, blisters sprains, achilles pulls etc etc.
This years hike was fun. If I wanted a long lunch and nap I could take it and still make the days planned trip without worrying. Lighter gear and lighter me = more fun!
Moral of the story - get in shape if you aren't, the mountains are unforgiving.
As an aside, even with what I thought was good shape I discovered recently I could do better. My sister started a program she found called P90X. So I started it too figuring it might help a little. Oh my - I wasn't even close! After a year of this I won't feel a thing on the next leg. This is a complete workout - whole body, mix of weights, cardio, yoga, semi martial arts, plyometrics the whole shebang. If you want stronger legs (even beyond the backpackers mag article recommendation) you should consider this. You can find it at http://www.beachbody.com (http://www.beachbody,com) if you'd like. I am not affiliated in any way with them, just real impressed with the program. I'm 7 weeks into a 13 week program and I really feel the difference. I still feel like a wuus compared to the folks on the videos, but I'm getting better.
Just thought I'd share the joy - my hiking was so much more fun this year being in shape - i can't wait to hike next summer now :D
As an aside I'm stuck in the southern armpit of Florida (Miami) so no real hills to try - I live for my summer sojourn to the mountains until I can get out of here permanently
Happy trails
Started to get in shape 2 years ago last December to go hiking 1) the AT a section at a time and 2) Philmont with my son 8). I had gotten in shape primarily by riding a lifecycle (great tool - good cardio and fat burning and as a plus does a number on strengthing the legs!!) and basic situps etc.
Dropped 30 or so lbs then restarted my long forgotten hiking career in May last summer starting at the approach to Springer. I figured that would get me in better shape for Philmont. Man was I outta shape :eek: - Ga kicked my butt. Dropped 10 more pounds during the 10 day hike and then two more weeks headed to Philmont.
Let me tell you, 9000' plus in the air makes a bit of difference. 2 weeks and 20 lbs later I crawled out of the mountains. Over all I had a blast.
Fast forward to this summer - Three weeks to hike, spent the whole year gettting in better condition - running now, biking more floor work. Also discovered the magic of lightweight backpacking - so now the gear is 15 lounds lighter! I cruised throught the rest of Ga, NC all the way to the TN jumpoff to Damascus when my time was up :(
This summer and last I met lots of wounded folks who figured the trail would get them in shape. Well I guess if you survive the process it will, but why go through all that? Start getting in shape now if you are planning a thru hike this summer, or any hiking at all. Unless of course you enjoy burning leg muscles, pulled hamstrings and quads and calves, blisters sprains, achilles pulls etc etc.
This years hike was fun. If I wanted a long lunch and nap I could take it and still make the days planned trip without worrying. Lighter gear and lighter me = more fun!
Moral of the story - get in shape if you aren't, the mountains are unforgiving.
As an aside, even with what I thought was good shape I discovered recently I could do better. My sister started a program she found called P90X. So I started it too figuring it might help a little. Oh my - I wasn't even close! After a year of this I won't feel a thing on the next leg. This is a complete workout - whole body, mix of weights, cardio, yoga, semi martial arts, plyometrics the whole shebang. If you want stronger legs (even beyond the backpackers mag article recommendation) you should consider this. You can find it at http://www.beachbody.com (http://www.beachbody,com) if you'd like. I am not affiliated in any way with them, just real impressed with the program. I'm 7 weeks into a 13 week program and I really feel the difference. I still feel like a wuus compared to the folks on the videos, but I'm getting better.
Just thought I'd share the joy - my hiking was so much more fun this year being in shape - i can't wait to hike next summer now :D
As an aside I'm stuck in the southern armpit of Florida (Miami) so no real hills to try - I live for my summer sojourn to the mountains until I can get out of here permanently
Happy trails