Let me think about that. :) You're right KK. I can do exactly as you said. But, can we discuss it? :D
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Agree with all of this especially #1. When half of your day is spent walking up hill, you can't afford to average 1.5mph (assuming your striving for records or big miles). JPD averaged right at 3mph over her whole hike - 3mph up hills consistently is very difficult without fitness.... The other half of your day is spent downhill. You better have good technique so that you can walk 3-4mph without grinding your knees and feet into powder.
Ryan
Just B, are you saying that it is better to try land flat footed rather a heel strike first when walking? I been trying that and it seems to help keep that leaning forward style easier and my knees more bent and more engaged rather than landing stiff legged with a heel strike.
In the end I'll probably go back to my casual walk but it's interesting to try different methods.
Yes, you have to actually practice walking fast, and build up to it. Even fast runners often cannot walk fast, as shown when they are taking a walk break in marathons and ultras. Typically the road runners are the slow walkers because they don't practice; ultra runners tend to be very fast & strong walkers because it is part of ultra events to do a lot of walking.
With fitness, you can walk fast (4 mph) and strong with a pack if the trail is reasonably easy. But it takes a lot of work to get up to this level of fitness…a few weeks minimum for most people. And some never can do it.
Yar, Natty Bumpo will beat Pegleg Pete any day.
It's not so much that I am saying it, just that many fine folks, living and long passed that I admire have said it before me, and I echo their voice.
If nothing else, from a SUL perspective;
As each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and tendons, it seems a bit wasteful to carry all that stuff around and not use it.
And wither it's The Magic Fella in the sky, evolution, science or something else, I like to think we are made that way for a reason.
Like anything else though- it's harder before it's better. Waking up all those bits and pieces takes time and a bit of work not likely to be pleasant the first season of use.
And while my Pappy ain't too far wrong, in going from 3MPH or so to 4MPH or so is a fair difference. As his spreadsheet is not available, I will pass along that mine indicates that is a 33% increase in speed. There are other variables to be sure, but I find this technique far more useful than anything else, especially when mileage per day is the benchmark of measurement.
Between you and me- I wouldn't be surprised to find the bearded busch light drinker to walk in much the same way. ;)
I average 3.2 miles per hour over rocky and steep terrain. Here's how I do it. First, on the flat sections, make sure you rotate your hips. You will get about an extra 6 inches per stride.
When going uphill lean forward, and crouch slightly. Then use your leg extension to push while keeping the ankle at a ninety degree angle. At the end of your extension, rotate your ankle to complete the push. This technique uses less energy since your body is more horizontal than vertical.
To travel downhill, lean slightly back and keep your feet in front of you. This technique gives you just enough time to recover from a trip. Falling forward while going downhill can be rather messy.
I finished a solo 50k on the AT last week that included several 1000 foot climbs. It took 10 hours with one break.
Hop from rock to rock using your ankles to push you.
I have Multiple Sclerosis. 8 years ago I could barely walk. These techniques have proved incredibly beneficial and I hope you find them useful.
Impressive walk for a totally healthy person, even more so that you're walking with MS. Your tips for going uphill sound spot on to me, I find keeping my ankles in extension and my posture slightly forward helps a lot. Also training cardio, and lower body exercises like squats and deadlift.
I'm curious, do you use poles? Also, which stretch did you hike?
In 1974 I met NOBO thru hikers Blair Orr (and another man) who told me that they were experimenting with walking at 4 mph. This was on ridgetops in PA. So I tried it too (I was 17, carrying a big Kelty frame pack). It seemed like flying compared to the more regular 2 mph, but took a big toll on the body. After weeks of practice I was able to do it (I still can). Made the miles fly by, and made it possible to do bigger miles in a day. Just wanted to relate that story from 41 years ago...