Re: [at-l] Physical Preparation

[Tim Hewitt <thewitt@fairchildsemi.com>]

Thomas McGinnis wrote:
> 
> OK, but with that in mind, any idea what you *would* do now, if you were to throughhike next year? What might your minimum, hoped for, and optimum preparations be?
> 

The workout that I envision would work up to a typical
full day with a pack on. This would simulate the normal
day in Georgia in March - somewhat.

I would want to be able to go to the gym, strap on my
pack, and "hike" for a day on the stair master and the
tread mill.

Up for 30 minutes, down for 15, flat for 30, repeat.
Stop every 45 minutes for a water break. Stop every
2 hours for a 15 minute rest break. Stop for a 30
minute lunch break. Do this from 8:00 till 4:00, and
be able to walk the next day :) - in fact, be able
to do it all again.

This would be my ideal goal - but I would settle for
much less.  I think this would simulate a typical
thru-hiking day OK, and would certainly put the whole
trip in perspective.  If I were not able to do this,
I would get a much better idea of how long I would
be able to hike each day. If I had to stop every 20
minutes for a 10 minute break, I'd know that much
less time would be available to cover miles. If the
"ups" on the stair master were a killer, I'd know
that the ups in the woods would take me much longer
than the flats and could plan mileage accordingly.

I don't know how to do a down on a stair machine,
but I assume something's possible :).

It might be fun to try now too...

-p

-- 
Paddler
AT Class of 1999 GA>ME
http://paddler99.trailstories.com
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