[at-l] More on Getting in shape for a Thru

[jbullar1 at twcny.rr.com (Jim Bullard)]

I was reading one of my exercise books today (published by Men's Health) and
ran onto the following:
"Texas A&M researchers tested 15 volunteers in a 9 day adventure program
that included such activities as white water canoeing, rock climbing, and
hiking while carrying heavy backpacks (35-45 percent of each subject's body
weight). The fittest participants were not only better equipped for the
physical challenges but were also better prepared for the mental and
emotional stress."
Given that completing a thru is 90% mental (according to those who have
succeeded) it would appear that any exercise that increased your fitness
level, even one that was far removed from hiking, would increase an aspiring
thru-hiker's chances of success.

Saunterer