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269 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2003 : 10:23 AM
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I would like to throw out a topic about how one train for a long distance hike like the West Coast Trail?
Edited by - explorer on 09/20/2003 4:26:59 PM |
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 right wingin', rock climbin', photo takin', computer geek
North Van, BC
Canada
742 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2003 : 1:50 PM
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I wouldn't go for specific training perse. Just go for working on your fitness level. Biking, swimming, rollerblading, and some light workouts involving weights. If you're fit and healthy, and are active on a regular basis, you should be ok.
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 Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs
Langley, BC
Canada
7647 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2003 : 2:04 PM
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Ditto on MecKid's comment. Just need to do some regular hikes leading up to it. Ideally, do some overnighters or 3 day hikes. You might even want to consider the Juan de Fuca trail as a good training exercise. Cheers!
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425 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2003 : 3:34 PM
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The fitter the better but...there is so much individual variation in exercise tolerance that there is probably a different formula for each person. Injury avoidance and preventing training errors/over training must be kept in mind. To be city fit is one thing and trail fit largely another.
I agree with the others that given that exercise training is only generalized to a modest extent and tends to be more specific gradually getting in more trail time and increase pack weight is important. This should include familiarizing with gear so there are no surprises on the trail. Training the gear with break in time is as important as training the user. Also this will provide information has to how minimalist one can go to allow weight reduction and the subsequent increase trail enjoyment and success.
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right wingin', rock climbin', photo takin', computer geek
North Van, BC
Canada
742 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2003 : 12:41 PM
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Oh yeah, I should have also added the following to my original post...
- Pack your bag/backpack
- Put on your rain gear
- Get in the shower for approx. 4 or 5 hours.
- And make sure the shower is COLD!
That ought to about do it 
Edited by - MecKid on 09/25/2003 09:31:40 AM |
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 Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2003 : 8:22 PM
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I try to train for long trips by doing two things, one is carrying a pack as much as possible - say I'm walking the dog, I'll throw three ropes in the pack and carry it, and the second is doing as many shorter trips as possible - overnighters for example. But, that's just my two cents.
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269 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2003 : 8:24 PM
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Do anyone have a weight program that they work on before their long hike
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28 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2003 : 07:41 AM
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One thing that has proved valuable to me on long hikes is doing weighted work on a Stairmaster. Take about 75% of your expected load (don't exceed 30 pounds) and work at your moderate pace for long periods of time. Treadmills and strength training are also good, but increasing your cardiovascular capacity is vital. Be sure to pack smartly and try to eliminate things that you don't use. If you are doing a long hike, don't skimp out on things that have multiple purposes. Check out this link... http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/bagdetail.cfm/EXP155
I carry a Crazy Creek chair and Z Rest, doubling the unbuckled chair underneath my pad for cold conditions. All the money you can spend can't replace one thing, and that's planning. The best way to save weight is to plan where the water is since carrying an extra 2 liters of water puts about 4 pounds on your back. Pack light but pack smart and plan every day the day before so you know what needs to be done and what you need to do it.
Go light, go fast |
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Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
149 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 03:03 AM
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never use elevators or esculators
take the stairs!
-eric
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
718 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2003 : 1:00 PM
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This is when the Grouse Grind may come handy. Not really a trail, more of a tourist attraction, but a definite workout. I know a person who does it 3-4 times a week. I hope I'll be in the same shape when I'll reach 75.
And like jhamlin said, backpackers have to built themselves up to the challenge. Easy.
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 crazy hat wearin', swiffer totin', camp tidyin', devil's staircase trippin', heavy load carryin', cliff divin' artiste!
1485 Posts |
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Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs
Langley, BC
Canada
7647 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2003 : 6:56 PM
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Hey that's a great link Claire. I think Dean and Jim should read the article on "increasing hiking speed". They're seeming a little sluggish as of late. 
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crazy hat wearin', swiffer totin', camp tidyin', devil's staircase trippin', heavy load carryin', cliff divin' artiste!
1485 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2003 : 7:01 PM
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Hey, are you following me around or what!! 
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right wingin', rock climbin', photo takin', computer geek
North Van, BC
Canada
742 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2003 : 11:42 AM
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Wow Claire, that's a fantastic link. I've been searching for ages for a website that had some kind workout referencing rock climbing and was begining to lose hope. Thanks bud!
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5372 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2003 : 12:01 PM
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Great link Claire, thanks!
exploring life, admiring beauty, seeking peace along life's dusty trail |
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crazy hat wearin', swiffer totin', camp tidyin', devil's staircase trippin', heavy load carryin', cliff divin' artiste!
1485 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2003 : 5:34 PM
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I enjoy researching, whenever I get into something, like getting back into hiking or shopping for camping gear, either the Library and since the spring the internet. I love quickly finding information on the internet.
I found this site when I joinned CT this summer and used it to get into better shape for hiking.
Glad, I could help.
C.B.
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Coquitlam, BC
Canada
801 Posts |
Posted - 10/17/2003 : 10:18 PM
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quote:
I think Dean and Jim should read the article on "increasing hiking speed". They're seeming a little sluggish as of late.
Very funny Hamlin! Whateverrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Who's up for a job up Golden Ears? Just kiddin'.
My thought on this thread would be just get out there. When I do 3-day hikes, I notice I'm getting fitter each day. It just accumulates for me.
I'd say you know your body is ready for long hikes when you feel fresh after doing shorter ones. Our body's saying "Hey, that was no problem. Give me something more challenging."
Just find a regular routine (ie: a day hike ecery week or two) and keep making the next more challenging. Each one could have, say, a greater elevation gain or grade. That way you can plan to peak for the big one. We did that over the past summer. There were 6 people involved (each with different body styles) and it worked perfectly: we were in great shape for a big expedition at higher elevation than we normally hiked. Conditioning wasn't even an issue on that one because we had been continually increasing the difficulty of our previous outings.
Note: After about 3-4 months or so of this, you peak and then crash, so don't do it too long.
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right wingin', rock climbin', photo takin', computer geek
North Van, BC
Canada
742 Posts |
Posted - 10/18/2003 : 2:18 PM
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Yeah, I agree with Dean. The first day of the hike (when doing a multi-day hike) is usually the worst. Then as the trip progresses, I find that both my body and mind kind of meld, making the trip less of a strain on my fitness level. And the same could be said for my pack too. The first day tends to be the worst. A bit of back/muscle tenderness here and there. But by the third day, all is well.
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Training for long hikes
