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<font size="+1">A similar issue came up on the PCT list a couple weeks
ago. Except for the few burlymen/women who live to exercise, most of
us, no matter in how good of shape, need to acclimate to being on the
trail. That means not starting out hiking 20 mpd. 10 to 15 mpd for a
week or ten days - and slowly upping the mileage lets the body find its
rhythm. I know many will scoff and that's fine. This is an opinion...<br>
<br>
<br>
I've started long section hikes numerous times. What I find is that
something always hurts in the first month. But the pain shifts. Only
when a body part is strained or sprained or injured in some way does
pain stay in one place. Over time you get used to a knee hurting, then
the heel, then the thigh, etc. And over time this constantly moving
pain lessens. This is getting in trail shape. <br>
<br>
<br>
Constantly shifting pain that over a month or more gets less and less
noticeable. Finally, and I think this is unique to each person, a
couple hours will have gone by when there was no pain - but it does
return. And these periods of no-pain time get more frequent as the
body finds its home on the trail. Now it's time for emotional pain... <span
class="moz-smiley-s1"><span> :-) </span></span><br>
<br>
<br>
How acclimatizing to the trail prepares for the last 400 miles is
something I can't speak to. I think that probably has more to do with
nutrition, rest, foot massages and attitude. <br>
<br>
<br>
Jeffrey Olson<br>
Martin, SD<br>
</font><br>
On 3/22/2010 11:22 AM, Dylan Carlson wrote:
<blockquote
cite="mid:6f1629341003221022g2c3319f5qc81b16ceb9ccea86@mail.gmail.com"
type="cite">Joker,<br>
<br>
You've thru-hiked before, so obviously you know what works for you,
but: I would suggest *not* "warming up" by adding an extra 700 miles to
your summer. <br>
<br>
The CDT was enormously physically challenging. Many experienced hikers
dropped out quickly. As a twenty-something in great physical shape, I
had some issues, but persevered. Nevertheless, I began to feel my body
"break down" for the last 400 miles of the trip, and I definitely don't
think that I would have lasted an extra 700 miles.<br>
<br>
Just sayin: why make this harder than it already is. Warming up is a
great idea. Do some light day-hikes around home. Do some *hard* day
hikes around home. Do some overnights. But give yourself time to
recover, and don't hurt your chances of success. (whatever that means
to you.) :-)<br>
<br clear="all">
Dylan Carlson<br>
CDT nobo 2009<br>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote"
style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><br>
----------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:41:00 -0700<br>
From: Patrick Beggan <<a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:meta474@gmail.com">meta474@gmail.com</a>><br>
Subject: [Cdt-l] 2010 Southbounders?<br>
<br>
<br>
Figured it was as good a time as any to check into anyone looking to
start in Glacier this year. I checked the CDT-L archives but they look
strangely sparse and there's nothing recorded there.<br>
<br>
SO! Who's headed south this year on the CDT? I'm (Joker, PCT2008/2009)
starting June 15th in Glacier, from Chief Mountain/Belly River.<br>
<br>
Can't wait to start, pretty much all my necessities are in order.
Thinking of quitting my job early and warming up with the first 790
miles of the PCT, too, but we'll see. All I know is I'll be rolling
into East Glacier on that Amtrak around June 13th.<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
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