[pct-l] Being 61

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

On Mar 16, 2008, at 8:49 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
>> I am new at this so forgive my transgressions. I plan to hike in '09
>> and I am really hoping that this old body(I'll be 61) will make it.
>> Even though my knees are creaky the Dr says they should make the
>> milage. I have been doing 15 mi on the weekends and I feel pretty
>> sore afterwards. I exercise on a regular basis so I am a bit
>> disheartened. I plan on doing 20 mi. days once on the trail so I am a
>> little nervous. Perhaps you guys can offer some advice to help me get
>> ready for my trip? Will there be suggestions made at ADZPCTKO?

I'm only 43 so my advice is limited. Plus I haven't yet done my PCT  
hike!

I get sore only hiking on the weekends. I need to exercise during the  
week or else I start to lose fitness. But if that exercise isn't  
hiking, it's limited in the benefits it can give me toward hiking.

You didn't say if your 15 miles is on pavement or not, but I find  
that 5 miles of pavement is way harder on my legs than the equivalent  
on trails. I can hike all day on trails, but not on pavement.

 From what I understand, the PCT is as much about mental endurance as  
physical endurance. I think if you can walk all day and be alone with  
your mind all day you ought to do fine.

Diane