[pct-l] Training fora thru hike

[Phil Baily]

> Can anyone offer some REAL words of wisdom for how to train for a thru 
> hike?

My experience is that regular running is more than adequate. When I was 
running regularly (6 miles/day 5 or 6 days/week), I never was tired or sore 
from backpacking. Running uses the same muscles, and toughens the foot 
muscles and skin. Even a heavy pack didn't bother me, but I was always sure 
to have most of the weight on my hips, not my shoulders. Trail running over 
hilly terrain once a week seemed to be extra effective, but that was fine 
tuning! No other training was necessary.

Having said that, I found that doiing some day hikes in my backpacking 
footwear and socks helped avoid blisters.

Pieces