[pct-l] Fitness

[Jeffrey Olson]

I'll second what Ned says.  I have done a number of long sections hikes 
and by the time i complete them I'm in shape for a longer hike.   I 
start at 8 miles a day and take at least one full day off a week.  I 
need two nights and a day inbetween to do absolutely nothing but let my 
body heal.  I do that for four to six weeks.  The younger you are the 
fewer weeks it takes.  When in my 30s, three weeks was enough.  My last 
one - in 2005 - had me take five weeks to get in shape...

jeffrey olson
Santa Rosa, CA - where the rain continues to fall!!!

On 12/20/2010 1:42 PM, ned at mountaineducation.org wrote:
> I assume, since I'm getting into this thread late, that many have already
> said this, but here goes,
>
> IMHO, the only way to get ready for long-distance thru hiking is to hike,
> pack on, total weight, same shoes. Add similar terrain and obstacles and
> length of day, and you'll quickly find out what your body thinks of it.
>
> Our recommendation is to do the best pre-trip training that you can, start
> your hike Slowly (don't get sucked into the drive of doing 20s straight out
> of the gate) and increase the daily mileage as your body allows. This may
> take two or three weeks, but you'll be creating the muscles, tendons, and
> joints that will go the distance. Just allow more time for this to take
> plane in you by starting your thru earlier.mail/pct-l/