[pct-l] Eating disorder on the trail

[Jeffrey Olson]

It takes me 7 to 10 days to develop an appetite.  I now account for this 
and carry only a pound and a half of food (I'm 250 pounds) a day for the 
first week.  The key for me to avoid stomach rumblings is drinking lots 
of water... 

Last summer when I got to the 10 day point that weight doubled, and I 
still could have eaten more.  I lost almost a pound a day over 25 days, 
and then slowed down to a half pound a day for the next three weeks.  
When I got up to 20+ miles a day was when I couldn't eat enough.  I ws 
eating 5000 calories a day... Ummm.  Which I had cut back when I quit 
hiking...

Jeff, just Jeff...

Tom Bache wrote:
> I'm wondering if any one out there has heard about this problem (better --
> has some idea how to fix it).  I never backpacked until two years ago, but
> have chipped away at the PCT on short trips -- now have the first 900 plus
> miles.  My problem is that I just can't eat when I'm hiking (I hear the
> stories about ravenous appetites -- I wish ....).  This is not an issue on a
> weekend hike, but I just today got back from a 5 day trip in the Sierra
> (over Bishop Pass and north to Agnew Meadows).  I could eat very little over
> the five days -- I managed two bagels, 3 apples, and 2 granola bars in the
> first three days, then essentially nothing the last two days.  I want to
> eat, but I just can't -- good intentions proven by my carrying a bear
> canister and most of 5 days food in one end and out the other!  I was still
> at 20 lbs pack weight (w/o water), so too much pack is not the problem.
>
> [Side bar -- why do most of those JMT hikers carry such huge packs?  Some
> seem to see it as a point of pride, but others seemed to be reconsidering
> after they inquired about mine.]
>
> I feel strong enough all the way, but an uneasy stomach detracts from the
> enjoyment.  Also, this is clearly not sustainable for the longer hikes I
> would like to take.  One way to fix the problem is to cut back the mileage
> (I'm ok when I hike with my 8 year old son), but I don't want to do that.
> Lots of other people hike all day and eat with gusto, so why can't I?
>
> Surely this can't be unique to me -- so perhaps someone has heard about a
> remedy?
>
> Tom Bache
> San Diego
>
>
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