[pct-l] (no subject)

Thu Oct 1 08:13:54 CDT 2009

Ann, 

I wholeheartedly agree with Vic.  While many folks now days tend to take the approach of getting in shape on the trail, pre-hike training and preparation will definitely reduce the pain and suffering during those initial days on the trail.  Additionally, it will increase the flexibility you have to choose how far you would like to hike each day. 

In the past, water was a significant issue in SoCal and thru-hikers planned their daily miles around water sources.  I recall planning for my thru attempt in 2006 reading the journals from 2004/2005 and many thru-hikers planned to complete the first 106 miles to Warner Springs in 5.5 days.  This was simply due to the limited water sources.  Today, with the significant increase in water caches, thru-hikers are able to reduce the miles if you choose to rely on these water caches. 

Prior to my thru-hike in 2006 I trained every weekend with at least one 20 mile hike with full pack and as recommended by folks on this list completed two 50-60 mile 3 day shakedown hikes.  My training log included nearly 475 miles of trail mileage in the 2 months prior to my hike.  Now, I live in California and I am fortuante to have weather that allows for this type of training, but I realize others in the east are not as fortuante. 

The training allowed me to shake-down all my gear in my pack, but more importantly it all me to shake-down my choice of footwear.  I consider myself fortuante that I did not have a single significant blister through my entire thru-hike.  While there are many many options to choose, I found Brooks Adrenline Trail Runners to be my shoe of choice and WrightSox double layer socks to be my sock of choice.  Through training I also figured out the importance of changing out my sox regularly throughout the day.  I would typically change my sox 3 times daily, each and every day of my thru. 

While training will not fully prepare you for the rigors of any thru-hike attempt, it can significantly increase your enjoyment by reducing both the mental and physical "noise" that surely will accompany you in those early weeks on trail. 

Enjoy your hike as it will no doubt be an epic journey in your life. 

Elevator  

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vic Hanson" <vichansonperu at yahoo.com> 
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 6:52:10 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific 
Subject: [pct-l] (no subject) 

Hi Ann, 

It's already been 4 years since I was in your situation, time flies! I was in good shape from living and hiking at high altitude here in Peru, and did a fair amount of hiking in the U.S. in the 10 weeks or so before starting the trail. As a result I was able to start with 20 mile days from day one, and felt strong and ready to go. What wasn't ready was my feet - I had bad blisters before I got to Big Bear, and had to spend a few days there to give them a rest. I think the problem was a combination of things, not being used to doing 20 miles every day, with a pack, and in the hot desert. I started with too heavy of socks, liner socks and mid weight hiking socks, after awhile I switched to light weight wicking ankle socks (Starter brand at Walmart, I think they are 3 pairs for $4), along with the liners (Walmart nylon dress socks). I have used this combo ever since and it works great for me. 

Sure you can get in shape on the trail - and suffer while doing it. Why not do it ahead of time and you will enjoy it a lot more on the trail. As has been said, that give you the chance to make adjustments in your gear as well. I say get in all the miles you can, with your planned pack weight, and you will be glad you did once you get on the trail. 

I had planned on hiking the trail in 4 months, looks easy on paper if you are used to 20 mile days, but much harder to do them day after day. And you won't be able to do the big days in the snow, and normally you will be in the snow if you are starting early, both in S. Cal and in the Sierra. I finally had to give up on the 4 month idea and did it in 151 days (and changed my return flight date to allow that). 

If you are interested in the appendix to my journal, which tells about my gear, food and resupply strategy, you can download it for free from my Lulu site: 
http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/sugar-daddys-pacific-crest-trail-thru-hike-appendix/127513 

Have a great hike, 
Sugar Daddy 

Ann wrote: 

I'm considering attempting a thru-hike in 2010 and I'd like to have some 
training goal in mind.  What do you guys think I should be physically able 
to do before I attempt this? 

Thanks for your input! 

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