[pct-l] Question about training

[Bill Burge]

I actually ordered the titanium whatchamahoosey!  ;-)

I've lived in So Cal almost all my life and I can tell you that be  
lower on insulation is better for the hot summer sections!

BUT - starting this trip with very low body fat has come across as a  
very bad idea.  (Unless 66 days is your objective! ;-)

In talking about this thread with my workout partner (and we hope to  
be PCT partners after the final kid graduates from High School!) I  
said I wanted to get down to a "well conditioned" me, and then gain  
about 5-7% of pounds of "energy reserves" shortly before we left.  I  
figure them to be depleted well before Donna's place...  :-)


BillB



On Oct 1, 2009, at 11:42 AM, Paul Magnanti wrote:

> Long distance hiking is the only intense physical activity I know of  
> where people advocate
> being a couch potato prior to the event.
>
> You do not have to be in marathoner shape as someone alluded to (I'd  
> argue you DON'T want to be
> in marathoner shape. :D), but having a base level of physical  
> fitness is gonna make the hike
> easier in the beginning at the start on both a physical AND mental  
> level. (If you aren't aching and groaning, you
> are more likely to have fun..and complete the hike!)
>
> We can discuss all day a titanium widget vs a lexan whatchmahoosey  
> to shave 2 ounces off the
> pack..OR you can exercise regularly and shave 10 lbs off your body. :)
>
> It is indeed easier to discuss lexan whatchamahoosies while sucking  
> down beer, than to take a 1 hr "power hike" in your local
> park. . But, then again, so is driving from Mexico to Canada versus  
> walking it. :)
>
> Besides getting in physical and mental shape prior to a thru-hike, a  
> base level of fitness is needed for your overall health.  I have yet
> to see a valid reason why *not* exercising say 3 hrs a week is  
> detrimental  prior to a long hike?
>
> Finally, TV sucks. Why watch another episode of Generic Family  
> Sitcom or Generic Medical Drama when you can  take
> a bike ride, go on a vigorous walk with a pack, or just saunter  
> outside casually?
>
> This article is over from AT land..but think it could apply to  
> getting in shape for any long trail:
> http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=184425#post184425
>
> Life is too short to be out of shape.  Physical activity is fun..and  
> makes it so I can hike not only at 35..but at 65 and perhaps  
> beyond. :)
> (I'm no athlete..but I like to be in decent shape..not just for 4  
> mos every 2 yrs. :D)
>
>
>
>
>
> ************************************************************
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> caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
> --Thoreau
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