[pct-l] A quick introduction & some initial questions :)

[Tortoise]

Hi Guy,

I am sort of your neighbor as I live in Crescent City.

There are many different approaches to conditioning for the trip.  I do 
only sections so keep this in mind.

1.  Do long day hikes, the longer the better.  Work up to the miles 
gradually so you don't tear down your body trying to condition it. Hike 
with whatever pack weighted to your estimated usual near maximum weight. 
You want to build up your body to not only do the miles but to carry the 
pack. I often ballast my pack with 2 - 3 gallons of water, maybe more, to 
get used to the weight.

2.  Find places you can hike up 1000-2000 feet, more if you can find a 
trail. Steep grade is better than a gradual grade.

3.  From my years ago mountain medicine course, one quickly looses 
conditioning to altitude if one returns to a lot lower elevation. Prepare 
for the elevation in your first few days.  Beyond that you can adapt to 
altitude as you go higher in the Sierras.

4.  Perhaps plan for lower mileage days to begin and gradually increase as 
you are on the trail.

My 2¢


Tortoise

<> Because truth matters! <>

On 09/30/10 18:47, Redwood Guy wrote: