[pct-l] Pct-L Digest, Vol 34, Issue 104

[David Thibault]

(TIC) Only 2 mph.  What are you thinking?  This is an elite hiking form!
Only 2 mph - my grandmother can do that with an 80 lb pack.
(TIC off)

Do not worry about this too much. If you are doing any long distances the
mileage will come as you are ready for it.  With the PCT the only real
concerns are at the beginning - as it is sometimes easier if you are able to
do 20 mile days because of water availability.  It is possible to do less
but nicer not to have to carry the extra H2O.  The biggest concern at the
very start is not to overexert yourself into an injury.   When you are tired
stop and give you body the rest it needs.

Trust me - after 3 months on the trail you will be in condition to be able
to do the required mileage for a thru hike.  Besides many people need to
slow down in So Cal anyway due to snow pack issues in the Sierras.  At 2 mph
you need just over 1300 hrs of hiking to complete the PCT in a five month
window.  It works out to an average of 17 miles per day (no zeros).

For a thru-hike Initial conditioning is not as important as the desire and
the love of the outdoors.

Enjoy the Scenery!  (HYOH)


Day-Late


John Wrote:

>
> Hey All,
>
> I know the issue of "hiking speed" is not one of those issues that is
> really
> an issue... so please do not think I am all hung up on this issue - grin.
>
> And, I know that there are a ton of factors that go into this issue, this
> is
> just me trying to get a feel for what most of you out there are able to do
> on a daily basis.
>
> Basically what I am looking for is thoughts on whether my performance is
> where it should be or if I should "pick it up" a bit more... you know...
> man
> up and all that.
>
>
> Just to be clear and honest... the vast majority of my hiking is between
> zero elevation (lots of trails under 100 feet here in the Redwoods) and
> 2000
> feet.... so, pretty much all sea level hiking at this point... kinda woosie
> in that regards.
>
>
> What I have been doing is 10-12 mile trips - with a total pack weight of
> 12-18 (water dependent) - and I have been doing 4 miles per two hours with
> an average of 1000 feet elevation changes.
>
>
> So anyway, just wondering if that is decent or if that is really pathetic
> and I need to suck it up some more and push myself a bit harder.
>
> Thanks.
>
>