[pct-l] IN SHAPE?

[ROYROBIN@aol.com (ROYROBIN@aol.com)]

In a message dated 10/4/01 1:14:03 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
maxpi_44@yahoo.com writes:

<< I work up to
 4.5 fast miles every day (three times around our
 favorite route) will I be in shape to start out and
 hike perhaps 10 to 15 miles with a pack? >>

With 45-pound pack, no way!
With 15-pound pack, no problem!

I must agree with Brick's comments -- You should get some distance into your 
preparation, say an 8 to 10-mile hike at least once a week, and then do a 
15-miler with pack once before you hit the trail just to prove to yourself 
that you can do it.  Uncertainty about your capability adds a lot of stress, 
and who needs that?  

Work on getting the pack weight down.  Lighter is easier.  Even Tom will 
agree that you shouldn't carry any more than you need.  It's just that Tom 
"needs" chocolate cake for dessert, so he "needs" to carry the oven.  Now the 
best plan is to hike with Tom.  He has been known to share his cake!