[pct-l] Heat Acclimatization and Training

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@aol.com)]

I started my thru-hike in very good aerobic condition.  I hiked only 10 to 15 
mile days for the first several days due to a partner with a bad knee.  When 
she went out, I had so much energy pent up that I walked 32 miles the next day.

I agree that it is beneficial to be in good aerobic condition to start.  I 
also agree that by Agua Dulce your body will have adjusted to the routine and 
hardened to the hiking every day, or else something; a knee, an ankle, your 
back, or your head will reject the routine.  It is a stereotype, of course, that 
most who quit, do so within the first few hundred miles, but I think it is 
mostly true.  

This is what makes the kickoff so fun; looking into the worried eyes of those 
who aspire, each one questioning themselves and those around them, secretly 
within their brains, asking "who among us are the ones who will ultimately 
reach Monument 78?"  

Ask Yogi.  I think that she probably has the best insight into what it takes 
as anyone, having hiked the trail three (?) times in the past few years.

Hiking condition is great for big men posting up underneath the basket in 
basketball.  Once you plant your feet NO ONE is going to move those legs.  
However, running down the court doesn't work too well at 2 1/2 mph! ;-)

Happy New Year!

Strider