Training day

Well, some of you may not know what to think of this, but I've been working on this for the last 3 years. From carrying about 5 pounds for 6 miles with 1300 ft elevation gain in maybe 2 hours at best, I've slowly worked up to doing 6 miles with 1500 foot elevation gain with 25 pounds in 1 hr 20 min. And 8 miles with 2300 ft gain in under 1 hr 45 min, and 10 miles with 3300 ft gain in 2 hr 5 min, all with 25 pounds. I've done the same routes with as much as 35 pounds and am 10 to 15 min slower. I can tell I'm not getting run down as well. While my family around me are getting sick, I stay healthy come rain or shine.

This has all been done with 4 pounds of boots laced to my feet. I am hoping to find something comfortable that is in the 2 pound range but so far have not seem to find anything for when I do the real thing. Spent a week off the trail trying new trail shoes to no success. Even my mountaineering boots are more comfortable than the best of what I have tried on. I need to have happy feet so I'll have to keep looking.

Have a great friday sK

So, what is your training schedule?

You probably stay healthy because your workout makes you happy! That kind of "walking" workout is similar to running or jogging- a good stress reducer.

I cannot say I do that well (but I think I have a few years on you and definitely a few inches shorter legs!) My "workout is a 6- mile loop with 300 feet gain (hey, we do not have many hills in Sacramento)that I do in 1 hr 45 minutes. I love my loop down by the river- I get to see wildlife, fishermen, scoot through oaks and it even has a half-way restroom. I do not go the gym much anymore. I really do not like the entire gym scene (indoors, smelly, loud).

Does your dog get to go with you?

Of course! She is the reason I got into doing this again. Getting out in the "woods" just helps break the crust off each day and we are lucky. No real altitude (highest peak is about 1300 ft above msl) to speak of but Mission Trails (and Mission Gorge a decent climbing spot) is only 15 min from our house. There are little sections of Class 2+ stuff along the way the dog and I blast thru rain or shine. She can actually climb some of the really basic problems...its funny to see her stemming her way up. There are even areas where you cannot hear a freeway! Speaking of smelly though, when the Santa Ana's are blowing, you can smell the dump from on top of one of the peaks. Usually they are not blowing though.

I avoid the gyms too. I have used them in the past and it can be really good if the gym is empty and you can power through everything and keep your hart rate up. I hate it when it's crowded though...too much like a scene and I am not there for that at all.

I get really fidgety if I don't have something to focus on physically. To stay on focus, I have to set goals. I come from a background where I typically swam over 10 miles a day from age 11 to almost 17. I was fast enough to be swimming against 18+ men at 13. I was burnt by 17, but there was always something else to push myself with including running, orienteering, and my version of fast off-trail travel. Since I am 55 now, and I was slackin' prior to this, it has taken me about 3 years to build up to the current workout. That includes going through pushing too hard and having knee and foot issues. So finally, finallyME, this is what I and doing currently.

Monday through Friday

After I get everybody up and fed, I have 2.5 hours to get it all done...

8+ miles with a min gain of 2300 ft carrying a min of 25 pounds in a cheap Jansport pack (mainly water). This takes me under 1hr 45 min. I don't jog the downhill, but on the flats and minor uphills to keep my heart rate up. My current weight variation is between 25 to 35 pounds each time I go.

With my wife on Sat and Sunday (and holidays);

These are my rest days so to speak. We cover 6+ to 8+ miles (I still carry the weight) but it takes us between 1hr45 min to 2 hr for the 6 miler.

I also do core exercises and stretching in the evening.


Every couple of months I'll put on the 35 pounds and do 10 days in a row of 10 milers. Last time I could keep it to 4 mph (over 10 miles in under 2.5 hours)

It's great if you can make it part of your life. I have two cats now, and training them is taking some time lol, but I have recently started a morning paper route and its getting me out regularly 6 days a week. Ties me down a bit for hiking but I plan on training up some neighbourhood kids to take over part time and then full time. Good luck with the boots. Sea level here so I'm not much help in that regard.