I think if they had done that experiment after he just finished running 20k things would have progressed much much faster. Knowing when and how to slow down, chow down, and throw on more clothing to store up energy in advance of a storm is a pretty good skill to develop I should think. Something I'm more in tune with from small boat sailing, but I try and transfer it over to hiking and camping. Food and insulation is key, and the experience of knowing how much energy is needed to do stuff, and how much energy you got. I don't really like paddling on the Bay of Fundy unless I'm prepared to spend the night out there, not that I would. Mountains are something I know nothing about, but I think they require more of the respect of an ocean than a pond.