RE: [Philmont]: Physical Condition

I'm 52, underweight, and skinny as a rail (I have heredity to thank for
that), so weight loss was not a factor. But poor blood sugar metabolism and
endurance concerned me.

I started conditioning last summer for this summer's trek. I was already
doing short morning runs of a mile twice a week before work, with upper body
exercises and stretching on non-run days, so I gradually increased my
distance to 2 and a half miles four times per week. Twice a week I would put
on my pack, starting at 30 pounds and increasing to 45 pounds by late
spring, and climb the stairs in my house for 30 to 45 minutes at a brisk
pace. I calculated that 30 minutes was the equivalent of climbing then
descending 1000' of elevation. The crew also did three strenuous weekend
treks and one five-day trek on or near the AT.

Philmont trail food kept my blood sugar over-stoked so endurance was not an
issue. I was able to keep up with the scouts fairly easily...except climbing
Baldy, where even then I was not huffing the worst. Big change from 100' of
elevation! Returning to my normal no-sugar diet has been a challenge
though...

>Ched Hudson
ASM, Troop 994
Fairfax Station VA
Philmont 1967, 2004 (713-M-3, Trek 32)
  -----Original Message-----
  From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com]On
Behalf Of MelMetz@aol.com
  Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 8:42 AM
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Subject: [Philmont]: Physical Condition

  With 2004 Philmont season drawing to an end. Would like to hear from
adults, especially those over 40, on how you prepared yourself for Philmont.
Just hiking with the scouts does not make it happen and some of you found
out the hard way.

  Mel Metzler T320
  Dayton, OH

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Received on Thu Aug 5 07:55:21 2004