RE: [Philmont]: Physical Condition

I can echo Randy's comments. I would add that it was more strenuous
than I expected. I did exercise on the Stairmaster 3-4 times a week for
an hour elevating my heart rate into the cardio range (210 floors in an
hour at the end). I also did some chest strengthing. Where I fell
short was in the buttocks, which surprised me, and the ankles. Personal
schedules made it difficult to get many pre-trek weekend hikes in,
including the advisors schedule. More hiking would have helped the
ankle pains (3 twisted ankles including my own, none serious, none
requiring removal).
 
If I were to do it again, I'd go back to the 500 foot bluffs of Devils
Lake State Park in Wisconsin and hike up and down the moderately steep
trails for 5-6 hours. (we did a 10 miler there which took us up and down
twice, but that does not compare to what Philmont presents.) Then I'd
find a dry river bed loaded with rocks and hike up and down that for a
day to toughen up the feet and ankles. Sounds harsh, but there were
times on our trek where the conditions were that tough. The rocky
"pack" trail of Dean Skyline and the trail up Grouse and Sawmill canyons
to Sawmill camp were hard on my legs, knees and ankles. Even the
easiest trails at Philmont are tougher than most flatlanders can
replicate in the Midwest. The past two weeks at Philmont were
definitely the hardest physical activity I have ever done in my life.
 
Still, my conditioning did pay off as I was able to do it. I struggled
at times and was one of the slowest members of the crew, but that was
going to be a given anyway as I have a very short stride to begin with.
My legs were leaden at the end of a few of our harder climbs, but
caterpillering and proper rest breaks gave them enough strength to
continue.
 
BTW, we did the "typical" itinerary #2. My only complaint about the
itinerary is that the fist 2 days are too short on too level of ground
(6-mile Gate to Ansazzi then on to Indian Writings). Then the Ranger
leaves and you have 2 very hard hard climbs in a row (Indian Writings to
Ponil over Hart Peak, then on to Dean Cow via Dean Skyline). Those two
days sorely tested our crew.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On
Behalf Of Pfeifer Randy-QA4427
Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 1:00 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Subject: RE: [Philmont]: Physical Condition

I've been 39 for about 7 years now but will comment anyway...
 
I think my biggest mistake was walking primarily on flat ground most of
the time. We did a couple very good shake down weekends in hilly areas
in Wisconsin that were very helpful. ... At Philmont I found that I
was not the fastest hiker by far but not the slowest either. I didn't
feel particularly winded except in a few cases so I apparently
acclimated to the altitude change OK (we live in the Chicago area
somewhere around 800 ft and of course very flat). I'm sure all the
training I did made a big difference but I'm also sure I could have done
more. Overall, I felt I did better than expected. ...

Randy Pfeifer

(847) 632-5563

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On
Behalf Of MelMetz@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 7:42 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 Mon Aug 16 13:12:02 2004