Re: [Philmont]: How tough is it?

>should I give up on my dream of Philmont?

No. There are few people who can not do a Philmont trek * if they are
sufficiently motivated*. I am a poster child for not being ready
before we began training for Philmont in 1999. I had never really
hiked, neverless backpacked. I was a slightly overweight asthmatic
arthritic (and according to some in my crew - ugly) 50 year old fart.
And I developed a bacterial pneumonia in January before our 2000
trek. I might not have been a pretty sight, but I made it.

Muscle aches are a matter of conditioning. I have found nothing better
than "hair of the dog that bit you" for that. Hike, hike, hike.
Dayhikes with light packs are great, especially if you have mountains or
hills. Walk every day. Gradually increase the speed and stress of
your hikes. Push yourself, but don't kill yourself. Make it fun.

As Dr. Bob suggested, have the knees checked out so that if there is a
condition that can be treated you can get it over with early in the
game. Then it's a matter of muscle conditioning. I use a combination
of a stair stepper and leg lifts on a machine to increase strength. And
did I mention hike, hike, hike?

You'll notice I did not mention a treadmill. I would use one if that
was the only way I could train, but given a choice I'll hit the trail.
Trails offer variety, views, fresh air, rain, wind, sometimes bad
weather, critters, exhiliration, people to meet and greet, and fun, fun,
fun. You will also develop a hiking rhythm on trail.

I am advocate of poles. They got me through my first trek and were
helpful on the second. I had conditioned enough before the third trek
that they stayed in my backpack. You have to practice with them to
learn how they best help you. Another reason to hike.

Minimizing pack weight is also important. My pre-food and crew gear
pack weight is 38 pounds. Some pack much lighter. If you have not
already done so, start looking for ways to get your pack weight down. My
base camp weight with 4 days food, trek level first aid kit, crew gear
and water was 55 pounds last summer.

You've got time to get in shape. Take advantage of every opportunity to
hike and condition. The better shape you are in when you get to
Philmont, the more fun you will have.

Do not give up on your dream. Make it your goal to get ready for it.
Set other goals aside while you get ready and seek every opportunity to
hit the trail. Take the family. Take the dog. Make it fun. It might
just become a passion like it has for me.

YiS
Doug
2000, 2002, 2004

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Received on Wed Jun 1 06:47:36 2005