[Philmont] Conditioning

I totally underscore what T.M. pointed out: you can train the
running/swimming/free weight lifting muscles all you want and you'll not
have the backpacking muscles fully prepared. The ONLY way to FULLY prepare
the body for backpacking is to backpack. You just need to do a weekend trip
in the months preceding Philmont and you'll train the mind and muscles what
to expect. It's the "what to expect" that makes the difference. It's not
that the muscles aren't flexible and subtle and strong--you can get that
done with your usual exercise program. To backpack comfortably, you have to
train the mind. Backpacking is as much mental as it is physical. You walk
differently, you step up and down differently, and you even rest
differently. You'd think the stair master would get it done; it doesn't.

An adult does need to prepare for Philmont aerobically--that's the 2nd best
way to attack the change in altitude--and strength wise because both are the
building blocks of making the body work. BTW, upper body conditioning with
free weights and such is very necessary, even if only a little bit. This
will cut down on much of the soreness in the back and help prevent injury
from tugs and falls. A Scout must be in at least the minimum shape needed
to get through an active gym class, but they don't have to be a student
athlete. If they huff and puff and stop on the shakedown hikes a lot more
than the other Scouts, then you may have a problem and need to get those
Scouts to do extra work. Most of the Scouts who go, however, are in good
enough shape off the street to do Philmont at a pace enough to at least
finish. Part of the reason for that is the Advisors will slow the pace,
anyway. If the Scouts DO work on backpacking and aerobics and strength
conditioning, they will enjoy Philmont more, reduce their risk of injury,
and get from camp to camp quicker; but that's gravy and one of the things
that separates Great crews from Just Get By crews.

So, you're question is mostly addressed to adults. If you do SOMETHING
every week and go on all the shakedown hikes, you'll be okay unless you're
overweight. The only way to deal with that is by diet. Exercise will tone
the body and make the mind feel better, but an over-40 or especially an
over-50 just can't loose fat to the degree you need for Philmont except by
dieting. The motivation is more than just making Philmont's mandatory
maximum weight chart--taking a pound off the body is the equivalent of
taking 6 to 8 pounds out of your pack. Same ratio exists with ounces for
boots.

The 1st best way to deal with altitude is to begin the hike fully hydrated.
I don't mean drink until you can't drink anymore. This refers to being
hydrated the entire week before leaving, staying hydrated on the trip out,
and fighting hard to stay hydrated at Base Camp (very difficult to do).
Then, most importatntly, stay as hydrated as you can on the assents,
particularly the day and night before. During the assent, go only as fast
as you can go comfortably. The crew (Scouts in particular) should have been
nicely warned about this during shakedowns and won't be surprised by all the
"photo opp" breaks called by the Advisors. A Great Crew and Great Crew
Leader will actually plan for this and kick the plan in when the need
arises, just like having a plan to do a certain distance or certain
activity.

If the crews' plans don't include a shakedown hike every month (but
February) in the Spring, fill in the non-Scout months by going on one
yourself. There's bound to be other adult backpackers somewhere in your
area you can hook up with like the Sierra Club. If not, put an adult group
together yourself; you only need 3 or 4. Adults-only hiking is totally fun,
too, just in a different way. Can you do the "backpacking muscles thing" by
walking football stadiums and hilly streets at home? Yes, but it won't be
much fun nor will it be as effective. Carrying a load while walking
involves stepping sideways as well as up and down. Let the trails teach
your mind as well as your body. IOW--GET OUT THERE!

(Just my opinions from being with and watching adults and Scouts during 12
treks to Philmont, '89-'06. Your mileage may vary.)

Jerry Lewis
2007 611-I2, Troop 303, McKinney, Texas

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Received on Fri Sep 8 17:09:21 2006