[Philmont] Conditioning

Jerry, your comments are right on target.

Dan Preston
Louisville, KY
On Sep 8, 2006, at 5:02 PM, Jerry Lewis wrote:

> 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 17:29:58 2006