8Feb/105
Who Likes Hiking And Camping? Help?
Me and my women would like to go camping this summer, in June. She's super in shape. I'm not, I'm like 30lbs overweight. What can I do to prepare myself for those long mountain trails? Any tips
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Nulled by Dead Soul
February 8th, 2010 - 13:24
Depending on how much time you have before your camping trip you could train.
Start by taking walks around where you live, preferably “cross country” style walks would be best (you know on the grass in open fields up hills stuff) slowly increase the time that you spend walking, first two weeks might be half an hour next week make it an hour and so on.
Also try walking with weights in a backpack or buy a weighted vest, this will get your body use to any gear you may have to carry and of course SLOWLY increase the weight you carry to get used to it. I can’t stress this enough, make sure you are mindful of the weight and how you’re carrying it it is amazingly easy to hurt yourself using any sort of weighted work out, this one especially since you’ll probably be getting your back involved. Makes for a decent work out too if you ever plan on losing weight (I mean that in the nicest way possible).
You could also just ask your “camping partner” how to get ready for it she might consider that something nice to do with you.
February 8th, 2010 - 13:33
June isn’t far away!
First, I would suggest talking with your doctor. If you’re like most of us, you probably are overdue for a physical anyway. Based on your health (which isn’t as easily measured as weight), your doctor may have some specific advice.
Then, start walking every day. If you are not used to much activity, start with just a few minutes, and gradually work your way up. It’s not so much about losing the weight as increasing your level of fitness. You won’t get ultra-fit in time for your trip, but you should at least be able to improve a little, and also get a sense of your own limits.
Make sure that your girlfriend knows your limits, too. It’s easy for people who have been very fit for a long time to overestimate what a less active person can do safely. One way to keep things reasonable on a hike is for the least fit person in your party (probably you) to lead the way. Resist the temptation to “prove” something by going faster than is comfortable for you. Pick a pace that you can keep up for as long as necessary, and let her follow you. Remember to be reasonable about how much weight you can lift and carry, as well. If you have to divide your pack into several loads and make more than one trip up a tough section of trail, so be it.
Accept that you may not get as far, or as fast, as a party of super-hikers. That’s better than ending up six feet underground because you pushed too hard.
February 8th, 2010 - 13:41
Well if its in the end of June, no worries. Just do a few day hikes in the area you`ll be hiking. The first time out just take the 10 essentials (as you should even for a day hike not just an overnight) in a small book bag. or even in the backpack you`ll be using on your trip. The next day hike add some weight to the backpack, could be anything from water bottles (which is great in case you need extra water in an emergency) or rocks found at the trailhead. 1 gallon of water weighs 8.3lbs. On each day hike make the pack weight closer to the weight of your pack that you plan on carrying and increase the mileage with each day hike.
After about 4 or 5 day hikes you`ll body will get used to the weight of the pack, your feet will get used to your boots, and you`ll know what to expect. The best way to train for anything is to do it on a smaller scale until you are comfortable enough to take it on a larger scale.
Your diet from here on out can also help you be on your way to tackling the trails. Skip the soda`s…go for water or gatorade here on out. The processed sugars and calories in the soda`s will knock you out on the trail. For dinner the night before you leave have something carb packed like pasta`s or potatoes.
February 8th, 2010 - 13:56
simple, dont do a long mouintain trail–pick a short one, even experienced hikers warm up early in the season and dont do a rigorous hike right away..hike a smaller mountain with big views, or hike to a backcountry lake for lunch, or to a waterfall –you got many options
February 8th, 2010 - 14:23
Plan on making several stops for brakes, take your time, and bring plenty of water along for the hike.