gonealpine.com - Training

Assuming you read the article on endurance training, now specifically you want to do better in a specific area. Here you will learn how to...

A desire to be outside in beautiful surroundings is the best place to start with this one. Where else can one learn to appreciate nature, life and a few things about their body in a close to perfect clean air environment. Hiking doesn't have to be difficult, but you can make it that way depending on where you go, what you do and how long you are out for. All three of these things and others play a huge factor when you go out for a hike.

Questions covered under Training... so if you aren't getting answers in this article in relation to these areas, its cuz ya didn't look over the Training article first, silly.

Where do I start? How do I know when to increase my time or distance in my training? What is the easiest way to increase my energy levels? Does what I eat affect my performance and training levels? The mental game! What is your puke point? Why do I keep getting muscle CRAMPS? Are you sweating? Why water? "Can I get a double grande almond mocha with extra whip, please?" What is cross training and why should I consider it? Are you stretching cold muscles? When can I sleep?

~ Never been hiking? Now is a good time to start. I don't know anyone that has ever regretted hiking. There is so much you learn to appreciate in life when you get off the beaten path for just a moment. Hiking takes in so much more than just nature. Physically it can be demanding if you don't do it very often or are just starting out. With dirt trails, elements of nature, hills up and down and wild life and stream crossings the adventure never ends.

~ Where should I go? That is another good question. First ask yourself "what would I like to see?" Waterfalls, rivers, mountain tops and valleys are all quite impressive views. If you live in the Great Northwest there are several suggestions listed under hikes, rides or backpacking, listed on this site. Even if you don't live here take a look and read the page over to give you a good idea of what its all about. Find yourself a good local hiking/climbing store and go speak to some of the people that work there. Let them know what you'd like to see and listen to their suggestions. They may show you some great local books that are specific to what you want to do. You may eventually find that where you first like to go may not be the last place you end up. There is so much to see... be open to new things.

A couple Food Do's and Do not's

Do not eat a big meal just before hitting the hill. ~ Do eat a healthy protein rich moderate meal 1 hour prior to your hitting the trailhead. Otherwise you will get sick, have stomach issues, side aches or just toss it back out.

Do eat a good protein rich meal after. This is necessary for your body to heal and feed the muscles you just trained. ~ Do not wait longer than an hour 1/2 after activity. Your body will start to rob other body muscles and parts to feed and nourish the ones you just used. You will thus loose precious muscle and not fat.

Do take with you quick acting nutrients like nuts, protein bars, Powerade, dried fruit. ~ Do not take foods that have mayonnaise, mustard and milk. Things that need to be refrigerated, need cold - unless you want to pack a frig out here bacteria will start growing immediately and believe me food poisoning is not as pleasant in the mountains as it is in the comforts of your own bathroom.

~ Do I need to be in good shape before I take to the hills? The answer to that is NO! However you don't want to take on to much for what your body will handle. If you are over weight you want to consider that in where you go and for how long. Start slow and easy, work your way up... nice and easy. There is no need to rush no matter what your height and weight are.

One way you can prepare yourself a little is by getting out and doing a little walking. Anytime you can get out and walk the block or around the neighborhood it will help your endurance for hiking. The uneven terrain is difficult to copy in the city environment so you need to be creative in your preparation. Many take to walking stairs, going to the gym and working out or running to give their body a little more muscle they may need.

~ What should I take with me? Any time you head out you should be prepared to stay an extra day if you have to. The reason being, is that even though you are in a wonderful surrounding things do go wrong, weather changes and blisters happen. Being a little pessimistic before you leave for the hills is actually a positive thing. Some don't think they need all they take until it's too late. Being prepared is key to a pleasant trip and safe return.

There a things we call the 10 essentials that actually are essential to any outdoor sport you take on, these should be a staple to your back pack.

We say extra clothes and food because this would be in addition to your normal food and clothing for the trip. We recommend you take the following especially on a day hike:

Nutritious food, water (2 liters), pencil, small notebook or paper, rain gear, extra batteries, gaiters, hat, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, water purification tablets or filter, pack rain cover, umbrella, extra socks, clothes & shoes for in the car.

~ Where's the bathroom? Many times you are standing just about 5 - 10 feet from it. It's called a tree or just behind one. If you can hold it till you get to the outhouse or restroom, that is best but many of us can't. So nature is going to be where you leave your mark. Things to remember for that:

~ Who should I take with me? Anybody you'd like. It's usually good to go with someone that is equally if not more experienced than you are. You will learn measures of things just by watching how they react to the environment and hills themselves.

~ What should I wear on my body and on my feet? People tend to wear way too much to start and wear horrible shoes. Your feet are your number one concern! They are your mode of travel, your feet will get you in and out and what you put on them is another key to a good trip.

~ Why know how to read a map when the trail is right in front of me? Because the trail could end, change direction, split off, look different when you turn around, cut off or just not be there when you think it should. Even if you've never take it out, you should know where on a map you are going. I have a ton of maps and 99% of the time to I leave home without one. The only exception is when I'm on a training route = same route several times a month. For those out of trail experiences read Bushwhacking 101. Other wise learn to read a map and use a compass. There are many in the climbing community that teach compass courses, it's actually pretty easy to do. Leaning to read a map just takes a few minutes of studying the actual map. The more you look at the map the more you learn what it all means. For some good easy quick map and compass learning read Wilderness Navigation by Bob & Mike Burns, they sell plenty of them at your local REI and climb shops.

~ How often is often enough to go? Hua? The truth is, the only real way to be any good or do well at hiking is by just getting out there and doing it, and doing it regularly. If you only get out once a month, so be it - make it a good memorable trip. If you can go more often the better you are for it.

~ Does taking kids make any difference? YES! It can make a huge difference. You need food incentive for children. Your child's body can only do so much. It is not made nor can it tolerate conditions like an adults body can. Kids need food and water more often than that of an adult, yet their body can't carry much weight more than a couple pounds. A light fun pack with treats are about what a kid can handle. But be prepared to carry it out if they can't do so themselves. This is something they have to work up to.

"Hiking is a wonderful experience in itself, an adventure you will never regret starting. Don't be afraid... just get out there and do it once - you'll be hooked forever."