AT: Preparation & Training

I have said many times that the only way I can lose weight is to go for a long hike. What a great excuse to go for a hike! The only problem is that I eventually gain it back. I will typically lose 20-25 lbs on longer hikes although my record is 40 lbs on the PCT. Still learning about nutrition and a tough bout with giardia were contributing factors on that one. I enjoyed my “high school” weight for a short while!

I’m getting my food together for the next adventure. My trail diet usually consists of oatmeal, granola or pop tarts and Via instant coffee for breakfast, a breakfast bar for a mid-morning snack, special nut and fruit trail mix for lunch, and an energy bar in the afternoon. Dinner is an assortment of Knorr Rice/Pasta Sides or instant refried beans as a base. I’ll add jerky, tuna, salmon, chicken, or bacon bits. Store bought freeze-dried meals are also getting more use. I will add a few instant puddings for a sweet treat. Town food is usually appreciated, fun and a free-for-all.

I am a firm believer that most of the trail-hardening comes on the trail. Just don’t go out too hard, too fast. I will usually average 4-5 miles a day on trails or roads walking a happy lab. Add the backpack and weight the last month before starting, light weight and core workouts 3 times per week and a few bike rides per week. If it was warmer and I was more diligent, I would do more lap swimming. I think all this has helped strengthened the core and helped reduce risk of injury.

I have worn a brace on a surgically repaired ankle for hikes the last few years. May do that for both ankles on the AT because of my supination, over-pronation issues.