How am I preparing to go hiking?

out of season

Yes, I have an off season. I usually define this when my sleep system and three-season tent are no longer comfortable on the trail for several days. However, my way of thinking is changing and this year I have decided to include off-season travel in my action plan. For those who know me, you will know that I am not a fan of the cold. Shoulder season in New England is no walk in the park. There are few things I am willing to subject myself to in the cold and hiking is one of them!

During these months (usually mid-October to early April): I plan, research new equipment, check existing equipment and kit items for damage or signs of wear, note replacements, and make a plan of action. Hiking gear has become a topic of great interest to me. I like to be aware of new options and innovations. Also, staying up to date is encouraging for me because from my original setup that we talked about here: https://thetrek.co/the-woods-Called-me-home/, I only had to replace a couple of items and add a few options for different seasons. Of course, I removed some elements that I considered essentially useless along the way.

My preparation is not limited to dreaming and researching. There are physical and mental disciplines at play when preparing for any hike, no matter how big. Once spring comes into the picture, I’m usually ready to go long before conditions on New Hampshire’s highest peaks are ready to accept me.

It is a physical world

In general I stay very active all year round. I teach and train mixed martial arts and have a consistent exercise routine. Within which I have an arsenal of training and recovery mechanisms adapted to my lifestyle. This is something I will certainly discuss during the final stages of preparation before embarking on The Long Walk.

Mentality is everything.

Mental preparation is not that simple for me; That depends on the specific hike, time of year, number of days, alone or not, and a variety of other factors. I push myself outside my comfort zone in my physical routine, which encourages a kind of mental numbness. Most importantly, I talk to my family about my next adventures. Support from those closest to you at home is important for a successful hike.

Feed yourself

Nutrition can certainly make or break your hike! A well-balanced, protein-rich diet works for me.

Hydration

Just drink water buddy! Being dehydrated sucks.

And now what?

Maintaining course prep remains the goal until my boots reach the trailhead. My first hike of the season will be a two-day hike from Franconia Notch to Crawford Notch that will cover some very notable sections of the AT to include the Infamous: «twin track» and some side quests. Second on the list is Crawford Notch to Pinkham Notch, which includes the presidential ones and probably more side quests. The third will be from Pinkham Notch to Rattle River and then up to Maine to include some time in the Mahoosuc Mountain Range. These trips should serve as a good agility test for my overall goal of finishing Vermont’s Long Trail over a 272-mile course with a ten-day deadline.

See you on the trails!

Minuteman

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