Am I training or preparing for a hike? And is there any difference?

How early is “too early” to start training for a hike? Is there technically a difference between “training” and “preparation”? What should I focus on? Do I have to make this “Facebook official” before I start?!? What does it mean if I think my head needs more preparation than my legs?

Since I booked my JMT permit the first week of February, I’ve had these thoughts, and many more, floating around as I try to figure out…what now?

In about 5 months I will begin my 225 mile journey. The trail is not as demanding as the PCT or other larger hikes, especially in terms of planning and preparation. And there are quite a few other adventures I hope to enjoy this year. But it’s still beyond any hike you’ve done before and will require several new skills and organization.

During the first week of confirming my permit and dates, I sat down and read my journal to start focusing on some values ​​I had for this hike and what goals I could create to prepare:

Mental

-Carefully select (filter) social media to have a balanced perspective of other hikers, but also not too much to compare myself.

-Put the date on my calendars and start talking about it as if it were real and official.

-Create a general to-do list and then set dates for each goal.

-Eliminate unnecessary responsibilities and additional trips just before and after the trip.

-Make a list of necessary equipment and start shopping on the FB marketplace

-get my WFR

Emotional

-Find a group of other JMT hikers to bond with in the chaos and learn from them.

-Tell your friends to help support and encourage you.

-Connect with a therapist or trainer to develop walking skills.

-plan an overnight “end of trip” and celebration with your spouse

-Invest in technology so I can talk to my loved ones while I’m on the road.

Physical

-2-3 small hikes completed before JMT

*one international, one local, one near the exit to confirm team

-lifting during winter: focus on knees and lower back strength

-May-start back to yoga classes.

-See a podiatrist and decide what shoes/insoles I need

-Create calorie/meal prep counter for my daily meals. Look for a freeze-dried vegetable alternative.

-Find 2 or 3 walks that “challenge” me or make me “uncomfortable,” practice decision-making moments, and walk while scared.

-Practice self-defense against: humans, animals, etc. while I’m on the path to get my body used to the necessary movements.

-Practice a resupply and walk.

Obviously, there are many considerations when training for a hike, but there is clearly one main thread woven into my list above: PRACTICE

Literally, get up and try the thing and see how it goes and then learn from it and then you’ll know better and then you’ll move on.

It really is the ultimate growth mindset moment for me.

Because I have never walked so many miles, I have never resupplied, I have never carried food for so many days at once. And many more never. And yet, I have decided that I will do it. Etc. I will do that. And anything between now and then is practical. The opportunity to get closer to the moment when I can say: I have walked so many miles, I have resupplied, I have carried so many days of food at once.

This is what training will be like for me, that’s my goal. Because writing and recording these goals seems like a more useful practice than imagining and listing all the things that worry me most.

Currently, I have already completed a short practice hike, and next week there will be a more complicated one! Don’t worry, I’ll be writing about all of them. The emotional training has been a little easier so far, while mentally I feel more exhausted than anything as I plan where to get resupplies and find the gear I need for cheap. I am grateful for the groups of other hikers I have connected with while planning and imagining this adventure.

I’ll leave you with some journal prompts I made for myself while creating my JMT goals.

1. When did I start dreaming about this hike and how can I celebrate the journey I took to get here?
2. What are 3 or 4 words I hope to focus on as I train for this hike?
3. Who is inspiring me? Who can I look up to when I’m feeling overwhelmed or not good enough?
4. What are my priorities for this hike? My non-negotiables?
5. What do I hope to take away when I finish?
6. What 3 main ways do I want to take care of my mental (emotional/physical) self over the next 5 months?

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