tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14196086.post112058381094605275..comments2024-03-27T22:47:39.059-04:00Comments on Miscellaneous Posts: Hike Across Maryland 2005Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14196086.post-79568253864980884122015-01-03T18:59:50.011-05:002015-01-03T18:59:50.011-05:00I have merely been using the treadmill to increase...I have merely been using the treadmill to increase endurance and have been hiking the AT in PA this past summer, so am unfortunately familiar with the rocks. My ankles hurt just thinking about them. <br /><br />I backpack in a pair of low top Patagonias which are on the heavier side, so will follow your advice and will probably go with some trail runners. <br /><br />I will also go shopping for lots of lumens since I also enjoy seeing where I'm going. <br /><br />Thanks again for your advice Cham, it is greatly appreciated. Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01351308650556012168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14196086.post-41959863220877096852015-01-03T15:44:27.672-05:002015-01-03T15:44:27.672-05:00I got news for you, the treadmill is not a trail. ...I got news for you, the treadmill is not a trail. Treadmills are cake, Maryland trails not so much. The only way to train is outside, in the crappy weather and on a trail so one can get used to rocks, more rocks, did I mention there were rocks?<br /><br />I made a couple of mistakes that I would care not to repeat. There is a checkpoint along Wolfsville Road where I failed to refuel and get water because I was feeling pretty good. I walked up to the ridge on South Mountain and my feet cramped up. Somebody gave me some water and I sucked down some liquid food, and I was on my way but I should have eaten something. I also should have hiked with lighter shoes. I believed a sales person at REI when she recommended the worst hiking shoes ever, I ended up with lots of blisters. <br /><br />Headlamps have greatly improved since 2005, go ahead and purchase as many lumens as you can afford for the weight. Vision, it's a good thing.Chamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06353036103471800904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14196086.post-182144102913123582015-01-03T15:25:29.439-05:002015-01-03T15:25:29.439-05:00Thanks for the reply. I have been hiking shorter d...Thanks for the reply. I have been hiking shorter distances on weekends (usually around 5-6 miles per outing), using the treadmill during the week, and working out with kettlebells throughout the entire week. I think I need to probably start to increase my weekend hike mileage while maintaining or possibly reducing parts of my existing exercise regimen (I do work full-time and have a family). I'm also just a bit over two hours from PenMar, so maybe I should go hike from there a time or two. <br /><br />Which part of the hike did you find most difficult?Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01351308650556012168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14196086.post-49828372967421218112015-01-03T14:47:24.200-05:002015-01-03T14:47:24.200-05:00It really depends on your current level of fitness...It really depends on your current level of fitness. This is basically a math problem. It's January now and HAM is usually on the first week of May, so there are 16 weeks between now and then. You'll need to be able to walk 42 miles with 6900 feet of elevation change by then. If you have a regular job, every Saturday will need to be booked with some type of hike between now and then. By the end of March one should be able to perform 20 miles on the roller coaster in Virginia. If one doesn't stick to a schedule then expect to fail. All I can say is create a plan, then work the plan and you will be fine. I trained alone and was better for the journey as I could be more flexible. Training hikes should be where you want to go, they do get long and boring so make sure you are where you want to be. <br /><br />As far as supplies, make sure you can carry 1.5-2 liters of water because there will be a few long stretches, and I'd take some liquid energy packs too, to prevent your legs from cramping between check points.Chamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06353036103471800904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14196086.post-88651815379046637422015-01-03T14:10:13.188-05:002015-01-03T14:10:13.188-05:00Hi, my name is Mike and I just received notificati...Hi, my name is Mike and I just received notification for the upcoming 2015 HAM, googled "preparing for the Hike Across Maryland," and found your blog. Do you have any suggestions on training beyond what you outlined in your blog, as well as any recommendations on what and/or what not to carry on the HAM? I appreciate any advice you can provide.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01351308650556012168noreply@blogger.com