1000 miles on the AT

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#1

I was planning on hiking 1000 miles of the Appalachian Trail this summer to get into good hiking shape and to lose some weight before my March 2008 GA-ME thru-hike. I was planning on hiking from Springer Mountain to around Harper’s Ferry from around May 10-August 10. There is an 11 mile section of the AT near my house, if I did that section 90 times this summer, it would be equivalent to around 1000 miles on the AT, is that also the equivalent of hiking 1000 miles on the AT northbound to get into shape? Is there any difference in the weight I would lose and the shape I would get into if I hiked 1000 miles northbound, or 1000 miles on the same section 90 times. all input is GREATLY appreciated. Also, I know that hiking the same section 90 times in a summer will get boring and will be hard to continue to get excited about every morning on the same section, but what do yall think? Will it get me into good shape?

wildchild

#2

I think you would lose more wieght hiking the 1000 miles on the AT than hiking the same section 90 times. Several reasons, the main ones are one: you’d be carring more weight (if you’re like me, you might start with a heavy pack, but it would get lighter as as each day passed) on the 1000 mile hike than on the 11 miles 90 times and two: your terrain on the 1000 mile hike would be more varied (unless you live in Vermont next to the presidentials). Plus, doing the short 11 miles every day would, most likely, get a little boring, it would be too easy to skip a few rainy or too hot days, etc. You, most likely, just wouldn’t do it all 90 days in a row.

But, it would be cheaper and easier to continue your normal life while doing the same section all the time. I guess it would depend on how good you are sticking to a exercise routine. I know quite a few people who have spent quite a bit of money on gym memberships, only to never go to the gym and get anything done.

Bear Bag Hanger

#3

Althought hiking 11miles 90 times around your house is great…it is not like hiking the AT from georgia to Harpers…I used to hike alot prior to my thru hike last year…but then when at home you can have a car…lots of food to get your hands on…but when on the trail…hiking is all you do…and it is fun!!! but I guess this summer if you carry your backpack everywhere even when your 11 miles is done for the day and if you only eat that week what you keep in your backpack then you will drop the weight and get in shape!! and definately no driving you need to walk it or hitch to prepare you!!! I think it would be much more simple if you just started to eat healthier and went to the gym as i could imagine hiking 90 times any section may get boring!!!

centi

#4

I plan on only eating what I would eat on the trail, as well as carrying a full pack of around 30 pounds, so what do yall think? Now is it about the same as hiking from Springer to Harper’s Ferry? I won’t be eating good food everyday when I get home, although I do plan on driving everywhere I have to go, not hitch-hiking, putting on 14 miles almost every single day on the AT is sufficient enough, I don’t think I need to walk to the trailhead also, or hitch-hike to it and back.

wildchild

#5

“I do plan on driving everywhere I have to go…I don’t think I need to walk to the trailhead also, or hitch-hike to it and back”

Okay, in that case, you might want to consider a round trip of 22 miles each day… unless the AT section is a loop (??) or the section is only 5.5 miles and you’ve already factored the round trip into your 11 miles. Otherwise, I’d think you would HAVE to hitchhike back to your car at the end of each day’s hike.

As for the strict regimen, “14 miles ALMOST every single day” sounds somewhat noncommital… how many zero days are you budgeting?

Since you’re so close to the AT, you might want to consider joining your local group of trail maintainers… get out on the Trail a bit, and contribute to its upkeep at the same time! Someone will need to fill in the deep rut that you’ll be making as you cover the same 11 mile (5.5 mile?) stretch 90 (or 180!?) times!! :smiley:

To answer your question, though, of course you’ll be in MUCH better shape than if you did NOTHING! If you can’t do the 1000 mile “section hike”, then the 90x11 (or 90x22) daily “section hike” will have to do. Heck, even a 22 mile round trip once or twice a week is better than nothing! As far as the “boring” aspect goes, set some goals in terms of time and distance, and work toward improving on them each day. If you’re out of shape and overweight, start slow and easy and work up… do the 11 miles one-way until you can’t improve much, then consider doing 22 mile round trips.

Whatever you do, ENJOY IT!!

TBott

TBott

#6

I am going to have my father pick me up and drop me off at the beginning and end of every day, we already agreed to this. But I really would like some more opinions on this about how it would be to get me in shape.

wildchild

#7

Instead of the 1000 prep miles, why don’t you head to Springer & go North? It sounds like you’re geared up & are planning on doing nothing but hiking all day anyway. You’d have 5 1/2 months to make Katahdin…and if you did a flip-flop (like Harper’s to Big K…then Harper’s to Springer), you wouldn’t have to worry about Baxter closing before you finished. I think physical preparation is overrated for long distance hiking (unless you’re really overweight). It’s mental - dealing with pain, pacing yourself…and enjoying it all! After a month on the Trail you’ll be fit for sure.

Don’t eat only what you’ll be eating on your thru-hike. You’ll burn out on it.

Orangeman

#8

I would head north to Katahdin right now except I have school starting in the fall so I would only have a 3 month window to hike the AT in, and i’m not willing to put in 23 mile days to finish in 3 months…i’m gonna wait till March of 2008 and head north with everyone else.

wildchild

#9

Not for nothin’, but the presidentials are in New Hampshire, not Vermont!

Oreo Angel

#10

If your house is near the AT, then there is not just that 11-mile section nearby, there is trail extending both north and south from that section. I bet there are also connecting trails and other backpacking to be done around your area. Try being creative and exploring all the hiking that there is to be done within a twenty, thirty, forty mile radius. Try some multi-day section hikes. You could hike the same section over, and over, and over, but in my opinion your body would adapt, adjust, and remember the workout quite quickly and after 5 times of hiking the trail the climbs would not be as hard and you would just start breezing through it. Add more miles, different terrain, and you are increasing your workout thus burning more calories thus increasing your fitness, not to mention seeing new things everyday and getting to know the area surrounding your home better than probably anyone you know.

smack

#11

Chances are that you will be excercising alot more then you are now so you will get in reasoable shape.

The problem I see is that you are treating this like going to the gym everyday. Unless you are enjoying what you are doing, you may have difficulty amintaining your discipline.

As for food, It will be a major problem. I agree with the previous poster who said that you don’t want to burn out on trail food. I would also add that most trail diets are not that healthy. They tend to be low in protein, salty, and lacking in fruits and vegetables.

My recommnedation would be to carry a full pack but explore as many different areas around your house as possible. Try experimenting with different trail foods but by all means eat healthy.
:cheers

Jalan

#12

I was wondering where is the eleven mile section of the AT. The AT is not the same everywhere. 11 miles in New Hampshire’s Presidentials, for example, is a far cry from 11 miles in Shanandoah National Park.

And even if you get “in shape” this summer, you’d still need to keep up some form of exercise through the winter to be in shape to start a thruhike next year. I’d focus this summer on learning how to have fun hiking, not counting miles. Enjoy! Rainbow

Rainbow

#13

Rainbow-- it is actually a 14.5 mile section, it is the section between Testnatee Gap and Unicoi Gap in Georgia. I originally said 11 miles due to miscalulation, but it is 14.5 miles over some fairly tough terrain.

wildchild

#14

I tried 3 times to send this on the 22. Let’s see if my cut and paste will work. nope, so I will try to remember what I said.

You need to examine the reasons you want to do this thru hike. You might find your answer there. I would think that in those reasons is a desire to do some long distance back packing. I say hit the trail for that 1000 miles. You will gain experience, have a chance to perfect your choices in equipment, see what works and what other people are using and get to meet some great people, some that might be back on the trail next year. You will have a wonderful time and know what to expect next year, you might even want to do a few different things next year. If you want to lose weight and get in shape, HIT THE TRAIL!!! I know of no better way to lose weight and get in shape and have so much fun at the same time. What are you waiting for??? It sounds like you have some time and can afford to do this. How boring to do the same hike 90 days in a row when you can get out there and actually backpack. You will get a variety of terrain and you will also know if you really want to do a thru hike next yesr.

Sleeveless AT '05

Sleeveless

#15

How can one live near only a 11 mile section? Why dont you hike the trail one way or another for 1,000 miles or 500 miles the turn around. The Springer to Harpers Ferry would be better though. You will still me other thru hikers, thats when all the college kids start.

Kirby

#16

I would suggest you hike a cont. section of the AT. You have a chnge of scenary and you are progressing towards something new. Sectionhiking the AT is not a politically incorrect way to hike the trail. I completed 3 trips in long sections. For some reason(perhaps consensus or time constranits) only about 20% of hikers that complete the AT do it in sections. Just take it easy and the weight will come off.One of the joys of hiking the AT for extended periods of time is the change in perception that occurs. Concepts such as lineraity(going from point A to point B-Springer -Kad.), what is prosperity vs wealth, why does society create status and what is its purpose, are just a few that many hikers question and think about while hiking and otherwise. Enjoy your summer!

mike