Hiking after age 60

imported
#1

As I intend to rehike the trail after age 60, I would like to hear of the experiences of people who either thru-hiked the AT or some comparable trail after age 60; or who came close.

In particular, I’m wondering what you felt was critical to the success of your trip; how your feet and knees held up (particularly if you had any knee surgery prior to hiking; or plantar fasciitis problems with your feet); what sort of daily milage you were able to maintain; and what you most enjoyed about the trip.

For your responses, I wait with bated breath.

Conan

Conan

#2

I had a wonderful hike. I started 3/22/05 on my 60th birthday. I was afraid if anything ruined my hike it would be my knees or feet. My knees were fine and my feet hurt a lot but I guess they got numb as I got past the 1/2 way mark. They still are not back to pre hike condition. I found that when they hurt if I stopped and sat for at least 2 min they improved greatly. Like all the other hikers my milage increased in the mid Atlantic states and I could do the milage that most younger people were doind but it took me a lot longer (earlier starts, I arrive later). Visit my journal here under Sleeveless 2005 for more details about my hike. Its almost all online except the last week and a few missing days here and there.

There may have been a woman out there older than me but I don’t think I met one. There were a few men older. The great thing is how well you are treated by everyone because you have things in commen even with the 20 somthings.

Sleeveless '05

sleeveless

#3

I just realized I didn’t answer all of your questions. Critical to my success was my mental attitude and determination to do this hike. In addition my research and purchase of light weight equipment helped. My starting weight was 34 lbs. Certainly not ultralite but respectable.

I can’t name one thing that was the most enjoyable, as a whole I loved the whole trip, granted there were moments well maybe even a couple of days when I briefly wondered about my sanity. The racoon attack for example.

Sleeveless

sleeveless

#4

I completed my thru hike 9 days before my 60th birthday. I think the most important thing that allowed me to complete my hike was keeping a positive mental attitude and determination to see it thru. Because I was enjoying the hike inspite of the hard times I had fun. I have never had any surgery for my knees but have had plantar fasciitis from my running days. The PF never bothered me on the hike. I think like everyone I had sore feet and knees. Both of which were the worst while going thru the Whites and ME. Once home the knees and feet recovered but it took a couple of months. My daily averaged was 15 miles for the hike and my mileage usually matched the terrain. Short distances in the beginning, more thru the mid Atlantic, and shorter in Whites and ME. What I enjoyed the most was everything, the people I hiked with, the views, just walking, trail towns, hostels, trail angles, loosing weight all combined into the journey I took. Now planning on doing the PCT. Hike and have fun you will not be the only 60 year old out there. With few exceptions everyone I mainly hike with was 28 or younger and I had a great time and no one seemed to mind an old fart being there and we always seem to find some common grounds.

You can view my daily journals and pictures in TJ under my trail name Dad’s Grin.

dad’s grin

#5

The year I hiked(04) there was a gentelman named Arnie who went by the trail name “Alive at 65”. We started around the same time but I think he finished about a week ahead of me. One of the things I remember about Arnie was that he got up REAL early in the morning (like 5:30 am!).

JalanJalan

#6

Oh goodness. Why not admit it. I’m 61, broke my hip November 6, 2005. 9 months into my recovery I’m seriously thinking about hiking the PCT again next year.

In 2002 I thru-hiked the PCT. In 2003 I came back for a PCT section hike of 900 miles.

On the 2002 hike I was 57. I wore lightweight Lowa boots with hard orthotics. Had trouble with plantar fasciitis most of the way. Had to take 4 days off at South Lake Tahoe and finished up with very sore feet. The downhills killed me. The last month in Washington I felt as if someone had taken a hammer and repeatedly hit the bottoms of both feet. Four months after my hike the feeling in my feet returned and the stress fracture healed.

In 2003 I switched to New Balance running shoes fitted with soft orthotics. I didn’t have pain in my feet.

What was critical to the success of my 2002 hike was the strong desire to complete what I had set out to do. Having a website and online journal was key to my continuing on when I found myself entertaining thoughts of quitting. Knowing people are watching always makes me a better Linda.

What was my downfall in not continuing on in 2003 was the idea I voiced before I started the hike, that if I wasn’t having fun, I would leave the trail. My purpose for this hike wasn’t clearly defined in my mind. I was running from, not hiking toward. I’d given myself an excuse and I took it.

In 2002, I hiked solo, pairing up half of the time with other hikers.
In 2003, I started out with a friend, and then she and I soon became a group of 7.

People contribute to my enjoyment of long distance hiking. I like having the option of being with people when I want and not being with people when I want without having to make excuses.

Why I am choosing to hike the PCT in 2007 rather than the CDT is because I can have the best of both worlds – hiking alone or hiking with people. Having the choice is important. Knowing hikers will be coming up behind me also brings me peace of mind at my age if something happens. On the PCT in season I’m pretty assured someone will come along if I require help. Another reason I’m choosing to hike the PCT again (I hope) is because I am familiar with the PCT. I’m looking for a relatively stress free long hike.

What I most enjoyed about both hikes:

  1. All the water sources I jumped into.
  2. The incredible change of scenery.
  3. The camaraderie and bond I had/have with the hikers I connected with.

Here is a list I just made of the reasons I hike:
The beauty.
Photo ops.
Fitness.
Adventure/daily challenges.
Freedom to eat.
Life is uncomplicated/less daily demands.
The community/people on the trail.
Living outdoors.
The animals.
Sunsets/sunrises.
Independent feeling/self sufficiency.
Sense of achievement.
Journaling/recording the day in hopes I inspire others.
Having a website.
Staying current in the PCT community.
Planning the hike.
Reading the guidebook, data book and maps.
Having a goal.

Thanks Conan for your post and the opportunity to put it out there in the universe and make it real……I want to hike the PCT again!!!

Gottago
www.lindajeffers.com

Gottago

#7

I am 59 and thru-hiked the AT this year - summitted Katahdin on 28 July. Age is not a factor. Several youngsters had foot and knee problems, and several older hikers didn’t. Soreness of feet, ankles, and knees is universal and usually temporary. The benefits Dad’s Grin mentioned are mine - especially being part of a fascinating sub-culture where age, gender, profession, financial status are meaningless (except when in town, where a little money helps.) Go for it!!!

Mango

#8

I hiked the American Discovery Trail after turning 60. 4922 miles in 7 1/2 months. I had no problems with knees or feet - really no health problems at all except some allergies in the west. Our daily average was 21.3 miles.

We liked the solitude we found in the western part of the trail (west of Leadore, CO). We had the most beautiful parts of the trail all to ourselves. I think Utah and Nevada are much prettier on foot than in a car on a straight stretch of paved road. Don’t get me wrong, we enjoy the comraderie of other hikers, but there is something special about seeing only the wilderness for days on end.

As others said above, attitude is the most important part of having a successful hike. If something isn’t working change it until you find what does work. Lightweight backpacking also helps more after 60. We have to be smarter, not stronger, to keep up with the twenty-somethings.

Try to be more consistent in your daily mileage. We start early and hike nearly all day. We aren’t fast, but we just keep going. When you love what you are doing it isn’t that difficult.

Enjoy your post-60 hiking!

Ken
…Gottawalk

www.GottaWalk.com

Ken

#9

I am not quite 60 (53 to be exact) but feel much older due to my weight (280 lbs). I will be backpacking the PCT from near Donahue to Duck Lake and more, the 3rd week of September 2006 with my son. I am trying to go as light as possible to not stress knees and feet (tarp, < 2 lbs sleeping bag and pack, etc.). I know I will be uncomfortable due to altitude (I work/reside at sea level) and lack of training, but the beauty will make it more than worth while. This is a shake-out for a possible thru-hike in the near future.

I will use trekking poles to reduce stress on knees. Should I use my Montrail boots or should I use trail walkers? I think I should use boots due to weight.

Attitude is everything. I am prepared for the pain because the rewards outweigh my measly physical discomforts. Hey, maybe I’ll even loose some weight.

So you out there!

Tom (KI6ASP)

Tom

#10

I’m doing a thru-hike of the AT this year. I am 62 , will be 63 in Nov. I had surgery on my right knee 4 years ago. It hasn’t given me a problem. Soreness of the knees and feet are just part of the hike. My pack weighed 37 pounds when I left Springer and it still weighs about the same.
I think one of the most important things was to start out doing low milage (7-8 miles per day) at first. Bigger miles will come as you get in shape.
I am in Andover, ME now and have 255 more miles to go tell I reach Katadin. I should be done by Sept.1st.
Good Luck
Cookie

Cookie

#11

Gottago,
I thot the key to your success was to con Yogi into another PCT!!!

I was going to hike the PCT this year, but I broke my left hip in February so I also must delay until next year.

I will “only” be 52 should I hike next year, but I hope to get to it. Since I also began working again (from retirement) there may be a push until 08 when I will be 53!!! ;))

I certainly hope to not HAVE to ever stop hiking at least through my 60s (I’m sure the kids would freak if their goofy Dad even considered a long hike past 70!!).

Best regards and great hiking,
BDD;) :wink:

Big Daddy D

#12

I’m 46 and am already starting to panic at the advancing years. Trying now to fit in as much quality hiking as I can while I’m still relatively “young.” Have any of you older folks hired a sports medicine doc or qualified fitness coach to stay in hiking shape?

Round

#13

I 'm 71 still hiking broke my ankle4years ago doc said “You won’t be hiking anymore”, I was back a year later.I plan to go back on the AT this fall and Next spring.And don’t plan on stopping unless deceased. My motto Go Slow And see everything. My kids don’t seem to mind.

cowboy

#14

Started his thru-hike in 2003, literally fell just short of his goal and had to finish in '04, at the age of 75:

Wild Hare

#15

Hmmm…I’m 51 and hike sections of the PCT in my wheelchair almost every weekend this time of year. I guess that’s 60 in wheelchair hiker years:) . My “secret”? Doing all you can to be in the best possible physical condition. As weight is critical for me when I backpack, I work with weights 4 - 5 nights each week and keep my body fat less than 10%. I’ll never be as fast as the slowest PCT hikers, but will always get to my destination. Be sure you’re checked out by a physician,too - getting a green light from your doctor not only relieves stress of those waiting for you to come home, but it adds a comfort level for you, the hiker, too. I never get disappointed if I don’t cover a lot of ground every day, either. You simply work within the constraints of your abilities. That works well for all ages.

4wheelbob

#16

iN THE PROCESS OF AT THRU HIKING NOW AT AGE 63. SEE JOURNAL
GO FOR IT!

SKYWALKER

#17

There is an article about me in this issue of the Communicator that was done about me turning 60 up on the PCT. Well i don’t do many hikes anymore over 5oo miles i still get out quite a bit. i was done to the bottom of the grand canyon for last xmas as well as this coming one… i also did two more trips this year with two more to go, one in Oct then the xmas one. Then i have one in Feb and another new one for me planned in March. I think i have 1o trips in 3 years time…
Watching all the folks who come out to do the PCT in spring time i class them in 3 ways…1 the under 25 who get to Canada on balls alone 2 the over 55ers who get to MP using their brains… its the 3rd group who seem to have the most problems on the trail…i think its lack of preperation not age as those folks older do well… You see this in the canyon too… those of you on the AT perhaps know who BATCH is, he goes out every year on the AT and starts north…no idea of how much he did this year but he and his wife did the canyon with me last Feb and hes 84 and mary 82…so think about them old bones still hiking…
So i think at 60 you are just starting on your best hiking years…

Meadow Ed

#18

There is an article about me in this issue of the Communicator that was done about me turning 60 up on the PCT. Well i don’t do many hikes anymore over 5oo miles i still get out quite a bit. i was done to the bottom of the grand canyon for last xmas as well as this coming one… i also did two more trips this year with two more to go, one in Oct then the xmas one. Then i have one in Feb and another new one for me planned in March. I think i have 1o trips in 3 years time…
Watching all the folks who come out to do the PCT in spring time i class them in 3 ways…1 the under 25 who get to Canada on balls alone 2 the over 55ers who get to MP using their brains… its the 3rd group who seem to have the most problems on the trail…i think its lack of preperation not age as those folks older do well… You see this in the canyon too… those of you on the AT perhaps know who BATCH is, he goes out every year on the AT and starts north…no idea of how much he did this year but he and his wife did the canyon with me last Feb and hes 84 and mary 82…so think about them old bones still hiking…
So i think at 60 you are just starting on your best hiking years…

Meadow Ed

#19

In 2000 at the age of 65 I started a thru NOBO hike. I got as far as Fontana Dam and had to leave the trail with a bad stress fracture and very sore knees.
I started from Fontana Dam in 2001 and completed the trail.It took me 201 days to do so. My daily average was 11.5 miles. My pack weight was around 34 lbs. I had no physical problems during my hike and enjoyed the experience.The best part was all the wounderfull folks I met along the way.
My advise to any older hikers would be; Take it easy in the begining, don’t try to do too many miles a day until you get into hiking shape. It will take you longer to do so probably about four weeks. Eat something every couple of hours and drink plenty of water. This will help to keep your energy level up. :happy

Grampie

#20

Hi to Sleeveless and Grampie, who are both amazing, glad to have met both of you. I am 59 this year, will be 60 next year. Looks like I won’t be completing the AT before 60 after all. But I look forward to finishing before I’m 65! Like everyone else, I keep my pack weight down, start early and hike longer than the younguns. No physical problems so far. Just need to watch my weight (mine and pack weight)…

Red Hat