My wife and I are firmly committed to the entire JMT next year. We live in Miami, FL and have no suitable place to train for our hike. We are both in our early 50’s and currently walk 10 miles 4 times a week. Frequently, we will carry a day sack and load it with water bottles to help emulate a back pack. Please tell us, what can we do here in 90+ degree heat and humidity that will prepare us for this trip.
Michael Lapp
If you have not already done so, join the johnmuirtrail yahoo group. They are an extremely knowledgeable, helpful group. There are most likely members from Fla who have prepared for and hiked the JMT. I lived in central Ohio when I prepared to hike the AT. I did daily hikes of 5 miles in length with a fully loaded pack. On weekends I extended the length to 15-20 miles. I did not have access to a gym but that is certainly another way to train for the climbs using the stairclimber. Make sure you spend time hiking with your pack and shoes.
Bob