Another JMT Hike - Prepping for Next Yea r

“I'm gettin' the itch again... and no, not there.

I'm feeling I need to get back on the JMT and do another trek, but the last few years have seen my summers take a different, yet more sedentary path. I need to get back in shape, and I'm seeking some input. Seriously.

Shorter hikes are no problem where I live, but there's little elevation change to challenge the shins. Hiking the neighborhood with a pack isn't off the list either...

I've got a year, need to drop weight, work my legs, stretch the back muscles... not as young as I used to be, but not dead yet, nor do I wish to become so along the way. Not easy following a strict diet regimen, but willing to make some adjustments to meet my goal.

I'm also hoping to snag a partner or two for the trip, though have not so much as looked seriously at logistics. Did nearly half the trip before, and thinking this time, I'd like to go in around Bubbs Creek and work my way South...

In any case, I'm beginning to feel serious about this idea, have gradually changed my diet, but that's a tough one for me, as I have a terrible sweet tooth. Still, I'm as focused today as I was 10 years ago, when I quit smoking to hike the JMT the first time - and yes, I'm smoke free to this day. But I need more, need help, input, guidance, and in time, will set out to complete another leg of the trip.

Your input will be - mostly, I hope - appreciated. Thanks!”

“Some simple lifestyle choices that help me prepare and may even save time - of course they are an adjunct to other steps you take. Basically on a physically level be an anti-taoist: take the path of most effort. Look for chances to exert yourself as you go about your day.

Never take a escalator when you can take the stairs.

Never take an elevator for 4 floors or less when you can take the stairs (for more than 4 floors consider walking).

Try taking the stairs quickly, two at a time.

Don't ever spend time looking for a closer parking space.

Carry a pack everywhere you go and put some extra stuff in it along with things you might need or which might save you money - like lunch and plenty of stuff to drink.

Never take a car if you have time to bike, walk if you have time.

Consider carrying hand weights when you take a walk.”

“I'm guessing you're not close enough to the beach to jog on it regularly. That's working really well for me, but I need to plan some stuff to stay motivated. JMT may fit the bill. My e-mail is up to date if you want to get in touch.”

“Glad to see you back around the crazy house, obi.”

“Obi - great to see you here again!

My problem is that every summer after I get done hiking I don't stay in shape...and then have to spend time getting "back into shape." Lots of regrets!

So it is hard to give advice. This year, however, my daughter and I decided to do a half-marathon together on May 3. That gave me the incentive to try and get into shape sooner. It helped a lot.

I did the Onion Valley to Whitney portion of the JMT a few years ago...awesome hike but very demanding.

Good luck!”

“toejam, you're right... not close to a beach. Not sure, as well, I wanna put my joints through the rigors of running, as I have R.A., and don't want to aggravate the problem. For now, it only affects my hands and wrists, and meds are doing their job, thankfully.

Chili & Phil, friends from the past whose input I value, thanks... there's lots of different ways to approach this, and thusly have I chosen to post here, in hopes of drawing from the 1000's of ideas I know you all have. I plan to be more active (not to put too fine a point on the issue) here, and have a goal to achieve. Appreciate the help...]

Thanks again!”

“By the way, Phil...

Wassup with Mel?

Website's gone, email's dead... what's the scoop?”

“I am thinking of doing the whole JMT next year, as I will be eligible for a third week of vacation, so I can think about the JMT and still do a fall trip.

Get some motivation by joining others for weekend trips, I am out in the mountains of CA and I go on trips with folks from the Sacramento and surrounding areas. Just got back from a weekend trip with some of them. I jog a couple times a week to stay in shape for bping.”

“Obi - It has been several years since I exchanged email with Mel. At that time she was living with a cousin trying to get her life sorted out. She was struggling with several personal issues. She had given up the llamas at that time. I did hear since that someone saw her backpacking in the Sierras. I do believe she still owns her property. That's about all I know.”

“I found bike riding one of the best conditioning hobbies to have for backpacking.

Easier on the knees and builds stamina plus you get to see lots of scenery.”

“Watch out for cars!”

“Obi, getting your core dialed in will help tremendously with breathing and the back, which I find to be of great benefit when backpacking at altitude. I am in the process of starting a regimen that involves pull ups for the arms and hanging crunches for the abs. Simple, cheap and I don't have to lie down on the floor and do sit ups, which I hate (though if I'm traveling, I'll do 'em). If you can walk, you can exercise. Running burns more calories, but it does do a number on the knee joints. A fast paced walk is a good compromise. Just get the heart rate up to where it burns calories.”

“Thanks, Rosey, that sounds like a good way to begin... I was THINKING of starting to jog, but always avoided it because of the impact to the joints. having R.A. (rheumatoid arthritis) in my wrists and hands is not something I'd like to see spread around the rest of me, nor do I wish to set the stage for it to take root. I take a fabulous medication which pretty much stops it cold - and dead - in its tracks, but it's not my joints I feel need work, it's pretty much the muscles I'll be using on the trail.

Thanks again!”

“Thanks, Phil... sure would like to say hi to her... would surprise me to learn she's abandoned the mountains... hope she's navigated her way clear of her troubles... would be nice to pull together another Llama-Rama, eh?”

“It would be nice to see some more people from the Llama Rama days. I still hike with some of them (Mozark, Naviguesser, and sometimes jvz).

I have to admit I don't miss the llamas...but I miss the the people!”