I just got back from a great Grand Canyon backpacking trip and I am still dreaming about being back alongside the Colorado. As soon as we got back on the rim I wanted to turn right around and head down again. Along the way I saw many that were fulfilling their dream of hiking to the bottom and back up. Some looked pretty smoked. No doubt they still had a great time but could it have been better with a little preparation? It is exhausting backpacking up 4700 plus feet with a 30 plus pound pack on. Hard on the knees going down for multiple hours at time. I am not talking about doing a crazy exercise program for 60 days before you go. That will help for sure! But could you do some practical things that will get you ready for a hike like this?
I believe that those who backpack and hike regularly already incorporate certain practical things into their preparation. Motions and movements that are a great help in getting you ready for short or long hauls without adding lots of time to your busy day. I also believe that you can do these things now, everyday, and it will help you to be ready when it is time to strap a pack on your shoulders. But what kind of crazy things am I talking about?
I try to work out regularly every week and many of these other items are part of my nature now. I do them without even thinking about it. Do you have stairs at your office? How many days can you go without getting on the elevator? Stairs are everywhere just shouting out to be used. At the mall, in the airport and many other places and they are a great prep for climbing up in elevation! How far from the store can you park? Try parking a little further away to get some extra walking in each day. And if you are parking at the grocery store, carry your bags if you can instead of using the cart to add some weight to the walk too. Do you have a dog? Whether you do or not, after dinner dog walks or just walking by yourself are great ways to add endurance and mileage to your ability. I try to do 3 to 5 miles each day with my dogs and it really helps out on long hikes. Of course, not a lot of sniffing can be done! But in the end, the dogs and I enjoy knocking out some miles at a brisk pace each day.
The point is that each of us can look at what we do each day and find practical ways to improve ourselves in preparation for future hikes! I gave you examples of some of mine. What are some practical ways that you prepare for hikes and incorporate them into your daily routine?
Dazed Hiker 