My questions is along the lines of the weekend warrior dilemma you discussed in your article “Weekened Weekend Warrior”.

I have been doing targeted AC training on the treadmill and small hills around town since late April. I want to start reacquainting myself with my local peaks and lakes. These are not grand mountaineering adventures but more long trail hikes with some off trail at times.

– 9-17# pack with HR monitor and do my best to stay under Aet (135) for the whole trip (Polar Watch with HR alarm).
– IE: This last hike (Monday) I spent 7 hours in Z1, about 1 hour in Z2, and alittle in Z3 ( due to unplanned patches of snow and post holing). I really slow the whole way but my legs were sore for 1-2 days because of the distance and there was 3500 ft of gain over 12 miles one way. This pretty much meets my weekly volume goal.

With the information I’ve provided my basic question is am I putting money in the bank (capacity) or taking it out (utilization) when I do this? I know I’m training leg ME but as long as I’m going slow is it OK?