[chris12stewart]

Hi All,

I purchased the 24 Week Mountaineering Plan to prepare for hiking a long trail in 2022 (around 2,500 miles over 4 months). Obviously this would include a lot of 10-12 hour days of around 30 miles/day. In this plan, however, the longest Hike/Run each week is 2-4 hours. It also happens to almost be prime hiking season where I live. My question is: How bad would it be to extend the longest Hike/Run days from 2-3 hours up to like 5-7 hours (the time required to complete most of the hikes in my area with 3,000 – 4,000 feet of gain)? I would still aim to maintain HR < AeT.

Thanks so much for your help!

Chris

Topic

[Shashi]

Shashi on June 11, 2021 at 10:34 pm #54788

Chris,

Welcome to the Uphill Athlete forum.

Looks like you have an amazing trip coming up in 2022.

How bad would it be to extend the longest Hike/Run days from 2-3 hours up to like 5-7 hours (the time required to complete most of the hikes in my area with 3,000 – 4,000 feet of gain)?

The 24 week plan provides a good framework for your training. You will have to adjust the training volume as per your fitness level/training background. If this is the first time you are going through a structured training plan, then start conservative. See how your recover after a week of training that includes a long hike. Gradually increase volume and monitor your recovery.

Look ahead in your training plan and see the volume that is planned in Transition/Base/Sport-Specific period. Continuity, gradualness and modulation is key to successful training. As you make changes, make sure you follow these basic principles of training. Hope this is helpful.

Wish you the very best!