[ccaissie]

ccaissie on May 25, 2022 at 11:06 am · in reply to: Building a 16-week plan for Mt. Rainier (DC route) #67599

Discovered the rhythm of pressure breathing and the rest step and it makes a world of difference. Staying at low intensity, I was able to chug to Muir, with the feeling that I could go, go Go much further. Slowly. Weather has been so extreme, Guide services have put nobody on the summit this year, as of May 16. We had planned to go to Ingraham flats for overnight but conditions were ugly, so a day trip….

Building the Aerobic base is key. My two partners, 35 years younger than me lurched ahead and then blew up…probably lactate poisoning. I got there about 5 minutes after they did, and was ready for more…they were “dead”.

[ccaissie]

ccaissie on March 25, 2022 at 3:44 am · in reply to: Building a 16-week plan for Mt. Rainier (DC route) #64717

Just starting the Uphill Athlete membership here, planning a Mt. Rainier DC climb in Mid May.

I’m 68, in good health but not an athlete. Just recently did a 4 day campout in Baxter State Park, skiing in with Sleds. Katahdin had too much avalance danger, so ice climbing was out.

Surprised to learn that low intensity endurance training is what’s critical. I have much younger friends (early 30’s) who are much stronger than I, but at the end of 8 hour uphill events, they are wasted, and I’m the one building the camp and getting supper on.

Mostly concerned that I can keep going aerobically, and want to ensure my Mountaineering skills are adequate. In May, critical points are being weather-ready, and crevasse rescue and self arrest ready. Our team is planning a Ice/Snow technique training trip up Mt. Washington once the wind chill temps moderate to above zero.

I’m revising my general strength training to go more towards endurance aerobic training which is a new idea to me.

So Justin, we can talk and share ideas. I’d say you are probably far more fit than I. In 16 weeks you should be ready to RUN up the mountain….

You must already have the National Park manual on the DC? Do you have “Freedom of the Hills”?