Training and getting in shape
So I’ve been a long time ultra runner but the body just can’t handle the running so I thought perhaps hiking would be the next best thing, get outdoors on some great trails but be easier on the body..
Well, I don’t know but I think all the things that helped with being a runner are working against hauling gear on the hike. No upper body or upper body strength, because just carrying a 15ish lb pack over the miles definitely wears on me so far.
I had been slowly ramping up for the past 8 weeks..30 min, 1 hour, etc all way up to 4 hour stuff. I went on my first overnight just to get a shake out of everything these past 2 days and oh boy.
Does the pack feel lighter or just easier? Should I go slower pace to just ease up on everything? I was doing about 2.5 miles per hour and did about 2k ascent on the first day for 22 miles while taking it easier on the 2nd day due to 3200 ft ascent but only 15 miles.
I did some searching but really couldn’t find any definitive pace/elevation/time for multiple day hiking. Also what do folks do or to make the pack feel “lighter”?