Training Notes

Ryan Jordan

Ryan's training regimen leading up the trek has focused almost 100% on trekking and trail running with an overnight pack, with 2-3 core and lower body strength workouts per week (3 hr/wk). Ryan spends four days a week on trails, dirt roads, snow, and bushwacking in the mountains of Southwest Montana.

• Tuesday/Wednesday. An overnight trekking at a brisk pace with moderate elevation gain (3000-5000 feet over the course of 30 miles, split between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning) with a 20-25-pound pack. Average pace ~ 3.5 mph, range 2.5 – 4.5 mph. Location: Gallatin Range
• Fridays. Strength training focusing on a 15-mile trek with a 35-40 pound pack, with 4,500 feet of elevation gain in the first 4 miles, rolling mountain ridges/scree/snow for the next six miles, and a 5 mile trek downhill on trails to finish the day. Average pace ~3.0 mph, range 1.5 – 3.5 mph. Cumulative elevation gain ~ 6,000 to 7,000 feet. Locations: Gallatin Range, Bridger Range, Madison Range
• Saturdays. Distance training, carrying a light pack (< 12 lbs) and moving consistently fast for 35 or more miles on trails and dirt roads. Average pace ~4.0 mph+ overall, range 3.0 mph – 5.5 mph). Locations: Big Belt Mountains, Tetons, Yellowstone National Park, Crazy Mountains, Tobacco Root Mountains, Gallatin Range, Bridger Range, Bangtail Range

Roman Dial

Dial began in late December with walks with his wife in and near the city of Anchorage, Alaska.

• Late December through January:
  M-F: 5-10 miles per day on roads and trails, 0-2000 foot elevation gain and a 10 pound pack, average speed ~4 mph
  One weekend day: 20 miles in less than 7 hours
• February
  M, W, F: 5-10 miles per day on roads and trails, 0-2000 foot elevation gain and a 20 pound pack, average speed ~3.5 mph
  One weekend day: 20 miles in less than 7 hours
• March
  M, W, F: 5-10 miles per day on roads and trails, 0-2000 foot elevation gain and a 30 pound pack, average speed ~3.0 mph
  One weekend day: 20 miles in less than 7 hours
• April
  T, R: 5-10 miles per day on roads and trails, 0-2000 foot elevation gain and a 50 pound pack, average speed ~2.1 mph
  One weekend day: 20 miles in less than 7 hours
• May
  M, W, F: 5-10 miles per day on roads and trails, 0-2000 foot elevation gain and a 30 pound pack, average speed ~3 mph
  One weekend day: 20 miles in less than 7 hours

Jason Geck

In preparation for the trek, Jason has been focusing on elevation gain hikes, trail running, and glacier skiing. Recent training locales include the usual Anchorage stomping grounds (Arctic Valley Road, Turnagain Trail, Chugach Mountains), as well as St. Paul, Pribilof Islands and the Eastern Brooks Range.

• Trail runs vary in length from 8 to 10 miles with light loads (< 10 pounds).
• Glacier research allows long days of training schlepping heavy loads of gear up and down glaciers.
• For heavier weight training, Jason carries a 30-35 pound backpack for 15 - 20 miles with 2500 - 5000 foot elevation gain.

Comments

[Mule]

The variety of training adds a wonderful dynamic. The gear lists seemed quite similar (as is common in the lightweight community) but the variation in training gives others learning from this experience a well-rounded view.

[Tina]

I just want to know how much body fat you put on BEFORE you left, to use while you are gone?