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Is anyone mixing Backpacking in the outseason with the rest of your plan?

cindy banchycindy banchy
in General Training Discussions
I'm training for a trek on the W in Patagonia and its tough to figure out the strength/backpacking schedule in combination with the swim, bike, run which I also love.  Suggestions?
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  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    Both?
  • Mark StahlkopfMark Stahlkopf
    @cindy banchy I would sub backpacking for some of the easy running days. Then add some strength/stretching exercises that mimic the the motions generally associated with hiking/backpacking including the bending/lifting/twisting torso motions that occur when picking up/removing the pack. 
  • scott dinhoferscott dinhofer
    @cindy banchy - where do you live? 
    I trained for a summit of Kilimanjaro while training for IMMT in '14. I barely did any backpacking specific work. That said, i wasn't carrying my pack up Kili. I would do, as I am for a trail run this year, some trail work that gives you elevation. This works the legs differently. Also think about "power hiking" so you get your average HR into an aerobic zone, at least the mid 130s. I am starting to do some backcountry skiing and skinning up a hill is about an hour endeavor at a pretty could non-impact but high 130s AHR pace... 
    It's really just about how hard you go. Sport specific training is always preferred, but you can definitely toss in some backpacking. Also, your run fitness will translate very well into your backpacking execution.
  • cindy banchycindy banchy
    @Dave Tallo ha! That’s the balance that I'm trying to figure out but definitely both!  
  • cindy banchycindy banchy
    @mark stahlkopf Thanks. I'll add that to the routine. Looks like you hail from my neck of the woods. Did the Door, IM full and half last year. Are you planning to do any of them again in 2018? 
  • cindy banchycindy banchy
    @Scott_D thanks! That makes me feel much better. I've done some backpack specific hikes with about 20 lbs. I'm in Minnesota so getting outside has been a bit of a challenge as it was below zero for a good part of the winter. I'm still doing alot of my tri training. I'm new to EN so I'm trying to get the hang of the plans and how they work for me. I'll dig into it more after my trip. Appreciate the advice. I'm off to run now!
  • Patrick MarshPatrick Marsh
    In terms of a training regimen and tracking CTL/fatigue/freshness, I agree with @Mark Stahlkopf that you can substitute the hikes for easy/long runs.  However, as for more specific training to prepare you for a backpacking trip, I would be sure to do at least a few hikes with the boots and equipment you will be using in Patagonia.  (You don't want to test new equipment out in the field.) 

    Also, I would be sure to do a lot of core and full body exercises, especially burpees, which will improve your leg strength and range of motion.  Out of college, I had some peace-time infantry experience that required several weeks in the field with heavy packs.  From that experience I learned that moving up and down mountains with a heavy pack requires not only endurance, but also full-body strength and agility.  Swimming will be helpful, but I think you will need more dry-land exercises to prepare you for carrying the pack over uneven terrain.  

    Let me know how it goes.  Patagonia is on my bucket list.  I did a few winter hikes this year, and am hoping to do an multi-day alpine trip next year. 
  • scott dinhoferscott dinhofer
    @cindy banchy - per @Patrick Marsh - i couldn't agree more. You will use back of your leg much more than in running, glutes, hammys, etc. On top of what he recommends, I'd get in some squats, dead lifts and lots of work on the back & shoulders... most packs sit on your hips, so having a strong core & lower back is very helpful, stepping up (and down) with a heavy back requires much more bending of the leg and thus use of the glutes, than does running. 
  • cindy banchycindy banchy
    @Patrick Marsh and @Scott Dinhofer thank you both for the great advice. I’m finding exactly what you said Scott. The pack is sitting on my hips. with the cold weather (below zero for weeks in minnesota) it’s been hard to get outside. I can get the up on the stair master with some long workouts but the down is hard to get. I know that can be very stressful on the knees. I’ll keep working on the core and squats. I agree isn’t just about endurance. It uses a different muscle set and hs it’s own challenges when doing multi day backpacking. I hiked New Zealand after IM Wisconsin last fall and sure was glad i had that fitness to fall back on. It has been interesting to combine outseason with hiking. Fun and challenging. Soon I’ll be back to all tri all the time heading into the season.
  • Gary LewisGary Lewis
    @cindy banchy I took some Boy Scouts on a 60 mile BP trip last summer.  I took the year off from TRIs because of this.  I have done quite a bit of BPing.  For me it is the high stepping up hills that is the toughest and doesn't correlate with any run training you do.  For the descents make sure you have trekking poles and learn how to use them, it makes it so much easier.  Backpackinglight.com is a great site for info.
  • Mark StahlkopfMark Stahlkopf
    @cindy banchy Yes DC & Madison full last year. Will do the same this summer as well as the Half in Madison.
  • EugenePartridgeEugenePartridge
    I’m a former backer & hiker, my wife laments me & my trathalon passions, so I have agreed to hike with her on my off days. 10 years ago when I hiked th Wa section of Pct I just went out & did it. 
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