To tired to enjoy the views?

[cbcbd]

I find that for myself in the outdoor enjoyment and fitness game it's all about your mental expectations.
Even though there are some things that can physically give out, out of your expectations (usually happens when it's a first or first time out for the season), I believe it is usually ALL mental - granted that you already have an initial understanding of your body, trail conditions and your limits.

I have started some outdoor activities with almost no energy and feeling less than half the performance of a good day, but if I have a goal in my mind that pushes me through the tough areas... with just simple self-motivation (like talking to yourself and egging your wussy butt on)

Afterall, uphills come with downhills. It's fine to pause during a hard climb and just spout "this sucks!", but if you just keep in mind that it won't go on forever you'll be just fine and have the heart to push on...

...so hiking is just like life, who would've thunk it

 

[Mike P.]

Don't underestimate a couple of good nights's sleep. I seldom can get two nights back to back which is why on some of the bigger trips I've started to go up the night before.

When staying in NH I can almost guarentee I'm asleep before 10:00 & don't get up until 5:30. To get 7 1/2 hours sleep 7 get up at 3:45 in CT before driving I'd have to be asleep by 8:15! My kids aren't sleep on Friday's that early!

If I can get 7 hours the day before 11 - 6 that's the two days I need.

 

[sleeping bear]

Don't underestimate a couple of good nights's sleep.

And a good dinner the night before, think spagetti dinners before athletic events.

Pacing oneself really helps. Hike at a pace you can maintain and take breaks often. When I hike by myself I take lots of breaks and fill the time by listening to the quiet, or the other people yacking away, taking pictures and examining animal signs. This keeps my energy level up as well as making the hike more interesting. Isn't getting there half the fun?

 

[GlennS]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is caloric intake. Between the heavier packs, cold temps and longer approaches, winter hiking burns an incredible amount of calories. When the blood sugar levels are low, performance takes a huge hit. On one winter trip, our group was heading from Madison to Adams when my legs turned to rubber. Prudence told me my peakbagging was done for the day and to continue on made myself a liability for all. It was spooky, I had never felt like that before or since. Looking back, I did not eat nearly enought carb's. Now I force myself to eat and drink every 50 minutes on the trail whether I am thristy or hungry or not. I also carry some powergel for a quick boast when the energy levels seem to be dropping.

 

[sleeping bear]

winter emergency (or otherwise) calories = little chunks of butter coated with hot chocolate mix

It's like Popeye's spinach!

 

[Neil]

The day before any hike I do no exercise at all. Before big hikes I rest for two full days. Makes a big difference.

 

[DougPaul]

winter emergency (or otherwise) calories = little chunks of butter coated with hot chocolate mix

The only problem with this is that it is mostly fat. If you need quick energy, carbohydrates are much better. I was taught back in winter school that carbs come online within an hour, protein in about 4 hrs, and fats in about 7 hrs. Nuts, for instance, are a good mix of all 3 and relatively efficient to carry at ~150 cal/oz.

carb & protein: 4 cal/gm = 113 cal/oz
fat: 9 cal/gm = 255 cal/oz
(Muscles are primarily fueled by carbs and fat, protein is required to rebuild tissues.)

The fat you eat at breakfast helps you in the afternoon. And the fat you eat at dinner helps to keep you warm in the wee hours of the morning.

This is not a diatribe against fat--one should forget one's diet and consume a higher percentage of fat in winter. For instance, we typically put 1/4 to 1/2 stick of butter per person in our dinner. The Inuit eat whale blubber (pure fat) like we eat candy.

The best way to eat (lunch) when hiking is lots of small nibbles eaten throughout the day. In winter, this removes the need for long food breaks where you get cold. I use a discipline of eating and drinking at least once an hour, but generally eat and drink more often. I almost always have some food in my pocket and, in winter, have a 1/2 liter (insulated) water bottle on my belt. (In summer, the bottle is in a pocket. Bladders work too.) When hiking, I frequently eat or drink without breaking stride; when XC skiing, I stop only because I have to put a pole down.

If I start to feel a little low on energy, I pause, eat some of my "high octane" gorp (nuts and semi-sweet chocolate bits for me) and generally feel more energetic shortly thereafter. (And if the quick boost is only psychological, I don't care as long as it works--the real fuel will come online shortly. )

Lunch begins the moment breakfast ends and ends the moment dinner begins... Slurp!

Doug

 

[coldfeet]

Thx everyone for your advise, I appreciate everything....I have been reading posts and taking notes..

Matt...I am working on dropping some weight from the pack, but it's hard to decide what not to bring, I will use a lighter pack next time. I totally agree with you about the base layer I had on, to heavy.

I hiked at my own pace, because that's what I do and I told my partner (Matt) to keep going as not to get cold. He was very polite and waited for me, and I thank him for that.

I did curse a few times when I kept sliding back down trying to get over a ledge, but somehow I figured out how to do it.

I have made a weird observation about hiking, normally if I drink 2-3 litters of water in 7 hours I would have to go to the bathroom a few times. When hiking i only go maybe 2 times, hate to ask but am I "peeing" through my skin when I'm sweating so much? ok i finally asked that question. Last note, all of the hikes i'm doing I have never done them before so I can complete a list, so I really don't know how easy or tough they are...still a newbi ....

 

[Chip]

Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated. So as long as it doesn't get deep yellow/amber, you're drinking enough water regardless of your level of sweating.

I start winter hikes lightly, but fully layered and shivering at the trailhead.
I'm prepared to add or remove soon, though, depending on how I warm up.

 

[Pete_Hickey]

Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated. So as long as it doesn't get deep yellow/amber, you're drinking enough water regardless of your level of sweating.

Disregard this entirely (darker color), if you are taking vitamen B supplements.

Also, urine will be light colored if you are overly hydrated. Not a problem except that you are carrying excess weight.

 

[The Sikes]

Hang in there Cold Feet....it takes time to build yourself up to things. It does get better although I always sound like I'm dying going up a mountain, as long as I don't feel like that. ha ha Glad to hear you're getting out there!

 

[Mike P.]

Which list? Catskill 3500? I know Mo has done a list of the NH 4,000 based on difficulty & I've done one for myself. I imagine some of the completers of the 3,500 might have a list.