Now that I’ve had a week on trail, what lessons have I learned?

Health

If you have been following me, you know that I trained quite a bit. I trained by walking with a pack much heavier that I’m carrying now. I put a ton of miles on my feet. Because of all that, I have had no foot pain and more importantly, no blisters! My stretching exercises have helped as well. I have not needed any Vitamin-I for the past three days!

As I’m from a flat part of the United States, I was concerned that climbs would be an issue. I go much slower, but there is no residual soreness. Electrolytes have been key. The cramps I had the first day were terrible. Adding something to the water eliminated cramps.

Knowing how to wear your pack is important. I spent a couple of hours learning how to use the straps on my ULA Catalyst. Knowing that shoulder straps should not rest on your shoulders makes a big difference. All the weight of the pack should be on your hips. I have had no shoulder or back pain.

Speaking of that, I’ve lost some serious weight in just one week. Eating more regimented and hours of exercise works. I do not have time to think about food.

Gear

I’ve lost one piece of gear, my emergency whistle. I will buy one when I can.

I have neither added or removed anything. I’m thinking about adding a full sized foam pad and dumping the camp seat. The camp seat is great, but I want to lay down. If I get rid of my t-shirt and camp seat for a foam pad, there should be no change in base weight.

Other than moving stuff around, by gear is the right gear for me.

Water

While the miles haven’t taken a toll on my, the heat and dry air has. I was told that people generally hiked five miles per liter. I am not. I need to carry more than most. I key for me is to get up early and hike in the cool air. If I can get ten miles before ten, that would go a long way towards increasing my miles.

Food

I completely lost the taste for coffee. That is very weird to say, but it is true. I do not even like the smell of it. Strangely, I didn’t have any withdraw symptoms. I guess I just don’t need caffeine. I have been trading my coffee for electrolytes.

Kindness

There is so many people who are willing to help you. The trail simply provides.

Goals

We are going slower than expected, but we are gaining strength. It was interesting to see all my classmates in Julian who pushed hard here healing up. I’m just resting and recharging, but I have no physical issues.

I’d like to get ourselves up to 18 miles a day in a week or two. Although we don’t have a schedule, we don’t want to become lazy, or caught in the vortex of civilization. This is a race. I need to be done by October 1st. I’d like to be home by September 26th if I can as that is my anniversary.

Fortunately, I feel bored and restless in this hotel. I’m ready to return to the trail!