I follow this thread, you guys do some impressive workouts but the biggest thing I see is consistency.
I live next to the Smokys and spend alot of time there. They are real mountains even though they are east of the Missisippi. 2000 foot climbs are common, some can be close to 4000 feet if you start on the North Carolina side. My wife and I do 5-700 miles a year in the Smokys in addition to a couple of west trips a year.
My question for the collective here: how much jogging do you all do during the year? I normally do 2 days during the week, 3-5 miles, stretching to 6-7 by the time elk season gets here in October. I'm rethinking that and wondering if jogging is really helping me carry a pack around the mountains.
Thoughts?
I was late to the running scene (in my 50's), but I ended up going all in- running mountain ultras around the state (and a few out of state). I enjoyed it even more when it was just a group of folks running in the mountains, not a race.
Fast forward 10 years or so and I've pretty much given up on the running, but just hike instead. My mileage is about the same as when I was running (just takes a little longer ). I've noticed no diminished ability in the mountains when elk season rolls around. The transition has cut down the number of injuries to about zero.
IMHO running is great, hiking just as great- maybe even better.
). I've noticed no diminished ability in the mountains when elk season rolls around. The transition has cut down the number of injuries to about zero.