Good question. The only thing I used to be able to think of, other than getting on trail with a pack and starting to hike, was to put on a 25 lb pack and walk stadium stairs for 8 hours a day for three weeks. I decided to search the internet for plans and here’s what I found.

The program outlines a program that includes work on the treadmill, balance/strength exercises, stair walking and hiking. The program gets progressively more intense over 12 weeks. Level 1 allegedly prepares for 6 miles a day at up to 6,000 feet of altitude. Over another 12 weeks, Level 2 is for 10 miles a day at up to 10,000 feet. I’ll be completing Level 2 before the summer when I go to Maine.

So far, the program is working well for me. I’m half way through Level 1; I’m stronger and more agile.

For balance, I’m using a slack line board. The Gibbon Board https://gibbon-usa.com/ has been a fantastic trainer for me.

So that’s it. I’m off to the Y to hike 5 miles on their indoor track today. Happy Hiking! “Puffin”

It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come he is ready.

Theodore Roosevelt