Training for STP and other climbs

[njhiker]

I typically hike about 4 -5 times per week typically for 2 hours on weekdays and on the weekends for up to 4 hours. Each time I carry my 2 1/2 year old on my back along with water and my camera equipment. The weight helps and my boy loves the hikes and being outdoors.....

Only problem is, now he can hike a pretty decent/steep hill near me which is 1 mile up and 1 mile down. He is getting to the point where I'm afraid he won't let me carry him anymore!

[MOAB149]

Here's another question concerning long climbs like STP. What do you recommend as a pre-hike meal?
Cheers,
Dave

[Snow Miser]

Last year our pre-hike breakfast consisted of these breakfast sandwiches which we were able to microwave up quickly. We combined them with some coffee, OJ and milk. Of course, we did stay in a motel so there was a microwave available.

For the trail, we brought granola bars, trail mix, and my favorite Rosie's Beef Jerky.

[MOAB149]

Thanks Bob. Some days, I feel great on the trail and other days I'm just not feeling it. I normally start my day with coffee, fruit and oatmeal. At my age I need an edge. Although, I'm proud to report I celebrated my 59th birthday yesterday, with a 100 mile bike ride. Afterward, I was so wound up I could not get to sleep until after midnight. Wow, talk about the endorphin high. I was on cloud nine. BTW, for lunch, I munched on fresh strawberries, Hershey Kisses and Rice Cakes. Also consumed two quarts of Vitamin water during the day. This part of Pennsylvania is not too flat so I still lost five pounds on those hills around Gettysburg.
Cheers,
Dave

[Snow Miser]

Happy Birthday Dave! Wow, that's incredible that you did a 100 mile bike ride by yourself. I know some people that do that kind of mileage, but there is always a group of 20 - 30 bikers. Hats off to ya!!!

[Charlie]

well Dave your not the oldest for STP Brad has you beat ,and when i started STP i said if i hike with an old man this should be cake . well let me tell you i was wrong he kicked my but .
but he is the best person to hike with we set a pace and he does not show off by hiking to fast for me . last year we had Ed O hike with us and he to is great to hike with .
lets just say i gave them plenty of times to stop and take pictures [ and wait for me to catch up ]

[MOAB149]

I'll be going up the mountain with two of my former Scouts. Both are college athletes. It's gonna be interesting.