34 mile-day hike.

akula83

akula83

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Aug 19, 2008
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Well, I laid down my $60.00 for my entry into this year's Ratchel Carson Challenge on the summer solstice. (June 19th). It is a 34 mile endurance hike from 0530 to 8:45pm. Now.. I have always been a hiker, but my best milage over rough terrain was about 17 miles or so. Anybody here ever do anything like this? Maybe former Military or extreme atheletes have any advice or experiences they could share. Any input would be appreciated.
 
Sounds like a great hike. What's the terrain/vegetation like? Is it near you in PA?

Do you have to wear a pack? Will there be food and water stations or are you on your own?

If you average 4mph it'll take you 8.5 hours or so.
 
I don't think you could do that at a walk, if it's ugly terrain. You might need to JOG.
 
When I hike in the Whites I average about 2 miles an hour. That sounds like a grueling hike.
 
I applaud you for taking such a drastic height. Like you, the most I've ever done is 19 in one day. I started very early and it was cold yet pleasant out. Have you tried those custom fit soles that go into shoes? I've heard some good things about them.
I have this compilation of tips that I've compiled for backpackers that will help immensely to get you ready. Shoot me a PM with your email and I'll send it to you.
 
When I did the AT in 2002, I tried to do the "Damascus 40", but only made it about 33 miles. Some guys hiked about 3.5 to 4 mph, so it took them about 10-12 hours. I only could manage a solid 3.
 
I've done quite a few humps over 30 miles in the Marine Corps, and they were all at a damn good pace. After the frist 5-10 miles you kinda become numb and it's not so bad. If your in good enough shape to do it, don't worry it's not that bad. When we did them we usually had around 80 - 110lbs. on our back also, that's what takes all the juice outta your legs, not the distance. Most of our humps were up and over a mountain range of some kind and not on flat ground. Make sure you use something to rub inside your thighs so your skin won't chafe, usually running stores have a stick, like deoderant, that your rub on that will keep your skin from rubbing raw.
 
Sounds like an awesome challenge, good luck and kudos for challenging yourself like that.

Several years ago I did 11 in one day over rough terrain with a 50L pack and it was all I wanted, I couldn't imagine tripling it!

My advice would be to start drinking Hydralyte by the gallon several days ahead of time. Also make sure to take potassium to help with leg cramping.
 
Joezilla said:
I have this compilation of tips that I've compiled for backpackers that will help immensely to get you ready. Shoot me a PM with your email and I'll send it to you.
Click to expand...

Is it on your site Joe? Link us, I'd also really like to read it...
 
Walk for 50 minutes, rest for ten, repeat until done.

Drink lots of water. Eat along the way. I find trail mix works well.

There are lots of theories about sock changing -- I prefer to never change mine as once they get sweaty and stuck to my feet I have no friction and get no blisters. Others will say this is crazy and change their socks as often as possible. It varies from individual to individual.

During training hikes it is easier to train for time vice distance. Start walking for X number of hours and add an hour or so each week to build up your endurance.

I am training for a similar hike but mine is 100k in one day -- yep it's gonna be painful. :D
 
Thanks guys, This takes place here in northern Allegheny County(just north of Pittsburgh) thru wooded and very steep hilly terrain, but not wilderness. I will be physically prepared and keep my Camelback as stripped down as possible. H20, lights/drink mixes, energy bars, spare socks, sungasses, Spyderco Native. nothing but synthetic/wicking stuff. I know I will be a hurtin' puppy if I can finish, at 46 I just don't want to injure myself too bad.
 
One more thing...

Buy some good hiking poles.

They are a LIFESAVER.

For me they do several thing:

1. Increase traction.

2. Keep my hands moving so blood doesn't pool in them leading to swelling.

3. Assist in weight distribution while going up or down hill -- they are great to lean on too when taking a break.

4. Provide a hypnotic like trance while hiking which has you focus more on where you're putting your poles vice worrying about how much your feet hurt. :D
 
Longest hike for me was ~15 miles. Lost four toe nails. Best of luck! Drink lots of water! -DT
 
The AT...summer solstice....isn't that "hike naked" day somewhere on the AT?
 
I have a friend who is an altrarunner. She and her husband regularly do 50 mile "hikes." Since you're in Pittsburgh, then your probably familiar with the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Every year there's a race from Ohiopyle to Johnstown (70+ miles with LOTS of big hills.) My friend assures me that ultrarunning is mostly light jogging and walking (at least in her case.) My point of all this is that you might want to looking into ultrarunning equipment, food and training in preparing for your big hike.
 
Did a 50k hike up in that area once. Two pieces of advice:

Relentless forward momentum. Don't dally, especially if there are aid stations. At 2 miles an hour it will take you 17 hours, at 3 MPH, 11 hours or so. Looks like the cut off is between 2 and 3 MPH.

-and-

Take care of your feet at all costs!
 
Very cool undertaking!
Thats a big chunk of landscape for a one day stroll.Lots of good advice here.Water and snacks to fuel the body,socks and clothes to keep the body rolling along,and my tidbit is to make up a mantra for that hypnotic trance that a person sometimes achieves when travelling along that has already been mentioned
Dan'l
 
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