Bug Out Condition

The Warrior

The Warrior

🇺🇸 INSANE VIKING 🇺🇸
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If something big happens, and you have your bag/s packed, ready to go on a moments notice, do you think you're really in good enough shape? I was thinking long term, carrying a back pack, etc. TBH, I couldn't even run around the house without being winded. Something to think about. I just got laid off, unfortunately, but it is going to give me time to get in at least better shape. What's your thoughts?
 
Sorry to hear about losing your job. I totally agree about being in good enough shape to deal with whatever comes down.
 
It does suck. I can go back, but not until September. Long time. I'm gonna start riding bikes again. Haven't lifted weights for 5 years.
 
Running would wind me too. I need to improve my cardio.

Just walking, I think I would be alright. I had some practice this winter. While the roads were snow covered, I grabbed my backpack and walked around town, mostly for something to do, got some food, watched people dig out. After a few days of this, my back and legs were a little sore, but nothing worse.
 
I need to improve my cardio big time. And working in a candy factory doesn't help one bit either.
 
I do about 40 minutes of jump rope ever day, plus I do some ruing trough out the weak.
Pushups pull ups all of this exercises will save your ass one day.
 
Edwood7 said:
I do about 40 minutes of jump rope ever day, plus I do some ruing trough out the weak.
Pushups pull ups all of this exercises will save your ass one day.
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Hell yes.

TxSxB said:
Rule #1: Cardio;)
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That was always a problem for me, even when I used to lift weights. I always neglected cardio. Not good.
 
Cardio exercise is a life style and not something you just do whenever. If I go a couple weeks without running, I'm really sucking when I start back up (lifting weights is similar); although it doesn't take as much to get going again. My wife started a "couch to 5K" program a couple of months ago and did her first 5K this past weekend. It was a pretty hilly run, which she wasn't prepared for, but I ran with her and she did it in 32 minutes...not bad considering she's never done any running for the past 15 years or so. Getting a routine is critical and having a run or workout partner helps to keep you honest. I've done my share of "rucking", and there is no substitute. If you want to hike any amount of distance with a 50+pound pack, the only way to practice is to progressively walk/hike and do it consistently. I've been Soldiering for over 23 years and I know I could go out with a 50 pound pack and do a 10K road-march, but my ass would be hurting the next morning...I doubt there are too many that could do 15-20 miles a day for three or four days. It's a mental game, but your body's conditioning is a critical aspect. I try to do a trail hike weekly throughout the year with my backpack just to keep the body in pain. If we do any backpacking trip great than 5-6 miles, I need a few weeks to train up. Cardio is key and even walking is excellent if you can't run. For me, it's mostly a time issue...I have to squeeze what I can into 1-2 hour, early morning schedule or else it won't get done. I’ve been neglecting my weight training and need to get started up again…that’s a good balance to cardio and if done right will complement quite well.

ROCK6
 
my desire to stay in condition has nothing to do with bugging out, but if I had to bug out, there is no doubt in my mind that being in good condition would certainly make things much easier than the opposite :)

just a small commitment in time (and energy) can make a huge difference in overall fitness, not to mention the benefits to health and mind- and you don't need fancy equipment or a personal trainer, just a little time and the willpower to see a simple regime through
 
Got an ankle that's been assed up for a month, and still giving me problems, but other than that I'd be ok at the moment. I can go all day, I'm just not very fast.
Like Rock6 said, though, it's a lifestyle, a continual commitment. The only reason I'm in what I think of as good shape right now is that I got off my butt and lost 13lbs. by doubling the frequency, and quadrupling the duration, of my cardio before a recent trip. Weightlifting is great for strength, and strength is great to have for lots of things, but for "long-term, carrying a backpack", being strong probably doesn't help me much. I see people that I know are much(MUCH) '"weaker" than me, yet can hike faster, and probably do it carrying more weight, because they're better conditioned to it.
 
The Warrior said:
If something big happens, and you have your bag/s packed, ready to go on a moments notice, do you think you're really in good enough shape? I was thinking long term, carrying a back pack, etc. TBH, I couldn't even run around the house without being winded. Something to think about. I just got laid off, unfortunately, but it is going to give me time to get in at least better shape. What's your thoughts?
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You might consider a wheeled pack cart. It is easier to pull or push a load than to carry it, unless the terrain is extreme. It takes less physical conditioning. Good on the younger guys who can do those exercises and stay in shape though. As for the rest of us....
 
Thanks for the responses gents, appreciated. I agree that staying in shape should always be on the priority list, not just for bugging out. Just need to get out of this damn rut, where I'm on the computer more than anything else.
 
Conditioning is an important aspect to maintain, as stated mental has a lot to do with it. Normally walking to work 5KM and back daily plus 30-40KM bike rides a few times a week I try to maintain a basic level of fitness.

I backpack a few weekends a month and have pushed myself to 30KM three days in a row a few times. After the first day its all mental, and ensuring you've got the energy supply to keep pushing yourself is also critical.
 
Turn off the computer, shoot the TV, start lifting some weights, refurbish the bicycle, get a puppy that needs LOTS of exercise to stay close to sane and quit drinking alcohol.

That was good for the first 30 pounds. The next 15 seems top be a lot harder.
 
Fitness is the key ! I need to drop about 15 more lbs....I started my "Insanity Workout" again yesterday to up my Cardio/Plyo. I did this last year about this same time & lost 23lbs. I slacked off around Thanksgiving & never really started back, I gained 3lbs over the holidays but haven't gaind any since ...so now it's time to drop this last 15lbs ! If your healthy & in decent shape then you will be able to walk/hike more distance & pack more weight longer ! Plus you feel alot better & more confident in yourself !
 
I need to drop about 50-55 lbs. I consider my "fighting" weight at 220-225. I'm now 275.
 
People here are right. Cardio is king.
Our bodies are amazing walking machines.
I truly beleive that just about every aspect of ones life is improved/better if they can remain active and be basically fit.
I'm NOT about being a marathon running-yoga master-2000 sit-ups a day-obsessive maniac freakshow.
Move every day. Learn some good stretches. Get good sleep.
Good fitness level will help all situations.
 
You will see a good horse in the long run not in the short one.
To be fit and have a good Cardio will not remain long without eating normally.
A guy with a low cardio and 20 exstra pounds overweight, will last longer in the same situation.
 
I agree with Angus...staying active is the key. A lifestyle that is maintainable is the only way to stay healthy for the long term.
Insanity workouts are aptly named. Crash diets are almost guaranteed to crash. Extreme measures are not maintainable.
I don't think you need to pay someone a lot of money or to go extreme measures to be in shape. Eat healthy food, consume less than you burn and get enough sleep.
Like so many things in life, it's simple but it's not easy.
 
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