Wednesday 28 September 2011

Food matters

We're getting into the nitty gritty of food planning and there's so much to consider! Here's what we're tentatively planning and how it will work.

We'll each shoot for 4000 - 5000 calories per day. Probably more in the Sierras where there's more climbing and generally cooler weather, and less in the desert where the temps are really high. In the desert sections hydration will be a major concern, so we'll try to get in a high electrolyte sports drink like eload a couple times per day. 

Each day will start with a high low-glyaemic carbohydrate breakfast, with some protein as well. Something like:

1 cup (dry) oatmeal with dried cranberries and almonds and a whey shake with Progressive VegeGreens and Phytoberry. That will be a nice 700 or so calories to start the day. Lots of carbohydrates to burn throughout the morning, some healthy fats, lots of antioxidants and some quality protein. The breakfast will stay RELATIVELY the same, maybe altering the dried fruit / nut options in the oatmeal and flavour of protein to offer at least a little bit of variety.

Thursday 22 September 2011

We LOOOOOVE Apples!

4 Trays, 4 Apples Each Tray 35 minutes prep time
This will be done about 25 more times. These are being dehydrated as we speak and tomorrow will be vacuum sealed and stored away for when we set up our resupply boxes.

SOOO MUCH FUUUUUUN!

Quote

I kinda like this. Yes, he was found dead of starvation, alone in the wilderness, but he probably LIVED more than most ever do.

"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man, than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun." Christopher McCandless

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Summer winds down, prep winds up.

After an insanely busy summer of working at a variety of events all over Ottawa and as far as Toronto, and a season of the usual training and racing, summer is certainly winding down and the feeling of an Ottawa Autumn in in the air. I love this time of year, I love being outside in the fall, enjoying the cooler weather and watching the season change before us.

This also means that we'll have more time to be home and put in some serious prep for next year's hike. We have a TON of food preparation to take care. Dehydrating fruits and veggies will be a massive undertaking, as will planning daily meals / snacks that will offer us the nutrition we are looking for with adequate calories to fuel the long days of hiking. I've really been looking forward to this time, to actually feel like we're making progress towards the ultimate goal.

I've also been looking for sponsorship in the way of product from a variety of brands that we are very fond of. I'm hoping to save on some costs so that we can really make this happen and maximize what we can do for the charities. As we really get into the planning and prep and we have some stuff prepared, I'll start recording some videos for YouTube.

Wednesday 7 September 2011

PCT Training

Hiking the 4200km of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is undoubtedly an incredible test of body and mind. One that can't be taken lightly. With this in mind, we'll be training our bodies to withstand the rigors of hiking 30+ kilometers day in and day out, carrying up to 40 pounds or more in gear, water and food.

This will take significant physical fitness, specifically a combination of aerobic endurance, upper body and core strength and flexibility. All of these will help prevent injuries, especially early on, while we adjust to the trail. Many people start the trail with all the motivation in the world, though undertrained and injury prone. They put in too many miles too early and wind up getting injured, taking them off the trail for a few days or even for good.

We already keep pretty fit, but if we  can tailor our training to get us the best shape possible for the challenge we will face, we will be way ahead of the game and really enjoy the first few weeks.

Starting in November, I'll be doing a lot of cycling. Great for aerobic fitness, and great for leg strength and power. At the same time I'll be doing regular kettle bell workouts, which are incredible for core strength and overall conditioning. A few times per week, I'll be doing traditional weight training, which will help me gain upper body strength and build some muscle. I know that I will lose weight on the trail, so I might as well go in with a head start in terms of muscle mass. Finally, we will be consciously stretching (especially Brian) so as to decrease chance of overuse injuries.