Physical preparation
Hi,
Me and 2 friends (all 27 y.o.) are planning to do the GR 20 (North part) end of June. We are all in adequate condition and have hiked before. We plan to do a test hike during a weekend to test material etc. Now my question: what physical preparation did you do before starting the trip and how was your stamina?
Would someone in regular shape (i.e. not obese) with a bit of jogging on beforehand be able to complete the trip?
Many thanks,
Kasper
Posted: Tue, Feb 10, 2009, 18:13
Kasper-
Before my hikes on the GR20 (and other long hikes) I train primarily by walking in my hiking boots with a full pack. Sure, I might look silly walking around town with a pack, but it has always paid off. On the trail, strength and stamina are never a concern and I can just enjoy the hike.
Keep in mind that jogging (and biking) are not quite the same as hiking. You'll build up your heart/lung stamina, but you'll be working different muscles. If jogging is your thing, be sure to do it where it's hilly, or maybe incorporate some stairs into your workout.
A weekend test hike is a great idea. Do it a month or so before you go, that way if you or your friends feel fatigued you still have time to increase your training regimen.
Posted: Thu, Apr 16, 2009, 1:48
From my experience, you should train yourself for endurance of lungs, not an endurance of muscles (like legs).
Hiking gr20 is quite an aerobic exercise, rather than anaerobic, which I had been training myself for before I took the trail, which in the end proved to be a huge mistake! So huge that I may say so I was forced to leave the trail early soon.
Tiredness of particular muscles didn't bother me at all. Not that my, say, legs were not tired, but compared to general endurance stress, dehydration, difficulties with breathing at certain moments, I hardly noticed any pain in any muscle.
I never hiked in mountains before gr20. Only on plains. That makes a whale of a difference!
So, my recommendation, if you're going to prepare yourself by jogging, make it long-distance (like 10-15km) jogging over the hilly terrain. This is what I'm going to do before hitting gr20 again this summer.
Oh, and don't forget about the weight of your backpack. As I said, having never hiked in the mountains before, I couldn't imagine that a heavy backpack, a simple nuisance on the plains, would turn into such a disaster on the trail. So, I took a lot of stuff for reasons of comfort, which could be easily left at home.
All in all, take gr20 extremely serious.
Posted: Sat, Sep 5, 2009, 18:12
Posted: Sat, Sep 5, 2009, 18:13
Posted: Mon, Sep 7, 2009, 13:46
Physically I've had no problem with the trail. It's true that the GR20 is a tough path, but if you do a decent job of preparing you'll have the required stamina. You don't have to do extreme training, but you probably want to do more than just the weekend warrior thing.
What you can't easily prepare for is the terrain (especially the northern terrain). Training will serve you well here so you aren't battling fatigue as you wend your way over boulder fields, down steep slab, and up loose scree.
With water and food my pack weighs 16 to 17 kg. I carry a tent and sleeping mat since I prefer that to staying in the refuges, but breakfast and dinner are at the refuges. I'm happy to give a list of what I carry, though really much of what you take is personal preference.
I strongly recommend training before you go, simply so you'll get the most enjoyment. Training with a pack is important not just for the strength, but also for balance. I also recommend trekking poles.
Posted: Tue, Sep 8, 2009, 7:52
Posted: Thu, Sep 10, 2009, 17:14
I am a very fit marathon runner who exercises every day and I found it really strenuous. I did do it in 11 days so with 4 doubles.
Trekking poles are a must and take plenty of high calorie snacks for keeping blood sugar up en route.
Also - take 3 weeks over it if you can.
Posted: Fri, Sep 18, 2009, 17:14
I'm 48 :) and did no specific training beforehand. I don't do marathons or triathlons, but play tennis 1-2 times per week and visit the gym when I can. Although parts of the route were quite strenuous, and maybe a bit scary in places, it was all quite doable without training. In fact, we did each etap a good hour quicker than the books. I reckon if you are in pretty good shape and keep your pack light (mine was 10kg including 1kg of energy bars, but excluding 4-5kg of water) it should not present any problems. On the other hand, if you are Barbara and want do it in 11 days then maybe some physical prep would be a good idea!
Posted: Fri, Sep 18, 2009, 17:51
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Posted: Mon, Feb 9, 2009, 13:28