Training time!

Just a little over 2 months to Colorodo Elk and I was wondering if anyone was training yet. Im interested to see if you guys have a set plan or just start running or walking. My plan is to start tomorrow . I think the boys used my arrows for bug wippers so I may need to start there. Anyway, I’m getting the itch and looking to see what the sucessuful hunters do.

Always a great topic. I actually spent some time implementing a program for myself last year before I went out west. I work in a rehab/therapy setting for post op heart patients, so I’ve spent some time in class on what works for exercise, and what does not.
You want to mimic the type of terrain, and the weight you will be packing in/out. Obviously you must be honest with yourself to determine your physical shape now before you begin.
If you pack in like I do, you would want to do some cardio exercises, as well as strength training (weight lifting).
I believe the most important thing that helped me last year was walking on the treadmill at a high grade (6-10%) at a moderate speed 3-3.5% mph. I also added my pack to the mix that was filled with 10-15 lbs at first, and then progressed from there. My pack weight in was about 60 pounds if that gives you an indication. You will want to be comfortable at your pack weight, and the elevation of your terrain for about 2-3 weeks before you head out west.
For strength training, the biggest thing that helped me was leg press, squat, lunges, etc. All used to strengthen my lower body.

Don’t take this wrong the wrong way. Not assuming your as old as me. But at our age you may want to use a program like P90x or the 5 minute trainer. Only using them as reference for examples. They are a least programs that are easy to follow and stick to.

Being involved as an athlete/coach for over 30yrs. Doubt I could get myself in the right shape without following a good program, or without of the use of a trainer. So that things are designed for gains. Rather than a hap hazardous of things here and there.

Hardest thing is going to be sticking to what ever plan you choose to follow. The aches and pains, the time involved. All make it real easy to fall of the wagon. Becomes a mental thing. When I was still lifting a few years back. Would come home from working barely able to get out of the truck. Would drag myself to the weight room. Within 20mins of being there would feel better than all day. Real tough to get there some days though.

Realistically cardio is going to be the biggest to work on for that terrain. Then general strength training for the whole body. Being sure to work the core. Called that for a reason! In the time you have. Keep in mind that depending of your age, and current fitness level. A 30% increase in overall fitness is going to be on the high side. Perhaps a bit more, or less. Push too hard though and you will burn out. Not hard enough you will not peak properly.

Lastly, test your self before starting. So you know where you end up at the end. Even again midway through to see where your at. That’s enough before I start talking anaerobic/aerobic thresholds.

Good luck. I hope you have a great hunt.

Plain and simple train year around. When you get out there the elk have trained all year, lots of your competition (us) train year around. No reason what so ever not to be in good condition year around. Every day you don’t train, you get farther behind the elk, and those of us who do.

I’ve been doing a little “road work”. Start to feel good and get excited. Less than 50 days untill we leave. Hopefully everyone is feeling the same.

Gettin to be that time of Year…when the heat let’s up a little, it’s go time…