Getting physically ready for elk/ hunting season thread

[Kevin]

Russ, what speed are you doing the 15 degree incline at?

[HIDE-N-SEEK]

I have been archery elk hunting for 25 years and the most important part about archery elk hunting is being in shape. No matter how you do it, get in shape. You may want to look at an Elevation Training Mask, they are incredible. Be able to shoot 60 yds and be able to shoot out of breath.

Very good point, and should be part of your training. If you've ever experienced it at altitude after a long/hard chase it's harder than you may think! I have started my training as well. Good luck to all.

[txtrophy85]

Maybe I'm the odd man out, but my pack is nowhere near 40 lbs, much less 60

I think it was right around 20 when I weighed it.

[Texans42]

Maybe I'm the odd man out, but my pack is nowhere near 40 lbs, much less 60

I think it was right around 20 when I weighed it.

Depends on how far you camp from the truck..Mine usually no more then 15pounds but I sleep in a bed at night

[Russ]

Maybe I'm the odd man out, but my pack is nowhere near 40 lbs, much less 60

I think it was right around 20 when I weighed it.

Never seen an elk quarter only weigh 20lbs!!! Lol got to be ready to get a downed critter off the mountain.

[Russ]

My measurements now
Chest 46.5in
Waist 38in
Bicepts 16.5in
Thighs 25.5in
Calves 16.5
Height 5'11
Got now pic to compare to later! Shameful pic....not sure if I should post or not....lol
At the time of my elk hunt from my avatar I had 17.5 in bicepts and a 33in waist! Can't remember my other measurement from back then.....all I know is I am not in near the shape I want to be in for this upcoming October hunt but I WILL be there!!!

[Codie]

Russ can take a little thread hijacking, but you are right!


Back to the topic... I just did this 11.5 mi hike/run through low elevation mountains and it was grueling. It basically goes over the peaks with very little side-hilling. I HATED it when I was up there, but will do it again on my visit a couple weeks from now. Basically, the only way I can motivate myself to keep working out and eating right is to have goals. My goal is to be in mountain shape, and its still an ongoing process. Right now I am focusing on building muscle mass, which for me is very difficult.

Distance: 11.5 mi
Elevation: + 3000 ft gained and -3500 ft lost over total distance
Duration: 5 hrs




If you look close, you can see the trail heads toward the taller ridge closer to the lake and then hits almost every peak from there. Ouch!

Awesome country there!

[Archery1st]

No kidding...80-90 lbs each hind qtr will kick your rear..this one was packed out 1.5 miles. What really sucked was finding a rd the next day that would allowed me to drive the Ranger right to my bull.

[Archery1st]

Don't forget the hide and horns..nothing on and elk is light.

[Russ]

Russ, what speed are you doing the 15 degree incline at?

1 mile run at 5.5speed
1 mile walk 3speed@ 15%
1 mile run at 5 speed
Then to the bike for 3miles varying what resistance I can stand but keeping it right at the edge of unbearable.
I alternate stair stepper and bike.
Will start posting pic stats from machines.

[keep]

My measurements now
Chest 46.5in
Waist 38in
Bicepts 16.5in
Thighs 25.5in
Calves 16.5
Height 5'11
Got now pic to compare to later! Shameful pic....not sure if I should post or not....lol
At the time of my elk hunt from my avatar I had 17.5 in bicepts and a 33in waist! Can't remember my other measurement from back then.....all I know is I am not in near the shape I want to be in for this upcoming October hunt but I WILL be there!!!

I'm so freaking in on this. I've been needing some accountability , Alan's been great but public shaming is a much better motivator.

I really worked hard for the goat hunt last year. I did the recumbent bike for 30 mins and then threw a 60-70# pack on and hit the treadmill for 45 min at a 12% incline.
I would also work core pretty hard.
Given all that, my legs got tired but never sore. I feel like if I do that again I'll be good but I'm behind.

[rtp]

A few weeks ago I walked in the gym and as I went by some of the treadmills, I saw a guy that had his full hiking gear on with a huge backpack. He had it on full incline and was giving it heck. I havent seen him since. It takes a lot of work for us flatlanders to get in remotely good mountain shape.

[keep]

Things I used
Calorie counter app- I tried to stay between 1750-2000 per day. This helped control the eating

http://wildernessathlete.com/ good stuff here even without joining

http://www.cameronhanes.com/

[ladrones]

What supplements are y'all using during your training regiment? I'm gonna dedicate the next couple of months to a clean diet (minus vacation) and just walking in sandy washes, dirt and rock etc at various elevations. I want to try and hike/explore about a 15 mile trail that is clogged up with trees and rock slides later this fall.

[keep]

What supplements are y'all using during your training regiment? I'm gonna dedicate the next couple of months to a clean diet (minus vacation) and just walking in sandy washes, dirt and rock etc at various elevations. I want to try and hike/explore about a 15 mile trail that is clogged up with trees and rock slides later this fall.

Take a look at the wilderness athlete stuff and find what fits you and what you're doing