Greetings all; sorry for the long winded entry… but, I would appreciate your input.
I have worked for the last two years to make a transition from traditional backpacking to a “lighter” backpacker mode. This has been a physical, educational and in some cases, a behavior-changing experience. When I went over Forester Pass in 2009 (JMT), I had a 40-pound pack on my back. In 2010, I went over Forester with a 27-pounder (Onion Valley to Portal / 43m/1.5 days). Last year, among other overnight treks, I went from Happy Isles to Mono Pass junction (86m) in three days with a 23-pounder. In 2012, my pack is about 21.5 pounds.
During that last long-range fastpack in 2011, I found that traveling light required discipline I did not (yet) have. For example, I found I did not operate well while being wet for an extended period of time; it rained and hailed a lot that week in the Sierra. I did not enjoy the trek under those conditions because I could not improve my situation without the benefit of the sun; or, spare (dry) stuff. I learned that if one is going to enjoy the profit of traveling light, one better be able to live with whatever nature offers at the time.
Also, although I woke up in the mornings anxious to go and maintained a good pace for most of the day (I don’t like hiking in darkness), my insistence in meeting the planned distance for the day made me crash on day one and two; leg-pain, impatient/moody, could not “down” the required food amount and water, did not carry out self maintenance chores, desperation feeling and absolute exhaustion – I just set up the tent and went to sleep – or tried to.
Being a type-2 diabetic has disadvantages, and consistently keeping up with the right nutrition is a must. I believed this crashing happened because I over exerted myself with the mileage/speed and because I was not “one” with my nutritional requirements; the calorie output and fat burning rate situation was more than I was prepared to handle. (I subsequently found out I was burning between 7-8,000 calories a day while taking in less than 2,000; NUTS!!)
Since then, I learned that, even when I think I’m going strong, not taking scheduled soft and hard breaks will tax my strength little by little. Not fueling my body on time and/or enough will come back to haunt me toward the end of the day… And, once the body starts going “down”, no amount of breaks and food will help it recover in an expeditious manner; except, setting up and calling it a day. I learned that once you crash, it will take the body between 24-36 hours to fully recover (depending on age and/or athletic condition); so, a “zero” day following a crash is a must. The body will start recovery as soon as it is well fed and rested. I learned not to go out the day after a crash or I will have a miserable hiking experience!! I now maintain a militaristic break schedule that has proven to help me end the day much stronger. I learned to keep fastpacking on the fun side by being able to identify my pre-crash condition; usually near mile 25.
I have picked up plenty of my fastpacking know-how right here in BPL thanks to the candidness of its members. If you have time to check my 2012 gear list (mainly for JMT mid-September), I would appreciate any advice you could render; especially from any medically inclined member with diabetic sports nutrition or personal experience. I included every darn thing I carry. I am planning a “three stepper” style trek; where I take a “zero” day every three days of hiking. I am still working on a more efficient nutritional tactic.
Thanks and Happy Trails!
