Preparing for the season – Part 3 – Fitness Level
Snowshoeing Freshwater Lake , Cape Breton Highlands National Park
It has been a quite a winter here in Northern Cape Breton and the highlands. It looks like it will be another month or so before the trails will be clear before hiking starts. Throughout the winter, many of us have stayed active by snowshoeing, walking, skating, skiing and working out indoors ( ie. strength ( weights), stretching, arms and legs – stepper & elliptical etc. . It looks like you will have to stay the course until the snow goes.
Once the snow goes, look at 8 week schedule ( May-June) to build up your hiking fitness level. 1) start off with short hikes 3-5 kms long (2 weeks) 2) then gradually move up with 6- 8kms (2 weeks) , 3) then 8-10 kms ( 2 weeks) and finally 4) 10-14 kms ( 2 weeks) . Important to carry your daypack at all times with usual items ( ie. snacks, water, camera etc.) inside as well hike with your poles. The goal of this plan is to prepare you for the hiking season.