Equipment

I've been gather equipment for the last few weeks. I've found the Campmor store to be excellent and might be overloading myself but will be working on the weight issue going forward. Here is an excellent youtube post on the backpack I just bought. I am pretty happy with it, especially the well padded shoulder straps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjMn2UoIXpA&feature=related

I also requested a six month unpaid leave of absence which has been granted by work. For security reasons I will be keeping my date of departure secret until after I have left.

Prep Day 6

3 miles with 30 pound pack and machine weight circuit at the gym.

Prep Day 3,4 & 5

Had a good weekend. Did 3 mile course with 20 pound pack Saturday and Sunday. Up'd pack weight to 30 pounds for today and did 3 miles in the rain. Felt good.

Also hit Campmor store on Saturday and picked up hiking boots and wool socks. The staff was very helpful and fitted a nice pair of ASOLO's for me. Started breaking them in on my 3 mile training hikes.

By the way that Campmor store is a gold mine. I've hit REI and Dick's in the last few weeks and was disappointed. The Campmor is for serious hikers, not yuppies!

Prep Day 2

Woke up early and hiked the 3 mile route with 21 pound rucksack. To my surprise my feet are feeling it. I didn't think such a light weight would make a difference which means it's a good thing I have two months to prepare.

Dropped the bag when I got home and walked the mile to the gym for a light free weight workout. Round trip is two miles so 5 miles total for the day.

Definitely need to build up some callouses on the feet.

Prep Day 1 - 29 April 2010

Walked 3 miles with 21 pound Army surplus rucksack. Was pretty easy but have notice my feet are a bit sore and legs are tighter.

It is my intention to build up to a fifty pound pack before any attempt at the Appalachian trail.