Planning a section hike from Sam's Gap to Damascus in March. I am 67 so I know I won't be able to put in the miles 20yr old's do. I am walking 7 miles (2.5 hours) every morning with 30lb vest then have a steak & salad for lunch. Tore up my knee this past July and couldn't walk then, but now I am building strength and recovering. Will be wearing a compression sleeve on my bad knee to help keep it from moving sideways.
Thanks Kelly. I always love your videos. The first one I saw was when you were going through your gear in Arkansas before the AT hike. I have stayed along through the ups and downs. I loved the Florida videos. I am 73 years of age and I live in an area in northern Ontario where I am surrounded by hills that they like to call mountains. Lots of trails here. I spend anywhere from 4 to 7 or 8 hours walking. Lots of climbing. I feel I could do the AT as far as physical ability but I think I would rather stay up here in the canoe country. Thanks for all that you do. I always look forward to your videos.
Great advice Kelly. That's one reason why I quit playing basketball. I kept twisting and spreading my ankle. I may half to check those exercises out. I remember when I first started hiking after 4 years in the gym. Your right abs all the way around, buttocks, legs, everything needs working out and toned.
Im going to retire from the Air Force in 2.5 years and I’d really like to get a nice long hike in to celebrate. The AT is a dream of mine. I’ve been in CrossFit for a year or so but it’s hard to do it that often with two young kids. But I do love CrossFit. Great videos and very inspirational.
Your video was very informative. Thank you for taking the time to share this information with all of us. You're awesome!! Good luck on you next long-distance backpacking trip. Of course, can't wait to see the videos. Happy hiking 🤙
Great video Kelly! I don't think you left any stone unturned. Smart to use the weight vest. Grit as you said is very important. The mental has to be tough too. When things go south in the bush (and they will), your mind needs to be prepared to adjust, move forward and stay positive. This video is a great future resource for anyone. Nice work! ✌️
Weight vests - and ankle weights - give a really good workout when going uphill..! Perfect when its cold outside, and the forest is covered in deep snow, so one has to hike on boring roads, and want to get a reasonable exercise in a relatively short time 👍
Thank you for the great information I have been wanting to get back into backpacking for a very long time but thought I never could because of my knee injuries and back issues I started meeting with a personal trainer at the gym I go to who has been personal trained me using Pilates and yoga and has done me a world of good and I think I'm almost ready for my first trip
I plan on it this year and so far I been not really training. But I have been walking alot like to the store bout 2 half miles round trip plus I heard to tough your feet by walking on the road barefoot. So you can prevent blisters
Hey Kelly , Good to see ya again and this video hits home for me. I semi recently ( almost 3 years now) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and my youth coming back to haunt me , i feel like im completely falling apart. Like , i think its the verge of depression kinda thing , i dont think i did any hiking at all this year and at some point i wanna at least attempt the AT or the PCT but getting the motivation to get OUT is something im struggling with.
I can relate! I've got arthritis in my spine and I know exactly what I need to do to relieve the pain (work my core) but I'm having a difficult time getting motivated to just get up and do it! I love backpacking and plan to do the AT when I retire (5 years fingers crossed!) But I won't be able to do it if my spine keeps degenerating! How's about a pact? We get up and start taking care of ourselves so we can do this thing? 😁
I've only day-hiked, as in almost every day 4-10 miles, mornings for the last 2 years + been cycling with good mix of HIT, so overall I'm very fit, relatively speaking, BUT, have no idea how I would fare with consecutive days on the trail, especially with changes in food and sleep...hope to try soon.
Nice to see and hear from you again. It's going to get cold up there. I think Florida is calling. Have a great Christmas with the family and stay warm.
Wow great idea to take care of all the medical stuff before you hit the trailhead! As someone who has also suffered from ovarian cysts and multiple surgeries, I sympathize with your need to make sure that doesn't happen again! I wouldn't wish that pain on my worst enemy. Bravo to you for finishing the AT after your surgery 👏 🤗🙏
Good information, I hike and walk every day, I am 65 year old tree surgeon live next to a State Forest step out my door and I’m on the trail head God‘s been good to me have a great day.
Well while I agree on most your saying so far, you forget an important part of beeing in nature. And you kinda mention it too on that kajakk video with those birds: Being in the moment living your life. Like its more healthy to walk slow and stop, than often rushing through a long distance hike. On El Camino elder people, or people whp arent fit at all, but still walk 800 km and where some have walk it many times, they often say rememmber to stop, and look back. And also breathe or be in the moment Its a very healthy thing to do. Its good to have some training goals, but training at a gym is surely not nesesary at all for long distance hikes. Long distance hikes are not a Rushing goal. Maybe for some. But staying in shape and having an idea og your shape or health academically will surely make your journey better. As well as having knowlegde of gear ment for the journey.
@@kellyhays23 I meant sweating on the hikes….cold weather hikes. They say sweating is bad. I’m prepping for my first thru hike so maybe I shouldn’t worry so much about the sweat part. Thanks for responding.
Crazy Talk Alert: from 1985 until 2007, I logged many thousands of miles traveling the US by HITCHhiking. I know, sounds insane, but I had so much fun and mostly met some wonderful, good humans along the way. It's wise to work out and get your body in shape for any sort of physical endeavor, especially hiking and hitchhiking, but I would just wake up early, shower, get my travelin' duds on, eat a solid breakfast, and take off with my Kelty. I rolled both ankles when I was a kid, so it was always a challenge to find a pair of stable hiking boots, because I've rolled both ankles on countless occasions. I always paid attention or "listened to" my body, and knew when to stop and stretch, or rest as necessary. A lot of folks reading this are going to say, "B-b-but... hitchhiking is DANGEROUS!" Yet, here I am, still here, and tapping this comment out on my laptop.
Most people eat so bad thru hiking. It's so unhealthy. I wonder how it would go if you dehydrated or freeze dried your own healthy meals to bring. At least one good nutrition packed meal a day. Maybe dinner. All organic meat and veggies and stuff. Hmmm....
Clearly you're in great shape. I agree with almost all of this with one caveat. The only true way to get better at backpacking is to do it. Aligning with what you said maintained fitness year around is important off the trail and makes everything easier on trail. Your fitness regimen as a world class college athlete has set you apart which is obvious with your physique and adventures. As a Marine I had a similar history with fitness that helped on trail. I rolled my ankle a few times in training in my early twenties, now I never have ankle issues. One day it just stopped. Perhaps ligaments and tendons change like muscle fibers do with age. I do think the weight vest should be used with care. Stress fractures can happen with those. As long as you're somewhat fit and or young, your body will adapt to the trail. Pelvic floor injuries seem to be common on the trail with some women. I wonder if using a Shewe or shewiz would help in reducing the amount of squatting on trail which can lead to pelvic floor problems. Thank you for sharing and continuing to be an inspiration for the hiking community. 1% better every day. Small victories matter.
I agree with you- the only true way to get better at backpacking is to do it! That’s why I specified “how to train off trail” in the title. I know a lot of people can’t get out a lot to backpack before a planned trip or thru hike so wanted to share some things that could help a little off trail! :)
@@kellyhays23 It was an awesome video and very informative especially for the beginners. When people ask me about my adventures and backpacking I always send them to your videos because of your engaging personality and knowledge.
Hey princess don’t be hurt or ashamed if your body can’t take it ok. It happens to the best of us even us military personnel 😢. But if your confident in your training matrix then proceed. We as military do all sorts of strenuous exercises but never pick up a pack. Until it’s time. The pack can be up to 46 pounds and we march a long distance. There are some that develop injuries and others that don’t. So please don’t be upset if your body will not allow you to do another. Kinda like your van life 😊. But will follow your adventures anyway. The one thing I did notice when I put on a Alice pack last year my body automatically adjusted to the pack. Which I haven’t done in years!!!! I just up did push ups, side strattle hops all the excercises I did in the military and this 57 year old body did not hurt one bit. My car broke down and I had to walk three miles up hill. I chose the most strenuous path I could find. The only problem was I didn’t have proper shoes. So my knees ached. The supply of shoes are short here in Topeka. But did it so hard to push myself and then had to lift heavy loads at my part time job. I found a wall and used it to jump down and clime up. I was shocked I could still do it. So take it from an old geek. If you have given it enough thought and prep. You can do it. Don’t be upset if your body rejects the idea of doing the hike. Wear and tear on your body sometimes can’t be recovered. Be you; only you can decide if it’s right for you. Still sexy and beautiful and smart etc., so I’m with you no matter what. SEMPER FI 💪😉 19:41 hrs Dec 19 2022
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Planning a section hike from Sam's Gap to Damascus in March. I am 67 so I know I won't be able to put in the miles 20yr old's do. I am walking 7 miles (2.5 hours) every morning with 30lb vest then have a steak & salad for lunch. Tore up my knee this past July and couldn't walk then, but now I am building strength and recovering. Will be wearing a compression sleeve on my bad knee to help keep it from moving sideways.
Thanks Kelly. I always love your videos. The first one I saw was when you were going through your gear in Arkansas before the AT hike. I have stayed along through the ups and downs. I loved the Florida videos. I am 73 years of age and I live in an area in northern Ontario where I am surrounded by hills that they like to call mountains. Lots of trails here. I spend anywhere from 4 to 7 or 8 hours walking. Lots of climbing. I feel I could do the AT as far as physical ability but I think I would rather stay up here in the canoe country. Thanks for all that you do. I always look forward to your videos.
Great advice Kelly. That's one reason why I quit playing basketball. I kept twisting and spreading my ankle. I may half to check those exercises out. I remember when I first started hiking after 4 years in the gym. Your right abs all the way around, buttocks, legs, everything needs working out and toned.
Awesome advice! Weight lifting builds mental toughness which translates to the pain we feel on the trail. It’s 90% mental & 10% physical.
Im going to retire from the Air Force in 2.5 years and I’d really like to get a nice long hike in to celebrate. The AT is a dream of mine. I’ve been in CrossFit for a year or so but it’s hard to do it that often with two young kids. But I do love CrossFit. Great videos and very inspirational.
Your video was very informative. Thank you for taking the time to share this information with all of us. You're awesome!! Good luck on you next long-distance backpacking trip. Of course, can't wait to see the videos. Happy hiking 🤙
Great video Kelly! I don't think you left any stone unturned. Smart to use the weight vest. Grit as you said is very important. The mental has to be tough too. When things go south in the bush (and they will), your mind needs to be prepared to adjust, move forward and stay positive. This video is a great future resource for anyone. Nice work! ✌️
Weight vests - and ankle weights - give a really good workout when going uphill..! Perfect when its cold outside, and the forest is covered in deep snow, so one has to hike on boring roads, and want to get a reasonable exercise in a relatively short time 👍
Thank you for the great information I have been wanting to get back into backpacking for a very long time but thought I never could because of my knee injuries and back issues I started meeting with a personal trainer at the gym I go to who has been personal trained me using Pilates and yoga and has done me a world of good and I think I'm almost ready for my first trip
I plan on it this year and so far I been not really training. But I have been walking alot like to the store bout 2 half miles round trip plus I heard to tough your feet by walking on the road barefoot. So you can prevent blisters
Hi Kelly, just found your channel, enjoyed your video! Happy hiking!
Hey Kelly , Good to see ya again and this video hits home for me. I semi recently ( almost 3 years now) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and my youth coming back to haunt me , i feel like im completely falling apart. Like , i think its the verge of depression kinda thing , i dont think i did any hiking at all this year and at some point i wanna at least attempt the AT or the PCT but getting the motivation to get OUT is something im struggling with.
I can relate! I've got arthritis in my spine and I know exactly what I need to do to relieve the pain (work my core) but I'm having a difficult time getting motivated to just get up and do it! I love backpacking and plan to do the AT when I retire (5 years fingers crossed!) But I won't be able to do it if my spine keeps degenerating!
How's about a pact? We get up and start taking care of ourselves so we can do this thing? 😁
All around great info Kelly!! Looking forward to seeing you on the trail again!! 😎
I've only day-hiked, as in almost every day 4-10 miles, mornings for the last 2 years + been cycling with good mix of HIT, so overall I'm very fit, relatively speaking, BUT, have no idea how I would fare with consecutive days on the trail, especially with changes in food and sleep...hope to try soon.
I’m getting ready for the CDT in 2023 so this was all helpful Thanks 🙏
Thank you for all the good information. Stay safe.
Nice to see and hear from you again. It's going to get cold up there. I think Florida is calling. Have a great Christmas with the family and stay warm.
Inspiring! Thanks for the encouraging message!
Wow Kelly!! Thank you for sharing such valuable information! You are our backpacking guru ❤ We appreciate all of your good vibes and insight!
Wow great idea to take care of all the medical stuff before you hit the trailhead! As someone who has also suffered from ovarian cysts and multiple surgeries, I sympathize with your need to make sure that doesn't happen again! I wouldn't wish that pain on my worst enemy. Bravo to you for finishing the AT after your surgery 👏 🤗🙏
Hey Hays 23, good vid, Wishing you and James Merry Christmas, and happy New year!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS LOVE AND HUGS
Good information, I hike and walk every day, I am 65 year old tree surgeon live next to a State Forest step out my door and I’m on the trail head God‘s been good to me have a great day.
Well while I agree on most your saying so far, you forget an important part of beeing in nature. And you kinda mention it too on that kajakk video with those birds:
Being in the moment living your life.
Like its more healthy to walk slow and stop, than often rushing through a long distance hike.
On El Camino elder people, or people whp arent fit at all, but still walk 800 km and where some have walk it many times, they often say rememmber to stop, and look back. And also breathe or be in the moment Its a very healthy thing to do.
Its good to have some training goals, but training at a gym is surely not nesesary at all for long distance hikes. Long distance hikes are not a Rushing goal. Maybe for some. But staying in shape and having an idea og your shape or health academically will surely make your journey better. As well as having knowlegde of gear ment for the journey.
I could go hike Blood Mountain every day…but right now I outdoor have to work up to that! But I promise, better at 60 than 59😅I better get to work!
You got this!!!!
I know! I know! You’re heading to Florida!!!
Another great and fill with important information
Great info... 👍
Super informative for an old duffer like me Kelly. Thanks 😊
great video !!! Merry Christmas
More gym videos for winter
great Video Kelly! Thank you!
The bad thing with muscles is the lactic acid builds up faster. Good for strength, bad for endurance it seems.
Can you post a link to the vest please?
Merry Christmas!
335 lb squats? You are a freakin’ beast! Total respect!
How heavy was your backpack?
This is terrible! Here I am focused on work and young Kelly puts out a new video and darn! What work!!
How about sweating? Do you adjust your pace based on body heat?
If I’m in “cardio” hr zone I’m usually sweating, but no I don’t pay attention to just sweat as muxh
@@kellyhays23 I meant sweating on the hikes….cold weather hikes. They say sweating is bad. I’m prepping for my first thru hike so maybe I shouldn’t worry so much about the sweat part. Thanks for responding.
Florida Trail?
Crazy Talk Alert: from 1985 until 2007, I logged many thousands of miles traveling the US by HITCHhiking. I know, sounds insane, but I had so much fun and mostly met some wonderful, good humans along the way. It's wise to work out and get your body in shape for any sort of physical endeavor, especially hiking and hitchhiking, but I would just wake up early, shower, get my travelin' duds on, eat a solid breakfast, and take off with my Kelty. I rolled both ankles when I was a kid, so it was always a challenge to find a pair of stable hiking boots, because I've rolled both ankles on countless occasions. I always paid attention or "listened to" my body, and knew when to stop and stretch, or rest as necessary. A lot of folks reading this are going to say, "B-b-but... hitchhiking is DANGEROUS!" Yet, here I am, still here, and tapping this comment out on my laptop.
Not sure if anyone else has notified you but your AT list is not working
Most people eat so bad thru hiking. It's so unhealthy.
I wonder how it would go if you dehydrated or freeze dried your own healthy meals to bring.
At least one good nutrition packed meal a day. Maybe dinner. All organic meat and veggies and stuff.
Hmmm....
cross train, lift weights, cardio
My favorite youtuber 📽 🍕🍕🍕 ♥️♥️♥️ ...
Clearly you're in great shape. I agree with almost all of this with one caveat. The only true way to get better at backpacking is to do it.
Aligning with what you said maintained fitness year around is important off the trail and makes everything easier on trail.
Your fitness regimen as a world class college athlete has set you apart which is obvious with your physique and adventures. As a Marine I had a similar history with fitness that helped on trail.
I rolled my ankle a few times in training in my early twenties, now I never have ankle issues. One day it just stopped. Perhaps ligaments and tendons change like muscle fibers do with age.
I do think the weight vest should be used with care. Stress fractures can happen with those. As long as you're somewhat fit and or young, your body will adapt to the trail.
Pelvic floor injuries seem to be common on the trail with some women. I wonder if using a Shewe or shewiz would help in reducing the amount of squatting on trail which can lead to pelvic floor problems.
Thank you for sharing and continuing to be an inspiration for the hiking community. 1% better every day. Small victories matter.
I agree with you- the only true way to get better at backpacking is to do it!
That’s why I specified “how to train off trail” in the title. I know a lot of people can’t get out a lot to backpack before a planned trip or thru hike so wanted to share some things that could help a little off trail! :)
@@kellyhays23 It was an awesome video and very informative especially for the beginners. When people ask me about my adventures and backpacking I always send them to your videos because of your engaging personality and knowledge.
@@stoicodysseys6352 thank you so much dude! I really appreciate that ❤️
Hey princess don’t be hurt or ashamed if your body can’t take it ok. It happens to the best of us even us military personnel 😢. But if your confident in your training matrix then proceed. We as military do all sorts of strenuous exercises but never pick up a pack. Until it’s time. The pack can be up to 46 pounds and we march a long distance. There are some that develop injuries and others that don’t. So please don’t be upset if your body will not allow you to do another. Kinda like your van life 😊. But will follow your adventures anyway. The one thing I did notice when I put on a Alice pack last year my body automatically adjusted to the pack. Which I haven’t done in years!!!! I just up did push ups, side strattle hops all the excercises I did in the military and this 57 year old body did not hurt one bit. My car broke down and I had to walk three miles up hill. I chose the most strenuous path I could find. The only problem was I didn’t have proper shoes. So my knees ached. The supply of shoes are short here in Topeka. But did it so hard to push myself and then had to lift heavy loads at my part time job. I found a wall and used it to jump down and clime up. I was shocked I could still do it. So take it from an old geek. If you have given it enough thought and prep. You can do it. Don’t be upset if your body rejects the idea of doing the hike. Wear and tear on your body sometimes can’t be recovered. Be you; only you can decide if it’s right for you. Still sexy and beautiful and smart etc., so I’m with you no matter what.
SEMPER FI 💪😉 19:41 hrs
Dec 19 2022
Lol I’m 29. I will be just fine to do another hike. Thanks!!
15:16 No more 🍕❓😊
Always pizza! Ool
@@kellyhays23 😋
🥾🥾🥾