walktard
Registered: 04/04/09
Posts: 1
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Reply with quote | #1 |
I'm hoping that you all can bestow your knowledge on me. I'm not an adventure racer, however I am an accomplished long distance backpacker and I have become a bit consumed with the idea of trying to set the unsupported speed record on the Tahoe Rim Trail (168 miles). There is currently no established unsupported record for this trail, however it is commonly agreed that it has to be faster than 96 hours (very doable). I know of one other person who is also going to be attempting this with a goal of 55 hours. I'd be happy with anything 72 hours or less, emphasis on the less.
I'm male, 5'10" and 145 lbs. My current base pack weight for this attempt will be around 4 pounds, skin out weight around 7 pounds. I live in Lake Tahoe, so I hike/snowshoe daily and once the snow melts I'll hit the trails in earnest.
The main areas that I need help are on strategies for A) fueling/nutrition, B) napping/resting, C) night hiking and D) power hiking vs. running.
Here are my current thoughts and questions for each category:
A)
--Cold food only.
--Mainly complex carbohydrates.
--Primarily gels and sports drinks (I like Hammer Nutrition products like Hammer gel, HEED and Perpetuem).
--Supplement with Endurolytes, energy bars and maybe Anti-Fatigue Caps.
--A recovery drink (Recoverite) before longer naps.
How many calories per day do you think I need to average?
B)
--To minimize my base pack weight, I will plan on sleeping when it is warmer out (before dusk, after dawn).
How much sleep is too much, and how much is too little? Should I use caffeine, and if so, when and how much?
I am afraid that I won't hear my watch alarm if I'm super tired, suggestions?
C)
I've only night hiked a few times. I've read that a headlamp worn around your hips is better in regards to depth perception. I use trekking poles, so I don't want to use a flashlight.
What successful strategies have worked for you? Do you sleep at all at night? Short naps?
D)
I used to trail race, but that was years ago and I now have a weak ankle from repeated sprains, so I'm hesitant to run. My hiking pace is 3-3.5 mph including climbs and descents. I can average 4 mph on smooth, flat trail.
Is it necessary to run to be competitive?
I feel running would burn more energy, leaving me more tired than if I just power hiked. Do you agree?
I really appreciate your time and help. Please feel free to throw anything out there that you think could help me.
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