157: Enjoying the Long Slow Adaptation Process

Podcast: Download (Duration: 35:23 — 33.3MB)

Show Notes: Episode 157

Today on the First 40 Miles, there is nothing wrong with taking the slow route. Start now and you’ll be ready when everyone else is rushing and cramming last minute. On today’s top 5 list, a common kitchen ingredient that will change the way you backpack. Then, a review of a backpacking pant that stretches, breathes, and moves. And we’ll share a hack that will keep you balanced.

Opening

You want to get out backpacking and hiking, but maybe you’ve been sedentary for so long that you’re nervous—and you’re worried about know what your doctor is going to say…
Our advice? Start the adaptation process now.
It’s not about testing all the flavors of freeze dried meals or buying the gear–it’s about allowing your body to become accustomed to different loads, previously unused muscle groups, and new levels of exertion. This can’t all be done in a day…
Benefits of long slow adaptation process…
Increase confidence, decrease injury, build anticipation.
Autumn and winter is the perfect time to prepare…
How is our family going to prepare?
Ogie Shaw TEDxSpokane: Winning The Mental Battle of Physical Fitness and Obesity

Top 5 Reasons to Bring Baking Soda

Antacid

Heartburn can easily be remedied by mixing a pinch of baking soda in a couple spoonfuls of water.
Be prepared for the most satisfying burp of your life.
This is not medical advice… this is just Heather’s real life experience

Bug bite paste

Great for mosquito bites, but we’ve also used it in our family for when the kids get bee stings. Make a small paste of baking soda and water. Brush it off after it dries up and flakes.

Anti-stink

Use it as a personal deodorant. Just wet your arm pits or your fingers, add some dry baking soda, and it will stick—killing all the bacteria that try to tag along on your wilderness adventure.
Anti-stink for laundry. Baking soda also removes odors—which means you can use it if you need to do some laundry.
Remember to dump your grey water away from a water source and not in it.

Pot scrub

You can use baking soda as a mild abrasive. Helps remove stuff that may have stuck to your Sierra cup.
Dirt works too, but baking soda helps neutralize any smells that the bits of food have.

Tooth Paste

Wet your brush and dip it in the baking soda
Plain baking soda can also be used with water as a mouth rinse to neutralize any acid in your mouth caused by a high sugar diet.

SUMMIT Gear Review™: Roscoe Washakie Men’s Pant

Structure

95% Nylon/5% Lycra, DWR treated, waffle-weave.
Says it’s waffle weave, but, um, no. Not like the kitchen towels…
Heavier weight, but highly breathable, 4-way stretch, Nylon/Lycra blend
Durable feel without feeling heavy

Utility

Doubled knees and seat
Comes with a belt—magnetic feature
Two front pockets
One back pocket… for righties.
Side zip pockets
Reflective built in calf-cinches that you can use to keep your pant legs rolled up

Mass

Weighs 14 ounces

Maintenance

Wash + dry (or hang dry)

Investment

Trial

Three feature adaptations
Great pant for wet trips
The Washakie pant is tough, comfortable, and is made of great material that should be able to stand up to your outdoor adventures

Backpack Hack of the Week™: Balancing Hands

If you’re feeling unstable on a trail, or you just want to keep your balance over an especially nerve-wracking section, put your hands out for balance.

Not time for a casual hands in pocket hike. Keep your hands free, and keep them out.

Trail Wisdom

“The day on which one starts out is not the time to start one’s preparations.”

–Nigerian Proverb