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Day 13 16th May
I’m taking a rest day in mountain town Idyllwild. After 12 days sweating through the desert we are transitioning to the first big mountain section for the next 6-7 days. The San Jacinto trail section will take us to 8300ft with hopefully some great views and cooler temperatures. If we take the side quest to Continue reading
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Day 7 10th May
I’m on the trail! 77 miles along. It’s all been a bit of a whirl of adjustments and needing to press on, meaning little time to blog. I’ve stayed overnight in Julian, a gold rush town in California. With WiFi I’m able to upload a few photos. Continue reading
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10×10
After delivering fam and friends to local airport at 4am, I decided to experience 10×10, which is the practice of hiking 10 miles by 10am. The aim on the PCT is to arise at 5am and be on the trail at 6am to give best chance of getting half the days hiking completed early in Continue reading
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Paid-for training journey ending.
Once my PCT planning got underway seriously in November I realised I needed to up my game physically. Though I’d completed the SWCP in 47 days I felt very weary, had torn a calf muscle, and was dragging my heels towards the end. The PCT is four times longer.Scouting around online I found Lee from Continue reading
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An error of steepness!
I’d got it into my head that the PCT total ascent was Everest height x5, which didn’t seem so much when I thought the SWCP is Everest height x3. Having done the SWCP I thought the PCT will be easier average gradient wise because the SWCP is a quarter of the distance.It is but not Continue reading
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Mindset
It’s that time of year – urgh! Cold, wet, short days, and long nights, giving reduced opportunity for carefree outdoors adventures. The festive season is long gone yet I’m still carrying a tire round my midriff. That splendiferous hiking shirt bought for the first section in the desert doesn’t fit at the mo. The physical Continue reading
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PCT is green for go!
This week has been an apex moment for preparation. My 6 week review of physical training with Lee from Trailside Fitness showed solid progress on most areas including those I’d identified to him as of concern to me. My ankles are a lot stronger as are my shin muscles and my recovery heart rate is Continue reading
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Physical preparation for the PCT.
I’m 5 weeks into the 16 week program with Lee from Trailside Fitness. I’m starting to see results – better ankle mobility, improved upper body strength, and firmer core able to carry a heavy bag. I’ve called my objective 20/20/2000Breaking that down it’s to be able to carry a 20Kg bag, 20 miles, up and Continue reading
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PCT footwear
It is with great relief I receive a second pair of these. Now successfully auditioned on the SCWP they’re my go-to for the PCT. A US company, I’ve had to import from Germany and now France for my UK adventures. They’re readily available in the States. Topo Athletic Ultraventure Pro for the win! Continue reading
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Nutrition and injury prevention on the PCT.
Having two thruhikes under my belt, albeit the Thames Path not completed, I’m now more aware of my body’s needs on the trail, specifically the need to eat well, and injury management. The PCT is not a repeatable event due to cost, location and duration – I must give it my best shot the first Continue reading
About Me
An English walker who sleeps better outdoors.
New Valley Hills 