Sat June 2 -- who's on?

[whitneyfan]

Whitneyfan - The only time I had problems with muscle cramps on the Skyline Trail was when I started late (around 5 am) on a hot day; so maybe it's the heat that is the difference between your hike Saturday and the other strenuous hikes you have done.

Kathy

Thanks all, for the replies.
Its weird about the heat, because all morning I did not feel at all hot, until I was back down at the museum at 12 noon. I was definately sweating but was cool. I rememeber thinking several times that it was not as hot as I expected. I used to live in Phoenix, so I know hot.
I was wearing convertable pants as a precaution against rattlers, and a water-wicking shirt. I think the shirt kept me cool. I guess it was worth the $80.

[Hikin_Jim]

Sometimes in really dry conditions, you sweat more than you realize -- especially with those nice high tech wicking T shirts. If your electrolyte balance gets thrown off, that could cause cramps as could just plain old fashioned, garden variety dehydration.

I was stationed at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, back in the 80's and then again in the early 90's. I used to bring 4.5 to 5 liters for a day hike and would still come back really thirsty, BUT I would seldom SEEM to sweat significantly. Hot direct sun and dry conditions can make you sweat WAY more than you realize.

Just theorizing. I guess you could have just had a bad day too.

[magikwalt]

The first time I hiked C2C in convertable pants was about 30 days ago. By the time I reached 3200ft I was definately sweating more than normal. I pulled the lower legs off and the problem was solved. The pair I had on used a mesh netting inside the upper half and weren't nearly as cool as my normal hiking shorts.

From keeping track of my HR with a monitor the last couple months it is obvious to me the effect the higher starting temperatures are having. My resting HR at the trail head is higher and I more quickly and easily find the HR getting above my target zones. As this occurs the body is fighting to cool itself and sweat is its number one tool. As you progress on C2C heart rate drift begins to occur. Same pace, same elevation gain and same temperature but your heart rate begins to rise anyway. Its compounded by the bodies loss of fluids.

Cy gave me a great lesson in pace just above Flat Rock Saturday. As we moved up I felt the urge to pass him and move faster. Since it was my first chance to hike with him I adopted his pace and chatted as we moved through the Manzanita bushes. About halfway through them I realized that my HR was exactly were I wanted it even though my brain was telling me I was moving too slowly.

[Cy Kaicener]

MagicWalt - I find that it is better to go fairly slowly and just keep on going. I find that when i stop for more than ten minutes I stiffen up. If you hike something strenuous the week before you dont have to stop for too long.

[magikwalt]

Your pace was perfect for me Cy. Zippety and I have been chatting about my need to slow the front end of the hike down in an attempt to not have to stop as much above Flat Rock. I was lucky to join up with you at that point. Your experience produced a pace that allowed me to keep my heart rate right were I wanted it. You provided me an on trail example that my HR monitor said was correct.

Yesterday when Chuck and I hiked down to below Flat Rock and then hiked back up I attempted to duplicate the same even pace you used. Although I still pushed too hard in a couple areas Chuck told me it was one of the best trips through that section we had ever done.

I continue to work on adjusting my pace to flatten my heart rate. The steep sections on the back part of the trail are the hardest to manage due to a number of variables. Mostly I think its just me being stubborn and not slowing as the grade increases until I finally have to stop. Cy's method of a steady even pace is exactly what I'm trying to duplicate.

Again, it was a great lesson!