I'm training for Taylor Pk (13,153'). My planned summit date is 7/19, two weeks from today.
Per the article, one should taper down one's training in the last three weeks prior to a "big event" (marathon in the article, 13er for me). I've been doing fairly short hikes lately because of the heat, the most recent Stawberry Pk (6164', 6 mi RT, 2694' gain, 898 ft/mile avg gain) and Mt Lukens (5074', 8 mi RT, 3274' gain, 819 ft/mile avg gain). This Saturday 7/7 and next Saturday 7/14 are the last two Saturdays prior to summit day. I'm trying to figure out some reasonable mileage and gain numbers for a hike this Saturday.
The article suggests an approximately 35% reduction from wk 3 to wk 2. Using 8 miles and 3000', I'm coming up with about 5 miles and 2000 feet of gain. But the article goes on to suggest
So, to gain or not to gain on my last couple of hikes prior to Taylor, that is the question. Maybe I should do a little extra mileage and reduce the gain? A hike to Wellman Divide and back would be about 6.5 mi RT and 1300' gain. Am I on the right track here or completely lost?Avoid running extremely hilly courses.... This kind of training leads to muscle-tissue damage...
Any suggestions appreciated!