Pacific Crest Trail Training

Self-Arrest Training with Ice Axe

Hello again, everyone!

I thought I’d write a quick note about the training I have put into preparing for this 2,650-mile adventure, which is now just about a month and a half away. While some people start this journey with very little preparation, I am not one of them. There has been a lot of work happening behind the scenes—especially when it comes to the training I’ve committed to over the past six years. This goes far beyond simply throwing a pack on my back and walking around the neighborhood a few times a week.

First, I want to give a shout-out to a program called Chase Mountains. It’s an online, hiker-centered training program that I’ve been using for the past six years. It’s specifically designed to help hikers prevent injury and build the strength needed for the mountains. I truly can’t say enough good things about this program. The concepts I’ve learned aren’t just for this hike—they’re things I plan to carry with me for the rest of my life so I can keep walking in the mountains for years to come. Chase Mountains can be found at https://chasemountains.io.

In addition to strength training, I also focus on hill workouts, specifically using the 90-foot elevation gain of the Stillwater Stairs in downtown Stillwater, MN. It’s a fantastic place to train, especially with a backpack on. It’s not uncommon to run into others on the stairs training for their own adventures—there was even someone not long ago preparing for Everest.

Ice axe training is another important part of my preparation. Certain sections of the Pacific Crest Trail could require an ice axe for self-arrest, and it’s a skill I’d much rather have in my back pocket before finding myself sliding down the side of a mountain after a slip.

Another tool I’ve incorporated into my training is virtual reality. We own an Oculus Quest 2 headset, and it’s been a surprisingly great addition. When I need a change of pace, I clear some space in the cabin, put on the headset, and fire up the workout game called Supernatural. It’s a fun and challenging way to stay active. Check it out sometime.

I also use VR to help work through my fear of heights. The trail I’m about to take on includes terrain that I know will test my comfort level, and this has been a helpful way to gradually face that fear. I’ve been putting in the work—and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Finally, my training over the last six years has included many shorter backpacking trips, along with one long one: the 500-mile Colorado Trail. There is no substitute for time on the trail and the lessons it teaches. The Colorado Trail was a teacher like no other. I learned a great deal during that six-week hike, and I’m excited to apply those lessons to the PCT.

With only a month and a half to go, I’ll admit I’m starting to feel a few butterflies. But I can honestly say I’ve worked my butt off for this for the past six years—and I’m ready to find out if all this training is going to pay off.