Backpack/ Hike Conditioning - It IS April! - Mon, Apr 6 2009

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Backpack/ Hike Conditioning - It IS April! (4/6/2009)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike - Urban

Event Location:

Near Calgary Curling Club

Date(s) & Time:

Mon, Apr 6 2009 6:30 PM

Registration Cut Off:

Mon, Apr 6 2009 12:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

~1hr

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Event Coordinator(s):

Benn C
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members & Guests, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

35 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

The sun is shining again, spring is in the air, what better way to start the week than this workout? :P

Keep the workouts going to keep the flab and flabbier lungs at bay.

It's time to get really conditioned for upcoming summer activities, hikes, backpacks, walks, whatever. You'll be thankful you did the workout now instead of when you're out on the trails. So we'll huff and puff and blow the mountain down... well, sorta... we'll start small with a hill :)
Come on down and work those buns and arms.

Hikers, it's advisable you bring a pack similar in weight and size to what you would bring on a day's outing.

Backpackers, in addition to the day pack recommendations, you need to bring the kitchen sink, microwave and then some.

Start at the level you are comfortable with and work your way up (just remember it's supposed to be training so it ought to be a bit tougher to do). Really, really good training for your hikes/backpacking trips to come in summer or just to improve your overall stamina. Better to train (aka suffer) now and enjoy the trip later!

There are 120 feet (~40m) of McHugh's Bluff stairs to climb.

Route #1:
There are 167 (or 168 depending on who's counting) steps up the stairs (works the thighs a lot and if you know how, works the glutes too) and then walk down the path to catch our breath

Route #2:
Speed walk up the bike path heading east and come down the stairs. Should feel it in the hips too if you go fast enough.

Route #3:
Take the lesser known walking trail up the hill on the west side of the stairs, you'll join the stairs at the top of the hill. I like this one, feels more like a real hike.

In the span of an hour, do as many circuits as you and your lungs can manage.

As is customary, we'll head to a pub afterwards for refreshments (beer, juice or water, it's up to you! Protein and yeast after the workout is always good for morale and is the real reason why I do this. Heh.) and to get to know your fellow members better (this bit is a bonus)... which makes it more fun doesn't it?

So come on by for a great way to start the week! Chatting with your fellow club members, forgetting about starting another week, etc..

Required Items to Bring:
- water
- appropriate clothing
- your backpack, loaded up with the heaviest weight you're currently comfortable with carrying. We recommend starting with a pack of about 25 pounds and working your way up to your personal maximum -- the experts recommend for that to be about 1/3 of your body weight. Water, rocks, books, your pet dog, anything with weight. You might also want to pack as you would for your trips. See our Backpacker Checklist for information about how to pack your pack. Even though we're filling up with water-weight, the "how-to-pack" section at the bottom of the checklist is still relevant.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
- $$ for refreshments later
- warmish clothing if necessary
- adjustable hiking poles
- Icers
- flashlight
- whatever else you need.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Memorial Dr & approx 3th St NW
This is the parking lot EAST of the Curling Club (not the one belonging to the club).
Access from Memorial Drive, the meeting point is located at the stairs across from Prince's Island Park, north side of Memorial.
Free parking after 6 pm & weekends.

Notes:

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:

Voluntary Donations:

Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: