First, let me explain a few things... I have signed up for a marathon October 19th (it will be my second one). And I've been struggling with calf issues for a good portion of this year. I've actually had to back out of a couple races, and not sign up for many I wanted to do. And even not racing - just training - I still struggled with calf pains even taking it easy. That's a topic for another thread but wanted to state it here so its understood that I'm barely going to be in marathon shape as it is. My weekly mileage just isn't enough to really train well for a marathon anyhow with my work schedule. Last year I had a much better schedule and the marathon still kicked my but. But I also pushed really hard. I figure this year as long as my calves aren't bothering me bad come fall, I should be ok if I just run it easy and not try to race it.
So with that being said, there is one other thing that is a possible concern. I originally had planned a big hike this fall, my longest ever. There is a good chance I might cancel it, but just recently I've given it some more thought. I really would like to since I haven't done any hiking this year. And due to the hours I'm carrying my boss doesn't want me to give my vacation back. So I am contemplating it. The hike isn't set in stone, but what I was planning was a thru hike of the Adirondacks which is about 130 miles. Unlike the high peaks there, this trail is fairly modest and not significant elevation change (it doesn't really go up any big mountains, more like a wilderness trail). But I planned on taking it easy, practicing a lot of photography on the way, and taking around 10-12 days or so to complete it. In the September 20th to October 5 range. Basically I'd be ending 14 days prior to the marathon. Now last year I did a hike there in the high peaks area, covering a little over 30 miles in 3 days, 2 nights, and about 7,000' of ascent. I noticed when I got back to jogging my gait really felt off and my legs took several runs to get back to normal. But that trip involved lots of really steep climbing and scrambling and was definitely hard on the legs and knees. I had a race soon after then too, 14 days later a half marathon (which I did do well at though I felt underprepared).
Another factor is tapering, for a marathon taper especially since I'm not well trained I think I'll need 2 weeks. So Basically I wont have any running for the two week trip, and only long hiking, and then as soon as I finish my vacation I'll be into the taper. So it will have been over 4 weeks prior to the marathon that I'll have done much running. Probably not an ideal situation especially with how borderline I am doing it anyhow. Also for two weeks my nutrition will be mainly dehydrated meals. Though that might be better than a lot of the rest of the stuff I normally eat, but I wont really have the ability to eat lots of fruits and veggies, etc.
So do we have any long distance hikers that also race? And have been in a similar situation? Does a long hike throw you off for a while? I was debating putting this thread in the general running forum but figured this is more specific to those who hike.
So with that being said, there is one other thing that is a possible concern. I originally had planned a big hike this fall, my longest ever. There is a good chance I might cancel it, but just recently I've given it some more thought. I really would like to since I haven't done any hiking this year. And due to the hours I'm carrying my boss doesn't want me to give my vacation back. So I am contemplating it. The hike isn't set in stone, but what I was planning was a thru hike of the Adirondacks which is about 130 miles. Unlike the high peaks there, this trail is fairly modest and not significant elevation change (it doesn't really go up any big mountains, more like a wilderness trail). But I planned on taking it easy, practicing a lot of photography on the way, and taking around 10-12 days or so to complete it. In the September 20th to October 5 range. Basically I'd be ending 14 days prior to the marathon. Now last year I did a hike there in the high peaks area, covering a little over 30 miles in 3 days, 2 nights, and about 7,000' of ascent. I noticed when I got back to jogging my gait really felt off and my legs took several runs to get back to normal. But that trip involved lots of really steep climbing and scrambling and was definitely hard on the legs and knees. I had a race soon after then too, 14 days later a half marathon (which I did do well at though I felt underprepared).
Another factor is tapering, for a marathon taper especially since I'm not well trained I think I'll need 2 weeks. So Basically I wont have any running for the two week trip, and only long hiking, and then as soon as I finish my vacation I'll be into the taper. So it will have been over 4 weeks prior to the marathon that I'll have done much running. Probably not an ideal situation especially with how borderline I am doing it anyhow. Also for two weeks my nutrition will be mainly dehydrated meals. Though that might be better than a lot of the rest of the stuff I normally eat, but I wont really have the ability to eat lots of fruits and veggies, etc.
So do we have any long distance hikers that also race? And have been in a similar situation? Does a long hike throw you off for a while? I was debating putting this thread in the general running forum but figured this is more specific to those who hike.