Re: Elk hunt training
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jpspeeddemon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Basically, an elk hunt is purely endurance, so running Long Slow Distance is what you want to build endurance. Run for 30 minutes to 1 hour is not unreasonable. Also, those long back pack hikes are a great idea.
Lifting heavy weights builds explosive strength and light weight high reps is body building musclwe mass type stuff. Both are not conducive to endurance. There is a reason distance runners are thin, they don't lift weights.
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+1.
I weigh 150lbs soaking wet, I have not lifted a significant amount in 10+ years. But I only know 1 guy who can keep his own with me in the mountains, and he'd almost as skinny as me. I only wish I lifted a tad more so I could have shot the elk with a 70lb bow instead of 65lb.
However, I ran 2800 miles last year and 3100 the year before.
Lifting is good and all, but if you are sucking wind and don't have endurance that strength won't mean squat.
I've got a total of about 75lb on my back in that pick; the first trip back up the ridge I had ~100lb and made it 2 miles back to the truck..probably 600ft of vertical gain... in 85 degree weather without stopping. The first elk I shot I humped 80lbs out plus a Sendero rifle, 7-9 miles, 5000+ feet of climbing, with an ill-fitting pack. And I was beat up going into the hunt, having won a marathon the weekend before I left. In other words, you don't need to work on strength but fitness.
You need to run and either hike trails or an uphill treadmill with 60-70lb of weight in your pack, as fast as you can. The goal is to A) build that endurance, and B) get your support/back muscles used to that type of exercise. If you don't do "B" you are going to be one sore MF by the 3rd day.