Rim to Rim, Training Practices From 71 Yr Old Who Successfully Completed the R2R Hike, Part 1

In this video I am covering training suggestions for techniques and practices that I utilized to help me complete the Rim2Rim hike at the age of 71. This will be a 2 part series covering how I trained for this challenging hike. There is no way around it, this hike requires you to train hard. The last thing you want to have happen on this extraordinary hike is to be rescued or worse. This video is for educational and entertainment purposes.

[@CuHead1]

11:10 'look at this beautiful area I'm hiking thru'. That may be the endorfins kicking in. Thanks for insights and tips.

[@jimmobley533]

Thanks for your videos.

[@austinado16]

Your videos are really informational and I'm thankful you're taking the time to post them! Excellent job!

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Todd, very happy you are enjoying them!

[@emichin7010]

With time and experience comes knowledge. Thank you again from all of us for sharing.

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Thank you Emi!

[@ricksliasky2308]

Incredible Zeke. It looks like you are the only one of us ready to play in a Turkey Bowl reunion game.

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Wouldn't that be great, a TB reunion one last time!

[@MrMccAndrew]

This is very useful. I have been preparing for a rim-to-rim by hiking flights of stairs in a 5-story building on the campus of the school where I teach. Each story has 2 14-step flights, and going from floor 1 to floor 5 is 4 stories (or double flights). I am now up to about 12 ups and downs (48 stories, 28 steps per story). I also work with a stair machine at a gym, but from what I gather, going down the stairs is important for preparing for the downhill portions.

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Andrew, so for my second R2R last Sept, I was able to get to 150 flights up and down with a 12lb pack. Still was not enough for the descent on the South Kaibab to the river section. In hindsight I would have added at least one session a week on the quad machine in the gum. If you get a chance check out my vids on the R2R...2R. Have a great hike.

[@MrMccAndrew]

@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 I appreciate the reply. I have heard that the South Kaibab trail is pretty brutal. I have been down it part way but not all the way. I thought of doing a Rim to River to Rim on the south end (South Kaibab down and Bright Angel up) as a warm up for the Rim to Rim (north to south) but I am now forewarned.
One question: how many steps are in a "flight" when you were doing 150 flights?

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

@@MrMccAndrew A standard flight/floor is 14 vertical steps (standard step height.) Honestly, if I had just added the quad workouts in the gym I think I would have be better prepared and not experienced the rubber legs. BTW Todd M calls the South Kaibab the "leg wrecker."

[@MrMccAndrew]

@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 Very helpful and encouraging. Using a weighted pack is a great idea. I will definitely work quad exercises into my weekly routine. By the way, I am 70 years old and I have been an active hiker for years, including trails at Zion last year. But the R2R will be stepping up my game.

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

@@MrMccAndrew Get ready for a great adventure!!!! (To add to the other adventures you have already had!!!!)

[@DouglasKubler]

JDS54 (How i almost died) was totally unprepared for the hike and altitude. By ooh ahh point he was stumbling and groaning. he made a bad decision to continue. A pal (don't hike alone) would have insisted he go back . His next bad decision was to avoid the river trail because he thought the silver bridge was closed yet his video playing during the conversation showed someone crossing on the bridge. By not paying attention he added more mileage and heat to his trip.

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Douglas,
First thank you for watching my vid. I think JDS provided an honest account of the mistakes he made during the hike. I have exchanged DMs with him a couple of times. One thought I had was that, were I in the same position he found himself in, I would have opted for the IV. In any event, he made it and I think his experience has helped many hikers prepare better. His vid has really taken off, I wish mine were doing as well as his, I'm envious... -Dr. Bill

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

So, now we get down to the nuts and bolts of how I prepared for the hike.

[@78scottj]

Great training tips!

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Thanks Scott, see you on the tril.

[@timdecker3668]

Great job! Keep up the good work.

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Tim
Thank you for your support!