Guest SophieSapphire Posted April 19, 2004 Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 This summer I am going to my first SI (ballet austin). Since I've never been to an SI before, I don't know how exhausted I'll be or if i'll need to take a break, BUT... These family friends of ours go on a backpacking trip in August. My brother has gone before, my dad went last year, and this year both of them and my mom want to go. They really want me to go (if i don't my mom probably won't be able to), and I'm considering it. 8 days in the Sierra Nevadas (Crites Lake) would be AMAZING!! However, i am wondering if it is even POSSIBLE. Austin is six weeks, and by the time we got home it would be August 3rd, and they plan to leave for the trip on August 8. That would give me 5 days to recuperate. SO my questions are: 1. How much recuperation is needed after an SI, if any? 2. I am definatly not strong enough for the trip now, but would the SI help me? 3. Would doing both the SI and the backpacking trip completly burn me out, counteract everything I got at the SI, or make me just lose everything I gained? 4. Is this just a REALLY BAD IDEA altogether?? Thanks for your help!!! Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted April 19, 2004 Administrators Report Share Posted April 19, 2004 How old are you, and how much will you be carrying on your back? My concern is the weight on the back, not whether you will have the energy to do the trip or not. A teenager should have plenty of energy, even after an SI, to do just about anything after a few days rest! However, I don't much like the idea of a lot of hiking while carrying heavy stuff on your back. Especially if you are the size of most young teenage serious dancers! Quote Link to comment
Guest SophieSapphire Posted April 20, 2004 Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 Thank you for responding. By then I will be nearly 16. I am not extremly thin, like most dancers my age, but I am thin. Packs used for backpacking situate the weight so that the majority rests on your hips, not your shoulders. Even so, I will probably be carrying upwards of 30 - 40 pounds (Just an estimate. The men carry up to 80 lbs. - I REFUSE to carry that much though!!) Does this information help at all? Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted April 20, 2004 Administrators Report Share Posted April 20, 2004 Yes, it helps to know that you are almost 16, and perhaps not extremely underweight. However, I'm just really against backpacks of that kind of weight. If you can carry it, and walk all day, without any hunching forward and shoving the head forward....well, maybe. But I would tend to doubt it. Quote Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted April 21, 2004 Report Share Posted April 21, 2004 I know the kind of rig she's talking about, and it's not like school backpacks. It's more of a packframe, and the weight distribution is vastly different. That's still a lot of weight to carry, though, and distances on those things can be very trying. Soldiers can march 20 miles in one day. Don't you try that. Quote Link to comment
Guest SophieSapphire Posted April 21, 2004 Report Share Posted April 21, 2004 Okay thanks for the advice. I plan to go on a lengthy day hike soon, just to see how I hold up, and then I will make my final decision. It's nice to know I was overexaggerating how much an SI can wear you out though! Thanks!! Quote Link to comment
elise Posted April 21, 2004 Report Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am not a teen but I do do a bit of hiking. I would suggest if you don't already have a pack, to purchase or rent one made for women. And I would suggest only carrying less than 25% of your weight. My last trip I believe my pack was roughly 20% of my weight, as an adult (the suggested for an adult is no more than 1/3 of your weight) and after 4 days that is a very heavy pack. You will have a much better time and be safer if you can carry less. And don't forget to wear good hiking boots with good socks and liners. Quote Link to comment
Guest SophieSapphire Posted April 21, 2004 Report Share Posted April 21, 2004 Definatly!! Thanks. Quote Link to comment
Guest thumpinhippo Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 10% of your own body weight was the reccomendation given to me when i started - mind you i was 13... Also, the biggest problem usually comes after your hike when all your muscles (including those you never knew existed but manage to turn up in hte most inappropriate places) are so unbeliveably STIFF!!! I have set a trend of taking ballet classes immediately after walks (just an inconvenient coinciding of exam/important rehersal very soon after returning...) My advice to you - DON'T! Spare yourself at least until the next day if not later! Quote Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 This presumes a 6 A.M. start, but it's useful as advice. March for 50 minutes, rest for ten, repeat, March for 45, rest for fifteen, repeat, half-hour break for hydration, light eating. March for 50, rest for ten, repeat, LUNCH ONE HOUR! Repeat morning schedule, halt at 6 P.M. Generally, if you're not trained in overland travel, that should keep you from overdoing it. Hydrate frequently, even when you're not thirsty. Quote Link to comment
Guest SophieSapphire Posted April 23, 2004 Report Share Posted April 23, 2004 Wow, thanks everyone. This is awesome advice. I still haven't decided if I want to go our not, but at least I know I don't really have anything stopping me It really would be an amazing experience... Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.