So am I insane for even considering to do a one day 100K hike next April?

[charlie and algernon]

i'm actually starting to consider doing a 1 day 100K hike that follows the C&O Canal from DC to Harpers Ferry. Granted I'm not even close to being able to do it. I'd need to get to the point where 20 miles in a day is nothing before I really seriously consider registering. They also have options to do a 50K or 80K hike that same day too, where you just start closer to Harpers Ferry. that may be the best option, do the 50 in 2010 and the 100 in 2011.

Has anyone here even attempted such an insane feat?

[triguy46]

1. 100 K = 62 miles in 24 hours.

"In a day" do you mean 24 hours or something shorter? Do you run/walk/bike now? Is there support along the way? Food/water? If not you will need to be self contained and train with that additional weight. Though walking is not as hard as running, this is a serious effort.

Do some research on ultra marathoning. This is not a walk in the park. You will need to average 2.58 miles per hour, or one mile every 23 minutes. On surface that is leisurely. But this should not be taken lightly, please train appropriately.

[charlie and algernon]

4. it's run by a DC hiking group, the actual event was started by RFK.

The hikers start off at 3am and the last finishers reach Harpers ferry around midnight. There are volunteers and aid stations all along the trail with food, water, First Aid, bathrooms, etc. So I'd only need my camelpack for the water and to store extra clothes for the temperture changes. They reccomend you average 3 miles an hour, I'm almost there. I did 13 miles in 5:30 hours, 4:15 if you discount the long break i took for lunch. I hope to do a 14 mile hike next week. Then perhaps do a 20 mile stretch on the C&O Canal and then keep pushing up. If I can get to 30 by October, I'd be in good shape.

[triguy46]

7. It is a mind numbing jump from 14 and 20 to 62. In theory...

you should usually be able to double a consistent training distance. So if you were running and usually ran 4 miles a day, you should be able to do 8 at any given time. But that said, you will be moving into uncharted territory at the extreme level. Please take this effort with all seriousness. I've 46 triathlons under my belt and invariably would encounter individuals who prepared too little. Good luck.

[charlie and algernon]

8. thanks

I'm certianly aware that I'm VERY far from being able to do that hike. I think that if I can't get up to at least 25 miles by October, then the 100K is out of the question, but the 50K would certianly still be consideration.

[Bluzmann57]

2. Yes you are insane

And no I have never attempted such a hike in one day. AStart small and work your way up.

[charlie and algernon]

6. haha, I very well might be

I did a 13 miler two weeks ago, I plan to do a 14 Mile hike next week, get up to 20 by August, 30 by October. Then starting in March they have 4 training hikes, each around 25-35 Miles. the 100k is the last week in April.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

3. unladen, I assume?

cause carrying any kind of weight on that pace will make motrin stocks rise precipitously

[charlie and algernon]

5. yeah, Only need to carry water

There are volunteers at aid stations along the trail with food and whatnot. They start at 3am, so I'd also need a pack to carry whatever layers I wear when temps are at their lowest.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

9. water aint light

by any stretch of the imagination... if you can fill up along the way and get by with a liter or two at a time... you might make it

but, let me know so I can invest in motrin

[charlie and algernon]

10. I don't think the aid stations are that close

I'm pretty used to carrying a full bladder in the camelpack.

[Gormy Cuss]

11. You're not insane for considering it.

Just make sure you're in good enough shape-- otherwise you should pick a shorter distance. I've walked 30 miles (not up and downhill hiking,just traversing level ground)and that's not hard. Hiking with elevation changes is a different matter. I've done 20 miles with steep terrain and it wasn't bad but I was in good condition.

[charlie and algernon]

13. well it is all level, so that makes it easier

But yeah, I'm still far from being able to hike that kind of distance. I kinda like the idea of setting that goal for next April and see how far I can get, even if I don't actually do the hike.

[arcadian]

12. Damn, I might do it now.

That would be easy. it's all flat

[charlie and algernon]

14. here's the link

http://www.onedayhike.org/

[arcadian]

15. Okay it wouldn't be easy

I think the most I've done in a day is 18-23 miles and that was a while ago.

[ElboRuum]

16. Why yes. Yes you are. n/t

[hibbing]

17. go for it

Hi,
I don't think you are insane. You sound like you are doing the appropriate training which is the most important thing. What kind of footwear does one have for this sort of thing?
I wish you the best of luck.

Peace

[cwydro]

18. Do it!

Sounds like a blast.

[KG]

19. getting into shape is one thing, but i think i'd be bored halfway into 62 miles.

i've given hiking some thought esp for when my bicycling days are over. but 62 miles in a day? oy! where's the fun/pleasure in that?

um, that's just my hunble opinion. my fitness/execise stuff has to have some element of pleasure or fun.

btw, i say go for it!

[charlie and algernon]

22. I think the key is to pace yourself with a group of hikers

and keep a conversation going

[KG]

27. fer shure, a companion would be a good thing.

[taterguy]

20. The recovery would probably be the worst part

I suspect you'll be miserable for a few days afterwards.

Will it be worth it?

That's for you to decide.

[tekisui]

21. I thru-hiked the Appalachain Trail.

That section is relatively 'level'. Relatively. When I was in good hiking shape, with full gear, I could do 20+ mile days easily. 24 was the most I did in a single day. You can do it. It should be fun for you, regardless.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

23. Not as long as it's next April

now if it was today, then YES, you'd be insane! :)

[Deep13]

24. Yes.

That's sixty miles. Twenty miles in one day is fast.

[charlie and algernon]

25. well I gotta see if I can even do 20 miles first

and then see if I can do 20 miles like it's nothing. If I can't do either of those, then 100K is just a pie in the sky.

[Bossy Monkey]

26. It's the insane feet that you have to worry about.

I think you should set this as a goal, and if you feel you're not ready for 100K as of the time of the registration deadline, you can always register for one of the shorter distances. Good luck!