Hiking

Question
I know your expertise is running but I'm hoping the overlap is enough that you can help me with my problem.  I've been an avid hiker since I was in my early 20's.  Well, about 4 yrs ago, when I was 35, I developed a problem.  I would do fine on easy and moderate hikes, but on more extreme hikes (15+ miles with 4000+ ft elevation gain) I develop leg cramps.  Mostly they are down in my calf area (I'm not sure exactly), but I've also had them in my upper, inner thigh area.  I've tried to increase fluid intake and electrolyte intake and I think it's helped a little bit, but not dramatically.  I am especially concerned because I just began training for the most extreme hike of my life.  To celebrate my 40th birthday I am going to hike rim-to-rim-to-rim through the Grand Canyon, aproximately 48 miles and 10,000 total ft of elevation gain, in 24 hrs or less.  So my questions are:  can you recommend anything that will help me with this other than just building up my leg muscles?  And are there any exercise you would recommend to build up the appropriate muscles?

Answer
Hi Adam
Sounds like fun Adam.Nutrition wise,i would add a quality multi vit.500mg vit.C with your three meals a day for conective tissue,cells,tendons etc.This is like gold for athletes.Also some extra cal, mag.tabs.Exercises,i would include leg extentions,leg curls,1/2 squats,calf raises three times a week.Last but not lease,You want to dublicate your hike. Go as far as you can once a week and try to get in some good 30 milers plus.This would be extremly important also for the mind body confidence.You have to leave no stone unturned.That is a very serious undertaking.I trained a mount everest climber for almost a year for the 1990 international pease climb led by jim whittaker,climbers from three nations,russia,china,united states april 22 1990.You could probably google it for more info if your interested.My climber was Tom armstrong who worked for LL bean in freeport maine.It was a great program to be apart of.If there is anything else i can help you with Adam please feel free to get in touch.IF you want to talk at no charge you can get my contact info on my web site.

To a great and successful
preparation and journey

John
www.rentacoachinternational.com