Winter training for the LT

As I eagerly await the opportunity to hike the Long Trail again, I find myself grappling with the winter blues. Living in Canada, it often feels like winter lasts an eternity! To keep my spirits up, I’ve been working on a two-part training regimen to stay active during these chilly months.

I tried treadmill walking, but frankly it can be a bit monotonous after a very short while. I’ve discovered that combining flat road training with “Summits-on-the-Air” (SOTA) expeditions is a fantastic way to mix things up and to keep training interesting until the trail opens after mud season.

For those unfamiliar, SOTA involves climbing a summit and making contacts worldwide using a portable ham radio. It’s an interesting way to stay connected with the hiking and amateur radio communities. My portable transceiver weighs just around 3 pounds, making it easy to pack. Plus, I can earn points for each “activation”, and after reaching a total of 1000 points, I’ll earn the coveted title of “Mountain Goat.” 🐐

My radio transceiver and morse key, ready for contact !!!

Sitting in the snow for radio time…

So, while I count down the days until I can hit the trail again, I’m making the most of my winter with training that keeps me fit and connected. How do you beat the winter blues?

Cheers and 73,

Sly the Navigator

Roadwalk training is not without its own challenges…