2024 Climb For a Cause Annual Event

Aside from the possibility of snow on the upper sections, we’ve gotten reports from one of our colleagues who was up in that neck of the woods that the mosquitoes are out in force. Hopefully both the snow and the mosquitos will abate in time for our arrival.

If you aren’t already training, start now. Your training should include some serious hill work, either outside or on an inclined treadmill or stair climber, with weight on your back. Cycling, running, swimming, etc., are all great cardio preparation, but they don’t prepare one for the endurance or muscle groups needed to carry clothes, food and water uphill for a full day. Don’t plan on just showing up and thinking it’s a long walk that you can grit out. That will make for a really awful, and really long, day. Try to get comfortable hiking with a full pack for at least 10 miles, covering at least 3000 feet of elevation change. If you do some of your training on a treadmill or Stairmaster make sure you have a climbing pace of at least 700 vertical feet per mile. The Paintbrush Peak hike is 16 miles and over 4,000 feet of elevation change, with parts that are quite steep (far in excess of 700 vertical feet per mile). And of course you’ll be in much thinner air than you may be accustomed to. Remember to fuel your workouts with sufficient carbs (pre-workouts and, if your workout consists of an extended hike, during your workout) and protein (post-workout), and to get enough sleep to allow for recovery.