How to climb Mt. St. Helens by jaymi elford

"Humbling, amazing, and intense."

How I did it: I had two months to prep for this. So I worked out daily with all the gear on my back. I hiked at the highest setting on a treadmill for 1.5 hours at a low and comfortable walking pace. This helped me pace myself for going up the hills. It also helped me pace my water intake so that I could make 3 Liters of water last.

Two weeks before climbing, I added upper body weight training to this. That helped me with the hiking poles and being able to get good grips on the rocks i had to climb my way over.

Lessons & tips: Gear is important. So is knowing the path. Do your research online and be prepared! I didn't have a guide so i think that having someone who's done it before and knows where the "trails" are would help a lot.

We hoped to have sun but instead in Sept. the weather was crappy. Rained most of the time and the visibility was horrible. I think the best window for climbing is July-August.
Also, take it easy on yourself. This is not a race. 

Resources: Keen hiking boots

Camelback 3 Liter backpack
Lots of non-chocolate based bars to eat
Hiking socks
Leather gardening gloves
Hiking poles
Good friends who are willing to forgive the crappy moods (and there will be some of this)


 

Sep 16, 01:34PM PDT | 1 comment | 7 cheers


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Sep 16, 07:59PM PDT


jaymi elford has gotten 7 cheers on this entry.

 

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