#54 - Pacing Strategies

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woman hiker on grand canyon overlook

How fast should you hike up a mountain? Here's a secret.

Almost everyone starts too fast.

And then halfway up, they start to feel tired and panic.

This is not a happy way to climb a mountain, and the sad thing is, it's so unnecessary!

So in today's episode, I'm going to show you a super simple strategy to pace all your hikes.

And I'll also share 5 pacing tips that have greatly improved my enjoyment in the mountains.

Ready? Let's do this.

Linked Resources

Episode Sneak Peek

  • [4:08] Why pacing matters — and why it can be such an emotional issue. What we make pacing mean —and what it actually means. Common myths about pace and fitness.

  • [9:56] How to pace the simple way. Understanding aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. How to check that you’re in your aerobic energy system. Why you should NOT use your heart rate to pace in the mountains.

  • [15:00] The relationship between trip planning and proper pacing. Some simple ways to give yourself more time on trail so you don’t feel rushed.

  • [17:43] How to handle pacing in a group. Tips and tricks to ensure everyone stays in aerobic metabolism, even if they have different paces.

  • [20:50] Pacing and elevation gain. The relationship between metabolism, heart rate, and altitude. Two strategies to use when you’re low on air and slowing down.

  • [25:10] Pacing takes practice. Some pacing skills to practice on your training hikes.