My Trip

Training Plan

May 16 shakedown → June 14 fly day

Hydration is the most impactful single prep action. Start drinking 3–4 liters per day now. Body needs time to adapt to that volume. Train your hydration before you train your legs.
01

Timeline

  1. Sat May 16Milestone

    Pack shakedown hike

    Full pack at or near trek weight. Entire crew hikes together. Weigh every pack. Anyone over 25% ceiling must cut weight before departure. Identify fit issues and hot spots.

  2. May 17 – Jun 7Training Block

    Loaded hikes — progressive distance and weight

    2–3 hikes per week with actual pack at trek weight. Minimum 3–5 miles per session. Use elevation gain where available — hills, stairs, stadium steps. Goal is time on feet with weight, not speed.

  3. Now – Jun 14Ongoing

    Hydration training — start today

    Drink 3–4 liters per day starting now. Alternate electrolyte drinks on training days. Body needs to adapt to this volume. Most impactful single prep action for Philmont.

  4. Now – Jun 14Ongoing

    Boot mileage

    20–30 miles minimum before the shakedown. Wear your actual trail socks. Break in the boots you are actually bringing — not a different pair.

  5. Jun 8 – 13Taper

    Taper — rest and recover

    Reduce mileage. Focus on sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Do not do a long hard hike 2–3 days before you fly out. Arrive rested, not depleted.

  6. Sun Jun 14Milestone

    Fly day — hydrate on the plane

    Airplane cabin air is extremely dry. Drink water throughout the flight. Avoid alcohol. Being well-hydrated before stepping off the plane at 6,500 ft makes a real difference on Day 1.

02

Notes for the crew

Pack shakedown · May 16. Bring your full pack at trek weight. We weigh every pack. Anyone over the 25% ceiling has 29 days to cut weight before departure.
Break in your actual boots. 20–30 miles minimum before shakedown — wearing the same socks and inserts you'll bring on the trek. Don't show up in boots straight from the box.
Taper June 8–13. Reduce mileage. Sleep, hydrate, eat. No long hard hikes 2–3 days before flying out. Arrive rested.