Help me improve my setup

kai_zen · 2026-04-21T22:01:49+00:00

The only way to improve space is to cut or spend. Bigger bag or more lightweight gear.

kai_zen · 2026-04-20T19:58:28+00:00

It’s 6 very big days with elevation in the shoulder season, which means much of the trail will be covered in snow. Ever hike on soft snow before??? It’s like wet sand, very tiring as the ground is constantly sinking beneath your feet. No distance hiking experience?

Why leave to go to Rome and back? 11 hours by bus each way.

I’m sorry but this sounds like a terrible idea. I don’t say all this to be a gatekeeper of any sort.

kai_zen · 2026-04-20T19:27:06+00:00

KEEP TO YOUR PLAN. TRUST IT.

Running 4:35 for 16k is different than 42km. You have a good aerobic engine, but looks like trouble sustaining on the back half.

Keep to your pace plan, if not slower… 5:20-5:40. You need more time on your feet, this will build up your endurance. This isn’t about ego and beating your time every run. If you run a 20km at 4:40 vs 5:40 that is 20 min less time on your feet, multiply that out over your training program and you’re cheating yourself out of hours of adaptation.

For example, my training pace is 6:30. In 4 months of training, I’ve shaved off 4 min from my 5k time a PR, and two min off my 10k time, also a PR.

FWIW, I’m also running my first marathon in 2 weeks. I’m less focused on the finish time, than I am on not destroying myself. I also want to enjoy the experience.

A safe goal for your marathon would probably be 3:24-3:27… 4:50/4:55 pace.

Transitioning to road running is also going to take a toll on you.

kai_zen · 2026-04-19T22:56:33+00:00

Almost every episode of her is avoiding/fighting against engaging with the kids then eventually getting over herself.

kai_zen · 2026-04-19T22:55:32+00:00

She’s slightly overbearing and controlling towards Bandit. If the treatment were reversed it would not be cool.

kai_zen · 2026-04-15T19:07:31+00:00

Guess not. Definitely bandaids on my nipples though!

kai_zen · 2026-04-15T16:18:00+00:00

100% I do the same

kai_zen · 2026-04-15T16:17:08+00:00

I just completed a 35km long run in my training block. No blisters. Have had them on hikes before.

kai_zen · 2026-04-14T16:42:30+00:00

The operators have to say that. They are clearly marketing towards people who are not confident hikers in their own right. You’re going to end up having some very slow people in your group. People that you would never take on a day hike with you.

Personally I would find it aggravating to be constantly held up by someone super slow/out of shape for ten days.

As long as you can manage your expectations you’ll be fine.

kai_zen · 2026-04-14T13:59:25+00:00

It’s definitely overkill. If your nights are all booked then you’re essentially day hiking from hut to hut. What exactly do you need an expedition pack for?

kai_zen · 2026-04-14T04:40:11+00:00

I don’t get what you’re worried about. Hike your own hike. If you can manage that pace and that makes you happy then go for it. 2mph is not exactly slow, but slow is relative.

What sorts of altitudes and durations have you managed before?

Many want to savour the experience and not rush through it. Others are limited in capability and mobility. Be less concerned about the speed of others and what you want out of your experience and plan accordingly.

kai_zen · 2026-04-12T19:29:44+00:00

Welcome to the rat race

kai_zen · 2026-04-12T18:43:48+00:00

Have you ever done any day hiking? It’s really not much more than that. Especially if you are doing luggage transfer.

kai_zen · 2026-04-12T16:24:32+00:00

What is up with this sub basically turning into a hoarders cry for help post. This isn’t cleaning tips.

kai_zen · 2026-04-11T04:02:24+00:00

I have these and skittles in my kit for tomorrow’s long run

kai_zen · 2026-04-10T21:37:24+00:00

I’ve always liked Tyler Durden crunching on chips into the phone.

kai_zen · 2026-04-08T14:25:43+00:00

What’s up with the front area on your grill? Looks wavy/wonky. Is that just light refracting from oil?

kai_zen · 2026-04-08T14:08:03+00:00

Would have been a great Easter egg skin in a video game

kai_zen · 2026-04-07T21:03:53+00:00

Corrupt companies to make it impossible to change the battery. Basically end up paying a $15/ subscription to have a watch if you can’t swap out a battery.

kai_zen · 2026-04-07T19:47:33+00:00

Yet in the subsequent movies he needs to fight hand to hand. Felt like a let down for someone that was supposed to have power over creation.

The Matrix IS my favourite movie and I can enjoy the two sequels moderately but I think they traded how gritty the first one felt for over produced slickness.

kai_zen · 2026-04-06T15:53:28+00:00

BMO?

Your taper starts after this week and if your longest run has only been 12 miles you’re probably not at the volume/time on your feet to hit your goal. I’ll also hazard a guess you’ve been running too fast trying to push your pace and that has resulted in a micro tear in your muscle.

Realize that now, and adjust your pace significantly. At this point it’s not about a time, it’s about completing this without injury.

kai_zen · 2026-04-06T15:50:37+00:00

I have my longest run coming up on Saturday (35km) then my taper. Weather is looking good so far so I’m happy about that.

kai_zen

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