Are You Up to Patrol Level Fitness

[JohnyMac]

O-Kay, I am pretty fit for someone who is 20 #'s over weight and 57 years old. For the most part I can run circles around guys in their 40's. With that said, I have been deer hunting this week and have come to the conclusion I maybe fit for working around the farm but not for patrolling the peaks and valleys of the BOL.

So I suit up in my hunting digs which includes a 20# backpack and a 7# rifle, I find that I have to stop more than I want to climbing the mountain here. Add to the above; body armor, ammo and other assorted items I am going to be worthless patrolling the mountain when SHTF.

So what do YOU think the average 'Joe' needs to do today to be in better shape to face the horde of humanity that is going to descend upon YOU and I post SHTF?

Obviously we all could run around "full retard" but we may get some stares and maybe a visit from the local constable. I could do that up at the cabin 3-4 times a week because...well...I am pretty much the only person on the mountain and the other few residents wouldn't give a crap. 

But back home in RI that will just not work. 

So I am soliciting PT advise for myself and other members of the forum that are in similar shape.

Lay it on us...
 

[Reaver]

Stop imagining what the kit feels like and do it. Lucky for me, my job entails I where body armor all day at work, with a pistol belt filled with nonsense. All I have to do is add a rifle. Good to go,

[APX808]

To begin with just get your bag and go walk around your AO, in winter probably you could use your plate carrier under your parka and nobody will notice it.
Besides doing some exercise you can start recognizing the area and practicing some land navigation, that will make the experience more fun than just walking with the damn bag for hours.

I try to integrate my training with other activities, for instance I joined the local mountain club, they usually go out to the hills for quick 6 hours walks, the difficulty is very easy because there are some adult women in the group, so I carry a heavy bag, I know new places, chill for a while and train my body to carry heavy loads.

But I think you should set your own goals, start taking your times walking from A to B with X weight on the bag and try to improve your times.
You need consistency, is better 30 minutes every other day than just going out 6 hours one day and then doing nothing for 15 days.

Take it easy or you'll get injured, and an injury can leave you for months without training.

And never forget to give yourself an adult beverage as price for the effort 

[Kentactic]

I can hike all day long with a 70lb loadout..... on flat ground... 

Its amazing how much more difficult each step is when there's substantial incline. Add significant elevation and it can be a man stopper.

I'm not where I want to be. No one ever is though. After months of binge drinking and minimal exercise I still was able to put on a better show then a guy who was at a much better weight for his size. I was actually pretty suprised.

I tend to run very hot. If its 65º or less I can move much better and keep from getting tired a lot longer. My ideal operating temp. Is about 45º. I can hike in that weather in a tshirt and not get cold or hot.

[JohnyMac]

All good advise.

Yes the inclines is what is killing me. Add to that, the uneven ground of my AO and boy I am huffing and puffing.