Adventures as a family
Someday is today
Training for the Vermont Long Trail by Mamma Bear and Bo Bonzi
The past four months we have been training to take this long backpacking trip on the Vermont Long Trail, which is 272 miles. We started without any packs and low impact to build up our connective tissue. The idea was to decrease our chances of injury on the trail. The next step was to start carrying the packs and increase the length of the hikes. We also added a 2-mile run through the woods, which included some steep inclines to help with cardio. After the run we would strap on the packs and hike the same trail. This was a game changer! Switching terrains and training in all weather conditions is important. We practiced in low temperatures, high temperatures, and the rain. As time progressed we would increase the weight of the packs until we reached trail weight. Our packs were filled with the exact gear that we would be taking on the trail to ensure we had the right spot for each piece, the weight was right, and the packs were balanced. If we did not have the right gear at the time of training, then we substituted an item of equal weight. Something we learned by doing this was the difference that a 45-pound weight verses 45 pounds of food may feel on your back. So a helpful hint is to buy your gear you know you will be taking as soon as you can and use it in training.
Training is very important especially before a long hike like the one we are going to embark on. Going 272 miles on the Vermont Long Trail is going to be an adventure! A lesson we learned after our last trip to the Sheltowee Trace Trail, was training is important and we are not in as good of shape as we once thought. Yes, I just admitted that! On the good side, we learned our lesson, came home, and began training for the next big adventure.
Training is not always fun and sometimes it is hard to get the entire family motivated at once. Generally, if you can make it out of the door then everyone gets it in gear and the day is productive. I have to say the “bargaining” of a twelve-year-old (Sissy Bear) can be amusing at times. I heard the excuses that she had to “take a shower” or “gather chicken eggs” and even “my toe hurts”. Generally, I heard excuses when it about to rain, which is ironic considering when it starts raining is when we have the best times. With kids it sometimes just takes someone hiking along with them to keep their mind on the goal. During our first few runs at Fern cliff, I would run behind Tiny Turtle and Sissy Bear to keep them moving. The little bit of encouragement of someone running behind them reminding them they can do this was enough for them to keep the pace and continue.
Adventures as a family 
What a great thing you all are doing as a family. Creating memories that will be passed down to future generations. Be safe and seize the moment life gives us.
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