Fueling a Long Distance Backpacker

Summary: A Back Packers Life Ryan Grayson started backpacking in 2006 and quickly developed a love for the sport. In 2011, he quit his job, left all of his possessions other than what he could sling over his shoulders, and set out to backpack America's best trails. His hikes have included the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail, The Long Trail, John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, Highline Trail, Teton Crest Trail, and hundreds of miles in over 30 National Parks. In March 2014, he will be hiking from Mexico to Canada on the 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail. You can follow his adventures and learn more about the sport at ABackpackersLife.com. This story has lead me to want to learn more about how Ryan fuels his body during a long journey and how it affects his energy levels and performance. Podcast Notes: 1)      How did he develop an interest in hiking? 2)      Who are considered the top hikers in the industry today? 3)      The various distances athletes hike (shorter vs. longer trails). 4)      His future plans for hiking (upcoming quest vs. plans for 2015 and 2016)? 5)      What does a 1 week hiking nutrition plan look like vs. a 1 or 2 month hiking plan? 6)      What are some of the nutrition challenges he faces during a long hike? 7)      What are some of the strategies a hiker uses to re-stock food? 8)      The importance of recovery and how he gets sufficient rest, hydration, and refueling? 9)      Dietary Supplementation during a long hike. Is this a common practice among hikers? 10)    Strategies to stay hydrated during hikes in a humid environment or during high altitudes? 11)    The changes in body weight that may occur during a long hike (2-3 months) and how his body adapts 12)    Strange encounters that he has come across during a hiking trip Ryan Grayson’s Blog http://ryangrayson.blogspot.com White Blaze www.whiteblaze.net  Backpacking Light www.backpackinglight.com