Go Hiking And Go Faster Than You Think You Can

Yes, it is always possible to get to the top of a mountain faster than you did before. You don’t need special technology as described in the book, “The Future is Faster Than You Think.” You just need to train harder and smarter?

Training Harder and Smarter

Sure, you can improve your time by incorporating step-ups at the gym, doing HIIT workouts, and pushing yourself beyond your current fitness level.

You can also take supplements that help you adjust to the altitude. You can take magnesium to keep you from cramping after seven or eight hours on a climb. It all helps, however, these things may not be the best way to improve times.

Lose the Fat

Here is the secret. When my time has improved significantly it was because of reduced body weight. Hopefully, that was just reduced body fat.

If you carry a backpack filled with weight to make things harder for you then you understand this. As soon as you lighten your load you speed up significantly.

When trail runners fly by me it is rainy because they are not carrying weight. So if you are 10 pounds overweight or more then dropping the extra pounds will result in much better times for you.

Hike More Often

This is huge! You can cut your time by climbing more often. If you can climb a mountain two or three times a week then you will have a big advantage over anyone climbing less. Volume is important.

The minimum should be once per week. Any less than that and you are just a casual hiker.

Why Should You Care?

Some might ask why it is important or necessary to improve your time to the top of a mountain. It sure isn’t for those on a nature walk, but for those that use hiking for developing their fitness levels, it is critical.

First, it gives you a weekly goal. Something to shoot at. Second, you will feel pride in beating your previous record. Third, it gives you a reason to train hard.

So set some target times on your favorite mountains and get busy. Go hiking!