I still remember the first mountain I summited in Glacier... well the first two. It was a smokey late-August day in 2003 and we climbed Clements Mountain, then Mt Cannon. I was hooked. As we descended from the exhausting high of the summits, I started having pain on the sides of my knees. The next day we did Siyeh Pass because, why not? Things started out just fine until we reached the pass and started the long descent... more knee pain. Did I have "bad knees"?
In the past twenty years since that first climb, I've realized that I don't have bad knees. It's been a combination of muscle weakness, imbalances, and lack of mobility that a lifetime of sitting in front of a computer gives you. In the past I've approached fixing issues that arise using an ad hoc approach. Having a wife who is a personal trainer, however, has helped me be more intentional, especially in the last year or so.
To that end I've been working on addressing imbalances in addition to overall strength, mobility, and cardio work. I'm excited to hit the trail this year to see how I feel... as I can already feel the benefits of what I'm doing in my day to day life.
If you, like me, spend too many hours in front of your computer or have struggled with "trail pain", you should check out Kristen's contributions on the blog starting with her blog on "The Importance of Strength Training".
If you're looking for a structured approach to strength, mobility, and cardio for hiking (well, and everyday living), check out her new HIKE-ABILITY Training Program that just launched. It's a great 12-week program that really helps you get ready to tackle all of your summer adventures and equips you with the tools and knowledge to keep it going! (If you enter the code "hike2023" at checkout, you can get $25 off from now until February 15th!)
Anyway, I'm off to do some more step-downs and glute bridges to help out my knees...
the trail awaits...
Jake
|