Fit Milwaukee » hiking

Supporting the Ice Age Trail

Anne — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:36:24 +0000

I had a chance to visit the Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters near Madison last week.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization headquartered in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. Its mission is to create, support and protect a thousand-mile footpath tracing Ice Age formations across Wisconsin. More than 3,000 members nationwide support the IATA in the completion of its mission through on-the-ground work and financial gifts.

I frequent a segment of the trail near Delafield – Lapham Peak - but I was curious about the rest of the trail — it winds all through the state.

The portion of the Ice Age Trail I use is always well-maintained, dotted with yellow markers so that I don’t get lost, and ‘enhanced’ with bridges, boards and planks in areas that might be otherwise too wet or muddy to cross. Believe me, spend three hours in wet shoes and socks and you are looking for any safe place to cross the muddy waters.

The land isn’t owned or operated by any one entity, rather it is shared among various state and local chapters and private owners. But all this maintenance is done by volunteers! And it’s supported through the Ice age Trail Alliance.

One program in particular piqued my interest: The Mobile Skills Crew. This is a group that sets up a weekend outing that provides meals and a place to camp for interested volunteers. This is in exchange for their manpower! The weekend is spent building a portion of the trail! Sounds like a great team-building opportunity or a fun camping adventure.

If you’re interested in learning more about the trail or the Mobile Skills Unit, check out the http://www.iceagetrail.org.

For hiking or running the trail (or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing), check out the trail map. It allows you to zoom in and overlay current conditions or closures. http://www.iceagetrail.org/trail-map-and-current-conditions

If you’d like to become a member of the IATA you can do so at various levels starting at $35 for a one-year membership. You’ll get discounts on their awesome printed atlas and trail guides!

Happy Trails!

Trail Running: 5 Benefits and 5 Tips

Anne — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:18:36 +0000

This weekend, I was introduced to trail running. I’m sure the conditions could have been more glamorous. Imagine running through the peaks and valleys of the Kettle Moraine Forest while it’s covered in a melting layer of snow and ice. It was VERY challenging. I really enjoyed it. From what I can tell, there are lots of benefits to trail running.

Five benefits to trail running:

Makes you feel badass
Yes, it’s more difficult than road running. You’re going out to get dirty in nature! Nothing has made me feel more like a runner than to run a trail that most wouldn’t consider hiking at this time of year.
Reduced impact on joints
Take it easy on those knees! The soft surface of snow and dirt is so much better for you than running on pavement all the time.
Works your core
Since you have to stay balanced and vigilant, you are constantly stabilizing your midsection. There were a few times on the trail we felt like we were doing cardio, cross-training AND strength training simultaneously. My core definitely felt sore the next day, so I know it was engaged.
The view
Stop and smell the roses. What could be more freeing than leaving the ipod at home and just running in nature. Take a break from time to time and be ok with the fact that it will take you longer to cover a mile than it would on solid ground.
Trains your mind
After powering up hills and flying down them, avoiding sticks, rocks, and roots, running on the road seems downright easy. Plus, you’ll be physically stronger and you’re aware of it.

5 tips for getting started trail running:

Shorten your stride
It is so much easier to react to the uneven trail when you take shorter steps. It might feel like you’re taking baby steps at first and that’s ok!
Walk the hills
When we first started out, our ‘scout’ Marty was telling us which hills to walk up and when to start walking. But after just two or three hills, it became very clear that our bodies would tell us when we need to walk. Walking up hills is normal, even expected. So do it.
Stay upright
Don’t tilt your body forward up the hills, as it can create a strain on your lower back. Remain upright, engage your abdominals, and take shorter steps to ascend the incline. This is the most efficient way to get up. And what goes up must come down! Use your momentum and enjoy gliding down the hill!
Scan the ground
Fix your gaze down at the trail in front of you… ideally 10-15 feet. This becomes natural when out on the trails, versus road running where you look out in front of you. Focus on where your foot will land and keep plenty of distance between you and the runner in front of you.
Stay safe
Your mother called. She said to take your phone, plenty of water, some easy-to-carry snacks, and maybe even your pepper spray. You don’t want to get lost out there. The first time you try a new trail, ideally you should be with someone who knows the area. It can be easy to get lost so study a map and be cautious!

Have you tried trail running? Got any more tips to share?

Fit Milwaukee Goes Hiking

Guest Author — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:13:00 +0000

Everyone please welcome Jim and Cheryl Raffel to the Fit Milwaukee blogging family!

Because I was raised in a hiking family, I never viewed hiking as exercise. Hiking is just something I have always done. My parents planned week long annual family vacations around hiking destinations like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. In both those places the views and wildlife are so amazing you seldom think about how tired and sore your body is from a day of hiking (sometimes as far as 8-10 miles).

Living in Southeastern Wisconsin we are blessed with a near perfect training ground for Mountain Hiking. The trails of the Kettle Moraine are a fantastic place to get your trail legs. There are also many County and Municipal parks with trails that will challenge even the most seasoned hiker. We enjoy hiking these trails year round and while anticipation of our next mountain hiking trip is always in the back of of minds we enjoy the trails for their own beauty and challenge.

Hiking is “off-road” walking and just as bicycle trail riding requires different equipment than road riding, hikers need the correct equipment. I suggest pair of trail runners for light and fair weather hiking. Trail runners offer more stability and a more aggressive tread pattern than running shoes or cross trainers. Waterproof breathable over the ankle hiking boots are also essential for Winter hiking in Wisconsin. When you Mountain hike you will be hopping streams and walking over uneven surfaces all day. You need to keep your feet dry and your ankles protected.

As you become more involved in hiking you will end up with lots of layers. Most of my hiking clothing is breathable, waterproof and moisture wicking. Start with a great pair of hiking socks, and a waterproof breathable shell. You will figure out the rest as you go. Hikers, like runners, are a friendly bunch. When you see someone on the trail with equipment you think is interesting, ask.

Starting soon Fit Milwaukee will be organizing hikes in the hills of the Kettle Moraine. If you plan to join us for the Winter hikes make a trip to your local sporting goods store (#ShopLocal) to pick up a pair of hiking boots. Once Spring rolls around all you will need to join us is a decent pair of walking shoes (again, I recommend trail runners) and some comfortable clothes. The plan is to organize a hike or two every month year round. You will be surprised how warm you stay Winter hiking with the right equipment. Feel free to contact me with questions about equipment.

Join us for our first hiking outing this Saturday afternoon, February 6th. You can find all the info on our Facebook page. Hope to see you there!