When working out less is more

When you're conditioning for a trip, alternating shorter and harder days with longer and easier days will not only save you time, it will increase your aerobic capacity more efficiently than doing all longer days. So pick a couple of days a week, maybe ones where you are short of time anyway, and do interval training. In interval training you alternate periods of working harder with easier periods. For example, you might run hard (or whatever)for two minutes, then slow down for two, and repeat that four times. Or bring your heart rate up to a certain level, maintain it for a minute, then slow down until it drops back to a certain level. The idea of this kind of training is that you are working harder than you normally would (i.e. you can't keep a conversation up) but only for a relatively short period of time. This kind of training actually serves well to build endurance. Note: because it is stressful to the body, you should only do it once or twice a week. -- Marian

light reading

Here's an idea for the literary backpacker. Instead of toting that huge library book on your back for 10 miles a day, pick up an inexpensive or used paperback that would be enjoyable to read on trail. Instead of bringing the whole book, estimate how many pages you are actually likely to read after a strenuous day of hiking and slice off a chunk of the book to carry with you. The remainder of the book will be waiting for you at home. Walk lightly and carry a small book. Tamar

Sending for a Visa

It's really scary to read Visa instructions that always require you to mail in your passport. What if they lose it? Is it worth paying a service to do it? My answer- only if you are in a terrible time crunch and don't live in Washington DC or New York. Otherwise, because I do worry about my passport getting lost on some bureaucrat's desk (probably a reflection of my own desk), I send it in a priority mail envelope and I make the return envelope also a Priority Mail envelope. A little more expensive but so worth the peace of mind!--- Marian

Staying Warm in Winter- uncommon wisdom

Many of us know how important it is to dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable when doing our favorite winter activities like hiking, skiing, mushing, or snowshoeing. And we know that staying hydrated is also important to staying warm. Being well-hydrated means you have good blood volume and good circulation to fingers and toes. But how else can we keep ourselves warm? One thing I do is keep my face well moisturized and use a product like “Warm Skin” or udder balm to help prevent wind burn and moisture loss. I also use “Warm Skin” on my feet. It helps reduce the amount my feet sweat, which means my feet stay warmer. I’ve been a big fan of “Warm Skin” for many years, but don’t worry if you can’t find it in your local outdoor store. Anything you do to keep your feet well moisturized will help keep them warm in the winter.- Shelley S

Trail mix to die for

Trail mix is an excellent energy source whenever you're playing outdoors and people on our trips regularly tell me that our trail mix is the best they've ever had. Our secret? Avoid the prepackaged trail mix which is expensive and usually about 80% peanuts and raisins. Instead go to Trader Joe's (if you're lucky enough to have one, if not look for a store that sells some of these items in bulk) and head for the fruit and nut section where you can select bags of almonds, cashews (both plain and sesame coated), peanuts, mixed nuts, mixed fruits, apricots, raisins, sunflower seeds, and whatever else you find appealing, then top with a bag of M&Ms from the grocery store. The result is endlessly changing and always delicious!-- Marian

Bancroft & Arneson North Pole expedition to begin in March

If you're an "average" woman with a job & family who carves time in a busy schedule for outdoor activities, it might seem hard to relate to the life of a professional explorer/adventurer. I know the feeling, even though my job as a guide means that I'm able to spend more time outdoors than many folks. I do enjoy following the adventures of Minnesotan Ann Bancroft and Norwegian Liv Arneson, who skied to the South Pole in 2001 and will attempt to ski to the North Pole beginning in March 2007. They have also kayaked the Great Lakes together. I've heard these women speak on several occasions and I am always inspired by their mental & physical strength, determination, and sense of humor. And they're over 50 years old, which is pretty cool. I recommend two books: Four to the Pole!, which is written for young people and tells about Ann's first South Pole expedition in 1992, and No Horizon is so Far, which describes Ann & Liv's 2001 Antarctic expedition and includes selections from their journals. Ann & Liv's adventures may be longer and more remote than the ones we offer at AGC, but many aspects of preparation vary only by scale: making the commitment to yourself to take a trip, reading about the area, assembling the necessary gear, and physical training.
For more info visit: www.bancroftarnesenexplore.com/expeditions/arctic

Anne F.

see the light

When you are looking at the packing list and it says bring a headlamp or flashlight, which do you choose? I highly recommend one of the new LED headlamps. Most LED headlamps are lightweight, compact, and quite comfortable to wear. The beam of an LED light is incredibly bright and the new technology has really improved the life of the batteries. In addition, a headlamp keeps your hands free to do other things: search your pack for your warm hat, read in bed, or even change a car tire.
In general, you can get an LED headlamp for under $40. Suggestions: Petzl Tikka, Petzl Tikka Plus, Princeton Tec Aurora.

Passport alert

Starting this month, you will need a passport anytime you fly into the U.S. from anywhere. This includes countries that formerly were exempt from the this requirement, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean etc. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you have to do it in person. For instructions about how and where to go, check out the State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. I personally love having a passport, the tangible reminders of some great trips! Marian

Traveling with smallest possible luggage

The more you travel, the more you know that traveling with the smallest possible amount of luggage is the best way to go. But, how can you cut down on your luggage burden and use your smallest possible bag?
•Check the weather, so you can bring the most appropriate items. Remember to account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations and also keep in mind that increases in altitude will decrease temperature.
•Layer, Layer, Layer. A sweater over a shirt provides more flexibility than a jacket.
•Take small sample sizes of toiletries that will last just long enough instead of huge bottles.
•Don’t waste an inch of your luggage space, pack underwear and socks inside your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep their shape.
•Take some old clothes with only one last wear in them. You can then toss them out and use the room for the souvenirs.
---Dale

Do drink the water

On trips or while traveling, it can be difficult to stay adequately hydrated, especially if the water has a "different" taste than what you prefer. I have found that a great way to make the water taste better is to add a tea bag or two. You just throw the bag(s) in, fill the bottle, and leave it. I like fruit flavored herbal teas best, but mint offers a nice taste as well. It is inexpensive, non-caloric, refreshing, and easy. - Deb

Getting a little more leg room on an airplane

Long flights are much easier when your legs aren't cramped. If you can't fly First Class (and we can't), try to get an exit row seat. These seats are not available until 24 hours before the flight. The easiest way to get them is to check-in online as soon as you can, and ask for a seat change. If that isn't possible, ask for one as soon as you check in at the airport. If you still don't get one, it never hurts to check at the gate. It's really worth the effort!
-Marian