FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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I am a first timer attempting 4 peaks (Mount Massive, Harvard, Grays and Torreys peak) in 3 days 9/1 to 9/3. I have read several threads here - found great information. Prepped the best i could just wishing weather and body co-operates . I am not an athlete just a average joe 140lbs 5'7 for a month been training on local hikes around San Antonio, TX area. I wish i had extra days to acclimatize with altitude. Any tips, current weather situation and good vibes always welcome.
cheers,
-S
Last edited by ssusarla on Tue Aug 21, 2018 11:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
I would start with Gray's and Torrey's. Even though that is 2 mountains in one day, it is probably the easiest day of the three.
Start early in the morning and take it really easy the first day. Eat really well when you are done with each day in order to recharge for the next day.
Have a great time.
One more thing: on the standard route on Massive, when you come out of the trees after 5 miles of hiking, it looks like the summit is still 40 miles away. It IS still over a mile, but don't get disheartened; its not as far as it looks.
Sean Nunn
Raytown, MO
"Thy righteousness is like the great mountains." --Psalms 36:6
Obviously, hiking 14ers when you don’t live at elevation presents it’s own set of challenges. I live in Missouri and go out a few times per year to hike, bike and ski. Educate yourself on signs and symptoms of altitude illness and how to deal with it. The CDC has some great info and recommendations for us flatlanders.You mentioned not having time for an acclimation day. Even if you can sleep your first night at around 5000 ft before sleeping higher, it can make a difference in even the mild symptoms.
A buddy and I did 4 in 3 last year. As long as you’re in decent shape (able to run a 5K without collapsing at the finish) you should be just fine. Remember, a good part of it is mental, as you’ll be surprised you can’t push yourself to go faster than you are. By the time you’re heading home it’ll start feeling easier.
I used to be a peak runner back in the day and my tips are:
Stay constantly hydrated, I sweat a ton so I'm abnormal in my water usage but a good bladder is a great tool. I prefer the MSR bladders as they are more rugged than the others.
Eat a fat/carb/protein loaded breakfast. My wife and I have fried potatoes with three eggs, cheese, and butter each.
Eat regularly while hiking. I hate gu and cliff bars and have taken to popping a honey stinger every hour when I'm out.
Sleep.
Go down if you get nauseous, headaches, or vertigo/lack of coordination. Google "AMS symptoms".
Fellow San Antonian here. Sounds like you have an awesome trip planned for a great cause. A couple of things I do to help with acclimatization (in addition to being well hydrated) are:
-I start taking 120mg of ginkgo biloba 2x a day two weeks before I head to altitude
-Starting the day before I leave and continuing through my trip, I take AltitudeRx, a supplement that can be ordered from Amazon
Both those things could just have a placebo effect, but before I started that regimen, I’d get a headache above 9000’ that would stay until I got back on the flight home.
Agree with previous post to start w Grays and Torreys first. Also, if your vehcile can't handle that road, then rethink the other two. Same for your legs. Grays and Torreys are the easiest of the days. If that is really hard, rethink some other peak options.
All good advice from the others. If there's one thing I can add it's to slow down. It's surprising how much faster I go, overall, if I slow my moving pace down and keep going rather than stop every 100 steps. I know you aren't going for speed records but finding a sustainable pace and reducing your level of exertion will reduce/prevent the possible effects of altitude sickness as well.
Good luck with your hikes and fundraising efforts. Good cause!
. I am not an athlete just a average joe 140lbs 5'7 for a month been training on local hikes around San Antonio, TX area. I wish i had extra days to acclimatize with altitude. Any tips, current weather situation and good vibes always welcome. 
