DAE see people planning way too many miles for their first big trip?

I keep seeing new folks post about doing 15 mile days right out of the gate on the John Muir Trail... that's a fast way to get hurt or hate it. My buddy tried that last summer and was so beat up by day three he had to bail near Tuolumne Meadows. Most guides say to start with 8-10 miles a day for the first week to let your body adjust. Has anyone else had to talk a friend down from an overly ambitious plan?

2 comments

2 Comments

barnes.mason4d ago

My friend did 18 miles day one on the PCT. Could barely walk by day four. Had to get off trail at Big Bear.

miles8254d ago

My first day on the John Muir Trail I did 15 miles and felt like a hero. By day three my feet were just raw hamburger in wet socks. Learned the hard way that slow and steady wins the race.