Conditioning for Picketts Mill

[Steve Acker]

March saw our first nice day this year and had me riding my mountain bike. Assuming spring is about to show up, what is everyone doing to get in shape for Picketts Mill? Let's share our regimine so we all can beat those hills.


Steve Acker

My program:
I will work out with the kids I coach, or at least part of their workouts.
Hurdling two days a week
Warm up and stretching
Icing everything that hurts the doing it again

[Scott Gutzke]

Steve,

I've been walking/jogging about 4 miles per day on a treadmill (just for my own health, not necessarily to get ready for this event). There's been too much snow and ice outside to walk/jog safely. :cry_smile

Your post makes me think of throwing on my pack, haversack, and leathers while I walk/jog. Might help get my body used to the feel of my gear again after the long winter.

[Johnny Lloyd]

12-ounce curls do it for me... whoo hoo ;)

I didn't have much problem recently at W64, but then again, not much hilly terrain.

I guess I'll just have to suck it up and drive-on.

-Johnny

[Adams]

I've been lifting heavy weights in the gym all winter. Usually focusing on one major muscle group every day for five days a week. I usually walk around the indoor track for about 45 minutes afterwards. My brother and I are about to begin a new training schedule. It will focus on less weight, more reps, and increased cardio. It's called German Volume Training. You focus on one major muscle group exercise doing less weight for 10 sets of 10 reps.

[Steve Acker]

Great start. The biggest thing about Picketts Mill is that we will be physically active: marching, skirmish, building works, fighting, marching, skirmishing, building works, etc. Stamina, cardio conditioning and strenght will only make the event more managable.

We will be in light marching order but we will make leather hit the trail.

Steve Acker
Federal commander for Picketts Mill

[theknapsack]

http://www.crossfit.com
Do the Workout of the Day.
I warmup for my workouts by doing 2 sets of
15 dips
10 pullups
25 squats
50 pushups
50 situps
and
1 mile run on track for time
and of course active and normal stretching to prevent injury.

After workout
1 mile run on track for time

[Terry Sorchy]

Dang, Riley isnt that Ditka's old workout? :rolleyes:
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[csabugler]

Walk out to the garage, put the hay in the wheel barrell, push it out to the fence, throw the hay over the top rail to the really big, strong, furry horse.
Alternate scoops of feed, 3-4 sets a day.
He'll be ready. :)

Realistically, those who will be on foot and are not from around here, the humidity will be the killer. I've hiked the Mill dozens of times befor my hip rotted away and the sweating out gallons of fluids is what always got to me. If you can simulate that somehow in your routine it will serve you well.

[theknapsack]

No, Ditka is too hardcore for me.

[Coon Dawg]

Chase around a 4 year old outside every night. Ride and feed horses. Run 10 miles a week. However, the treadmill is inside in the AC. Like everyone else try and drop few pounds before it gets hot. I figure the less fat the less sweat.

[theknapsack]

Hopefully the reason that you are sweating is because you are hydrated, not because you have body fat or a lack thereof.

[Coon Dawg]

Hopefully the reason that you are sweating is because you are hydrated, not because you have body fat or a lack thereof.

Sweat is nothing but an indicator of how hot your core temperature is. It is not a measure of intensity of exercise or calories being burned.

If you weigh 300 lbs, I assume you are either very muscle bound or at the midpoint of obese (no offense intended). Fat's primary functions are temperature homeostasis and energy. Extra fat means extra insulation, meaning most of your core heat is held in.

Also, being just a little over weight may cause your heart to race more which in turn makes you overheat and for the body to cool itself down it sweats. When your skinnier your heart doesn't beat so fast with simple tasks hence the body doesn't overheat and you don't sweat as much.

If we all start exercising, eating healthier and loose weight sweating will most probably become less of a problem.

[Steve Acker]

Walking is still a great exercise when done often enough. To heat up walking try adding some intensity: 2 minutes of speed walking for every 10 minutes. It won't prepare you for the olympics but will increase heart rate. And if you have hills nearby hit em hard.


Picketts Mill is just around the corner so lets get ready.

Steve Acker
Fed guy

[Tom Ezell]

850 miles on the bike so far since the first of January, and December was a 400+ mile month as well. Power is coming along nicely, and we're back living in the big chainring.

Now if I could just bring the 29er to da Mill... but that's probably the wrong Caliber ;-)

[Strawfoot]

Not to frighten anyone here, but Pickett"s Mill in 2003 was the most worried I've ever been for my well being. The reason...? During the battle for the fence line, I remember the sweat pouring off my head in literal torrents. Literally. :cry_smile

At that point, I realized that no matter how much water I'd drank it really didn't matter if you are sweating at a heavier rate than you are intaking water. I mean, you only have so much in a canteen at a time.

I suppose the key is having a very low heartrate to begin with, and be in very good shape. I got lucky on both counts.

The event was well worth it, for many reasons which I recounted afterwards. But if you weren't there, these guys aren't kidding. Get in shape.


Mike Phineas
Arlington, TX

[Terry Sorchy]

One thing I learned many years ago. If your a cigerette smoker this is a good time to stop. Let your lungs heal up. You wont believe how much farther you can go when your not sucking for air. Also when you breath, breath from the diaphram, it allows more of your lungs to be worked. But walk, walk, walk. Or ride a bike whichever you prefer.
Just think if your in shape for Picketts then when you go for a full week at Into The Piney Woods in 09 you will have an advantage.
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[Dale Beasley]

-I started drinking water yesterday.

-Low Fat Rouxbarb Diet.

-Really, drop ten pounds, weight lifting, elliptacal x 2miles a day.

[M_Kupsch]

Also, for those that have never experienced the environs of Pickett's Mill, let me say it is extremely hilly, and humid at that time of the year. Walking flat trails or sidewalks around home will certainly help get you in shape, but remember you are going to be going up and down (and it will seem like you are going up more often than not) some fairly steep hills, wearing period clothing and equipment, and in a humid environment. That puts a whole different slant on power walking around the neighborhood to get ready for this event.

Try and acclimate yourself to the heat before attending the event. Start a forced hydration program well in advance, and of course, do physical conditioning..to include walking up and down hills. Reminds me of a saying I was told many times in the Army," The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in combat." Apply that mentality to preparing for Pickett's Mill and you should be fine.

[hpotter]

Michael's right. As most here in the south will tell you, it's the humidity that will get you. You can simply walk and start the massive amounts of sweating. Keeping the heartrate low by conditioning will help out A LOT!! Conditioning decreases the need for oxygen that feed the heart's blood for the muscles. This equals less strain and less water needed. Got to love those North Georgia hills.

[C.R. Henderson]

I get pretty good conditioning due to the fact that I deliver cabinets in Georgia for a living. I even deliver and install out in the vicinity of the Mill. Carrying 50 cabinets into a 2 story house with a basement in the May/ June/ July months, going up and down stairs, and doing all of this with cabinets on you back and shoulder (some of which get up to 200 lbs.) will get you into shape pretty quick. At the end of last winter (07), I was tipping the scales at 255 lbs. I weighed in last week at 230 lbs. I'm going to see how much more I can drop before P.Mill.

P.S. My water intake for a regular delivery day is between 1 and 2 gallons. Believe me- by days end, it's all been perspired back out again.

[Ken Cornett]

It's amazing how much your legs and respitory system rely on each other at this type of event. I still maintain my military PT level that I was at when I retired in 2005. It's at least a personal goal for me. I was ready for the last one, and I will be for this one.

Hey Sorch, you're still kickin'?

[Coatsy]

I don't know what any of you people are talking about. The terrain around the Mill is flat with a few gentle rolling hills. :rolleyes:


And in reality Pickett's Mill = be in good shape.

[Steve Acker]

Chris,
We are near the weight, 235.Up for a challenge?

Whoever loses the most buys BBQ on Sunday.

Steve Acker
Fed guy

[Strawfoot]

I didn't mind the hills and rough terrain as much as the foliage. While it DID keep the sun off our backs, it also acted as a barrier for any potential breeze as well.

It was downright suffocating in there... Especially once it started raining on the approach march.


Mike Phineas
Arlington, TX

[C.R. Henderson]

Chris,
We are near the weight, 235.Up for a challenge?

Whoever loses the most buys BBQ on Sunday.

Steve Acker
Fed guy

Wait a second..... is this a trick question???

[Steve Acker]

For those thinking of attending Picketts, the stories of heat and hills are valid. Yes, the event has both but I promise we will take enough breaks, have enough water and always be aware of the conditions.

For me, the event is still on of the best I ever attended (2004) for it gave a me a feel of realism that a lot of events just can't. Did I sweat, Yup. Did we make it fine, Yup. I think only two or three guys turned back on the fed side and they returned safely to the park building. The experience of the event far outweighed the effort.

Getting in shape will make your experience that much better. Noone wants to spend the weekend watching their feet because they are too tired to enjoy the what the event has to offer. And we do have a lot to offer this year. As always the organizers have put together something special, the fed battalion will be led by excellent company officers and the site is perfect.


So, sign up, get walking and we'll see ya in Georgia.

Steve Acker
Fed Guy

Chris,no trick question, just wondering if you were up for a challenge.

[Coon Dawg]

With all of this talk of hot and humid, it went to the trusty Farmer's Almanac for information about what the temperature was last year and the year before.

2007 temperature min = 69, mean = 80 & max = 88
2006 temperature min = 71, mean = 85 & max = 93

You just never know, it could be really nice.

[C.R. Henderson]

Steve,
I'm always up for a challenge. Heck, I'm itching for some good pulled pork right now!

[Terry Sorchy]

Hey Ken,
Yup still kickin brother. Going to Pea Ridge this week and totally sick of snow. Its really icey where I live but my occupation helps me stay in shape. I wind and repair electric motors from fractional up to 5000 h.p. by hand. So I do a LOT of lifting, pulling, pushing, etc... for eight hours a day five days a week every week.
I just want the weather to get better so I can take my new bike out and do some CC with it.
I am stoked about this year and am itching to get out.
Cheers
Terry Sorchy

[theknapsack]

Hey Ken,
Yup still kickin brother.
Terry Sorchy
Dang it, I thought we got rid of you?

[Steve Acker]

Chris,

My reason for the challenge is two fold: first it'll help motivate me, especially on the 9 degree mornings like today where I still want to hibernate and because Wisconsin BBQ just isn't it.

So lose the most, get a free dinner. SOUnd good?

I'm sitting at 235. Hopefully by the time I get to Georgia, there'll be less of me to push up hills.


Steve Acker
Fed Guy

[James the Haggard Ranger]

Straight From the Battlefield,

The best way to prepare for this event is to try and walk 3 miles in 45 minutes with 45 pounds of gear on including the whole wool uniform. If you can do this by mid April or early May you should not have too much trouble here.

Your body will adjust itself for the heavy load so when you march at Pickett's Mill with a lighter load you will have an easier time.

I've done it and it works.

Remember that not only will you be marching up and down hills, but some of you will be skrimishing up and down hills covered with heavy foilage, hidden rocks and exposed roots. Skirmishing can be difficult in open and flat fields, but here it is going to be over very difficult wooded terrain.

Also, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, because it will most likely be hot and humid just like in 1864. If you are not sweating, you are about to be in serious trouble.

I know this ground real well, so I hope this helps,

Thanks,

James Wooten, Interpretive Ranger
Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site

[Dale Beasley]

I started drinking water yesterday.

[BrandonHinds]

I have never been to this event and won't be able to attend this year, but just wondering. I read some where in the regulations about the requirements of infantry soldiers to be able to march at the double quick for "X" number of miles in "X" amount of time. I am assuming in full gear or a heavier than usual pack + other gear. If someone could find that info I think it would be helpful for everyone. Not just those attending Picketts Mill, but for all Authentic Reenactors who are striving for a better impression.

If each of us were to adopt a type of workout regimen that closely resembles the soldiers of that day or even those of today along with a dietary intake of fruits, vegitables, meats, breads, grains, sugars, and dairy of people in that time period or those of the soldiers according to regulations...I think that will help better portray the soldiers of that time as well as keep us in better shape for everyday life.

[boreguard]

Just take a Rouxbarb and put it under your tounge, you'll slober like a mad dog and wont have to worry a bit about being DEE Hi draited !

[C.R. Henderson]

Alright, Steve. I just weighed in this morning at 232 lbs. Whichever of us is the biggest looser gets the BBQ! (I hate that show) You have your challenge accepted officially.

James, is that the official "State approved" training regimen for the Pickett's Mill State Historic site now?:wink_smil Sounds like fun!

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Chris,

Are you and your boys going to Kennesaw? We would like to show you what real Hawkeyes are like.

I have been to P.Mill. Toured the site on one hot day in July 2002. My wife was expecting but we were able to walk I believe the two mile trail in a half hour. We were moving!

Even though I cannot attend this event (school) I would say that not only do you need to be in good shape but you also need a good mindset. To many times guys lose focus and begin to dwell on little aches and pains. Have some mental toughness. As any of us who were at BGR last year can tell you, you need to have the right frame of mind about.

Leave the headlogs at home. Raymond '98 there was this guy in our company (Sills company) who had ten tent stakes in his knapsack and he and his pard carried four cans of tomatoes three miles before they got rid of them. These were not members of the Sills. You don't need anymore than one blanket(if you even need that) and don't take more than one shirt. Have one extra pair of socks. And for the love of all things good do not forget the PIPE TOBACCO! Good for the lungs! Right Terry?

I will be thinking of all you boys while I teach class.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Just take a Rouxbarb

I've heard a great deal about "rouxbarb" in many redundant postings.

As far as I know it is poisonous until well cooked with strawberries and barely edible even then. You all can keep presenting the unfounded virtues of rouxbarb, but I refuse to accept one word of your blaspheme.

[C.R. Henderson]

Chris,

Are you and your boys going to Kennesaw? We would like to show you what real Hawkeyes are like.



Yeah, I need to get you money and forms. I know that at least my brother and I will go and I'm working on about 5 others right now. I'm rearing to go!

[Dale Beasley]

I've heard a great deal about "rouxbarb" in many redundant postings.

As far as I know it is poisonous until well cooked with strawberries and barely edible even then. You all can keep presenting the unfounded virtues of rouxbarb, but I refuse to accept one word of your blaspheme.

Paul,

Rouxbarb is only poisonous if you suck its head...refer back to the redundant postings.

[springkeeper]

It never ceases to amaze me how the talk turns to BBQ when northern boys are heading south for an event!

Mr.Acker, we now have a Bar B Cutie in Franklin and the food is very good. Patrick, the girls, and I ate lunch there after Tae Kwon Do class today. Patrick had BBQ on cornbread- BBQ and slaw bewteen 2 corncakes, slathered with sweet and spicey sause - yuuuuuuuuum. Make plans to stop on your way to Georgia if you can.

Carrie Craddock

[Steve Acker]

All the more reason to go to Franklin Miss Carrie. Unfortunately I am flying to Georgia. I will however do my best to come down in October for the Stone's River event and would like to stop by and say hello to the Craddock family and maybe even try some of the BBQ.


All the best,
Steve Acker

[Micah Trent]

For conditioning I have been running a couple of miles each evening and playing basketball on the weekends. I started watching what I have been eating a bit more and for the time being, put down the cigars...:rolleyes: okay, maybe one every once in a while. But anyway, looking forward to the event!

[Dale Beasley]

I had three bottles of water yesterday.

[TKlas]

Gents,

I can attest with Steve on this one that walking in temps below 20 degrees makes you wish summer was here. But on a serious note, I have been walking the past week and will be increasing distances and hilly terrain as time goes on. The biggest factor for gents in the northern regions is the temperatures above 80 degrees. I remember the Port Gibson event in April of 2003 where it was 90 plus degrees and I struggled to keep up with the heat. All my water drinking did me well, but I still had to take a few rests during the march. Just two weeks before Port Gibson, our mess had an event in the snow and around the 20 degrees range for high temps in Wisconsin. The adjustment to the warm temps took a toll on me at Port Gibson but I finished the march and loved the event. Since then I train even harder to prepare for events and train on some of Wisconsin's finest Kettle Moraine Walking Trails to get in shape for higher temps and greater physical demands of a weekend.

I wish you all well in your event training and looking forward to a great event!

Yours in the 29th Ohio,

Tom

[Dale Beasley]

I had two more bottles of water...

One Eye Jacks and Killer Kings Mess.

[unclefrank]

Just starting to warm up here in Detroit. For now, I'm on the bicycle machine. My legs are feeling better, but my ass is killing me.

[Pritchett Ball]

I have not read all the posts on this subject, but leg exercises (left leg especially) are my concern.

Having had a Meniscus Cartilage removed from my left knee back in 1976, I’m a bit lacking in the athletic department. I sprained that same knee the year before last, and have had to be especially careful with it since…to the point that I found out I was weakening my upper leg muscles.

I’m doing leg exercises to strengthen the upper muscles in the left leg, a continuation of the same exercises that a Physical Therapist had me doing after my knee sprain. (I miss her, she was so CUTE!):D

I’m on my feet for a good part of a day, welding on oil-field equipment, crawling thru truck frames, climbing around injector equipment, climbing up and down ladders …I’m good at walking, but weak in the running department. I have been told that high impact exercises (running, jogging) are not the best for me, but good low impact stuff like leg lift’s, or bike machine exercises will be good.

I guess that’s why I like a blanket roll, over a knapsack, easier for me to walk with the weight centered over my body.

Kevin Dally