Conditioning for Picketts Mill

[Steve Acker]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

I started drinking water yesterday.

[BrandonHinds]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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... okay, maybe one every once in a while. But anyway, looking forward to the event!

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

I had three bottles of water yesterday.

[TKlas]

Re: Conditioning for Picketts Mill

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