fitness

[Harry]

Hi everyone,
I'm off on the Annapurna Circuit for 3 weeks starting on 13th nov - very excited but apprehensive. Whilst I lead a healthy lifestyle, and had no problems with walking 50 miles in 4 days for my Duke of Edinburgh (although that was in the Scottish Highlands - not nquite the Himalayas!) - I am very worried that I won't be fit enough for the trek. What do you guys think? How fit do you really need to be?
Cheers,
Harry

[Linwood]

Hi Harry,

Though I have only one trek under my belt, and a short one at that, I'd say you are just fine fitness-wise. I'd learn about and heed cautions about adjusting to altitude, be sure to stay well hydrated with safe water, and enjoy yourself!

I just got home Monday and wish I could go back tomorrow.

Cheers,
Linwood

[Ralph]

Sounds to me like you're more than fit. You'll be doing about 10-12 miles a day on the trek, and you already know you can do that.

Have fun.

[Unregistered]

If your not fit now you will be once you finish - seriously you will have no problem - its like an extended walk in the lake district

[yakshaver]

As everyone says, I don't think you need to worry about fitness. You will enjoy the trip more though, as you are probably fitter than the average trekker (no kidding...). One thing you need to be mindful of is altitude. You won't addapt any quicker just because of fitness. It will take you more or less the same. In fact if you go up to fast, try to slow down, else you might have problems. You need to follow the rules regarding altitude addapting, once you are close to, and above 3000m.

[Unregistered]

Having done the trek in the past I would say that your main concern is the altitide. As long as you are in reasonably good condition and detect the signs of any altitude sickness you will be fine. One thing I can guarrantee is that you will be very fit when you finish the trek!!

[Morrissey]

Take your time, be aware of any altitude problems, and all should be well.

[kiwiclimb]

its agrueably better to do it not too fit!

reason;
If you are super fit there is a chance you might go up too fast and get altitude sickness
Its actually better to go (climb) slowly, therefore not being over fit is not a problem!
Enjoy the sencery!

but some fitness is better than none, you ll enjoy it more!