Go for the Block!

Q.

SGT KEN,
Hello. I read that you have climbed Mount Whitney. How did you train for the climb and what are some things that you brought with you?

HOOAH!
SGT Steve C.

A.

SGT Steve C.,
Hello. In order to train for any hike or climb, I trail run, hike with a full backpack or climb a Stairmaster at a gym, perform a great deal of leg and core exercises, and stretch in each workout. The magnitude of the hike or climb will determine the length of the exercise preparation

Regarding what to bring, one of the most important items I brought with me was sunscreen. Since skin cancer is on the rise, you will want to go for the block that counts! Use sunscreens that block both UVB and UVA light. Look at the ingredients and make certain that it contains both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. I use SPF 30, or higher. So should you!

Feel free to contact us, with any questions that you may have. Stay the course!

HOOAH!
SSG Ken Weichert a.k.a. "SGT KEN"

Ken Weichert (a.k.a. “SGT Ken”) is a Six-time Soldier of the Year, Master Fitness Trainer and veteran of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm. Ken and his wife Stephanie, a Certified Personal Trainer, founded START Fitness, a group exercise and hiking business that delivers military-style workouts to Soldiers and civilians since 1998. Ken and Stephanie have led thousands of Soldiers to better health through Operation Fit to Fight, a tactical fitness instructor training program designed to prepare Soldiers for Basic Combat Training, deployments, leadership schools and post-deployment reintegration. Operation Fit to Fight creates tactical athletes who lead by example and are ready to perform necessary duties in response to natural disasters or in defense of our country! Ken and Stephanie currently produce health and fitness programs for GX magazine, and for the National Guard website.

Comments

[#1 Posted by: John]

I have to agree about sunscreen, I ran out one weekend during the summer camping and got toasted on a hike. If you do get burned, Aloe Vera Gel helps relieve the pain.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/273400/aloe_vera_gel_is_good_for_sunburns.html

[#2 Posted by: James]

I think water is a big one too

[#3 Posted by: Staff Sergeant Ken Weichert]

You are both correct! We averaged 150 ounces each day while on Mount Whitney with ODA 9225, 19th Special Forces. You can get my full packing list by emailing me directly at sgtken@gxonline.com. HOOAH!