Maintaining Fitness After a High Intensity Fall

This past spring, I sat at home contemplating plans for the coming fall hunting season. With a full schedule of hunts planned there were many things to prep for, but one major thing was fitness. Having a high elevation (9,500 to 10,500 feet) elk hunt and a desert bighorn sheep hunt in the books, I had my work cut out building up my physical strength.

I spent my workouts focusing on building leg strength and endurance. Some of these workouts included:

● Weighted hikes with a 30-60 pound pack

● Hill sprints

● Strength training (e.g. squats, lunges, planks, box step-ups)

● Running

● Mountain bike rides

My elk hunt was successful and although we didn’t have to pack out my bull, we still spent many days of hiking through black timber. The bighorn sheep hunt was traversing up and down desert mountains for two weeks ending in success for my boyfriend. My training helped me to stay strong, recover quickly and hunt day after day.

After the hunts were completed, things slowed down and so did my training. I was worn out physically and decided to take a break. Most years this is when I get lazy and this break lasts for November and December. The issue with taking a break however, is archery javelina season starts in January. I am usually sluggish and miserable from the constant holiday festivities, making hiking tough.

I am sure many of you can relate to this feeling.

That’s why this year I decided to not let that happen. I had been training all summer and hiking all fall, I didn’t want to lose what I had gained in my fitness level. I decided to set a goal for December where I would complete three miles everyday. I could accomplish these three miles by walking, hiking or running. It was the perfect distance for me, because it wasn’t an unreachable goal but also not easy enough that I could push it off to the next day.

At the end of December, I had completed my three miles every day, sometimes I did this before work in the dark, others during my lunch break and some after work. Some mornings the temps were below freezing, but just getting out and moving made me feel better and more focused for the rest of the day. 

As the new year arrived and opening day of Javelina season was upon us, my legs were strong. Instead of feeling groggy and leg weary, I was energetic and hiking for the duration of the season felt easy.

I have decided to continue my three miles per day. This gets me out of the house and helps my sanity as I spend my workdays sitting at a computer.

Along with my three miles, I am beginning to phase some of last summer’s strength training back in. I may not be in the top shape I was during the fall hunting season but maintaining what I built will keep me from starting at ground zero like I used to do every year. Not only am I getting stronger, my mood has improved and I feel good!

If you are feeling cabin fever right now, pick an activity to complete a few days a week. Set a goal to walk for 30 minutes, shoulder a pack with weight to climb a nearby hill, or throw on your snowshoes if you’ve still got snow and head out. Pick something that works for you, is attainable but challenging, and have fun!

Remember, you don’t have to be ready to pack out an elk tomorrow, but when the time comes to start training, that transition will be easy and not overwhelming. Also, getting active may help your mind from going stir crazy thinking about what hunts you’ll be lucky enough to participate in for the 2021 season.

Written by Western Influence Co-Founder Kristy Manuell.