Adrenaline Dumping/muscle Fatigue

[Fluppy]

I have just walked up and down a flight of stairs 50 times with my 9kg pack (20 x 1 step at a time, 20 x 2 steps at a time and 10 x one step at a time).

My legs and hands – mostly legs now have the shakes ('wobbly legs'). Yes, I did stretch prior to doing this. I am figuring it is either a big adrenaline dump or muscle fatigue. This happened last time I did 60 steps 10 times (local water-tower) and as it is involuntary, I am unable to stop it.

Wondering what I can do about this. I don't really think it's a good idea to have 'wobbly legs' on the track

[Brian]

Hi Fluppy

If you have only just started this type of exercise even not knowing your age or fitness I would say that you are over doing it.

Forget the weight until you can happily manage it with out the back pack and only then slowly add the weight gradually building it up to the 9kgs

To start straight off with any weight I feel would be just asking for the problem that you have.

Slowly slowly does the trick just gradually building it up over a period of time, weeks if you have it, if not, I personally feel, you are just asking for problems.

Rough steep bush tracks are good also whilst training for Kokoda if you can find such tracks nearby where you live, the rougher and steeper the better specially if they are unmaintained tracks with roots etc across them when you feel confident try them again after heavy rain when the track will be slippery.

I hope that you are drinking plenty of water whist carrying out your excercise for whilst you personally may not feel thirsty your body will need it and if it does not get enough it could possibly lead to the problem that your are experiencing. I am not a medico just from my personal experience.

I was told by a very experienced army medic and leader that he always told his chaps when on cross country exercises that if they were not piddling they were not drinking enough and if they did piddle and it came out coloured not clear they were still not drinking enough I have always stuck to this.

Brian

[Fluppy]

I am 30 and 'ok' with my fitness. Just 'ok' is not going to cut it out there on Kokoda though. It is because of this that I have 'stepped up' (pardon the pun) my training. My 9kg pack is now 11kg as of today in effort to try and compensate for my 'ok' fitness.

Spoke to my doctor today about excessive tremors after exercise and knew it wasn't lack of water (as I was peeing the clear water out!) She did suggest it might be a bit of lack of electrolytes and suggested a Gatorade/Powerade type drink. Someone told me it might be lack of salt, but in my experience, lack of salt in my body has led to muscle cramping & spasms – not the jitters!

So I will try this and see how I go. Now that we are into 2009 (in less than 3 hrs), time is of the essence and I do not really have the time to take it slowly.

Training at 39 degrees celcius with 51% humidity yesterday I don't think I'm doing too bad. Now all I need to do is add two tracksuits over what I'm wearing and I might come within 100 feet of replicating the humidity in PNG lol!

[jafa]

QUOTE

Just 'ok' is not going to cut it out there on Kokoda though

I beg to differ – If you can complete the tasks you say you have then you are fit enough. I would work on endurance.

Consider this – It is unlikely that it will be anywhere near the temps you are training in whilst on the track. Most of the time you are under the jungle canopy and it tends to be quite cool – the only time you will feel real heat is around the villages where the vegetation has been trimmed.

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi Fluppy,

I would totally support the comments of Jafa. As I recall you are not trekking until October next. You really do run the risk of "burn out". Slow down and concentrate on endurance training, e.g extended overnight bush hiking. Given your preparation to date, I am sure you will be fine.

Regards, Geoff Hardie

[Times two]

If you have access to a "step " class at a local gym, make full use of it, even if once a week. "pump" or weight classes are also good. You will find as the strength of you legs improve. the jitters will reduce. If you can't get to a class, then working on squats at home with your back pack on will help – 10 minutes a day – as though you are sitting on and off the toilet. In my experience, the jitters are from muscle fatigue, and strengthening the muscles will help. As for the track, you will find your muscles build quickly while out there and the jitters will disappear! Unfortunately, as your legs feel about to fall off going down steep hills they may come back temporarily, but they will be a lot less of a problem with increased strength and endurance.

[Author]

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