Gregory Landess wrote
at 6:46am on March 8th, 2010
*dramatic music playing* It looks like it's going to be rain on Sunday, folks, but I'm still going! As long as their is no thunder.

In some places it never rains. In some places it always rains. The way I see it there is a 50% chance of it raining on me anywhere I am in the world and I'm not going to let the weather get me down 50% of my life. So I choose to enjoy it. The secret is being prepared. Bring a nice poncho, change of under clothes... I'll start a fire at the end for us to dry up.

I can't wait.

P.S. I say dry up because you get a little wet when you exercise in the rain but proper gear will keep you happily dry throughout our journey.

Gregory Landess wrote
at 1:22pm on March 6th, 2010
Basic list of gear minus food. I sometimes prefer having more gear to give myself the extra weight challenge and to be more prepared but usually I opt for bringing minimal gear so I could move faster. "Pack light freeze at night"

1. Trail running shoes - Preferably goretex. I used to swear by boots but I prefer lighter and faster trail running shoes. Really nice models nowadays.

2. Baselayer - Medium wool socks to keep the feet comfy and warm. I don't wear long john pants. Heat is the enemy of endurance. Similar to cars, cold is only a factor in extreme situations. More commonly you have to worry about the engine (your legs) overheating. And then I wear a synthetic long john top. I don't prefer natural materials, wool in this case, but wool is much more expensive than synth. Cotton is the worst thing you could wear on a hike because it's cold when wet and doesn't dry quickly.

3. Outer layers - poly cargo pants with belt, extra long sleeve synth shirt (prob won't need but may be cold at bus stop after, synth long sleeve lighter than cotton short sleeve) and I'm bringing a flannel long sleeve which I prefer to sweater cause I could leave it open.

4. Top gear - Fleece, vest, rain shell. Probably won't be wearing them until bus stop after but that combination is light and prepares me for most weather. If you don't have a good rain shell I recommend you get yourself a nice poncho. Or at least bring a garbage bag to help prevent getting soaked.

5. Void gear - neck gaitor, face mask, scarf, gloves, hat.

6. Day pack - strong comfortable pack. I am keeping my rain shell in it and tying vest and fleece to the outside. In pack is maps, food, wallet and cell (in plastic bag) and then there are many little things that would be wise to bring but combined they add up to a lot of weight. I'm sticking with my headlamp, multitool, combo knife/whistle, lip balm, athletic tape, food and water.

Again I could bring more but I prefer not to. But then again I don't mind certain conditions. The big thing is that there are no stores along the way and the hike is long so make sure you're comfortable. Little things like a foot blister or toothache get amplified out on the trail.

Also may want to bring a camera and don't forget a good attitude!

Q: What, if anything, about this curriculum has anything to do with leftist politics?

A: It's important that we question everything and your inquiry gave me a chance to be a little more clear on the course purpose.

This could be a long discussion that is beyond the scope of this event wall but please feel free to continue the topic here or I'd be glad to share more in another format.

I created this course hoping to meet and teach many great people. Many of those people whom I specifically had in mind are extraordinary people I'm excited to train with and I'm sure the new additional faces will complete a powerful class.

I have found my greatest training gains were delivered by a clear intention to conquer challenges and make the world a better place. This seemed to get me much further than a simple desire to get a six pack (which you'll still get). I've also found that the lessons learned from moving iron correlate directly with the force needed to move society. I'm thrilled to see what we'll create with the energy at the Brecht.

-Gregory Landess wrote
at 8:51pm on December 3rd, 2009

Meeting 8am at the Washington Heights bus terminal, from there we walk across the George Washington Bridge where we'll begin day one of the Long Path.

The full path goes 350 miles up to Albany. We'll be doing day one of the path taking us 17 miles (woah! not as bad as it sounds. I've taken average fit people with much success. If someone can flip burgers for 8 hours, we can hike for 8 hours and we have each others backs). We end in Piermont where you'll need $8 to take the bus back to the Washington Heights bus terminal or 42nd St Port Authority.

We'll also be offering a delicious organic lunch and snack package for $10.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Happy feet.