I was recently reading about the record speeds at which people have completed the John Muir trail in California. Specifically, I was very impressed by Andrew Bentz' account of his unsupported run, in which he completed the 211 mile trail in about 3½ days.
It rang a little bell in the back of my mind. A bell that went something like:
45 leagues is 135 miles. If it's possible to do 211 miles in >3½ days, then 135 in >4 suddenly seems within the realm of possibility...‘Strider is too poor a name, son of Arathorn,’ he said. ‘Wingfoot I name you. This deed of the three friends should be sung in many a hall. Forty leagues and five you have measured ere the fourth day is ended! Hardy is the race of Elendil!’
That was the birth in my mind of the Foot-Race of Elendil. I've started training with the intent of completing a personal race against the clock from the Le Conte Ranger Station to Yosemite Valley, a distance of 135 miles, in under 4 days.
But of course, covering that distance with my usual ultralight backpacking gear, pounding packs of energy gel all the way, would be cheating. No; I've got to replicate the conditions of the feat if I want it sung in many a hall.
So in addition to preparing myself physically, I'm assembling a kit that replicates as nearly as practical Strider's equipment in the book.
I'm just glad he isn't wearing armor at that point.
All your kits and thoughts on Ranging are proving very helpful in this endeavor. I look forward to picking brains and posting builds as the challenge nears completion. I don't know when that will happen, but I'm aiming tentatively for Midsummer next. Happy hunting!