Charting Don's Weight

Don thinks he's going to lose weight over the course of this hike. I think, "Don't count your chickens until they've hatched."

He's mentioned how a pair of his hiking pants fit perfectly now, but he's worried they'll get too lose and fall down. I think, "We'll deal with that problem when it happens."

I don't mean to be such a downer (or as Don calls me, a "buzz-kill"), and I know he'll be burning massive calories walking 20+ miles a day for days on end. But many of his hiking meals will consist of calorically dense (and not necessarily heart-healthy) foods like cheese and sausage. To be fair, he'll also be eating healthier options like rice, pasta, tuna, and homemade beef jerky.

I also know he plans to gorge himself at every possible opportunity. Passing by a small convenience store? Time for soda, Cheez-Itz, chips, and pretzels! On a side note, I wonder if he'll stick to diet soda, or switch to regular at some point for the calories. When he gets to Paradise Corner Cafe near Idyllwild, I wonder how many burgers he'll eat. Their burgers are awfully tasty, especially after a full day of hiking.

And then there's the "Triple Crown" at the Cajon Pass. An I-15 exit near the trail happens to have a McDonalds, Subway, and Del Taco. A hiker accomplishes the Triple Crown by eating something at each of these establishments. I don't think Don is particularly excited about eating something from McDonalds though. Seiad Valley has it's infamous 5 pancake challenge (featured on Food Network and Travel Channel!), where you have to finish 5 one-pound pancakes. Very few hikers manage this feat, but then they've got leftover pancakes for the trail. I think Don's planning to pass on the pancakes and go for something tastier.

At Mt. Laguna Lodge, the owner told of a hiker who came in and asked "What do you have that's vegan?" (The answer was, "Not much.") When asked what she'd eat over the course of the trail with such limited selection, she said "Potato chips!" Living on potato chips can't possibly be good for you.

And if Don does lose weight (even though I'm a buzz-kill, I'm pretty sure he will), the real question is "How long til he gains it back?" After hiking 20 miles a day for 5 months, you get used to eating massive amounts of food when you can get your hands on it. But you don't have quite the same caloric requirements sitting at a desk all day long. So... hopefully he'll be able to scale back his eating when he scales back the exercise.

So let's get to the point. Don's weight.
Start, May 8: 177 lbs in the morning after lots of coffee

I'll post updates whenever he comes across a scale. And I'll let you know if his pants start falling off.

UPDATE
Just talked to Don, and he says he's actually eating a lot less than planned. He's not going through his packed food as quickly as he thought, so he's actually carrying a bunch of extra food. And he only had one burger (plus fries and an iced tea) at the Warner Springs grill, and was completely satisfied. He hasn't developed a crazy always hungry appetite yet. (I say give it time for his body to deplete current reserves. Then he'll reach that stage.)
He also mentioned that he better not let himself get used to drinking full-calorie soda, considering how much soda he goes through! But he really did enjoy the trail magic full-sugar Pepsi.

I wonder if he's eating less because he's busy walking. It's not like he's ever just sitting around on the couch watching TV with a bag of junk food and nothing better to do. And I wonder if his tummy's shrunk.

I should take guesses for how much he'll end up weighing. Winner gets bragging rights. If that's anything worth bragging about?