Big Game Hunting out West…it’s breath taking…LITERALLY!

During recent events in Montana…my marriage to Eric Stroup…I was exposed to a completely new environment; southwest Montana. Better known as ‘big sky’ country, Montana offers miles and miles and miles of terrain, huge mountains and wide open skys. The combination is simply breath taking…literally! One of my first hikes in Montana left me breathless. Not only was the scenery incredible but the elevation was taking it’s tool. As a personal trainer, wellness coach and nutritional consultant I considered myself in fairly good shape. It was a complete surprise to be struggling for breath…and I was only at 8000 feet. So I started to think,  if hiking at higher elevations was challenging for someone in my physical condition how would it effect the ‘executive’ from the east who spends the majority of the time sitting? Let’s face it, a trip out west is not cheap. In order to enjoy the awesome sport of ‘big game’ hunting one has to work hard and save their pennies. The best gear is needed to provide warmth, camouflage, silence and location. Great weather is also factor contributing to a successful hunt. However it is the physical properties of the human body that detract from a great hunt simply do to deconditioning, dehydration or improper nutrition. If you can’t climb the mountain, climb into a saddle, wear out half way through the day or suffer low blood sugar or dehydration, hunting out west will certainly not be the best experience.

Preparing for the upcoming season out west will certainly have it’s advantages! A customized fitness program combined with proper nutrition and hydration can give you the edge you need to climb, endure and conquer. If you are an experience out west hunter a little tweaking will only further enhance your experience. Take for example the water you drink. Some hunts can last 8-10 hours or longer. The less you have to carry the better however you must stay hydrated. Especially at higher elevations where the relative humidity is lower. What if it were possible to carry LESS water and be MORE hydrated?

Ionized water or Functional water is the key. High altitude streams develop from melting snow which runs rapidly down the mountain side. As the water descends it crashes into rocks gathering magnesium, calcium, sodium and other electrolytes. In addition, all this crashing causes the water molecules to break down. They literally become smaller in the molecular structure and more oxygenated. The result…water that is wetter. Wetter water hydrates BETTER at a cellular level allowing for more oxygen as well. The body actually recognizes and utilizes water with a smaller molecular structure so there is also less waste which means LESS pit stops. These pit stops add scents to the air and are just plain inconvenient especially for us ladies. Drinking out of mountain streams may not always be safe nor do we want the ‘extra’ gear to make safe drinking water. So how do we get wetter water…ionize it!

Modern science has allowed for electrolysis which is the process of adding electricity to water. The result…increased electrons, smaller molecular structure, alkaline pH (many health benefits are contributed to alkaline water)…basically wetter water with the same structure as high altitude streams but completely portable and safe to drink. I deal with a company called Brilliant H2O. Their functional water in addition to many benefits listed above…has a shelf life of 2 years which is due to the process they use and packaging. Small bottle…light in weight…more hydration.

My recommendation is ionized water for all. The alkaline nature alone is reason enough to drink it often. Most of America is dehydrated. Dehydration can be contributing factor to musculo-skeletal injuries, high blood pressure, migraines, fatigue, dry skin or hair and several other conditions to long to list. Considering over 75% of your body is water and every single process in your body requires water to function…there may be something to this hydration thing! As for hunting big game out west, keep in mind you are in their backyard. The trophy animals you seek are acclimated to the terrain, elevation and territory. They are in shape and ready for your arrival.  This season give yourself every added advantage and BE READY for the challenge!

Oh…for big game hunting in Montana I recommed the following two outfits!

Jake and Donna McDonald:  Upper Canyon Outfitters: www.ucomontana.com

Layne Wilcox: ropenhunt@live.com

For more information on customized High Altitude Conditioning programs, proper nutriton or ionized water please contact me at tracey@trainedbytracey.com!

Be Well…