I'm a pretty fit marathoner. I've run a half dozen sub 2:50s in the past few years in my late 40s. I'm attracted to the idea of mountain climbing... maybe signing up for an Alpine climb tour package. Does running fitness translate to climbing fitness?
Aerobically speaking, compared to laypersons, marathoners are good to go. However, when it comes to leg, shoulder and back strength they will be sorely lacking. You see, mountaineering (aka hiking slowly uphill/downhill a loooong way), means carrying a backpack upwards of 50 lbs!
Get a backpack and carry it up/down bleachers for 6-8 hours then decide if it's for you.
Of course, the scenery will be great if you don't mind carrying that big ape on your back for days.
Strangely enough, I've found that those that make the best conversion from track-hiking are former hurdlers and middle distance runners.
You just need to be strong enough and aerobically fit enough. Going uphill requires leg and back strength, especially with a pack.
Generally speaking, you'll be in much better shape than the average person, but mountain climbing requires also a good amount of upper body strength, balance, coordination and experience.
I was recently chatting with a ranger at a rescue station in the Grand Canyon and he told me that the typical profile of the person that gets in trouble hiking the canyon is middle-aged, male, marathoner. He explained that marathoners think that 20 miles are a joke and underestimate the difficulty of hiking on uneven terrain, on exposed paths, in the heat, with little water.
Mid D Guy wrote:
Generally speaking, you'll be in much better shape than the average person, but mountain climbing requires also a good amount of upper body strength, balance, coordination and experience.
I was recently chatting with a ranger at a rescue station in the Grand Canyon and he told me that the typical profile of the person that gets in trouble hiking the canyon is middle-aged, male, marathoner. He explained that marathoners think that 20 miles are a joke and underestimate the difficulty of hiking on uneven terrain, on exposed paths, in the heat, with little water.
Actually there is a kiosk featuring the illustrative case of a young woman marathoner (Boston-qualified) who died a few years back from exposure. Her partner only survived because he gave up and waited out the heat while she continued.
"Mountain climbing" is a pretty vague and broad category. Do you ultimately want to go for big summits? Technical rock and ice? Alpine enchainments?
I took up climbing decades ago as a marathoner who could barely do a few pullups. I vaguely dreamed of ascending peaks like Denali, Mont Blanc, etc.. Instead I became more of highly-technical rock climber with a side "gig" of fast ascents for summit-bagging and long harder free climbs. I like to climb hard and sleep in a nice warm bed at night :)
I like to climb hard and sleep in a nice warm bed at night :)
Sounds like you also do "Alpine Tour packages."