In reply to JamieSparkes:
> As above really, is it possible to not feel exhausted after a winter day? does getting fitter actually help, or do you just end up doing harder things further away with the same end result?
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> also, any tips for a faster recovery?
Yes, getting fitter helps, and it helps more if you get fit using the movements you will need. So long walks and climbs with a bag will help as training - though a properly planned weights regime at the gym will supplement that if you are serious.
Eating and drinking properly on the hill will help and speed your recovery too. Read any sports nutrition book, or even "Extreme Alpinism" by Mark Twight and you'll see they recommend eating around 150 calories an hour, every hour starting half an hour into exercise, and drinking as soon as you start to feel thirsty (Tip: cut a tray of fruit flapjack into 150kcal slices, wrap them individually and eat one an hour as you climb. Perfect mix of fast and slow release carbs plus fat. Maybe add nuts for protein too?). That really works for me and I usually feel fit enough for another go the next day. Sports drinks with some sodium in them may work better than plain water for rehydration. Read about it and judge for yourself.
When you get down you'll need to help your muscles repair by consuming protein starting within 20 minutes of the exertion ending. A protein bar, protein shake or just a decent meal will do the job. You'll need some carbohydrates to help the protein get absorbed though.
Finally, if you push your limits, you will feel knackered no matter how fit, fed and watered you are. Embrace that feeling, allow yourself to recover (Tip: take your pulse each morning on waking and the day it returns to within 2 beats of normal, you are recovered) then get out and do it again because that's the way we get stronger.