Want to try hiking? My advice: Get your body ready first.
If you’ve never hiked before and think you’d like to try. . .
Ok, this is the thing: I take photos when I’m out hiking and backpacking. 99% of my photos were taken somewhere “out there.” I love to hike and explore the wilderness and I love to talk about it, but it wasn’t always that way for me.
I mentioned in another post that, the first time I ever hiked, I was really out of shape. The only reason I even went along on that hike in the first place was because I was invited by friends. The hike was short, but super hard for me. Fortunately, despite the “pain and suffering”, I had the realization that I really liked being “out there”, away from civilization, immersed in nature, dirt, sweat and all. The peacefulness and beauty grabbed my attention and didn’t let go.
So, I decided that I wanted to try this hiking thing out on my own. I took realistic inventory of myself: a sedentary “couch potato”, morbidly obese, out of shape, suffering from chronic, severe back and hip pain, not at all fond of sweat or dirt – hmmm . . . not exactly hiking material. Something had to change if this was going to work . . . I needed to lose weight and get in shape. And so my journey began . . .
And that’s my first message to anyone who thinks they’d like to give hiking, even backpacking, a try: get in shape (if you’re not already) or realize that your hiking is going to be a tough workout and maybe a little miserable at first. Unless you’re hiking someplace really flat, you’re going to get a workout. Heck, if you’re really out of shape, even a flat trail will kick your butt. And if you’re hurting and really pooped, you might get discouraged. But don’t. It gets better. Just keep at it and you’re body will respond. One step at a time, repeated, is all it takes to make the journey.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hit the trail, hiking or backpacking, when someone in my group hasn’t prepared physically for the trek: most of the time it ends up being partly miserable for the person. Don’t do that to yourself. For sure don’t do it unless you have a great attitude to push through and overcome. Take the time ahead of time to prepare your body and it will reward you. Don’t expect it to respond to just the occasional hike, though. You have to give it some regular exercise. I know, I know, ugh – but the rewards are worth it. Really. You can do this.
Check out this article about hiking fitness for all ages: http://www.backpacker.com/skills/fitness/hike-forever-ultimate-hiking-workouts/. You don’t have to be in “Olympic athlete” shape, just in good enough shape that you don’t hurt yourself or get discouraged. And make sure when you’re ready to hit the trail, you bring your camera; because you’re gonna want to remember this ;-).
Today’s picture is from a hill top near the first trail I hiked on my own after spending a few months getting in better shape. In the Black Rock Campground area of Joshua Tree National Park, the High View Nature Trail is a 2.3 mile, moderate loop. It doesn’t seem all that tough to me now, but at the time, hiking it alone was hard work, and scary. I was filled with anxiety about getting lost, hurt, bit by a snake or just not being able to make it! The view from the “high view” is amazing. I made it back to my car unscathed, in one piece, without getting lost, and full of pride in my accomplishment!
Until next time, happy trails!
Disclaimer: Before beginning any exercise program check with your doctor to be sure you’re healthy enough and it’s safe.
