Hiking Prep
Hiking season is coming. Time to get ready.
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Motivation
I am usually quite good at staying motivated when it comes to home decor and remodeling. See our articles on inspiration for tips on gaining, and staying, motivated.
“ Sunny, warm days of summer bring hiking opportunities that would not be as enjoyable in winter.”
However, as I thought ahead about summer, I realized I needed to get motivated in an entirely new area - exercise. Sunny, warm days of summer bring hiking opportunities that would not be as enjoyable in winter, due to ice and mud that accompany cold, wet, winter days.
One hike I am looking forward to is a hike through the rainforest to a remote, rugged beach on the far northern shore of Washington state. The hike is about 8.8 miles. A second hike is one of my favorites in the Mount Rainier area. I missed that hike last summer due to all of the remodeling activities we were busy with at that time. A third hike is up Beacon Rock, along the Columbia River Gorge - not a long hike, but it gains elevation quickly. Plus we have several more hikes around the Pacific Northwest planned.
Beacon Rock
UPDATE! I made the Beacon Rock hike in spring 2023.
None of these hikes are long, but I gained my “America The Beautiful” senior park pass some years back. We lose muscle mass as we age, so we must work harder each year - definitely NEVER back off. I want to ENJOY these hikes. So - I need to work out the kinks and gain distance and endurance before summer hiking season begins. Fortunately, there are many beautiful areas nearby that provide good opportunities for winter hikes. I will use these trails for gaining distance. It is now January, so I need to get out there.
“The first step in establishing a new habit is to simply START.”
I don’t know why, but I never really felt comfortable at the thought of walking by myself. This has nothing to do with safety. I feel safe in the places I walk. When out hiking in wilder areas, I am always with at least one other person. I am referring to 4 - 5 mile walks (or short hikes) near my home.
I have watched people walking alone on paths, or walking around town, and envied their independence. I needed to get past this hesitancy and get out there! The first step in establishing a new habit is to simply START.
I dug out my old hiking boots, put a band-aid on the toe that always presents with problems on hikes, and drove to a nearby community park. I had my cell phone, music (through corded earbuds), and told myself this was “me time.” I thought of all the hikes that would be more comfortable this summer due to my walking now. I walked 2 miles that first day and each of the following 2 days. Within a few days I was up to 5 miles.
What I Learned
As I mentioned, this was a great opportunity to work out the kinks before my “real hikes” of summer. The following is for walking or taking short hikes (less than 10 miles) in a familiar area. Of course long distance hiking would require other items.
the cord on my earbuds was very annoying
as I added distance, I would need new places to walk in order to keep away boredom
my Wright socks, with double layer, were a must for distance walking (I learned the hard way when I wore a different brand one day)
my hiking boots (light-weight for summer) were a must as well, with extra cush over my other walking shoes - but I would like to get distance walking shoes
not all raincoats are actually rain PROOF
dress in layers - it’s easy to overheat, even on cold days
Changes I Have Made
Cordless Earbuds
I bought new, cordless Raycon Earbuds through Amazon. I love them! Well worth the money. If you click and make a purchase, you help support this site. I got a type that has “aware mode.” I can hear my music, but also hear sounds around me. It is like wearing a hearing aid, in that it actually amplifies nearby sounds. I picked up conversations not far off, and also heard geese flying overhead as if they were just feet away. The buds I bought can be tapped (or finger held down on one or the other) to adjust volume, turn awareness mode off or on, move to next song, answer the phone etc. That part has not worked easily for me, however. Other than volume, I need to practice a bit. But - I love them!
Correct Socks & Footwear
I ordered several pairs of Wright socks. They are double layered and guarantee a “blister-free” experience. We are NOT affiliated with them in any way; I am providing the link because I love their socks and know what happens when I do not wear them. When I wore the wrong socks one day, I developed a blister and was out two days from walking or hiking. I do not want to repeat that mistake!
Raincoat
Your raincoat needs to be water PROOF if hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
Supplies
I now wrap my “problem toe” with a toe wrap before walking or hiking. Those are a must to prevent problems. I also wear a “Hydro Seal Gel Band-Aid” on any area that even just starts to get sore.
I include kleenex, chap stick, sun screen, extra band-aids, hat & gloves (winter), protein snack and water, map (if in unfamiliar territory), cell phone, and hand sanitizer as part of my “general supplies.”
Unexpected Benefits Of Walking
Besides the obvious health benefits of adding distance, I have experienced unexpected benefits.
I am gaining confidence - I know I will be able to go on my list of hikes with no trouble this summer
I enjoy my “alone time” - and the fresh air - I am definitely “hooked”
I see much more now - I’m not just whizzing by in a car - and I am finding new places to walk and explore
I have learned to appreciate walking in all types of weather. As Scandinavians say, “There is no such thing as bad weather - just inappropriate clothing.”
There are social benefits - I greet and talk to others on the trail when I see familiar faces
There is nothing like walking in nature - I gain peace and relaxation
seagull photo-bombing - Tacoma, WA
Cozy Reward
My husband and I recently walked along one of our favorite waterfront areas. We were soaked by the time we finished our 5 mile walk. We headed into a wonderful seafood restaurant and had a delicious meal while watching the blowing wind and rain outside the window. I thoroughly enjoyed my hot coffee and fish and chips.
Yes, I promptly ordered a good quality water PROOF raincoat from Eddie Bauer. I will let you know how that works out. It is packable, so I can toss it into a day pack this summer.
You Can Do It!
Set your goals. Be realistic.
Keep track of progress. There is nothing like having to write a “0” for the day if I don’t get out there to get me motivated. I am very competitive with myself :-)
Walk with a friend if that is your preference. I cherish my alone time, though I have been known to get some phone calls done during my walks.
Know the WHY of walking or exercising. Walking for health is great, but you may need more of a motivator. For me, it is the knowledge that I will be able to do some hikes that are on my bucket list. Knowing that a hike that I really want to do is just under 9 miles, and involves some steep areas, keeps me going. I do NOT want to give up my dream of seeing those places just because I didn’t get my walking in. I am grateful that I can still get out there. I will not waste that privalege.
Super quick and easy! Add comfort to your hiking boots or shoes. Insulated, padded inserts. Keep the cold or heat OUT.