Take A Hike!

So I am sitting here tonight thinking about the adventures that still lay upon me this summer, and I started getting really excited about a big hiking trip I have coming up with my boyfriend. That got me to thinking... I should write about hiking in my blog. From my personal experience, hiking is one of the best stress relievers a college student (or anyone for that matter) can partake in. Here are a few tips I thought up from my experiences:
1. When you go hiking, start out at your own pace and don't overexert yourself. If you are at a high altitude, you may literally become exhausted if you're not used to the change.
2. Bring a LOT of water. About a gallon will be sufficient for an 8 mile round-trip hike if you are doing mountain hiking in a COMFORTABLE climate.
3. Bring high calorie foods to snack on.
4. Safe shoes.
5. Layered clothing for climate changes... and somewhere to carry all your gear.
6. Have fun and enjoy the amazing views mother nature has provided!

Training for a strenuous hike may be challenging. "Work your heart for at least five days a week" (McDowell, 2004, p. 28) suggests one article. Balance and cardio are key, according to the article as well! I would have to agree. There's some rough terrain out there. But you say don't necessarily like the word "challenging?" I think it's a different challenge, that for me, makes me forget the stressors of school and work. It's a kind of challenge that during the process and in the end, makes you appreciate nature for what it is. It makes you feel like you're in another world... :) Anyway, I don't necessarily think you have to go to extremes to train (I suppose it depends on the person), but I would definitely recommend doing some stair climbs - you can do this at home for free! The only costly part to the hiking business might be shoes. I'd invest in good hiking boots to the ankles (they usually run around $80-$130) and some good socks! You don't have to go far to go hiking either. You can start in your local park.


So... fellow bloggers, do you like to hike? Where have you been?

This is what I will be hiking in August!!
Longs Peak:

from www.labelleruine.com