Train to hike
A desire to be outside in beautiful surroundings is the best place to start with this one. Where else can one learn to appreciate nature, life and a few things about their body in a close to perfect clean air environment. Hiking doesn't have to be difficult, but you can make it that way depending on where you go, what you do and how long you are out for. All three of these things and others play a huge factor when you go out for a hike. Most of the training you need to go hiking is at the end of your legs... feet, just get out there and start. Start easy and then take on new challenges, don't do it the other way or you may never leave the house again.
Consider the information under Training as a base, here are a couple other things to get you going.
Consider the information under Training as a base, here are a couple other things to get you going.
Never been hiking?
Now is a good time to start. I don't know anyone that has ever regretted hiking. There is so much you learn to appreciate in life when you get off the beaten path for just a moment. Hiking takes in so much more than just nature. Physically it can be demanding if you don't do it very often or are just starting out. With dirt trails, elements of nature, hills up and down and wild life and stream crossings the adventure never ends.
A couple Food Do's and Do not's
Do not eat a big meal just before hitting the hill.
Do eat a healthy complex carb rich moderate meal 1 hour prior to your hitting the trailhead. Otherwise you will get sick, have stomach issues, side aches or just toss it back out.
Do eat a good protein rich meal after. This is necessary for your body to heal and feed the muscles you just trained.
Do not wait longer than an hour 1/2 after activity. Your body will start to rob other body muscles and parts to feed and nourish the ones you just used. You will thus loose precious muscle and not fat.
Do take with you quick acting nutrients like nuts, protein bars, Powerade, dried fruit.
Do not take foods that have mayonnaise, mustard and milk. Things that need to be refrigerated, need cold - unless you want to pack a frig out here bacteria will start growing immediately and believe me food poisoning is not as pleasant in the mountains as it is in the comforts of your own bathroom.
A couple Food Do's and Do not's
Do not eat a big meal just before hitting the hill.
Do eat a healthy complex carb rich moderate meal 1 hour prior to your hitting the trailhead. Otherwise you will get sick, have stomach issues, side aches or just toss it back out.
Do eat a good protein rich meal after. This is necessary for your body to heal and feed the muscles you just trained.
Do not wait longer than an hour 1/2 after activity. Your body will start to rob other body muscles and parts to feed and nourish the ones you just used. You will thus loose precious muscle and not fat.
Do take with you quick acting nutrients like nuts, protein bars, Powerade, dried fruit.
Do not take foods that have mayonnaise, mustard and milk. Things that need to be refrigerated, need cold - unless you want to pack a frig out here bacteria will start growing immediately and believe me food poisoning is not as pleasant in the mountains as it is in the comforts of your own bathroom.
Do I need to be in good shape before I take to the hills?
The answer to that is NO! However you don't want to take on to much for what your body will handle. If you are over weight you want to consider that in where you go and for how long. Start slow and easy, work your way up... nice and easy. There is no need to rush no matter what your height and weight are.
One way you can prepare yourself a little is by getting out and doing a little walking. Anytime you can get out and walk the block or around the neighborhood it will help your endurance for hiking. The uneven terrain is difficult to copy in the city environment so you need to be creative in your preparation. Many take to walking stairs, going to the gym and working out or running to give their body a little more muscle they may need.
One way you can prepare yourself a little is by getting out and doing a little walking. Anytime you can get out and walk the block or around the neighborhood it will help your endurance for hiking. The uneven terrain is difficult to copy in the city environment so you need to be creative in your preparation. Many take to walking stairs, going to the gym and working out or running to give their body a little more muscle they may need.
What should I take with me?
Any time you head out you should be prepared to stay an extra day if you have to. The reason being, is that even though you are in a wonderful surrounding things do go wrong, weather changes and blisters happen. Being a little pessimistic before you leave for the hills is actually a positive thing. Some don't think
they need all they take until it's too late. Being prepared is key to a pleasant trip and safe return. For a list of items to take see cilmb list, this covers all the 10 essentials and then some.
"Hiking is a wonderful experience in itself, an adventure you will never regret starting. Don't be afraid... just get out there and do it once - you'll be hooked forever."
they need all they take until it's too late. Being prepared is key to a pleasant trip and safe return. For a list of items to take see cilmb list, this covers all the 10 essentials and then some.
"Hiking is a wonderful experience in itself, an adventure you will never regret starting. Don't be afraid... just get out there and do it once - you'll be hooked forever."
