Getting Started...
With age often comes maturity. Notice I said, often. I am just shy of forty years old. One thing that I have learned is that I don't know everything, can't know everything, and its foolish to try. I do however have some pretty good insights on the outdoors, hiking and experiencing nature.
So you are thinking, I'd love to get outdoors, hike, and experience nature, but I don't know how... Well, you're in luck because if you can walk, ride a motorized scooter or a wheelchair you are qualified!
Below I am going to share some thoughts on what I have learned over the years about hiking, myself and generally enjoying the outdoors.
No matter how out of shape you are, whether you are obese, physically or mentally challenged, you can day hike. In the beginning, its just a matter of how far. But never forget that early on, HOW FAR, DOES. NOT. MATTER. Because you have accomplished mission #1, GET OUTSIDE.
Early on, DO NOT focus as much on gear as you focus on you. You do not need to go out and buy expensive gear that you do not know how to use, yet. The gear 'world' is VERY tempting. Do not feel inferior if you don't have the best, newest gear. A. you don't need it, and B. no one cares. No one is judging you based on your gear, and if they are, their opinion doesn't matter.
The only caveat to this, is that you simply MUST take care of your feet. You can't walk without them. Most of you will not need boots, trail runners are fine. Make sure they fit properly, and you walk around the store with them WITH the socks you are going to wear. I suggest merino wool socks as they help prevent blisters. No cotton socks, if you can avoid it.
Perhaps the most important thing that you can do to prepare to hike is to get on a water intake regimen. Do not wait until the hike to drink water. Drink water at work, drink water all the time. Hydration is too late, if you are dehydrated when you begin your hike. This is inviolate.
A good habit to get into is to record your activities, either in a spreadsheet, notebook, or Word document. Sounds funny, huh. I have found that the cognitive act of physically documenting your activities makes you more likely to continue them, because even non-competitive human beings are still competitive by nature. You will form internal goals, without even realizing it. Keep in mind, that really, you are only competing with yourself, do not let anyone label what you are doing, attempt to classify it, or demean it.
Learn to read topographical maps. These are invaluable. You will learn not to rely on your phone, or electronics. They can fail, and will. Paper maps do not. I carry both, unless I am certain the particular hike I am going to do requires no route finding ability.
Set goals, but don't allow them to spoil your fun, especially early on. Don't be afraid to stop and smell the roses. Take pictures, laugh, make notes, jot down thoughts. Heck, journal if you want to. It is YOUR hike and experience and it is freeing to do it however that you want!
Lastly, listen to your body. I have made a couple mistakes while hiking while sick, stomach flu, etc. It is not worth it. It can also be dangerous. The trail will always be there. But also know that there is a difference between being hurt and being injured. Things will hurt. Things may not be injured, but if they are, it is likely that you will know the difference.
