What it takes to be a hiker

 

To be a hiker: Improve your odds of success

Training allowed us climb Kilimanjaro

To be a hiker: Training

Successfully completing a hike, or backpacking trip, requires physical and mental strength. How much of each depends on the the level of difficulty of the hike, your preparation, your fitness level, and your degree of determination.  

To be a hiker: Level of Difficulty

Not everyone has the ability or inclination to go for Whitney–in that case, look for the fit for you! There are countless trails in the world–find the one that calls to you and go for it.  

You are a Work in Progress

Far be it for anyone else to call you a hiker or not. It’s a key tenet of hiking that you should HYOH (Hike Your Own Hike). You can call yourself a hiker when you are ready to do so.

Years before I became a published author, I made up business cards that read, “Susan D. Cole (my former name), writer”. A high school friend later told me she was surprised when I did this. I explained that part of my growth as a writer came about because when I dared to present myself in that role.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Fake it until you make it” or of the “Imposter Syndrome”. Both suggest that when you begin to see yourself in a role, can visual yourself jumping into something new, you’ve taken the first steps toward achieving your goal. 

Don’t be afraid of “being exposed” or “found out” by others. Do the hikes or trips that you want to do and don’t compare your aspirations and achievements to those of others.  

In my following article, Training for Walking, Hiking, and Backpacking, you’ll find some concrete recommendations for planning, training, and implementing the hikes you dream of doing.  

 

 

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