“Slow down, live more.” This is a hiking mantra I’ll be testing out on the Arizona Trail this spring. I first heard this phrase from a hiker dude named The Shepherd, the leader of a hiking group called “The Chill Hard Tribe.” So you know this is legit advice…
Hiking over 7,000 miles in the last 4 years has made me a creature of habit and set in my hiking style. I’ve always been a goal oriented person, which has helped me succeed in thruhiking long trails. I love to challenge and push my body beyond its previous limits- that’s one of my favorite things about long hikes. However, overly aggressive goals can put limitations on your experience. I don’t want to sacrifice important parts of thruhiking- community and appreciation for nature- because of my unwavering determination to get in miles. Also, I’m becoming more interested in the difference between being and doing- I want to just “be” out there more.
Last spring and summer, I hiked the AT with Jeremy, and then we spent a couple months in Europe hiking with our PCT friends through the Pyrenees. It was a hiking season of extremes- a very intense schedule on the AT, and a little too lackadaisical pace in the Pyrenees. Too little down time, then too much down time; not enough social interaction, then not enough solitude. I realized I need a certain momentum to keep my motivation and feet moving along. This trip, I want to find some middle ground, a pace of the hiking life that is sustainable for me for month after month.
I came up with three goals for the Arizona trail, then asked Jeremy his goals. Here’s a combination of both of ours together:
Goals for the AZT:
- Be present: make a more conscious effort while hiking to forget my mileage goals and enjoy the moment that I’m currently living. I sometimes hike fast to get the miles done sooner, to get more sleep, have time to relax at camp, make it town before the pizza place closes, etc. But the end of the day is not the goal. It’s all about enjoying the journey! These may be trite pieces of wisdom, but I’ve found them to be truer with each mile I walk.
- Watch more sunsets– My favorite time to hike is right before and then into twilight, watching the sun set as I walk. The “golden hour,” as my cousin calls it. I don’t do this enough because I often feel I can’t truly relax until I’m at camp, and look forward to snuggling into my warm sleeping bag. But the last one to camp spends the most time out on the trail, which is a win in my book.
Hiking up to see sunset in black mountain open space was one of my favorite things about our place in SD - See more sunrises– Usually I wake up at first light, but then keep snoozing for a while. I’m just not a big morning person, especially if there isn’t coffee! However, early morning is a great time to see animals when they are most active, and watching the sunrise is a fabulous start to the day. Being in sync with your circadian rhythm is super energizing and just makes you feel good. Starting hiking earlier will also allow me more time to take longer breaks during the day, arrive at camp with energy left to hang out, and not feel rushed to finish by darkness.
Sunrises on the way to the hospital was the best part of the day! - Know my surroundings– gain navigation skills and knowledge of the landscapes I’m walking through- know where I am on the map, learn more about the natural flora and fauna, and the history of the land I’m walking through.
Hiking with our dads should help me hold myself to these goals. I remember how my attitude changed when Pops joined us for a stretch on the PCT. Witnessing his excitement for being outside in nature, completely unplugged and free pulled me out of a hiking funk I’d put myself in by pushing too hard. I can forget how special thruhiking is when I’m out on the trail for a long time. Pops stopped to stick his hand in every stream or body of water we crossed, and was singing and smiling all the way down the trail. He soaked in everything the trail had to offer. I want to do the same on this trip.
I’ll keep you updated on how it’s going out there! Happy trails.
Miles of Misadventures 