I would probably not call myself the biggest fan of hiking, but I partake in it every once in a while. With my experience, I’d say that this is a pretty accurate list of some of the thoughts a non-hiker has while venturing up a mountain.
1. Well, I am over/under prepared for this...
I feel like I have never been on a hike where I have packed in a way that completely fulfills my needs. I either have way too much, or not enough stuff to carry.
2. Are we there yet?
On every hiking trip, there is always that one person that asks that simple question. The worst part is, it usually occurs the first 20 min of hiking. Please, don’t be that person.
3. How long is this actually going to take?
Yes, our time is very precious to us. Yes, time passes us by oh so quickly. One thing I have learned about hiking is that most of the time, it takes way longer than expected.
4. Wow, I am really out of shape...
You know that moment, when you are breathing really hard and everyone around you isn't? That’s when you realize you aren’t as in shape as you thought you were.
5. Are we there yet?
Unless you are that person we mentioned before (you know "Mr. 20 Minutes In"), you normally start asking this half way up. It depends on where you are hiking, but most of the time you have no idea how close you are to the top. So naturally, you start asking this question. Some of us start asking it sooner than others.
6. I did not bring enough water for this!
So if that hike is a little longer than expected and you packed light, this happens. It’s not a great experience.
7. Who brought the food and where is it?
This mostly occurs on particularly long hikes. However, it’s safe to say that if you’re that person that’s always hungry, you know who the people with the food are.
8. I can't do this much longer, you guys go on without me!
Of course, there are some hikes that are super easy and there are some that can be pretty hard. For example, if you are hiking a large mountain, there is always that moment where you’re thinking “Okay, someone is going to have to carry me the rest of the way.” Don’t lie, I know you’ve thought that at least once.
9. NEVER do leg day before hiking.
I have never experienced this first hand, and I hope I never will. However, I have quite a few friends that can testify for the fact that it is never smart to do leg day at the gym before you go hiking. Just don’t do it. Trust me.
10. Well, all that pain was totally worth it.
Let’s be honest, if you’re like me, than the best part of hiking is the view from up top. You do all that calf burning, thigh cramping, back aching walking to reach a view which is totally worth all the pain.
So next time you are hiking, I guarantee you will think at least one of these thoughts. If you have never hiked before, I suggest you get outside to try it today! The pain might be aggravating, but the view from up top is always worth it.
