Okay, so I'm no expert at hiking. At all. But I do have a few pieces of advice that I think could be helpful if, like me, you're new to the scene.
I went hiking for the very first time at Ohiopyle State Park with my boyfriend a few weeks ago. Call it an ambitious end to my unadventurous summer, a fun date idea, or one of my many desperate attempt to be able to call myself "outdoorsy." Regardless, we picked one of Ohiopyle's trails, packed up a lunch, and set out for our adventure.
1. You will sweat. Get over it.
If you're like me, you sweat pretty profusely at even the smallest amount of physical activity. Just get over it. Try embracing all the work that your body is doing for you and enjoying your time outside. Even if it is super hot. And it feels like it's raining on your face.
2. Wear bug spray. Wear bug spray. WEAR BUG SPRAY.
Mosquitoes and ticks and spiders, oh my! Just remember that bugs are a part of nature and they won't bother you if you just take the proper precautions! If you're looking to avoid getting those swollen, itchy bites, then it's probably in your best interest to apply a strong bug spray with some percentage of deet in it. It may be a good idea to apply some sunscreen while you're at it. Gotta protect all of your skin, right?
3. Wear your most comfortable clothes.
Hiking isn't about looking cute. Wear something that you feel comfortable in. It could be some yoga capris and an over-sized t-shirt, like me, or a tank top and shorts. It's also always a good idea to wear a hat and shoes with good tread on the bottoms. I know this probably won't be your best fashion moment. But no worries! Besides, you'll feel so bad-ass in all your hiking gear, you won't even notice that none of your oufit matches.4. Bring snacks and drink plenty of water!
Staying hydrated should always be your #1 priority! A water bladder that sits in your backpack with a connecting straw tube is definitely the most convenient way to carry a lot of water on your trip, but a really big water bottle works well, too! You should also be sure to take along some healthy and easily portable snacks, like apples or protein bars. You'll be grateful you have them when your stomach starts growling with that typical mid-morning hunger.
5. Most importantly, take the time to stop and enjoy the beauty.
Remember why you went hiking in the first place. Take the time to stop and take it all in. Enjoy the new sights. Breathe in the fresh air. Clear your mind. And have fun! After all, the bug bites will disappear, the sunburns will fade, and you will eventually wash away all the sweat. But the memory of your first hike will never go away.Like I said, I'm certainly no expert on the subject, but I had a blast on my first ever hike. I always thought that I was too out of shape, that I hated bugs too much, or that I couldn't handle the late summer heat. But after I cast all the silly excuses to the side, I was finally able to take a chance and try this new experience. These things helped me get through it and I hope they'll inspire you to try out hiking, too! It was worth every twig that snagged my hair and every streak of mud I later found on my legs and clothes when we reached the end of our trail.
