Hiking to Success

I found a love for the outdoors some where in my late 20’s. That love has transitioned into a lot of fond memories, new friends, camping adventures and hikes that take me places I wouldn't have seen before. Through out my adventures I have worn many hats and I am starting to see my hikes as benchmarks for my progress.

When I first started hiking back in 2010 I was overweight, ate a poor diet, did not exercise and I coupled this with being a half a pack a day smoker and asthmatic (still am asthmatic). I do not recall my weight and I didn't monitor my body fat but I wasn’t healthy and that is more of an issue than what I weighed.

My hikes back then were not easy, regardless of the skill level of the trail. Simply walking up a steep incline has always aggravated my asthma but back then it wasn't just aggravation, it was always an asthma attack or a 15 minute cool down to regain steady breathing. I allowed this to be my “normal” and it always embarrassed me.

When my husband, Chris, and I honeymooned in 2012 we chose to be less commercial and camped in Yosemite National Park for four nights. At this point in my fitness career, I had been some what of a cardio queen and was steadily falling off the wagon. Our first full day there we did what I still think was an 18 mile hike. Where as I seem to remember things more accurately, Chris seems to downplay everything and by the time he’s 80 he will be telling people we hiked a mile and half.

Our honeymoon hike was long and exhausting but I was no longer smoking and having some exercise under my belt at this point, I did considerably better, even if old ladies passed me like I was a sloth. The next morning, day two of sleeping on the ground and post 18 mile hike, I woke up feeling like dirt. My muscles ached and twitched, my back was killing me, my feet hurt and my calves made the executive decision for the rest of my body and said that hiking wasn't going to happen. Unlike my beast of a husband, I wasn't disciplined or conditioned enough to “push through it”, I was certain I’d collapse and we would never make it back to base camp (overly dramatic, yes).

Within the last year, we have moved out of our home state of Texas (God Bless Texas) and are now residing in North Carolina. The plus side to our move is gorgeous scenery and more tolerable heat but the negatives fall under my asthma due to the mountains and thinner air. We have done a handful of hikes since we moved here but what finally caught my attention, and initiated this blog post, was the hike we did last Sunday at Linville Falls.

Back in May of 2014 we hiked with a similar group of people at Mount Mitchell and it kicked my tail. We were on a moderately difficult trail and I can not count the number of times I had to stop and catch my breath, nor the number of times I had to use my inhaler. Poor Chris spent the whole hike straggling behind with me and reassuring me it was OK that I was dragging him down. I was one month into Crossfit and I was right back where I was emotionally in 2010, embarrassed and defeated.

Our hike this Sunday was a whole new story for me. We started out on a scenic tourist trail that was roughly one mile and allowed you to look over the falls. It was leisurely and comfortable for me and didn't pose any issues, even though it was a long incline. Our group came down, regrouped and hit the “difficult trail” to get to the base of the falls. Unlike more strenuous hikes in my past, starting out on this hike, I was calm and did not have any anxiety about doing the work. We had some significant elevation changes, steep inclines, a stair case that Satan built and plenty of rock scrambles (I love rock scrambles). Once we got down to base of the falls I had another obstacle, I had to cross over the water buy hugging a rock, placing my feet perfectly and making a small leap. (Note: Photo caption is myself shortly after this crossing)

Old me would have stubbornly said “No, I will stay over here” out of fear and lack of coordination. New me sized up the crossing, went for it and politely refused Chris’ outstretched hand for help. I told him I wanted to see if I could do it on my own because the worst case was scenario would mean I’d fall into shallow water, big deal. I made it across like a champ and also got back just as easily. Our hike back to the parking lot was something totally new for me as well. Chris and I were in the lead! No, this wasn't a race but I have NEVER been in the lead of a hike or even been in a position to see the hike leader.

Chris and I stopped twice to let the rest of the group catch up (additionally once for my benefit) and after the second stop, we agreed to just keep going and we would all meet at the parking lot. This is where my Crossfit competitiveness came in, when we got back I checked the time on my phone and 3 minutes later, the rest of the group arrived (I wasn't running a timer just looking at my phone). I am not going to lie, that felt REALLY good.

For the first time in my life I came off a hike proud of myself. I could blatantly see the improvements in my agility, stabilization, stamina and breathing. The way I was able to navigate the corse, the limited use of my hands or arms going through unstable terrain and the regulation of my breathing all lead me to a successful hike and a positive recovery. We felt good coming off the trail, spent the whole next day walking all over North Carolina and still did our normal Monday night WOD without issues.

This realization has lead me to start using my hikes as benchmarks. I have many years of hikes to use to gage my progression and because we don’t get to hike as often as we should, that lapse in time gives me another gauge to utilize. I understand that not every hike will result in the success I found on Sunday and I am comfortable with that. I hike because I love the freedom and challenges of being outdoors and I believe that what ever form of fitness suits you best, you should embrace.

#hiking