Slow and easy (Hiking/Walking in General)

Member Name: rosie6349

Product:	Hiking/Walking in General
Date:	24/07/01 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good for you, improves muscles, peace and quiet

Disadvantages: can be dangerous

After just reading an opinion in this and having had a recent experience I decided to share it with all of you.

I used to walk 5-10 miles per day but this was several years ago and I have gotten out of shape. I spoke with my doctor and she recommended starting to walk 20 minutes per day and increasing every 2 days an extra 5 minutes until I reached an hour a day which with speed build-up is about a 5 mile walk.

Did I listen? Not really. Oh sure the first couple of days I started with 20 minutes then think I am in great shape and decide now I am going hiking.

Oh brother. I went out and bought hiking shoes and never tested them around the house first just put them on and drove to a hiking trial gung-ho.

It was also very hot but did I take water or any liquid with me? Nope. Have to remember at this point I was thinking I was super woman!!

I did this 3 days in a row hiking to the highest peak in my state and back down again. I was feeling sick and every bone in my body was crying out.

The 3rd day I nearly collasped and my feet were total blisters, bleeding, you name it.

Talk to your doctor and follow the advice given, don't do what I did.

Get a good pair of shoes and make sure you break them in first. Carry plenty of water and some food in case you get lost and are stuck there for awhile and a compass is a must. Don't strap a lot of weight on your back as it makes it harder climbing. Go as light as you can but still have what you need with you.

A first aid kit is a must and a flashlight with good strong batteries will help if you get lost to flash a sign at night.

Carry a knife or some sort of item that can be used for self defense if needed and for cutting branches in case you need to build a fire to stay warm or to send signals. Carry matches in a waterproof container.

Make sure you carry extra socks because your feet are going to sweat and they will get sore if
you can't change into dry clothing.

A lightweight fold up rain set is recommended also, a plastic tarp to sit on if it rains really hard and you can't get out.

I would recommend not going alone but if you do, do so with caution.

There are special packets of dried food which are light weight to carry and will sustain you along with wild berries if needed for a few days. Do not eat anything wild that you aren't sure what it is.

Know the area you will be hiking in and what to expect such as if there are snakes in the area you will need to carry some thing in case you get bitten.

If you are on any medications take those along and make sure they are in something waterproof.

If out in the open carry and use sunscreen and you may want insect repellant. You can buy trial sizes of these so as to not make your back pack heavy.

Getting out in the fresh air and communing with nature can be great just be prepared and be careful.

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