Just Start Hiking: Advice for Beginners

☉ If you’ve been too afraid to start getting outside because you think you’re not ready, not fit enough, don’t have the right equipment, have no clue what you’re doing, let me tell you a secret that applies to almost everything in life: there will always be an excuse not to try something. Sometimes in order to be fully *ready*, we need to actually experience what it is we want to do. · ☉ Whether thats hiking, starting a new job, starting your own business, learning to ski, really ANYTHING.. you can never actually be fully prepared. In order to be good at something, we have to actually do it.. a lot! · ☉ My friend and I were talking about what we do to “get in shape for hiking” and her response was… hiking. And honestly same! Yes, you can work out, run, walk, lift etc, but absolutely no amount of training will prepare you for what you encounter while hiking. To get used to the elements, the wind, rain, heat, animals, etc., you really just have to be out there doing it · ☉ I want every single person to feel like they can start getting outside if they want to or experience a new place fully when they’re traveling. If you don’t know where to start, try this: · ⇢ Look on AllTrails and filter for hikes around you that are rated easy. There is no shame in starting with a short or flatter hike. · ⇢Look at the reviews and find hikes that are MORE crowded. The last thing you want is to be on a trail by yourself if something happens. · ⇢*Over* prepare. Bring extra food (I still do), extra water and extra layers. You’ll find out what you’re glad you brought and what you can leave behind that way. Check out my packing list on my last reel for suggestions! · ⇢Take breaks! Its totally fine to stop, sit, have some water, turn around and go back whenever you want! There’s no rules on having to get to the top or do it in a certain amount of time ever. · ⇢Always tell someone where you’re going and who you’re going with. · ⇢And finally.. like anything in life that you want to do but feel like you can’t just yet.. be brave, jump in, do the thing!! There is never the perfect time to do something, especially something hard. Sometimes the best rewards come from doing things scared.