Keep Hiking Toward Your Goals

What do I love about hiking? For one, it’s inclusive! There are no prerequisites to hike. You won't need lavish savings to buy gear with and there’s no fitness requirement to get started. New to the Crew and the world of hiking? WELCOME! You can do this, my friend, and if you ever feel like giving up on this new and exciting hobby, here are 5 things to remember:

Set Manageable Goals

How do you want to see yourself a few months from now? Make your goal something that is realistic with a little hard work and dedication! This weekend, I will hike 1/2 mile. Next weekend, I will hike 3/4 miles. By next summer, I’ll be ready to hike part of the John Muir Trail with my friend. Great! That’s an ambitious, manageable, and rewarding goal!

We’re here to support you and encourage you to say on track. Which brings me to my next point…

Your Community Supports You

A group of positive and encouraging women who love to hike and get outside?

Hmmm….

Enter: The Women’s Hiking Crew! With the Crew, you’ll find lifelong friends that can provide encouragement and advice throughout your journey.

Tip: Looking for company on a weekend hike? Post in the Facebook Group or join in on an organized group hike!

Start Small

Your first hike doesn’t have to include bagging some monstrous peak… but you can and will get there. Check out a local nature trail or your community’s park trails. Start small. One hike at a time, build up to climbing the metaphorical and literal mountain.

If this is your first hike (Go you!), try something short with a manageable elevation gain. You’ll enjoy the experience of getting outdoors way more if you aren’t dragging your exhausted legs along the trail. Baby steps are okay!

Push Past The Doubt

Trying new things is intimidating. I know. Everyone in the Crew knows. Don’t let your fears hold you back from your own success. Keep going! Keep trying! We're your personal cheerleaders.

Feel like throwing in the towel? Turn to the community you’ve found to hold you accountable for showing up to group hikes. They can help remind you of the rewards you may be overlooking.

Stop and Smell The Wildflowers

This one is short and sweet. Remember why you started. Pause. Enjoy the beautiful scenery you chose to put yourself in.

You’ve got this, girl! We are all here to support and encourage you. We’d love to hear about your hiking goals in the comments below.

Emily is a freelance travel and outdoor recreation writer for hire. Samples of her published work can be found at emilylorenwriting.com.