Getting back into hiking has been important to me for several reasons. For one: It proves my strength as a woman over 60. Another reason, achieving a goal builds my esteem. You know what they say: Why do you climb the mountain? Because I'm proving something to myself. I can do it.
If I were to recommend a workout to a woman my age, or any age, first I'd say do some Pilates. Pilates will build your core strength and keep you steady on your feet. Then walk every day. Then, plan some short day hikes. Something that you can do easily...say three miles around a small lake. Here in Bellingham there's a local walk around Lake Padden that is about 2.9 miles. It's stunning year around...though plan on some mud in winter and spring.
Then get the right gear. Hiking poles have helped me immensely. I need them on the downhill to protect my knees. Also, with Pilates, my arms are strong. So using my arms to help my legs is easy. I'm sore the next day, my feet, my back, my legs, but it's okay. It's only about a week of soreness, and Ibuprofen or Arnica helps with pain. Buy good shoes. And rain gear and tops that aren't made of cotton.
Now, most of us don't want more pain. But with steady workouts, pain lessens with repetition. The more I workout, the less I hurt. I'm strong now and a climb, though difficult, sweaty, hard breathing, I'm doing it and loving it. Getting to the top is worth it.
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| Old growth cedar stump! |
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| Path around Fragrance Lake |
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| Path around Fragrance Lake |
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