When the miles are easy, take them

The biggest advice I’ve been given before my hike is to slow down and enjoy every moment of the walk. As someone who enjoys moving fast and finds fulfillment logging miles, that doesn’t always come naturally to me.
On previous hikes, I struggled to take it easy at first and paid the price in the form of blisters, trench foot, and joint pain. “This time it will be different,” I told myself and my worried parents. «I promise I won’t rush.»

Somewhere along the way, I also learned another bit of trail wisdom: When the miles feel easy, do them. The idea is that if you feel good you make the most of it, because eventually the path will even the score.

And so far, the miles have been easy. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m coming from higher elevation and steeper terrain to the west, or because my pack is lighter than ever, but my legs and lungs feel strong. I consider steep climbs to be short-lived, and even Springer on day 1 wasn’t too bad. Of course, writing that feels a little like asking to be humble, so I hope I’m not cursing myself.

Mentally they haven’t put any pressure on me yet either. I’m still waiting for my «oh wow» moment when I realize this is going to be my life for the next few months. Maybe this is just my natural state and I was always destined to be a hiker. Or maybe my attitude will change the first time I’m soaked, cold, and climbing uphill for several hours straight.

For now, my plan is to aim for 15 miles a day as I transition from corporate office worker to hiker. It feels like a middle ground between being responsible and still enjoying the momentum while I have it. Perhaps both things can be true:

slow down and soak it up

and

When the miles feel easy, do them.

Rose, Thorn, Bud

My family has a tradition that at the end of each day everyone shares their Rose (best moment), Thorn (worst moment), and Bud (looking forward to the next one). I will share them for each section I walk.

Pink

Thorn

I brought too much food. I ended up giving my sausage to a new trail friend 🙂

Outbreak

I can’t wait to meet more people along the way!

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.