Missing My “Hike-a-Day May”
This spring I was training to walk for a week on the Camino de Santiago in Spain and was struggling to make enough time on my feet. The trip was planned for the end of May, and I found it very easy to skip a walk and opt for some other form of workout. But I really needed to build up to walking all day—being in my boots, using my trekking poles and carrying a backpack. Then I saw a cute little video from the Friends of Scotchman Peaks about their upcoming challenge called “Hike-a-Day May” and I thought it sounded like fun. Little did I know how challenging it would be or how much it would motivate me as I signed in each day to record my miles.
It’s tough to walk every single day and to make yourself walk further on the days you have more time. Hiking is even more of a challenge with hills and rugged terrain, climbing over downed trees and doing it no matter what the weather brings. Hike-a-Day May made me really plan for getting it done every day of May. I found myself comparing miles with others on the challenge and trying to push myself. By the time I left for Spain, I felt ready! And guess what, I was able to walk every day on the Camino for 6-8 hours. It was always tough, especially the last day, which ended up being 20 miles (but that was June 1st and didn’t count towards by Hike-a-Day total!) My total for those 6 days was right at 100 miles, and it was the most beautiful walk of my life.
I am very grateful for the inspiration that I received from my friends in the challenge and the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. As I write this, it’s August 1st and I had a very nice hike this morning. So why not do Hike-a-Day August? Not as catchy but the concept is the same and I think I’ll give it a go. I miss my daily walks in the wilderness, so I am going to get back out there for the next 30 days. Buen Camino or Happy Trails and thanks Friends for the great motivation!
Mandy Bell is in her 5th career as a Travel Advisor, works part-time as a personal chef and volunteers with 3 amazing non-profits in the beautiful northwestern Montana community of Libby. She loves being outdoors and finds that walking and hiking in the hills and trees is a perfect way to stay fit and inspired for her next project.
