How to Enjoy a Hike

Have the right hiking partner(s)

This isn’t a necessity unless, like me, you prefer hiking with someone.

My significant other is a rock climber.  A very fit rock climber.  He regularly hikes long, steep distances with a 40 lb pack strapped to his back so when he and I would go on a hike, I’d get stressed trying to keep up with him and he’d get impatient because I couldn’t.  This happened often enough that I grew to dread hiking.

Until that is, an acquaintance that I recently met and hit it off with invited me to go on a short hike.  My long-held fear of being a turtle-paced hiker came rushing to the forefront of my mind and I let her know about it.  I told her yes, I absolutely wanted to go but felt inclined to let her know that I was a slow hiker and that my brother (who used to be a personal trainer) advised that I lacked fast-twitch muscles.  This girl, bless her kindness, declared that she also lacked fast-twitch muscles and assured me the hike would be leisurely.

There ended up being three of us.  Once we got to the canyon (I’m fortunate enough to live in a state that has many beautiful canyons that are readily accessible and well-maintained), my hiking companions, having been to this particular canyon before and being familiar with it, chose a hike that neither one of them had ever done.  The posted trail map said it was a two-mile trek (one way).  Apprehensive that I was the least fit of us three and despairing that I would once again cause impatience, I nevertheless agreed to the trail (I’d never been to this particular canyon before and didn’t have an alternative to offer).

I needn’t have worried.  The hike was very enjoyable.  Yes, it was a two-mile trek with quite a bit of elevation gain but we had good conversations the entire way up and the pace was one that I had no problems whatsoever keeping up with.  I marveled at how pleasant the experience was and realized that I didn’t hate hiking.  In fact, I had such a great time that the following week, I went with one of the girls on yet another hike.  This one was the same distance and definitely seemed steeper  but it was equally as enjoyable and gratifying.  Again, the conversations were very pleasant and I felt no pressure whatsoever to quicken my pace for fear of upsetting someone.

Bring snack(s)

Once we reached the hike’s destination and stopped to admire the view , my two hiking companions each had an energy bar to enjoy .  No offense to energy bars, I’m sure they’re great, but I snacked on wasabi and soy almonds, turkey jerky, and pieces of dark chocolate.

For the next hike, I’ve already planned the menu.  It’s going to involve an actual sandwich and maybe a dessert that will require a spoon.

Yes, I am a foodie.

 Have the right gear

I had a small daypack that I kept a 24 oz. water bottle in it.  If I wanted a drink, I needed to take my backpack off, retrieve my bottle, open it up, take a drink, recap it, put it back in the pack, put the pack back on, etc.

My hiking companions both had Camelbaks that had bladders attached to drinking tubes that hooked neatly into their backpack straps.  When they wanted a drink of water, they’d simply put the drinking tube in their mouth.  Guess what I’m now in the market for?

Also, have a pack that is big enough to carry not just the water (or water bladder) but also extra clothing, snacks, a small first aid kid, your cell phone, keys, and your wallet.

Dress Appropriately

I hike predominantly in the summer and early fall, at high elevation.

Dressing appropriately means layers for me.  My typical uniform involves a sweat-wicking tank with a built in sports bra, a long-sleeved, sweat wicking shirt or thin sweatshirt, and a lightweight running jacket or puffer, depending on the season.  I also bring along a thin raincoat that folds into the pocket of itself just in case.  For bottoms, I wear yoga pants.  When it’s a bit cooler, I put yoga pants over a warming base layer, like this one.  I prefer pants to shorts because bugs like me but the feeling is not mutual.  Trails can also be overgrown and since I’m not familiar with poison-insert any plant name here – I prefer that foliage not touch my skin.

The third layer (lightweight running jacket or puffer) is typically in my pack when I start on a hike.  It may be a bit nippy in the beginning but I know, from experience, that my body temperature is going to rise by at least 10 degrees.

Of course, I also bring a hat.  I prefer wide brim hats that have vents and a sweat band built again.  And my hair is not as long as it used to be but I make sure I have a couple of rubber bands around my wrist anyway.

A smart tip I picked up from a fellow hiker is to pack an extra T-shirt or long sleeved shirt to change into for the hike back down.  This is especially refreshing for someone like me as I sweat ALOT on the way up.

Skin Food

I prefer bare skin, especially when its in optimal condition.  When it’s not, I take out an arsenal of camouflage.  The problem with that, for me anyway, is that it feels like camouflage – layers and layers of it – and I hate that feeling.  I’m also not as skilled with it as I’d like to be.  And I’m too proud to watch all the tutorials that are available on you tube.  So I try to avoid camouflage.  And the best way is to take care of the skin I’m in.

I’ve tried more than a few skincare brands.  My skin, as well as my savings account, has suffered for it.  But along the way, coupled with several trips to dermatologists, I’ve learned a few things.

  • More doesn’t necessarily lead to great results (learned from the Korean several step regimen – definitely not for my skin).
  • Less is definitely the way to go (for me).
  • Knowing skin type and what it needs IS KEY.

I didn’t realize until recently that my skin type is normal to oily.  Thinking back, I wonder why it took me so long to figure this out.  There were so many signs.  Like – camouflage would be nonexistent after just a couple of hours.  And – I have a younger sister who once joked that she could fry an egg on my forehead (It  inspired the featured image for this post).  Also – during an important  reception, my older sister discreetly held up her powder compact and motioned to me.

Had I realized my skin type earlier, I would have known what to stay away from (facial oils and thick creams) and it would have saved me a bunch of money, not to mention space in my medicine cabinet.

It’s okay though.  I’ve figured it out.  Better late than never, I say.

Here’s my regimen, complete with links to products that I’m using.  I also mention how long I’ve been using them and what the products do for me.

  • Prescription Strength Retin A that I get from my general practitioner.  Three times a week, applied at night and slept in.  One tube lasts me about a year.  It’s pricey (I think I paid about $160) but considering the results that I get, it’s completely worth it.  I consider myself a long time user (about 7 years).  I believe the hype when it come to Retin A (not to be confused with Retinol which comes from the same family but is a much milder version, doesn’t need a prescription, and not nearly as effective as quickly).  Retin A prevents wrinkles and fine lines and provides continuous cell turnover.  There are some drawbacks (like flaky, irritated skin, dry patches, and light sensitivity) but I’ve been using it for so long that I’ve learned how to deal with it – such as using it 3 times a week instead of every night.
  • A night balm – not a cream but a balm.  Used sparingly and only when my skin starts to show signs of dryness from the Retin A.  This is the one that I use.
  • A Vitamin C Serum – applied daily and in the mornings before the moisturizer.  It fades dark spots -especially when used in combination with Retin A.  Really. (I’ve been using this particular brand for 4 months now and I’ve seen considerable lightening of a small sunspot I had on my upper left cheek).  This is the one I use – expensive but worth it.
  • A moisturizer – This is a cream but it works for me.  I’m on my second jar.  The first one lasted 3 months.  I’ve tried all brands – from Neutrogena to LaMer to Sisley.  This is the only moisturizer that I’ve finished and bought again. There’s something about it, I’m not sure what, but that word ‘magic’…yeah. Here’s where to buy it to get free shipping.
  • Sunscreen – Applied daily.  Religiously.  Especially because I use Retin A.  It has to be at least SPF 30 and definitely broad spectrum UVA/UVB.  This recommendation comes with a caveat because there are so many sunscreens out there.  Knowing your skin type really helps when choosing the right sunscreen.  Also, if you’re darker complected, some sunscreens out there will produce a whitish cast that may not necessarily look natural.  This one works well for me.
  • A spot mask – for times when I feel a blemish coming on.  Thankfully, this is not often but it’s nice to have something handy for such times.  I’m on my second jar.  I’ve been using this product for more than a year.  It works…especially well when I catch a blemish early.  It works so well that my SO asks me to spot treat his skin whenever he feels a blemish coming on – that doesn’t happen very often either.  This stuff works better than a prescription as far as I’m concerned.

Full disclosure – This skincare regimen, considering the number of times I re-buy products, has an annual cost of $1,650.  This does not include visits to a dermatologist or my General Practitioner for my Retin A Prescription.

Reminder.  Know the skin you’re in!  This regimen won’t work for someone with dry skin.  It won’t work for someone with acne prone skin.  It may not even work for someone with normal skin.