What are you doing when you go hiking, but attacking adversity? Every log, rock, even every step is an adversary. You have to overcome them. Subdue them. Conquer them. Attack them!
Being on offense is key to climbing a mountain. It is faster too!
The Trail
Every trail is different and has its own challenges. Attacking it needs to be nuanced according to its particular obstacles. Any offense needs tactics. If the hardest part of the hike is the last two miles you might want to conserve your strength.
Alpinists say it is one thing to get to the top of a mountain, but you need to remember that you are going to have to have energy left to get back down the mountain. This isn’t such a big problem when you are going on a typical hike, but it is something to keep in mind.
The Weather
When it is cold and the snow is blowing, how do you keep yourself from just turning around and heading for the car? You do it by having that offensive mindset. You beat that cold into submission.
It also helps to have the proper clothing. When it is cold you do not want to overdress. If you do it will cause you to sweat and then you will get even colder. Actually, on shorter hikes, it doesn’t matter as much because you won’t be out in it the long.
As I have said before be sure to have cold-weather gear like Yaktraks or Microspikes. Most mountains do not require regular Crampons.
The Mindset
You need to be ready for anything the mountain can throw at you. Mentally ready! It is a mindset. Get yourself psyched up for the hike. It is just like a motivational rally where people are standing on their seats chanting or singing, but it is all inside your head.
How to do this? Use triggers. Find something simple like preparing for the hike. Looking at your pack, your boots. Getting everything set up. That is what triggers me. Then it is game on.
Go hiking!
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