Stay on Offense Climb Mountains

Attacking Adversity

Go Hiking-It Teaches You About Life

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There are so many things about hiking that are lessons in life. There is the preparation, the physical conditioning, having a destination, new trails and old trails, and false summits, just to name a few.

Today however I want to discuss something that is ever present on a mountain. People ask you if there are a lot of them or not. They sort of worry about them, but when you go hiking you are gong to find them in abundance. I am talking about switchbacks.

Switchbacks And Life

Whenever I go hiking there are trees which are beautiful, rocks that sometimes beat you up, sky to look at along with the occasional sunrise, and then there are switchbacks. Switchbacks are like life in so many ways so I thought I would shake that branch and see what falls out.

You have heard of switchbacks, right? A switchback is the name given to the trail when it goes in one direction and then “switches” back in the other direction. I guess that is the first characteristic of a switchback. It goes one way and then another. Does that ever happen in life? Of course it does.

Direction In Life And When You Go Hiking

It is important to know your destination when you go hiking. Switchbacks might take you in different directions, but you always know your destination and you trust the path you’re on in life. Sometimes life, just like a switchback takes you in one direction for a long time and you wonder if it will ever come to an end. Then it goes in another direction. Wait, you were getting used to this and had almost mastered it and now it is switching on you. What I have realized is that changing direction is ok as long as you keep the end in mind. Switchbacks have a purpose and that is to make the hike easier. Yes, that’s right. Instead of going straight up the mountain you switch back and forth. Oh, and switchbacks change vertically too.

What if it is steep! A steep switchback is really tough, but then sometimes switchbacks are flat (for a short time) and yes, sometimes they go down for a bit. But a steep switchback, just like a tough stretch in life makes you stronger. Pretty soon you look forward to the challenge as you do when you become more competent in life.

Here’s to switchbacks and all their glory! Now, go hiking!

Stay On Offense! Go Hiking!

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Hiking is the Center of My Universe

This admonition comes from a place of extreme prejudice. In many ways, hiking is the center of my universe. Certainly for seven months of the year. So even if there were negatives associated with this activity, I would reject them immediately. So in this inaugural post, I will outline some excellent reasons to do what I say TO STAY ON OFFENSE and GO HIKING!

Go HikingFirst, it is a strong example of staying on offense. When you climb mountains you are moving forward with the effort. Any kind of movement is good for us, but moving uphill on uneven ground taxes the body in such a way that it builds resilience. Like any form of exercise, you need to do it regularly. During my seven months “season” I climb a mountain every week (that doesn’t mean I skip my other training at the gym). Usually, after the first three weeks of the season, my body adjusts.

Are You in Your Twenties?

If you are in your twenties you might ask why it takes me so long to “adjust.” However, I am in my seventies and it just does. If you are in your seventies or younger you need to know that your body can adjust. You have bad knees (so do I). Bad back? (so do I).

Do the mobility work at the gym so you can get up the mountain on the weekend.

Second, you are doing something for your soul. How often are you alone with your creator? Where it is so quiet you can hear your heart beating? When I am on a mountain I feel my God surrounding me. Try it!

Third, it is a relatively inexpensive activity. For some of you, this is important. It is much less expensive than flying, skiing or golf. You might spend some money for gas to get to the mountain and a little more for the state or national forest passes. Then some basic gear. But once you have those in place you are good to go unless of course, you decide to take on the Seven Summits. That is a whole other thing.

Fourth, it impacts your health. More and more evidence points to the importance of immersing yourself in nature. Look at what the state of New York says about it:

Health Benefits From Forests boosts the immune system. lowers blood pressure. reduces stress. improves mood. increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD. accelerates recovery from surgery or illness. increases energy level. improves sleep.

Let me give you a personal example of this.

For many years I suffered from something called Ocular Migraines. They are different than regular migraines in that your vision blurs for twenty minutes or so before you get the headache. Then I went to Alaska and spent a week floating down the Tatshenshini river from Dalton Post in the Yukon to Dry Bay in Alaska. Yes, we hiked a lot as well. When I got back in no Ocular Migraines and none since. That was about twelve years ago.

STAY ON OFFENSE. GO HIKING!