Appalachian Trail Prep: Attempting to WALK FOR 8 HOURS on a Treadmill

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Want to check out @supersparrow for yourself?! Here's the link: bit.ly/3c8k02L And you can use the code Maddie10 for a 10% discount!

[@GingerBeanz7]

You’re videography skills are beautiful, you have an eye for it❤️

[@jennygray1222]

Walking the treadmill is a great way to get into shape and strengthen your muscles from the waist down!

[@rachal900]

I know the gym isn't the most beautiful place but that deserved a beer lol. Look forward to watching your new adventure.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much!

[@volvoguyV70R]

Looking forward to tuning into your AT videos. I can't imagine the boredom of being on a treadmill for 8 hours. You should reward yourself with a delicious beer (or several).

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! Looking forward to having you along for the AT saga!

[@richardduede9767]

I like my treadmill because it has an integrated laptop. I can create my own walk and actually have that displayed on the laptop as though I'm actually there if Google Street View has been there using my iFit membership. That and audible books turns walking into entertainment and an adventure. I have courses set up in most world cities.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That sounds awesome!!

[@ronnagy8118]

I would just walk out the door and walk around the neighborhood. You can add your backpack too. Way less boring.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I actually walked around my neighborhood yesterday and it wasn't that much better boring-ness wise! I'll do both, but the benefit of the gym is wifi for entertainment and not having to worry about it getting dark before I'm done or a car not stopping at a crosswalk

[@whatarelilies]

You're so inspiring! Not just that you're actually aiming for your goals (and did them! I'm still watching your thru-hike), but to see the attitudes and traits that allow you to keep going forward- I do have PTSD and I'd forgotten a lot what it was like to think this way. I intend on getting a Van first, but the Appalachian Trail has been on my to-do list for a while now. Thank you for sharing with us! Congrats on reaching your goals and getting to experience all this :)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s awesome! I’m so glad they’re helpful. Keep on keeping on ❤️

[@Mike_Greentea]

I take “Osteo Bi-Flex” supplement because I use to have discomfort in my knees’s from a previous job I had moving 300-500 lbs pallets around a warehouse all day with a pallet jack. Instead of using my arms I used my knees too much. It took about 7 days to get results but it protects your joints from future injury also! Highly recommend.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Nice! Sorry to hear about your past job hurting your knees. They have all kinds of supplements these days, it's great!

[@edwardsmith7550]

Yep, 8 hours on a treadmill would be pure torture. I, myself would set my goals as miles. Starting off 6 miles as fast as I can and work my way up from there.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Glad to hear you have a way that works for you!

[@johnsinglerr]

not sure if you’ll read old video comments but the LB pain/stiffness problee coming from extra exertion on the hips so to keep the body upright, it’ll recruit the lower lumbar muscles for stabilization…and these guys aren’t super strong but they get the job done. but over five hours, they can only hold on for so long would recommend (as a chiropractor/trail runner/ver educated dude in exercise) to incorporate some exercises that work the whole core (abdomen/pelvic floor/lumbar extensors). there are several exercises so just google whatever and try em out and see how they feel

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I try to respond to all comments but sometimes there are too many and I get too behind to catch up. I do read them all though! Thank you for your suggestions! It’s been really hard getting into shape, but this was probably the hardest day!

[@jetv1471]

Love you so much ❤! Could listen and watch you all day 😂

[@markviers998]

There is a reason it's called a Dreadmill, in my running days nothing I hated worse then spending a hour on one of those beast. Number one reason, it's soooo boring! My hat is off to you for hanging in there for so long!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! Maybe the boringness of the gym will make the tough days on trail better, like I'll think "well at least the view changes throughout the day!"

[@GiMom19]

Maddie have you considered trying “toe socks” for when you hike. I have heard good things and they are suppose to help with “not” developing blisters. Soak feet in epsom salt after exercising. ❤ Do you have trails near you instead of doing a tread mill?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

The last time I wore toes socks was around 2006 and they were pretty uncomfortable, that being said, they were made for 'tween girl fashion, not hiking, so I bet they were feel a lot different if I tried them now!! I do have some trails not terribly far, but I like going to the gym, too, so I can multitask and don't have to worry safety once it gets dark!

[@brucefluth3930]

Great for the first outing. 2 things. 1) Wear liner sock’s with wool over socks. 2) Work on miles, not time. 😎

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I know it may sound weird to you to measure in time instead of miles, but on trail, I don't calculate my milage til the end of the day. I just try to get as many "hiking hours" in as possible and let my feet do the rest. That's why I did it this way. Interesting thoughts about the socks though. I haven't been impressed by liner OR wool socks in the past, but maybe I'll revisit it!

[@brucefluth3930]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces fair enough! 😎 You did a great job on my Superior Hiking Trail btw!! 😎

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

@@brucefluth3930 thank you! Glad you watched that!

[@brucefluth3930]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces 😊

[@williamsutton5710]

I once took a year to visit every state park and historic site in Missouri. It was great because they offered souvenirs for stamping all 88ish sites in their 100 year anniversary passport. It was a great way to exercise or just stretch ones legs on the various trails. But, learning to forage could be quite advantageous depending on the season you're hiking. I've got a crazy story about some newly graduated high-schoolers I rescued on a mountain but that story is for another time. I love the AT and so many other trails and national parks across the country. You're doing awesome living your best life!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Sounds like you’ve got a lot of experience out there! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@Hobomountainwander]

I really admire your dedication to your fitness and health. I am working at two ski resorts and I am doing a lot of walking around the Resorts. I am also walking up stairs and lifting heavy dish racks. I picked a physically intense job to prepare for the Tahoe Rim Trail.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh cool! I did the TRT back in 2019! It had fewer water sources than most other trails, but the good news is the uphills and downhills aren't too extreme!

[@Hobomountainwander]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces Thanks so much for the trip report. The secret to water sources is to go right after , the passes clear of snow. Therefore, that timeframe is around mid June to early July.

[@SeekingNewHorizonsTV]

I find treadmills so boring. I’m not quite the hiker you are but I can hike or walk for 5-7 miles, put me on a treadmill and I want to quit in the 1st 5 minutes. Making it 5 hours on one is impressive!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

Good morning, I give you a lot of credit. Walking on a treadmill for 5 hours is dedication, I have a treadmill, which I use, but I get so bored. One way to help your knee is that if you walk backward, it helps. When I get ready for a long distance, I will find trails that i can get in about 3 to 4 miles. I pack up my pack with snacks and lunch , and just hike. I find that just walking in nature is so much more interesting, and I don't get bored. Believe me, people do look at me with a pack on, wondering why I have all this stuff on my back. I live in the area where you dont see people that backpack, but I don't care. I find I can get in 8 to 10 miles in no time. Good luck with training, I look forward to your AT hike. Have a great day!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I'm planning on hiking outside to train too!

[@A-K_Rambler]

Advil Stipend!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Always greatly appreciated!!

[@miken7629]

Best thing you can do is walk 8 miles a day while wearing weighted vest. Real steps, not on a treadmill. Your muscles work differently when actually walking and you walk differently with weight and weight makes you walk slower. 30 pound vest is plenty. Then do squats to build up leg muscles so you can hike up those mountains, uphill is muscular.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Sounds like you have plenty of insight of this topic!

[@miken7629]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces I suggested 8 miles per day because most of the shelters are 8 miles apart. Starting out, most people go shelter to shelter. The weighted vest for training should be close to your pack weight. Walking with weight, you will feel it in your feet, knees, & hip joints. There are 28 bones in your feet and walking with weight will cause those bones to spread out and flatten. That will make your feet larger and that adaptation is a painful adjustment for some. Better to get that adjustment B4 you go, close to home, than on trail.

[@Greg_Jones]

Great to get started, good thing to stop. I had to go to live in therapy after my leg injury. I was prescribed narcotics of some sort, never took even one. I told them to bring Ibuprofen with morning meds and I take them before rehab sessions. They liked that because I'd stop when the pain started. You did good to let your feet tell you when to to stop. You can build up faster than you can recover!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I'll have to remember that, about building up faster than recovering!

[@ribotadesajambre7061]

You are incredible ♥️💪🏽👍 How about getting some audio or ebooks from a library . My library has Cloud Library and I login to the app w my library card. It’s SUCH a joy to listen to fiction or non fiction while getting stuff done. Health, peace and happiness to you in this New Year and always.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I was watching KZbin and TikTok, but that's a great idea too!! Having a longer story to follow would keep your mind more distracted, I bet

[@charlottewilson4680]

I totally agree that you should stop at 5 and work up to 8

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

You never know what your limits are until you try!

[@josezayas6847]

Happy New Year Maddie

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, same to you!

[@tracyd7432]

5 hours for the first day is awesome! Glad you chose to give yourself a break! Too much too soon. The treadmill is SO boring. Be flexible and kind to yourself Maddie. Take care of yourself!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, I will! It didn't seem long to me since I've hiked longer days out on trail, but everyone I've told about doing this has been like, "8 hours?? That sounds impossible!" so my perspective has changed since I filmed this!

[@lemonadecookies1608]

im incredibly curious about how you feel about brita filters if youre uncomfortable with water in plastic!

[@gazuregoathub]

I love you! God bless!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!

[@davidemm829]

Try " mole skin " for blister/friction points on your feet, esp back of heels,

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I definitely will! Or the leukotape I got for Christmas!

[@Yelnats101]

im doing something sorta like that. Everest Base camp. the treadmill is boring, i hate it so much lol..!!!! stay strong and good luck!!!

[@daveg-Vancouver_Island]

I’d love to see Everest base camp!!! Awesome!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Everest Base Camp?!? That sounds so cool! Best of luck on your adventure!

[@daveg-Vancouver_Island]

Take us with you Yelnets101? 😁👍🏻 lol

[@Yelnats101]

@@daveg-Vancouver_Island I wish I could!! It’s been a bucket list item for awhile. Time to check it off the list!!

[@daveg-Vancouver_Island]

@@Yelnats101 good luck, I hope you get there. it looks so beautiful!

[@tristanreynolds222]

Hi Some of those hikes look extreme. Extreme hikes can be fun. Do you live in a van? That tree in one of the videos you climbed on you did look very interesting. I sometimes climb on things. I think hiking is good for you. I have used a treadmill before I managed to run on it. Treadmill best for wet day. Hiking although great fun can be time consuming. Lots of hikes to do. Hikes and bush tracks seem to feel like you are on a never ending ship just cruising along quickly. I'm Tristan and I'm from NZ. Thank you. Tristan

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Hey Tristan! I don't remember what video I climb a tree in! I do like climbing trees, though, so I'm sure it was a good one! I did live in a van for a while, but now I'm staying at a family member's house while getting ready for the Appalachian Trail. I agree, there definitely are a lot of hikes to do! It's great! I've been wanting to go to NZ actually, because of all the cool places to see! Thank you for your kind comment and for watching my video, Maddie

[@jameshynes6278]

Love your videos ! Keep it coming with the AT content!! will be tuning in!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! Since there's 3 months before I start and I post a video or 2 every week, they won't all be about the AT, but I have some plans I'm excited for and hope you'll enjoy too!

[@jaspersteve9420]

Glad you are preparing slow, but dedicated. When you start wearing the backpack everyone will realize you are strength training for the military or for the AT. You will have fans at the gym regardless and they will cheer you on

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I like that line of thinking! While some people may just stare at me, maybe some will ask or know I'm training for something!

[@emerystaak9007]

"One of the best ways ways to pass time is to procrastinate" Almost fell out of my chair.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I love that! I'm so glad you get my sense of humor!

[@emerystaak9007]

You might be one who procrastinates, if you ever get around to it...

[@davidemm829]

Google pronation ,& orthotic if really bored kinesiology..keep smiling M

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks :)

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

After getting off the treadmill, even an hour, it takes me a few minutes to get my "land legs" back! It feels so weird.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I know what you mean! I wonder if it's inertia/getting used to a certain motion. Like I remember feeling like I'm still on a waterslide after a day at the waterpark.

[@vibelife5133]

Just go find a trail, walking path, even some urban hiking if you have to.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I'm doing that, too, but in a gym I can multitask and I don't have to worry about being done before dark!

[@charleskessler1905]

Good job so far, :). I would personally focus more on miles than hours. With hiking a 5 hour day on trail could be 10 miles or 20 miles depending on the terrain, weather, ect. If your gym has a treadmill with the incline feature that could make it more realistic as well. Throwing in some low weight leg presses every hour would be very helpful for the knees/legs too. A daypack with a full water blatter would be good for a little added weight, and maybe a little less embarrassing than a full pack. lol... Safe travels, :)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I'm planning to go on the stair stepper machine, too, just starting off with the easiest thing! I set a time goal instead of a milage goal this time because I'm just trying to get use to being on my feet and moving all day long. I kind of forgot about that when I made the secondary goal about going at least 2.5 mph, but that was my initial thought at least!

[@bridgetrunshikessurfs]

Hi Maddie, why not just go hike outside with your pack on? Thats how I always prepare for a big hike:) good luck! You got this friend!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep, I definitely will do that too, but with a treadmill I can multitask and I don't have to worry about it getting dark before I'm done1 And I don't have to drive as far, haha!

[@absofjelly]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces You don't have to drive to walk around the block. 😁

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

@@absofjelly with a treadmill I can multitask and I don't have to worry about it getting dark before I'm done

[@62WILDCAT]

Tried to email you. It never went thru. Anyway ,I'd love to rent your van late Spring / Early SUMMER

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yay!! Sorry about that, I just searched your first and last name but nothing came up, that’s weird. It’s [e-mail] , is that what you sent it to? If you did, do you have any way I could reach out to you that you’d be okay with saying here?

[@jimmymalone3494]

I enjoyed your video Maddie and good Luck to you.Happy New Year to you.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks, Jimmy! I always look forward to reading your comments!

[@davep2945]

Hey Maddie, yeah, the treadmill is not the way to get in shape for much of anything. It's an adjunct tool, a good warm up sometimes and great for the very out of shape needing to start some sort of program in a controlled environment or the very in shape who use it for shorter duration, high intensity exercise. You are well past the point of good physical shape for using a treadmill for functional training. To make the most of your time in the gym and to keep from going stir crazy you've got to train for strength, function as well as cardio while mixing it up to prevent burnout. Hiking, especially trails like the mountainous AT require more functional uplift of your body and then controlled descents with the occasional long stretches of relatively level but never predictable walking surface. On a treadmill you are repeating the same motions over and over eventually excessively taxing the muscles and joints. In a real world walking situation you are constantly changing you body position to accommodate even subtle changes in surface conditions and that helps break up tonal patterns that can cause stiffness and pain. You would be better served by lower body and core strength training and machines such as a stair climber. 20 to 30 high intensity minutes on a stair climber will do more for you in less time than hours on a treadmill. Heck, a real set of stairs will work, too. And both simulate the real world necessity of lifting your body weight upwards against gravity like you do on an ascent. Also, classes such as more advanced Zumba and aerobics or even pickup games of basketball will force you to engage in full body stabilization and recovery motions that no machine can simulate. Since you also have a knee that gives you trouble. Save the long walks for real terrain outdoors where the undulations and uneven ground force your body to adjust and accommodate and even on mild city streets and sidewalks. The lower body strength training will help stabilize the knee but use a light brace or compression sleeve when you need to. Of course, like you mentioned, the best way to prepare for a thru hike is to hike. So try and find some trails close to home with elevation changes, side slopes, etc... and put in the walking miles there. The combination of a moderately intense functional strength and cardio program plus real world miles on the dirt will give you a much better head start than miles on the treadmill. And, if you're not familiar with basic lower body and back stretches have one of the trainers at the gym run through them. Not necessarily so you can stretch before a workout but so you can stretch properly when needed on trail or to help relieve pain after a workout. There's way too much to go into in a comment but functional strength, flexibility and real world practice are keys to completing any physical endeavor. P.S. I've got a bad knee and I use the elliptical or bike to warm up. Never the treadmill. I also love the cable machines and dumbbells for the unlimited range of motion allowed and functional (beating a dead horse here) movements allowed.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Sounds like you're very passionate and informed about this topic!

[@davep2945]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces Haha, sorry, didn't mean to sound like a know it all. A long time ago I commented in a video that I was a physical therapist and a rehab trainer but I just started writing as if you would remember that. But you see so many comments I shouldn't have assumed. So, yes, it's unsolicited advice but it's also knowledge gained from nearly 28 years of putting folks back to work and back on trails as well as countless other pursuits. I try to keep things short and never want to come across as condescending or preachy but online you never know how a comment will be received. If you were in my clinic we would, of course, work up a specific plan for your goals and workout preferences but online all I can do is give general advice based on info from the outside looking in. Hope I didn't offend you.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

@@davep2945 All good, I didn't take it that way! I just couldn't think of what else to say to such a long comment. I read everything, but I can't respond to all the parts! And thank you for clarifying, I'm a sensitive soul and if everyone said things like, "I didn't mean to come off..." the world would be a better place!

[@rachelkarcher2565]

😮you are a little crazy on day one. Good choice to listen to your body.

[@HEKNBAK]

Getting back on your feet after driving home is brutal sometimes, lol! We hope you didn't overdue it too much the first day. Sometimes we don't realize that our goals are a little too much and need to be revised until we are in the middle of it. It is hard though - it can feel like a let down, but pushing too much can cause bigger problems. Thanks for sharing!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for watching! That’s very true, I thought 8 hours would be tough but doable because I could imagine myself doing an all-day day hike. Being inside made it easier in some ways but I was walking faster than I normally would on a trail!

[@ulisirius9027]

You are very busy. For me it would be to much. And Fitness Centers I don' t like and it is very expensive. For "training" I would make little "hiking tours" or walking around my home town.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah, it's not for everyone! And I plan on training on trails, too!

[@aandpforme]

That’s a long long long long time to walk! Woweeee

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It doesn't feel like it since I've done full days out on trail, but yeah, you're right, it is a long time!

[@SuperJimid]

When are you starting the Trail. I made the mistake of showing up at the Ranger station in Georgia thinking all I had to do was sign in. 1 year waiting list. Bummer.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I have a date picked out! Videos will start sometime in April!

[@nickoutandabout2162]

Nice job!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!

[@EagleOutdoors]

I am not a thru hiker, but I do sections of the AT every year. I find it challenging where I live (Ohio) to mimic what it is like to hike on the AT. I do think that any kind of movement or walking is good, but it's the climbing uphill that I find most challenging. It's really hard to replicate that in a gym, but the best I have found are the stair climbing machines. Either way, no matter what shape you show up in, after a few weeks, you will be in great shape. Best of luck on your journey!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep, I'm planning to do the stair stepper eventually, I just wanted to start with something easier! Thanks for your advice!

[@hopeard3512]

Wow girl! That is dedication! You inspire me, though. Love the video ❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you so much!!

[@scottrobertson5639]

How many miles per day are you planning?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It'll vary based on the terrain in that section and how I'm feeling. On the SHT, I did 15-20 miles a day, and on the JMT it was like 13-16 miles a day

[@katherinenicholas7116]

Goodluck on your AT training! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Don't get down on yourself. As you said, you will find your trail legs.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Will do! In the moment I was bummed, but every time I told someone I did this they were pretty impressed by the 5 hours, so that helped put things in perspective, haha!

[@rainieraine1192]

Hi Maddie, well done for 5 hours that is a fantastic start to your training. I like watching the channel ‘Virtual Running Videos’ whilst walking on the treadmill, it feels like your out in the New Zealand countryside.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that's a good idea! I was watching KZbin and TikTok, but I'll add virtual running videos in their next time too!

[@larryhunter8245]

Wouldn’t it be more fun to walk around your neighbourhood or local day hikes with a pack on? I assume you will sharing your packing list? Those water bottles look very heavy for a thru hike. When base weight are you considering? Can’t wait to watch this series.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I'm going to train outside too, but this day I wanted to multitask and be able to continue after dark. And yeah, I'll do a gear video when it gets closer! I'll use smartwater bottles on trail, but these were fun to give myself a little something new to make going to the gym a little more enticing. As for base weight, I don't know. In the past, I've tried to just take the essentials and buy lighter gear when I can afford to upgrade. But since this trail will be significantly longer, I'm going to start weighing stuff this time. Glad you're enjoying :)

[@BBBYpsi]

You should never over due it at first. Gradually work your way up to that amount of time. I hope you do not over strain something that can set you back. That breakfast looked delicious. Those water bottles look wonderful. For well over a year I have been using the Sawyer water bottle & it has a filter with it that will filter up to 100,000 gallons of water. I did this because I hated paying for water bottles on the road & I just fill them up at the truck stops.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

My dad said I needed it start in smaller increments, too, but I thought I was starting small. If I'm planning to hike all day for several months, walking all day for one day is smaller than that. Plus, since it was a flat walking surface, and not a rocky, rooty trail, I was expecting that to make it easier than a typical day hiking. Now I know, though! And glad to hear you're anti-water bottle, too!

[@abwoodone]

I’ll bring some west sixth out for ya while on trail! Gonna meet up with some 2020’er friends of mine @wanderoutthere and Kampersadventures I think is his channel… anyway Go Cats! And much love from Lexington! I’m a blue stallion sour patch kinda guy…

[@gander13189]

You want a hot fresh cooked meal at Blood Mountain on the AT? I can meet you there and resupply ya. The area is beautiful and I love backpacking around there

[@ashleyhum22]

Oh wow. Good to keep in shape but so mentally boring on the treadmill 😬 Can’t wait to see the pics as you get started. This was my dream goal in my 20-30s but fam life & school took precedent. So glad you’re making your personal goals a priority! 🥾🌞🏃🏽‍♀️ ( What happened to the hiker emoji 🤷‍♀️)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! 😄 And I remember a hiking boot emoji but not a hiker! Could that be what you're thinking of?

[@absofjelly]

The idea of Hitting it for 8 hours straight off is insane.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I can do an all day day hike and I thought walking on something flat would make it easier 🤷‍♀

[@rayharth183]

Hey Maddy Great job but would be better to build up slowly doing a bit longer every day, but walking on a tread mill for 8 hours would be very boring lol. Great legs BTW

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

This may be a controversial statement, but sometimes I get bored walking all day on trail too. It can be the most beautiful place on the planet, but after a few days I run out of things to think about!

[@bb-fe9ur]

I think you tried to do too much for your first day ..

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Definitely! To be fair, I didn't have a clear perspective of what to expect from myself. An all day walk with no hills or rocky terrain didn't seem that hard compared to what I'm trying to work up to!

[@StevenTorrey]

I could have told you this would end in a bust--walking 8 hours on a treadmill. On a real hike, with every foot of motion, there is change of scenery. On a real hike, there is 10 minutes rest (ideally) for every 50 minutes of hike. In a real hike, there is 30-45 minute lunch break. On a real hike there is uphill, downhill, flat, so you work many muscle groups. Also remember, that being in shape, proper exercise is only part of equation of a successful hike. Drinking electrolyte drink is also crucial, as well as proper nutrition during breaks, including chocolate as a mood booster, all contribute to a successful hike.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I guess I'll just have to live next to a 15+ mile trail next time! One that never gets dark, too!

[@johnsinglerr]

another pointless comment to read over 8 hours of walking. my record is unrecorded, so def can call it like 8hrs and 8min

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Nice! That’s a long time