Mar 02 2009
Spring Around the Corner
Wow, things have been slow here at NW Hiking. Many readers have probably noticed the almost non-existent posting that has happened over the last month. January is always the hardest to get through for the recreational enthusiast. Too much snow, too cold, and too few cleared trails.
Luckily, spring is around the corner, and it is exciting to be able to announce that the design, logo, and focus of Northwest Hiking will change a bit as spring rolls around. First off, winter walks (or the lack thereof) will be dropped off the post list for summer, and regular hiking areas will resume. Also, like our sister site, Northwest Recreation, we will be implementing a much better theme and overall cleaner look.
As far as today goes, we would like to introduce a training method to get yourself ready for a truly extreme summer. Between firefighting and posting, our editor will be busy this summer providing new and fun hikes, tips, and guides to hiking in the northwest. Here are some things to do to keep up:
- Start Training Now: Get a jump on training now so you will be ready when the big hikes start piling in come April-May.
- Start Slow: Don’t over do it and start slow. Walking a mile is perfectly acceptable to start with. Try that once per day, and work up.
- Increment Consistently: Best results are achieved when you work up on a consistent basis. Increase distance by 1/4 mile every two days, decrease time per mile by 1 minute every 3-4 days.
- Rest a Day: Take a day to do nothing at all and give your muscles regenerative time.
- Step It Up: Try a weight vest to simulate a backpack.
Keep on the training program until hiking begins. You will be ready for the biggest hikes in a couple months if you stick with it and train diligently. For weighted vests, try something like this one:
Keep looking up for that good ol’ blue sky!
