Semi-Long Hike Training

We got our first little dose of a longer hike today as we headed out into the wooded wilderness of Brookville Lake State Park.  The weather is finally getting to a place where it is allowing us some time outdoors, and so we took advantage of Ben's second-to-last day of spring break by hiking an approximate 8-mile loop.  I have never hiked around Brookville Lake, but I must say that it was rather enjoyable.  The trip included some pack-weight (I packed up a picnic lunch with some heavier items as well as a significant amount of water), so it felt good to have some weight as we hiked along.  With lunch included, we were on the trail for about 3 1/2 hours today.  

I do have to say, though, that the older I get, the more I feel every activity.  Even from a fairly easy 8 miles today, I can already tell my legs are getting sore.  This is on top of all the soreness I feel from yesterday's yoga workout.  I continue to be amazed at how long it takes to get in shape and yet how quickly one can get out of shape...why can't it be the other way around?  

My encouragement, though, is that one of the nice things about backpacking is that just about anyone can do it, regardless of physical endurance levels (or age for that matter).  The hiking can always be taken slower and at less mileage to compensate for any lack of physical shape.  The trail has its own way of whipping those who chose to hike into good condition.  

The training will continue for the next couple months and hopefully increase in intensity as we get into better shape...that's the plan, anyway.  We'll see what happens--sometimes life gets in the way of good intentions.