Preparing for your first trek
So you heard of trekking and want to give it a try. First let’s see what is trekking, shall we. Trekking is travelling slow and laboriously, usually on foot and on rough terrain. As such you will need to be able to meet the challenges you will encounter on your trip. So let’s get ready.
Foremost you need to be in the appropriate physical condition. If you’ve been spending your free time in front of the “tube” now is time to take up walking. Start with short distances and gradually increase it. Use a good stride and a steady pace. In the beginning, your goal is to be able to walk at least a mile at that pace without stopping. This will condition your legs and cardio vascular muscles.
Since you will be walking on rough uneven terrain, you will need to toughen your feet a little. A good practice will be to walk bare feet around the house, especially on had floor and outside as much as possible. If you are blessed to have a beach nearby, do some beach walk as much as possible and bare feet of course. This little change of venue will toughen your soles, remove dead skin and soften calluses if the last yards are done in the wet sand. It will also loosen up the muscles and ligaments of the feet. Beach walking will also increase you balance and strengthen you legs, thighs and gluts. Don’t be surprise if you start getting tired sooner and have some sore muscle that you did not even thought you had.
For an enjoyable hike, foot care is very important. Get into the habit of moisturizing you feet and ensure that they are dry, especially between the toes before you put on your shoes. If you have sweaty feet, foot powder and socks that will wick moisture away would be a must. You want to guar yourself against excessive moisture that may lead to dry, chafed soles and fungal infections. Have your toenails short but not too short. Any fugal problem on the skin and under the toenail should be addressed before the trip. A visit to your podiatrist may be a good idea as he may take care of calluses and corns that you may also have. While you are there ask for preventive measure to prevent blisters and the best way to treat them if you happen to get them. Hiking with blistered feet can be very uncomfortable experience.
Now that your feet are ready you need to build up your endurance and strength. Start with small hike in your area; pick small well mark trail, hill or hilly road. Stay with a couple of hours at the beginning and build up. Once you feel that you are ready for the long one, start trekking with a full back pack. You might see yourself a as beginner again. Take your map and compass with you, even on well mark trial, that will horn your navigation skill. Also bring a little note pad which you will use to record you water consumption. This exercise will help you figure out how much water you need.
As with any endeavor preparation is the key. Once you follow those simple tips you will be physically and mentally prepared for the long and exhaustive days you’ve been waiting for. Do not get discourage take small steps and with enough preplanning you will have the adventure of your lifetime.
Good trekking! Don’t forget you camera and post a picture of your adventure here.
Article by Juan d’Argent