For the backpacking trip that I was writing about (and that Erik restacked), my first day out there, an old knee injury flared up. It was entirely my fault because 1) that knee injury was the direct result of not understanding the value of trekking poles (as you said!) years earlier. And 2) because I had rushed out to my hike without enough time to train. So the knee was too weak.
I thought i was going home then and there. But then after a few days of strategic rest and a few other tricks, I hiked out and ended the hike at a total of 900 miles.
Training would have certainly alleviated this, as you point out! And also, I can think of many times where managing my expectations during that hike (like when it rained or I was miserable or things went sideways) would have served me as well as training. Learning to accept that sometimes, plans going awry is a gift, and to not be so negative when that sort of thing happens.
About the “learning,” you can take solace in knowing that: with people who get out and explore, there are those who have also made these mistakes, and those who haven’t made these mistakes yet.
For the backpacking trip that I was writing about (and that Erik restacked), my first day out there, an old knee injury flared up. It was entirely my fault because 1) that knee injury was the direct result of not understanding the value of trekking poles (as you said!) years earlier. And 2) because I had rushed out to my hike without enough time to train. So the knee was too weak.
I thought i was going home then and there. But then after a few days of strategic rest and a few other tricks, I hiked out and ended the hike at a total of 900 miles.
Training would have certainly alleviated this, as you point out! And also, I can think of many times where managing my expectations during that hike (like when it rained or I was miserable or things went sideways) would have served me as well as training. Learning to accept that sometimes, plans going awry is a gift, and to not be so negative when that sort of thing happens.
900 miles is a great accomplishment!
About the “learning,” you can take solace in knowing that: with people who get out and explore, there are those who have also made these mistakes, and those who haven’t made these mistakes yet.
😁
Oh yes, that's so true!