From Zero to Kilimanjaro: My Hilarious Hiking Journey (and How You Can Do It Too!)
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Hey all my hiking buddies, it's your gal pal The Hiking Texan here, and I'm so excited to share my hiking journey with you! Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: "Hiking? Kilimanjaro? At my age? With these knees?" And trust me, I had those same thoughts swirling around my head like a flock of confused pigeons. But let me tell you something: age is just a number, those knees are tougher than you think, and Kilimanjaro? Well, it's just a really big hill!
The First Step (or Should I Say Stumble?)
Now, before I set foot on that glorious mountain, I was what you might call a "Mall Maven." I was 45, and my idea of a good workout was trekking the concourse of my favorite shopping malls looking for great deals. But upon moving to Colorado, something about the great outdoors kept calling my name, like a siren singing a sweet, adventurous tune. Who could resist those postcard-perfect peaks? Definitely not me. So, I laced up my trusty (and slightly dusty) sneakers, told the family we were going on a hike, and set off on my first hiking "adventure."
The Quarter-Mile Paved Trail That Had It Out for Me
Now, I use the word "adventure" loosely because what I ended up on was more like a comedy of errors on a paved trail. The plan was simple: a leisurely stroll along a paved trail to a scenic viewpoint. Easy, right? Wrong!
I had this grand vision of myself gracefully bounding up the trail to the overlook like a gazelle with a fanny pack. But the reality was more like a penguin, wobbling and flailing my way through the parking lot a mere 100 yards from the trailhead. It felt like I was hiking Mount Everest's little cousin, and it was determined to make me regret ever leaving the house.
With every step, I could feel my lungs wheezing like an old accordion and my legs turning to overcooked spaghetti. But I kept telling myself, "Slow and steady wins the race." Of course, there was no race, but it sounded good at the time, and it kept me going. Well, at least 20 yards past the trailhead where I collapsed dramatically onto the asphalt, rethinking my life choice and muttering, “This is supposed to be an easy trail. For whom mountain goats?”
The walk back to the car felt like a marathon. Each step was a reminder of just how unprepared I’d been, and I was humbled. But even as I collapsed into the car seat, I made a vow: I would see that view someday. And not just that one—others like it. Even if it killed me. I didn't go back to the mountains the next day, but I made a promise to myself to start working towards getting back out there
From Quarter-Mile to Kilimanjaro: The Journey Continues
Now, I know what you're thinking: "That's a nice story, but what about Kilimanjaro?" Well, my friends, that's where the real adventure began.
I started hiking regularly, gradually increasing my distance and difficulty. I listened to my body, I took breaks when I needed them, and I never gave up on my dream of hiking Mt Kilimanjaro.
Fast forward a bit, okay, quite a bit. My next attempts weren’t exactly headline-worthy—the next few months consisted of slowly building my endurance. I started with strolls through city parks, lots of wheezing up short, local trails, and my poor, neglected knees creaking and groaning like a rusty swing set and them wanting to stage a mutiny and leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere, forced to survive on berries and squirrels.
I definitely know how discouraging it is to feel like you're not progressing fast enough or when you watch other people in your group pass you on the trail, and you feel like by the time you make it to the summit or overlook, everyone will be ready to depart back to the trailhead, leaving you only a few minutes to catch your breath and possibly take a quick picture of the view. But every small step was progress.
I researched trails, starting with easy ones, then gradually building up to moderate, and then some of the more difficult paths I had dreamt of tackling. I joined some slower-paced hiking groups (the slow as molasses in January speed) through Facebook, Google MeetUp, and Park Events to help keep me motivated and accountable and learn more about preparation and low-impact exercise that would help strengthen my knees and core.
Some low-impact exercises that don’t involve getting on the floor are:
Standing Wall Planks
Chair Sit-to-Stand
Wall Push-ups
Standing Calf Raises
Step-ups
Those first experiences taught me so much about how to prepare, pace myself, and listen to my body. As my confidence grew, I felt ready to tackle something more ambitious. Enter: Lake Isabelle, a 6.6-mile roundtrip hike, in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This time, I was prepared. I had a good backpack, proper footwear, my hiking essentials, water, snacks, and—most importantly—reasonable expectations. The trail was challenging for me, although AllTrails has it listed as moderate, and as I approached the shimmering blue waters surrounded by towering peaks, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. This was what I’d been working toward.
Kilimanjaro no longer felt like a far-off dream but a reality I could achieve. And guess what? I did it! And while I didn’t reach the summit, I did reach Base Camp on Kilimanjaro, 15,200 feet above sea level. It was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life, and it wouldn't have been possible without those early stumbles and fumbles on that first little paved trail overlooking the Continental Divide.
Tips for My Fellow Slower-Paced Hikers
So, if you're feeling a little apprehensive about hitting the trail, don't worry! Here are a few tips from your old pal:
Start slow and steady. Remember the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race, especially when it comes to hiking.
Listen to your body. Your body is a wise old sage, and it will tell you when it needs a break. Don't ignore its wisdom.
Bring plenty of water and snacks. Hiking expends a lot of energy and is thirsty work.
Preparation Matters: Research the trail you want to hike and the weather before heading out.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Proper footwear is non-negotiable. You don't want to be distracted by blisters or chafing. Trust me, it's not a good look. Read more on how to avoid blisters while hiking or a guide to comfortable footwear.
Find a hiking buddy. It's always more fun to share the experience with someone, and they can help you up if you fall (which I may or may not have done a few times).
Humility is Part of the Journey: Sometimes, nature will humble you. Embrace it. Laugh about it. Learn from it.
And most importantly, have fun! Hiking is a wonderful way to connect with nature, enjoy the great outdoors, and prove to yourself that you're capable of anything you set your mind to.
Why It’s Worth It
Today, hiking is a huge part of my life. It’s not just about the physical challenge; it’s about the peace and perspective that come with being in nature. There’s something incredibly rewarding about reaching a summit or sitting by an alpine lake, knowing you got there under your own power. Hiking slower allows you more time to connect with nature. You will see things others will miss. Every step, every misstep, and every lesson along the way makes it that much sweeter.
So, if you’re considering your first hike and wondering if it’s worth the effort, let me be your cautionary (and encouraging) tale. Yes, you might struggle. Yes, you might embarrass yourself (oh, I’ve got plenty of embarrassing stories). But you’ll also grow, laugh, and discover just how much you’re capable of. And who knows? That first train wreck of a hike might just be the beginning of a lifelong adventure.
Looking for more inspiration to hit the trails? Check out my book, Wander, Wonder, and Wellness: Hiking Your Way to Health and Happiness, available now on Amazon—it’s packed with tips, stories, and motivation to make every hike a transformative experience!
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and hit the trail! And remember, even if you stumble and fumble along the way, you're still making progress. And who knows, maybe one day you'll find yourself standing on Mt. Kilimanjaro, just like me!
Share your hiking experience in the comments or ask a question about your own hiking journey.
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