Defeat
I'm not supposed to be home this week. I'm supposed to be hiking the Wonderland Trail, which is supposed to be one of the most scenic hikes in the United States, with my dad and our friend Rob. In fact, I started hiking with them last Tuesday, only to find that its steep slopes were too much for my leg.
No, not that leg, the other one. You know the one that hasn't hurt me all year and that is supposed to be healthy.
So, I had to turn around and hike back out (painfully) to the car.
And now I am at home...
- ...not backpacking
- ...being frustrated and depressed out that my body is completely failing me
- ...feeling bad about deserting my father yet again on a hiking trip
- ...working
- ...at a loss as to how to proceed from here in terms of exercise and fitness
I'm only 25! I shouldn't be having these problems! But I am. And it sucks.
14 September 2009 11:02am UTC • 159 views • 7 comments
Tagged with fitness, injury, health, hiking, dad
Add a comment!
You must be a member to do that! Become a member or login!.
Subscribe to the feeds: 
7 comments
tagyoureit
14 September 2009 12:48pm UTC
As somebody in his late 20's, I was also frustrated when I became less healthy a few years ago. I found that I HAVE to get at least 30 mins of exercise 4-5 days a week in order to stay feeling great. Earlier in my life I could do whatever I wanted and feel fine, so this was a bit of an adjustment.
My advice would be to start small. Start walking or biking, something along these lines. Stop for the day (and/or go to the doctor) if your leg is hurting you too much. Slowly work up to a good level of (hopefully pain-free) exercise - then your body won't freak out when you decide to go do something difficult. A lot of people don't like to get exercise just for the sake of exercise, but it can be fun. I really enjoy biking, for example.
tagyoureit
14 September 2009 12:51pm UTC
Of course, if you're already getting this much exercise, then I have no idea...
georrrge
14 September 2009 04:55pm UTC
Have you ever tried to yoga or pilates or any sort of exercise that strengthens your core? I started doing really basic core exercises a few years ago when i wake up and before I go to bed, and it's done a lot to help little nagging injuries go away. Stretching is also important. And biking is great because it keeps your cardiovascular system in shape, which is really the most important thing to keep in shape. It does use your legs, but standing when you pedal on hills and such can make things a lot easier on your knees.
Dread Pirate Benjamin
14 September 2009 07:07pm UTC
Oh! And to add insult to injury my dad saw a bear! A real life bear in real life! Well, color me green!
Robert
14 September 2009 08:46pm UTC
In all your wildernessing you've never seen a bear?
Dread Pirate Benjamin
15 September 2009 02:11am UTC
I've seen one but it was a long ways off. He got to see one up close!
Peon Peetie
16 September 2009 03:59am UTC
what about the sierra's? we're still on for that, right?!