Hi there!
So this weekend I finally learned the difference between walking and hiking! I always thought I was a decent hiker....boy was I wrong
This weekend we did a "big hill" in the catskills. We did a total of 14miles and went up a total of 4400 feet. Boy, I'm glad I was starting to get in shape! It paid dividends. But, I also realize I have lots to learn!
Anyway.. hubby also realized he's a bit out of shape. He needs to work on the uphill, which we understand that he needs to work on cardio exercise and some leg work, such as squats.
For me, I'm the opposite. Uphill was allright. I do need some more cardio work, but I did allright. My issue is with downhill. I understand this to be needing to strengthen my calves, ankles, hamstrings etc. My knees started to bother me right at the end of the descent. Which makes me happy, in the past they would've been aching the first day!
We have done a bit of research on some exercises to do. For me it's some leg lifts, squats, lunges, one site encouraged fast walking or running. I can't really run, but I can walk faster.
Any other suggestions or guidance would be lovely! We really enjoyed backpacking and would love to get better at it. It was very thrilling to wake up in the middle of the forest, have breakfast, pack up and find a new site later that day.
Thank you!