The Gains and Setbacks Encountered during the 52 Hike Venture
Goo' Day, Mate! Time for a Tale of Screwball Outdoor Adventures
Been there, cous, hiked that! I took on the 52 Hike Challenge in the year 2024, and let me tell ya, it's no walk in the park (though I did plenty of those, too).
The concept is as straightforward as it gets: knock off 52 hikes in a single calendar year (roughly one a week). I was utterly dubious I'd manage, so I kept my Lippy zipped about joinin' up.
Spurred me on, I did me first couple of hikes in January, and I was riddled with self-doubt and questionin' why I'd even signed up. But then, I slid my boots on, took charge, and blasted off 8 hikes in February and an eye-poppin' 15 in March!
Somewhere in June, I laced 'em up for hike number 52. Guess where that left me? Banged out 52 hikes in just 6 months! Yeehaw!
As of December 4th, I've jugged along 76 hikes, clocked 254 miles, and sassed my way up 52,951 feet in elevation. I somehow surprised meself in piles o' ways, gained a mountainous heap o' knowledge, and lost a wee bit o' gear, too (apparently 52k in elevation gain isn't light on the equipment).
Get Your Boots on and Hike the 52!
Fancy startin' an adventure and flippin' your life for the better? Give the 52 Hike Challenge a go, and you'll be reelin' in new trails, pals, and memories!
It won't cost ya a dime!
Whaddya waitin' for? Sign up now! And even if it ain't New Year's, doesn't matter - start at any time o' the year!
So What Did I Gain, Pardner?
The best things are free (unless ya count the cash for hiker gear). And in this challenge, what I got wasn't stuff, but new perspectives, mental states, and to-do list items I crossed right off.
Y'all Know About a New Sense o' Adventure
Adventure's our thang, and we're always huntin' down the best, epic trails. But this challenge reminded me that not every trip's gotta be some jaw-droppin' experience.
Sometimes, it's more rewardin' to hoof it along local trails that are just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Sometimes, drivin' for hours jus' ain't worth it.
There's a place and time for tacklin' mountaintops, but it ain't always about that. It's high time to redefine yer definition of "adventure."
Rack up a Bucket List Hike!
One o' my bucket list hikes was the Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park. It's a right beauty, stretching out to around 11 miles on the northeast corner of the park.
It's a spectacle to behold - the mountain views, blue lakes, bounty o' wildlife, and THREE stunning glaciers, all in one trek!
'Course, the park was closed down in '20 on account o' COVID-19, so I didn't get to hike it during our first visit. But hey, I finally scratched it off my list!
I reckon the four-year wait made the views all the more spellbindin'. But boy, it was a true masterpiece.
Keep yer fingers crossed that the 52 Hike Challenge sparks somethin' as spectacular in your own adventures.
Cold Plunges, Aye, You Bet
One o' my sub-goals was to sink my toes into as many icy lakes as I could find. After livin' in places with just barely swimmable water, I wanted to make the most o' Montana's crystal clear offerings.
The water is freezin' cold, but SWEET! It'll make ya feel like brand new every time ya jump in. It's scary at first, but I've never regretted strippin' down and gettin' in.
Now I can proclaim that I've swum in some of the most gorgeous lakes this side of the Mississippi! Dang, it feels amazing after a long, sweaty day on the trail, too.
Keep Yer Eye Out for Trail Lessons
Lessons learned in hiking ain't just common sense, it's a load o' wisdom from learnin' through challenges.
And I sure did gain a whole heap of knowledge on me 76 treks (I'm now an advanced hiker after completein' the challenge).
From packin' the right gear (you don't need too much for a happy life on the trail), to learnin' how to fuel up right (you'll thank me later), I learned a boatload.
Ya Know What's Cool About Lose?
Lose is usually a negative thing, but there are a few somethin's it's good to lose.
Weight
There ain't many workouts that can compete with hikin' when it comes to burnin' calories. I'm no scientist, but hikin' for a few hours can torch upwards o' a thousand calories!
Hiker hunger is a real thing, and I surely tasted it. Over the summer, I shed a handy 20 pounds (carryin' less weight makes hikin' smoother and faster).
Self-Doubt
I was cannonballin' in self-doubt about this challenge so heavy I didn't even spill the beans to anyone. But I took a stand and made the time to tackle it.
Lemme tell ya somethin': WE are far more powerful than we give ourselves credit for. The human spirit, amazing!
One o' my favorite movies is Project Ice Man, and ol' Anders Hoffman says: "Today, we often set boundaries for ourselves, makin' up limitations of what's achievable. But I want to show that limitations are just perceptions of what's achievable. Even the ordinary can tap into the extraordinary through passion, dedication, and belief."
Obligatory Materialism
One o' the biggest lessons takeaway from the 52 Hike Challenge is that you don't need much to live a fulfillin' life.
When you're carryin' a limited amount o' stuff on the trail, you redefine what ya need.
I always say: "You can go almost anywhere with clean underwear and a sense o' adventure. I've nevah felt more alive and love-filled than after wrappin' up a breathtakin' hike.
Tips for Completin' the Challenge
Got some helpful tips to help y'all stay committed to the goal:
Remember yer Why
Why'd I sign up in the first place? I wanted to get out and about as much as possible. I feel me best when I spend time outdoors, and it was a fantastic excuse to hike the heck outta my new home state!
Every time yer feelin' like you can't keep goin', remember why ya signed up in the first place.
Don't Be a Weekend Warrior
I'm supremely fortunate to live somewhere where I can step outta my front door and go hikin'. I can also drive to some truly magnificent destinations.
But if ya only hike on the weekends, it's a piece o' cake to fall behind. Use those long summer days to check out local trails before or after work, and save the weekends for long hauls.
Don't Get Hung Up on the Numbers
The whole point o' this challenge is to enjoy bein' outdoors, not obsess over numbers.
Don't let the daunting 52 number bog ya down; take it one hike at a time.
Hiker ain't a Question, Kid. It's the Answer.
If ya can't decide if ye should go hikin' or not, nine times outta ten, the answer is YES.
Even if ya feel tired from workin'. Even if ya don't feel like ya have anyone to go with. 'Cause, listen, I've never felt worse after I went hikin'.
Know When to Say No
Sometimes, yer body just says, "Nah." And that's okay. Take a break (or breaks) and jump back into it when ya feel more up for it.
Final Thoughts
Compleatin' the 52 Hike Challenge didn't just lift me to new heights - it reshaped my view o' the world and myself.
I tackled challenges, learned loads, and left a wee bit o' gear behind. Turns out, the real trail magic wasn't just in the vistas, it was in the transformation. It's about the journey.
As the wise Miss Miley Cyrus would say, "It's all about the climb. And I'm here to tell ya, I sure have climbed!
76 hikes later, I'm livin' proof that you don't need much to lead a rich, lovin' life.
Enrichment Data:
Completing the 52 Hike Challenge can have benefits such as:
- Personal Growth: Gaining increased confidence, a stronger connection with nature, and a deeper understanding of oneself[5].
- Community Support: Making friends, finding motivation, and sharing experiences with fellow hikers can enhance the challenge[5].
- Physical Improvement: Raising fitness levels and overall health is a result of regular hiking[5].
- Taking on the 52 Hike Challenge in 2024 was an adventure beyond compare, a remarkable test enjoyed in the vast wilderness.
- Along with reaping the benefits of physical fitness and personal growth, hiking the 52 trails provided a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, mountains, and the outdoors.
- The 52 Hike Challenge isn't just about the breathtaking scenery; it's about embracing adventure-travel, sports, and a lifestyle that cherishes the great outdoors.
- With the 52 Hike Challenge, you may not need money for material possessions, but you will gain invaluable experiences, perspectives, and memories.
- Hiking presents opportunities for education-and-self-development, allowing one to learn essential skills such as packing the right gear, fueling up, and self-discovery.
- Aside from shedding weight, the 52 Hike Challenge can help you lose self-doubt, reminding you of your limitless potential for adventure and personal growth.
- Join the 52 Hike Challenge and find yourself enriched through sports, adventure-travel, and a connection with nature that promotes lifelong personal development.
