I Freaking Love Hiking and Nobody is Going to Stop Me

Yesterday I hiked.  It felt glorious!

I try to hike 3-4 times a week with a couple of short hikes at 3-4 miles and one long one on Saturday of at least 5-6 miles.

I was the only one on the trail and that's how it usually is at the park I frequent.  It's a national recreation area more known for boating than hiking by far.  As a matter of fact I was talking to the attendant at the front gate one day and she told me "we're not really known for our hiking". LOL.

But that is what I DO.  What I need to keep me sane and physically healthy. 

I freaking LOVE hiking! 

I've never been this into something in my life.  During my marriage years I had children and they were my life.  I volunteered for scouts and parent's club.  (Funny, I hated parents club but loved scouts, maybe because I could be outside.)

Then my divorce happen 5 years ago and my kids live on their own.  WTH would I do with my free time?

I did take up running for a bit and actually really loved it.  I ran a half marathon one spring, got injured and stopped.  Just stopped.  It was odd.  Just like that, after a couple of years of running, I lost interest.

It was ok though, I could start to feel my 40-something knees and ankles bearing the brunt of the abuse I was giving them.


This was around the time I took up hiking.  I was in a group of women that ran and one day one of the women put together a run/hike at the local county park.  It was so much fun!  Getting dirty and climbing up and down the hills.  I felt youthful again.  I was hooked!


I started to research where I could hike.  I lived in the Bay Area at the time and there is a never ending supply of trails there.

For years now I've hiked every week when possible.  Sometimes heat, freeze, wind or circumstance brings me away from my beloved dirt.  Yet not for long.

Why am I telling this tale?

Because I'm divorced, in my late 40's and on my own.  I've found that when you get a divorce and live on your own you need to love something.  (Well, I feel single or married, you need something to call your own.) I feel it's in our nature as humans to love a hobby or pastime. 

Find something you just can't wait to get back to and feel you'd never want to give it up.  Something that is all yours.

Some women pick up quilting, running, reading, travel, writing, bowling, walking, rock climbing, etc...

Pick something that makes you feel fulfilled and happy. 

Step away from the computer, turn off your tv and phone, dig deep inside you and find what your heart wants. 

RUN!  Go with that!

Enjoy the contentment you find in something that is all yours.