Hiking to Get Fit

"I want to hike to get in shape." I have heard this a few times. Mostly from myself and my husband. Considering the physical stress of climbing up (and down) mountains on trails the length of a half marathon, how can an "out of shape" body handle it without injury?

Remember, there are a variety of "hikes." You don't have to start with hiking mountain terrain, or long treks. At the time that I am writing this blog, I'm having particular trouble with my knee. So I'm sticking to more even terrain at shorter distances. I still get to hike, but I'm also respecting the boundaries of my body. Exercise that you find fun, is definitely worth considering. If you have special medical concerns or are uncertain of the hiking terrain you have access to, talk to your doctor.

Remember, listen to your body and your brain. Better to hike tomorrow that have to visit physical therapy for an injury.

Tell Someone All About It

One great piece of advice you should take...tell someone about your plans. Camping is often a great escape from the frustrations and stress of normal life, but be sure that you don't cut all ties. Always tell at least one person where your going and when you plan to be back.

Call this your phone buddy. CALL your phone buddy. Mine is my mom. Even though she lives in another state, I always call her to let her know where I'm going and when I'll call her back even if I'm going somewhere with a friend. A phone buddy is a must.

How Much Will This Cost Me?

You may be wondering how much the hobby of camping is going to cost you. Is this a hobby you, or you and your family, can afford to participate in?

Most people associate camping with a cheap form of family entertainment, however the drain on your pocket book can become quite significant if your not careful. The cost varies depending on the type of camping you are doing and the type of equipment you want to have with you.

Assuming that we are talking about car camping, where you can pull your car right up to your tent site, and your idea of fun is not sleeping under a tarp on a bed of pine needles. Here are some guidelines you might find helpful. All cost are in US dollars

Sleeping System

• You can get an inexpensive tent (or hammock and tarp) at stores such as Walmart. I've found that the Coleman brand tents may cost a little more, but stand up to wear and tear that's typical of kids.  25-70$
• You can also utilize your own blankets from home instead of purchasing a sleeping bag.
• Choose an ensolite style pad to sleep on. These are inexpensive and will keep you warm more than an open cell inflatable mattress. 6-10$

Food Cooking Systems

• We have found both a charcoal and propane gas grill at Walmart in the lawn and garden section for 15$. Each of these grills were small in size. You can buy larger propane stoves that are more sophisticated and allow for more temperature control, but you will spend more money. 15-100$ 
• You can skip the cost of a stove by choosing to cold camp. This is where you only bring food that doesn't have to be heated. Sandwiches and cereals can all be brought along when car camping. 0$
• If you are worried about weight (say you are backpacking) there are special light weight stoves, but we'll save that for another blog.

Clothes

• Be sure to remember to take a warm jacket as well as a rain jacket. You can find cheaper versions of these that work well or you can buy the more expensive name brand version that are loaded with extra vents. 10-100$
• A hat is necessary, no matter what anyone says. They type you take will depend on the weather where you are camping. In very sunny places be sure that your had provides shade for your face, in cold places be sure to take a hat that will cover the top of your head effectively. 5-30$
• Sunglasses, while my most forgotten item, are helpful in keeping your eyes protected in all kinds of weather. 5-25$

Other

• Be sure to take a flashlight or a head lamp (one for each person). Be warned, kids will often accidentally blind you with their headlamps. 5-25$

Here are some more places that will provide more information:

• http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/travel-planning/camping-packing-checklist
• http://www.cozi.com/blog/family-camping-checklist-and-a-few-great-tips
• http://www.thesimpledollar.com/a-basic-guide-to-an-inexpensive-and-incredibly-fun-family-camping-vacation/
• http://www.todaysparent.com/checklists/car-camping-gear-checklist-printable/
• https://www.parentmap.com/article/car-camping-with-kids-the-essential-packing-list

Camping food

Even if you are the kind of person that doesn't think to much about what you eat, you will still find food for your first camping trip a little confusing. There is a ton of advice out there. The best thing to keep in mind is that what you take will depend entirely on the camping that you do. 

If your tent is pitched next to your car or you have a stove in your cabin, the sky's the limit with an ice filled cooler. Even if you are headed out to the back of beyond for an overnight hike, you will be surprised the types of food you can take (eggs and cheeses). Just, be careful that you follow your food safety guide lines. The only thing you are limited by is the weight you are willing to carry. 

Pick the foods and methods that work for you and your fellow campers. Even people on dietary restrictions can cook out. We used to have a yearly camp out with our friend who is a type 2 diabetic and whose son was a type 1 diabetic. I have high blood pressure and found great advice from a pro at this website: http://www.sodiumgirl.com/low-sodium-backpacking-food/ .

K.L.'s day hike foods must have:

• Raw unsalted almonds (*I have high blood pressure, so I aim for the lower sodium option)
• Dried fruit
• Granola bar
• M&Ms (if I feel a sweet tooth coming on)
• Packet of Justin's of PB&Co peanut butter (my high protein, low weight favorite)
• *Squeeze pouches of fruit, like applesauce, are also great to choice

K.L.'s overnight must haves:

• Peanut Butter packet, jelly packet, and bagel (makes a good lunch and a great breakfast)
• Oatmeal (this can get sticky and hard to clean up a bowl so opt for the brands that allow you to pour the hot water in the pouch)
• Cheese ( my favorites are mini Baby Bells)
• Salami or pepperoni slices (this is higher in sodium, but so worth it! Watch out though, pepperoni is surprisingly spicy in large amounts)
• Low sodium tuna (in the packet, not the can), some Mrs. Dash seasoning (in a plastic no-leak baggie), sun dried tomatoes (can be put in the baggie), a little olive oil (can be put in the baggie as well): mix together for a low-sodium tuna salad.
• My day hike foods as snacks
• No-salt seasoning for group meals that are cooked.
• powder or liquid flavoring for water

There are great recipes out there so don't be afraid to try cooking in the outdoors! See my post next post on camping pancakes.

Camping is fun?

You say, "fun." I think, "Who let you out of the padded room?" 

It happened to me and now it's happening to you. A loved one or friend wants you to go camping. They described it as f-u-n. All you can think is n-o. But you gave your doubtful half smile and said
o-k.

Don't worry. Think of this as trying a new food. If it turns out you hate it, you can decline next time. If you had fun, you can now have a buddy to go out with again. Do yourself a favor though, ask you loved one what they meant by "camping."

"Camping" may conjure memories of tents pitched next to a car and a toilet located in a bath-house nearby. Your friend however may be thinking of a cabin with private bathrooms or hiking 4 miles to a clearing with no toilet. Ask!! It will save you a lot of frustration if you are on the same page as your outdoorsy companion. if your friends version is too much out of your experience, don't be afraid to suggest a more luxurious alternative (aka, flushing toilets close by). State parks offer a variety of options that most everyone can enjoy.