February 25, 2019

Being A Girl On The Trail

I’m gonna be real for a minute. There is scary stuff on the trail. Everyone and their mom is going to tell you about bad guys, and cougars. Those things are out there, BUT there are bad guys on the sidewalks, and drunk drivers, and many other bigger risks that we face on the daily in town. I sure as heck don’t avoid going to the grocery store, just because something bad could happen. I’m definitely not going to miss going out hiking to waterfalls, or up mountain peaks because something bad could happen either.

I used to be too scared.

I’m not saying I’m the bravest, or most daring chick out there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come around a corner and thought a tree stump was a bear, or even a doberman once. I could even tell you about the time I went on a weekend backpacking trip alone and got freaked out by deer outside my tent. The point is, I’m still going out. Maybe not on overnights alone anymore, but getting out on a day hike by myself is a must do sometimes.

Headed back down from my first, and possibly last, weekend backpacking trip solo.

I used to see pictures from adventurous people going out and hiking. I used to day dream about that being me. The problem was I didn’t have anyone who wanted to go with me, not on longer hikes especially. I let that dictate my dreams until I did a Spartan Race. Coming from a past where I was in an abusive relationship really did a number on my confidence. I felt weak, and didn’t really think I could do much on my own. It’s crazy how even now, I struggle with that self doubt sometimes. BUT after that race, I realized how strong I was, I realized that there were obstacles I was passing up dudes on. If I could do that, there was no reason I couldn’t get out and hike by myself. So I started.

Embarrassing Moment

Before you go out by yourself, I’d like to share the most memorable mistake I’ve made in the past. Everyone has to start somewhere, why not let you learn from my mistakes instead of make them yourself.

After running my first Spartan Race, I decided I wanted to earn my trifecta and began training. After running and getting comfortable with some longer distances I decided to go for a trail run at a place I’d been before. The plan was to run 10 miles. A wrong turn later and I was 12 miles in, unsure if I was choosing the right fork back to my car, and my phone had a teeny bit of battery life remaining… So there I was, in my early 30’s, calling my mom to help me find myself on a map. That was a scary time for me. I hadn’t seen a single person on the trail for a few miles, and all I could see was trees and trail surrounding me. Sure, I could have backtracked all the way back but REALLY didn’t want to go all those miles again if I didn’t have to. My knee was already toast. #LessonLearned

I dropped a juicer on my toe a few days before this trip, I still think I should have had stitches. I was too pumped to get back out on the trail, not even that stopped me!

Mom checking in!

What did I learn with that lesson? Be better prepared! These are the things I don’t leave home without making sure I have, or have left behind.

My Safety First Checklist:

Share the plan- After mapping out my trek, whether it be downloading the map on AllTrails, or researching it online, I always share my itinerary with someone. My husband, my mom, and it’s even recommended you leave your hiking plan under the driver seat of your car.
GPS- I have a Garmin Inreach Explorer+ that I take if I’m going alone. I also take it if I’m going on longer trips, or where I won’t likely have cell phone coverage. There’s something about having a little tracker that you can press the SOS button on, it’s sort of like a comfort blanket. It’s also nice that it sends your location out so family can see where you’re at.
FULLY charged cell phone- I have learned that keeping my phone on airplane mode still allows your GPS tracking to work on pre-downloaded maps, while also preserving battery life. I almost always carry an extra battery pack, or a solar powered charger, for those just- in-case-my-battery dies moments. That’s usually on longer hikes though.
Pocketknife- The reason for this is rather obvious. Protection. If you’re like me and love your Leatherman, I hate to break it to you, it’s better to have a smaller, easy to open knife. As handy as that nail file is when you break a nail, it’s difficult to open under stress or in a hurry.
Pepper spray- I carry it when I run, I carry it when I hike. It’s just another safety precaution. Remember to keep it where you can access it easily, not zipped up in a pocket.

That’s it?

When I’m hiking I obviously carry a lot more with me than those few things. I can share what I carry with me on day hikes, and on longer hikes another day. But as a lady, I feel the others are requirements, even if it is mostly for helping me feel stronger and safer out there by myself.

Not ready to go hiking by yourself quite yet? Look up local hiking groups in your area, there’s tons of them! If you’d like to join me on a hike, send me a message. As much as I love the solitude of solo hiking, there’s nothing quite like the giggling and camaraderie that comes with venturing out in the wilderness with others.