Both beginners and hiking veterans sometimes ponder whether 200 miles of hiking in 5 months is too long. There is no exact answer to this, it depends on the person taking the action.
Understanding the Distance
200 miles sounds like a long way, in considering the distance spread evenly over each month, that's roughly 40 miles a month of hiking. If you spread the 40 miles evenly over each day, that's 1.33 miles a day. Do you think the hiking distance is too long? Or do you think that about 1.33 miles a day is insignificant for you?
Comparison of beginner, intermediate and advanced Hikers
Everyone is at a different place in the hiking world, and the next section will explore the perceptions of each tier of hikers about hiking 200 miles in 5 months.
- Typically a novice hiker can sustain a hike of about 2 miles. For beginners, hiking 200 miles in 5 months is a major test. It requires patience and faith. You need to hike every day at a determined pace, even when your muscles are full of lactic acid. I believe the key factor in achieving the goal is to keep getting out more often.
- For intermediate hikers with some long distance hiking experience, 200 miles may be a comfortable and low challenge type of ordeal. The more experienced can hike around 10 miles a day and all they need to be concerned about is the changing climate of the natural environment and the rough trail conditions they face on their journey.
- Advanced hikers, those with extensive hiking experience, can usually hike up to 20 miles a day. 200 miles is a trivial amount for them, and can even be accomplished in 10 days. They can enjoy the scenery along the trail as much as possible while staying safe and enjoying the cleansing of the body and mind in nature.
How to improve your hiking skills
If you feel that 200 miles is too short a distance and need to go further. Here are tips to help you improve:
- Increase Endurance: Instead of running 5 miles a day, increase to 7 miles. Increase your running distance appropriately each day and each week, and over time you will run farther and more easily.
- Record data: recording data is vital. You need to keep track of your walking time and distance through a journal or walking software so that you can analyze the data to scientifically improve yourself.
- Rest and Recovery: Proper rest can go a long way in avoiding injuries. On rest days, you should hydrate and nourish your body to keep it in a relaxed state for better recovery.
- Hiking with friends: It's hard to be alone, so hiking with friends can cheer each other up and keep you laughing while walking longer distances.
- Stay safe: Challenging yourself is important, but safety always comes first. It's important to stay physically safe and stock up on safety equipment (food, drinks, flashlights, first aid kit, GPS, etc.) during your trek.
Bonus tip: Enhance your hiking experience with alpaca hiking socks
As you gear up for your next hike, the right socks can make all the difference. Whether you're hiking on a flat country road or a rocky mountain trail, alpaca hiking socks offer a number of advantages over traditional socks.
- Super absorbent: Alpaca wool has unparalleled moisture wicking performance, which can expel the sweat generated by exercise rapidly, ensuring that your feet are dry during the journey.
- performance in cold environments: alpaca socks are the warmest being in the sock world, which can guarantee you continuous warmth in winter or hiking at high altitude.
- Durability: Alpaca socks are extremely durable and can withstand all kinds of harsh environments without fraying or pilling.
The benefits of hiking 200 miles in 5 months
The physical benefits of walking 200 miles in five months are obvious and will lift your spirits. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing milestones will motivate you to be more patient and persistent. Regular hiking also improves your health, and proper hiking releases anxiety and adjusts your mindset.
Conclusion
Is 200 miles of hiking in 5 months a lot? The answer depends on whether or not you've put your foot down. I think everyone can do it and get a lot out of the hike.
