150+ Miles, Why I Hike So Much

I love hiking because it challenges me. Physically, I need to work hard to complete hikes, and mentally, I have to believe in my ability to go on long, strenuous hikes. I also love the views along the way. In the past year, hiking took on a different meaning for me.

I’ve increased my hiking adventures tenfold in this past year. I started off in 2021 with an ACL reconstruction surgery. I was heartbroken because the recovery time of 9+ months took me out of the sport I love, soccer. The beginning months were the hardest because I had little to no movement, and simple tasks were no longer easy. Rehab seemed to go by so slowly. I felt stuck and needed to find new ways to get exercise in.

The first thing that I gained back was to walk properly with balance. As I progressed and got the all-clear, I started moving my body by walking. I started with flat ground, then progressed to hills and uneven surfaces. I continued to build back the strength I lost from surgery and muscle atrophy. At 3 months post-op, I completed my first full hike. It was slow and very challenging, but I trusted my strength and took all of the necessary precautions.

Hike: Lena Lake, Mt. Olympic National Park

May 15, 2021 - Completed Lena Lake hike.

7-miles - 1,630 ft elevation gain

Out & Back

I remember being both tired and thrilled that I found my way to incorporate movement in my life again. I found something I really enjoyed (nearly equivalent to soccer). And from there on, I haven’t stopped.

From May 2021 till January 2022, I have hiked 45 hikes and over 150 miles.

Unfortunately, I have to go through surgery again. This time it’s been a huge mental battle. To think that I worked so hard to build everything back up again, and I came so close to playing soccer again and another setback. But - get ready for my cheesy metaphor - I’ll just have to hike over it just like all those other mountains I climbed. I love hiking because it challenges me, well, ACL rehab will challenge me once more, and I’ll learn to love that too.

I am looking forward to the most is beating my hiking score of 45 hikes and 150 miles this year.