Discover Your Strength

You discover your strength when you set yourself a physical challenge in the outdoors.

There’s nothing like a physical challenge, such as a multi-day trek, to lull you out of your routine. That “oh sh*t” moment when you realise what you’ve just signed up to.

A trek or hike can test your physical strength in different ways:

• Hours per day – how long can you walk for or stay on your feet?
• Number of days – how many days in a row are you happy to trek for?
• Terrain – how difficult is the trail?
• Conditions – expected weather or snowy, icy conditions that you might face?
• Altitude – how high are you going?
• Backpack weight – how much do you need to carry?
• Contingency – how much strength do you have in reserve if something doesn’t go to plan?

So it’s important to find out what your adventure entails and what you’ll need to be successful. This could entail anything from getting the right physical training to eating the right food on the trail to keep your energy levels up. It will no doubt require mental strength as well. There’s nothing like an upcoming challenge to motivate yourself to get training! Often you learn a lot in the process.

You can surprise yourself when you discover your strength and how much you actually have. It’s also incredibly satisfying having completed an outdoor challenge where you’ve given it your all and succeeded in reaching your goal.

Discover Your Strength on Treks

We have enjoyed training for the various treks that we’ve done. Of course it’s an incentive to get fit and healthy, but it’s also motivating to have a goal to train for. In recent years we discovered the value of Strength training to best prepare for a trek. We also found that trekking is both a physical and mental challenge, especially in the Himalayas.

While we train as much as we can, it’s not until you hit the trail that you prove to yourself what you can do. We’ve encountered all the challenges listed above – and more. Some particularly memorable treks were in Australia. The first time we’d carried fully loaded backpacks was on the 7-day hiking/camping trip through the Jagungal Wilderness. Then a month later, hiking up Hannels Spur – a steep ascent of 1800m, again with heavy backpacks.

What do you think?

• What has required you to call on your strength the most?
• Are you ready for your next big adventure?

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