Hiking, How Did I Start?

Walking The World

I have been walking long distances since 2009. It's a kind of addiction that I can't get rid of. I have walked in several countries, namely: The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Singapore, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Ecuador, Cuba and Belgium. These are the countries where I have walked at least 1 walk longer than 15 km.

Walking Is Addictive

Walking 15 km or more means walking for 3 hours or more. This means that I have all the time to let all my thoughts go through my head and at some point it becomes quiet and I walk even longer than the ideas come. I am especially addicted to the ideas that come to my mind while walking.

The Hidden Beauty Of Silence

I like to walk through nature whenever possible and that means that I walk through the silence of nature and beautiful pieces of nature. This way I can still see some of the nature of a country. I discover The Netherlands in a completely different way.

The Walking Pain

Nowadays after a long walk I have a bit of stiffness and I am tired, but in the beginning it was really different. Everything really hurt in the beginning and every step seemed one too many. I needed a little perseverance to persevere and achieve longer walks. Even on the *Camino I have pains, but the next day they are gone after half an hour walk.

How Did I Start Walking?

As with anything new I start with, it's helpful to start in small steps. But before I start I make sure I buy good walking shoes and I don't mean expensive walking shoes, but good walking shoes that fit my feet well. I have tried a few and got good advice in stores and from other hikers and a hiking coach.

Make Sure I Have Layers

After having my shoes and clothes I make sure I have layers on. The layer system comes in handy when I hike a bit and get warm and can pull one layer off. The same goes the other way after a hike it is important that I keep my muscles warm by putting on an extra layer that is covered. 

The Starting Kms

Start with short distances think of 5-10 km. It will take between 1 – 2,5 hours. Walk at a pace that is comfortable. Everyone has a different pace and in the beginning, this is lower than later. I can walk around my neighborhood or walk to the center to start. If things go well, try one of the many hiking routes in The Netherlands. Take a short one first to avoid straining or getting blisters. And build on this.

Do I Still Like It, More And More? 

I look at my holiday destination to see if there is a nice walk nearby. And if I really like it, I go on a walking holiday. Keep in mind that I will make several walks in such a walking holiday. This can be from every day to a few times in the period of my vacation. 

A Step Further Is Becomming A Pelgrim

It becomes a real challenge when I go on a pilgrimage, this is possible in many countries in the world. Such pilgrimage paths are very demanding, but are well worth the challenge, give them a try.

*I hiked the camino to think about what I wanted further from life and Databeet, not to party like some do on the Camino. I talked while hiking with my fellow hikers, but did not party with them or others. I am not a party animal and liked the quietness and calmness of the camino. 

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