Pace Guide

Our events are geared towards fitness and conditioning, and it is important to only sign up for hikes that match your current physical ability and desired pace. We strongly recommend starting with Beginner, Social, or “Hike Your Own Pace” hikes before signing up for our Fitness, Cardio, or Speed Hikes. We also suggest trying shorter distances before signing up for long hikes. This will allow you to gauge which pace is right for you. You are expected to be able keep up with the pace set by the event leader (except where noted). This also means that those that want to go faster are responsible for waiting for the event leader. Breaking up the group by going faster or slower than the designated pace may put you or others at risk, and causes issues for the hike leader.

Comparing the pace in the event description with the following pace information should give you an idea of the plan for that particular hike. The distance, type of terrain, etc. are also listed in the hike description.

-       BEGINNER FRIENDLY HIKES (Easy to Moderate Pace):  Beginner pace hikes are designed to be inclusive for beginners and slower hikers. They are a good introduction to our group. We hike the pace of the slower hikers in attendance and wait up a bit when needed. Experienced hikers are invited to join in for support and encouragement, but MUST be willing to keep this beginner friendly pace. Please note: The pace is beginner friendly. You do still need to be in condition to hike the prescribed distance and terrain without the need for rest breaks. The hike distance for beginner hikes is usually less than 4 miles.

-       GO YOUR OWN PACE (All Paces Welcome): Go your own pace events are good for all paces and a good way for you to test your ability. For “go your own pace” walks and hikes we meet at the beginning to get started. Then everyone hikes at their own pace according to their own ability and goals. Many hikers will stick together as a group or break into smaller groups. However, you should be prepared to hike on your own and find you own way if you wish to go a slower or faster pace. All paces are welcome as long as you are able to hike the required distance and terrain. We meet at the finish to visit and stretch prior to heading home. If you know you will be far behind please be sure to notify the event leader.

-       SOCIAL PACE (Most Abilities Welcome): Social pace events are good for most abilities. These hikes are a bit more casual pace than our fitness pace hikes with a few stops for taking photos or viewing scenery. Since we are an exercise group we don’t have these hikes very often, but will have them on occasion when going to a new or very scenic location. Most hikers are welcome as long as you can hike the planned terrain and distance without having to take breaks.

-       FITNESS PACE (Fast):  Fitness pace means we’re hiking at a brisk pace. The pace for these hikes usually falls between 19 and 22 minutes per mile. On a perfect day with the right participants it could be a bit faster, and in difficult conditions (heat, slippery trail, difficult terrain, etc.) it could be a bit slower. This pace is likely to feel like a moderately challenging workout for most people who walk/hike/run for fitness on a regular basis and are in good condition. The pace may be too fast for many beginners and slower walkers. We do slow up occasionally to regroup, but we should never have to wait more than a few seconds. If you cannot maintain “fitness” pace for the full hike distance please decline from attending these events.

-       CARDIO PACE (Faster): Our cardio pace hikes are similar to fitness pace hikes, but just a bit faster. The pace usually falls between 17 and 19 minutes per mile. This pace is likely to feel like a challenging workout for most people who walk/hike/run for fitness on a regular basis and are in good condition. This level of hike is best for members who regularly participate in our fitness pace hikes and are ready for an extra challenge, and those that are naturally very fast hikers. If you cannot maintain “cardio” pace for the full hike distance please decline from attending these events.

-       BACKPACK CONDITIONING HIKE (All Paces): Backpack conditioning hikes are the same as go your own pace hikes, except we are carrying our loaded overnight backpacks. These are scheduled as conditioning for those that plan to participate in overnight backpacking events on their own or with the group. All hikers go the pace best for them and should be prepared to find their own way. (Hikers are not required to carry a backpack to attend. Just understand that those carrying this extra weight will likely go slower than they do on our other types of hikes.)

-       BACKPACK EVENTS: Our overnight backpacking events range from moderate to difficult with a variety of terrain and distances. These events may not be suitable for all hikers. Read complete event info prior to requesting a spot. We do request that you come out and meet us for some of our day hikes prior to signing up for backpacking events. The event leader will approve your attendance based on your event participation and their understanding of your hiking ability and backpacking knowledge. The leader may also contact you with a few questions before approval. Communication with the event leader is mandatory for approval.

Backpacking events and backpack conditioning events are the only events designed for carrying an overnight backpack. Other events require a lighter load such as a small camelbak, waist pack, or light day pack.