I’m mid-forties and have hiked since I was a kid. Longest are probably a trip of 75 miles in 3 days, or the time I spent a month straight in the mountains—both when I was much younger.
I don’t really know how far I can hike now. Going slow and with some rest breaks, probably a long way? I wouldn’t hesitate to head up Old Rag (linked in another comment) if I started early in the day, for example.
Hiking “works” best when the act of walking is not the entire point. By that I mean, it’s way more enjoyable when you have beautiful scenery to look at, or companions to chat with, or an exciting destination, etc.
Even just heading out on a walk in the city, if I’m walking towards something I’m interested in, or I’m exploring a new area, or I’m walking with a friend, I can go for a long way. If I’m just counting miles, it’s going to be mentally harder.
I will say that the mentality of hiking develops with practice just like the muscles. With lots of practice you can learn to go into your thoughts and not focus on the feeling of physical exertion. This happens to runners too. For some people it helps to have music or a podcast in their ears.
I don’t really know how far I can hike now. Going slow and with some rest breaks, probably a long way? I wouldn’t hesitate to head up Old Rag (linked in another comment) if I started early in the day, for example.
Hiking “works” best when the act of walking is not the entire point. By that I mean, it’s way more enjoyable when you have beautiful scenery to look at, or companions to chat with, or an exciting destination, etc.
Even just heading out on a walk in the city, if I’m walking towards something I’m interested in, or I’m exploring a new area, or I’m walking with a friend, I can go for a long way. If I’m just counting miles, it’s going to be mentally harder.
I will say that the mentality of hiking develops with practice just like the muscles. With lots of practice you can learn to go into your thoughts and not focus on the feeling of physical exertion. This happens to runners too. For some people it helps to have music or a podcast in their ears.