2018 is almost here (at press) and like most of us you’re planning to tackle those new year resolutions. But also like many of us, you have a habit of not sticking to some or all of them for very long.
The key to success, is to tie your resolve to something that you love to do. And given that you’re on this website it’s safe to assume that you love to hike. Therefore, in order to set you off on the right path, the crew at Grindaholic pooled some of our own personal new year resolutions to put together a top five list that will inspire you (an avid hiker) to be even better in 2018, and beyond.
5 Fun to Follow New Year Resolutions for Hikers
1. HIKE DIFFERENT PLACES IN YOUR AREA
It’s easy to fall into the habit of hiking the same trail week after week, month after month, and year after year. This is especially true when you find yourself trying to beat the records of friends or some local legend such as our own Gerry Rahn who is certain to surpass 2000 Grouse Grinds hikes in 2018. But in order to evolve you must leave your comfort zone in the dust and head for uncharted territory (for you). If you live in BC, this is a relatively easy resolution to fulfill, even if the hikes themselves can be a challenge.
Start by sticking to hikes that are similar in required fitness level and terrain. For example, if you regularly hike the Grouse Grind, you’ll also enjoy (and be competent at) the BCMC, the Stawamus Chief, the Abby Grind, and Mount Cheam. If you plan on getting started right away, have a look at this list of top winter hikesin Greater Vancouver for inspiration. Wherever you live there is a bounty of trails and mountainsides you have yet to explore. Check them all off of your list in 2018.
2. IMPROVE YOUR HIKING FITNESS
One of the most popular new year resolutions is to get in better shape. Given that you’re a hiker you will want to gear the regime towards becoming more “hike fit”. In doing so, you will see an improvement in your performance on the mountain which will spur you on to stick to your new plan. Follow these three tips to improving your hiking fitness level, a regime that will also improve your overall health, wellness, and quality of life.
3. HIKE SOCIAL
Another popular new year resolution is to be more social and meet new people, perhaps even a romantic interest (where applicable). What better way to do so, than by connecting with others that share the same passion?
If your family and current circle of friends doesn’t quite have the same affinity for the great outdoors as you, there are hiking groups that you can join. If you live (or are visiting) the Greater Vancouver area then you’ve already found one – our Grouse Grind hiking group. The not-so-formally organized weekly meet-up is open to hikers of all skill levels, with the only strict requirement being that you come packed with positivity. Well, that and some good hiking shoes (etc).
If you can’t find a weekly hiking group in your locale, why not start one? We guarantee that there are others in the same boat just waiting for someone like you to take the initiative.
4. DO SOME GOOD, WHILE HIKING
Becoming a better person (the overall reason for new year resolutions) involves altruism, giving back to the community in some shape or form. Getting involved in a charitable event is a great way to get started on this path, and it is much easier to get excited about doing so when it is tied to something that you love to do.
While it is common to see marathons, biathlons, and triathlons connected to a cause, you may not know that there are some tied into popular local hikes. For instance, the Grindaholic gang gets involved in the annual Seek the Peak event (in support of the BC Cancer Foundation) that concludes with a grueling (but worth it!) climb up the Grouse Grind. If you’d like to join us (and fulfill an important new year resolution in the process) for this year’s Seek the Peak, contact us to learn more.
5. HIKE A FOREIGN LAND
Travel is another concept that lands on the list of new year “to dos” and so in 2018, focus your excursions on your favorite pastime.
Everybody knows the common expression “surf trip” but it’s time to stake our claim and make #hiketrip the more popular hashtag on Instagram. While an overseas journey to far-flung hiking destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, or South East Asia will deliver a hike of a lifetime, there are some pretty amazing places all over North America too. Destinations such as Yosemite National Park, Sedona (AZ), Death Valley (NV), and Big Sur (CA) are just the tip of a very big iceberg of hiking opportunity. Prep your passport and prepare to get out there and explore more in 2018.
Do you have any hiking-focused new year resolutions that you would like to share? Follow Grindaholic on Facebook, find this post, and leave a comment with your own suggestions – we’d love to hear from you!
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