A friend introduced me to hiking. She and her boyfriend took me up a mountain called Mt Dickerman. I was somewhere in my late forties I think. Remember not thinking I could get up the mountain. I was pretty heavy back then.
However, with determination and grit I made it to the top and ever since have been hitting those mountains every week seven months of the year.
Body vs Mind
The fact is you are stronger than you think. Your body will tell you that you are done, but the fact is you have twenty times more left in you. Your body is just confused and you have to let your mind control it.
Navy Seals will tel you the is one of the things they learned in BUDs. You can always do far more than you think you can.
Sitting On The Couch
I have people tell me that they climbed such and such a mountain and when I asked them when they say back when they were in their 20s. Now they sit on the couch and talk about what they used to do.
If you are in your 60s or 70s get out into the mountains at least twice a month. You can start with an easy hike and work your way up. Sitting on the couch just doesn’t cut it. You are stronger than you think.
Make the Decision
If you are heavier than you want to be and your medical numbers are not what they should be then get yourself out on the trail. It is the best exercise you will ever get. However, the number one thing that will get you there is making a decision.
Once you make the decision you cut off the couch and all it represents. You become s hiker! Maybe you will become a mountaineer or a trail runner. But the is the future. For now jut make that first decision and get off the couch!