A New Story: Going Down is Harder

Other than playing soccer as a child and softball in middle and high school, Julie never really played sports.  More than anything, she played sports because her siblings did.  She never wanted to lift weights.  She was perpetually dieting to maintain her weight but did like to eat fruits and vegetables.  All things considered, how hard could a hike through the woods be?  You walk, which is something she’s done for nearly 28 years, and you have a backpack with snacks and water.  Simple, right?  So why was she nervous?

She had never hiked in the woods before.  While the park was familiar, the trails were not.  Other than walking by a couple of the trail heads, she had never seen them before.  For Julie, parks were for picnics and sun.  Today would be a new experience. 

John arrived in his jeep with Bethany and Marucs on time at 6:00 in the morning.  She was the last stop since her apartment was closest to the park.  Julie finished putting her hair into a ponytail and walked out the door, slinging her backpack over one shoulder.  The temperature was 45 degree F with a few clouds.  Julie wore tights, a long sleeve shirt and a jacket.  She wanted to keep the chill away since she didn’t like cold weather. 

As she walked up the sidewalk to the car, Bethany opened the door and got out to allow her access to the back seat next to Marcus.  Bethany held out her hand and said, “Hi, I’m Bethany.  Is that what you’re wearing?”

“Well, uh, yes.  Is there something wrong?”

“Well, not unless you like sweating.  It may be cool now but we’ll be going up the big hill and, with carrying your backpack, you’ll be warm soon enough.  Do you have a cooler clothes in your backpack?”

“No.” 

Turning to John, Bethany announced, “We’re going to get some more appropriate clothes.  Hang on guys.  We’ll be right back.”  With that, Bethany took Julie by the arm and the two started walking to Julie’s apartment.  Julie felt absolutely mortified.  She was delaying the group because of her stupidity.  She protested saying, “Its ok.  I’ll be ok.  I have plenty of water and snacks.  Besides, I don’t want to be the reason we are late getting started.”

“It’s not that big of a deal if we don’t start hiking at the planned time.  Your comfort while hiking is.  You need to dress in layers.  If you are hot, you take a layer off.  If you get cold, you put a layer on.  You bought those hiking boots for this hike didn’t you?”

Julie replied, “Yes, I got them last night.  But I got them big and am wearing two pair of socks like the guy at Outdoor World suggested.”  Was it that obvious she was new to all of this? 

“That’s good but they aren’t broke in.  You could still get blisters.”

Once in Julie’s apartment, Bethany went through Julie’s backpack and advised what was needed and not necessary.  Julie was feeling very small when Bethany looked Julie in the eye and said, “Don’t worry about this.  I don’t mind that you don’t know everything.  I’ve been doing this kinda stuff as long as I can remember.  I love the outdoors and I want you to too.  With this change of clothes and bringing some backup shoes, you will enjoy the day.  Then we will all enjoy it too.”

After waiting in the jeep for fifteen minutes, chatting, John said, “Maybe we should see what the delay is.”

“I don’t know what her apartment is.”

“That would be important wouldn’t it?  Let me send Bethany a text.  What could they be doing?”

About that time, the girls were walking up the sidewalk.  Bethany had a contented look on her face but Julie wore her embarrassment.  After getting into her seat, Julie sheepishly said, “Sorry bout the delay guys.” 

Marcus replied, “You got everything you need?”

Bethany said, “Yep, we are ready to go.”

Toward the end of the hike, Julie could feel blisters beginning to form on her left heal and pinkie toe on her right foot.  Also, the ends of her toes felt squished.  She thought back to the beginning of the hike.  The trail went uphill for nearly a mile and her thighs burned.  Her breathing was labored and the sweat was running down her face.  The two couples had paired off by this time.  Marcus asked if she was okay and she nodded in affirmation.  Then he added, “We are almost to the top but going down is harder.”  She didn’t believe him.

Now she believed him.  Muscles are used differently going down than going up. After the exhaustion of going up, Julie’s body didn’t want to deal with going down.  Each step seemed to pound her body.  Her ankles, knees, calves and thighs all hurt.   The woods were thick and Julie couldn’t tell how much further the end was.  She wished every bend in the trail would reveal the parking lot. 

When they finally arrived at the car, John announced it was time for a picnic.  Finally, there was something Julie wanted to do.