It’s tough getting older. My lifelong love of the outdoors and desire to be outside has not changed, however, my body has. In my mind, I’m 29—I think I can do anything at any time. But my 60-something body says otherwise. Everything hurts more. Discomfort and pain from years of wear and tear on the knees, shoulders, back and other body parts slows me down a bit.
I got a reality check last summer when I signed up for a 4-day backpacking trip in Yosemite. I wanted so badly to get out for an adventure since I hadn’t backpacked in almost 8 years. My young mind told me “you can get in shape in 3 weeks!” But when I did training hikes and added more and more weight to my back, my body rebelled and my back seized up.
I had forgotten that just a year earlier I was in the ER with severe back pain from a herniated disk and have been plagued with back pain on and off since. Needless to say, I had to pull out of the trip and was very disappointed in myself.
Another lesson learned: there’s a big difference between hiking and backpacking. I was unrealistic to think that I could get in backpacking shape in 3 weeks—that’s my younger mind taking over and my body not cooperating. And the doubt creeps in that I will never be able to do some of the things I’ve wanted to.
So I have accepted a new mantra: “a new normal.” What was normal when I was younger is different now. My new normal allows me to still do lots of things, but I have to work a little harder and do it a little slower.
My new normal has actually been a benefit. I feel more connected to nature now than ever because I have learned to slow down and really engage my senses. You go a little slower, but stop and smell the roses and see and feel things you maybe didn’t notice before.
Since hiking is my favorite form of exercise, I used to power hike. I would just barrel up hills and see how fast I could hike a trail. In doing this, you miss a lot of details. Now, I go out with intention to enjoy my surroundings. And since I am a photographer, having a camera in my hand is forcing me to slow down, to observe, and I have been getting more incredible pictures.
Living in the Sierras and in my profession, I have met and been inspired by many older women who are still out there hiking, biking, backpacking, and doing what they love. I’ve always wanted to know their secret. As I have aged, I think I might know— never stop moving!
The most important thing for an aging body is keeping fit. These women I meet are being active every day, doing some kind of movement exercise. For me, I’ve realized that walking and hiking is not enough now to stay strong. I need strength training to keep my muscles and bones strong so I can put a backpack on again.
When I turned 50, I was in my best shape ever because I trained all year to climb Mt. Whitney. Since I will be 60 this year, I need to find a big goal to train for– that will push me and motivate me to get in incredible shape again.
I have accepted a new normal and that still offers me plenty of outdoor experiences to pursue which ultimately makes me the happiest.