Out of shape hikers unite!

[azphotofx]

Looking for other out of shape folks who want to hike and get in shape......Although I am 39 and look athletic, I have astma and tire easily....I want to work myself up to a higher level, but hate dragging others down. So, if you are a beginer, or out of shape and desire to go slow.....drop me a line and lets get organized. Don't be intimidated by others, if you enjoy hiking do it at the level that works for you....even if it is a mile!!! Adrienne

[MaryPhyl]

The older I get the more important it is to do little things between my hikes. And I mean little things...like when I heat my tea in the microwave I lift up and down on my toes without touching my heel to the ground for the time it takes the water to heat. Don't laugh. Get a empty gallon jug, fill with water and sit it on a towel. Drag back and forth with sideways motion of your foot to develop ankle strength. Works to limit injury. Little thing make a difference for ANY hiker. Most of the "hard Core" hikers started somewhere, and also need to do things to keep themselves on some functional level.

As you know ;) I live in a two story house. I go up and down half a dozen times on a slow day--twenty or more on a good one. I also have a nervous habit of moving my ankles around and flexing my toes--don't know why I do it but it sure helps.

[clesceri]

I am totally out of shape but I still try to go on a 3 or 4 hikes a month. It is my goal to get into shape but just can not find the time to do more hiking, which is a bummer. I do not know about you but I have been really enjoying the weather that we have been having lately for hiking.

[montezumawell]

Hey, clesceri, congrats on getting out 3-4 times per month! That's a LOT! HIKE ON!

J&S

[sassy66da]

That is so awesome that someone else feels the same way I do! I too am an out of shape hiker.. but I try to go on a hike 3-4 times a month. It kills me to go to the nearest mountain.. which I call the meet market (Squaw Peak).. but I always make it to the top and back.. despite the trafic I have behind me. I always move out of the way for the runnners.. who I think are crazy.. but envy them all the same.. But I will continue to hike and never let others intimidate me! Hike on!!

[Glitter]

Luckily I only live a couple of blocks from South Mountain or I would'nt be able to do half the hiking I do. But, I always plan a full day on Saturday or Sunday for a trail I have'nt done yet and take my sweet time. It's fun to push your limits sometimes, but I will save the pushing for a trail I've already hiked. Good luck and hope to see you out there.

[jeremy77777]

Just why is Squaw Peak called a "Meat Market"?

[montezumawell]

Well, since we aren't "of" The Meat Market, perhaps we might be qualified to explain it.

It seems that "hiking" has become a niche area in the "singles market."

The cliched means of meeting someone of the opposite sex once was the stereotypical alcohol-serving bar. Long, long ago, in a land far, far away, such bars became called "meat markets."

Yes, that is where people when to "meet" one another. But, in the practical parlance of the era, people were viewed simply as "meat." Men as "hunks." Women as...well, whatever.

Times change.

Now, for some really weird reason we don't fully understand, popular day-hike trails have begun to supplant singles bars as "meat markets."

In the singles bar sense, people of both sexes chose various strategies to show off their "assets," so to speak. Females wore various clothing (or lack thereof) and men wore various symbols of wealth and power. (Remember the gold chain era?) Hair style choices were also critical to proper "presentation" in those days.

Today, perhaps, the designation of Squaw Peak as a "meat market" is both hopeful and perplexing.
It would be where people would go to meet. The Intel Chairman's story is classic of this genre.
But it would also retain its classi "MEAT market" relevance.

Perhaps today, trim, fit young bodies covered in lycra and sporting the latest accessories pronouncing the bearer as "in the know," are a worthy replacement for the old paradigm.

Perhaps today, people in such "situations" or "scenarios" can have opportunities to explore possible meaningful relationships free from the fog of booze.

Question? Would you rather meet someone hiking at 11 a.m. or someone drinking rum at 11 p.m.?

This is how Squaw Peak became "entitled" to become a "meat market."

The precepts and concepts of the original "meat markets" are still operative. Only the locale, the clothing and, presumably, the physical fitness "admission fee" have changed.

In conclusion--Squaw Peak and other such "high usage" trails are clearly "meat markets."

Hopefully for the better.

Hope this helps.

J&S

Disclaimer: Opinions above are entirely speculative and solely those of their authors.

[joebartels]

Oh, then I'm going to the market. Be back in an hour

[Rodney]

Question? Would you rather meet someone hiking at 11 a.m. or someone drinking rum at 11 p.m.?

I often meet people while drinking rum at 11 p.m.(or 2:30 a.m.)...problem is, others aren't able to see them??

[cathymocha]

Just found this great string (for one recouping from injuries, etc.). Helpful for me. I know it was a long time ago, but thanks to the authors anyway.

:thanx:

[SedonaSerendipity]

My oldest daughter calls me a "weenie" hiker. I'll admit I have trouble keeping up with her, but I adore hiking! If any beginners or those that hike a little slower (and shorter distances) ever make it up to Sedona, let me know! :-)

[voodoodolly71]

My friend, Alison and i will be in Sedona Sat 5/24 & Sunday 5/25....we are looking for a fairly easy hike for avid beginners that will have maximum photo ops. Even though i have lots of Sedona pics, most are from the pull-outs on the road. Any suggestions for us??

[SedonaSerendipity]

Sorry for my delay in replying, I just got back from a trip to O'ahu and Maui (and some awesome hikes).

Some suggestions:

These are the two hikes I take almost anyone visiting Sedona...

Crescent Moon Creek Walk in the Crescent Moon Ranch State Park. This is where you can take the famous "Red Rock Crossing"/Baldwin Crossing picture. It is an easy hike (about 1 mile), most of it along side part of Oak Creek, and with some amazing views of Cathedral Rock.

West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. This is a beautiful stream side hike in the middle of an amazing canyon. You can hike the whole trail, which is about three miles or turn back at any point. Best to start this hike early in the day, as parking is limited. It is also nice to hike on a warmer day, as it is cooler and shaded in the canyon. This is a fairly easy hike, however you will cross over some streams (stepping on stones in the water), so not for very everyone.

Some others...

If you have four wheel drive or a vehicle that will tolerate some dirt roads (roads are normally good, but always depends on recent weather), I highly suggest Honanki. The hike is a little more than half a mile, but you will see some of the best Indian ruins in the area. You will also see some awesome red rock views driving to and from this hike.

A personal favorite is Soldiers Pass. If you take the hiking trail, it would be more of a moderate hike, especially if you hike the whole trail. Some great red rock views, Devil's Kitchen (huge sinkhole), Seven Sacred Pools, and if you hike the whole trail, an arch. For very beginners, I suggest taking a jeep tour to see all of these sites and you can still hike a little.

Parts of the Bell Rock Trail are easy and full of great red rock views. I'd just stay in the lower elevations of the hike. This is my favorite sunrise hike. The sun comes up behind and over the red rocks...breathtaking. My second favorite sunrise hike is Sunrise Trail. This is a very easy hike, but you see some excellent red rock views. (Best place for sunset is near the airport.)

Vultee Arch Trail is another fairly easy one. It is about 1 1/2 miles, but you do not have to go all the way to the arch. Depending on recent rain, it may be a creek side walk. The road to this hike can be a bit rough (again, depending on recent weather), best if you have a vehicle that does well on bumpy dirt roads.

Two other good easy hikes with some superb views are Coffee Pot and Andante Trails.

Be sure and at least drive through Oak Creek and Boynton Canyons!

I'd offer to help be your guide, but I fly to Venice on 5/24. If you need directions to any of these trails or suggestions on great places to eat, please feel free to contact me.

Have a great time!

[sahiker]

In response to azphotofx:

Hi, this is my first post here in the forum. I'd join you in a heartbeat. I'm an experienced, but out-of-shape, hiker and would love to do slower paced hikes to up my hiking fitness level. PM me if you'd like, I live north of Phoenix.

Sincerely
SA Hiker (South African Hiker)