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When I hike, I start the watch when I leave the trailhead and stop it upon my return...is that how everyone else who times their hikes does it? I was just curious if anybody stops and restarts their watch at rest breaks/snacks/photos etc...just curious..

nessanails wrote: I will try to make it without stopping.

I question the sanity of trying to make it without stopping

I am sure I don't need to rest near as often as I do. But I see breaks as an essential part of hiking. When else do you get to examine flora or fauna, or take in a breath-taking vista?
(that and, as far as I am conncerned, if you need to take breaks you're hiking to fast)

I count my time from the moment I hit the trailhead to the moment I hit the trailhead, breaks and everything, after all I'm not running a marathon...

I just go.........and eventually come back, the watch stays in the truck. The comeback is always slower than the go.....it is rather nice to set up camp when the sun is still up, although I have to admit I have misjudged my trekking speed and condition a few times, and ended up with a very lumpy sleeping spot :yuk:

When trying to get in shape for what I call a major hike....(15 miles + 1 way) then I may time myself just to see what time I will need to start to reach my destination.....other than that, I hike for the scenery, the relaxation of just being out there.......I'm not in a hurry to get to point B. I may find a nice overlook or a good shade tree or swimming hole. It is rather fruitless for me to time my hike, I leave on friday and return on sunday, or monday if I'm real whooped.

If I'm out hiking by myself, it's for the purpose of exercise, and its during these trips that I simply blaze up and down the trail with little stops to none, depending on the distance and intensity of the hike. When I hike with friends and Family, I stop and take pictures, rest, and take in the scenery:-) Hiking solo I time myself on short trails, like Camelback or South Mountain, I use those hikes mainly for leg and cardio workouts.

The Granite Mtn trail up here in Prescott is a good one to time yourself on, it has a pretty good elevation change. ANY improvement on time is a great improvement, and also if you are able to increase your distance is an accomplishment.!! I encounter many people huffing and puffing on that one, including myself.......the trails around here are endless, you can hike as far as you want, and have the stamina for. I have found many a person here who has suddenly realized that when they decide they are tired and want to turn around.....they are only half way done with the hike.....most many trails don't loop and you must backtrack to return.

hoppy47m wrote:The Granite Mtn trail up here in Prescott is a good one to time yourself on, it has a pretty good elevation change. ANY improvement on time is a great improvement, and also if you are able to increase your distance is an accomplishment.!! I encounter many people huffing and puffing on that one, including myself.......the trails around here are endless, you can hike as far as you want, and have the stamina for. I have found many a person here who has suddenly realized that when they decide they are tired and want to turn around.....they are only half way done with the hike.....most many trails don't loop and you must backtrack to return.

I am going to have to try this one :-) thanks for suggesting it.

You're welcome Billy, I think you will enjoy the views and there is a nice little lake at the trail head.....