I’m writing this blog to explain why I have forfeited my backpacking challenge. Earlier in June, I was invited on a backpacking trip to hike to Mount Langley, a popular Eastern Sierra 14er. I was invited by a friend the day I got home from a weekend in Yosemite National Park. With an early summer backpacking trip at Hetch Hetchy, I encountered some of the muddiest sections of the trail. I knew I’d need new shoes soon.
My shoes were loosing traction since I had yet to replace them this summer. For that, I was nervous for Mount Langley, as it would be my 3rd California 14er. I wanted to make sure I had good traction, so I purchased new shoes before our backpacking trip. At the time, REI did not have my favorite Altra Lone Peaks in stock. Desperate for new shoes, I opted for the Altra Timp 5s.
We made it 6 miles on the first day . As we were looking for a campsite, I tripped on a rock and twisted my ankle pretty bad. Yet, I remained hopeful for a summit the next day. I did not realize the mileage we had to cover to successfully summit Mount Langley. The next morning, my ankle was not feeling any better. We elevated my ankle and iced it with snow. After that, we decided it was best to hike out while I was still capable of walking.
Recovery was slow. It was the first time I dealt with any sort of ankle injury, and boy did it suck. Adhering to RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevate) for nearly 2 months. I’d successfully backpack Deer Lakes Loop for my birthday one month later. It was great. I was doing small day hikes for content without any issues. When I was invited for a week-long section, I felt beyond excited. I’d join a good friend as she started Northbound on the John Muir Trail. I shared the news with friends and family. I also posted on my social media about this week-long section hike I had been looking forward to.
Not even one mile into our 75-mile section, did I twist my damn ankle again. SAME trail. SAME ankle. TWO months later. Everything happened so quickly. It ended before I could soak in the trail time we did enjoy together. It’s been nearly 2 months since re-injuring my ankle. I’m being a lot more serious about recovery. I’m just trying to take it easy. Shit sucks, but I understand my body needs time to recover. I also ditched the Timps and am back in Lone Peaks where my feet belong. After doing some quick research on the shoes, I concluded that the Timps have more cushion. They are also slightly higher off the ground than the Lone Peaks.
It was a solid 6 months- from February to July but I failed this challenge. I must remember the 75 Hard Challenge I completed earlier this year. It was a time I have never felt so disciplined, healthy, and inspired. I feel the call to do that again.
I’ll be spending this downtime to brush up on my wilderness first aid. I’ll also review recovery tips for a bummed ankle. I hear carrying KT tape is really helpful for these situations. I recently picked up this red light therapy cupping device. I’d like to think it’s helping the tension in my legs. Do you have any tips for a bummed ankle? I’d gladly take em!
Things I’ve Learned From Forfeiting My Monthly Backpacking Challenge
- Your body will tell you when it needs rest. It’s important to listen and take care of yourself.
- Learning to navigate setbacks can strengthen your ability to bounce back.
- Embracing imperfection and understanding that not everything will go as planned.
- Day hiking is actually fun!
Final thoughts…
Forfeiting a challenge due to injury sucks. It’s important to listen to your body and take the time it needs to properly heal and recover. As hard as it can be for me to sit still, I have learned that day hiking is fun too. Not every hiking trip needs to be a backcountry adventure. Backpacking has my whole heart. I’ll be back soon.
Check out some of my other posts for backpacking preparation and inspiration:
Watch 6 months of backpacking on Instagram.
