Yes! I take walks on my days off! (Well, at least on gorgeous days like this!) I learned the hard way some time ago that this was a sure-fire remedy for staying flexible, strong, and energized. Hiking long trails in the past such as the Appalachian trail, I would erroneously think that taking extended time off [not hiking] would give my feet, knees, and joints ample time to recover and heal while I lolled around trail side hostels stuffing my face with junk food.
Time and time again, I would find that when I got back on trail, particularly after resupplying and had an extra heavy load, that I would be even more sore and tired than ever. At first it seemed counterintuitive to take walks while I was “resting from hiking,” but… now I get it. As an Appalachian Trail RidgeRunner in the Smokies, I am backpacking four days a week, February to November. And yes… I take gentle walks as often as I can on my days off from the trail, to keep my muscles and tissues stimulated, supple, and feeling stronger after strenuous days on trail. Plus, duuuuhhh… I’m totally addicted. lol
Thru-hikers totally get it. Zero days on a long trail are a sacred art… part lounging, part laundry, part eating your body weight in town food… but don’t let the lure of a motel bed turn you into a human burrito all day. A short, leisurely walk on your days off helps keep your muscles from seizing up like a rusty tent zipper and aids in digestion (because let’s be honest, we all eat way too much off trail… hiker hunger is for realz!). Plus, a stroll to check out town, stretch your legs, or hunt down the best homemade piece of pie is a gentle reminder that movement is magic—even when you’re resting. So go forth, hobble gracefully, and embrace the art of the lazy walk. Your trail legs will thank you.
