HOW TO GO
What: Get Out and Go! Taylorsville MetroPark Hike, a fast-paced, conditioning hike through hilly wooded terrain and along the Great Miami River
When: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30
More info: www.daytonhikers.org or www.miamivalleyoutdoorclub.org.
They started as impromptu hikes about five years ago, with a few friends and a bit hit or miss.
That was then.
The hiking group that Sharon Mullins formally pulled together three years ago will celebrate its anniversary on Tuesday. While individual hikers have missed a day or two over the years, members of the group have been hiking every Tuesday night at Taylorsville MetroPark for the past three years.
“Rain, snow, sleet, we’re there,” the Vandalia hiker said. “We’re all avid backpackers and hikers and when you’re on the trail, you can’t choose the conditions, so we go out no matter what.”
Accountability, encouragement and camaraderie are just a few of the benefits of group exercise and the Get Out and Go! group that meets up at Taylorsville MetroPark knows firsthand how beneficial these group hikes can be. And then, of course, there is the conditioning.
Conditioning
It’s no cakewalk for these hikers. The description of the Tuesday hikes on the Dayton Hikers website mentions “fast-paced” more than once for a reason.
“We’re really pushing more than 4 miles per hour,” Mullins said. “Lately we’ve been doing about 4.5 miles in less than an hour. It’s definitely a brisk conditioning hike.
“It’s not a traditional, casual hike, we don’t wait for people.”
That’s exactly why Hank Trimble of Dayton started hiking with the group, which is comprised of members of both the Dayton Hikers and the Miami Valley Outdoor Club.
“I started to help get in shape for a Grand Canyon backpack trip I was going to take,” Trimble said. “It really is geared for training. It’s definitely strenuous.”
While it isn’t designed for beginners, some intermediate hikers might appreciate the challenge.
“We have some people with the group who couldn’t keep up with us when they first came out and now they’re right with us,” Mullins said. “It’s very empowering when you set a goal and reach it.”
The group has about 10 regulars but sometimes has close to 20 hikers in the mix.
Camaraderie
While fitness was Trimble’s primary goal when the 51-year-old started hiking with the group, the social benefits of the hikes soon became apparent.
“The social part is really important,” he said. “You look forward to seeing each other.”
In fact, these hikers turned friends are now more like family according to Mullins.
“We really provide emotional support for each other,” Mullins said. “We all have our struggles but the support system we’ve established is pretty amazing. I’ve had people tell me it’s the best part of their week.”
Escape
A tough day at the office, a hectic night with the kids — it’s easy to push it aside on the trail.
“It’s a great way to escape from the rest of the world,” Mullins said. “It’s such a positive thing — physical activity, plus emotional support from all these people.”
And then there’s the beauty of the park and the challenge of the terrain.
“It changes all year,” Trimble said. “It can be challenging with the snow and the ice in the winter and a muddy mess in the spring, but it’s a great experience no matter what season it is.”
It’s also a perfect opportunity to disconnect. No cellphones, e-mail or texts to deal with.
“There are no distractions so you really get to know people,” Mullins said.
Get started
While the taxing Tuesday Taylorsville hike isn’t for everyone, Mullins’ model would work well for rookie or experienced hikers alike.
Consistency is the key to success.
“By having a set night, with a set time, at a consistent park, people get into a routine and it’s easier to deal with because it becomes a part of your week,” she said. “Anybody can start a group like this.”
Pick a convenient location, somewhere close to work or home. The Five Rivers MetroParks website (www.metroparks.org) is a good resource to get started finding hiking trails in the area.
Having a goal is also important. Serious conditioning doesn’t have to be the objective, maybe it’s just getting off the couch, spending time with friends, getting outside or dropping a few pounds.
“Setting goals for yourself is so important and it’s something most people don’t do very often,” Mullins said. “It’s about being the best you can be.”
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