The Lighter Side

So the weather is great the sun is out and there isn’t a cloud in the sky, you are feeling fit and taking this hike in your stride, you have the whole mountain to yourself……… or so you thought. You look behind you and a group of hikers is gaining fast. “Damn it” you mutter, no one likes been hounded on the hills. You have two options push yourself harder to outrun them or let them catch up and overtake you……… that isn’t a nice feeling. Ok so you know you can’t outrun them but you don’t want to be overtaken so what do you do?? Let them pass you but make it look like you had a reason to stop other than the fact that your lungs are about to explode and you haven’t felt your feet in the last twenty minutes.  How?

·         Stop and redo your laces, an oldie but a goodie.

·         Stop and take some photos, landscape not selfies.

·         Double-check your map, double-edged sword here as they may ask if you are lost or need help.

·         Stop and pretend you are engrossed in sending a text message.

·         Become an emotional mess on the side of the hill, nobody wants to deal with that and will walk on by…………. Only use in extreme circumstances.

I’ve been overtaken by people twice my age, there is no shame in it…………ok I lie there is a bit of shame in it but that’s a fact of life so to compensate for it I use the above tips to make myself feel better. Have fun and enjoy yourself, in my experience the people I’ve met on the hill are some of the nicest people, I have ever met.