Common Hiking Myths

Since 2005, Nina Gribetz has been teaching middle school math in New York City. As a teacher, department chair, and team leader at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School, she is responsible for not only teaching math and algebra, but planning department meetings. Outside of work, Nina Gribetz enjoys hiking.

There are several myths about hiking that beginners and even veterans continue to believe. Below are a few examples:

Old people use hiking poles
Many people dismiss hiking poles as something that is only used by old people. However, this equipment is hugely beneficial to hikers of any age. They relieve pressure of the knees and legs and help hikers maintain endurance. Using hiking poles also gives hikers better balance.

GPS is all hikers need
GPS gadgets, such as phones or other devices, are great for helping hikers find their way outdoors. Still, GPS should not be the only navigation equipment a person has. Not only are these devices prone to battery depletion, but glitches in the GPS network can render them useless and leave hikers unsure of where they are.

Hikers are always in great shape
Certain treks, such as mountaineering trips and long-distance hikes, require a good level of physical fitness. This does not mean all hikers have to be in good shape, though. Rather, individuals looking to lose some weight can use hiking as an exercise. When doing this, people should begin by completing short, steady hikes and gradually work their way up to greater challenges.

How You Can Motivate Yourself to Run

A math teacher and the chair of the Math Department at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School in New York, Nina Gribetz is responsible for helping teachers improve their classroom management and planning and teaching middle school math. An avid runner in her free time, Nina Gribetz has participated in several half marathons and marathons.

Completing a run, particularly a long run, requires motivation. Unfortunately, runners sometimes lose this motivation and can struggle to get it back. Following are several ideas for rediscovering the motivation to run:

- Get started. When you are constantly thinking about the distance you need to run, the simple act of preparing for exercise can seem tiring. Instead of thinking about the run, just focus on getting ready. Put on your shoes and any other running gear you need for your trek. Completing this prep work can often get you motivated to get out there since you will have fewer reasons to skip your run.

- Make it routine. At the beginning, try running just a couple times per week. This makes the activity seem less painful since you’ll know you have the other days of the week to relax and enjoy yourself. Over time, gradually increase how often to run until it becomes part of your routine. Also, think about setting your run times for the morning. Getting up earlier can be challenging, but running before your day gets underway not only invigorates you, but also eliminates common excuses not to go out.

- Run with others. Most things are more fun when you do it with someone else. This is true with running, but having another person to run with also helps keep you accountable. You will only have so many excuses to give before your group or running partner realizes that something is up. Running with other people also gives you time to socialize and meet new friends who share your interest in running.