Training Hikes: Things to Know About Women

 In the first post in this series, I recommended finding some friends to hike with. When I started looking for people to hike with, the Real Chicks was born. What has made this large group of women stick to their monthly hiking? Well, to answer that, you need to know a few things about women. These are generalizations and are not true about all women. The more experience you have hiking, the more likely these habits are to change. This is also great information to follow Mj and Carla's last post on trip planning.

1. Women need a schedule. We started meeting at the same time every month so that the chicks could put it on their calendars for years on end. We only alter the schedule for dangerous weather (read:hike rain or shine. It's good training and can also be fun to hike in the rain...just not lightning)

2. Women are self-sacrificing. We can rarely rationalize spending a whole day doing something for ourselves, especially when there are spouses and kids involved. If you can occasionally involve the family in your activities, it may help keep your participation up.

3. Women don't like the unknown. Think about it. From the minute we're born, we're taught to be fearful of everything. Identity theft. Assault. Animal attacks. Getting lost. Falling off a ladder and having no one find your wounded self until a week later (mom). It's hard enough to stay sane with all of this when you're in town and relatively close to assistance. Amplify these fears by asking women to show up at a trailhead they've never visited in an area they've never heard of and your participation rate will plummet. Offer carpooling as an option and not only will women show up but they are in it together and begin to function as a team from the get go.

4. Men can often hinder women in the outdoors. This is not male bashing. I love them as much as anyone and there are many awesome male outdoor leaders who really get women. BUT it's so easy to fall into our stereotypical gender roles in the outdoors. Women tend to fall back and let the men take over the navigation and decision making. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, unless you're trying to develop your skills and then, it's detrimental. I have met many wonderful, chivalrous men who have carried extra group weight for me, offered to make me morning coffee and set up the guy lines in a winter storm. Again, awesome! Except I didn't get better (stronger) in any of those areas because of it. Then there's the other type of guy, who can be downright condescending and kill your mojo. This guys has the potential to turn you off of the outdoors entirely. Finally, whether it be our own fault or a mans, we have this tendency to consider ourselves somehow physically inferior to men outside. We can get discouraged thinking we have to keep up with their pace or skill. These are not reasons to avoid men on your next hike but are good to keep in mind if you're headed out with your guy friends or family. Stand up for yourself. Learn your skills. Go your pace. Thank them for their chivalry and beg them to use it on every date they go on, but not with you on your hike.

5. Women are social. We really thrive off of talking, sharing and just being around other people. Being around other women, no matter their background, can be very life-giving if it's the right group. I am constantly inspired hearing the stories and adventures of other women. Invite everyone, make them feel welcome and encourage encourage encourage. The more you invite, the greater your base to draw from when you're looking for hiking partners.

 As a final note of encouragement, did you know that the average purchaser of an adventure travel trip is a 40-something woman? Did you know that on average, women take at least one trip per year just with other women? They are out there. Just ask the question, be consistent and plan. You'll have a great hiking group in no time at all.