How to Stay Motivated While Hiking | Tips to Stay Motivated 

You motivate me Rev. I’m 6 months away from 60 and I’ve had people ask me, “why do you do it”? My short answer…”because I want to see what God wants to show me today”. So glad I found your videos. KEEP ON KEEPING ON REV!

Motivation: I’ve been a working adult since 1978, 44 years. Quitting has not been an option. I’ve taken some days off but quitting, no. Now, I’m considering retiring for the second time. I start my hike of the PCT Spring, 2023. I hope and pray for a hiking ethic similar to my work ethic, quitting is no option. I will be 66 yo when I start too. Thank you, REV. You are a God send. Isaiah 40: 31, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will sore on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be feint. Texas

Hi Rev, im a 56 year old spring chicken and recently found the wonderful joy and blessing from hiking. I live in Scotland and have done a number of trails over here over the last few years. Some of my thoughts: 1. The journey is the journey... don't get focussed on the end point, enjoy the moment as it will never come again. 2. Don't forget to look back and see just how far you have come - we sometimes need to encourage ourselves by seeing the thing we have, or in the process of, accomplishing. 3. No matter how bad things are now - they wont last. That hill you're climbing in the freezing rain... you'll get to the top, the rain will stop at some point and you will notch up another memory and achievement. There are more that i use. As a Christian, God speaks to me on the trail, if i dont get going, i will miss that blessing too.

I'm 68 this year and was a keen hiker here in the UK until having a stroke in early 2021. Since then my motivation has been at zero, although physically I'm fine now. I came across your brilliant channel quite recently, and now I'm planning my first day hike! Your words have touched me. Thank you.

I've been motivated in a slightly different way. I want to hike the trails I am finding locally. Some of us can't physically do the long hikes but I have been amazed at the trails in my "backyard". I found most kayak access spots also have trails here. They are short to moderate length, vary in difficulty ( I would NOT want to carry a kayak on some of these accesses) but they are lovely. Encourage anyone to go walk and enjoy nature how they are able. It's wonderful. Peaceful and nice people to meet.

Your advice to to just “focus on getting to the next campsite” is so key. It reminds me of the value of staying present in the moment, and how time becomes less of a burden when you do.

I'm loving your videos! Being 60+ yrs old I am grateful every day for God giving me the ability and the will to hike because staying active is what keeps us active, alive, and well. Hike on!

Dear Mike, I'm doing a 3 day Fast so watching the last few of your videos non-stop. Ted and I do not have a bathtub. I would rather take a bath than a shower. I laughed seeing the state of your bathtub at your motel stop. Maybe if I remember that back in the day everyone shared bathwater I won't miss a bath as much. Ted asks how many fish you catch from all the gorgeous lakes you pass. I would like to hike, camp, and fish in many of the places you've been. Give Joyce my love and hugs too. Your sister in Christ, Linda

I'm not a thur-hiker (at least not yet), but I've had some horrible, rainy, muddy, slippery, treks that just sucked the life out of me. I found I had to ask myself, "What does God want to teach me on this hike?" Of course, a lot of times this came after spending a hours yelling at God for raining on me, whining about my circumstances, and having my little pity party in the woods. Sometimes I just had to say, "4 more miles to the shelter." ... "3 more miles to the shelter." ... "2 miles..." ... "1 mile..." ... "2000 feet..." etc. I've since upgraded my rain suit - more weight. but A LOT more dry. I also bring luxuries with me (sweets, movies on my phone, a speaker for music, my bibles on my phone, and, of course, a good cup of tea for camp!). When I get home, I fool myself into thinking it wasn't as bad as it really was and the whole thing becomes one big parable of life for me to turn into an article to publish. The funny thing is that once I complete a hike, I'm always looking for the next time I can get out! I am fast becoming a big fan. These videos are so down to earth and the advice is really applicable to this old guy. I'm so glad you're hiking again. It gives me hope that I'll be hiking for a lot longer. Maybe someday I'll do a thru-hike (when my kids are gone and my wife gets sick of me - ha ha!). Great job. Thanks for bringing God into your videos. It means a lot. Peace!

Rev I want to thank you for your videos. I’m a 60 yo old man who last year diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer and underwent a complete laryngectomy and recently have been hiking with a goal of thru hiking the AT. A huge task but I believe with the help of GOD and listening to people like you that this will be accomplished. Thank you

Thank you for motivating me especially for the last 4 months, during which time I've been recovering from surgery on my achilles tendon. Although there have been times when I've wondered if I would ever hike again, I have to say watching your videos and listening to your words have been a great help. At 67, I am starting to get some distance back, but it is a slow process. I know from where my help comes from and I know that He is using you through this channel. Thank you Rev!

Great video with fantastic advice Rev! This is indeed the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! I use this bible verse frequently when I’m having a hard day… being grateful and thankful for each day is the best motivator ✝️💜

While following my daughter's PCT hike it seemed that the need to get to the next food and water supply was her greatest motivator. Thanks for sharing your insight and experience!

Another great video. As a runner I have a mind trick which is like your "just gotta get to camp". We called it the 1/10 mile vision. Pretty much say to yourself "Im going to walk to that tree" then when you get to tree go "i'll walk to that tree" and then do. Repeat for as long as needed. Also you can use food as a reward. At every tree in above example eat a piece of favorite candy. For many of us once we are going forward we are fine but getting that forward motion is hard.

You are such an inspiration. Most people who backpack are under fifty and healthy; sometimes I feel like i'm too old until I watch your videos.

Wonderful. Very inspiring! Quickly becoming a favourite channel of mine!

It’s a shame that REI doesn’t have the Jedi Mind Trip in bottles. But listening to your videos are second best. One step at a time.

Not looking at the miles is basically how I stay motivated during work. I avoid looking at the time and I have a good attitude the whole day because I'm not constantly disappointing myself. And time goes by faster that way as well 🎉

This is not only great notes for keeping on (hiking) for life as well ( the ho hums) .. With being my wife’s full time caretaker ( I’m hiking 🥾 a different trail in life .. I try to say to myself “ this is the day the Lord has made .. rejoice in it “. N often I try to take a break just for my self. .. go grocery shopping, banking, out to my small woodshop n garden then get back on the trail helping my Sweetheart.. cheers bro. Grandpa J.

Thank you for your videos! You are an inspiration for this 70 yr old to get back to hiking! Thank you.

Wow! I can’t believe I just found you! Mental grit is indeed half the battle. Thanks for some great advice. I have renewed my old love for backpacking in the last 4 years. And maybe I’ll have more time than I think to discover what God has for me each day I spend on the trail.

Focusing on short term goals to get to a larger goal is always good, in many ares of life. In trying to save money my father would say Watch your pennies and the dollars will watch themselves. Another great video thanks

Oh my goodness! What a great video! Knowing that others would love to be doing what I'm doing and 'One Day at a Time' have seen me through many tough times. I'm almost your age. Our wisdom was hard won. Thanks for sharing yours! Preach on, Rev!

Hi Rev, another excellent video. I used to do 100 mile bike rides, various triathlons and even one Ironman. On long bike rides I found I could always go to the next stop (spaced about 10 miles apart). Also, during those bike rides or long triathlons I occasionally had to remind myself of what you said on another video - "It's not a sprint, it's a race of endurance!". On long bike rides, I'd see younger, less experienced riders starting out all crazy and passing everybody. I'd see them 20 miles later totally spent and by the roadside waiting to for a SAG ride in. Also, while swimming long distances, initially I'd get winded and had to take a break until I learned to slow down to a pace I could maintain. Now that I'm 68, I probably need to slow ALL activities a bit, but FROM EXPERIENCE I know - I endure, so I win. On the roadside, I occasionally saw a sign saying "Embrace the suck!" I suspect that's where Darwin got it too! Or maybe the sign maker got it from a Darwin video! Anyway, I'm too much of a couch potato lately, so thanks for the motivation!

Super video thank you! And greetings from the UK. As I'm in my mid 60s I often reflect that my backpacking and hill climbing days will not last much longer so seeing you in action inspires. Thanks again.

Greetings and salutations, great advice, I use several things to keep motivated while hiking. My biggest is music, when I hit that proverbial "wall", I put some Mozart on, Kate Bush, R.L. Burnside or maybe some metal like Gojira (yes, I am a 63 yr old metalhead) to break through and get going. Another one is that I turn to writings to keep me focused, like Mr. Muir or Mr. Kerouac to get the mind awoken and the feet moving. Thanks again Rev and especially for the Star Wars homage...PCT at 63, coming to a trail soon, walls be damned!

Thank You Rev. good video. So refreshing to hear a Christ centered approach.

Rev...Glad I found your channel. I needed to hear your encouragement as I'm getting ready to whittle 200 miles off my remaining 400 miles of the AT in August. I plan to finish in 2023. When did I start you ask? 1998. Sectioned hike with too low mileage and then realized that I'd be 135 when I finished at that pace. Motivation is the key. I really like your suggestion to take what God gives you today and enjoy it and embrace it. Thanks again. Oh yes, how old do you think I am? 74 ;^)

Tack för att du finns! Otroligt härlig video som jag sitter och tittar på här i Sverige och längtar till våren. Fram till 45-års åldern var jag mycket ute i naturen och vandrade,paddlade och cyklade. Nu är jag 66 år och ska försöka komma igång med detta livet igen. Jag blir väldigt peppad av dina fina videor och sett många av dom! Mvh. Lars Andersson Skara Sverige

Hi Rev. great content for us older guys. I’ll be 57 next month, starting an AT NOBO in 2 weeks. Been training on and for a year. Thank you for the motivation.

I turned 60 years old last year and start my AT thur hike in about 16 days from now...The Lord inspires me to live life to the fullest as well Rev...Glory!!

Thank you for motivating me to do the best I can do today.

Hi Rev, we are the same age and share similar coronary challenges. You are a wonderful motivational speaker. My goal for this year is to try and mirror what you are able to accomplish. You are truly an inspiration!

I remember that rain storm that filled my tent. I got th thru it and had a story to tell later.

Not a hiker here, but enjoy your videos. I find your flexibility, staying 3 days in Winthrop, key to being able to press on. I travel with people who have to have every trip planned out to the nth degree. It makes travel a bit burdensome. Keep hiking; stay flexible! 😊

Thank you Hiking Rev for sharing Bible verse, encouragement, suggestions and experiences. You have a gift, a natural flow of speach, thought and organization creating a helpful video. Have sunny days and happy trails.

My wife and I before kids hate their first 400 miles of the continental divide trail north to south came out the bottom side of Yellowstone. We had seven days of rain in the Bob Marshall wilderness, we gave up on reindeer and hike in our shorts and Teva sandals if we didn’t have each other we would’ve quit.🤪

Rev, you're a true Jedi Knight! Your mind trick has me rolling in the floor laughing! God Bless & safe travels bro!

Very inspiring!! I'm 62 and love to hike but not nearly on the scale that you and other do. However, I want to continue to do this once I have retired and get out and see so much of Ontario, Canada (and elsewhere) that I have not had the chance to see yet. Question: Have you ever had a close encounter with wild (and potentially dangerous) animals and how did you deal with this? Also, Do you tend to hike alone or with others and which do you prefer? Look forward to more great videos! Thanks for sharing!!

Rev, that's an awesome video. You motivated me to want to get out there. Very good information. Thanks for sharing to the hiker community. 🥾🥾👍🙏

Great advice. I’ve used many of these just section hiking. Definitely need to remember them when starting longer duration hikes.

Haha, thanks for the Jedi mind tricks laughs! Also, for all of your sound, sensible advice.

You are an inspiration to people of our age and people in general.

You are the motivation, Rev! I believe you’re an inspiration to all of us.👍

Well done! Great advice. Excellent editing. So glad you stayed motivated and completed the PCT. Motivation can vanish quickly if you suffer injuries or equipment failure- the thing that you mentioned and what keeps me motivated to go on our dog hikes every morning (365 days a year) is knowing I’m not getting any younger- someday I’ll be too old to hike. But that is years away! Another awesome video!

Rev, you’re an inspiration! Thank you!

Another motivating video. Keep up the good work.

my 30 something son and i just finished a 40 mile out and back hike on the Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma. first time to hike since my son was in scouts. was great. but there was one section that kicked my back end side. i am so thankful for the encouragement that my son gave me that got me thru that section.

Your Jedi mind trick at the end worked. It made me subscribe and like your vid lol. Good info. Looking forward to watching some more of your vids 👍🏻.

Great video! 😁 As they say, better a bad day on trail then a day in the office! So reasons enough to get out of your tent! 😁 My moto is: Take 1 step at the time and in the end you'll have a lot! 😁 Taking a break! Yes! But keep going afterwards! Happy Easter! Kaat

Great Advise indeed

Thanks for sharing valuable advice 👍

Just found your channel! I'm also a pastor (in Atlanta) trying to grab time on the trail while juggling ministry, marriage, and raising four kids. You've got a new subscriber--even if you're a Bama fan. #WarEagle

Thank You for the Wisdom & Beautiful Words 🌞 Stay Strong my Friend.

Hello sir, I am 44 and I hope to one day catch you(keep hiking as long as you) I workout everyday morning to stay in shape. May God Bless you and keep you safe. I watched the hike video where you had a heart attack and I was happy that you made it but I thought man that does not sound like a bad way to go. Stay strong and God Bless. Mark

I will be 62 before I will have the opportunity to do a tru hike. Thank you for the encouragement and advice.

Great video, love your philosophy and humour, best wishes and happy hiking!🙂...

Thanks for these tips, Rev. Just getting to the next campsite is a great one. I sometimes get down to “just make it to that tree over there” or “that cool rock”, etc. Once I decide to do that I am usually motivated to keep going just a bit more, and then a bit more…

Hey Rev, I am 61 and will be leaving on March 28th to Katahdin. I has been so helpful watching your videos. Thank you so much. Myma

Hi my name is Ramon from Athens Georgia I am new to your channel I love it you gave some very good advice my new friend we never know what the future is going to hold for us so get out and enjoy the beautiful Outdoors everyone all my best Ramon

You sure intresting an your fun to listen too glad to find your channel !

The ending worked. I subscribed.

loved this one rev - yes, it can be a little "trying" to get moving and shuffling along when you're not firing on all 4 cylinders for sure. really enjoyed listening to your take on things :)

With experience comes wisdom...at least it should. It's obvious that you have gained wisdom from hiking. Thanks for sharing it.

You really add important and often deeper aspects of longer hikes. Tnx a million!

Keep it coming Rev...and Roll Tide.

Great Rev! Start my 700+ mile PCT section hikes on May 2. This is very helpful. Jedi mind trick. Love it 😊. One other motivator for me is the sacrifice of family back home that will enable me to complete the PCT during the next few summers.

I am really good at the nap part.😴. Cold, wet, clothes, leaky tents, hunger, real trail fatigue…I’m not so great at. Heh, heh…

Don’t play those Jedi mind tricks on me. Already a subscriber. Yes so many people just give up. Hard to stay motivated sometimes. Have fun traveling and stay safe.

Hi Rev, I’ve never had the pleasure of hearing one of your church sermons but after listening to this video I’m sure they were a so uplifting! There are many pre-hike gear and exercise videos to prepare for a thru-hike but this mental prep is so important. I jotted down your suggestions on my iPhone to have when they will be needed. Because I’m sure they will! Good stuff as always! Thanks for doing these videos!

Great video. Lots and of truth.

Great stuff! Subscribed a few weeks ago. There are a lot of reasons these days for a person to be down and lose motivation. I feel it too. Some days I make myself go fishing when I absolutely don't feel like it. I never regret it. Today is kind of one of those days and this video helped. I'm gonna kick back and watch some more this evening. Thanks, Rev.

You inspire me

I am hoping to thru-hike the PCT in a couple years when I retire. Thank you for your video.

Awesome 👍. New subscriber. Thanks for the great advice Master Jedi! 😎

Thank you brother. Great advice.

I was told years ago a through is 80% mental. Your mind can can trick your body but not the other way around. Remember never quit on a bad day, go in to town have a good meal, some good laughs with friends, shower and a good night's sleep and everything will look different in the morning like you found out but never look back with regret on not finishing just think about the adventure you had and the the great and not so good memories.

Power Naps are the best motivation. Cowabunga.!

In my humble opinion this is the BEST. HIKING. CHANNEL. out there. 😏😁

Good advice

I love this guy!

Great video! thank you!

Thank you ❤️

AMEN Rev! God bless you and your family

Good stuff, Rev!

Good one 👍

Great advice. Helpful for all of us to hear, especially those of us who are new to hiking & backpacking.

Rev……. I get very overwhelmed with things some times like when I get a floorboard and there are repairs all over it and I have a hard time deciding where to start and the saying I tell my self is “ HOW DO YOU EAT A ELEPHANT 🐘. ONE BITE AT A TIME” and that will help me settle down and work through whatever it is I’m doing !

Wise words.

Just found your channel and glad I did, thanks for putting out your tips and thoughts great videos. Yes embrace the suck. I hiked last week and my feet were killing me. I have to figure out what that was about.

Love your videos!

You are very motivating! What do you use to film your videos ? Thank you

Good to see you again! Thanks for the encouragement!

Thanks for the great tips rev. What I'm having trouble is - how do you reconcile leaving behind close family, wife, etc for such a long period of time? I'm contemplating an AT thru when I turn 60 but feel down thinking I'm purposely pushing them away for 7 months.

I have subscribed to your channel… I liked your video… lol

Well-done, Rev.

What tent , Sleeping bag stove backpack and clothing you use

Great video and excellent advice. You were 'fortunate' (if you can say such a thing) that the heart attack came after. It's amazing that you completed the Hike then it hit you. I take it you are on Statins too now? I love these pep talks and words of wisdom. Where are you hiking at the moment?

Great tips !!!

Very good advice in this video thank you