It’s hard to believe that in just a few days over one week, we will be embarking on a journey that has been on our bucket list for years: hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. My husband is confident in his abilities to be able to finish the Inca Trail; my pre-trail experience is very different. While the excitement is palpable, it’s intermingled with bouts of anxiety and nervousness about what lies ahead.
Will my months of preparation be enough? Will my recent 2 weeks of back and hip pain while being sidelined sabotage my trip? I had a nerve ablation on my back last Thursday, so I am hoping I am good to go now! Will I be able to complete the 26-mile trek through varying elevations and terrains? The countdown has begun, and every step I take brings me closer to answering these questions.
One Last Long Hike
To simulate what’s to come, we decided to undertake one last hike. We aimed for a 10-mile trail but I woke up and was in a lot of hip and back pain. We decided on a closer 6.8-mile trail, so in case my back didn’t cooperate, after a lot of medicine, then we wouldn’t have wasted so much time driving. The weather was warm and humid, and as I tightened the laces on my trusty hiking boots, I felt a mixture of anticipation and unease.
As I hit the trails, I was reminded that hiking is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The uneven terrain and some slight inclines gave me a sense of what I would be up against.
As we hiked, we crossed paths with over 10 deer and 2 turtles, so we didn’t lack in seeing plenty of fauna!
Although I completed the 6.8 mile hike successfully, my legs were tired and my mind was flooded with doubts. What if I can’t keep up with the group? What if I struggle more than I anticipate?
The Daily 5-Mile Routine
To keep my stamina up and anxiety at bay, I’ve committed to continuing walking at least 5 miles a day until we hop on that plane to Lima! While these aren’t as rigorous as my longer hikes, they help maintain my endurance and give me the opportunity to meditate on the journey ahead. It’s in these moments of solitary walking that my thoughts run wild. I waiver between imagining the awe-inspiring views of the Andean mountains and worrying about the potential struggles, like altitude sickness or sheer exhaustion.
Mental Preparations
Physical readiness is just one piece of the puzzle; mental preparedness is equally important. The looming doubts make it challenging to focus, but I’m trying to channel this nervous energy into positive motivation. I’ve started reading personal accounts from people who’ve successfully completed the trail, and their stories are filled with both trials and triumphs. Their experiences serve as valuable lessons and have helped me set realistic expectations for myself.
Packing and Prepping
The week leading up to the Inca Trail is also crucial for getting all my gear in order. I’ve laid out everything: hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothes, first aid supplies, and high-energy snacks. I run through my checklist obsessively, worried I’ll forget something crucial. Each item I pack serves as a tangible reminder that this is really happening.
The Final Thoughts
With just a little over a week left, the reality of what I’m about to undertake is setting in. The Inca Trail isn’t just any hike; it’s a physically demanding, mentally challenging, and spiritually rewarding journey through history. While I can’t shake off the anxiety completely, I know it’s a normal part of facing the unknown. And as I’ve learned from my months of preparation, facing the unknown is what this adventure is all about.
So here’s to the final countdown, the last days of preparation, and to confronting the doubts and fears that have been my constant companions these past weeks. I may not know what lies ahead, but I’m ready to find out.
Oh and another kink, did I mention I’m headed to Oklahoma first thing in the morning? I have to keep focused and not let peer pressure lead me to bad food decisions and not exercising! Hopefully the busy week will keep my mind off of my anxieties on the Inca Trail!
Wish me luck, and stay tuned for updates from the trail itself!
Happy Hiking
-S
