March GoHike Pacing Urban Walk: 2 - 4 miles, 0 - 750 feet gain (optional). - O.O. Denny Park

On this GoHike, there will be a gradually increasing and decreasing (aka "rolling") elevation gain. That number is 730 feet of gain and 728 feet of elevation decline - what all of this means is that over time we will go up and down enough for our feet to have met that with a high point of 419 elevation. It's pretty mellow. We loop around a bit of a neighborhood area as well for an extension beyond the O.O. Denny Park to get some more miles in. I'm creating this hike as a shorter option for folks who want to get in and out with the pacing part on a shorter trip. 

PACE & GOALS

The aim for pacing on this trip is to learn how to determine what our pace is, hike enough steps to get a consistent pace through one of the pacing apps on your phone (or old school math!). Once I find out what experience and fitness we have in the group and what we think our average pace is between 1.5 and 2.0 mph, as a group, we will aim for keeping a pace somewhere between the two ends. This means that those who typically move pretty fast will probably need to slow down and those who tend to ramble or move more meditatively but can go faster will likely need to increase pace a bit. In the Mountaineers and GoHike, we are learning how to pace ourselves in groups while also not pushing ourselves so hard that it is no longer fun or is actually stressful for the individual or the group. Communication is key and we will stop for check-ins and breaks to ensure no one is overdoing it. 

Leader style:

I (Becky) offer a casual, educational (learn about what we are seeing), and playful style, whilst asking each member of the group to remember we are here to connect with nature and our bodies TOGETHER, which means we need to meet each other in a way that allows everyone to participate without overdoing it.  I have naturalist education and experience and often call out this and that along the path so we can learn a bit along the way. A photo here and there is welcome, as long as it doesn't distract from the pacing or cadence/flow of the hike.

I expect participants to communicate their needs directly/self-advocate, come prepared as noted in required equipment, and to participate with adequate skills for the group and activity signed up for (social and physical skills). If you prefer to be alone, on your device, or distance from the group, these aren't likely the best activities to enjoy.

Weather!

If it's a downpour, we cancel. If it's misty or just a trickle, we go. Risk/weather will be assessed a couple/few days prior and the day or evening before. Please be proactive and check the weather on your own - a great skill to have when on other Mountaineers activities! 

We will meet at the parking lot nearest the lake at 12:00 pm on Friday March 14th ready to do introductions and hike. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to ensure you have time to get your gear on and use the restroom if needed.  You will need to be circled up and ready to go hike AT 12:00 pm.

You will receive more specific details about where in the parking lot to meet when the GoHike Hello Hiker email is sent out a couple/few days before the activity.

There is NO PARKING PASS REQUIRED.