When I got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, I thought my winter hiking days would be numbered. I mean, I just “knew” that MS means that it would all be downhill from here… Of course, it didn’t take long until I realized that I could fight the MS monster. That I could continue hiking just fine, even if I would be slower and less balanced than the average bear.
Notice that the tips in this article work for many other chronic illnesses too, I just have personal experience with MS, so I chose that viewpoint.
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Why Would I Even Want to Hike in the Winter?
Truthfully, I would prefer hiking in Atlantis, Bahamas over winter hiking, but we do live in New Hampshire. In practical terms, that means that we have a lot of winter. So however much I would like to be in Hawai’i, watching birds, instead I am reluctantly trying to find the good aspects of winter hiking.
During the winter, especially as a spoonie with MS or other chronic condition, it is so easy and attractive to snuggle up at home with a good book and a fire. Admittedly, that should have a spot in your agenda too, but I encourage you to brave the cold and go out. Even for short periods there are so many pluses! Here are just a few.
Every Step is a Rep: Fight Your MS by Staying Active!
After I found out about my MS, I looked around for support and discovered the MS Fitness Challenge GYM on Facebook. What an amazing community and I love their motto: “Every Step is a Rep”.
Now, every time I get my butt out of my chair to move around, however short or long, I tell myself this and I feel all accomplished. Every step you take will get you stronger and better able to function in daily life.
The SUN! Lift Your Mood with Free Vit D!
Growing up in the Netherlands, we didn’t have much snow, the winter just was GREY. No sun, lots of fog and rain, and did I mention grey? So when I moved to New England many years ago, I was happily surprised how sunny winter days here often are.
Sure, there is way too much snow. Of course it is freezing cold. But hey, the sun! Reflecting light from snowy landscapes brightens many a moody day. When I am in the house I grumble and mope about the darned winter. Then when I step outside, my posture gets more erect, my mood lifts, I take a deep breath and suddenly the winter could possibly be bearable after all.
The Sound of Silence
Nothing is better than hiking in the winter and the only sounds are the crackling of the snow and the occasional distant bird. No phones, no traffic, no worries, just you and nature.
I fully believe we all need quiet contemplation times in our life, and what is a better way to achieve that than with a walk in the woods? As a bonus, you get stronger physically while you relax mentally.
Cool and Exciting Birds
As the resident bird nerd of our MS Fitness Challenge Facebook Group, I can’t resist pointing out that winter is a great time to see birds. Especially birds that you might not see at other times of the year. For example, we surprised a bald eagle having lunch and were able to watch him for at least ten minutes. What a treat!
Discover New Trails and Find a Geocache!
Have you ever found a geocache? Do you even know what geocaching is? If not, you are in for a treat. Fifteen years ago, I found my first geocache, with a baby in my sling and six other kiddies traipsing around me. In my old family blog, you can still find the post about How to get Started with Geocaching.
I encourage you to go ahead, look into geocaching (nowadays most phones have adequate GPS navigation) and explore new trails.
“Meet” Your Neighbors: Animal Tracks
When we hike in the winter, we love seeing traces of the creatures we share our world with. Easily recognizable deer or moose tracks, more puzzling “something else” tracks. Yeah, I am not particularly good at figuring out these tracks, but I enjoy the feeling that there are other animals around.
Of course, I am less happy with the deer when they eat my tulips…
Anyway, now that I convinced you about going out to hike, even in the winter, let me give you some useful tips and tricks.
Winter Hiking with MS: Top Tips
How to stay warm and safe during your hike.
Dress Appropriately: Being Cold is Miserable
There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Norwegian Saying
Not surprising, being well dressed will make all the difference in enjoying your hike or not. Personally, I like to wear layers, since I go from “Freezing!” to “I am soooooooo overheated” within a few minutes.
Be Cool: Use Hiking Poles
Since MS often comes with bonus balance problems, consider using hiking poles, even if you usually walk without them. Using hiking poles will help you conquer harder hikes than you would be able to without them. Not to mention that they are helpful locating geocaches under the snow.
Stay Hot: Heating Pads
After I posted the first version of this article, Alyssa from FightMSDaily shared that she uses heating pads to stay warm. According to her, they are very effective and keep her comfortable when she is out in the snow. Thank you, Alyssa! Go check out her blog, I especially like her Pick Me Up Thursday posts, since we always can use more positive vibes in our lives.
When I have used heating pads in the past, I always felt bad about the waste they generated. Luckily, nowadays there are many reusable options!
Get a Grip: Use Crampons
Crampons are the best invention since sliced bread. They will help you feel more stable and they will prevent possible painful and definitely embarrassing falls. Without crampons I simply don’t feel confident if there is the slightest layer of ice.
Alternatively Use Snow Shoes
When I was still actively geocaching all the time, I invested in a pair of snow shoes. Suddenly we could go out, even when there just had been a major snow storm! Not only could we go out, but we did get quite a work out because it seems to take more energy than a “normal” hike. They work well on ice also.
Know Your Limits: Yeah, Right…
If you are like me, this would be the hardest thing. There just aren’t any hard and fast rules in MS. Every person is different, every day is different. Still, try not to overdo it and have to spend too much time recovering. For me vision issues are my warning sign, but frankly, they are a late warning sign when I already have overdone it.
Try to break your hike up in manageable segments, or choose a shorter hike, than having to deal with the consequences of overdoing it and being miserable. It is ok to stop early and not make the goal you set for yourself that day.
The Most Importat Tip: Have Fun!
The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.
Alice Morse Earle
Whatever you do, wherever you hike, make sure to enjoy every moment! You are out in nature, you are fighting your MS and you are lifting your mood. So much better than sitting in front of social media instead of being outside. Now you can share triumphant pictures on social media! And motivate other people to go take a hike too.
And if you don’t feel like taking a hike, there always is the hooping alternative 🙂 .
Winter Hiking with MS? Go For It!
If there is one thing I want you to take away from this article, it would be “Go for it!” Please share with me your winter hiking stories and what YOU like best about winter hiking. And if you are a spoonie, with or without MS, how do you adjust your hikes to accommodate your body’s limitations?
Read More of my MS Adventures
- How to Start Yoga (for Anyone, even if Living With MS)
- The Ultimate Guide to Bungee-Jumping Off The Space Needle!
- The 10 Best Travel Trips For MS Warriors
- Five Years after MS Diagnosis: Then and Now
- Be On Top Of The World! Hike Diamond Head.
- MS, MRI and Claustrophobia: How to Rock It!
- Getting Strong: Exercises for MS
- LivingWithMS: How To Make Your Copaxone Shots An Effective Experience
- Travel with Copaxone – Tips & Advice for People with MS
- Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail: Strong Focus On Whales and Epic Views
- LoveYourBrain Yoga for MS
- My MS Challenge Got Featured!
- Surfing with MS, Don’t Be Afraid of a Challenge!
- Explore The Best Of Vermont’s VINS On The Must-See #TreetopWalk.
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