For those amongst you thinking hiking is a sport for those over a certain age then think again. For someone who is enjoying her first six months of living in Morzine France it has come as a complete surprise at what a great work out it is and how 
much fun you have along the way! When I was first introduced to hiking by my well heeled partner I imagined a hike was going to be a gentle walk through the meadows, taking in the breathtaking views, pretty mountain flowers and if I was really lucky a bit of Marmotte spotting!
How wrong was I!?! Of course, it included all of the aforementioned Alpine elements, however, one thing I didn’t account for in my romantic idea of hiking, was the amount of pain and hard work it was going to be! Yes, my idea of a gentle walk through the valley was quickly diminished and replaced by me being faced with an incredibly steep (and not to mention rocky) climb and this was just for starters!
Being quite a sporty person back in the UK and not shy of a little hard work on the exercise front (my motto being along the lines of the “no pain, no gain” variety) I was shocked at the new level of burn I experienced as my legs screamed for mercy as yet another steep climb beckoned.
However, the pain was all worth it as when you reach the top of one of these mammoth climbs the exhilaration and let’s face it pure relief that you got there in one piece, lungs and legs still in tact is overwhelming, as you look out over the most breathtaking Alpine views. Quite a difference to my workout routine back in the UK where, the only view meeting me after such a level of burn was that of a fellow and equally sweaty gym member or an overly tanned and overly pumped personal trainer screaming at me to run faster!!!!
I must admit, after the baptism of fire that was my first hike, it is official I now have the bug, hiking most days (weather and workload permitting) and loving every minute of it. There’s nothing quite like throwing on your hiking shoes, picking up your sticks and getting amongst it in the outdoors, all whilst sculpting thighs and buns of steel!
There are a number of fantastic hikes throughout the French Alps all with varying degrees of burn to suit all fitness and energy levels. It is a great activity to do with friends, taking you back to your childhood years as you set out on an adventure all of your very own discovering the great outdoors. So why not get a group of you together for a holiday in the hills filled with adventure, fun, great food and wine and your very own mountain retreat to relax in.
http://www.independentmountain.com/
0 Responses to “Hiking in the French Alps”