Not everyone will know how much fun monsoon treks are unless they have been on one. I still remember my first monsoon trek. When my friends told me about it, I was a bit apprehensive. It was then that our group leader told me a few things to keep in mind. I had gone for my first monsoon trek with a lot of apprehensions, but since then have absolutely fallen in love with it. One of the awaited events is the Rugged Sahyadri Ultra Trail Race that is going to be held in August. Here are few things to remember:
Fitness Is Of Utmost Importance
This could be one of the last pointers coming on the list, but it is intended to stay in your mind afresh. Rain treks need you to be at the best of your physical fitness. Regular physical activity is a compulsory thing that you must carry on. Even if you do not hit the gym regularly, make sure you walk at least 45 minutes a day, or swim for 2 hours in a week. Taking the stairs instead of elevators would also help you. Try to jog for 45 mins a day, three days a week, before 2 months of the event. This should keep you fit for the upcoming trek.
Daily Workout
If you intend to go for a rain trek, you have to squeeze in time for workout on a daily basis. There is no scope to miss it. When you stop working out, your muscles go back to the state of almost no activity.
Mentally Prepared To Take The Game On
As you workout and get your body ready for the rain trek, you should also be mentally prepared to be participating in one. Our mind also needs a constant support and assurance. Prepare your mind about the uncertainty that can come during the trek. Also, think of ways to get out of hypothetical situations. This will also be a good exercise of the mind to stay active during the trek.
Positive Attitude Goes The Right Way
The ‘can do’ attitude will help in nurturing a positive vibe in you, that will be beneficial while you are on your monsoon trek. It is a scientifically proven fact that positive energy boosts performances. Stay away from negative thoughts and people. Learn to combat negative thoughts.
Practice On Elevating Trails
If you are gearing up for a monsoon trek, then practicing on plains will not be of much benefit. Choose uneven and undulating trails to carry on your practice. When you switch to run or trek on trails you will soon feel the difference. Trails will need more energy, and you body will learn to adapt to new bounds.
Work On Your Concentration
You would be making a mistake if you take monsoon treks lightly. Training your mind to learn to focus as you trek is also important. There are different exercises that will help you to develop your power of concentration and focus.
Take Precautions If You Need To Self-Navigate Your Way
The touchscreen of your phones will not work if the screen or your finger is wet. So, if you need to use your phones for navigation, you must carry microfibre towels. They soak up the water fast and you can use your phone.
Prevent Anti-Fungal Infections
Your feet are important. You are as good as your feet are. Take proper care of your feet. After your practice sessions remove your shoes and socks, and clean air dry your feet. Give them a salt bath, and apply some anti-fungal powder.
Stay Hydrated Always
Keep your body well hydrated at all times. Drink 2.3 litres to 3 litres of water regularly. Also, do not forget to carry 2-3 bottles of water when you actually go to trek. Dehydration will lead to weakness and muscle cramps. So, even during your practice sessions, never leave your body dehydrated.
Do Not Trek If You Are Unwell
You might have waited for a trek since months, but you might not be in the pink of your health when the event date arrives. You might have been working out, checking you diet, and finished all pending work, and applied leaves months ago, yet going for a rain trek in ill health is not at all recommended.
Akash Korgaonkar, the founder-director of Ruggedian Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. Says, “Good shoes, extra clothes, and raincoats are a must. You can buy these from stores. There are two things that you need but will not find in the stores. I am talking about fitness and presence of mind. Things might go wrong during the trek. Keep your calm and think your way through the situation.” So, keep those tips in mind, and best of luck for your monsoon trek.
