I started climbing the Pyrenees yesterday. It was steep and long, and considerably harder than I was expecting. At times I questioned whether I could go on as the uphill road was seemingly never ending.

When debriefing the climb at the end of the day, a hiker more seasoned than I asked if I was striding. The answer was yes, I’m always striding!

The advice was that when it comes to long, steep hikes, the shuffle is easier and more sustainable than the stride.

I could immediately see the synergies with how I’ve been living my life. Striding ahead so hard and fast, then needing to pull back and catch my breath. Like all good advice, often it’s the simplest common sense that lands.

The stride is no longer serving me, small steps are more sustainable. Camino Life Lesson number one complete.