Long or short hikes, as long as you understand why you’re doing it, I think it’s easier to push through the distance. Hiking is a grueling task, sometimes fun, mostly tough. It’s a love-hate relationship when you’re trying to discover human endurance and how far your body can take you.

I started hiking in normal sneakers, backpack of water and snacks and I was good to go. This was in one of the local mountains in Ibaraki prefecture. I was surprised at my own body, being able to push through and that I could walk at a certain pace uphill for a couple of hours. I take breaks when needed but I didn’t give up.

Reaching the top gives me a wave of relief that I made it. The wonderful view was the cherry on top. It’s not the end though because there is still the hike down. Reaching the top means you’re only halfway. The goal is to get back, which is something most people forget.

If you’re curious about what I mean, you can try walking around in your nearby trails. Maybe you might find your own personal reason why its enjoyable.