#79 the long road

For the past week or so, the same three people have been hiking along a main road.  Every day going to work I see them; backpacks loaded, two walking sticks between them, going in a seemingly endless loop.  Contrary to popular myth, Iowa is quite hilly (at least in the East long the Mississippi) and their journey is neither short or easy.  

Their presence is a recent phenomenon, so I speculate that they are in training for a more arduous hike elsewhere.  There is really no other way to prepare for an extended hike than by, well, hiking.  You can simulate it, or strengthen muscles in a gym or on a treadmill, but it is not the same benefit as walking hilly roads all day.

Are there hills that you should be walking instead of taking the easy way out?  A superintendent visiting all the schools in person instead of sending a video message to open the school year.  A handwritten note to all those who helped you with a major project instead of a pre-printed thank you.  Running your own reports and really looking at the raw data for nuances instead of just reviewing the summary.  Shortcuts aren't always the best route to take.

--- beth triplett
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