52, so far

Readers of this blog know I like to write about my adventures, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I keep lists of what I’ve done and what I still want to do. Last year, when our friend Jackie Emanuele did the REI 52 Hike Challenge, I realized that I had missed an opportunity to keep lists and generate statistics. How did I let that happen?

Last year I think I hiked at least 52 times, but that’s unofficial speculation. Now that I’ve signed up for this year’s challenge, my 2024 hikes are documented in excruciating detail. I hit the target 52nd hike on August 11. I’m not stopping, of course. My new goal for the year is 80 hikes, which feels attainable since Tucson’s weather improves for the rest of the year. I slowed down a lot for the Summer.

Here are some of my current statistics:

• 52 hikes
• 431 miles
• 84,000 feet of elevation gained
• 2 states (Arizona and Utah)
• Longest distance: 22 miles
• Largest elevation gain: 5000 feet
• Highest elevation reached: 12,633 feet (Humphreys Peak, highest point in Arizona)
• Average distance: 8 miles
• Average elevation gain: 1,600 feet

It’s not bragging if it’s true, right? (Yes, I know it’s still bragging. Humor me.)

The 52 Hike Challenge is obviously an average of one per week. REI wants people to set weekly exercise as an attainable goal, and they encourage sharing hashtagged photos to spread the word. The world benefits when more people are outside and active, which happily aligns with REI’s marketing of gear, training programs, and adventure vacations.

I was going to hike a lot this year anyway because that’s my thing, but the challenge pushed me to increase my variety and distance. Reviewing my pictures, I realize that hiking has improved my social life as well. It’s no coincidence that this post features pictures of me and friends I’ve made hiking Tucson and elsewhere. You’re all great.

If you’re inspired to hike more, try the challenge. And if you like statistics, so much the better. Mmm, spreadsheets.