Go the distance with the Melanated Aces

Halifax’s Amanda Carvery-Taylor knows how to make the best of a tough situation. She’s an author, photographer, mom and wife who doesn’t let health challenges stop her from leading an active lifestyle. We think her experiences will inspire you to get outside and take the roof off winter:

I’ve never been a really active person. I’ve had fibromyalgia since I was 12 and it’s gotten progressively worse. I’ve also struggled with other health conditions, including arthritis, hypertension, tachycardia and chronic fatigue.

Growing up, I always saw myself as fragile and slow, and often sat on the sidelines while my friends and family got in the game. It was difficult and caused depression and anxiety.

I kept telling myself that my life would be full in other ways, but it really didn’t feel like it. So, I made a decision. Knowing I would experience pain no matter what I did, I decided I would “DO ALL THE THINGS” and that way I could at least say I tried. I can deal with failure, but I couldn’t deal with the idea of not trying. Hiking was one of the first activities I tried. Luckily, I live near a beautiful trail and already owned everything I needed to get started (if you have sneakers and a water bottle, you’re ready!). My biggest barrier was procrastination, so I’ve adopted an attitude of ‘just take one step.’

Even if all I do is show up at the trail, and I’ve taken the first step and it was horrible, I can simply turn around and go home. But if it’s good, I’ll go a distance that feels comfortable to me; if I find a puddle too wide to cross, I can turn around and that’s OK. Tiny steps aren’t a big deal individually but when I add them up, I can say I’ve gone for a hike for as far as I could safely, and that’s a big deal to me!

Hiking has become one of my favourite activities. As long as I’m spending time in nature and moving my body, I’m happy.

Two of my closest friends and I realized there wasn’t much diversity in the activities we do. It can be intimidating to try things when nobody doing them looks like you. We started Melanated Aces, an adventure group that’s a safe space for women-identifying folks of colour.

Hiking is our main activity because it’s outdoors and we can keep distance during COVID-19. Over the past year, we’ve done a variety of trails and it’s always rewarding to go a little further on some of our faves.

Here are nine tips for newbie hikers:

Do what you can

Some days, that’s doing stretches; other days, it’s hiking for hours on challenging terrain. Either way, you know you’re doing what you can and that’s okay.

Find a hiking buddy or group

It’s easier to commit to going when you have someone to coordinate with.

Communicate your needs to the group

Speak up if you’re ready to turn around. It’s better to stop and put a bandage on than continue and get a blister. The key is to enjoy your time without pressure to go beyond your limits.

Build up to more challenging trails

There will always be more challenging trails to take on. There are so many trails in Nova Scotia, you can always find something to fit your fitness level.

Make the time you need

My week is busy with a million tasks for my husband and two kids, so I always thought I didn’t have time or energy to go hiking. I’ve realized now that these activity breaks replenish me, so I feel better throughout the week. I’ve even got my family joining me sometimes!

Prep for after your hike

This is a big one for me because of fibromyalgia. I know I’ll be sore after an activity and this can be discouraging. I make sure I’ve prepared by having my cozy PJs ready, some Epsom salts for a bath if I need it and my heating pad. This way, I get home and it doesn’t seem as rough.

Dress for success

The first time I went hiking in winter, my hands got cold and I wanted to quit – I told my friends I’d see them in the spring. But then they introduced me to hand warmers and these keep my hands happy.

If you’re starting any activity during winter, wear layers. Once you get moving, you can adjust as needed so you don’t overheat. When you stop, you’ll cool down again, so keep those layers nearby.

Stay dry and hydrated

Staying dry in the rain is a lot of effort. I start rainy hikes knowing that even though I’m as sweet as sugar, I don’t melt like it. What I don’t enjoy is the feeling of wet hair hanging in my face, so I tie my hair back. Now I absolutely love sitting with my eyes closed enjoying the rain!

Bring a hot drink for the ride home. I love bringing an Americano in my travel mug, which keeps it warm.

Check the weather. If it’s too icy to be on trails, go for a city hike and explore an area that’s safely cleared for walking. It’s no fun to fall on ice.

Debrief and reflect

Don’t let a tough experience discourage you. Ask yourself what you didn’t like and see if there are solutions. It takes some work but will be so rewarding.

Nova Scotia really has some of the most beautiful trails around. I challenge you to #getoutside and see some of the beauty we have right here at home. Follow my adventures on Instagram at @seekingjoi and @melanated.aces. I’d love to hear what other ways you’re keeping active during COVID-19!

Amanda Carvery-Taylor, is the author of A Love Letter to Africville, a compilation of personal stories and photos of former residents of Africville, Nova Scotia. Her book will be released in February 2021.