" can get around relatively well"

What exactly does that mean -- you can walk from your car to a store, walk around the mall or what?

What about your friend?

The southwest is beautiful but it can also be very deceptive. With almost no humidity, you don't sweat - well, you do but it evaporates instantly so you don't feel it. And the sun can be relentless.

Along with altitude, dehydration and sunburn are real concerns. Wear sunscreen, a hat with a brim, use chapstick. Bring lots of water and as mentioned above, non-perishable granola/protein bars. You just never know... being prepared is half the battle.

LOTS of water, and drink even if you aren't thirsty. Urine output should be light straw color, if it's dark, you are dehydrated.

As far as how far you can hike, remember, hiking isn't walking on a flat sidewalk. There are inclines/declines; may not be much if any shade; not paved so you have to scramble over things like rocks etc.

Use your head; you'll know soon enough if you can or can't.

It's beautiful here, so whatever you do, enjoy it.

Big Russ = Postied it, with detail, to inform people that these Energy drinks are useless and dangerous. That is why I including the disgusting evil chemical content.
Apparently people thought I was recommending it - My mistake. They should be avoided/discarded.

I use powdered Gatorade and let the sugar settle to the bottom and toss it out. I also use Vitamin Water and SoBe. Propel has no calories - will have to explore this one. Ditto with G-2 (if in powdered form)

Vaga

More good advice from those with "real" experience vs. the gym rat contingent. BTW June is different than July & August. Hope you are going as early in June as you can. There are other precautions needed in "monsoon season", although the general advice of doing your activity in the morning applies even more.

OP hasn't returned to comment; hopefully she at least read replies.

If she reads the comments to a simply question she will be scared to death. Granted people can have problems but it is not everyday. The article was four years old. The OP seems to have some assessment of her ability so assume a little common sense will also be used. And water is more than adequate for hydration. Don't need a bunch of fancy chemicals to work better.

Am always amazed how these discussion can run off on tangents.

<not the same as working out on a treadmill or jumping around in a gym with ready access to water and towels (and air conditioning).>

<advice from those with "real" experience vs. the gym rat contingent>


I don't know why someone keeps mentioning an indoor gym. No one is talking about exercising at a fitness club here.

But if the OP did exercise regularly at a fitness club, then she would be one step better prepared for the short, easy hikes on her trip.

She has probably decided on a beach vacation by now.

I sometimes travel with my parents who are in their 60s and 70s. They don't like like or want to hike and I just like to explore some. I can get them to do easy hikes so I look up what the parks call easy trails on their website, anything under 2 miles. My mom hates when I leave her behind but I don't push and she usually catches up to me. I think you will be fine. Always take water, a good sun hat and look at the easy trails. If you feel they are too easy you can always look up something a bit more intense.

Some people who have probably never been to the southwest, nor been on a hike, seem determined to give nonuseful advice about getting fit.

There is no indication that the OP had even asked about that. Just whether they could manage it.

I have never been to the southwest?

I have never been on a hike?

How interesting.

Yikes. Some of the comments...I hope the OP didn't change her trip to the beach but wouldn't blame her if she did.

If you can stay hydrated and you understand your limits, and you dress appropriately, that's all important. Weight and age are fairly minor factors. And I don't actually think walking every day is much help. I can walk all day, everyday. What gets me in trouble on the trails is incline and underestimating how tired I am. When I get tired, one of my ankles gets weaker- if I step wrong, I can easily fall and injure myself. So. I always keep in mind how far I've got to go UP while I'm going down.

And I am not petite. I've been all different weights. I can out hike people who are a lot skinnier than me. I've also been outhiked by a lady 30 years my senior. It's all about endurance and muscle and the ability to make sound judgements on what you can handle.

Oh, forgot to post what I actually meant to pot. You may want to consider hiking poles. I resisted the idea for years, but they help tremendously on uneven ground, and especially in terms of hiking downhill. I can go a lot further and I feel a lot safer when I've got those with me.

Yeah, they may have decided to go to Puerto Vallarta and sit by a pool.

Stirring the pot more....I am older than the OP by a bit (66 to her 50) but I am not overweight and I get a fair amount of exercise, including weights, long-distance walking (on a treadmill and outside), and hiking (anywhere from 5-15 miles). I think the OP will be seriously challenged trying to "hike" in the Southwest in summer. First, I think everyone, fit or not, would have problems with the heat. Second, I do think being 75 lbs. overweight is a big factor. Third, she's never hiked before, in fact, she doesn't even walk much.

At best, I think she and her traveling companion could manage some relatively short but flat walks. Even for that, I agree that hiking poles are a huge help.

Ditto sf7307. Most accurate assessment on this post. If one has to ask the question, one should not attempt and age has very little to do with it.

Set realistic goals, plan for frequent rests, and most importantly, don't make it a marathon, enjoy yourself.

If you have painful joints, bring medications like Ibuprofen and/or hiking poles.

Rides or tours make it easier.

Hey, people in wheelchairs travel.

I like the walking test dbdurand posted, which got lost above--so here it is again:
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/...es.asp?id=1496

Issues for an out-of-shape person, as I see them:
--don't overdo anything. No one is keeping score, so do what you can. You will see all sorts of people out "hiking", not just fitness models.
--see a doctor and ask about your plans.

I see age and weight as secondary. Lots of young people are in worse shape than you, lots of overweight people are strong and have great stamina.

Issues in the SW, as I see them, having lived in Arizona for two years:
--hydration
--sun exposure
--altitude
I took a friend in her 30's on a very easy hike in the Chiricahuas and she almost fainted, not from over exertion but from the heat and dryness, but she refused to drink enough water or wear a hat.
Ask your doctor for advice on these three factors, and follow it religiously.

Lastly, a word about "hiking": substitute the word "walking", because that's usually all it is. You won't be doing steep inclines, or technically challenging trails involving rocks or water crossings. Consult maps or ask park rangers and avoid those. The rest will be flat paths.

You won't go out for the entire day. You will go for short (1 mile or less) walks that you will do at your own pace, with your car nearby.

Now, ask yourself, does that sound like something we could do?

Thanks So much for all of the great advice! Nobody scared me off, I promise.

We are both classroom teachers, which isn't as sedentary as many people think. It does mean we have to travel in July because of our school calendar and other summer obligations.

Strangely enough, the heat isn't a major concern. We are traveling from West Texas, which gets up to 115 on our hottest days, but it has almost zero humidity and is the flattest landscape I have ever seen.

When I go to Hill Country I am always shocked by how little I can physically do compared to what I am capable of back home. I know it's a combination of the humidity and the terrain, but I'm not sure which is the biggest factor.

I can't say I ever get physically sore from walking/hiking, it's more a matter of running out of air. In humid conditions, I honesty feel like the air is heavy even when sitting.

Don't ask me why, but I honestly hadn't considered the elevation issues. I've hiked at Big Bend and the Davis Mountains, and did okay there but neither had narrow trails where I may feel that I am slowing other groups down.

Sounds to me like you will be totally fine, then! I find a dry heat way more tolerable, too, as long as you know to drink enough water and shade yourself.

So go for it, and let us know how it went!

Btw, we used to live in West Texas, too It does indeed get hot!