With the weather starting to warm up, hockey playoffs and the regular baseball season underway, it means it’s almost time to get out more and hike and climb. For some people getting out more is easy, they just drop everything and go on a whim. But for you and me, with strong work and family commitments, it takes a little bit more contemplation and a plan. Here’s one that works:

1. Mark it on your calendar. If you’re leaving early for work or coming in late mark it, make it well known and be unapologetic. Work is important, but hiking or climbing is probably also important for you to be happy and continue doing a good job.
2. Enlist your buddy or significant other in your plans.
3. Set money aside regularly from each pay check to cover trip expenses (gas, airfare, lodging if necessary, etc.) so this way when the time is right, you’re don’t have any financial excuses.
4. Don’t discourage day hikes. Even a short trail is better than no trails at all.
5. Join an outdoors group and commit to one of their trips, even if it’s just to the local state forest.
6. If you travel for work, find hikes or crags at those destinations and go!
7. Hike with family and friends and call it “quality time.”
8. Invite a business contact for a hike and call it “networking” or “bonding.” It probably will be better than the round of golf you normally play with him or her.
9. Be an trail opportunist! When there is free time, work, chores and family are tended to, just go!
10. Follow the Suburban Mountaineer for inspiration… duh.

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