This is Part 2 of my interview with Rebecca Walsh of “Just Trails” and “Hike Like a Woman.” Today, I talk about barriers to entry in the outdoor community and much more, including my newest “mountain crush.”

Here’s an excerpt:

We’ll take it away and start right where we left off yesterday.

Q: Sometimes I feel like there are a lot of barriers to entry in the outdoor community. These barriers can be novice hikers feeling like they don’t have the perfect gear, the physical strength or the experience to take on a trail. When you started hiking did you experience any barriers? What advice do you have for people who might be a little apprehensive about lacing up their hiking boots for the first time?

Yes, I have experienced those barriers, which I sort of described yesterday. I look at it like this, a barrier can only hold you back as far as you let it. (Amen Joyce!)

I admit, I was toast on my first few hikes, which were under 3 miles each. I could have given up and said hiking wasn’t for me. I know people that have given up after the first hike or two. The key is that you have to keep doing it. As your body gets used to the activity, it will adapt. Of course it’s going to scream at you and you’ll be sore for a few days, but that soreness will go away and you’ll feel yourself stronger the next time you go out. You have to just do it and keep doing it. Your spirit has to tell your body what to do, not vice versa.

Read the full interview here.