Mileage Creep (Over-Ambitious Days)
Overview
Mileage creep describes the gradual tendency for planned daily mileage to increase beyond the original itinerary. This can occur due to optimism, peer influence, or early-trip enthusiasm.
Key points
- Often leads to fatigue or overuse injuries.
- Can undermine recovery and long-term sustainability.
- Common when hikers feel strong early in a long-distance route.
- May occur unintentionally during extended hikes.
- Countered by adhering to planned schedules and caps.
Details
Mileage creep happens when hikers exceed their planned daily distances repeatedly, usually due to favorable trail conditions or a desire to reach the next landmark or town. While occasionally manageable, sustained increases can lead to exhaustion, stress injuries, or schedule imbalances.
Recognizing early signs of mileage creep allows hikers to return to sustainable pacing before problems arise.
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.