Friends, I started my hike for a month on 8th August. But I had to terminate the hike immediately as per my cardiologist’s advice on 9th morning itself. Now, I will probably not go to the mountains this year. I noticed on the first day that my pulse rate was shooting up very high during climbing, which had never happened in the past. Then the pulse rate remained above 100 for several hours after I reached the camp site (My usual pulse rate at rest is 55-65). Luckily, I could talk to my cardiologist. He was not concerned about the shooting pulse rate. But the lingering high pulse rate drove his decision to stop the hike, the decision that I fully supported as a commitment to my family and to all of you.
I met my fantabulous bugger friends and their spouses and kids on 7th August evening. Nitin, Anjali and Priya were great hosts (funny, but the only other couple I know with same first names!). Even within that one-day hiking on next day, I already had amazing experiences. Half-a-mile long, inaccessible and tranquil Sunfish Pond was adorned by mighty boulders from all sides. For the first time in so many days, I saw an almost 270-degree view at Raccoon ridge with a shiny Delaware river on one side and rolling farms on the other side. Apparently, this is a popular site to watch Hawk migration, which will start in a couple of weeks. I was alone in the camp that evening. The sunset was amazing (probably top-three spectacle in my hiking duration on AT) and had an eerie early morning experience of not a single bird singing in the entire jungle. Completely beyond my imagination! In spite of my concern about the heart, that quiet, green imprint will be etched in my brain for a long time.
As of now, my pulse rate is back to normal. However, I have a long way ahead to regroup myself. My cardiologist will plan stress tests for me. Besides, I am going to retry to reduce my weight, find ways to reduce pain in the nerves below my ankles and of course, test out the impact of simulated hikes on my heart. So, I will stay put this year and re-evaluate my plans next year.
I am really sorry for taking you for a ride with multiple quits. But through all of my challenges, you have encouraged, supported and wished me good luck like true friends. That is as amazing as the trail magic that I found on the trail itself. Thanks a lot from the bottom of my heart to all of you, my angels!
Take care! बचेंगे तो और भी लढेंगे!
सर सलामत तो पगडी पचास
No worries Nitin . You tried and accomplished a lot. Pain sometimes affects blood pressure and heart so it can be challenging , at our age .
Take care of your heart and see you in September
Thanks for the update!! All the best for your trial treks and getting back on the trail next year!! In the interim write and send your experiences … not yet penned!!
Nitin
We support your decision and we are very confident that you will come out next year with great health and mindset!
Happy recovery and stay fit!
Enjoy this recharging period with your family!
Everything you have done so for to stay on the trail is admirable. Stopping to take stock is a right decision.
Nitin, this is a great decision. Absolutely the right thing to do.
No reason to even utter the word “sorry” … We have enjoyed every moment of yours on the AT and have felt equally anxious when you had to pause.
We are with you on every step of this even before you embarked on the AT.
Let us focus on the challenges at hand and rethink about how we all can succeed in DADHI COMPLETING THE TRAIL.
Hello Nitin!
We grieve with you as we totally understand the pain of having to make such a decision! In fact I shed some tears for you. However, there is no sense in praying for wisdom if we opt to not use it!🥴. We are grateful you are listening to your body and not taking any chances. Sounds like you have some good sound goals that will help prepare for a stronger start next year! Perhaps we can meet up sometime in the next 6 months and share our trail stories! Blessings to you as you continue your journey off the trail.
Love,
T&T
Good luck for the start next year.
Stay well and stay safe!
Nitin: often words cannot convey what one wants to say- I do not know you well personally but over the years whenever I have seen you function-in social and community situations the amazing grace you show keeps me in awe-you venture to go where few would, you are open about situations where many would run away, your directness and sensitive communication style is what draws folks like me. All the very best to you whatever direction you travel next and maybe some of us will have the courage to follow such an example-Latika
I admire your perseverance. Your health comes first and I am glad you have taken the decision to listen to your body, the doctors and of course, your family. All the best. Enjoyed reading all your blogs.
Take care
Mona
Take care Nitin. You have done so well so far, but health is more important.
Health is the most important thing. Do take care and enjoy small treks when u get permission.
‘This year’ is the operative phrase! I am sure that you will return on the trail in 2022, smaller and stronger! Wise decision. I doff my hat to your courage and wisdom!
Nitin, Good judgement requires courage. It means sometimes doing painful choices. I’m sad for you. Sounds like you have gained quite an adventure despite these detours!
May you enjoy good cardiac health.
Louisa
Hi Nitin, really enjoy led reading your updates about hiking. Good judgement, sometimes it’s ok to take a break you can always go back once you gain strength and everything is normal.
Good luck with everything abd take care.
Thanks,
Chhaya
Glad to know you respect your age snd body physiology . Also respect the advise got from MD and well wishers. Always next time . Do well and try next time after full recovery . Thanks to share with all . Anant bhogaonker
It’s Nitin!
Happy with your decision. I am impressed with what you accomplished given the health condition you started with.
Take care of yourself. Hope we will find a way to get together with our familiar group soon.
Sorry!
I meant to say it’s Ok Nitin! Not it’s Nitin!😉
Your trekologues have been absolutely inspirational, Nitin! Get well soon.
Nitin
Well tried I am sure it was well worth. We wish you good luck for next year. We hope you will recover fast. Get well & see you soon.
You have rightly prioritized health Nitin. Your passion for the trail will compel life to give you a second shot at it. Till then recuperate and prepare. 🤗
Hats off to your indomitable spirit, Nitin!
Wish you a speedy recovery. Take care
Nitin, though I know it’s a little setback to you for now for your inability to continue & complete AT due to some health issues, but I am sure with good rest, care and medication, you will recover in remaining months of this year.
When I saw your photo with family and friends, without reading your next para, thought immediately came to my mind that you need to reduce the weight not little but considerably, to reduce pressure on knee joints & vital organs. That would surely make you fit for your next phase.
Apart from listening to heart, it is also important to listen to the body and you have taken the right decision to take some break, recover and plan again.
Best wishes. Take care and get well soon.💐❤️
Hi Nitin,
Truly hats off to you for your courage and spirit! Many of us have taken inspiration from you!! Take care, take rest and come back strong in 2022.
Wise decision. As the climbers say, going to summit is not success, coming back is success, summit or not.
Your blogs are fabulous. Please keep them flowing….
We are confident you will come back stronger next year. Stay safe and well.
Nitin,
You have done what most others will not do or even think of doing. You have experienced nature in ways that remains foreign for much of our daily lives. It has deepened your view of life. This decision to stop due to your heart condition is undoubtedly the right one even though you are probably a little disappointed. When you recover, you will be able to try again. Best wishes for a full recovery!!
Hi Nitin, Though I’m a bit disappointed that my virtual walk with you on AT has been stalled, I deeply appreciate your courage, commitment and clarity. As they say, we’ll begun is half done. Let’s do the second half next year! Cheers 👍
Absolutely correct decision. It is good to have challenging tasks / goals ahead, and if not, create one (or more!!???). That makes one stronger. But physical strength has limitations, mental strength does not. That makes your body to overpower itself and help you achieve your goals. The wisdom lies in drawing a line, knowing when to stop. You have shown that wisdom and I wholeheartedly congratulate you for the same.
After reading Pramod Jain’s comment, I would like to share what I have learned about reducing pressure on your knees.
Commonly known fact is that your knees are stressed more when you climb down. The trick lies in delaying the pressure on your front foot while climbing down. That has worked great for me. Try it out… whenever you can … (after ENOUGH rest, I mean!).
Dadhi, You have written amazing stories. My daughter too enjoyed reading your blog. Take care. I am sure you will complete this assignment.
Dear Nitin ,
You are Braver than you Believe,
Stronger than you seem,
And Loved mire than you know !
Salute to your courage and welcome home ❤️
चांगला decision घेतलास,नितिन.काळजी घे.