How to Hike the Last Mile of the Day

• When I have a painful last mile to walk, I envision walking down my road at home for what I know to be a mile: Now I’m at the bottom of the driveway . . . now I’m at the next-door neighbor’s . . . now I’m at the church . . . I always seem to cut this one too short.

• Rounding mileage up so I arrive quicker than I think I will.

• Rounding my expected time up for the same reason.

• Actually counting my steps, figuring 5,280 feet per mile and two feet to each step. I always miscount and add more, so I arrive earlier than expected.

• Sing a lot of songs.

• Fantasize what I will eat for dinner.

• Focus on the beauty around me.

• Talk to the animals.

• Write blogs in my head.

• Compose responses in my head to people who have contacted me.

• Envision a great tent spot and how good it will feel to lie down.

• Eat that extra protein bar.

• Think about the food I will get when in town.

• Sing yet more songs.

• Be grateful I can feel my pain and am not paralyzed.