FITNESS CORNER HIKING WITH NIELS ANDERSON An interview with Niels Anderson
Kit Carson Peak, Sangre de Cristos, Colorado photo courtesy of www.zeuto.com/gallery/kit_carson

The Loveland Physical Education department will showcase people with enthusiasms for active lifestyles
here on FITNESS CORNER each month.

LPE: Niels, what got you interested in hiking?
Niels: The thrill to get to the top of a peak was exciting to me. When I was at Luther College in Iowa, my friends and I used to come out to Colorado and climb Longs Peak.

LPE: What are things a novice hiker needs to know?
Niels: You need to be prepared for ALL weather. It could be in the 80's and calm and within an hour in the 40's and raining. You also need to bring more water than you possibly think you would drink.

LPE: What does it cost for hiking equipment?
Niels: Travel expense and a one-time purchase of gear. Good hiking shoes and a H20 dispenser such as a camel back are a must.

LPE: How do you train for hiking?
Niels : I like to run at lower altitude. Mentally, you have to be prepared to attack the mountain or it will attack you!

LPE: What peaks have you climbed?
Niels: I have climbed 30 of the 54 14,000 ft. peaks in Colorado. There are almost 70 in the USA and I hope to climb all of them.

LPE: What climbs do you have planned for this summer?
Niels: Mt. Culebra and Maroon Peak. Then I'll head on over to the Elk Range.

LPE: Would you recommend hiking?
Niels: Yes. I would start slow, though, to see if you like it. You should try some smaller peaks and climbs before attempting the bigger ones.