Pace, Stride and Rest Stops
Good hiking technique is bound up in the concepts of pace, stride, and rest. If we went on a hike with one of the experienced leaders, and paid attention to how they walk, we would notice several things.
First, the leaders pace and stride, which together determine speed, are very steady. On level trail, the speed is not changed all the time, going sometimes faster, and sometimes slower. There is no waste motion. The leader has found a speed that is very comfortable, and he or she holds steadily to it. The leader's posture is erect but not stiff, and the motion of her body is smooth, almost seeming to glide along the trail.
Second, the leader seems to be able to continue almost indefinitely, without any obvious need for rest stops. She may stop to take pictures, to enjoy the view, to eat lunch, get a drink of water, to point out something of interest, etc. These stops add to the enjoyment of the hike. The leader may stop so others may rest, but never seems to need a rest herself.
Topics covered next in the book:
The "Go-forever Pace"; Hiking uphill