A Hike like no other!

Some of you know the Florence version 2022; always ready to
help you find the best clothes that will allow you to go
explore. If I have such a passion for helping and encouraging you, it's
because I am proof on two legs that with the right equipment and a
little patience, everyone can find their place in the big world of
outdoors.
To give you a portrait of me, I have never been the most
athletic… I remember being younger than just my sports activities
(and the term is big!) were downhill skiing in the winter (I won't hide from you that my
favorite time was hot chocolate at the end of the day!) and swimming
in the lake in front of the house, summer.
I won't lie to you by telling you that this change happened quickly.
The click was made in a pandemic. Like many, I started simply
walking in my neighborhood. I walked a good 30 minutes a day.
Unfortunately, my feet started to hurt a lot after a few
weeks…My spouse had the solution! He suggested that I go and equip myself with a
good pair of hiking boots; I laughed in his face! In my head, at
that time, it was the kind of equipment that was not for me and my
small steps in Villeray. For me a normal pair of shoes was fine
enough. On the other hand, Monsieur did not let go of the matter and continued to talk to me about it
sometimes…
After several months (and a bit to prove to him that it wasn't going to change anything
my situation), I folded, and backwards, I went shopping for boots
hiking. After more than 20 models tried and ready to give up, he
forced to try the same model of a boot that I "tolerated", but in the
men's version. Mind-blowing how finally I was in a pair of
boots! Much better than I had been in a long time in any
shoes. The following months, I continued to "take" my walks in
my neighborhood. And finally, without the foot pain! It is at this moment that I
surprised myself to enjoy the activity for real! And this, until the winter
come back… That was the end for me… I thought I had to put away my boots and the
come out in the spring only. But this time, my "cheerleader
personnel" did not wait for my agreement before being implemented!
A few weeks later I had new, more insulated boots and
appropriate clothing. Nothing special, just a shell, in which
I could put on a down jacket, and a pair of merino suits. For the
first time in my life, I had clothes adapted to my shapes and which
kept warm.
I will always remember one of my first “real” hikes that I took
do! We had decided to go hiking in Parc national d'Oka. I do not have

not say a word about the trip... I was terrified. I was never gonna be able to
ride oka's Calvary! I really wanted to turn around and go back to the
House! "I'm pocket!", I said to myself. “Everyone will judge me”
I repeated myself. Once again, I had forgotten who supported me in my corner
right. Arrived on the spot, he said to me: “I discovered that there are paths which leave
from the beach where you can do only a few kilometers and there does not seem to be
have too many elevations. I want you to have fun for your first 'real'
hike!” Making me say that, triggered something in me. For the first
times, I felt validated in my definition of the outdoors. For the first time I
I felt taken into account in the activity! They didn't expect more from me,
I enjoy moving.
This first time will have been for me, the beginning of a long love story
with hiking! It changed, at home, the vision I had of the outdoors.
Suddenly, the outdoors could be as simple and enjoyable as the
steps that I took in my neighborhood. It was mostly about being outside,
good company and having fun.
See you next time, for the rest of my outdoor adventures.

Text written by Florence from Sportive Plus St-Clet.
Thank you Florence, enjoy your hikes in comfort.