In a few weeks, I'm heading out on an 110 mile backcountry trip with my family in the Swedish Lapland. Though I've been enjoying the surfing and beach life of Rockaway, I haven't been thinking much about rocky trails and mountainous terrain. I knew my upcoming trip would be uncomfortable if I didn't train appropriately. I filled up my backpack with bottles of water and laundry and laced up my hiking boots.

After a mile on the boardwalk I walked another 3 down the beach towards Breezy Point, feeling the added challenge of the sand. At Jacob Riis Park, I turned around and came the less scenic way back on Rockaway Beach Boulevard. Other than a few curious stares and a hotspot on my toe, there isn't much to report. Next goal is to find some stairs I can use to train for incline.

By Sarah Knapp as part of the series 30 Days in the Rockaways