After reaching their goal- hiking to a summit or ridge- people feel tired and mentally relax. Descending is most dangerous part of trail running, hiking and climbing. We tend to hurry, eager to get home.

Light is fading. The steep trail is tricky underfoot with protruding roots, slippery mud and rolling rocks.

To Prevent Falls

1. In steep areas, walk downhill in a zigzag pattern like a skier carving turns. This turns your feet sideways on the hill. it's more stable.

2. Slow down.

3. Karen taught me to take rapid, small steps downhill.

4. Lift up your feet.

5. STOP your feet before looking at the view. Every time I forgot this, I tripped.

6. Lengthen hiking poles for the descent. Often hiking poles stop me from falling.

7. When it's too steep to stand, I sit down and do a controlled slide until I can stand up. On snow, shale, mud or small rocks. Safety is more important than my pants and pride.

About once every two years, I trip on a rock or protruding root and fall, driving my knees, face and hands into the rocky trail. I instinctively throw my body toward the hill to avoid going over a cliff.

Then I put on my headlamp.