> But you I could maybe keep up with.

There's your problem - don't <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I stopped years ago trying to keep up with anyone when hiking with others. I go my own pace. It takes some practice not to follow slavishly, but hyoh. Sometimes this means people actually end up hiking with me, other times it means I see them at breaks and in camp. You'll have a lot more fun at *your* pace instead of someone else's.