Part of the reason why I haven't burned out is that I like to keep in shape. Climbing a peak is a part of that objective.DArcyS wrote:As for casual peak baggers, I figure they soon lose interest, and I have a couple litmus tests to assess whether they really like climbing or if they're in it for other reasons. First, do they have a regular workout routine? If not, they soon figure out that hiking up a peak is very similar to exercise, which is somewhat annoying on a week night and even more so on a weekend. Second, how far up a mountain does a "hiker" want to drive their vehicle to start their hike? When people want to drive high up a mountain to claim a summit, as I see it, they don't like hiking or climbing that much and they will ultimately lose interest -- perhaps after finishing the 14ers -- and find something else to do that they enjoy more.
One tip to avoid burnout is to set a goal to climb a reasonable number of peaks per year (and this number is dependent upon your work and family circumstances). If you set the goal to climb 5-10 14ers a year, you won't find yourself "needing" to go to the mountains every weekend to work on your list. You'll stay fresh and keep your hobby alive for 5-10 years. At the end of the year you'll feel good about meeting your goal, and you won't be frustrated with the number of remaining peaks on your list (which is probably more of a factor with the larger peak lists).
In the end, you have to like hiking, but like many other things, moderation helps to avoid burnout.