Renee - I do stress dose when I hike for the very same reason - I cant do it otherwise - my heart rate gets way too high and I get really lightheaded and feel sick. If I keep going I get really dizzy and have problems speaking even from my cortisol being low along with losing all energy - that happened to me on an 8 mile hike last winter - the friend that was with me had to hold my arm and guide be down the trail and we both werent sure I would make it. I usually take a second full dose of steroids an hour before I’m going to hike and I feel great  - a long hike with a lot of elevation gain (more than say 2000 ft) I will sometimes triple what I usually take. For me I have to do it or I cant hike - its that simple.

Susan A.