I took Crankin's suggestion & did a short hike today It was a three hours after my usual Sat morning KB group, and already over 70 degrees by early afternoon so I went for it. I hit dirt trails rather than pavement, and went to the most gentle trails I know with very little climbing. I didn't want to tax the knee more than needed. My phone is the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active and used a couple of the fitness features to keep track of my efforts/mileage/route mapping/etc. (Really surprised at how robust they were!). I had hoped for at least 1.5 miles, but I was back at my car at .85 mile - my knee was hurting by then. Seemed best to call it a day instead of forcing myself to hit an arbitrary distance. Thankful that I selected trails that didn't get me too far from my car as the crow flies, it helps that I chose a park I am very familiar with.

On one hand it was humbling that very easy hiking bothered my knee, but I am wearing a brace for a reason. I can work with this - just have to be smart. Thinking it might be good to get a hiking staff or something, once I am able to hit more challenging trails. At least I DO have a non-impact cardio option at my other gym, and I've learned what I can do with the kettlebells and what I need to avoid for now. All good!