I'm a really big hiker, and I really understand what the author is saying when she says backpacking is mostly mental.
A cold, rainy day where you don't have enough layers, all your clothes are wet, and it's another 9 miles through mud and mountains to the nearest shelter is suffering and downright scary.
Looking up a 3000 foot rock scramble with a heavy pack when you've already covered too many miles and you're hungry is suffering.
But -- I don't think it's a good idea to ignore injury. That isn't the "Good" kind of suffering. If your skin is coming off your feet or your knees are swelling like crazy.. pushing through is kind of dumb.
A cold, rainy day where you don't have enough layers, all your clothes are wet, and it's another 9 miles through mud and mountains to the nearest shelter is suffering and downright scary.
Looking up a 3000 foot rock scramble with a heavy pack when you've already covered too many miles and you're hungry is suffering.
But -- I don't think it's a good idea to ignore injury. That isn't the "Good" kind of suffering. If your skin is coming off your feet or your knees are swelling like crazy.. pushing through is kind of dumb.