Week 2: Training Gets Real

Most recently updated February 14th, 2020

– – The second week of training started with a great 6 mile hike on the Loblolly trail in Umstead State Park.

Loblolly trail has a little bit of elevation, but it’s generally pretty flat and I still hiked with no extra weight in my pack.

What I did have was some great hikers on the trail with me!  🙂

I know 6 miles with no weight seems kind of wimpy, but I’m still trying to get back to my normal self after a prolonged illness.  

I’ve learned that it’s far better to level up your training slowly than to go too fast and injure yourself.     An injury could cause you to miss your hiking trip altogether.

I’d rather build up strength and endurance slowly and live to hike another day!

(BTW, if you’re new around here, I’m spending the next 8 weeks training for an awesome hiking trip to New Zealand.)

Speaking of strength training, I also did another outdoor strength-building hike this week, adding an extra 10 lbs to my pack.  This hike was solo.

I hike both solo and with a group – and I’m good either way.    Hiking is an activity that’s good for  introverts and party animals as well 🙂     Whatever gets you moving is your best option!

On the other days I kick-boxed, hiked on my treadmill with a heavy pack, and climbed the stairs to nowhere at the gym again.   I also got out for a long bike ride to cross-train a bit.

Bikers on the Cape Henry Trail
Bikers on the Cape Henry Trail

Cross-training  helps keep me from getting bored, and also keeps me from working the same muscles every day while neglecting others.

This will improve my overall strength and help me avoid injury, too.

So much of my training is more fun outdoors, I try to seize the moment and take it outside whenever the weather is good.

TAKEAWAY LESSON:  The right workout is one that you will do – so be ready to seize the opportunity to make your workouts fun!

I hope you’ve found my Training Log ramblings to be helpful- or at least amusing! 🙂   To see more of them go to my Training Log.

You could also take a look at my 8 Weeks to Awesome Training Plan post, if you want to see what kind of training I’m doing.

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time!  LJ

Week 1: Training Went Pretty Well

Most recently updated February 14th, 2020

– – I started this Awesome Training on my birthday, with a moderate 6-mile hike around Lake Crabtree,  which was pretty flat and with no extra weight in my pack.

No cake for me...
No cake for me…

And no cake.  In other words just another day for me 🙂

But when you’re training, it’s good to set an official starting place – even if it’s arbitrary. 

And you also need a defined end time and goal – so you know when you’re done!

My other posted weekly hike, a Strength Building Hike,  was another shorter one  – only 5 miles – but I added an extra 10 lbs to my pack.

Not a big deal from a length standpoint, but you’d be surprised how heavy that extra 10 lbs in your pack gets by the time you’re climbing the hill back to the trailhead!

This week, I also kick-boxed a couple of times, hiked on my treadmill with a heavy pack, and climbed the stairs to nowhere at the gym.

Photo from my home gym. Really.

Since I’m still recovering from the respiratory problems I had over the Holidays, I’m starting off pretty slowly.

And I’m also trying to stop eating like it’s still a Holiday!!

Even so, seeing any progress or feeling like some of the workouts are easier will take some time.

Logically, I know it will take longer than a week to see or feel any difference.

BTW, just in case you’re new around here, I’m spending the next 8 weeks training for an awesome hiking trip to New Zealand.

I’m trying to be patient with myself, and avoid looking in mirrors for a while….

TAKEAWAY LESSON:  Patience is required for training, and instant gratification isn’t fast enough!!

I hope you’ve found my Training Log ramblings to be helpful- or at least amusing! 🙂   To see more of them go to my Training Log.

You could also take a look at my 8 Weeks to Awesome Training Plan post, if you want to see what kind of training I’m doing.

Thanks for stopping by – see you next time!  LJ

8 Weeks to Awesome – Hiking Training Plan

Most recently updated February 3rd, 2023

This is the time of year when everyone resolves to somehow change their lives for the better in the coming year.

This past year, my goals were pretty easy to define – at least for the first couple of months.

You see, I’d been battling a really vicious head and chest cold – since late November.

I'll be hiking on New Zealand's North Island - where all the volcanoes are!
I hiked on New Zealand’s North Island – where all the volcanoes are!

Then, that turned into an infection (of lung and sinus type) for a few weeks and that went away but the original cold came back!

This illness plus inclement weather and Holiday shenanigans kept me from doing my usual basic maintenance workouts or scheduling as many hikes as usual.

AND  – here’s where the goals come in –  I’d planned a hiking trip to New Zealand for early Spring.

So, my goal was to be healthy and strong enough to do all the things in New Zealand without any struggle. 

I had about 8 weeks to make that happen.   The good news is I did the training, went to new Zealand and had an awesome time hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

I squeaked back into the US literally hours before they shut down international travel to New Zealand.

Fast forward to now, and we’ve had some version of COVID-19 lockdown in place, limiting our activities, since I got back home in March.

That Man and I had planned a trip to Hawaii – Kauai, to be exact – for April that had to be rescheduled for this coming winter’s Holiday season.

That’s where my training program “8 Weeks to Awesome” – or Auckland, to be specific – comes back into play.

I’ve got to get back on the plan to be ready for the Hawaii trip – assuming we’re allowed to go this time.  (As of this writing, prohibitive quarantines and testing requirements are still in place for out of State visitors…)

If you’re looking for a way to get back into shape before the Holidays – even if you don’t have a big trip coming –  maybe you’d like to do it with me!

Continue reading 8 Weeks to Awesome – Hiking Training Plan

Fitness & Wellness

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

Below are all of our posts with info and tips to help you get fit, eat a healthy diet, and promote wellness in your life.

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The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

As the weather changes with the seasons, you should also update your hiking boots for better performance and comfort.

But how do you know what features the best hiking boots or hiking shoes for the weather and your hike should have?

Of course you should like how they look, and they should feel good when you try them on – but beyond that, what are the most important things to look for?

Meadow Trail at NCMA Park
Meadow Trail at NCMA Park

Some boot features to consider:

        • Are they waterproof? 
        • Do they have cushioned shock-absorbing heels?
        • Do they have grippy soles?

If your feet are wet or painful, you won’t be able to think about anything else – and might not even be able to complete your hike.

What you put on your feet is without a doubt your most important piece of hiking gear, so you’ve got to get it right!

Hiking boots or trail running shoes (not regular road running shoes) are your best hiking footwear options.

Aside from fit, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of trail you’ll be on, and how long you’ll be on it 🙂

Continue reading The Best Hiking Boots – Choose Your Perfect Fit

Pilot Mountain State Park – Hike, Climb, Paddle and Camp

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Pilot Mountain State Park  views from the top are especially spectacular when the Fall colors come out!  It’s a great place to take a family trip any time of year, with miles of trails, camping, climbing, canoeing, and lots of Ranger programs.

I’ve been visiting this park for many years, first with my daughter when she was young, and later with hiking friends or on my own.

View from the Ledges trail
View from the Ledges trail

Like the rocky escarpments in nearby Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain is a remnant of the ancient Sauratown Mountains.

In fact, the Sauratown Trail, a 22-mile (30 miles with spurs) trail for both hikers and equestrians, crosses the range and interconnects the two state parks.

This is a hike I’ve been dreaming of tackling for a while now – you’ll hear all about it when I do!

Perfect for Day Trips
Map of NC State Parks within an easy drive of Winston-Salem
Map of NC State Parks within an easy drive of Winston-Salem

Several NC State Parks are just far enough away to be special trips but still close enough to make good day or weekend trips from the Raleigh area.

Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, and  – just squeaking in as do-able with a 3 hour drive – Stone Mountain State Park.

Pilot Mountain SP is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Raleigh, so you can easily get there, hike all day and still make it home before bedtime – especially on longer summer days.  Of course, if you live in Winston-Salem it’s an even shorter trip 🙂

Every time I visit, there’s something new to see, and the view from the summit never loses it’s charm.

If you’re looking for something a little bit closer to the Raleigh area, try Umstead State Park or for younger kids, try  Yates Mill County Park.

Where To Stay
Talking to a llama at Divine Llama Winery
Chatting up a llama at Divine Llama Vineyards

If you want to spend more time to thoroughly explore the park and visit  local attractions like Horne Creek Farm or Divine Llama Vineyards, you’ll need to find a place to stay.

There are camping sites and canoe-in camp sites available in the park.   You can reserve a campsite on the ReserveAmerica site.

You could also find Pilot Mountain cabins to rent or stay at a Mount Airy or Pilot Mountain hotel. Continue reading Pilot Mountain State Park – Hike, Climb, Paddle and Camp

Fun Outdoor Activity Ideas – 13 Trail Games to Play With Your Kids

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

Kids play outdoors at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know that hiking with kids and fun outdoor activity ideas for the whole family are a big focus of my blog.

This week’s article is a guest post from Hannah Murley, who is a blogger over at OwntheYard.com, a blog that focuses on backyard games and gear.

Fun Outdoor Games For Kids

Hannah approached me with an idea for a post about trail games for kids, because we both seem to have some focus on getting kids outside.

Some of my posts contain affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you.  I do not get paid for recommendations, all opinions on this site are my own. See full Disclosure page here.

Kids hiking at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation

Mostly, I focus on hiking with kids, but I also write about fun outdoor activities for toddlers that don’t include a lot of “hiking” unless you have them in some sort of carrying device.

So, I thought, that’s great – let’s get some ideas from a different point of view!

The games below are all fun, but some are more suited for play at a rest stop or in a park than for actual trail hiking.

Baby Backpack Carrier for Hiking with Kids

This could be due to the props you’d have to carry (in addition to any tired kids), or that the game might slow progress down the trail, or that the trail might be too rough for that particular game.

Hannah has made notes to that effect, but I urge everyone to use their common sense and knowledge of the trails and children involved to decide whether a game would be good for the outing you’re hosting.

And as always, remember to be courteous to others using the trail or park.

Do not block trails or trail access, and pause your game to allow other hikers to pass through.

13 Trail Games to Play with Your Kids

Hiking is a great outdoor activity for the whole family!

by Hannah Murley

Hiking is a great way to get children out in the open air, surround them with nature, and get them some healthy exercise.

While the wonders of the trail are new and intriguing at the beginning, over time kids can become bored.

Continue reading Fun Outdoor Activity Ideas – 13 Trail Games to Play With Your Kids

Lose Weight and Get Fit for Epic Hikes – Easy Training Plan

Most recently updated January 5th, 2023

Summer is undeniably coming.    I know this because the days have started getting the tiniest bit longer… 😉

Sadly, many of us emerge from Winter’s shapeless warm layers not as much the “beautiful butterfly” as we would like.

We must lose our Winter insulation!

Each Spring, we feel the need to  improve our weight and fitness before we can flutter confidently in the sunshine.  Or even wear shorts….

(I don’t mean to suggest that anyone needs to be a certain size.  It’s up to each individual and their medical advisors to decide what’s best for them.)

For myself, the main goal is to be fit enough to do any hike I’m interested in without a struggle.

I want to be a beautiful butterfly!

Also, I want to buy clothes when I need something new, not because I’ve outgrown my current size.

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to lose weight hiking and get more fit at the same time!

 

Why Hiking Is A Great Way to Get In Shape

The great thing about hiking is that pretty much anyone can do it, it doesn’t cost a lot of money, and it gets you outdoors. Continue reading Lose Weight and Get Fit for Epic Hikes – Easy Training Plan

Hikes and History at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Most recently updated January 16th, 2022

I first heard about Palo Duro Canyon State Park a couple of years ago.  It was February, and I wanted a good place to hike for a few days that was out of the cold, but not out of the USA.

Park headquarters at the entry

A couple of hiker friends recommended Palo Duro Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”. 

After doing a some follow-up research,  I decided that the park sounded perfect for my short solo hiking trip.

I  booked a flight, bought some new boots, and went on down to Texas to see it for myself. Continue reading Hikes and History at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

Eat to Breathe Easier – What is the Best Food for Asthma?

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

The best food for asthma – or any kind of diet – is healthy food that you want to eat and keep eating for a lifetime!

Even when you know what foods to avoid, it’s hard to always stick with it, especially at family events and Holiday gatherings.

I’ve been looking for the best food for asthma and perfecting my own anti asthma diet for a long time – and my own strategies for being social and still sticking to foods that are good for me.

My earliest memory is being inside an oxygen tent when I was a toddler.  (I’m in my 50’s now.) 

That’s a lot  of years’ living with the disease and learning what kind of diet and exercise helps.

Relaxing on a picnic break during a hike in the Mont Blanc range. 
A picnic break during a hike in the Mont Blanc range.

Through research and trial and error, I’ve created a diet that helps me breathe easier.

Over time, thanks in part to my diet,  I’ve gone from being a medicated Bubble Girl who couldn’t take a deep breath to a 50- something year old woman who does alpine hiking and leads weekly 6-12 mile hikes.

If you’re looking for additional (non-medical)  ways to minimize or even eliminate asthma symptoms, this diet could help you, too.

The photos in this post highlight some amazing places I’ve been able to hike in spite of severe chronic asthma.   Diet and exercise does make a difference 🙂  Continue reading Eat to Breathe Easier – What is the Best Food for Asthma?