Remembering why I do this.

So today was supposed to be a mileage training day. Imagine my surprise this morning when my boo offers to come with me. I was ecstatic that he WANTED to go, but a part of me wanted to get my mileage training in. I decided it was way more important to spend quality time with my boo and my hounds then to squeeze in a training day. So off we went to do the 5 mile loop at Crowders. I guess I was getting so focused on increasing my miles that I wasn't taking the time to enjoy the hiking. When I would do the training hikes, I usually kept my head down and my thoughts on my breathing, my muscles tension, the time, my heart rate, and making my miles. Well today, I took it slow and easy. I took in the amazing color changes in the leaves, I awed at the way the sun peaked through the trees making the leaves glow, I took a moment to enjoy the outlooks on the way up the mountain that I normally blaze by in a race with myself to get to the top of the mountain, I felt my heart swell with love and pride as I watched my boo and my dogs scramble up the rocks to catch me, and I had reconnected with my boo. I was at peace, calm, and happy. It's so easy to get focused on a goal, that you lose track of the purpose. Today I was reminded of why I started doing this in the first place and I have my boo to thank for that. I Love you Boo.

Mileage Training

On Sun. 10/28 I had set up a training meeting with a fellow hiker at a local mountain. We are trying to increase our mileage to get us up into the 15 mile range. Well after the Saturday I had, (hiking 9 miles) I didn't think my body could get me through another long hike. I warned my training partner that I was soar from my hike the previous day, but would do the best that I could in keeping up with her. We agreed to do the first 3 mile loop and see where we both were. It was tough, but we got through it and I felt like I could do the next 5 mile loop. Imagine my surprise when I got a second wind and started running a bit of the trail in the last 2 miles. After we were done, I swear I thought I could of done the 3 mile loop again. I think what I was experiencing was a hiking high. I just felt a burst of energy and I caught myself grinning from ear to ear, but I'm not sure if its was from finishing the strenuous hike or if it was from the hiking high. Anyways, I'm training again next Sun. so I will see if it happens again. The things our bodies can do really amaze me.

I kept up! Sort of....

On Sat. 10/27 I went on a hike with a group of people whom I consider exceptional hikers. We warmed up with a quick 2 mile hike with a steep downhill descent into a gorge to see a beautiful water fall. 1 mile down, 1 mile up. We then went to do the Ravencliff Falls loop hike that took us to the base of a different fall, then up above the top of the fall. According to the ranger, the loop was 9 miles, according my group leader, the loop was 5 miles. After doing the hike, I'm leaning towards the ranger, it was closer to 9 miles. It was a 2000 ft. descent to the foot of the falls, then a 2000 foot ascent to the top of the falls. Mind you, these falls are considered the biggest falls in our region. I was throughly impressed that I was able to keep up with the strongest hikers on the descent, running in some spots of the trail with them. After crossing a wire bridge, the climb began, and boy was it a climb! I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I had to slow down and hike with the rest of the group, (but I did finish up 1st in the regular group.) My confidence as a hiker is really soaring and I am motivated to get to the level of the strong hikers I admire.

Backpacking Bliss (ter)

Took a Friday off and went on an adventure! A 3 day, 17.3 mile, backpacking trip at Mt. Sterling to be exact. I could not of picked a more perfect weekend. Rain was in the forecast, but I didn't see a drop or even a cloud for that matter. The weather was nice, low 70's/day and high 30's/evening. The trip itself was 5.4 miles with a 1,500 ft. elevation gain on the first day, 5.8 miles with 3,000 ft. elevation gain the second day, and 6.1 miles and 4,500 descend for the last day. I learned that carrying a 35 lb pack can be very exhausting for just 6 mile of trail. I learned that I shouldn't carry 4 liters of water for 6 miles of trail, especially if there was a water source at each campsite. That shaved an extra 7 lbs off my pack! I learned that a bag of bagels can feel like 20 lbs and that I should of thought to bring crackers instead. I learned that dehydrated spaghetti and meat sauce is pretty damn good after a big elevation gain day. And I learned that the trick with these trips is to take several breaks, take my pack off, eat a snack, and drink plenty of fluids. After all, I have all day to do the mileage, so I took it easy and enjoyed being outdoors. My only regret, is not putting foot powder on my feet the last day. I got a tiny blister on my pinky toe. Other than that, the exertion was great and the views were incredible, and I can't wait to do this trip again.
Trek Poles: I am now a big proponent of them. I've never thought I needed them, didn't want the additional weight, didn't want them getting in my way when I needed to grab onto a tree limb to steady my balance, and certainly didn't want to drag them behind my on the trail. But boy did they come in handy this weekend. I was able to balance myself better, especially going down hill.

Matter over Mind

The dogs and I were at a local mountain, Crowders Mt., that we frequent when we don't have the time to make the drive up into the mountains. Its about 30 minutes away and our standby hiking trails never disappoint. Its got two trails that make a great 1 1/2 hour workout. We normally do one trail, thats gains more elevation quicker, but is about a mile shorter (3 miles) or we do the longer trail with gradual elevation (4 miles). I decided to take the quicker trail and just hike faster. We got a great workout and when we came to the T intersection to either go back to the car or start the longer trail, my dogs made the left turn on to the 2nd trail. I was feeling warm, but knew I could push more, so I indulged the dogs and figured if it gets to tough, I can always turn around. About the middle of the ascend, my mind was telling me to turn around, it could not comprehend that we could do this. It knows we always do one or the other trail, but not both! I stopped and made a quick assessment of my body. My muscles, though burning, were not fatigued and the momentum was keeping me going. I just told myself, I can do this, its Matter over Mind, and we did. We trudged up to the next amazing view, rounded that last corner, and completed our hike. I could not believe we hiked BOTH trails in one day. Its truly amazing what our bodies can do when we let them. My tired dogs slept the entire way home, but I had the biggest grin, knowing I learned a great lesson on the trail this morning.

Meditation in Motion

I don't know about you, but I love Fall. Its the perfect time of the year to get in some great backpacking trips. The weather is cool, the leaves are changing color, and best of all.... the trails are less crowded! Something about being on a trail completely relaxes me. Not sure if its the solitude, the seclusion, the exertion, or the views. Its probably a combination of it all, but when I'm on a trail, I am IN the moment. No thinking about work, my "to do list", my tennis match on Monday. Nothing but me, the awe-inspiring views, and the sound of leaves crunching beneath my boots. Seriously, its like meditating in motion. My mind is clear and my body is on auto pilot, moving one foot in front of the other, propelling me forward, deeper into the woods, and further from everyday stresses. (Carvers Gap)

Hello! SweetPeas First Blog

Hello! So I've been doing all these outdoor adventures for years and have finally decided to "Blog" them. I will try to log in weekly to update my adventures with my fearless companions, whom I like to affectionately call Thing one and Thing two. AKA Charlie Brown, the big, goofy, galooty chocolate lab and Melia, the smart, sassy, inquisitive border collie and something mix. As for me, after being cooped up in an office all week long, there is nothing more relaxing then being outdoors doing something physically challenging. Like hiking, backpacking, moutain biking, kayaking, or traveling. By no means am I an "extreme" thrill seeker. I just like to get out and let off a little steam. Oh... and as for the name, "Sweet Pea", its pet name given to me by my Boo. Who humors me by allowing me to drag him into the deep woods for the sake of adventure. (I think he secretly likes it.)