I hiked two miles today!

I have felt kind of poopy for a couple of days, sore, tired, and dumping right and left.  Today I decided I really needed some outside time, fresh air, and sunshine.  We went to a nature park and took a 2 mile hike - parts of the trail were easy and paved, but the back country sections were fairly tough.  I was very pleased with how well I did, especially with a still sore leg.  A year ago there is NO WAY I would have completed that hike.  Now I didn't get truly tired until about the last 1/4 mile, when I got a small stitch in my side and I started stiffening up a little.  Also, we had a little moment of excitement.  We heard this loud loud rustling for a while and weren't sure what it was.  As we got closer were heard this really creepy grunt and then saw some wild pigs running away.  I was glad it wasn't a bobcat or a snake- I took a lot of pictures but unfortunately missed the only wildlife we ran across. Here are some pictures -

CONGRATULATIONS on your 2 mile victory.  I know for a fact that I could not walk one mile right now, much less two.  I sure hope one year from now I am reporting that I was feeling gloomy and decided a walk was in order.  I must admit right now, if feeling gloomy, I'd stay right in bed!  Here's to continued victories!!

Thank you :)  I can't wait to hear about some of your victories after surgery.  Every little one ends up meaning so much after feeling trapped in your body for years.  All the best, Jenn

Way to go Jenn, You are amazing as usual! Your pics are beautiful and you look fabulous! ~Lori

Thank you thank you.  Now just tell me how to lose 6lbs in a week! 

hahaha... I think it was all the stress from getting the shop ready for Easter and making all those freaking chocolate bunnies...lol

WTG, Dunny!  I hope to start adding outdoor walks/short hikes to my routine.  We have lots of open space areas here in CO with walking paths.  In fact, you have inspired me to stop at the library tomorrow and pick up brochures on the different open space parks around here. Kix

If I lived in CO I'd be outside all the time I think - I miss the piney Rocky Mountain air, I crave it, and the coolness.  In the middle of San Antonio summers I often fantasize about hiking in New Mexico.  Some of my happiest memories are in the mountains, think I need to move?  Its winter that scares me though.  EDIT - oops I hit submit before I was done - anyway, thanks!  I think you'll really enjoy it too, I plan to do it again (and again and again).  My husband may not agree, his hips hurt today and he's moaning and groaning about sore muscles.  We are both so pathetically out of shape these days *sigh*  I feel pretty great today though, yay!

Atta' girl, Jen - 2 miles is a great hike and I'm so impressed that you made it!  It's amazing how quickly we progress on our journeys.  And it amazes me even more how our bodies change and our capacity for physical capacity improves; we've got a pretty cool design is you ask me!  Self-repairing even after years of "abuse."   Love your pictures - you look fabulous and the area where you were hiking is beautiful.  I'm looking forward to doing some hiking this spring and summer.  There are a couple hiking groups in the Cleveland area, and I'm going to check them out, and hopefully make some new friends during the process.   Anyway, congrats on your 2 mile hike!  I look forward to hearing about your next adventure soon -  Kellie

Thanks Kellie - I've always loved hiking, I did a lot of it as a kid and a teenager, but it was a lot easier back then, even if I was fat.  This was tough for me, but it felt great and I was thrilled when I made it.  Thanks about the pictures :)  I just wish I'd seen some birds or deer or coyotes or snakes or bobcats or something for an interesting picture!  Figures we see pigs - I thought we might get attacked as revenge for all the ham that is eaten on Easter.  Our bodies are amazing, and I hope you get to hiking too when the weather improves!  Its refreshing to be outside!