Mueller Park Hike

Oh yes.  I finally was able to do a real hike.  I've been itching to get out there and climb some mountains but my feet unfortunately just do not want to play nice.  However, I finally couldn't take it anymore and decided to try a baby hike to see how bad it hurt.  We opted to try the Mueller Park hike as we had heard it was a gradual climb and should be pretty gentle.

The weather was really nice outside.  It was about 90 degrees in the valley so we were looking forward to gaining some elevation so it could cool off!  Luckily the majority of the hike was in the shade.  It felt SO good to be out in nature and enjoying the sights and smells.  It's very therapeutic!  

My feet felt great for the first mile, but after that my achilles tendon in my right foot started getting angry like I suspected it would.  We continued on for another half mile and then turned around.  I was sad to have to stop so soon, but it was definitely the right decision. 

 We were able to get a good look at the fire lines that they recently put in place on our mountain.  I'm not sure how they actually make them, but they are certainly an endeavor!  With all the recent fires happening in our state and neighboring states, I'm glad something is in place to hopefully help in the case that a fire starts in our area.

As we turned around, my plantar fasciitis started flaring up in my left foot.  It was sending a few quick sharp pangs every step or so.  Eventually the angle of the trail changed and that helped to minimize the flareup.  I was grateful for that!

I will probably hike again soon, but first I would really like to get a deep tissue massage to work through the tightness in my problem areas.  I really think it would help!

Are any of you nervous about fires in your area?  I can't believe how bad the fire season has been this year!

Oh, and for my daily weigh-in:
Starting Weight: 162.2
Today's Weight: 158.6

I was on track and under calories yesterday, so I'm not too stressed about the slight gain from yesterday.  Still feeling good!

Raspberries Galore!

Starting Weight: 162.2

Today's Weight: 158.2

Total Lost: 4 lbs (booyah!)

Last night Hubster and I went over to our Grandma's house to pick her raspberries for her.  It was a bit last minute for us so we were in our work clothes and shoes while out in the garden, but we made it work.  I think there is something a little therapeutic about picking produce and working outside.  Being forced to slow down really seems to help me with stress.  Even thought it was hot, it was nice.  I had intended to weed my own garden last night but there were so many raspberries to be picked we didn't get home until 9 and it was far too late to try.  Oh well!

It took us about two and a half hours to pick all the berries.  I picked raspberries for Grandma last week and it took only an hour.  There were SO many more this time around:

Yum.  We will be freezing a bunch of them to use in smoothies, and perhaps I will make some raspberry jam.  I just love having fresh produce!

Weigh-in Wednesday

Yesterday I was on track and even a wee bit under my calorie goal.  I survived dinner with friends and we actually kept it pretty healthy!  Grilled chicken, corn on the cob, and fruit salad (just fruit and yogurt) for dessert.  Yay for that!  Today's weigh-in reflects the wise choices from yesterday:

Original Weight: 162.2

Today's Weight: 158.8

Lovely!  I am quite happy with that.  

Tonight I am going for a bike ride and then weeding the garden.  Our garden this year looks really good!  We've been enjoying the lettuce and kale in our morning breakfast.  It's nice to be able to grow your own food and know that it's healthy and know exactly what chemicals (if any) have touched them.  Plus it's super cheap!  

Do any of you garden?  What produce are you currently enjoying?

Blargh.

Big dinner last night.  Totally went over calories.  Only have myself to blame for this morning's weigh-in:

Starting Weight: 162.2
Yesterday's Weight: 159.4
Today's Weight: 160.2

I'm going to dinner at a friend's house tonight and I'm hoping and praying that my willpower stays strong.  Send good vibes!

Camping in the Uintas

We survived camping!  It was a great night.  We headed up after work and set up camp in a cute little campsite off the beaten path.  We lucked out--I think we got the very best one!  We were nice and secluded.  When Hubster and I camp, we always go for the place where the fewest people are so you won't find us at a campsite with designated spots and restrooms.  We like to feel the wild!

This particular spot we were at seemed to be a favorite among the butterflies.  There were dozens of them playing on the dandelions.  The little kid in my might have been in heaven.  Love it!

Hubster made a delicious breakfast for us (I was in charge of dinner--tin foil dinners with yummy veggies).  For whatever reason, the food cooked while camping just seems to taste so much better than food at home. Has anyone else noticed this?  Yum.

I also spent some time that evening trying to capture the Milky Way in some photos.  It was a lot of fun!  I can't wait to try again in a few weeks when we go to Lake Powell.  Love it!

Also, as for weigh-in:

Last Monday: 162.2

Today: 159.4

That puts me down 2.8 lbs.  I also weighed in today on our fancy (several thousand dollar) body fat scale at work and it says I lost 1.4% from last week.  I'm sure it's not super accurate, but I like the downward trend anyway!

How was your weekend?  Tell me about it in the comments!

Camping Weekend

I'm going camping with Hubster tonight!  Who's excited about this?  I know I am.  We are headed up to the Uinta Mountains for a nice evening in the wilderness.  The last time I was in the Uinta's was during my very first backpacking experience.  I was so nervous to be carrying extra weight and being away from the conveniences of our car, but it ended up being something I really loved.  Sadly, I will be unable to backpack this time due to the foot injuries but I am looking forward to a night out among the stars.  With marathon training last year I didn't get to do any camping and I really missed it.

Uinta's

Ibantik Lake

Sunset in the Uinta's

We haven't mapped out exactly where we are going to camp yet, but I know we can't really go wrong in beautiful mountain regions.  I'm really looking forward to it!

In addition to camping, we'll likely go for a bike ride around the area.  That will mark my third bike ride this week, and I am definitely feeling it in my more...um...sensitive areas?  I WILL get used to sitting on a bike seat!  Just gotta suffer through it!  So far I've done 13 miles on Tuesday, 10 miles yesterday, and TBD today!  Can't wait!

Oh, and as promised, the daily weigh-in (that won't be updated on the weekends because I stay far away from computers on the weekend):

Starting Weight (6/16/12): 162.2

Current Weight: 159.8

Wahoo!  I was happy to see the 150s this morning.  I hope that trend continues.  The weekend is always the hardest!  

What are your fun plans for the weekend?  Share them in the comments!

Busy Day

Not much to say today!  Went for a nice and short (1.6 miles) with a friend last night.  The achilles started getting tight towards the end so I opted to not go farther.  I'm getting closer to figuring out the threshold for it!

Starting Weight: 162.2
Today's Weight: 160.8

Up .8 from yesterday.  Not too stressed about it.

Tonight I bike with Jess!  As you all know, I totally love this girl so I can't wait to hang out with her!



She's probably not as excited as I am...can't imagine why not!