Independence Weekend

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.  ~William Faulkner

Happy 4th of July everyone!  If you are off today, I hope you have had a wonderful day filled with family and friends.  My long weekend has been spent relaxing and trying to decompress from the stress of the last few weeks.  I didn't do any running this weekend but I did manage to do some hiking with my BFF and big puppy on Saturday.  I am slowly but surely adjusting to being active in this insane heat we are experiencing here in Texas.  I'm trying to be smart about how I expose myself to the high temperatures and for how long.  It seems to be working pretty well.  Gradually increasing the amount of exposure has made a big difference for me  and I am becoming more comfortable with the heat.  

Our Saturday afternoon hike took us to two different local parks - St. Edward's Park and Brushy Creek Park.  I really enjoyed my time at St. Edward's Park.  It's a more rugged, natural trail full of rocks and tree roots.  If the little creek there had more water running through it, the outing would have been perfect because the big puppy could have cooled off when she got hot.  We only stayed out there for about an hour or so since BFF is still getting acclimated and big puppy was getting a little hot.  I definitely want to revisit that trail.  It would be great to do a little trail running out there.  The pup will be able to enjoy it more when the weather cools down in the fall.  I can't wait to do some more exploring out there.  It is on my list of things to do come October. 

We left St. Edward's Park and headed to Brushy Creek Park to continue our hike.  This park is a bit more civilized with paved trails, water fountains, park benches and water pads to play in.  We did a bit of walking and then big puppy found a little creek to jump in.  It was fun to watch her splash around and blow bubbles in the water.  We laughed when she got scared by a piece of moss that had become detached from a rock on the bottom of the creek.  I jumped in with her and we splashed as we ran through the thigh deep water.  She chased me and, boy, did I get more of a leg workout than I was expecting (lots of resistance running through water)!  There was something very freeing about being silly and having fun.  I didn't think about work or my weight or that I was going to smell swampy on the drive home.  I just allowed myself the freedom to let my spirit enjoy the wonderful day in the sun.  By the time we left the park, my clothes were completely drenched, my feet looked wrinkly and white but man was it worth it!!!  We were all tired girls when we got home.  It felt good to have fun and get in a workout that didn't feel like a workout at all.  Those are always the best kind!  

I am very grateful to live in a place where I have the independence to venture anywhere I choose for as long as I like.  I love that I have the opportunities to enjoy life and live it to the fullest.  It's not something I take for granted.  Don't forget to say thanks to those who have made it possible for us to enjoy the lives and freedom that we have.  

Happy Trails,
Valeka