The Great Outdoors

What a GREAT extended weekend I had full of sun and fun times with friends!  The camping getaway was kept pretty simple.  We visited one of the beautiful state parks here in Texas - Garner State Park.  It seemed like a great place to go for a little relaxation and exercise (yes, the two can go hand in hand).

Big Baby went along for the trip.  It was her first time swimming AND her first time camping.  I wasn't sure how she would do but she handled it like an old pro!  We found our campsite and put up our tent.  I was expecting to have problems putting it up but it came together without a hitch!  BB felt right at home inside of it.   

We did a lot of walking on rocky trails and cooled our feet in the refreshing, clear water.  Big Baby enjoyed herself and so did I.  All of the troubles and negativity of the previous weeks seemed to drift away with each ripple of water that hit my legs.

 

I got in some great hiking and swimming while I was there.  The trip helped me realize how disconnected I had become from nature.  I get so much of my energy and joy from being outdoors.  Big Baby seemed to reflect my renewed feeling of happiness.

The days seemed to drift by too quickly.  My time away was exactly what I needed.  I did a lot of reflecting and gave thought to things I had been putting on the back burner.  All in all, my mini vacation was everything I hoped it would be.  I can't wait to get back out and have some more adventures!!

Happy Trails!
Valeka    

 

Seeing The Light

Put a candle in the window, but I feel I’ve got to move.  Though I’m going, going, I’ll be coming home soon, ‘long as I can see the light - John C. Fogerty, “Long As I Can See The Light”
 

I  mentioned in a previous blog post ("Because I Can") that my BFF's father had been dealing with some health ailments.  Sadly, he succumbed to those maladies this past Friday after battling them for the past couple of years.  This is a man that, in his prime,  was very active and loved engaging in outdoor activities -things ranging from hiking to fishing to swimming to hunting.  He loved it all.  For most of his life, BFF's dad was healthy and took care to maintain that health.  He didn't drink alcohol or smoke and in all the years that I knew him, I never once saw him overweight.  Unfortunately for some, no matter how much they try to take care and be mindful of what is needed to be healthy, genetics are difficult to overcome.  

This has made me think more about how amazingly fragile life is and how quickly one untreated health problem can snowball into a big issue if not promptly taken care of.  I am making efforts to take better care of myself but I do see that I can do more and try harder.  One can always make improvements.  I also worry about my parents and my friends.  BFF has a family history of diabetes and heart problems.  Another dear friend of mine has a similar history in his family and he is now beginning to take baby steps towards improving his overall health.  And then, there is my family.  Dad's side has been blessed with overall good health and have lived long lives.  My paternal grandmother was extremely overweight and was diabetic but she was an exception on his side of the family.  My mother's side has a long history of heart problems - high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks - you name it.   That scares me.  Actually, it terrifies me.  I go through periods where it is on my mind quite often and others when I try to ignore it.  But losing someone so close because of a miriad of health issues is a significant smack in the face for me.  And I know that it is for BFF, too.  

I guess because she and I are young-ish, we still retain a little bit of the notion that we are invincible.  We have now begun to realize that we aren't kids anymore.  If we don't take care of ourselves now and make the changes we need to, our futures could be like her Dad's.  And we don't want that for ourselves.  And I don't want that for my family and friends.  I want to do everything I possibly can to help my loved ones help themselves to improve and maintain their quality of life.  And I want to do whatever I can to help my readers, too.  If that means revealing some deeply personal struggles to you guys, then I will do it.  My hope is that my actions and words will help someone else.

This week, in honor of BFF's dad, I will do a few trail wogs while listening to some Creedence Clearwater Revival (one of his favorite bands) on my Ipod.  And I will help those that I care about to take care of themselves.  I think that is what he would want.

Happy Trails,

Valeka 

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