Step Three - Blaze Your Own Trail

What do you do when you reach the end of a path that has been laid out FOR you?  You create your own.

One of my favorite words (despite Sarah Palin's abuse of it) is "trailblazer." I like it because it brings to mind an image of a person that is bold enough to create a new trail for themselves, and others, where one doesn't exist. 

For much of my life, I've been a stay-on-the-path kinda girl. I figured that if there was a path, it was there for a reason and that it was likely my best option for moving forward because it was tried, true and safe. The complete opposite of what a trailblazer would think and do.

Have you ever gone for a walk in the park and get the sudden urge to venture off in a new direction? That's your internal trailblazer telling you that it's time to try something different. Sometimes in life, it's necessary to deviate from the established path.

That’s how I came to love hiking and trail running. I always stuck to sidewalks and tracks because everyone used them. I never realized how much I was missing out on by staying within that comfort zone. There is so much more to see and do! Every time I take a new path, I discover something cool and unique.

Making my own trail when it comes to my health and well-being is the norm for me now. I don’t follow fad diets or buy the latest fitness equipment. I do what feels right for my body. I listen to it closely because it will let me know what it wants or needs. 

Blaze your own trail when it comes to your health and wellness and soon you'll be creating new paths in other areas of your life. Adventure awaits!

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Step One - Update the Tunes

One of the first things I decided to do when I started to focus on playing was to change what I hear. Not only did I change what I say to myself but I changed what I listen to while I'm having playtime.  I figured that most of us spring clean everything else - why not our work out music?  Fresh new music can inspire and energize giving that extra boost right when we need it.

The music I used to listen to while running was sorta angry and aggressive and I knew I needed to change that. I want to have fun and what I had been listening to didn't make me feel that way.

I went through the music in my iTunes library to figure out what I should add to my new and improved running playlist. My aim was to replace the harsh stuff with lighter, fun music.

The first thing I thought of adding was music from my days as a kid. I figured that if the song was attached to a fond memory then it would be perfect for the playlist. Rick Springfield, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and the GoGo's all found a new home on my iPod.

Next came the fun music that makes me dance in my car during rush hour traffic. Enter Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Pink, and, yes, Lady Gaga.

I added in some Kelly Clarkson, a healthy dose of Florence + the Machine, a splash of Beyonce, a dash of the Spice Girls (don't judge me!), and a few old disco tunes that remind me of being 3 years old and cruising with my Aunt Peggy.

I held onto Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Marvin Gaye, and Led Zeppelin because my list would not be the same without them.  And I could not leave off one of my favorite songs, No Rain by Blind Melon (it reminds me of college).

Now that my new playlist is complete, I am going to take it out for some playtime.  While I'm doing that, I leave you with this....

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Walnut Creek Hike

I've mentioned before that I feel like I live in the BEST city on the planet.  My outing today was just another reason why I think that.  BFF and I went on a hike...in the city!  Today, we took in the trails at the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park here in Austin. 

It was a hot day so Big Baby got to stay home in the comfort of our air conditioned home while BFF and I went out to have a little adventure!  As part of my "getting in touch with nature" promise to myself, I thought this would be a good place to start. 

And the best place to start is always with the trail map!  I'm a sucker for maps and navigating so I got a little involved with reading it.  BFF got a wee bit impatient and took off ahead of me (not knowing which trail she was taking!). 

The lady in the picture above was very helpful to BFF and let her know what trails led to what area and what the terrain was like (some were very steep and others were not).  So, we chose the trail she was on.  She looked like she knew her stuff!

Flowers, flowers everywhere!  We were pleasantly surprised with the amount of wildflowers that were still blooming.  The heat hadn't destroyed them...YET! 

 
On our way to the creek, we came across some signage telling us of a rock slide that happened a couple of weeks ago.  Even though this was to be an adventure, we decided that we should probably heed the warning and stay on the designated trails. 

 The creek and everything along the length of it made us feel like we had been transported somewhere else.  It didn't feel like a place that was only ten minutes from my home.  It was quiet, peaceful and relaxing.  

The only way to continue along the trail we were on was to go through the water.  I asked BFF if she wanted to turn back the way we came or if she wanted to continue on.  She decided to quote me and said "our shoes won't feel loved unless we let them go places they wouldn't ordinarily go."  So, we went through the water. 

BFF was thrilled to find some fossils along the creek's edge.  She wanted to take them all home with her!

Soon it was time for us to head back and try to make our way back to our car.  The trail leaving the creek bottom was quite steep but we got some great views of the creek below (I'm guessing this is NOT where the rock slide was because there wasn't a barricade up!). 

Then we ran into this lovely little sign as we continued on our path!  "Severe Consequences Loop".  Don't ya just love that name for a trail?  Well, guess what we did?  Yep!  We walked right through it!

We made our way to a picnic table where we sat and had a bottle of water to help us cool off. 

All in all it was a great day!  The little trek on the trail has inspired me to do more trail running.  I think it's something I am better suited for since the pace is a little slower than road racing.  The biggest bonus for me would be that I get to spend more time with rocks, dirt, trees and critters!  Exactly my cup of tea!

Happy Trails!
Valeka

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