What started out as a 4 mile hike turned into 7.
I was so inspired by the hike we took during the Blend Retreat that I couldn’t wait to explore some of Georgia’s trails. My partner and crime and I took off for Kennesaw Mountain, the scene of a few bloody Civil War battles.
Despite it’s history, the mountain is quite beautiful. The views of the skyline along the way are stunning, and you run across several historical sights, structures, and cannons.
Naturally, I had to pose on a cannon labeled “keep off.”
We wandered about, having a great conversation. Such a great conversation that we almost missed seeing a deer! She literally ran right across our path!
We were following our intended trail as best we could without much signage. Well, without much useful signage. We missed the first turn off for our planned loop. Oops.
See the pic below? Those arrows didn’t appear to be pointing to any logical paths.
Thankfully, we had provisions – the extra 3 miles weren’t so bad after all. In fact, I’d like to do it again and make a 10 mile loop!
A few saving-graces:
1. We were well-rested.
2. Provisions were provided (thanks Blend Retreat goodies – that ProBar hit the spot!).
3. I invested in trail running shoes. They aren’t hiking boots but the extra traction was perfect for me.
4. My ego is huge. There is no way I’d ever a) admit to taking a wrong turn or b) give up.
5. Amino Energy. This stuff works. I swear by it. Post Cinco de Mayo, thankyouverymuch.
***
Always a glutton for punishment, I’m going hiking again this weekend!
Do you like to hike?
Have you use BCAAs or other “workout” supplements before? Who has ‘roid rage?
Can you believe I’ve only ever gone hiking once in my life? When I first started boarding school, we had a week getaway to Wales as part of a bonding experience…I HATED it at the time as I was so unfit but now I am really hoping to go hiking sometime soon!
It’s funny – I would have been the same way about hiking back in the day. Now I’m obsessed!
I like to hike, but I haven’t gone in ages!
Hiking is so great — I don’t do it enough (though I guess I have a fairly good excuse, living in New York City and everything…). I’m also really interested in starting to trail run a little bit. Just the act of being outside among the green feels so good. It’s crazy.
You’re so right – I cannot force myself to get on a treadmill anymore.
How does your knee feel after a hike like that? I am sure it is okay or else you wouldn’t be doing it!! 🙂
Sore, but not terrible. Running long distances and lateral movement are what kills it.
My only hiking experience was getting lost and taking about 5 hours to get back! Definitely staying on a marked, shorter trail next time!
Thx for connecting with me on foodbuzz. I just subscribed to your blog feed and can’t wait to see what your next post will be!
Thank you so much! Looking forward to getting to know you.
Well at least you had fun and also did a great workout!! I love hiking, last time I hiked the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, they are so beautiful!!
That’s on my to-do list. I’ve never been!
Ahhhh kennesaw mountain is right by my house! There are some great trails to run there. I take my kids up the paved part all the time. I nominated you for a boggy award!
Thank you so much!! Going to check it out. 🙂
I’m currently obsessing over BOTH the amino and hiking. 🙂
Nice muscles woman!
I love all of your saving graces- and totally relate.
And OWWWWWW to the biceps!! Hot!!
I am also obsessed with my aminos! and jeal of your hiking trails. 🙂 VA Beach is too flat!
I love how we all are addicts now. 🙂
P.S. I nominated you for an award today!
AN AWARD?! You’re so sweet!
I love hiking!!! And apparently I need to try these aminos… that info is really interesting!
You should! Especially if you’re doing more strength training now. 🙂 Remind me and I’ll being you a sample next time we go running.
EEEEEEKKKK love your guns, girlie! 😀 It’s awesome to feel strong, isn’t it? And I still do your tricep presses (toward the back) exercise from time to time! hehe.
It is really empowering! Thank you so much! I need to post some of the new stuff I’ve been doing…
I so need a hike like that right now… I can’t wait for the weekend!
I love long hikes! We had 3 state parks within 30 minutes of us in Ithaca (NY) but aren’t quite so lucky right now. I would totally do a ten miler with you if I lived nearby! 🙂
Ithaca is such a pretty area! I’d love to hike with you one day!
I’ve had those longer-than-anticipated hikes, for sure–it looks like you had a great time, though, and that’s beautiful country.
Dang girl! Look at those guns! I need to start drinking mine some more and lift weights so that I can have some, too 😀
Thank you! I’m not going to like… the kool-aid taste encourages me to stick to the habit. 🙂
What an awesome explanation of why the Fixmixer BCAAs are awesome!! I actually don’t LOVE the flavor (I don’t love fruit punch), but I love the way they make you feel and I’m “drinking the kool-aid” for now!
BTW – I have a picture almost like yours on that canon at KM from high school – crazy!
Really?! Did you try the grape sample? I haven’t check it out yet.
Looks like fun! And you got an extra long workout out of it!
Phewww look at those guns Laura, nice work there 🙂 What a major hike you did, I would have been complaining like a baby after mile 5 or 6 lol, you have a much better attitude!
thanks, love! you probably would have been running ahead of me, not complaining! 😉
Just found your blog and wow.. you arms look amazing!!
Thanks Katy! Welcome to the insanity. 😉
Dude. I’ve been running at Kennesaw Mountain since I was 14. I still go up there a couple mornings a week to run with friends. There are over 16 miles of trails; in fact, I did all my long runs there when training for my first few marathons! Since I don’t listen to music, I would count the number of deer I would see to occupy myself during those long runs. 🙂
I bet its a gorgeous morning run! I can’t wait to do it again.
Love that 1st pic of you! I love the Fitmixer Aminos when I hit the gym. Looks like an awesome trail! Jealous. Wish I had such awesome trails around. 😀
You can just come down/over here and hike with us! 🙂
Great post, Laura! Love to hike (great to see you out there on the trails!) and super interested in BCAA’s! So… they really work, hey? I would love to try some and see the change for myself in my workouts, energy levels, and muscles (because I love muscles too). 😉 Thanks for the insightful post!
thanks, bonnie! i swear by the BCAAs – you’d love them. i was trying to do the pills before but i find the powder to be much better since it hits you faster pre-workout.
girrrrl you are looking mighty fiiiine 😉
Dude, your arms are ripped! Gotta get back into strength training. You rock!
What a fun detour!