WFDW Throwback and I'm Back in the Hiking Game!
Hi guys! I just wanted to update you on my progress really quick before I head to bed. I am working tomorrow and Friday back in Ahwatukee! Text me if you’ll be around there, and want to come visit!
Yesterday, I did the elliptical for 35 minutes! It felt pretty good the whole time, and then I had a few twinges in my left leg during the last 5 minutes. I just had to adjust my intensity/speed and it got better. I also did some arms and abs. The gym at my new place is really nice!! I just looked for the pictures I thought I took, but apparently, I deleted them. I’ll take pics and show you guys when I do my new apartment tour!
Last weekend, I decided to ride my bike down to Camelback Mountain and check out the Cholla Trail. If you guys aren’t familiar, there are two trails: Echo Canyon on the west side, and Cholla on the east. The description of Cholla trail from the City of Phoenix website is as follows:
Length: 1.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous and Difficult. Long exposed segments with no shade and rocky segments near the summit.
Time: 45 minutes to ascend and 45 minutes to descend for fit hikers
Elevation: Elevation gain from trailhead is around 1,200 feet. Summit elevation is 2704 feet.
Here is a map of the whole mountain: (source: hikingcamelbackmountain.com)
This picture is from AllTrails.com, which is a fantastic website for those of you looking to find more places to hike!
I used to hike CB and/or Piestewa (Squaw) Peak a couple times a week, while the other times I’d do Telegraph Pass. Once I started running, though, I didn’t hike as much. I definitely miss it a lot!
On both this past Saturday and Sunday, I rode about 15 minutes from my new place down to the Cholla trailhead. I was under a time crunch both days, so I only went about 10 minutes out and back. It definitely piqued my curiously, though, so I planned on trying to hike the whole thing this week.
Cholla Trail
Cactus Selfie :-D
Ride home
Even though I only went a few hundred feet up in elevation, it still ended up being a great workout! I LOVE living so close to the trailhead!
After my hike Sunday, I went to work. I have been feeling great at work standing so far. I would say about 90% of my day, I don’t even know I had surgeries! I do have to crouch down very slowly, though, still. I am so happy to be doing so much better!
I had yesterday and today off, so I decided to try the whole hike today with my friend Bailey. We made it to the top, but it was tough!! I didn’t realize that Cholla was as hard as it is! It’s a little bit longer, and right before you reach the top, you have to scramble up rocks. My legs were surprisingly well behaved!
Here we are at the top! We met a fellow runner on our way up, too! Her name is Shante Little, and she is sponsored by Oiselle! Oiselle is BTB's (Believe Train Become’s) clothing sponsor! She’s a sprinter in the 200M, 400M and 400M hurdles, according to her Oiselle team profile. So she’s pretty much a badass! Here is her welcome blog post over on Oiselle’s blog. It was so cool to meet her!!
We made it back down, but I blew through all 3 liters of my water in my Camelbak during the climb up! I only had about 3 sips left for the way down. I also got quite a bit of sun! What an accomplishment, though!! Now my body is just tired. I think it’s wondering what the heck I’m doing to it after it’s been in hibernation for so long!
On my way home, I got a sandwich and pasta salad from AJ’s with a huge Pineapple iced tea. It hot the spot big time! Then I passed out on my couch for like 2 hours!!
I went to the pool after that for about an hour to relax and enjoy just being outside. It was SO hot, though!!
Then, I cooked an old favorite for dinner with a little modification. Crockpot Chicken Phillies on Breaded Baked Eggplant slices! Here is the original recipe when I put them on portobello mushrooms.
I haven’t actually tried the eggplant slices yet, because the chicken wasn’t ready in time for dinner. I am bringing it to work with me tomorrow, though, so I’ll let you know how it turns out.
That’s all for now guys! Oh wait! I took a picture of my kryptonite at AJ’s tonight:
Pugmamastace readers, meet the Cannoli Cookie. The white chocolate macadamia and oatmeal raisin ones are my fav's. I have been falling prey to their deliciousness for probably 8 out of the last 12 days! Once I went back to work, I worked 8 days in a row and it took a toll on me! (Oh yeah, and the move, too.) I didn’t realize it until I found myself eating whatever was in front of me no matter how unhealthy it was. I beelined straight to the bakery case at AJ’s after work everyday for a week! I feel a little bit more in control, balanced and settled down now, but those damn cookies are absolutely ridiculous!! So those of you that struggle with caving to cravings, don’t be too hard on yourself! I can completely relate! Try to ease the stress in your life by getting yourself back into a routine, and working out regularly. That has helped me a ton! Well, knowing I’ll be in a bikini at a pool party this Saturday has helped with my motivation, too……but just know that you’re not alone!
Ok, that’s really it for now. I hope you guys are all doing well! I’ll be back soon with some new product reviews, and hopefully a new tutorial!
Happy Trails!
Stacey