It’s Workout Wednesday and I’m back on the grind!
After taking last week off from my usual Workout Wednesday posts {not so much from actually working out} I am back with a form of exercise that I am totally in love with but unfortunately do not get to do as often as I would like to: HIKING! Living in the Midwest has lots of perks; four distinct seasons, a fairly low cost to live, lots of job opportunities, etc. There are also two major downfalls in my opinion…no ocean and mostly flat terrain. For long runs and walking Beckett, flat, paved surfaces are fabulous but for any sort of hiking the locales are few and far between. I’ve always loved being outdoors so hiking is just something that feels natural. It’s great exercise for the body, especially on hilly & uneven terrain, but it’s also equally as good for mental exercise.
When something is both physically and mentally rewarding, I am all about it.
I’ve said it many times before but changing things up is absolutely crucial for me when it comes to working out so the change of pace and pretty scenery that hiking provides make the perfect backdrop for weekend exercise. Being married to a major ‘Outdoorsman’ means that for once, I have a very willing workout buddy. The mere suggestion of heading out into the woods to explore {or in my case work my quads, hamstrings, glutes & core!} has Kyle on board instantly. Because it is very rare for us to exercise together…lack of space, his unwillingness to try OrangeTheory, my desire to get my workouts done in the early A, the fact he’s still almost the exact same weight he was in high school…being able to hike together is great bonding time so when we were in San Diego last week we took FULL advantage of the hiking Torrey Pines had to offer.
If you’re in Southern California, you MUST hike Torrey Pines. Thank me later.
Since Omaha’s hiking trails are basically non-existent and we had heard such great things about the State Reserve, I was very particular about making sure we had a few hours set aside to hike the various trails within the park. Still on CST, Kyle and I were up by 6:30am the first full day we were in La Jolla so we took advantage of beating most of the city up, grabbed breakfast {+ a coconut milk latte for me, obvi!}, and made the short drive to the park. Since we were there so early we lucked out with free parking right along the shoreline and walked about a 1/2 mile to the starting point. In total we were there for about 3.5 hours and hit all but 1 trail…nothing too strenuous but quite a few hills and fairly significant elevation changes. Each of the trails ranged from about 1/4 mile – 3/4 mile but included lots of turns, rock steps, and dirt surfaces. The weather was perfect, the views were absolutely gorgeous, and overall we got in just over 8 miles total for the morning. We were both super sore later that evening and into the next day which just proved how great of a workout it really was, yet it didn’t feel like a workout at all. After that day, I have committed to taking full advantage to any hiking trails we come across while traveling and to actively seek out options close to home as well so that I can incorporate uneven terrain and the feeling of nature more into my routine.
**I wore these Nike Juvenates for the entire day and my feet felt GREAT afterwards. My only complaint would be there lack of side-to-side stability but clearly they weren’t made for much lateral movement. The cushioning is awesome, though, and they’re so comfortable that I have 2 pairs {this color also} and plan to add this color to my collection next**
Shop the Look:
Nike Top / Capris (my color sold-out) / Sneakers
Ohhh, I’ve been so excited for this post since your pic on Instagram. The view looks ah-mah-zing!! I can’t believe how early you guys got up on vacation. Sounds like a great time.
xox, Lauren
http://www.rosesandrainboots.com
We love hiking! After taking a winter break we are ready to start hiking again. We go normally on Sundays and take the kids and friends and make it a fun activity.
xo ~Anna
http://www.pepperedinstyle.com
I love hiking! Will definitely have to check out Torrey Pines sometime, I’ve never been before. Hope you’re having a great week!
xoxo, CiCi
http://www.worldwidestylista.com
Girl!! You are my fitspiration! Keep up the great work 🙂
http://stopdropandvogue.com/
Love this post, my boyfriend is the same as your hubby! I’ll have to get him out for a hike during this warm weather! Also, we are sneaker twins….I just got them in white although they will definitely be an off-white pretty soon, ha.
Xo
Jess
http://www.fashionablyfitjess.com
Love a good set of work out clothes!
xoxo,
Emily at Style Cubby
You make me want to live in California : ) I’m in Chicago, but we do have some hiking trails not too far away that I plan to do this summer! I love your workout outfit, especially the back of your shirt : )
I love the NIke top!
http://thegirlswhobrunch.com
I’m obsessed with that long sleeve from Nike so perfect to wear to and from the gym while still looking cute!
Yessss! Love those type of workouts!
Hiking is something Ben and I really want to get into as a family! I think it can be a fun activity as well as great excercise!!! Love your workout gear!
I love hiking! Love your gear too! So cute!
xo Mariam
http://www.thepetitebijou.com
This hike looks gorgeous! We did some hiking when in Malibu few years ago and it was so pretty. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics 🙂
xoxo, Jenna
Boston Chic Party
You look so cute and comfy! What a gorgeous hike too! Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
Loving your work out attire girl! You are owning that look! I love this Workout Wednesday, we are actually going hiking this weekend. I think it is important to make exercise not only strengthening but also fun!
XOXO Morgan
http://www.styleonedge.net
You’re so inspiring. I’m not a hiker but maybe I should fit it into my lifestyle. Great views! Xoxo