Hike to Eagle Rock _ TNT Hike #2

Hike #2 was in the Santa Monica Mountains above Reseda. This hike was beautiful! It was open with nice wide trails and very few signs of city life. We hiked our way to the Eagle Rock. It was a bit of a work out for me. I know, I brag about all the medals I have from previous races but when I say I took a break, I really take a break from training. I was huffing and puffing making my way along the trails. It was all manageable but it was a nice workout. Our hike that day was about 3.5 hours.

When we finally reached the Eagle Rock, I first wasn't going to walk up to it. Everyone was going and then I thought to myself, why the heck did you join if you're

not going to take full advantage. So I went. It wasn't as bad as it looks but I was still a little nervous. My mentor Becky, let me borrow one of her walking poles to calm my nerves a little. Once I got up there, it was beautiful. Still very nervous, I took some photos but wasn't as adventurous as some of the other team mates who were doing yoga poses at the top. All in all it was a great hike.

Click HERE to see all my photos from the hike.

I need to get the proper gear. I can't wait till our gear clinic this weekend so I get proper hiking boots/shoes and a a good backpack. My shoulders were starting to hurt a little towards the end of the hike and I'm pretty sure its a combination of being out of shape and not having a good backpack. I think I will invest in the walking poles. Coach Doug highly reccomends them for our Event Hike in the Grand Canyon.

So far so good, I'm loving the Hike Team!

Hiking Malibu - TNT Hike #1

My first Team in Training hike was in Malibu. Malibu Creek Canyon to be specific. I'm still not sure if I've ever officially been hiking before this but for simplicity, I will consider this my first hiking trip EVER. I really enjoyed it! I was amazed with what was lying in the Malibu Canyons. Once I stepped on the trail, I completely forgot I was in LA. All the beautiful trees and mountains... just amazing views. Click HERE to see my photos from the day.

We hiked our way to the M.A.S.H. site. It was pretty neat. Along the way, were trails that were wide spread down to single file lines. Some of it was rocky and you definitely needed to watch your footing. Not used to hiking, I was on "high alert" and kept my eyes on the ground as I snapped shots blindly. It worked out well and that's why there are so many pictures of Audrey's back... hahah I was mostly intrigued by the beautiful trees. Trees always amaze me, I think they are so graceful. I feel like they have a personality and each has it's own character in which you can develop a story.

As for the Team in Training Hike team, it's different than the other teams, marathon and triathlon, but different in a good way. Instead of the high energy RA RA RA, it was an easy, relaxed and peaceful kind of energy. It was the kind of energy I want during this time of my life. I'm glad I have a few friends who are joining me on this team, Audrey and Ruby. I'm sure I'll get chummy with others as the season goes on. Everyone I chatted with was really nice and friendly and we all had a great time.

On to the next location, the Santa Monica Mountains... wait, there are Mountains in Santa Monica? Who knew???