510 Hikers

I've recently joined a hiking group.  I was prompted to do so after seeing a friends photo on his Facebook page. The group completed a hike a Lake Chabot.  That is in my hood!  I only wish I would have known in order to attend. I frequent Lake Chabot,  but I will only go so far before turning around because the sounds of nature get the best of me.  After seeing the pictures from the hike, I invited myself to the gourp and I'm glad I did.

To date, I've gone on three hikes with the group. All have been challenging for a variety of reasons.  For starters, the terrain is not what I'm used to, the elevation is quite steep, and I'm simply not strong enough (yet) to keep up.  Joining the group has been rewarding, too.  I have gained some new cheerleaders to keep me encouraged as I continue to focus on my fitness goals, I've met some new folks with great stories, and this is another opopportunity to see all of the beauty the bay area has to offer.

If you haven't explored a hiking trail, get out and do so!

Check out a few of my pics!

Mt. Tamalpais, Mill Valley, CA

Mission Peak, Fremont, CA

Thoughts on the trail

Today, I set out to walk 10 miles as I prepare for my final 13.1.  Let me be honest.  Not a whole lot of training has happened, so I will truly be relying upon muscle memory.  Not the best strategy,  but hey...what can I do, now.  In any case, I had some random thoughts as I beat the asphalt of Isherswood and wanted to share.

Dang it's cold out here
Can't wait to warm up
KMEL is okay to listen to when their on air personalities aren't talking
There aren't a lot of people out here
It's kinda early, if I didn't have Nike next week, I'd be sleep, too
I am feeling pretty good so far
That's a big ass dog!
I am hungry and want a snack
Oh...I am going to Baldie's for breakfast
I heard 'Holy Grail' twice in an hour!
And the Drake song...and 'crooked smile'
KMEL really sucks!
Ohkay...it's been an hour and a half. How much longer?
I am glad my ankle feels good
I need to get my mail
I hope there isn't a water main break. I would hate for the water to shoot out and push me into the dam!
There is a lot of construction happening here
I am over this walk!
Ugh! Can't wait to be done...I am hungry.

Whew! I am done!

Impromptu Walk

Sometimes, the best walks I take are the ones that aren't planned.  With daylight savings in effect, I decided to take a walk rather then go home after a long work day.  I assure you, I could have easily taken myself home, showered, climbed into my pjs, and bed in that order!

Yet, I was so excited that I was near home and the sun was still shining at 7pm.  I knew I had to make it quick, so I hit the streets of Lake Chabot Blvd.  This is outside of Lake Chabot trail because I didn't want to be on the trail at dusk under the trees. And I wanted to work my calf muscles by going up hills.  My ankle and calf didn't appreciate the hills so much, but we made it!

Check out the view along the way!!

New Trail at Lake Chabot!

Lake Chabot is one of my favorite trails.  I walk there most Saturdays or Sundays.  I usually will walk either the left side of the trail if I want a more challenging walk or the right side if I want a more flat course.

Yesterday, I was walking with a friend who was very familiar with Lake Chabot and the various trails it has.  I was super excited.  I finally know how to get to the other side of the lake!

It's the small things.

If you haven't enjoyed one of the many trails of the East Bay Regional Parks, I highly recommend that you do.


http://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake_chabot

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/trails