This Girl Can

Need inspiration?  From the new British campaign,  a great video,"This Girl Can." Be inspired by this "a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets."  I love that, don't you?

Many thanks to the women of Another Mother Runner for pointing me to this resource, and who offer significant inspiration through their podcast, blog and daily emails.

Get Outside

I was beyond happy to feel the cold moist air this morning, to watch the city wake up to the dawn, to hear the few leaves left rustling in the breeze. I might have been that kindergartener skipping to school, but no, I am a old/young woman walking to work.

There was barely enough light for photos, but the haze conveys the feel of the morning.

I love the sense that there's a seam between night and day. The porch light is on, but it really isn't needed.  Santa is illuminated, but there's really no need. 

My day was better, infinitely better, because I found a little pocket of time to get outside.  Even if you find a few minutes in the morning or just after dark, there's hardly a better way to find a few moments of peace to lend to the rest of the day.

 

Hello. We've been away a long time.

Yes, and we're far, far away from the desert and the mountains. It looks like this here:

This is the trail I'm running now.  Dark, occasionally icy, often foggy. I love being in the forest again.  It inspires wonder. It inspires me to run as hard as I can, and it inspires me to stop and listen.  Stop and take in the scents.  Stop and feel the moisture.

In addition to looking for BIG adventures, I'm looking for daily moments of wonder that will carry me through the dark days of winter.  Because being fit is more than what the body feels.

Notions like:

--Remembering the underside of new spring leaves
--Cirrus clouds
--Picturing who lived in my house in 1925, what they wore, what their lives were like, what they made in this tiny kitchen....

Oh, I'm getting to the gym and I'm working out.  And that feels good.

I'll be looking for inspiration in other people's stories.

So even though we're a few days before a new year, THIS post right here, is a new start.  

Back in the Saddle!

We took the summer off, but now we're BACK!  Stay tuned for more posts...good things ahead!

One Tip: Choosing a fitness top

Stonewear Designs
Dryflex Double Cross Top in black

 I've been a runner about ten years now, and as my fitness level changes and my body changes, I've noticed a few things.  I used to be able to pick any fitness top or running bra off the shelf or out of a catalog and it would work for me.  I selected mostly for looks.

That's no longer the case.

Here's what I've learned:  when I sweat my skin doesn't like latex or elastic much.  If I don't pull off my running clothes and head to the shower right away, the next day I get red patches where the top offers support...where all the elastic is sewn in.

The summer months are the worst.  At times, the red patches would get sore, and it became uncomfortable to wear even regular clothes, let alone snug running gear.

Inside a "Hot Stripe" Double Cross top,
notice the elastic is fully covered,

About a year ago, I had the good fortune to be selected as a Grassroots Ambassador for Stonewear Designs, an outdoor/adventure clothing company with products just for women. It was my delight to discover in the first shipment of clothes, their Dryflex Double Cross Top.  It fit all my criteria:

1)  Looks great (love the double straps on the back!)
2)  Made of moisture wicking material
PLUS--
3)  All the elastic was covered with soft, breathable fabric...so none of it rubbed against my skin.

Take a look inside at the inner bra...no elastic!

After months of running in the Double Cross, I can tell you it solved my problem.  I have three of them, they're at the top of my running clothes pile, and they're my "go to" faves. Shortly, my "year" as an ambassador will come to a close, but because of the comfort they give me, I'll be ordering more Double Cross tops from Stonewear this summer!

Oh, and one more thing...unlike many attractive running tops with an interesting design, the Double Cross is actually EASY to get on and take off!  I hate having to twist around like a pretzel to get dressed and undressed, don't you? 
 

Stonewear Designs' "Cool Stripe" Dryflex
Double Cross Top

Afraid of the Summer Heat?

Yesterday, we headed to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to log some more miles in the Peak Fitness Challenge, our free hiking program organized by the Texas Mountain Trail and lots of partners and volunteers.  Sure, it was HOT when we started out about 10:30 in the morning, but we knew that the Smith Spring trail offered something very special for summer hikers.

**Stay tuned, because right here late next week we'll announce some special guided hikes in the park, including the Smith Spring trail, for Sunday, June 23.  Details to come!** 

Agave blooming in the desert

At the middle of this 2.6 mile hike, there's a natural spring which means water and shade trees, and hummingbirds and dragonflies, all of which we saw yesterday.  The spring is the desert's best kept secret as it is "hidden" between two peaks, into the fold of the mountains atop a dry arroyo.  We spent almost an hour in the cool, dark spring area before we headed out into the sun, fully refreshed.

Getting there is a gradual climb of 400 or so feet....there's no "climbing" or scrambling over boulders, just a gentle rise on a dirt or rocky path.  This is rated as a moderate hike, but many beginning hikers may be ready to tackle it. 

Not only do you get to visit this cool, green, shaded oasis, but the trail also takes you by Manzanita Spring, a pond, and a frequent stop for birds and wildlife.  The trail begins and ends at the historic Frijole Ranch house, now a small museum showing early life in the Guadalupe Mountains. That's why this trail is designated as a "Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Hike."

More photos from the trail from yesterday! 

Closeup of the agave blooms

Pools of water from Smith Spring

Outdoor Tip!

Our friends at Clif MOJO sent us some bars to sample along with some "Adventure Tips for the Great Outdoors!"  

Here's one they offer:  "Packing snacks is a no brainer.  It's better to err on the side of having too much versus too little.  Consider factors such as weight, bulk, nutritional value and taste.  Try packing a few Clif Mojo Sweet and Salty Trail Mix Bars to cover your snacking needs, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your day outdoors."

Great food for thought....

Big Thanks to Doctor Mike Evans for this (and other) great videos on health.  His YouTube Channel is here.