My first hike!

Yesterday was a pretty momentous day for me. About a week ago I was thinking I needed to start getting out in nature and doing some actual hiking seeing as my big hike is going to be here before I know it. I asked around locally for help in finding some hikes that would be good for me and my kids. It was very important for me to have my kids go with me. I want them to enjoy the outdoors and live a much healthier life than I have. I ended up settling on an app call All Trails. Its great. It gives loads of information and rates its difficulty. I like how it gives you the elevation changes as well. We ended up going to Paris Mtn State Park and hiked the Mountain Creek trail. It says its 2.6 miles out and back. It was not hard, but not easy. It was challenging for my fitness level. My knees have always been bad because of injuries and weight so I was nervous about all the steps, rocks, and tree limbs. I feel like it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. As I sit here the next morning I am definitely a bit sore, but not so bad that I want to sit down and do nothing all day. My right knee feels a tad swollen, but not bad. My ankles feel a little sore as well and my back kinda aches, but again, nothing horrible and I haven’t even taken a Tylenol or anything.

Can I just say I Rock! Is that allowed? I am proud that I did it. I didn’t even let a few snow flurries make me turn around and go back into my warm house! I didn’t let anything deter me because I have spent most of my life letting “things” deter me from being a better me. No more. If I set a goal it is going to get done come hell or high water. This girl is on fire and its going to take an army to stop me!

The image of my steps is from two different devices because I left my fitness watch at home on the charger. I was so mad, but thank heavens my phone could track it! First time EVER getting over 10,000 steps in one days!! Woohoo!

I am thankful for great friends who motivate me and encourage me. Life is so much better when you have supporters cheering you on. But I will say for once I am cheering myself on. I am doubting myself less and less. I am starting to hear my own positive voice cheering myself on and it feels great.

My hope and prayer for doing this blog is that I inspire someone. I want them to be inspired to believe in themselves and just put one foot in front of the other in their own journey. Its ok that the steps are slow and spread out, but just that those steps are taking you to your desired destination.