Go Climb A Rock: Tuolumne Meadows

I've been lucky enough to have parents who love the outdoors. I spent much of my childhood camping and hiking through many National Parks, most frequently, Yosemite National Park.

Every year that I can remember, we've gone to Yosemite Valley, or Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. I think when I was much younger, we spent more time in the valley. Maybe that is because there are more "kid friendly" activity's. 

My Dad would go off rock climbing with one of his many climbing buddies, and my mom would take my sister and I on walks through the meadow, to the Indian caves, and my favorite, the school playground. I think there was some type of agreement that we'd have to get a hike in first, before she'd agree to take us there. 

Sometimes, though, my Dad would bring us along for the rock climbing adventures. I am not sure how old I was the first time I went, young enough that I don't remember exactly. There's a picture of my sister climbing at maybe 5 or 6 years old, so I'd imagine I was about that age as well.

My first memory rock climbing was not in Yosemite, and it's not a particularly good memory either. Let's just say it involved a massively-sized dragonfly and being dragged up the face of a rock mid-tantrum. But we'll save that story for another day...

Luckily, since then, there have been many, many amazing memories rock climbing in both Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. I'd say some of my favorite childhood memories are from these trips. 

As you can see, being outdoors, climbing and hiking, is in my blood. And I am especially fond of the geology and landscape that makes up Yosemite National Park. I feel very blessed that as a Californian, it's in my backyard, and that I've been able to spend so much time taking in the beautiful scenery.

Last summer, Andrew was able to join me in Tuolumne Meadows for a long weekend with my parents and cousins. I hadn't been climbing in a couple years, and I knew it was something Andrew would love, so I was eager to have my Dad take us for a day. My cousins have also become quite fond of the sport after a few trips with my Dad in previous years. 

We found a spot on The Bunny Slope that would be easy for everyone to get a few pitches in. While my cousins, Jason and Brendan were climbing, Andrew and I sat with my Mom and watched and relaxed in the sun. When it was our turn, I think we were both a little nervous. Andrew, since this was his first outdoor climbing experience. And me, since I hadn't been in a few years.

We both ended up having such a great day. We were able to get in about 3 or 4 pitches. I was surprised how comfortable I was on the rock. I was worried I may be fearful of heights, or get nervous midway, but I was totally at ease and had so much fun. Andrew really enjoyed it as well. He's very athletic, and once he got over the initial nerves of never having been before, he was quite speedy and graceful as he climbed.

     

     

The best part was spending that time with my Dad. It was really fun, and important for me that he had the opportunity to spend some time with Andrew and get to know him a little better.

I am already looking forward to our annual camping trip later this summer in Tuolumne Meadows. I'm hoping we'll be able to get on The Great White Book, it's a climb that I've been wanting to do as long as I remember. 

Have you ever been rock climbing? Either outdoors or at a climbing gym?

Maybe my Dad will do a guest post about his experiences rock climbing sometime...

xoxo,

Theresa

Adventures on Mt. Tamalpais

I've always loved being outdoors. When I was little I would always play outside: climbing trees, riding my bike, and exploring our property. My dad is an avid mountaineer and I spent my childhood going from one campground to the next. We'd go on backpacking trips, day hikes, and rock climbing. So it's no surprise, that I still love the outdoors.

View from West Point Inn on Mt. Tamalpais

Hiking is one of my favorite forms of exercise. What's not to love? It's so rewarding, with beautiful scenery along the trail, and breathtaking views at the summit. 

View of Lake Lagunitas from Mt. Tamalpais

Old Fire House on the summit of Mt. Tam

There are so many gorgeous areas in California to explore. And the bay area is home to many beautiful hiking trails, including one of my very favorites. 

Mt. Tamalpais is one of the most beautiful hikes I have done. It's not only a great workout, but the trail takes you through a beautiful wooded area, then above the tree line to the summit with an breathtaking panoramic view of the California coast. 

I first did this hike with my parents, and a family friend, I think it was back in 2003. I loved it so much, I ended up taking my college roommates and various friends up the trail three different times while I was at Sonoma State University. 

So of course, on one of Andrew's visits from San Diego, I introduced him to Mt. Tam.  We've always enjoyed hiking together, and I knew he would like this one. Especially because dogs are allowed on the trail, so we could bring Louis along as well. 

Check out that view of San Francisco! 

Try to ignore the power line obstructing the view

I'm sure there will be many more trips to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais in my future. The view is just too beautiful to miss. 

If you are in the bay area, I highly recommend hiking Mt. Tam. There are numerous trails you can take. This is my favorite trail head. I think next time we go up, we'll stop at the Mountain Home Inn for a burger and a glass of wine to reward ourselves for all of our hard work! 

If you're in the area, and don't have time for a day hike, you can also drive most of the way to the top, and take a short walk to see the views at the summit. 

What is your favorite hike?

I hope you all have a great weekend! 

xoxo,

Theresa

No more excuses!

I'm a little late checking in with you about my fitness routine, but I was a little busy last Friday.

.............

I think it was just what I needed to share with you all that I had been struggling to stay motivated with my exercise routine. I knew that post would hold me accountable, and that I needed to stop making excuses!

I was able to get in some great workouts in the past two weeks. I feel really good about staying consistent and getting back on track. I can tell I have lost some strength with my hiatus, man spin class has been tough! But I know that I'll gain back what I lost, and then some!

I've managed to get to the gym 4 days both this week and last, and after weeks of making excuses I feel really good about that! It's not quite where I hope to be, but I think it's a good start.

My goal is to continue to work out in the morning most days, but I would like to incorporate some strength training again. I'll let you know how I do next week!

.............

We're off to Southern California this weekend for a friend's wedding. I am so excited to see old college friends and catch up with everyone. We always have a great time together, so I am really looking forward to this weekend.  

I hope you have a great weekend! What are your plans?

Do you have any fitness goals?

xoxo,

T

Fit Fridays: Motivation

We made it through another week! Happy Friday! As always, I am looking forward to the weekend. We have plans to go wine tasting in Napa tomorrow with some friends. And It looks like it might be 70* so I am very excited! Let's hope baby Tuff stays put until Sunday!

Mt. Whitney backpacking trip, Tuolumne Meadows, Blood, Sweat and Beers Trail Run and the Superbowl 10K

I've always been a pretty active person. Yes, I've gone through periods when I don't exercise as much as I should, but for the most part, I'm pretty active. I've done a significant amount of hiking, and I also really enjoy running and taking spin classes at the gym. However, since Andrew moved to the city, I have been really slacking on my gym routine. I'm really starting to feel the effects of missing my workouts, and I am trying to re-motivate myself.

I've discovered, as painful as it is, working out first thing in the morning works best for me. During the week, I am just too tired after work to make it to the gym. And on the nights I do go to the gym after work, I don't get home until almost 7:00pm, leaving me no time to relax. By the time I make dinner, eat and clean the kitchen, it's time for bed again. Not very appealing. Although it's really difficult to pull myself out of bed when my alarm goes off at 4:35am (yes you read that correctly!) I've found that getting my workout in first thing, is the only way I can guarantee I'll get a workout in.

I had been in a regular routine of going to the gym at least four mornings before work. I would usually take a spinning class, followed by some weights. I could definitely see and feel the results. My clothes were fitting better, I felt more confident, and best of all I had SO much energy. But since Andrew has moved, it's been really easy to find excuses. Since we were staying up later than I was used to, I would tell myself, I'll just go after work instead of getting up early. But when 5 o'clock rolls around, all I want to do is go home.

So, as you can see, I need a little help getting motivated again. Andrew and I made each other promise that next week we would get up and go to the gym in the morning, so that helps. (Although, there was a similar promise this last week, oops!).

I plan to do a lot of hiking this summer, and even sign up for another 1/2 marathon, so I know it's important that I get back into my routine. I figured posting about my goals for next week will hold me accountable. I'll check in next Friday with an update!  

What are your tips for staying motivated?

I hope you all have a great weekend! Do you have any plans to exercise?

xoxo,

Theresa