“Wow, Babe, you really need to work on your cardio.”
This is what Donnie said to me after our hike this past weekend when I admitted to him that I was seriously out of breath while hiking up the mountain that lies in my best friend’s back yard. The mischievous smile on his face told me he was kidding, and I couldn’t help but laugh (after I rolled my eyes, of course).
Here I am, training for my second marathon this year, and I could hardly tell my best friend a story without stopping to huff ‘n puff. Meanwhile my best friend, who just had a beautiful baby last month, didn’t seem out of breath at all. At one point she reassured me that it gets easier with practice, but I’m not sure where I’m supposed to find mountains to hike down here in Florida. Well, besides Clermont.
My best friend and her husband live in Sylva, a small town located in Western North Carolina. A small creek runs by their house and their back yard is the foot of a mountain. Their “yard” is picturesque, and made the perfect setting for our hike.
I don’t know how long or how far we hiked. Great company and the beauty of nature were quite distracting and I got lost in the moment. Growing up I spent every day with my best friend (no, I’m not exaggerating) and now I’m lucky if I get to see her once a year. Getting to spend time with her is a rare treat so I’d say this has been hands down my favorite workout all year. Even if it did take me longer to spit out a sentence.
I wish I could’ve bottled up the hike to share with you, but all I got were pictures. Enjoy!
Fellow hikers (and my favorite people in the world) Donnie, Brad and Jenny
Donnie and Brad lead the way. Brad is carrying his baby girl.
We smile because we hike. Brad, me and Jenny.
The world would be a better place if we all had waterfalls in our backyard.
The creek that runs by their house.
Freshwater puppy
Donnie rocks his burly mountain beard.
Our trip was much too short, but I look forward to the day we hike together again!
What’s been your favorite workout this year?
I Sweat Pretty 
Love the pictures, what a pretty place to hike and spend time with friends! As for cardio, other than running, I am B.A.D. about doing anything else, and I know I need to. I used to do a lot of TaeBo and I did it well. I have to admit I’m a little afraid to do it again.
TaeBo scares me. Mainly because I assume I would be in a lot of pain afterwards.