A couple of weeks ago, my friend, and sorority sister, invited me to go hiking with her. Initially, I thought hiking would be something different for me - maybe even fun. After all, I enjoy the outdoors, animals, etcetera. Of course I love the camaraderie and social aspect as well. However, I had no idea how much of a physical workout it would be! And oh, what a workout it was. Henceforth now and forever, Billy Goat Trail A in Great Falls, MD will be known as the 'Plateau Breaker' and I got my plateau broken. In fact, I am still patching it together (along with my sore thighs, arms, back, blistered feet and ankle).
I digress.
The first visit to the trail was more "adventurous" than my subsequent visits.
We (my Soror, a friend of her's and I) completed the trail. I think one of my lungs collapsed - no, seriously - and I left feeling defeated. And to add insult to injury [literally], we got lost getting back to the car. The sun set...I walked part of the way alone (and afraid), saw a dead snake and could hear wildlife in the wild life...I...was...scarred! So (after catching up with my hiking companions) we finally made it to the car - thanks to my Soror for running ahead to get the car!
We (my Soror, a friend of her's and I) completed the trail. I think one of my lungs collapsed - no, seriously - and I left feeling defeated. And to add insult to injury [literally], we got lost getting back to the car. The sun set...I walked part of the way alone (and afraid), saw a dead snake and could hear wildlife in the wild life...I...was...scarred! So (after catching up with my hiking companions) we finally made it to the car - thanks to my Soror for running ahead to get the car!
I'll admit, my first try left me with more than bruised body parts. I had a bruised ego. I went into my first hike as a rookie in true form -- ill-prepared. I wasn't appropriately equipped. I didn't have enough water or food, and I didn't eat enough before getting to the trail. Did I forget to note that it was 90+ degrees that day, and we started the hike after 3 pm (the hottest time of the day)? I spent a good part of the week healing my aching body (with ointment and ibuprofen), spending a lot of time in the sauna and steam room(s) and reminiscing on how athletic I used to be - envisioning that once athletic version of myself emerging during the next hike...what, can't a girl imagine?
Wait, did I just subconsciously commit to doing that again?! Damn! Well, I am a glutton for punishment (on so many levels, but that's another blog).
The next time though, I vowed to arrive to the trail in the morning, have water and snacks, and invite a group to hike with me; and that's exactly what I did. To my pleasant surprise, I completed the trail like an experienced explorer, and was surrounded by an awesome group!
I was so excited to have been able to, not only take advantage of the hike's workout, but to also enjoy the scenery and make new friends --like Georgia, a very friendly and affectionate Lab!
Perhaps, this hike will be a weekly or semi-weekly thing? We can start a group. What do you think of the name: "We Do That Too?" Either way, I'll be back to Billy Goat Trail A, and I may venture to trails B through D...who's with me?!
