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Workout Wednesday 5/3 and Hiking Pictures

I was supposed to start week 5 of the Couch to 5K program on Monday, but due to a spontaneous hiking trip - and the sudden return of my inability to wake up in the morning - things got a little off track. I still did my strength training on Tuesday, and I did the first run of week 5 this morning. It's going to throw the schedule off a bit, but I suppose my running week can begin on Wednesday just as well as it can on Mondays.

At first I was upset that my schedule got messed up, because I'm notorious for missing one day of exercise and then never starting up again. But the hike we took was exercise - we were out for 3 1/2 hours, which, according to several calorie calculators, burned around 1,600 calories. I really balked at that figure. I mean, that's what I eat in a day. But I checked about 5 different calculators, and it was a pretty strenuous hike - hills, rocks, etc. So even though I missed my run that day, I burned way more calories hiking than I would have if I went running anyway. Besides, life happens. I need to learn to be more flexible. Thing can't always be regimented and scheduled.

It was an amazingly gorgeous day for a hike, too. We went to the Holtwood Environmental Preserve, about half an hour from Lancaster. There are miles of trails, plus a lake with a hydroelectric dam and fish lifts. Yes, fish lifts. The fish need to go upstream to spawn, but of course they can't get over the dam... enter the fish lift. It's an elevator for the fish. This concept totally made my week. Unfortunately we didn't get to see it, because by the time we got off the trail it was nearly dark, but I will get back there to see it. ASAP. It has become a life goal for me.

Anyway, photos. Click to enlarge.





Gorgeous picks! The northeast is so pretty in the springtime. I’m glad to hear you’re being a little flexible with your workout plan, life does happen after all. I went for a hike in Runyon Canyon last Saturday, it burned more calories than any other workout last week I think. I love getting outside, makes exercising more enjoyable and not such a chore.

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Agreed, getting outside does make working out so much easier. As much as I always feel like I should join the gym, I don't think I could deal with running on a treadmill when it's so nice outside. In the winter, sure, but now? No way! Also, hiking = love.

I've never been hiking. I want to go but never seemt to create the opportunity. I have tried joining a few different gyms. And while they are great I think you have to be ready to go regularly. I was never regular about my workouts and didn't know how to incorporate weights, so $40/month seems expensive just to go running on a tredmill.

I can't believe you've never been hiking! It's one of my favorite things. I need to make it a point to get out more often this summer. The Holtwood Preserve can't be too far from you - you should totally check it out. I agree, 40$ a month is pretty steep just to run on a treadmill. Plus I'm way too self-conscious to go to the gym. I feel like I need to be in better shape before I can be seen working out at the gym. How stupid is that? Sad but true.

That's so beautiful, and far away for the american pictures/clichés we're used to in France ! Thank you for posting it.

Thank you! For all the things I don't like about Pennsylvania, the landscape is beautiful. :)

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