If you're looking for a no frills strength gym in Austin, be sure to check out Hyde Park Gym. Whether you're training for bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting or strongman, this place has the equipment you need.
Read MoreI had been training hard for the past year and a half before I decided to leave home. I had just come back from a year off work and I was slowly getting adjusted to training and working part-time. My numbers were going up and I was finally beginning to feel like I knew what I was doing. The gym no longer intimidated me. I felt strong. I felt empowered. And most of all I could snatch and clean and jerk. I had a routine and I loved it.
And then I decided to go on a trip of a lifetime and long-term travel.
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Overlooking wonderland lake
“And one day she climbed up a mountain only to discover that the beauty she was looking for was within her the entire time.”
All of 2015 was dedicated to CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting and my epic journey to lose weight. I was off to a rocky start at the beginning of 2016. I was desperately trying to lose weight and nothing was working. As plans for nomadic travel starting coming together, my stress levels were ridiculous and I couldn't seem to control my sleeping and my eating.
Fast-forwarded to now: it's almost mid-September and I'm finally getting into a good rhythm. I've found a great gym here in Boulder and have even met some awesome people! But more importantly I've been learning to balance my love for the gym and my love for the outdoors.
When I first decided to venture out of San Francisco, I knew that I wanted to stay fit and get outside more. I also knew that as my priorities would change as I started traveling. My taste for the outdoors have gotten stronger and as a result my lifting goals have taken a back seat. And I have to learn to be okay with that. I've been lifting at lighter weights and lower volume, but I'm still training. I'm making sure that my body doesn't forget how to do these dynamic lifts. And I'm also making sure that I push myself with my hikes. And lately I've been exploring more local and experiencing the open spaces that Boulder has to offer. I have one more month here in Boulder and I'm excited where my adventures will take me.
Traveling is difficult, but preparation is key. As my time here in Boulder winds down, I've already started to plan ahead for Austin. That means looking for a gym and adding to my hiking bucket list. Luckily I think I've already found an awesome gym!
“There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.”
At the end of the trail
Start at the Chautauqua Trailhead that leads you on a fire road through a meadow. This part of the trail slowly climbs up and you aren't protected from shade here. After passing a few confusing junctions, you will have to scramble up a rocky and loose boulders. Be careful here especially when it is crowded. The views here are spectacular.
As you keep climbing you will reach a tall (around 8ft) rock face with grooved notches. Carefully climb up and enjoy the view. Continue climbing on the narrow ledged switchbacks until you reach the spectacular views of Flatiron 3.
We went in early September and the sun was shining. Shortly when we arrived back in Boulder, the weather made a quick turn. Make sure to be prepared for all weather conditions. The parking lot does fill up fast so come early. See below for a map of where you can find overflow parking.
From Boulder this is a very easy drive!
Visit https://goo.gl/maps/rdFiFvtyrxo for map link.
rocky switchbacks
beautiful views
boulder scrambling
right after we climbed the 8ft rock face
gorgeous view
my friends at the top
Special thanks to my husband Josie and my friends Kerry, Yvonne and Carleton for joining me on this beautiful hike. All photos from our hike on September 3, 2016.
With so many arches to choose from within Arches National Park, Delicate Arch tops many people's list, including mine! I was so excited to find out you could hike to it. And with such a short hike, this made it very doable in a short amount of time.
Read More"Hiking eases my mind and allows me to take in the beauty."
Start at the Long Lake Trailhead and follow signs to Lake Isabelle. The parking lot only holds about 30 vehicles. Come early to avoid crowds. If you can't find parking, you can park at the Brainard Lake Recreation area, but this adds 2 miles to your total trip.
The trail passes Long Lake. The trail follows along South Saint Vrain Creek. When crossing Jean Lunning Trail make sure to follow signs for Lake Isabelle and Pawnee pass.
Read More"On this trip my mom reminded me that at any age you can surprise yourself, challenge yourself and even laugh at yourself."
- BOLD & FIT (Jen)
I honestly don't think my mom knows how truly wonderful I think she is. She worked her ass off to give me the life that she thought would provide me with the most happiness. She stressed the importance of honesty, kindness and a strong work ethic. She gave me independence at an early age and because of that I never wanted to let her down. And even though I've gone down a very different path than what she had imagined for me, she respects my decisions and knows that I'm happy.
Read MoreI went on a backpacking trip and I cried in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.
Yes, that’s right. I cried. 1 mile in. We hadn’t even hit the halfway mark.
You see, this was only my second backpacking trip. My first was amazingly fun and pretty easy-going. So I had high hopes that this trip was going to be just as good.
“Every step felt like torture.”
— BOLD & FIT (Jen)
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I did it! I strapped on my boots, put on my pack and headed to the mountains. This was my first backpacking trip and I'm thrilled that everything went as smoothly as it did.
Read MoreLast week I packed up my tiny San Francisco apartment of 9 years and drove away to a new city. I have never taken a multi-day road trip before so my anxiety levels were through the roof. Couple that with the fact that I have never moved out of the Bay Area, this made for a very difficult time for me. If you follow me on Instagram you'll that I was super emotional: happy one minute and crying the next. But this is something I know I wanted and needed so I dug deep and found the courage to leave.
Here's my dirty little secret...
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