This fool is taking a hike...

I’m back with Team In Training, but I’ve switched things up this season and I’ve joined the Hike Team!  After taking a three year hiatus, I’m back in the game...  This time I thought I’d challenge not only my aversion to exercise, but also throw some dirt, insects and poison oak in there as well and see what happens.  I’m not sure what I expected when I joined the hike team – those who know me best will tell you that I’m firmly a city kid.  So, I’m getting in touch with the “granola” in me and heading out to the hills in the name of finding a cure for cancer.  We’ve been at this for about a month and a half now and I have to say that while it’s not quite as taxing on the body as marathon training (yet), it’s been a very different kind of challenge.  I’ve been enjoying seeing a different side of LA – there’s nature out here after all! :)  

Please help me in the fight against cancer:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/CanyonS12/audrey 

Here are some highlight from our first few weeks of training: 

Malibu Creek Trail
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25212 
Our first hike was at Malibu Creek State Park to the location where M*A*S*H was filmed.  It was a beautiful day - but as I trudged up the steady inclines, my legs screamed at me: "I thought we were finished with exercise!"  Clearly, I have some work to do.

My photos from this week:
flickr: Malibu Creek Trail 

Santa Monica Mountains:
Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park to Topanga State Park
http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=34 &
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25210

Hike up to Eagle Rock.

My photos from this hike:
flickr: Santa Monica Mountains 

Point Mugu State Park: La Jolla Canyon trail
http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=148
I knew we were near the water, but I'm directionally challenged and had no sense of our location.  As we crossed the grassy valley and hiked up a hillside, I was quite surprised when out of nowhere (or so it seemed to me), we were overlooking a stunning view of the ocean.  So far, my favourite hike of the season.  
My photos from this hike: flickr: Point Mugu
 

 

Chantry Flat, Big Santa Anita Canyon
http://www.everytrail.com/guide/big-santa-anita-canyon-loop-with-upper-trail
We were introduced to the art of river crossing.  Note to self: Need to work on balance so as not to fall into the water.  I managed to stay dry, but I had a couple close calls.  I bailed on the "advanced" hike because my new boots were causing some issues.  I was pretty disappointed that I didn't push myself.  Lots of new gear on its way...my wallet is hurting as much as my legs.

My photos: flickr: Chantry Flat  

Stay tuned for more...