Hike to Virgin Falls

One of the things I decided after completing my first triathlon this summer was to take a break from endurance racing. This has been a hectic year of several races in a short amount of time and I was beginning to feel like I was jumping from one training program to the next, which in turn meant I was always training for something.

After 3 half marathons and a triathlon in 7 months I was ready to take back my weekends and do physical activity for fun again.

For friend KG's birthday weekend, she chose to celebrate by going on an 8 mile "strenuous" and "rugged" (both adjectives I've read describing this route) hike to Virgin Falls in Sparta, TN.

I don't know if words can describe how much this outing proves how much I've changed my life over the last 2 years. Two years ago I would have scoffed at KG's idea I would go on an 8 mile hike, nevermind the strenuous part.

In fact, 3 years ago KG took this same hike with some friends and I wasn't even invited. Because at that time in my life, I was not physically fit enough to last on this type of hike. Not to mention at my larger size I felt so clumsy and unbalanced that I was irrationally scared of heights. I could never imagine hiking the ledges we did during this hike.

Me on top on a rock mound enjoying the scenery of the first falls.

Virgin Falls

Me and KG on the Trail

Words can't describe how grateful I am that I was able to have the willpower and motivation to make the changes I have to lose over 100 pounds from my highest weight in 2008. I didn't realize at the time how much I was missing out on and I vow to never let myself be that way again. Whether I get to my ultimate goal weight or not, I am pretty darn happy enjoying life, and I'm able to do that whether I lose the last 40 vanity pounds or not.