Month: December 2024

Leave a comment Posted on Weekend Warrior

Embracing the Outdoors on Weekend Adventures

Alright, let’s dive into one of my favorite topics: embracing the outdoors on weekend adventures. There’s just something about stepping out of your daily grind and getting outside that feels like hitting a reset button. Whether it’s hiking a trail, finding a quiet spot by a lake, or just wandering somewhere you’ve never been, those little outdoor escapes can do wonders for your mind and body.

For me, weekends are the perfect time to explore. You don’t need a whole week off or some elaborate plan. Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you just grab your gear, pick a spot on the map, and go. I think that’s the beauty of living in a place like Seattle—there are so many options right at your doorstep. You’ve got the mountains, the water, the forests—it’s all there.

One of my go-to spots for a quick weekend escape is Mount Si. It’s close enough to get there and back in a day, but the payoff is incredible. The trail is definitely a workout—there’s no sugarcoating that—but when you get to the top and see that sweeping view of the valley below, it’s completely worth it. And you know what? It’s not just the view. It’s the whole experience of getting there. The sound of the wind in the trees, the feel of the dirt under your boots, the rhythm of your breath as you climb—it’s all part of it.

Another place I love is Deception Pass. It’s not as strenuous as Mount Si, but it’s just as stunning. There’s something about that bridge, with the water rushing below, that gets me every time. I usually start on one of the trails, maybe walk along the beach, and then find a quiet spot to just sit and take it all in. It’s one of those places where you can really feel connected to the landscape.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you don’t need to go far to feel like you’re somewhere completely different. Sometimes the best outdoor adventures are just about finding a new perspective. Like, I’ve had some amazing weekends just exploring local parks. Discovery Park in Seattle is a great example. You’ve got forest trails, open meadows, and even a beach with views of the Sound. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire day wandering and not get bored.

Of course, part of embracing the outdoors is being prepared. I’m not saying you need to go full-on survivalist, but a little planning goes a long way. I always pack the basics: water, snacks, and a lightweight jacket because, let’s face it, the weather around here loves to surprise you. And if you’re hiking, it’s a good idea to bring a map or at least have an app that works offline. Getting lost might sound romantic, but in reality, it’s usually just annoying—or worse.

Another thing I’ve started doing is making these trips about more than just the destination. Sure, the summit or the viewpoint is great, but some of the best moments happen along the way. Like spotting a tiny waterfall you didn’t know was there, or catching the sun breaking through the clouds at just the right angle. It’s those little surprises that make the experience feel so special.

And let’s not forget about the mental reset that comes with being outside. There’s this quote I love: “Nature doesn’t hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” I think about that a lot when I’m out there. The pace of the natural world is so different from the rush of daily life. Being in it reminds you to slow down, to breathe, and to just be present.

If you’re someone who hasn’t done a lot of outdoor exploring, my advice is to start small. You don’t need to climb a mountain or camp overnight to enjoy nature. Maybe it’s a short walk at a local trailhead or a picnic at a nearby park. The point is to get out there and see how it feels. And who knows? You might just find yourself craving more.

For me, these weekend adventures have become more than just a way to pass the time. They’re a way to recharge, to reconnect with the world around me, and to remind myself of what really matters. So next time you’re staring down a free weekend, think about heading outside. You might be surprised at what you find.

Leave a comment Posted on Adventure, Backpacking

Backpacking the North Coast Trail

So, last week I got back from a trip along the North Coast Trail, and I’ve been thinking about it pretty much constantly since then. I’m not sure there’s a better way to test yourself than loading up a backpack and setting off into a stretch of rugged, coastal wilderness. And this wasn’t just one of those casual strolls; the North Coast Trail is a serious undertaking with slippery boardwalks, dense vegetation, steep ladders, and stretches of beach that can be tricky when the tides aren’t on your side.

I headed out early in the morning on my first day, and I have to say, the weather was just about perfect. Crisp air, a slight breeze, and a forecast that promised a few clear days in a row. Which, if you know the Pacific Northwest, is something of a minor miracle. There’s nothing like that feeling when you take your first few steps on the trail, still full of energy, shoulders feeling good, excited to see what’s around the next bend. Every now and then I’d catch a glimpse of the coastline—a sudden opening through dense evergreens—and I’d get this jolt of excitement. Part of the joy in these trips is that you never know what kind of wildlife you might see or which sections will challenge you the most.

Now, I want to spend a good chunk of time talking about the gear I took with me, because if there’s one thing that can make or break a trip like this, it’s the quality and appropriateness of your backpacking gear. I’ll start with the pack itself. I’ve learned the hard way that it’s worth investing in a well-fitted, supportive backpack, something that distributes weight evenly and doesn’t leave you with sore spots on your shoulders or hips. I use an internal frame pack with adjustable suspension. Not the lightest pack out there, but it holds my gear comfortably, and I never find myself cursing it at the end of the day.

Then there’s shelter. For something like the North Coast Trail, you want a tent that can handle moisture, because even when it’s not raining, you’re dealing with humidity and condensation. A lightweight, freestanding tent with a good rainfly was essential for me. It’s also important to have a footprint or groundsheet, because the forest floor can be unforgiving and you don’t want moisture seeping up through the bottom of your tent. A quality sleeping bag—ideally down, if you can keep it dry—is also key. I chose a bag rated a bit warmer than I thought I’d need, just because coastal nights can get chilly. And of course, a sleeping pad that offers enough insulation and comfort to ensure you actually sleep well. Because if you don’t get decent rest, every mile is going to feel twice as long the next day.

Footwear might be the most critical part of all. Good, supportive hiking boots, broken in well before the trip, can save you from blisters and make those muddy, root-filled sections a lot more manageable. Pair them with moisture-wicking socks that help prevent hotspots, and maybe bring along a lightweight pair of camp shoes so you can let your feet breathe at the end of the day. It’s surprising how much of a morale boost it is to switch out of your boots once you hit camp.

When it comes to clothing, layers are king. You want a moisture-wicking base layer, a good insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof shell that can keep you dry if conditions change on a dime. I also always carry a lightweight puffy jacket and a warm hat, even if the forecast says it’s going to be mild, because weather on the Pacific coast can surprise you.

I know all this gear can start to feel overwhelming and expensive. One of the places I’ve found helpful is this resource for outdoor gear. It’s somewhere you can compare different brands, read up on what might work best for your specific style of backpacking, and just make a more informed decision before you fork over your hard-earned money.

Of course, gear is just one piece of the puzzle. The trail itself tests you, and you’ve got to bring a solid set of skills and a certain mindset. But the right gear can reduce some of the stress and let you focus on what’s in front of you—old-growth forests, hidden coves, maybe a sea lion lounging on a stretch of sand just off the trail. It’s all out there, waiting for you, and having a setup that’s dialed in means you can enjoy it without worrying that something’s going to fail right when you need it most.

By the time I got to the end of the North Coast Trail, I was sore and tired, but I felt alive in the best possible way. As I rinsed off that layer of grime and salt back home, I was already daydreaming about the next trip. It’s just something about the Pacific Northwest—there’s always another trail, another stretch of coastline or mountain range calling your name.

Leave a comment Posted on Mental Health

Weekend Getaways to Recharge and Explore

Let’s talk about weekend getaways—those little trips that are just long enough to reset your brain but short enough to not completely wreck your routine. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how important it is to take time to recharge, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule. For me, a weekend trip is the perfect way to explore someplace new without the stress of planning a full-blown vacation.

When I’m looking for a weekend getaway, I usually keep it within a couple of hours of home. That way, I don’t waste half the trip stuck in traffic or on a plane. Living in Seattle, I’m lucky because there are so many options nearby. Like, if I want mountains, I’ve got the Cascades. If I want water, there’s Puget Sound or the San Juan Islands. It’s kind of ridiculous how much variety there is.

One of my favorite spots for a quick recharge is Leavenworth. I mean, yes, it’s a little touristy with the whole Bavarian theme, but there’s something about being surrounded by those mountains that makes it easy to unwind. Plus, the food scene there is surprisingly good. I usually grab some bratwurst, maybe a pretzel, and just enjoy being outside. If you’re feeling more active, there are tons of hiking trails nearby. I’ve done Icicle Ridge a couple of times, and the views never disappoint.

Another go-to for me is Whidbey Island. It’s such a quick trip—you just hop on the ferry, and before you know it, you’re in this totally different world. Whidbey’s got these amazing beaches and little towns that are perfect for wandering. There’s this one spot, Ebey’s Landing, where you can do a loop hike that’s part cliffside, part beach walk. It’s the kind of place where you just breathe differently, you know? Like, the salt air hits your face, and suddenly all your stress feels a million miles away.

Sometimes, though, I skip the outdoors altogether and head to a city for the weekend. Portland is such an easy choice. It’s close, it’s walkable, and there’s always something interesting happening. I’ll spend the day exploring bookstores and coffee shops, then find some live music or just enjoy a great meal. One time, I randomly stumbled into a donut-tasting event—I’m not even joking—and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Stuff like that makes a city getaway feel fresh, even if you’ve been there a bunch of times.

I think what makes these quick trips so special is how simple they can be. You don’t need to overthink it. Pack a bag, pick a direction, and just go. There’s something so freeing about not having a rigid itinerary. It leaves room for surprises, for wandering, for discovering something you didn’t even know you were looking for. And that’s what makes you come back feeling like you actually had a break.

Leave a comment Posted on Training

My Journey with a Personal Trainer

Alright, let’s talk about my journey with a personal trainer and how it’s completely changed the way I approach running and fitness. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I mean, I’ve been running for years, and I always thought, “Why would I need someone to tell me how to run? I just lace up and go, right?” Turns out, I had no idea how much I was leaving on the table.

So, a couple of months ago, I started working with a Tacoma-based personal trainer, On Track Coaching. They specialize in helping runners like me, as well as prenatal and postnatal mothers and youth athletes. What I really liked was how tailored their approach was. It wasn’t about some generic “work harder” advice. They really dug into what I needed—my goals, my routines, and even the little things, like how my day-to-day life impacts my training.

When we started, the first thing we did was assess my running form. And let me tell you, it was eye-opening. I always thought my form was solid—turns out, not so much. My trainer noticed that my stride was a little too long, which was putting unnecessary strain on my knees. They also pointed out how my arm movement wasn’t helping my momentum as much as it could. We worked on some drills to fix those things, and honestly, it’s like I’m running with a new body now. I feel lighter, smoother, and way more efficient.

One of the biggest game-changers was learning how to structure my training better. Before, I’d just go out and run. Some days it was long and slow, other days it was fast—totally random. But my trainer introduced me to a more intentional plan. We added interval workouts, tempo runs, and proper recovery days. At first, I thought recovery days were a waste of time. Like, if I’m not sweating buckets, am I even doing anything? But now, I get it. Those rest days have made such a difference in how I feel on my hard days. I’m faster and less tired overall.

Another thing I loved was how they incorporated strength training. I’ve always been one of those runners who avoids the gym because, honestly, it’s intimidating. But my trainer made it so approachable. They set me up with some at-home workouts that didn’t even require much equipment—just a couple of dumbbells and resistance bands. We focused on core stability and leg strength, which has made a huge difference in how I tackle hills. It’s wild how a few targeted exercises can transform something that used to feel like torture into just another part of the run.

Nutrition was another area we worked on. I thought I was eating okay, but my trainer helped me fine-tune things to fuel my runs better. We talked a lot about timing—like when to eat before a long run, what to refuel with afterward, and even how to snack during the day to keep my energy up. It’s not about some strict diet; it’s about making smarter choices. For example, adding a little protein to my post-run meals has helped me recover faster. It’s one of those simple changes that makes a huge impact.

What really sets On Track Coaching apart, though, is how accessible they make everything. They offer in-home and remote training options, which is perfect for someone like me with a busy schedule. There were weeks where life got crazy, but because we could adapt the plan and do check-ins remotely, I never felt like I was falling behind. It’s clear they really care about making fitness fit into your life, not the other way around.

And you know what? This isn’t just about running anymore. Working with a trainer has spilled over into other parts of my life. I’m sleeping better, I’ve got more energy during the day, and even my mindset has shifted. I used to think of fitness as this box I had to check, but now it feels like this integrated, natural part of my routine.

So, if you’re in Tacoma or anywhere nearby and you’re looking for a personal trainer who really gets it—whether you’re a runner like me, a new parent, or even a youth athlete—I can’t recommend On Track Coaching enough. They’ve helped me hit paces I didn’t think I could hit and made me fall in love with running all over again.