Good Morning & Happy Friday!
It has been such a fun week. I’ve managed to get a ton of work done, spend some time hiking, played in a kickball league, and even got around to baking (new recipes soon!)
I had another 5 am wake up call so I could get my hiking post out before I head down to Charleston this morning. Meighan and I are going to spend some time at the beach, shopping, and fitting in our last long run together before our half marathon. I can’t wait!
I hope you guys have a great weekend and I look forward to waking up Saturday morning and commenting back to all of you. It’s my Saturday morning routine. 🙂
It’s been two years since my friend, Becca, has quit smoking. She has also lost 100 pounds! Her new healthy lifestyle is inspirational, and I’m very proud of her! Last year, we headed out to Looking Glass Rock to hike and celebrate her health. We decided to do it again this year! You can read our post from last year here! (it may actually be helpful to read that one first.)
We started our day around 9:00 am and made it to the Pisgah National Forest at 11:00 to start our hike!
They had the peace sign still on the pavement from last year. It was faded, but it made us happy to see it!
The weather was absolutely perfect.
We made it to the top! The view takes your breath away as soon as you reach the top. You realize how small you are in the world.
We brought jelly beans again this time. (why jelly beans?)
Yup, ate a bug.
And ALLLLLLLLL the snacks. We picked up our favorites at CVS before hitting the road. They literally have the best healthy snacks for hiking.
Wasabi almonds…<3
We headed down after spending 45 minutes at the top.
We spent the hour and a half singing musicals and goofing off. It’s the best way to kill time on an empty trail.
When we finished the hike, we headed down to the Looking Glass waterfall.
We decided to skip out on dinner in Asheville because we wanted to make it back before dark. We were both pretty tired from early morning rises.
We found a cute little ice cream shop by the forest’s entrance. The ice cream shop was so colorful, and we had to stop! I went with a vanilla soft serve (my favorite) and a GIANT glass of ice water.
We went through a charming town on the way home and decided to stop for coffee. If you’ve never been to Hendersonville, add it to your list. I told Kyle that I wanted to go up just to spend a weekend. It’s so cute and alive.
We stopped at Black Bear Coffee shop, and this was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
I ordered a skim cappuccino with one extra shot of espresso.
The baristas were so friendly, and extremely knowledgeable when it came to coffee. It’s a pet peeve of mine when I order a cappuccino and it comes out a latte. The espresso was so rich and smooth! After the first sip, I almost went back to the counter to order more!
All of the shops in Hendersonville were filled with restaurants, cute shops, and everything looked so clean and quaint. I will DEFINITELY be visiting again.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way home so I cold make Flatout Wrap pizzas 🙂 So good!
It’s time for me to head to the closet and start packing for Charleston! Thank you for reading & I hope you enjoyed!
So, we decided to share our fourteen minutes of Snapchat videos! I’m only annoying 50% of the time. Promise 😉
Questions for you!
- What is your favorite trail to hike?
- Do you remember the first time you hiked a mountain?
- Any advice for my last long run?
Whitney says
So proud of Becca, and she looks amazing!!! That photo taken of her sitting on the rock looking out over the mountains should be blown up and framed. It’s almost like her saying to the world, “Look what I did, I conquered a lot.” Congratulations!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I AGREE!!!:)
Shannen says
I love it! And the video was so funny! I think you guys should vlog your big adventures a lot more!
My favorite hike is also the first place I hiked. It’s a baby mountain in the Adirondacks called Mt. Severance. Not a long hike, but it looks over the lake and the view is incredible!
Did you record yourself singing for the background music? If not, that singer has your voice. Just saying!
Congrats Becca! (I’m going to be anxiously waiting her blog post about this trip!)
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Shannen!
Thank you :):)
That sounds like a gorgeous gorgeous hike!! I will have to look it up!!!
I’m excited to see her post too 😉
Carrie this fit chick says
That looks GORGEOUS!!! I’m so jealous. I can’t wait for the weekend. There are lots of trails up north here in the Bay Area, but I rarely get out to them. I’m going to Sonoma tomorrow though- mainly for wine tasting, but I’ll be around some nice scenery for sure!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Carrie!
You’ll have so much fun wine tasting! Jealous 🙂
Nikki says
So proud of you guys!! Hiking is an awesome workout! I also love your blog! ?
1. My favorite trail hike is Chimney Tops located in the Smokey Mountains! Such beautiful scenery!
2. I don’t remember my first hike but I know the east coast is full of beauties! I didn’t get big into hiking until I met my husband and we lived in Knoxville for a year and practically lived in the Smokies.
3. I don’t have much experience on long runs yet, but I’m thinking GU packs! My husband lives on those during triathlon season!
4. Any tips on running with your dog?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Nikki!!!
I’ve heard of that hike! 🙂
You have to go hiking when you live in the smokies for sure! So cool you got to experience that!
Those are great!
UMMMMM. I don’t have “running dogs” lol I actually have no advice for it! My dogs love to bite the leash, sprint, and go nuts when I start running!
Joanne says
That looks like so much fun! Congrats to Becca on her journey – how cool!
My favorite hike I remember was a 10-mile hike through the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee on a camping trip when I was 15. We took the wrong trail (we were aiming for a much shorter one), but ended up having a blast anyway and so proud we made it through. I wish there were more places to hike around me, but it does give me an excuse to hit the road every so often!
I was super inspired by “Wild” and really like the idea of hiking a super long trail like that – maybe someday!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Joanne!
The Smokey Mountains are so gorgeous!
Nothing better than a road trip to a beach or trail!!
I was also super inspired by that movie! You can read a ton of blogs out there from people who have done/still do the same hike!
Hailey says
While watching your video of you and Becca hiking, it reminds me a lot of when i go hiking with my best friend! You guys were having so much fun together and goofing around and laughing. In my opinion, those are the best adventures. The activity with the jelly beans was really inspiring! Great job Becca for all of your accomplishments. That’s so amazing!
I absolutely love hiking, whenever I can. My favorite trails are out west. I can’t pick one because all of the national parks are so amazing, different, and beautiful in their own ways. I’m from Wisconsin, and my favorite place to hike around here is Devils Lake State Park. There’s this lake that’s in the middle of some bluffs and it’s absolutely breathtaking! I’ve even ran a half marathon in that state park and it has to be one of my favorite because at one point you’re running at the top of the bluff with the most amazing view. It makes you feel like you’re flying!
For your last long run, just enjoy it! Let your energy and excitement amp you up for your half marathon. You’ve been working so hard, and it’s definitely going to pay off. Good luck at your half, you’re going to kill it! I can’t wait to read all about it and see the pictures!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Hailey!
There isn’t a quiet moment on our hikes! My mom used to do that with the jelly beans when I was a kid, so I had to do it for Becca too! Very fitting and so cleansing.
I AGREE! I loved hiking out west when I was younger! Sounds like you have great trails near you!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Leslie says
Loved the video! Please do more! I liked seeing and hearing your voice. You are funny too 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Awwww Thanks Leslie!!!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’ve actually never really been on a hike. I’m THAT lazy, haha! I wish I was more of a willing hiker though!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
What?! It’s so fun! Definitely find a trail sometime and try it! I think you would love it.
Parker says
In reference to the sun: Becca – “I’m like, NO all the time” I died laughing! Every fall, we take a hike here at one of our state parks and this makes me crave it so much! It looks absolutely gorgeous out there! You guys are great, thanks for the video! Hope to see more in the future!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol!
Hiking is so fun, especially when you haven’t done it in a while!
Definitely, will do more videos 🙂
Thanks for reading/watching!!! xo
Holly says
LOVE that song towards the beginning of the video, what is it??
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Holly!
It’s just a cover of Billy Joel’s “Vienna”
xo
Holly says
Thank you, Thank you!! You ladies are both killing it and look fabulous!! I must say, you have put Charlotte on the map for places I must be sometime in my life. Congrats to both of you.
Lindsey S. says
Hi Taralynn!
What a beautiful little town. I want to visit! ?
Hiking is by far my favorite form of exercise. My favorite trail to hike is the Rainbow Trail here in Anchorage, Alaska. But I don’t hike it as often as I’d like because there are A LOT of bears, so I’ll only go in a big group. So instead I usually hike Flattop Mountain (also Anchorage). It’s always packed with people in the summer, so I don’t have to worry about wildlife bothering us ?
First time I hiked a mountain was actually Flattop. I was in the YMCA summer program when I was a kid, and we hiked Flattop every Friday. And it’s not an easy hike to the top!
I can’t give running advice, since I’m just now learning how to run without dying in the first 5 minutes (lol). But I’m sure you’ll be great 😀
P.S. Congrats to Becca! That must be an amazing feeling ❤ Happy Easter! ?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lindsey!
It was such a cute town 🙂 I want to go back.
I bet the trails are GORGEOUS in Alaska! I would be terrrrrrified running into bear! Glad you’re safe about it.
That is such a fun program! Hiking when you’re a kid is so fun! My mom used to take us to the rainforests trails in Hawaii.
Happy Easter!!!
Abby says
Loved the video!
What Justin Bieber remake was that?? I loved it!
Also- loved to see the amazing change in Becca since last year’s post. You girls are both killing it!
Annnd my favorite hike is the Incline in Colorado Springs. So intense but you have to do it if you ever get the chance!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Abby!
That was just a fun little cover 🙂
She is doing incredible!
I need to make it out to Colorado one day!
Taralynn
Abbie says
Grandfather Mountain! Best trail ever! You definitely should check it out(:
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve heard so many good things!! Totally on my summer list.
Susie says
Dang girl, you can sing too?! That hike looks awesome. Great job, ladies!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Susie!
Cathy says
Wow! Becca looks really amazing & love her as a blond
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes she does!
Brooklyn says
I don’t have time to watch the video now but I will later!
You look so much like your mom in these photos!!! It’s incredible.
Congrats to Becca, she is such an inspiration 🙂 I love the jelly bean idea.
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Lol, I feel like I’m starting to look like her more and more everyday!!
xo xo
Alison says
Taralynn, I had no idea you could sing! I’ve always loved your blog but the video was funny! I was definitely laughing! Haha
Taralynn McNitt says
HAHA, thanks Alison!!!!:) :):)
Jennifer says
The only “real” mountain trail that I’ve hiked was Chimney Top in TN… it’s a must and you HAVE to go and do it sometime! The last little part is practically rock climbing and is so amazing. This also answers the second question which is that this was the first mountain I ever hiked…. and I loved every second. I’m going to do Crowder’s when I come to Charleston!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Jennifer!
I’ve heard about it! I’ll have to check it out sometime.
You’ll love Crowders! it’s short but still kind of challenging!
Casey the College Celiac says
One of my favorite hiking memories is hiking Potato Chip Rock in San Diego (just google the name for pictures and you’ll understand the name!) with my dad and best friend. My boyfriend of almost two years had just blind-sided me with a breakup, and I wanted to do something that I would never do with him (he was noooot into healthy living). Posing for photos at the top was so amazing…especially with my bestie and dad by my side!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is such a funny name for a hike! Love it. I will have to check that out when I’m in San Diego!
That is such a great way to handle a hard time! I had to go through the same and that is kind of what I did as well. It’s rewarding and helps you realize that you can do whatever you want on your own! 🙂
Brooke says
My favorite trail hike was up to Fairy Falls in Yellowstone National Park. It was an enjoyable experience, despite that we took the long way, and so what normally is a 4 mile hike turned into a 10 mile hike. It was an entire day hike, but it was the greatest experience I ever had for a hike.
Taralynn McNitt says
I love the sound of it! “Fairy Falls” 🙂
I loved Yellowstone when I visited years ago! I love a long hike!!
Have a great weekend!
Bethany @LuluRuns says
I love hiking, but I don’t do it enough! I’m hoping get back out there this summer!
My advice for your last long run is to wear/drink/and eat every thing that you will on race day! That day you have a test run out on your outfit and fuel before running the race! 🙂 can’t wait to hear how it all goes!
Also, Becca is doing AMAZING!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Bethany!
Summer is always the perfect time to get back out there and hike!
That is great advice 😀
& yes she is!
Vanessa says
DO MORE VIDEOS
Taralynn McNitt says
okay okay!! lol
Sara says
The hubs and I love hiking at Haw Ridge just outside of Knoxville. It’s a less common trail in the area so it’s typically not too crowded! We each work about 15 mins in opposite directions from it, so after work I run home and grab the dog & meet him there! You can alter your time & distance anything from 1 – 13 or so miles. He likes to bike that trails with friends, also!
I always love hearing you sing! I remember way back when you posted that video from college in the stairwell! You have a lovely voice ?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sara!
That’s not too far from me! I may have to add that to my list! Love that you and your husband spend time hiking together 😉
& thank you!!
🙂
Linda @ The Fitty says
Ever considered doing a yoga photoshoot there?
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, no lol I have no business taking yoga pics haha!
Judi says
Aah, I love hiking!
I’ve been following Becca on Instagram and also just checked out your blog post from last year with the jelly beans – please tell Becca her transformation is amazing! She looks so different and I can relate to her about ‘a fresh start away from home’ so much.
I also really liked the video and your singing!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hiking is so much fun 🙂
I will definitely make sure she sees this! 🙂 You can read more on her blog too!
& thanks!!
Courtney says
That’s so amazing for becca! Good for her for making healthy changes and keeping them!
Taralynn McNitt says
🙂 So amazing.
Allie says
Hey Tara! I love all your posts especially ones like these! Every time I see your coffee pics I want to run out and get some myself. I want to know how you order your coffee’s because I love love love coffee but hate all the extra sugar that they put in it. I’m a huge vanilla latte person so if you have any helpful tips for me to order them where they still taste yummy but are healthier I would totally appreciate it! Thank you!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Allie!
Thank you so much 🙂
It really depends on how I’m feeling that day! I typically order a cappuccino with skim + 1 extra shot of espresso (3 shots total!) If I want something sweeter, I just add stevia. I used to love sweet coffee and use sweet creamers, but the more I learned to love espresso, the less I wanted sweets to cover it up. Try drinking coffee with just stevia and no syrups. You’ll eventually Love it. sometimes I drink espresso black. There are sugar free syrups you can add in non-fat lattes, but those aren’t that healthy either. In the winter, I like to add a little cinnamon or peppermint to my coffee drinks 🙂 xo
Anonymous says
This was a great post and your photos are fantastic
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks 🙂
Harriet says
Your photos from the hike are amazing and the view at the top is stunning. Congratulations to becca she looks amazing!
My favourite hike I have ever done was in Theize,France we hikes for 2 hours to have a picnic at the top, it was absolutely incredible and the views were to die for!! The first hike I ever did was a two day hike through Te Urewera national park with my mum, it was amazing.
The best advice I can give you is to Have Fun on you last long run! You have worked extremely hard for you 1/2 marathon! Have a great time in charleston.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Harriet!!
That sound like an incredible hike!!!
I will remember that!
xo
Molly says
I’m so proud of Becca for taking her life back and working on herself. That’s such a brave things to do. She looks amazing! And that view from the top of the hike is gorgeous!
Taralynn McNitt says
She really is!:) & that view is definitely better in real life!
Christi says
I live in Knoxville and we love Asheville so much that we go every month or so. But, my favorite part is stopping in Hendersonville and Flat Rock (town connected to Hendersonville). Flat Rock Village Bakery makes wood oven breads and amazing pizza. There is also an amazing bakery named Underground Baking in Hendersonville. Asheville gets most of the attention for good reason but the neighboring towns also have lots to offer. Asheville is great for healthy eating as well as vegetarian restaurants and the farmers markets are worth a trip all on their own.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you for sharing!!! I am going to make a trip to explore Hendersonville!!! 🙂 Love all of your suggestions.
Ericka says
Hi,
I was wondering what remix of Vienna during your video that was?
Taralynn McNitt says
Just a fun little cover I created for the video lol
Tiffanie Bol says
Yay!! Happy 2 years to Becca. You rock girl! And I seriously loved the video you guys had at the end. Maybe you should add some vlogging to your blogging ?
Taralynn McNitt says
It was a lot of fun!!:)
Katie Meshko says
Looks like such a fun and beautiful place to hike!! We have a few hiking trails where I live that are really nice too — I cant wait to hit them up! I love your snacking options and that ice cream shop looks darling! Glad you girls had a nice time! Pictures look amazing! 🙂
http://www.meshkomoments.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Katie!
Olivia says
I went back and re-read the blog from last year and all I can say is WOW! It was so beautiful to see how you, Becca, and your photography have transformed over the last year! Simply amazing 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!!
Peyton says
First of all, Becca looks AMAZING!! That is so awesome. Both of you are such an inspiration. Right now I’m having rheumatological issues so I can’t run…but I’m hoping to get back soon, you’re posts are making me want to train for a half!! I loved the video haha it definitely made me laugh. And you have a great voice! Is there anything you can’t do?? love your posts!!
PS is that you singing in the background??
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Peyton!
Sorry you’re dealing with an injury. It’s the worst, but you can definitely come out stronger! Stay focussed on the recovery! & thank you for the kind words!!
That is me singing lol just something fun I like to do in my spare time 🙂
Tammy says
You have such a pretty voice
Taralynn McNitt says
thank you!
Mercedes says
I’ve been feeling really down on myself lately with fitness and motivation, but for some reason this totally flipped my attitude around this morning.
Thanks to you both 🙂
Katie says
I live here in Horse Shoe-it’s right in the center of Hendersonville, Asheville and Brevard (where looking glass rock is). I absolutely love it. That hike is one of my favorites! I’m training for a 28.3 mile hike for Make-A-Wish so I haven’t been able to do the fun ones like Looking Glass Rock lately, but can’t wait to do it in June! You are right-the pictures never do it justice. ❤️ Glad you enjoyed your time here!
Anonymous says
Pretty hike!
Janett says
What a great video you ladies are entertaining for sure. Congrats to Becca ! Thats awesome tobquit smoking and lose weight insread of gain let alone lose 100lbs. What was the song at the beginning of the trail?
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s Vienna by Billy Joel. I just sang it in the video lol
Anonymous says
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