Emilee and I have been talking about hiking Crowders mountain since she’s moved down here. I’ve done it several times, but never with her.
We skipped our usual Stacks breakfast today and drove to Gastonia instead. It’s about an hour from our place in Charlotte. I made a quick breakfast strawberry banana protein shake for some energy.
It had: 1 banana, 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 1 serving Lean Body For Her Whey Protein, 1 packet Stevia, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 cup almonds, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 1/2 cup ice, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract. I usually add a couple cups of kale or spinach to my smoothies but I was out.
I love hiking up crowders because it has uphill/downhill trails. This is great for interval workouts. My heart rate goes up and down, up and down which is great for fat burn. Plus going uphill is incredible for the leg muscles!
Hiking is so much better than spending my time inside at the gym. If I lived closer to the mountain, I would do this every single day. When I was living in Scottsdale, I hiked camelback almost everyday and loved it.
Hiking with a reward at the end is my favorite kind of hike. I like hiking trails that go around and around, but going up to see the view at the end feels like an accomplishment.
Breathing in the fresh air from the top of the mountain is liberating.
Plus Emilee and I hiked with our new headbands 🙂 They were perfect for keeping our hair out of our face and (gross pause here) sweat under control.
We were also blessed with PERFECT weather. It was lightly breezy, 70 degrees, the sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Perfection.
I encourage you to go out and explore this weekend. It doesn’t matter where you go, when you go, or what you’re exploring. Just do something you normally wouldn’t do. Drive over to the next town over, a different neighborhood, or anywhere you want. Instagram it and tag me!
CHECK OUT MY OTHER HIKING ADVENTURES.
EXPLORING CAMELBACK (1) EXPLORING CAMELBACK (2)
HIKING CROWDERS (1) & CROWDERS HIKE (2)
Will you ever come to Toronto Canada, Tara? I’d love to spend a day with you eating out and hiking, taking pictures and baking things.
Pst, you don’t have any fat to burn.
Looks like a great place to hike!
xo
Oh I love Crowders Mountain. Everytime we go we end up doing the same hike though! I went last fall right as the leaves were changing – so gorgeous! Love the headbands – they are super cute 🙂
Can you please tell me where that backpack is from? I’m obsessed with skulls!
Looks beautiful! Adore that headband too! I love Scottsdale area too!
XO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
you look great! I’m learning a TON about balance and recipes from your blog! loving the workouts and recipes <3 <3
Thanks Megan! I used to focus on ONLY DIET FOODS ALL THE TIME, but now I eat diet foods, crappy foods, and stay active! It’s the only way that works for me.
I’ve always wanted to go hiking!! looks beautiful… what are some essentials that you take with you on your hike?
Welcome to NC – I’m a “neighbor”