The Challenge: Days 26-30

Photo Courtesy: Fuquay Varina Parks & Rec
With beauty like this, who wouldn't want to hike?  Yep, that's right, we've been exploring our new home state while getting our "5" in.  This morning, we hiked the CHJEEP (Carol Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park) trails in our town.  It is so hard for this California Native to believe that a jewel like this exists just minutes from my home.  We walked/hiked for about 30-40 min with a toddler is tow and Kailyn strapped to my back.  (That's an extra 25 lbs of work out weight!).  The time flew by - Olivia walked the entire time by herself and she was really enjoying seeing the butterflies, spider webs, frogs, and trees.  Earlier this week, we went for a walk around a local lake - something we stumbled on quite by accident.  I am loving being able to get our exercise in outdoors and am wondering how anyone can truly love living in Southern CA where these things just don't exist! To each their own, I guess.  
So, while I haven't gotten back to running yet, I am happy to report that my knee is a ton better now.  I have been getting back into more serious cardio using our stationary bike, rowing machine, and treadmill, in addition to our recent outdoor walks.  I am so thankful for having pledged my 5 for 365.  If not, I know myself well enough to know that my knee setback would have been the end of my workout aspirations for months (if not years).  But, because I had to push through and do something everyday, despite my knee, I am now enjoying a more physically active lifestyle and loving it! 
Oh, and as an aside, I am thrilled to report that a few of the people who are following along with the 5 for 365 challenge have reported weight loss!!  I have lost a couple of lbs as well, but for some reason, I am more excited to hear about others having success - maybe because I feel like I played a small part in their success (if only as a point of inspiration).