Sleeping Giant

I LOVE the outdoors!  Who doesn't?  Well, I guess if you're from my hometown where it can get below zero at times during the winter then you probably don't share the same feeling.  I guess that's why I moved to much warmer climate where I have the luxury and convenience to do pretty much whatever I desire on any given day.

Whether I'm hanging out at the beach, riding the trails on my mountain bike, or hitting the pavement running I'm doing something that I love and enjoy.  Being outdoors.  The fresh air is so exhilarating and refreshing.  It just makes me - one happy camper. 

I've been wanting to go on a hike for awhile now.  But I never took the time to go.  One of my favorite trails to hike is Sleeping Giant.  For those of you who don't know, it's a mountain located on the east side of Kauai known as Nounou Mountain, which rises above the Wailua River, and closely resembles that of a giant sleeping on his back, thus earning the name Sleeping Giant.

And luckily, I don't have to go to far.  It's just under a mile away from my house and offers some of the greatest views of the east side.  If you look closely - you just may find my house.  (Might have to use a magnifying glass...LOL!)

So today...I decided to forget about doing a normal workout and do something a little different.  Go hiking.  There is nothing better than being out in the fresh air, listening to the sounds of nature, and admiring the beauty of the island I live on.

And as I'm climbing Sleeping Giant I'm using all the different muscles in my body.  My calves, my hamstrings, my quads and probably a few others - but I don't know all the names.  Some parts of the trail (especially the first half) are pretty steep and offer such a great workout.  You can feel the muscles hard at work which is so invigorating.  The second half is a little easier and has some spots that you can even run.  Which is exactly what I did!  I ran up some hills (but mostly the flat areas).  And I made it all the way to the picnic shelter (about two miles) in 36 minutes.

After resting for a few minutes... okay I lied....only about a minute and a half...I started making my way back down.  A different set of muscles were working out as I took it easy going down.  I still did it quickly, but I slowed down enough to ensure my knee would be fine.  I completed the whole hike in an hour and ten minutes. 

I don't know how many calories I burned, but I really don't care.  I enjoyed myself.  I enjoyed nature.  But most of all I savoured each and every detail of the workout I got.  I can't wait to do it again.  And the best part - since it's summer time and it doesn't get dark until late - I can do this hike more often. 

Next time I climb Sleeping Giant....who's with me?