A workout is 25% perspiration and 75% determination.

Stated another way, it is

1 part physical exertion,

3 parts self-discipline.

Doing it is easy once you get started.

A workout makes you better today than you were yesterday.

It strengthens the body, relaxes the mind, and toughens the spirit.

When you work out regularly, your problems diminish and your confidence grows.

 A workout is a personal triumph over laziness and procrastination. 

It is the badge of a winner -

The mark of an organized goal-oriented person who has taken charge of his or her destiny.

A workout is a wise use of time and an investment in excellence.

It is a way of preparing for life's challenges.

and proving to yourself that you have what it takes to do what is necessary.

A workout is a key that helps unlock the door to opportunity and success.

Hidden within each of us is an extraordinary force.

Physical and mental fitness are the triggers that can release it.

A workout is a form of rebirth.

When you finish a good workout, you don't simply feel better....

You feel better about yourself!!

by George Allen

Check out my new High Altitude Hiking and State Park Videos I just posted on my website, click here

8 - 8:30 am: Welcome all new hikers, answer any questions, stretch a little, distribute and eat bagels, get acquainted, assess hiking abilities of attendees,  provide and organize carpool assistance, etc. 

8:30 am: Drive to trail head

This hike has been a little trickier to post details due to the storm coming in.

Everyone meet at 6200 So. Wasatch - our regular meeting place at the same time as always.

If it's raining or snowing, I have the perfect nearby trail to take everyone on, so wear a rain jacket and come!  It will take us 2 minutes to get to the trailhead.  It's a fun easy trail with no mud since it is on a hidden, paved bike trail near the Cotton Bottom in Holladay.

If it's not raining or snowing, we'll go on another easier trail on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Sandy.  That way we can stay on the front of the mountain and see what storms may be coming our way.  This has great views of the entire Salt Lake Valley.

I am doing an easier hike since we did such a good hard hike last week and I'm really impressed that so many members of our group did the full 8 miles!!

Depending on the weather and how many may want to do a harder hike than the one I have planned, we may send those people to another nearby location together but I'll focus on an easier hike but you'll still get a great workout!  Just not another 8 miles!

Everything is weather pending, so bring an assortment of appropriate clothes and come!

*****

Regardless of your hiking ability, you'll enjoy at least some of these features each week, compliments of the Wasatch Mountains: meadows, vistas, overlooks, lakes or streams, lush foliage, wild flowers, wild life, etc.

Every week we work hard to offer an easier and more moderate hike, to keep everyone at a level they'll enjoy.  You decide. 

Know your own limits and adjust accordingly.

Hiking poles help a lot, especially when hiking downhill.

Join us hiking or snowshoeing EVERY Saturday of the year on a new trail each week!

Come often and become familiar with all of my favorite hiking trails in the Wasatch Mountains!

Bring a camera, hat, snack, jacket and water bottle (1 - 2 liters).

For tips on how to be safe, what to bring, photos, and more info, CLICK HERE

Free, delicious bagels are provided for all of my hikers every week.

It's my way of saying THANK YOU for joining us!

We look forward to High Altitude Hiking EVERY year!  People ask me why.  Here are just a few reasons off the top of my head.

When I wrote this blog, I had just got back from a high altitude hike around the 10,000 ft. area, so I was very excited to express my thoughts at the moment. 

• INCREDIBLY beautiful vibrant Wild flowers that you'll ONLY see at 10,000 ft. above sea level
• It's a VERY short season - since you have to wait till the bulk of the snow has melted so the trails are safe and clear AND before it gets cold again in the fall.
• During this very short season, you have the RARE privilege of FEELING like a bird high up in the sky! You see things ONLY a bird gets to see: 100's of miles of mountain ranges and peaks, incredible views down into the Salt Lake Valley, peaks up close and personal, wildlife i.e. moose and deer that only live in high altitude areas.
• You get a taste what "high altitude" FEELS like.  How the air is much thinner and how you need to walk slower or stop more often.
• You get to SMELL what High Altitude smells like:  FRESH, COOL, CLEAN mountain air!
• It's very addicting!
• I always feel SO happy when I come home from a high altitude hike.  I left on the hike this morning feeling very rushed, stressed and anxious about all that I had to get done today and that I probably shouldn't be hiking, but then I went and now that I'm home I feel SO incredibly happy and life seems a lot more manageable when you are happy!
• You get to see the BIG picture in life for a few hours, get some perspective and see how small and puny you and your problems are compared to this vast, awe-inspiring world!
• (I have some amazing photos to show people, to hopefully convince people and back up all my claims!).
• And last of all, High Altitude does NOT have to be hard.  It can be very easy and extremely safe for all members of the family to enjoy!

Learn more about these State Parks that we will be camping at this summer!

Recently some of our friends did an incredible Weekend Road Trip and visited ALL 43 State Parks - all in one weekend!  To see video of this road trip, click on the link:

http://www.utahstateparksroadtrip.com/