Fitness


Spring 2023 fitness routine

pictured: running shoes /

Spring is here! This means it is time to revamp my fitness routine and get moving! Normally in the springtime, I would add an outdoor workout. This year, spring has not sprung. It is still cold outside, and we are getting so much rain! So, for spring 2023 I have decided to keep my workout indoors until further notice.

I still have planter fasciitis, but thankfully, I have it under control, so it isn’t too debilitating. Inside my shoes, I replace the inserts with orthotics to give myself the arch support I need to stay relatively pain free. It works most of the time.

It is important to have a good mix of cardio, interval training, and strength training in any fitness routine. So, without further ado, here is my spring 2023 fitness routine.

Monday: BodyCombat (cardio)

Tuesday: Mat Sculpt (strength)

Wednesday: Spin (interval)

Thursday: Vinyasa Yoga

Friday: Rest and walk 30 minutes outside (weather permitting)

Saturday: Weights and core

Sunday: Walk 30 minutes

This is an easier routine than I normally would schedule, but since I am trying to get my foot pain under control, I am doing exercises which are mostly pain-free. Finger crossed this works! I am not one to rest, so this is my alternative.

What type of routine are you doing for your spring fitness?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Los Gatos Creek Trail

Well, we had quite a few destructive storms this past month! This has left to many of our local trails inaccessible due to down trees, mudslides, and washed out roads. Yikes!

Normally I try to avoid urban trails when I go hiking, simply because hearing urban noise while hiking is not exactly relaxing. I go out into nature to relax, not hear the daily grind of the city. That being said, when many of the good trails are closed, and you don’t know the status of some trails, it is good to play it safe and enjoy the urban trails we have here in Silicon Valley.

The Los Gatos Creek Trail is an urban trail which goes along the Los Gatos Creek and parallels highway 17. It winds through the city and passes through Vasona Park, eventually leading you to the Lexington Dam. There are several places to catch the trail, depending on how long you would like to hike, and which landmark you would like to either hike through, or end up at for a picnic.

We caught the Los Gatos Creek Trail at the Lexington Dam Loop trailhead which is located on Main Street at Highway 17 in Los Gatos. I like this trailhead because after you loop back to it, you can grab a coffee, brunch, or boba downtown. It’s a fun, social trailhead which combines the benefits of an urban trail, and a great workout while hiking.

When you enter the Lexington Dam Loop trailhead, I recommend turning left and heading towards the dam. If you turn right, you will wind through downtown and end up at Vasona Park; which is fine if that is your goal.

The Los Gatos Creek Trail, when you turn left after entering at the Lexington Dam Loop trailhead, leads you towards the dam. In your first minute on the trail, there is a fork in the trail. If you continue to the right, you will parallel the highway, if you go left, you will hike uphill towards a more nature-friendly view. Please keep in mind, you will hear the highway the entire time.

We took the trail on the left at the fork, and hiked uphill to a clearing where you can find majestic trees and a small meadow. We continued through the meadow to another trailhead which put us back on a trail towards the dam. This is a great trail for hiking since bikes are not allowed on this portion of the trail. It is a lot calmer when you don’t have to worry about a bike taking you out on a narrow trail. Love that!

This portion of the trail continues to lead you uphill until you have a viewpoint of the dam and the valley.

It is a great spot to stop and drink some water, as well as snap a few pictures for social media. After hydrating, you can continue on the trail downhill and towards the dam. The dam is a nice spot to rest and possibly eat a snack you packed in your backpack. At this point, you can either continue hiking along the dam and follow the trail, catch another trail, or turn around and head back towards downtown Los Gatos. We like to turn around, and then grab brunch in town.

At this point in time, when many trails and parks need to be cleaned up after the storms, or need additional rehab from washed out roads, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is a safe bet to be able to get a good hike in, as well as a good workout. While the sound of the highway isn’t exactly giving an escape to nature vibe, it is still a great hiking trail which offer a workout, as well as many trees, plants, and a nature vibe.

Things you might need for your hike:

Have you hiked on Los Gatos Creek Trail lately? Which trailhead is your favorite?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy


National Hiking Day 2022

villa montalvo hiking trails

Happy National Hiking Day! This is a beautiful day for a hike! You can go for a short hike before work, so go on a more adventuresome hike after work. If you can get away, go during the day!

If you are local to the San Francisco Bay Area, here are a few local hikes you can check out on this fabulous day dedicated to hiking, fitness, and enjoying nature.

In Saratoga, Villa Montalvo has beautiful trails. Check out my post about them!

Cupertino has a fabulous trail next to a winery. Check out my post about the Zinfandel Trail!

Stevens Creek County Park has a ton of amazing trails. Check out my post about them!

Love history? China Camp is a great place to hike, camp and learn about local history. Check out my post.

Alum Rock has really cool trails with a bit of historical remnants along the way. Check it out!

Looking for a fabulous view? Check out the Marin Headlands.

Still wish it was Halloween? Hike this trail to find a ghost town!

San Antonio Creek Trail in Cupertino offers several amazing trails, check them out!

Interested in more history? Almaden Quicksilver trails offer hikes through an extinct mercury mine.

Santa Teresa County Park offers trails with some pretty cool views. Check it out.

There are hundreds of amazing places to hike in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hop on a trail near you and have fun!

Thanks for stopping by, and go hiking!

XOXO

Cathy