Same Trail, But I’m Not the Same

It’s been a while since I’ve written one of these. I’ve been trying to get better at consistency, but life has been busy in the best way lately.

I recently started a new job with Hestra, an outdoor brand that specializes in gloves - everything from ski gloves to everyday wear. It’s such a unique company, and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited. It feels like a really fun step toward building a career in something I genuinely love.

Between starting something new and adjusting to a new routine, I hadn’t gotten out on a solid hike in a bit. So when Colorado decided to surprise us with an 85 degree sunny day last Wednesday (in what is supposed to still be winter), I knew I had to take advantage of it.

Fueling Differently This Time

Before I even get into the hike itself, I have to talk about something that felt really important to me.

A year ago, I used to do this exact hike completely differently. I wouldn’t eat beforehand, I’d barely bring water, and I’d just push through 8 miles on empty. I actually remember one time I had to sit down for 30 minutes because I almost passed out from dehydration and low energy.

Looking back it’s honestly kind of sad to think about how I treated my body.

This time was different.

Before heading out, I made a solid breakfast - eggs, tortillas, lots of water, and electrolytes. I felt fueled, energized, and actually prepared. It’s crazy how much that alone changes the entire experience.

Definitely a reminder that growth isn’t always obvious until you look back.

The Drive In

I got a bit later start than usual - around 10 AM - but honestly, it felt perfect.

Driving into Golden with the windows down, warm air coming in, music playing… the vibes were high. One of those moments where you just feel really happy and present. It already felt like it was going to be a good day.

Starting the Climb

I pulled into my usual parking spot, took a few minutes to stretch (something I’ve gotten much better about), threw my hair into a ponytail braid, and got moving.

The first part of this trail is no joke - it’s about 10 minutes of a steep, relentless incline. The kind that immediately gets your heart rate up and makes you question your life choices a little.

But once you push through that section, you’re rewarded with the top of the mountain, and from there the terrain opens up into a mix of downhill, rolling sections, and rocky paths. It’s actually one of the reasons I love this loop - starting with the hardest part makes everything else feel more manageable.

By the time I reached the top, I was already sweating. The sun was strong, and it definitely felt more like summer than anything else. I loved it though. I’ve always loved being warm, feeling the sun on my skin - it’s one of those things that instantly lifts my mood.

I took a quick break, drank some water…. and realized one of my bottles was already halfway gone. Classic.

Finding a Rhythm

From there, I started running sections of the trail, especially on the descents. There’s a rocky downhill portion that always hits my knees a bit, but overall, I felt strong.

This hike is shared with bikers, so I had to stay pretty aware. I had my headphones in, which meant I couldn’t always hear them coming, so I made it a point to check behind me every so often. It kept me a little more alert, but it didn’t take away from the experience.

As the day went on, it just kept getting hotter. The sun was relentless - in the best way - but definitely intense. At one point, I stopped for a couple of minutes, sat down, and finished the rest of my first water bottle.

It felt like one of those necessary pauses - not because I was struggling, but just to reset and take it all in.

Finishing Strong

The rest of the loop felt really good. I kept a steady run-walk pace, listening to music, staying in my own little world while still being aware of the trail around me.

What stood out the most wasn’t just the physical part - it was how different I felt compared to a year ago.

I wasn’t exhausted in a scary way.

I wasn’t running on empty.

I wasn’t pushing myself to the point of burnout.

I felt strong. Fueled. Present

I ended up finishing the 8-mile loop in about two hours, doing a mix of running and walking. By the time I got back to my car, I was tired, sore, and a little sunburnt - but in the best way.

Looking Back

This hike felt like more than just a workout.

It felt like a checkpoint.

A reminder of how much can change in a year - not just physically, but mentally. Learning how to take care of yourself, how to fuel your body, how to enjoy the process instead of just pushing through it.

Colorado’s weather might still be all over the place but days like that remind me why I love being here.

And honestly - why I love doing this.

More hikes, more growth, and hopefully more consistency with writing these.

We’re getting there.