I’ve mentioned that my 2017 goal is to get FIT. I want to get in the absolute best shape of my life this year and really tone up – and build flattering muscle weight on my body. I got a great start on that in 2016 with all of my outdoor fitness adventures, and could not wait (!!!) for snow-framed waterfalls and icicles for my first season of winter hiking! 🙂
I find hiking to be such a great workout because it uses a wide range of muscles with the constant change in terrain and elevation. My first winter hike was on Christmas Day, a full TEN miles of FUN – but it was 70 degrees and sunny that day.;)
Knowing we had chilling temps and snow in the forecast this week, I decided to get out and go shopping for some GREAT winter hiking boots…
I was torn between shopping online (my usual!) or getting out and going to REI or maybe Cumberland Transit. I ended up going up the mountain to Mountain Outfitters in Monteagle, TN. They have a great winter hiking boot selection there (too).
It was such a fun store, especially for an outdoor enthusiast. 🙂
The first thing that caught my attention was this beautiful corduroy Patagonia mini skirt! Especially after wearing my new denim mini a few days before that did NOT fit me (anymore). 😛 I decided to take back a few sizes and see what size I really am now…
This was a size FOUR!! 😯 🙂 WOW!
I didn’t buy it on the spot because the prices were really high in-store, but I did a quick google search and found the same skirt on Poshmark super cheap – in a variety of colors. 😉 I love that site for GREAT deals. I’ve ordered a few things there already.
I tried on three different brands of hiking boots – the best of the best.
The KEEN Women’s Durand Mid WP Hiking Boot not only fit me best and was the most comfortable, it was definitely the highest quality!
I wear a size 8 in most shoes and my high heels, but an 8.5 in my dressy boots and hiking boots. The half size up was a perfect fit! Even with the Smart Wool Socks, which are a must have for winter hiking. 😉
I double checked the prices online from my smartphone on both of those items too of course. They were both cheapest on Amazon with free shipping, but not by much so I went ahead and got the boots & socks on the spot while I was there.
I worked up a great appetite shopping (lol!) so next I stopped in at the Mountain Goat Market there in Monteagle and had a beautiful low carb salad – topped with roasted chicken and bacon. 🙂
I love Mountain Goat Market. 🙂
It’s a cool little eclectic spot that makes great food, plays great music, and has FUN shopping! I picked up a couple of inspirational keychains while I was there:
We finally had a little snow here in Tennessee the last two nights. Not a lot, and not as much as expected, but I’m hoping there’s more snow up on the Plateau where I love to hike. Or at least some beautiful icicles at my favorite waterfalls!
I’m off to find out… in my new hiking boots. 🙂
Stay tuned for photos!
What’s YOUR favorite way to exercise, especially in the winter months??
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
Lynne, you look fabulous!,,
Thank you, Millie! π π
You look wonderful! I have not seen mfp logs for a while. Have you stopped?
Thank you Millie & Kelly! π
I got off track posting my MFP diaries when the site went down and I had other technical issues to deal with, then the holidays, but I’m working on the next one as we speak… so stay tuned: they’ll be back ASAP. π *cheers*
I will definitely check out these boots. I am actually in the market for a pair. I also like the boots you were wearing for the day. Would you mind sharing the name of those, too?
Hi Stacey ~ I love those wine colored boots! They are SO comfortable. I got them on Amazon as well, here: http://amzn.to/2jiDtMK They aren’t expensive but quickly became my go-to shoe in the cooler months. π LOVE! They have a 1″ platform and 3″ heel, but they are very easy to walk in.
You go girl! Gonna be a great year!
It IS going to be a great year!! π Here’s to MAKING it happen! *cheers*
Hey Lynn π
Size 4!! You look great!!
Those boots look really great too! Did you water-proof them?
I haven’t had a good pair of boots since I left Buffalo for the south 17 years ago. I’m not even sure what happened to them I guess I just traded them out for flip-flops. lol
I’m not yet in good enough shape to do any hiking but I do need a really good pair of walking shoes for now. Any suggestions?
Hi Leigha π I started out walking myself, and got up to good fast paced walks over time by being consistent, then upgraded to hiking… and more strenuous hikes. π It was worth the time spent!
For walking shoes, I would search that specifically – because they make shoes for walking, running, hiking, etc. I’m not sure what the differences are. I walked in my Northside water sandals all Spring/Summer/Fall of course.
KEEN also makes “walking shoes” and I’m super impressed with the brand after trying on so many others, so you might start with that search here: http://amzn.to/2iXnE1w Let me know what you decide on!
You have inspired me! I have searched locally for trails where I can hike. Mind you, I am heavy and out of shape, but surely I can take a nice walk! I have invited my hubby to go along, so we have planned for next Saturday to hike! The weather is supposed to turn to warm, so it should be perfect. I would like to make this a healthy habit. Will work on it!
You’ll really enjoy it, Beth. π Even the easy trails are so much more fun than walking in town or working out at home. Even better to make it a “date” π I love getting out with my friends for a great walk!