In my post on Sunday about my Commitment to Exercise I talked about how getting started is the hardest part. You really have to force it to get over that hump and make exercise part of your lifestyle. So that’s exactly what I did… the very next day!
I mentioned in that post I wasn’t feeling particularly motivated, and still struggling, but I know from experience the only way to change how I feel is to TAKE ACTION.
I put together this quick video to give you a visual overview of my hike on Monday, but I’ll share the photos and the story of the hike with you below too:
Let me start by saying I was NOT feeling well on Monday.
I mentioned in my last post that I’ve been sick lately, and really struggling with my appetite. I feel sick when I don’t eat, then when I do eat, and it had really taken a toll on me: lack of energy, gut aches, etc.
I also was not planning to do any major workout that day, much less go on an adventurous hike. My goal was to start small and work my way back up to that. 😉
I was actually out running a few quick errands in town when I found myself turning the wheel and making the 50 minute drive toward Fall Creek Falls, thinking at the time: I’ll just go sit at the Overlook for a bit and take a break.
I planned to pick up some maps at the Nature Center as well, to map out some fun hikes for the rest of the year.
When I got there though, the Overlook and the Nature Center were both closed and under construction. Hmm… What now?!
That’s when I remembered reading about the Cable Trail, and decided to at least go check it out while I was up there.
The Cable Trail leads to the base of Cane Creek Falls, which is part of the Fall Creek Falls State Park.
On my way down the path through the woods, I ran into a family coming back that I had seen go in ahead of me.
I had a quick chat with them about what it was like, and they said they’d turned back because it was too dangerous for them – especially with the kids.
I decided to continue down the path and at least go check it out, figuring even a short walk through the woods would do me good.
This is what I came to at the end of the path:
😯
I peaked over the edge at the 2″ cable that went straight down and disappeared in the darkness down below…
I was standing above the treetops, with NO idea just how far down you would have to climb to get to the base of Cane Creek Falls – or if I had it in me to make it all the way down. Much less back up again!
I was also standing there alone, considering the family that turned back and how quiet the area was, and whether I should turn back and at least “check in” somewhere before committing to this crazy hike.
The beginning of the descent looked easy enough, but I could tell it was going to turn more challenging. I decided to climb down just far enough to see how bad it would get – and then make an assessment from there.
Warning: this trail is not for short people. 🙂
There were a few places that were a bit of a stretch (literally, lol) for me at just under 5’5″ tall, and halfway down the cable was way above my head so I just had to climb the rocks with no guide.
I did make it down to the bottom, taking my time and watching my footing cautiously, and for the very first time in all my trips to Cane Creek Falls… I got to see it from the bottom. 🙂
I stood there catching my breath and admiring this new view of the waterfall, splashed some water on my face to cool off, then crossed the river to hike around the other side to the base of the waterfall.
This wasn’t a trail, but the water was down enough that you could make out a rocky path if you watched your footing (for both loose rocks AND snakes). There were a few larger rocks to climb over, but otherwise it was a fairly easy path.
Except one large tree I had to climb over and another I had to climb under. 😛
By the time I made it around to the base of the waterfall I was drenched in sweat, and sat behind it to enjoy the cool mist – and the amazing view of the gorge. 🙂
By now several other people and even an entire family had hiked down too, so I felt a lot more comfortable knowing there were a good number of people around.
Plus the kids swimming and laughing and playing made me smile as I sat in the spray cooling off. 🙂
I’ve always loved the TOPS of waterfalls, even if I had to find a way to climb up to the top. I love to see where the water comes from, and I love that feeling of being on top of the world!
But on this hike, this day, I really enjoyed this spot at the bottom. 🙂 I sat there for quite a while feeling the sun shine through the spray, and watching a butterfly dart in and out of the waterfall…
It was a gorgeous July day in Tennessee, and I had the perfect spot to enjoy it!
But the best part… as I was sitting there, I felt HUNGRY. My stomach actually growled even. 🙂 The exercise and sunshine and fresh air were working their magic!
Of course, I had to get back to work…
It was Monday after all!
I was already wiped out from climbing down into the gorge, and knew I still had to climb back up and hike out – and drive almost an hour home.
This photo was taken about halfway up the climb back out of the gorge:
I was already exhausted. I’ve had zero energy lately, with an ache in my gut, now matched by the grumble of hunger in my stomach.
I stopped a few times at the base of the climb to catch my breath, and also to let other hikers pass, and I finally decided:
MIND OVER MATTER
I was strong once, and I didn’t get there by playing within my limits. I got there by finding my limits – and surpassing them. There’s been more than one hike that I wondered if I could make it out of.
I had a bit of a smile then at the rule I came up with, but have never been good at following: Only hike half as far as you can go. Because you still have to hike back out! 😉
I had to summon my inner strength, because my physical strength alone was not going to get me up this bluff – not the way I felt that day.
I reminded my body that it had done this before, that it KNEW how to carry me through. I kept my mind on the goal, and imagined myself strong like I used to be, watched my footing carefully of course, and just willed myself to the top.
And then back up the trail and down the road to my car – too. One foot in front of the other.
But in all honesty, if I didn’t have work on the schedule at 7pm that night – I could have just curled up on the trail and slept there for awhile. 😛
The Cable Trail itself isn’t a very long hike, it’s just a challenging one – especially if you don’t like heights. The trail start to finish is only half mile, so 1 mile total – with the climb alone being a quarter mile long.
I didn’t get a ton of “steps” but it was a GREAT workout! 🙂
And of course the views made it totally worth it. 🙂
I’ll definitely be going back. It’s a great swimming hole, and I’d love to explore downriver from the falls – and see just how far I can follow it on foot…
I was EXHAUSTED by the time I got done working Monday night.
I wasn’t as sore as I expected to be on Tuesday though…
But by Wednesday, I could hardly move. 😛
I gave myself a couple of days to recover, and had a busy workweek anyway, and then today I did 20 Tricep Dips right here in my office in between tasks. 🙂
I loved the Cable Trail SO much, and it was such a GREAT full-body workout, that I’d really like to find time to go at least once a week!
My goal is to get back to two hikes a week, or at least two outdoor workouts every week – which might be as simple as swimming across the river and back when it’s too hot to hike.
It IS July in Tennessee after all, lol.
The best part about this little unplanned adventure is that it worked.
I mentioned in my previous posts that I felt like exercise would make me FEEL better and help stimulate my appetite again. Mission accomplished!
In my next post I’ll share my meals for the week to give you some low carb food ideas, and also give you an update on my plans going forward – and how I intend to break out of this funk and drop the mystery pounds. 😉
I have to say, even though this was NOT a planned hike… it really helped. The sense of achievement boosted my confidence, and the extreme physical exercise and change of scenery both helped me break out of the mundane routine I’ve found myself in lately.
Adventures are good for the soul! 🙂
How are things going with you this week?
Are you on track with your health goals?
Leave a comment & let’s chat!
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
p.s. Alice asked how I took the photos since I was hiking alone. I use a Samsung Galaxy S7, but my S6 did this as well – it has a feature on the camera where you can turn on the Timer and take interval shots. So you position it somewhere and press the camera button, then it will wait 10 seconds and start taking interval shots. That’s how I take almost all of my hiking photos! 😉
Discount Code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
I’m proud of you Sister!
Thank you, Bonnie! I was pretty pleased with mySELF too. π lol – it felt great to get back out there!!
The tricep dips earlier felt good too. If I keep this up, I’ll be back on a roll in no time. π Right now I’d love to curl up on the couch… but I’m thinking I may rearrange my office to get in a little more physical activity, and because it’s half done and all out of whack which is driving me bonkers. π
First off, I thought you were much taller π
Second, you really need to come out with the Lynn Terry desk calendar with all your beautiful photos.
Third, great job and this post and you admitting what you’re suffering with has helped me. I am going thru a dark, dark time right now. Trying to claw my way up. You are such an inspiration Lynn. Much love to you!!!
lol Patricia π I used to be 5′ 7″! I shrunk in my late 30’s at some point, which was mind boggling. I’m now 5′ 4.5″ – but luckily I’m all legs (short waisted) which helps on some of these climbs. π
I am so sorry you’re going through a tough time (too). It’s been a real struggle for me, but I’m ready to feel better – and just totally over it at this point.
There’s no magic solution. I don’t have a lot of energy which makes it really hard. I’m guessing you can relate. I’m torn between a Netflix binge and forcing myself to DO something (anything) first. Even making dinner feels like such a chore today. π
Doing this hike really helped me though. Ever since then I keep reminding myself if I could do THAT feeling so crummy, I can do this or I can do that – which is exactly how I got through the Tricep Dips earlier. So it’s helping me encourage myself, knowing I’ll feel better after. π
Here’s to getting out of the funk and back to feeling great!! *cheers*
I am doing my happy dance for you. Congrats!
Thank you, Pamela!! π π
That happy dance is great exercise, you know. π I miss dancing SO much. It’s been about 15 months now since I’ve been out dancing – other than a little dancing at a few concerts over the last year.
Time for me to dust off my dancing shoes & join you! <3
Great read and it made me smile!
Thank you, Nicole! You have NO idea how much it is helping me to know you are all here for and with me on this journey. Every single comment and word of encouragement has kept me going this week. π xo
You bet sista and keep your chin up! We all have each other to face the ups & downs and the in betweens. I’m really glad to see back at hiking and love those gorgeous views. I’m totally jealous because my work cubicle is hideous π You keep sharing the great outdoors with us!
lol my home office is a wreck right now, so I totally get that – because I’m working a lot of hours lately. π π
I finally got back out to do this climb again yesterday, and this time I took a float with me to enjoy the sunshine at the base of the waterfall! Such a nice break… π
I laughed when I read the comment ” not for short people” lol. I am 5″3 and wonder if my short legs could make those big steps I saw you stretching on. I live in Mufreesboro and have never hiked Fall Creek Falls. Thank you for your honesty about the struggles you encounter. It helps motivate me to do better. Lydia
LOL Lydia π I had read that online somewhere, that it was a tough “trail” for short people. But I did see several children making the climb with their families. In a few spots the parents had to hand off the kids because there was just no way – but as long as you had someone with you to give you a hand in a few spots, you could make it! π
I used to live in Murfreesboro. I love the trail at Barfield Crescent Park there, it leads right to the river, which is such a beautiful place to sit and have lunch. Or just sit and BE. π
There are several places at Fall Creek Falls that are very easy to get to – the overlooks for both Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Falls, and the swinging bridge over the Cascades too. You’ll love it!
Thank you for sharing Life work us. Did keto 3 years taught classes in my community, felt wonderful! So many set free from diseases, weight, depression, hopelessness. It was awesome. People asked “what happens if I lose too much weight? Isn’t it dangerous?”. I said “no one has ever gotten to zero pounds. Your body gets used to this and slows down for protection and you have to work to lose too where you want to be.”. (Except men! Why do they ALWAYS lose so easily?!!). ANYWAY, this is a lifestyle. That means with ups we will have downs. Expect it. I knew the challenges were coming. It did. Weddings, birthdays, parties, funerals, then Mondays and potholes… All excuses to indulge, cheat. I knew me. I would toy with walking on the edge. That is real life. But I knew me. In spite of this tremendous joy and freedom of the keto lifestyle, I would return and for some reason would take this detour and revisit my past life of pain, regrets, medication, depression and guilt all interspersed with regular hits of Twinkies and ice cream. I never totally abandoned keto though. Playing with this double life is a lie though because with keto you won’t be in ketosis at all if you cheat a little. But I couldn’t give it up. That flame never extinguished. I wanted it and the way I felt back. I knew God has led me to this. I am climbing back out. Your struggle resonates with mine. I feel like I won another step forward with your pictures. Nature heals and renews my spirit. I am praying restoration for us Lynn. As we come out of this valley like the prodigal son, we will be home again knowing there is an end to every struggle but also knowing without the hard work struggle we would never know the true value of what we hold dear. Your in the light now. Hold on and don’t give up. The reward is great for those who persevere. Thanks for your realness and bravery. It is very appreciated in a perpetually ‘I’m awesome all the time’ Facebook world. Whew! Guess I needed to talk too! Thank you for your truthfulness. Praying for you though this part of your life journey. Love you Lynn.
I totally get that, Tori – so much truth there!
I really appreciate your kind words & encouragement, and that you took the time to share your thoughts and your own story. It does help (a lot) to know all of this is totally normal – and it’s a good reminder that every tough phase leads us to even better places in our life.
For the first few years I went on and off plan a lot. Getting over the old habits, eating disorders, emotional crutches I had etc – that was the hard part.
Once I got and stayed consistent, I had to find new ways to deal with things – stress, grief, you name it. Exercise is what I turned to.
The things that caused me to get less active (or enjoy it less) over the last year have hit me harder than I realized – for that reason more than any other.
I’m still working on those things, and figuring out how to find my JOY and my sense of adventure again – how to get it back. I think that will be the key for me. π
Of course I’ve been working on that for close to a year now. It’s high time I find a fix, lol. We need SOME source of pure JOY in our lives, to make the space between (dishes, electric bills, errands, work, etc) worth doing!
Thank you for a great post, I really enjoyed this and it was much needed to hear about how to intrinsically motivate yourself when you need to!
I needed to hear/feel that too, Donna. Because I have NOT felt the least bit motivated lately, or had any real energy to work with at all lately.
If I can accomplish this when I feel like a slug (lol) – well, let’s just say it’s encouraged me to get up and do strength building workouts the last few days – even when I didn’t feel like getting up at all. π
Congrats on your accomplishment!! I really love reading about all your hikes and seeing the beautiful photos. I could never climb anything that steep, especially without a rope to hold onto. I was so glad when you said you felt hungry, and actually expected you to whip out a snack at that point!! And that “Mind Over Matter” issue can be extremely difficult, but it can really help you get through sometimes. Thanks for sharing with us.
I wish had I had taken a snack with me, Debbie! π lol – Fortunately I had only finished half my breakfast on the way there (McD’s sausage & eggs) so I ate the other half on the drive home. π
It did feel REALLY good to feel legitimately HUNGRY. I took that as a good sign, given I’ve had ZERO appetite for weeks on end, maybe two months? I’ve been eating more since then too, so it did the trick. π
The “mind over matter” is a cool thing. It’s amazing what we can accomplish if we set our mind to it. I know for a fact I would not have survived an hour of that kind of intense exercise in a gym – I would have given up & walked out, lol. But this isn’t the first time I’ve found myself exhausted but not “out” yet… with no real option except to keep going.
I try not to get myself in those situations of course, but on this particular hike (and on this day really) it felt GREAT to push myself past what I felt like my limits were at that moment!
As usual with my hikes, the lesson learned there ran much deeper. π
Beautiful waterfall! Have you been to the doctor yet? I’m curious if it may be your thyroid because those are my symptoms and I was diagnosed with Hashimotos. Thank you for the continued inspiration π
Hi Ellen π I haven’t – my next appointment is on the 30th (Monday) but it’s just a checkup so he may want to schedule a different appointment for testing.
In the meantime I’m doing some research on a few things and some clean testing experiments. π I’d like to be as informed as possible so I know what to ask, and what to ask for, before I dig too deep – or pay out too much. lol