🌄 6:45 AM Looks Different These Days
Let me be clear: I’m not a morning person by nature.
But something about Castle Rock Loop at sunrise has started to change that. Lately, I’ve been setting my alarm early, lacing up my shoes, and hitting the trail by 6:45 AM. It’s quiet, cool, and exactly the kind of “me time” I didn’t know I was missing.
⛰️ The Castle Rock Loop Stats
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
- Time: 32 minutes (give or take, depending on how many times I stop to admire the view… or breathe)
It’s not Mount Everest — but for a pre-coffee workout at altitude? It’s a climb.
The trail has just enough incline to get my heart pumping, but not so much that I feel overwhelmed. It’s perfect for building endurance, clearing my head, and reminding my body that it can do more than just sit behind a screen.
💪 From Mom Life to Mountain Life
I’ve spent years bouncing between teaching dance, wrangling schedules, and squeezing in movement where I could. But this hike feels different. It’s intentional, it’s outside, and it’s helping me reconnect with a stronger version of myself.
Lately I’ve been thinking…
“What if I trained for something bigger?”
A longer hike? A 5K? Maybe even trail running one day?
This trail feels like a starting line.
🥾 My Favorite Gear So Far
Here are a few Amazon finds that are making these early hikes easier (and way more comfortable):
- Lightweight Hiking Shoes – Enough support for rocky climbs without feeling bulky
🛒 [Link to Amazon hiking shoes] - Hydration Backpack – Hands-free water + room for keys and snacks
🛒 [Link to hydration pack] - Sports Watch or Step Tracker – Watching the stats helps with motivation
🛒 [Personally, I’m not living without my Apple Watch] - Headlamp or Clip-on Light – If I go any earlier, I’ll need it!
🛒 [Link to early morning hiking light]
🌞 Why I Keep Showing Up
- Because the views are gorgeous
- Because I feel strong afterward
- Because I can’t remember the last time I stuck with a workout that wasn’t dance
There’s something really special about making movement part of your morning, especially when it’s wrapped in golden light and mountain air.
🏃♀️ What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. I’ve started eyeing nearby hikes with more elevation, and I’m looking into local 5Ks. Not for competition — just for the joy of setting a goal and seeing what my body can do.
So if you’re looking for a sign to start a new routine?
This is it.
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