Date: July 29, 2018
Location: Eagle Mountain Park - Fort Worth, TX
Distance: 7.58 miles
Trails: All major trails MAP
I had a late start for Hike 25, but that’s okay because I went anyway. I took our dog out at 7:15 AM and it was a cool 82, but by the time I made it to the trailhead at 8:00 it was nearing 90. Eagle Mountain Park is one of my local go-to hiking spots, so I knew exactly what to expect. I normally just start out on the main trails, but today I felt like changing it up and going to the north, short trails first, in case it got too hot I’d have an out. I did the trails, no big deal, but I was feeling heavy and tired. I pushed through, to the south, main, trails and the temperatures continued to climb. My fatigued feeling was really showing, as I slowed down and started to develop a bad attitude.
Today’s saving graces were a good lake breeze and plenty of shady spots along the trail. At mile five I stopped to find my towel because there was so much sweat in my eyes and I also found a snack and thought it may help my fatigue – I’m not sure if it did or not, but it was tasty. Skout bars have always been a favorite but the Oregon Blueberry Almond bar hit the spot. Two guys came running by, and offered words of encouragement and with that, I carried on. I felt refreshed from the break and reminded myself that it is not a race and it I’m not in any hurry. I sipped my water and headed towards one of my favorite parts of the trail – the lakeshore.
As I followed the lakeshore, through shaded tunnels of trees, I started to feel more alive again. It could’ve been the shade, the breeze, the flat trail or all of it but I wasn’t complaining. I meandered around, and made my way back to the exposed, main trail that took me back up to the parking lot. I was not thrilled about all of the sunshine, but I pushed through and made it to my Outback. I blasted the AC, drank some icy cold water from my RTIC tumbler, and took off to home. What-A-Day.
Tips for Hot Weather: (from my perspective)
- Start out hydrated and hydrate as you go.
- Take extra water!
- Don’t push yourself too hard, a hot day is NOT the day to test your limits
- Remember to rest and take a snack to help with lost nutrients
- Eat before? Eat well the day before… don’t go on a completely empty stomach.
I got home from this hot, hot hike and had a big lunch with lots of water and then proceeded to nap for 3 hours. I was drained, and still am! Hot weather hikes are my least favorite, but working to make the best of what I have within my reach. I hope you found yourself outside this weekend and made the most of it! Happy trails.
It was so dry and crispy, it felt like fall at some points along the trail.