Trail Series: Lake Natoma Trail

Running doesn’t have to be boring or dull or miserable. I know a lot of people don’t find running enjoyable or necessary but I’m here to tell you, there’s many ways to incorporate it into your fitness routine and learn to love it.

One of those ways is to find a trail or route that you really love. I highly recommend downloading the app Footpath; it allows you to draw along nearby trails or roads and will tell you the distance. I always use it when scoping out a new route or when I’m in an unfamiliar area.

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite routes and trails, the Lake Natoma Loop. It’s a two-lane, paved trail for runners, walkers, cyclists and horses. I should first tell you to please, please, PLEASE, be aware of cyclists. There are several turns and curves that you must pay attention to; sometimes cyclists come flying through and it’s best to stick to the soft LEFT shoulder for whichever way you are running.

The views do not disappoint (see below). Trenton and I prefer to park at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, where you can hop right on the trail.

View of Lake Natoma
A view from one of the bridges.

If you start at the aquatic center, you will want to head north (away from the dam). From there, you can either run all the way to the Folsom Dam / Folsom Prison OR cross over the bridge at Auburn-Folsom Boulevard. Should you chose to cross at that bridge (like Trenton and I did) you’ll run back towards the aquatic center which amounts to 11 miles.

Make sure to bring a hydration pack or handheld because you won’t encounter a water fountain until you are on the other side of Lake Natoma.

There are SO many beautiful sights; butterflies, California Poppies, flowers galore, birds, critters and of course, beautiful, blue water.

Another thing we love about this trail is that an unpaved trail runs parallel to it. There’s several chances to hop on and hop off, if you’d like to be closer to the water or get used to the feel.

We challenge you to run all the way to the Folsom Lake Dam, it’s a long run with some hills but the views are completely worth it (and the post run bagel sandwich).

This trail also connects to the American River Parkway, which we will cover in a later post. If you’d like to learn more or see a FULL map or the Lake Natoma route, check out this page. As always, run with a buddy or let someone know where you’re going. Please stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Lake Natoma Loop

Trail Series: Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael, CA

If you’ve ever wanted to start trail running, this is a great way to get used to terrain.

Trail running. It looks badass. It looks challenging. It looks fun. It’s a nice switch from pounding the pavement; there’s ups, downs, bumps, rocks, steep climbs and ever-changing terrain.

Trenton and I had our first taste of trail running in June of 2019 at the Broken Arrow Sky Race Series in Squaw Valley. I signed the both of us up for the 11K (~7 miles) because it’s far less threatening than climbing up mountains for the longer distances like the 50K; to those runners, I salute you.

Well, if you’re from the area, you’ll know that Squaw Valley sits thousands of meters above sea level. At the time, I was living in Corpus Christi, which is zero feet above the ocean. With no elevation training to get our bodies used to working out at 6,200 feet, we made our way to Squaw. Also, if you’ve never been, please go, it’s amazing.

I won’t bore you with the details of our run but in essence, Trenton thrived; it was like really fast hiking for him. Me, on the other hand, I was huffing and puffing five minutes into the run. Not a great way to kick off a race! Nonetheless, we pushed through a severe elevation climb, snow, mud and burning thighs. Did I mention that we weren’t wearing trail shoes, spikes or equipped with poles?

From that day on, I was determined to incorporate more trail running into my life. BUT, that’s not possible in Corpus Christi, Texas, unless you trot across private property which is a sure fire way to get shot, 0/10 recommend.

Now that I’m back in Sacramento, my mother-in-law introduced me to the Ancil Hoffman Park Trail. It’s a beautiful, you’ll see beautiful wildlife and it’s perfect for a trail running beginner like myself. The loop is about three miles, depending on where you park.

There’s a couple of steep climbs that are totally manageable and plenty of flat stretches to test your stride. As you get closer to the golf course, you’ll run along the American River. I fully advise you to sit on a park bench and take in the sounds and views.

Here’s how to access the trail and where to park. I park on the side of the road off of Tarshes Drive and Willow Way, it’s free and just a couple yards away from the trail.

After you park, there’s a long hill that goes down to the trailhead; you’ll see a sign for the Ancil Hoffman Golfcourse and Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Keep going and BAM, trails. You can head clock wise or counter clock wise, either way, you will end up at that trailhead, AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW THE PATH. It’s tricky, and very easy to get turned around. AllTrails has an AMAZING map and you will follow the most outer trail.

A map of the Ancil Hoffman Park trail.
Visit the AllTrails page for more details. The trail surrounds the golf course.

There you have it, a great way to kick off your training for trail running, at least I think so. If you need more of a challenge, run the loop multiple times! Comment below to let us know what you think. As always, stay diligent and aware of your surroundings, run when it’s light out and make sure someone knows where you are OR allow friends/family to track your movement with Find My Friends, Garmin Connect, Strava or whichever app you prefer.

*** As always, please consult a physician before starting any sort of exercise. Hunting For Healthy is not responsible for an adverse outcomes.

Cardiac Bypass Trail in Auburn, CA

They don’t call it Cardiac Bypass for nothin’.

Your thighs will burn, you will sweat, your butt might turn into buns of steel on this short but mighty hike.

On Saturday, I got together with my parents, one of my brothers, best friend, Jessica and her mom, Sabine. Trenton stayed behind with a nasty cold, (he’s better now.)

I let Sabine and Jessica decide the hike because they’re more familiar with the area, so we met up at a trailhead to hike down to the American River, and back up.

Now, I’ve lived in a Gulf Coast town for the past three years so hiking has been nonexistent in my life and I NEEDED some trees, fresh air and a view.

To hike Cardiac Bypass, you’ll meet at parking lot at China Bar, off of Maidu Drive.

You can park in the lot which costs a small fee, or head down Maidu Drive for free parking on the side of the street. You’ll follow the signs for Cardiac Bypass Trail, more details are available here.

The hike to the river is obviously downhill and I would love to return in the summer time, with a picnic and bikini.

We brought my dog, Pinot and Sabine’s dog, Bentleigh, who has never-ending energy.

It’s a little under four miles, and a forewarning, for about a mile, you will hike up and up and up, it’s a burner. Overall, we had an amazing time and the harvest salad I had at Auburn Alehouse after did not suck.

M & T’s ’45 Hard’

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Trenton and I came across the 75 Hard some time ago and as we are preparing to be our best selves #weddingbod #honeymoonbod, we decided to take on the challenge. However, we both have our bachelor / bachelorette parties coming up and we determined, maybe this season of life wouldn’t be the right time. But, that didn’t mean we couldn’t adapt the overall theme and guidelines. If you’re looking for the full description and purpose, visit the 75 Hard website.

The overall goal is, of course, to get into better shape, but not just physically. By completing the 75 Hard, you will become more mentally tough and resilient. Yet again, Trenton and I had too many events that we want to enjoy, which are against the rules. So, we looked at our important dates and determined we’d stick to the 75 Hard for 45 days a.k.a. 45 Hard. Okay, okay, it’s not the real legit thing but both of us need a challenge and motivation to get into better shape and build mental toughness. Plus, developing six packs would be pretty cool.

So without further ado, here’s the guidlines:

  1. Stick to a diet. We’re opting for a 90 % Paleo but still consuming brown or jasmine rice and rolled or steel cut oats because #carbsarefuel. Also, no cheats, and no alcohol.
  2. Drink a gallon of water a day (Maddie’s weakness)
  3. Workout for 45 minutes, two times a day and at least one of those has to be outside. This will be easy because we both love running, walking the dogs and hiking.
  4. Read at least 10 pages of a personal growth book. Audiobooks don’t count.
  5. Take a progress picture everyday.

So here’s a look at day one.

Right: Maddie’s Left: Trenton’s

5 AM: 4-mile run. Tracked with our Garmin Forerunner 435XT watches.

6 AM: Rolled oats with walnuts and local almond butter.

7 AM: 3-mile walk for Maddie.

Large, amethyst geode.
Not pictured: Our extreme sweatiness.

4:30 PM: Hot yoga at Yoga Shala. (peep that amazing geode) in exchange for yoga classes Trenton trades his aunt, one of Yoga Shala’s owners, shed antlers and feathers that he finds in his outdoor wanderings.

7:15 PM: Italian sausage with roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts with a side salad consisting of kale, shaved brussel sprouts, cabbage and pepitas with a dairy free ranch.

8:30 PM: Stretch, MoutainOps Sleepy Chai (this stuff will knock you out) then reading. Trenton recommends sipping on this after you finish your blog post since typing with your eyes shut is hard.

Overall, we’ve both agreed we have quite the journey ahead of us. BUT we met all of our goals. Stay tuned for the rest of the challenge.

Coffee: The Elixir of Life

Disclaimer: These are opinions of our own, we have included links to buy these brands. We are not responsible for activity on external pages. By purchasing some of these products we make a commission. Thank you for your support.

Maddie: I don’t remember what life was like before coffee, is that bad? As a kid, I was definitely a Starbucks gal; getting my decaf iced lattes to feel like an adult. The habit transformed into FULLY caffeinated when I became a teen and beyond. Still, I needed frilly drinks, I wasn’t ready for the black-coffee-with-a-splash-of-creamer lifestyle.

Coffeebar Reno

Cue college. Coffee. All. The. Time. Morning, afternoon, evening (yikes) you name it. In all honesty, my coffee addiction has definitely leveled out now that I’m older and don’t have to spend hours studying. Also, visiting the coffee shop everyday is bad on the wallet. So, both Trenton and I are huge fans of setting the coffee maker on auto, going to sleep and waking up to the fresh smell of happiness in a cup.

Trenton: I didn’t drink coffee until an elk hunt six years ago. My father drew a prime, 2014 elk tag in Nevada. While out looking for his bull of a lifetime I could not stay awake. I know this doesn’t sound very hunter of me and believe me, I was getting frustrated with myself. I was supposed to be the spotter, the young eyes, sharp and vigilant. Every few minutes I’d doze off and feel the slap of my dad’s big hand wrap against my chest, I would jolt up swearing I was awake even though I knew my dad and brother weren’t remotely convinced. After several mornings of dozey-eyed Trent, my dad poured me a cup of cream filled coffee and told me “don’t care how long it takes or if you like the taste, drink the whole cup!” Well I did and I can’t say it is the specific reason he bagged his big 6X6 bull elk but every morning after I had to have a cup of coffee. I was hooked.

Also Coffeebar Reno

What do we brew? Well, here’s our favorites with links included. Totally not an ad, we just really love these brands so.. support them!

With every good cup of coffee comes something to accompany it, like creamer or powders. Here’s what we love:

  • Laird’s Superfood – a powdered creamer. Maddie’s favorite is Cacao & Trenton’s is Tumeric.
  • Nutpods – there’s so many flavors, it’s diet-friendly and has REAL ingredients
  • Vital Proteins – powdered creamer and DELICIOUS!

What do you brew? Comment below!

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You Should Visit Lake Tahoe

Trenton and I were extremely fortunate to grow up near Lake Tahoe. Some people travel from across the WORLD, we, hopped in a car for two hours and BOOM! Tahoe.

A sunny day at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort.

Both of us grew up with snow sports. When I lived in Washington, my parents would drive us up to The Summit at Snoqualmie, and bring us to snowboarding lessons. I caught on quickly, after a couple gnarly tumbles and mistakenly going down some black diamond slopes.

There’s nothing like a sunny day on the mountain, surrounded by fluffy powder to glide through. The cherry on top?

Looking down upon Lake Tahoe.

If that’s not enough to sell you, there’s equally as much to do during the warmer months as there is during the ski season. We’re talking hikes, water sports, bike riding, and so much more.

Yes, the water is that blue.
@ Hidden Beach

You may be thinking ‘Maddie, Trenton, Lake Tahoe is huge! How do I know where to go?’ Well my friend fear not, we’ve got you covered. In the next following posts, we’ll be releasing our favorites and what to do on each side of Lake Tahoe, but for now I’ll leave you with this in case you’re literally preparing to hit the slopes RIGHT NOW.

There! Now, we haven’t skied and snowboarded at all of these but, you’re guaranteed to find a place you like. Here’s our top two favorites:

  1. Maddie: Heavenly Ski Resort (South Lake Tahoe)
    • South Lake, in my opinion, is amazing. Almost everything is walking distance. There’s plenty of shopping, sightseeing and restaurants. The resort itself is divided into the California and Nevada side. You’ll take a gondola to get to the lifts and main area. There is such a wide variety of easy, intermediate and difficult slopes. You can go through trees, navigate around moguls and, one of my favorites: EAT. The views are absolutely breathtaking as you get off of a lift, turn around and BOOM, the majestic Lake Tahoe. DISCLAIMER: This is definitely NOT a day trip, I’d say it’s worth it to buy a pass and stay in a hotel to make a mini-vacation and explore SLT.
  2. Trenton: Mount Rose (southwest of Reno)
    • Trenton worked at Mount Rose as a lift operator while we went to school at the University of Nevada, Reno. Mt. Rose is the perfect little secret, tucked away at the highest elevation in Tahoe. It’s chutes are slides of pure adrenaline and the numerous routes you can take through groomed runs is a blast, no matter how many times you ride it. Whether it’s through the trees or over the moguls, there are thrilling lines in all directions. The resort truly represents the classic, feel-good ski lodge. Clean cut, and crisp ski instructors and bearded ol’ grizzlies running lifts and smiling on snowboards can be seen everywhere. It hasn’t been tainted by the snobby, high-priced norm that other resorts have fallen to. Almost, nothing beats the feeling of skiing all day and stopping in the cozy bar for a dark porter after a long day on the slopes. If you don’t pay attention, you might think you are skiing in ‘Whoville’ but, less ‘Who’s’ and Grinches, but every bit as magical. -Trenton

We hope this gives you a little taste of how amazing the entirety of Lake Tahoe is. You can go to any side and not be bored, we promise.

Check back soon for our comprehensive guides to each part of Tahoe, what to do during each season and what we love.

Hunt on, friends.

Maddie & Trenton

Who the heck are they?

Photo Credit: Madison Lauren Photography

Hey there, thanks for checking out Hunting For Healthy, so who are those two lovebirds? We’re Maddie and Trenton, a couple of wellness and outdoors enthusiasts who’s story started when they met in 2014.

At Hunting For Healthy, we’ll share our passion for the great outdoors, healthy living and a lot of pictures of Ace and Pinot, (our dogs). We’re on the hunt for amazing recipes, products, workouts and adventures.

We hope you enjoy our quirkiness, antics and crazy ideas.

Keeping huntin’!