One morning last week I woke up with an intense desire to look out over my new adopted city. I started looking for trails that would lead me up to one such place. Thankfully my workout buddy is a great sport and away we went up the side of the mountain to Hot Springs Tower.

What I didn’t realize was how steep the climb would be.

Even so, I was grateful that I planned accordingly. My workout clothes were appropriate for the weather. My hydration belt was filled and comfortably positioned around my midsection. My phone was set on my Nike fitness app and away we went.

Halfway through the run we made it to the 1920s lookout and I got my reward.

And if that wasn’t enough, we were treated to a deer crossing on the road.

The rest of my day was amazing. No need for coffee or anything. Who knew you could replace a cup of coffee with 4 miles of pavement pounding?

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.