How do you face the winter? The dark cold days that seem to never end. My natural urge is to hibernate until spring, just give me some dry firewood, a blanket and a good book. But I know what’s good for me and I force myself to go out into the cold. Once I’m bundled up (that means long underwear) I head out to enjoy the weather thought the eyes of my dog. Malcolm doesn’t mind if it’s cold, wet, muddy, or snowy he just loves to be outside walking with me. He never seems to be bored by seeing the same old dull trees and bushes. His joy knows no bounds when it comes to sniffing the scenery and the yellow snow. I might have to force myself out the door but once there I take a tip from the dog and just enjoy the my few moments of fresh air and nature. I’m not in a rush to get somewhere, I’m not running a race, I’m just enjoying a walk. Since I’m not trying to log on my miles (I like the treadmill in the winter for that) I can enjoy 20 minutes of just being outside without any pressure to “get my heart rate up” or “increase my pace”. Who knows, maybe a little of that Vit D gets through the clouds that we always have here in Michigan in the winter.

8 weeks until Memorial Day, and the beginning of my Summer. Last week I went back to Weight Watchers and put some energy toward some healthy eating. This week I’m focusing on deciding how to ramp up my exercise routine. I’m already a walker and walk 2-3 miles a day during the winter, and 2-6 miles a day in the summer. I love to hike during the summer too and I do a little kayaking and bike riding. I’ve introduced a little bit of working out with weights and I’m interested in doing more with that. I’d like to take my summer activities to a higher level by biking and kayaking more often and getting a longer weight routine going. What activities do you like to do? I’m a firm believer in starting small and slowly working your way up. If your sedentary and have no exercise or workout routine start with a 10 minute walk or stretching routine. Once you get moving you’ll love it.

Learn how to stretch with this video!

This stretch is a must for all walkers and runners!

For those of you who don’t know, I’m walking in the Susan G Kolman Walk for the Cure, 60 miles in 3 days. I’ve been walking for the past 57 years, so I thought with a little will power and some training it was in the bag. Boy was I wrong! I’m in week 14 of a 24 week training plan and it’s a struggle. It’s not so much the walking, which is getting more intense (up to 10 miles at a time) it’s the time it takes to do all the walking. I spent about 11 hours walking this week and with my workshop stretching fund raisers it is beginning to feel like a full time job (did I mention the 2 times a week cross training for 2 hours?). Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying the challenge and the cause is good. It’s just more than I thought it would be. It has brought to my attention all the folks out there that train year round for competitive sports. Before this challenge I walked 4 times a week 2-3 miles, I hope I keep these greater distances up. Walking is so good for you!

The weather is warming up and it’s time to think about getting out and about. Just a note to remind you to check out your shoes. It doesn’t matter if you walk, run, go shopping, golf, sail or go to Disney World, you need to make sure your shoes are in good shape (good arch support is a must). Check out this site by the Mayo Clinic on what to look for in a “good” walking shoe. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ00885_D