Healthy; Body, Mind, and Spirit: Off the Hamster Wheel and On The Road!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Off the Hamster Wheel and On The Road!

Well Winter is upon us here in beautiful New England. We were blanketed with our first snow right on the first of the year. Although Winter is not my favorite season, It was a glorious sight to wake up . Have a look:

I find Winter a challenge for me in a variety of ways. Cold days and nights. Snowstorms that require shoveling of decks and walkways, plowing of driveways (ours is 150 feet long maybe more) and of course the dreaded visit from the Oil man that can drain a bank account faster than you can say "Is it Summer yet?" Yikes!

Because I am a fair weather chick, Winter also offers me fitness challenges. In previous years I have had to resort to this dreaded piece of equipment:

Now I know there are a ton of different treadmill work-outs floating around out there, but the fact remains I find absolutely no pleasure in using this. Studies show that a treadmill does up to 30% of the work for you (fact) and is just plain Boring (opinion). So this Winter I resolved to keep up my running regimen - outside. Yes I was one of those people who would see a runner doing his/her thing in the cold and think "What a nut job." Well with just a little research and the right gear, I have become one of those "nut jobs."

One of my favorite Christmas presents: "Brooks" Utopia Thermal Hoodie. Worn over a long sleeve "Under Armour wicking top, it has held up in 21 degree weather for me. I pull that hood up over a little "Under Armour" beanie and my ears and head are toasty warm. I have the matching thermal running pants with a pair of "Belega" socks and the bottom part of me is just as warm.