Top 5 Reasons to still get outside in the Winter

It's true, winter is a time for hibernation.  The bears do it.  The birds escape.  And so, it is no wonder we find it difficult to get out there when we peer out the window and see the snow.  With that thought in mind, I thought I would do a list of why you should get out there, regardless of the weather.  Believe me, I think I have mentioned, I am a summer girl.  Winter is not my season.  I need this list and this reminder as much (or more!) than you.

Winter Runniing

I thought it would be a good idea to go over some of the basics of running in the winter.  I simply don't run inside.  For me, yoga is an inside sport.  But running....... that's an outside sport.  Even in 10 degrees.  So, for those braving the winters and all its glory, here is a quick list of basics:

1.  Wear layers.  I know, this seems obvious.  (and all of these tips are, really, but should serve as a timely reminder).  This became apparent the other day, with snow on the ground and wind in my face when I realized it's time for the second thin layer of pants - I usually wear a thin pair of tights under my running pants in the really cold weather.

Blow me a Kiss!

That’s right!  Blow me a kiss! 

That got your attention, didn’t it?  Well, this morning out on my run, I had this huge epiphany.  And I know, once you hear it, you will all go – DUH, Chantel!  But here goes….

I didn’t feel like running this morning, but here I am anyway, out there doing my thing.  And someone in a pickup nearly hits me.  Now,  I’m really irritated, and I continue on my run. 

Next, a woman waves me across because she wants to go and doesn’t want to hit me.  She smiles.  In spite of myself, I smile back.

Mood Shift with a Drum Roll

When I sit down to write this article, I usually let my mind move naturally to food and health, or running and exercise.  How I traverse the world around me through these mediums.  And how I would love to share an observation with you.

But today, as I sat at the kitchen table typing, the radio was playing ever so quietly Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here.  Now, I am not a super Pink Floyd fan – but I am also not anti-Pink Floyd.  That being said, I do love this song.  My ears twitched and I stopped my typing when the first few slow notes were strummed on the guitar, before any other instruments or voices joined in.