MENTAL PLANNING III: GETTING OUTDOORS

Winter morning brightness. Taken by PKSenagore March 6, 2016. All rights reserved.

SIMPLY WALKING, WITH OR WITHOUT A DOGGY PAL, is an easy outdoor exercise activity that doesn’t require much advance preparation or planning. A check of the weather to guide choice of apparel and accessories is about as high tech as walkers need to get, especially if the route involves smoothly-surfaced sidewalks or asphalt-paved bike paths.
 
However, if exercise plans become a bit more adventurous, and the degree of difficulty of the effort is elevated to tackle trails, novices might welcome some knowledgeable assistance from experts.  About suitability of a trail for level of experience, choice of trail based on scenery, advance training that will ensure accomplishment of a goal objective and thus enjoyment, and proper gear.
 
The process of mentally planning for 2018 and beyond may inspire some everyday walkers, runners, and gym exercisers to consider undertaking a personal ‘epic’ adventure.  But where to start? There are companies that lead groups or individuals in such endeavors. But the trips are expensive and require a considerable amount of lead-time to schedule, money to finance, and friends to cajole into joining. What if you want to start with something less than truly “EPIC”?
 
Perhaps just to try hiking half a day in a nearby scenic spot, running a trail race in the winter, or cycling on a fat tire bicycle? Maybe by yourself or with a group that assembles on the spot?
 
“Take It Outside: what you need to hike, bike, or run trails” by Kelly Mickle is a slideshow article filled with useful information and, best of all, links to more useful information. It’s from fitness.com.
Trail Hiking:

• Nearby hikes and epic hiking escapes
• Link to US Geological Service elevation check to determine if altitude will be an issue
• Exercises to prepare your legs for uneven terrain hiking
• Gear guide for day-long, half day, or less than 3-hour trips

Trail Running:

• Links to finding trail running groups and races
• Tips to help with uphill and downhill segments and a link to an app to find nearby routes
• Gear: specific advice on finding good trail running shoes

Trail Cycling:

• Fitness advantages of trail biking are explained and links to finding information on routes, rides, groups, and clinics.
• Gear: non-bike stuff rundown
• Tips for successfully braking
• Gear: bikes to consider for different terrain, surfaces

 
Running on unevenly frozen, snowy roads with patchy ice may be a discouragement to getting outdoors this season. Consider winter hiking and biking as a way to get yourself out of the gym. Mickle’s article suggests that now might be a great time to organize a few new activities.
 
RUN HAPPY!

https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/cardio/outdoor-workouts