I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to Spring more than I do right now. I’m so eager to get outside and do things! You might say I’ve got the bug. The slight warm-up we’ve had in Western Pennsylvania over the last few days (high 30s/low 40s!) has only served to make me long for Spring even more. Some things I am anxious to get back into:
- When my husband and I were in Arizona for New Year’s, we went hiking with some friends. It was so wonderful to be outside without having to be bundled up! We hiked for about three hours in Phoenix’s South Mountain Park. I’m telling you: If I had a mountain in my backyard I’d be out there all the time. I’ve been feeling the urge to go hiking again since returning to Pittsburgh, but the weather here in January isn’t really conducive to it. Soon enough though! One of my clients told me about a great place to hike in the ‘burgh that has over 10 miles of trails. Sure it’s no mountain, but it will have to do!
- You may recall that last year I bought a bicycle. I didn’t use it as often as I should have, but I intend to make that right as soon as possible. My husband has a bike, too, and loves riding. It’s a great way to spend time together outside of a restaurant or the dinner table.
- This past Fall, I got back into softball after a hiatus of more than 10 years… and I loved every minute of it. I’ll be playing again come Spring (Go Water Buffaloes!), and I’m just itching to lace up my kicks and hit a few. Actually, I believe there are indoor batting cages somewhere around here – I should look into that.
- Last year I also went kayaking on the river with a friend, which was super fun – and an unparalleled upper body workout, particularly when rowing against the current. Just a few more months and this will once again be a viable way to spend an afternoon.
- And of course, there’s outdoor running. I’ve actually been able to get some runs in outside lately, which has been swell. As long as there isn’t insane wind, precipitation or bitter cold (about 30º or less) I’ll go out, though not enthusiastically when the sun is nowhere to be found (more often than not these days).
I’m trying to keep my spirits up and my workouts varied and interesting, even during these cold, dark months. I’ve never been a ‘gym rat’, and in fact, do a decent good job of avoiding the gym pretty often – though I really love my Total Body Workout class that I take once a week. Of course, I’ll be trading that for Hip Hop (!) starting next Monday. (More on that later!)
What are you doing to stay in shape this Winter? Any great ideas for me?
