It's easy to neglect weightlifting and other inside workouts in beautiful weather.
I'm a cross-training advocate, but my tendency this time of year is to go outside on crisp, sunny days for long mountain hikes. Hiking is easier than elliptic or swimming, and more enjoyable than both. Diopter-correction goggles and waterproof mp3 players help with swimming pace (a regular mp3 for elliptic). Bicycling is borderline, since seasonal strong and cool winds take a bite out of my enjoyment.
I do have a lifting partner. Just like meeting a class... college or gym... a habitual event helps tremendously in maintaining frequency. So, I lift at least twice a week... three times when not lured outside... similarly with elliptic, step, and yoga.
I also have habitual hikes, which are currently on Tuesdays after work, Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings (unless I'm bicycling). On some particular bitter Sunday mornings, do I walk the mall (yes, it's boring but not as bad as swimming), but prefer conditioning to nasty weather because nasty weather happens on-trail.
This time of year the Tuesday after work hikes become adventuresome, since it is about sundown when I get to the trailhead. I hike in twilight up to the point, and back on a road in the dark. I do not recommend it, but it is my sixth Winter season doing this: I use the very same trail and know it well, carry a smartphone, umbrella, down vest, shell, poncho, 2 lights and protein bar in a small Camelback. I have contingency plans for several scenarios, and my work buddies know my habits. By the way, I use a red headlight to prevent peripheral vision night blindness, which is normally caused by white light.
Happy trails to you.
- © 2012 by Willy
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