Inside Workouts... Or Not

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 enjoy weightlifting, because I can see the results in the mirror... like I enjoy dieting (yes, really). Lifting is easy for me so I have to remember to use perfect form and take it easy or I'll get a joint injury... my muscles are stronger than my tendons/joints. Dumbbells are my favorite over barbells, since the completely flat barbell grip position hurts me for some presses, whereas dumbbell angles automatic adjust to the no-pain level.

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

Beautiful Weather

Mother nature's colors are drop dead gorgeous this Fall. It's been gorgeous weather for bicycling and hiking too. What a great time of year! The trick is not to overdo it... there's plenty of time ahead for adventure.

On the other hand, there's lots to do before the certainty of Winter and the possibility of bad weather arriving. Layers, headbands and gloves came out of the Winter box; plants are in; cars are waxed; external water shut off; but still need to bag leaves... after they all fall.

Being healthy and fit... and no longer being married to Satan... I can do whatever I want. It's time to make plans for Winter hiking in the Smokeys, Rockies, AT and elsewhere... I have virgin snowshoes to try out.

But first, a local, cold, early-morning bicycle ride tomorrow... and fun in the local wonderland.

- © 2012 by Willy

Nut Timing

Bang, crash, thud... went the days and nights around home, and around the trails.

It is neat to hike amongst the rain of nuts.

A week ago, on Saturday evening, I swept my deck free of acorns, walnuts and such. The next morning, I counted over 60 new nuts deposited overnight. That was the peak of a week-long happening: Every year, in one week, all the nut-bearing trees drop their nuts, all together. All. And then the squirrels go into overtime, looking like a Disney movie.

Today was quiet and beautiful. The nut-dropping week is over. Fantastic! Bravo!


- © 2012 by Willy

It's The Attitude

The classic punch line is "There's got to be a pony in here somewhere..." after you're handed a pile of manure.

That's the attitude!

Whether it is at work or home, a good attitude and positive outlook is key in living a happy life.

I just got back last week to normal cardio after three months of downtime due to hurting a knee in yoga... another stinkin' injury. Three months of boring swimming and vastly reduced caloric intake made me look forward to recovery. Out of that I developed stronger shoulder girdle muscles, and I am now enjoying the Fall leaves on my hikes... more so than ever.

I had a bad relationship years ago that almost took me over the edge... she stunk and she gave me shit. I realized that I was lucky to be rid of such a hindrance. The albatross around my neck gone, I have become much more active and happy.

Same is true at work. For the last year I have been the subject of an investigation after false accusations for which I just got cleared of charges. However, I am being relieved of that responsibility anyway, which stinks like manure. "Don't throw me in that briar patch, Mr. Bear," I told the director. I was much too busy and stressed, and will enjoy the reduced workload.

I've looked and found three ponies out of three piles of manure handed to me. I feel blessed.

- © 2012 by Willy