Staying Fit and Active This Winter

Staying Fit and Active

For me, running season lasts from about April or May to October or November. I like to take the winters off for a variety of reasons. This year, however, I am not sure that is a good idea.

First off, starting back in the spring is getting more difficult for me. I felt really out of shape for a few months and it took me some time to get back to a decent pace this year. Secondly, I’m at the age now where I feel as if I don’t stay active, I could possibly start to put on weight. I don’t want that to happen.

I never thought that I would run in place on a machine. For me, treadmills have always been out of the question. I run in nature for the peace and quiet, the tranquility, and the atmosphere of the natural world. Treadmills don’t offer any of those things. But I also run for exercise and need a way to keep doing that this winter.

Fortunately, my wife has a treadmill machine, so I decided to give it a try. I have to say, it was really awkward at first. I didn’t like it. I felt like I couldn’t run the way I normally do. I had to think about things I have never paid attention to when I run. It was a strange experience.

The next day, the weather was quite nice, so I was able to go for, what might be, my last trail run of the year. I paid attention to my pacing, how my feet landed, and if I changed my stance during the course of my run. It seemed that some of the things I thought were abnormal during my maiden treadmill run were, in fact, natural.

I’m not a fan of the treadmill, but I think I will keep using it. There’s one already in the house, so it makes sense.

I have a few alternatives as well. I could get a gym membership and do some lane swimming this winter. That would cost extra money though. Or, I could take up cross country skiing. Once again, I would need to buy skis and wait for the weather to use them.

We’ll see what the future holds. All I know is that I plan to keep running and getting in my cardio.