Spring is Here Get Outside and Enjoy It!
April is HERE! Yahoo!
Time to pack up your heavy jackets, gloves, hats and mittens and break out the wind breakers, shorts and short sleeves. It is lighter longer into the evening. The air is still crisp in the mornings and night but it is warming up during the day. It truly is an ideal time of year to exercise or just be outside almost anytime of the day. Enjoy this weather, it is not like summer where if exercising outside you really need to do it by 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. because it is just too hot. Outside time must be limited due to sunburn, dehydration or just sheer exhaustion from the intense heat. So get out and enjoy this springtime weather.
As I drive, bike or run around town it is so wonderful to see more and more people out walking in neighborhoods, on trails and having picnics throughout the community. People running, bike riding alone or as a family, and biking as a means of transportation. The fields and courts are filled with every age playing a game, practicing or just “goofing off”. It is great to hear the laughter and interaction of being in each other’s presence; no matter the combination: grandparent/parent/child/peer/coach/athlete or by themselves people are outside determined to better their skills. All of this is truly “Ole fashion fun” and really so, so healthy for you. Not just physically good for you, but these interactions also hone those social skills that can easily be lost in the shuffle of everyday life.
It is uplifting for me, as a parent, teacher, referee and as a human to see everyone; adults and children, outside and away from the video games, computers, channel changers and what ever else is out there. I certainly know and understand the benefits of modern technology, but there certainly is nothing like outdoor fun. The interaction of families, friends, people of all backgrounds playing, working together as a team or family; laughing, accepting direction and working as a team. These are all positive things that will benefit relationships within families, help students communicate in the classroom, employers communicate at work, athletes bond on the field, and individuals interact in society.
Being healthy is a lifestyle choice that effects not just your muscles and cardiovascular system but so much more. An active lifestyle invites social experiences, time out in nature and even moments of solitude. Being happy and healthy on the inside is just as important as being healthy on the outside. Take advantage of today and all that it has to offer. Get outside and get active.
P.S. Congratulations to everyone who ran races this past month! There were great 5ks, 10ks, several half marathons, and Marathons. You all did great. I know of several 5k races coming up in the next few months around town. Even our local schools are getting “running clubs” ready to compete. Keep up the hard work and dedication. How exciting and fun it is to see and be a part of this active community.
Have a topic for Juli? Need a running tip? Just post your questions or topics below or email her directly: jzacharias@cox.net SUBJECT LINE: Ask Juli
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