No matter where you live – northern or southern hemisphere – this is the most temperate time of year. The temperatures are not unbearably cold or hot, and there is a beautiful world to observe in the process, whether it includes blooming flowers and baby birds, or autumnal foliage. Why not get outside and take it all in?
Eunny and me after a 4-mile walk/jog
In a previous life (read: early teenage years) I ran short-distance track. Eunny ran cross-country in high school. In recent weeks, we talked about starting a simple running program again to shape up, and possibly to take part in a competitive event later in the year. On Sunday morning, we met to start our training. I have never been a very skilled runner, but I am hoping to get better. Last week, I was able to run one mile without stopping – the first time I have done that since high school! I have been training and working hard for the last two months and have increased my stamina, and my recovery time. Additionally, I have lost the nine pounds of weight that crept back on during the winter holiday season. I am hovering in the 60 lbs weight loss range since I started working out and dieting in February 2006. The weight is not melting off quite as fast as it did last year, but I feel good (and I keep telling myself that that is the most important thing!)
Outdoor activities may be just the thing to reinvigorate my regimen. I have been dependent on the fitness center at my office for the last few months, and while I enjoy the classes and the cardio machines, there is really no substitute for fresh air and sunlight. I read an article last year [Nature Quest, from Experience Life magazine's June 2006 archive] about the importance of getting outside for personal wellness, peace of mind, and general health.
Many studies have produced strong evidence that even brief encounters with natural settings… can elicit significant recovery from stress within three to five minutes. Time in nature is often recommended as a stress-management technique to promote relaxation — important for those people dealing with stress-related conditions such as tension headaches and panic attacks, and for those trying to quit smoking. In fact, a nature prescription is suitable for virtually anyone seeking a little downtime.
Readers of this blog probably use knitting and crafting as a stress-relief as well. So, make it even MORE beneficial by taking your crafts outdoors! Why not pull out a blanket, and soak up a little sun while working on that Project Spectrum craft? You could even take a little walk or jog around the neighborhood before settling in for some outdoor craft time.
Some great articles on starting to train outdoors, and avoid injury while doing so:
- Hot On the Trail – a beginner’s guide to trail running.
- Indoor Outdoor Fitness – finding a unique balance in your own fitness regimen.
- Shape Up Your Shins – Some great tips to avoid painful shin splints from walking and running.
- Training for Your First 5k – thinking about making a commitment?
When you are in nature, you value it more. All the subtleties and the rhythms, all of the inspiration. Nature has served as a creative muse for countless figures throughout history – why not join the ranks? GET OUT! Get some gardening supplies and plant a flower bed! Cut out flowers and birds from photographs and make a seasonal collage!
What are your favorite outdoor activities? How do you manage to get your “nature time”?
I just walked a brisk mile on my treadmill for the first time in months today! It’s still cold and gray/brown up here in Minnesota, and I live on a highway… so the nice neighborhood walks don’t ever happen for me or my kids, but in the summer we mow a path around our 6 acres and the kids go jogging around that!
Here’s to stamina building,
and to happy knitting,
ali
i just love this post! i never thought of myself as an “outdoorsy girl,” but in recent years i find myself a real outdoor nut! i love to walk my dog outside, run and bike outside, read and knit outside. i started this habit last year, i take a book or some knitting and a cool drink to central park with my dog and he sleeps on a bench while i read or knit. it is so invigorating to be outside and observe nature and people.
congrats on the weight loss and meeting some running goals! i have been a runner for years and there is nothing like beating your own personal best and meeting a goal! i hope you keep it up. both running and walking are very theraputic for me, and hope they will be for you too!
Harumph! Rub it in why don’t ya?!
thanks for the little push – i bought new running shoes last week and have yet to take them out for a spin. i think i will do so this evening after work.
You know I spend as much time in the mountains as I can. But now that the weather is good Moxie and I will be going for long walks in the early evening. Don’t you just love running bare toes through the grass?
You are so right! (still a bit cold up here but my feet are getting itchy!)
The family and I spend a lot of time on the nature trails near our home, during all seasons. My young children are very hardy walkers and we like to spend time observing the changes in the landscape, using all our senses. I’d hike any day of the week.
You are so inspiring! Thanks — I’m on my way to walk the dog now, rain and all! I’ve got a new perspective now, thanks for that!!
I am really getting excited with the warmer weather coming in. I love to play tennis so I will hopefully get out and start soon. Thanks for the encouragement!
Good for you! I was an avid runner in high school, too. Maybe I’ll go see if I can find my running shoes…
I hike whenever I can and if I can’t get up the mountain or out to the desert, I walk on the town jogging trail or just around my neighborhood, or I drag my kid to the park.
Yes, I take two daily walks and also am a huge fan of Spring! Hooray!
I have lunch outside or go for a walk around campus when I get off…I’m blessed to work on a beautiful campus with lots of sidewalks, trails and flowering trees!
While the girls have their 2 hour soccer practice I work in a 2-3 mile walk/jog…aiming for the 3-4 soon. Join us over at http://www.runagogo.com for great inspiration – 100 miles in 3 months with a bunch of knitters.
I’m a city kid at heart so I’m not always gun-ho about being “in” nature, but I do try and get out in it. Lately I’ve been trying to take advantage of the park trails. Soon enough it will be too hot to really get out and enjoy the weather so I want to take advantage while I can. During the hotter months I just sit out on the deck and read or knit.
60lbs in one year is awesome! It may not come off as fast anymore but as long as you are reaching some goals and feeling good, that’s all that matters.
I’m so glad I caught this post! I’m not naturally an athletic person, and I’ve always found it a real challenge to find a work out routine that I enjoy- I keep trying though. I know fitness is important.
Just yesterday my boyfriend and I began running. He’s a great runner, but I have literally never run in my life! We started off slow by going only one mile- and I had to walk half of it! I was exhausted, but got up again this morning and tried again. I know it’ll be tough, but I’m trying to stay inspired! The beautiful weather definitely helps.
Yay spring! And yay for getting outside! Running is my favorite outdoor activity, hands down. I’m trying to become a gardener but I’ve got some work to do on that front. Birding is good, too, though I’m not as skilled as some of my friends. I can’t run as much or as far as I used to now that I’m pregnant, but I’m still getting out there!
Thanks for this great post!
The runagogo thing really got me to appreciate running outside again. Running on a treadmill in the weight-room at school is hella boring. I got busy with play rehearsals, but I really can’t wait to be able to get out again now that it’s warm and light later and later. Hooray!
I end up being outside almost every day, except when temperatures drop below 35. I love to garden, run/walk, go campking/fishing/hunting, and take LilMan to the park/T-Ball/outdoor ice rink.
There really is no substitute for sunlight & fresh air!
I lost about the same amount of weight seven or eight years ago by simply walking (energetically, some uphill, one hour) a few times a week. I have to say that it helped that my husband was often willing to do it with me. Making sure I got the walking in made everything else (eating well and moderately) much easier.
I’m also an avid gardener with a lot of space to take care of. The movements of gardening help with stretching, flexibility, balance, but the real reason I consider it the number one activity in my life is that it transports me to another state of mind. Focusing on the earth and plants and tasks to accomplish while listening to the birds and enjoying the breeze helps me achieve a deep relaxation and happiness of purpose.
I like to ride my bike. It’s got a basket so I can do errands & I can get around the city fairly quickly. We’ve got lots of great bike paths, one leads along the river from my place to my LYS, what could be better?
I got a great long walk in today in the sunshine. It’s getting harder as my 25 week pregnant belly gets in the way. But good thing, it’s going to be 20 degrees by tomorrow night. Lots of flowers to cover up.
I love a brisk walk in the early morning. Everything is all dewy, and the air is cool and crisp.
I spent the past weekend knitting outside on a blanket with my dogs. It was perfect!
Congratulations on getting healthier and feeling better! You’re a great inspiration.
My DH and I went for a long walk on Sunday. Today, since we work together, we took our lunches outside to eat. Even the 15-20 minutes we spent outside eating made my day seem so much more pleasant. Spring is almost over here in central California, so we like to be outside while we can. Summer is often too hot and dusty to be out in the middle of the day.
Glad you are getting outside and getting some exercise. I am trying to do more, but first I need new shoes! I’ve been neglecting athletic shoes for shoes that show off handknit socks!
What a lovely post, Lolly, and what a good reminder for a cave dweller like me.
I live in Seattle, where we have easy access to mountains, countryside, lakes, the ocean, and more! Plus, the weather is rarely bad enough to keep you inside for long (we just get wet, that’s all).
I walk to work, and most other appointments, so I get a lot of outdoor time that way. For fun, we hike with the dog, or rent a canoe and paddle Lake Washington. Then there’s gardening…
Isn’t it great to be outside in this beautiful weather. We’re cooped up in those winter months, lets just all get out there. I love running, but I just dont get enough time to do so. Could I run pushing the pram, some mums do, I dont think I could though, poor Nosh would get whip lash.
Great idea about sitting in the sunshine knitting up for project spectrum. I’m so excited.
Well done on the weight loss!
Congratulations on the achievements! I too go running (I hate it but I try to make myself do it at least twice a week) and yesterday I was home at my parents and went running in the park where I spent many a happy childhood day – it was great! I also love to volunteer with the National Trust doing conservation work – that is great – outdoors, with good company feeling like you are doing something useful – building footpaths, removing non-native plant species etc- and recently I have been helping a friend tackle the rampant garden in her newly purchased house!
Keep up the good work – it always feels better after you’ve run than before!
It’s easy for me to get outside.. I have a 2 year old so staying indoors all day is a recipe for insanity! However I would rather not just spend the afternoon at the playground.
We moved to Seattle about a year ago and this area has some really awesome parks. So i thought one way to get outdoors that we’d both enjoy is a “seattle park tour”. Check out different places, learn more about the city, find some favorite haunts. So far it’s been really interesting! And a great way to get outdoors
And if he falls asleep on the way home from running around, I just knit in the car while waiting for him to wake up 
Today is supposed to be very warm and sunny. In about 2 hours I’ll be hitting the pavement for a 16 or so mile bike ride through the rural backroads of my county. I can’t wait. I didn’t go to the gym yesterday for the first time in like 3 months. Missed it, but I had so much housework to do, that I just couldn’t spare that 2 hours. My routine for exercise has settled into 3 days of weights and moderate cardio at the gym (MWF) and 3 days of interval cardio–hills–on the bike (TThSa–weather permitting, of course). I’m seeing changes in my body shape (a skirt that I used to have to be 10 lbs lighter to fit in to, fits now), but the weight hasn’t changed all that much. I’ll take getting into smaller clothes! I love getting out on the bike and enjoying nature. On a ride last week I followed a bald eagle down the road for about a mile. I’m surprised I didn’t wreck for watching that magnificent bird rather than the road.
I love the fact that it’s light enough out when I get home from work to take the dogs for a walk! They are the best outdoor motivators!
Please don’t tell me your grass is that green already….we still have snow patches!!!!
I love gardening, but we don’t have a garden.
So I content myself with reading or knitting out on the balcony if the weather’s nice. If the weather’s really nice I’ll knit and bring the radio along and listen to that.
For activities I love hiking and I do a lot of rambling and hiking around the country. I also love going on a nice leisurely bike ride…but I don’t have a bike anymore.
*sigh*
*looks outside at the snow coming down*
Oh how I wish I could sit outside with a blanket and knit! I’m itching for spring!
Just FYI: The green grass picture is from last year
Nope, not green grass here yet!
Outdoor activities…I assume sitting on the porch having a drink with my husband does not count! ;o) I do garden, sometimes go walking, sometimes bike, swim in the pool or at a beach, and this summer we are adding sailing to our family activities.
I need to lose about 50-60 pounds, Lolly. I am so proud of you for losing some weight, gaining some better health and getting so active. Good on ya!!
I agree that experiencing nature is a welcome relief from stress. As parents we really really need it and also my husband is a business executive so he REALLY needs it. We like to jump in the car and drive out to great woodsy hiking trails and explore, soaking up the oxygen and beauty. Closer to home we stroll a local park to feed ducks and squirrels. Back in Nova Scotia the beach was our destination for destressing.
Kudos to you on starting a running program. Running is the BEST stress reliever and, for me at least, the best way to drop a few pounds. I also ran in “a previous life” but took it up again a few years ago and love it!!! The peace an solitude of running is like nothing else. Even knitting came second to running.
Applause to you on a running program. That’s inspirational.
As for my outdoor activities (outside of routine walks around the neighborhood), I am rejuvenated by spending my lunch hour at the park either reading or knitting. It’s just nice to be outside, hear the sounds, smell the blooms, feel the sunshine.
We also use Geocaching as a great way to hike and explore the local trail parks and greenbelt.
And then there’s always camping. I love camping and hiking.
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Not where I am! It snowed two inches last night in NW Montana. I can’t wait for warmer weather! I’m not an outdoorsy kind of girl, but I’d love to be able to take my kids and dog to the park.
Hi Lolly…You know I run and ride a lot, but my favorite runs by far are those on the local wooded trails. We have such nice options here and it’s on those runs that I do *not* take my iPod, but rather just enjoy the peace.
Over the last few months, my weekday outdoor activity has been walking outside during my lunch hour. What they say is true- getting outside and breathing in some fresh air really does decrease the stress level. Now that spring and summer is approaching, I’m looking forward to being outdoors a lot more.
During the spring after the pollen count subsides & before it’s too hot I run every evening for at least two miles. When it’s too hot for that I do the treadmill inside with reruns of law & order.
My ultimate outdoor activities are hiking & kayaking. We try to camp & hike in (sometimes 8 to 10 miles in) every other weekend in the spring & summer. It’s fantastic stuff being totally alone in the middle of the mountains!
My running/treadmill is my training for 10 miles with a 30lb. backpack!!
Great to read this one. I’ve been going to the gym since Jan and it sometimes takes a bit of motivation to keep going. Knowing that I will soon be able to go jogging by the river is great motivation!
I found a great podcast that is a 9-week plan from Couch to 5k. It’s all interval training – so the first week is run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds, repeat. The podcast tells you when to speed up and slow down, and it’s set to music.
It’s called “Podcast for Running” and I got it off i-tunes… but it’s also available here: http://www.podcasts.ullreys.net/
Oh I so agree-I love being outside as soon as the weather changings in my favor. There’s nothing better than a healthy dose of sun. Great job on your jogging, by the way. Keep it up.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted here…again. I save ‘em up and read them all at once. I tend to do that with you and Yarn Harlots blog entries. Look at that! You’re in the ranks with Stephanie!
I plan on going out on my bike today since it’s nice weather. It’s been months since I have done that.
And good for you on the jogging! Very proud of you!
great post lolly! nature is so so therapeutic for me. i confess that i run on the treadmill because i love to count the distance/ speed, but a long afternoon walk is my recipe for total bliss. and my little garden… knitting on my front porch… love.
I have said it before Lolly and I will say it again: I am SO proud of your healthy choices and your leadership by example. Bravo!
The reason your weight isn’t falling off of you as it once did is probably because there is so little left to lose!
Great post! The idea of taking knitting outside sounds heavenly, and I will do that just as soon as it warms up!
What you wrote about nature is so true. We all need that light and fresh air desperately, and it really can change our mood for the better. My favorite thing to do outdoors is gardening, but I have also started cycling and I love it! You see so much more on a bike than you do in a car, and can notice the little details in the landscape, the angle of the sunlight, the ocean air…it’s the best therapy in the world for stress.
Congratulations on your weight loss. I admire your energy to devote yourself to so many goals at once, and do so well with each of them.
Usually, on a nice day like today, I can be found at Dupont Circle (in Washington, DC), knitting and enjoying the parade of humanity
On Monday, though, my husband and I went to the Tidal Basin and rented a paddle boat. (I put some photos on my blog.) What a bargain! Eight dollars for one hour of good exercise, fresh air, and an unsurpassable view. AND you can reserve them online now. What’s not to love? Next time, maybe we’ll rent one for two hours. Then I can paddle, float, knit, paddle some more, float, knit…