Autumn days have arrived with their winds of change. Summer is my personal favorite and there’s no such thing as too hot for me, but I get it… 32 degrees is not everyone’s idea of fun. I love each season for what it brings and fall is a perfect time to fire up your metabolism and get outdoors.
I’m a runner, (ok, I look more like a little trotting goat, but pretend along with me) and I love the feeling of a fresh fall run. Road running works if you need to get something in quick, but hitting a trail for a run is a totally different experience. Trails are much prettier, and running on the softer path is less impact on the body. Trails offer a varied terrain that is more challenging for your body to adapt as you run up a hill, over a bridge, along a stream, or weaving in and out of paths. Trail running breaks up the momentum and potential boredom of running along a stretch of pavement. Observing nature around you as you pace yourself through a cathedral of trees is therapeutic for both the mind and the body. As dusk and dawn begin to arrive earlier and later than summer’s generous light, make absolutely certain you are visible by wearing bright colors to avoid being mistaken for hunters game.
Not a runner? Take a hike. Really – discover a new trail in your area or take a day trip to one of your Provincial or Federal Parks where fall’s colors burst with delight. Explore on foot, bike or bring the paddles and go by water.
Bike your way to happiness!
Biking has become a passion and the more I do it, the more I love it. You get a great leg workout, again, without the impact. Biking takes you on a longer journey and allows you to explore a little more. Pack along protein-rich snacks and enough water to re-hydrate or even some coconut water to replenish. Trail mix made with nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, goji berries and some shredded coconut tossed into the mix makes for a perfect protein pick-up. Fruit such as apples and fresh pears are totally portable and don’t mush up along the ride. Pick a bike trail along a waterfront and take in some extra fresh air, or stop for a walk in the sand…it’s a little cooler this time of year but feels great on tired feet.
For the Kids!
Kids love Autumn’s falling leaves and the excitement of the season. Farmers markets are a great place to begin celebrating the harvest. Fresh corn, pumpkins and orchards of apples are waiting for little hands to make much work. A visit to a pumpkin farm and a run through a corn maze is a great way to keep kids outdoors during chillier weather.
Whatever season you love, find some inner peace – outside.
