Articles of the Month

Time for the outdoors

Spring is finally here! The warm weather and sunshine have reawakened in us a long forgotten desire to get out of the house and enjoy what the outdoors have to offer. Whether its jogging, biking, or in-line skating people are starting to go out more and more, and the park trails are becoming more crowded than the malls.

While for some this surge in outdoor activities might just be a short lived celebration of the end of winter and the arrival of the first warm days, for many of us it means the recommencement of an active lifestyle outdoors. And what better way to enjoy this time of the year than taking out your running shoes and hitting the trails? You might want to use your old ones for a start, as conditions at this time of the season tend to be quite muddy, but don't let this hold you back. Running is one of the most beneficial cardiovascular activities, and trail running is not only good for you but also a load of fun. Whether you're exploring a new section that you've never been on before or your returning to your favorite route, trail running always brings you something new. Running the same trail in spring, summer, fall or winter will seem like running through totally new areas each time and there is almost always some little excluded spot of nature that you haven't observed before. With so much to look out for: creek crossings, meandering hills, roots, or deer crossing in your way, you will almost forget that you're actually putting out physical effort. And before you know it you will have completed your run and have already started to fill the benefits of it. Running is one of the most rewarding activities that one can engage in, as the personal satisfaction gained from completing a long and difficult course is enough to keep you smiling for the rest of the week. Not only is it great for your health but the self-esteem and confidence you get out of it can go a long way.

So next time you're sitting in your house watching how nice it is outside, grab your running shoes and take them on a run. They won't regret it, and trust me neither will you!