Freedom Trail Run

      Recently, my wife, sister and I took a weekend trip to Massachusetts.  We headed up to Salem on Friday night, then we toured Boston on Saturday.   I was happy to  participate on Saturday morning in the Freedom Trail Run, a 5k that is designed to show you historic sites in Boston while getting your morning exercise in.  The run passes by approximately 16 historic sites and I really enjoyed it and highly recommend doing this.
     While I was running/touring, my wife and sister were having breakfast and visiting the New England Aquarium.  Then we all met up and took the Duck Tour around Boston.
      Vacations, just like anything in life, are all about balance.  I ran, we did a lot of walking, but we also ate well, visited breweries and had a great time. Make sure you are getting your exercise in.  Park a little further away from the things you would like to do so you have to walk more.  Get out in the sunshine and get in your Vitamin D.  Use sunscreen to protect your skin. Eat vegetables and fruit and drink plenty of liquids.  Most of all enjoy yourself.

The Amount of Life in Your Steps

      Enjoy your life.  The quality of your life is just as important, maybe more important, than the number of years in your life.
     Yes, you need to try your best to keep yourself moving and flexible.  You should try to make healthier choices when you are eating .   Avoiding processed foods, "diet" foods, fatty foods and eating extra vegetables and fruits will help you to keep a natural, healthy balance within your body.
       Remember though, every once in a while you have to cut loose and have some ice cream, drink some beer or whatever makes you happy.  Keep in mind, anything in moderation and do your best to enjoy life!



Life is short so live it!
Dan

Great 5k, Bad Weather, Nice Vacation

     My wife and I went to Cape May last weekend for a much needed getaway and because I signed up to run a 5K at the beach.  It was the Grand Opening of the Cape May Running Company and I was anticipating a fun run close to the beach.  I like to run in different places and to have fun on vacation while doing it.  I always tell you life is about balance.
     On Friday night, I could hear the wind blowing and the driving rain hitting the motel room window. I wasn't sure I wanted to get up and run this 5K.   However, I signed up to do it, I paid for it and I knew that I was going to run it.  No matter what the weather.  It was 44 degrees, torrential rain, with a coastal flood and high wind warning.  Perfect weather for this 5K, right?  Not at all, but I ran it and was happy that I did.  I got my exercise in, I got to meet some like-minded people, I got to socialize with runners from across the country and, most importantly, I got my T-Shirt.
        Life is what you make it.  We went to the Cape May Brewing Co. and the Slack Tide Brewery. We had lunch at historic Cold Spring Village.  My wife loves to see the Cape May lighthouse and go shopping at Sunset Beach for salsa.  Despite the weather, we did what we wanted to do and got exercise while we were doing it.  You can't put your life on hold for the weather, for when you aren't so tired, for when it's a better time, etc.  You have to live your life while you can and make the healthiest choices you can while maintaining balance and your happiness.  Get up, get out and get moving and have a good time doing it.


You can't predict the weather, but you can predict how you will react to it.
Dan

Go Outside and Get Moving!

     I like to run around Nay Aug Park.  It has some nice trails, some scenic spots and during the work week it is not too busy.  Studies show that getting out into nature helps to lower your stress and in turn, your blood pressure.  You can forget about the rush of the office and anything that aggravates you by getting outside in the fresh air.
       The paths are a good way to get a little different view of the park, but also aid in developing your skills at maintaining balance while walking or running.  They are uneven and as you navigate them, you need to keep your balance as you go. You can swing your arms and carry weights for a little cardio addition.  You take deep breaths and you should think about nothing else than living in that moment and how beautiful it is outside.  The gym is a good place for a workout, but nothing beats getting out and really enjoying nature.


Be stress free--outside!
Dan

How Did You Live?

       You often hear people regretting things that they did not do.   Or making excuses for things they don't want to do. They may not choose to do things because they felt they were too old, or didn't want to waste the time, or didn't want to take the chance.
       Life can be full of excuses. They didn't have time to eat right or exercise.  They will run tomorrow when the weather is nicer.  Making a salad is too time consuming in the morning than just buying a burger at work.  The weather is making their joints stiff so they will wait until it gets warmer outside.  They will take that trip next year.
      We all do it.  We talk ourselves out of or into doing things.  And life is a total sum of all of those choices.  And about balance.
       Yes, once in awhile eat the burger at work. But on that day walk or run for a little while to burn off the extra calories.  It is okay, don't go out running when it is raining or snowing.  On that day jump on the trampoline while watching TV. Join the Y or somewhere you can swim to move those stiff aching joints.   You can eat the pancakes for breakfast if you grab the leash and take the dog out for a walk around the park. Walk around flea markets, walk around tourist attractions, just get out there and walk.  Or run.  Or skip rope.  Or go bowling.  Or fly a kite.  Or hunt for shells on a beach. Or rake leaves.  Or take a class.  Or paint something. You get the idea.
     

You should just do it.