Go with the flow weather-wise
When I was health screening with our Run/Walk team in beautiful Hazelton, near Smithers, I had the privilege of chatting with a wonderful 85-year-old woman.
Her blood pressure, body strength, sugars and cholesterol readings were all in perfect health. She told me she’s always walked every day in her life, and now walks three times per week with 70 other dedicated elders.
I asked what her secret to a good life is. She smiled and said quite simply: “Go with the flow!” Wise words. Workloads will climb again this week as we build toward the 10 K distance in the April 22 Sun Run, and a reminder if you are not comfortable with the progressions in the program, then either try slowing down or choose a less demanding program option.
Don’t let weather stop you — but be wise — “go with the flow” and figure out alternative options.
• In the rain wear your own private umbrella (a hat!) and gloves. Layer up.
• In the snow try to find the crunchy packed bits on the side of the road if possible. That’s where the footing is best. Stay “light on the feet,” shorten the stride to tiny steps and land firmly under the hips so you’re assured of a solid landing.
Technical grips to put on the bottom of your shoes called “Yaktrax” are a huge help — even the inexpensive $20 ones.
• Find a safe strip under cover in a parking lot, for example — where you can run/walk back and forth. In Terrace, we’ve used the sidewalk of the main street under an overhang. It was about two blocks long and we simply used that stretch for the entire workout.