A Spring Awakening

It’s hard to believe it’s the first of April.  The weather almost makes you ask if it’s an April Fools because it feels more like mid-June or July.  With the recent weeks of early summer type conditions, I’ve found myself outdoors, extending my work outs and feeling “awake” again.

I took advantage of a warm day to do a trail run at the
Center Trails, near the Art Center.  

I am not a fan of Iowa winters.  The long dark days, bone chilling air and layers of snow push me to hide under a blanket.  I attempt to work out in some way, maybe inside on the treadmill or outside for a quick run.  Either way, I find that I never quite push myself to my maximal effort.  As soon as I’m able to hop on my bike or go for a run in reasonable temperatures (that’s at least 60 degrees for me!), I am out pushing harder, longer and smarter.  All of sudden, Iowa weather is all right with me!

I try a wide variety of work outs throughout the spring, summer and fall weather.  I enjoy long/extended work outs, brick work outs, intervals and more specific types of exercises that I’m not always able to do during the winter.  Here’s a few of my favorite ways to do those work outs.

1. Long/extended work outs – I usually have to reserve long work outs for the weekend because the work outs last 90 minutes to several hours.  I enjoy a long run, typically 8+ miles, a long bike ride, around 30+ miles or a long hike, starting at 2 or more hours.  Long work outs help build endurance.  I participate in a variety of multi-sport races and need a certain level of endurance built up in order to participate.
2. Brick work outs – Bricks are transitioning from one activity to another in the same work out.  My favorite brick work out is a bike ride transitioning to running.  Another one I like is a kayak paddle followed by running.
3. Intervals – I have a like/dislike relationship with the track.  I like and dislike running 8x400’s, 4x400/4x200’s or 4x800’s.  Pushing beyond what I think is physically possible is both amazing and tiring.  What keeps me going back to the track is seeing the results.  I have found that when I stick to a consistent track routine, my race times are faster.
4. Trail running, road running, mountain biking, road cycling and paddling.  Those are my favorites but the list could go on and on and on….

Those are my favorites.  What I’m most interested in is what are your favorite work outs?  I’m also interested in how you transition from winter to spring?  Is it a challenge for you or do you find a way to keep the intensity up during winter months?  I debate with myself whether I should be appreciate the break in intensity during the winter so that I am more excited when spring arrives or whether I need to find new routines to do during the winter to keep up the pace.  What do you think?  Please share your thoughts.  It’s a topic I’m interested in learning more about from everyone else!

Have you been taking advantage of the nice weather with a walk around the block or bike ride?  Remember that exercise is a core part of living a healthy lifestyle.  Also remember that with spring comes more variety in fruits and vegetables.  Who’s ready for a local farmer’s market?!  

Miss FitGab