Thank goodness it’s Friday!
I don’t know about you guys, but this week’s been rough over here in Spoons land. Between a manic Monday (hence no post on Tuesday), blog problems on Wednesday, and a molasses-y Thursday, I’m more than ready for the weekend. And what the heck is a molasses-y day, you might ask? The slow kind. The kind where you look at the clock expecting to see that an hour has gone by only to realize that it’s only been 15 minutes. The kind where the day feels like it should be over by the time 3 PM hits, not because you’re tired, but because it was just.that.slow. That was my entire day. And the fact that it’s been grey and snowy all week probably didn’t help matters either…
Yep. I think it’s safe to say that winter has officially taken up residence here in E-town. It’s not all bad, though — winter can be kind of pretty…
But pretty or not, the snow brings with it some necessary adjustments. Gone are the days of being able to go outside wearing anything less than two sweaters, bulky jackets, mittens, boots, a scarf, and thermal underwear. In fact, gone are the days of spending much time outside, period.
Maybe I’m just a wimp, but I find it a lot harder to muster up the motivation to leave the comfort of my home and go out in the winter. The cold, the snow, the poor driving conditions… ehhhhh, I’ll pass. Hey, just because I’m Canadian and I’ve learned to live with the cold, doesn’t mean I actually like it. In fact, I spend the majority of the winter months trying to avoid the cold, which means I spend a good chunk of my time inside.
It also means that my approach to exercise and fitness has to undergo some pretty big changes… I don’t currently belong to a gym, so the majority of my exercise is usually done outside. Walking, biking, hiking, rollerblading, prancercising (kidding on that last one) — my favourite place to be active is out in the fresh air. This doesn’t mean that I won’t hop on a treadmill in my apartment gym if the weather is nasty and I really need to work off some extra energy, but it’s more of a last resort rather than something I turn to on a regular basis.
A little over a month ago, I told you guys that I had started running again, but apart from the odd mention here and there, I never went into much detail as to what exactly it was that I was doing. That’s mainly because… I didn’t really know what to say 😯 There are so many dedicated and hardworking runners out there, that my somewhat relaxed approach to it just felt… silly. I mean, saying something like “I felt like running today, so I did,” or “I didn’t feel like running today, so I didn’t” isn’t exactly in the same league as sharing detailed training plans, paces, and mileage.
But that’s been my approach to it — relaxed. I ran when I felt like running, and didn’t when I didn’t, which usually amounted to around 2 or 3 times a week. I have no idea how far or how fast I went because I never used a Garmin, and I couldn’t even tell you how long I ran for because my runs were always punctuated by periods of walking. Davida wrote a great post yesterday on the idea of Intuitive Exercise, which basically sums up my current approach to it — and for the first time in a long while, I actually enjoyed running… until the snow fell…
Now, I don’t know about you guys, but I have a hard enough time keeping my footing when I’m walking on snow and ice, never mind when I’m trying to run on it — that’s basically courting disaster. And for that reason, I’ll be hanging up my running shoes for the wintery season and donning a pair of snowboarding boots instead. You’ve all heard of seasonal eating, yes? Well, let’s just call this seasonal exercising.
I know I could still continue to run on a treadmill, but I’m not a big fan of them, to be completely honest. I can walk on one if need be, but I just can’t seem to get the hang of running on one — my stride gets all messed up and I can’t shake the fear that I’m going to fly off the end of it. Don’t ask. I know they work great for a lot of people, and I think that’s fantastic, but they’re just not for me. Boarding definitely is though, and with a season’s pass to the local ski hill, I can pretty much go whenever the fancy strikes, which will probably end up being around 3-4 times a week if past experience is any indication.
I have to admit that I feel a little out of place talking about snowboarding in a [blog] world full of runners and weight lifters, but it’s something that I’ve been passionate about for around 17 years now, and the best part is that it doesn’t even feel like exercise to me — it’s just something that I love doing.
And yes, I realize that snowboarding requires spending copious amounts of time out in the cold when I just went on and on about how much I try to avoid it, but the thing is that I don’t even feel the cold when I’m out on the slopes — it must be those burning fires of love 😆
So that’s where I’m currently at on the exercise front — no plan, no pressure, just going with the flow and doing what I love to do. If I end up on a treadmill, I end up on a treadmill. If I don’t, then I’ll probably be on my couch with a blanket and a warm cup of tea 😉 Regardless of what else I choose to throw in there, the majority of my exercise over the next few months will happen on the slopes. And once the snow melts? Then the running shoes may very well come out again — I guess I’ll have to wait until the spring thaws to find out.
. – . – . – .
What’s your fitness routine looking like these days?
Does your fitness routine change in the winter?
Do you enjoy running on a treadmill?
Do you do any winter sports?
I think whatever exercise plan or program you follow, it must be one you actually enjoy because otherwise you won’t be able to sustain it, nor would you even want to. It’s incredible apparent just how happy snowboarding makes you , to the point where it’s not even exercise. It’s just fun. That’s how it should be with fitness and with food. Good for you for finding and embracing that happy place.
I love the winter wonderland pictures. They’re beautiful.
I agree for what you said. It’s true our workout includes the exercise that we enjoy while doing. I love cycling and skipping rope and I am doing it from last 5 years and I still enjoying it doing. And I usually put music when I switch on to other exercise.
Back when I used to be a runner, I was definitely of the seasonal variety…I just CANNOT run in the winter! It hurts my chest, my ears go numb, my nose runs all over the place…how is that any fun?! Lately I’ve been getting back in the gym (thank GOD it’s warm in there!) and have been loving doing whatever it is I feel like doing once I walk in. Somedays I have an idea of what I want to do, and some days I accidentally drool over James Denton on an episode of Reba for 30 minutes and then follow it up with a sit in the sauna…whatever floats my boat! Just as long as I’m able to move my body and ENJOY it…that’s all I care about right now! And even though I don’t “enjoy” all the foam rolling I’ve been having to do lately, I AM enjoying seeing the progress my knee has been making! Hopefully, once it’s time for the weather to warm up, I’ll be out there running with you! 🙂
I don’t understand your love for snowboarding out in the freezing cold, but I’m glad you enjoy it! 😉 I really enjoy exercising outdoors too, but I definitely do a lot less of it in the winters. Walking when your nose feels like it’s going to fall off just isn’t as fun. 😛
Like you, I don’t really have an exercise routine. I don’t really plan anything in advance and I just do things on a whim. But these days it usually falls into a pattern of 1 day of yoga, 2 days of strength training, 1 day of running, and 1 day of walking with ~2 days off. I’m really liking it! I feel like I’m staying active enough without going balls to the wall crazy.
Wow that is awesome that you do snowboarding!! I used to go skiing every year with my dad but never tried snowboarding. I always wanted to but being a huge klutz I was always afraid of stacking it 😉
Hehe to prancercising that will never get old.
It is funny as I love to run and have run in a few events but I never want to call myself a ‘runner’ as I feel like you need to be even more serious than I am to say that but I don’t know why I think that. To me it sounds like you are a runner and I love how you are just going with what feels great and right to you and not pushing it when you don’t feel like it.
In winter I still run but run on a treadmill. I prefer running outdoors and will run in the rain but it is how windy it gets here that I hate and don’t love running in.
Hope you are having a nice weekend <3 <3
Snowboarding is probably the coolest form of exercise in the blog world so keep talking about it 🙂 Please. Also–I think intuitive exercise is really smart and it’s what I’ve been doing lately. The winter months don’t help though. My intuition tells me it’s cold so I should stay indoors where it’s warm and snuggly instead if going out in the cold to walk to the gym. …I think this happens every year though and I somehow manage to make it to the gym pretty regularly. Maybe I’m still in my adjusting period. Have a great weekend, Amanda!
I Love snowboarding! I suppose it is good exercise, I never thought of it that way.. it’s more like a treat or special trip!
I’m amazed you can go 3-4 times a week?! Hills must be closer to the city out there than here in the GTA.. also will you go at night when its -20? I’ll go at night… when it’s like -5 haha otherwise it’s bruuutally cold!
Anyways, that’s also how I used to run (when I did), in the summer, just me and some music I never timed anything or tracked distance cuz .. who cares 😉 I don’t track my distance in Zumba or my heart rate in yoga so why when running??
It’s about a 20 or 30 minute drive, so definitely not too bad! The hills aren’t anything super impressive, but they’re still a way to get rid of the itch 🙂 And noooo — -20 is definitely too cold for me. I try to plan my trips on the warmer days and hole up on the colder ones.
I so admire your approach to exercise right now. I am no runner myself, and I usually only run for 10 minutes at a time on the treadmill…like twice a month. I much prefer other types of cardio (even though that’s on the back burner right now).
I used to figure skate actually! Since it’s indoors though, I would skate all year round, but it still felt like winter every time I entered the rink. I would freeze my fingers and toes off daily, so I’m kinda glad that stage has been replaced by dance and other forms of fitness 😉 But definitely do not sell yourself short— snowboarding is no joke!
I love that you snowboard! I always wish I did a winter sport but when I was little my mom took me skiing and I cried the entire way down the bunny slope. I was truly a daredevil.
This post reminded me of this quote about working:
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”
It can easily be used for doing a sport you love (for you, snowboarding).
“Choose a sport you love, and you will never have to exercise a day in your life”
I love when exercise is just a part of your day to day life, and is something you love to do.
I lived in Wisconsin for 20 years and the winters were SO tough to get motivated for working out. But once I accepted that “damn it’s freakin’ COLD… and will be for the next 8 months” and bundled up to the max, I found that it really wasn’t so bad. I honestly needed some fresh air during those months and getting outside for a walk in the serene, snowy winters make some of the best moments. I used to bribe myself with a warm Starbucks afterwards too since I lived right by one 😉
I hateee running on a treadmill. I don’t belong to a gym either – but I do belong to a yoga studio (I have an unlimited class pass!). I brave the cold and snow to run most every day – some days when I have a lot of energy to burn I love it, other days I’m counting down the minutes until I’m in the warmth again.
I wish I loved snow sports – I’m just not good at them so I don’t like them. Such a bad attitude to have, I know.
Different strokes for different folks! It’s about doing what you enjoy doing rather than forcing yourself to do something that you don’t. I don’t like skiing, so you won’t find me on a pair of skis 😛
Love the relaxed approach to exercise. What’s better anyway than functional/fun activity like snowboarding? It’s why I like jiu-jitsu or hiking or tennis. Of course, I still like hiit too. 🙂 I have no clue how you ladies find the willpower to run in the snow!
I love snowboarding too but it’s such an expensive sport T.T
Haha, I have a big fear of falling on the treadmill too! My husband always makes fun of me. I can completely relate to your post! It’s so much harder to exercise in the winter. Snowboarding is a great workout though! Last time I did it my abs hurt for days (thanks to me falling and getting back up over and over lol)
i seriously do a lot less exercise in the winter. not only is it colder, but the days get shorter and im more tired once i get home from work. my body needs more rest these days. (or else i just getting old)
I agree, this time of year makes it really hard to find the motivation to work out. Dark + cold = cozies by the fire. I like your laid back approach to it though. I’m in a similar boat. I try not to stress if I miss a day and even squeezing in ten minutes is worth something.
Snowboarding is awesome exercise, if you’re good at it. If you’re like me then you’re on your arse the whole time.
I think I would rather chuck a pie in my own face than run on the treadmill. Actually, that wouldn’t be a bad idea if its a nice pie.
Snowboarding 4 times a week? You’re an absolute MACHINE. A group of my mates are avid snow boarders and when they drive up to Mt.Buller (4 hours away) and stay for 2 weeks, they strictly snow board maybe 5 times in total, because they need to have 2 full days to recover between- they soreness is ridiculous! I’ve mentioned it before but your outlook on exercise and fitness is inspiring- seeing as its seasonal exercise I look forward to when Summer comes around for you and you’ll be hitting some beach volleyball 😉
There’s no way I’d be able to do it so often if I was going to the mountains — that definitely takes a lot more out of you than a local ski hill. But it’s better than nothing 😉
The snowy pictures are gorgeous- snow really can be pretty! Even if I try to avoid the outside at all costs when it’s that cold out 🙂 I really like your approach to exercise these days. It shows that you are really in tune with your body and know what it needs. I personally cannot run on a treadmill, nor do I have any desire to. So you’re not alone in that one. And I think it’s super cool that you snowboard- it makes you,YOU!
Amanda this post is truly wonderful. I so admire your approach to running… it is so easy to become obsessed with wearing a Garmin and running for time, distance, PRs, etc. You run for YOU (as I talked about yesterday) and I think that’s what counts and definitely is not “silly” to blog about. I am kinda feeling in the same boat about winter exercise but still have one more week at a spinning studio so am going to tackle that when I need to. Have a great weekend friend!
My fitness routine? Well, right now I like to sum it up in a little four-letter word: R-E-S-T. Does it include any cardio, weights, sweat, exertions? Nope. No trips to the gym, no at-home DVDs, no trainers. Do I still think I can call this a fitness routine. Heck yes.
It’s taken a very long time, but I’m finally beginning to see that fitness is not about running endless miles on a treadmill (something I was well accustomed to). It’s not about how many reps you can lift, squat or press. It’s not about how many times you work out. It’s about the health of the body itself- and by those standards, I’d been lacking in fitness for a very long time. In fact, my body had never been so ‘unhealthy’ as when I was trying to make it healthy. These days my body’s fitness levels are being judged by how on schedule my newly returned period can be, how fast my hair can grow back, and how well my stomach can digest food. Reps, lbs and exercise can take a back seat to all of that so far as I’m concerned.
Whenever I do decide to start back again (and who knows when that’ll be), it probably will be for the treadmill, as I actually DO like running on it, just in my zone with my mp3 player. I’ve never been an outdoors exerciser so the winter never had much of an affect on my workout routines.
Now, one winter sport that’s great for getting the blood pumping and getting a GREAT leg burn on (and not feel like you’re killing yourself just to burn enough calories) is ice skating. Once you get your balance on the ice, it’s just so much fun, especially when in a group with friends. I miss it a lot.
I’ve never been snowboarding, Amanda, but you make it look like so much fun! I’ve been sledding a few times- but something tells me, it’s not really the same thing lol
<3
“In fact, my body had never been so ‘unhealthy’ as when I was trying to make it healthy.” <-- I went through exactly the same thing, Jessica. It wasn't until I eased up and actually started listening to my body instead of telling it what to do that my health started to improve. I'm so happy to hear that you're in a similar place 😀 Happy Friday!
Love the snowy pictures! I can’t wait for our first big snow storm to hit in Michigan, hopefully it’s soon 🙂
I’m from Michigan too- but I can definitely wait on that snow to get here 😉
I do not know how you survive in weather like that! It is beautiful, to be sure, but waaaaaaaay too cold. There oughta’ be a law!
I really appreciated this post. In my opinion, your approach to exercise is healthy and reasonable. I don’t think our bodies were made to require hours of maintenance. I have long struggled with compulsive exercise and when I am tempted I remind myself that ones commitment to exercise is not a lasting legacy. Have you ever read an obituary that said “She never missed a day of exercise, come rain or snow or sleet or hail.” I would rather be known for how I may have slightly improved my corner of the world not the muscle tone in my thighs. (By the way, I don’t actually read obituaries. I’m not that macabre.) I have never been snow boarding but it looks like a lot of fun and I think it is important to obtain some pleasure from physical activity. As for the treadmill, B-O-R-I-N-G! I have wasted far too many hours plodding along miserably on those things, I vastly prefer being outdoors and observing the world around me.
Have a terrific weekend Amanda!
“I would rather be known for how I may have slightly improved my corner of the world not the muscle tone in my thighs.” This. 100%. Well put. 🙂 🙂
I have to echo Agnes and say that your comment was so wonderfully put. If something like that made its way into my obituary, I’d call it a wasted life for sure. Hope you’re enjoying your Friday, Sarah!
Can we go snowboarding together pleaaaaase?? I loooove it. I can SO relate that it does not feel like exercisig and that the cold is somehow disappearing when on the slopes. I wish I lived. Little closer to the alps so I could ride up for a day or even an afternoon, but I definitely need 2 days to make it worth.
Oh, and the treadmill – I get a little depression when i even think about it. Some very rare days I do some sprints on it for 15 minutes but that’s it – I can’t stand it.
So I think we would get along well – we could even add in an iceskating session!!
One of these days I WILL make my way over to Switzerland and you’ll take me to the Alps, okay? 😀
Promise and Deal!!!
I live in Russia, and always considered that I have the coldest country, but Canada… you won! Your snow dropped out earlier 😉
Your hobby for a snowboard it really cool! I think that all this sliding from the mountain in a snow tuft simply does you fate by a star.
I prefer to stay at home and practice yoga in the winter simply. And, it is possible if baking of cookies to consider as exercises, I am very sports girl 😀