The Perfect Day
I love to run when the wind is blowing at about 8 MPH, when the sky is adorned with altostratus clouds, when the high temperatures are at 78.67 degrees Fahrenheit and when the humidity is about 10 percent. That describes my perfect exercise day.
I anxiously wait for the perfect day because I know when it arrives I will be able to run in comfortable clothing, I will surely be able to run longer and faster and will most definitely be happier doing it.
I’ve shared with you the multitude of excuses I’ve heard over the years that people use for ignoring their health; climate is yet another one. I’ve heard—It’s too cold, too windy, too hot and humid. It’s supposed to rain, it’s too bright; it’s too dark, I hear it may snow.
There may be five days per year with weather conditions that I consider ideal for exercising outside. What about the other 360 days?
I hate cold weather! Layering is not fashionable and restricts my movement. When I get cold, it is likely everyone around me will know it and be punished as a result. The cold weather brings dry, chapped lips and reveals new wrinkles around my eyes.
Extreme hot temperatures don’t bother me as much but still bring other challenges. If you don’t exercise in the early morning or very late afternoon you could likely get dehydrated or suffer from heat exhaustion.
No matter the climate, I go. I exercise when it’s misty and rainy. I run in 100 degree temperatures. I bundle up with 12 layers to exercise in the extreme cold. And if it is unbearably hot or too cold, I exercise inside.
What are you waiting for? Are you waiting to make it a new year’s resolution? Maybe you will start exercising to prepare for the wedding or reunion? Are you waiting for the perfect gym to open or exercise class to be offered?
It could be you are hoping for some weight loss before you start an exercise plan, (very bad idea by the way). Maybe like me, you prefer perfect weather conditions.
Stop waiting! Don’t wait for bathing suit season, perfect temperatures, special events or other milestones to start an exercise plan. I hate to sound like a broken record, but go today.
Have realistic expectations, be patient, do your best and be proud of your accomplishments, even if they are not perfect!
For questions or comments email Suzanne_mcginnis@bellsouth.net.