Make an appointment!

I don’t know about you, but as much as I enjoy exercising sometimes it is just hard to muster up the energy to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement. Whether it’s weight training, running, walking Miles, or cycling, it takes effort to get ready and go. One thing that I have found to be helpful is scheduling my exercise sessions. And by taking it one step further and making an appointment with myself to exercise greatly increases the chances of it actually happening. Let’s face it, just being on a to-do list doesn’t always do the trick. I need more details than that. I need an appointment, including time and type, just like I do with any of the other very important things must do like a doctor or dental appointment, an appointment at the salon or a girls night out. When something makes it to the calendar, for a specific day and time, it’s rare that it gets left undone.

So, if you are finding it difficult to get out of a rut and into a better exercise routine, consider putting your exercise appointment on your calendar. Make it fun with colored pens, stickers or quotes. Make it personal. Invest in a little self-care. It’s good for you and those around you. I don’t know about you but i’m always better after i’ve had a run!

Light Up!

I think most would agree, we are happy with gaining a little extra daylight in evening as a result of the time change. We would also be inclined to think we don’t need to be quite as careful with visibility since the daylight hours are longer….not so fast with that thought though.

Keep in mind that drivers are acclimating to the new changes in daylight and dusk. The position of the sun can cast shadows differently making it harder for drivers to see runners.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when you head out for an evening run:

  • Don’t get caught in the dark. During the first few weeks of the new time change we are all adjusting to when the sun starts it’s decent. Be sure that you wear reflective gear when you start out, even if it appears to be perfectly daylight. The sun goes down quickly and if you venture too far from home you will be running in the dark to get back.

  • Use reflective gear and flashing lights. Think front to back and top to bottom. Different heights of visibility can catch a driver’s attention better than a single source of reflectivity.

  • Always run facing traffic.

  • Carry a light. I use Knuckle Lights and love them. They are super easy to carry. This not only provides a light for oncoming drivers to see you but it also lights your running path decreasing the risk for trips and falls.

  • Wear light colored clothes.

These are just a few tips for you to consider when running outdoors…morning or evening. It is our responsibility as runners to make ourselves visible to others and follow the rules of the road!