by Julie Hodges
Spring toward fitness goals at loop race
Spring is coming this month, and I’m looking forward to my own version of spring training and spring cleaning.
With the handful of nice weather days we’ve had recently I’ve been enjoying exercising in the outdoors again. I’m not one to exercise in any and all types of weather, so I eagerly await the warmer temperatures. It feels so good and healthy to be outside, and that’s what I call good spring training.
Probably my favorite place to exercise outdoors is at Washington Park. You may see me jogging around the Loop Road, often accompanied by my dog. I love going there because I always see other people of all ages walking, jogging, exercising with or without kids and with or without dogs. It’s almost a guarantee you’ll exchange several friendly greetings.
Even though I’m usually exercising by myself, I get my motivation to go to Washington Park because I know others are making the same choice to get out and get moving. As much as I hope to inspire you to commit to being fit, you must know that I draw inspiration from seeing others happily exercising.
The Sunset Loop Relay Race is Saturday at 10 a.m. at Washington Park. I encourage all of you to participate. It’s open to all ages, all fitness levels, runners and walkers alike.
Here’s how it works. The actual race is four times around the Loop Road. You can accomplish this by having a team of two, three, or four walkers and/or joggers. If you want to run the race solo you can do all four laps yourself. I’m trying to sign up as many four-member teams as I can so that each member goes around the Loop Road just once.
This relay race is a great community event. You’ll see plenty of friendly faces and you will most definitely feel a positive energy. You can’t beat the views either. You can register at the Anacortes Parks and Rec beforehand or you can register on the morning of the race at Washington Park.
Another fun community exercise event is the Tulip Run on April 11. This is a 2-mile walk/run and a 5-mile run that takes place near the Skagit County Airport. The course is flat and enjoyable.
For more information and to register go to http://www.skagitrunners.org and click on Tulip Run.
Take these opportunities to jump-start your personal spring training program.
You don’t really need to train for either of these local events. If you can walk two or three miles then you can certainly “race” two miles.
Others who are energetic, positive and committed to being fit will motivate you. It’s not about how long it takes to get to the finish line but that you get there.
Exercise and eating right go hand in hand and March is National Nutrition Month. Why not do some spring cleaning for your eating habits? Take inventory of your current eating habits then set up and organize your kitchen pantry, refrigerator and freezer with healthier foods and snacks.
You can get some great ideas at http://www.eatright.org, which is the Web site for the American Dietetic Association. Or go to http://www.MyPyramid.gov and put together a healthful and personalized nutrition program. These Web sites are fun and easy to use.
Look for me at the Sunset Loop Relay and at the Tulip Run. I’ll be cheering folks on and I’m always happy to talk fitness.
Julie Hodges graduated from Cornell University and has a master’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in sport psychology from the University of Maryland. She is a former competitive gymnast and is ACSM Health & Fitness Instructor® certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. Julie and her family live in Anacortes. E-mail her with comments and questions at .
