One of the things many of us love about living in the Colorado Rockies is the seasons. Growing up in California, this was a fairly novel concept to me when I moved here in 1997. Among other things, what I have come to love about the seasons is that we get to shake up our recreational approach at least twice a year. Right now, we are in the transition from winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing to summer activities like biking and running. The hiking trails wont be ready for a while, but I did see that Steve and Kelli had their bikes out the other day now that the roads are clear of snow. But, the challenge with switching activities is that sometimes our bodies rebel a little when we’re thrown into a different type of movement suddenly. Yes, we are sympathetic to what you feel when you come here on vacation…we go through it too. Now, we should be a bit wiser after all these years, but both Kelli and I ran (no pun intended) into the same faux pas this past week. The inaugural run of the year. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it just feels so good to be out running again. So good, in fact, that we both ran just a little too long. And oh boy, the next morning…..it hurt to get out of bed.
So, let this be your warning…don’t make the same mistake we made if you are emerging from hibernation, or just getting out for the first time with the nice spring weather. We’ll beat you up sufficiently when you come to the ranch for vacation. Until then, let your body ease into the activities. And maybe you can even do a little training to get ready for your trip so it doesn’t shock your body so much! I’ll pick Steve and Kelli’s brains for some ideas on how to train for biking, hiking and riding….even when you don’t have a horse at your front door. Maybe Kelli will pay attention to those same tips on her next run. I’ll try to as well.
Happy trails for now!