I’m excited. Can I tell you why?
My gym membership has officially ended.
I know, that sounds like a strange thing to be excited about. However, for me, it means that warm weather and longer days are finally here! It signifies the end of winter, the end of running in layers and the end of driving to the gym before 6am.
While most people may be spending more time at the gym now that bathing suit season is approaching, for me, it means that I am officially back in “running season.”
If you’re a runner, you know how freeing and inspiring the feeling of lacing-up your shoes and hitting the pavement feels. For the most part, I love this feeling.
However, I also know that running day after day can sometimes cause wear and tear on your joints. And I know that it’s good to work other muscles.
For the past few years, my husband and I have joined our local gym only during the winter months. When it’s too cold and dark to run outdoors, we give our knees a break and focus on different muscles and exercises for at least 3 months. I love doing this and waking-up with sore muscles in places I forgot existed. However, when spring hits and the gym membership ends (ours doesn’t have a sign-up fee so this works very well!), it means I’m back to running and there’s always an extra bounce in my step as I hit the sidewalk. I think this pattern keeps me from feeling burnt-out of running, and may even be instrumental in our minor injury history.
I know this is probably not the exercise pattern that a personal trainer may recommend but for me, for now, it works.
Other than warm weather and running, wanna know another thing that I can’t get enough of this time of year? Chips and salsa! I made this Black-Eyed Pea and Rice dish (click here for the recipe) and served it with Falafel Chips I received from Flamous and Medium Wholly Salsa I received from Wholly Guacamole (yes, they have more than just guac!).
I received their Original and Spicy Falafel Chips and love them both! They have a unique flavor and are made with over 20 organic vegetables, herbs, spices and legumes; they are also vegan, kosher, gluten-free and USDA organic. Plus they taste great and are the perfect “dipper” for salsa, hummus or your favorite dip!
This salsa was also great! I always prefer “chunky” salsa and this did not disappoint! The Medium flavor had just enough heat that it added that extra kick without being overpowering. I now can’t wait to try their guacamole!
~Do you change your workout routines based on the weather and/or season?
