Illuminate Yourself!

It's the dead of winter.  That time of year when it is dark outside when I drive to work in the morning and soon after I get home from work at night.  So for those of us who like to exercise, it is dark out for our walk/run. You need to dress appropriately folks!

The other morning, I was driving in the subdivision and drove past a young women dressed from head to toe in dark clothing.  I had to swerve my car to miss her!  What is she thinking?

I remember reading an article once that said to assume the driver does not see you. How true that is and I am speaking from experience.  One morning I was at the corner of an intersection and a car came up to the stop sign to stop. I stepped out into the crosswalk (assuming he saw me) and just about lost my life!  Maybe he was looking across the intersection but he just about ran over my right foot.  Thank goodness I was able to jump backwards onto the snowbank!  From that point forward, I've learned that patience is key to staying alive--let the man in the big vehicle go first!

Reflective vests, hats, gloves are quite common and easy to find.  Quite inexpensive too.  There are also reflective bands you can velcro to your arms, or wear around your ankles/legs.  I also have an arm band that pulses neon light the entire time I am walking.  We have a reflective leash for our dog.  Flashy lights you can attach to your clothes can be found at most bike or sports shops--lots of solutions to help you walk safely and to help a driver see you well ahead of contact.  No contact is key--illuminate yourself folks!

Smells of Summer

One of the things I love about living near Lake Michigan is that (a) it is typically cooler with nice lake breezes and (b) our growing season is delayed compared to our counterparts who live west of Milwaukee. (It is late June and I have yet to turn on our air conditioning!)

In my early morning walks through the neighborhood, I am still smelling peony bushes and a few late blooming lilacs.  The crab apple trees are done blooming this year--I already miss their overpowering scent.  One morning in particular, I was thankful I do not have allergies because the scent was so strong in portions of the neighborhood I got a headache (but I'm not complaining!)

While out on my many walks, I notice that some fellow walkers listen to music.  I'm a purist and listen to nature. Owls hooting, birds chirping, and squirrels scolding.  Some late afternoon/early evening walkers talk on the phone.  I've often wondered how sore their arm is when I see them do the loop near our house (15 minutes) and are talking on the phone the entire time.

Walking at the start of the day, early enough where I am the only person out and about, works for me.  If I wait until after work, my walk and exercise sometimes doesn't happen.  I strive for at least 10,000 steps each day. I choose to wear a Fitbit...I've had mine for several years.  It tracks my steps and sleep (or lack thereof.)

So tomorrow as I head outside to begin my day, I'll be taking deep breaths and enjoying the smells of summer in Bayside, Wisconsin.